Emergency Response Resources
The Emergency Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) and Risk Management Program (RMP) have toxic or flammable extremely hazardous substances that could impact surrounding communities. Due to the hazardous nature, facilities implement chemical accident prevention methods and partner with local responders and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC) to identify the potential effects of a chemical accident, steps the facility is taking to prevent an accident, and plan emergency response procedures should an accident occur.
Support from Responders
Local responders, LEPCs and Regional Response Teams (RRTs) can support facilities to develop their emergency response programs by reviewing their emergency action or response plans, developing and participating in emergency response exercises, or participating in public meetings and providing responder feedback after an accidental release.
Best Practices for Facility E-Plan Tier II Submittals
Every year as part of the E-Plan Tier II submittal, facilities may upload emergency response information under Additional Information. This allows local responders, emergency planners and the NCEM RRT quick access to emergency information should an accidental release occur. The following items are recommended to upload in E-Plan.
- Full Emergency Action/Response Plan
- Quick View Responder Plan (2-5 pages with critical information for responders)
- Maps with chemical locations, water supply, responder safe zone, facility staff muster points
- Chemical mitigation descriptions
- List of facility emergency response equipment and locations
- Specific medical procedures, necessary medication, medicine location, or treatment protocols for chemical exposure
- Process Diagrams
- Hazard Analysis
- SDS
Emergency and Contingency Plan Reporting
Various regulations such as EPCRA, RMP and RCRA hazardous waste require for emergency and contingency plans to be provided to the SERC.
Electronic submittals to the SERC may be sent to epcra@ncdps.gov. Follow regulatory requirements and formats for providing to local responders, LEPCs and the SERC.
Emergency Response Resources:
- NCEM Emergency Response Coordination Under the 112r Risk Management Program – A Summary of coordination requirements between facilities and local responders
- NCEM Risk Management Program Emergency Coordination Checklists – Guidance for reviewing facility emergency plans and support during accidental releases
- NCEM Hazmat Incident Responder Feedback – Sharing lessons learned with other local responders and LEPCs
- Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide (NRT-1) - Designed to assist communities in planning for hazmat incidents
- Integrated Contingency Plan (NRT) - Guidance on consolidating multiple plans developed to comply with various federal regulations into a single, functional emergency response plan
- EPA RMP Guidance on Public Communication - Guidance for public meetings after an accidental chemical release
- OSHA Emergency Action Plan eTool – Resources for developing and implementing an Emergency Action Plan
- EPA RMP Guidance on Emergency Response – Guidance for responding facilities and LEPCs on emergency response planning and coordination