Mission Statement
"The Chemical-Tribal Emergency Response Commission/ Local Emergency Planning Committee will protect the health and safety of the Gila River Indian Community through chemical emergency planning, preparedness, and Community involvement"
Right-to-Know
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) was passed by Congress in response to concerns regarding the environmental and safety hazards posed by the storage and handling of toxic chemicals. These concerns were triggered by the 1984 disaster in Bhopal, India, caused by an accidental release of methylisocyanate. The release killed or severely injured more than 2000 people.
To reduce the likelihood of such a disaster in the United States, Congress imposed requirements for federal, state and local governments, tribes, and industry. These requirements covered emergency planning and "Community Right-to-Know" reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals. The Community Right-to-Know provisions help increase the public's knowledge and access to information on chemicals at individual facilities, their uses, and releases into the environment. States and communities, working with facilities, can use the information to improve chemical safety and protect public health and the environment.
Emergency Release Notification
If there is a reportable release of an extremely hazardous substance from a facility on the Gila River Indian Community at which a hazardous chemical is produced, used or stored, the responsible party, (or in the absence of the responsible party, the responding agency), shall immediately notify:
- The Fire Department at 9-1-1
- The Arizona DEQ3via the spill line at 602-771-2330
- The National Response Center at 800-424-8802, and
- The Gila River C-TERC/LEPC at 520-796-3955
The facility must provide a detailed follow-up written report within 15 days to the Gila River C-TERC. The follow-up report can be submitted by email to:
C-TERC is required to make these reports available to the public.
If there is a reportable release while transporting an extremely hazardous substance on the Gila River Indian Community, the responsible party, (or in the absence of the responsible party, the responding agency), shall immediately notify 9-1-1. No additional reporting is required.
Tier 2 Reporting
Tier II Chemical Reporting is an annual requirement for fixed facilities to report hazardous chemicals and extremely hazardous substances (EHS). Tier II serves as a repository that is used by emergency response personnel when responding to incidents and other community emergencies and by CTERC to develop the Community emergency response plan.
The Tier II reporting season starts on January 1 and ends March 1 annually (60 days). Reporting is for the previous year; for example, Reporting Year 2025 will include information about chemicals that were on site from January – December 2024.
If your facility is located on the GRIC and is subject to Tier II Chemical Inventory Reporting, you must submit your report by mail to:
GRIC
Office of Emergency Management
P.O. Box 5072
Chandler, AZ 85226
However, you can use the State of Arizona Online Tier II portal to build your report and do the following:
- View/update pre-populated facility information
- Create new Tier II facilities
- Upload Safety Data Sheets, site maps and response plans
- Update information requested by first responders
- Print copies of your report for filing with the GRIC
To access the Arizona Online Tier II portal visit the AZDEQ Tier II page.