§ 12-79-104 — HAZMAT incident or accident reporting system

(a) The Director of the Division of Emergency Management shall: (1) In cooperation with the State Emergency Response Commission, establish a HAZMAT incident or accident reporting system within the State Emergency Operations Center for disseminating information to the appropriate agencies and emergency first responders for any release of a hazardous and toxic material that might present either an immediate or potential threat to the safety, health, and welfare of the public; and (2) Operate and maintain on a continuing basis emergency direction, control, and warning systems sufficient to meet the minimum requirements of this chapter. (b) The HAZMAT incident or accident reporting systems shall meet the minimum federal requirements specified in federal regulations and guidelines for hazardous and toxic materials emergency reporting and shall operate within the provisions established under the Arkansas Emergency Services Act of 1973, § 12-75-101 et seq., and the State of Arkansas Emergency Operations Plan to provide the most expeditious and practical means to notify state, local, and private sector entities assigned an emergency response or recovery role under this chapter. (c) Each agency, office, bureau, or commission of the State of Arkansas or its political subdivisions having a role or responsibility for HAZMAT planning, response, recovery, or mitigation, or providing public safety services or having regulatory or oversight authority shall establish guidelines and procedures to ensure prompt and accurate reporting of any accident, incident, or known or suspected release of toxic or hazardous materials within the State of Arkansas in violation of any state or federal environmental or health protective statutes, regulations, rules, or guidelines.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 973, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 5911, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1991, No. 917, § 4; 1999, No. 646, § 47.