The purpose of the Hazardous Material Business Plan program is to protect public health, the environment and groundwater from risks or adverse effects associated with the storage of hazardous materials. Businesses must complete a Hazardous Material Business Plan (Business Plan) for the safe storage and use of chemicals.

 In general, you must submit a Business Plan if your business handles and/or stores a hazardous material equal to or greater than the minimum reportable quantities. These quantities are 55 gallons for liquids, 500 pounds for solids and 200 cubic feet (at standard temperature and pressure) for compressed gases.

 As of January 1, 2013, all Business Plans shall be submitted into the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS). 

Effective January 1, 2025, MCEHD-CUPA requires all handlers to submit or certify the business plan on or before March 1st of every year. The submittal or certification may be made between January 1st to March 1st.

 A complete business plan submittal shall include the 1) facility, 2) inventory/site map, and 3) emergency response and training plan elements.

 Annual business plan submittal is required, unless the business is eligible for annual certification. Certification eligibility conditions and instructions.

CERS Business Portal Help

 Program Overview

• Environmental Health Division provides regulatory oversight for hazardous materials storage, including:
• Annual permit issuance
• Routine inspections
• Collection, processing and review of Business Plans
• Storage of Business Plans for public review under community right-to-know laws
• Transmittal of Business Plans to emergency response agencies
• Ensuring that hazardous materials storage sites perform adequate emergency response contingency planning

Additional Information
California Office of Emergency Services
Environmental Health Documents and Forms