Manhattan Beach : Hazardous Chemical Plan
The City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive program to identify and regulate businesses using hazardous chemicals. Such businesses will pay an annual fee, and firefighters and police will be trained to deal with toxic substances in emergencies.
The ordinance, which will be back before the council for a final vote May 19, requires businesses that handle or store hazardous substances, including carcinogens, to register with the Fire Department every January.
A sliding fee--ranging from $50 for businesses with fewer than five employees to $2,000 for companies with more than 500 workers--will be assessed each year to cover most of the $35,000 annual cost of the program.
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