Ski Resort Fined for Failure to Report Hazardous Chemicals Inventory
Sugarbush Ski Resort of Warren, Vt., has agreed to a settlement of $18,980 for violating the federal Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). This settlement follows earlier enforcement against the resort for violations of the Clean Water Act and federal hazardous waste regulations as a result of a federal facility inspection, conducted at the resort because it is located on federally owned National Forest land.
An inspection by EPA in February 2007 revealed that Sugarbush violated EPCRA by failing to file Tier II forms in 2005 identifying:
- Propane,
- Diesel fuel,
- Gasoline,
- Sodium hypochlorite,
- Aluminum sulfate, and
- Other hazardous chemicals present at the facility.
Lack of Tier II information can compromise proper emergency planning and response, leaving first responders and the public unaware of potential risks to their community. Under EPCRA, reporting of chemical inventory information is required each year on March 1. Facilities storing hazardous chemicals are required to file a chemical inventory with the:
- State Emergency Response Commission,
- Local Emergency Planning Committee, and
- Local fire department.
This is required to provide planners and first responders with information about the hazardous chemicals present in a community so that they can effectively prepare for and respond to chemical accidents. Facilities are subject to these requirements if they store hazardous substances on site in amounts equal to or greater than 10,000 pounds at any one time during a reporting year. Lower thresholds apply for extremely hazardous substances. For more information about laws relating to chemical preparedness and prevention, visit www.epa.gov/ceppo.