42 USC 11004 - Emergency notification

U.S Code last checked for updates: Feb 21, 2025

§ 11004.

Emergency notification

(a)

Types of releases

(1)

11002(a) substance which requires CERCLA notice

(2)

Other 11002(a) substance

If a release of an extremely hazardous substance referred to in section 11002(a) of this title occurs from a facility at which a hazardous chemical is produced, used, or stored, and such release is not subject to the notification requirements under section 103(a) of CERCLA [42 U.S.C. 9603(a)], the owner or operator of the facility shall immediately provide notice as described in subsection (b), but only if the release—

(A)

is not a federally permitted release as defined in section 101(10) of CERCLA [42 U.S.C. 9601(10)],

(B)

is in an amount in excess of a quantity which the Administrator has determined (by regulation) requires notice, and

(C)

occurs in a manner which would require notification under section 103(a) of CERCLA [42 U.S.C. 9603(a)].

Unless and until superseded by regulations establishing a quantity for an extremely hazardous substance described in this paragraph, a quantity of 1 pound shall be deemed that quantity the release of which requires notice as described in subsection (b).

(3)

Non-11002(a) substance which requires CERCLA notice

If a release of a substance which is not on the list referred to in section 11002(a) of this title occurs at a facility at which a hazardous chemical is produced, used, or stored, and such release requires notification under section 103(a) of CERCLA [42 U.S.C. 9603(a)], the owner or operator shall provide notice as follows:

(A)

If the substance is one for which a reportable quantity has been established under section 102(a) of CERCLA [42 U.S.C. 9602(a)], the owner or operator shall provide notice as described in subsection (b).

(B)

If the substance is one for which a reportable quantity has not been established under section 102(a) of CERCLA [42 U.S.C. 9602(a)]—

(i)

Until April 30, 1988, the owner or operator shall provide, for releases of one pound or more of the substance, the same notice to the community emergency coordinator for the local emergency planning committee, at the same time and in the same form, as notice is provided to the National Response Center under section 103(a) of CERCLA [42 U.S.C. 9603(a)].

(ii)

On and after April 30, 1988, the owner or operator shall provide, for releases of one pound or more of the substance, the notice as described in subsection (b).

(4)

Exempted releases

(b)

Notification

(1)

Recipients of notice

(2)

Contents

Notice required under subsection (a) shall include each of the following (to the extent known at the time of the notice and so long as no delay in responding to the emergency results):

(A)

The chemical name or identity of any substance involved in the release.

(B)

An indication of whether the substance is on the list referred to in section 11002(a) of this title.

(C)

An estimate of the quantity of any such substance that was released into the environment.

(D)

The time and duration of the release.

(E)

The medium or media into which the release occurred.

(F)

Any known or anticipated acute or chronic health risks associated with the emergency and, where appropriate, advice regarding medical attention necessary for exposed individuals.

(G)

Proper precautions to take as a result of the release, including evacuation (unless such information is readily available to the community emergency coordinator pursuant to the emergency plan).

(H)

The name and telephone number of the person or persons to be contacted for further information.

(c)

Followup emergency notice

As soon as practicable after a release which requires notice under subsection (a), such owner or operator shall provide a written followup emergency notice (or notices, as more information becomes available) setting forth and updating the information required under subsection (b), and including additional information with respect to—

(1)

actions taken to respond to and contain the release,

(2)

any known or anticipated acute or chronic health risks associated with the release, and

(3)

where appropriate, advice regarding medical attention necessary for exposed individuals.

(d)

Transportation exemption not applicable

(e)

Addressing source water used for drinking water

(1)

Applicable State agency notification

A State emergency response commission shall—

(A)

promptly notify the applicable State agency of any release that requires notice under subsection (a);

(B)

provide to the applicable State agency the information identified in subsection (b)(2); and

(C)

provide to the applicable State agency a written followup emergency notice in accordance with subsection (c).

(2)

Community water system notification

(A)

In general

An applicable State agency receiving notice of a release under paragraph (1) shall—

(i)

promptly forward such notice to any community water system the source waters of which are affected by the release;

(ii)

forward to the community water system the information provided under paragraph (1)(B); and

(iii)

forward to the community water system the written followup emergency notice provided under paragraph (1)(C).

(B)

Direct notification

(3)

Definitions

In this subsection:

(A)

Community water system

(B)

Applicable State agency

(Pub. L. 99–499, title III, § 304, Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1733; Pub. L. 115–270, title II, § 2018(a), Oct. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 3857.)

cite as: 42 USC 11004