What is a Tier II Report?
A Tier II report is a document that details the hazardous chemicals stored at a facility. It's required by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986, specifically Section 312. This report helps emergency responders, community planners, and the public understand the potential hazards present at a facility in case of an accident or release.
Who Needs to File a Tier II Report?
Any facility that stores certain quantities of hazardous chemicals needs to file a Tier II report. This includes:
- Facilities that store Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) above the Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ). The TPQ for each EHS is different, but it's typically a few hundred pounds.
- Facilities that store any hazardous chemical for which a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is required, above 10,000 pounds.
What Information is in a Tier II Report?
- Facility identification information, such as name, address, and contact information
- Chemical names and CAS numbers
- Maximum and average daily amounts of each chemical stored
- Physical and chemical properties of each chemical
- Location of each chemical on site
- Storage conditions of each chemical
Importance of Tier II Reports for Emergency Response
Tier II reports play a vital role in emergency response by providing valuable information to first responders in case of an accident or release. This information can help them:
- Identify the hazards present
- Plan a safe and effective response
- Protect responders and the public
- For example, if a fire breaks out at a facility that stores flammable chemicals, the Tier II report will tell firefighters what chemicals are present and where they are stored. This information can help them avoid igniting the chemicals and prevent a larger explosion.
Tier II reports also help communities plan for potential emergencies. By knowing what chemicals are stored in their area, communities can develop evacuation plans and stockpiles of emergency supplies.
How to File a Tier II Report
Tier II reports must be submitted annually to the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) where the facility is located. Most states also require submitting the report to the local fire department. Most Tier II reports are due March 1st of each year. Don't forget!
There are two main ways to file a Tier II report:
On paper: You can download the Tier II form from the EPA website and fill it out by hand.
Electronically: Many states now allow you to submit your Tier II report electronically. You can use the EPA's Tier2 Submit software or a similar program.
Conclusion
Tier II reports are an important part of keeping our communities safe. By providing valuable information about the hazardous chemicals stored at facilities, Tier II reports help emergency responders and communities prepare for potential accidents and releases. If you store hazardous chemicals at your facility, it's important to understand your Tier II reporting requirements and submit your report on time.
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Additional Resources:
EPA Tier II Forms and Instructions: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/tier-ii-forms-and-instructions
EPA Tier2 Submit Software: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/tier2-submit-software
State Tier II Reporting Requirements and Procedures: https://www.epa.gov/epcra/state-tier-ii-reporting-requirements-and-procedures