U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region

August 2000
Chemical Emergency
Preparedness & Prevention
u
Alan Brown
U.S. EPA, Region 111
Chemical Emergency
Preparedness Coordinator
Dear Readers:
With this issue, our little
publication has a whole new
look. Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update has
been officially launched. The old "EPCRA Update" somehow no
longer embodied what we, or for that matter the publication, were
about. We Ve expanded our scope and changed our focus to those
issues, attitudes, ideas, and efforts that encompass the critical
importance of chemical emergency preparedness and prevention
everywhere. It s still free and it s still your sounding board. Hope you
like it.
Do want to call your attention to our traveling HAZMAT trans-
portation road shows coming up. Probably should have called our
little production, "If It Moves and Can Hurt You, It's In There," or
something catchy tike that. Anyhow, we opened in Wilkes-Barre to
standing room only and we're moving the show to Erie's Avalon
Hotel, September 25 through 27 and close out in Norfolk at
Marriott 's Waterside Hotel, November 28 through 30. The performers
are subject to change and no doubt, some understudies will get the
break they've been waiting for and actually go on stage, but the show
as a whole promises to be excellent. Our accommodations are very,
veiy nice, you don't have to pay Broadway prices, and the learning
experience is unbeatable. It's definitely a win-win decision for those
of you who are lucky enough to catch the show. Seats are limited so
you do have to move quickly. Call our box-office hotline at 410-676-
0882for more details. (PS. There are still a few exhibitor spaces left.
At $400 it's a no-brainer to this former sales manager. Proceeds
benefit the TRANSCAER® program. )
And I still can7 say enough good things about our friends at the
Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council and the Pennsylvania
TRANSCAER® Committee. Nancy Arnold of PCIC and Paul Little of
Rohm & Haas and the rest of PA s TRANSCAER® Committee continue
to make things happen. They are the real deal and, as I see it, role
models other state industry associations and organizations could
well learn from if they 're serious about making a difference.
As always, we welcome your input. Contact Katrina Harris at
(410) 676-8835 or by e-mail at kharris@genphysics.com.
Think Fighting A Fire
Surrounded By Water
Is Easy? Guess Again!
Bill Burkett
Director, Marine Incident Response Team
Master Fire Fighter
Virginia Beach Fire Department
How do you handle a fire emergency on a
barge or a ship and get the necessary personnel
and equipment to the scene safely? What kinds
of equipment will you need and how will you
coordinate a response between local fire depart-
ments and port authorities?
Attendees at the 9lh Annual Hampton Roads
Marine Firefighting Symposium at the Fort Eustis
Army Post in Newport News, Virginia found out.
The Maritime Incident Response Team joined with
the Virginia Port Authority, Hampton Roads
Maritime Association, Fort Eustis Fire Depart-
ment, Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and
Maritime Administration to sponsor the event.
More than fifty fire-fighting personnel from all over
the East Coast attended the training session, in-
cluding ten from Massachusetts. According to
Deputy Chief Glen Rogers of the Falmouth Fire and
Rescue Department, "we are here from Massachu-
setts because we are trying to establish a marine
incident team in the Cape Cod area."
After four days of intensive workshops, the
climax of the Symposium was a waterborne
emergency exercise simulating the hazards and
Continued on Page 2
IN THIS ISSUE
' Regional Response Team	
	3
1 Federal Flashes	
	4
- Training Opportunities	
	3&6
¦ Planning Resources	
	5
1 Drills and Exercises	
	10&11
Don't Miss Our Remaining Hazmat Transportation
Incident Seminars, pgs 6 & 7
ChemicaUEmergency^Prep^

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Firefighting Symposium
Smoke billows from the bow of the
Bayamon
Marine Incident Response Team members work with SSG Earl
Nebritt, 2nd to prepare the 7,000 lb. pump to be lowered by
crane to an Army tugboat.
problems that can be
encountered in responding
to a marine incident. The
exercise stressed the
complexity of deploying
equipment, coordinating
agencies and resources,
and applying newly learned
skills in an emergency
situation. Other issues in
dealing with marine inci-
dents include the need to
work with the vessel's crew
in responding to the
emergency, dangers that
may be posed by the
cargo, and the delay in
getting resources to the
site, which may take hours
or even days.
The scenario began with
a report to the local fire
department around 11:50
a.m. that smoke was
pouring from a vessel two
miles off shore. The
Bayamon, a 750-foot long,
roll-on roll-off vessel, had a
fire in its engine room.
