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Anoka County 2019 Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan 129 54B4.4.5 Tier II Hazardous Materials Assessment On October 17, 1986, in response to a growing concern for safety around chemical facilities, Congress enacted the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), also known as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The Act has a far-reaching influence on hazardous materials issues. EPCRA contains five sections covering issues associated with the manufacture, use, exposure, transportation, and public education of hazardous materials. It is the mission of the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) to implement EPCRA in the State of Minnesota and mitigate the effects of a release or spill of hazardous materials. The State Emergency Response Commission is responsible for implementing federal EPCRA provisions in Minnesota and serving as a technical advisor and information clearinghouse for state and federal hazardous materials programs. The Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management is the lead agency responsible for implementing EPCRA and provides administrative functions and support to the SERC. The Commission conducts quarterly public meetings in varying locations throughout the state. Currently, SERC membership is comprised of Governor-appointed individuals who represent the interests of state and local government, emergency services, industry, and the environment. 55B4.4.6 Terrorism Vulnerability Hostile attack is the most threatening manmade hazard that could affect Anoka County. There is no history of hostile attacks; however, the potential exists. The most dangerous variants of terrorism - nuclear, biological, or chemical attacks could affect Anoka County. The probability is relatively low. At present, the most likely form of nuclear, biological, or chemical terrorism may be a threat or hoax of a chemical device or sabotage. With the mobility of the world’s population and the possibility of a terrorist attack, it is possible to have a major disease outbreak or nerve gas release anywhere in the US, including Anoka County. It is impossible to assess Anoka County’s vulnerability to international terrorism. Although extremist groups exist within the state, it is unlikely that any terrorist act perpetrated by these groups would be disastrous statewide. Authorities on terrorism generally agree that terrorism cannot be wiped out entirely. For the present, it is a problem to be managed, not solved. Efforts to manage political terrorism in Anoka County should include: • Gathering intelligence on terrorist operations, members and their ideology. • Pooling intelligence and information with knowledgeable sources. • Physically protecting suspected targets. • Promoting public awareness. • Controlling arms and explosives. • Improving screening of applicants for jobs requiring use of arms and explosives. • Preparing contingency plans for different kinds of terrorist acts.