SD20 - Study of Transportation, Manufacture and Storage of "High Hazard" Solids, Liquids, Gases, or Compounds or Mixtures Thereof (1991 - Final Report)

  • Published: 1991
  • Author: Transportation & Public Safety and Department of Waste Management and Department of Emergency Services
  • Enabling Authority: Senate Joint Resolution 155 (Regular Session, 1989)

Executive Summary:
Hazardous materials have become an essential part of today's society as they provide a great number of benefits. However, these same materials, while making the quality of our lives better, pose a threat to the health and safety of our citizens and the quality of the environment. In accordance with the mandates of Senate Joint Resolution No. 155, introduced by Senator Charles L. Waddell and passed by the 1989 Session of the Virginia General Assembly, the Departments of Emergency Services (DES) and Waste Management (DWM) have jointly examined issues associated with the use and transportation of these hazardous materials in the Commonwealth.

These agencies limited their study effort to the 1,085 hazardous chemicals which are considered by the federal government to pose the greatest threat. Predicated upon an extensive review of data by the DWM, it was determined that at least one-third or 352 of these hazardous chemicals are used in Virginia's businesses and industries. Since these hazardous chemicals are used in Virginia, it was determined with relative accuracy that these same hazardous chemicals are also moved on Virginia's vast transportation networks. This final report provides the locations of these materials used in industry throughout the Commonwealth.

The risks posed by these hazardous chemicals are significant in terms of potential human, environmental and economic impact. However, research for this study revealed that Virginia is better able to deal with the accidental release of these hazardous chemicals than most other states. The current Virginia Hazardous Materials Response Program, recognized as a potential national model, provides for training to all levels of public safety responders in a multitude of areas related to management of hazardous chemical releases. Additionally, the Commonwealth has a very effective capability to respond to these events when they occur.

During the past four years, the greatest majority (31%) of the 4,875 hazardous chemical spills or releases have occurred at Fixed Facility sites such as industrial plants. The next most prevalent (17%) location of spills and releases were on Virginia's highways. In nearly 60 percent of all highway incidents, spills and release are the result of human error, a factor not easily controlled.

The Commonwealth maintains an ability to monitor the release of these hazardous chemicals, particularly at industrial sites. This capability mandated by SARA Title III not only requires that releases be reported, but it also requires the public and private sectors to work together in planning for chemical emergencies as well as informing the citizens about the hazards posed by these materials.

The issue of designating routes to transport these hazardous chemicals throughout the Commonwealth was also examined. Development of a highway routing program for hazardous chemicals would require the dedication of legislative action, management resources and financial support ($400,000 minimum) in order to be successful. A routing program must comply with the recently reauthorized federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act which has been amended to include major provisions in this area. Regulations governing the establishment and management of routing programs are due to be published on or about November 16, 1991.

Establishment of routing programs in other states have yielded mixed results. In Colorado, a statewide program was used to guide shipments of hazardous chemicals along the safest routes and usually those with the best of that state's limited emergency response resources. In the case of California's more regionalized system, post implementation studies found that a routing program made a minimal impact on traffic as the majority of transporters use the safest routes as they are usually the easiest. Predicated upon the high level of capability within the Commonwealth's current emergency response and monitoring programs, the need for a statewide or regional routing system should be weighed carefully prior to undertaking any development and implementation efforts.