Subdivision 1. Scope. For the purposes of sections 299A.48 to 299A.52 and 299K.095, the following terms have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. Chemical assessment team. "Chemical assessment team" means a team (1) trained, equipped, and authorized to evaluate and, when possible, provide simple mitigation to a hazardous materials incident and (2) required to recommend to the local incident manager the best means of controlling the hazard after consideration of life safety concerns, environmental effects, exposure hazards, quantity and type of hazardous material, availability of resources, or other relevant factors.

Subd. 3. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public safety.

Subd. 4. Hazardous materials. "Hazardous materials" means substances or materials that, because of their chemical, physical, or biological nature, pose a potential risk to life, health, or property if they are released. "Hazardous materials" includes any substance or material in a particular form or quantity that may pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property, or any substance or material in a quantity or form that may be harmful to humans, animals, crops, water systems, or other elements of the environment if accidentally or intentionally released. Hazardous substances so designated may include explosives, radioactive materials, etiologic agents, flammable liquids or solids, combustible liquids or solids, poisons, oxidizing or corrosive materials, chemical and biological substances, and toxic or flammable gases.

Subd. 5. Local unit of government. "Local unit of government" means a county, home rule charter or statutory city, or town.

Subd. 6. Person. "Person" means any individual, partnership, association, public or private corporation or other entity including the United States government, any interstate body, the state, and any agency, department, or political subdivision of the state.

Subd. 7. Regional hazardous materials response team. "Regional hazardous materials response team" means a team trained and equipped to respond to and mitigate a hazardous materials release. A regional hazardous materials response team may include strategically located chemical assessment teams.

History: 1992 c 593 art 2 s 4; 2003 c 39 s 1,2