Chem Plant Warnings to Neighbors: Renewed and Unchanged
Published Date: 4/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA wants to keep collecting info about how chemical accident risks are shared with nearby communities, making sure everyone stays safe. This renewal affects companies handling dangerous chemicals and asks for public feedback by June 16, 2025. There’s no new cost, just a smooth continuation of current rules to keep people informed and protected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Continued RMP/OCA Reporting Requirement
Facilities required to submit Risk Management Plans (RMPs) must continue to provide off-site consequence analysis (OCA) information to EPA as part of the renewed information collection. EPA estimates 377 respondents, a total burden of 665 hours per year, and total annual cost of $35,637 (including $95 annualized capital/operation & maintenance costs). Comments on the renewal are due by June 16, 2025.
55 Federal Reading Rooms: Read-Only Access
The Federal Government maintains 55 reading rooms at federal facilities where members of the public can read paper OCA information but cannot mechanically copy or remove it. Each person may read OCA information for up to 10 stationary sources per calendar month at these reading rooms.
Vulnerable Zone Indicator System (VZIS) Availability
EPA's Vulnerable Zone Indicator System (VZIS) tells any person in any state whether an address they specify might be within the vulnerable zone of one or more stationary sources based on RMP data. The VZIS is available online or by request through regular mail to EPA.
Access via LEPCs and State/Local Officials
Members of the public may also access OCA information that their Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is authorized to provide, and the rule authorizes and encourages state and local government officials to access OCA information for official use.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06592, Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request: Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Notification of Episodic Releases of Oil and Hazardous Substances (Renewal) EPA ICR Number 1049.16, OMB Control Number 2050-0046
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.
Next: 2025-06595, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request; FEMA Preparedness Grants: Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) and Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP)
FEMA is asking for public feedback on updating the forms and info they collect for two important grant programs that help keep buses and transit systems safe. If you work with public transportation or intercity buses, these changes could affect how you apply for security funding. Comments are open until May 16, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!