The county’s Emergency Support Function number 10, or ESF10, has been updated to include all 37 reporting facilities. The ESF10 is one of 15 plans used by emergency management to prepare for any potential issues that may concern hazardous materials. Washington and Keokuk Counties Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Smith stated at the most recent Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting that most of the hazardous materials in the area are anhydrous ammonia, fertilizers and bio-fuels.

Speaking of the railroad and Bakken crude oil he said in the meeting it does pass through Washington County. Smith tells KCII News he has not personally seen any tank cars specifically labeled to contain the crude oil and has not been notified by the Iowa Emergency Response Commission that the product travels across the county.