HMQ Online FAQs: General

What is the online HazMat Questionnaire system?
The online system has been created to allow businesses to submit HMQs electronically and to view and print all HMQs.

Why should I use the online HMQ system?
The online HMQ is designed to make it faster and easier to complete your HMQ. Once your company has used the online system, each year the form will come up mostly complete with the previous year's data. This will save you time and postage as well as saving the City time and postage and conserving natural resources for all of us.

Do I have to complete a Hazardous Materials Questionnaire (HMQ)?
You must complete an HMQ if you operate a facility within Wellhead Protection (WHP) Zone 1, 2, or 3 as defined by the Wellhead Protection Ordinance (RMC 13.07) View more information about the requirements or the location map.

How will the Ordinance affect my business?
Please refer to the  What You Need to Know About Wellhead Protection page.

How do I know what Wellhead Protection Zone I am in?
Please refer to the Wellhead Protection Zone Map in PDF format. If you are still unclear as to your status, you may contact the WHP program at hazmat@redmond.gov or 425-556-2757.

I’ve already filled out a Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) for the Fire Department; do I still have to fill out the Questionnaire?
Yes, the HMQ does ask for some similar types of information, however the information requested is specific to the Wellhead Protection Program. Future information requests and updates will be coordinated with the Fire Department to minimize any duplication of effort.

My business has no hazardous materials; does this exempt me from filling out a form?
No, all businesses within WHP Zones 1, 2, and 3 regardless of quantity of hazardous materials must submit an HMQ annually.

My business no longer operates in the City of Redmond, do I need to let the City know?
In the online system, click on the link for closed facility, complete the information fields, submit and WHP will be notified. You must also separately notify Business License. If your business has moved outside of the City, you must submit a written request to withdraw or cancel your City of Redmond business license with the Business License department. businesslicense@redmond.gov.

What materials do I have to list? Are there any that I don’t have to list?
You must list all hazardous and deleterious substances that are or will be stored, handled, treated, used, produced, recycled, or disposed of at the facility.

My business is out of my home, do I list all of my home chemicals?
No, only list chemicals that are related to your business.

My business or facility received several Questionnaires; do I have to fill them all out?
Yes, you are required to fill out a separate questionnaire for each facility or building associated with your business or facility. Each facility will have a different proximity to the City’s well system and will likely have different types and amounts of hazardous materials.

What happens if I don’t complete the HMQ?
The HMQ must be completed for every facility within WHP Zones 1, 2, and 3. Any person failing to comply with the requirements of the WHP ordinance may be subject to civil and/or criminal penalties (RMC 1.14). Additionally, if the questionnaire is not submitted or is not completed properly, your business license may be suspended or revoked.

I own several businesses in Redmond; will I have to provide information for each one?
Yes, which is something else the new online system makes more convenient. Each business under one owner should show up together when you log in. If one of your facilities is not listed, please contact the Wellhead staff to fix that.

Why do I need an email address to complete an online HMQ?
Your email address will become the main point of contact for your HMQ from the WHP Program.

How do I know who is listed as a contact?
You may view your HMQ and the previously entered information will show for who is listed as the onsite operator contact, and the person assigned for contact.

How do I register a licensed business for the online system?
If you are a licensed business and have completed an HMQ in the past, you will be receiving a PIN number by mail. This PIN number will allow you to register to use the online HMQ system.

Why did I get a card asking me to register online?
In order to use the online HMQ system, you must first register using the PIN that was sent to the mailing address from last year’s HMQ. This registration process will log you in to the system and allow you to create your own login and password for future use of the system. If you have not received a PIN and you believe you are the correct contact for your facility, please e-mail WHP at hazmat@redmond.gov.

Can I see my HMQ from last year?
Yes, and here's how. When you pull up the current years HMQ for completion, it will be pre-populated with the information you submitted on last years HMQ.

Will I have to fill in all the information each year?
The first time you access the HMQ online you will have to fill in all information that you did not provide in previous years.  The next time you access the HMQ, if there are no changes to be made from the previous year, you may check "accept" at the bottom of the second page, and your HMQ will be submitted. If there are changes to be made, make them and then select "accept" at the bottom of the second page.

The person listed as a contact has left; can I change the contact info to me?
Yes, when you complete the HMQ, some fields will allow you to change last year’s data to more current information. You can change the contact information for the responsible person to yourself. If this information changes during the course of a year, you may update your HMQ at any time after it is approved. This will allow us to maintain current contact information so next years HMQ is sent to the correct person. If you do not have the departed person’s login address and password, you will have to re-register. To do this, contact WHP Staff for a PIN to register.

My business has closed; what should I do?
In the online system, click on the link for closed business, fill out the information fields, submit and WHP will be notified. You must also separately notify Business License. If your business has closed you must submit a written request to withdraw or cancel your City of Redmond business license with the Business License Department at businesslicense@redmond.gov.

My business has moved to another location within the City Limits, what should I do?
If your business has moved to another location within the City limits, you must submit a change of address request to the Business License Department at businesslicense@redmond.gov.

My business has changed ownership, what should I do?
In the online system, click on the link for new business ownership and complete the information fields that come up. When you press submit WHP will be notified. You must also separately notify Business License. If you have changed ownership, you must submit a change of ownership to the City Business License Department. This may require you to complete a new City of Redmond business license application.

My business no longer operates in the City of Redmond, do I need to let the City know?
In the online system, click on the link for closed facility, complete the information fields, submit and WHP will be notified. You must also separately notify Business License. If your business has moved outside of the City, you must submit a written request to withdraw or cancel your City of Redmond business license with the Business License Department at businesslicense@redmond.gov.

My business has several separate facilities in Redmond; will I have to log in separately for each one?
No, all of your facilities that are in WHP zone 1, 2, and 3 under one business license will show up on the online system. If one of your facilities or buildings is not listed, please call the Wellhead staff to fix the problem.

The person listed as a contact has left; can I change the contact info to me?
Yes, some fields will allow you to update last year’s data to more current information, and the contact field is one of them.

If the contact person changes position or leaves the company should we wait for the next annual HMQ to update that information?
No. Keeping the contact of record up to date is important to making sure that update messages are received throughout the year, and the HMQ gets completed properly. If you do not have the former person’s login address and password, you will have to re-register. To do this, contact Wellhead Protection Staff for a PIN to register.

Do I really need an email address to complete an online HMQ?
Yes, your email address will become the main point of contact for your HMQ from the Wellhead Protection Program.

Can I print copies of my HMQs?
Yes, after you press the submit button on your HMQ, you will see options to print a copy for your records. After an HMQ is approved, you will be able to view or print the HMQ.

How do I know if my HMQ has been approved after I submit it?
Once the HMQ has been submitted, status information may be found on the first screen you see after logging into the system.

How do I know who is listed as a contact?
You may view your HMQ and the previously entered information to see who is listed as the onsite operator contact, and the person responsible contact.

I don’t have easy access to a computer; can I still submit an HMQ online?
YES!! A computer will be available for online submission of HMQs at the City Hall, and clinics will be hosted by the WHP Program staff showing you how to use computers at the City Hall. You must still have an e-mail address to submit an HMQ online.
The following locations offer computer time either for free or for a fee.
King County Library
Kinkos
City of Redmond

Is my information secure?
Yes, your information will be kept secure. Once your login is created, you will be the only one with access to change your information. No one can read your information besides yourself and WHP staff. The system will use Secure Socket Layer Encryption for online security.