Electronic hazmat spill reporting underway

Feb. 1, 2005
Carriers and others involved in hazardous materials spills can now electronically file incident reports. For incidents that occurred on or after Jan 1,

Carriers and others involved in hazardous materials spills can now electronically file incident reports. For incidents that occurred on or after Jan 1, 2005, persons can use the new Department of Transportation (DOT) Form 5800.1 (01-2004). Electronic submission of incident data is only authorized for incidents that occur on or after Jan 1, 2005. For incidents that occurred prior to that date, those making the reports must continue to use Department of Transportation (DOT) Form 5800.1 (Rev. 6/89).

The Research and Special Programs Administration published a final rule Dec 3, 2003, under Docket HM-229 that made revisions to the incident reporting requirements. The final rule provides the option of submitting reports electronically. There are two options for the electronic reporting: Option 1 is to fill out the form online; Option 2 is to submit a data file in an XML format.