The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments §112(r) program is designed to prevent accidents and releases through a
program of preparedness, response, and prevention. While DAQ does not have delegation of this program, we
recognize it is an important tool in protecting lives and the environment by assisting facilities to operate
safely.
The General Duty Clause (GDC) of §112(r)(1) establishes that owners and operators of stationary sources
producing, processing, and storing extremely hazardous substances have a general duty to identify hazards
associated with an accidental release, design and maintain a safe facility, and minimize consequences of any
accidental releases that occur.
Additionally, a Risk Management Plan (RMP) is required to be developed and submitted to EPA if a facility
has more than a threshold quantity of a regulated substance in a process. The RMP includes an off-site
consequence analysis, five-year accident history, prevention plan, and emergency response plan.
EPA inspects facilities that are subject not only to the RMP provisions, but those subject to the broader
GDC provisions as well.