EPA expects public access to OCA data similarly will stimulate and achieve risk reduction through safer practice and technologies. Public access to RMP information, including OCA data, is expected to provide added impetus for accident prevention. Once informed, citizens can engage in constructive dialogue with facilities to address any concerns. OCA data will give citizens information about the risks of chemical accidents. OCA data from local facilities will inform citizens about the risks they face in their community, while OCA data from similar facilities in other locations will provide insight into what risk reductions could be achieved locally.
Information drives action.
Managing the Data To be useful, OCA data must be managed electronically. More than 69,000 facilities potentially are subject to the RMP program. Every covered facility must submit at least one worst-case scenario, and the vast majority of facilities also must submit at least one alternative release scenario at the facility. Collectively, for the nation and for most States, facilities' RMP data, including OCA data, cannot be reasonably managed in paper form. Many State and local governments have told EPA that they lack the resources to manage the volume of information expected to be submitted by facilities under the RMP program.