Supes Approve Hazmat Mutual Aid Agreement Riverside And County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a 10-year mutual aid agreement between the Riverside County Fire Department and the Riverside Fire Department to assist each other in the event of a hazardous materials incident that requires a large-scale cleanup.

The supervisors, without comment, voted unanimously in favor of the compact, which does not involve contractual monetary obligations. It follows an identical agreement in place between the county and city from 2014 to this year.

The two have engaged in mutual aid operations going back to 1996.

"The parties shall respond to each other's request for assistance with hazardous materials incidents by dispatching available personnel and resources, provided that such response does not interfere with either party's responsibility to respond to emergencies of any type ... within their respective jurisdictions," according to documents posted to the board's agenda.

The compact includes a provision that if either entity's hazmat unit is committed more than six hours on an incident in the other's jurisdiction, it becomes an "assistance-by-hire" matter, and cost recovery may be necessary.

Hazmat emergencies can include chemical spills or leaks, the removal of contaminated containers and residual toxicity from fires in manufacturing facilities.

Personnel receive special training and certification.

The agreement takes effect immediately and will expire on June 30, 2034.