The TCEQ is the lead agency in hazardous material spill response. Emergencies involving spillage, release, and/or abandonment of known or suspected toxic/hazardous materials are the prime responsibility of the TCEQ. (Ref. Texas Water Code) It is important for department employees to remember that only trained personnel should ever approach a fire or spill.

Department personnel are specifically prohibited from handling, cleaning up, or otherwise coming in contact with toxic/hazardous materials at accident scenes or abandonment sites on the department's right of way

. Doing so may adversely affect the health and/or safety of department personnel.