SERC-TERC Update: October 2023
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
FEMA Releases Business Emergency Operations Center Guide for Private-Public Partnerships for Public Comment
FEMA is seeking content input from whole community partners on the Business Emergency Operations Center Guide for Private-Public Partnerships draft document. The comment period is open until October 20, 2023. This review affords an opportunity for the public to provide content recommendations and refinement of the drafts. The results of this review will inform the development of the published version of the “Business Emergency Operations Center Guide for Private-Public Partnerships” draft document.
The “Business Emergency Operations Center Guide for Private-Public Partnerships” is a roadmap for a jurisdiction to integrate the private sector into emergency management planning and operations through a BEOC to improve response and recovery preparedness and build resilience in any jurisdiction. To download the draft document and comment sheet, please visit FEMA.gov. Please submit feedback to NPD-Planning@fema.dhs.gov by October 20, 2023.
FEMA releases Information Sharing Guide for Private-Public Partnerships
The Information Sharing Guide for Private-Public Partnerships provides recommendations and resources for any private-public partnership (P3) to develop, conduct, and improve the capability to share information for resilience and all response and recovery. To download the document please visit FEMA.gov.
USDOT Proposes Updates to Gas Distribution Pipeline Regulations, Bolstering Safety Requirements and Strengthening Community Protections
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to strengthen safety requirements for millions of miles of gas distribution pipelines. These proposed changes aim to improve safety and mitigate risk through the improvement of emergency response plans, integrity management plans, operation manuals and more. This proposal comes after the tragic Merrimack Valley incident, which injured dozens and resulted in one fatality. The comment period is open until November 6, 2023.
Hot Topics
EPCRA 311-312 Lithium-Ion Battery Reporting Requirements
The EPA has updated the lithium-ion battery frequent question website to provide better guidance regarding what lithium-ion batteries are subject to the federal hazardous chemical inventory reporting requirements. The updated website provides explanations regarding the consumer product and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act hazardous chemical reporting exemptions, articles, and clarifies that states, tribes, and territories may impose more stringent reporting requirements than the federal regulations. This frequent question may be useful for facilities and implementing agencies to reference for the 2023 EPCRA Section 312 Tier II Reports, which are due March 31st 2024.
- Frequent Question Website
- Hazardous Chemical Inventory Reporting Website
- Contact: Jennifer Barre (barre.jennifer@epa.gov)
2023 Chemical Security Summit Complete
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency hosted the 2023 Chemical Security Summit virtually and in-person from August 29-31 in Arlington, Virginia.
- Participants from across the spectrum of sectors that deal with chemical security—including industry organizations, facility owners and operators, government officials, first responders, and law enforcement—attended the Summit to share perspectives and lessons learned, receive updates on continued threats, and engage in dialogue regarding chemical security.
- Select presentations from the 2023 Summit are available on the Chemical Security Summit webpage.
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