June-July 2009
Volume 3, No. 3
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4
EPCRA
NEWSLETTER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Happenings Around the
Region
3
E-Plan
4
Envir. Info. Exchange
5-7
Process Safety Corner
7
Regulatory News 8
CARE 9
Visit htto: / / www, nasttoo.org/ for
information on the National Asso-
ciation of SARA Title III Program
Officials (NASTTPO).
Visit http://www.ee nsus.gov/
eocd/www/naics.html for more
information on the North Ameri-
can Industry Classification System
(NAICS) and how it provides new
information on industries.
Envirofacts ("htto: / /www.epa.gov/
enviro/index.htmf) allows you to
search for environmental informa-
tion in your neighborhood.
DISCLAIMER
This document may contain
discussion of EPA provisions in a
plain language format. Nothing in this
newsletter revises or replaces any regu-
latory provisions cited in part from the
Code of Federal Regulations, the Fed-
eral Register, or the Emergency Plan-
ning and Community Right-to-Know
Act. For more information please go to:
http:/ /www. epa.gov/lawsregs /
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USEPA REGION 4
CHEMICAL EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS CONFERERNCE
In Conjunction With
The Kentucky Governor's Emergency Management Conference
Louisville, Kentucky
July 29-31, 2009
State and local government chemical emergency planners, Emer-
gency Responders, Chemical Industry EH&S personnel and pro-
duction managers, Transportation Industry (Air, Truck and Rail)
are invited to attend.
Four exciting, interactive educational tracks will be offered during
the workshop. They will include Local Emergency Planning Com-
mittee: Organizing for Success, Managing a Local Emergency
Management Program: The Essential Elements, HazMat: Issues
and Actions for the 21st Century, Emergency and Environmental
Technology Solutions.
We are still seeking individuals for our LEPC Roundtable. This
roundtable discussion will give you an opportunity to share your
successes and learning experiences with LEPCs in various states.
This discussion is tentatively scheduled for 9:00 ET, July 29, 2009.
For more conference information please go to:
http://kvem.kv. gov/Governors+Emergencv+Management+Wor
kshop.htm or contact Bryce Covington (404) 562-9291 /coving-
ton.brvce@epa.gov. Registration form can be found on page 2.
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Page 2
EPCRA
Conference Registration Form
Please use the form below to register for the USEPA Region 4 Chemical Preparedness Emergency Con-
ference.
2009 Governor's Emergency
Management Workshop
Registration Form
Name:
Company:
Address:
Telephone:
Cell Phone:
E-Mail:
Registration must be received by June, 28. 2009.
The Workshop ragistration (go ts $40.00. Pleasa
make checks payable to GEMW and return with
n copy of your completed registration to:
KyEM
Boone National Guard Center
100 Minuteman Parkway
Frankfort, KY 40601
Attn: Tonya Coleman
In addition, plaase return registration form
electronically or by fax to:
tory3.tf.coleman@iis.3rmyjnil
(S02) €07-1614
Hotel Information:
Attendees will be responsible for making their owr reservation with the Gait house. Reservations may be made by
calling (5C2} 58&-S20Q * £980 or 6DQ-626-tB14 Rates are as follows:
Rivue Tower - Deluxe Rooms
J84 - Single
$104- Double
Suite Tower - Executive Suites
S124- Single
$134- Double
Rooms ard rates will be avaialble until June 2o, 2009. After that cate. the 'com beck wil be 'eleaseo ard rates are
no longer guaranteed. When makirg reservations, tell them yoj are with 1he Governors EM Workshop.
** REMEMBER **
Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reports (Form R/Form A)
are due to the EPA and State by July 1, 2009!
http: / /•www, epa. so v/tri/ index. htm
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Volume 3, No. 3
Page 3
Happenings apcund the cegicn
NORTH CAROLINA
Work begins on New Home for
NC Division of Emergency
Management
Work has begun on a $57 mil-
lion new National Guard/
emergency nerve center in West
Raleigh that will serve as head-
quarters for not only National
Guard operations, but will serve
as the center for the state's re-
sponse to hurricanes, tornadoes
and other natural catastrophes.
