Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)

  • EPA Designates PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances under CERCLA

    On April 17, 2024, EPA designated two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances —perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (“PFOS”) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. Learn more

  • Warehouse Chemical Safety Video

    This video addresses common chemical management and safety issues at warehouses and distribution facilities. 

    Watch the video

  • National Survey

    EPA surveyed the State Emergency Response Commissions to learn how EPCRA is currently implemented at the state and local levels. 

    View the survey

  • Emergency Planning Handbook

    EPA developed this national handbook as a resource for local and tribal emergency planning committees.

    View the handbook

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 was authorized by Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act to help communities plan for chemical emergencies. It requires industry to report on the storage, use, and releases of certain chemicals to federal, state, tribal, territorial, and/or local governments. It also requires these reports to be used to prepare for and protect their communities from potential risks. 

EPCRA Site Map

 Report oil or chemical spills at: 800-424-8802.

  • About EPCRA

    Learn more about why EPCRA was created and how it helps communities plan and prepare for emergencies.

    Learn about EPCRA

  • Emergency Planning

    Emergency planners in a room with tables and laptops

    EPCRA Sections 301-303 establishes emergency planning requirements and requires notifying authorities of the presence of Extremely Hazardous Substances.

    Planning requirements

  • Emergency Release Notifications

    Three responders outdoors in hazmat protective equipment

    EPCRA Section 304 requires notifying authorities when chemicals are released.

    Notification requirements

  • Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reporting

    EPCRA Sections 311-312 requires facilities to report hazardous chemicals that are used or stored.

    Reporting instructions

  • Toxics Release Inventory

    Pipe discharging fluid

    EPCRA Section 313 establishes the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program.

    Learn about TRI

  • Trade Secrets

    EPCRA Section 322 requires facilities to submit forms to support any claims of trade secrecy.

    Forms and instructions
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Last updated on April 3, 2025