Natural disasters like floods and earthquakes might also result in spills. Illegal drug labs and dumping present yet another concern. Recent history shows an increase in the threat from terrorist use of hazardous materials. The combination of possible sources of exposure to our sizable population and workforce presents complex problems to responders. It is difficult to find a home, school, hospital or place of business in our modern society that is not vulnerable to the possibility of a hazardous materials release.
King County includes one of the largest deepwater seaports on the west coast.
SeaTac Airport handles cargoes from all over the world. Fuel pipelines run through the county from Whatcom County toward Portland carrying jet fuels, diesel, gasoline, etc. During a natural disaster, the number of spills that can be expected from these sources will be much greater than usual. History The Washington State Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Analysis cites an average of 960 emergency spills annually in King County. Some potentially large releases have been narrowly averted by response teams.