HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 3732 RESOLUTION NO. 3732
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
FOR ACTION TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY IN TRANSPORTATION
OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.
WHEREAS, the Emergency Preparedness Commission for the County and
"- Cities of Los Angeles is a public commission, functioning under County ordi-
nance, and carrying out broad responsibilities to coordinate, recommend, in-
vestigate and promote Countywide emergency preparedness policies, plans, pro -
grams, training, and education with the 81 Cities and the County of Los Angeles,
and with State and Federal agencies, and with the private sector; and
WHEREAS, the history of accidents involving hazardous materials
underscores aneed for review and revision of some rules and regulations re-
garding the transportation of hazardous materials, and the initiation of
adequate enforcement programs; and
WHEREAS, the Federal and State governments and regulatory agencies
preempt local jurisdictions in this field, and it is necessary to amend and
supplement these laws and regulations to effect improvements locally; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles
adopted and forwarded specific recommendations to the U. S. Secretary of
Transportation and the Governor of California by letters dated January 31,
1979; and
WHEREAS, the problems regarding the transportation of hazardous
materials are Countywide and affect the Cities as well as County unincorporated
territory, and necessary laws, regulations and ordinances should be coordinated
to facilitate and strengthen enforcement;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City
of Downey supports the recommendations of the County of Los Angeles Board
of Supervisors and also requests the U. S. Secretary of Transportation to:
1. Adequately enforce the Federal regulations pertaining to
bills of lading to ensure that all foreign and domestic
shipments of hazardous materials are accompanied by a
bill of lading clearly delineating the material being
transported in terminology easily understood by all who
come into contact with the shipment. Further that addi-
tional spot inspections be initiated to ensure compliance
with these regulations.
2. Initiate a program to evaluate and revise as necessary
the Federal specifications for flammable cargo tanks to
ensure that they are as safe as possible.
3. Re- evaluate the regulations for Department of Transporta-
tion approved containers used to haul toxic and poisonous
pesticides and take the measures necessary to strengthen
these containers.
4. Adhere strictly to the retrofit schedule for railroad tank
cars as it applies to shelf couplers and insulation and not
allow non - retrofitted tank cars to be used after the man-
dated deadlines.
5. Initiate an educational program for emergency response
personnel, industry and enforcement personnel in the proper
methods of handling, packaging and transporting hazardous
materials as well as emergency measures required to protect
lives and property during hazardous material incidents.
6. Repeal the shipping paper exemption for combustible liquids
shipped in containers less than 110 gallons.
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RESOLUTION NO. 3732
7. Further refine the requirements for placarding and shipping
papers for hazardous material shipments to provide greater
visual information concerning the hazards and emergency
procedures to be utilized by handlers, transporters, and
emergency personnel.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of October, 1979.
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KENNETH J7 ILLER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
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R BERT L. SHAND, CITY CLERK
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 3732 was
approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the
23rd day of October, 1979, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: 5 Council Members: Mackaig, Jackman, Swearingen, Greene, Miller
NOES: 0 Council Members: None
ABSENT: 0 Council Members: None
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ROBERT L. SHA CITY CLERK
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