Revised Release Reporting Regulations Take Effect

Connecticut’s long-awaited revised Release Reporting Regulations took effect March 4.

The new regulations define when the discharge, spillage, uncontrolled loss, seepage or filtration (collectively referred to as “releases”) of oil or petroleum, chemical liquids, solid liquid or gaseous products, or hazardous waste (collectively referred to as reportable materials”) must be reported to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The revisions also govern when reports must be submitted, and what information must be included in those reports. 

Designed to reduce the number of spills reported and to promote more timely intervention, the new regulations specify new thresholds of reportable materials, creating three main release categories.

Release Categories

Category 1 requires the reporting of any quantity if the spill is:

• Release to a waterway;
• Release from a UST;
• Release of PCB, halogenated solvent, and certain pesticides; 
• When quantity or substance is unknown; 
• Release or imminent release posing a risk or potential risk to human health, public safety, or the environment; or
• Release containing 30% or more of a material listed in Appendix A   

Category 2 requires reporting of oil or petroleum releases of five gallons or more, except in containment as well as oil or petroleum releases of less than five gallons which have not been cleaned within one hour. 

Category 3 requires reporting of 1.5 gallons (liquid) or 10 lbs (solid) releases of material other than oil or petroleum.

DEEP is planning a public outreach campaign over the next few months to build awareness and understanding of the regulations.

For more information, contact CBIA’s Ashley Zane (860.244.1169) | @AshleyZane9