Storage compartments
carried a cargo of wood and
22,000 gallons of fuel.The ship had
lost oil power and the crew had
exhausted the C02 system.
By 12:25 p.m. the second alarm
sounded and a request was made to
activate mutual aid agreements. The
Coast Guard, Captain of the Port,
was notified of the situation. Four
battalions/twelve companies were
deployed to the incident aboard a US
Army Landing Craft Utility (LCU).
By 12:30 p.m. the firefighters
established a portable hydrant on
deck to help contain the fire, and a
7,000-pound portable pump, capable
of delivering 3,000 gallons of water
per minute, was deployed to the
scene on an Army tugboat.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., the
scenario became more complicated
by an explosion in the engine room.
But by 1:15 p.m. all equipment was in
place, and 50,000 pounds of bulk C02
was being arranged to be discharged
into the engine room. The tugboat
arrived with the water pump, and by
3:00 p.m. the situation was com-
pletely under control.
Some of the lessons participants
learned include a better understand-
ing of where everything is on a ship,
the importance of reconnaissance to
safely determine the nature of the
incident and the stability of the
vessel, and the importance of
identifying local resources available
to assist fire companies in respond-
ing to marine emergencies. Partici-
pants also considered whether if
faced with a similar situation in their
own locale, would they have access
to a fireboat, portable water pump,
etc? Would asistance be available
from other agencies in the area?
These are questions that need to be
resolved long before an engine
company is called to respond to a
marine incident.
Dave Dunlap, Captain of the
Naval Regional Fire Rescue - Little
Creek Site expressed a feeling
shared by many of the participants
that "this type of training should be
mandatory for any firefighter who has
a remote chance of responding to a
ship fire."
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update 	

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Assistance for Responders
Regional Response
Team III—
Providing Assistance
to Responders
Dennis Carney
Chief, EPA Region III Removal Branch
One of the objectives in changing
the name of this newsletter is to
expand the scope of the chemical
emergency preparedness topics
covered. With this in mind, I'd like to
share with you some information about
the Regional Response Team III, a
federal component of the National
Response System for the states of
West Virginia, Maryland, and Dela-
ware, the District of Columbia, and the
Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and
Virginia.
The Regional Response Team is
composed of representatives from
sixteen federal departments and
agencies and each of the states/
commonwealths. It is co-chaired by
an EPA representative (currently
myself) and a representative from the
Coast Guard (currently Capt. John
Schrinner of Portsmouth, Virginia).
The team's vision is to work as an
efficient and effective team, pooling
our talents and experience to provide
the best possible assistance to
responders.
Our mission is to protect public
health and safety and the environment
by ensuring a coordinated, efficient
and effective response to significant
oil and chemical incidents within
Federal Region III. The team is a
planning, policy and coordinating body
which does not respond directly to the
scene of a spill or release. We provide
assistance as requested by the On-
Scene Coordinator during an incident.
For example, we may be called upon
to provide technical advice, equipment
or manpower to assist with a re-
sponse.
Each Regional Response Team
develops a Regional Contingency Plan
to ensure that the roles of federal and
state agencies during an actual
incident are clear. Following an
incident, the team reviews the On-
Scene Coordinator's reports to
identify and correct any problems
with the response to the incident.
Periodic exercises of the plan also
help to address any problems before
they occur during an actual incident.
We also can assist State Emer-
gency Response Commissions in the
development of their contingency
plans and help other agencies and
organizations in the development and
implementation of contingency plans
for natural and man-made disasters.
The team usually meets three
times a year at various locations
within the region. In May, the teams
for Regions III, IV, and V held a joint
meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio. Topics
discussed at this meeting included
the Federal Response Plan, mutual
aid, the National Response Team's
initiatives, methamphetamine lab
cleanups, and natural resource
damage claims. At the forefront of
the teams' discussions was the
constant remi nder that responders
put their lives on the line and their
work is greatly appreciated.
Our next meeting is September
19 through 21 in Ocean City, Mary-
land.
For more information, to learn
about some of our recent initiatives,
or to read our meeting minutes, visit
our web site at www.uscg.mil/
lantarea/rrt. You can also contact
me by e-mail at
carney.dennis@epa.gov.
COMING IN OCTOBER
Cameo Training
EPA Region III will be offering
a three-day CAMEO training
program in October; the tentative
dates are October 17,18 and 19.
