EPCRA-Tier II Reporting

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The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was passed by Congress in response to concerns regarding environmental and safety hazards posed by the storage and handling of toxic chemicals. These concerns were triggered by the 1984 disaster in Bhopal, India, caused by an accidental release of methylisocyanate. The release killed or severely injured more than 2,000 people. 

 

To reduce the likelihood of such a disaster in the United States, Congress imposed requirements for federal, state and local governments, tribes and industries. These requirements covered emergency planning and reporting of hazardous and toxic chemicals. The Community Right-to-Know provisions help increase the public's knowledge and access to information on chemicals at individual facilities, their uses, and releases into the environment. Stats and communities, working with facilities, can use the information to improve chemical safety and protect public health and the environment. 

 

Facilities must complete and submit a toxic chemical release inventory form (Form R) annually. Form R must be submitted for each of the over 600 Toxic Release Inventory chemicals that are manufactured or otherwise used above the applicable threshold quantities.