Section 115E.08 Coordination

MINNESOTA STATUTES AND CODES

115E.08 COORDINATION.

Subdivision 1.Appointment.

The commissioner of public safety shall coordinate state agency preparedness for response to discharges of oil or hazardous substances.

Subd. 2.Duties.

The commissioner of public safety shall at least annually assess the preparedness of each state agency for carrying out its responsibilities under sections 115E.01 to 115E.09 and shall chair regular meetings of representatives of each agency to prepare for coordinated response. The commissioner shall develop an incident command system for use by state agency responders in consultation with the affected state agencies. Following each major incident, the commissioner shall review the performance of each responding agency and the adequacy of the overall response and shall report to the agencies involved and the governor. The commissioner shall also identify opportunities for state agencies to coordinate with federal departments and agencies and political subdivisions of the state for preparedness and response actions.

Subd. 3.Jurisdiction.

Except as otherwise provided, the following agencies have primary responsibility for the specified areas in carrying out the duties and authorities of this chapter:

(1) the Department of Agriculture, for agricultural chemicals;

(2) the Department of Public Safety, for public safety and protection of property;

(3) the Department of Natural Resources, for assessment and rehabilitation of water resources;

(4) the Pollution Control Agency, for all other matters subject to this chapter; and

(5) the Department of Transportation, with respect to requirements related to the packaging, labeling, placarding, routing, and written reporting on releases of hazardous materials that are being transported.

Subd. 4.Annual report.

The commissioner shall annually report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the readiness of state government to respond appropriately to discharges of oil or hazardous substances.