The training program will be held
in Maryland at Aberdeen Proving
Ground (approximately 20 miles
from Baltimore).
This in-depth course is
designed to provide students with
a working knowledge of each of
the three software applications
within CAMEO and an under-
standing of regulatory require-
ments and basic scientific
principals associated with the
program. The course is geared
toward emergency responders
and planning personnel who
would use CAMEO on a daily
basis. The training also includes
instruction on adding Tier II
information.
If you are interested in the
training, please call the EPA
Region III Conference and
Training Hotline at (410) 676-0882
for an application. There is no
cost for the training but advance
registration is required.
Dear Readers:
Just a brief note to let you
know that I am on vacation
this month...However, I have
found a new Web site that you
might all enjoy. Has some good
advice!
www.lli2.net/lastpa3e.html
Mom
Aunt Sara
NO
POSTAGE
NECESSARY
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
3

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Federal Flashes
FEMA Expands
Program
Catherine Pomerantz
FEMA Region III
The Federal Emergency Manage-
ment Agency (FEMA) is expanding
the Comprehensive HAZMAT Emer-
gency Response-Capabilities Assess-
ment Program (CHER-CAP) nation-
wide.
The program has operated very
successfully in FEMA Region VI, and
FEMA Director James Witt has
approved the nationwide expansion of
this program. FEMA's experience has
shown that jurisdictions significantly
improve their HAZMAT and all-hazards
preparedness as a result of CHER-
CAP. FEMA Region III (Delaware,
District of Columbia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia and West
Virginia) has been chosen as one of
the national pilot regions for this
program.
FEMA Region III is partnering with
the Environmental Protection Agency,
the Department of Transportation and
the state offices of emergency
management in bringing this program
to local communities.
CHER-CAP is a voluntary program.
It uses the skills and resources of
Federal, State and local governments
and industry to identify and address
the local jurisdictions' HAZMAT
preparedness needs. CHER-CAP also
involves the commitment of partici-
pants from responder agencies, both
paid and volunteer. CHER-CAP
assists the local communities in
ensuring they can mitigate HAZMAT
emergencies effectively and efficiently
and protect the public by identifying
ways to implement HAZMAT preven-
tion and mitigation measures.
While CHER-CAP focuses on
issues specific to HAZMAT prepared-
ness and response, it also reinforces
preparedness for all hazards by
drawing together the key partners
from the public and private sector
at the local level. It gives respond-
ed from all disciplines - fire fight-
ing, emergency medical services,
law enforcement, public works,
health, environment, volunteer
organizations, and industry - a
forum to plan, train, and work
together demonstrating skills and
discovering opportunities for
improvements in preparedness and
response.
FEMA believes communities
must be better prepared for the
accidents resulting from technologi-
cal hazards as well as natural
disasters. FEMA encourages local
jurisdictions and industry to work
together toward being better
prepared for HAZMAT and all-
hazards risks we may confront in
the 21st century.
Communities interested in under-
taking CHER-CAP should contact the
state emergency management
agency. The state selects the com-
munities for participation. To qualify
for selection a community must have
at a minimum:
•	An active LEPC with a LEPC
plan;
•	A commitment to participate by
a local industry partner;
•	The commitment and involve-
ment of a key first responder
agency.
For information on the CHER-CAP
program please contact Catherine
Pomerantz, FEMA Region III, at 215-
931-5610.
Chemical Reporting
Violations
Case Settled
Accurate Forging Corp. of
Brave, Pennsylvania, will pay a
$21,000penalty and complete a
$130,500 environmental project
to settle alleged violations of
toxic chemical reporting
requirements.
EPA's complaint alleged that
the company violated the
Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Act.
Under this act, companies must
report releases of toxic chemi-
cals, as well as the maximum
amount of any listed chemicals
at the facility and the amount
contained in wastes transferred
off-site. According to EPA, the
company failed to file timely
reports on copper and nitric
acid processed or used at the
plant in 1995 and 1996, and lead
processed there in 1995,1996,
and 1997. (The complaint
alleges a reporting violation and
not an unlawful release of these
substances.) The company
took prompt action to file the
required reports after EPA's
inspection and cooperated in
EPA's investigation and settle-
ment discussions.
In addition to the penalty,
the company will complete a
$130,500 project that exceeds
the requirements of federal and
state environmental regulations.
