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to range from a minor accident with no off-site effects to a major accident, which may result in an off-site release of hazardous or toxic materials. The overall objective of chemical emergency response planning and preparedness is to minimize exposure for a wide range of accidents that could produce off-site levels of contamination in excess of Levels of Concern established by the EPA. Minimizing this exposure will reduce the consequences of an emergency to people in the area near to facilities that manufacture, store, or process hazardous materials (Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, 2014). A large volume of hazardous materials is transported to and through the County by railroad and highway, air, water, and pipeline daily. Within Indian River County, there are a number of both public and private fixed facilities that produce or use hazardous materials. Coordinating procedures for hazardous material response are found within the County's Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials. Mishandling and improper disposal or storage of medical wastes and low-level radioactive products from medical use are also a hazard to Indian River County. For example, several years ago an incident occurred in New Jersey when improper disposal of medical wastes resulted in some of the used products ending up on Atlantic Ocean beaches. Vulnerability Assessment. Hazardous materials events can have the following potential impacts within a community: • Surface and air transportation disruption; • Human health and safety; • Psychological hardship; • Economic disruption; • Disruption of community services; • Fire; and • Toxic releases. A community's vulnerability to hazardous materials accidents depends on three factors. These are: The major transportation routes that pass through the community; Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 65