The California Accidental Release Prevention (CalARP) program’s main objective is to prevent accidental releases of those substances determined to potentially pose the greatest risk of immediate harm to the public and the environment. These substances are called regulated substances which include flammable and toxic hazardous materials listed on the Federal Regulated Substances for Accidental Release Prevention and listed on the State of California Regulated Substances list. Businesses that handle regulated substances in industrial processes above threshold quantity levels are subject to CalARP program requirements. The CalARP program requires businesses to have planning activities that are intended to minimize the possibility of an accidental release by encouraging engineering and administrative controls. It is further intended to mitigate the effects of an accidental release, by requiring owners or operators of facilities to develop and implement an accident prevention program. Subsequently, the owner or operator may be required to develop and submit a risk management plan (RMP) to the administering agency. CalARP program unit staff reviews all applicable components of RMPs to ensure completeness and adequacy, and inspect these high-risk facilities for compliance with applicable state and federal requirements.

The CalARP program encompasses both the federal “Risk Management Program”, established in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 68, and the State of California program, in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Article 2.

Pursuant to Section 2745.2 (a) (2) of Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, the Los Angeles County Fire Department notifies the public that RMPs have been received. Once they are deemed complete, the RMPs will be available for public review and comment.

The following are documents available for download:

Frequently Asked Questions

CalARP Guidance for Industry

RMP Submissions Received by the LA County Fire Department

Cal ARP Seismic Assessment Guide 2009

CalARP RMP Deregristration

Appendix A-1: California Accidental Release Program (CAL ARP) Regulation

Cal ARP Program Implementation Guidance Document

USEPA RMP Information