The company will design, install
and operate a scrubber system
in its Bristol, Connecticut, plant
that is expected to reduce lead
and copper emissions by at
least 90 percent.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update

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Preparedness and Planning Resources
New Products
TranSafe
GeoSphere Systems, Inc. has
launched the first Internet-based
transportation emergency response
system. This system, called
TranSafe, can be found at
www.csmzone.com. Trial subscrip-
tions are available this summer, with
full commercial rollout due sometime
before Labor Day.
TranSafe offers GIS mapping and
instant chemical threat assessment.
The system automatically brings up
the US DOT ERG2000 Guidebook
page applicable to the chemical or
chemicals involved and gives the
user instant access to on-line
Material Safety Data Sheets. An-
other feature is the public and private
chat rooms which allows responders
at various locations to see the same
information and discuss in real-time
the mitigation of the incident.
GeoSphere is looking for feed-
back this summer from the response
community.
E-mail GeoSphere at
inquire@geospheresystems.com
The Penetrator
Americlean has introduced a
new remote drum punch and sam-
pling system, The Portable
Penetrator. The system can be
operated by a single person and can
be remotely controlled up to 5 miles
away thus eliminating the potential
for human exposure. The Portable
Penetrator penetrates drums under
field conditions and seals them. Its
unique design permits controlled
venting, sampling and neutralization
of drum contents.
For information, contact George
Adams of Americlean at (618) 254-
6032
Note: We believe information on new products is
of value to our readers. However, such
information does not reflect an endorsement,
view, position or policy ofthe Agency.
PREPAREDNESS
IN PRINT
¦ Title: Local Emergency
Planning Committee Guidebook:
Understanding the EPA Risk
Management Program Rule
New LEPC
Audiotape Available
j>
Just released and already 0
climbing the charts...the next hit in
the EPA Region III LEPC audiotape
collection... "RMPs and Your LEPC."
Looking for a copy of a risk man-
agement plan? Wondering how other
LEPCs are using data from risk man-
agement plans? Want to know how to
improve your emergency response
planning for chemical incidents? This
new audiotape will not only give you
these answers but much more. You'll
also hear how other LEPCs are achiev-
ing better communication between in-
dustries and with the public and how
safety is being increased in various
communities.
Some of the folks included on the
tape are Mark Scott of the National
Institute for Chemical Studies; Mark
Wolford, Mikal Shabazz, and Bill
Finan of EPA; Jim Bailey of Union
Carbide; Jim Solyst of the American
Chemistry Council; Mary Moses of
the Harford County Division of
Emergency Operations; Gene
Reynolds of FMC; Chief Steve
Hardman of the Nitro, West Virginia
Fire Department; and Pat Conlon of
the U.S. Chemical Safety and
Hazard Investigation Board.
A copy of the tape is being sent
to each LEPC in Region III with
responsibility for facilities who
submitted risk management plans.
If you don't receive a copy and
you would like one, send an e-
mail (brown.alan@epa.gov) or fax
(215-814-3254) to Al Brown at EPA
Region III.
Publisher: Center for Chemi-
cal Process Safety of the
American Institute of Chemical
Engineers, 1-800-AICHEME,
Sales Code G-53, ISBN 0-8169-
0749-8. $59
¦ Title: Practical Compliance
with the EPA Risk Management
Program
Publisher: Center for Chemi-
cal Process Safety of the
American Institute of Chemical
Engineers, 1-800-AICHEME.
Sales Code G-53, ISBN 0-8169-
0748-X, $69
HI Two practical resources for
assisting LEPCs with formulating
effective plans to respond to
emergencies and reduce potential
risks to the public. According to
Les Wittenberg of the American
Institute of Chemical Engineers,
both books are an outgrowth of a
training program developed by
the Institute to teach small and
medium enterprises the funda-
mentals of a risk management
program.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update

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"Hazmat Transportation Incidents -
Join staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region III, and the Pennsylvania Transcaer® Committee,
for three days of networking, workshops and hands-on
tabletop exercises. Transportation incidents are one of the
most common Hazmat responses. From trains and ships
to trucks and planes, we'll cover it all and make sure you
are prepared and ready to respond.
DATES AND LOCATIONS
September 25-27,2000
Erie, Pennsylvania
Avalon Hotel
16 West Tenth Street
Erie, PA 16501
800) 822-5011
(814) 459-2220
Special rate: $59 plus tax
If reserved by 9/1100
November 28-30, 2000
Norfolk, Virginia
Waterside Marriott
235 East Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
(800) 228-9290
(757) 627-4200
Special rate: $55 plus tax
If reserved by 1111/00
Please call the hotel directly to make your reserva-
tions. Be sure to ask for the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency conference rates.
