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2004 Year in Review: Emergency Management
Prevention, Preparedness and Response
EPA-550-R-05-001
April 2005
SEPA
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2004 Annual Report
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Table of Contents
Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Mission Statement 1
Message from the Director 2
Section I: Who We Are 3
OEM Organization Chart 4
Regional Counterparts 5
Section II: OEM Prevention, Preparedness and Response Overview 6
Strategic Goals and Measures 6
Advancing Strategic Goals through Partnerships 6
Section III: Achieving Results through Prevention, Preparedness and Response Efforts 8
Prevention Highlights 8
Preparedness Highlights 10
Response Highlights 13
Section IV: Looking to the Future 16
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Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Mission Statement
To ensure that this Nation is better prepared for environmental emergencies, the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works with other EPA partners, federal
agencies, state and local response agencies, and industry to prevent accidents, as well as to maintain
superior response capabilities. OEM's overall mission is to provide national leadership to prevent,
prepare for, and respond to health and environmental emergencies. This is facilitated through
partnerships, joint strategy development, technology development and deployment, and training and
exercises.
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Message from Deborah Y. Dietrich, Director
Office of Emergency Management
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
This is the first annual report detailing emergency management activities in EPA Headquarters and Regional Offices.
Together with our colleagues in the Regional Offices and our many partners in federal, State and local governments and the
private sector, I believe that we are making significant progress in preventing accidents, preparing for those events that we
cannot yet prevent and responding to environmental emergencies, both accidental and those caused by terrorism.
In 2004, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) was created in Washington D.C. to integrate the functions of the
former Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO), the Oil Spill Prevention Program, and the
Superfund Emergency Response Program. Underthis reorganization, we have embarked on a more integrated approach to
all aspects of the chemical and oil safety program prevention, preparedness and response and hope to achieve even
greater efficiency and effectiveness through these efforts.
It has been a busy yearwith numerous Homeland Security efforts including participation in development of the National
Response Plan (NRP) and implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), amendments to the Risk
Management Program (RMP) rule, resubmission of Risk Management Plans, introduction of new regulatory approaches for
the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) regulation, and continuing implementation of priorities under
EPA's National Approach to Response.
I am very proud to share this report on some of our accomplishments during 2004.1 look forward to continuing collaborative
efforts to finding new approaches and measuring the results of our efforts in 2005.
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Section I Who We Are
2004 was a year of continued change and transformation for OEM. The year started with the development and submission
of the reorganization package. The reorganization plan was approved on Septembers, 2004 and the Office officially adopted
its new name and began the transition to its new structure.
Priortothe establishment of OEM, various components of emergency planning, accident and spill prevention, and emergency
response were fragmented within OSWER. The reorganization serves to: integrate the responsibilities of the former offices
(Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office [CEPPO], the Oil Spill Prevention Program, and the Superfund
Emergency Response Program); improve internal coordination on issues related to prevention of, preparedness for, and
response to oil and hazardous substance emergencies; and emphasize program evaluation initiatives. Under the
reorganization, a new organizational structure emerged based on function, requiring a realignment of work load and positions.
Consolidation of emergency planning, accident and spill prevention, and emergency response into one office is expected to
support overall emergency management in Headquarters and Regional Offices in an efficient and effective manner (referto
page 4 for OEM organzation chart and regional counterparts chart).
About OEM's Divisions
Regulation and Policy Development Division (RPDD)
RPDD is OEM's policy and technical arm. RPDD develops
policy, technical approaches and regulations required by
various environmental, safety and accident prevention,
preparedness, and response statutes. RPDD also
coordinates with other EPA offices and federal and state
programs to resolve technical and policy issues. RPDD has
lead responsibility for regulatory training and coordinates
with EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) on
scientific developments.
National Planning and Preparedness Division (NPPD)
NPPD is responsible for ensuring national EPA readiness to
respond to incidents involving hazardous chemicals, oil, and
biological and radiological contamination resulting from
terrorist attacks or accidents. NPPD works closely with EPA's
Office of Homeland Security and coordinates with other
federal, state/tribal, local and international organizations.
Program Operations and Coordination Division (POCD)
POCD provides coordination and oversight for all OEM
operational programs. Regional Coordinators provide
programmatic expertise, policy interpretation, response
strategies and general support to the regional offices. POCD
personnel provide a 24/7 watch officer service, serve as
regional points of contact for expertise and support, and serve
as advocates for regional needs.
Evaluation and Communication Division (ECD)
ECD coordinates strategic planning, program evaluation and
communication. For example, ECD coordinates OEM work
planning, develops lessons learned from exercises and
incidents, coordinates outreach and keeps the OEM website
up-to-date. ECD works with the other Divisions to assure
that OEM addresses planning, evaluation, and
communication to the maximum extent possible.
Business Operations Center (BOC)
BOC is responsible for program and resource management
functions including budgetary planning, human resources,
contracts and grants, accountability, and the Emergency
Operations Center (EOC). BOC directs the formulation and
execution of annual budgets, coordinating activities across
OEM. BOC develops annual operating plans, issues regional
guidance and resources, conducts resource analysis, and
manages OEM's financial integrity program.
