Learn the Issues

This page shows all of the pages at www.epa.gov that are tagged with Learn the Issues.

  • 2020 Decentralized Wastewater Management MOU

    Decentralized wastewater management memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and partner organizations.

  • SepticSmart Week 2020 Proclamations

    State proclamations declaring a SepticSmart Week.

  • Types of Information Relevant for Response Planning

    The Risk Management Program emergency response coordination activities require the owner and operator of a stationary source to provide to the local emergency planning and response organizations: the stationary source’s emergency response plan if one exists; emergency action plan; updated emergency contact information; and any other information that local emergency…

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  • Community Involvement During Emergency Responses

    Involvement occurs in different forms, but is always geared towards improving the public's understanding of the presence of hazardous substances in the community, and how to address any issues that may arise.

  • Oil Spill Prevention and Preparedness Regulations Frequent Questions

    Frequent questions about; Oil Spills Prevention and Preparedness Regulations

  • CERCLA Release Reporting: CAS Registry Number vs. Hazardous Substance Name

    For the purposes of CERCLA release notification requirements, hazardous substances are listed in 40 CFR 302.4 with a Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Registry Number. What are CAS Registry Numbers? When determining whether to report a release of a chemical or substance, how should a facility proceed if it appears that…

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  • Hazardous Substance Release Warning Signs

    These can be recognized by the shape of the storage container and its label, a foul odor, visible gases, unusually colored flames, or the increased pitch of a relief valve on a pressurized container.

  • Personal Protective Equipment

    Response personnel must wear the appropriate level of protection whenever near a hazardous release site. Level A is for the greatest exposure potential, and D is the minimum level. Examples range from totally encapsulated suits to hard hats.

  • Booms

    Containment booms are used to control the spread of oil to reduce the possibility of polluting shorelines and other resources. They also concentrate oil in thicker surface layers, making recovery easier. They may also be used to divert and channel slicks.

  • Safety Zones

    These are established primarily to reduce the accidental spread of hazardous substances by workers or equipment from contaminated areas to clean areas. They include the exclusion (hot) zone, contamination reduction (warm) zone, and support (cold) zone.

  • Who Pays

    By law, the parties responsible for the use, transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances and oil are liable for the cost of containment, cleanup, and damages resulting from a release, or threat of release, related to their own activities.

  • Possible Exposure Pathways During Emergencies

    There are three basic ways a person may be exposed to a hazardous substance: inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact. Points of contact include groundwater or surface water; soil, sediment, or dust; air; or food.

  • What Information is Needed When Reporting an Oil Spill or Hazardous Substance Release?

    what to include in your report to the National Response Center. You can also report to the EPA Regional Office or US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office in the area where the incident occurred.

  • Emergency Response and Recognizing Hazardous Substance Releases

    Understand warning signs, put safety first, and report to the National Response Center.

  • Safety First

    Following basic safety precautions helps to keep you and other bystanders safe, and assists the trained first responders in identifying and controlling the hazardous substance release.

  • Sample Calculations for Constructing New Secondary Containment

    This worksheet determines the possible dimensions for a rectangular or square dike or berm to meet the secondary containment requirement for aboveground bulk storage containers.

  • Rectangular or Square Remote Impoundment Structure Blank Worksheet

    This worksheet can be used to calculate the containment volume of a rectangular or square remote impoundment structure providing secondary containment for an aboveground tank storage facility.

  • Sample Calculations to Determine Secondary Containment Volume for Multiple Horizontal Cylindrical Tanks Inside a Rectangular or Square Dike or Berm

    This worksheet calculates the secondary containment volume of a rectangular or square dike or berm for three horizontal cylindrical tanks.

  • Mobile fuel tanker as a facility

    Is a non-transportation related mobile fuel tanker with more than 55 gallons located near a 55 gallon drum storage area considered a facility? Perhaps. "Facility" is defined in Part 112 to mean "any mobile or fixed, onshore or offshore building, structure, installation, equipment, pipe, or pipeline (other than a vessel…

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  • Submittal Process when Claiming Confidential Business Information (CBI)

    Pursuant to the risk management program regulations, facilities may make a claim of confidential business information (CBI) unless otherwise stated in 40 CFR §68.151. How does a facility that is claiming CBI submit its RMP? For a facility to claim information as CBI, the facility must submit to EPA a…

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