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

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

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

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

In-flight hazmat incidents can be disastrous. This guide gives 5 tips for first-time air shippers to consider before offering dangerous goods for transportation on passenger or cargo aircraft.

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.