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the EOC will continue to function on a continuous basis until the emergency is over and its effects can be more effectively controlled through normal channels. 3.3 STATE GOVERNMENT ROLE The role of State government, in response to a hazardous materials emergency, is to support local government operations unless the scope of the emergency warrants increased state action. The State government support is coordinated by the State Division of Emergency Management from the State Emergency Operations Center. Upon receipt of notification from the County that a release of hazardous materials has occurred, staff from the Department of Environmental Regulation (inland releases or spills) or the Department of Natural Resources (coastal releases or spills, and accidents involving petroleum derivatives, pesticides, chlorine and ammonia) may be dispatched to the scene to provide guidance to local emergency operations personnel to mitigate environmental damage. In the event of a major hazardous materials accident, all or a portion of the State Hazardous Materials Task Force may be activated to coordinate State response and support to the County. Increased state actions may be warranted for emergencies which involve multi -jurisdictional hazards, when local governments believe the emergency is beyond the capabilities of local resources, or when the Governor determines there is an overriding concern for the safety of the public. For these situations, the Governor can designate the primary responsibility for emergency response to the State by issuing and Executive Order under the provisions of Section 252.36, Florida Statutes. An example of an Executive Order will be coordinated with local governments. Upon issuance of an Executive Order, the local government will continue to coordinate the emergency response operations of the local agencies. 3.4 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ROLE The role of the Federal Government in response to an emergency involving the release of hazardous materials is to support local and state emergency operations. Activation of the Federal Regional Response Team (RRT) provides access to federal resources not available at the State and local levels. An on -scene coordinator will be designated to coordinate federal resources and support. Indian River County Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials Page 24