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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.0208333333333332; text-align:center; page-break-before:column; margin-left:-18px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><img style="" alt="Picture 2" height="96" width="126" src="Quick Transport^14-0844Combined Decision^032619^FINAL_files/image1.png" xmlns="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/package/2006/relationships"/></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">United States of America</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.0208333333333332; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; ">OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.0208333333333332; text-align:center; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">1120 20</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">th<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Street, N.W., Ninth Floor</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secretary of Labor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-transform:uppercase;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Complainant,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">                        v.</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> OSHRC Docket No.<span>
									</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">14-0844</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport of Arkansas, LLC,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">           Respondent.</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">ON BRIEFS:</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Amy S. Tryon</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Attorney; Heather R. Phillips, Counsel for Appellate Litigation;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Ann S. Rosenthal</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Associate Solicitor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">; M. Patricia Smith, Solicitor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; "><span><span></span>
						</span>of Labor</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">; U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">For the Complainant</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">George R. Carlton, Jr.</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">, Esq.;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Godwin Lewis PC</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">Dallas</span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">TX</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; ">For the Respondent</span></p>
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				<p style="text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DECISION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Before: </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-variant:small-caps; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Mac</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-variant:small-caps; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DOUGALL</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, Chairman; ATTWOOD and SULLIVAN, Commissioners.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">BY THE COMMISSION:</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">After a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">explosion<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">occurred<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">truck yard owned by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport of Arkansas, LLC, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Occupational Safety and Health Administration</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>issued<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the company<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a one-item serious citation alleging<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violat</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ion of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. §</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">65</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">4</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(a)(1)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>with a $7,000 proposed penalty. The Secretary claims that Quick Transport exposed<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its employees to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>an explosion hazard by allowing them to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>use a propane torch to thaw frozen valves on vacuum truck trailers used in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fracking</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>operations. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Following a hearing, Administrative Law Judge Heather A. Joys vacated the citation on the ground that the Secretary failed to prove that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">valve-thawing practice presented an explosion hazard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the reasons discussed below</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>vacate the citation.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
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				<p style="page-break-before:page; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "></span> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">BACKGROUND</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This case involves<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vacuum truck</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref2" href="#ftn2">1</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>used to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">transport water that had been</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>injected into the earth t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">o extract oil or natural gas from a well</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in a fracking operation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In such operations, a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">fter being injected into<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">well</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>this “produced water” becomes mixed together with hydrocarbon</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and groundwater<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">before being</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>brought back to the surface. The term “produced water” refers both to the water injected into the earth and to the groundwater that was preexisting in the earth and brought to the surface as a byproduct of the extraction process. After produced water surfaces from a well, it is sent through a gas separator<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">remove the hydrocarbon material</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">then<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">funneled into holding tanks. Quick Transport specializes in hauling produced water to and from hydrocarbon well sites. The company uses vacuum trucks</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to remove produced water from<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">holding tanks at<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">these<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sites and deliver<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to storage sites, disposal sites, or to other wells to be reused for hydrocarbon extraction.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref3" href="#ftn3">2</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The incident<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">triggering the OSHA inspection at issue here<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">occurred<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">early one</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>morning wh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">en</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Quick Transport vacuum truck driver<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">inspecting</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>his truck and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tank trailer before starting his work day. It had been very cold overnight and the valves on the rear of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tank trailer, which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>left in the closed position the day before, had frozen shut. Two other Quick Transport drivers were also preparing for the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">work<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">day</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and the valves on their tank trailers were also frozen in the closed position. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">One of the drivers, DT,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testified that it was “common” for drivers to leave the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tank<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">valves in the closed position at the end of the day, though he would not call it a “standard practice.” </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The other driver, DD,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">obtained a propane torch and used it to thaw the valves on his tank and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DT’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tank. He had used<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">this same practice<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on four previous occasions and had learned to do<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">from watching other Quick Transport drivers do the same.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">After D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>finished thawing both his and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DT’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">valves, he passed the torch to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the decedent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">so that he could use it to thaw his tank’s valves.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T were not watching<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the decedent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and did not see him light or use the torch, but moments later they heard a loud explosion. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DT<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">testified that he felt a “pressure blast” and saw<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">faint “plumes” arising from the back of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the decedent’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">tank trailer. D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that he saw two tank lids from<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trailer<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">flying through the air</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and a little “vapor.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DD<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">found<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the decedent<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">lying about five feet from his truck. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DISCUSSION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Section 5(a)(1) of the Act, known as the general duty clause, states that “[e]ach<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employer .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . shall furnish to each of his<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To establish a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">violation of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">general duty clause, the Secretary must prove: “(1) a condition or activity in the workplace presented a hazard; (2) the employer or its industry recognized the hazard; (3) the hazard was causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm; and (4) a feasible and effective means existed to eliminate or materially reduce the hazard.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">S. J. Louis Constr. of Tex.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 25 BNA OSHC 1892, 1894 (No. 12-1045, 2016). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Here, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he judge found that the Secretary failed to prove that Quick Transport’s valve-thawing practice presented an explosion hazard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref4" href="#ftn4">3</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> According to the judge, the Secretary needed to “show the tankers at [Quick Transport’s] worksite contained hydrocarbons or toxic and/or flammable or combustible gases or vapors that could explode when in contact with an ignition source,” which he failed to establish. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the remaining elements of the Secretary’s burden of proof</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the judge summarily concluded<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that even if the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cited</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>activity was shown to present a hazard, the Secretary did not prove that either Quick Transport or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">its<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">industry recognized the hazard. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>On review, the Secretary argues that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>err</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or for the judge to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>requir</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>him to prove “the actual, definitive existence of flammable vapors or hydrocarbons at Quick Transport’s worksite,”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“effectively [requir</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>him] to prove the cause of the fatal accident.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to the Secretary,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>he need only show that produced water has the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">potential</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to contain<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sufficient</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>flammable material to ignite if exposed to a torch. In response, Quick Transport does not dispute that the Secretary need not show that the tanks<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">actually</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>contained</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>flammable<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">material but</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>argues<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">simply<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that this<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“not the point of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">[judge’s]<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">decision” and that the Secretary “has misinterpreted [its] thrust.” “The point” of the decision, Quick Transport claims,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“that the Secretary did not prove the existence of a hazard at all.” </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We agree with the Secretary that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to prove<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that Quick Transport’s valve-thawing practice</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">present</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a hazard under the general duty clause,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">need</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>show the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vacuum<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">truck tanks<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually contained</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>flammable material</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, only<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">practice<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">exposed employees to a “significant risk” of harm. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Beverly Enters., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1161, 1170-1172 (No. 91-3144, 2000) (consolidated);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also<span>
