California Accidental Release Program (CalARP)

Merced County Community and Economic Development, Division of Environmental Health (MCDEH) oversees the CalARP state-mandated program in Merced County.

The California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) program was implemented on January 1, 1997 and replaces the former California Risk Management and Prevention Program (RMPP). The purpose of the CalARP program is to prevent accidental releases of substances that can cause serious harm to the public and the environment, to minimize the damage if releases do occur, and to satisfy community right-to-know laws.

This is accomplished by requiring businesses that produce, handle, process, distribute, or store certain chemicals over a threshold quantity to develop a Risk Management Program, prepare a Risk Management Plan (RMP), and submit the RMP to the local Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA). The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA), formerly the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, has developed regulations (Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, §2735.1 and following) that incorporate elements of the Federal Accidental Release Prevention Program (also known as the Risk Management Program) into state regulations.

Risk Management Plan (RMP) Available for Public Review

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 Merced County, Environmental Health Department, 2222 “M” Street, Merced CA. 

Current RMP Submittals Available for Public Comment

  • AmeriGas Atwater Rail Facility (Available until 9/22/2023)
  • Stanislaus Farm Supply (Available until 9/22/2023)
  • Hilmar County Water District #6 & 7 (Available until 10/16/2023)
  • Gar Bennett - Dos Palos (Available until 10/16/2023)

Please fill out a Request for RMP Review to request public review of an RMP.