SCHEDULE
DAY I
2:00 - 7:00 P.M	REGISTRATION
4 00 - 7:00 P.M	OPENING RECEPTION
IN EXHIBIT HALL
DAY 2
8:00 - 3:00 P.M	EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
8:00 - I l:00 A.M	GENERAL SESSION
11;00 - 1:00 P.M	LUNCH IN EXHIBIT HALL
1:00 - 4:30 P.M	BREAKOUT SESSIONS
DAY 3
8:00 - 3:30 p.m	Interactive TabletopTraining
Scenarios and Breakout Sessons
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
Mark Scott
National Institute for Chemical Studies
Improve your understanding of commodity flow studies and
the importance of having one for your community. How to
do one and how to use the results.
Joe Evans (Erie)
Danny Swift (Norfolk)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Who we are and what we do. Where we're going and how
we're going to get there.
Ella McNeil
U.S. Department of Energy
As a high-visibility shipper of radioactive materials, DOE
has come under intense scrutiny - from Congress to local
citizens. Learn about a new program being developed to
address preparedness needs nationwide.
Dan Smyser (Erie)
PennDOT
We can help! Hear how PennDOT can provide assistance
when incidents occur and how Pennsylvania transportation
Hazmat regulations are enforced.
Virginia Department of Emergency Services (Norfolk)
Learn what resources are available to you in responding to
Hazmat transportation incidents.
Airport Safety
Hank Kim
International Association of Fire Fighters
Too many airports are unprepared to adequately respond
to airport emergencies because they lack the necessary
aircraft rescue and fire fighting personnel and equipment.
Hear from the principal author of the report, Surviving the
Crash, about these deficiencies and how it impedes the
ability of fire fighters to respond to Hazmat emergencies.
Airports/Dangerous Cargos
Janet McLaughlin
Federal Aviation Administration
Highlights of the FAA's Dangerous Goods Program. Find
out about the incident trends identified by the FAA and
current initiatives for preventing future incidents.
Highway Incidents
Bill MacReady and Carrie Taranta Wayne (Norfolk)
Jevic Transportation, Inc.
Where does the Responsible Care® program fit in a
transportation company's response measures? What role
does Transcaer® play? How can industry enhance the
knowledge of local responders? Staff from Jevic will
answer these questions plus demonstrate all the methods
used to mitigate a release.

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Are You Really Prepared?"
Highway Tanker Incidents
Steve Shoemaker
Quality Carriers, Inc.
Better understand the tanks used to transport hazardous
materials and how to safely respond and mitigate emergen-
cies. Learn to recognize and identify what types of materials
each can transport, how tanks are constructed and operated,
plus the correct loading and unloading processes. If that's not
enough, how about the proper rollover transfer techniques and
proper uprighting procedures!
Ammonia Incidents
David Binder
Tanner Industries, Inc.
Get prepared to handle ammonia incidents from start to finish,
beginning with an overview of anhydrous ammonia properties
to various types of transportation packaging to troubleshoot-
ing incidents.
Pressurized Railroad Cars
Tim Mannas (Erie)
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Bill Oertly (Norfolk)
Association of American Railroads
Everything you need to know about pressurized railroad cars
including information available from the railroad to assist
emergency responders, types of tank cars, how to distinguish
between general service and pressure tank cars, and how to
handle derailments.
Chlorine Incidents
Karl Rasch and John Gabryelski (Erie)
Olin Corporation
Frank Gilmore (Norfolk)
PPG Industries, Inc.
What you need to know to respond to chlorine incidents
including chemical properties, methods of transportation and
protective measures. Find out about CHLORER the chlorine
emergency response network.
How the Railroad System Really Works
Romano DeSimone (Erie)
Scott Gorton (Norfolk)
CSX Transportation
Gain valuable insight into the internal crisis communications
network activated by most railroads during a hazardous
materials emergency, how to obtain critical information on
products being carried in a train and how to access key
railroad officials. Railroads have a wide array of technical
expertise available - learn how to access these resources to
manage incidents.
Planning for Pipeline Incidents
Mike Hoffman
Columbia Gas
Move step by step through the emergency planning and
response process for a pipeline incident.