						</span></span><a href="https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=Y&serNum=1983139073&pubNum=350&originatingDoc=I33b44eeffa2c11d99439b076ef9ec4de&refType=RP&fi=co_pp_sp_350_63&originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)#co_pp_sp_350_63"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pratt & Whitney Aircraft v. Donovan</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 715 F.2d 57, 63 (2d Cir. 1983)</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(holding that a “significant risk” of harm can be established by showing a “meaningful possibility” of injury);<span>
						</span></span><a href="https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=Y&serNum=1978119394&pubNum=350&originatingDoc=I33b44eeffa2c11d99439b076ef9ec4de&refType=RP&fi=co_pp_sp_350_541&originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)#co_pp_sp_350_541"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Titanium Metals Corp. v.<span>
							</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Usery</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 579 F.2d 536, 541 (9th Cir. 1978)</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(the possibility of harm resulting must be “upon other than a freakish or utterly implausible concurrence of circumstances”);<span>
						</span></span><a href="https://1.next.westlaw.com/Link/Document/FullText?findType=Y&serNum=1973112769&pubNum=350&originatingDoc=I33b44eeffa2c11d99439b076ef9ec4de&refType=RP&fi=co_pp_sp_350_1265&originationContext=document&transitionType=DocumentItem&contextData=(sc.UserEnteredCitation)#co_pp_sp_350_1265"><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Nat’l Realty & Constr. Co. v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 489 F.2d 1257, 1265 n.33</span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(D.C. Cir. 1973). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Proof</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a cited<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">activity<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually caused</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>harm or necessarily could have caused harm under the precise physical conditions that happened to be present at the time of the violation, or at any other specific time</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, is not required</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bomac</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Drilling</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC 1682, 1691-92 (No. 76-450, 1981) (consolidated) (“Under section 5(a)(1) case law, the ‘hazard’ that must be ‘recognized’ is not a particular set of circumstances at a specific location and specific point in time but rather the broader, more generic or general hazard.”)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">overruled on other grounds by</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">United States Steel Corp.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 10 BNA OSHC 1752 (No. 77-1796, 1982);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Brennan v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 494 F.2d 460, 463 (8th Cir. 1974) (Secretary need<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">prove general hazard was cause of the accident that gave rise to the citation);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Beverly Enters.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC at 1171 (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">same</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Indeed, the Commission has upheld general duty clause violations without regard to whether the actual physical conditions at the time of the violation or inspection would necessarily result in harm. For example, in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bomac</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Drilling</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the employer argued that the hazard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">alleged—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">encountering hydrogen sulfide gas while drilling a well</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was not established because the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees did not actually encounter the gas</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">9 BNA OSHC at 1691-92</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The Commission rejected this argument</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>because the evidence showed that the well<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">could have</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>contained dangerous hydrogen sulfide gas. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Id.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at 1693. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See also</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Deep S. Crane & Rigging Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 2099, 2100-02 (No. 09-0240, 2012),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 535 F.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">App’x</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. 386 (5th Cir. 2013) (unpublished) (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">affirming<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">general duty clause violation for failing to properly train and ensure employee was qualified to operate crane based on evidence employer failed to instruct and test operator’s proficiency—Secretary was not required to show operator<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">actually was</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>unqualified).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In this case,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">therefore, the Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">can establish</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport’s valve-thawing practice<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">posed a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n explosion</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>show</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>there was a significant risk<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the tanks contain</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sufficient</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>flammable<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">material</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to cause an explosion if a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">propane<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">torch were applied to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a frozen</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>valve</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>For the reasons discussed below, we<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">find that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Secretary has<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">made</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>this showing.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Explosion Risk</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On review, the Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">contends</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the evidence shows produced water can sometimes contain sufficient flammable material to ignite if exposed to an ignition source and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">this occurs frequently enough to establish that Quick Transport’s valve-thawing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">practice<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">posed a significant explosion risk.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref5" href="#ftn5">4</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he only evidence the Secretary cites in support</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of his position</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>publication from the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>American Petroleum Institute (API) titled, “Safe Operation of Vacuum Trucks in Petroleum Service – API Recommended Practice 2219.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref6" href="#ftn6">5</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">From this guide</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">relies on<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a single</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">statement:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Vacuum truck operators shall be aware that whenever materials (such as produced water or spent acid)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that have the potential to contain trace amounts of hydrocarbon condensates or hydrogen sulfide are placed under a vacuum, flammable vapors and toxic gases are freely released, creating potential ignition and exposure hazards.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">t is unclear</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, however,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>if th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">statement<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">assert</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that produced water is a material that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">always</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>has the potential to contain hydrocarbo</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">n</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hydrogen sulfide or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">if the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">statement’</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">caution<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">applies<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">only<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">if</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the produced water contains such chemicals.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref7" href="#ftn7">6</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We also reject t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">claim</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that it is “common sense” that produced water<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">may</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>contain flammable material given</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that it is used in fracking operations.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">As noted, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he produced water<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in the instant case<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">was processed through a gas separator; whether</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or to what extent</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>gas separation process may</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">be incomplete is hardly<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a matter of common experience</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in our view,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">necessitates</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>consideration by an expert qualified in this field of work</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Cf.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Fed R</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Evid</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>701(c) (generally prohibiting lay opinion testimony on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge);</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">U.S. v. Natal</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 849 F.3d 530, 536 (2d Cir. 2017) (“testimony on how cell phone towers operate must be offered by an expert witness”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Asplundh Mfg. Div. v. Benton Harbor Engineering</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 57 F.3d 1190, 1193 (3rd</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Cir. 1995)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">lay<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">opinion testimony</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on “technical matters</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . . </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">such as the design of hydraulic cylinders or the cause of metal failure”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">impermissible absent sufficient<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">experience or specialized knowledge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">In</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>fact,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>one of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">corporate officers</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that he did not “see how any gas would stay contain</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in [the] water.”</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">We therefore cannot infer from<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">API<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">guide</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which on its face does not apply</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>here</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that Quick Transport’s valve-thawing practice posed an explosion risk.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Even if the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">guide were applicable</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>here</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we agree with the judge that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secretary has not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">shown</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the hazards<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">describes<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">were</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>present at Quick Transport’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">truck<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">yard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Fi</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">r</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">st, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he record fails to establish a basis for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">concluding</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Quick Transport</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vacuum<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">trucks<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">have the potential</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>to contain produced water at the start of a work</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">day. