EPA-910-R-98-005
June 1998
CANUSWEST
Regional Annex:
Canada—United States Joint Inland
Pollution Contingency Plan
A Plan for Response to
Oil and Hazardous Material Spills
Along the Inland Border
Between British Columbia, Canada and the United States
Environment Canada
Pacific and Yukon Region
www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/ep/emergencies/index.html
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Regions 8 and 10
www.epa.gov/rlOearth/canuswest.htm
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Letter of Promulgation
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada recognize that there is a high
probability that there will be a spill or other release of oil or hazardous materials along the common
border between Canada and the United States. In July of 1994 the Administrator of EPA and the Minister
for the Department of Environment signed the Canada-United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency
Plan, which provides for co-operative measures for dealing with accidental and unauthorized releases of
pollutants that cause or may cause damage to the environment along the shared inland boundary and that
may constitute a threat to the public health, property or welfare. The Inland Plan is made up of five
regional Annexes or regional plans. CANUSWEST is the Annex which covers the inland boundary between
British Columbia and the states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana and the Yukon border with the state
of Alaska. This document is the southern component of CANUSWEST and it covers only the common border
between British Columbia and the states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana. The northern component of
CANUSWEST for the common border between the Yukon Territory and Alaska will be promulgated at a
later time.
Representatives of Environment Canada, the Environmental Protection Agency, other federal agencies from
both Canada and the United States, the States of Washington, Idaho, and Montana, the Province of
British Columbia and local emergency response organizations have worked together to develop
CANUSWEST. Tribes and Aboriginal people have been included in the review process. The operation of
CANUSWEST is based upon the premise that the responsible party will take the lead role in response and
that government will only take over if the response is inadequate to protect human health and the
environment. The federal government's role will be determined in accordance with the Principle of
Escalation, i.e. the response will be led first by the local or community level, followed by the state and
provincial level and finally the federal level as additional resources and expertise are required.
CANUSWEST does not supersede any statutory authorities held by either of the federal governments.
CANUSWEST also recognizes the rights of U.S. Tribes and Canadian Aboriginal people and provides for
their participation when their lands are threatened or impacted.
We the undersigned endorse the process described in CANUSWEST for the response to a cross border spill or
release of oil or hazardous material, which threatens public health and/or the environment along the
British Columbia, Canada border with the states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
Chuck Clarke
Regional Administrator
U.S. EPA Region 10
William P. Yellowtail
Regional Administrator
U.S. EPA Region 8
A.M. Martell
Regional Director General
Environment Canada
Pacific and Yukon Region
Date
Date
Date
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CANUSWEST Working Group
Jim Everts
Ken Wile
Stafford Reid
Pat Harkness
Dave Lundstrom
Neil Clement
Paul Ross
Chris LaRock
Thor Cutler
Bob Hartman
Preston Kinne
Robin Thorns
Preston Sleeger
Lt. Eileen Marcy
Drew Wojtanik
US Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 (Co-Chair)
Environment Canada (Co-Chair)
BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks
BC Provincial Emergency Program
Washington State Department of Ecology
Whatcom County, Division of Emergency Management
Environment Canada
Environment Canada
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Environmental Protection Agency
Kootenai Tribe, Idaho
Emergency Preparedness Canada
US Department of Interior
US Coast Guard
Ecology and Environment Inc., Seattle
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. BACKGROUND 1
2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE 1
2.1 PURPOSE 1
2.2. SCOPE 2
3. AUTHORITY 3
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 3
3.2 ENVIRONMENT CANADA 3
3.3 APPLICABLE CONTINGENCY PLANS AND POLICY DOCUMENTS 3
3.3.1 United States 3
3.3.2 Canada 4
4. EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION (TAB A) 5
United States 5
Canada 5
5. RESPONSE OPERATIONS 6
5.1 CONCEPT OF OPERATION 6
5.2 CANUSWEST ACTIVATION 6
5.2.1 General 6
5.2.2 United States CANUSWEST Activation (Figure 2) 7
5.2.3 Canada CANUSWEST Activation (Figure 3) 9
5.3 DE-ACTIVATION PROCESS (SEC405 IN INLAND PLAN) 9
6. RESPONSE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION 11
7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 13
7.1 REGIONAL JOINT RESPONSE TEAM (RJRT) (TAB B) 13
7.1.1 United States Members of the RJRT. 13
7.1.2 Canadian Members of the RJRT. 13
7.2 FEDERAL ON-SCENE COORDINATOR (FOSC) 14
7.2.1 Support Role 14
7.2.2 Lead Role 14
7.3 FEDERAL/STATE/PROVINCIAL AGENCY ROLES 15
7.3.1 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 15
7.3.2 Environment Canada 16
7.3.3 State of Idaho 16
7.3.4 State of Montana 17
7.3.5 State of Washington 18
7.3.6 Province Of British Columbia 18
8. CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES (TAB D) 20
8.1 RESPONDING FROM CANADA INTO THE UNITED STATES 20
8.1.1 Customs and Excise Regulations 20
8.1.2 Customs and Excise Procedures 20
8.1.3 Employment and Immigration Regulations 21
8.1.4 Employment and Immigration Procedures 21
8.2 RESPONDING FROM THE UNITED STATES INTO CANADA 22
8.2.1 Revenue Canada Regulations 22
8.2.2 Revenue Canada Procedures 22
8.2.3 Employment and Immigration Regulations into Canada 23
8.2.4 Employment and Immigration Procedures into Canada 23
9. WORKER HEALTH AND SAFETY AND WORKER COMPENSATION (TAB E) 24
9.1 TRAINING 24
9.1.1 United States Federal and State 24
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
9.1.1.1 Emergency Response Workers 24
9.1.1.2 Routine Hazardous Materials Spill Cleanup Workers 25
9.1.1.2.1 Federal, Idaho, and Montana Jurisdictions [29 CFR 1910.120(b)-(0)] 25
9.1.1.2.2 Washington Jurisdiction [WAC 296-62-3040]. 26
9.1.2 Canadian Federal and Provincial 26
9.2 SITE SAFETY PLAN REQUIREMENTS 27
9.3 WORKER COMPENSATION 27
9.3.1 United States Government. 27
9.3.2 Canadian Government. 28
9.3.3 State of Idaho 28
9.3.4 State of Montana 29
9.3.5 State of Washington 29
9.3.6 Province of British Columbia 30
10. TELECOMMUNICATIONS (TAB F) 31
11. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 31
11.1 PUBLIC AND MEDIA 31
11.2 INTERNAL 31
12. DEMOBILIZATION 32
13. POST INCIDENT REVIEW AND TERMINATION PROCESS 32
14. PLAN DISTRIBUTION AND AMENDMENTS 33
14.1 DISTRIBUTION 33
14.2 AMENDMENTS 33
15. GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS 34
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TAB A: EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS 35
TAB A1 UNITED STATES 35
TAB A2 CANADA 36
TAB B: REGIONAL JOINT RESPONSE TEAM (RJRT) 37
TAB B1 UNITED STATES MEMBERS 37
TAB B2 CANADIAN MEMBERS* 38
TAB B3 REGIONAL RESPONSE TEAM(RRT) - U.S 39
TAB B4 THE BRITISH COLUMBIA REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY TEAM (REET)* 40
TAB C: INTERNATIONAL JOINT ADVISORY TEAM (IJAT) 41
TAB C1 UNITED STATES MEMBERS 41
TAB C2 CANADIAN MEMBERS 42
TAB D: CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION CONTACTS 43
TAB D1 UNITED STATES CUSTOMS BORDER CROSSING FOR THE STATES OF WASHINGTON, IDAHO ANDMONTANA..43
TAB D2 CANADA CUSTOMS BORDER CROSSING FOR THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA 45
TAB D3 REVENUE CANADA 47
TAB E: HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 49
TAB E1 UNITED STATES 49
TAB E2 CANADA 52
TAB F: INTEGRATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAN 53
UNITED STATES 53
CANADA 53
INTEGRATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAN 53
RADIO NETWORKS 54
TAB F1 UNITED STATES NETWORKS 54
FEMA 54
NIFC 54
State Networks 55
TAB F2 CANADA FEDERAL NETWORKS 55
Emergency Preparedness Canada 55
Environment Canada - Petroleum Radio Service 55
TAB F3 CANADA PROVINCIAL NETWORKS 56
British Columbia Emergency Radio Frequency Directory 56
Ministry Of Transportation And Highways 56
Provincial Emergency Program 56
TAB F4 TRANS MOUNTAIN PIPE LINE COMPANY LTD 57
TAB F5 PRECAUTIONS 57
TAB F6 COMMON RADIO TERMS 58
TAB G: TRIBES AND ABORIGINAL PEOPLES 59
TABG1 UNITED STATES 59
TAB G2 CANADA 60
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CANUSWEST
1. Background
CANUSWEST has been developed pursuant to the Canada-United States Joint Inland
Pollution Contingency Plan (the Inland Plan), a cooperative mechanism between the
United States and Canada for preparedness and response to spills and releases of oil and
hazardous substances. The Letter of Promulgation for the Inland Plan was signed on
July 25, 1994 by the Minister of the Department of Environment for Canada and the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for the United States of
America. The Inland Plan divides the common inland border between the two
countries into five regions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
Environment Canada (EC) regional offices were tasked to develop detailed multilateral
plans for each region. The EPA Region 10 and EC Pacific and Yukon Region were asked
to develop CANUSWEST.
2. Purpose and Scope
2.1 Purpose
CANUSWEST applies to the western regions of both countries. The overall purpose of
CANUSWEST is to assist federal, state/provincial, local responders and
Tribal/Aboriginal people to mitigate the effects of oil and hazardous materials spills on
human health and safety, environment and property by providing for a coordinated
and integrated response to environmental emergency incidents on either side of the
British Columbia, Canada/USA border.
The purpose of the plan is to specify the process, which would be used to activate
federal government response on either side of the border, and to facilitate an effective
joint response with state/provincial, local and where appropriate Tribal/Aboriginal
people. CANUSWEST is based on the principle of escalation and accordingly it
recognizes the roles of the local, state/provincial responders and the need for
Tribal/Aboriginal people participation.
The Primary Objectives of CANUSWEST are to:
* provide an international coordination mechanism between responders in Canada and the USA to ensure
an effective coordinated response to cross border spills, by establishing a Canada-United States
Regional Joint Response Team (RJRT) under co-leadership of EC and EPA, and when necessary establish
a joint Canada-US Command Center;
* ensure timely and accurate notification of cross border incidents to federal, state/provincial,
Tribal/Aboriginal people and local authorities;
* ensure timely and accurate flow of information between responders in both countries;
* facilitate safe and timely movement of personnel, equipment and supplies across the Canada-US
border;
* ensure coordinated and timely flow of information to the public and media.
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CANUSWEST
2.2. Scope
CANUSWEST may be invoked when an accidental or unauthorized release of oil or
hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants presents an imminent and
substantial danger to public health or welfare, and poses potential danger to the
environment on either side of the inland international boundary. The area includes
the British Columbia, Canada border with the states of Washington, Idaho and a
portion of Montana. (See Figure 1). (Note, a separate Plan will be prepared to address
spills or releases of oil or hazardous substances, which will impact the common inland
border between Canada [British Columbia and Yukon Territory] and the state of
Alaska.)
CANUSWEST also applies when only one country is affected by a polluting incident, if
the incident is of sufficient magnitude to require assistance from the other country.
CANUSWEST applies to radiological incidents in accordance with provisions of the
Canada Federal Nuclear Emergency Response Plan (FNERP, 1997) administered by
Health Canada. In the United States the response will be carried out in accordance with
the USA Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan of May 18, 1996.
