Learn the Issues
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Can a process qualify for Program 1 if it has had an accident?
A process with more than a threshold quantity of a regulated substance had an accident with off-site consequences three years ago. After the accident, we altered the process to reduce the quantity stored onsite. Now the worst-case release scenario indicates that there are no public receptors within the distance to…
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Does EPA confirm receipt of a facility's RMP?
A facility subject to the risk management program regulations must submit its risk management plan (RMP) to EPA via the RMP*eSubmit system. Does EPA confirm receipt of the facility's RMP? When a facility's certifying official submits a complete RMP to EPA using RMP*eSubmit, the system will automatically generate and send…
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If a facility moves (their address changes) is it assigned a new RMP Facility ID?
Yes. The facility is treated as a new facility and would be assigned a new number by EPA.
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What is the definition of a "technically qualified individual"?
For the purpose of determining whether more than a threshold amount of a regulated substance is present at a stationary source under 40 CFR Part 68, certain exemptions may apply. One exemption is for regulated substances that are "manufactured, processed, or used in a laboratory at a stationary source under…
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Can a newly-constructed process that has no accident history qualify for Program 1 status?
The eligibility criteria for Program 1 status under 40 CFR Part 68 include a requirement that the process must not have had an accidental release resulting in serious offsite consequences for the past five years (40 CFR §68.10(b)(1)). Can a newly-constructed process that has no accident history qualify for Program…
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Can a facility divide a process when assigning program levels?
My process includes a series of interconnected units, as well as several storage vessels that are co-located. Several sections of the process could qualify for Program 1. Can I divide my process into sections for the purpose of assigning Program levels? No, you cannot subdivide a process for this purpose…
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When were RMPs initially required to be submitted?
When must the risk management plans (RMPs) required under 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart G, initially be submitted? For chemicals currently listed as regulated substances at 40 CFR §68.130, compliance with the risk management program requirements (including submission of RMPs) is required by June 21, 1999, or the date on…
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Difference between RMP update and RMP correction
What is the difference between an update and a correction to a risk management plan (RMP)? Updates and resubmissions require the owner or operator to review and revise all sections of the RMP as needed to bring the RMP up to date and the submission must be accompanied by a…
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Hot Work Permit Procedures and Date
Stationary sources subject to the Program 3 Prevention Program requirements in 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart D, must include in their Risk Management Plan (RMP) the date of the most recent review or revision of hot work permit procedures in Section 7.13. What are hot work permit procedures and what…
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What is the definition of fuel for the purposes of the fuel exclusion for the risk management program?
A flammable substance listed in 40 CFR §68.130 is excluded from the risk management program regulations when it is used as a fuel or held for sale as a fuel at a retail facility (§68.126). What is the definition of fuel for the purposes of this exclusion? The two prongs…
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If a stationary source has processes ineligible for Program 1, are all processes ineligible?
If a stationary source has several processes that are covered under 40 CFR Part 68, and some of those processes have had an accidental release within the past five years (effectively making those processes ineligible for Program 1 status), are the individual processes from which no accidents have occurred also…
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What do I have to do for material and energy balances?
For new processes, you must document both material and energy inputs and outputs of a process. For example, you would document the quantity of a regulated substance added to the process, the quantity consumed during the process, and the quantity that remains in the output. This requirement will not generally…
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What does "electrical classification" mean?
Equipment and wiring for locations where fire and explosion hazards may exist must meet requirements based on the hazards. Each room, section, or area must be considered separately. Equipment should be marked to show Class, Group, and operating temperature or temperature range. You must determine the appropriate classification for each…
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What is the definition of a retail facility?
A flammable substance listed in 40 CFR §68.130 is excluded from the Risk Management Program regulations when it is used as a fuel or held for sale as a fuel at a retail facility (§68.126). What is the definition of a retail facility for the purposes of this exclusion? A…
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Are all covered processes subject to identical risk management program requirements?
The risk management program regulations in 40 CFR Part 68 are applicable to owners or operators of stationary sources at which more than a threshold quantity of a regulated substance is present in a process (40 CFR Section 68.10(a)). Are all covered processes subject to identical risk management program requirements…
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Are evacuations and sheltering-in-place considered for Program 1 eligibility?
A facility performed a worst-case release scenario and determined that there are no public receptors within the endpoints. There are several residences located just outside the endpoint. In reviewing the five year accident history, there were several releases of a regulated substance, in which the residences were notified by the…
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Assigning program level 1 if a public receptors is just beyond distance to endpoint
Our distance to the endpoint for the worst-case release is 0.3 miles. The nearest public receptor is 0.32 miles away. What tools are available to document that the public receptor is beyond the distance to the endpoint so we can qualify for Program 1? The results of any air dispersion…
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What is the definition of "process"?
Process, as defined at 40 CFR §68.3, means any activity involving a regulated substance, including any use, storage, manufacturing, handling, or on-site movement of such substances, or combination of these activities. Any group of vessels that are interconnected, or separate vessels that are located such that a regulated substance could…
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Is EPA's PHA stationary source siting requirement analogous to OSHA's PSM?
Does EPA interpret the Program 3 process hazard analysis - stationary source siting requirement analogously to OSHA's Process Safety Management standard? Yes. The requirement to consider stationary source siting during the process hazard analysis means that you should consider the location of the covered vessels and evaluate whether their location…
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Why do the risk management program regulations only apply to stationary sources?
Why have transportation activities been exempted from compliance with the risk management program regulations at 40 CFR Part 68? Why do these regulations apply only to stationary sources? While EPA agrees that industry, local planners, and first responders need to recognize the public safety hazards associated with transportation, the Clean…