Laws and Regulations

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. 

 

See US EPA's webpage at   https://www.epa.gov/epcra  for more information.

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. 
   
Relevant Sections of  EPCRA   CT General Statutes, Title 22a, Chapter 446l  
Federal Code, Title 42, Chapter 116 
December 3, 2008
Final Rule 
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 Final Rule 12/3/08, 40 CFR Part 355
Section 22a-603 Final Rule 12/3/08, 40 CFR Part 355
Emergency Release Notification
Section 22a-608 Subchapter I, § 11004 Final Rule 12/3/08, 40 CFR Part 355
Hazardous Chemical Reporting and Material Safety Data Sheets Section 22a-609 Subchapter I, § 11021 Final Rule 12/3/08, 40 CFR Part 370
Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory (Tier II) Reporting Section 22a-610 Subchapter II, § 11022 Final Rule 12/3/08, 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 Final Rule 12/3/08
Toxic Release Reporting Requirements  
Section 22a-611
40 CFR Part 372

Emergency Release Notification Requirements under CERCLA 103 and EPCRA 304

Frequently Asked Questions on Release Notification under CERCLA 103 and EPCRA 304

Designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA Release Reporting Requirements Factsheet | US EPA

 

Key provisions of EPCRA 

Other Relevant Regulations, Rules and Websites

 
Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)

CT Statutory and Regulatory References and Guidance Regarding other State Reporting Requirements that do not fall under EPCRA 


Other Laws that Provide Similar Information

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.  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.  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 at www.epa.gov/emergencies/guidance.htm#rmp .

 

Access to Public Records

The EPCRA law provides provisions for the public to gain access to facility information and requires municipal, state and federal agencies to retain specific records for a period of time.  For more information regarding the law, visit our webpage that describes the Community Right-to-Know provisions.

 



Further Information and Contacts

For further information regarding the EPCRA laws and regulations, please contact the U.S. Federal Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, Risk Management Plans and Oil Information Center by phone at 800-424-9346 or TDD is 800-553-7672 or www.epa.gov/superfund/contacts/infocenter/ .

   
or contact

State Emergency Response Commission
c/o Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Emergency Response and Spill Prevention Division
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
860-424-3373
DEEP.CTEPCRA@ct.gov
 
Content Last Updated December 7, 2022