Figure 1.
CANUSWEST Geographical Area
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CANUSWEST
3. Authority
A Regional Joint Response Team (RJRT) composed of representatives from EPA, EC
and representatives from state/provincial, other federal agencies and Tribal/Aboriginal
people representatives will coordinate and support responses to cross border spills as
outlined in Section 7.1 of CANUSWEST.
3.1 Environmental Protection Agency
Responsibilities of the EPA for responding to a spill or release of oil or hazardous
substances are set out in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation
and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) and the
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). Under OPA
90 the President is required to direct the response to spills that present a substantial
threat to the public health or welfare of the United States. The responsibility for spills
in the inland zone has been delegated to the EPA. The NCP states that for spills of
hazardous substances the EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) directs response efforts and
coordinates all other efforts. The EPA OSC may designate capable persons from federal,
state, tribal or local agencies to act as their on-scene representatives.
3.2 Environment Canada
Responsibilities of EC for responding to emergencies are set out in the Emergency
Preparedness Canada Policy Document, Departmental Planning Responsibilities for
Emergency Preparedness (1995). Also under the Cabinet Directive 1973, EC is the federal
environmental agency responsible for ensuring that the response to a spill in the
federal jurisdiction is effective in protecting the environment. EC is also responsible for
providing scientific and technical advice to other government agencies and the polluter
regarding environmental sensitivity and spill countermeasures. EC administers the
pollution control provisions of the Fisheries Act (section 36(3)) which prohibits the
discharge of substances deleterious to fish and fish habitat. The Canadian
Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) administered by EC regulates the release of
substances designated as toxic under the provisions of the Act.
3.3 Applicable Contingency Plans and Policy Documents
3.3.1 United States
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) (Codified in regulation)
Region 10 Contingency Plan/Northwest Area Contingency Plan (RCP/NWACP) and Region 8
Contingency Plan
Federal Response Plan (FRP)
Canada-United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan
International Hazardous Materials Response Plan for Whatcom County and the Lower Mainland
British Columbia
Local plans developed by Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs)
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CANUSWEST
3.3.2 Canada
* Understanding between Canada and B.C. concerning Federal/Provincial Responsibilities in Oil and
Hazardous Material Spills (1981)
* Canada-United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan
* National Environmental Emergencies Contingency Plan for Environment Canada
* Environment Canada Pacific and Yukon Region Environmental Emergencies Contingency Plan
* British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks Major Industrial Emergency Plan
* International Hazardous Materials Response Plan for Whatcom County and the Lower Mainland
British Columbia
* Local Community Plans
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CANUSWEST
4. Emergency Notification (TAB A)
Any release or threat of release of oil or a hazardous substance affecting or potentially
affecting both Canada and the United States should be reported to both countries
immediately.
United States
Washington/ British Columbia border or the Idaho/ British Columbia border
Spills originating in the United States near the Washington/British Columbia border
or the Idaho/ British Columbia border should be reported to
The National Response Centre 1-800-424-8802 (24 hours / day)
or
EPA Region 10 at 1-206-553-1263 (24 hours / day)
Montana/ British Columbia border
Spills originating in the United States near the Montana/British Columbia border
should be reported to
The National Response Centre 1-800-424-8802 (24 hours / day)
or
EPA Region 8 at 1-303-293-1788 (24 hours / day)
Canada
British Columbia/ Washington, British Columbia/ Idaho, or
British Columbia/ Montana border
Spills originating in Canada near the British Columbia/ Washington, British
Columbia/ Idaho or British Columbia/Montana border should be reported to
Provincial Emergency Program at 1-800-663-3456 (24 hours / day) *
Additional emergency telephone numbers for reporting spills in the United States and
Canada are provided in TAB A.
* The Provincial Emergency Program is an agency in the BC Ministry of Attorney General.
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CANUSWEST
5. Response Operations
5.1 Concept of Operation
It is always intended that the Responsible Party (RP) will take full responsibility, both
operational and financial, for the response to a spill. Government will oversee the RP's
response and if the response is inadequate in protecting human health, property and
the environment, government authorities will take over management of the response
operations in accordance with applicable legislation.
CANUSWEST is based upon the Principle of Escalation. The government response to
the incident will be led first by the local or community level, followed by the
state/provincial level and/or Tribal/Aboriginal people level and finally the federal
level as additional resources and expertise are required. If the spill exceeds the capacity
of the local responders, requests for assistance may be made to the state or provincial
agencies. If the spill exceeds the state/ provincial or Tribal/Aboriginal people capability,
requests for assistance may then be made to the federal level. However, where
legislative authority exists, the federal government may assume command of the
response without a request.
5.2 CANUSWEST Activation
Whenever a spill occurs at or near the Canada/U.S. border and it is beyond the
response capability of local, state/provincial, and Tribal/Aboriginal people response
capabilities, consideration will be given to activating the Regional Joint Response Team
(RJRT) (TAB B). The RJRT is made up of members of the Regional Response Team
(RRT) in the U.S. and the B.C. Regional Environmental Emergency Team in Canada
(REET). Both the RRT and REET are federally coordinated structures which provide
support to spill response actions. Activation of the RJRT for a response to an inland
spill is a joint decision, made by the EPA Co-chair of the RRT and the EC Co-chair of the
REET. CANUSWEST would be activated under the following circumstances: a
significant polluting incident in one country which is accompanied by a substantial
threat of impacting the other country; and/or an incident of sufficient magnitude
which makes a request for assistance necessary from state/provincial, Tribal/Aboriginal
people or local responders.
(Note, the terms "significant" and "sufficient" as used in this paragraph are left to the
discretion of the requesting organization, but in general they would imply incidents
beyond the response capabilities of local, state/provincial, and Tribal/Aboriginal
people.)
5.2.1 General
CANUSWEST can be verbally invoked upon discussion and concurrence by the RJRT
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CANUSWEST
Co-chairs (EC's Regional Environmental Emergency Coordinator and EPA's RRT Co-
chair). When the decision is made to activate CANUSWEST the RJRT Co-chairs will
notify RJRT members, unified command members and the International Joint
Advisory Team (IJAT) (TAB C). A written record of the decision to invoke
CANUSWEST including date, time, name and contact number of the requesting party,
and a summary of the situation will be generated by the originating party and relayed to
the other party as soon as practicable. It is the joint responsibility of the RJRT Co-chairs
to ensure that the members of incident command and other appropriate agencies are
informed that CANUSWEST has been activated.
Whenever possible, every effort will be made to communicate and reach consensus
with the relevant state/provincial governments and Tribal/Aboriginal people
authorities prior to invoking CANUSWEST. It is preferable that the decision to invoke
CANUSWEST be preceded by a verbal or written request for assistance from a state or
provincial government or a Tribal government/Aboriginal people; however, EPA and
EC retain the right to activate CANUSWEST without a prior request.
5.2.2 United States CANUSWEST Activation (Figure 2)
EPA Duty Officer (DO) receives incident report.
EPA DO notifies EC, the state, tribes and other appropriate officials as outlined in the
NWACP.
EPA DO contacts state and/or local responders to determine if a federal presence is
warranted.
Utilizing their best professional judgment, the EPA DO evaluates the severity of, and
the current response to the incident and determines if an EPA response is warranted.
Factors considered for an EPA response include, but are not limited to, the following:
* request for federal assistance by state and/or local responders;
* level of risk posed by the release or potential release to public health and/or the environment;
* timeliness of response by responsible party or state and/or local responders;
* safety of the responders and the public and steps taken to assure adequate safety precautions have been
implemented or planned; and
* public concern regarding the response.
If the EPA determines that their response is necessary, they will notify Environment
Canada of that decision and consult with them regarding activation of CANUSWEST.
A decision not to respond to the site or not to activate the RJRT would generally mean
that no significant federal support to the incident is deemed necessary. When new
information becomes available or conditions deteriorate, the decisions will be
reconsidered. In some cases the local or state responders might request EPA technical
support without activation of the RJRT. EPA would evaluate each request and, when
appropriate, respond on a case-by-case basis.
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CANUSWEST
8
A mutual decision by the EPA RRT Co-chair and the EC Regional Environmental
Emergency Coordinator would be necessary in order to activate the RJRT.
The EPA RJRT Co-Chair will verbally notify the International Joint Advisory Team
(TAB C) whenever CANUSWEST is activated, and follow up with written (or faxed)
confirmation.
Figure 2.
United States CANUSWEST Activation
EPA Duty Officer (DO)
receives spill report
DO notifies EC, state,
tribe and other officials
DO determines that an
EPA response is
required
Yes-
EPA monitors spill,
supports Unified
Command
•No-
No
w
Local, state or tribal
government requests
EPA assistance
-Yes-
Re-assessment or
request for assistance
EPA notifies and
consults with EC
EPA Response
•No-
EPA and EC activate
Regional Joint Response
Team and CANUSWEST
Yes
v
Join
Unified Command
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CANUSWEST
5.2.3 Canada CANUSWEST Activation (Figure 3)
EC Duty Officer (DO) receives incident report.
EC DO notifies EPA, the province, Aboriginal people and other appropriate Canadian
officials.
EC DO contacts provincial and/or local responders to determine if a federal presence is
warranted.
Utilizing their best professional judgment, the EC DO evaluates the severity of and the
current response to the incident and determines if an EC response is warranted. Factors
considered for an EC response include, but are not limited to, the following:
* request for federal assistance by provincial and/or local responders;
* level of risk posed by the release or potential release to public health and/or the environment;
* timeliness of response by responsible party or provincial and/or local responders;
* safety of the responders and the public and steps taken to assure adequate safety precautions have been
implemented or planned; and
* public concern regarding the response.
If a determination is made that an EC representative should respond, the EC DO will
notify EPA of that decision and consult with them regarding activation of
CANUSWEST.
A decision not to respond to the site or not to activate the RJRT would generally mean
that no significant federal support to the incident is deemed necessary. When new
information becomes available or conditions deteriorate, the decisions will be
reconsidered. In some cases the local or provincial responders might request EC
technical support without activation of the RJRT. EC would evaluate each request and,
when appropriate, respond on a case-by-case basis.
A mutual decision by the EPA RRT Co-chair and the EC Regional Environmental
Emergency Coordinator would be necessary in order to activate the RJRT.
The EC RJRT Co-Chair will verbally notify the International Joint Advisory Team (TAB
C) whenever CANUSWEST is activated, and follow up with written (or faxed)
confirmation.
5.3 De-activation Process (Sec 405 in Inland Plan)
The EPA co-chair of RJRT and EC Co-chair will consult members of the Unified
Command and RJRT before making the decision to de-activate CANUSWEST. The
decision to de-activate will generally be a joint consensus between the Co-chairs;
however, the decision to stand down either in Canada or in the USA can be made
unilaterally by the appropriate Co-chair. When the decision to stand down is made the
Co-chairs will notify members of the Unified Command, RJRT and IJAT.
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CANUSWEST
10
Figure 3.
Canada CANUSWEST Activation
EC monitors spill,
supports Unified
Command
•No-
Re-assessment or
request for assistance
EC Duty Officer (DO)
receives spill report
DO notifies EPA, BC,
Aboriginal people and
other officials
DO determines that an
EC response is required
Yes-
No
Local or provincial
government, or
Aboriginal people
requests EC assistance
•Yes-
EC notifies and consults
with EPA
EC Response
•NO-
EC and EPA activate
Regional Joint
Response Team and
Yes
v
Join
Unified Command
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11 CANUSWEST
6. Response Management Organization
An Incident Command System (ICS) and Unified Command Structure (UCS) based on
the United States National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS) will be
used to manage the incident.
