EPA Region 8 Emergency Preparedness Newsletter A V PR0-(t& Volume XII No, 3 Third Quarter 2022 Newsletter Welcome to the EPA Region 8 Preparedness Newsletter. Feel free to page through the entire newsletter or click on the links to the stories you want to read first. C1SA Updates FEMA Updates TRi Announcements ( * Ammonia Safety and Training Institute FFOA/PFOS Proposed CERCLA Listing Training arid Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Documents Next Page ------- Page 2 RMP SCCAP Proposed Rule On August 18, 2022, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan signed the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention (SCCAP) rule, which proposes revisions to the Risk Management Program (RMP) to further protect vulnerable communities from chemical accidents, especially those living near facilities with high accident rates. The proposed rule would strengthen the existing program and includes new safeguards that have not been addressed in prior RMP rules. Some of the proposed requirements include identifying safer technologies and chemical alternatives, more thorough incident investigations, and third-party auditing, all of which should benefit nearby communities. When finalized, the rule is expected to make communities safer by reducing the frequency of chemical releases and their adverse effects. For more details see the Proposed RMP SCCAP Rule Webpage. The public may comment on the SCCAP proposed rule at regulations.gov (Docket ID No.: EPA-HQ-QLEM-2022-0174) until October 31, 2022. In addition, EPA is also holding virtual public hearings on September 26, 27, and 28, 2022. See Virtual Public Hearings on Proposed RMP SCCAP Rule for more information. Fact sheets for facilities and communities have also been developed and can be found here: Fact Sheet for Regulated Facilities: Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention - RMP Proposed Rule (pdf) Fact Sheet for Communities: Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention - RMP Proposed Rule (pdf) CSB Updates Chemical Safety Board CSB Releases New Free Online Safety Training Application for Hazardous Chemicals CSB released a new safety training application focused on agency findings from the devastating 2005 BP Texas City explosion and fire and how they relate to OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard. The PSM standard outlines requirements for the management of hazards associated with highly hazardous chemicals. The training covers all 14 elements of PSM using the 2005 explosion as a model. The desktop training application is available for download here. The application recreates the details of the Texas City refinery and takes the viewer through interactive training modules on each element of PSM. At the end of each module there is an opportunity to test your knowledge. The CSB looks forward to receiving feedback on the new PSM safety training material. For feedback or assistance on the application, please email assistance@csb.gov. Next Page Return to Top ------- Page 3 Freight Rail Update As of September 15th, 2022, the nation's freight railroads have reached tentative agreements with all 12 unions in national bargaining and two of them have ratified the agreements with their membership, https://raillaborfacts.org/news/bargaining-status-faq-2022/ These tentative agreements averted a possible work stoppage on Friday, September 16. All tentative agreements are still subject to ratification by the unions' memberships, https:// raillaborfacts.org/news/freight-railroads-and-unions-reach-tentative-agreements/ BNSF Update (Sept 15): BNSF will continue normal operations. The actions we had begun to take on a small subset of certain commodities like hazardous and security-sensitive materials, as well as Temperature Controlled Intermodal (TCI), to ensure the safety and security of your freight have been lifted. Additionally, pending gate restrictions at certain intermodal and automotive facilities will not go into effect as announced yesterday, https://www.bnsf.com/ news-media/customer-notifications/notification.page?notId=tentative-agreements-reached-with -all-unions-strike-threat-averted Union Pacific Update (Sept 15): Union Pacific canceled the embargo on TIH, PIH and time sensitive commodities. We are working with customers to address any backlog of their shipments, https://www.up.com/customers/announcements/customernews/allcustomernews/ CN2022-55.html National Railway Labor Conference - Bargaining Status FAQ: https://raillaborfacts.org/ news/bargaining-status-faq-2022/ NASTTPO Conference National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials Mid-Year Conference October 17-20, 2022 - Houston, TX in conjunction with the Hotzone conference. Agenda items include: federal agency updates; It's time for Emergency Managers to Prepare for the Fragility of Electric Power Grids; West, Texas Explosion, Contributing Factors for Pre- planning Considerations; Accident Prevention and Response for Cryogenic Chemicals; Tribal Engagement; and more. For more information and to register, visit the NASTTPO Website. Next Page Return to Top ------- Page 4 CISA Updates 2022 Chemical Security Summit The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) hosted the 2022 Chemical Security Summit virtually and in-person from August 23-25 in the National Capital Region (in or around the Washington, D.C. area). The summit is the signature event for the spectrum of sectors that deal with chemical security including industry organizations, facility owners