Release reporting is required by several state and federal laws. The Department of Environmental Health Hazardous Materials Branch, also known as the CUPA or Certified Unified Program Agency, is responsible for ensuring that persons, who are required by law or regulation to report a release, do so in a timely manner.

REPORTING A RELEASE

Any threatened release or significant release of a hazardous material must be reported. A threatened release is a condition creating a substantial probability of harm to the extent where it is reasonably necessary to take immediate action to prevent, reduce, or mitigate damages to persons, property, or the environment. A significant release is subjective and may depend on a variety of factors such as the amount, the hazardousness of the material or waste, and the proximity of sensitive receptors such as schools, storm drains, and waterways, among other factors.

A release of a reportable quantity (RQ) of a hazardous material must also be reported. RQs are listed in the CERCLA lists.  Another way to determine if a RQ has been exceeded is to use the Department of Energy’s online RQ calculator.