California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) Program

The Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources is the administering agency responsible for implementing the California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) program in Stanislaus County.

CalARP was adapted from the Federal accidental release program established by the Clean Air Act Section 112 (r) and modified to meet California’s needs. The goal of the CalARP Program is to prevent accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances that pose the greatest risk of immediate harm to the public and the environment.

Extremely hazardous substances are chemicals that pose a significant threat to public health and safety or the environment because they are highly toxic, flammable or explosive. You can find the regulated extremely hazardous substances listed on three separate tables: two federal and one state. The tables differ with regard to the type and amount of a regulated substance subject to regulation. Your business is responsible for determining which table list to use to develop your Risk Management Plan (RMP). Contact Stanislaus County Hazardous Materials at (209) 525-6700 to discuss the regulated substances and their respective threshold quantities, and to determine if a RMP must be completed.

Examples of CalARP regulated substances are:

  • Ammonia
  • Aqueous Ammonia
  • Chlorine Gas
  • Sulfur Dioxide
  • Propane

Program Overview

Stanislaus County provides regulatory oversight for the CalARP program including:

  • Routine inspections of CalARP facilities
  • Completeness reviews of Risk Management Plans
  • Evaluation reviews of Risk Management Plans

Public Notice

Pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.95, Section 25535.2, and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.5, Section 2745.2(c) facilities that handle regulated substances above certain thresholds are required to prepare risk management plans. The goal of a risk management program is to prevent chemical accidents that could cause harm to the public and the environment and to reduce the potential impact of accidental releases. The risk management plan contains an off-site consequence analysis that evaluates specific potential release scenarios including worst-case and alternative scenarios; a history of accidental releases; an integrated prevention program to manage risk; an emergency response program; and a management system to oversee the Implementation of the risk management program. Risk Management Plans are available for public review and comment at the Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Suite C, and Stanislaus County Environmental Resources until December 3rd, 2021. A list of Risk Management Plans for public review can be found here.

Links to other websites containing important CalARP information

CalCUPA Forum
CalOES

Have Question?

For general questions regarding the CalARP, please call DER at (209) 525-6700. A Specialist is available M - F, 8 AM - 5 PM.