Environmental Protection Agency — Region III
November 1999
1
Alan Brown
U.S. EPA, Region III
Chemical Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
I'd certainly be remiss if I didn't thank
those of you who journeyed from some 43
states and 7 foreign countries to help us
"Make A Difference''' at our 1999 CEPP Conference in Wash-
ington, D.C., September 20-23. It was a huge success and many
felt it the best so far. It was also a lot of work and a definite
vote of thanks is owed our Conference Planning Committee
that labored long and unsung. One thing is certain, we couldn't
have pulled it off at all if it wasn't for the terrific support from
our partners, sponsors, and exhibitors. Their contribution was
both integral and critical.
Do check out our 1999 CEPP Partnership Award winners
elsewhere in this issue. Each one of them has made a differ-
ence —a big one. To a large extent, they (and the many other
award nominees who give so very much of themselves unself-
ishly day in and day out) are what our conference is all about.
Once again, I'd like to reiterate and emphasize that we're
always looking for ways to make this publication better. If
you've got an opinion, an article, a complaint, a success story,
an anecdote, etc., please contact my editor, Katrina Harris, at
(410) 676-8835 or Kharris@genphysics.com. In addition, look
for some interesting changes in our content and format in
upcoming issues. We're determined to make this publication
the absolute best in its field.
IN THIS ISSUE
LEPC Drill • CEPP Conference Highly Successful
EPA Region III Partnership Award Recipients • Whistle Stop Tour Trains Hundreds
Public Meetings Required by February 1 • CAMEO Changes • A Letter from Aunt SARA
YEK READINESS
EPA HQ and EPA
Region III are
ready I
At EPA Region III, On-Scene
Coordinators will be available to
respond to any year-end Y2K
incidents, and some will be
standing by at State Emergency
Operation Centers. The Regional
Response Center will be activated,
and the Regional Response Team
is prepared to respond if needed.
EPA Headquarters has been
working closely with the chemical
industry and encouraging testing of
computer-related equipment to
prevent any discharges to the
environment and failure to provide
important monitoring information
to the government. EPA worked
with a number of trade associations
in publishing the booklet
"Addressing Year 2000 Issues in
Small and Medium-Sized Facilities
that Handle Chemicals." A copy
of this guidance, along with more
information, is available at the
EPA Year 2000 web site at
www.epa.gov/year2000. You can
also contact the EPA Headquarters
Emergency Planning and
Community Right-To-Know
Hotline at (800) 424-9346 for more
information.
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DELAWARE
COUNTY LEPC
HOLDS RISK
MANAGEMENT
PLANNING DRILL
Ed Truitt
Director of Emergency
Services
Delaware County, PA
More than 80 representatives from
industry and local emergency response
organizations in Delaware County,
Pennsylvania and the State of Delaware
joined together for a risk management
planning drill.
each company, and public emergency
response.
Then it happened...railcars from a
train traveling through the fictional
"Saber GT" petrochemical facility
derailed near the facility's propane
storage tanks and piping containing
highly-flammable materials. Saber GT
emergency response personnel were
first on the scene. They determined the
piping had been damaged, began
setting up protective water sprays, tried
to isolate the leak, and placed a call to
Delaware County-911. Minutes later,
Saber GT's emergency responders
identified two process heaters in the
vicinity of the leak—a possible source
of ignition—and called for the railroad
to be shut down. A call
went out for additional
resources.. .and it just kept
getting worse.
Despite Saber GT's
efforts, a vapor cloud
ignited, causing severe
damage and injuries in the
immediate area. Calls
began to pour into 911 from
area neighbors.
Local emergency
responders quickly assessed
Photo by David L. Schlolt, On-Site Photography
drill was held as part of EPA's Risk
Management Plan regulation. The
Delaware County LEPC and the
Delaware Valley Industry Group have
been working together for two years ;
preparation for the Risk Managemei.
Plan regulation.
