The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the Department of Homeland Security has modified its current security plan requirements for the transportation of hazardous materials by narrowing the list of materials subject to the requirements.

Under the final rule, effective Oct. 1, 2010, certain types and quantities of hazardous materials will not be under the rule. In conducting the analysis, the PHMSA evaluated transportation scenarios in which a terrorist could use hazardous materials to cause large-scale casualties and property damage.

Those materials that are unlikely to be targeted for criminal or terrorist use will be removed from the list.

In determining which materials should be removed, the PHMSA considered physical and chemical properties of the material or class of materials and how those properties could contribute to a security incident; quantities shipped and mode of transport; past terrorist use; potential use; and availability.

According to the department, narrowing the list should reduce associated regulatory costs and the paperwork involved with complying.

To access the revised list, click here.