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  • Electronically submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan via the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS).
  • Review, update and recertify the HMBP annually. Handlers in San Bernardino County are encouraged to submit their HMBP between January 1st and March 1st to comply with the annual submittal/certification requirements.
  • Any business subject to any of the CUPA permits in San Bernardino County is required to file an HMBP via CERS. This submission is used as the basis for the permit application.

Any releases or threatened releases of hazardous materials must be reported to the 24-Hour Emergency Hazardous Materials Spill Reporting Hotline  and to the State Office of Emergency Services (OES) Warning Center.

Hazardous Materials Release Response Plans and Inventory (Business Plan)

The Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) program was established in 1986. The purpose of this CUPA program is to prevent or minimize the damage to public health and safety and the environment, from a release or threatened release of hazardous materials. It also satisfies community right-to-know laws. The HMBP provides information regarding hazardous materials at facilities to emergency responders and to the general public.

Businesses that handle hazardous materials (including hazardous waste) or extremely hazardous substances are required to submit an HMBP via the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS), if using, handling or storing hazardous materials in quantities equal to or greater than:

  • 55 gallons of a liquid,
  • 500 pounds of a solid, or
  • 200 cubic feet of compressed gas, or
  • Extremely hazardous substances above the threshold planning quantity
  • Facilities in this jurisdiction must also report any amount of hazardous waste via CERS

FAQs

Hazardous Materials Business Plan

The California Health and Safety Code defines a Hazardous Material as, “any material that because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or the environment if released into the work-place or environment.”

Owner/operator must provide initial and annual employee training and maintain training documentation records for a minimum of three years.

Submission of the Business Emergency/ Contingency Plan satisfies the EPCRA 311-312 Tier II Reporting requirement of the U.S. EPA if done in accordance with EPCRA instructions.

Facilities are required to submit/certify their HMBP annually between January 1st and March 1st to meet the annual March 1 deadline.