A facility must comply with Emergency Release Notification requirements, if the following conditions are true:

• Your facility produces, uses, or stores a hazardous chemical on-site and
• A chemical release of a hazardous chemical or extremely hazardous substance (EHS) occurs at the facility and the amount released is above that chemical's reportable quantity. Reportable quantities vary with each chemical and can be found in the EPA List of Lists.

Emergency Release Notification requirements state that an initial, verbal notification must be made to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) of the release location and Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). The facility must also notify the National Response Center (NRC) in addition to VDEM and the LEPC if the substance released is a CERCLA hazardous substance.

A written follow-up notification is required “as soon as practicable” after the chemical release, which is commonly defined as within 30 days of release. The written notification must be submitted to VDEQ and the LEPC (and EPA Region 3 if the released chemical is a CERCLA hazardous substance). This notification should provide any new information and/or provide an update on any information in the initial notification. It must also include the following:

• Actions taken to respond and contain the release;
• Any known or anticipated acute or chronic health risks associated with the release; and
• Where appropriate, advice regarding medical attention necessary for exposed individuals.

There is no specific format required for the written follow-up notification, however all necessary information must be included. Additional help and information regarding Emergency Release Notifications can be found in Subpart C of EPA's Emergency Planning and Notification regulations.