Here is an initial look at the rule, signed by the CSB Interim Executive today.
The final rule requires an owner or operator of a stationary source to submit an accidental release report to the CSB. The rule describes when to file a report of an accidental release and the required content of such a report. The purpose of the rule is to ensure that the CSB receives rapid, accurate reports of any accidental release that meets established statutory criteria. Reporting releases to the National Response Center, in lieu of the Board directly, shall satisfy such regulations. But be aware of this little fact:
The CSB screened 1,923 incidents from 2010 to July 15, 2019, which resulted in an injury or fatality. The CSB compared NRC reports it received during that time period with the information it had collected through other means. The CSB found that it had matching NRC reports for only 13.16 percent (253) of the incidents the CSB had identified through other means.
Releases of less than a threshold quantity will not be reported to the NRC… However, the same release may have caused a death or serious injury within the jurisdiction of the CSB.
The accidental release reports will REQUIRE ONLY INFORMATION that is already known or should be available to an owner/operator soon after an accidental release. To provide the owner/operator more time to gather the necessary information the final rule has INCREASED THE REPORTING WINDOW from four to EIGHT HOURS. The required information is also limited in scope to critical information required for the CSB to make informed decisions about its jurisdiction, interagency coordination, and deployment decision-making.
Here is my breakdown of what to expect…