News Release: EPA ADVISES FACILITY OPERATORS TO MINIMIZE RELEASES DURING HAZARDOUS WEATHER EVENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2012 EPA ADVISES FACILITY OPERATORS TO MINIMIZE RELEASES DURING HAZARDOUS WEATHER EVENTS Contact: Dawn Harris Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov ATLANTA – As hurricane season approaches, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a Hazardous Weather Release Prevention and Reporting alert to remind facility operators of certain regulations that require minimization of chemical releases during process shutdown operations.  This alert is designed to increase awareness among facility operators about their obligation to operate facilities safely and report chemical releases in a timely manner.  The alert specifies operational release minimization requirements and clarifies reporting requirements, including exemptions.  Unlike some natural disasters, the onset of a hurricane is predictable and allows for early preparations to lessen its effect on a facility.  Before hurricane force winds and associated storm surge flooding damage industrial processes, the alert recommends that operators take preventive action by safely shutting down processes, or otherwise operate safely under emergency procedures.  The alert and requirements are available at http://www.epa.gov/region4/r4_hurricanereleases.html. In the event of a hazardous weather incident, please visit http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/ for updated emergency information. ### You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance.  This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.    This email was sent to elmasry.webmaster@gmail.com using GovDelivery, on behalf of: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW · Washington DC 20460 · 202-564-4355