Section 25531.2 Of Article 2. Hazardous Materials Management From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 20. >> Chapter 6.95. >> Article 2.
25531.2
. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that as the state
implements the federal accidental release prevention program pursuant
to this article, the Office of Emergency Services will play a vital
and increased role in preventing accidental releases of extremely
hazardous substances. The Legislature further finds and declares that
as an element of the unified program established pursuant to Chapter
6.11 (commencing with Section 25404), a single fee system surcharge
mechanism is established by Section 25404.5 to cover the costs
incurred by the office pursuant to this article. It is the intent of
the Legislature that this existing authority, together with any
federal assistance that may become available to implement the
accidental release program, be used to fully fund the activities of
the office necessary to implement this article.
(b) The Legislature further finds and declares that the owners and
operators of stationary sources producing, processing, handling, or
storing hazardous materials have a general duty, in the same manner
and to the same extent as is required by Section 654 of Title 29 of
the United States Code, to identify hazards that may result from
releases using appropriate hazard assessment techniques, to design
and maintain a safe facility taking those steps as are necessary to
prevent releases, and to minimize the consequences of accidental
releases that do occur.
(c) The office shall use any federal assistance received to
implement Chapter 6.11 (commencing with Section 25404) to offset any
fees or charges levied to cover the costs incurred by the office
pursuant to this article.