Available Now: 2023 Schedule of Hazmat & RCRA Training
Search

EPA Seeks Further Delay of EPCRA and CERCLA Reporting Rules for Farms

Posted on 1/23/2018 by Roger Marks

UPDATE 02/02/18: The DC Circuit Court of Appeals has granted EPA's request to stay until May 1 the deadline for most farms to come into compliance with EPCRA and CERCLA chemical release reporting requirements. EPA has advised affected farmers to hold back reporting until the courts issue a mandate to officially eliminate exclusions for farmers granted in a 2008 Final Rule. 

***

US EPA last week filed a motion with the DC Circuit Court of Appeals to delay the effective date of chemical release reporting requirements applicable to animal waste at farms under two major EPA programs, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

Under CERCLA and EPCRA, facilities must report releases of listed chemical substances that exceed the “reportable quantity,” or RQ. For farm owners or operators, chemicals originating from animal waste and likely covered under these programs include ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, both of which have an RQ of 100 lbs.

animal-blog.jpgIn addition, spills or unintended releases of pesticides may be subject to CERCLA and EPCRA reporting, if the reportable quantity of a reportable chemical is released.

Unlike some other environmental regulations delayed or rescinded by the current administration, the CERCLA and EPCRA reporting rules for animal waste have long been targeted for elimination by EPA. In 2008, EPA promulgated a Final Rule to exclude most farms from the chemical release reporting requirements. That rule was challenged by citizen groups and ultimately struck down in April 2017.

Since then, EPA succeeded in staying the reporting obligations until January 22 of this year and is now seeking further delay. Farmers who may be affected should wait to report, EPA says, until the Circuit Court makes a decision on EPA’s latest request.

US EPA has prepared a fact sheet to help farm owners and operators prepare to meet their reporting responsibilities under CERCLA and EPCRA.


EPCRA and CERCLA Training—Online Anytime, Anywhere

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, complaints from the community, and future liability. Learn more about the new online course here! 
 

Tags: CERCLA, EPA compliance, EPCRA, new rules

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

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

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

This course went above my expectations from the moment I walked in the door. The instructor led us through two days packed with useful compliance information.

Rachel Stewart

Environmental 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

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

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.

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.