At the conclusion of the drill,
participants debriefed to determine
which systems worked well, what areas
need to be refined, and how partici-
pants can maximize their strengths in a
real emergency. Participants reviewed
the challenges they faced in evaluating
the initial situation, handling the
constantly-changing variables and
working together to make the most of
all available resources.
"Drills like this one that bring
industry together with local emergency
responders to review response capabili-
ties are crucial for preparedness in the
event of a chemical release," said Ed
Doyle, co-chair of the Delaware
County Local Emergency Planning
Committee.
For more information about the
Delaware County drill or LEPC,
contact Ed Truitt at (610) 565-8700.
Industrial and municipal emergency responders gather
around a tabietop model of their community in preparation
for a Risk Management Planning drill at the 911 Emergency
Center in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
The evening began with small group
discussions allowing industry partici-
pants the opportunity to review re-
sponse capabilities to toxic chemical
releases. Participants from the Dela-
ware Valley Industry Group including
Allied Signal, BOC Gases, Epsilon
Products, General Chemical, Rhodia,
Stoney Creek Technologies, Sunoco,
and TOSCO teamed together with local
emergency responders to review release
scenarios, chemicals involved, com-
pany response, external notifications by
the situation and re-
viewed all the variables,
including weather
conditions and the
extent of damage.
This table-top drill
provided emergency
management and
response personnel in
the public and industrial
sectors a terrific oppor-
tunity to experience all
dimensions of a chemi-
cal emergency in a risk-
free environment. The
Photo by David L. Schlott, On-Site Photography
Local emergency responders listen attentively as the training
scenario unfolds. Eighty representatives from industry and I
emergency response organizations participated in the drill.
2
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EPA REGION HI'S 1999 CHEMICAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
AND PREVENTION CONFERENCE—DIGGEST AND DEBT AS
PROMISEDI
More than 1100 attendees, from 43 states and 7 foreign countries, attended EPA's 1999 Chemical Emergency Preparedness and
Prevention Conference in Washington, D.C., the largest attendance to date at this conference. We wanted to Make a Difference and
the numbers show we did it!
Look for information in upcoming issues of the EPCRA Update on some smaller workshops planned for 2000 and for the next
conference in 2001.
» «¦ ?>
From the hands-on, interactive
experience of Stress City to
informative workshops and one-on-
one conversations, the conference
provided great opportunities for
success stories and lessons learned.
Dave Wright of EPA Region III thanks
Dr. Sadayoshi Ohbu. Dr. Ohbu, a lead
emergency room physician during the
Tokyo subway sarin incident, provided
attendees with an excellent incident
summary, including dramatic video
footage taken at St. Luke's Hospital
during the incident.
Carole Macko of EPA
HQ greets one of the
special guests and
partnership award
winners, Captain Sewer.
A special surprise-
Aunt SARA was
allowed back!
I Thanks to all our \
sponsors and
exhibitors who
contributed
greatly to the
conference's
success.
Nine volunteers demonstrate if you try, you can
Make a Difference.
Dave Wright of EPA Region III presents a
plaque to Major General Zeev Livne of
the Embassy of Israel, a keynote speaker
vho discussed how to prepare an entire
country for chemical incidents.
The Conference Director had to sell a few
things—his car, his tie collection, his
socks—to pay the final bill—not sure if
he's made it back to Philadelphia yet.
Tfcirn the page to learn more about same people recognized for their
efforts to Maks A. Difference...
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EPA REGION III PARTNERSHIP
A highlight of the Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Conference is the EPA Region III Pai
exceptionalcreativity or innovation in chemical emergency preparedness programs. "These awards symbolize
McCabe, EPA regional administrator.
EPA thanks the members of this year's Awards Committee for their hard work in reviewing nominations anc
Below is a short summary of the recipients' accomplishments and photos showing Dave Wright, EPA Regi<
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Environmental Policy
and Guidance
photo by John Stinson
The Department of Energy's Office of
Environmental Policy and Guidance has been
a leader in fostering the development and
implementation of emergency planning and
preparedness programs. Their achievements
include partnering with EPA Region III in
developing EPCRA training courses, guidance
documents, reference books, and innovative
emergency planning tools.
