Hazardous Material Control Board (HMCB) / Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

What is the Hazardous Materials Control Board (HMCB)?

 Adopted by the Municipal Council of the City of Clifton on June 21, 1988, the HMCB serves without compensation concerning the prevention and control of chemicals and materials.

 *  The Board serves as the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) as per federal 
 regulation. Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) was passed by Congress in 1986 in response to the 1984 chemical disaster in Bhopal, India. This regulation addresses hazmat planning and reporting for all levels of government, as well as the private sector industry. 

*  The Board makes recommendations to ensure that storage and use of hazardous chemicals in Clifton are done in accordance with federal, state, and local laws to ensure the safety of the residents and businesses in Clifton. 

 *  All new businesses within the City of Clifton are required to complete a Building Dept. CBC application and must report any hazardous materials that will be used or stored onsite. 

 *  Each and every facility located within the boundaries of the City of Clifton shall be 
 required to file with the HMCB of the City of Clifton outlined in Chapter 45, Section 7 of the code of the City of Clifton code.

Who are the Board Members?

 *  Established by municipal resolution, the HMCB is an advisory body composed of 13 members appointed by the council and they serve for a three (3) year term.

City Council

• William Gibson Councilman 
• Antonio Latona Councilman 
• Mary Sadrakula Councilwoman (Alt)

 Building Department 

• Ernie Tomesco
• Brain Ciaurro (Alt)

Chamber of Commerce

• Deborah Hoffman

Environmental Commission

• Stephen Shukaitis

Fire Department

• Michael Pressler Fire Marshal
• Captain Kevin Danielson HAZMAT Coordinator 

Health Department 

• Jennifer Terwilliger HAZMAT Coordinator 
• Victoria Kaufman Administrative Clerk
• John E. Biegel Health Officer (Alt)

Industrial Representative 

• Dean DeGhetto 
• Chandra Patel
• Joseph Patti 
• Bradley Chupick (Alt)

Media Representative

• Thomas Hawrylko

Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

• Angelina Tirado Coordinator 
• Jason Anzelmo Deputy Coordinator 
• Michael Onder Deputy Coordinator 

Police Department 

• Robert Bracken
• Dect. Samuel Arnowitz (Alt)

Public Member 

• John Neglia

What enforcement powers does the HMCB have?

 *  Powers and remedies are provided under 42 U.S.C § 11046(a)(2), and under any other 
 applicable federal or state law regulation.

 *  Other additional powers & remedies as may be available under any state or federal law, rule, or regulation or as may be available under any other ordinances of the City of  Clifton.

Violations and Penalties

 *  Any person, firm, or corporation violating the HMCB ordinance, and upon conviction can be punished by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days.

 *  Each day that violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.

 *  Fees are collected annually based on Right to Know surveys submitted from facilities' previous year's survey and budget. (See Clifton Ordinance 45-11).

Education

*  The HMCB provides community education. Speakers are available to come and talk at schools, community meetings, health fairs, science fairs, etc.

 *  Please contact the Hazmat Coordinator to set up a speaker.

What materials need to be filed with the HMCB?

 *  Community Right to Know Survey (ANNUALLY) (DEQ-094)

*  Section 311 of SARA Title

*  EPA Form R, Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Reporting Form and DEQ-100

*  NJ DEP Form DEQ-80

*  Other paperwork will be requested by the HMCB if needed

What does the HMCB review once Building Application is submitted?

 *  Review any Building plans submitted (engineering or architect).

 *  Review Clifton Haz-Mat Board Chemical Inventory Sheet and HMCB Application,

*  Review the company’s liability insurance specifying risks covered by insurance policies. 

 *  HMCB needs at least 75% vote of its attending members. It may require, from any applicant facility that is not in compliance with the requirements, a hazard analysis alone, or a risk assessment of the chemicals and substances at the building for which the application is made. 

 *  If there are any changes in quantity after initial approval, the facility shall be required to submit a written report detailing the changes for the Board’s information, review, and action.

Schedule of Meetings

 *  The HMCB meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month (except July & August unless needed) at 3:30 pm at Clifton City Hall, 1st Floor Conference Room.

 *  The public is welcome and encouraged to attend all meetings. Please see the calendar for all meeting dates.

What are the Powers & Duties of the HMCB?

 *  Make recommendations to the Municipal Council for regulations of inspection, control, and supervision of hazardous chemicals and materials in the City of Clifton which includes fines and penalties.

*  Create and support education awareness to the citizens of Clifton of dangers, hazards, and problems with the use and release of hazardous chemicals and materials.

 *  Protect our emergency responders, including the Clifton Fire Department, Police 
 Department, and Emergency Medical  Technicians, by ensuring that potential hazards throughout the City have been identified, and measures have been put in place to prevent uncontrolled releases of hazardous materials. 

* Develop and update an emergency response plan (off-site ERP) for the City of Clifton