Search

EPA May Require New Plan for Worst-Case Hazardous Substance Releases

Posted on 5/16/2022 by Roseanne Bottone and Roger Marks

Update 05/16/22

Comment period extended. US EPA will accept public comments on the proposed rule to require planning for a worst-case discharge of hazardous substances until July 26, 2022.

EPA announced the extension in the Federal Register on May 16, 2022

US EPA recently proposed a new regulation that would require certain facilities to create and submit a Facility Response Plan (FRP) for a “worst case” discharge of a hazardous substance listed in the Clean Water Act.

EPA will accept public comments on the proposed rule until May 27, 2022. The proposal would apply to onshore, non-transportation-related facilities that could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment by discharging a hazardous substance.

To be more specific, the proposed rule may impact facilities that:
  • Have the container capacity to store a CWA hazardous substance at or above the quantity threshold, and
  • Are located within one-half mile to a navigable water or a conveyance to a navigable water.  
If a facility meets these two criteria, the owner/operator must determine if the facility meets one or more of four substantial harm criteria:
  • Ability to adversely impact a public water system;
  • Ability to cause injury to fish, wildlife, and sensitive environments (FWSE);
  • Ability to cause injury to public receptors; or
  • The facility had a reportable discharge of a CWA hazardous substance within the last 5 years.  
Facilities that demonstrate the container capacity, location, and potential for substantial harm would be required to submit an FRP to EPA. In addition, EPA Regional Administrators have authority to require an FRP from a facility even if the facility does not meet the criteria above.

Read EPA’s proposed rule in the Federal Register.

What is a Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance?

The list of “Clean Water Act hazardous substances” is found in 40 CFR 116.4. The list is made up of substances that, when discharged to water, present an imminent and substantial danger to public health and the environment.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are by far the most frequently discharged hazardous substances in recent years. PCBs made up 55% of all (reported) hazardous substances discharges between 2010 and 2019, according to the National Response Center.

Other commonly discharged hazardous substances include sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonia, benzene, hydrochloric acid, and chlorine.

What’s in the Proposed Hazardous Substance FRP?

EPA proposes that each covered facility’s Clean Water Act hazardous substance FRP will include:
  • Facility information including owner or operator information,
  • Hazard evaluation and reportable discharge history,
  • Response personnel and equipment, and notification lists,
  • Personnel roles and responsibilities,
  • Response equipment information, actions, and containment measures,
  • Evacuation plans,
  • Discharge detection systems,
  • Disposal information,
  • Training and exercise procedures,
  • Self-inspection, and more.
If and when EPA finalizes this rulemaking, Lion News will summarize additional details about the specific elements required in the plan. 

Convenient, Effective Online EHS Manager Training

Managing site compliance with the many complex EPA programs that affect your business—from the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to TSCA, EPCRA, CERLCA, and more—is a major challenge. 

The Complete Environmental Regulations online course will prepare you to identify your site's responsibilities under major environmental laws and regulations. This course is ideal for new EHS managers, environmental consultants, and anyone who wants clarity about how complex environmental requirements fit together. 

Or check out these courses on specific EPA programs:
 
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
 

Tags: Clean Water Act, environmental compliance, EPA, hazardous substances, proposed rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

This is the best RCRA training I've experienced! I will be visiting Lion training again.

Cynthia L. Logsdon

Principal Environmental Engineer

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

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

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Knowing why TSDFs reject loads of hazardous waste—and the exact steps to follow if it happens—can reduce your anxiety and uncertainty about rejection.

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.