HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Emergency Response Program

Photo courtesy of
U.S. EPA's Emergency Response Program

Recent incidents of bioterrorism (anthrax), continued terrorist threats involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (Nuclear, Chemical and Biological) and on-going chemical and biological emergencies have underscored the need for the Environmental Health Division to provide emergency response 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Emergency Response Team (ERT) members from the Hazardous Materials Branch are certified by the State of California as Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS) and Hazardous Materials Specialists. They have received over 200 hours of specialized training in emergency response, chemical identification and incident command. They are trained and equipped to handle full level-A entry into serious hazardous material incidents, as well as decontamination, air monitoring and technical reference support. In addition they have received extensive training in prosecuting environmental crimes. ERT members will respond to any emergency requiring Health Department oversight, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Hazardous materials releases and spills
2. Environmental crimes
3. Bioterrorism
4. Weapons of mass destruction
5. Illegal drug laboratories
6. Sewage spills
7. Food poisoning incidents

ERT members respond and work with local fire and police agencies, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Fish & Game, California Department of Transportation, U.S. Coast Guard and National Marine Sanctuary personnel.

Questions regarding the Emergency Response Team may be directed to the Team Leader, Bruce Welden (831) 755-4680

Links:

• California Office of Emergency Services
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention