Washington — The U.S. EPA on July 24 published a Request for Information (RFI) to seek comment on potential revisions to its Risk Management Program (RMP). The revisions are being sought in an effort to modernize the RMP as required under President Obama’s August 2013 Executive Order (EO) 13650: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security. “Chemical safety and security are a shared commitment among government, industry, public interest groups, and communities,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “We are reaching out to all these partners to ask for their suggestions and comments to help us improve the Risk Management Program, and in turn improve safety and security of chemical facilities.” During the 90-day comment period, EPA is asking for information and data on specific regulatory elements and process safety management approaches to enhance public health and safety, and aid local fire, police, and emergency response personnel in preparing for and responding to chemical emergencies. EPA said the information received will be used when reviewing chemical hazards covered by the RMP, and to determine how the program should be expanded to improve chemical facility safety. Among the potential changes to the RMP are updates to the list of regulated substances and changes in threshold quantities and toxic endpoints. The RFI also seeks comment on strengthening or clarifying several existing process safety elements under the RMP, and on adding additional risk management program elements such as consideration of using inherently safer technologies. EPA said the RFI does not commit the agency to rulemaking, however. More information on the RFI is available at http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/eo_improving_chem_fac.htm.
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