National Decontamination Team (NDT)
The NDT is located in Cincinnati, OH. NDT is a new team
that will provide expertise and support to On-Scene
Coordinators (OSCs) on decontamination of buildings or
other structures in the event of an incident involving releases
of radiological, biological or chemical contaminants.
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Office of Emergency Management Organization Chart
Deborah Y. Dietrich, Office Director
Dana S.Tulis, Deputy Office Director
Virtual: National Incident
Coordination & Support
National
Decontamination Team
Steve Hawthorn,
Leader
Business Operations Center
Kim Jennings,
Acting Director
Regulation & Policy
Development
Division
Dave Evans,
Director
National Planning
& Preparedness
Division
MarkMjoness,
Director
Program Operations
& Coordination
Division
Gary Turner,
Acting Director
Evaluation &
Communications
Division
Kathy Jones,
Director
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Regional Counterparts
^^B Pr°9ram Component: Removal
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Region 8
Region 9
Region 10
Division Director
Susan Studlien
William McCabe
Abe Ferdas
Winston Smith
Richard C. Karl
Sam Coleman
Cecilia Tapia
Max Dodson
Keith Takata
Dan Opalski
Removal Manager
Art Johnson
Bruce Sprague,
Richard Salkie
Dennis Carney
Shane Hitchcock
Linda Nachowicz
Ragan Broyles
Scott Hayes, Ken
Buchholz
Doug Skie
Dan Meer
Chris Field
Program Component: CEPP
Division Director
Stephen S. Perkins
William McCabe
Abe Ferdas
Beverly Bannister
Richard C. Karl
Sam Coleman
William Spratlin
Max Dodson
Keith Takata
Dan Opalski
CEPP Coordinator
Ray Dinardo
John Higgins
Gerald Heston
Victor Weeks
Mark Horwitz
Chris Ruhl
Mark Smith
Barbara Benoy
Kay Lawrence
Calvin Terada
Program Component: Oil
Division Director
Susan Studlien
William McCabe
Abe Ferdas
Winston Smith
Richard C. Karl
Sam Coleman
William Spratlin
Max Dodson
Keith Takata
Dan Opalski
Oil Manager
Steve Novick
Doug Kodama
Fran Burns /
Charlie Kleeman
Anita Davis
Beverly Kush
James Mullins
Stanley Walker
Martha Wolf
Peter Guria
Carl Kitz
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Section II OEM Prevention,
Preparedness and Response Overview
2004 has been a remarkable year for EPA's emergency
management activities. We have made significant progress
promoting accident prevention, preparedness and response,
and we have met the new challenges of this post September
11, 2001 era in advancing the protection of human life and
safeguarding the environment. The following pages
summarize the many activities and accomplishments of 2004.
The success of these endeavors represents the collaborative
efforts of our EPA Regional Offices and Headquarters, and
state and local agencies.
Strategic Goals and Measures
The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993
(GPRA) aims to improve governmental effectiveness by
setting program goals, and measuring program performance
against those goals. By managing for results, we are setting
a strategic course that will allow us to measure the success
of our prog ram components.
The EPA FY 2003-2008 Strategic Plan identifies measures
of performance for five strategic goals. The following is a list
of the 5-year strategic targets of relevance to our program
components.
Objective 3.2: Restore Land:
Each year, improve the Agency's emergency
preparedness by achieving and maintaining the
capability to respond to simultaneous large-scale
emergencies and by increasing response readiness by
10 percent from a 2003 baseline using core emergency
response criteria.
Each year, respond to 350 hazardous substance
releases and 300 oil spills.
Each year, minimize impacts of potential oil spills by
inspecting and/or conducting exercises or unannounced
drills at 6 percent of the approximately 6,000 oil storage
facilities required to have Facility Response Plans
(FRPs).
Each year, perform 1,000 inspections at facilities
required to develop and implement Spill Prevention,
Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) plans.
Objective 4.1.4: Reduce Risks at Facilities:
By 2008,30 percent of the approximately 15,000 Risk
Management Plan (RMP) facilities will have reduced
the risk of a major chemical accident.
By 2008, 50 percent of the approximately 3,200 Local
Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) will have
incorporated facility risk information into their emergency
preparedness and community right-to-know programs.
Strategic Goals FY 2005- 2008
Reduce the risk of releases of oil and hazardous
substances.
Lead the Agency in the development and continual
updating of emergency preparedness structures for oil
and hazardous substance emergencies and in providing
for a timely and effective response to any release.
Develop and continually support external partnerships
(with other federal agencies, state and local
governments, and the private sector) to prevent, prepare
for, and respond to releases of oil and hazardous
substances.
Develop and maintain timely and accurate information
and state-of-the art technology for understanding and
managing oil and hazardous substance hazards.
Advancing Strategic Goals through Partnerships
We strive to meet our prevention, preparedness and response
goals through collaborative partnerships with other
governmental agencies and departments, non-governmental
organizations and the private sector.
We partner closely with a number of organizations to promote
sound prevention, preparedness and response practices,
as well as to implement regulatory programs.
