This synopsis report Focuses on specific Michigan roads or highways with respect to the transport 0t hazardous materials. Hazardous material (hazmat) is defined as a substance or material copobte ot posing on unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property when transported in commerceI This definition underscores the importance of minimizing risk to the public, to the environment, to pubiic and private property (including animals and the built environment), and to hozmet shippers or carriers. Moreover, the definition explains the need for regulatory requirements and strict monogement ot the transport 0t hazardous materials.
HOZOdeUS materials include elements of everyday life ranging from
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petroteurn-related substances {such 05 Fuel) and explosives [such 05 tireworks) to a brood range 0t materials used in the manufacture ot ordinary products, such 05 fertilizers, detergents, bleaching agents and myriad other goods used or dispensed in households, hospitals, water purification plants, industrial tocttities, laboratories, dry cleaners, gas stations, farms and other endeavors or establishments on a daity basisi Hazardous materials are transported by a brood spectrum of transportation modes, inctuding highways, rail, waterways and air, as weil as by pipei'ines.
on which hazardous materials may be transported]2 and restricted routes [highways or roads on which hazardous materials may not be transported) or routes that have specific restrictions, such as requirements For escorts, time? ot-day restrictions, limitations about specific hazardous materials that may be prohibited ond/or other requirements or restrictions. Michigan's hazmot routes and respective restrictions are included in the U.S. Department otTronsportotion Federat Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Notional Hazardous Materials Route Registry (NHMRR). The registry is the national repository tor NRHM 05 well 05 radioactive materials routes.
In November 2008, MDOT received 0 Formal request to change restrictions relative to the designated routes in Wayne County, Subsequent to this request, MDOT has taken the Following steps:
I Commissioned a study focused on the Four Wayne County hazardous materials routes
/ Reviewed the findings highlighted in the study
/ Conterred with industry experts and other stakeholders regarding the Findings
\/ Developed this synopsis report
'U.S. Department of Transportutton, Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, "Glossary,” http://phmso.dotigov/huzmot/gtossory.
[Accessed Feb. 12, 2012).
2Texas Department otTrunsportation, Texas Transportation Institute. Public Guidance For Managing Hazardous Materials Transportation in Texas, 2009‘