Search
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

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

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

John Gratacos

Logistics Manager

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

I chose Lion's online webinar because it is simple, effective, and easily accessible.

Jeremy Bost

Environmental Health & Safety Technician

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Shipping papers are a crucial part of safely shipping hazardous materials. See the top 5 mistakes shippers make on shipping papers, and how to avoid them.

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.