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">rivers typically deliver their last loads before parking their trucks<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">in the yard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">for the night</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">; indeed</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DT</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified that he had operated the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">truck</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>involved in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">accident</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the day before and had emptied its last load of produced water.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref8" href="#ftn8">7</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary provided no evidence regarding the likelihood<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of any deviation from this practice</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Second,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">guide does not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">specify</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>whether,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>after<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>trailer tank has been</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>emptied, residual<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">produced water and/or flammable vapors<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">may<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">remain</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">if so, whether<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sufficient</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>quantities to pose an explosion hazard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">would likely<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">be</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">present</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Nor does<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the guide<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">address</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the likelihood<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, if hydrocarbons<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">do remain</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>in the tank,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">propane<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">torch applied to a frozen valve in the closed position</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>would ignite</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>them</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he Secretary<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">again<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">resorts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">to “common sense,”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">but</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">as with the issue of whether hydrocarbons may remain in produced water after the gas separation process</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">—</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">whether using a propane torch to thaw<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a frozen valve</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">on the outside of the tank<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">can</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cause an explosion<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">inside the tank<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is a technical matter</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>beyond the realm of common<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">knowledge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Given the lack of any expert testimony or other evidence addressing these<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">key<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">issues,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">API<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">guide does not establish</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that Quick Transport’s valve-thawing practice posed an explosion risk</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref9" href="#ftn9">8</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For these<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">reasons,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we find that the Secretary has failed to meet his burden of showing that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">valve-thawing practice posed an explosion hazard.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref10" href="#ftn10">9</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Recognition</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A hazard is deemed “recognized” when “the potential danger of a condition or activity is either actually known to the particular employer or generally known in the industry.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pepperidge Farm, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1993, 2003 (No. 89-265, 1997) (quoting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">St. Joe Minerals v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 647 F.2d 840, 845 (8th Cir. 1981)). The Secretary does not contend that Quick Transport itself recognized that its valve-thawing practice posed an explosion hazard but maintains that this hazard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">recognized by the oil and gas industry. The only evidence the Secretary cites in support of industry recognition is the API guide, which the Secretary contends establishes that the industry recognizes that produced water can contain flammable vapors. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the reasons discussed above, w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e find that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">API<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">guide<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">does not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">establish industry<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">recognition<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of the alleged hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. As<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">we have already found</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the guide indicates that produced water can release flammable vapors but<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">does not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">address</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">whether<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it can release them in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sufficient</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>quantities to cause an explosion or whether<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">there is a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">significant<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">risk of any produced water and/or flammable vapors remaining in</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">side</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>a vacuum truck tank after it has been emptied. Nor does the guide address the likelihood<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">any such vapors ignit</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ing</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>if a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">propane<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">torch were applied to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the exterior of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">a frozen valve in the closed position. Thus</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the guide does not address or otherwise recognize that a hazard is present after produced water has been emptied from the truck. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See, e.g.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Oberdorfer</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Indus., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 20 BNA OSHC 1321, 1326-27 (No. 97-0469</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 2003</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">) (consolidated) (finding that industry standards in evidence did not establish a recognized hazard under the circumstances at issue in the case). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Having</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>failed to prove t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hat Quick Transport’s valve-thawing practice posed an explosion hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">that the company or its industry recognized th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">at the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>practice posed a hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, we conclude that the Secretary ha</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>not established a violation of the general duty clause</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Accordingly, w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e vacat</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the citation.</span></p>
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						</span>ORDERED.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:288px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Heather L. MacDougall</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Chairman</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;">/s/</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; text-decoration:underline ;"><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dated:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">March 27, 2019</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>James J. Sullivan, Jr.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:288px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Commissioner</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ATTWOOD, Commissioner, concurring:</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>reasons set forth below,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I agree that the Secretary did not establish that Quick Transport or its industry recognized that the company’s valve-thawing practice posed an explosion hazard</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. Therefore</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, I concur with my colleagues’ decision to vacate the citation. I disagree, however, with their finding that the Secretary also failed to establish that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">practice posed an explosion hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Hazard</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Under the applicable standard of proof, the Secretary must establish the existence of a hazard by a “preponderance of the evidence,” which means the Secretary need only show that it is more likely than not that the practice presented a hazard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Ultimate Distribution Sys., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 10 BNA OSHC 1568, 1570 (No. 79-1269, 1982) (“The Secretary satisfies his burden of proof if the record, when considered as a whole, contains preponderating evidence in support of his allegations.”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Almerfedi</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>v. Obama</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 654 F.3d 1, 5 (D.C. Cir. 2011) (“The preponderance standard . . . asks the court simply to make a comparative judgment about the evidence to determine whether a proposition is<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">more</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">likely</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">true</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">than</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">true</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>based on the evidence in the record.”) (internal citation omitted). In my view, the record establishes that it is more likely than not that Quick Transport’s valve-thawing practice posed an explosion hazard.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he first sentence in the forward of t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">he American Petroleum Institute’s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vacuum truck safety guide, “Safe Operation of Vacuum Trucks in Petroleum Service – API Recommended Practice 2219,” states</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that the guide contains safety recommendations for the transportation of produced water in vacuum trucks: </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This third edition of Safe Operation of Vacuum Trucks in Petroleum Service provides information<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">concerning the safe operation of vacuum trucks engaged in all aspects of handling</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>flammable and combustible liquids, associated waste water,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">produced water</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, sour water, basic sediment and water (BS&W), caustics, spent acids,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">or other fluids stemming from petroleum operations</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(emphasis added). The “Scope” section reiterates that the guide addresses the use of vacuum trucks to haul produced water and states that produced water is a substance that may contain “sufficient hydrocarbon material” to present hazards “comparable” to flammable and combustible liquids: </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The scope of this recommended practice includes the use of vacuum/pressure trucks, skids, portable tanks and trailers (herein referred to as vacuum trucks) to remove flammable and combustible liquids from tanks and equipment and to clean up liquid hydrocarbon spills. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">The scope includes the movement of liquid mixtures<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">(such as “produced water”,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>BS&W or tank bottoms</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">)<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">that may contain<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">sufficient</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>hydrocarbon material to present comparable hazards</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(emphasis added). Thus, the scope of the API guide clearly encompasses the vacuum trucks at issue in this case.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The API guide further explains that because produced water can contain residual hydrocarbon material, it can pose an “ignition” hazard when transported in vacuum trucks. Specifically, section 5 (“Safe Vacuum Truck Operations”) contains subsection 5.10, which states that produced water may contain “trace amounts of flammable liquids,” and that vacuum truck operators should be aware that even these trace amounts can pose a potential “ignition” hazard when “placed under a vacuum” (as would occur in a vacuum truck), because flammable vapors will then be freely released. Section 5.10 states in full: </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">5.10 NON</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">-PETROLEM PRODUCTS</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Vacuum truck operators shall be aware that hazardous and toxic vapors, mists or solid materials may be released to the atmosphere during transfer of non-petroleum products.