United States Postal Service® (USPS®) policy requires USPS sites that store quantities of hazardous chemicals exceeding reporting thresholds to comply with Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Tier II reporting requirements. The Tier II form contains information on the quantities, hazards, and locations of onsite hazardous materials storage.
The EPCRA Tier II form must be completed annually by March 1, including reporting year 2024). This ensures state and local emergency response organizations are notified about any potential onsite hazards.
Commonly reported chemicals and thresholds applicable to USPS sites including the following:
Common Chemicals
|
Threshold
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Guidance
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Sulfuric acid in lead-acid and Gel cell batteries
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500 lbs.
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The 500-pound threshold for sulfuric acid is met by onsite storage of more than six tow motor batteries or more than two forklift batteries, or a combination of these batteries. Estimate the percent weight of sulfuric acid in the battery by multiplying the battery weight by 18 percent. Note: Batteries in motor vehicles are exempt from reporting.
|
Gasoline, diesel, or heating fuel
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10,000 lbs.
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The 10,000-pound threshold is equivalent to 1,639 gallons of gasoline (6.1 pounds per gallon) or 1,351 gallons of diesel or heating fuel (7.4 pounds per gallon).
|
Ice melt and anti-skid products
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10,000 lbs.
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The 10,000-pound threshold includes but is not limited to rock salt, calcium magnesium acetate, calcium chloride, and sand. The threshold applies whether the materials are stored in one bulk location or dispersed in bags or on pallets throughout the site.
|
Propane
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10,000 lbs.
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The 10,000-pound threshold is equivalent to 2,380 gallons of propane as liquified petroleum gas (LPG) using weight of 4.2 pounds per gallon.
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Reporting requirements apply to any location that stores threshold quantities of EPCRA-regulated hazardous and toxic chemicals. In most cases, the federal reporting threshold is 10,000 pounds. Each state has different Tier II submission procedures. States may require the following:
n Hard copy submission of the Tier II form.
n Electronic reporting through the EPA Tier2 Submit Software program; or
n Reporting through their own state-specific software programs or websites.
For more information, review the Environmental Affairs Tier II Reporting Environmental Compliance Bulletin at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/waste/ecb-tier2.pdf. or contact your designated Environmental Specialist at blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability,
Corporate Affairs, 1-23-25
