If you have JavaScript disabled in your browser, you will need to turn it on in order to use this Web Site. Hazardous materials are transported over or near numerous bodies of waters, wetlands, environmentally sensitive areas, and through numerous densely populated centers. 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 national 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. Washington state s deepwater seaports, international airports and local highways handle cargoes from all over the world. Fuel pipelines run through the state 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.