The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), authorized by Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA Tittle III), was passed in 1986 in response to concerns regarding the environmental and safety hazards posed by the storage and handling of toxic chemicals.

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The Community Right-to-Know provisions help increase the public's knowledge and access to information on chemicals at individual facilities, their uses, and releases into the environment. 

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Key Provisions of EPCRA

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Sections 301 to 303 - Emergency Planning (40 CFR 355 Subpart B) - Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) are required to prepare chemical emergency response plans and to review plans at least annually. State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs) are required to oversee and coordinate local planning efforts. Facilities that maintain Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) on-site in quantities greater than corresponding threshold planning quantities (TPQs) must cooperate in emergency plan preparation. The list of EHSs and their TPQs are in 40 CFR 355 Appendices A & B.

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Section 304 - Emergency Notification (40 CFR 355 Subpart C) - Facilities must immediately report accidental releases of EPRCA EHSs a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) hazardous substances.  Any releases of these substances in quantities greater than their corresponding Reportable Quantities (RQs) must be reported to state and local officials. 

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Sections 311 and 312 - Tier II Reporting Requirements (40 CFR Part 370) - Facilities handling or storing any hazardous chemicals must submit Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to their State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and local fire department. Facilities must also submit an inventory form for these chemicals to the SERC, LEPC,  and local fire departments.

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Section 313 - Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) (40 CFR Part 372) - Facilities are required to complete and submit a toxic chemical release inventory form (Form R) annually. This form must be submitted for each listed TRI chemical that are manufactured, produced or otherwise used above applicable threshold quantities.

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Banwo Environmental Services have Certified Hazardous Materials Managers, Certified Safety Professionals, and licensed Professional Engineers knowledgeable about the outlined EPCRA provisions with several years of experience assisting clients fulfil their EPCRA program compliance requirements.