EPA to Add CERCLA Financial Responsibility Requirements for Chemical Industry, Others

In today’s Federal Register, US EPA announced it will move forward with a rulemaking to establish financial responsibility requirements for the chemical, petroleum, and electric power industries under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Under CERLCA §108(b), EPA is authorized to create regulations that require certain industries or facilities to establish and maintain evidence that they can “cover” the costs of risk associated with their production, transportation, treatment, or storage of hazardous chemicals.

This is not a Final Rule, but a notice from EPA that the Agency plans to propose a rule.

EPA Proposes CERCLA §108(b) Requirements for Hardrock Mining Industry

In addition, EPA also posted a notice of proposed rulemaking this morning to establish these CERCLA financial responsibility requirements for the hardrock mining industry. Comments on EPA’s proposal to add the CERCLA §108(b) requirements for hardrock mining are due by March 13, 2017.

Superfund (CERCLA) and Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) FAQ

Questions about Superfund or EPCRA Right-to-Know Act regulations? This Superfund and Right-to-Know Act FAQ defines key terms and provides insight into how these two major EPA programs impact chemical facilities.

Coming Soon—Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online Course!

Build the in-depth understanding and knowledge it takes to keep your chemical facility in compliance with US EPA's right-to-know and Superfund (EPCRA and CERCLA) regulations! The new Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online Course  guides you through the critical elements of chemical emergency preparedness, recordkeeping, and reporting.

Mastering these complex and overlapping US EPA chemical standards will help protect workers and the public from releases and defend your facility against EPA fines now up to $53,907 per day, per violation. Learn more about the new online course here! 

Tags: CERCLA, chemicals, EPA, new rules