What do emergency planning and community right-to-know requirements entail?

What do emergency planning and community right-to-know requirements entail?

• A. Requirements for public notice about hazardous substances present and releases only.
• B. Requirements to plan for emergencies and provide public notice about hazardous substances present and releases (EPCRA/SARA).
• C. Only school safety guidelines.
• D. Voluntary guidelines for community engagement.

Answer: (B)

Emergency planning and community right-to-know requirements are about preparing for chemical emergencies and making information on hazardous substances available to the public. Under EPCRA, local governments form emergency planning committees and facilities with significant quantities of hazardous chemicals must develop and maintain emergency response plans, coordinate with responders, and practice with drills. At the same time, communities are informed about what hazardous chemicals are stored nearby and about any releases; facilities report chemical inventories to state and local authorities, and certain release and exposure information is publicly accessible. This is mandatory information and planning, not voluntary or limited to school safety.

Emergency planning and community right-to-know requirements are about preparing for chemical emergencies and making information on hazardous substances available to the public. Under EPCRA, local governments form emergency planning committees and facilities with significant quantities of hazardous chemicals must develop and maintain emergency response plans, coordinate with responders, and practice with drills. At the same time, communities are informed about what hazardous chemicals are stored nearby and about any releases; facilities report chemical inventories to state and local authorities, and certain release and exposure information is publicly accessible. This is mandatory information and planning, not voluntary or limited to school safety.