With June marking the start of Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean hurricane season, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reminds facility operators of requirements for preventing, minimizing and reporting chemical releases. Facility operators are obligated to maintain safety, minimize releases that do occur, and report chemical or oil releases and discharges in a timely manner, as required under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and/or the emergency planning provisions of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and/or the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi residents know that with the benefits of living on the Gulf Coast comes the "responsibility of preparing for hurricanes and other hazardous weather,” said Regional Administrator Ken McQueen. EPA encourages coastal businesses to prepare their facilities and employees for what the weather may bring, he said. EPA reminds operators of some basic steps (see link) to prepare for hazardous weather. Prevention and reporting requirements for facilities are available at https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/hazardous-weather-release-prevention-and-reporting. In the event of a hazardous weather incident, please visit https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters for updated emergency information. (Source: EPA 06/11/20)
Shipbuilding and maritime related news from the Central Gulf Coast region
