Ohio EPA calls for early comments on potential changes to Toxic Chemical Release Reporting Rules

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) recently called for early stakeholder input on potential revisions for its Toxic Chemical Release Reporting Rules, which the agency is reviewing based on a five-year review requirement.

The regulations put a reporting burden on facilities that use listed toxic chemicals, whether for manufacturing or processing. Such entities must summarize and report their use of the toxic chemicals each year, as well as document their waste management efforts throughout the year and any environmental releases of the toxic substances.

The Ohio EPA’s regulations on toxic chemical reporting fall under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 3751.02 and the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapter 3745-100. The rules stem from the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), or the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), specifically Section 313. The specific federal regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

The Ohio EPA’s five-year review of the regulations is not anticipated to reveal any major issues, and the agency does not expect to make any major changes at this point. The agency is undertaking early stakeholder outreach to garner comments on the potential revisions before they begin the drafting process. The Ohio EPA is accepting comments until Feb. 2.