The number of accidents involving the shipment and transportation of radioactive materials has increased significantly in the last ten years.

The number of radioactive material shipments is increasing and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.

The shipment and transportation of radioactive materials is inherently dangerous.

Any accident involving radioactive materials constitutes a health and safety hazard to the immediate community where the accident occurs.

There are a number of federal and state regulatory agencies which govern various aspects of the shipment and transportation of radioactive materials. None of these agencies has adequately provided for the immediate prevention of, or amelioration of, accidents which may have an adverse effect on local communities.

The confusion and omissions in federal and state regulations have rendered it necessary for the City of Berkeley to supplement present regulations with its own procedures to protect against, and deal with, potential accidents within the City of Berkeley.

This ordinance is necessary to preserve the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City. (Ord. 5320-NS § 1, 1981)