The ICS will be made up of five major functional sections: Incident Command (1C);
Operations; Planning; Logistics; and Finance/Administration. The IC's Command Staff
consists of a Safety Officer, a Liaison Officer, a Legal Officer and a Public Information
Officer. A description of the roles and responsibilities can be found in sections 1000 to
6000 of the Northwest Area Contingency Plan (NWACP), National Interagency Fire
Center publication NFES #2439 and the British Columbia Standard for Incident
Command System.
The UCS, when activated, may be made up of the United States Federal On-Scene
Coordinator (FOSC) and the Canadian Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC), the State
On-Scene Coordinator (SOSC), the Provincial On-Scene Coordinator (POSC), the local
On-Scene Coordinator (LOSC), the Responsible Party On-Scene Coordinator (RPOSC)
and where appropriate United States Tribal On-Scene Coordinator (TOSC) and/or
Aboriginal people On-Scene Coordinator (AOSC). The members of the UCS will
operate within the framework and constraints of the applicable federal, state, and
provincial laws.
The decision-making process in UCS will strive for consensus; however, when
consensus cannot be reached, the US organizations in UCS and the Canadian
organizations in UCS will operate under their respective legislative mandates and
standard operating procedures to make final decisions related to activities in their
respective countries. (Figure 4)
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CANUSWEST
12
Figure 4.
Unified Command for CANUSWEST Cross-Border Spills
CANADA
UNITED STATES
Federal On-Scene
Coordinator (FOSC)
Unified Command
Responsible Party On-Scene
Coordinator (RPOSC)
Provincial On-Scene
Coordinator (POSC)
Local On-Scene
Coordinator (LOSC)
Aboriginal people On-Scene
Coordinator (AOSC)
Federal On-Scene
Coordinator (FOSC)
State On-Scene
Coordinator (SOSC)
Responsible Party On-Scene
Coordinator (RPOSC)
Tribal On-Scene
Coordinator (TOSC)
Local On-Scene
Coordinator (LOSC)
Regional Environmental
Emergencies Team
(REET - Canada)
Regional Joint
Response Team
Regional Response Team
(RRT - USA)
Support and
Advice to
Unified Command
Incident Command Structure
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13 CANUSWEST
7. Roles And Responsibilities
7.1 Regional Joint Response Team (RJRT) (TAB B)
The RJRT will include representatives from the Environment Canada REET and from
the EPA Region 10 RRT and/or the Region 8 RRT depending on the location of the
release. The RJRT acts as a advisory, policy and planning body and provides support to
the response activity. They do not exercise operational control over the Unified
Command Structure. During an incident the advisory and support functions of the
RJRT include the following:
* providing advice and/or assistance to the DCS upon request;
* monitoring incoming reports, reviewing environmental/health impacts;
* coordinating the actions of the various agencies in supplying the necessary resources and assistance to
the UCS;
* ensuring that the UCS has adequate public information support;
* reviewing actions taken by the UCS and making recommendations for additional measures needed to
support the response;
* promoting efficient communications to ensure effective information flow;
* assuring there is a discussion of the response and a document prepared which describes the lessons
learned from the response; and
* other support functions as necessary (see the Inland Plan Section 302 for additional functions of the
RJRT).
The RJRT is ultimately responsible for the development, maintenance and effective
implementation of CANUSWEST.
7.1.1 United States Members of the RJRT
United States government members of the RJRT include representatives of those
United States agencies listed in TAB B, United States members.
State members of the RJRT include representatives from the states of Washington,
Idaho, and Montana. Only those states which are involved in a cross border incident
will actively participate in the RJRT.
United States Tribal members of the RJRT will include representatives of those Tribes
directly impacted or threatened by an incident.
7.1.2 Canadian Members of the RJRT
Canadian government members of the RJRT include representatives of those Canadian
agencies listed in TAB B, Canadian members.
Provincial members of the RJRT will include representatives of the Province of British
Columbia.
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CANUSWEST 14
Aboriginal members of the RJRT will include representatives from those Bands directly
impacted or threatened by an incident.
7.2 Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC)
In the U.S. for the area covered by CANUSWEST the Federal On-Scene Coordinator is
the federal official designated by EPA to coordinate and direct responses to releases of
oil and/or hazardous substances. The authorities of the FOSC are found in the statutes
and regulations identified in section 3.1 of this Plan. The authorities are very broad and
provide for responding to or directing response to releases of oil and/or hazardous
substances which threaten public health or welfare or the environment.
Canada does not have similar authority in federal legislation, however, for the
purposes of CANUSWEST and international consistency EC and/or other federal
agencies will be referred to as FOSC.
7.2.1 Support Role
In the support role the FOSC may provide response oversight, technical assistance, and
other support to the RP, local, state, Tribal/ Aboriginal people or provincial on-scene
coordinator(s). In addition he/she may provide coordination and liaison to other
federal government activities at the scene.
7.2.2 Lead Role
In the case where the FOSC assumes the overall lead role, he/she shall be responsible
for the overall planning, control and direction of the response and countermeasures
operations and is the final authority for all decisions. Also, it is the responsibility of the
FOSC to obtain proper authorization and the necessary permits, in accordance with
appropriate national, state/provincial, Tribal/Aboriginal people and local laws, to call
upon and direct the deployment of resources to initiate and continue countermeasures,
cleanup, temporary storage and disposal functions.
In all cases the FOSC shall strive to:
* ensure that the response is adequate to protect human health, the environment and property;
* determine the pertinent facts about a particular incident such as: the identity of the RP; the nature,
amount, and location of pollutant spilled; probable direction and time of travel of the pollutant;
resources available and needed; and the potential effects on public health and welfare, the
environment and property;
* develop public health goals and objectives for the response through consultation with local,
state/provincial and federal health officials, and Tribal/Aboriginal people representatives;
* develop goals and objectives for the response;
* provide for the health and safety of the responders;
* assure that adequate information is provided to the public;
* ensure that comprehensive and consolidated environmental advice and technical support information is
being provided to address the needs of the response operations;
* document response actions;
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* maintain an up-to-date and accurate information flow to the RJRT to ensure the maximum effectiveness
of the joint effort in protecting public health and welfare, the environment and property from pollution
damage;
* arrange for a debriefing and/or critique session for all participants which will include a discussion of
lessons learned; and
* submit appropriate reports and recommendations to the RJRT following an incident.
7.3 Federal/State/Provincial Agency Roles
7.3.1 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA has the federal responsibility for addressing spills of oil and hazardous substances
in the inland zone. It is EPA's responsibility to assure that all inland spills are
responded to in a timely manner and that the response is adequate to ensure
appropriate cleanup and protection of public health, the environment and property
while taking into account natural and cultural resource issues. In all spill situations it is
EPA's intent to contribute to the response by working with the local, state, and tribal
authorities, the general public, Canadian federal and provincial agencies, aboriginal
authority and other United States federal agencies to ensure the information needed to
maximize the effectiveness of the response effort is properly considered.
In conducting response activities on Indian reservations and other areas in Indian
Country, EPA will consult with tribal governments to the greatest extent practicable
prior to taking actions that affect an Indian Tribe and its resources. EPA follows a long-
standing Indian Policy that EPA will operate under a government-to-government
relationship with tribal governments, promote tribal self-government, and recognize
tribal governments as the primary parties for managing the environment on
Reservations (EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Program on Indian
Reservations," November 8, 1984). EPA will carry out response activities in a manner
that is consistent with EPA's Indian policies, the Region's agreements with Indian
tribes, and EPA's enforcement policies. By following these procedures, EPA will ensure
that the Tribes' rights to self-government are respected, and that EPA response
authorities and enforcement discretion are safeguarded.
During a response it is both United States policy and EPA's intent to require the RP to
respond to the release or discharge and when EPA is the lead United States response
agency, to oversee that the response is conducted properly, in accordance with the NCP
and other appropriate response plans, and in a timely manner.
When the responsible party is unknown or is incapable of providing a proper and
timely response, EPA may assume the role of lead government agency. In the case of an
oil discharge posing a substantial threat to public health or welfare, EPA is required by
law to initiate and direct an appropriate response. EPA has significant contractor and in-
house resources available to it which can be brought to bear during a spill incident. It is
EPA's intent to allow spills to be addressed at the local and state levels whenever
possible.
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7.3.2 Environment Canada
EC has a mandate under the 1973 Cabinet Directive and the Canada Emergency
Preparedness Act to maintain an environmental emergencies program, coordinate the
federal government's response to environmental emergencies, and to develop, assess
and test new response tools. EC is the lead Canadian federal coordinating agency for
large scale inland cross border pollution incidents.
EC is responsible to ensure that all environmental emergency incidents are responded
to in a timely manner and that the response protects public health, the environment
and property including natural and cultural resources. EC will work with the local,
provincial, and Aboriginal people, the general public, United States federal and state
agencies and other Canadian federal agencies to ensure a high level of coordination is
established between all levels of responders.
In conducting response activities on reserve lands and Aboriginal treaty settlement
lands, EC will involve Aboriginal people as it will other agencies with relevant
jurisdiction relating to a pollution incident. EC recognizes the existence of both
Aboriginal and Treaty rights as defined in Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act,
1982. In addition, EC supports the Government of Canada's Inherent Right Policy (1995)
that established a new government-to-government relationship with Aboriginal
governments within the Canadian constitutional framework.
EC's underlying response concept is the "Polluter Pay Principle," which requires the
responsible party to respond to and bear the cost of the incident and mitigation of
damage to the environment and public health. During incidents where EC is the lead
Canadian response agency, the Department oversees the response to ensure that it is
effectively carried out in a timely manner. When the responsible party is unknown,
unwilling or incapable of providing an effective and timely response, EC may take over
the response and recover costs.
EC has significant in-house resources available, which can be activated during a major
environmental emergency.
It is EC's intent that the response to cross border spills will be led by local and provincial
governments or Aboriginal authorities. In accordance with the escalation principle EC
or another federal government department will only assume the lead if requested to do
so or where the response exceeds the capacity of local, provincial or Aboriginal
authorities.
7.3.3 State of Idaho
The state of Idaho has developed a response process which is spelled out in the "Idaho
Hazardous Materials Incident Command and Response Support Plan." This plan was
finalized in January 1997 and incorporates the authorities and responsibilities of
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thirteen state of Idaho Organizations. The Incident Command System and the United
Command Structure are the organizational systems used by the state of Idaho in
responding to emergencies.
The activities are coordinated by the Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services which has the
following responsibilities.
* establishing and maintaining the State Emergency Operations Center;
* controlling and directing state emergency operations in support of local jurisdictions;
* maintaining continuity and congruence of the Hazardous Materials Support Plan with other state and
county plans and Governor Executive Orders;
* assisting in coordinating communications, transportation, volunteers, logistics, planning, training, and
exercising;
* coordinating all state activities when a state emergency declaration is eminent or declared.
Other state of Idaho agencies which play a major role in response to releases of
hazardous materials are Division of Environmental Quality, the Idaho State Police, the
Idaho Department of Transportation, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the
Idaho Public Utilities Commission, the Idaho Department of Agriculture, the Idaho
Division of Health, and the Idaho Department of Water Resources. The detailed
responsibilities of these agencies during a hazardous materials release can be found in
the Idaho Hazardous Materials Incident Command and Response Support Plan.
In addition to the state agencies, there are several specially trained teams strategically
located in fire departments in the cities of Pocatello, Boise, Nampa/ Caldwell, Lewiston
and in Kootenay County. These teams consist of highly trained hazardous material
response personnel equipped with specialized equipment.
