Hazardous MaterialsSpill/Release Notification

Presented byCounty of Riverside Transportation

Department

Introductions

Introductions

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Please ensure you fill out the Pre-test before we begin

Please ensure you sign in on the sign in sheet.

Why Are We Here Today?

Review Hazardous Materials spill notification requirements and to encourage simple procedural consistency throughout Riverside County Departments

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Why Are We Here Today?

On December 10, 2014

The Riverside County Transportation Department was fined by the County Department of Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials Management Branch (aka Certified Unified Program Agency for the County - CUPA)

For Failure to Notify of a Herbicide Spill.

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On August 15, 2014, approximately 200-250 gallons of “Roundup” herbicide was released from a RCTD vehicle in the Coachella Valley.

The driver, a certified herbicide applicator, made an attempt to park the vehicle in a location that would prevent the discharge from entering adjacent agriculture fields and waterways.

Unfortunately a small quantity of the product entered the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel.

The release was reported to the driver’s Supervisor the same day.

What Happened?

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The Superintendent of Highway Operations did not became aware of the release until August 19th – 4 days later.

Subsequently, the RCTD NPDES Coordinator was notified the morning of the 19th by the Superintendent. The NPDES Coordinator immediately contacted DEH.

From there, the County Agriculture Commissioner’s Office, the Riverside County HazMat Branch (CUPA), and the State Office of Emergency Services (OES) were notified.

What Happened Next?

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So, who here knows what should have happened?

What Should Have Happened?

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Definition of a Hazardous Material

First, Let’s Take a Look at…

Why do we have to notify when a Release has occurred

Definition of a Release

When and Who do we notify

What do we report

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“Any material that, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant present or threatened hazard to human health and safety or to the environment, if released into the workplace or the environment” (Health and Safety Code, §25501 (p)).

What is a Hazardous Material?

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“Any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment, unless permitted or authorized by a regulatory agency” (Health and Safety Code, §25501 (s) and CERCLA §101 (22))

What is a Release?

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Because it is the LAW!!

Failure to report a hazardous material release is a CRIME, which can result in

hefty fines and even jail time!

Why Do We Have To Notify/Report a Release of a Hazardous Material(s)?

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The notification process ensures that appropriate entities are informed of and respond to a Hazardous Materials (aka HazMat) incident. Notification is governed by all levels:

Federal Laws/Regulations CERCLA, EPCRA, 40 CFR, etc.

State Laws/Regulation H&SC 25510(a), CCR 2701-2705, CGC, PRC, etc.

Local MS4 Permits, Ordinances, etc.

Notification – It’s the Law!

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The immediate reporting requirement is NOT based on the quantity of the material.

It is based on the potential to cause harm to human health and safety, or the environment- REGARDLESS of quantity.

“IMMEDIATELY Report a Release or Threatened Release”

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Immediate reporting is not required IF:

There is a reasonable belief that the actual release or threatened release poses NO significant hazard (present or potential) to human health and safety, or the environment.

Exception to Every Rule

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1. 9112. CUPA - 951.782.2968 – 24 hour emergency phone3. CalOES – 800.852.7550 4. Your Supervisor5. Your NPDES Coordinator 6. Your Safety Officer

Who Do I Notify?

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Date Time Location Type of material Amount – if known Any injuries or chemical exposure Are there any storm drains near the release Has clean up occurred Were photos taken

What Information Should Be Reported?

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Reportable?

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Reportable?

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Reportable?

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Reportable?

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Reportable?

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Reportable?

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Reportable?

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Reportable?

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Reportable?

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Reportable?

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Always take photographs; document your actions taken and the OES Control Number in your diaries

Remain on the scene until emergency response arrives unless otherwise directed

Obey directions from emergency response staff If an exclusion zone is declared – be sure to Stay Out!

I Reported, Now What?

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Actual or Potential Harm

Major Moderate Minimal

Extent of Deviation

Major $15,000-$25,000

$10,000 - $15,000

$5,000-$10,000

Moderate $10,ooo-$15,000

$5,000-$10,000

$2,500-$5,000

Minimal $5,ooo-$10,000

$2,500-$5,000

$0 - $2,500

Failure to Report a Spill or Release of Hazardous Material or Waste Fines

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The Take-Away

Provide this training to your staff. Notifying 911, the OES and the DEH/CUPA is

crucial! Always Remember – When in Doubt,

REPORT IT! And ALWAYS Document the Incident, Obtain

the OES Control Number and take Photographs!

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1. 2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.

Pre-Test Results

d) All of the above

True

True

d) Only b and c above

False

True

f) b and c only

True

False

False

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Department of Environmental Health 951.358.5055

Human Resources – Safety Office 951.955.3520

Office of Emergency Services (OES) 800.852.7550

http://www.calema.ca.gov/hazardousmaterials/pages/spill-release-reporting.aspx

http:/www.rivcoeh.org/Portals/O/documents/guidance/hazmat/release_reporting.pdf

http://rctlma.org/trans/Land-Development/Training-Module

For More Information

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Thank You for Attending