Reporting Requirements for Continuous Releases of Hazardous Substances, A Guide for Facilities on Compliance

This guide will help you understand the definitions and requirements contained in EPA's Final Rule on "Reporting Continuous Releases of Hazardous Substances" [55 FR 30166; July 24, 1990]. This final rule amended 40 CFR Part 302 and Part 355.

The Continuous Release Rule provides a reduced reporting option for facilities that release hazardous substances in a manner that is continuous, and stable in quantity and rate. This guide has been designed to provide facilities who choose this reduced reporting option with the information necessary to successfully comply with the continuous release reporting.

The guide is divided into two parts:

• Part 1 provides general information in a question-and-answer format regarding the Continuous Release Rule and the responsibility of the person in charge of a facility to report releases of hazardous substances.
• Part 2 contains detailed instructions on how to prepare continuous release reports that include all of the information required to qualify for reduced reporting under the Rule.

Although the Rule applies to both facilities and vessels, this Guide will only address the reporting requirements for facilities. Much of the information in this Guide is applicable to vessels. However, persons in charge of vessels who wish to report under the Continuous Release Rule should contact EPA to discuss vessel-specific requirements.

• Part 1:  Reporting Requirements for Continuous Releases of Hazardous Substances (pdf) (106.11 KB, EPA 540-R-97-047)
  • Reports previously submitted to EPA regional offices should be sent to the EPA Headquarters Office (at the address below), per the final rule [86 FR 62736; November 12, 2021].
• Part 2:  Instructions and Procedures for Continuous Release Reporting (pdf) (93.54 KB, EPA 540-R-97-047)
  • For Exhibit 2-1: Checklist of Information Required in Initial and Follow-up Written Reports, please see Appendix B.
• Appendix B: Office of Management and Budget Approved Continuous Release Reporting Forms [55 FR 30165; July 24, 1990]
  • Continuous Release Reporting Form Sections I-III (pdf) (427.13 KB)
  • Instructions for Continuous Release Reporting Form (pdf) (269.74 KB)
  • Checklist (pdf) (185.36 KB)
  • Addendum to Form R (pdf) – Page 1 (pdf) (12.66 KB)
  • Addendum to Form R (pdf) – Page 2 (pdf) (12.98 KB)

Send your completed forms to EPA Headquarters at the following address:

Office of Emergency Management
Attn: Continuous Release Report
Mail Code: 5104A
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20460

Your EPA regional office can also assist you with understanding and complying with all reporting requirements.