Sec. 29-2. - Findings and purpose.

(a)

The board of supervisors, county of Sonoma, state of California, finds and declares that chemicals are widely used in commerce and by individuals in our society and that properly controlled and utilized chemicals can be beneficial to our overall well being. However, the board further finds that unknown quantities and qualities of chemicals exist which may be toxic, corrosive, irritating, sensitizing, or flammable and which may cause serious illness or harm to humans, animals, and the environment. The public has a right to expect regulation of these materials.

(b)

The board of supervisors further finds and declares that public protection from hazardous materials release or threatened release to the environment is essential. This requires proper planning on the part of the community as well as those responsible for hazardous materials.

(c)

The board of supervisors finds and declares that substantial public and private cooperation and education is essential for the appropriate understanding and control of chemicals.

(d)

The board of supervisors further finds and declares that the ability to respond to hazardous materials emergencies is essential to the protection of the public health and welfare and the environment from risks of harm by unplanned, threatened or actual releases of hazardous materials. Financial responsibility for emergency response must be assumed by responsible persons in order to preserve the Certified Unified Program Agency's (CUPA's) ability to respond to hazardous materials emergencies.

(Ord. No. 6050, § I, 11-5-2013)