Responding to Railway Incidents
John Smoot
Kanawha County, WV EMS/Teays Valley Fire
Department
The real thing... lessons learned from the collision and
derailment of two trains resulting in the explosion of a tank
car of flammables, exposures to other cars of combus-
tibles, fire, rescue of train crew members, and blocking of
a community egress. You'll leave knowing how to deal
with the full range of response issues, from planning to
operational to political.
Planning for Maritime Incidents
Lt. Joe Gleason (Erie)
U.S. Coast Guard Buffalo Marine Safety Office
Lt. Connie M. Rooke (Norfolk)
U.S. Coast Guard Hampton Roads Marine Safety
Office
Handle the challenges of a multi-agency response. Form a
Unified Command and establish and activate realistic
response objectives. Improve your internal planning and
exercises for maritime incidents.
Maritime Emergency Planning
John L. Black (Erie)
Three Rivers Pollution Council, Inc.
Need a little help from your friends? This non-profit mutual
aid organization was formed from members of oil and
chemical companies, barge and railroad vendors, suppli-
ers of pollution response equipment and materials, envi-
ronmental contractors and the regulatory community to
assist each other in times of need. Hear how they are
working to ensure they can respond to releases within the
critical first two hours.
Maritime Incident Response
Ed Lewis (Norfolk)
Chesapeake Diving Services, Ltd.
Hear what is involved in responding to a maritime incident
from an experienced responder.
You'd Better Have a Hose if You Want to Put Out the
Fire
Rene Henry (Norfolk)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III
Learn from the author of the book" You'd Better Have a
Hose if You Want to Put Out the Fire" the steps to avoid a
communication crisis and what to do if one occurs.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GET
PREPARED! REGISTRATION IS LIMITED.
REGISTRATION FORM IS ON PAGE 9
CONFERENCE HOTLINE (410) 676-0882
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update

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SERCs and LEPCs: Are They Really Effective?
This is the first in a series of articles looking at State
Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs) and Local
Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and examining
whether they are accomplishing their purpose and achiev-
ing the goals originally envisioned by Congress. In this
first article, we look at the history of why SERCs and
LEPCs were established and their regulatory responsibili-
ties.
SERCs and LEPCs were established in 1986 when
Congress signed into law the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act. Title III of the law is the Emer-
gency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
(EPCRA). EPCRA established two groups to manage
and reduce risks posed by hazardous materials and to
plan for emergencies. The first group, the SERC, func-
tions at a state level and is responsible for reviewing
local emergency response plans and facility chemical
inventory reports. Each SERC is required to appoint an
Information Coordinator and establish procedures for
processing requests for information from the public.
The second group EPCRA established to manage the
risks posed by chemicals in the community is the LEPC.
The LEPC is responsible for developing, reviewing,
exercising and maintaining the community's chemical
emergency response plan, and collecting and reviewing
the annual chemical inventory reports submitted by local
facilities. In other words, the LEPC is responsible for
ensuring that local chemical risks are managed to
prevent hazardous material accidents and releases, and
for ensuring the community maintains a high level of
preparedness to deal with any incidents that do occur.
EPCRA required that each SERC designate emer-
gency planning districts and appoint members to an
LEPC for each district by August 17, 1987. States used
different approaches in deciding how to delineate the
emergency planning districts. Some states designated
the entire state as one district, while others used city or
county boundaries to delineate the planning districts.
As is required of the SERC, the LEPC must appoint
an Information Coordinator and establish procedures for
receiving and processing requests for information from
the public. In addition, the LEPC must provide the public
with an opportunity to comment on the emergency plan
and other information it is required to make public, and
must establish procedures for responding to comments
from the public.
Membership of an LEPC is specified in EPCRA and must
include, at a minimum, elected state and local officials, law
enforcement personnel, civil defense personnel, firefighting
personnel, first aid and healthcare personnel, local environ-
mental personnel, hospital personnel, transportation person-
nel, broadcast and print media, community groups, and
owners and operators of facilities subject to emergency
planning requirements. An individual can represent more
than one area on the Committee, and more than one indi-
vidual can represent an area.
One of the first organizational activities to be addressed
by the LEPC is the appointment of a Chair. The SERC
appoints someone to function temporarily in this role until the
membership has had an opportunity to formally appoint
someone from the membership. The temporary Chair has
responsibility for calling the first meeting of the LEPC. The
LEPC is responsible for determining the procedures for
formally appointing the Chair, whether by election, appoint-
ment of a representative or official from a specific organiza-
tion, as well as the term and duties of the office. Some
LEPCs have appointed Co-Chairs to allow for dual represen-
tation from the emergency response community and industry.
