Technological Hazards

There are eleven technological hazards that threaten Washington state and its residents:

  • Abandoned Underground Mine - Underground coalmines present the largest abandoned mine hazard in Washington State. This is because of the extent of the mines and the urban development that has occurred around them.
  • Chemical - Nearly every community has a chemical hazard or a hazardous material transportation system that should be included in public education and emergency planning.
  • Civil Disturbance - Washington State witnessed race riots in the 1960s, protests against the Vietnam War in the 1970s, abortion clinic demonstrations in the 1980s, and civil disturbances and allegations of police brutality in the 1990s.
  • Dam Failure - Dam failure is the uncontrolled release of impounded water resulting in downstream flooding, which can affect life and property.
  • Hazardous Material - The Washington State Department of Ecology reported 3,988 confirmed hazardous materials spills in 1999. The continuing increase in responses to clandestine methamphetamine labs is of particular concern.
  • Local Hazard - Local hazards occur in jurisdictions but may or may not have a significant impact on large areas of the state.
  • Pipeline - Buried and exposed pipelines are vulnerable to breaks and punctures caused by earth movement, material failure, operator error, construction defects, and tampering. Fuel leaks cause hazardous materials spills, fires, and explosions.
  • Radiological - Radiological hazard is the uncontrolled release of radioactive material that can harm people or damage the environment. In Washington State, there have been no radiological releases affecting local jurisdictions from any nuclear power generating system.
  • Terrorism - Washington State is vulnerable to terrorist activity. Terrorism can be state sponsored or the outgrowth of a frustrated, extremist fringe of polarized and/or minority groups of people. Extremists have a different concept of morality than the mainstream society.
  • Transportation - Transportation systems in Washington State include road, air, rail, and maritime. Use of these systems and supporting transportation vehicles create the opportunity for accidents, emergencies, and disasters. Transportation hazards are natural or human caused.
  • Urban Fire -Urban fire occur primarily in cities or towns with the potential to rapidly spread to adjoining structures. These fires damage and destroy homes, schools, commercial buildings, and vehicles.