GEORGIA
Many small businesses and
large business currently do not
have the knowledge base neces-
sary to create and implement an
effective Process Safety Man-
agement Program. Both small
and large business operate on
restricted budgets with limited
budget flexibility. The result has
been many process safety re-
lated accidents and catastrophes
over the past years. Providing
those business with a clear un-
derstanding of the requirements
of the standard and a simple
methodology to comply with
The state of the art facility is be-
ing funded largely from the
stimulus package passed by
Congress earlier this year that is
designed to help jump start the
economy. About $41 million of
the cost comes from the stimu-
lus legislation.
The project is expected to result
in the creation of 4,000 jobs and
take 18 to 24 months to com-
plete.
those requirements can assist
them with a cost effective
method of compliance.
Under a special grant from
OSHA's Susan Harwood Pro-
gram the Georgia Tech Re-
search Institute is offering a no-
cost 1-day course to clearly ad-
dress the requirements of the
standard. An additional no-cost
1-week course is also being of-
fered for an in-depth, case study
driven course. More course of-
ferings to come.
Besides being the headquarters
for the 12,000-member National
Guard, the building will house
the Division of Emergency
Management, a Highway Patrol
Communications Center, a state
Department of Transportation
facility that follows traffic con-
gestion across the state and the
state Turnpike Authority.
Please visit
www.psmtraining.com for more
course and registration informa-
tion.
Four initial one day courses will
be held May - September 2009.
For more information please
contact:
Carol York
Georgia Tech Research Institute
430 10th Street NW, North
Building
Atlanta, Georgia 30302
Would you like to submit a story and/or do
you have suggestions for the EPCRA Newsletter?
Contact Vinson Poole
(404-562-9186 / poole.vinson@epa.gov).
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Page 4
EPCRA
E PLAN: THE EMERGENCY INFORMATION SYSTEM
"E-Plan is - The Nation's Largest Database of Chemical and Facility Hazards Data with over 90,000 fa-
cilities and 22,000 unique chemicals.
It is free, simple and easy for First Responders and State and Federal users to use.
E-Plan is a proven system that provides First Responder and others with on-site hazardous chemical in-
formation for facilities around the United States. It utilizes emergency contact and hazardous material
information submitted under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and sends it
via the Internet to First Responders just when they need it the most.
E-Plan provides Tier II reporting data and other important information instantly such as
. Maps of the area surrounding a fixed facility showing schools and hospitals and other Tier II report-
ing facilities,
. Chemical Hazards Response Information System (CHRIS) data,
. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS),
. Chemical profiles,
. Facility Emergency Response Plans,
. Federal Area Contingency Plans, and
Chemical data from Risk Management Plans (RMPs).
It has nationwide coverage in all 50 States and four U.S. territories.
In emergency situations, the E-Plan system can make the difference between life and death for First Re-
sponders and victims of the emergency. E-Plan has been enthusiastically embraced by fire fighters and
hazmat response teams, nationwide wherever it has been introduced. Without E-Plan, this information is
currently available only in paper form and retrieving this information from a file storage room during an
emergency is a difficult, lengthy process if even possible at all. Instant access to the critical hazmat infor-
mation provided by E-Plan makes it an invaluable tool for First Responders." (Source: E-Plan Home
Page ("https://erplan.net/eplan/login.htm)
Otherfeatures of E-Plan
. E-Plan was developed through a cooperative agreement between USEPA and the University of Texas
at Dallas with input from local, state, and federal agencies of the Region 6 Response Team.
. E-Plan is funded by the Department of Homeland Security through an Interagency Agreement with
the EPA and is available without charge to users.
. Contains RMP facility data and Tier 2 records.
. Data sources: NFPA, DOT-ERG, MSDS, NIOSH and CHRIS.
. Interoperable with Tier 2 Submit and CAMEO.
• Security features include: Individual User IDs and Passwords, Local or State User Authorization,
Role-based permission levels, Secure physical location, Firewalls, and 128k encryption.