The following section highlights some of our partnership
activities for 2004.
Federal Partners Develop National Response Plan
In 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
continued its collaboration with EPA and nearly 40 other
key federal agencies and departments to develop the National
Response Plan (NRP). Developed over a two-year period
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with input from states, locals, and the private sector, the
NRP was issued on December 15, 2004. An interagency
process was used to incorporate input from a wide range of
stakeholders and reflects 3 rounds of stakeholder review
totaling over 8,000 individual comments. The NRP
establishes a single, comprehensive approach for federal
prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
It forms the basis for how the federal government coordinates
with state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector
during incidents. The NRP is critical to helping the federal
government manage domestic incidents.
States Participate in Storage lank Standards Development
with Support of EPA Grant
In 2004, EPA strengthened its partnership with states through
a grant to the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste
Management Officials (ASTSWMO). This grant supports
state participation in the development of national consensus
standards for aboveground storage tanks. These standards
are developed by industry organizations such as the
American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Steel Tank Institute
(STI). Participation in the development of industry standards
by OEM and the states not only improves the standards but
strengthens partnerships between government and industry
and advances spill prevention. The grant also supports
coordination of state and federal aboveground storage tank
programs, sharing of prevention-related information, and an
annual meeting for states.
EPA Joins in Alliance with OSHA and Six Chemical
Organizations
Managing chemical reactivity hazards received a major boost
in March 2004, when EPA and six organizations involved in
the chemical industry formed an Alliance with the U.S.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Together, Alliance members will strive to provide chemical
reactivity hazards management information, methods and
tools to a variety of audiences while, at the same time, gain
experience in the use of methods and tools to continuously
improve identification and management of the hazards.
EPA Co-Chairs U. S.-Mexico Border Workgroup
During 2004, the Border2012 Workgroup accomplished many
planning activities, set priorities, and completed a number
of projects to improve preparedness, disaster management,
and emergency response in the U.S.-Mexico border area.
Key accomplishments for 2004 are listed below:
Two binational emergency response plans were com-
pleted. In addition, the Del Rio, TX and Ciudad Acuna,
Coahuila emergency response plans were updated.
Four hazardous material exercises and several bilin-
gual workshops on varied topics such as railcar safety,
the Incident Command System, hospital mass casu-
alty decontamination, radiation detection, weapons of
mass destruction, and exercise design were designed
and conducted.
A hazardous materials commodity flow study (CFS) for
the city of El Paso, Texas was conducted.
The Presidio/Ojinaga Sister City Plan was signed.
Three waste tire pile site assessments and fire preven-
tion planning in the Mexican area were conducted.
Scholarships were awarded to twenty-eight border
emergency respondersto attend the Hazardous Mate-
rial Continuing Challenge training and symposium.
The concept and workplan for a Border Emergency
Management Academy in Tijuana were developed.
English/Spanish Field Guides for Emergency Response
Communication were developed and distributed.
Wharton Publishes RMP Paper with Support of EPA
Cooperative Agreement
In 2004, EPA continued its partnership with the Wharton
School of the University of Pennsylvania. Under this
The Safety Continuum
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cooperative agreement, a multi-disciplinary team of
economists, statisticians and epidemiologists has studied
the accident history data collected underthe RMP Rule. In
June 2004, Wharton published a paper that provides an
overview of the results of analyzing the accident history data
forthe reporting period 1994-2000 and addresses preliminary
findings on the effectiveness of the RMP Rule as a
management system regulation.
"Drivers of accident preparedness and safety: evidence from
the RMP rule," Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 115,
Issues 1-3, November 2004, pages 9-16. http://
grace.wharton.upenn.edu/risk/downloads/04-19-PK.pdf
International Partnership Improves Response to Oil Spills
at Sea
In 2004, EPA helped sponsor the demonstration of a new
wave tankat the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) in
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The wave tank mimics a wide
range of breaking wave energy levels at sea. Using the
wave tank, scientists will be able to simulate a range of
oceanic conditions while conducting research into chemical
dispersants that can be used to break up oil slicks. The
tank was developed as a result of ongoing cooperation
between Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and EPA,
both of which provided funding.
Section III Achieving Results
through Prevention, Preparedness and
Response Efforts
Prevention Highlights
EPAs approach to the prevention of oil spills and hazardous
substance releases emphasizes planning. To prevent oil
spills, EPArequires owners oroperators of certain oil storage
facilities to prepare and implement Professional Engineer
(PE)-certified SPCC plans that detail the facility's spill
prevention, control and countermeasure activities. To prevent
chemical releases, EPA requires owners or operators of
certain facilities to prepare and implement Risk Management
Plans (RMPs) and submit these plans to EPA. RMPs
summarize the facility's hazard assessment including
an evaluation of worst-case and alternative accidental
releases; a prevention program; and an emergency response
program.
Freshwater Spills Symposium 2004
The Oil Program hosted the Fifth Biennial Freshwater
Spills Symposium in April, 2004 in New Orleans,
Louisiana. More than 70 speakers volunteered their time
to share their expertise. Issues discussed included
homeland security, the National Response Plan, and the
Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, and how
these efforts will affect freshwater spill response.
