EPA Renews Oil Spill Snitch Forms – Zzz
Published Date: 4/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA wants to keep collecting info from companies about sudden oil and hazardous substance spills to help protect the environment. This renewal keeps the current rules in place through November 2025, with no big changes or extra costs. If you’re involved in handling these substances, you can share your thoughts by June 16, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Spill Reporting for Facilities and Vessels
If you operate a facility or vessel, you must immediately notify the National Response Center when a hazardous substance release equals or exceeds the substance's reportable quantity (RQ) (see table 302.4 of 40 CFR 302.4) or when an oil spill causes a sheen, violates water quality standards, or deposits sludge or emulsion on shorelines. This reporting duty is mandatory under CERCLA section 103(a) and CWA section 311 and applies each time a qualifying release occurs.
Estimated Annual Reporting Burden and Cost
EPA estimates 21,789 respondents will make reports as releases occur, with a total annual burden of 22,225 hours and a total annual cost of $1,486,297. The agency states this total cost includes no capital or operation-and-maintenance costs.
Public and Government Access to Spill Reports
Information on hazardous substance releases and oil discharges collected under CERCLA section 103(a) and CWA section 311 is stored in WebEOC and is available to state and local authorities and to the general public (including via the Freedom of Information Act). Federal agencies also use the information to evaluate the need for regulations, permitting changes, or improved emergency planning.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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