Search

Failure to Report Release Costs Texas Oil Company $400,000

Posted on 3/15/2016 by Roger Marks

For failing to notify the National Response Center (NRC) of a reportable discharge of a hazardous substance, a Houston-based oil and gas company will pay $400,000 to Federal and State environmental agencies and serve a two-year probation term.

CERCLA Release Reporting Requirements

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), facilities must notify the National Response Center immediately of a release of hazardous substance in excess of the thresholds set by statute. The reporting requirement is also codified in US Law, at 33 U.S.C. §1321 – Oil and hazardous substance liability.

The threshold for reporting under CERLCA is once a “reportable quantity,” or RQ, of the material has been released. For most hazardous substances, the RQ ranges from 1 to 5,000 pounds. A complete list of reportable quantities under CERCLA can be found at 40 CFR 302.4.

For more information on when CERCLA reporting is required, and who must report, read Release Reporting Requirements—CERCLA vs. EPCRA.

cercla hazardous substance release spilled from drum

Reporting releases is a complex part of managing hazardous chemicals, hazardous substances, and hazardous wastes, especially because the thresholds for reporting—and who receives the report— vary depending on a number of factors: what kind of material was released, how much was released, and more.

Some releases require reporting within 30 days, some require reporting within 24 hours, some require immediate reporting, and others require no report at all. Reports for different types of releases may be directed to State or regional EPA officials, Federal US EPA, local emergency planners and responders, the National Response Center, or other bodies.  

If you need to report a hazardous substance release to the National Response Center, call 800-424-8802.

Read the Department of Justice press release announcing the enforcement action here.

Interactive, Engaging EPA Workshops

Build confidence working with the many of EPA programs that affect your site—from the Clean Air Act to the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, EPCRA, CERCLA, TSCA, FIFRA, and more! Presented by dedicated, full-time instructors in cities nationwide, the Complete Environmental Regulations Workshop will help you identify the EPA programs that apply to your site, keep your operations in compliance, and avoid civil penalties up to $37,500 per day, per violation.

Tags: CERCLA, EPA, reporting and recordkeeping

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

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

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

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

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

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

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

David Hertvik

Vice President

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

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online training.

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.