Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)

The Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) program aims to prevent or minimize harm to public health and safety and the environment from a release or threatened release of a hazardous material. A HMBP also meets the requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) that requires emergency planning and reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals for federal, state, and local government, tribes, and industry.

Hazardous Materials Business Plan Picture

Program Description

The Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) is a regulatory requirement for businesses (including universities and colleges) that handle hazardous material, hazardous waste, and extremely hazardous substances as defined in CFR Title 40 Section 355.61.

The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) oversees the implementation of the HMBP program at the state level. Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs) implement the program at the local level and are responsible for enforcement and administration in their respective jurisdictions.

  • An inventory of hazardous materials at a facility, the Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS).
  • Emergency response plans and procedures to be followed in the event of a reportable release or threatened release of a hazardous material.
  • Requirements to train appropriate personnel in safety procedures in the event of a release or threatened release of a hazardous material, including on-boarding for new employees and annual refresher courses for existing employees.
  • A site map that depicts north orientation, loading areas, internal roads, adjacent streets, storm and sewer drains, access and exit points, emergency shutoffs, evacuation staging areas, hazardous material handling and storage areas, and emergency response equipment.

Threshold Quantities of Hazardous Materials 

A permit and associated HMPB is required for entities that handle threshold amounts of hazardous materials.

  • 55 gallons of liquids
  • 500 pounds of solids
  • 200 cubic feet of compressed gases

Laboratory operations have much lower threshold quantities.
(Applies to the City/County of San Francisco only.)

  • 100 mL (0.024 gal) of liquids
  • 25 g (0.06 lbs) of solids
  • 10 cu ft of gases

Cal/EPA Reporting

SFSU is required to submit an online electronic report of the HMBP via the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) due every February 15.

Note: The HMBP is no longer a paper document. It is submitted online into a CERS template established by the State.

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