Tier 2 Reporting is a crucial compliance requirement for businesses dealing with hazardous chemicals. In Alabama, industries must submit this report every year. It helps local authorities stay informed about the storage and use of these chemicals. This ensures proper safety measures are in place to protect workers, emergency responders, and the public. 

To stay compliant, organizations must submit all required details and documents before the deadline. But what are the specific requirements, and how is Alabama’s Tier 2 reporting process conducted? Understanding these details is crucial for proper compliance management. Read this blog to get a complete overview of Alabama’s Tier 2 reporting process. 

 

What is the Tier 2 Reporting of Alabama? 

Tier 2 Reporting is a federal requirement under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). It requires businesses to disclose details about hazardous chemicals stored at their facilities. Any facility that stores hazardous chemicals above the specified threshold must submit this report. 

In Alabama, companies must report this information to the Alabama Emergency Response Commission (AERC), local emergency planning committees (LEPCs), and fire departments. The report includes details about the types, quantities, and storage locations of hazardous chemicals. This information helps emergency responders prepare for potential chemical-related incidents, ensuring safety and compliance. 

 

Key Considerations for Tier 2 Reporting Compliance in Alabama 

 

Who Needs to Report?  

Facilities must submit Tier 2 reports if they store: 

  • 10,000 lbs or more of hazardous chemicals. 
  • 500 lbs or more of extremely hazardous substances (or the TPQ, whichever is lower). 
  • 75,000 gallons or more of gasoline (for retail fuel stations with underground storage tanks). 
  • 100,000 gallons or more of diesel fuel (all grades combined). 

 

Deadline for Submission: 

 Reports are due annually by March 1 for the previous calendar year. 

 

Submission Method:  

Alabama requires businesses to submit Tier 2 reports electronically using Alabama’s electronic tier II reporting system. All facilities in Alabama can submit Tier 2 reports through E-Plan (paid service) or Tier2Submit Software (free option). E-Plan retains data for easy updates, while Tier2Submit requires downloading the latest version each year.  Before the final submission to the Alabama Emergency Response Commission (AERC), all reports must be validated and exported in .t2s format. The final report must be emailed to the AERC. 

 

Did you Know? 

  • Submitting Tier 2 reports through E-Plan requires a $25 fee. 

Information Required:  

Businesses must include chemical details, storage locations, safety precautions, and emergency contacts. 

Did you Know? 

  • Facilities must report within 90 days of storing hazardous chemicals above the limit. 
  • The submission of an emergency planning notification is necessary within 60 days if a facility store an Extremely Hazardous Substance above the allowed limit. 

 

Penalties for Non-Compliance:  

Failing to submit the report on time or providing incorrect information can lead to fines and legal consequences. 

Did you Know? 

  • Alabama follows EPA guidelines but may also have extra state rules. 
  • Tier 2 Reporting helps emergency teams respond to chemical spills, fires, or other dangers. 
  • Small businesses using hazardous materials should check if they need to submit a report. 
  • Tier 2 reports help improve public safety and prepare for emergencies. 

 

How to Submit Tier 2 Reporting of Alabama? 

 Firstly, let’s see the submission process using E-plan’s virtual tier 2 reporting system: 

Submission Using E-Plan’s Online Tier II Reporting System: 

Step 1: Collect all Necessary Information
 

Before starting the submission process, facilities need to collect all necessary details. This includes: 

  • An inventory of all hazardous chemicals stored on-site that exceed reporting thresholds. 
  • Basic facility identification details such as name, address, and contact information. 

 

Step 2: Create an Account or Log In 

  • If you are a new user, create an account on E-Plan’s Online Tier II Reporting System. 
  • Existing users can log in using their credentials. 

 

Step 3: Add Facility Details 

  • Enter the facility name, address, and submitter information under the Facilities module. 

 

Step 4: Add Contact Information 

  • Provide details of owners, emergency contacts, and other key personnel in the contacts module. 
  • Include names, addresses, emails, and phone numbers. 

 

Step 5: Add Chemical Inventory 

Under the Chemicals module, input:  

  • Chemical properties. 
  • Storage locations and conditions. 
  • Mixtures and other relevant details. 

 

Step 6: Pay the Submission Fee 

  •  An invoice will be generated. 

 

Step 7: Review and Submit the Report 

  • Carefully review all information before submission. 
  • Ensure accuracy in chemical inventory, facility details, and contact information. 

 

Step 8: Submit Copies to LEPC and Fire Department 

  • Facilities must submit a hard copy to the appropriate Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the local fire department. 

 

Submission through Tier 2 Submit software in Alabama: 

 

Step 1: Enter Facility and Chemical Details 

  • Add your facility name, address, and contact information. 
  • List all hazardous chemicals stored on-site, including their CAS numbers, storage locations, and quantities. 

 

Step 2: Review and Validate the Report 

  • Check the report for accuracy. Moreover, the software will flag any errors that need correction. 

 

Step 3: Certify the Information 

  • Confirm that all the details are appropriate before submission. 

 

Step 4: Export the Report 

  • Save the report as a .t2s file in Tier2Submit. 

 

Step 5: Submit the Report 

  • Export a .pdf version. Finally, mail a hard copy to the LEPC and the local fire department. 

 

How to Submit Tier 2 Reporting Effectively? 

 

1) Start Early:

 Begin the reporting process well before the deadline. After all, gathering information and verifying details takes time. Above all, early preparation reduces last-minute errors and stress. 

 

2) Double-Check Data:

 Ensure all shared chemical details are accurate and complete. Also, review storage locations, quantities, and safety measures. 

 

3) Stay Updated: 

Regulations keep changing and updated. So, stay informed. Also, for authentic updates, check details shared by AEMA. Following the latest guidelines helps avoid penalties. 

 

4) Train Staff: 

Only employees managing hazardous chemicals must understand reporting rules. Therefore, provide appropriate training on data collection and submission procedures. It’s always easy to ensure accurate and timely reporting with well-trained staff. 

 

5) Use Compliance Tools:

Using compliance software can help businesses simplify the reporting process. These tools allow for efficient chemical tracking, automated report generation, and deadline management. Additionally, automation minimizes errors and enhances overall efficiency.