Colusa County Public Works

Hazardous Waste Incident Response Policy

May 2000

COLUSA COUNTY

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

HAZARDOUS WASTE RESPONSE AWARENESS

I. PURPOSE

II. DEFINITIONS

• Hazardous Material is any material which is explosive, flammable, poisonous, corrosive, reactive, radioactive or any combination thereof, and requires special care in handling because of the hazards it poses to public health, safety and the environment.



• Hazardous Materials incident involves the uncontrolled, unlicenced release or threatened release of a hazardous materials during storage for use from a fixed facility or during transportation.

III. OPERATIONS

• Colusa County Public Works will have a representative in the Incident Command System to coordinate the efforts of the employees assigned to the incident.

IV. JURISDICTION RESPONSIBILITIES

• The California Highway Patrol will assume command responsibilities for all hazardous material incidents occurring on state and county highways.


• The Fire Chief's for the City of Colusa and the City of Williams will assume command responsibilities for all hazardous material incidents within their jurisdictions.


• The Colusa County Office of Emergency Services will assume command responsibilities for all hazardous material incidents occurring off highways within the unincorporated areas of the County.


• The Colusa County Environmental Health Department will perform all assessments, actual or potential environmental contamination and/or human exposure and will advise incident commander. Provide oversight of cleanup activity or coordination with lead state agency having cleanup jurisdiction.

V. PUBLIC WORKS RESPONSIBILITY

• Document all information including but not limited to date, times, agency's made contact with, any action taken to contain or stop discharge if warranted.


• Provide personnel and resources to assist law enforcement in road closures and traffic diversion.

• Provide information on drainage area impact.



• Provide information and guidance for repairs made to roadways.



• For certain non-hazardous materials affecting County maintained roadways, e.g petroleum products (gasoline, diesel fuel or oil) provide personnel and resources necessary for product abatement and disposal.



• Only, and only after the material is positively identified as inert by a professional or qualified hazardous materials consultant, the Colusa County Public Works when requested, will furnish equipment and supplies normally available to assist in material containment (diking materials, backhoe, dump trucks, etc.).

VI. RECOMMENDED SAFE PROCEDURES AND PRINCIPLES FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EVENTS

• As you respond, consider the "Mental Safe Approach Tactic"
 
• Do not rush into the incident scene

C. Approach upwind, upgrade and upstream at a safe distance of the incident

D. Stop at visual sighting and do safe size-up

F. Safely move and keep unnecessary people away from incident

G. Keep good documentation and exposure records

H. Do not use flares if flammable or unknown material

I. While setting perimeters, make sure you are in safe position

J. Anticipate wind changes and enlarge perimeters as needed