OAR 104-040-0000: Purpose

The objectives of the Oregon Emergency Response System are to provide and implement a plan for coordinated state agency action in cases involving natural or technological hazards or civil disorder that threaten the citizens or resources of Oregon. ORS 466.635 requires that any person owning or having control over any oil or hazardous material who has knowledge of a spill or a release shall immediately notify The Oregon Department of Emergency Management as soon as that person knows the spill or release is a reportable quantity. ORS 761.405 requires each railroad shall notify the Administrator of The Oregon Department of Emergency Management by telephone or similar means of communications of any derailment or fire involving or affecting hazardous material. OAR 345-060-0030 requires that the carrier of any radioactive material shall immediately notify local emergency response authorities and the Oregon Emergency Response System of any vehicle accidents regardless of whether radioactive material has been damaged or dispersed; loss of any radioactive material; and tampering with or obstruction of any new shipments. Section 304, Title III of the Federal Superfund Amendments and Re-Authorization Act of 1986 requires facilities to notify the LEPC and the SERC if there is a release of a listed hazardous substance that exceeds the reportable quantity for that substance. State agencies are directed to provide cooperative response assistance within their resources and authority to other agencies, which may include, but is not limited to federal, state, counties, cities and special districts. This can be accomplished by: (1) Establishing a Memorandum of Understanding which promises cooperative assistance and coordinated effort among signatory state agencies; (2) Establishing an Oregon Emergency Response System Council which shall direct activities of the system; (3) Creating a review process for major incidents that occur in the state; (4) Developing an exercise program that will test the system on a periodic basis; (5) Conduct emergency management training for signatory agencies; (6) Develop and manage an incident report system.