SARA Title III, also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), was established in 1986 to enhance public safety and environmental protection. This act was passed in response to growing concerns over chemical safety, particularly after major industrial disasters like the Bhopal disaster in 1984. SARA Title III aims to ensure that communities and emergency responders are informed about hazardous chemicals being stored or released in their area, enabling swift action in case of emergencies.
EPCRA has several sections that require businesses to report hazardous chemicals:
Section 302: This section mandates that businesses notify State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs) and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) about the presence of extremely hazardous substances (EHS). This ensures that local emergency services are aware of potential hazards.
Sections 311-312: These sections require businesses to maintain and submit Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals. If certain quantities are exceeded, companies must also submit Tier II reports. Tier I and Tier II reporting apply to hazardous materials, and these reports help local authorities and fire departments understand the risks in the area.
Section 313 (TRI Reporting): This section requires businesses to report toxic chemical releases to the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). This ensures that both the public and government agencies are aware of routine and accidental chemical releases.
Navigating environmental regulations can be complex and time-consuming. At Watkins Group, LLC, we simplify compliance by offering tailored solutions for Tier II reporting, TRI reporting, stormwater permitting, SPCC plan development and more.
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Industry Credentials:
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Lead Auditor
CESCO - Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer (NREP)
CSRP - Certified Sustainability and Resilience Professional (NREP)
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER 40) OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA 30 - 1910)
SARA Title III is designed to promote transparency and community safety. By requiring businesses to report the storage and release of hazardous chemicals, local governments and emergency responders are better equipped to manage chemical emergencies. Facilities that handle hazardous materials need to have robust internal procedures to prevent and mitigate chemical releases, as well as rapid response strategies for emergencies.
Failure to comply with SARA Title III can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $57,317 per day for non-compliance. Businesses must ensure that they are meeting all federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
Tier II reporting is a critical component of SARA Title III. Businesses that store hazardous chemicals in quantities that exceed established thresholds are required to submit Tier II reports to their SERC, LEPC, and local fire departments.
Thresholds for Tier II Reporting: Most hazardous chemicals have a reporting threshold of 10,000 pounds. For Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS), the threshold is 500 pounds or the Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ), whichever is lower.
Exemptions: Small amounts of chemicals or minor releases may be exempt from reporting, depending on state-specific rules.
Tier II reporting helps local agencies prepare for emergencies by providing critical information about the chemicals stored on-site. This includes:
Type and quantity of hazardous chemicals.
Storage locations within the facility.
Potential risks, such as flammability or toxicity.
In the event of a chemical release or fire, emergency responders can quickly access this information and take appropriate measures to protect the community.
With numerous thresholds and reporting requirements, SARA Title III compliance can be complex. Businesses often rely on Tier II reporting management systems to track chemical inventories and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. These systems make it easier to submit reports on time, keep track of regulatory changes, and develop disaster response plans.
Watkins Group, LLC provides expert guidance and services to help businesses manage their SARA Title III reporting obligations. From calculating chemical thresholds to submitting Tier II reports, we ensure your facility stays compliant and avoids penalties.
Stay Compliant with Watkins Group, LLC
Let our experienced team handle your SARA Title III reporting and ensure full compliance with EPCRA requirements. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your business and community.