SERC-TERC Update: March 2024
Mention of non-EPA documents, presentations, training opportunities and conferences does not constitute an U.S. EPA endorsement of their contents, only an acknowledgment that they exist and may be relevant to the SERC-TERC audience.
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Regulatory and Policy Information Related to Chemical Safety & Security
EPA Finalizes RMP Rule Changes, Strengthening Safety Standards to Protect At-Risk Communities from Chemical Accidents
On March 1, EPA announced the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention rule, which will strengthen the safety provisions in the Risk Management Program rule and addresses climate change and adds further protections for local communities including communities with environmental justice concerns. This rule will make communities safer by helping to reduce the frequency of chemical releases and their adverse effects.
The rule strengthens the existing program and includes new safeguards, such as identifying safer technologies and chemical alternatives, requiring implementation of safeguard measures in certain cases, more thorough incident investigations, and third-party auditing, all of which should benefit nearby communities. The rule also empowers workers in safety decisions and expands transparency by increasing access to RMP facility information for communities nearby.
Also on March 1, the EPA launched the Risk Management Public Data Tool, which enables the public to view certain data elements from facility Risk Management Plans, such as names of regulated substances and associated safety and health information, accident history and emergency response information. The RMP data tool promotes environmental justice through increased availability of information.
Hot Topics
USDOT Opens Applications for $18 Million in Funding Opportunities to Support Hazardous Materials Transportation and Pipeline Safety Activities Nationwide
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has published multiple Notices of Funding Opportunities to award $18 million in grants through its pipeline and hazardous materials safety programs. These funding opportunities are open to states, local communities, tribal entities, universities, and non-profit organizations to support pipeline and hazardous materials safety programs across the country. Funding will be used to improve community and environmental safety through projects that train first responders, educate the public on local safety initiatives, encourage the development of new pipeline technologies, and more. Visit Grants.gov for more information.
FEMA’s National Integration Center Releases Updated NIMS Emergency Operations Center Skillsets for National Engagement
FEMA’s National Integration Center (NIC) is releasing updated NIMS Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Skillsets for national engagement. The NIC has updated the NIMS EOC Skillsets that were originally published in 2018 in coordination with external stakeholders and subject matter experts. Comments on these updates will be accepted until March 28, 2024.
CSB Issues Investigation Update into November 2023 Fire at the Marathon Renewables Facility in Martinez, California
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released an update on the agency’s investigation of a November 19, 2023, fire at the Martinez Renewables facility in Martinez, California. The CSB’s investigation has found that a metal tube ruptured within a reactor charge furnace during a unit startup. The furnace pre-heats renewable feedstock, recycled renewable diesel, and hydrogen before subsequent processing. The ruptured tube released hot renewable diesel and hydrogen, resulting in a fire that seriously injured one Marathon employee who suffered third-degree burns to most of his face and body.
Please visit www.csb.gov. For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at Hillary.Cohen@csb.gov.
Seven Months Since Lapse in CFATS Reauthorization
It has now been more than seven months since Congress allowed the statutory authority for the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program (6 CFR Part 27) to expire on July 28, 2023. More than 89 million people in the United States live or work within two miles of a high-risk chemical facility, and CISA has now missed 1,050 compliance inspections at these facilities, leaving our communities vulnerable to exploitation of unidentified and unresolved security gaps. CISA continues to urge Congress to reauthorize the CFATS program in order to better protect our communities against the threat of chemical terrorism.
Ammonia Safety & Training Institute presents Safety Day training and chemical Tabletop Exercises available to local industry and community responders
- ASTI formed the National Safety Day Coalition together with IIAR, RETA, and GCCA to present safety and emergency response preparedness training at minimal cost to the attendees.
- ASTI worked with Region 9 EPA to create ammonia Tabletop Exercises based upon the One Plan four stages of response; focused on engaging local, state, and federal emergency response plans.
- ASTI organizes and leads a local committee of industry, public safety, and governmental leaders to create Safety Day presentations and Tabletop Exercises.
- Sample topics include: hazard analysis, health & safety concerns, critical task readiness, e.g., emergency system control, rapid “grab and go” rescue by first responders, and methods of containment and control of ammonia events using proper methods e.g., personnel protective equipment, decontamination, teaming agreement with public safety responders, monitoring systems, and command team coordination and communications readiness to address on-site and off-site life safety and environmental receptors.
Event schedule updated regularly on ASTI website at www.ammonia-safety.com.
For a current list of events: Event Schedule
Contact ASTI via email at asti@ammonia-safety.com or call 831-761-2935 for more information.
More Information
Environmental Protection Agency / Department of Homeland Security & US Coast Guard
Department of Labor & Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Department of Transportation / Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/ Department of Agriculture