and operators, government officials, first responders, and law enforcement to hear the latest program and regulatory updates, share perspectives and lessons learned, and engage in dialogue regarding chemical security. Sessions covered the state of chemical security which included updates on the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program and CISA's new completely voluntary chemical security initiative ChemLock, a deep dive into the CFATS Risk-Based Performance Standards (RBPS) and best practices, chemical threat briefings, cyber hygiene services (such as vulnerability scanning) and many more topics. Presentations from the 2022 Summit and previous summits can be found here. TRI Updates 2021 Preliminary Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) (EPCRA 313) Data Available Preliminary TRI data covering toxic chemical releases at industrial facilities from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021, are now available in Envirofacts and in data files on the TRI website. EPA will continue quality checking the data and plans to publish the final 2021 National Analysis dataset in October. Please visit: www.epa.gov/toxics-release-inventorv-tri-program/2021-tri-preliminary-datase Toxics Release Inventory Virtual Engagement Event The TRI Program held a virtual event with speakers from universities, industry, local and state governments, and communities for presentations on topics including: • Assessing and prioritizing opportunities for advancing pollution prevention opportunities at facilities • Innovative TRI data uses by companies, state governments, and students • Using the Risk-Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) modeling results to identify communities with potential environmental justice concerns Visit the TRI homepage for more details. Next Page Return to lop ------- Page 5 Proposed PFOA/PFOS CERCLA Designation EPA is proposing to designate two of the most widely used per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensa- tion, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as "Superfund." This rulemaking would increase transparency around releases of these harmful chemicals and help to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up their contamination. If this designation is finalized, releases of PFOA and PFOS that meet or exceed the reportable quantity would have to be reported to the National Response Center, state or Tribal emergency re- sponse commissions, and the local or Tribal emergency planning committees. A release of these or any other hazardous substance will not always lead to the need to clean up or add a site to the Na- tional Priorities List (NPL), liability or an enforcement action. EPA anticipates that a final rule would encourage better waste management and treatment practices by facilities handling PFOA or PFOS. The reporting of a release could potentially accelerate privately financed cleanups and miti- gate potential adverse impacts to human health and the environment. Proposed Rule (Published September 6, 2022) EPA is asking for public comment on the proposal for 60 days—comments must be received on or before November 7, 2022—at docket EPA-HO-QLEM-2019-0341 on www.regulations.gov More information on PFAS, EPA actions on addressing the issue, and tools and resources can be found here. Fertilizer Retailer Reporting Fact Sheet EPA has developed a fact sheet ("EPCRA Reporting Re- quirements for Fertilizer Retailers") to help fertilizer re- tailers comply with EPCRA reporting requirements. The fact sheet explains the retail fertilizer exemption under EPCRA section 311(e)(5) and provides an overview of all EPCRA reporting requirements. oH 10R0. Next Page Return to Top ------- Page 6 PHMSA Updates Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: Repair Criteria, Integrity Manage- ment Improvements, Cathodic Protection, Management of Change, and Other Related Amendments Final Rule PHMSA is revising the Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations to improve the safety of onshore gas transmission pipelines. This final rule addresses several lessons learned following the Pacific Gas and Electric Compa- ny incident that occurred in San Bruno, CA, on September 9, 2010, and responds to public input received as part of the rulemaking process. The amendments in this final rule clarify certain integrity management provisions, codify a management of change process, update and bolster gas transmission pipeline corrosion control requirements, require operators to inspect pipelines following extreme weather events, strength- en integrity management assessment requirements, adjust the repair criteria for high- consequence areas, create new repair criteria for non-high consequence areas, and revise or cre- ate specific definitions related to the above amendments. The final rule is effective May 24, 2023. New PFAS resources for Firefighters Recently, there have been a host of information released regarding the issue of firefighting foams and topics that may effect our responders. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released the following publications: • Firefighting Foams: Fire Service Roadmap- This report aims to assist the fire service while transitioning to fluorine-free foam technology by summarizing currently available infor- mation on foam operations and handling, and knowledge gaps. • The new foams without PFAS compounds- As AFFF is phased out, new firefighting foams are being developed and the fire protection world looks for what is next. