The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was passed in 1986 to ensure that citizens (through local and state emergency/environmental authorities, typically called Local Emergency Planning Committees [LEPCs]) are made aware of the chemical hazards present in their communities and are prepared to deal with chemical emergencies. EPCRA generally applies to vehicle/grounds maintenance facilities since these facilities store or use paints, petroleum products, solvents, certain cleaning products, or batteries, depending on the quantity of the hazardous substance present.

In general, you must notify state and local authorities if you use a chemical that has a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The form this notification must take depends on what state or local authorities require. In some cases, you must submit an MSDS; in others, a letter with a list of the chemicals used at the facility is sufficient.

Additionally, facilities must submit a Tier I form (or Tier II form) to the local fire department and LEPC if they have hazardous chemicals present at any one time in amounts of 10,000 pounds or greater, or if they have extremely hazardous substances (EHS) above 500 pounds or their threshold reporting quantity (whichever is lower). This can include any material for which a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) exists--even sand!

Although EPCRA reporting is typically the domain of the college or university’s EH&S or Facilities Management offices, you may benefit from the information provided in this section of the tour regarding EPCRA regulatory requirements.