File an Initial Notification

Edited

Initial Notifications are EPCRA-required reports that inform regulators about new chemicals brought on-site during the year. This guide will walk you through the process of filing an initial notification in Encamp.


Types of Initial Notifications

  1. Section 302 Notifications: For Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) on-site in quantities over the Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ). (Learn more)

  2. Section 311 Notifications: For any hazardous substance on-site in quantities over its Tier II threshold. (Learn more)

The regulatory deadline for 302 and 311 notifications are typically 60 and 90 days, respectively, from the time that chemical is brought on-site. However, it is important to note that some states have shorter notification timelines.


Steps to File an Initial Notification

Step 1: Access the Chemicals Reports page

  • Click Chemicals in the left-hand navigation panel and you will be directed to the Reports page.

Step 2: Locate the Facility

  • Use the search bar or filters to find the relevant facility

Note: Ensure there are no other open initial notification reports for this facility - there can be only one initial notification for a facility at a time.

Step 3: Open an Initial Notification

  • Click the three dots next to the facility name

  • Select Open Initial Notification

Step 4: Review and Update Report Information

You'll be taken to a page similar to the Tier II report page. Here you can:

  • Add new chemicals and quantities to the facility inventory (primary action for this report)

  • Update any other facility or contact information

Note: While only chemical information is included in the initial notification to regulators, any updates made to other sections will be reflected in subsequent reports for this facility (e.g., Tier II reports).

Step 5: Submit the Notification


After Submission

Once you submit the initial notification, Encamp handles the filing process automatically. The notification is submitted to the appropriate regulators in the required format for your jurisdiction, and Encamp manages any associated fees. All documentation related to the notification will be stored in the Documents section for the facility, ensuring easy access for future reference.

The newly reported chemical will be included in future Tier II reports, and any other information updated during this process (such as administrative details) will be reflected in subsequent reports.

After submission, you can continue to open new initial notifications for this facility as needed, allowing you to maintain compliance throughout the year.