What is the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act?

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) is a federal law passed in 1986 that requires companies to provide information about the chemicals they use and store. The act was created to help communities plan for emergency events related to hazardous materials and to give people the right to know what is being released from local businesses into their environment. EPCRA applies to over 300,000 businesses in the United States, including those in Washington State. Companies must submit an emergency plan to the state detailing how they would respond to an emergency, such as a fire, spill, or other event involving a hazardous material. Companies must also report the presence of any hazardous chemicals that are stored or used onsite. This information, along with an emergency plan, must be provided to local emergency responders, nearby businesses, and the public. If hazardous chemicals are released, companies must also report the amount and type of chemicals released. With this information, communities are better prepared to respond to an emergency involving hazardous materials. In Washington, the state Department of Ecology is responsible for enforcing EPCRA regulations and ensuring companies comply with the act. Local emergency responders and citizens can also use EPCRA to access information about the chemicals in their environment and to plan for emergencies.

Related FAQs

What is the Toxic Substances Control Act?
What are the local environmental laws?
What is the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act?
What is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act?
What are environmental permitting requirements?
What are the environmental regulations for energy, land use, and manufacturing?
What is the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act?
What is the Endangered Species Act?
What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act?
What is the Clean Water Act?

What is the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts