Connecticut EPCRA Tier II Chemical Inventory Reports Due March 1, 2023

What is a Tier II chemical inventory report?

The Tier II chemical inventory report, commonly referred to as Tier II, is a report of chemicals at your facility during the last calendar year that exceed certain thresholds. These are chemicals that require a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The reporting thresholds can be reached either because the chemicals are in a large amount (normally 10,000 pounds or greater) or because they are considered an extremely hazardous substance (EHS) at lower levels. Common EHS chemicals are hydrofluoric, nitric, and sulfuric acid. Even lead acid batteries found in forklifts, scissor lifts, and uninterruptable power supply (UPS) can exceed the reporting threshold of 500 pounds of sulfuric acid if there are enough batteries at your location. Other information, such as a site map showing the chemical’s location, responsible parties within your organization, information about your site, and chemical delivery are also required.

Why do we have to report?

Tier II is the result of the 1986 Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). EPCRA came into existence as the result of a toxic chemical escape from a Union Carbide chemical plant in Bhopal, India, which killed thousands both at the time and later because of exposure. Six months later a similar release occurred in West Virginia. The Tier II report allows federal, state, and local governments; Indian tribes; and industrial facilities to understand where hazardous and toxic chemicals are located and allows them to plan accordingly. These plans are designed to protect the public, emergency responders, and the environment.

Where is Tier II submitted?

For facilities in Connecticut, the Tier II report is submitted to the Connecticut State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), and the local fire department. For tribal lands they are submitted to the Tribal Emergency Response Commission (TERC) and the Tribal Emergency Planning Committee (TEPC).

If you have submitted a Tier II report in the past, you have done so using the Tier2 Submit™ Software. This year, and in the years following, Connecticut is using a new online software called Hazconnect® Tier II Manager system. Hazconnect® provides the same information as Tier2 Submit™ but allows access online rather than an individual computer and eliminates the need to send a file to the SERC. Tier2 Submit™ will also be allowed to be used for 2023. Neither software notifies the LEPC, TEPC, or local fire departments. You need to contact them to determine the format in which they wish to receive the report.

Further information can be found on the Connecticut Emergency Response Commission website and by visiting Walden’s right-to-know webpage or contacting us at 516-559-6976.

Remember, the EPCRA Tier II chemical inventory report must be submitted by March 1, 2023.