7.3.4 State of Montana
Montana's Constitution charges the state and its citizens to maintain a clean and
healthful environment. In instances of hazardous material releases, it is incumbent on
the responsible party (RP) to respond in a timely manner, secure the area and properly
cleanup the release or discharge.
The Montana Emergency Operations Plan is a means for coordinating emergency and
disaster responses and subsequent cleanup at the state level. It is Montana's intent to
allow spills to be addressed at local and federal levels whenever possible. In release
situations, CANUSWEST is aimed at providing a coordinated agency response to assist
incident commanders, local, federal and tribal authorities, Canadian federal and
provincial agencies, and United States federal agencies. In instances where the incident
necessitates the formation of a UCS, state personnel may be part of the UCS. UCS will
generally be made up of the local incident commander from the appropriate
responsible province/state, and where appropriate, the United States and Canadian
Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC); the State OSC (SOSC), the Provincial OSC
(POSC); and the United States Tribal/Aboriginal people of Canada (TOSC). The
members of the Unified Command Structure will operate within the framework and
constraints of the applicable federal, state and provincial laws.
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In situations where the incident commander or other appropriate authority asks the
state to assume the role of incident commander, the state may assume that role.
Montana has the means for using contractor and state resources if requested to do so.
When the RP is unknown or is incapable of providing a proper and timely response
the state may assume the role of incident commander or be part of a joint command.
7.3.5 State of Washington
The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) is the lead state agency for
environmental pollution response within the state of Washington. As such, it is the
predesignated State On-scene Coordinators for spills occurring in state jurisdiction. In
this role DOE effectively represents all state agencies and the interests of the state and its
citizens. In the event of a spill occurring on a state highway, DOE coordinates with the
Washington State Patrol (WSP), which assumes responsibility as 1C. The key
responsibilities of DOE include:
* representing state laws and interests in spills by acting as the State On-scene Coordinator (SOSC) in
the Unified Command Structure;
* providing 24-hour emergency response to reported spill incidents;
* notifying Washington State Military Department, Emergency Management Division (EMD);
* notifying the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
* determining the source, cause, and responsible party;
* assuming responsibilities of responsible party if spiller cannot be located or is unresponsive;
* ensuring that containment, clean-up, and disposal are carried out in a timely and adequate manner;
* monitoring the safety of DOE spill response personnel;
* initiating enforcement action as appropriate;
* effectively coordinating spill response efforts with other federal, state and local agencies;
* establishing joint information center with federal, state and local agencies, and the responsible party;
* activating and coordinating the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) team;
* coordinating with the Washington Wildlife Rescue Coalition;
* notifying the appropriate resource trustee agency if injury to fish, shellfish, habitat, wildlife or
damage to cultural resources is noted or suspected as a result of a spill; and
* requesting from the National Guard, local fire crews, and prison facilities personnel and support
equipment for response purposes, if necessary.
Although EPA bears primary responsibility for inland spill incidents that occur within
the inland zone of Washington, for certain spill responses Washington State
Department of Ecology may be asked to act as an on-scene representative to EPA under
Federal response authorities. Also, Ecology often responds to spills under state statutory
authorities, making a federal response unnecessary.
7.3.6 Province Of British Columbia
The B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (BC MELP) is the lead provincial
agency for hazardous material spills. The Provincial Strategy for Emergency Response
(1992), approved by the B.C. Interagency Emergency Preparedness Council (IEPC),
promotes the concept that the incident management rests with the responsible party
and the lowest level of government. The provincial role is limited to advice, material
support, and hazardous material expertise. The provincial government will assume
direction and control in an unorganized area or upon request by the local government.
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The Province of British Columbia has adopted an emergency management system
based on the principles of the ICS. The principles of polluter pays, unified command
and response team integration are integral parts of the B.C. Emergency Management
Response System. In the event of a cross border environmental incident, the B.C.
Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks will:
* coordinate all provincial agency responses for hazardous material operations, emergency social
services, health impacts, evacuation, communication, media, safety and enforcement;
* assess the response capability of the responsible party related to their response plan, expertise and
resources;
* ensure that the responsible party has a full opportunity to respond;
* establish or participate in a unified command system with the responsible parties and agencies with
either functional or jurisdictional responsibilities;
* assume a monitoring role to set priorities for environmental protection and ensure public safety;
* take an active management role in the event that the responsible party is unknown, unwilling, or unable
to respond in a responsible, timely manner; and
* foster a mutual/unified arrangement with local and federal responding agencies to determine the
appropriate level of government who speaks on behalf of all levels of government and has the final
arbitration decisions.
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8. Customs and Immigration Procedures (TAB D)
8.1 Responding from Canada into the United States
8.1.1 Customs and Excise Regulations
During an emergency, United States Customs and Immigration Regulations provide
for the movement of manpower and equipment from Canada into the United States.
Section 1322(b) of Title 19, United States Code, states (in part):
The Secretary of the Treasury may provide by regulation or instruction for the
admission, without entry and without the payment of duty or tax imposed upon
or by reason of importation of fire-fighting and rescue and relief equipment and
supplies for emergent temporary use in connection with conflagrations;
Rescue and relief equipment and supplies for emergent temporary use in
connection with floods and other disasters ....
Pursuant to this section, United States Customs Regulations allow rescue and
relief equipment into the country without payment of duty.
8.1.2 Customs and Excise Procedures
When federal involvement becomes necessary in a transboundary incident, an EPA
official (RRT Co-chair or FOSC) notifies United States Customs, Port Director that the
RJRT has been activated to deal with a release affecting or threatening the United States
and that CANUSWEST has been invoked. The telephone notification will be
confirmed with a FAX to Customs (TAB D) and a copy to the FOSC.
The United States Customs Port Director may authorize or direct the following:
* expedited entry/clearance for response equipment involved with emergency response with no duty or
other fees to be collected (clearance is valid for 90 days);
* where equipment enters the United States at other than a port of entry, e.g., air or water, it must be
reported to United States Customs within 10 days, or as soon as is practicable;
* material, equipment and supplies dispatched from Canada must remain under supervisory control of an
appropriate Canadian authority;
* equipment brought into the United States must be returned to Canada within 90 days unless an extension
is granted or other arrangements are made at the time of entry or during the response; and
* consumables need not be brought back into Canada.
To facilitate the movement of equipment across the border into the United States and
back into Canada, it is advisable to identify ahead of time which Ports of Entry are open
at the time projected for crossing. (TAB D).
It is important to maintain a list of equipment and supplies carried in each vehicle to be
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taken across the border. This list will be presented to the United States Customs Agent
when crossing the border. It will help re-entry into Canada if the list has been stamped
by Canadian Customs prior to departing Canada.
Canadians will be required to check equipment through United States Customs prior to
leaving the United States
8.1.3 Employment and Immigration Regulations
The Immigration and Nationality Act provides the U.S. Immigration and
Naturalization Service the responsibility for regulating the movement of people across
the international borders of the U.S. This includes the ability to expedite the movement
of emergency workers from Canada into the U.S., upon request from the U.S., to assist
the U.S. in responding to emergencies. Section 212(d)(3) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act provides the District Director, Immigration and Naturalization Service,
the discretion to allow Canadian workers, with special skills, who might not otherwise
be allowed into the U.S. to temporarily enter the U.S. to assist in the response.
8.1.4 Employment and Immigration Procedures
When United States federal involvement in a transboundary incident becomes
necessary, an EPA official (RJRT Co-chair or FOSC) notifies United States Immigration
and Naturalization Service (INS) of an international spill and the need for trained
Canadian workers to support the emergency response. The official must specify that the
RJRT has been activated and CANUSWEST has been invoked. Initial telephone
notification will be followed up with a FAX to INS and the FOSC. (TAB D).
The EPA official certifies to the INS that insufficient trained response workers are
available to respond in a timely manner.
Response organizations must complete INS Form 1-94 for each worker.
Response organizations must provide safe transport for an INS Inspector to inspect
response operations.
All personnel should have proper identification with them. In addition, non-Canadian
citizens must have passport or visas with them.
Provide 24-hour advanced notice if possible.
Workers from Canada may only work 90 days in the United States unless other
provisions are made.
Upon departing the United States the Canadian workers must check out through an
INS office.
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l+l
8.2 Responding from the United States into Canada
8.2.1 Revenue Canada Regulations
In the event of an emergency, Customs Border Services have specific regulations
governing the movement of persons and goods. Revenue Canada Memorandum D8-1-
6 provides guidelines and information regarding the temporary importation of
emergency equipment.
Emergencies are declared by officials of federal, provincial or municipal governments.
However, when time or circumstances do not permit an official notice of an
emergency, Customs Officers will have to assess the situation as it develops by
consulting with local response agencies. When time permits, a Temporary Admission
Permit E29B will be issued covering all equipment and supplies not consumed in
Canada. This permit will be issued covering emergency supplies and equipment
without collection of security (duty or Goods and Services Tax [GST]). In the case of
consumables being imported, the duty and GST is waived by virtue of Order-In-Council
73-2529. When the situation is urgent, the paperwork will be reduced to a simple blotter
record of the E29Bs describing the goods in general terms. This record can be canceled
whenever evidence that the goods have been consumed or exported from Canada is
provided, preferably from an official or person involved in the emergency situation.
When goods are brought into Canada, where there are no Customs or Royal Canadian
Mounted Police in attendance, a record kept by a responsible individual (i.e. municipal
mayor, provincial government representative or other individual charged with
responsibility of directing the emergency countermeasures) will be accepted for the
purpose of completing form E29B.
8.2.2 Revenue Canada Procedures
The REET Co-chair or FOSC will notify Customs Border Services at the port of entry as
soon as possible, that the RJRT has been activated, CANUSWEST has been invoked
and goods will be entering Canada. The telephone notification will be confirmed with a
FAX to Customs and a copy to the FOSC.
The driver of the vehicle/vessel/aircraft transporting goods to Canada should adhere to
the following:
* carry 2 copies of the equipment list including serial numbers and monetary value;
* stop at United States Customs prior to departure to get the equipment list stamped. (This will assist
when re-importing the goods back to the United States);
* present the list to Canada Customs for clearance approval. Should problems arise ask to speak to a
Senior Officer (usually a Superintendent);
* report to Canada Customs when leaving Canada so that temporary admission permits can be canceled.
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8.2.3 Employment and Immigration Regulations into Canada
Emergency response personnel may be granted entry under the Canada Immigration
Act Section 19(l)(j), which allows them to be granted admission as visitors. Under this
provision they would not be required to obtain employment authorization. It is
advised that personnel carry a visa or other proof of citizenship.
Provisions under the Canada Immigration Act Section 19(3) provide for case by case
admission for people with special skills, who would otherwise not be admissible.
8.2.4 Employment and Immigration Procedures into Canada
Employment and Immigration officers are not always present at Customs Border
Crossings. In their absence, Customs Border Services may function on behalf of
Employment and Immigration and grant temporary authority to work in Canada on an
emergency basis. To facilitate the process of gaining temporary authority to work in
Canada, United States citizens should notify the specific Border Crossing of their needs
prior to arriving for entry into Canada. It is also advisable for United States citizens to
arrange for an official of a Canadian agency involved in the emergency situation (e.g.
Environment Canada) to contact Employment and Immigration / Customs and
confirm the need for their entry into Canada.
