Risk Management Program (RMP)

The Risk Management Program (RMP) Rule implements Section 112(r) of the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments. The rule requires facilities that use extremely hazardous substances to develop a Risk Management Plan to prevent chemical accidents from occurring. These plans must be revised and resubmitted every five years.

EPA has delegated authority and enforcement of the Clean Air Act 112(r) RMP program to Mecklenburg County Air Quality in order to implement the requirements locally.  The EPA has not delegated away the General Duty Clause which says that owners and operators of stationary sources producing, processing, handling, or storing regulated substances or other extremely hazardous substances have a general duty to:

1. identify hazards which may result from a release of a substance using appropriate hazard assessment techniques

2. design and maintain a safe facility taking such steps as are necessary to prevent releases

3. minimize the consequences of accidental releases which do occur.