Tier II reporting is a key regulatory requirement for businesses that store or handle hazardous chemicals, as outlined in the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). To streamline this process, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides Tier2Submit, a software tool designed to help facilities accurately prepare and submit their annual Tier II reports. This guide from Watkins Group, LLC will walk you through what Tier II Submit is, how it works, and how our team can help you simplify the entire reporting process.
Tier II Submit is an EPA-approved software tool that helps businesses comply with EPCRA’s Tier II reporting requirements. This software allows facilities to easily compile and organize their chemical inventory data, ensuring that reports are accurate and meet both federal and state-specific guidelines.
The main purpose of Tier II Submit is to simplify the reporting process by allowing businesses to:
Track and store information about hazardous chemicals on-site.
Automatically calculate whether chemical storage exceeds Tier II thresholds.
Submit reports electronically to state and local authorities, ensuring all information is distributed to the State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs), Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), and fire departments.
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)
User-Friendly Interface: Tier II Submit offers a streamlined interface that makes it easy for businesses to enter their chemical data, track inventory, and ensure that all relevant information is captured.
Data Management: The software helps manage complex data regarding chemical names, physical and health hazards, storage locations, and quantities on-site.
Electronic Submission: With Tier2Submit, businesses can file reports electronically, reducing errors and ensuring that the right data reaches the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Compatibility with State Requirements: Some states have additional reporting requirements beyond federal regulations. Tier II Submit allows users to comply with both federal and state-specific regulations in a single report.
Annual Updates: The EPA regularly updates the software, ensuring that any changes in chemical classifications or regulatory requirements are incorporated.
Using Tier II Submit involves a few straightforward steps. However, navigating the nuances of the software, especially when dealing with complex chemical inventories, can be challenging without the right expertise.
Download and Install the Software: Tier II Submit can be downloaded for free from the EPA’s website. It is typically updated annually, so it’s essential to use the most current version.
Input Facility and Chemical Information: Users must input detailed information about their facility, including the chemicals stored, their quantities, and their hazard classifications.
Save and Review Data: The software allows users to save their progress and review the data to ensure that everything is accurate before submission.
Submit Reports Electronically: Once all information has been entered, Tier II Submit generates an electronic report that can be filed with SERCs, LEPCs, and fire departments.
Failing to submit accurate Tier II reports can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $57,317 per day per violation. The complexity of managing chemical inventories and understanding which substances exceed reporting thresholds can lead to errors, which increase the risk of non-compliance.
At Watkins Group, LLC, we specialize in Tier II compliance and use Tier II Submit to ensure that your reports are accurate, timely, and fully compliant with all relevant regulations.
While Tier II Submit simplifies the reporting process, the accuracy of the data you input is critical. This is where Watkins Group, LLC comes in. By partnering with us, you can take advantage of several key benefits:
Expert Guidance: We have deep expertise in Tier II reporting and ensure that all your chemical data is correctly entered into the system.
Customized Compliance Solutions: We tailor our approach based on the specific chemicals you store and the unique requirements of your state, ensuring full compliance.
Avoid Penalties: With our expertise, you can avoid the fines and penalties that come with incomplete or inaccurate Tier II submissions.
Streamlined Reporting: Our team handles every step of the process, from inventory tracking to electronic submission, so you can focus on your business without worrying about compliance issues.
Although Tier II Submit is a powerful tool, businesses often face several challenges when using it:
Complex Chemical Inventories: Facilities that handle large numbers of chemicals may find it difficult to track each substance and ensure accurate reporting.
State-Specific Regulations: Some states have more stringent reporting requirements, and Tier II Submit must be tailored to meet these additional regulations.
Data Management: For businesses that handle hundreds or even thousands of chemicals, managing all the required data can be overwhelming without professional assistance.
Partnering with Watkins Group, LLC for your Tier II reporting ensures that you remain compliant while avoiding the complexities of the process. Here's why we're the best choice for your business:
Experienced Team: Our experts have years of experience managing Tier II compliance, making sure that reports are accurate and submitted on time.
Comprehensive Support: We don’t just handle data entry—we provide end-to-end solutions, from chemical inventory audits to final submission.
Peace of Mind: With us handling your Tier II reporting, you can rest easy knowing that your business is fully compliant with both federal and state regulations.
Tier II Submit is a powerful tool that streamlines the process of filing Tier II reports, but accurate data entry and compliance with state-specific regulations are essential to avoid penalties. At Watkins Group, LLC, we provide the expertise and guidance you need to ensure full compliance with EPCRA and Tier II regulations.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Watkins Group, LLC today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist with your Tier II reporting using the Tier II Submit software. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on running your business.