Any time a hazardous substance as defined under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or more commonly known as Superfund) is released to the environment, and if that release exceeds its reportable quantity (RQ) within a 24-hour period, then the release must be reported to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Response Center. To assist the field in determining if any release of a hazardous substance exceeds its designated reportable quantity the Department of Energy developed the RQ-Calculator. The Calculator determines the amount of the regulated substance released, compares the resulting value to the chemical's RQ, and advises the user as to whether or not a notification to the National Response Center must be made.
In March 2021, the Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security issued an Environmental Information Brief entitled "Reportable Quantity Calculator" that includes more information and instructions on how to use the RQ Calculator.
The RQ Calculator is located at: https://rqcalculator.projectenhancement.com/