EPA Amends STI Risk Management Program for Chemical Facilities

WASHINGTON - Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule amending ITS Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations to reduce the likelihood of accidental releases at chemical facilities and Improve emergency response activities When Those releases occur. This rule is the latest in a series of actions federal the government has taken in consultation With industry, Local and State Governments, and other stakeholders to improve increase chemical process safety, Local assist emergency Authorities in planning for, and responding to, accidents, and Improve public awareness of chemical hazards at regulated sources.

"This rule is based on EXTENSIVE With Nearly 1,800 people engagement over the last two and a half years," Said Mathy Stanislaus, EPA Assistant Administrator's Office for the Management of Land and Emergency. "These are Intended Changes to protect the lives of emergency responders and the public, while preserving information security."

This rule will help Prevent chemical accidents,: such as the Explosion in West Texas in 2013, and Their devastating effects. Numerous chemical While plans are operated safely, in the last 10 years more than 1,500 accidents Were Reported by RMP facilities. These accidents are responsible for Causing Nearly 60 Deaths; some 17,000 people being injured or seeking medical treatment; almost 500,000 people being evacuated or sheltered-in-place; and more than $ 2 billion in property damages.

The Accidental Release Prevention regulations under Section 112 (r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) - Also known as the EPA RMP regulations - requires covered facilities to Develop and Implement a risk management program. EPA shares information RMP With Local and state to help them plan Officials for and Prevent chemical accidents and releases.

The Amendments to EPA's RMP regulations are a key action item under President Obama's Executive Order (EO) 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security. Developing and Finalizing While the rule, EPA stakeholder groups met With, solicited public comments, held listening sessions and webinars, and Considered EXTENSIVE comments on the Proposed rule.

The Amendments are Intended to:

• Prevent catastrophic accidents by Improving accident prevention program requirements

• Enhance emergency preparedness to Ensure coordination Between Local facilities and Communities

• Improve access information to help the public Understand the Risks at RMP facilities

• Improve third-party audits at RMP facilities

For more information acerca end the Amendments to the RMP rule:

http://www.epa.gov/rmp/final-amendments-risk-management-program-rmp-rule

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