SERC-TERC Update: February 2023

Mention of non-EPA documents, presentations, training opportunities and conferences does not constitute an U.S. EPA endorsement of their contents, only an acknowledgment that they exist and may be relevant to the SERC-TERC audience.

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Hot Topics

WISER To Be Discontinued – February 28, 2023
The National Institute of Health (NIH) National Library of Medicine is discontinuing the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders.
 
Other sources of Hazmat or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear information are available with the following resources:
 
Western States Virtual SERC/TERC Conference
On January 25th and 26th, EPA Regions 8, 9, and 10 hosted a virtual conference for State Emergency Response Commissions and Tribal Emergency Response Commissions (TERCs). The conference consisted of two 3-hour sessions highlighted by SERCs/TERCs reporting-out on successes, challenges, and needs. At the conference, EPA Office of Emergency Management provided various regulatory updates and results from the SERC survey and led a discussion on how EPA can further assist SERCs/TERCs in implementing EPCRA. There was also a hot topic panel with presentations on Lithium-Ion Battery emergency preparedness and response issues. Presentations and other info have been uploaded to http://response.epa.gov/WesternSERC2023.
 
CFATS Operational Updates
To date, CISA has received over 106,000 Top-Screen submissions from over 44,000 unique facilities. Of these, CFATS covers 3,240 facilities. Additionally, the program has completed 4,633 Authorization Inspections, 10,048 Compliance Inspections, and 10,380 Compliance Assistance Visits.

Training Opportunities and Conferences

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Workshops in New England
EPCRA Tier II Reporting Webinar Series - Massachusetts
Every March 1st, facilities covered by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act must submit an emergency and hazardous chemical inventory form (Tier II Report) to the Local/Tribal Emergency Planning Committee, the State/Tribal Emergency Response Commission, and the local fire department for the previous calendar year. This webinar will include a live demonstration of EPA's new Tier2 Submit reporting software, presentations from New England state representatives on state-specific requirements, and a Question and Answer session with attendees. Note that if you are in Massachusetts or Connecticut, your reporting requirements and procedures may have changed. State Tier II reporting requirements and procedures.
  • EPCRA Tier II Reporting Requirements for Massachusetts Facilities: Thursday, February 2, 2023, 1:30pm-3pm ET, register here
 
ChemLock: Secure Your Chemicals Security Planning Training Course
This course walks through how to create a tailored, scalable security plan that meets the business model and unique circumstances of a facility. Participants will learn the key elements of a chemical security plan and benefit from examples, lessons learned, and best practices. The course runs 2-3 hours in length and is designed to help leadership, facility security personnel, and other applicable personnel understand, develop, and implement a facility security plan.
ChemLock: Introduction to Chemical Security Training Course
This course provides an introduction to identifying, assessing, evaluating, and mitigating chemical security risks. This easy-to-understand overview identifies key components and best practices of chemical security awareness and planning to help kickstart chemical security discussions at a facility. This course runs 1-2 hours in length and is appropriate for all personnel regardless of their level of involvement with dangerous chemicals.
Please share this course information with relevant chemical security stakeholders in your area. To request a special offering of either course for a facility or organization, please fill out the ChemLock Services Request Form. If you have questions about the ChemLock program, please email ChemLock@cisa.dhs.gov.
 
2023 International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) Annual Conference, February 4-8, 2023, San Antonio, Texas: https://isee.org/conferences/2023-conference
  • ISEE comprises explosives engineers, blasters, company managers, regulators, and law enforcement officials.
  • The annual conference is typically attended by approximately 1,600 members from around the world.
  • Conference includes:
  • Numerous scientific presentations
  • Committee meetings
  • Opportunities for interaction with a vast array of explosives industry members.
  • ISEE’s goals include:
  • Educating policy makers about the explosives industry
  • Monitoring, reporting and responding to public policy issues affecting the explosives industry
  • Establishing and strengthening working relationships with related national and international associations, government agencies, and academia.
  • Registration is open: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=684108&
 
Save the Date: 2023 NASTTPO Annual Conference, April 17-20, 2023, Salt Lake City, UT
The NASTTPO Annual Conference is confirmed for April 17-20 in Salt Lake City, UT at the Radisson Downtown. Registration and agenda information will be posted to the www.nasttpo.com site soon.
Ammonia Safety & Training Institute (ASTI) presents Safety Day training and chemical Tabletop Exercises available to local industry and community responders
  • ASTI formed the National Safety Day Coalition together with IIAR, RETA, and GCCA to present safety and emergency response preparedness training at minimal cost to the attendees.
  • ASTI worked with Region 9 EPA to create ammonia Tabletop Exercises based upon the One Plan four stages of response; focused on engaging local, state, and federal emergency response plans.
  • ASTI organizes and leads a local committee of industry, public safety, and governmental leaders to create Safety Day presentations and Tabletop Exercises.
  • Sample topics include: hazard analysis, health & safety concerns, critical task readiness, e.g., emergency system control, rapid “grab and go” rescue by first responders, and methods of containment and control of ammonia events using proper methods e.g., personnel protective equipment, decontamination, teaming agreement with public safety responders, monitoring systems, and command team coordination and communications readiness to address on-site and off-site life safety and environmental receptors.

More Information

OSHA PSM

Chemical Security

Environmental Protection Agency / Department of Homeland Security & US Coast Guard
Department of Labor & Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Department of Transportation / Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives/ Department of Agriculture

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)

Contact Us about the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
Contact Us about the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 30, 2026