Whether or not you have filed Community Right-to-Know (RTK) reports before, now is the time to start planning for on-time filing in 2015. Reports are due each year on March 1, and stiff fines are imposed for non-compliance. Additionally, those with filing irregularities may be putting themselves at risk for unscheduled inspections by the NYCDEP (New York City Department of Environmental Protection).
RTK is for the documentation of hazardous chemicals to ensure the safety of both first responders and the general public throughout New York City. Because of RTK, emergency authorities are made aware of dangerous materials stored in commercial and industrial facilities. Any hazardous substances at your facility meeting the Threshold Reporting Quantities (TRQ) at any time during the prior year must be reported in a RTK filing.
If your facility meets the threshold for reporting, a Tier II report needs to be completed and submitted. The report must list all hazardous materials and provide detailed information for each. This must include, but is not limited to, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDSs]) for each substance. At the facility, all affected containers must be labeled, and every facility must keep a copy of their unique Facility Inventory Form (FIF) on premises.
Obviously, this procedure can be complex and time-consuming. Walden Environmental Engineering has filed over 500 RTK reports and would be happy to help with your filing. Walden’s environmental consulting team will ensure RTK compliance, professionally and on time. Give us a call to discuss at 516-624-7200.