Reporting Requirements for Continuous Releases of Hazardous Substances, A Guide for Facilities on Compliance
This guide will help you understand the definitions and requirements contained in EPA's Final Rule on "Reporting Continuous Releases of Hazardous Substances" [55 FR 30166; July 24, 1990]. This final rule amended 40 CFR Part 302 and Part 355.
The Continuous Release Rule provides a reduced reporting option for facilities that release hazardous substances in a manner that is continuous, and stable in quantity and rate. This guide has been designed to provide facilities who choose this reduced reporting option with the information necessary to successfully comply with the continuous release reporting.
The guide is divided into two parts:
- Part 1 provides general information in a question-and-answer format regarding the Continuous Release Rule and the responsibility of the person in charge of a facility to report releases of hazardous substances.
- Part 2 contains detailed instructions on how to prepare continuous release reports that include all of the information required to qualify for reduced reporting under the Rule.
Although the Rule applies to both facilities and vessels, this Guide will only address the reporting requirements for facilities. Much of the information in this Guide is applicable to vessels. However, persons in charge of vessels who wish to report under the Continuous Release Rule should contact EPA to discuss vessel-specific requirements.
- Part 1:
Reporting Requirements for Continuous Releases of Hazardous Substances (pdf)
- Reports previously submitted to EPA regional offices should be sent to the EPA Headquarters Office (at the address below), per the final rule [86 FR 62736; November 12, 2021].
- Part 2:
Instructions and Procedures for Continuous Release Reporting (pdf)
- For Exhibit 2-1: Checklist of Information Required in Initial and Follow-up Written Reports, please see Appendix B.
- Appendix B: Office of Management and Budget Approved Continuous Release Reporting Forms [55 FR 30165; July 24, 1990]
Send your completed forms to EPA Headquarters at the following address for your courier:
| U.S. Postal Service (USPS) | Non-USPS Couriers [i.e., FedEx, United Parcel Service (UPS)] |
|---|---|
| Office of Emergency Management 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20460 Mail Code 5104A Attn: Continuous Release Report | Office of Emergency Management 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20460 WJC-North Room 1448 Attn: Continuous Release Report |
| Note: This non-USPS courier address was updated on July 10, 2025. This is a temporary address. Please check back prior to sending future reports. |
Your EPA regional office can also assist you with understanding and complying with all reporting requirements.