One of the important functions the Task Force serves is to provide forums for discussion on emerging issues and topics of interest to the Task Force jurisdictions. Many of the round tables that took place between 2002 and 2008 focused on challenges or concerns germane to many or all of the Task Force jurisdictions. Participants from industry, associations, agencies and community organizations took part in the discussions of regulatory challenges, policy gaps, science needs and communication aspects of the issue. These discussions often resulted in recommendations that were vetted and supported across the stakeholders and partners.

Many of these recommendations helped form the basis of new policy and rule-making within the Task Force member jurisdictions.

Rail Roundtable November 5, 2015,  Portland, OR
The Task Force hosted a roundtable on the state of rail oil spill planning on the West Coast. The purpose was to convene a forum of representatives from the rail industry along with federal, state and local governments with regulatory responsibility to discuss preparing for and responding to oil spills by rail. This roundtable provided an opportunity to share perspectives and information on preparedness and planning efforts underway across the participating organizations. It also intended to foster conversation on appropriate measures and best response practices that could be implemented in the near future, to ensure an advanced level of readiness across the region to address the rapid increase in movement of oil by rail.

Agenda
Agenda Rail Roundtable 2015

Presentations
Galena IL Derailment 2015 – Paul  Ruesch, EPA Region 5
Mt. Carbon WV Derailment 2015 – 2015 – Dennis Matlock, EPA Region 3

Meeting Summary
Rail Roundtable Summary Report FINAL

Previous Task Force Roundtables
Between 2000 and 2006, the Task Force facilitated seven roundtables on several important topics of interest. The table below provides a summary of key findings and highlights from the round tables.

[table id=16 /]