Lebanon County to draft one-year hazmat services agreement with Lancaster County

Lebanon County emergency services staff told county commissioners they will draft a one-year agreement, renewable up to four additional one-year terms, proposing that Lebanon provide hazardous materials (hazmat) response services for Lancaster County while protecting Lebanon’s response capacity and finances. The discussion took place during a public meeting to receive feedback on the proposed arrangement and next steps.

The proposal, presented by Bob Dowd, Director of the Department of Emergency Services, says the arrangement would cover only hazmat services and build on existing mutual-aid relationships. “Pennsylvania Act 165 requires that each county have a designated hazmat team,” Dowd said, adding the draft would include a 90-day exit clause to allow Lebanon County to withdraw if the arrangement degrades its services or imposes unanticipated financial burdens. Jason Bridal, Special Operations Chief, described the most common incidents the team handles: “Diesel fuel spills ... tractor trailer accidents with their saddle tanks leaking the fuel,” and said the Lebanon team’s role is emergency containment rather than long-term…