Everything You Need to Know about Tier 2/Right-to-Know

by | Jan 30, 2025

What is Tier 2?

Tier 2 reporting was mandated in 1986 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). It requires any business that stores or handles hazardous chemicals (in certain quantities) to disclose information about those chemicals to local emergency responders and the public. This allows communities to be informed about potential chemical hazards and plan accordingly.

A Tier 2 report contains important information such as the chemical name, quantity stored, location within the facility, and corresponding safety data sheets (SDSs).

EPCRA also requires states to establish State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs) and Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) to organize the information included on Tier 2 reports and help communities prepare for any potential chemical emergencies.

The public can access Tier 2 information for nearby facilities by contacting their LEPC or SERC. The Connecticut SERC maintains the official LEPC Chairperson Database for the State.

 

What needs to be reported?

There are hundreds of hazardous chemicals that have reporting thresholds on the Tier 2 report. Most chemicals need to be reported if the facility stores them in quantities exceeding 10,000 pounds. Some chemicals, however, are labeled as Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHSs) and have lower reporting thresholds (usually 500 pounds or less).

Common hazardous chemicals reported on Tier 2 include:

  • Acrylonitrile
  • Nitrobenzene
  • Propane/diesel fuel
  • Formaldehyde
  • Liquid Nitrogen
  • Ethanol
  • And many more.

Common EHS chemicals reported on Tier 2 include:

  • Ammonia
  • Acrolein
  • Bromine
  • Chlorine
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (if the concentration is more than 52%)
  • Nitric Acid
  • Nitric Oxide

*NOTE: You do not have to count an EHS in a mixture if the concentration of that EHS is less than or equal to one percent.

The Tier 2 report also requires a site map to be submitted, showing the storage locations for each chemical, emergency exits, nearest water source, and other facility information.

It is important to note that although the Tier 2 report is a federal requirement, each state can have additional or modified reporting thresholds, submission procedures, or filing fees. This website includes each state’s specific Tier 2 reporting procedures and helpful contact information.

No matter what state you’re in, the Tier 2 report is due on March 1 every year.

 

How do I report?

The EPA created “Tier2 Submit,” which is a software users can download to create their draft reports. Tier2 Submit can be used to check for errors and ensure your report is complete. Once the report is validated and error-free, it can be exported and uploaded to the state’s portal (each state has their own). Consultants and other Tier 2 report preparers cannot submit a Tier 2 report for a facility. The report needs to be submitted by the site manager or owner.

For example, if you are submitting your report in Connecticut or Massachusetts, you will use their Hazconnect website:

New York users will submit using E-Plan:

If you need help filing a Tier 2 report for your facility, contact Walden. Our team works with many clients each year to complete all necessary reporting, and we are experienced navigating all of the regulations that apply to facilities located in different jurisdictions. Call us at 516-407-7047 for assistance.

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Contact Walden’s right-to-know team at 516-407-7047 for assistance completing your Tier 2 report by the 3/1 deadline!