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Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Emergency Release Notification Requirements

EPCRA Section 304

If an accidental chemical release exceeds the applicable minimal reportable quantity, the facility must notify State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs) for any area likely to be affected by the release and the National Response Center, and provide a detailed written follow-up as soon as practicable.  Information about accidental chemical releases must be made available to the public.

What facilities and chemicals are regulated under the emergency release notification requirements?

Any facility that accidentally releases into the environment one of the following types of chemicals in an amount greater than or equal to the minimum reportable quantity as required by the Emergency Planning and Notification regulation:

The Consolidated List of Chemicals Subject to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) and Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act includes both the Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHSs) and the CERCLA hazardous substances:

What are facilities required to do?

If such an accidental release occurs, the facility must immediately notify LEPCs and SERCs for any area likely to be affected by the release. In addition, spills of CERCLA hazardous substances must also be reported to the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802. Emergency notification requirements involving transportation incidents can be met by dialing 911, or in the absence of a 911 emergency number, calling the local operator.

What must be included in the emergency notification?


  • The chemical name
  • An indication of whether the substance is extremely hazardous
  • An estimate of the quantity released into the environment
  • The time and duration of the release
  • Whether the release occurred into air, water, and/or land
  • Any known or anticipated acute or chronic health risks associated with the emergency, and where necessary, advice regarding medical attention for exposed individuals
  • Proper precautions, such as evacuation or sheltering in place
  • Name and telephone number of contact person

What is a Written Follow-up Notice?

A written follow-up notice must be submitted to the SERC and LEPC as soon as practicable after the release. The follow-up notice must update information included in the initial notice and provide information on actual response actions taken and advice regarding medical attention necessary for citizens exposed.

Where can I find more information on these requirements?

For more information on emergency release notification requirements, see EPCRA sections 304, 40 CFR part 355, or Hotline Training Module (PDF).

 


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