The responsibilities of the LEPC are detailed in EPCRA
and can be summarized as follows:
-	Identifying and assessing the risks for chemical
accidents in the community;
-	Developing an emergency notification system to notify
emergency responders, facilities and the public in the event
of a chemical accident;
-	Developing, reviewing, exercising and maintaining the
community's chemical emergency response plan;
-	Collecting and reviewing the annual hazardous chemi-
cal inventory and toxic release reports (MSDS or Tier II
information, Form R);
Communicating information on the emergency re-
sponse plan, chemical inventories, chemical releases and
the activities of the LEPC to the public;
-	Responding to comments from the public regarding the
chemical emergency response plan, chemical inventory and
toxic release reports and the activities of the LEPC;
Responding to requests from the public for information
on hazardous substances in the community.
How is your LEPC?
If you have an opinion on the topic of SERCs and LEPCs,
we'd like to hear from you. Send it to Katrina Harris by e-
mail (kharris@genphysics.com) or by fax (410-676-8545).
8
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update

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Regional and National Conferences
r" EPA REGION iii HAZMATfRANSP0 RTATOnII NCI 5 EN f"3EmTnARS~""
REGISTRATION FORM
NAME:.
NAME FOR NAME BADGE:
STREET ADDRESS:	
CITY:	
STATE:
ZIP:
WORK PHONE:.
E-MAIL:	
EMPLOYER:.
POSITION:	
LOCATION YOU WILL ATTEND: ~ September 25-27, 2000
Erie,PA
REGISTRATION FEE: $35 per person
(includes opening reception, continental
breakfast, lunch)
~ November 28-30, 2000
Norfolk, VA
Make check payable to PA Chemical Industry
Council and mail to:
GP Corporation, 500 Edgewood Road, Suite
110, Edgewood, MD 21040
ATTN: Katrina Harris
LIMITED EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE. CALL THE
CONFERENCE HOTLINE FOR INFORMATION 410-676-0882
BROWNFIELDS 2000
Find Out Ways to Revitalize Your Community
Session tracks will include:
Don't miss one of the nation's largest gatherings of
redevelopment stakeholders at the popular Brownfields
Conference being held October 11 -13 at the Atlantic
City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ. Called
Brownfields 2000: Research and Regionalism, this
conference encourages a dynamic exchange of suc-
cess stories and techniques on how to revitalize your
respective communities. Speakers, programs and
exhibits will focus on the assessment, cleanup, and
redevelopment of Brownfields, or abandoned, idle, or
underused industrial and commercial properties where
real or perceived contamination interferes with efficient
expansion or redevelopment.
•	Brownfields Fundamentals
•	Creating Values: Economics, Environment and
Equity
•	Managing Liability and Risk
' Lessons from the Field
' Informal Brainstorming
Co-sponsored by the U.S. EPA, Brownfields 2000 is
being presented by the Engineers' Society of Western
Pennsylvania. For up-to-date conference and registration
information, log on to www.brownfields2000.org, or call
Josie Matsinger, EPA Region III Brownfields Coordinator
at (215) 814-3132.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update
9

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Drills, Exercises and Training
EPA Region III staff have partici-
pated recently in a number of drills,
exercises and training programs.
We commend those LEPCs, emer-
gency responders and managers,
federal facilities, hospitals, and
corporations who recognize the
importance of these activities and
are committing the time to enhance
the safety of their communities.
If we can be of any assistance to
you with exercises or training, give
Al Brown at EPA Region III a call at
(215)814-3302.
U.S. Army APG
Partners with
Community on
Chlorine Leak Drill
The U.S. Army at
Aberdeen Proving
Ground included a
number of organizations
in a recent drill which
focused on a rail car
leaking chlorine. Participating in the drill were
the Harford County HAZMATTeam, The Clorox
Company (a neighbor to the proving ground), the
Chlorine Institute, EPA Region III, Maryland
Department of the Environment, the Baltimore
County HAZMATTeam, and Occidental Chemi-
cal.
The proving ground's fire fighters frequently
assist local fire departments and would provide
ous material incident. "We particu-
larly appreciated the participation of
Clorox in the drill," said Bill
Streaker, an environmental protec-
tion specialist with the proving
ground. According to Streaker, Mr.
