EPA solicits feedback on chemical facility safety

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment as part of a multi-agency effort to improve safety and security at chemical facilities.

EPA announced it will soon publish a Request for Information in the Federal Register regarding possible revisions to its Risk Management Program. By gathering information and data about regulatory measures and process safety management approaches, EPA said it could improve safety at chemical facilities and help protect local fire, police and other emergency personnel when they respond to incidents at chemical facilities.

During the 90-day public comment period, EPA is requesting feedback on topics such as inherently safer technology, process safety metrics, emergency drills and facility location risks. The agency also is seeking comment on existing procedures pertaining to maintaining safety-critical equipment and managing emergency response and incident investigations.

“Chemical safety and security are a shared commitment among government, industry, public interest groups and communities,” Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, said in a press release.