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<br />Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 19 <br />• Air pollution – Hazardous gases or particulates can be released into the air. These can impact air <br />quality and pose respiratory risks for humans and animals. <br />• Ecosystem disruption – Toxic substances can disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and affect <br />food chain, possibly causing long-term ecological imbalances. <br />3.10.7.4 County and Community Operations <br />A hazardous materials incident can have a significant impact on a community. The impacts can be <br />immediate, short-term, and long-term, affecting various aspects of the community including health, <br />environmental, economy, and social well-being. <br />3.10.8 CONSEQUENCE ASSESSMENT <br />Impact on the Public <br />• Immediate and long-term health risks, including exposure to toxic substances, chemical burns, <br />respiratory issues, or poisoning. <br />• Potential for widespread panic or fear due to the nature of the hazardous material. <br />• Evacuation of affected areas, leading to temporary displacement and disruption of daily life. <br />Impact on Responders <br />• High risk of exposure to hazardous materials, requiring specialized protective equipment and <br />training. <br />• Challenges in managing the scene, including containment, decontamination, and medical <br />treatment. <br />• Potential injuries or fatalities among responders due to the dangerous nature of the incident. <br />• Strain on emergency response resources, including medical facilities, hazmat teams, and fire <br />services. <br />Continuity of Operations <br />• Disruption of critical services, including transportation, healthcare, and public utilities, due to <br />contamination or evacuation. <br />• Potential shutdown of government buildings or facilities in the affected area, delaying <br />administrative functions. <br />Impact on Property, Facilities, and Infrastructure <br />• Contamination of buildings, public spaces, and infrastructure, leading to costly cleanup and <br />decontamination efforts. <br />• Potential destruction or long-term damage to property due to explosions, fires, or chemical <br />corrosion. <br />• Temporary or permanent closure of affected facilities, impacting businesses, schools, and public <br />services.