Chuck Marzen of Clorox was
presented with a Commander's Coin
at the conclusion of the drill by the
garrison commander.
assistance to Clorox in the event of a hazard
UPiUSNI 3NldO 7HO jflj
b
"V
*
The first entry team begins their response. /4s
a result of the drill, responders found they
need a light multi-purpose vehicle for
transporting personnel wearing Level A
protection to the scene.
West Virginia Holds
Annual Training
Conference
The State of West Virginia, in
cooperation with federal agencies,
local emergency management and
response personnel and private
industry, focused on possible
terrorist events and/or hazardous
material emergencies during a three-
day conference in June. The annual
conference was sponsored by the
SERC/LEPCs and the state Office of
Emergency Services.
The 180 conference attendees
heard presentations from federal and
state representatives discussing
possible terrorist threats and hazard-
ous material issues. There were also
training exercises and demonstra-
tions of some of the latest technol-
ogy available to
assist emergency
services personnel in
the field.
"It's vital we
consider all aspects
of possible emergen-
cies, whether they
are man-made or
natural events," said
John W. Pack, Jr.,
director of the West
Virginia Office of
Emergency Services.
"We try to train
personnel and plan
for the worst-case
scenarios. In taking
this approach, we
can hopefully be
prepared to handle
whatever may
develop within our
state."
10
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update

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Drills, Exercises arid Training
Upper Chichester Township
Trains for Terrorist Incident
Dozens of Delaware County,
Pennsylvania and Claymont, Dela-
ware police, fire, and paramedics
came together on a hot summer
Saturday night at Chichester High
School to train together in prepara-
tion for a mass casualty
incident.
Organized by
Reliance Fire Co. Deputy
Chief, John Ley, and
Upper Chichester Fire
Marshal, David Holland,
no effort was spared in
providing as realistic a
setting as possible.
From volunteer victims
lining hallways filled with
Ferro, Upper ChichesterTownship
Commissioner, he was also present
as "commissioners have to be on-
site during an incident to authorize
expenditures." Township Commis-
sioner Beth Zenuk summarized one
of most important elements of drills
which is to ensure "everyone can
communicate with each other."
EPA Helps Thomas
Jefferson University
Hospital Get Ready For
Mass Casualty Incident
EPA Region III recently assisted
Thomas Jefferson University Hospi-
tal and Methodist Hospital in Phila-
delphia with preparing for a mass
casualty incident. The training was
part of the hospitals' preparation for
the Republican National Convention
Stale Representative Steve Barrar (tar right) and Township
Commissioner Tom Ferro (center) get ready for the start of the drill,
Dr. Madison Patrick, part of the training team,
discusses protective equipment with a class
member.
held at end of July in Philadelphia.
Eight hours of training were provided
to doctors, nurses, technicians, and
operations staff over a period of two
days. The first four-hour session
focused on the management of
chemical and biological casualties
and special hospital considerations
in chemical/biological response. The
second half of the training included
hazardous material identification and
personal protective equipment usage.
EPA staff also assisted with a drill
held a few days after the training.
This training was a pilot presenta-
tion of a newly revised training
program being developed by EPA
Region III for area hospitals. For
more information on the new program
call Katrina Harris at (410) 676-8835
ore-mail her at
kharris@genphysics.com
Fire fighters discuss the next phase of the response with Reliance Fire Co.
Deputy Chief, John Ley, and Upper Chichester Fire Marshal, David Holland.
fake smoke to explosions
and a car fire set as a
diversion outside the
building and a helicopter
hovering overhead, emer-
gency responders had an
opportunity to test all their
skills.
The responders and
planners received great
support and recognition for
their dedication from local
township commissioners
and Pennsylvania State
Representative, Steve
Barrar, who attended the
exercise. According to Tom
—v. _
V.
The SWOT team is briefed on the situation by the township police
officer who was the first to respond to the school.
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Update

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Chemical Emergency Prepared-
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published periodically on an irregular
basis by the Chemical Emergency
Preparedness and Prevention Folks
at EPA Region III under the direction
of Al Brown.
Our goal is to provide interesting,
informative, and often timely infor-
mation to hazardous materials
emergency planners, responders and
stakeholders. If you have a story
you would like to tell, a point you
would like to make, or want to join
the mailing list, fill out this form and
mail it to:
Katrina Harris
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Edgewood, MD 21040
I Fax to: 410-676-8545
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