At Watkins Group, LLC, we’ve spent over three decades helping facility operators across the country meet their environmental compliance obligations with clarity and confidence. If you run an ice rink or arena, you’re focused on keeping the ice smooth, the schedule tight, and your community coming back. The last thing you need is another layer of complex federal paperwork. Many ice rink operators are surprised to learn that their ammonia refrigeration systems and modern battery-powered ice resurfacers often trigger EPCRA Tier II reporting requirements under federal law. Below, we explain what that means for your facility and how we make the entire process straightforward—so you can focus on what matters most: delivering great skating experiences.
Tier II / Tier 2 (also known as the Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Report) is required under Section 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Every year by March 1, facilities that store certain hazardous chemicals above specific thresholds must submit a Tier II report to:
Your State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)
Your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
Your local fire department
The report provides first responders with accurate information about chemicals on site so they can protect your community in the event of an emergency. If you don't currently have a Tier II report on file, we can get you compliant quickly, before the Fire Marshal forces the issue.
Two common pieces of equipment in today’s ice facilities frequently meet the reporting thresholds:
Ammonia Chillers
Anhydrous ammonia is an Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS). The federal reporting threshold is 500 pounds (or the Threshold Planning Quantity, whichever is lower).
Most ice rinks using ammonia as a refrigerant store well above this amount in their refrigeration systems. The EPA has specifically noted that most ice rinks using ammonia chillers are subject to Tier II reporting.
Battery-Operated Zamboni Machines (and other electric resurfacers)
Many newer battery-powered ice resurfacers use large industrial batteries.
Lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid (an EHS with a 500-pound threshold).
You must calculate the total sulfuric acid across all batteries on site.
Even lithium-ion systems can require review if other battery components or related chemicals exceed thresholds.
If your facility stores any of these materials above the thresholds at any point during the previous calendar year, you are required to file.
We hear the same story from facility managers and operations directors every year:
You’re already stretched thin managing daily operations, events, maintenance, and staff.
Tracking exact chemical inventories, completing the detailed Tier II forms, and ensuring submissions reach the right agencies on time is time-consuming and easy to overlook.
Missing the deadline or submitting inaccurate data can lead to fines, enforcement actions, and unnecessary stress.
You didn’t go into this business to become a regulatory expert—and you shouldn’t have to.
Since 1994, Watkins Group, LLC has been a national leader in simplifying Tier II reporting and other EPCRA obligations for facilities just like yours. We don’t offer generic environmental consulting. We specialize in making complex reporting requirements painless and fast for operators who run ice rinks, arenas, and recreational facilities.Here’s what sets us apart:
Deep industry knowledge — Our team understands ammonia refrigeration systems, battery storage in resurfacers, and the unique operational realities of ice facilities.
Annual service model — We handle your Tier II inventory tracking, form preparation, and submission every year so you never have to think about it again.
Personal connection — We work directly with rink operators and facility managers. Many of our long-term clients tell us the best part is finally having someone who “gets it” and takes the entire burden off their shoulders.
Accurate chemical inventory calculations (including ammonia and battery components)
Complete, error-free Tier II forms
Timely electronic submission to all required agencies
Peace of mind that your facility stays compliant year after year
If you operate an ice rink and want to stop worrying about Tier II deadlines, we’re here to help. Our process is designed to be quick, transparent, and low-effort on your end. We’d love to connect with you personally—no hard sales pitch, just a straightforward conversation about your facility and how we can take this off your plate. Reach out today to schedule a brief call with one of our compliance specialists. We’ll listen to your situation, answer your questions, and show you exactly how simple compliance can be. Contact Watkins Group, LLC
We’ll focus on the paperwork.
— The Watkins Group Team
Simplifying compliance since 1994
Office:
(423) 225-2618
Email:
support@watkinsgroupllc.com