Marin County Municipal Code Ch. 7.58 Transportation of Radioactive Materials

The board of supervisors of the county finds that:

(a) The number of accidents which involve the shipments of radioactive material has increased significantly in the last ten years.

(b) The number of shipments of radioactive material is increasing and will continue to do so in the immediate future.

(c) The shipment and transportation of radioactive materials is inherently dangerous. Any accident which involves radioactive materials can constitute a serious hazard to the health and safety of the community where the accident occurs.

(d) There are a number of federal and state regulatory agencies which govern various aspects of the shipment and transportation of radioactive materials. None of these agencies has adequately provided for the immediate prevention of, or amelioration of, accidents which may have an adverse effect on local communities.

(e) The confusion and omissions in federal and state regulations require that the county supplement present regulations with its own procedures to protect against, and deal with, potential accidents within the county.

(f) This chapter is necessary to preserve the health, welfare and safety of the residents of the county. It is enacted in furtherance of the police power of the county and of the county's obligation to promote the general welfare of its residents by providing adequate protections against the hazards of exposure to radiation which might result from an accident involving the shipment of large amounts of radioactive materials.

(Ord. 2410 § 1 (part), 1979)

It is unlawful for any individual, partnership or corporation to transport any radioactive materials which are the byproducts of a nuclear power plant into, or through, the county by any mode of transportation whatsoever.

(Ord. 2410 § 1 (part), 1979)

Any individual or entity shipping radioactive material into or through Marin County in violation of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment for six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(Ord. 2410 § 1 (part), 1979)