EPA seeks comments on proposed revisions to Risk Management Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on its proposal to amend the Risk Management Program under the Clean Air Act to improve safety at facilities that use and distribute hazardous chemicals.

Risk Management Program regulations are used to prevent and mitigate chemical accidents and are revised on a regular basis to continue to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents.

Facilities that have risk management plans and may be affected by the proposed changes range from large chemical manufacturers to water and wastewater treatment systems.

The EPA says the RMP rules would be adjusted to amplify accident prevention program requirements and enhance emergency preparedness requirements. The changes also reflect efforts to improve public awareness of chemical hazards and ensure that communities, local planners, first responders, and the public have the enhanced information sharing and collaboration necessary to address natural disasters, loss of power, and other emergencies.

Feedback from involved and interested parties will be accepted through Oct. 31 via Regulations.gov.

The proposal and background information are available online.

For more information, contact Deanne Grant at 202-564-1096 or grant.deanne@epa.gov, or Veronica Southerland at 202-564-2333 or sutherland.veronica@epa.gov.