Solano County Grand jury reports hazmat flaws

BHamlin@TheReporter.com/
Posted: 05/26/2009 01:00:53 AM PDT

By Brian Hamlin

The Solano County grand jury has reported several concerns about apparent shortcomings at a temporary hazardous materials storage facility in a residential area of Vallejo.

As part of their annual reporting process, grand jurors took a closer look at how hazardous materials are handled and regulated in the county. The process included a visit to a temporary hazardous materials storage site on Virginia Street.

Friday's grand jury report notes that, while the site is in a residential area, there is no "appropriate informational signage" there to warn nearby residents.

Additionally, the report charges, there is no established procedure for dropping off hazardous materials, and some people simply abandon containers on the sidewalk outside the storage facility.

The grand jury report also pointed out that no one is always on-site to handle emergencies, and access is granted to only a limited number of keyholders.

Drums located inside the storage area, grand jurors advised, also lacked proper labeling.

Grand jurors recommended that the site be properly signed and that the city should contact neighboring residents through mailings and the news media and advise them that hazardous materials are being stored nearby.

To prevent random sidewalk drop-offs, the grand jury further recommended that specific days and hours be posted for receiving hazardous materials at the site.

Access logs and material safety data sheets also should be posted at a location visible to all workers and visitors, the grand jury report advised.

In addition, the grand jury recommends that the city post -- both inside and outside -- the telephone numbers of authorized personnel to contact in case of an emergency.

Jurors also advised that "all drums with hazardous materials should be accurately labeled and checked periodically, to ensure that the label is still attached and legible."

Countywide, the grand jury advised that the Solano County Interagency Hazardous Materials Team Standard Operating Guidelines be updated to include policies for temporary hazardous materials storage facilities.

The civil grand jury is an arm of the Superior Court and is empowered to inspect and report upon a variety of public agencies and governing bodies within the county.

For the entire text of the grand jury's report, visit www.solan-ocourts.com and click on the grand jury site. For more information, call 207-7302.


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