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. 

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. 
   

Relevant Sections of EPCRA	CT General Statutes, Title 22a, Chapter 446l	Federal Code, Title 42, Chapter 116	Code of Federal Regulations
Establishment of the SERC, Planning Districts and LEPC	Section 22a-601	Subchapter I, § 11001	40 CFR Part 355
Designation, Reportable Quantities and Notification Emergency Planning and Notification	Section 22a-607	Subchapter I, § 11002	40 CFR Part 355
Comprehensive Emergency Response Plans	Section 22a-603	Subchapter I, § 11003	40 CFR Part 355
Emergency Release Notification	Section 22a-608	Subchapter I, § 11004	40 CFR Part 355
Hazardous Chemical Reporting and Material Safety Data Sheets	Section 22a-609	Subchapter I, § 11021	40 CFR Part 370
Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory (Tier II) Reporting	Section 22a-610	Subchapter II, § 11022	40 CFR Part 370
Trade Secrets	n/a	Subchapter III, § 11042	40 CFR Part 350
Provision of Information to Health Professionals, Doctors & Nurses	n/a	Subchapter III, § 11043	40 CFR Part 350.40
Definitions	n/a	Subchapter III, § 11049
Toxics Release Reporting Requirements	Section 22a-611	Subchapter II, § 11023	40 CFR Part 372

The Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 includes national planning and preparedness provisions for oil spills that are similar to EPCRA provisions for EHSs.  Plans are developed at the local, state and federal levels.  The OPA plans offer an opportunity for LEPCs to coordinate their plans with area and facility oil spill plans covering the same geographical area. 
 

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments required the EPA and OSHA to issue regulations for chemical accident prevention.   Facilities that have certain chemical above specified threshold quantities are required to develop a risk management program to identify and evaluate hazards and manage those hazards safely.  Facilities subject to EPA's risk management program rules must submit a risk management plan (RMP) summarizing its program.  For further information regarding RMP guidance, go to EPA's website: Clean Air Act, Section 112 (r) - Risk Management Program rule.  

or contact   Connecticut State Emergency Response Commission
c/o Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
DEEP.CTEPCRA@ct.gov