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">5.10.1<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Vacuum truck operators shall be trained to follow safe operating practices and use appropriate personnel protective equipment when loading and off-loading non-petroleum products such as sour water,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">produced water</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, spent acids, spent catalyst and other materials<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">which may contain trace amounts of flammable liquids</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, hydrogen sulfide and other toxic substances.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">5.10.2<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Vacuum truck operators shall be aware that whenever materials (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">such as produced water</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or spent acid)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">that have the potential to contain trace amounts of hydrocarbon condensates or hydrogen sulfide are placed under a vacuum, flammable vapors and toxic gases are freely released, creating potential ignition and exposure hazards</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(emphasis added). The majority contends that section 5.10.2 could mean that vacuum truck operators only need to exercise caution with respect to produced water “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">if</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the produced water contains [hazardous] chemicals.” In my view, this reading is implausible. The more natural interpretation is that the API warning shows that produced water is an example of a substance that drivers must be aware can pose an ignition hazard because it has the potential (in general) to contain trace amounts of flammable material. This interpretation is confirmed by the immediately preceding statement in section 5.10.1 (which also provides context for section 5.10.2) listing produced water as a substance “which may contain trace amounts of flammable liquids.” </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The potential ignition hazard posed by produced water when hauled in vacuum trucks, given its potential to have trace amounts of flammable material, is further confirmed by section 4<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(“Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials”), specifically subsection 4.1 (“HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AWARENESS”), which contains a provision (subsection 4.1.3)</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">stating that “vacuum truck operators shall be aware that when under vacuum, even trace amounts of hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide gas can be easily separated and create flammable and/or toxic atmospheres.” In section 5.12, regarding “PERSONNEL SAFETY,” subsection 5.12.5 further instructs that “[s]</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">moking</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, or any other sources of ignition, shall not be permitted within at least 100 ft (depending on local procedures and atmospheric conditions) of the truck, the discharge of the vacuum pump or any other vapor source.”</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref11" href="#ftn11">10</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Although the API guide expressly states that produced water can release flammable vapors and pose an “ignition” hazard when hauled in vacuum trucks, I agree with<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">my colleagues</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that it is not<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sufficient</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>by itself to establish that Quick Transport’s valve-thawing practice posed an explosion hazard. As the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ir opinion</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>point</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>out, the guide does not indicate whether a vacuum truck tank that has been emptied of its produced water contents would be likely to retain any flammable vapors, or if so, whether a</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>propane</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>torch applied to the closed exterior valves would be likely to ignite them and cause an explosion. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The API guide, however, is not the only evidence on this issue. The record also establishes that the rear hatch cover of the tank trailer blew out when the decedent was at the back of the truck, moments after he was handed the torch for the purpose of thawing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>valve</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">s</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>on the back of his truck. When considered in light of the API guide’s multiple warnings that there are fire hazards involved in transporting produced water in vacuum trucks, the occurrence of this explosion is compelling circumstantial evidence that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">valve-thawing practice presented an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">explosion hazard.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref12" href="#ftn12">11</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> In addition, there is evidence of a similar explosion occurring when vacuum truck drivers used a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">propane<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">torch to thaw a frozen valve and thereby caused flammable material inside the tank to ignite. In an appendix cataloging “Vacuum Truck Operating Experience and Incidents,” the API guide describes an incident in which<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">two<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">workers were killed in an explosion that occurred after they used a torch to thaw a frozen valve on the rear of a vacuum truck:</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A vacuum truck was being prepared to pick up a load in freezing weather. The main suction/discharge connection on the vacuum tank’s rear bulk head was malfunctioning. It is presumed the valve was frozen in the partially open position. The workers chose to use a propane torch to free the valve. Flame propagation through the partially open valve ignited an explosive mixture in the vacuum tank. The ignition blew off the vacuum tank’s rear door. The door struck two workers resulting in fatal injuries to both.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The guide does not state what type of material the truck involved in this explosion had been transporting, and as Quick Transport contends, it is possible it had been used to haul petroleum or another hydrocarbon-dense liquid that would have left behind more flammable material (and/or<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vapors) than if it had hauled produced water. This documented incident reflects, however, that applying a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">propane<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">torch to the frozen valve of a vacuum truck<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">can</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ignite flammable material inside the tank<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">and</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>cause an explosion. And section 1.2 of the guide, quoted above, recognizes that produced water “may contain sufficient hydrocarbon material to present comparable hazards” to those involved in transporting petroleum. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">My colleagues</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>note</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that it is possible the explosion at Quick Transport’s truck yard had a different cause than this prior incident, citing the testimony of Quick Transport’s secretary-treasurer that his own theory was that the explosion was caused by excessive tank pressure, and evidence that drivers are warned to keep their tanks within safe pressure limits. Although Quick Transport has never claimed the explosion was caused by excessive pressure, I find this theory highly implausible. The vacuum truck’s tank had been emptied of produced water at the end of the day before the incident and the truck then sat in Quick Transport’s yard over a night in which the temperature dropped to 9oF. Such a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">drop in</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>temperature would surely have<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">decreased</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>whatever pressure there was in the tank. In my view, the timing and circumstances in which the explosion occurred, coupled with the API guide’s multiple references to flammable vapors being released from produced water, as well as the evidence that there was a prior vacuum truck explosion involving the very same valve-thawing method, together constitute preponderating evidence that Quick Transport’s valve-thawing practice posed an explosion hazard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ultimate Distribution Sys., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 10 BNA OSHC at 1570 (“The Secretary satisfies his burden of proof if the record, when considered as a whole, contains preponderating evidence in support of his allegations.”).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Hazard Recognition</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I agree with my colleagues that the Secretary failed to establish industry recognition of the cited explosion hazard.</span><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref13" href="#ftn13">12</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> The only evidence in the record potentially demonstrating that the industry recognized Quick Transport’s thawing practice as hazardous is the API<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">guide</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. And the only part of the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">guide</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>arguably establishing the requisite recognition is section G.6.5 of the appendix that describes a similar incident in which a rear hatch of a vacuum truck tank blew off while a worker was thawing the tank’s valves with a propane torch. But, as discussed above, the API guide’s description of this incident does not specify whether the vacuum truck tank in that incident had been used to haul<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">petroleum or another hydrocarbon-dense liquid that would have left<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">behind more flammable material than the tank at issue here, which was only used to haul produced water. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Thus, although the guide does establish industry recognition that it is hazardous to use a propane torch to thaw the valves of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">some<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">vacuum truck tanks, it does not establish recognition of the specific “condition or activity” at issue here—using a propane torch to thaw the valves on a vacuum truck tank used<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">solely</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>for hauling produced water. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pepperidge Farm, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 17 BNA OSHC 1993, 2003 (No. 89-265, 1997) (quoting<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">St. Joe Minerals v. OSHRC</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 647 F.2d 840, 845 (8th Cir. 1981)).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Because I find the Secretary failed to establish hazard recognition, I<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">concur with</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">my colleagues’ decision to vacate the citation. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Dated:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">March 27, 2019</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Cynthia L. Attwood</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:288px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Commissioner</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">1924 Building - Room 2R90, 100 Alabama Street, S.W.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3104</span></p>
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					<a href="mailto:atlantaoshrcjudges@oshrc.gov"><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#0000FF; text-decoration:underline ;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; text-decoration:underline ;">atlantaoshrcjudges@oshrc.gov</span></a>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Secretary of Labor</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; text-transform:uppercase;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Complainant,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">                        v.</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> OSHRC Docket No.<span>
									</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">14-0844</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport of Arkansas, LLC,</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">           Respondent.</span></p>
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							<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:1px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:13.333px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Appearances:  </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">                               </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Lindsay A. Wofford, Esquire, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, Dallas, Texas</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:48px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">For the Secretary</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>George R. Carlton, Jr., Esquire, Godwin Lewis, P.C., Dallas, Texas</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>For the Respondent</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">BEFORE:</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>Administrative Law Judge Heather A. Joys</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DECISION AND ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">This proceeding is before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission pursuant to § 10(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. § 651- 678 (2014) (the Act). Quick Transport of Arkansas, LLC (hereinafter QT) is a transportation company that services natural gas wells. Beginning on January 24, 2014, Occupational Safety and Health Administration Compliance Officer (CSHO) Michelle Martin conducted an inspection of QT at its Knoxville, Arkansas, truck yard following a fatal accident at that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">location that</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>same day. Based upon CSHO Martin’s inspection, the Secretary of Labor, on May 13, 2014, issued a Citation and Notification of Penalty alleging a serious violation<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">of </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">§</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>5(a)(1) the Act.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary proposed a penalty of $7,000.00 for the Citation. QT timely contested the Citation. Both the Citation and penalty are at issue.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Citation alleges QT violated the general duty clause set out at § 5(a)(1) of the Act by allowing employees to use propane torches to thaw frozen valves on vacuum trucks potentially<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">containing hydrocarbons or toxic and/or flammable gases or vapors thereby exposing employees to an explosion hazard. The Secretary proposed as a feasible means of abatement that frozen valves be thawed using methods other than potential ignition sources such as by bringing the trucks into a heated facility.