Warner Bros. Television
(accepted by Ms. Shelly Billik)
photo by John Stinson
Warner Bros, gave permission for EPA
Region III to use a scene from its award-
winning show "ER" for a training video on
medical decontamination and hazardous
material preparedness. The footage
graphically depicts the dramatic and life-
threatening effects that chemical hazardous
materials can have on a hospital's emergency
room operations. While receiving permission
for use of footage is rare, Warner Bros,
recognized the educational value that this
licensing permission would provide and the
tremendous benefit to emergency response
efforts.
Mr. Harry Robidoux, Director
Monroe County Office of Emergency Services
Monroe County, PA
photo by John Stinson
Hairy Robidoux has worked to initiate a
system of centralized planning and course
registration for all fire, rescue and hazardous
material training in Monroe County. His work
for community safety has included developing
a three-phase cooperative plan between the
Pocono Medical Center and the LEPC,
preparing schools for hazardous material
incidents, educating residents and tourists on
protective actions and sources of information
during emergencies, and overseeing the
planning and use of the first fire and safety
training facility in the area.
Cpl. Clarence Ross
Harford Co. Sheriff's Office,
Environmental Crimes Unit
Harford County, MD
photo by John Stinson
Corporal Clarence Ross has participated
in many LEPC projects that were beyond his
required duties, including preparation for risk
management planning. While responsible for
investigation and prosecution of
environmental crimes, Corporal Ross also
serves as Crew Chief on the Hazardous
Materials Response Team, providing
leadership for any type of incident. On his own
time, he prepared several simulated devices
for use in training programs. He has developed
dynamic education programs for schools and
training programs for local responders.
Ms. Martha Anderson
Chair, Philadelphia LEPC
Philadelphia, PA
photo by John Stinson
Martha Anderson has led the Philadelphia
LEPC for seven years. Under her leadership,
the LEPC has made tremendous progress in
forging community partnerships and
developing consensus-based solutions with
the public. The LEPC created a mobile fair
and held community fairs to educate the public
about emergency procedures. Ms. Anderson
also facilitated discussions with the
community near a refinery to select an
effective public notification system.
Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council
Harrisburg, PA
(accepted by Nancy Arnold and Dave Patti)
photo by John Stinson
The Pennsylvania Chemical Industry
Council has partnered with EPA Region III
on a number of initiatives to improve chemical
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'AWARDS —1999 RECIPIENTS
artnership Awards. EPA presents these awards to companies, organizations or individuals who demonstrate
ie a,fecial brand of dedication to environmental health and safety in our local communities," said W. Michael
id selecting individuals, organizations, and businesses that Make A Difference.
lion III, Chief, Preparedness and Program Support Section, presenting the awards.
emergency preparedness across the region.
For three years, they have played a critical
role on behalf of the EPA Region III CEPP
conference by securing financial support from
the Chemical Manufacturers Association,
manning exhibit booths, assisting with
planning, and providing speakers. In 1999,
PCIC arranged a special briefing on EPA's
Chemical Safety Audit Program for
representatives from over 15 different
businesses. They are proactive and innovative
in their conferences and training programs and
have made significant contributions to
improving response programs in
Pennsylvania.
Captain Sewer
Public Affairs Division
Philadelphia Water Department
photo by John Stinson
Captain Sewer is the mascot for the
Philadelphia Water Department and
Philadelphia's own "grime fighter." His
mission is to convey to the youth of
Philadelphia why individual behaviors are so
important in keeping land and water clean. For
more than 10 years, Captain Sewer has
devoted his energy, his weekends, his life to
appearances at community events, fairs,
parades and festivals. He provides
programming at schools, camps, libraries and
day care centers on conservation, pollution,
and even fire hydrant abuse.