International Oil Spill Conference Workshop in London,
England
Key OEM representatives joined with an international
contingent of participants from government, industry and
academia at the International Oil Spill Conference (IOSC)
Workshop in London, England in September, 2004. OEM
representatives provided the U.S. perspective on prevention
and participants reached agreement on promoting
preventive measures applicable in oil spill response. A
report was drafted from the findings of the IOSC Workshop.
20th Anniversary ofBhopal
In December 2004, experts from around the world gathered
at the International Conference on the 20th Anniversary of
the Bhopal Tragedy, held in Kanpur, India. OEM took this
opportunity to share a historical perspective of the U.S.
chemical accident prevention and community right-to-know
programs, which were triggered to a large extent by the
Bhopal incident.
penalty provisions underthe Federal Water Pollution Control
Act as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which
provides incentives to facility owners/operators to take the
necessary steps to prevent oil spills.
In addition, EPA conducts document reviews and on-site
facility inspections and audits to ensure compliance with
the SPCC and RMP regulations.
Regulatory Updates
SPCC Rule
2004 was an eventful year for the SPCC rule. Following
publication of the final amendments to the SPCC rule in
2002, EPA was subject to several lawsuits. In the spring of
2004, OEM and the plaintiffs reached settlement of the legal
challenges on nearly all issues. Subsequently, in May 2004,
EPA published clarifications resulting from this settlement.
Additionally, EPA held a public outreach meeting to address
EPA also enforces the strengthened oil spill liability and
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concerns with the rule and listen to feedback
from stakeholders. In August 2004, EPA
extended the compliance dates for SPCC by
18 months. In September 2004, EPA issued
two Notices of Data Availability (NODA) to
present data from industry on ideas for new
regulatory approaches forfacilities that handle
below a certain threshold of oil as well as
facilities with oil-filled and process equipment and to request
data forevaluation of these alternatives. Information collected
underthe NODAswill be used as a basis for determining if
the Agency will take action resulting in streamlining the
SPCC requirements.
RMPRule
2004 was also an eventful year for the RMP rule. In April
2004, EPA amended the RMP rule to require that reporting
of chemical accidents be included in the RMP within six
months of the date of the accident; that emergency contact
information be current within one month of any change; and
to add three new data elements. The amendment also
removes the requirement to include a brief description of the
off-site consequence analysis (OCA) in the RMP executive
summary. The RMP suite of software was updated to reflect
these changes. In addition, a new internet-based tool,
RMP*WebRC, was developed to facilitate correction of
certain administrative data elements, such as emergency
contact information, required by the amendments.
RMP Highlights
During 2004, the majority of RMP facilities resubmitted their
plans, resulting in the processing of more than 14,000 RMP
submissions. At the end of 2004, 14,600 RMPs covering
2004 State Risk Management Program Implementation National Award
Gary D. Meyer and Diana Keller, Kansas Department of Agriculture, are this
year's recipients of the State Risk Management Program Implementation
National Award for their program on the safe storage and handling of
anhydrous ammonia, including RMP requirements. The state worked
closely with agricultural fertilizer dealers to inspect their RMPs and
conducted outreach to the anhydrous ammonia community.
20,000 processes are active. These processes include
17,150 toxic and 7,700 flammable chemicals. Nearly 2,000
facilities have not updated, corrected, withdrawn, or
deregistered their original RMP. Approximately 1,160 of the
remaining RMP submissions will require follow-up by the
Regional Offices.
In-depth analysis of the data from the 2004 submission cycle
is ongoing. An early look at the latest data indicates that
the size and overall characteristics of the universe of regulated
RMP facilities have not significantly changed since the advent
of the RMP regulation in mid-1999. The one category where
a significant change in the number of facilities has occurred
since 1999 is water and wastewater treatment. In this
category, nearly 600 facilities have de-registered since 1999,
while only 250 new registrations have been received, fora
net decrease of approximately 350 facilities. This trend is
consistent with anecdotal information that EPA has received,
indicating that a significant number of municipal water and
wastewatertreatment plants are replacing gaseous chlorine
with an alternative means of water disinfection, such as
sodium hypochlorite. Use of the alternative arises out of the
public safety concerns associated with bulk chlorine storage.
Just as the numbers and relative frequencies of RMP facilities
in various industrial categories have largely remained
constant, so have the aggregate quantities of regulated
2004 Geographic Distribution of RMP Facilities
2004 Distribution of RMP Facilities by Industrial Categories
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Chemical
Flam mixture
Ammonia
Propane
Butane
Ethane
Isobutane
Ethylene
Chlorine
106 tons,
2000
13.9
5.0
4.0
4.4
1.6
1.6
1.2
0.32
106 tons,
2004
13.9
4.9
4.7
4.1
0.7
1.4
0.9
0.31
Comparison of Aggregate Quantities of RMP Substances as
Reported in 2000 and 2004
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Number of Accidents Reported in RMPs
substances present at those facilities. Where significant
changes have occurred (e.g., ethane reporting), those
changes may be due to fluctuations in market forces related
to fuels and commodity petrochemicals.
