[Docket No. CSB-2019-0004]
The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) published a final rule (40 CFR 1604) for accidental release reporting. These reporting requirements will become effective on March 23, 2020. This new rule applies to a wide variety of industry segments, including pipelines and pipeline facilities that are “stationary sources” under EPA regulations. If an accidental release results in a fatality, hospitalization or property damage greater than $1,000,000, then notification to the CSB is required. If the release is also reportable to the National Response Center (NRC), then notification to the CSB is to be done within 30 minutes of the NRC report by submitting the NRC identification number. If the release is not reportable to the NRC, then notification to the CSB is required within 8 hours of the release. Reports can be submitted by email to report@csb.gov.
The content of a CSB report contains some additional information not normally included in an NRC report. The operator has 30 days to update the CSB report with the additional information. For more information or to get a copy of this final rule, contact Jessica Foley.