HAZARDOUS MATERIALS and EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders has put into effect a county- wide ordinance which prohibits, and requires reporting of, the discharge of hazardous substances into our environment.

• The “Emergency Response & Cost Recovery Ordinance” identifies the Passaic County Department of Health as the lead agency responsible for coordination of emergency response to hazardous material incidents.  It also allows the Passaic County Department of Health and any of its agents to recover the cost of providing such responses.

• The Passaic County Department of Health has formed a Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Unit, which works in cooperation with local provider agencies such as the County Sheriff’s Department and local fire departments.

• The release, discharge or spill of chemicals or material classified as hazardous into the air, water, or soil must be reported by the responsible party within 15 minutes of becoming aware of the incident.  The Party must call the DEP 24 hour Hot Line at 1-877-WARNDEP.

• In addition to calling the DEP Hot Line, anyone who has knowledge of hazardous material discharges is asked to call the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department at 973-881-2470.

• The most common citations that the county issues are for violations of the Passaic County Emergency Response and Cost Recovery Ordinance.

Section IV(a)-The discharge of hazardous substances is prohibited.

Section V(a)-Any person responsible for a discharge shall immediately Notify the NJDEP hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP.

Section VI(a)-Any person responsible for the discharge of a hazardous Substance shall be liable for all Emergency Response Action costs.