An important question that EPA hopes to answer using the
RMP database is whether the number of accidents at RMP
facilities is decreasing over time, and if so, whether that
trend is due, in part, to the effects of the RMP regulation
itself. The RMP facility accident histories reported to EPA
contain significant detail, and the full depth of that information
has not yet been analyzed. An early look at the gross trend
in number of accidents reported by RMP facilities over the
last decade is encouraging.
However, at this point it is important not to read too much
into this apparent trend. EPA intends to continue its
collaborative relationship with academic institutions, such
as the Wharton School to apply the tools of statistical,
epidemiology to the RMP data in an effort to determine the
basic factors that influence chemical facilities' accident
propensity.
Nationwide Inspections and Audits
SPCC Inspections
In fiscal year (FY) 2004, 1,008 SPCC inspections were
conducted by EPA regional inspectors to ensure compliance
with the SPCC regulations and provide outreach/compliance
assistance to facilities. Inspections consist of an on-site
walk through and include verification that facilities have
adequate secondary containment; integrity inspection
programs; emergency contact information on hand; and
countermeasures to detect, respond to and clean up a spill.
Inspectors also review the SPCC plan to ensure compliance
with the regulation's technical requirements.
RMP Audits
In FY 2004, 730 RMP field audits/inspections were
conducted by regional and state auditors to ensure
compliance with the Risk Management Program. These
field audits/ inspections consist of an on-site visit and a
document review to verify completeness of the RMP and to
evaluate the underlying safety programs. Auditors) review
RMPs for compliance with the regulations. Auditors may
also review the supporting documentation for the RMP
prog ram elements.
Preparedness Highlights
OEM and EPA's Regional Offices place a high priority on
preparedness activities related to potential accidental
chemical releases and oil spills. This preparedness work
including planning, exercises, and trainingis carried out
with agencies at all levels of government, as well as with the
private sector.
2004 National Leadership Award
Fendol Chiles, EPA Region 6, received the CEPPO
National Leadership award for his innovative approaches
to improve and implement chemical and emergency
preparedness and prevention programs on the US/
Mexico border.
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SPCC Inspections by Region, FY2004
Facility Response Plans (FRPs)
FRPs are an important planning link between facilities and
the area contingency plans as required underthe Oil Pollution
Act (OPA). Certain facilities with large oil storage capacity
are required to prepare and submit a FRP to prepare to
respond to a worst case discharge of oil and to a substantial
threat of such a discharge. The FRP requires facilities to
establish emergency response resources, conduct a hazard
evaluation, and determine discharge scenarios for small,
medium and worst case discharges. Facilities that may
cause significant and substantial harm in the event of a
release are required to submit the FRP to the Regional Office
for approval.
Facilities must also train employees and conduct drills and
exercises to prepare for an oil response. EPA conducts
inspections and drills at FRP facilities and has found that
unannounced exercises are an effective way to determine
emergency response readiness.
During 2004, a Workgroup was formed to identify common
practices and differences among the Regional Offices relating
to unannounced inspections and drills. The workgroup
gathered and reviewed information, materials, input and
correspondence from the Regional Offices and developed a
set of tools and materials to facilitate unannounced
inspections and drills.
In FY2004,208 FRP inspections and/or unannounced drills
were conducted by EPA regional personnel at oil storage
facilities required to have FRPs.
FRP hspecticns/Drills. F₯ 2004
ffl
EPA Region
FRP Inspections/Drills by Region, FY2004
National Approach to Response Initiatives
Preparedness on a national level is essential to ensure that
emergency responders are able to deal with multiple, large-
scale emergencies, including those that may involve
chemicals, oil, biological agents, or radiological incidents.
Overthe next several years, EPA will enhance its emergency
response program to respond quickly and effectively to
simultaneous, large-scale national emergencies, including
homeland security incidents.
During 2004, ten priorities were identified in EPAs National
Approach to Response (NAR) and appointed a HQ/regional
workgroup to address each priority. In 2004, EPA advanced
a number of important initiatives to support the NAR. EPA
has:
Drafted the National Emergency Response Program
training strategy and participated in several national
exercises and pre-deployments.
Drafted the Response Support Corps (RSC) guidance.
Over 600 EPA personnel volunteered for RSC and
Chemical Safety Alerts
OEM periodically issues Chemical Safety Alerts to disseminate
information about the causes of chemical accidents and to encourage
integration of lessons learned into safe operations. In 2004, OEM
issued two Alerts:
Chemical Safety Alert: Failures of Excess Flow Valves in Hazardous
Materials Service, Issued: April 2004.
Chemical Safety Alert: Identifying Chemical Reactivity Hazards:
Preliminary Screening Method, Issued: May 2004.
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received orientation and initial training.
Drafted initial chapters of a Health and Safety Reference
Document covering medical monitoring; radiation; and
respiratory protection.
Funded the National Telecommunications Plan Strategy
and purchased satellite cell phones, upgraded
computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and
high-frequency (HF) radios.
