§ 8.42.020. Findings and purpose.

The City Council finds and declares:

A.

Hazardous materials and hazardous waste in the community may be hazardous to the environment and the health of individuals who visit, reside or work in the city if they are exposed to such substances as a result of fire, spills, industrial accidents, releases, emissions or other incidents.

B.

Businesses that safely handle, use, store and dispose of hazardous materials and waste benefit the community by protecting the environment and the health and welfare of residents, workers and visitors. It is the intent of the City Council that the administration and enforcement of the unified program requirements will facilitate safe business practices with respect to hazardous materials and waste.

C.

It is the intent of the City Council that the administration and enforcement of the unified program will reduce the likelihood of fires, spills, emissions, releases and other incidents that could detrimentally affect the lives of residents, visitors and workers and the environment by establishing an inspection procedure, disclosure requirements, and permitting procedures for businesses that handle, store, use, and dispose of hazardous materials and waste in the city.

D.

It, further is the intent of the City Council that information will be provided to residents, workers and visitors regarding the appropriate handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and waste.

E.

The City Council acknowledges the community's right and need to know basic information about the handling, use, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and waste in the city. Therefore, this Chapter identifies the persons in the city who will provide public information pertaining to businesses that are covered by the unified program.

(Ord. 12057 § 1 (part), 1998)