On December 31st, 1999, Al Roberts will retire from overseeing the safe global transport of hazardous materials. As Associate Administrator of DOT‘s Research and Special Programs Administration, his contributions established the US as the leader in dangerous goods transport. Among his many accomplishments, Al was responsible for the implementation of the current UN Packaging Standards that are enforced by the DOT. While a successor to the position has not yet been chosen, Al leaves behind a legacy of regulatory and enforcement action that is often seen as a global standard. Congratulations and Thank You AL!
Drum It Up
STEEL DRUM INDUSTRY NEWS, TRENDS AND ISSUES
Archive for November, 1999
Packagers Complain About Closure Instructions
Within the US-DOT Performance Oriented Packaging Specifications, container manufacturers are required to issue container closure instructions to their customers. These instructions often require that containers be closed using specific tools and gauges, and often reference different closure torque‘s for similar products. Customers are expressing concerns to the DOT about the difficult process of isolating each container by the original manufacturer, design type and torque requirement. Members of the National Association of Chemical Distributors and the Reusable Industrial Packaging Association (RIPA) have met with DOT in order to address these concerns. If you would like to join or find out more about this effort, please contact Paul Rankin of RIPA at 301.577.3786 or email: prankin@igc.org.
Cruise Line Fined For Dumping Toxics
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. agreed to pay an $18-million criminal fine for routinely dumping waste oil from its fleet of cruise ships in US harbors and coastal areas including the Inside Passage of Alaska. In addition to waste oil, toxic materials were also dumped including hazardous chemicals from photo processing equipment, dry cleaning shops and printing presses. The fine is the largest ever paid by a cruise line for polluting US waters. Unresolved are additional fines of $9-million for illegal storage of hazardous waste and toxic chemicals at the Port of Miami. Total fines to the cruise line could reach $27-million.
