Enforcement and Assistance in New England

EPCRA 2005 Accomplishments

The EPCRA Team held workshops in 34 communities throughout New England in partnership with its state environmental and emergency management agencies. The purpose of the workshops — "Basic EPCRA" and "TRI Compliance" — was to improve data quality, encourage electronic reporting and increase compliance. Over 2800 industry representatives, consultants, public sector and emergency response staff participated in these workshops.

As a result of these workshops, Tier II submissions increased and were submitted electronically. EPA-NE received self disclosures under the Audit and Small Business Policies from 74 facilities. These self disclosures saved industry over $5 million and represent "new" facilities reporting for the first time. (See "Self Disclosure" table below.) Likewise, under TRI, reporting of persistent bioaccumulative toxics (PBTs) continued to increase which represents a better understanding by industry of their TRI obligations. In addition to the self disclosures, several voluntary revisions were submitted under Tier II and TRI. Electronic submissions to TRI increased from 36.3% to 51.4% while paper submissions decreased 13.2% to 10.2%. In both programs the electronic submission of EPCRA data is of higher quality and more easily utilized by responders.

Compliance Assistance

Program	# & Type of Event	# of Attendees
TRI	14 workshops	440
EPCRA Tier II & RMP	20 workshops	2400
CAMEO	11 training sessions	380
CAMEO	3-day basic course	60
CAMEO	two 2-day advanced courses	50
CAMEO	3 specialty classes	75
Exercises	11	920
Conferences	4 major	800

Self Disclosures

Program	# of Facilities	Deferred Penalties
EPCRA – Tier II	41	$2,587,100
EPCRA - 313	30	$1,665,528
EPCRA – Tier II & 313	3	$783,740
Total	74	$5,036,368

TRI Reporting via the Internet

% of Facilities TRI Reporting NE 2004	National TRI Goal 2004	% of Facilities TRI Reporting Nationwide 2003	% of Facilities TRI Reporting NE 2003
51.74%	37%	33.7%	36.2%

Enforcement & Injunctive Relief

Program	Type of Action	Penalty
EPCRA – Tier II	24 inspections	TBD*
EPCRA - 313	10 inspections	TBD*
EPCRA	2 settlements	$39,097
RMP	6 inspections	TBD*
RMP	3 settlements	$79,953
RMP	5 proposed	$264,112
RMP	11 desk audits**	-----
RMP	17 field audits**	-----
RMP & EPCRA	5 companies - injunctive relief	$1.91 million

* To be determined.
** Results of audits: Numerous safety deficiencies were identified. Types of facility changes resulting from audits: Many facilities upgraded safety systems and improved hazardous identification as well as operation and maintenance EPA-NE programs.