County departments told to complete hazardous-chemical SDS files; $16,000-per-violation fine cited

County staff told supervisors Monday that the county remains out of compliance on hazardous-chemical safety data sheets (SDS) for several facilities and that each violation carries a potential $16,000 fine.

Facilities and department managers reported they are collecting product manufacturer and product-identification information so a contractor can assemble SDS binders for each county location, including the courthouse, heritage center, public health, sheriff's garage and conservation office. "We are out of compliance and every violation is at $16,000," one department manager said. Staff said the contractor needs only the manufacturer and product name to complete the SDS documentation.

Supervisors asked staff to follow up with individual departments to inventory chemicals held at each site and to provide the audit-ready SDS binders. The county indicated it will update the board on compliance progress at a future meeting.

The department update also included routine secondary-roads operations (winter maintenance, equipment repairs), hiring updates for a secondary-roads position (offer made at $31/hour pending board approval), and building/maintenance capital items under review.