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) released an advisory on PFAS and Fire- fighter Turnout Gear which can be found here. |T1 NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION li™ J The leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards NFPA Next Page Return to Top ------- Page 7 FEMA Updates FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Releases Document Related to Emergency Operations Center Management • FEMA published the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management Support Team resource typing document. This National Incident Management System (NIMS) Resource Typing Definition provides support to the Authority Having Jurisdiction and the Incident Commander with key functions relating to EOC management, including subject-matter expertise and technical support. For more information, including the full-scope of resource typing definitions, visit the Resource Typing Library Tool (RTLT). FEMA Releases 2022-2026 FEMA National Tribal Strategy For the first time, FEMA released a national tribal strategy to better address its responsibilities to federally recognized Tribal Nations when responding to and preparing for disasters affecting tribal lands. The 2022-2026 FEMA National Tribal Strategy (National Tribal Strategy) provides FEMA with a roadmap to refine and elaborate on major strategic goals and objectives we are working to achieve. It includes information requested and recommended by tribal nations through extensive outreach sessions. FEMA added key issue areas to address requests from Tribal Nation members, to include tribal-specific technical assistance and tailored resources to support tribal emergency management programs. • Through the new National Tribal Strategy, FEMA will initiate a national study on tribal emergency management capacity and capabilities, develop a comprehensive FEMA Guide of programs, develop tribal-specific technical assistance resources, regularly convene an annual meeting of national and regional tribal liaisons, and expand training opportunities for Tribal Nations, and other related objectives. FEMA understands that sovereign Tribal Nations have unique needs, capabilities, and roles in emergency management. Inherent to the aspirations of the new National Tribal Strategy is a focus on improved engagement, partnership, and service between FEMA and the 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations it serves. Next Page Return to Top ------- Page 8 Ammonia Safety and Training Institute Ammonia Safety & Training Institute (ASTI) presents Safety Day training and chemical Tabletop Exercises (TTX) available to local industry and community responders • ASTI formed the National Safety Day Coalition together with IIAR, RET A, and GCCA to present safety and emergency response preparedness training at minimal cost to the attendees. • ASTI worked with Region 9 EPA to create ammonia Tabletop Exercises based upon the One Plan four stages of response, focused on engaging local, state, and federal emergency response plans. • ASTI organizes and leads a local committee of industry, public safety, and governmental leaders to create Safety Day presentations and Tabletop Exercises. Sample topics include: hazard analysis, health & safety concerns, critical task readiness, e.g., emergency system control, rapid "grab and go" rescue by first responders, and methods of containment and control of ammonia events using proper methods e.g., personnel protective equipment, decontamination, teaming agreement with public safety responders, monitoring systems, and command team coordination and communications readiness to address on-site and off-site life safety and environmental receptors. Event schedule updated regularly on ASTI website at www.ammonia-safetv.com. For a current list of events: Event Schedule Contact ASTI via email at asti@aminonia-safetv.coin or call 831-761-2935 for more information. Western Regions SERC/TERC Conference Save the Date for the 2023 Western Regions Conference which will be again virtual on January 25th and January 26th from 1:30-4:30 pm MST. An agenda and call-in information will be coming soon. Even more exciting news is that we already have the 2024 Western Regions Conference scheduled for January 24th and 25th which will be in-person in Clark County, Nevada. Stay tuned for more information as we develop both events. Next Page Return to Top ------- Page 9 Training Opportunities 2022 Schedule for the CAMEO for Facility Hazard Analysis Class There will be one additional session in 2022: Session 3: Oct. 19 - Nov. 16 (Webinars on Wednesdays) Zoom sessions/webinars begin at: 8 am PDT/9 am MDT/10 am CDT/11 am EDT The CAMEO for Facility Hazard Analysis Class is a mix of self-paced online classroom lessons and scheduled live webinars. The class operates on an online class platform (Ruzuku) and consists of weekly hands-on lessons and activi ties, "how to" videos and Q & A Zoom sessions with two experienced instructors. This class is a month long and starts with a one-hour, introductory webinar on the first day of class to introduce the instructors and to explain the class logistics. Students will receive new lessons in the online class platform each week and will have a week to complete them, on their schedule, before attending a webinar to reinforce the lesson, ask questions and share their screens with their class colleagues. Each lesson includes a video tutorial and activities to complete before the webinar. If you would like to register for one of the Class Sessions in 2022, please fill out the registration form. If you have questions about the class or need more information, please contact Carol Way. EPA Region 8 Activities This summer has been a busy one for EPA Region 8! Here is a sample of the outreach activities we have completed so far: 2022 Utah Chemical Industry Safety Workshops PREP Exercise in Mandan, ND Colorado LEPC Conference DOI/EPA Full Scale Exercise in Vernal. UT Multiple LEPC meeting presentations across Region 8 Are you interested in having EPA come to speak at your facility or for your LEPC? Is there a training or exercise we could assist with? Reach out to Bre Bockstahler at bockstahler.breann@epa.gov for more details. 