Water, Wastewater and Dam
Safety Incidents
Emergency Notification and Response Protocol between the
Department of Environment and Primary Industries and
Victorian Water Corporations
May
M 2014
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment and Primary Industries Melbourne 2014
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that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images,
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Environment and Primary Industries logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit
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ISBN VGLS521579
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Centre136186, email customer.service@depi.vic.gov.au via the National Relay Service on 133 677
www.relayservice.com.au. This document is also available in on the internet at www.depi.vic.gov.au
Disclaimer
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the
publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all
liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
Contents
Preface
3
Context
4
Purpose
Scope
Limitations
End state
Background - Legislative and policy context
Water corporation planning context and reference documents
Administration
IMT and EMT structures for water emergencies
When to notify DEPI of a water incident
Water emergency scenarios
AIIMS and incident management levels
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
7
8
8
Emergency Response – Command and Control
9
DEPI as the Control Agency
DEPI State Controller
DEPI State Agency Commander
DEPI Regional Agency Commander
DEPI Water Specialist
Water Liaison Officers
A water corporation as the Incident Controller
DEPI Strategic Control Priorities (State Controllers Intent)
DEPI as a Support Agency
Situation reports and briefings
Safety Officer and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
State Control Centre services
Sourcing additional capacity and capability
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
10
10
11
11
12
12
Bushfire Code Red Arrangements
13
Declaration of Code Red days
Concept of Operations
13
13
Appendix A - ‘First call to DEPI’ checklist
15
Appendix B - Emergency Confirmation Form
16
Appendix C - Flood Situation Report
17
Appendix D - Water / Wastewater Situation Report
19
Appendix E - Dam Situation Report
20
Appendix F - Incident Action Plan Template
21
Appendix G - SMEACS Briefing format
23
Appendix H - DEPI Emergency Contact List
24
Appendix I - Abbreviations
28
Appendix J - DEPI Regional Boundary Map
29
Appendix K - Glossary
30
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
2
Preface
Following the experiences of the Victorian Floods of 2010 / 2011 and Black Saturday Fires of 2009, there have been
significant changes to the policy environment governing emergency management in Victoria.
In particular, governments now have an increased involvement during major emergencies. This requires sound
arrangements for emergency response and recovery, ensuring the community is provided with accurate and timely
information, including warnings, and making effective use of all available resources.
The Victorian emergency management arrangements are in a process of evolution with the publication of the Emergency
Management White Paper, findings of the Victorian Floods Review and recommendations of the Bushfire Royal
Commission. These changes are outlined in the revised State Emergency Response Plan (SERP) (Part 3 of the
Emergency Management Manual of Victoria), released in August 2012. In particular, these changes affect the control,
command and coordination arrangements.
Amongst its other responsibilities, the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) is the Control Agency
for the disruption of supply to the essential services of water and wastewater and for dam safety emergencies within
Victoria. The arrangements outlined in this Emergency Notification and Response Protocol between DEPI and Victorian
Water Corporations are complementary with the State Control Centre arrangements and consistent with the state
emergency management arrangements.
DEPI continues to work in partnership with water corporations and support agencies to ensure all facets of prevention,
preparedness, planning, response and recovery are conducted professionally and effectively for the benefit of the
Victorian community.
Andrew Fennessy
Executive Director
Water and Natural Resources Division
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
3
Context
Purpose
The purpose of this Emergency Notification and Response Protocol (the Protocol) between DEPI and Victorian water
corporations is to outline notification and emergency response arrangements for the disruption of supply to the essential
services of water and wastewater and for dam safety emergencies in Victoria.
Scope
This Protocol applies to non-routine events where there is a potential to impact or there is actual impacts to the capacity
and capability of water corporations to deliver water and wastewater services. This includes events where dam safety
may be compromised, including:

Dams owned or operated by water corporations; and

Private / farm dams licensed by the five licensing water corporations.
The Protocol adopts an “all hazards, all agencies” approach to emergency management, whereby one set of
arrangements apply to all emergency types. Emergency types covered under this Protocol therefore include, but not
limited to those relating to, a major infrastructure failure, information technology or SCADA system failure, terrorism
security threat or drinking water contamination.
Limitations
This Protocol does not cover notification of dam safety incident, for dams owned, operated or managed by Victorian
Local Government Authorities.
End state
The end state is a partnership between DEPI and water corporations that provide two outcomes:

Water, wastewater and dam safety emergencies of significance are notified to DEPI; and

Appropriate emergency response arrangements are in place to manage these events.
Background - Legislative and policy context
The Protocol should be read in conjunction with relevant legislation and policy documents, including:

Emergency Management Act (1986);

Terrorism (Community Protection) Act (2003);

Fire Services Commissioner Act (2010); and

Statement of Obligations.
The documents below can be found on the website of the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner at
http://www.oesc.vic.gov.au/emergencymanual.

State Emergency Response Plan (SERP) (EMMV Part 3);

State Emergency Relief and Recovery Plan (EMMV Part 4); and

Emergency Management Agency Roles (EMMV Part 7).
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
4
Water corporation planning context and reference documents
When updating emergency plans, water corporations and dam owners should take into account this Protocol and the
following plans:

Management of Flooding Downstream of Dams; and
http://www.ses.vic.gov.au/prepare/em-planning/state-plans

Australian Water Sector Mutual Aid Guidelines (WSAA and WSSG publication).
http://ebookbrowse.com/gdoc.php?id=23694219&url=db108979e8bccf362e84b9eb68ab11eb.
Administration
The following administrative arrangements apply to this Protocol:

DEPI is the custodian of this Protocol;

Revisions will be undertaken by DEPI in consultation with Water Corporations;

Superseded versions of this Protocol should be discarded as updates are received; and

Water corporations must advise DEPI of any changes to personnel or contact details within this Protocol.
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
5
IMT and EMT structures for water emergencies
The State Emergency Response Plan (SERP) explains that the three key management tasks of command, control and
coordination form the basis of Victorian emergency management arrangements. This approach will be used in response
to water, wastewater and dam safety emergencies in Victoria.
Victoria uses a three-tiered structure to dam safety emergency management - with incident level, regional (and/or areaof-operation) and state tiers operating as required.
DEPI, as the control agency, appoints controllers to have overall responsibility for response activities at each tier. Where
required, an Incident Management Team (IMT) directly assists the Incident Controller to meet their control
responsibilities.
The following diagram shows the context of coordination, control, support agency command and the Emergency
Management Team (EMT) level at each tier of a water, wastewater or dam safety emergency. Not all agencies will have
representatives at each tier. For example, where potential for significant consequences or capacity issues exist, DEPI
may escalate management of their responsibilities directly to the state tier.
Figure 1 – Coordination, control, support agency command and the EMT level at each tier of a water, wastewater
or dam safety emergency
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
6
When to notify DEPI of a water incident
As a first response to a water incident, water corporations are to assess the consequence of the event. This will guide
the level of response based on the perceived level of impact. The aim of this assessment process is to categorise the
emergency as a low Level 1, Level 2 or a significant Level 3 incident.
DEPI requires notification only of incidents assessed at Level 2 or Level 3 or with the potential for escalation to these
levels.
Based on the Incident Level classification for the water incident, the appropriate agreed notifications, escalation and
response actions can be taken (See Figure 2).
Figure 2 – Incident Level Classification Table
Incident Level Classification Table – Consequence Based Assessment
Incident Level
Potential for the
emergency to
escalate or have
serious
consequences
Level 1
Little or no potential.
Emergency management
arrangements
Emergency is to be
managed as a part of
normal business with the
expectation of successful
resolution.
Low
Level 2
Level 3
Significant
Some potential for
serious consequence
or escalation should
the emergency not be
effectively controlled
in a reasonable time.
Emergency with
imminent or actual
serious
consequences.
Includes security or
extortion threats.
Local incident management
arrangements apply.
Some possibility that local
response will not succeed.
DEPI
notification
required?
DEPI
Agency Commander
actions
No
No action
Yes – as soon
as possible
Regional Control
Centre (RCC)
preparedness
arrangements may be
made in anticipation
of escalation into a
more significant
emergency
Some potential for statelevel intervention.
Incident Management Team
established (Regional DEPI
or other control agency).
Monitor effectiveness
of local emergency
response
Yes immediately
Activation of State
Control Centre (SCC)
Local resources will work
within overall control
structure.
For Level 2 or Level 3 incidents a water corporation should notify the DEPI State Agency Commander on
1300 13 4444, refer to the “First call to DEPI checklist” (Appendix A) and send an email to the State Control
Centre using the Emergency Confirmation Form (Appendix B).
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
7
Water emergency scenarios
The following provides examples of typical water corporation emergency scenarios with a level of consequence that must
be notified to DEPI.
Fatalities/serious injury (Level 3)

