The New York City Department of Environmental Protection requires all businesses to report hazardous substances stored, processed, handled or used on-site on a yearly basis.
Did you miss the March 1st filing deadline for your business’s 2016 Community Right-to-Know? Unfortunately, with non-compliance comes heavy fines:
– First-time Violators often see a penalty of $250-$2,500
– A second violation is typically between $1,750 and $5,000
– Violations after that will usually cost $3,750 to $10,000.
Typically, businesses are given up to thirty days to address a violation before being issued subsequent non-response or non-compliance violations.
If you missed the filing deadline, don’t wait until you receive a violation – take action right away! Make sure your business is in compliance before and inspector arrives.
– If this is your first time submitting your chemical information to the DEP, register your facility with the DEP’s online Tier II Filing System
– Inventory all hazardous chemicals (check the DEP’s List if you aren’t sure whether a chemical is deemed hazardous at the threshold used at your facility)
– Compile Safety Data Sheets for reportable chemicals (you’ll need these in pdf form for the online submission and OSHA mandates businesses keep these accessible to your employees)
– Determine if a Risk Management Plan is required for your facility (check for each chemical’s TPQ or Threshold Planning Quantity)
Unsure about the process? Let Walden help!
Walden’s knowledgeable staff of Professional Engineers and Geologists can help bring your business into compliance with NYC DEP regulations. We perform on-site chemical inventories, compile safety data sheets, and determine which chemicals your business needs to enter into the DEP’s database. Walden completes Right-To-Know Filing all year round and can help your business avoid reoccurring fines.
Did you know incorrect filing that misrepresents hazards present at your business can result in punishments of up to $1,000 AND a year in jail? Don’t forget to report your aboveground storage tanks or compressed gas cylinders if they contain potentially hazardous chemicals. Our team of consultants are ready to ensure your filing will be complete and accurate, even if you missed the deadline.
Don’t let being late stop you from filing your New York City Right to Know Facility Inventory Form.
Check out the Administrative Code Title 24, Chapter 7 and Rules of The City of New York Title 15, Chapter 41 for more information, or click here for some of Walden’s other posts about the Community Right-To-Know program.