Release Prevention

DIVISION: Environmental Safety and Health
GENERAL PHONE NUMBER: (609) 633-0610
FAX NUMBER: (609) 633-7031
WEB SITE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Bureau of Release Prevention administers the regulations promulgated pursuant to Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act (TCPA), N.J.S.A. 13:1K-19 et seq. and the regulations promulgated pursuant to New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act, also known as Discharge Prevention ,Containment and Countermeasures (DPCC).

TCPA:
Facilities in the state where an extraordinarily hazardous substance (EHS) may be present or generated above regulatory levels are subject to the TCPA, and the regulations arising from the act (as codified in N.J.A.C. 7:31). The program reviews and approves risk management plans developed under the regulation as part of compliance with state and federal accidental release prevention requirements.

DPCC:
The DPCC program works to forestall the release of hazardous substances and petroleum products to the environment, thereby protecting natural resources and public health before problems occur. The program centers on sound management practices that are considered essential when working with hazardous substances. These practices include training employees who handle such materials, periodically inspecting storage tanks, and assuring that adequate secondary containment is in place, as well as developing standard operating procedures for routine operations and maintenance. The program also works to ensure that response plans, trained personnel and emergency equipment are at hand should an incident occur.
All facilities and individuals in the state, even homeowners, are subject to the reporting requirements should a discharge of a hazardous substance occur. However, the majority of the regulatory requirements apply only to facilities that store 20,000 gallons or more of state-regulated hazardous substances, excluding petroleum products, or 200,000 gallons of regulated hazardous substances including petroleum products.

MONETARY ASSISTANCE PROVIDED:

None

PERMITTING RESPONSIBILITIES:

The bureau does not issue permits. However, the bureau reviews and makes decisions on the approvability of Risk Management Plans and Programs developed pursuant to TCPA, and Discharge Cleanup and Removal plans developed pursuant to DPCC.

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE:

Please visit the web site.