8REC Magnolia Mound Plantation , ~ Taylor St ^ ~ jot l\0<- % Iris St VfoielSt University Terrace Elementary School Next Page Return to Top ------- EPA Covid Resources Page 10 EPA maintains its coronavirus website to include new resources for state, local, and tribal agencies and intergovernmental associations. These resources will help EPA and its partners continue to provide the environmental protection the nation depends on without interruption during the coronavirus public health emergency. EPA's Coronavirus (COVID- l 9) Resources for State. Local and Tribal Agencies and Associa- tions contains important information on grants, enforcement and compliance programs, water infrastructure, and a host of other issues important to effective environmental program delivery. The webpage will be updated regularly with new information. EPA is also continuing to update resources on its website and add to the list of surface disin- fectant products that are effective against SARS-CoV-2. To contact EPA about any coronavirus (COVID-19) issue, you may do so here: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/forms/contact-us- about-coronavirus-covid-19. Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Documents EPCRA Requirements: http://www.epa.gov/epcra NRT Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guidance: https://www.nrt. org/Main/Resources.aspx?ResourceType=Hazards%20('Oil%20Chemic al.%20 Radi ol ogi cal ,%20etc )& ResourceSecti on=2 Actions to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security - A Shared Commitment: https://www.osha.gov/chemicalexecutiveorder/index.html EPCRA On-Line Training: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/epcra-non-section-313-online- training-states-tribes-lepcs-local-planners-and-responders EPCRA Fact Sheets: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/epcra-fact-sheets EPCRA Regional Contacts: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/epcra-regional-contacts EPCRA, RMP & Oil Information Center: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/forms/contact-us- about-emergencv-planning-and-communitv-right-know-act-epcra TIER2 Submit: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/tier2-submit-software LEPC/TEPC Handbook: https://www.epa.gOv/epcra/national-lepc-tepc-handbook#full Next Page Return to Top ------- Page 11 EPA Region 8 Preparedness Program We will increase EPA Region 8 preparedness through: • Planning, training, and developing outreach relations with federal agencies, states, tribes, local OUR organizations, and the regulated community. MISSIC • Assisting in the development of EPA Region 8 preparedness planning and response capabilities through the RSC, IMT, RRT, OPA, and RMP. • Working with facilities to reduce accidents and spills through education, inspections, and enforcement. To contact a member of our Region 8 EPA Preparedness Unit team, review our programs or view our organization chart, click this link. Region 8 SERC Contact Information Colorado Montana Utah Ms. Amanda Hettinger, Co-Chair Ms. Delila Bruno, Co-Chair Ms. Kim Shelley , Co-Chair Phone: 303-692-2000 Phone: 406-324-4777 Phone: 801-536-4404 amanda.hettinger@state.co.us dbruno@mt.gov kshelley@utah.gov Mr. Mike Willis, Co-Chair Mr. John Rasmann, Co-Chair Mr. Jess Anderson Co-Chair Phone: 720-852-6694 Phone: 406-444-5328 Phone: 801-965-4062 mike.willis@state.co.us jrasmann2@mt.gov jessanderson@utah.gov North Dakota South Dakota Wyoming Mr. Darin Hanson, Chair Mr. Dustin Willett, Chair Mr. Dale Heggem, Chair Phone: 701-328-8100 Phone: 800-433-2288 Phone: 307-777-7321 nddes@nd.gov Contact: Kelsey.Newling@state.sd.us dale.heggem@wyo.gov RMP Region 8 Reading Room: (303) 312-6345 RMP Reporting Center: The Reporting Center can answer questions about software or installation problems. The RMP Reporting Center is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday - Fri- day: (703) 227-7650 or email RMPRC@epacdx.net. RMP: https://www.epa.gov/rmp EPCRA: https://www.epa.gov/epcra Emergency Response: https://www.epa.gov/emergencv-response Lists Of Lists (Updated April 2022) Questions? Call the Superfund, TRI, EPCRA, RMP, and Oil Information Center at (800) 424-9346 (Monday- Thursday). To report an oil or chemical spill, call the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802. U.S. EPA Region 8 1595 Wynkoop Street (8SEM-EM) Denver, CO 80202-1129 800-227-8917 This newsletter provides information on the EPA Risk Management Program, EPCRA, SPCC/FRP (Facility Response Plan) ami other issues relating to Accidental Release Prevention Requirements. The information should be used as a reference tool, not as a definitive source of compliance information. Compliance regulations are published in 40 CFR Part 68 for CAA section 112(r) Risk Management Program, 40 CFR Part 355/3 70for Return to Top ------- |