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Ramsey County │ Annex G: Hazardous Materials 6 3.1.3 SPECIFIC POLICIES The CEOP typically serves as the basis for actions taken in support of the affected jurisdiction(s). The CEOP structures and response mechanisms discussed further below remain in place when this Annex is activated but coordinate with local, county, state, and federal mechanisms as described in the Concept of Operations section of this Annex. The Annex applies to all agencies with assigned emergency responsibilities as described in the CEOP. Authorities and references specific to this Annex: • Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Re-Authorization Act (SARA) of 1986 (Public Law 99.499) • Ramsey County Resolution #2008-082 • National Response Team (NRT) Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide; updated 2002 • Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) (MN Stat 221.033) 3.1.4 BASIC CAPABILITIES All responding agencies utilize the Incident Command System (ICS) for all HazMat responses. Incident Command is typically established shortly after arrival at the scene by the primary response agency. Unified Command may be established as needed as additional agencies and/or jurisdictions arrive. • Fire Department and other response agency capability: Within Ramsey County all law enforcement agency personnel have been trained to the Hazardous Materials Awareness Level (29 CFR 1910.120); all firefighters are trained to the Hazardous Materials Operations level (29 CFR 1910.120). This training is maintained as part of the annual “Right to Know” training. Law enforcement, EMS and fire service personnel have also received training in WMD and Explosive Awareness. Personnel authorized to enter contaminated by hazardous materials or unknown substances are trained at a minimum to the Hazardous Materials Technician level (29 CFR 1910.120). • North Suburban Hazardous Materials Response Team (NSHM): Ramsey County has a joint powers agreement to form the North Suburban Hazardous Materials Team (New Brighton, Lake Johanna, St. Anthony, White Bear Lake, and Vadnais Heights Fire Departments). This team will respond to any requested event in the county. The request is placed through the Ramsey County Emergency Communications Center (ECC). Personnel are trained to the Hazardous Materials Specialist level (29 CFR 1910.120) • Chemical Assessment Team (CAT) Assistance: All jurisdictions are able to request, at their own discretion, assistance from a State CAT team for assessment and identification of substances. This request is placed through the Minnesota Duty Officer. CAT teams carry specialized sampling and monitoring and identification equipment, such as infrared (IR) spectrometry and/or gas chromatography. Personnel are trained to the Hazardous Materials Specialist level (29 CFR 1910.120). • State Emergency Response Team (ERT) Assistance: All jurisdictions are able to request, at their own discretion, assistance from a State ERT. The closest team is operated by the St. Paul Fire