Description
Local ordinances can regulate the siting, the notification of any releases, and require best management practices, Storage, notice, and response requirements are mandated by the federal Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act, for listed hazardous materials above a certain volume or weight threshold. There may also be state fire marshall standards for the storage of such materials if flammable, and state codes and insurance requirements for their underground storage.
Strengths
Once those land uses with hazardous materials are known, emergency response staff responding to emergencies or releases at the sites can reduce public and personal exposure and release risks. These potentially-hazardous land uses and activities can also be restricted from sensitive areas (e.g., from the drawdown cone of a public water supply well).
Weaknesses
Because industrial and commercial materials storage and use is considered a "trade secret," such information is typically restricted only to public safety personnel and not to the general public or to those in local government who are making land use decisions. State statutes may also preempt local ordinances.
Examples
Example 1: Town of Land O’ Lakes, WI
Town of Land O' Lake Ordinance
Description: Town ordinance governing hazardous materials
Example 2: Hennepin County, MN
Description: Website devoted to Ordinance #07: Hazardous Waste Management
Example 3: City of Grant, MI
Description: City ordinance governing hazardous materials within Grant
Example 4: New York
Description: Solid and hazardous waste management policy and planning