March 16, 2000

The updating of site-specific hazards analyses has recently been completed in north central Florida. Enclosed is a copy of this hazardous materials report for your facility. One goal of this program is to provide emergency responders with critical information on hazardous materials that may be at your facility to enable a safe and efficient emergency response.

Section 302 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires the development of hazards analyses. A facility must have an emergency plan if it has present for any length of time, an extremely hazardous substance in amounts over the threshold planning quantity. Common regulated chemicals include anhydrous ammonia, chlorine, sulfuric acid and many restricted pesticides.

Many counties, municipalities and school boards have joined the LEPC in proclaiming March 19-25, 2000, as Hazardous Materials Spill Prevention Week in north central Florida. Under the "General Duty Clause," all facilities have a legal requirement to operate safely and to prevent chemical spills from occurring. Facilities, responders, and the public all benefit when spill prevention is a priority. The LEPC recommends during this week that all facilities review if anything additional can be done to prevent a hazardous materials spill from happening. If you have any questions regarding the attached hazards analysis, you should call Dwayne Mundy at (352) 955-2200 x108. If you have questions about what actions that emergency officials may take during a chemical release at your facility, you should contact Columbia County Emergency Management at (904) 758-1125.

Thank you for continuing to work with the LEPC, emergency management and local responders on this public-private partnership to increase chemical safety in our communities. Do not hesitate to call LEPC Senior Planner Dwayne Mundy at (352) 955-2200 ext. 108 if you have any questions regarding the LEPC or how to comply with Florida's hazardous materials reporting or hazardous waste management regulations.

Enclosure