EPA revises risk management rule for hazmat facilities
The EPA has revised a rule intended to protect first responders from hazardous substances at the facilities to which they are summoned. The Risk Management Program (RMP) Reconsideration rule, which implements parts of the Clean Air Act, required facilities that use extremely hazardous substances to develop a Risk Management Plan which must be submitted to the EPA every five years.
The agency said its final RMP reconsideration rule will maintain important public safety measures while removing burdensome and costly amendments that affect emergency responders (many of whom in rural areas are volunteers). The EPA said the rule now “harmonizes” rather than conflicts with OSHA’sProcess Safety Management standard. Cost savings are estimated at $88 million a year.