clients / case studies / government agencies

Arizona Emergency Response Commission

Goal

To revamp a paper-based process of State hazardous chemical inventory reporting that increases efficiency, accuracy and compliance with Federal requirements

Solution

A web-based application enabling the reporting and management of data online. The solution maximizes ease of accessibility by users and administrators while maintaining data security and timeliness of reports.

Results

Introduction

The Arizona Emergency Response Commission (AZSERC) is tasked with the implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) in Arizona. EPCRA was passed in response to concerns triggered by the disaster in Bhopal, India, in which more than 2,000 people suffered death or serious injury from the accidental release of methyl isocyanate. To reduce the likelihood of such a disaster in the United States, Congress imposed requirements on both states and regulated facilities.

As part of its duties, AZSERC is responsible for the data management and public disclosure of information of all hazardous chemicals in Arizona. This is accomplished through the receipt and coordination of emergency notifications of chemical releases, and the collection and provision of chemical inventory information to interested parties.

Prior to working with Ephibian, the State system had known issues regarding reporting compliance. To overhaul its paper based system, AZSERC teamed up with Ephibian as its preferred technology provider. The redesign was intended to make the reporting process easier and more intuitive, and increase reporting compliance.

What did we do?

  • Built a user-friendly web-based application that consolidated the “Tier II” federally-required data from both the existing, limited, online solution, and the heavily paper-based previous system, replacing old labor intensive and costly system
  • Created an architecture that organized the data effectively for use in a wide variety of contexts including use by homeland security, emergency response units, public health organizations and environmental protection groups
  • Ensured effective and timely distribution of data to all relevant authorities
  • Enabled access by thousands of reporting agencies, companies and institutions

What was the result?

  • Massive reduction of the administrative burden of staff time on old system and maximization of efficiency
  • Production of nearly 100% accurate reports, with greater capability
  • Highest rate of electronic Tier II submissions ever seen in its very first year of use
  • Emergency planners and response units can access crucial information easily and on time