Abstract |
One of the goals of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) is to promote emergency planning activities, including safe management of dangerous chemicals. Several other federal laws also authorize programs to increase awareness of chemical hazards and to reduce the likelihood of chemical emergency situations. As a result of amendments made in 1990, the Clean Air Act (CAA) sets forth new requirements with goals similar to those of EPCRA. Specifically, CAA Section 112(r) calls for facilities covered by the risk management program requirements to reduce the likelihood and severity of accidental chemical releases through hazard assessments, prevention programs, and emergency response planning. This module discusses CAA Section 112(r) and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR Part 68 in detail. The Hotline is responsible for this section of CAA not only because of the similar goals of EPCRA and CAA Section 112(r), but also because EPA charged the Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO) with drafting and implementing the rules and other requirements of Section 112(r). When you have completed this module you will be able to explain the purpose of CAA Section 112(r) and how it relates to the goals and requirements of EPCRA. |