Nearly 40 years ago, residents of Bhopal, India, experienced what is considered by many to be the worst industrial catastrophe in history – a multi-ton release of methyl isocyanate. The incident became known as the Bhopal disaster.

Along with contributing to thousands of deaths, it is estimated that half a million people were adversely affected by the disaster. The tragedy continues to impact how countries around the world plan and coordinate emergency responses.

To reduce the likelihood of such a disaster in the United States, Congress imposed requirements for federal, state and local governments and industry. These requirements covered emergency planning and "Community Right-to-Know" reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals.

The Community Right-to-Know provisions help increase the public's knowledge and access to information about chemicals stored at individual facilities, their uses, and releases into the environment. States and communities work with facilities to use the information to improve chemical safety, emergency response, and protect public health and the environment.

Through Nebraska’s Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), Nebraska facilities are required to report the locations and quantities of hazardous materials stored on-site to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) between January 1 and March 1 of each year. The process is known as Tier II reporting.

Every January, NDEE distributes postcards to specific facilities that are covered by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and that are storing OSHA-regulated chemicals above EPA-established thresholds. Facility identification numbers and passwords are included on the postcard to help facilities log in and complete their report.

Reports can be made through the Online NDEE Tier II System by clicking on the “Enter Tier II Form Submission System” tab. Facilities unable to locate or did not receive a Tier II reporting reminder postcard can contact NDEE’s Tier II representative by dialing 402-471-2186.

This reporting data is made available to the general public and State and Local Emergency Planning Committees tasked with identifying potential risks facing their communities. Local communities use this information to help assess the risks from hazardous chemicals stored in their local area and develop plans to deal with a chemical emergency.

Community leaders, responders, and members of the general public who wish to view facility-reported information may do so through the Online NDEE Tier II System and click on the “Search for Tier II Reporting Facilities” tab.

An up-to-date record of hazardous substances and thresholds subject to EPCRA regulations can be found on the EPA’s List of Lists.