Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)

Overview

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was created to empower communities with the knowledge and resources they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies involving hazardous substances.

Purpose

EPCRA has two main objectives:

1. Emergency Planning

EPCRA requires businesses that use or store certain hazardous substances to develop and submit emergency response plans to local authorities. These plans outline the steps that businesses will take in the event of an accidental release or spill.

2. Community Right-to-Know

EPCRA gives the public the right to access information about hazardous substances used or stored in their communities. Businesses must provide this information through annual reports, toxic chemical inventories, and other means.

Conclusion

EPCRA is a vital tool for communities across the United States. By providing access to information and fostering collaboration between businesses and local authorities, EPCRA helps protect the health and safety of our communities in the face of hazardous substances.