Lebanon County Signs Hazmat Agreement with Lancaster County

Lebanon County, October 21, 2025

News Summary

Lebanon County has entered a three-year agreement to provide hazmat services to Lancaster County, approving $20,000 annually. Though approved by a 2-1 vote, concerns about local safety were raised. This partnership enhances emergency response and continues the counties’ collaboration that began over 20 years ago. The hazmat team, now active since July, has handled several service requests, ensuring local incidents remain manageable.

Lebanon County has officially entered into a three-year agreement to provide hazmat services to Lancaster County, as approved by the Lebanon County Commissioners on October 16, 2023. This arrangement ensures that Lebanon County will receive $20,000 annually from Lancaster County for these services. The contract aims to foster continued collaboration between the two counties, which have been sharing responsibilities for hazmat incidents for over 20 years.

The approval of the agreement was achieved by a 2-1 vote, with Commissioners Mike Kuhn and Bob Phillips supporting the measure while Commissioner Jo Ellen Litz voted against it due to concerns regarding the safety of Lebanon County residents. The agreement is set to run through June 30, 2026, with options for annual renewal for up to three additional years. Additionally, both parties have the provision to exit the agreement by providing 30 days’ written notice if necessary.

Notably, Lebanon County’s hazmat team began providing services to Lancaster County on July 1, 2023, after Lancaster County’s previous contractor ended their service agreement. Since that date, Lebanon’s hazmat team has received seven service requests from Lancaster County, indicating an average of less than two calls per month. There have not been any simultaneous calls requiring hazmat personnel from both counties since the agreement began.

Lebanon County’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) Director Bob Dowd stated that a sufficient number of personnel and equipment would continue to be available for local incidents within Lebanon County despite the new obligations. The agreement also stipulates that Lancaster County must cover costs associated with hazmat incidents if responsible parties fail to pay for those costs.

The Lebanon County hazmat response team is a part of a larger regional task force for emergency services, which includes Lancaster County. Since the beginning of July, the hazmat team has responded to 11 incidents in Lebanon County, including calls outside their designated responsibilities. During discussions regarding the agreement, the topic of a 90-day exit clause was considered to ensure flexibility in the contract.

In addition to the hazmat service agreement, the Lebanon County Commissioners also discussed modifications to the Community Development Block Grant budget, which were unanimously approved. They also reviewed plans for the upcoming municipal election scheduled for November 4, 2023.

Key Features of the Agreement

• Annual Funding: Lebanon County will receive $20,000 annually from Lancaster County.
• Initial Term: The agreement will last until June 30, 2026.
• Renewal Options: There are options for annual renewal for up to three additional years.
• Exit Provision: Both counties can exit the agreement with 30 days’ written notice.

Background Context

This partnership not only demonstrates the counties’ commitment to emergency preparedness but also their readiness to respond efficiently to hazardous material incidents in the region. The collaboration is expected to enhance the safety and emergency response capabilities of both counties, ensuring residents are better protected from potential hazards.

FAQ

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• LebTown
• Wikipedia: Hazardous Material
• Lebanon Daily News
• Google Search: Hazmat Services Agreement
• Lancaster Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hazardous Material
• LebTown Obituaries
• Google News: Hazmat Response

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