Established an Information Technology (IT) Forum and
developed national procedures for electronic incident
and data management.
Updated the national equipment list and prioritized
response equipment needs.
Purchased ID clothing for all EPAOSCs and response
personnel and developed an ID clothing warehouse for
subsequent orders.
Drafted the National Incident Management System
(NIMS) compliance Strategy and developed Regional
Incident ManagerTeams(IMTs). Key staff was trained
in the Incident Command System (ICS). Additionally,
250 OSCs were trained in advanced ICS. The IMT
personnel also received training in staffing specific ICS
positions.
Initiated development of a playbook to address
coordination of radiation response actions and
developed radiological knowledge, skill, or abilities
(KSAs) for Superfund Technical Assessment and
Response Team (START) and Emergency and Rapid
Response Services (ERRS) contracts.
Assessed counter-terrorism contract support and
identified the contract vehicles available.
National Core ER Scores Increase in 2004
The primary goal of Core ER is to achieve enhanced readiness
and national consistency among the EPA Regional Offices,
Emergency Response Team (ERT), and Headquarters while
maintaining flexibility to allow for different state capabilities
and needs, different geographic conditions, and other
reasonable differences. Other goals are to maintain a
baseline emergency response readiness and to increase
our capability to respond to chemical, biological and
radiological releases resulting from terrorist incidents.
Overall, EPA Regional Offices, ERT and Headquarters have
increased their Emergency Response scores from last year.
The total overall 2004 score was 9,222, increased from 8,553
for 2003.
Major Exercises
EPAgained important experience in 2004 by participating in
several homeland security exercises involving Regional
Offices and HQ and other agencies. This experience is critical
to helping all levels of government prepare forterrorist threats.
EPARadiation Emergency Exercise ("Ruby Slippers")
In July 2004, EPAs Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
conducted a radiation emergency training exercise in
Leavenworth, Kansas dubbed "Ruby Slippers." Participants
included more than 130 EPA emergency responders and
experts from across the country. An extensive table top
exercise enabled key staff to walkthrough the emergency
response plan to identify and resolve problems. Field play
(the actual playing out of the simulated response) took place
on the following two days to test Agency procedures and
state-of-the-art equipment and to allow participants to
practice their roles as defined in federal response plans.
EPA's National Approach to Response
Issued on July 17,2003, the National Approach to Response provides a framework for a consistent, Agency-wide
approach to quickly and comprehensively respond to major incidents. Underthe National Approach to Response,
EPAadopted the National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) as
the management structure for a major incident. The National Approach to Response also clarifies regional coordination
and affirms the role of the National Incident Coordination Team (NICT) as the focal point for multi-prog ram information
sharing and issue resolution. The National Approach to Response identifies "backup" regional offices for each
region that will provide, upon request, additional emergency response support. It also establishes the Homeland
Security Policy Coordinating Committee as a forum for addressing significant policy issues. Other priorities identified
in the National Approach to Response are the establishment of the Response Support Corps; a training and
exercise plan; laboratory capabilities; and data management.
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Participants During Exercise Play
Federal Terrorism Exercise ("Operation River City")
In November 2003, EPA along with other federal, state and
local agencies, participated in a 3-day terrorism exercise in
Louisville, Kentucky dubbed "Operation River City." EPA
Region 4's Emergency Response and Removal Branch
sponsored the event. More than 550 participants from
throughout the nation were involved in this exercise. Designed
to improve response readiness in the event of a terrorist
attack involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD), the
exercise focused on interagency cooperation,
communications, deployment of equipment, data
management, and the roles and responsibilities of various
entities. A unique aspect of the exercise was that
participants used the NIMS, an incident command system
designed to manage emergencies.
Federal Homeland Security Exercise ("Determined Promise 04")
lnAugust2004, EPARegion 3 along with otherfederal, state,
and local agencies, participated in a 3-day full deployment
exercise sponsored by the Department of Defense Northern
Command (NorthComm). The exercise involved a series of
I
Comparison of CORE ER Scores
five simulated events in southern Virginia and engaged over
100 agencies. EPA participated in an advisory role to the
Incident Commander and provided sampling and
decontamination support. The event provided EPA the
opportunity to integrate closely with the Department of
Defense as well as strengthened ongoing relationships with
local and state counterparts.
Response Highlights
Each year in the United States, over 30,000 accidental
releases of hazardous materials are reported to the federal
government through the National Response Center. These
hazardous materials may be toxic, corrosive, flammable, or
radioactive. Emergencies range from small-scale hazardous
materials spills to large events requiring prompt action and
evacuation of nearby populations. Such releases, large or
small, threaten public health.
EPA is a key federal partner in the National Response
System. EPA chairs the National Response Team (NRT),
which is composed of sixteen federal departments/agencies
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5
Establishes a single, comprehensive National Incident Management System (NIMS) and a comprehensive National Response
Plan (NRP), and assigns roles and responsibilities for each. EPA is a full participant in NIMS and the NRP.
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8
Establishes a method of delivering federal preparedness assistance to state and local governments. Mandates a national
preparedness goal, and a comprehensive national training and exercise program.
