On October 4, 2006, the President of the United States signed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act of 2007. This law provides DHS the authority to regulate the security of facilities that use chemicals in their operations, including colleges, universities and medical centers. The subsequent “Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards” (CFATS) are intended to prevent potential misuse of certain chemicals. These Chemicals and their corresponding Screening Threshold Quantities (STQ) are listed in Appendix A to the rule. The complete Appendix A list is available on the EHSO website at www.uic.edu/depts/envh.
To comply, universities must perform an inventory of the listed chemicals. If a university possesses, or later comes into possession, of a chemical at or above the specified screening threshold quantity, it must complete a consequence assessment tool known as a Top-Screen. Universities have 60 days from November 20, 2007 to report the chemical information. The EHSO has been tasked with leading this effort at UIC.
To facilitate the process. Complete one copy of the “CFATS Inventory” form for each room, closet or storage area where any quantity of the listed chemicals are found. Complete the “No Chemical Declaration” form for any of your campus space where these chemicals are not found or if you do not possess any of these chemicals at all. Email the appropriate forms to CFATS@uic.edu by December 19, 2007.
Should UIC fail to comply, the DHS can impose civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day, and shut down our facilities.