What does the January 1, 2013 electronic reporting deadline mean for my business reporting?
January 1, 2013 is not a reporting deadline. It is the date after which whenever you are required to report to your CUPA or PA, you must report your facility data electronically rather than by hard copy (subject to exceptions provided by some CUPAs and PAs). For example, if your facility's CUPA requires you to submit an updated hazardous materials inventory statement by March 1, you would submit an electronic version using CERS (or a local web portal if available) either on or before March 1. For further information please contact your local CUPA or PA.
Why doesn't my regulator accept electronic submissions?
The Unified Progam's electronic reporting mandates for various hazardous materials-related data was mandated new legislation in 2008 (AB 2286). Neither businesses or regulators are required to use the state-mandated electronic reporting approach (i.e., CERS) until January 2013. Until then, business can continue to submit paper forms (Unified Program Consolidated Forms), and regulators can choose to not accept electronic submissions in CERS until 2013.
Why doesn't CERS support some older web browsers?
In order to provide the highest level of services to the broadest base of users on a limited state budget, Cal/EPA made a decision to have the California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) not support older web browsers used by very small percentages of the user community. CERS supports most relatively current web browsing software packages (e.g., Internet Explorer 8+, FireFox 3.6+, current versions of Google Chrome and Safari). The application blocks access by older versions of some browsers (e.g., IE7) as they inaccurately render the user interface or block certain functionality sufficiently to make CERS unusable.
The Cal/EPA Unified Program regrets we can't support the particular browser brand/version you use. We encourage you to either upgrade your software to a more current version, or use a current version of an alternate web browser.
FAQ Suggestions
Suggestions for questions (and answers) are welcome and should be emailed to CERS Technical Support at cers@calepa.ca.gov.