Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 101 results

• Criteria for selecting alternative release scenarios

  As part of the hazard assessment, owners and operators of Program 2 and Program 3 covered processes must identify and analyze alternative release scenarios (40 CFR §68.28). What criteria should be used when selecting an alternative release scenario? The owner or operator of a stationary source subject to the risk…

  • Last published: March 12, 2024

• Does the distance to endpoint start at the process or stationary source boundary?

  When selecting the worst-case release scenario for Program 2 and 3 processes as required by 40 CFR §68.25, a stationary source owner or operator must analyze the release scenario that results in the greatest distance to an endpoint. Does the "greatest distance to an endpoint" refer to the greatest total…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• Using meteorological station data for off-site consequence analyses

  For the purpose of the offsite consequence analyses required under 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart B, there are several instances in which data gathered at a local meteorological station may be used to establish the modeling parameters of wind speed, atmospheric stability, temperature, and humidity for the stationary source. How…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• Underground storage tank off-site impacts to groundwater, drinking water, or soil

  For the worst-case and alternative release scenarios of an underground storage tank, should I consider any impact on groundwater, drinking water, or soil? No. As part of the worst-case and alternative release scenarios, you need to define the offsite impacts to the environment (40 CFR §68.33) by listing the environmental…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• Administrative controls considered when determining worst-case release quantity

  For the purpose of analyzing the worst-case release scenario required as part of the hazard assessment at 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart B, the worst-case release quantity is identified as the greatest amount held in a single vessel or pipe, taking into account administrative controls that limit the maximum quantity…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• Are Mechanical Controls Considered Administrative Controls?

  For the purpose of analyzing the worst-case release scenario required as part of the hazard assessment at 40 CFR Part 68, Subpart B, the worst-case release quantity is identified as the greatest amount held in a single vessel or pipe, taking into account administrative controls that limit the maximum quantity…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• Worst-case release from smaller process with larger distance to endpoint

  The owner or operator of a stationary source covered by the risk management program regulations must conduct a worst-case release scenario analysis as part of the required hazard assessment (40 CFR §68.25). The worst-case release is defined as the release of the largest quantity of a regulated substance from a…

  • Last published: May 22, 2024

• Can I use any previous three year meteorological data for worst case scenario?

  I am trying to complete my worst case release scenario for the Risk Management Plan under §68.25. I understand that I am required to use a wind speed of 1.5 m/s and F atmospheric stability class as specified in §68.22(b), unless I can prove that at no time over the…

  • Last published: May 29, 2024

• What is the definition of “overburdened community” that is relevant for EPA Actions and Promising Practices?

  EPA Actions and Promising Practices apply the description of overburdened communities articulated in EPA’s Plan EJ 2014. The term is used to describe the minority, low‐income, tribal and indigenous populations or communities in the United States that potentially experience disproportionate environmental harms and risks due to exposures or cumulative impacts…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• How will an EPA regional office determine whether a permitted activity impacts a potential overburdened community? What screening tool or process will EPA regional offices use to screen permit applications?

  The Agency has developed a nationally consistent screening tool to help identify communities that are potentially overburdened. This tool, known as EJSCREEN, is one of several tools being developed under Plan EJ 2014. EPA anticipates that its regional offices will use EJSCREEN and other readily available information, including known community…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• Some of the Promising Practices are mentioned in EPA regulations, guidance and recommendations that EPA has issued in the past. So why is EPA issuing the Promising Practices?

  EPA is issuing Promising Practices to encourage permit applicants to strategically plan and conduct enhanced outreach to overburdened communities in the permitting process. As some commenters noted, EPA has recommended some of the outreach strategies included in Promising Practices previously. Nevertheless, EPA believes that it is important to issue Promising…

  • Last published: July 10, 2024

• May I use the pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home” to meet my obligations for pre-renovation education under the RRP Rule?

  Answer: No. As of December 22, 2008, only the pamphlet “ Renovate Right ” may be used to comply with the pre-renovation education requirements of the RRP Rule. “ Protect Your Family ” is still available for use during real-estate sales and lease transactions and for general information. Question Number…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• My firm is replacing windows in a condominium. Is this type of exterior work considered work in a common area, and if so, must other owners and occupants be informed about the job?

  Exterior renovations of multi-unit target housing are considered renovations of a common area. A common area is a portion of a building that is generally accessible to all residents or users of the building. Renovations in common areas of multi-unit target housing, such as condominiums, must be performed in accordance…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• Under the Pre-Renovation Education Rule, I have the option of using a certificate of mailing to notify the owner or occupant. What is the difference between a certificate of mailing and certified mail?

  A certificate of mailing is a receipt showing evidence of mailing, while certified mail provides proof of mailing and delivery of mail. When using the certificate of mailing option, no record is kept at the mailing office and a receipt is not obtained when mail is delivered to the addressee…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• When multiple contractors are involved in a single renovation, must every contractor provide pre-renovation education? Can a certified firm assign its responsibility to a property management company?

  All firms performing, offering or claiming to perform renovations are responsible for ensuring compliance with the pre-renovation education requirements of the RRP Rule. However, it is unnecessary for the same notifications and information to be given out repeatedly during a single renovation. Accordingly, a firm may discharge the task by…

  • Last published: November 20, 2024