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The Emergency Operations Center
New Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Opened
In January 2004, our new EOC officially opened. A state-of-the-art
facility, the EOC is designed to serve as the operational focal point
in HQ and to increase data management and coordination capabilities.
As a communication and coordination hub, the EOC provides support
for Watch Officer communications, communications with other
federal agencies and DHS, and links to regional and field assets.
Capabilities include video conferencing, audio teleconferencing,
data analysis and modeling, and secure information management.
with responsibilities and expertise in various aspects of
emergency response to oil and hazardous substance
pollution incidents. EPA is also the co-chair for each of the
thirteen Regional Response Teams (RRTs). The RRTs cover
the ten federal Regional Office, Alaska, the Caribbean and
Oceania, and are composed of state and federal members.
Underthe National Contingency Plan (NCR), EPAalso directs
its own emergency response operations through 250 OSCs
located in each of our Regional Offices. OSCs are on-call
and ready to respond 24 hours a day. Every year, EPA
OSCs conduct hundreds of emergency response actions to
address oil spills and hazardous substance releases and
work closely with US Coast Guard and other federal, state,
and local agencies to address threats. The OSCs ensure
that cleanup, whether accomplished by private parties, local,
state, or federal officials, is appropriate, timely, and
The 2004 On Scene Coordinator of the Year
The On Scene Coordinator of the Year is Michael Towe from
Region 3 for his work at the Standard Chlorine of Delaware
site (aka Metachem Products, LLC) in Delaware City,
Delaware. Through Mr. Towe's efforts, nearly 65 percent of
40 million pounds of hazardous chemicals at the site have
been shipped off-site for commercial uses resulting in disposal
cost savings.
osc/
ICS
Unified
Command
Regional
Administrator
RICT
Removal
Manager/
Regional
EOIC
Administrator
National Incident Management System
minimizes damage to human health and the environment.
OSC responsibilities include directing the removal of
containers orsoil containing hazardous substances; moving
residents temporarily while cleanup activities take place;
and installing fences to prevent direct contact with hazardous
substances.
EPAalso co-chairs the Joint Response Team (JRT) which
includes Protection Civil and representatives from U.S. and
Mexico federal, state and local agencies responsible for
emergency prevention, preparedness, and response in the
border area. Underthe Joint Contingency Plan (JCP),the
U.S. and Mexico cooperate in preparing for and responding
to oil and hazardous substance incidents along the border
and in emergency response planning, exercises, and training.
In addition, the National Strategy for Homeland Security
designates EPA with the lead responsibility for
decontamination of affected buildings and neighborhoods
and providing advice and assistance to public health and
authorities in determining when it is safe to return to these
areas and on safest disposal options for residues.
Nationwide Statistics
Oil Spill Responses
EPA responds to spills that threaten or directly impact inland
waters of the United States and supports the U.S. Coast
during spills to the marine environment. In FY 2004, EPA
responded to 308 oil spills.
Removal Response Actions
In FY2004, 387 removal response actions were started. Of
these, 182 were Superfund lead actions; 28 were federal
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140
120
100
80-
60
40
20
0
| | Responsible Party
A Fund-Financed
deral Facilities
icial Account Financed Action - EPA
FY2004 Completed Removal by Lead Organization
facility actions; 113 were potentially responsible party (PRP)
actions; and 64 were voluntary actions. EPA responds to a
release or threat of release of a hazardous substance,
pollutant, or contaminant that may present an imminent and
substantial dangerto the public health or welfare. A removal
action is generally short-term and addresses the most
immediate threats.
Major Response Actions
Macdona Train Derailment
On June 28, 2004,a west-bound Union Pacific train struck
an eastbound Burlington Northern train near Macdona, Texas.
The collision resulted in the derailment of four locomotives
and 35 railcars. In addition to a small fire involving spilled
fuel, a breached 90-ton chlorine car released approximately
60 tons of chlorine. The chlorine release resulted in three
fatalities. Secondary releases included nitrogen fertilizer
solution and the diesel fuel. Numerous local organizations
responded, including fire, police, and emergency
management agencies. Upon notification of the incident,
EPA Region 6 OSCs responded with START contractors to
provide overall response coordination using the Incident
Command Structure (ICS) with Unified Command. In addition,
EPAs Airborne Spectral and Photographic Environmental
Technology (ASPECT) plane was dispatched to conduct
aerial monitoring of the site, collecting data in the immediate
vicinity of the incident. EPA also initiated air monitoring in
the surrounding area. The chlorine was off-loaded into large
mobile tanks (frac tanks).
FY2004 Completed Removal by Type of Action
Participation in National Special Security Events (NSSE)
Pre-Deployments
In 2004, EPA Regional Office, assisted by OEM, participated
in pre-deployments at three major events classified as
National Special Security Events (NSSE): Region 4 pre-
deployed to the G8 Sea Island Summit; Region 2 pre-
deployed to the Republican National Convention held in NYC,
and Region 1 pre-deployed to the Democratic National
Convention held in Boston.