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">QT timely contested the citation. It contends the Secretary did not meet his burden of proof for the alleged general duty clause violation. QT contends the Secretary failed to establish either it or the industry recognized the potential for empty vacuum trucks, previously used for hauling produced water, to contain hydrocarbons or toxic and/or flammable gases or vapors. QT argues the industry does not recognize any hazard associated with use of ignition sources near empty vacuum trucks, or the need to test the contents of vacuum trucks used in the transport of produced water.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; widows:0; orphans:0; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I held a hearing in this matter on February 10, 2015, in Little Rock, Arkansas. The parties filed post-hearing briefs on May 7, 2015.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref14" href="#ftn14">13</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">For the reasons discussed below, the citation is VACATED.<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Jurisdiction</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">At the hearing, the parties stipulated jurisdiction of this action is conferred upon the Commission pursuant to § 10(c) of the Act (Tr. 6). The parties also<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">stipulated at the hearing that at all times</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>relevant to this action, QT was an employer engaged in a business affecting interstate commerce within the meaning of § 3(5) of the Act, 29 U.S.C. § 652(5) (Tr. 6). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Background</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">QT’s Operations</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">QT is engaged in the business of servicing gas and oil producers. According to Richard<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bittle</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, the Secretary/Treasurer for QT and several other commonly held companies, QT is considered part of the natural gas industry (Tr. 179). The company’s main function is the hauling of “produced water” for natural gas producers in the State of Arkansas (Tr. 179). Its trucks are permitted by the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission solely for this purpose (Tr. 179). </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The fatality that prompted the OSHA inspection in this matter occurred at QT’s Knoxville yard where it stores and services its trucks.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">“Produced water,” also called production water, salt water, brine, or formation water, is a byproduct of the extraction of natural gas using the fracturing process (Tr. 15, 83, 125, 181). Water is injected into a natural gas well during drilling to help “fracture the formation” or to cause the natural gas to flow out of the well (Tr. 197-98). A variety of chemicals may also be used in this process along with the water such as biocides and anti-friction chemicals (Tr. 182-84). The water that is injected into the wells during this process comes out with these chemicals and the natural gas (Tr. 125, 184-87). The natural gas is separated from the water and is sent to a pipeline or stored; the water is sent to a holding tank (Tr. 27, 187). It is from these holding tanks at the well site that QT drivers pick up the produced water to be transported (Tr. 27).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The trucks used by QT drivers are vacuum trucks. These trucks consist of a tractor and a tanker equipped with a self-loading system (Tr. 17). This system allows material to be either blown out of or drawn into the tanker (Tr. 18). The back of the tanker, depicted in Exhibit C-1 pp. 5, 9, 10, 20, 21 and 22, has two valves that are part of the vacuum system used for this purpose and a larger hatch. QT’s Knoxville yard manager assigns the driver his tractor and tanker (Tr. 18). The dispatcher assigns the driver the loads to be picked up, transported, and delivered (Tr. 20).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The driver records each load on a load ticket, carried in a book in the tractor’s cab (Tr. 20;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-2). Each load ticket identifies the tractor and tanker by number, the amount of produced water picked up and delivered, the location of the well, and the location of the storage facility to which the load is delivered, among other information (Tr. 22-27;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-2).<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">QT drivers pick up produced water from various locations, but all of QT’s customers are natural gas producers (Tr. 127). The produced water is drawn into the tanker by vacuum. This is accomplished by connecting hoses to the valves and engaging the vacuum system. The produced water is delivered to both disposal wells, where it is disposed back into the ground, and facilities that recycle the water for use it in other drilling operations (Tr. 128-29). The only difference is the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">manner in which</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the produced water is off-loaded from the tanker (Tr. 39, 49, 75, 90). The produced water is drained from the tanker into disposal tanks by gravity; it is blown into the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">recycling tanks with air (Tr. 39-40, 75, 90). The driver considers the tanker empty when no water continues to flow out (Tr. 40). He may also check the level visually by using a sight tube (Tr. 89). The Knoxville Yard Manager</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref15" href="#ftn15">14</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified the tankers contain no residue from production water (Tr. 170). Employee A, a driver with QT, testified the tankers contain no residual produced water after they are drained (Tr. 76), but admitted he has never checked (Tr. 53). Employee B, another QT driver, testified the valves could retain small amounts of moisture (Tr. 92).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Drivers take certain measures when loading and off-loading produced water. When at a natural gas well site, no open flames<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">are allowed to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>be present (Tr. 86). During the process of loading the tanker, the tractor must be grounded (Tr. 70-71, 77, 84). When produced water is being pumped into or out of the tanker, a bucket is placed under the valves to ensure no produced water spills onto the ground (Tr. 30, 39, 84). Drivers are required to wear flame retardant clothing (Tr. 77).</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Each tanker is required to be permitted by the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (Tr. 88, 131, 133-34). These permits read:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">FLUID TRANSPORTATION</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "> </p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-1 p. 13). The tankers do not have permits to transport any hazardous or toxic materials (Tr. 72, 180). Nor do the drivers carry any special licenses to haul hazardous materials. Other than a general understanding the water has been used in the natural gas extraction process, drivers are not provided with information about the contents of produced water (Tr. 31-32, 84). QT does no testing of the produced water (Tr. 35, 76, 149-50). Nor does QT test the atmosphere in the tanks (Tr. 52, 149-50). Tanks are not routinely cleaned for residual water or any other chemicals (Tr. 53, 145).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref16" href="#ftn16">15</a></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">The Accident</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">On January 24, 2014, Employee A arrived at work at QT’s Knoxville yard in the morning and began his pre-trip inspection of his tractor and tanker (Tr. 55). The temperature had dropped well below freezing the night before and Employee A found the valves on the tanker had frozen shut (Tr. 55). Employee B, who was more experienced than Employee A, was inspecting his truck and found the valves on his tanker frozen shut as well (Tr. 56). Both drivers had left the valves on their tankers closed the night before, which both testified was common practice (Tr. 58). Employee B went to the shop and returned with a propane tank and wand (Tr. 57). He proceeded to thaw both tankers’ valves with the flame of the wand connected to the propane tank (Tr. 57-60). The process took only a moment (Tr. 57).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Once both tankers’ valves were thawed, Employee B gave the propane tank and wand to a third driver who had also found the valves to his tanker frozen shut (Tr. 60). This third driver - the deceased - walked out of Employee A’s and Employee B’s sight to the back of his tanker. A few moments later, Employee A and Employee B heard an explosion and saw two “plumes” or “vapors” rising from the tanker (Tr. 61-62, 99). Employee B ran toward the shop but was intercepted by other employees coming out of the shop (Tr. 63). Someone called 911 (Tr. 63).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Upon hearing the explosion, Employee B ran toward it, thinking it was a tire blow-out (Tr. 99). He testified he saw two tank lids<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">flying through the air</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(Tr. 99). Employee B, the only witness who saw the deceased immediately following the explosion described the scene. He testified the deceased was lying on the ground 5 feet behind the truck (Tr. 100-01). He was non-responsive (Tr. 101). The front of the deceased’s<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">flame retardant</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>shirt had been “blown off” and he had blood coming from his nose and ear (Tr. 110-13). Employee B unsuccessfully attempted CPR until emergency responders arrived about 5 minutes later (Tr. 114). The deceased was never revived and succumbed to his injuries.</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Both Employee A and Employee B testified they observed no indication of fire immediately following the explosion.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref17" href="#ftn17">16</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Employee B testified he did not smell gas, oil, or any<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">other odor indicative of burning hydrocarbons (Tr. 107-09). He observed no burns on the deceased’s body (Tr. 112). Employee A testified he did not observe the deceased at the time of the accident and only observed the tanker several days later (Tr. 65, 78). He saw no signs of fire in or around the tanker.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Following the accident, QT changed its procedures for thawing valves (Tr. 150). Drivers are now to ventilate the tanker thoroughly (Tr. 68-69). No open flames are to be used around tankers (Tr. 87). QT instituted a policy to leave valves open at the end of a day if there is a possibility of freezing temperatures (Tr. 153). If a tanker’s valves do become frozen shut, the driver is to be bring the tanker into the shop and thaw the valves using a small heater (Tr. 94;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-1 p. 26).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">The Inspection</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OSHA was informed of the explosion on the same day it occurred. CSHO Martin was assigned to<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">conduct an investigation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>and went to QT’s Knoxville yard that afternoon (Tr. 208-10). CSHO Martin was accompanied by CSHO John Wolfe (Tr. 209). While at the site, CSHO Martin and CSHO Wolfe observed and photographed the area in which the explosion had occurred (Tr. 212;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-1). CSHO Martin was informed by QT management nothing at the site had been moved, other than the deceased’s body (Tr. 213). CSHO Martin observed the hatch cover of the tanker had blown off (Tr. 214-15). She photographed the area near the valves and observed some liquid below the valves (Tr. 216, 219;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-1 pp. 10, 20). She also saw the propane tank and wand in the immediate area (Tr. 218;<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-1 p. 18).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based upon her investigation, CSHO Martin recommended a citation alleging a general duty clause violation be issued to QT. She concluded the explosion had been the result of the deceased’s use of a flame to thaw the valves on the tanker which, she opined, may have contained residual hydrocarbons (Tr. 223-24). CSHO Martin did no testing of the contents of the tanker or the atmosphere inside the tanker during her investigation. In the citation, the Secretary alleges QT exposed its employees to an explosion hazard by not ensuring tankers contain no residual flammable or combustible materials prior to allowing introduction of an<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ignition source. CSHO Martin testified use of insulation around the valves to prevent freezing or thawing frozen valves by moving the tanker into the shop were feasible means to abate the hazard (Tr. 248).</span></p>
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			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">QT timely contested the citation. QT contends the cause of the explosion is not known and the Secretary failed to establish it was the result of the use of a propane torch on a tanker containing residual hydrocarbons. QT further contends there is no potential for produced water from natural gas wells to contain residual flammable or combustible vapors or gasses. Therefore, neither it nor the natural gas industry recognize an explosion hazard should an ignition source be used near tankers used to haul produced water. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">The Citation<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation alleges a serious violation of the general duty clause, § 5(a)(1) of the Act. Section 5(a)(1) requires each employer to “furnish to each of his<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1). The citation alleges a violation of § 5(a)(1) as follows:</span></p>
