Town of Sunderland, MA Chapter 56 Emergency Response and Access

[HISTORY: Adopted 4-27-2012 ATM, Art. 10. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 56-1 Key boxes.

A. When access to or within a structure or an area is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the Chief may require the owner, lessee, tenant, or other party in control of said structure or area to install a key box in an accessible location approved by the Fire Chief.

B. Said key box shall be of a design approved by the Fire Chief and shall contain all keys which the Fire Chief deems necessary to gain the required access to the structure or area. Two keys for said key box shall be supplied to the Fire Chief. It shall be the responsibility of the owner, lessee, tenant, or other party in control of a structure or area to:

(1) Assume all costs involved in the installation of the key box and supplying of keys to the Fire Chief;

(2) Keep said key box in good repair; and

(3) Ensure that all keys contained therein are those currently in use in the structure or area; and

(4) Provide the Fire Chief with new keys in the event the key box is replaced.

§ 56-2 Reimbursement for costs associated with release of hazardous material, oil, or gasoline.

A. Any person or entity who causes or is legally responsible for a release or threat of release of hazardous material, oil or gasoline shall be liable, without regard to fault, for all costs of assessment, containment, and removal incurred by the Town of Sunderland in connection with such release or threat of release.

B. Costs of assessment, containment, and removal activities shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Actual payroll costs for all Town personnel involved;

(2) All costs for disposable materials used;

(3) All costs for repair/replacement of equipment or materials damaged;

(4) Any other costs incurred by the Town such as replacement personnel, rental of equipment, etc.

C. For purposes of this section, "hazardous material" shall be defined in accordance with Chapter 21E of the General Laws.

§ 56-3 Penalties and enforcement.

This chapter shall be enforced by the Fire Chief or his designee. The penalty for violations of this chapter shall be three hundred dollars ($300) for each day a violation continues to exist, and shall be enforced through any lawful means, including, but not limited to, enforcement by noncriminal disposition pursuant to MGL c. 40, § 21D.