Response to Ricin Incident on Capitol Hill
In February 2004, ricin was found on a mail-opening machine
in the Senate Office building. The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP)
requested assistance from EPA and other federal partners
to assist in the collection of mail, and ultimately to assist
with decontamination plans and implementation. Region 3
personnel provided technical support, resources and
personnel and assisted in the removal of all unopened mail
from the Capitol Building. They also provided the collection
and containment (over-packing) of all unopened mail from
Airborne Spectral and Photographic Environmental
Technology (ASPECT) Plane
EPA's ASPECT is a high-tech sensor suite consisting of a
multispectral line scanner, a hyperspectral fourier transform infrared
spectrometer (FTIR) and a Gamma-ray spectrometer mounted on
a small aircraft that allows for timely surveillance of gaseous
chemical releases from a safe distance. ASPECT provides critical
information to emergency responders regarding the size, shape,
composition and concentration of plumes generated in incidents
such as a derailed train or a factory explosion or in a terrorist
attack. The ASPECT aircraft is based in Waxahachie, Texas. Once
on site, the aircraft operates at about 2200 feet (above ground) and
can remain on station for over 5 hours.
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Response to Hurricane Ivan
Senate Office buildings, the documentation and data
management of unopened mail; and the creation of sampling
and decontamination plans.
Response to Major Hurricanes
As hurricanes swept across a large section of the United
States, FEMA activated the Federal Response Plan, calling
forthe mobilization of EPA Region 4 On-Scene Coordinators
and field support. EPA assisted Florida and local jurisdictions
in conducting assessments of the affected areas by air and
boat. From overflights, EPA identified fuel spills at hurricane-
damaged marinas. EPA also responded to many reports of
drums, propane tanks, and minor oil spills. Workers removed
and disposed of many drums, tanks, and other chemical
containers and recovered diesel oil from leaking tanks.
OSCSs and field support from Regions 3 and 5 also were
mobilized. OSCs responded in Virginia, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania and Ohio to support state and local authorities
with conducting flood impact reconnaissance work,
responding to industrial spills, and collecting orphaned drums
and tanks.
First Nationwide Response Support Corps Activation
More than 150 EPA personnel from the Response Support
Corps were mobilized to provide disaster support to affected
communities in Florida. Corps members traveled from all
ten EPA Regional Offices and Headquarters to a FEMA
mobilization center in Atlanta fortraining, and then to Florida
to help the disaster victims. As community relations officers,
Response Support Corps members went door-to-door in the
disaster-affected communities to disseminate information
about available disaster assistance.
Section IV Looking to the Future
The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the subsequent
anthrax releases and the recent ricin incident in the Senate
office building demonstrate that EPA must continue to
enhance its capabilities to protect human health and
safeguard the environment. Because OEM plays a major
role in reducing the risks of oil and hazardous substance
incidents, the Office's future work promises to be challenging.
In the coming years, OEM will continue to work closely with
government and industry partners to make certain that all
partners understand where EPA fits into the federal response
system and to improve coordination and communication
mechanisms. OEM will also lead Agency efforts to improve
its capability to respond to chemical, oil, biological, or
radiological incidents. And OEM will continue to assist local
communities and industry in understanding potential
chemical risks, ways to reduce risks and how to prepare.
In addition, OEM's culture will continue to evolve as the Office
integrates its prevention, preparedness, and response roles
and responsibilities and standardizes its business practices.
This continued transformation will support EPA's strategic
goals.
Finally, with the emphasis on government's ability to measure
performance, OEM will develop and implement an office-wide
plan for program evaluation in order to establish and track
measurable goals. In implementing a formal program
evaluation function, OEM will be able to better demonstrate
that our activities are achieving desired results in leading
the nation in prevention, preparedness, and response to oil
and hazardous substance incidents.
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The activities and accomplishments of the past year are the
basis for OEM's path forward in 2005. The following lists
includes some key initiatives from OEM's FY 2005 Workplan:
Prevention
Develop SPCC Regional Office inspector guidance
document.
Evaluate the NODA responses related to oil-filled and
process equipment and "certain" facilities and
determine the appropriate regulatory action.
Propose an RMP amendment to clarify "storage incident
to transportation" for deepwater port facilities, onshore
LNG terminals, etc.
Participate as co-sponsoring agency in the May 2005
International Oil Spill Conference (IOSC).
Complete workgroup deliberations to develop proposed
changes to Subpart J (Product Schedule) of the NCP
to better equip oil spill emergency responders with the
tools they need to mitigate the effects of oil spills.
Preparedness
Revise the NCP to be consistent with the new NRP.
Develop and implement a comprehensive response
training and exercise program.
Advance the priorities under EPA's National Approach
to Response (NAR).
Design consistent decontamination policies and
guidance.
Conduct a nationwide survey of LEPCs
Response
Implement NIMS to improve internal and external
coordination.
Create a Virtual Response Team.
Assist in developing an intergovernmental network of
environmental laboratories.
Develop CAMEO enhancements to address weapons
of mass destruction, flammables and explosives.
If you would like more information about this Report or have
any comments, please e-mail OEMJ-lomepage@epa.gov.
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