1. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a continuing source of current information concerning hazardous substances and chemicals being utilized in the city to protect the general health and safety of the public and to enable emergency personnel to respond safely and speedily to emergency situations which may arise.

2. The city council declares that it is in the public interest to establish a continuing program for the purpose of preventing contamination from, and improper storage of, hazardous substances stored underground. It is the intent of the council, in enacting this chapter, to establish orderly procedures that will insure that newly constructed underground storage tanks meet appropriate standards and that existing tanks be properly maintained, inspected, and tested so that the health, property, and resources of the people of the city will be protected.

1. Essential information of the location, type, quantity and the health risks of hazardous materials used, stored or disposed of in the city is not now available to fire fighters, health officials, health care providers, law enforcement agencies and emergency communications officers.

2. Hazardous substance and chemical information disclosure is necessary so that the city and other affected public agencies may respond effectively to fire or other emergency involving materials that exhibit hazardous characteristics and may pose hazards to the community.

3. Substances hazardous to the public health and safety, and to the environment, are stored prior to use or disposal in thousands of underground locations in the state.

4. Underground tanks used for the storage of hazardous substances and wastes are potential sources of contamination of the ground and underlying aquifers, and may pose other dangers to public health and the environment.

5. It is not the intent of this chapter to regulate the handling, storage, use, processing or disposal of hazardous substances and chemicals.

6. It is the intent of the city council that this chapter establish an orderly system by which establishments that contain materials which may be hazardous are identified, and information regarding these materials is made available to fire fighters, health officials, health care providers, law enforcement agencies and emergency communications officers in such a way that the statutory privilege of trade secrecy is not abridged. (Ord. 83-18 § 1, 1983)