Map Shows US Chemical Facilities That Have—and Have Not—Had Accidents
Summary
An interactive map shows U.S. chemical facilities regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and highlights where accidents have happened. Recently, two serious chemical accidents occurred on the West Coast, raising concerns about chemical safety and federal oversight.Key Facts
- The map is available at rmpmap.org and shows chemical facilities required to file safety plans with the EPA.
- The map uses rings to indicate sites with recent accidents; bigger or darker rings mean more recent incidents.
- A major incident in Garden Grove, California, involved a flammable chemical tank overheating, causing evacuations of nearly 50,000 people.
- A deadly accident happened in Longview, Washington, when a chemical tank imploded, killing one worker and injuring others.
- The EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) started from a 1990 law to prevent large chemical accidents.
- Facilities covered by the RMP must submit plans that include accident history, potential impacts, prevention steps, and emergency response.
- Emergency responders and federal agencies are investigating the recent accidents.
- The map is meant to help communities and policymakers understand chemical risks but is not meant for real-time emergency use.
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