Solving SARA compliance with computerized hazardous materials tracking

The advent of the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III, or the Emergency Planning and Citizen Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) has forced facilities to keep track of hazardous materials as never before. EPCRA contains five major reporting requirements, including planning notification, emergency release notification, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) submission, chemical inventory reporting, and toxic chemical release reporting. The complexity and vastness of these requirements all but require a computerized system for hazardous material management. Peterson Builders, Inc., developed a computerized hazardous materials management system capable of meeting the requirements of EPCRA. After one year of operation, the system has proven successful. This paper discusses Peterson Builders' experience in implementing the system, system design, and future considerations for the system.