The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act was enacted as a stand alone portion, Title III, of Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). Although SARA Title III exempts federal facilities from compliance, EPA issued Order 1480.1, which directs EPA facilities to comply, to the degree applicable, with all provisions of SARA Title III regulations.

Emergency Planning & Notification (40 CFR Part 355)

MSDS & Inventory Reporting (40 CFR Part 370)


The Federal Property Transfer(CERCLA §120(h)), as amended by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Facilitation Act (CERFA), applies to property transferred by federal agencies. CERFA legislation was promulgated in response to concerns that federal facilities undergoing closure were having an adverse impact upon the local economies. During the closure process, federal facilities are required to conduct environmental restoration, which can delay the transfer and reuse of the property. CERCLA §120(h) requires notification of hazardous substances released or disposal of on site in the transfer contract.

Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 requires EPA to establish an inventory of routine toxic chemical emissions from certain facilities. Facilities subject to this reporting requirement are required to complete a Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Form (Form R) for specified chemicals. The form must be submitted to EPA and those state officials designated by the governor annually by July 1.

The purpose of this reporting requirement is to inform the public and government officials about routine releases of toxic chemicals to the environment. In addition, it will assist in research and the development of regulations, guidelines, and standards.

Facility operators are encouraged to review the regulations and to determine whether their facility is subject to this reporting requirement. The regulations can be found at 40 CFR Part 372.

Executive Order 12856