We recently invited Doug Witsken, LEPC Coordinator for Hamilton County in Cincinnati, OH to share best practices on preparing for the upcoming Tier II reporting season. Read on for a summary of our top preparation tips and hear the full conversation with Doug here!
The Environmental Protection and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) – if you’re in California – pave the way for efficient environmental compliance practices. A critical component of staying on the right side of these regulations is timely and accurate Tier II Reporting.
Now is the time to start preparations for a smooth process as we near the reporting deadline. Here’s our top four critical steps to follow so you can meet Tier II reporting year requirements.
- Identify and update contacts: Keeping your contact information accurate and up-to-date is crucial in Tier II Reporting. This is especially true for after-hours contacts, which play a pivotal role during emergencies. Any changes in contact information should be relayed immediately.
- Watch for portal updates: Watch out for and familiarize yourself with the latest potential updates to states’ Tier II submission software. Submitters should be on the lookout and ensure that their electronic submission files are readily available. Also ensure that your online credentials are up to date, and that your facilities are adequately associated with your account (if necessary).
- Gather and review SDSs and site maps: Having a thorough understanding of the chemicals stored at your facility is key to environmental compliance. It’s essential to routinely perform inventory checks and review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all items on-site. Site maps, which may be a requirement in certain states, are critical for illustrating the locations of chemical storage within the facility— a highly effective tool for supporting first responders in the event of an emergency.
- Collect and prepare data: If third-party contractors play a role in your company’s operations, their contact information should generally be included in the Tier II report. Some facilities go a step further by including the contractor’s chemical inventory in their own Tier II report. Conversely, others may opt to file a separate report under the same address. Ensuring that all bases are covered supports efficient collaboration and accountability. Make sure you begin all necessary data collection for your report now in anticipation of the opening of the regulatory portals.
In the sphere of Tier II Reporting, accuracy is paramount. Calculations need to be precise, and average daily amounts should be carefully considered. Being proactive can save your company from expensive penalties, assist with effective hazardous materials management, and contribute to overall environmental sustainability goals.
With Encamp’s solution – purpose built for Tier II reporting by former consultants – your EHS team can streamline the reporting process and dramatically reduce the likelihood of errors. We have filed over 27,000 reports on behalf of enterprises using a blend of high-tech software solutions, backed by high-touch expert support. Learn more about our unique approach here.
Kevin Vinson
Strategic Customer Success Manager, Encamp
