RailRoadFan.com

Ok, so this may be a total noob thing to say, but can someone please explain to me what an EC-1 form is? Is it just Track Authority?

Mandatory Directive issued by train dispatcher.

As JoJames said, it's CSX's catch-all mandatory directive from Dispatchers to whomever is wanting to occupy the tracks. It functions as a track warrant primarily - for MOW everywhere and trains outside CTC. Other common uses are to cancel dispatcher messages, send special instructions, create or cancel weather warnings/advisories, create or cancel crossing malfunction directives, and more.

Kinda nice that they have one form for everything.