EPA deadline for filing RMPs fast approaching

by Melissa Wilson

SBJ Staff

As part of the 1990 Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will enforce a June 21, 1999, deadline for all facilities exceeding levels of certain toxic or flammable materials to prepare and submit publicly available risk management programs, which will indirectly be responsible for the disclosure of worst-case scenarios if chemical accidents occur.

The risk management programs must also include hazard assessments, as well as prevention and emergency response procedures.

The ruling covers a wide range of facilities, including public utilities, propane retailers, food processors, petroleum refineries, paper mills, military installations and, in some cases, colleges and universities.

Springfield-Greene County Director of Emergency Management Joye McElwee said his office has some specific concerns about the disclosures and how they will affect the Springfield area.

"We wrote senators, representatives, the FBI and CIA and asked them to intercede to keep worst-case scenarios from becoming publicly available[[In-content Ad]]