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Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 18 Climate change has the potential to increase the number of hazardous materials incidents, due to changes in population, environment, and production capacity. It is also expected that climate change impacts may exacerbate the impacts of the incidents themselves, depending on the weather, location and type of material. 3.10.7 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT Vulnerability in a hazardous materials incident is highly contingent on the location of the incident and the substance released. 3.10.7.1 People • Health Risks - Hazardous materials can be toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive, posing immediate and long-term health risks. Hazardous materials vary greatly in the types of health risks they pose to humans, including the following potential health risks from hazardous materials: thermal, radiological, asphyxiation, chemical, etiological, or mechanical (TRACEM). • Population Density – Areas with high population density, including much of Ramsey County, can increase the number of people potentially impacted by a hazardous material incident. • Proximity to Facilities – Communities located near industrial plants, chemical storage facilities, transportation routes, or waste disposal sites are at a greater risk of exposure. There are a significant number of transportation routes (both rail and road) that traverse the county, on which hazardous materials are carried every day. The City of Roseville has several fuel tank facilities, with approximately 370 semi-trucks, carrying hazardous materials, entering and exiting on a daily basis. 3.10.7.2 Property • Damage to infrastructure – Hazardous materials can cause significant damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Corrosive chemicals can degrade materials, and explosions and fires can cause widespread damage. • Economic Costs – the economic impact of hazardous materials incidents can be substantial, including cleanup, property devaluation, and business interruptions. • Long-term contamination – Contamination can persist in buildings and infrastructure, rendering them unusable or requiring costs decontamination or demolition efforts. 3.10.7.3 Environment • Water contamination – Hazardous materials can seep into groundwater or run off into rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, contaminating drinking water and impacting aquatic ecosystems. Jurisdictions, such as Gem Lake, utilize a well water infrastructure, and spills impacting groundwater could have significant impacts to drinking water. • Soil degradation – Hazardous material incidents can lead to soil contamination which can affect plant growth and soil health. Contaminants can persist in the soil for long periods of time which can make land unsuitable for habitation and/or agriculture.