Both CERCLA and EPCRA require you to report a release of a Hazardous Substance or Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS) above its Reportable Quantity (RQ) in a 24 hour period.  Read:  Reporting Releases of Hazardous Substances and Extremely Hazardous Substances.  Also: What Does CERCLA Identify as a Hazardous Substance?

Notification takes two forms:

• Immediate notification by owner, operator, or person in charge to the NRC, LEPC, and SERC.
• Written follow-up notification(s) to LEPC and SERC “as soon as practicable after the release“.

What is meant by immediate?  And what is meant by:  “as soon as practicable after the release“?  This article will shed some light on these very important requirements. (more…)