Who must be notified when a release occurs?

In the event that a listed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) hazardous substance or extremely hazardous substance is released in an amount equal to, or exceeding the reportable quantity (RQ) for that substance, the following parties must be notified:

• Community emergency coordinator for the local or tribal emergency planning committee (LEPC or TEPC) of any area likely to be affected by the release (if there is no LEPC/TEPC, notify the relevant local emergency response personnel); and
• State or tribal emergency response commission (SERC or TERC) of any State or tribe likely to be affected by the release;

These notifications procedures are designed to provide for more timely notification to State or tribe and local authorities.  In addition, the owner/operator of a facility is still required to notify the National Response Center (800/424-8802 or in DC 202/267-2675) when a release of CERCLA hazardous substance (in excess of an RQ) takes place.