FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dwayne Mundy, LEPC staff,
(352) 955-2200 x108
RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO INCREASE CHEMICAL SAFETY
In less than three months, an
estimated 66,000 facilities around the country will be providing
the U.S. EPA information about toxic substances used in their
operations that could potentially harm surrounding communities.
The reason for this reporting is to encourage facilities to
reduce the risks at their facilities and to prevent the release
of these hazardous substances.
The new EPA program requires companies to disclose risk
management plans that include information concerning the impact
of an accidental release of toxic gas into surrounding
communities, plant accident history and detailed accident
prevention and emergency response activities. Facilities must
submit these plans to the U.S. EPA by June 21, 1999. A few months
later, information will be available to the public from a variety
of sources, including the EPA Internet site.
Ammonia, chlorine and propane are common, but potentially
dangerous, chemicals that are included in this program. Private
and public facilities likely to be reporting include: propane
dealers, refrigeration facilities, chemical plants, fertilizer
operations, water treatment and waste water treatment facilities.
Many facilities are working to share accident prevention
information with their neighbors before it is reported to the
EPA. The North Central Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee
(LEPC) is assisting with providing this important information to
our communities. LEPC Chairman John Hudson stated, "The
public and facilities both benefit from a local dialogue being
established on risk issues." Mr. Hudson added,
"Additional information can be obtained by calling LEPC
senior planner Dwayne Mundy at (352) 955-2200 ext. 108."