EPA is adding new data elements and revising existing data elements on the Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Forms (Tier I and Tier II) under Section 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). According to the July 13 final rule, the new data elements will be helpful for state and local agencies to develop or modify their community emergency response plans. In addition, EPA is revising the chemical reporting section of the Tier II inventory form to make reporting easier for facilities and make the form more user-friendly for state and local officials.
The rule will take effect on January 1, 2014.
Under EPCRA Section 312, if a facility has hazardous chemicals at or above the reporting threshold specified at 40 CFR Part 370, the facility owner or operator is required to submit a Tier I or Tier II form to the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), the local emergency planning committee (LEPC), and the local fire department by March 1 each year. The Tier I reporting form requires facilities to report on the general types and locations of hazardous chemicals present at the facility. Tier II inventory forms require facilities to report specific information on the amounts and locations of hazardous chemicals present at the facility. Currently, all states require facilities to submit the federal Tier II inventory form or a state equivalent form.
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