RCW 70.136.020 Definitions.

The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout RCW 70.136.010 through 70.136.070.

(1) "Hazardous materials" means:

(a) Materials which, if not contained may cause unacceptable risks to human life within a specified area adjacent to the spill, seepage, fire, explosion, or other release, and will, consequently, require evacuation;

(b) Materials that, if spilled, could cause unusual risks to the general public and to emergency response personnel responding at the scene;

(c) Materials that, if involved in a fire will pose unusual risks to emergency response personnel;

(d) Materials requiring unusual storage or transportation conditions to assure safe containment; or

(e) Materials requiring unusual treatment, packaging, or vehicles during transportation to assure safe containment.

(2) "Applicable political subdivisions of the state" means cities, towns, counties, fire districts, and those port authorities with emergency response capabilities.

(3) "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, or association.

(4) "Public agency" means any agency, political subdivision, or unit of local government of this state including, but not limited to, municipal corporations, quasi-municipal corporations, special purpose districts, and local service districts; any agency of the state government; any agency of the United States; any Indian tribe recognized as such by the federal government; and any political subdivision of another state.

(5) "Hazardous materials incident" means an incident creating a danger to persons, property, or the environment as a result of spillage, seepage, fire, explosion, or release of hazardous materials, or the possibility thereof.

(6) "Governing body" means the elected legislative council, board, or commission or the chief executive of the applicable political subdivision of the state with public safety responsibility.

(7) "Incident command agency" means the predesignated or appointed agency charged with coordinating all activities and resources at the incident scene.

(8) "Representative" means an agent from the designated hazardous materials incident command agency with the authority to secure the services of persons with hazardous materials expertise or equipment.

(9) "Profit" means compensation for rendering care, assistance, or advice in excess of expenses actually incurred.

[ 1987 c 238 § 1; 1982 c 172 § 2.]