Here’s a timely article for anyone involved in hazardous response: Surviving Hazmat Incidents in Tough Economic Times. A retired specialist gives tips on coping with budget cuts. The ideas include:

• Team up with other local emergency service providers. Consider combining operations. Buy supplies such as absorbents in bulk. Work together on purchases of supplies that expire. Hold joint trainings. Better yet, try to get suppliers to throw in training for free with purchases.
• Charge for services. This may go against the grain, but it beats shutting down your service. Be sure to check applicable laws on this.
• Buy supplies such as absorbents through cleanup contractors to replace stock faster and eliminate a separate bill.

There are also some words of caution, including:

• Don’t cut costs the wrong way when it comes to atmospheric monitors; i.e., be careful about skimping on the costs of equipment checks.
• Check on the status of partners that you rely on, such as a highway department or construction company that’s been a source for heavy equipment. Don’t be caught by surprise if they’ve had to sell off equipment or have even shut down.