Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act
Accidental Release Prevention Program
At the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Bureau of Air Quality (BAQ) currently implements the 112(r) regulation for all affected sources. BAQ conducts site inspections and audits to determine compliance with the risk management program requirements. The risk management program is funded by air permit fees and Federal grants.
New Reporting Method from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 2009
Beginning in 2009, EPA provided new software called RMP*eSubmit for facilities to use for RMP reporting. This new factsheet provides important information on this effort:
What's new in Risk Management Plan (RMP) Reporting for 2009?
2004 UPDATES
The amendments to the Chemical Accident Prevention Rule were published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2004. The full citation and link are given below.
Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Program Requirements Under Clean Air Act Section 112(r)(7); Amendments to the Submission Schedule and Data Requirements; Final Rule. 69 FR 18819, April 9, 2004.
An EPA factsheet, Changes to the Chemical Accident Prevention Rule (Risk Management Program) in 2004 (March 2004), provides additional information about the reporting deadlines and the recent changes to the RMP reporting requirements.
On June 20, 1996, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Risk Management Program Rule under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990. This rule is aimed at preventing accidental releases and reducing the severity of those releases that do occur. This rule has been amended and updated on several occasions.
Clean Air Act 112(r) Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (July 1997), updated periodically.
The factsheet "Changes to the Chemical Accident Prevention Rule (Risk Management Program) in 2004" provides additional information about the reporting deadlines and the recent changes to the RMP reporting requirements.
EPA's Chemical Accident Prevention and Risk Management Planning (RMP) Page
Clean Air Act Section 112(r); Excerpts from Statute Factsheet (May 1996)
Facilities that have more than the threshold quantity (TQ) of a 112(r) listed "regulated substance" in a single process must develop and implement a risk management program, by June 21, 1999, as specified by the rule. In terms of the regulation, "process" means manufacturing, storing, distributing, handling, or using a regulated substance in any way. Facilities subject to the rule must conduct a hazard assessment, compile a 5-year accident history, develop an accident prevention program, develop an emergency response program, and submit risk management information to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by June 21, 1999.
Over 200 sources in South Carolina submitted risk management information to EPA by the June 21, 1999 compliance deadline. Some of those sources include: water and wastewater treatment plants, chemical plants, pulp and paper mills, ammonia refrigeration facilities and warehouses, and agricultural retail facilities. Chlorine and ammonia were the two listed substances most facilities reported.
Threshold Determination Flowcharts - Flowcharts that will help you determine if your toxic or flammable substances are subject to 112(r).
DHEC Accidental Release Prevention Contacts:
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Heinz Kaiser, Section Manager
Air Toxics Section Phone: (803) 898-4089 Fax: (803) 898-4117 |
Angel Thompson Air Toxics Section Phone: (803) 898-4058 Fax: (803) 898-4117 |
For more information please contact us at (803) 898-4123 or by email.