Mr. Howard Girer, Chair
Carbon County LEPC
Carbon County, PA
photo by John Stinson
Howard Girer has volunteered numerous
hours to develop an invaluable resource for
the Carbon County LEPC—a new members
orientation guide. The guide explains to new
members the LEPC's purpose, duties,
subcommittees, and membership. It also
describes meeting format, explains finances,
defines terms relevant to hazardous materials,
and contains a self-exam to test program
knowledge. The guide has been instrumental
in familiarizing new members with the LEPC
and getting them involved quickly and
effectively.
Ms. Marie Johns
Outreach Subcommittee Chair
Carbon County LEPC
Carbon County, PA
photo by John Stinson
Marie Johns is the media representative
for the LEPC and also an anchor person for a
local television show. She has developed
highly-successful contests and educational
programs to involve school students
throughout the County in hazardous material
issues and the LEPC. Under her leadership,
the LEPC held a logo contest that culminated
in a calendar utilizing the art work of students.
The calendar also contained emergency
contacts, LEPC information, and emergency
instructions. Ms. Johns has visited local
schools to educate students and teacher on
Shelter-in-Place and other emergency
procedures.
Mr. Alan Lynch
Pocono Medical Center
East Stroudsburg, PA
Alan Lynch is the medical facility
representative on the Monroe County LEPC
and has spearheaded planning efforts to help
the hospital be ready to receive and treat
contaminated patients. He also ensured
hospital staff had appropriate training by
arranging for EPA Region III to present
several awareness courses followed by
fw
\ f
photo by John Stinson
operations level courses conducted by the
LEPC. Mr. Lynch has proven that a smaller
hospital can establish a successful and cost-
effective chemical emergency preparedness
program.
Mr. Pat Rivoli
Warren County,
Department of Public Safety
Warren County, NJ
(award received post-conference)
Pat Rivoli is a supportive and active
member of the Warren County LEPC and has
been a leader in their risk management
program. Mr. Rivoli accepted the new
challenges posed by Risk Management Plan
requirements and worked to ensure
cooperation and compliance. Through his
efforts, a consortium of industrial facilities
was formed to work together on compliance
and to share insights and approaches.
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TRANSCAER® WHISTLE STOP TOUR TRAIIM5 HUIMDRED5
The 1999 TRANSCAER® Whistle-Stop Tour was a great success in its October tour through Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohi
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PUBLIC MEETINGS
REQUIRED OIM
^ISK MAHAGEMEHT
HLA1XIS
CAMEO SUPPORT
CHANGES
Facilities required to submit Program
2 or Program 3 Risk Management Plans
must announce and hold a public meeting
by February 1, 2000 under a new law
signed by President Clinton in August
1999. Facilities meeting the definition of
"small business stationary source" may
opt to publicly post a summary of their
information instead of holding a public
meeting. Program 1 process facilities are
exempt from these requirements.
The Chemical Safety Information,
Site Security and Fuels Regulatory Relief
Act limits the public's access to off-site
course analysis sections of the plans by
prohibiting government officials from
disclosing this information, pending
further evaluation over a one-year period.
The act delays EPA's plan to make the
information available over the Internet;
aver, the law allows facilities to
share this information with the public,
and requires most facilities to provide the
public with at least a summary of the off-
site course analysis information by
February 1, 2000.
Under the law, the facility must
provide reasonable notice of the public
meeting; joint meetings with other
facilities are allowed. The facility must
discuss its off-site course analysis
sections. If a facility held a public
meeting between August 5, 1998 and
August 5, 1999, provided reasonable
notice of the meeting, and discussed off-
site course analysis information as
submitted in its Risk Management Plan,
they may not be required to hold another
meeting.
Certification stating that a public
meeting has been held or a summary has
been posted, whichever is applicable,
must be sent to the FBI.
For more information or a sample
; Ication, visit EPA's Chemical
Preparedness and Prevention Office web
site at www.epa.gov/ceppo or call the
Hotline at (800) 424-9346.
