Search

Happy Birthday, EPCRA!

Posted on 10/25/2011 by Roger Marks

The U.S. EPA last week celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA). Web site.
 
The authorization of EPCRA in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan closely followed one of the worst industrial disasters in history. In December 1984, in Bhopal, India, water leaked into a tank of methyl isocyanate, catalyzing an exothermic reaction that resulted in the release of toxic gas which immediately killed over 2,000 people, and within weeks had reportedly caused the death of about 10,000 from gas-related disease.
 
EPCRA was designed to provide U.S. citizens access to information regarding hazardous chemicals being used in their communities. Under EPCRA, facilities that use hazardous chemicals must provide State and local officials, as well as local fire departments, with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) describing the hazardous chemicals in use. State and local governments work together to prepare and maintain annually the “chemical emergency response plans” required under the Act.
 
The EPA has made available a timeline of important events in the history of EPCRA on its website.
 

Tags: EPA, EPCRA, reporting and recordkeeping

Find a Post

Recent Posts

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

I had a positive experience utilizing this educational program. It was very informative, convenient, and rewarding from a career perspective.

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide as a quick reference to the most common HAZWOPER questions, and get course recommendations for managers and personnel who are in need of OSHA-required HAZWOPER training.

Download
Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.