In Pennsylvania, Hazardous Material
Emergency Planning and Response Act of 1990, P.L. 639, No.
165 - supplements the federal law - Emergency Planning and
Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986 (also known as SARA, Title
III). Each county has established a Local Emergency Planning
Committee (LEPC). These committees are faced with identifying
hazardous material facilities, maintaining chemical inventory
reports and planning for off-site releases of hazardous materials.
The Carbon County LEPC is comprised of volunteer
members representing various groups. They meet monthly and
the meetings are open to the public. On June 19, 1991 Ordinance
#1991-01 was passed by the Carbon County Commissioners. It
established a $75.00 Chemical Fee for Extremely Hazardous
Substances (EHS) or Hazardous Substances (HS) in amounts equal
to or above their reporting quantity, as defined by SARA,
Title III, a $100.00 Planning Fee, and established a Carbon
County HAZMAT Restricted Account.
Hazardous Materials are substances that can
cause harm to people and the environment. These substances
can be complex and unique to a special industry process, or
common everyday commodities such as gasoline. They can be
seemingly harmless substances, but when used improperly or
exposed in extraordinary concentrations, the results could
be disastrous. We are potentially exposed to these substances
daily.
Pennsylvania Act 165-1990 requires each county
to maintain a hazardous materials response capability. Carbon
County contracts with a HAZMAT (hazardous materials) Team
which is certified through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management
Agency.
The money derived from the above fees is used
to improve preparedness and training. This includes equipment
utilized by the Emergency Management Agency (computer, software,
vehicle, radios, etc.) to respond to HAZMAT incidents, equipment
used by fire departments (booms, pads, foam, etc.) to respond
to spills, or to provide training for responders. |
