Disbanding Warren County’s All Hazards Team makes sense financially.

It would have cost $150,000 up front to bring the team into compliance with state regulations and $50,000 each year to keep the team certified. The state has cautioned against operating as an uncertified unit and the county could find itself on the receiving end of a lawsuit if someone was hurt or property damaged.

The group was typically used two or three times a year, and even then it was called for basic response — recognizing a potentially hazardous release, call for more advanced help and secure scenes until help arrives. The county pays McCutcheon Enterprises to deal with major hazardous materials issues, and that won’t change. Local fire departments are also certified and obligated to respond and United Refining has its own certified group as well.

When there is a spill, someone will still respond. They’ll just be driving different trucks and wear a different uniform.

Knowing all that, it’s no surprise the county chose to disband the All Hazards Team. The group served the county well in its limited capacity for 36 years and its members past and present should be thanked for their service.