7/7/04-A proposal that would have placed restrictions on the transportation of certain bulk chemicals across state roadways has died.
S2778 remained in the House Committee on Labor at the close of the session June 26, effectively killing it for the year. It previously passed the Senate.
Under the bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Dominick Ruggerio, D-Providence, tanker drivers hauling at least 301 gallons of 11 different toxic chemicals would have been required to have at least two years experience in transporting chemicals. Those haulers would also have been required to be certified from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The chemicals listed were caustic soda, sodium hydroxide, muriatic acid, hydrogen peroxide, aqua ammonia, sodium hypochloride, anhydrous ammonia, phosphoric acid, sodium bisulfate, caustic potash and sulfuric acid.
It also required a 24-hour notice to local fire departments where the chemicals are scheduled for delivery. A company that owns or leases a truck found to be in violation could have been fined up to $10,000. The supplier of the chemicals would also have faced a fine up to $10,000. Drivers in violation could have been fined as much as $5,000.

6/15/04-A bill in the House Committee on Labor would place restrictions on the transportation of certain bulk chemicals across state roadways.
S2778, sponsored by Sen. Dominick Ruggerio, D-Providence, previously passed the Senate.
The measure would require tanker drivers hauling at least 301 gallons of 11 different toxic chemicals to have at least two years experience in transporting chemicals. Those haulers would also have to be certified from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The chemicals listed are caustic soda, sodium hydroxide, muriatic acid, hydrogen peroxide, aqua ammonia, sodium hypochloride, anhydrous ammonia, phosphoric acid, sodium bisulfate, caustic potash and sulfuric acid.
It would also require 24-hour notice to local fire departments where the chemicals are scheduled for delivery. A company that owns or leases a truck found to be in violation could be fined up to $10,000. The supplier of the chemicals would also face a fine up to $10,000. Drivers in violation could be fined as much as $5,000.
A similar House bill – H7820 – is in the Senate Committee on Labor. Both measures will likely be merged into a single piece of legislation.
For bill status, call (401) 222-3580. In Rhode Island, call 1-800-547-8880.