What You Need To Know About Filing Tier II Chemical Inventories and Reporting Hazardous Materials Releases and Incidents
The handling and storage of hazardous materials are subject to strict regulations to protect public safety and the environment. In 1986, federal and state laws were passed, mandating that all company owners and operators report their hazardous materials inventories and any incidents involving the release of these substances. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in significant civil penalties of up to $25,000, which can have severe consequences for businesses.
Tier II Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reporting
All companies, regardless of their size, that store regulated hazardous materials at their facilities in quantities equal to or exceeding 500 pounds are required to file a Tier II Hazardous Chemical Inventory report. This report must include the amount of each chemical stored and its specific location within the facility. The report should cover all regulated hazardous materials stored at the facility on any single day during the previous calendar year.
The deadline for submitting the Tier II Hazardous Chemical Inventory form is March 1st of each year. Companies must electronically file this report with three entities: the State Police Right-to-Know Unit, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) in their parish, and the local fire department. However, small businesses, as defined in the Right-to-Know Rules (Section 10105), may be allowed to submit a paper copy of their Tier II Chemical Inventory if electronic reporting poses a hardship.
Release Reporting for Hazardous Materials
In addition to inventory reporting, company owners and operators are also required to promptly report any releases of regulated hazardous materials that pose a threat to public safety or exceed specified reportable quantities. Specifically, if there is a release of crude oil surpassing 100 pounds or a release of natural gas exceeding 1000 pounds from leases or fields, it must be reported immediately, regardless of system pressure.
Moreover, if the release involves a situation that endangers public safety, such as a fire, explosion, evacuation, road closure, or injury or fatality, it must be reported irrespective of the quantity of crude oil or natural gas released. To report such incidents, owners, and operators must promptly call the State Police Hazardous Materials Hotline at 225-925-6595 or toll-free at 1-877-925-6595. This hotline report must be made within one hour of the incident’s occurrence to ensure that local and state government agencies can be notified immediately and take necessary actions to safeguard public safety.
Following the Hotline report, owners and operators must submit a written follow-up report to both the State Police Right-to-Know Unit and the LEPC of the parish where the incident occurred. This written report should be sent within five business days or seven calendar days after the incident takes place.
Complying with the regulations on filing Tier II Chemical Inventories and reporting hazardous material releases is crucial for every company owner and operator. These regulations are designed to ensure public safety and prevent adverse environmental impacts. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in significant civil penalties, which can have severe consequences for businesses.
By following the guidelines outlined in this blog post and staying up to date with any changes in federal and state laws, companies can proactively meet their responsibilities regarding hazardous materials management, fostering a safer environment for all. If you need help filing your Tier II report, Leaaf Environmental can help you at info@leaaf.com
