Unauthorized releases of substances into the environment can
occur any time, in many different circumstances, and bring with
them varying degrees of risk. The minutes and hours following an
unauthorized release can be dangerous, confusing and stressful for
those involved, and in particular, for the first-responders, who
may or may not have experience responding to a release.
Should an unauthorized release of substances occur, it is
important that you and your staff are as prepared as possible to
minimize risk of harm to human health and the environment. Dealing
with any emergency, and safeguarding people and the environment, is
always the first and immediate priority. However, another key element in your emergency response plan is
reporting any unauthorized release to the appropriate authorities
(and other affected parties) in a timely fashion. Failing to report
the release, or failing to do so in a timely fashion, can have
serious environmental and liability