E-Plan Contacts
Jim Staves, EPA Region 6, staves.iames@epa.gov. 214-789-3417
Vinson Poole, EPA Region 4, poole.vinson@epa. gov. 404-562-9186
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Volume 3, No. 3
Page 5
Environmental Information Exchachge Network
& Grant Program
The Exchange Network is an Internet-based system used by state, tribal, and territorial partners to se-
curely share environmental and health information with one another and EPA. The Exchange Network
improves the timeliness and accuracy of environmental data, reduces the burden and costs associated
with reporting data, enhances data access for environmental professionals, and supports better decisions
on environmental and health issues.
Exchange Network Basic Information
The Environmental Information Exchange Network (Exchange Network) is an Internet-based system
used to securely exchange environmental and health data among EPA, states, tribes and territories, and
other partners. With the Exchange Network, partners receive many benefits, including:
- Improved data quality - the Exchange Network helps to eliminate faulty and duplicative data en
try, and transmission of invalid submissions.
- Better data integration - partners using the Exchange Network can now integrate environmental
information across inconsistent sources, programs and databases.
- Timely availability of environmental data - the use of Web services and the Internet enable the
Exchange Network to provide immediate access to published data.
- Reduced burden - partners using the Exchange Network can reduce the costs and burden associ-
ated with reporting data.
- Improved decision making - partners may use the Exchange Network to access integrated, high
quality data when making environmental decisions.
- Automated data submission and retrieval - Web services allow secure computer-to-computer co-
nnection on a scheduled basis.
- Security: the Exchange Network is protected by a centralized security system.
- Authorization and authentication: the Exchange Network allows partners to control access to
their data.
How the Exchange Network Works
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Page 6
EPCRA
Environmental Information Exchachge Network
& Grant Program (cont'd)
Using the Internet and standardized data formats, the Network partners (boxes) exchange information
between Nodes (green arrows that talk both ways) using a data exchange template (yellow hexagon). A
Node is a point of interaction between participants on the Exchange Network, and is a collection of spe-
cific technical and policy components that are utilized to provide and receive information via the Ex-
change Network. EPA's Node on the Exchange Network is the Central Data Exchange. Exchange Net-
work partners agree to develop and use the data standards and schema through the data exchange tem-
plates to exchange information, ensuring improved data quality, and better integration across different
sources, programs and databases, and increased availability of data.
Exchange Network Grant Program
The Exchange Network Grant Program provides funding to state, tribal, and territorial partners to en-
courage data integration efforts using the Exchange Network. The grant program supports the exchange
of data and mentoring, planning and training activities related to the Exchange Network. The grant pro-
gram also includes the standardization, exchange and integration of the geospatial information to address
environmental, natural resource and related human health issues. The priorities of the grant program in-
clude:
- Developing the Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) capabilities needed
to participate in the Exchange Network.
- Developing Exchange Network data exchanges, data standards, extensible Markup Language
(XML) schema, and Web services.
- Planning, developing and implementing collaborative, innovative projects that demonstrate the
value of the Exchange Network.
History of the Exchange Network
The Exchange Network originated in 1998, when state environmental agencies, in collaboration with
EPA, formed the Information Management Work Group (IMWG). In 2000, the IMWG created a design
blueprint that demonstrated how the Exchange Network could share and exchange environmental infor-
mation in a more effective and efficient manner. The Blueprint for a National Environmental Informa-
tion Exchange Network provided a road map for the establishment of the Exchange Network.
The Exchange Network became operational in 2003 after performing its first automated data exchange.
The Exchange Network continues to grow as new partners and data exchanges become operational.
As the Exchange Network grew, the IMWG commissioned the Network Planning Action Team (NPAT)
to develop a business plan to manage the evolution of the Network as it transitioned from implementa-
tion to operation. The business plan, also known as the NPAT report, contains a set of strategies and pro-
posals intended to guide the Network's growth. One of the suggestions was to develop a different govern-
ance structure that would better integrate Network activities. In early 2005, the Exchange Network began
to implement changes in its governance structure.
