Materials Release Reporting Synergism for Emergency Planning Priorities: An Evaluation of Data from Three Regulatory Programs

Abstract

Environmental regulations have evolved and expanded in a variety of directions since the 1960s, and now include preventative measures such as Clean Air Act 112r Catastrophic Release Planning, and, under the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, State Emergency Response Commissions that have emergency planning responsibilities that address air contaminant releases through toxic chemical contingency and response plans. Information is available from many existing programs, both state and federal, that can be used to evaluate potential air releases, including the Toxics Release Inventory, Risk Management Plans, and spill reporting requirements. A study was conducted to evaluate whether there is any regulatory consensus that can be used by the Connecticut State Emergency Response Commission for hazardous materials release response planning and control strategies. Three distinct regulatory programs were evaluated to determine whether one group of chemicals, industry sector, or geographic area exhibited a greater magnitude of, or similar types of, air contaminant releases. Based on 1998 Envirofacts data, it was concluded that for Connecticut: (1) there were no predominant chemicals reported under the various regulations studied; (2) most air emissions of concern are permitted; and (3) there appear to be no regulatory redundancies regarding the chemicals reported. This may not be true for other states, however, and an assessment, by state, of air pollution regulations affecting industrial facilities can be useful for evaluating reporting requirements and eliminating duplicative efforts. Although significant trends were not identified in this study, the emergency response planning database has been increased, and Connecticut emergency planning professionals will be better able to define the potential effects of chemical releases.