Announcement

The Emergency Management Cooperative is accepting comments on the draft Washington County Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan (HMERP). A link to the draft plan is available below, along with a link to the current edition, updated in 2010. Reviewers can submit comments to the contact below. Comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023. The public is also welcome to submit verbal comments to the Washington County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28. The LEPC meeting will be held at the Washington Street Conference Center at 102 SW Washington St., Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123.

 

Hazardous materials are present throughout our community, in business, industry and agriculture, on our road and rail ways and in our homes. The industries that use, ship and sell chemicals are subject to regulations designed to minimize risks of spills. Nonetheless, unplanned releases can occur at any time and may be caused by other incidents such as fires, floods and earthquakes. The HMERP describes how responders will work together to identify releases, protect health and safety, limit and stop a release, and carry out other emergency actions. In accordance with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), the LEPC must provide an opportunity for public comment on the plan.

 

Submit comments or questions about the HMERP, the LEPC and this public comment opportunity to:

 

Washington County Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan - 2023 DRAFT

Washington County Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan - 2010

 

Preparedness — It’s a Team Sport!

The Emergency Management Cooperative (EMC) of Washington County is committed to the development and maintenance of a countywide, integrated system to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against disasters. The EMC members include Washington County, the cities of Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, and Tualatin, Clean Water Services, and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue.

 

Washington County

In addition to local governments and special service districts, the EMC provides assistance to local businesses, schools, social service agencies, church groups, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, and youth groups.

The EMC takes a proactive approach to enhancing government preparedness and educating the public. Since government's ability to respond may be limited during disasters, individuals and families need to be prepared to manage on their own for up to two weeks.