Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 17 results

• Determining frequency of coordination activities
  

  The Risk Management Program regulations require owners and operators of stationary sources to coordinate their response needs annually, or more frequently if necessary, with local emergency planning and response organizations (40 CFR §68.93(a)). Are stationary sources responsible for determining if coordination activities should occur more often than annually? Ultimate responsibility…

  • Last published: June 5, 2024

• Who Must Develop an Emergency Response Program?

  The risk management program regulations require the owner or operator of a covered stationary source to develop and implement an emergency response program as described in 40 CFR §68.95, which must include an emergency response plan, emergency response equipment procedures, employee training, and procedures to ensure the program is up-to-date…

  • Last published: September 30, 2024

• What sources make up the Tier 1 categories used in the emissions trends?

  Tier 1 categories are assigned by source classification codes (SCCs) that are the most specific processes available in the NEI. The latest SCC list with the Tier 1 assignments can be downloaded from the EPA SCC website in Comma Separate Values (CSV) format.

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• What is the cause of the large decrease in electric utility emissions, particularly sulfur dioxide, starting in 1995?

  SO2 emissions reductions from utilities during this time are primarily attributed to the impacts of the acid rain program. As described on EPA’s Acid Rain Program web page, Phase 1 of this program began in 1995 and affected 263 units at 110 most coal-burning electric utility plants in 21 eastern…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• Is it permissible for a training provider to employ more than one training manager?

  Answer : Yes. The Rule requires that a training provider employ a training manager that meets the qualifications in 40 CFR 745.225(c)(1). EPA does not interpret this to be a limitation on the permissible number of training managers. Therefore, a training provider may employ more than one training manager so…

  • Last published: January 13, 2025

• If a renovator takes the refresher course early, would the new certification be valid for five years from the date of training, or five years from the date that the previous certification expires?

  Question : I’m a training provider and have been accredited for the renovator refresher course. If a renovator takes the refresher course early (i.e., before their previous certification has expired), would the new certification be valid for five years from the date of training, or five years from the date…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• I'm an accredited training provider. Can the final course assessment to be administered in an "open book" format?

  No. The training provider is responsible for maintaining the validity and integrity of the course test to ensure that it accurately evaluates the trainee’s knowledge and retention of the course topics. A course test administered in an open book format does not evaluate whether a student has sufficiently learned and…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• Remote coordination with local authorities
  

  The Risk Management Program regulations require owners and operators of stationary sources to coordinate their response needs annually, or more frequently if necessary, with local emergency planning and response organizations (40 CFR §68.93(a)). If a stationary source is in a remote location and in-person annual coordination is deemed impractical, can…

  • Last published: June 5, 2024

• Emergency Response Coordination Activities Effective Date

  The RMP Amendments finalized on January 13, 2017 included a requirement for owners or operators of a stationary source to engage in emergency response coordination activities (40 CFR §68.93). The regulatory text in 40 CFR §68.10(b) states that compliance with these activities must be completed by March 14, 2018. Because…

  • Last published: September 30, 2024

• Do all renovation course instructors need to be approved as principal instructors? For example, to reach a 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio with 18 people in the class, may we have one principal instructor who teaches the entire lecture and is assisted by two additional hands-on instructors (who are not approved as principal instructors)?

  Answer: Every accredited training program must employ a qualified training manager, and it is the job of the training manager to designate a qualified principal instructor for each course. The principal instructor is responsible for the organization of the course and oversees the teaching of all course material. The training…

  • Last published: November 14, 2024

• Why do mobile source NOx emissions jump higher between 2001 and 2002 on the emissions trends?

  The emissions model used for mobile sources changed from MOBILE6.2 to MOVES 2010 in December 2009. This change included a notable increase in NOx emissions. The EPA adjusted data back to 2002 to reflect the change in models. The higher emissions in 2002 are because of this method change and…

  • Last published: May 1, 2024

• Why do the PM2.5 emissions for the electric utilities source category jump up between 1998 and 1999?

  The estimation method for PM emissions from fuel combustion sources was enhanced beginning with the 1999 National Emissions Inventory. Prior to 1999, the emissions measurement data methodology only included the filterable portion (which means the solid particle matter at elevated stack temperatures). Beginning with the 1999 NEI, both the filterable…

  • Last published: August 15, 2024

• Types of Information Relevant for Response Planning

  The Risk Management Program emergency response coordination activities require the owner and operator of a stationary source to provide to the local emergency planning and response organizations: the stationary source’s emergency response plan if one exists; emergency action plan; updated emergency contact information; and any other information that local emergency…

  • Last published: September 30, 2024

• If a student in a renovator training course is unable to read and understand English, may the exam be read to them in their native language?

  No. Separate course accreditations are required for each renovation course a training provider offers that is in a language other than English. Courses presented in a language other than English must use instructor manuals, exams, and other course materials in that language that have been reviewed by EPA as part…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• May renovator training providers provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities?

  Yes. However, to pass the course an individual must successfully complete the hands-on skills assessment and receive a passing score on the course test. Question Number: 23002-19568 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

  • Last published: November 19, 2024