19941214Application.pdf

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.,THE AMALGAMAlie:o fSUGAR COMPANY
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P.o. BOX 87 · NAMPA, IDAHO 8~6~3 · PHONE [phone]
DEC i Y fin.9 00 December 12, 1994
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Commssion Secretar
Idaho Public Utilties Commission
P. o. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Dear Commission Secreta:
In the mid-1980's, The Amalgamated Sugar Company erected a platform between two rail spurs
which terminte with a building at our Nampa processing facilty. In October this year, the
platform's length was extended. After completion of the extension, Union Pacific's manager
for terminal operations brought it to our attention that perhaps we should have a waiver of, or
variance from, rail clearance rules published by the Commission. This letter is to formally
request such a waiver.
Our platform is approximately 6'-0 3/8" to 6'-1" from the center line of either of the two tracks
and its base is approximately 13'-10 1/2" higher than the top of the rails (See enclosed sketches).
This intrdes into the clearance zone specified by your rules for normal operations.
The platform is used by our employees to safely access the top of bulk rail cars. Our employees
must perform tasks such as entering and cleanig cars, position loading spouts to fil the cars
and distribute the sugar being loaded. Therefore, the platform must be very close to the sides
of the rail cars and at a height appropriate to the tops of cars, which have varying heights, in
order to be efficiently and safely used.
Although the rails terminte within our building, on frequent occasions cars are positioned
withi, and later removed by, the Union Pacific. This has been a customary and safe procedure
for many years. Therefore, we feel a waiver is appropriate in ths instance.
Sincerely,.~/~7~
Denns K. Stegenga
Plant Engineer
cc: G. L. Bonner
Union Pacific Railroad
1313 1st Street Nort
Nampa, ID 83687
cc: Joe Huff
DSOlDEC7