Douglas County GA: Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (aka, GEMA) responded to complaints of mismanagement of Hazardous Material (HazMat) response equipment by visiting Douglas County for a site inspection and inventory of more than $1.1 million in equipment and supplies.
A recent news report exposed the issue when whistle blower’s photos showed HazMat and equipment trailers parked outdoors in overgrown weeds.
The agents released the report based on the inspection and it includes “Observations” and “Recommendations” along with photos and a budget report showing the value of the grants issued by GEMA since 2002.
Douglas County Fire Chief Scott Spencer was the contact person.
The inspection was conducted on May 24, 2016 and the report signed on June 15, 2016.
Read the full report here: >>>
Observations included: out dated equipment and supplies, collection of dust and cob webs, lack of formal HazMat training.
Recommendations included: Clean and inventory all equipment, complete training and physicals, centrally locate gear.
GEMA indicated it would do a follow up on this report.
There has been no public responses from Douglas County officials concerning the findings. Media inquiries have been ignored according to sources.
The HazMat kerfuffle came to light during the primary election in May for county commission between incumbent Tom Worthan and challenge Roy Sparks.
Sparks exposed the issue while Worthan claimed Sparks was spreading misinformation (lies).
The report speaks for itself.