WARNING
If you witness a hazardous materials accident, call 9-1-1 or your local fire department immediately! Do not report the incident through RPIN's Web site.
Much of Washington 's pollution comes from the combined effects of many small sources. Our population of over 6 million people burns wood stoves, grows lawns and gardens, drives cars, creates and expands industries, constructs buildings, and generates garbage, sewage and other waste.
All of these activities have potential to produce pollution. We also use large amounts of water for drinking, bathing, laundry, irrigation, washing cars, and industrial purposes. Together, the effects of living and working can add up to big environmental problems. That's why it's important for all of us to avoid creating waste and pollution.
Hazardous material spills might cause the short-term or long-term evacuation of an affected area. Depending on the nature of the spill and local weather conditions, residences, businesses, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, the Port of Seattle and roadways may be evacuated or closed to traffic until the area is cleaned.
When spills occur as part of an earthquake, this may compound local government's ability to move response resources and resume commerce. A mass-casualty incident resulting from a hazardous materials release would seriously impact the medical-response community.
An Area Contingency Plan was developed by the State Department of Ecology in cooperation with Federal, State and local agencies. The plan accounts for potential problems from vessels, offshore facilities, onshore facilities or other sources. The Environmental Protection Agency has responsibility for all spills in inland waters. The United States Coast Guard has responsibility for all spills in coastal waters. Local agencies also work together to provide valuable information on the safe disposal of hazardous materials and recycling opportunities.
Source: Washington State Department of Ecology; King County Office of Emergency Management
Risks and What to Do if a Toxic Hazard Occurs:
How to Safely Dispose of or Recycle Hazardous Waste :
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