Connecticut State Emergency Response Commission

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.

Key provisions of EPCRA

See US EPA's webpage 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.

EPCRA Sections and Related State and Federal Laws
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

Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)

Related Laws

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.

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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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

Content Last Updated January 14, 2026