Look up the CERCLA reportable quantity for any hazardous substance listed in 40 CFR 302.4. Enter the amount released to determine if the spill exceeds the RQ threshold and triggers mandatory NRC notification.
Immediate Notification Required
1-800-424-8802
National Response Center (24/7)
Also notify your
State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
Find your state hotline →
EHS Threshold Planning Qty
Associated RCRA Waste Codes:
24-Hour Rolling Window: CERCLA uses a 24-hour rolling window, not a calendar day. If cumulative releases of this substance equal or exceed the RQ within any consecutive 24-hour period, you must report. This includes multiple small releases.
Petroleum Exclusion: Crude oil and refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, kerosene) are generally exempt from CERCLA reporting. However, petroleum products containing listed hazardous substances above de minimis concentrations (such as benzene in gasoline) may still trigger reporting requirements. Used oil contaminated with listed hazardous wastes is NOT exempt.
About This Tool
This calculator uses data from 40 CFR 302.4 Table 302.4 (List of Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities) to determine if a release of a hazardous substance triggers mandatory notification under CERCLA Section 103.
When a release equals or exceeds the reportable quantity within a 24-hour period, the person in charge of the facility must immediately notify the National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties up to $50,000/day and imprisonment.
Many states have additional reporting requirements with lower thresholds. Always check your state spill reporting requirements in addition to federal obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CERCLA Reportable Quantity?
A Reportable Quantity (RQ) is the amount of a hazardous substance that, when released to the environment in a 24-hour period, requires notification to the National Response Center (NRC) under CERCLA Section 103. RQs range from 1 pound to 5,000 pounds depending on the substance. The RQs are listed in 40 CFR 302.4 Table 302.4.
Who do I call when a spill exceeds the RQ?
Call the National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802 immediately. The NRC is staffed 24/7. You must also notify your State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Many states have their own spill reporting hotlines with lower thresholds than the federal RQ.
What is the 24-hour rolling window?
CERCLA uses a 24-hour rolling window, not a calendar day. If cumulative releases of a hazardous substance equal or exceed the RQ within any consecutive 24-hour period, you must report. This includes multiple small releases that individually fall below the RQ but together exceed it.
Does the petroleum exclusion apply to my spill?
The CERCLA petroleum exclusion exempts crude oil and refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, kerosene) from CERCLA reporting requirements. However, petroleum products containing hazardous substances above de minimis levels (like benzene in gasoline) may still trigger reporting. The exclusion does NOT apply to used oil contaminated with listed hazardous wastes. When in doubt, report.
What are the penalties for failing to report?
Failure to report a release that exceeds the RQ can result in criminal penalties up to $50,000 per day and/or up to 3 years imprisonment under CERCLA Section 103(b). Civil penalties can reach $75,867 per day per violation under the 2024 adjusted penalty amounts. The penalties apply to the person in charge of the facility at the time of the release.