The National Safety Council, EPA and
the National Oceanic and Atmospheeric
Administration (NOAA) are making
changes in their support of the Computer
Aided Management of Emergency
Operations (CAMEO) software.
The National Safety Council is no
longer selling CAMEO, MARPLOT or
ALOHA. EPA and NOAA will be distrib-
uting the lastest version of CAMEO at no-
charge. The National Safety Council will
maintain its Web Site (www.nsc.org) for
CAMEO users containing general infor-
mation, detailed CAMEO/ALOHA FAQs,
and back issues of CAMEO Today.
EPA and NOAA remain committed to
the CAMEO program and are putting a
tiered system of support in place:
Tier I: Users should first go to the
following places for support:
1. User Manuals - distributed on the
program CD;
2. New EPA/NO A A CAMEO Web Site
(www.epa.gov/ceppo/cameo);
3. State or regional user groups.
Tier II: If an answer is not obtained
through the Tier I sources, the user
should contact the regional support
person. For EPA Region III users (states
of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware,
Virginia, West Virginia and the District
of Columbia), this person is A1 Brown,
215-814-3302, brown.alanfq).epa.gov.
Tier III: If an answer cannot be
obtained at the regional level, the re-
gional contact will provide headquarters
contact information.
Tier IV: For major system problems
or other specialized support, the user
should contact a third party consultant.
The EPA Web Site will contain a list of
third parties; however, EPA's listing does
not imply any endorsement or recom-
mendation by EPA.
Although at my age I don't much
care what folks tnink about me. I
certainly do know how to mind my
manners (if it suits me) so I'm taking
pen to paper to say thank you for
inviting me back to your CrlECPP
conference, which it wasn't. I won't
say it's the least you could do (consid-
ering the caliber of the rest of your
banquet entertainment) but if the shoe
fits.... While I'm on that subject. I'd like
to know why I wasn't asked to join A\r.
Stinson's chorus line if that's what it
was meant to be. I could've added
some much needed pizzazz and maybe
showed a little leg to boot. Tell them
for me not to quit their day jobs.
Your A\r.
Wright was
very nice and a
compleat
gentleman
which was too
bad. I didn't
get an award
again and still
didn't even win
a door prize.
Probably don't
need a new
door anyhow.
While I'm at it. your AV. 3rennan
promised me a little something for all
the excitement I stirred up with the
fire. Tell him I didn't mean to hurt his
feelings but the little something I was
looking for was supposed to be in an
envelope.
I don't know if the hotel ever did
find my luggage but somehow I'm not
surprised seeing as how I had to pay in
advance for soap and shampoo for my
room. Still, it wasn't a total loss as I did
earn a few dollars training the Hilton
staff on the important difference
between a fire exit and the fire.
Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough
to cover all my Christmas card postage
costs so I'm just sending you my latest
glamour shot that I'll be using this
year. I'm sure you'll find a use for it.
Well. I've got things to tend to and
my fingers are starting to stiffen up so
this will have to do.
Aunt Sara III
P.S. Don't forget you can e-mail me
now—whatever that means—at
auntsara 11 l@netscape.net.
7
EPCRA
MAIL
BAG
Dear A\r. Urown:
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EPCRA Update is published periodically on an irregular basis by the Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Pre- I
vention (CEPP) folks at EPA Region III under the direction of A1 Brown. Our goal is to provide interesting, informa-
tive, helpful, and often timely EPCRA and CEPP information to hazardous materials emergency planners, responders i
and stakeholders across EPA III Region and beyond. If you have a story you would like to tell, a point you'd like to I
make, or simply want to have your very own copy of EPCRA Update, just fill out this form and mail it to: A1 Brown, I
EPA Region III (3HS33), 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029. You may also fax this form to 215-814-3254 |
or e-mail to brown.alanfecpa.gov-
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U. S. EPA Region III
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November 1999
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