SD32 - Interim Report on the Study of theTransportation, Manufacture and Storage of "High-Hazard" Solids, Liquids, Gases, or Compounds or Mixtures

  • Published: 1990
  • Author: Department of Emergency Services and Department of Waste Management
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 155 (Regular Session, 1989)

Executive Summary:
Hazardous materials have become an indisputable part of our everyday society by allowing the production and use of the goods and services which we rely on to make our lives more comfortable. However, with the benefits come the dangers posed by the manufacturing, storage, and transportation of these materials in the Commonwealth.

The Department of Emergency Services, in conjunction with the Department of Waste Management, has undertaken a cooperative effort to study the risks posed by these hazardous materials and is in the process of developing criteria for the possible development of a regional routing program to regulate their movement through the state. This effort is in response to Senate Joint Resolution No. 155 passed by the 1989 Session of the Virginia General Assembly.

The manufacturing, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials in Virginia does pose a threat to the health and safety of the citizens, our environment, and the public safety community. Fortunately, Virginia's leaders recognized the risks posed by these hazardous materials and, in 1987, implemented the Virginia Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Program. This program was designed to provide the Commonwealth with the ability to safely and effectively respond to accidents involving the releases of hazardous materials. Legislation creating the program also provided an avenue for establishment of the Virginia Emergency Response Council (VERC) which was mandated by the federal government under SARA Title Ill.

While the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Program has provided the framework for the monitoring of and response to hazardous materials releases, efforts are underway to provide a comprehensive framework in order to mitigate the occurrence of such incidents. In particular, several states have begun to implement routing programs aimed at ensuring that the movement of hazardous materials is accomplished with the minimum possible risk. Development of these programs requires the cooperation of federal, state, and local authorities as well as the private transportation sector.

Emergency management experts from government and industry have begun to work hand in hand, largely as a result of SARA Title III planning mandates, in preparing to meet the safety challenges posed by the increasing use of hazardous materials in our society. It should be realized that these efforts must be an ongoing activity as the risks associated with hazardous materials, while they can be minimized to a degree, are ever present and make it necessary therefore that we are able to effectively protect our citizens and our environment from the consequences of chemical emergencies.