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Volume 3, No. 3
Page 7
Environmental Information Exchachge Network
& Grant Program (cont'd)
Central Data Exchange (CDX)
Partners using the Exchange Network make information accessible to EPA. EPA's Central Data Ex-
change (CDX) is the point of entry (or Node) for environmental data exchanges with the Agency. Each
EPA program, such as Air or Water, assists in the development of exchange formats for its business sub-
ject matter area, coordinates with CDX to receive transactions based upon these formats, and has the ca-
pacity to exchange data in its own system with CDX. Also, CDX enables submitters to access their data
by using Web services and ensures streamlined, electronic submission of data via the Internet.
For more information: http://www.epa.gov/Networkg/index.htm 1 or Vinson Poole at 404-562-9186.
PROCESS SAFETY CDRNER
A PLACE FDR RMP RELATED NEWS
EPA Advises Facility Operators to Minimize Releases
during Hazardous Weather Events
As hurricane season approaches, EPA is issuing a Hazardous Weather Release Prevention and Reporting
alert to remind facility operators of certain regulations that require minimization of chemical releases
during process shutdown operations. This alert is designed to increase awareness among facility opera-
tors about their obligation to operate facilities safely and report chemical releases in a timely manner.
The alert specifies operational release minimization requirements and clarifies reporting requirements,
including exemptions. Unlike some natural disasters, the onset of a hurricane is predictable and allows
for early preparations to lessen its effect on a facility. Before hurricane force winds and associated storm
surge flooding damage industrial processes, the alert recommends that operators take preventive action
by safely shutting down processes, or otherwise operate safely under emergency procedures.
The alert and requirements are available at http://www.epa.gov/region4/r4 hurricanereleases.html.
In the event of a hazardous weather incident, please visit http: //www.epa. gov/naturalevents/ for up-
dated emergency information.
Contacts: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293, marraccini.davina@epa.gov:
Laura Niles, 404-562-8353, niles.laura@epa.gov
RMP E-Submit
On March 13, 2009, EPA provided new software called RMP*eSubmit for facilities to use for online Risk
Management Program (RMP) reporting. EPA asks that all facilities use this new method to submit
RMPs because it is easy to use, will improve data quality, and will enable you to access your RMP 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information go to: http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/rmp/rmp esubmit.htm or contact Vic-
tor Weeks at 404-562-9189, weeks.victor@epa.gov.
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Page 8
EPCRA
Regulatory news
Rule Change Provides Exemptions from Reporting Requirements
for Air Releases of Hazardous Substances from Farm Animal Waste
EPA has finalized a rule providing a full exemption for reporting air releases of hazardous substances
from animal waste at farms to the federal government and a partial exemption of reporting the releases to
state and local governments. This new rule exempts all farms from reporting air releases under the Com-
prehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The new rule re-
quires only large animal feeding operations to report certain types of releases to local and state agencies,
as directed by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
Animal waste is a source of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide releases to the air. These are hazardous sub-
stances that, when released into the environment above certain quantities, trigger notification responsi-
bilities under federal regulations. The reportable quantity for ammonia and hydrogen sulfide is 100
pounds within any 24-hour period. Prior to the exemption, all operations that had releases exceeding the
reportable quantity were required to notify federal, state and local governments.
The exemption created by the new rule does not impact EPA's authority to respond to citizen complaints
or requests for assistance from state or local government agencies to investigate releases of hazardous
substances from farms. Releases of anhydrous ammonia greater than 100 pounds in a 24-hour period,
must still be reported no matter the size of the farm. Also, the rule does not apply to animal waste that is
not associated with farms, such as from meat packing and research facilities.
The new rule exempts farms confining fewer than: 700 mature dairy cows, whether milked or dry, 1,000
veal calves, 1,000 cattle other than mature dairy cows or veal calves ("Cattle" includes, but is not limited
to, heifers, steers, bulls and cow/calf pairs.), 2,500 swine each weighing 55 pounds or more, 10,000 swine
each weighing less than 55 pounds, 500 horses, 10,000 sheep or lamb, 55,000 turkeys, 30,000 laying hens
or broilers, if the farm uses a liquid manure handling system, 125,000 chickens (other than laying hens) if
the farm uses other than a liquid manure handling system, 82,000 laying hens, if the farm uses other than
a liquid manure handling system, 30,000 ducks (if the farm uses other than a liquid manure handling sys-
tem), and 5,000 ducks (if the farm uses a liquid manure handling system).