			</div>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The employer does not ensure ignition sources are not present when employees attempt to thaw valves on vacuum truck trailers. This violation most recently occurred on January 24, 2014 on the north side of the truck parking lot at 601 Ash Street in Knoxville, Arkansas, where employee(s) used a propane torch to thaw frozen valves on vacuum truck trailers and did not ensure hydrocarbons, toxic and/or flammable gases or vapors were present.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref18" href="#ftn18">17</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> This practice exposed employees to an explosion hazard.</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The citation itself did not identify a feasible means of abatement.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref19" href="#ftn19">18</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> CSHO Martin testified feasible means of abatement would include insulating the tanker valves or thawing frozen valves by bringing the tankers into the shop. The Secretary argued in his post-hearing<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">brief abatement would involve ensuring ignition sources are not used to thaw frozen valves (Sec’y’s Brief at p. 3).</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">DISCUSSION</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:2; text-align:center; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">Elements of a § 5(a)(1) Violation</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">To establish a violation of the general duty clause, the Secretary must show that: (1) a condition or activity in the workplace presented a hazard; (2) the employer or its industry recognized the hazard; (3) the hazard was likely to cause death or serious physical harm; and (4) a feasible means existed to eliminate or materially reduce the hazard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Pegasus Tower,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">21 BNA OSHC 1190, 1191 (No. 01-0547, 2005). In addition to the above-quoted elements of a § 5(a)(1) violation, the Secretary must also establish the employer had either actual or constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Deep South Crane & Rigging Co.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">23 BNA OSHC 2099 (No. 09-0240, 2012),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d Deep South Crane & Rigging Co. v. Seth D. Harris,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">535 Fed. Appx.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">386 (5</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">th</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Cir. 2013). </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Whether an Activity or Condition at the Site Constituted a Hazard</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Commission has held that as part of his burden of proving a § 5(a)(1) violation, the Secretary “must define the cited hazard in a manner that gives the employer fair notice of its obligations under the Act by specifying conditions or practices over which the employer can reasonably be expected to exercise control.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Otis Elevator Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC 2205, 2206 (No. 03-1344, 2007). The Commission has held the Secretary has the obligation to define the hazard in terms of the preventable consequences of the work operation, not by the method of abatement. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Otis Elevator</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 21 BNA OSHC at 2208,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">citing Morrison-Knudsen Co./Yonkers Contracting Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC 1105, 1121-22 (No. 88-572, 1993);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">see also Arcadian Corporation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">20 BNA</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>OSHC 2001, 2009 (No. 93-0628, 2004). Put another way, the Secretary must define the hazard “in terms of<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">the physical agents that could injure employees</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>rather than the means of abatement.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Arcadian Corporation</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 20 BNA OSHC at 2009,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">quoting Chevron Oil Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 11 BNA OSHC 1329, 1331 n. 6 (No. 10799, 1983) (emphasis added). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary defined the hazard in this case as an explosion hazard resulting from the use of an ignition source to thaw valves on tankers without ensuring the absence of hydrocarbons<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">or toxic and/or flammable gases or vapors within the tankers (Sec’y’s Brief at p. 4). Having defined the hazard, the Secretary must also show the existence of the hazard at the worksite. To do so, the Secretary must show the tankers at QT’s worksite contained hydrocarbons or toxic and/or flammable or combustible gases or vapors that could explode when in contact with an ignition source. In his brief, the Secretary points only to evidence in the record establishing QT drivers used propane torches as standard practice to thaw frozen valves without conducting any testing of the contests of the tanker (Sec’y’s Brief at p. 4). The Secretary’s error is one of conceptualization, i.e. he has conflated the hazard and the abatement method.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Morrison-Knudsen Co./Yonkers Contracting Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 16 BNA OSHC at 1121-22 (holding the hazard was exposure to excessive levels of airborne lead, not absence of protective clothing);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See also Bunge Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 7 BNA OSHC 1654 (No. 78-1881, 1979) (distinguishing evidence of feasible means of abatement by compliance with NFPA code and proof of the hazard).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref20" href="#ftn20">19</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> Although the Secretary is correct the record establishes QT drivers engaged in a practice of using an ignition source to thaw frozen valves without testing the contents of the tanker, the Secretary has not established this practice exposed employees to the explosion hazard alleged in the Citation. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary presented no expert testimony or other scientific evidence establishing the chemical components of the produced water hauled by QT drivers from natural gas wells. CSHO Martin did not sample or test the water she observed near the valves of the tanker. She did not test the atmosphere in any of the tankers in QT’s Knoxville yard. The record contains no testimony from representatives of or experts in the natural gas industry regarding the potential for produced water from natural gas wells to contain flammable or combustible gases or vapors. Rather, the Secretary relies on statements contained on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website and in a document published by the American Petroleum Association (API). The Court finds this evidence insufficient.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">According to the excerpt from the EPA’s website relied upon by the Secretary, produced water “may contain chemicals, naturally-occurring substances, hydrocarbons and potential reaction and degradation products.” (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-10, p. 2). This broadly worded statement, taken<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">from a 2012 progress report on the EPA’s study of the impact of fracturing on drinking water resources, establishes only the potential for<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">some</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>produced water to contain hydrocarbons in some unspecified quantities. It is insufficient to establish hydrocarbons and/or flammable or combustible gases were present in QT’s tankers in<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">sufficient</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>concentrations to pose an explosion hazard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary also relies on the API recommended practices for operation of vacuum trucks entitled “Safe Operation of Vacuum Trucks in Petroleum Service” to establish the existence of an explosion hazard (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-19). The safe operating procedures for vacuum trucks recommended by the API specifically apply to “vacuum trucks, skids and trailers used in flammable and combustible liquid service” and to “movement of liquid mixtures (such as ‘produced water’, BS&W or tank bottoms) that may contain sufficient hydrocarbon material to present comparable<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">hazards” (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-19 pp. iii, 1). Many of the advisory provisions of the API recommended practices are directed specifically at the handling of hazardous materials (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-19 pp. 4-5). Others address safe handling procedures for vacuum trucks hauling non-petroleum products such as produced water (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-19 p. 13). Although these recommended practices put drivers on notice of the potential for trucks hauling produced water to contain “trace amounts of flammable liquids, hydrogen sulfide and other toxic substances” or “trace amounts of hydrocarbon condensates or hydrogen sulfide” and set forth means by which drivers can protect themselves from such hazards, they do not establish QT’s tankers contained such substances at levels sufficient to pose an explosion hazard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Dayton Walther Corp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">., 13 BNA OSHC 1966 (No. 87-1383, 1988) (generalized statements in safety publications that moisture and molten metal can pose a danger of explosion is insufficient to establish hazard existed at the worksite; expert testimony that the conditions at the worksite created that hazard was needed).</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref21" href="#ftn21">20</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A thorough reading of the API document makes clear vacuum trucks are used for a variety of purposes in the oil and gas industry (“Vacuum trucks are used in all segments of the petroleum industry with varied applications.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-19 p. 1). The document makes numerous references to the use of vacuum trucks for removal of flammable and combustible or hazardous<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">materials from tanks, the transfer of such products, as well as use of vacuum trucks for clean-up of hydrocarbon spills (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-19 pp. 1, 4, 6, 18, 22, 25, and 33). QT drivers transport produced water from natural gas producers exclusively. Neither XTO nor any of QT’s other customers notified QT the produced water was hazardous (Tr. 31-32, 73). QT’s tankers are not permitted to carry flammable, combustible, or other hazardous materials. QT drivers are not required to hold licenses to transport such materials. There was no evidence presented establishing QT was required to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations applicable to operation of vehicles transporting hazardous material. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>49 C.F.R. §178. Given these facts, the Court is unable to find the API recommended practices necessarily apply to QT’s operations or to conditions at QT’s Knoxville yard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref22" href="#ftn22">21</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Although the API recommended practices do refer to the potential for “waste products” or produced water to contain hydrocarbons, the Court finds these references too non-specific given the broad scope of the document. Moreover, many of the recommended practices are for the loading and off-loading process. Without testimony or other elucidating evidence, the Court is left to speculate whether the hazards associated with loading and off-loading produced water are present at QT’s Knoxville yard, where no loading or off-loading takes place. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The Secretary’s case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and speculation as to the cause of the fatal accident. CSHO Martin testified she concluded the accident was the result of an explosion caused by ignition of flammable or combustible gases or vapors. It was uncontroverted there was no sign of fire, including no burns to the deceased’s body, at the accident scene.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref23" href="#ftn23">22</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>There was no eye-witness testimony to establish the deceased lit the propane torch. CSHO Martin’s conclusions<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">are based on the assumption</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>that because the deceased had a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">propane torch prior to the explosion, the deceased must have lit the torch and the flame must have come in contact with the flammable or combustible gases or vapors, causing the explosion. CSHO Martin testified:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">I concluded as a result of flame being introduced to the actual tank itself that that<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">may</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>have created and caused an explosion because there<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">may</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>have been some residual toxic substances or hydrocarbons or things of that that were in the tank.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(Tr. 223-24) (emphasis added). Rather than proving the existence of the hazardous conditions necessary to cause the explosion were present, the Secretary’s theory presumes those conditions were present. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The record contains evidence upon which to base another explanation for the accident. Mr.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Bittle</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>testified the hatch may have been blown off by pressure built up in the tanker, rather than an explosion resulting from ignition of hydrocarbons. The record contains evidence,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">similar to</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the Secretary’s evidence, suggesting hazardous levels of pressure could build-up in the tankers. The hatch to the deceased’s tanker contained a warning label reading: </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">RELIEVE ALL TANK<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">PRESSURE BEFORE<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">OPENING COVER</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>15 P.S.I. MAX.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>PRESSURE</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-1 pp. 6, 17). Another tanker’s hatch contained a label reading:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">WARNING</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">RELIEVE ALL PRESSURE BEFORE OPENING COVER</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">COVER MAY FREEZE OR STICK TO NECK</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">DO NOT REMOVE SWING BOLTS UNTIL COVER IS FREE</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-1 p. 23). In addition, the API recommended practices refer to hazards associated with over-pressurizing and under-pressurizing vacuum trucks (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-19, section 5.8, p. 12). Load tickets for the tanker used by the deceased show it had been off-loaded under pressure the day<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">prior (</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Exh</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. C-2, pp. 80-84). The Court finds the record evidence is such that either theory of causation is equally plausible and equally speculative.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref24" href="#ftn24">23</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Considering the record as a whole, the Secretary has not met his burden to establish by a preponderance of the evidence the existence of flammable or combustible gases or vapors in sufficient quantities to pose an explosion hazard at QT’s Knoxville yard.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; position:relative;font-size:0.58em; bottom: 1ex;font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><a name="ftnref25" href="#ftn25">24</a></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> In so finding, the Court is not insensitive to the fact a tragic accident occurred which may have been preventable had precautionary measures been taken. However, the Court’s decision must be limited to the allegations contained in the Citation. The Secretary’s evidence is insufficient to establish the violation as alleged. Item 1, Citation 1 is vacated.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:8px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1.5; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; "></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1.5; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The foregoing decision constitutes the findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. </span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:2; text-align:center; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-weight:bold; ">ORDER</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Based upon the foregoing decision, it is ORDERED that:</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:2; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Item 1, Citation 1,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; color:#000000; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">alleging a violation of §<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">5(a)(1) of the Act,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">is vacated.</span></p>
