Frequently Asked Questions Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)

Frequently Asked Questions Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)

FAQs

How Do I Obtain a Permit?

To obtain an operating permit from ACEHD, the business shall prepare and submit and complete HMBP in CERS. An invoice will be sent to the billing contact once processed.

 

What is CERS?

In 2008, the State of California enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 2286. This legislation requires the State’s Secretary for Environmental Protection to establish an electronic information management system known as the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS). Beginning January 1, 2013, all regulated facilities must report their CUPA program data electronically to CERS.

CERS benefits regulated facilities by simplifying the document submittal process, including new information submittals and updating existing information to the CUPA. CERS will allow response agencies quick access to current data during emergency response activities. More information on CERS and electronic reporting can be found at http://www.calepa.ca.gov/CUPA/EReporting.

Alameda County Health, Environmental Health Department (ACEHD) may provide training and assistance to businesses on entering their facility information into CERS. Please continue to visit our website for information on future training opportunities.

 

Am I Required to Submit my HMBP Electronically?

Yes, the State of California requires all HMBPs to be submitted electronically to CERS [Health & Safety Code 25508].

 

How Do I Submit my HMBP Electronically?

Please complete an ELECTRONIC REPORTING LEAD USER AUTHORIZATION FORM to ensure that only individuals designated by the facility owner/operator are authorized by the CUPA to create, edit, and submit electronic data on the owner’s behalf to CERS. Submit the completed form to dehcers@acgov.org.

You will need to create a username and password and request access to the address of your facility.

 

When Must I Submit or Update my HMBP?

Submit a complete HMBP to CERS within 30 days after your business becomes subject to the HMBP program. Annually review and certify your HMBP in CERS is complete, accurate, and in compliance with Section 11022 of Title 42 of the United States Code.

 

Update your HMBP in CERS within 30 days of any substantial changes to your facility’s operations such as:

  • A 100 percent or more increase in the quantity of a previously disclosed material
  • Any handling of a previously undisclosed hazardous material subject to the inventory requirements of an HMBP
  • Change of business address
  • Change of business ownership
  • Change of business name
  • A substantial change in the handler’s operations
  • Any change in emergency response personnel

 

When Am I Required To Complete A Spill Or Release Notification?

All spills, releases, or threatened releases of a hazardous material must be immediately reported to ACEHD at (510) 567-6702 and Cal OES State Warning Center at (800) 852-7550 or (916) 845–8911.

 

Am I Required To Notify The CUPA That My Facility Is Closing?

Please notify the CUPA 30 days before your facility is closed by completing and submitting the closure notification on your permit to the CUPA at dehcers@acgov.org.

Log in to CERS and update the Business Activities page by marking “NO” on all of the questions to report that all the chemicals were properly removed from your facility. Under Additional Comments at the bottom of that page, please enter the date of facility closure. Please contact the CUPA for assistance.

An inspector will visit your facility to help you satisfy the closure requirements of the CUPA.