HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND THE LAW
On December 4, 1984, a cloud of methyl isocyanate gas, an extremely toxic chemical, escaped from a Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal, India. More than 3,000 people lost their lives. Tens of thousands more were injured, some suffering permanent disabilities.
The Bhopal tragedy started a chain of events in this country that is still unfolding. The EPA established the voluntary Chemical Emergency Preparedness Program, the Chemical Manufacturers Association set up a voluntary program called Community Awareness and Emergency Response, environmental and labor groups became more active, and states passed laws giving workers and citizens access to information about hazardous substances in their work places and communities.
With these and other efforts in mind, Congress enacted the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). It requires that detailed information about the nature of hazardous substances in or near communities be made available to the public.
Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) were created in all 50 states that were divided into districts. They include representatives of elected state and local officials; law enforcement officials, civil defense workers and firefighters; first aid, health, hospital, environmental, and transportation workers; representatives of community groups and the news media, and owners and operators of industrial plants and other users of chemicals, such as hospitals, farms, small businesses, etc.
Once the LEPC has determined and identified the types and location of chemical hazards in the area, they develop a local emergency response plan, review it, and test it annually.
For more information on EPCRA and LEPC’s call 575-8400.
Businesses dealing with certain chemicals should become aware of theirpotential reporting requirements under EPCRA. For more information call the
EPA Hotline at 1-800-535-0202.