In conjunction with the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), the Emergency Management Division of Rowan County Emergency Services coordinates with local industry and commercial facilities to ensure proper reporting of hazardous chemicals that may be used or stored.
History
On December 4, 1984, methyl isocyanate, an extremely toxic chemical escaped from a Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal, India. Thousands died and many more were injured. Some suffered permanent disabilities. Approximately six months later, a similar incident occurred at the Institute, West Virginia. These two events raised concern about local preparedness for chemical emergencies and the availability of information on hazardous chemicals.
In response to these concerns, Congress passed the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) in 1986. EPCRA establishes requirements for federal, state and local governments, Indian tribes, and industry regarding emergency planning and “Community Right-to-Know” reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals. The Community Right-to-Know provisions help increase public’s knowledge and access to information on chemicals at individual facilities, their uses, and releases into the environment. States and communities, working with facilities, can use the information to improve chemical safety and protect public health and the environment. To learn more, please visit the EPA website.
Tier 2 Reporting Requirements
Rowan County works with it’s local commercial businesses and industries to allow proper and effective reporting of hazardous chemicals manufactured or stored at facilities across the county.
Effective in 2011, Rowan County began accepting reporting to the online state required system, known as E-Plan, as having fulfilled Rowan County and its local jurisdictions reporting requirements. By filing required annual Tier 2 reports in this method, it is no longer required or necessary to file hard copies to the County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee, or local first responder agencies.