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9. Worker Health and Safety and Worker
Compensation (TAB E)
Worker safety and health and worker compensation in the event of an injury are
important considerations when preparing contingency plans for addressing a
hazardous material release. It should be noted that workers coming into the U.S. from
Canada to perform work are required to meet the training standards which are set by
the U.S. Government for the states of Idaho and Montana or the standards set by the
State of Washington for working in the state of Washington. In addition there is a
requirement that site specific health and safety plans be developed prior to initiation of
work. There are no similar requirements for U.S. workers going into Canada to
perform work. If a worker is injured, there are state, provincial, and federal programs
which provide compensation to those workers. A more detailed summary of these
issues as well as statutory citations can be found in the following sections.
9.1 Training
9.1.1 United States Federal and State
The U.S. Federal requirements [29 CFR 1910.120(q)] for "emergency response workers"
applies to workers in the states of Idaho and Montana. These requirements are identical
to the Washington state worker safety and health requirements which are found in
WAC 296-62-3112. The U.S. Federal worker health and safety training requirements [29
CFR 1910.120(e)] for "routine cleanup operations" also apply to workers in Idaho and
Montana; however the state of Washington training requirements [WAC 296-62-3040]
for worker safety and health for "routine cleanup operations" are slightly different in
that they are more strict in certain areas.
9.1.1.1 Emergency Response Workers
First Responder Awareness Level
(e.g. State Trooper who provides discovery and notification)
Sufficient training; or
Proven experience in competencies specified in the regulation
Annual refresher is required
Responder Operations Level
(e.g. Responding Fire Company which provides basic control, containment, and/or
confinement operations.) (Defensive tactics)
A minimum of 8 hours classroom training; or
Proven experience in competencies specified in the regulation
Annual refresher is required
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Hazardous Materials Technician
(e.g. HAZMAT team member who responds for the purpose of stopping a release or for
advanced control, containment and/or confinement operations.) (Offensive tactics)
A minimum of 24 hours of classroom training; and
Proven experience in competencies specified in the regulation
Annual refresher is required
Hazardous Materials Specialist
(e.g. HAZMAT team member who provides support to HAZMAT Materials
Technicians and whose duties require a more specific knowledge)
A minimum of 24 hours of classroom training; and
Proven experience in competencies specified in the regulation
Annual refresher is required
On-Scene Incident Commander
(e.g. Fire Captain or State Patrol Officer who assumes control of the Incident)
A minimum of 24 hours of classroom training; and
Proven experience in competencies specified in the regulation
Annual refresher is required
9.1.1.2 Routine Hazardous Materials Spill Cleanup Workers
9.1.1.2.1 Federal, Idaho, and Montana Jurisdictions [29 CFR 1910.120(b)-(0)]
Routine Site Cleanup Workers
40 hours of classroom training; and
24 hours of direct on-site field experience under a trained and experienced supervisor
Eight hour annual refresher
(U.S. Occupational Safety and Health staff may provide exception for low risk oil
cleanup activities - 4 hours classroom training.)
Supervisors of Routine Site Cleanup Workers
40 hours of classroom training; and
- 24 hours of direct on-site field experience under a trained and experienced supervisor;
- 8 hours of hazardous waste management
- Eight hour annual refresher
Inspectors and Supervisors not working in the hot or decontaminated zone and
specified limited task workers
24 hours of classroom training; and
8 hours of actual field experience under a trained and experienced supervisor; and
8 hours of hazardous waste management
Eight hour annual refresher
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9.1.1.2.2 Washington Jurisdiction [WAC 296-62-3040]
Routine Cleanup Workers who are required to wear levels A or B protection
80 hours of classroom training; an
24 hours of on-site field experience under direct supervision of a trained, experienced
supervisor
Eight hour annual refresher
Routine Cleanup Workers who are required to wear levels C or D protection
40 hours of classroom training; and
24 hours of on-site field experience under direct supervision of a trained, experienced
supervisor
Eight hour annual refresher.
(Exception may be authorized by the Washington State Department of Labor and
Industry for low risk crude oil cleanup activities - 8 hours classroom training.)
Inspectors and Supervisors not working in the hot or decontaminated zone and
specified limited task workers
24 hours of classroom training; and
8 hours of actual field experience under direct supervision of a trained, experienced
supervisor
Eight hour annual refresher
Washington State has a mandatory first aid training requirement. See WAC 296-24-061
entitled "First Aid Requirements" for more information on the requirements for first
aid plans and training.
9.1.2 Canadian Federal and Provincial
Training requirements for hazardous materials responders in Canada have not been
prescribed to the same level of detail as found in the United States. There is a general
absence of specific training requirements at both federal and provincial levels as
existing legislation provides descriptive guidance as opposed to specific direction.
The Canada Labour Code Part II, (CLC II), and the associated Canada Occupational Safety
and Health, (COSH) regulations, describe training requirements for federal government
employees in broad terms, primarily in CLC II, Sections 124 to 126. These sections
generally require the employer to provide employees appropriate training, tools and
protective equipment, to allow them to conduct their work in a safe fashion. For
employees working with hazardous or controlled substances, Part X of the COSH
regulations require that employees be trained regarding the hazard information
contained in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the substance. Employees must
also be trained in the proper use of personal protective equipment as prescribed by the
MSDS. There are no specific courses, formal qualifications, or minimum hours of
training required by the CLC II or COSH regulations, however all training provided to
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the employee must be documented.
The British Columbia Workers Compensation Board (WCB) Occupational Health and
Safety Regulations (BC Regulation 296/97) describe training requirements for
provincial government and private sector employees in broad terms, primarily in Parts
5, 6, and 8. Under these sections the employer is responsible for training and instructing
workers, for determining competence, for jobsite supervision and for the development
and maintenance of safe work procedures. However, detailed training requirements are
not prescribed.
In the absence of a detailed regulatory framework, hazardous materials responders in
BC have generally adopted the "National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472 -
Standard for Professional Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials
Incidents". NFPA 472 provides specific requirements for First Responders' Awareness,
Operations and Technician Levels and is unofficially accepted as the performance
standard throughout BC. It is believed that training to this standard satisfies the general
competency requirements of the CLC and WCB.
United States hazardous materials responders who are trained to their jurisdictional
provisions will meet Canadian federal and provincial requirements. United States
hazardous materials responders working in British Columbia should be prepared to
provide documentation of their training to appropriate Canadian officials.
9.2 Site Safety Plan Requirements
A written site safety plan should be prepared for all cross border responses prior to
response action. If separate site safety plans have been prepared by Canadian and United
States responders, the safety officers from Canada and the United States will meet to
resolve any differences. U.S. law requires site safety and health plans; federal
requirements apply to Idaho; Montana and the State of Washington have their own
requirements. Site safety plans must be specific to the emergency or hazardous material
site and must address any unique features of the site. The site safety plan should
address personnel monitoring, environmental monitoring, hazard identification, pre-
entry briefings, site security and decontamination procedures etc. For more detailed
information refer to 29 CFR 1920.120(b) and to WAC 296-62-3010 for the state of
Washington requirements.
9.3 Worker Compensation
9.3.1 United States Government
The U.S. Government Workers Compensation program is found in the Federal
Employee Compensation Act, which is overseen by the Office of Workers
Compensation Program in the U.S. Department of Labor.
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In this program U.S. Government Civil Service workers are covered in both Canada
and the U.S. if they are performing work pursuant to their government positions. The
level and type of coverage is dependent upon the type of injury and its duration.
(Because of the complexity of the law, there will be no detailed discussion of the specific
provisions.)
For detailed information see the "Federal Workers Compensation Act" at 5 U.S.C. Part
8101.
9.3.2 Canadian Government
The Canadian federal government provides benefits to all employees of the federal
government and most Crown agencies, except members of the regular forces of the
Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, under the Government
Employees Compensation Act, administered by Human Resources Development
Canada. Instead of establishing its own system for compensation and treatment, the
government uses the services already available through provincial WCB's. As long as
employees are engaged in work for their department or agency at the time of the
accident, they are covered by the Act, wherever they may be working, in Canada or
abroad.
For detailed information see, "Government Employees Compensation Act".
9.3.3 State of Idaho
The state of Idaho requires that companies doing business in Idaho provide insurance
to cover workers compensation in the event of an injury to a worker. A worker from
Idaho who is required as part of his/her job to perform work in Canada and who is
injured while working in Canada would in most cases be covered by the Idaho workers
compensation program.
A Canadian company doing short term temporary work in Idaho, for example in
response to a hazardous material spill, would not be required to obtain an Idaho
workers compensation policy. If a Canadian worker is injured in Idaho while
performing short term temporary work, that person could apply for Idaho workers
compensation but it is not likely to be awarded and even if it were to be awarded, there
is no fund in Idaho to cover expenses. There is an expectation that the worker would be
covered by Canadian federal or provincial workers compensation.
In general, volunteers working on a spill cleanup would not be covered by Idaho
workers compensation. It is conceivable that volunteers could be covered if they
receive compensation such as housing from an organization; however, the
organization that was providing the compensation would have to have provisions in
their insurance plan that would provide for the coverage.
-------
29 CANUSWEST
For detailed information regarding the state of Idaho Workers Compensation Program
see Idaho Code 72 or contact the state of Idaho Industrial Commission.
9.3.4 State of Montana
A company doing business in Montana is required to have insurance to provide their
workers with workers compensation coverage. If a worker is asked to perform work in
Canada, the company would need to check with their insurance company to determine
whether the worker would be covered.
Canadian workers may work in Montana without obtaining Montana workers
compensation insurance, but they would need to be covered by a Canadian workers
compensation program. In addition, they would need to notify the state that they were
working in Montana. The state of Montana requires that any construction work, which
is performed in Montana must be performed by a company which is licensed in
Montana. This would preclude Canadian companies from performing any construction
work.
Volunteers are exempt from workers compensation requirements and they are not able
to receive any workers compensation benefits. If any sort of compensation is provided
to a person, such as lodging, that person is no longer a volunteer and the state workers
compensation requirements would apply.
Before conducting business in the state of Montana, companies should review the
following sections of Montana State Law which deal with workers compensation:
Title 39, Chapter 71, Section 401 - Employment Covered and Employment Exempted;
Title 39, Chapter 71, Section 4002 - Extra Territorial Application and Reciprocity; and
Title 39, Chapter 71, Sections 426-427.
In addition the companies should contact the state of Montana Department of Labor
and Industry, Workers Compensation Regulation Bureau.
9.3.5 State of Washington
This summary provides information regarding workers compensation coverage from
the state of Washington related to workers from Washington responding to
emergencies in the province of British Columbia. More detailed information about
workers compensation coverage for companies certified in the state of Washington can
be found in RCW 51.12.
A person who works for a business, which is registered in the state of Washington, will
be covered by the Washington workers compensation program provided that the
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CANUSWEST 30
injury occurs while performing work directed by his employer. It makes no difference
whether that work is performed in the U.S. or in another country. Note, the state of
Washington program does not cover federal employees.
In general, volunteers are not covered by the Washington workers compensation
program. Volunteers may be covered for medical expenses only, if they are registered
with an organization and that organization elects to cover the volunteers. Note, the
volunteers would not be covered for lost wages. This would include volunteers from
Canada if their work was directed by a Washington organization and that organization
elected to carry coverage for the volunteers.
A worker from British Columbia coming into the state of Washington to respond to a
spill would be covered by the state of Washington workers compensation only if the
worker was not covered by British Columbia workers compensation or in the case of a
Canadian federal employee, the Canadian federal workers compensation program.
For a worker from the state of Washington working in Canada, it is advisable, (not
required), that the employer provide an Accident Report Form to the employee.
