Reduced Reporting for Continuous Releases

Under the Superfund law, EPA is authorized to provide reduced reporting for facilities or vessels that release hazardous substances in a manner that meets the continuous release definition. This reporting relief applies to the notification requirements under both Superfund and Emergency Preparedness and Community Right-to-Know laws. The purpose of the continuous release mechanism is to reduce unnecessary release notifications for releases of hazardous substances that are continuous and stable in quantity and rate. Neither the statute nor the continuous release reporting regulation, however, eliminates the requirement to report altogether.

Continuous releases are not necessarily harmless or risk-free, and government response officials need to receive information about continuous releases of hazardous substances that equal or exceed an RQ in order to evaluate the need for a Federal response action. EPA has established a straightforward, three-step continuous release reporting process.

To participate in the continuous release program, EPA has developed a standard form for release reporting and a guidance document to assist facilities and vessels in complying with the continuous release provisions for reduced reporting. These continuous release program materials are available to you free of charge.