Business Plan

Release Response Plans & Inventory
The purpose of this Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) program is to provide hazardous material information about facilities to emergency responders and the general public. Facilities are required to disclose all hazardous material and waste above certain designated quantities that are used, stored, or handled at their facility.

The plans must be updated by March 1 of each year, or within 30 days of a substantial change. Facilities are also required to train their employees to safely handle chemicals and to take appropriate emergency response actions. Inspections are conducted periodically to verify a facility’s inventory and other information on the Business Plan.

Contingency Plans
In Humboldt County, the Business Plan is also used to satisfy the contingency plan requirement. A new business going through the process of obtaining County or City planning or building approval must comply with the Business Plan requirements prior to obtaining final certificate of occupancy and prior to bringing hazardous materials onto the property.

Quantities
The quantities that trigger disclosure are based on the maximum quantity on site at any time:
  • 55 gallons, 500 pounds, or 200 cubic feet for 30 days or more at any time in the course of a year
  • Any amount of hazardous waste
  • Category I or II pesticides
  • Explosives
  • Extremely hazardous substances above the threshold planning quantity

Submission
Submission of the Business Plan satisfies the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) 311-312 Tier II Reporting requirement of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) if done in accordance with EPCRA instructions.

With the exception of the site diagram, location information, and substantiated trade secrets, the Business Plan is available for review by the public.