What chemical hazard types are near me?
Step 1 - Type your address
Step 2 - Select from the list
How can these hazards affect me?
These hazards fall into the category of physical and health hazards, to learn more click on "view all hazards".Physical Hazards
A physical hazard is an agent, factor or circumstance that can cause harm with or without contact. They can be classified as a type of occupational hazard or environmental hazard. Physical hazards include ergonomic hazards, radiation, heat and cold stress, vibration hazards, and noise hazards.
Health Hazards
Health hazards are chemical, physical or biological factors in our environment that can have negative impacts on our short or long-term health. Exposure can occur through touch, inhalation, and ingestion.
What information can I find on this website?
This website will list Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know Act Registered Facilities based on locations within Harris County. In addition, the hazard type(s) will be listed for each facility along with their associated Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
No chemical names or quantities are provided, but the physical and health hazard classification they are classified under. Note that one chemical may represent multiple hazards, therefore, number of hazards does not represent the number of chemicals present at a facility.
What is the EPCRA Right-to-Know Act?
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1966 was created to help communities plan for chemical emergencies. It also requires industry to report on the storage, use and releases of hazardous substances to federal, state, and local governments. EPCRA requires state and local governments, and Indian tribes to use this information to prepare for and protect their communities from potential risks https://www.epa.gov/epcra https://www.epa.gov/epcra/what-epcra.
What are Registered Facilities?
Registered Facilities that store and/or handle chemicals at their location.
Where does Harris County obtain this information?
Every year, Harris County obtains the EPCRA Registered Facilities from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Where can I go to get more information?
You can receive more information on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's website located at https://www.epa.gov/epcra.
What is an LEPC?
A committee that must develop an emergency response plan, review the plan at least annually, and provide information about chemicals in the community to citizens. Plans are developed by LEPCs with stakeholder participation https://www.epa.gov/epcra/local-emergency-planning-committees. You can also contact your local LEPC for additional information about a specific facility or chemical.
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