• Where do I get further information on the continuous release reporting process?
Contact Bryce Covington, EPA Region 4's Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention
Coordinator; email: covington.brvce@epa.gov and phone: (404) 562-9192.
• Where can I find information pertaining to the CAFO exemption?
The full text of the new rule exemption for smaller operations can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/docs/chem/CERCLA EPCRA final rule unsigned.pdf
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Volume 3, No. 3
Page 9
Community Action for. a
TS-BNewev)Environment (CAR-E)
Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) is an USEPA competitive grant program
that offers an innovative way for a community to organize and take action to reduce toxic pollution in
its local environment. Through CARE, a community creates a partnership that implements solutions
to reduce releases of toxic pollutants and minimize people's exposure to them. By providing financial
and technical assistance, EPA helps CARE communities get on the path to a renewed environment.
CARE Description
• Through CARE various local organizations, including non-profits, businesses, schools and
governments create partnerships that implement local solutions to reduce releases of toxic pol-
lutants and minimize people's exposure to them.
• CARE educates and supports communities by helping them assess the pollution risks they face.
We provide access to EPA's and other voluntary programs to address local environmental pri-
orities and improve the environment through local action.
• CARE has provided financial assistance by funding cooperative agreements with communities
annually since 2005. CARE expects to award nearly $3 million in 2008.
Goals of the CARE Program
• Reduce exposures to toxic pollutants through collaborative action at the local level.
• Help communities understand all potential sources of exposure to toxic pollutants.
• Work with communities to set priorities for risk-reduction activities.
• Create self-sustaining, community-based partnerships that will continue to improve the local
environment.
Why a Community Should Consider CARE?
• If your community wants to reduce levels of toxic pollution, the CARE program can help!
• CARE assists communities by providing information about the pollution risks they face and the
funding to address these risks.
• CARE promotes local consensus-based solutions that address risk comprehensively.
• Through CARE, EPA also provides technical assistance and resources, thereby helping com-
munities to identify and access ways to reduce toxic exposures, especially through a broad
range of voluntary programs.
• As communities create local stakeholder groups that successfully reduce risks, CARE helps
them build the capacity to understand and address toxics in their environment.
For more information, application procedures and contacts: http://www.epa.gov/CARE/.
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EPA REGION CONTACTS AND RELATED INFROMATION
USEPA Region 4
EPCRA Enforcement Section
Sam Nunn Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street, S. W.
Atlanta, GA 30303
General Information
(800) 241-1754
(404) 562-9900
Chief
RMP Coordinator
Caron Falconer
Victor Weeks
(404) 562-8541
(404) 562-9189
Sr. Program Manager
TRI Coordinator
Robert Bookman
Ezequiel Velez
(404) 562-9169
(404) 562-9191
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention
Office (CEPPO)
http: / /•www.epa. gov /ceppo/ or
http: //www .epa. gov/emergencies/index.htm
EPCRA Section 313 Toxics Release Inventory
(TRI) Homepage
http: //www .epa. gov/ tri/
Compliance and Enforcement
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/index.html
National Response Center (NRC)
http://nrc.uscg.mil/ or 1-800-424-8802
Compliance Assistance Clearinghouse
http://cfpub.epa.gov/clearinghouse/
STATE COORDINATORS
ALABAMA
Erika White 404/562-9195
White.erika@epa.gov
FLORIDA
Bryce Covington 404/562-9192
Covington.bryce@epa.gov
GEORGIA
Deanne Grant 404/562-9291
Grant.deanne@epa.gov
KENTUCKY
Vinson Poole 404/562-9186
Poole.vinson@epa.gov
MISSISSIPPI
Lawrence Fincher 404/562-9190
Fincher.lawrence@epa.gov
NORTH CAROLINA
Vinson Poole 404/562-9186
Poole.vinson@epa.gov
SOUTH CAROLINA
Jyoti Bhushan 404/562-9182
Bhushan.jyoti@epa.gov
LENNESSEE
Andrew Porter 404/562-9184
Porter, andre w@epa. gov
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