Prepare for the Annual Community Right-to-Know Tier II Report Filing Deadline March 1, 2024!

As the end-of-year holidays and the New Year are approaching, it’s important to remember that the Annual Community Right-to-Know Tier II Report Filing Deadline with the New York City (NYC) Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is coming up. March 1, 2024 is when all Right-to-Know reports, including completed Facility Inventory Forms (FIFs) and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), are due for all NYC facilities that handle and store hazardous substances in amounts greater than the Threshold Reporting Quantities (TRQs). Since all Tier II Reports must be filed with the NYC DEP by the March 1, 2024 deadline to avoid potential violations and fines, it is best to start preparing now!

What Is Right-to-Know?

The NYC Community Right-to-Know Law requires the regulation of the storage, use, and handling of hazardous substances present in amounts at or above the TRQ. Annual Right-to-Know reporting is very important because it provides first responders with information regarding the kinds of hazards they may have to face at your facility in an emergency.

When Is Reporting Necessary?

Certain hazardous substances require reporting if they are handled or stored at your facility at or above the TRQ set by the NYC Community Right-to-Know Law. Hazardous substances are chemicals that can cause direct or indirect harm to a person. Many substances may need to be reported, even in small quantities, based on the very low TRQs.

Some examples of hazardous substances that may require Annual Community Right-to-Know Tier II Report filing include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Petroleum products/fuels (diesel, gasoline, motor oil), brake fluid, antifreeze, etc.
• Paints, paint thinners, lacquers, dyes
• Cleaning supplies, bleach, wax, solvents, detergents
• Aerosols, air fresheners, disinfectants, insect repellants
• Lubricants, grease, degreasers
• Batteries
• Fertilizers and preservatives
• Compressed gas cylinders

Some examples of the types of facilities that may need to file an Annual Tier II Report in accord with the NYC Community Right-to-Know Law include:

• Industrial or manufacturing facilities
• Dry cleaning and laundromat facilities
• Hotels and commercial hospitality businesses
• Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers
• Automotive repair facilities, car dealerships, service stations, and auto body shops
• Funeral homes and printing facilities
• Bulk supply stores
• Research laboratories
• Other businesses that house hazardous substances

How Do I File?

Specific information for each reportable hazardous substance must be included in the Tier II Report in order for the report to be complete, including the following:

• The chemical amounts
• The chemical properties
• Types of containers the chemicals are stored in
• The chemical storage locations
• SDSs for each hazardous chemical

When the Tier II Report is complete, it can be submitted electronically or by mail and should be accompanied by the associated payment of fees due.

If you need assistance with your Annual Community Right-to-Know filing, Walden has a team of experts that are ready to help! Give us a call at 516-588-6859 or visit our website at https://waldenenvironmentalengineering.com/what-we-do/right-to-know-filing/ for more information.