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						</span>ORDERED.</span></p>
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						</span></span><span style="font-size:14pt; font-family:Script MT Bold; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Script MT Bold; font-size:14pt; font-weight:bold; ">Heather Joys</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>__________________ </span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; ">
					</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; ">Date:</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>June 1, 2015</span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span>HEATHER A. JOYS</span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-weight:bold; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-weight:bold; "><span style="mso-tab-count:1">  </span></span><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Administrative Law Judge<span>
						</span></span></p>
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				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; margin-left:336px; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">Atlanta, Georgia</span></p>
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					<a name="ftn-1" href="#ftnref-1"></a> </p>
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					<a name="ftn0" href="#ftnref0"></a> </p>
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					<a name="ftn1" href="#ftnref1"></a> </p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn2" href="#ftnref2"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">1 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>A “vacuum truck” has a tank trailer with suction lines and is designed to haul liquids. </span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn3" href="#ftnref3"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">2 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Quick Transport also owns two trucks that are permitted by the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission to transport hydrocarbon-dense liquids like petroleum, but the company does not use these trucks to transport produced water. There is no dispute that the vacuum trucks at issue were never used to transport any substance other than produced water.</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn4" href="#ftnref4"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">3 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>The citation defines the alleged hazard in two different ways. It states that Quick Transport failed to “ensure ignition sources are not present when employees attempt to thaw valves on vacuum truck trailers.” It also states that “this violation most recently occurred” when employees “used a propane torch to thaw frozen valves on vacuum truck trailers and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">did not ensure hydrocarbons, toxic and/or flammable gases or vapors were [not] present</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">.”<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>(</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">mphasis added</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">). On review, the Secretary provides a third definition, stating that the hazard is “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the employer’s failure to ascertain the absence of [flammable] gases,” but “the explosion that can result when an ignition source is used in proximity to flammable gases or vapors.” (emphasis added). </span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Quick Transport does not claim that it lacked adequate notice that the hazard at issue is the risk of an explosion from a propane torch igniting flammable material inside a vacuum truck tank. In any event, the hazard the parties litigated is the potential for flammable vapors to be present inside the company’s vacuum trucks and to ignite if a torch is used to thaw the valves. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Beverly Enters., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 19 BNA OSHC 1161, 1168-69 (No. 91-3144, 2000) (consolidated) (inadequate hazard definition in pleadings does not establish a lack of fair notice if<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">it is clear that the</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>employer understood the nature of the hazard being litigated).<span>
						</span></span></p>
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					<a name="ftn5" href="#ftnref5"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">4 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>There is no dispute tha</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>using prop</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ane torches to thaw frozen valves was a common practice among Quick Transport employees and that they never tested the contents of the tanks prior to using this method. There is also no dispute that produced water mixes with large amounts<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">of</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>flammable hydrocarbon oil and gas when it is injected into the earth to extract such hydrocarbons. The parties do dispute, however, whether produced water retains any hydrocarbon material after it has passed through a gas separator and been loaded onto a vacuum truck.</span></p>
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				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn6" href="#ftnref6"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">5 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Although Quick Transport objected to the introduction of this document into evidence on hearsay grounds, the judge admitted the guide, though not for the truth of the statements within it. At the same time, however, the judge made factual f</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ndings in her</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>decision that indicate she did consider the guide for the truth of its contents. On review, Quick Transport does not argue that the API guide is hearsay or that it was otherwise wrongly considered by the judge. Since the company has no</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">t<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">briefed or even raised this issue to the Commission,</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">we consider its objection abandoned. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Cleveland Wrecking Co.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 24 BNA OSHC 1103, 1107 n. 2 (No. 07-0437, 2013) (“The Secretary does<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">challenge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the judge’s ruling [regarding amendment of the citation]<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">on</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">review</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">. In these circumstances, we deem this issue abandoned.”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Sharon & Walter Constr., Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 23 BNA OSHC 1286, 1290 n. 6 (No. 00-1402, 2010) (“</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">On</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">review</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, [the employer] does<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">not</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">challenge</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>the judge’s decision to reject its unpreventable employee misconduct defense. Therefore, we consider this argument abandoned.”);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Ragnar Benson, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 18 BNA OSHC 1937, 1938 (No. 97-1675, 1999) (“The Commission need not review an issue abandoned by a party.”). </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn7" href="#ftnref7"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">6 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Our colleague finds the latter reading of this<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">pr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ovision to be “implausible,” and contends that it is “more natural” to read it as requiring the vacuum truck operator to assume that the produced water may contain trace amounts of flammable liquids. Even if she were correct in this regard—a point we<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">st</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">rongly dispute—it would mean only that the provision can reasonably be interpreted in more than one way and therefore, it is ambiguous. Since it is the Secretary’s burden to prove the existence of a hazard, relying on an industry source which is at best unclear is a failure of proof. In addition, our colleague’s conclusion that the provision is evidence of a hazard under the circumstances in this case fails for an even more fundamental reason: the precautions in the API guide do not indicate whether trace amounts of flammable vapors in produced water, if any, would remain in a full tank, or as in the case before us, in an emptied tank.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">This same ambiguity is reflected in the section of the API guide that sets forth its scope, which “includes the movement of liquid mixtures (such as ‘produced water,’ BS&W or tanks bottoms) that may contain sufficient hydrocarbon materials to present comparable hazards [to flammable and combustible liquids].” This can be read as either a statement of fact—the guide applies to produced water<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">because</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>it may contain hydrocarbon materials, or a limitation—the guide only applies to produced water<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">if<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">it may contain hydrocarbon materials.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn8" href="#ftnref8"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">7 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Although photographs of the inside of the tank taken after the accident appear to show some</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">damp spots or liquid residue, it is difficult to discern what is depicted and there is no testimony addressing this evidence. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn9" href="#ftnref9"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">8 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>We note that on review, the Secretary does not rely on the occurrence of the accident as evidence that the alleged explosion<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">h</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">azard was present here. Conflicting theories as to the accident’s cause, which is not self-evident, were offered by Quick Transp</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">ort’s secretary-treasurer and the compliance officer, neither of whom were presented as expert witnesses. The secretary-t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">re</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">asurer testified that the company’s investigation into the cause of the accident yielded “any number of theories,” and his own theory is that the tank may have exploded due to overpressure. Warning labels on the tank hatches state, “15 P.S.I. MAX PRESSURE,” and direct operators to relieve all pressure before opening the hatch. The API guide also warns vacuum truck operators to “stay within the operational [pressure]<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">limits .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . to prevent over-pressurizing vacuum cargo tanks.” Consistent with the secretary-treasurer’s theory, DT testified that the tank that exploded had been pressurized the day before.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">The CO testified that, in her opinion, use of the torch “may have . . . caused an explosion because there may have been some residual toxic substances or hydrocarbons or things of that [nature</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">] .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . in the tank.” However, she admitted that she had no background, education, or training related to oil fields or vacuum truck operations and that her knowledge of Quick Transport’s industry was based merely on visiting the company’s truck yard after the accident, looking up the API guide, and reviewing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">United States v. Smith</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, 591 F.3d 974, 982-83 (8th Cir. 2010) (“a lay witness’s opinion must not be based on ‘scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge within the scope of [FRE] Rule 702,” citing Fed. R. Evid. 701). In addition, pages from the EPA website that were submitted into evidence describe produced water as “fluid returned to the surface after [a] well is in production,” and state that it “may contain added chemicals, naturally-occurring substances, hydrocarbons and potential reaction and degradation products,” but like the API guide these pages give no indication if these substances may be present in sufficient quantities to cause an explosion. </span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Finally, the CO testified that OSHA had previously cited a company after an explosion occurred when a driver applied a torch to the valve of a vacuum truck. In fact, the API guide’s appendix contains a reference to what may be the same incident, though the record neither confirms nor refutes that possibility. In any event, there is no evidence regarding what the truck(s) involved had been carrying. Our colleague seizes upon this reported accident to bolster the Secretary’s failed attempt to prove the existence of a hazard. Her reliance on this accident, however, is misplaced, because, as the guide notes</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">: “</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">It is presumed that the valve was frozen in the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">partially open position.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "> . . . Flame propagation through the<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">partially open valve</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>ignited an explosive mixture in the vacuum tank.” (emphasis added). In the case before us, it is undisputed that the valve was closed. In sum, absent evidence regarding the cause of the explosion in the instant case, its mere occurrence cannot establish the Secretary’s burden of proving a hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn10" href="#ftnref10"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">9 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>As Commissioner Sullivan explained in both<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Integra Health Management, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, No. 13-1124, slip op. at 23-29 (OSHRC Mar. 15,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">20</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">1</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">9) (Sullivan, Comm’r, concurr</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ing) and<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">A.H. Sturgill Roofing, Inc.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, No. 13-0224, slip op. at 12 n. 14 (OSHRC Mar. 1, 2019), he proposes that the Commission return to using a “reasonable foreseeability” test to determine whether a general duty clause violation has been established. