Engineers and other technical expertise are available from Ecology to help communities and businesses respond to environmental problems stemming from earthquake damage to underground tanks, treatment facilities, and pollution-control equipment. Technical assistance also is available on handling and disposing of hazardous chemicals, as well as cleaning up outdoor spills. Meanwhile, facilities should take immediate steps to begin cleaning or preventing the spill. Ecology has prepared a one-page inspection checklist for owners of underground tanks. Beginning today, Ecology is reviewing toxic-cleanup sites to make sure the earthquake did not create additional risk to the health and safety of nearby residents.
Federal agencies are responsible for inspecting dams that generate electricity.