EPA Advises Facility Operators to Minimize Releases during Hazardous Weather Events (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC)
(ATLANTA – May 25, 2011)As hurricane season
approaches, EPA is issuing a Hazardous Weather Release Prevention
and Reporting alert to remind facility operators of certain
regulations that require minimization of chemical releases during
process shutdown operations. This alert is designed to increase
awareness among facility operators about their obligation to
operate facilities safely and report chemical releases in a timely
manner.
The alert specifies operational release
minimization requirements and clarifies reporting requirements,
including exemptions. Unlike some natural disasters, the onset of a
hurricane is predictable and allows for early preparations to
lessen its effect on a facility. Before hurricane force winds and
associated storm surge flooding damage industrial processes, the
alert recommends that operators take preventive action by safely
shutting down processes, or otherwise operate safely under
emergency procedures.
The alert and requirements are available
at https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-epa-region-4-southeast.
In the event of a hazardous weather incident,
please visit http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/ for updated emergency information.