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See Pratt & Whitney</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 8 BNA OSHC 1329 (No. 13591, 1980),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">aff’d in part, rev’d in part, remanded</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 649 F.2d 96, 101 (2d. Cir. 1981);<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">Bomac Drilling</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 9 BNA OSHC 1681 (No. 76-0450, 1981) (consolidated),<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">overruled by U.S. Steel Corp.,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">10 BNA OSHC 1752 (No. 77-1796, 1982). This test requires the Secretary to establish both that a truly “meaningful” and “significant” possibility of harm existed, and that “employers receive adequate notice of their legal responsibilities under the general duty clause.” </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">See<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Donald J. Morgan and Mark N. Duvall,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">OSHA’s General Duty Clause: An Analysis of Its Use and Abuse</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">, 5<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-variant:small-caps; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Berkeley J. Emp. & Lab. L.</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>283, 297 (1983). In Commissioner Sullivan’s view, the question in this case should be whether it would have been “reasonably foreseeable” to a “reasonable employer” acting under the same set of circumstances as Quick Transport that allowing employees to use a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">propane<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">torch to thaw the frozen vacuum truck valves would pose an explosion hazard. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">In his view, t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">he</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">re</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>being no expert testimony, the only evidence in the record that clearly bears on this question is the fact that an incident similar to the one at Quick Transport’s worksite<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">may</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>have occurred previously (though it is not clear if this actually was a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">si</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">mi</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">lar incident, as the truck involved may not have been used to transport produced water), as well as the undisputed fact that using a<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">propane<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">torch to thaw frozen valves was a common practice by other employers in the industry and by Quick Transport employe</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">e</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">s. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Commissioner Sullivan finds that t</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">his</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>evidence does not show that it would have been reasonably foreseeable to a reasonable employer that the valve-thawing practice posed a hazard under the facts in this case; to the contrary, the fact that the pract</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">i</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">ce was apparently very common in the industry and yet the record only contains evidence of one previous incident (and no evidence that produced water was involved in that incident) strongly suggests that it would not have been reasonably foreseeable.<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>T</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">he</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Secretary has failed, therefore, to meet his burden of establishing a general duty clause violation.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn11" href="#ftnref11"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">10 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>An introductory paragraph at the beginning of section 5.12, which provides context for subsection 5.12.5, states:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">Vacuum truck personnel working in p</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">et</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">roleum facilities shall be trained in the safe operation of the vacuum equipment; shall be familiar with the hazards of the petroleum products, by-products, wastes and materials being transferred; and shall be aware of relevant government and facility<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">safety procedures and emergency response requirements.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">As this paragraph refers to the need for personnel to understand the hazards of “by-products, wastes and materials being transferred,” it is evident that the subsequent instruction in subsection 5.12.5 to keep ignition sources 100 feet from vacuum trucks applies to vacuum trucks transferring produced water.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn12" href="#ftnref12"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">11 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>There is other evidence, as well, that supports a finding that the explosion was in fact caused by the presence of combustibl</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">e or flammable material in the tank. </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">D</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">D, one of Quick Transport’s drivers who w</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">itnessed the explosion, testified as follows:</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; text-indent:1.27cm; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. What did you see when you took off running</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">?</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> </span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. .</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. Well, I went over towards where I heard the explosion, if that’s what you want to call it</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">. .</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "> . . And when I c[a]me around, all I could see was just a little vapor and two tank lids<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">flying through the air</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">.<span>
						</span></span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">* * *</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. When you say you saw vapor, where was the vapor coming out?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. It was just like a thermocline.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. Okay. But what was the vapor coming out?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. I’m assuming it came out of the tank.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:center; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">* * *</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Q. And what’s a thermocline?</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:8px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; margin-left:48px; margin-right:48px; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">A. Thermocline is kind of like if you look in the roads where the sun is shining, you know, and the heat is rising or the wind is blowing,<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">it</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>kind of distorts the vision. That’s a thermocline.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; line-height:1; text-align:justify; "><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">Thus, the vapor DD saw was<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; font-style:italic; ">hot</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:12pt; ">, which would have been the case had the tank exploded as a result of the presence of combustible or flammable material in the tank.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn13" href="#ftnref13"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">12 </span></a><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; "><span><span></span>
						</span>As noted by<span>
						</span></span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">my colleagues, the Secretary does not contend that Quick Transport itself recognized its valve</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">-</span><span style="font-size:12pt; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-size:12pt; ">thawing practice posed an explosion hazard.</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn14" href="#ftnref14"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">13 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>To the extent either party failed to raise any other arguments in its post-hearing brief, such arguments are deemed abandoned.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; ">
					<a name="ftn15" href="#ftnref15"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">14 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Names have not been used to protect the privacy of the individuals testifying in this matter.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn16" href="#ftnref16"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">15 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>QT does have the tanker cleaned when it is to be used to haul clean city water (Tr. 145). Cleaning is performed by a contractor because QT does not have the necessary “wash out” permit issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (Tr. 146).</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn17" href="#ftnref17"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">16 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The undersigned observed the demeanor of both Employee A and Employee B and found both to be credible witnesses. Their answers were straightforward and consistent. The Yard Manager also testified about the conditions following the accident. Unlike Employee A and Employee B, the Yard Manager was a reluctant and evasive witness. On examination by the Secretary’s counsel he repeated questions back and feigned a lack of understanding of unambiguous questions. In contrast, his answers to counsel for QT’s questions were concise and appeared rehearsed. To the extent it is not otherwise corroborated, the undersigned gives the Yard Manager’s testimony little weight.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText " style="margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:16px; ">
					<a name="ftn18" href="#ftnref18"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">17 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>As<span>
					</span>QT points out in its brief, the Citation is unartfully drafted. QT has not argued the Citation was vague. Its brief makes clear QT understood the alleged violation to be the failure to ensure the absence of hydrocarbons or flammable or combustible gases or vapors within the tankers prior to introducing an ignition source. The Court finds the parties tried this issue by consent.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn19" href="#ftnref19"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">18 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>QT did not raise a defense of lack of fair notice in response to this omission and the Court finds it unnecessary to address the issue.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn20" href="#ftnref20"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">19 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Although<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">Bunge</span><span><span></span>
					</span>is an<span>
					</span>unreveiwed<span><span></span>
					</span>ALJ decision without precedential value, the undersigned finds the ALJ’s analysis instructive.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn21" href="#ftnref21"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">20 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">Dayton Walther Corp</span>. is an unreviewed ALJ decisions without precedential value. Like<span>
					</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">Bunge</span>, the undersigned finds the reasoning of the ALJ instructive.<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn22" href="#ftnref22"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">21 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Although QT drivers take certain precautions at the natural gas well, such precautions are not required elsewhere. For example, tankers are not grounded when off-loading at disposal wells (Tr. 71). No other location frequented by QT drivers was shown to have a prohibition against open flames. The fact drivers are required to take certain precautions while loading produced water establishes an explosion hazard at the natural gas well, not within the tankers or at QT’s Knoxville yard.</p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn23" href="#ftnref23"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">22 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>The Secretary argues in his brief the absence of burn marks on either the deceased or the truck does not disprove his theory of the accident because the deceased had on flame retardant clothing which would have protected his skin and the truck was dark gray in color which would have masked scorch marks. The Secretary presented no forensic or physical evidence of a fire. Thus, discounting the evidence of an absence of burn or scorch marks simply leaves the record devoid of evidence, it does not prove the fact of a fire.<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p style="text-align:justify; ">
					<a name="ftn24" href="#ftnref24"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; ">23 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Nor does the undersigned find the examples of similar accidents presented by the Secretary in Exhibit C-19 at p. 42 and Exhibit C-17 supportive of a finding of an explosion hazard at QT’s Knoxville yard. The Secretary did not present<span>
					</span>sufficient<span><span></span>
					</span>evidence of the circumstances of either accident to determine whether they were caused by similar conditions.<span>
					</span></p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText "> </p>
			</div>
			<div>
				<p class="style_Normal style_Normal style_FootnoteText style_FootnoteText ">
					<a name="ftn25" href="#ftnref25"><span class="style_DefaultParagraphFont style_DefaultParagraphFont style_FootnoteReference style_FootnoteReference " style="font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; ">24 </span></a><span><span></span>
					</span>Even if the Secretary had established the existence of an explosion hazard, he did not present sufficient evidence<span>
					</span>QT<span><span></span>
					</span>or the industry recognized the hazard. A recognized hazard is a practice, procedure or condition under the employer’s control that is known to be hazardous by the cited employer or the employer’s industry. <span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; ">Pelron</span><span style="font-style:italic; font-family:Calibri; font-size:11pt; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt; font-style:italic; "><span><span></span>
						</span>Corp.</span>, 12 BNA OSHC 1833, 1835 (No. 82-388, 1986). In his brief, the Secretary argues only industry recognition of the hazard and relies almost exclusively on the API recommended practices (Sec’y’s Brief at pp. 4-7). For the reasons discussed in detailed above, the Court does not find this document provides<span>
					</span>sufficient<span><span></span>
					</span>evidence of recognition of an explosion hazard in the tankers or at QT’s Knoxville yard.</p>
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