Chemical Safety: Emergency Response Community Views on the Adequacy of Federally Required Chemical Information
Abstract
In light of recent terrorist activity within our nation's borders, the United States has become increasingly aware of the need to be prepared to respond to emergencies, including those involving hazardous chemicals. To help protect communities from incidents involving hazardous chemicals, local emergency responders need information such as the types of chemicals used or stored at facilities in their communities. Two federal laws require chemicals facilities to provide such information: the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA) and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. EPCRA, among other things, requires facilities to annually complete and submit chemical inventory forms to their state and local emergency response officials to help them prepare for and respond to chemical incidents. The Clean Air Act's risk management plan provisions, which focus on accident prevention and preparedness planning, require facilities that handle specified quantities of certain substances to develop and register risk management plans with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), at least every 5 years. The Clean Air Act also requires that these plans be submitted to state and local agencies responsible for preparing for or responding to accidental chemical releases. EPA oversees the implementation of both acts, but has delegated some authority for implementation of the Clean Air Act's risk management provisions to some state and local governments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA404793
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office