EPA Finalizes Disclosure Rule for Offsite Consequence Analysis Data


		AcuSafe -> August 2000 Newsletter
		EPA Finalizes Disclosure Rule for Offsite Consequence Analysis Data

EPA published its final rule on August 4, 2000 about the public disclosure of offsite consequence analysis (OCA) information that is required as part of the Accidental Release Prevention Risk Management Plan (RMP). Under the original RMP rule, EPA planned to disclose this information, including release distances under worst case scenario conditions, on the internet. Controversy surrounding this disclosure led to passage of the Chemical Safety Information, Site Security and Fuels Regulatory Relief Act (CSISSFRRA) in 1999.

Under the final rule, EPA intends to make available portions of the OCA related to the methodology and parameters used over the internet. Release distances and chemical quantities, however, would not be included. For members of the public interested in knowing if any given location is within the "vulnerable zone" of one or more facilities, an online tool (available October 5, 2000) would be available to make that determination. The tool would reveal only whether the location is within a vulnerable zone, not the name of the facility or facilities. Federal, state, and local officials acting in an official capacity may also have full access to electronic OCA information.

To address security concerns, EPA invites members of the public to view OCA information at one of at least 50 reading rooms across the U.S., or by contacting State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs), Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), and related state and local agencies in their jurisdiction. The federal reading rooms will be available by December 31, 2000. People who use the reading rooms must present proper identification and certify that they have not received access to more than ten stationary sources in that calendar month.

For more information from EPA, please refer to the accompanying Fact Sheet, or if you prefer, the full text in the Federal Register is also available.