by Brianna Crandall — May 30, 2011—As hurricane season approaches, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a Hazardous Weather Release Prevention and Reporting alert to remind facilities operators, particularly in the Southeast, of certain regulations that require minimization of chemical releases during process shutdown operations. This alert is designed to increase awareness among facilities operators about their obligation to operate facilities safely and report chemical releases in a timely manner.
The alert specifies operational release minimization requirements and clarifies reporting requirements, including exemptions. Unlike some natural disasters, the onset of a hurricane is predictable and allows for early preparations to lessen its effect on a facility, notes EPA. Before hurricane force winds and associated storm surge flooding damage industrial processes, the alert recommends that operators take preventive action by safely shutting down processes, or otherwise operate safely under emergency procedures.
OSHA offers information on the risks of natural disasters and weather emergencies, along with guidance for advance planning and recovery efforts, on its Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies Web page.
