Cook County will now collect information on and inspect facilities housing hazardous liquid waste as a public safety measure. An ordinance approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners will require businesses that store hazardous chemicals such as acids, solvents and other highly toxic chemicals to report the type of substance in the facility, the location of the chemicals and how the chemicals are stored.

The Cook County Department of Environmental Control will also inspect these facilities and maintain detailed information, such as photographs and maps of storage areas. Businesses defined under the ordinance will be charged an annual fee that helps fund inspections. The information collected will be kept by the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and will be available to first responders. Businesses in Chicago, which has its own ordinance related to hazardous liquid waste, will not be subject to the ordinance.