9.3.6 Province of British Columbia
In British Columbia (BC), workers compensation is provided through the Workers
Compensation Act (and associated Regulations) of British Columbia. The Act applies to
all workers and employers in BC, and also provides automatic extension of coverage if
injured outside of BC. BC employees conducting spill response activities in the United
States would be covered by the Act. Details of coverage for BC workers while out of
province are provided in Section 8 of the Act. The Act does not provide coverage for
employees or agents of either Canadian or American Federal governments.
Non-BC employers and workers, who temporarily operate in BC (on an intermittent
basis of less than 10 days per year, or continuously up to 15 days per year) are not
covered under the Act, if coverage exists from another jurisdiction. U.S. workers
responding to spills in BC should check with their State authorities to determine their
coverage.
BC and foreign volunteers are generally not covered under the Act. However,
volunteer firefighters working for a municipality, city, town, village, etc. are covered as
are volunteers registered with, and working under the direction of, the BC Provincial
Emergency Program. Covered volunteers are provided the same benefits and protection
as workers regardless of venue, i.e. inside or outside of BC.
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31 CANUSWEST
10. Telecommunications (TAB F)
Effective and reliable communications are essential during an emergency. This section
of CANUSWEST outlines the telecommunications capabilities of various government
agencies and private sector companies involved in CANUSWEST. Agencies not
mentioned may still play a role in providing communication equipment or facilitating
the use of frequencies not usually available during non-emergency situations.
Environment Canada or the Environmental Protection Agency are the points of contact
for activation of resources not listed.
11. Information Management
11.1 Public and Media
The process and organization for dealing with the public and press is described in the
document "Joint Information Center QIC) Manual - Roles and Responsibilities for
Major Oil Spills Incidents" prepared by the Pacific Northwest Oil Spill Public Affairs
Group (1993). Although the procedures were developed primarily for responses to
marine oil spills, the organization and its functions apply equally well to inland cross
border spills. The JIC organizational concepts are based upon a worst case spill;
however, the JIC organization can be easily modified to reflect the specific needs of any
spill incident. The JIC is compatible with an ICS response organization and therefore it
fits well with the CANUSWEST organization. The members of UCS (Figure 3) may
designate a Public Information Officer (PIO) to represent their organizations in the JIC.
The membership of the Pacific Northwest Public Affairs Group includes
representatives from Canada and United States federal agencies, state agencies in
Washington, Oregon and Idaho, Province of B.C., local United States governments, oil
companies and oil spill response contractors.
11.2 Internal
Internal RJRT communication is largely the responsibility of each member
organization. The RJRT will establish procedures for the effective transfer of
information between the member organizations consistent with the requirements of
Incident Command System.
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CANUSWEST 32
12. Demobilization
Unified Command will develop a demobilization plan to identify both short term and
long term objectives and specific phase down procedures. It is possible that resource
availability, applicable laws or regulations or other factors may require one federal
agency to cease further action at an incident. Such a decision by one federal agency will
not preclude further action by the remaining agency. Note, it is also possible that federal
agencies may demobilize from the site while state, provincial and local response
continues. When demobilization decisions are made, all relevant responding
organizations must be notified of the decision prior to the actual demobilization in
accordance with the demobilization plan.
13. Post Incident Review and Termination Process
The lead agency for a CANUSWEST incident will conduct a Post Incident Review (PIR)
and prepare a report which documents the actions taken and any operational problems.
It is critical that all organizations participate in the PIR and work together on
developing the "Lessons Learned". The CANUSWEST Work Groups should review
the PIR and make changes to CANUSWEST to address the deficiencies.
The PIR will consist of the following major components:
* Debrief (during or immediately following the incident)
* Critique (post incident)
* Report
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33 CANUSWEST
14. Plan Distribution and Amendments
14.1 Distribution
Copies of CANUSWEST were distributed to Federal, State/Provincial, local
governments and Tribal/Aboriginal organizations in the RJRT, other local
governments and some major private sector facilities. In addition, copies will be given
to Customs Area Supervisors, Revenue Canada and US Customs Service for
distribution to their respective customs/border officers.
CANUSWEST can be reviewed at:
EPA Region 10 web site:
http://www.epa.gov/rlOearth/canuswest.htm
EC National Environmental Emergencies web site:
http://www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/ep/emergencies/index.html
14.2 Amendments
EPA and EC will ensure that there is a periodic review of the CANUSWEST and issue
amendments as required.
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CANUSWEST
34
15. Glossary of Acronyms
AOSC
BC
BCMELP
CCG
CERCLA
DO
EC
EPA
FOSC
FRP
GST
1C
ICS
IEPC
IJAT
INS
JIC
LEPC
LOSC
NCP
NIIMS
NRC
NWACP
OPA
PEP
POSC
RCP
REET
RJRT
RP
RPOSC
RRT
SOSC
The Inland Plan
TOSC
UCS
Aboriginal people of Canada On Scene Commander
British Columbia
British Columbia Ministry of Environment Lands and Parks
Canadian Coast Guard
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and
Liability Act (United States)
Duty Officer
Environment Canada
United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States/Canada Federal On Scene Coordinator
Federal Response Plan (United States)
Goods and Services Tax (Canada)
Incident Commander
Incident Command System
Interagency Emergency Preparedness Council (Canada)
International Joint Advisory Team (Canada/United States)
United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (United
States)
Joint Information Center (Canada, United States)
Local Emergency Planning Committee (United States)
Local On-Scene Coordinator
National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency
Plan (United States)
National Interagency Incident Management System (United
States)
National Response Center (United States)
Northwest Area Contingency Plan (United States)
Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (United States)
British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program (Canada)
Provincial On-Scene Coordinator (Canada)
Regional Contingency Plan (United States)
Regional Environmental Emergency Team (Canada)
Regional Joint Response Team (United States/Canada)
Responsible Party (Person or Organization responsible for the
spill or release.)
Responsible Party On-Scene Coordinator
Regional Response Team (United States)
State On-Scene Coordinator (United States)
Canada-United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan
United States Tribal On-Scene Coordinator
Unified Command Structure
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35 CAN USWEST TABS
TAB A: Emergency Telephone Numbers
TAB A1 United States
Spills in the US must be reported to the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC
will notify the appropriate EPA Regional Offices. The EPA Regional Offices will notify
appropriate state and federal agencies and tribes.
National Response Center
Calls placed from inside the U.S.
1-800-424-8802 (24 hours per day)
Calls placed from Canada
1-202-267-2165 (24 hours per day)
1-202-267-2675 FAX (24 hours per day)
EPA Region 10
Spills at Washington, Idaho/British Columbia Border
1-206-553-1263 (From U.S. or Canada)(24 hours per day)
EPA Region 8
Spills at Montana/British Columbia Border
1-303-293-1788 (From U.S. or Canada) (24 hours per day)
1-800-227-8914 (From U.S. only) (24 hours per day)
Washington
Spiiis at Washington/British Columbia Border.
1-360-438-8639 (24 hours per day)
1-800-258-5990 (24 hours per day)
Idaho
Spiiis at Idaho/British Coiumbia Border.
1-208-334-4570 (24 hours per day)
Montana
Spiiis at Montana/British Coiumbia Border.
1-406-841-3911 (24 hours per day)
-------
CAN USWEST TABS 36
l+l
TAB A2 Canada
To report spills in Canada call
B.C. Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) at
1-800-663-3456 (24 hours / day)
or
Environment Canada at
1-604-666-6100 (24 hours / day)
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37 CAN USWEST TABS
TAB B: Regional Joint Response Team (RJRT)
The composition of the RJRT will be established in accordance with the needs of a
specific incident. The following lists identify the key organizations which would make
up the RJRT.
TAB B1 United States Members
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Coast Guard
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Interior
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Department of State
Department of Transportation
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Food and Drug Administration
General Services Administration
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
State of Washington
State of Idaho
State of Montana
Native American Tribe (s)
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CAN USWEST TABS 38
TAB B2 Canadian Members*
Environment Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Habitat Protection and Canadian Coast Guard)
Health Canada
Heritage Canada
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Justice Canada
National Defence Canada (Emergency Preparedness Canada)
Public Works and Government Services
Revenue Canada
Transport Canada
B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks
B.C. Provincial Emergency Program
Aboriginal People Representatives
* Note all organizations in REET will be part of the RJRT.
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39 CAN USWEST TABS
TAB B3 Regional Response Team (RRT) - U.S.
The Regional Response Teams are composed of the U.S. federal agencies listed in TAB
Bl of this plan and representatives of the states which make up the specific regions. The
RRT is primarily a preparedness, planning and support organization. Its function is
fully described in the "National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency
Plan" which is codified into law.
In the preparedness aspects of its responsibilities the RRT promotes training activities
at the federal, state and local levels, in order to assure that the organizations that will
reach the scene of an incident first will be knowledgeable regarding appropriate safety
and health, and response techniques.
The planning activities include preparing a plan for how the RRT will function in the
event of an emergency as well as promoting state, county and local preparation of plans
to address how they will respond to various incidents within their communities. Note,
the actual decision regarding use would be determined by the Unified Command
Structure at the scene of the spill.
Although the name implies that this group responds to incidents, that, in fact, is not
the case. During an incident the RRT provides advice and support to the FOSC. The
support can vary from legal interpretations of existing statutes to providing manpower
and equipment to address an incident.
The RRT is co-chaired by the EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard. During a spill incident the
EPA co-chair assumes the RRT leadership position for inland spills and the U.S. Coast
Guard assumes RRT leadership during marine spills. At no time does the RRT direct
the response actions of the UCS or FOSC. The RRT can draw on all of the experience
and expertise of its member agencies to provide advice and support to the Unified
Command Structure on both technical and scientific issues.
-------
CAN USWEST TABS 40
1*1
TAB B4 The British Columbia Regional Environmental
Emergency Team (REET)*
During the response to a major environmental emergency, the responsible party (the
polluter) and the lead government agency require technical and scientific information
and advice from various experts, in order to effectively mitigate damage to the
environment. The information and advice regarding environmental matters is
compiled, evaluated, consolidated and disseminated by the Regional Environmental
Emergencies Team or REET. The first REET was established in 1973 in response to the
grounding of the MV Arrow in Nova Scotia. REET's now exist in all regions of the
country. The REET includes representatives from all organizations that have expertise,
information, or regulatory authority relating to the environmental resources at risk
during an emergency incident. Generally, the members include federal and provincial
government agencies, municipalities, industry experts, Aboriginal people,
Environmental Non Government Organizations (ENGOs) and academic experts.
In British Columbia, the REET, in response mode is co-chaired by Environment Canada
and the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. In response to a major
environmental emergency, the REET is mobilized to provide expert advice to the
responsible party and the lead government agency. The REET draws on the expertise
and experience of its members to provide advice on a wide range of scientific and
technical issues including: resource protection and spill clean-up priorities, spill
behaviour, environmental / human health impacts of hazardous substances, spill
countermeasures and waste disposal. In addition, the REET carries out a number of
important spill response functions including: supplying environmental sensitivity
information, monitoring of environmental impacts, coordinating the rescue and
rehabilitation of wildlife, spill trajectory and dispersion modeling, compilation of
meteorological data and weather forecasts, HAZMAT response, participation in
shoreline cleanup and assessment teams and documenting environmental damage.
REET also functions in response to small scale incidents but not as a formal
organization and with fewer contributing members. However the objective is always
the same: to provide expert environmental advice to the responsible party or the lead
agency.
The REET and its members also function ( when not responding to spills), in the
preparedness or "planning" mode. In the planning mode, the REET reviews the latest
scientific and technical developments, legislative and policy initiatives and most
importantly discusses the roles and responsibilities of the team members to improve
the overall effectiveness of its delivery of information and advice.
