Monterey Park : Hazardous Materials

The Fire Department has begun enforcing a state-mandated program that requires businesses to disclose the type and amount of hazardous materials they store and to devise plans to control spills or leaks. Fire Marshal Russell G. Melanson estimated that 800 businesses will be affected.

Melanson said businesses that store hazardous materials will be charged from $25 to $500 each to pay for the Fire Department’s cost of administering the program. A chemist, Gary B. Gee, has been hired to help the Fire Department control the use and disposal of the hazardous materials.