| Abstract |
Public awareness of the potential danger from accidental releases of hazardous substances has increased over the years as serious chemical accidents have occurred around the world. Public concern intensified following the 1984 release of methyl isocyanate in Bhopal, India, which killed more than 2,000 people. A similar chemical release in Institute, West Virginia, sent more than 100 people to the hospital and made Americans aware that such incidents do happen in the United States. These incidents, among others, increased congressional awareness of the threat posed by chemical releases. As a result, Congress enacted legislation to help prevent accidents from occurring, and to promptly report and respond to accidents that do occur. In 1986, Congress enacted the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to require state and local governments to prepare to respond to accidental chemical releases. In 1990, Congress amended the Clean Air Act (CAA) and added Section 112(r). Section 112(r) of the CAA requires that owners and operators of stationary sources identify hazards, and prevent, and minimize the effects of accidental releases whenever extremely hazardous substances are present at their facility. The general duty clause in Section 112(r)(1) and regulations issued pursuant to other provisions of Section 112(r) define these requirements and establish the deadlines for compliance. |