* REET will be part of the RJRT.
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41 CAN USWEST TABS
TAB C: International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT)
The International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT) is the policy and advisory body at the
national level with the overall responsibility for the maintenance, promotion and
coordination of the Plan.
During a polluting incident the IJAT, upon request, shall facilitate the provision of
emergency resources and other support to the Regional Joint Response Team (RJRT)
and also activate other related emergency plans such as those involving Customs and
Immigration. Actions of the IJAT shall not include direct management of the on-scene
response.
The IJAT shall also maintain a list of potential assisting agencies of each country and
the assistance available from each agency. The IJAT shall also be responsible for
notifying the RJRTs of any changes to their agencies' response capabilities.
The makeup of the IJAT includes the following U.S. and Canada agencies:
TAB C1 United States Members
Environmental Protection Agency
Coast Guard
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of the Interior
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Department of State
Department of Transportation
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Food and Drug Administration
General Services Administration
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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CAN USWEST TABS 42
TAB C2 Canadian Members
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
Environment Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Health Canada
Heritage Canada (Canadian Parks)
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada "
Justice Canada
National Defence Canada (Emergency Preparedness Canada)
National Energy Board (Atomic Energy Control Board)
Natural Resources Canada
Office of the Privy Council
Public Works and Government Services
Revenue Canada
Transport Canada
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43
CAN USWEST TABS
TAB D: Customs and Immigration Contacts
TAB D1 United States Customs Border Crossing for the
States of Washington, Idaho and Montana
The corresponding Canada Customs crossings and their affiliated towns, where
appropriate, are provided in parentheses. All Canada Customs Crossings are located in
British Columbia.
Washington
Point Roberts
(Boundary Bay/ Tsawwassen)
Peace Arch/ Elaine
(Port of Douglas / Peace Arch)
Pacific Highway/ Elaine
(Pacific Highway/ Truck
Crossing)
Lynden (Aldergrove)
Sumas
(Huntington/ Abbotsford)
Nighthawk, (Chopaka)
Oroville, (Osoyoos)
Ferry, (Midway)
Danville, (Carson/
Grand Forks)
Laurier, (Cascade/
Christina Lake)
Telephone
(360)
945-2314
(360)
332-6318
(360)
332-5771
(360)
354-2183
(360)
988-2971
(509)
476-2125
(509)
476-2955
(509)
779-4655
(509)
779-4862
(509)
684-2100
Fax
(360)
945-0908
(360)
332-7457
(360)
332-4701
(360)
354-2706
(360)
988-6300
(509)
476-3209
(509)
476-2465
None
(509)
779-4114
(509)
684-1608
Hours of Operation
0000 - 2400
0000 - 2400
0000 - 2400
0800 - 2400
0000 - 2400
0900-1700
0000 - 2400
0800 - 2400
0800 - 2400
0800 - 2400
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CAN USWEST TABS
44
Washington
Frontier, (Paterson/ Rossland)
Boundary, (Waneta / Trail)
Metaline Falls,
(Nelway / Salmo)
Telephone
(509)
732-6215
(509)
732-6674
(509)
446-4421
Fax
(509)
732-6643
(509)
732-4470
(509)
446-4210
Hours of Operation
0600 - 2400
Mon-Fri
0800 - 2400
Sat-Sun
0900-1700
0800 - 2400
Idaho
Porthill,
(Rykerts / Creston)
Eastport,
(Kingsgate / Yahk)
Telephone
(208)
267-5309
(208)
267-3966
Fax
(208)
267-1014
(208)
267-4138
Hours of Operation
0700 - 2300
0000 - 2400
Montana
Roosville,
(Roosville)
Trailcreek
(Flathead)
Telephone
(406)
889-3865
No phone
Fax
(406)
889-5076
No fax
Hours of Operation
0000 - 2400
0900-1700
Jun 1-Oct 31
(If staffed, not staffed
in 1997)
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45
CAN USWEST TABS
TAB D2 Canada Customs Border Crossing for the Province of
British Columbia
The corresponding United States Customs crossings and their affiliated towns, where
appropriate, are provided in parenthesis.
British Columbia
Boundary Bay/ Tsawwassen
(Point Roberts, WA)
Port of Douglas/ Peace Arch
(Peace Arch/ Elaine, WA)
Pacific Highway/ Truck
Crossing
(Pacific Highway/ Elaine,
WA)
Aldergrove (Lynden, WA)
Huntington/ Abbotsford
(Sumas, WA)
Chopaka (Nighthawk, WA)
Osoyoos (Oroville, WA)
Midway (Ferry, WA)
Carson/ Grand Forks
(Danville, WA)
Cascade/ Christina Lake
(Laurier, WA)
Telephone
(604)
943-2722
(604)
535-9754
(604)
538-3600
(604)
856-2791
(604)
856-7704
(250)
499-2755
(250)
495-6531
(250)
449-2331
(250)
442-5551
(250)
447-9418
Fax
(604)
943-6892
(604)
541-1476
(604)
538-0873
(604)
856-6482
(604)
850-5896
(250)
499-2845
(250)
495-6571
(250)
449-2354
(250)
442-2399
(250)
447-6366
Hours of Operation
0000 - 2400
0000 - 2400
0000 - 2400
0800 - 2400
0000 - 2400
0900-1700
0000 - 2400
0900-1700
0800 - 2400
0800 - 2400
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CAN USWEST TABS
46
British Columbia
Paterson/ Rossland
(Frontier, WA)
Waneta/ Trail
(Boundary, WA)
Nelway/ Salmo
(Metaline Falls, WA)
Rykerts/ Creston
(Porthill, ID)
Kingsgate/ Yahk
(Eastport, ID)
Roosville (Roosville, MT)
Flathead (Trailcreek, MT)
Telephone
(250)
362-7341
(250)
367-9656
(250)
357-9940
(250)
428-2575
(250)
424-5391
(250)
887-3413
(250)
424-5391
Fax
(250)
362-7747
(250)
367-6387
(250)
357-9688
(250)
428-5310
(250)
424-5355
(250)
887-3247
None
Hours of Operation
0000 - 2400
0900-1700
0800 - 2400
0800 - 2300
0000 - 2400
0000 - 2400
0900-1700
(Jun-Oct)
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47
CAN USWEST TABS
TAB D3 Revenue Canada
Revenue Canada Office
Pacific Highway District
(24 hour - ask for superintendent)
Douglas Border Crossing
(24 hours - ask for duty officer)
Vancouver International Airport
(24 hours - ask for superintendent)
Marine Terminals
(24 hours- ask for superintendent)
Head, Remissions
Remissions Officer
Telephone
(604)
538-3614
(604)
535-9754
(604)
666-1800
(604)
666-0272
(604)
666-3586
(604)
666-0879
Fax
(604)
538-0873
(604)
541-1476
(604)
666-1812
(604)
666-2962
(604)
666-7027
(604)
666-7027
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CAN USWEST TABS 48
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49
CAN USWEST TABS
TAB E: Health and Safety Training Requirements
TAB E1 United States
(a) Emergency Spill Response
United States
Idaho
Montana Washington
First
Responder
Awareness
Level
- Sufficient training OR proven experience in competencies specified
by regulation
- Annual refresher training
First
Responder
Operations
Level
- First Responder Awareness Level competency
- 8 hours of classroom training OR proven experience in competencies
specified by regulation
- Annual refresher training
HAZMAT
Technician
- First Responder Operations Level competency
- 24 hours of classroom training AND proven experience in
competencies specified by regulation
- Annual refresher training
HAZMAT
Specialist
- HAZMAT Technician Level competency
- 24 hours of classroom training AND proven experience in
competencies specified by regulation
- Annual refresher training
On-Scene
Incident
Commander
First Responder Awareness Level competency
24 hours of classroom training AND additional competencies
Annual refresher training
* Training requirements for the United States Federal, Idaho, Montana jurisdictions can be found at 29 CFR
1910.120(q) and at WAC 296-62-4102 for Washington.
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CAN USWEST TABS
50
(b) Routine Spill Cleanup - Idaho / Montana
Routine Site
Cleanup
Workers
Supervisors of
Routine Site
Cleanup
Workers
Inspectors,
Supervisors NOT
Working in Hot
Zone and
Specified Limited
Task Workers
United States Idaho Montana
- 40 hours classroom training*
- 24 hours of on-site field experience under
supervisor
- 8 hours annual refresher training
- 40 hours classroom training
- 24 hours of on-site field experience under
supervisor
- 8 hours of hazardous waste management
- 8 hours annual refresher training
- 24 hours classroom training
- 8 hours of actual field experience under a
supervisor
- 8 hours annual refresher training
a trained experienced
a trained experienced
training
trained experienced
* Exception for low risk oil cleanup activities at discretion of OSHA representative - 4 hours classroom
training.
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51
CAN USWEST TABS
(c) Routine Spill Cleanup - Washington
Washington
Routine Cleanup
Workers Who
are required to
wear Level C or
D Protection
- 40 hours classroom training
- 24 hours of on-site field experience under a trained experienced
supervisor**
- 8 hours annual refresher training
Routine Cleanup
Workers Who
are required to
wear Level A or
B Protection
- 80 hours classroom training
- 24 hours of on-site field experience under a trained experienced
supervisor
- 8 hours annual refresher training
Inspectors,
Supervisors NOT
Working in Hot
Zone and
Specified Limited
Task Workers
- 24 hours classroom training
- 8 hours on-site field experience under a trained experienced
supervisor
- 8 hours annual refresher training
Exception for low risk Crude Oil cleanup activities - 8 hours classroom training.
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CAN USWEST TABS
52
TAB E2 Canada
l+l
Emergency Spill Response Training Guidelines
Canada & British Columbia
First
Responder
Awareness
Level
no prerequisites
13 hours of course instruction based on NFPA 472
First
Responder
Operations
Level
First Responder Awareness Level competency
32.5 hours of course instruction based on NFPA 472
HAZMAT
Technician
First Responder Operations Level competency
32.5 hours of course instruction based on NFPA 472
Annual refresher training
* Additional Federal Training for Environment Canada Inspectors includes an 80 hour Contaminated Sites
Health Safety Course (requirement for annual refresher training) jointly endorsed by the US EPA and
Environment Canada. This course meets or exceeds the requirements of Occupational Safety & Health
Administration.
** Additional Provincial Training for Ministry of Environment Officers includes an 80 hour Hazardous
Materials Technician Course conducted at the Transportation Technology Centre, Pueblo Colorado. This
course meets or exceeds the requirements of Occupational Safety & Health Administration.
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53 CAN USWEST TABS
TAB F: Integrated Telecommunications Plan
United States
In the United States of America, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), and the
Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) all play an important role in the
licensing, management and allocation of radio frequencies. The FCC regulates non-
governmental interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire,
satellite and cable. NTIA (Office of Spectrum Management - OSM) is responsible for
managing the Federal Government's use of the radio frequency spectrum. To achieve
this, OSM receives assistance and advice from the IRAC. If additional radio frequencies
are required for a cross border spill, an application must be made to NTIA (or the FCC
for non-government organizations).
Canada
In Canada, telecommunications issues are regulated by Industry Canada. Specifically,
the Spectrum Management - Radio Licensing & Investigations Division of Industry
Canada is responsible for the licensing and allocation of radio frequencies within
Canada. If additional radio frequencies are required for a cross border spill, an
application must be made to Industry Canada.
