EPA ADVISES FACILITY OPERATORS TO MINIMIZE RELEASES DURING HAZARDOUS WEATHER EVENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2012

EPA ADVISES FACILITY OPERATORS TO MINIMIZE RELEASES DURING HAZARDOUS WEATHER EVENTS

Contact: Dawn Harris Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA – As hurricane season approaches, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (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 operators 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 updated emergency information.

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