Replace Unapproved Tanker Car Valves For Hazmat Transport, Authorities Say

Railroad tank cars equipped with certain unapproved valves are prohibited from transporting hazardous materials until the valves are replaced under a Transportation Department directive.

The Federal Railroad Administration March 13 issued a Railworthiness Directive calling on tank car owners to replace three-inch McKenzie UNNR threaded ball valves by May 12. Aside from not being approved for use on railroad tank cars, federal safety investigators found that the valves have caused tank cars to leak small amounts of hazardous materials when not properly configured.

In addition, the directive instructs tank car owners to replace one- and two-inch McKenzie valves by June ...