Integrated Telecommunications Plan
A telecommunications control center will be operated at a safe location that provides
UHF/VHF radio coverage across the border corridor. Frequencies and equipment in use
will be integrated into the Telecommunications Center without disruption of existing
lines of communication at the incident scene.
Communications at the incident are managed through the use of a common
telecommunications plan and an incident-based communications center established
solely for the use of tactical and support resources assigned to the incident.
All communications among organizational elements at an incident should be in plain
English. No codes should be used, and all communications should be confined only to
essential messages.
The Telecommunications Unit is responsible for all communications planning at the
incident. This will include mission specific radio networks, on-site telephone, public
address, and off-incident telephone/microwave/radio systems.
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Radio Networks
Radio networks for large scale incidents should normally be organized as follows:
Command and Control Net Frequency - This net should link together: The Incident
Commander, Key staff members, Section Chiefs, Division and Group Supervisors.
Tactical Nets - There may be several tactical nets. They may be established around
agencies, departments, geographical areas or even specific functions. The determination
of how nets are set-up should be a joint Planning and Operations responsibility. The
Communications Unit Leader will develop the plan.
Support Net - A support net will be established, primarily to handle status changing for
resources as well as for support requests and certain other non-tactical or command
traffic.
Ground to Air Net - A ground to air tactical frequency may be designated, or regular
tactical nets may be used to coordinate ground to air traffic.
Air to Air Nets - Air to air nets will normally be pre-designated and assigned for aircraft
in use at the incident site.
TAB F1 United States Networks
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an independent agency of the
federal government that responds, upon request of State officials, to disasters and
significant events. In Region 10, FEMA utilizes a Mobile Operations Center (MOC) to
replace failed telecommunication systems or to provide a communication interface
between agencies with incompatible telecommunication systems. FEMA can be
activated through the State On-Scene Coordinator.
NIFC
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), located in Boise, Idaho includes the
Incident Communications Support Unit - ICSU, an interagency organization comprised
of the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The ICSU is responsible for
providing emergency communications to all-risk incidents. It is the largest cache of low
power, portable emergency communications equipment housed at a single location in
the world. The ICSU of NIFC can be activated through the Federal or State On-Scene
Coordinator.
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State Networks
Individual counties which adjoin the Canadian border, have Emergency Response
Plans (ERP) which include Communication Sections. For example, the Whatcom
County ERP lists frequencies used by first responders.
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TAB F2 Canada Federal Networks
Emergency Preparedness Canada
EPC has an UHF repeater station located on Mt. Seymour in North Vancouver, British
Columbia.
TX 465.3875 RX 460.3875
The coverage for the EPC UHF repeater is expected to cover the Can/US Border from
the Point Roberts crossing to the Aldergrove crossing with marginal coverage at the
Sumas crossing.
Environment Canada - Petroleum Radio Service
EC uses the Petroleum Radio Service VHP radio frequencies. These frequencies are
available for first responders to use on the Canadian and United States Border Corridor
on a non-interference basis.
EC has a VHF repeater station located on Mt. Seymour in North Vancouver, British
Columbia.
Ch. 1 TX 154.585 RX 150.980 CTCSS
103.5
Simplex Channels are available for mobiles and portables:
Ch. 3 TX&RX 158.445 CTCSS
103.5
Ch. 4 TX&RX 159.480 CTCSS
103.5
The coverage for the Environment Canada repeater is expected to cover the Can/US
Border from the Point Roberts crossing to the Aldergrove crossing with marginal
coverage at the Sumas crossing.
Environment Canada has a portable repeater station that can be deployed to remote
locations.
Ch. 1 TX 154.585 RX 150.980 CTCSS
103.5
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TAB F3 Canada Provincial Networks
British Columbia Emergency Radio Frequency Directory
The BC Emergency Radio Frequency Directory, published by ERC Publications, is a
valuable resource for Communication Control Centre personnel. The directory lists
frequencies in use throughout British Columbia by geographic region or by frequency.
Ministry Of Transportation And Highways
The Ministry of Transportation and Highways maintain and operate a radio
communications system which covers the main border crossings along the Canada/US
border corridor. VHP radio communications are facilitated by repeater stations that can
be linked together for long distances or stand alone operations.
Provincial Emergency Program
The PEP Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The ECC provides and maintains a province-wide ECC Communications System. The
ECC receives, distributes and responds to information and reports of human-made and
natural disasters and other emergency incidents that occur throughout the province.
The contact telephone numbers for the PEP are shown in TAB A.
Included as a part of the ECC is amateur radio station VE7PEP. During normal
operations, VE7PEP is on the air each Wednesday evening at 0230Z hours, with an HE
Net on 3735 kHz and a listening watch on 7060 kHz. Following the voice net there is an
HF packet net on 3615 kHz (LSB). All amateurs, including new amateurs, are welcome
to participate in these nets. VE7PEP also monitors the Victoria packet BBS VE7VBB.
VE7PEP's address on this board is VE7PEP@VE7VBB.#SVI.BC.CA.NOAM
During emergencies, VE7PEP and the ECC's commercial station XMV701 will attempt
to be operational and guarding the following frequencies within one hour of being
called out:
VE7PEP (Victoria) XMV701 (Victoria) VGH491 (Saltspring
Island)
3735 kHz 7550 kHz day Repeater Tx 452.2375 MHz
7060 kHz 3245 kHz night Repeater Rx 457.2375 MHz
147.420 MHz 148.685 MHz
Coverage in the Coverage in the Southern Coverage in the western
Southern Vancouver Vancouver Island Area portions of the Fraser
Island Area Valley
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57 CAN USWEST TABS
TAB F4 Trans Mountain Pipe Line Company Ltd.
Trans Mountain Pipe Line Company Ltd. owns and operates a pipeline system
transporting crude oil and a variety of petroleum products from Edmonton, Alberta to
Burnaby B.C. A subsidiary line runs from the mainline connection at Sumas, B.C. to
refineries at Ferndale and Anacortes, Washington. The Company maintains a VHP
radio frequency that covers the western portion of the Fraser Valley in the north to the
area surrounding Anacortes.
This VHP radio link, known within Trans Mountain as Channel 5, operates through a
repeater on Mount Constitution on Orcas Island as follows:
(TX FRPQ) 154.585 (CTCSS) 82.5
(RX FREQ) 150.980 (CTCSS) 82.5
The Trans Mountain frequency may be utilized during an emergency on a non
interference basis WITH PRIOR APPROVAL from Trans Mountain. Requests for
approval may be made through the Trans Mountain Control Center 24 hour emergency
number (1-888-876-6711) or by calling Trans Mountain Laurel Station (1-360-398-1541)
during business hours. Should the emergency occur outside business hours or
telephone systems are not operating, the frequency may be utilized until permission is
applied for by radio at the start of the next business day by calling "Laurel Station" on
the above frequency.
For further information regarding the use of this frequency, please call S.E. Glubis,
Electronic Technologist, Trans Mountain, at (604) 268-3019.
TAB F5 Precautions
Use of Talkaround channels by high power mobiles (30 watts) is not recommended as it
disables the repeater.
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58
TAB F6 Common Radio Terms
CTCSS
Duplex
Repeater System
Simplex
Talkaround
Channel
Transceiver
VHP
UHF
Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System. This is a sub-audible tone
which is assigned to repeater frequencies which have multiple
users. The tone opens the receiver of the intended mobile unit.
This prevents the mobile from receiving wrong dispatches, and
reduces unwanted radio interference. It is also referred to as
Channel-Guard or Private-Line Encoding.
Separate transmit and receive frequencies are used by the Mobiles
and Dispatch radios. Requires the use of a REPEATER (see below) to
allow communications between mobiles.
Uses two frequencies, one from the vehicle is received and another
is transmitted to the vehicle. Usually at a high location such as a
mountain top or high rise building. All vehicles can hear each
other. The frequency transmitted by the repeater is called the
OUTPUT frequency.
The same frequency is used for transmit and receive by the
Dispatcher and Mobiles.
The output frequency of the repeater used by low power portables.
Transmitter and Receiver in one physical unit.
Very High Frequency. The band of frequencies from 30 MHz to
300MHz. Most of the radio communications is done on this band.
Ultra High Frequency. The band of frequencies from 300 MHz to
3000MHz. This includes the cellular and 800 MHz trunking system.
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TAB G: Tribes and Aboriginal Peoples
Tab G1 United States
Federated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
P.O. Box 150
Nespelum, WA 99155-0150
(509)-634- 4711 FAX (509)-634-8844
Chairperson: Joseph Pakootas
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation
P.O. Box 278
Pablo, MT 59855-0278
(406)-675-2700 FAX (406)-675-2368
Chairperson: Rhonda R. Swaney
Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
P.O. Box 1260
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805-1269
(208)-267-3519 FAX (208)-267-2960
Chairperson: Velma Bahe
Nooksack Indian Tribe of Washington
P.O. Box 157
Deming, WA 98244-0157
(360)-592-5176 FAX (360)-592-5753
Chairperson: Sherri L. Johnny
Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish Reservation
P.O. Box 817
LaConnerWA 98257-0817
(360)- 466-3163 FAX (360)-466-4047
Chairperson: Robert Joe, Sr.
Kalispel Indian Community of the Kalispel Reservation
P.O. Box 39
Usk, WA 98180-0039
(509)-445-1147
Chairperson: Glen Nenema
Spokane Tribe of the Spokane Reservation
P.O. Box 100
Wellpinit, WA 99040-0100
(509)-258-4581
Chairperson: Bruce Wynne
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Tab G2 Canada
Tsawwassen Band
Building 132 N. Tsawwassen Dr.
Delta B.C.
V4M 4G2
(604) 943-2112 Fax: (604) 943-9226
Exec. Administrator: Robert Simon
Musqueam Band
6370 Salish Drive,
Vancouver, B.C.
V6N 2C6
(604) 263-3261 Fax: (604) 263-4212
Band Manager: Howard Grant
Soowalie Band
4070 Soowahlie Road
Cultus Lake, B. C.
V2R 4Y2
(604) 858-4603 Fax: (604) 858-2350
Band Manager: Brian Jones
Semiahmoo Band
R.R. 7. 16010 Beach Road
White Rock, B.C.
V4B 5A8
536-1794/536-6191 Fax:536-6116
Band Manager: Joanne Charles
Sumas Band
R.R. 44
3092 Sumas Mountain Road
Abbotsford, B.C.
V3G 2J2
(604) 852-4040 Fax: (604) 852-3834
Band Manager: John Doman
Matsqui Band
P.O. Box 10
Matsqui, B.C.
V4X 3R2
(604) 826-6145 Fax: (604) 826-7009
Band Manager: Michelle Dougals
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Lower Similkameen Band
P.O. Box 100
Keremeos, B.C.
VOX INO
(250) 499-5529 Fax: (250) 499-5335
Chief- Cecile Barbara Allison
Osoyoos Band
Site 25, Comp. 1,R.R. 3
Oliver, B.C.
(250) 498-4906 Fax: (250) 498-6577
Band Manager: Clarence Louie
Lower Kootenay Band
P.O. Box 1107
Creston, B.C.
VOB1GO
(250) 428-4428 Fax: (250) 428-7686
Band Manager: Joe Pierre
Tobacco Plains Band
Box 21
Grasmere, B.C.
VOB IRQ
(250) 887-3461
Band Manager: Dan Gravelle
Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council
S. No.3Sitel5
Comp 14, Mission Road
Cranbrook, B.C.
V1C6H3
(250) 489-2464
Sto:Lo Nation
5 - 7201 Vedder Road
PO Box 280
Sardis, B.C.
V2R 1A7
(250) 858-0662 Fax: (250) 858-7692
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