SERC: Laws and Regulations

State Emergency

Response Commission (SERC)
c/o DEP
79 Elm Street

Hartford CT 06106-5127

Phone
(860)-424-3373

FAX
(860) 424-4062

Email
dep.ctepcra@ct.gov

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The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was enacted by Congress on October 17, 1986 as an outgrowth of concern over the protection of the public from chemical emergencies and dangers.

State Laws Defining the EPCRA Program

Federal Laws Defining the EPCRA Program

Note: 40 CFR Part 355 means that the federal regulation is in Volume 40, Part 355 of the Code of Federal Regulations. EPA is finalizing changes to the Emergency Planning Notification, Emergency Release Notification and Hazardous Chemical Reporting regulations that were proposed on June 8, 1998. This final action (Final Rule-December 3, 2008) includes minor revisions to the Emergency Planning Notification, Emergency Release Notification and Hazardous Chemical Reporting regulations, codifying statutory requirements, and clarifying certain interpretations and policy statements that EPA has provided to the regulated community. The Agency is in the process of finalizing the plain language format of the regulations.

Other Relevant Regulations, Rules and Websites

The Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 includes national planning and preparedness provisions for oil spills that are similar to EPCRA provisions for EHSs. For further information regarding Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation Overview, go to EPA's website at www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/lawsregs/opprover.htm .

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments required the EPA and OSHA to issue regulations for chemical accident prevention. For further information regarding RMP guidance, go to EPA's website at www.epa.gov/emergencies/guidance.htm#rmp .

Guidance or Statutory References Regarding other State Reporting Requirements that do not fall under EPCRA

Federal Department of Homeland Security

Facility Security Regulation

The federal Department of Homeland Security(DHS) has adopted the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Interim Final Rule (6 CFR Part 27). The Final Rule is intended to fill a security gap in our country's anti-terrorism efforts by identifying and improving the security of chemicals that are potentially at a high level of risk for release, theft, or sabotage. The Final Rule imposes comprehensive federal security regulations for high-risk chemical facilities and establishes risk-based performance standards for the security of our nation's chemical facilities.

Part of the Final Rule is the CSAT Top-Screen which is a questionnaire regarding the chemicals manufactured, processed, used, stored at or distributed by each facility. Based on the results of the CSAT Top-Screen, facilities may be required by DHS to complete a CSAT Security Vulnerability Assessment and develop CSAT Site Security Plan. The CSAT Top-Screen questionnaire, Security Vulnerability Assessment tool, and Site Security Plan template are online tools that DHS will require all regulated facilities to use.

The Top-Screen must be completed online within 60 calendar days of the effective date of the final Appendix A Chemicals of Interest list. Facilities should follow the registration instructions to access the CSAT. Once DHS validates a facility's registration, DHS will notify the facility about how to access the Top-Screen and other CSAT tools.

Further Information and Contacts

or contact

State Emergency Response Commission
c/o Department of Environmental Protection
Emergency Response and Spill Prevention Division
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
860-424-3373
dep.ctepcra@ct.gov

Content Last Updated June 29, 2009