RES 88298 - Laserfiche WebLink

Transportation In addition to the comments previously discussed, the transportation of hazardous materials is not discussed thoroughly within the CHWMP. Although the DEIR summary in the back of the CHWMP states that 1-880 will act as the main corridor in the County for transporting hazardous waste, Pleasanton is and will continue to be greatly affected by this problem given its location at the intersection of 1-580 and 1-680. It is the City's Chemical Specialist's opinion that existing regulations are not adequate for local jurisdiction to be assured of adequate notification and safety when hazardous materials are transported through their boundaries. The study of hazardous materials transportation is a stated short-term goal of the CHWMP implementation program. However, staff feels that a detailed discussion and outline of existing regulations, along with focused policies and implementation steps, should be made part of the CHWMP. At least until this issue is studied and new regulations are in place, the current procedures for hazardous waste transportation will be "at hand" for cities and potential developers to use. SUMMARY Staff is generally in agreement with the policies and siting criteria the CHWMP. The areas described above can be accommodated in a plan with no major changes in overall direction of the plan. Considerable work remains to be done with respect to implementation, and staff suggests that much of this by necessity will have to be adopted later~ Staff is comfortable with working with County staff to prepare these plans for later adoption by the Waste Management Authority. It is staff's opinion that the alternative of not having a State-approved hazardous waste management plan would be potentially detrimental to the City's ability to protect its environment and population from the risk of stationary and mobile hazardous waste. RECOMNRNDATION Staff recommends that your Council direct staff to forward a letter to the County discussing the City's concerns as outlined in this report, particularly concerning potentially overly restrictive siting criteria and the need to retain local regulatory power over hazardous materials users within Pleasanton's jurisdiction. Staff also feels the City should state its general acceptance of the plan and its intent to be actively involved during studies and coordination efforts during the implementation phase. SR:88:299