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Utah State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)

In response to EPCRA planning requirements, the Utah legislature enacted the Hazardous Chemical Emergency Planning and Information Act, which established the “Hazardous Chemical Emergency Response Commission” and authorized the Commission to carry out all EPCRA requirements. SERC is composed of representatives from the Utah Department of Public Safety, and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

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SERC Meeting Minutes

SERC Membership

SERC History, Duties, and Activities

History

In 1986 Congress, in response to a chemical disaster in Bhopal, India and a series of smaller chemical incidents in the United States, enacted the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA). The objectives of EPCRA are to:

  • Establish a state and local chemical emergency response planning structure.
  • Require the immediate reporting of hazardous substance releases to which the public may be exposed.
  • Provide, through facility reports, chemical inventory and hazards information to state and local government emergency responders, and to the public when requested.
  • Identify the major sources of toxic chemical releases to the environment.

In response to EPCRA planning requirements, The 1987 Utah legislature enacted the Hazardous Chemical Emergency Planning and Information Act (53-2a-702, Utah Code Renumbered and Amended 2013), which established the “Hazardous Chemical Emergency Response Commission” and authorized the Commission to carry out all EPCRA requirements. The Commission is composed of a representative of DPS and a representative of DEQ. SERC duties within DPS are performed by DEM. SERC duties within DEQ are performed by the DERR. Membership of the Commission was purposefully kept small, as EPCRA’s focus is on local planning and response, rather than action on a state level.

Duties

Under Utah Code Sec 63-5-5, DPS has primary responsibility for EPCRA emergency planning activities. This includes emergency planning assistance for hazardous substances to state and local governments. DEQ has primary responsibility for receiving and managing chemical information submitted under EPCRA.

Program Activities

DERR presently receives EPCRA Tier 2 chemical inventory reports from facilities throughout the state. Chemical inventory and hazard information are available to State and local chemical emergency planning and response personnel, as well as the public via a Tier 2 Search or GRAMA request. This information is used to focus on and prioritize emergency planning activities, as well as to respond more effectively to facility emergencies. Chemical emission information is also provided to other divisions as an aid in identifying areas, facilities, or chemicals of concern, and as a cross-check to data received through other environmental statutes.

DEM provides assistance to community planners around the state, providing access to federal assistance grants, organizing training and information sharing programs, and in many other ways assisting them to become fully functional.

SERC Advisory Committee

The SERC established an advisory committee to allow for a greater diversity of input into SERC decisions. As provided by Utah Administrative Rule R698-5-3 the State Hazardous Chemical Emergency Response Commission Advisory Committee’s duties are to provide direction to the SERC in the following matters:

  • The creation, modification or dissolving of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs).
  • Methods and procedures to improve the effectiveness of the LEPC.
  • The review of LEPC hazardous materials emergency response plans.
  • The development of procedures for collection, processing, use and public access to information submitted as required by EPCRA.
  • Procedures for the distribution of funding to each LEPC obtained through the US Department of Transportation hazardous materials emergency preparedness grant.
  • Assist in stated hazardous materials emergency response planning efforts.
  • The review of the statewide hazardous materials plan.

SERC Advisory Committee Members

  • A member representing the hazardous chemical transportation industry.
  • Two members representing fixed site regulated industries.
  • A member representing the environmental cleanup contractors.
  • A member representing the local health departments.
  • A member representing the urban LEPC.
  • A member representing the rural LEPC.
  • A member representing the Hazardous Materials Advisory Council.
  • A member representing established environmental interest groups.
  • A member representing the Utah National Guard.
  • A member representing the Utah Highway Patrol.
  • A member representing the Utah Department of Transportation.
  • Two members from the general public.

The SERC and SERC Advisory Committee meetings are held jointly on a quarterly schedule. For information or to submit an application for membership on the Advisory Committee, contact DERR: (801) 536-4100.

SERC Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

EPCRA Information

Environmental Incidents

EPA Links

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