SERC-TERC Updates: November 2023 |
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SERCs, TERCs, and Federal Partners: Please forward this monthly update to your stakeholders
Mention of non-EPA documents, presentations, training opportunities and conferences does not constitute an U.S. EPA endorsement of their contents, only an acknowledgment that they exist and may be relevant to the SERC-TERC audience.
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Regulatory and Policy Information Related to Chemical Safety & Security |
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EPA Finalizes Rule to Require Enhanced EPCRA 313 (TRI) Reporting of PFAS
EPA has finalized a rule that improves TRI reporting of PFAS by eliminating the de minimis exemption that allowed facilities to avoid reporting information on PFAS when those chemicals were used in small concentrations. PFAS are used at low concentrations in many products, and as a result of removing this reporting exemption, facilities in TRI-covered industry sectors that make or use any of the 189 TRI-listed PFAS, will no longer be able to avoid disclosing the quantities of PFAS they manage or release into the environment. The rule also makes the de minimis exemption unavailable for purposes of supplier notification requirements to downstream facilities for all chemicals on the list of chemicals of special concern, which also includes additional chemicals that, like PFAS, remain in the environment for long periods of time and build up in the body like lead, mercury, and dioxins. This change helps ensure that purchasers of mixtures and trade name products containing these chemicals are informed of their presence in mixtures and products they purchase. For more details, see https://www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventory-tri-program/changes-tri-reporting-requirements-and-polyfluoroalkyl.
FEMA Seeks Feedback on Resource Typing for Emergency Medical Services
FEMA is seeking public input on 12 documents related to ground Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and ambulance response as part of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)—the documents focus on public health, healthcare and EMS, including paramedics and ambulances.
These resource typing documents aim to enhance interoperability and the effectiveness of mutual aid. They establish baseline qualifications and facilitate sharing resources that can be deployed across all jurisdictional levels.
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Complete 2022 TRI Dataset Now Available
Updated Toxics Release Inventory data for 2022 are now available in Envirofacts and in the online tools on the TRI website. This dataset updates the preliminary 2022 data released in August 2023. It includes revised and late submissions from facilities received by EPA as of October 18, 2023.
Among the updated TRI tools, communities can use EPA’s TRI Toxics Tracker to map the locations of TRI-reporting facilities and find out about their chemical releases, other chemical waste management practices, and pollution prevention activities.
EPA's full analysis of the 2022 data will be published early next year in the 2022 TRI National Analysis, and will examine numerous aspects of the data, including trends in environmental releases, waste management reporting by industry sectors, and how facilities are working to reduce pollution.
CAMEO Chemicals 3.0.0 Software Update Released
CAMEO Chemicals is available as a website, mobile website, desktop program, and an app for iOS and Android mobile devices. This release includes a new mapping tool to plot initial isolation and protective action distances from the Emergency Response Guidebook. This feature is similar to the one that had previously been available in WISER. Map objects can also be exported as KML files to view in other mapping tools, such as MARPLOT.
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Training Opportunities and Conferences |
EPA Region 5: How to Comply with EPA's EPCRA and 112(r) Reporting Requirements for Chlorine
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region V is sponsoring a series of web-based training programs this year for water and wastewater plant operators, and other facilities that have chlorine in a process. These FREE training programs will provide participants with the information and tools necessary to comply with EPA’s emergency planning, notification, and reporting requirements for chlorine. At the completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify entities that need to be notified about the amount of chlorine being used or stored at their facility;
- Explain chlorine release notification procedures;
- Explain what should be included in a Risk Management Program and submitted in a Risk Management Plan;
- Describe common compliance deficiencies; and
- Describe best management practices.
Both sessions will cover the same material. Click below to register:
ChemLock: Secure Your Chemicals Security Planning Training Course, Virtual
This course walks through how to create a tailored, scalable security plan that meets the business model and unique circumstances of a facility. Participants will learn the key elements of a chemical security plan and benefit from examples, lessons learned, and best practices. The course runs 2-3 hours in length and is designed to help leadership, facility security personnel, and other applicable personnel understand, develop, and implement a facility security plan.
ChemLock: Introduction to Chemical Security Training Course, Virtual
This course provides an introduction to identifying, assessing, evaluating, and mitigating chemical security risks. This easy-to-understand overview identifies key components and best practices of chemical security awareness and planning to help kickstart chemical security discussions at a facility. This course runs 1-2 hours in length and is appropriate for all personnel regardless of their level of involvement with dangerous chemicals.
Please share this course information with relevant chemical security stakeholders in your area. To request a special offering of either course for a facility or organization, please fill out the ChemLock Services Request Form. If you have questions about the ChemLock program, please email ChemLock@cisa.dhs.gov.
EPA Region 1: Chemical Accident Prevention for Ammonia Refrigeration Systems
Anhydrous ammonia is a highly efficient and effective refrigerant commonly used in industrial refrigeration systems. However, ammonia is a toxic substance which must be handled with care to reduce the risk of accidental leaks and harmful exposures. The US EPA regulates the safe management of ammonia refrigerant through the chemical accident prevention provisions of the Clean Air Act and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
Join the EPA Region 1 webinar that will cover common unsafe conditions and common citations at ammonia refrigeration facilities. The webinar will also provide some results from the Region 1 General Duty Clause (GDC) pilot initiative for ammonia refrigeration facilities. This pilot was designed to increase compliance at ammonia refrigeration facilities with the GDC of the Clean Air Act. Joint EPA, OSHA and DHS resources covering the Chemical Warehouse and Chemical Distributor sector including: EPA Enforcement Alert, Joint Agency Safety Advisory and new video will also be shared.
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Ammonia Safety & Training Institute (ASTI) presents Safety Day training and chemical Tabletop Exercises (TTX) available to local industry and community responders
- ASTI formed the National Safety Day Coalition together with IIAR, RETA, and GCCA to present safety and emergency response preparedness training at minimal cost to the attendees.
- ASTI worked with Region 9 EPA to create ammonia Tabletop Exercises based upon the One Plan four stages of response; focused on engaging local, state, and federal emergency response plans.
- ASTI organizes and leads a local committee of industry, public safety, and governmental leaders to create Safety Day presentations and Tabletop Exercises.
- Sample topics include: hazard analysis, health & safety concerns, critical task readiness, e.g., emergency system control, rapid “grab and go” rescue by first responders, and methods of containment and control of ammonia events using proper methods e.g., personnel protective equipment, decontamination, teaming agreement with public safety responders, monitoring systems, and command team coordination and communications readiness to address on-site and off-site life safety and environmental receptors.
Scheduled Events
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Environmental Protection Agency / Department of Homeland Security & US Coast Guard
Department of Labor & Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Department of Transportation / Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/ Department of Agriculture
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