Any water incident where there is loss of life or serious injury to members of the public, staff or contractors.
Incidents (Level 2 & 3)

Any water incident where there is widespread property damage / loss or damage to the environment.

A water incident > than 2 days.

An incident involving more than one water business.

Water incidents impacting key customers such as hospitals or airports which could result in their closure or
impact on their service delivery.

Water corporation interstate/international requests for deployment of Victorian resources.
Business continuity / community resilience (Level 2 & 3)

Disruption of, or the potential disruption to, other essential services (electricity, gas, fuel, communication,
community facility, major roads, transport, hospitals).

Evacuation or relocation of many individuals or communities for an extended period of time.

Impact on vulnerable communities (e.g. aged, children).
Reputation management / service delivery (Level 2 & 3)

Exceptional / excellent performance or response.

Widespread public criticism on the management of an emergency.

Potential significant claims against the agency or government.
AIIMS and incident management levels
Within the Victorian emergency management arrangements, the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management
System (AIIMS) Incident Control System (ICS) version 4 is the preferred incident management system for use when
responding to emergencies. Three incident levels are used in AIIMS 4 that will help guide the level of response. The
AIIMS 4 incident levels are consistent with incident levels in this protocol. These are:
Level 1 – Typically able to be managed by local or initial response resources within the water corporation. In a level 1
emergency response the major function would be around the Operations role.
Level 2 - More complex in risk, resource requirements or size, with a typical IMT of more than five people. A water
corporation may require DEPI Regional Support. The DEPI RCC can be used if needed and the DEPI regional contact
(Appendix H) may be notified.
A DEPI RCC is a facility that enables the implementation of the Command and Control arrangements within a set
Regional boundary or declared Area of Operations.
Level 3 - Characterised by degrees of complexity that may require a more substantial management structure in response
to the situation, these emergencies usually require the delegation of all incident management functions resulting in an
IMT of seven or more. State level support from the State Control Centre (SCC) is available if required.
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
8
Emergency Response – Command and Control
DEPI as the Control Agency
The Emergency Management Manual Victoria identifies DEPI as the Control Agency for water and wastewater service
disruption and dam safety emergencies. Water corporations are listed as support agencies for these types of
emergencies.
In keeping with the Emergency Management Manual Victoria (EMMV) arrangements, DEPI requires that water
corporations directly manage their water and wastewater services and dam safety emergencies according to their plans
and procedures for dealing with such situations. However, if the situation is not able to be resolved effectively, DEPI may
need to employ alternative arrangements.
DEPI as the Control Agency is responsible for appointing the Incident Controller.
DEPI will remain the Control Agency. However, for water corporation emergencies involving the disruption to water or
wastewater services or for dam safety emergencies, DEPI nominates the water corporation to the role of Incident
Controller and this remains until the emergency is either resolved or DEPI makes a replacement appointment.
DEPI State Controller
For major emergencies, the Control Agency appoints a State Controller to provide strategic leadership and to ensure a
whole-of-government approach to integrated response and strategic information management. For water and dam safety
emergencies the Chief Fire Officer, Land, Fire and Environment would fulfill the role of State Controller in the first
instance.
DEPI State Agency Commander
This position provides support to the DEPI State Agency Controller and to DEPI’s resources, including water corporation
resources, during emergencies. This position is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and may require advice
from one or more DEPI Water Specialists.
The DEPI State Agency Commander is responsible for all resources placed under the command of DEPI during incident
response within Victoria. This includes resources responding to fire, water or sewerage infrastructure disruption, dam
safety incidents, cetacean stranding or entanglements, regardless of whether DEPI is the Control Agency or a Support
Agency.
DEPI Regional Agency Commander
This position is responsible for monitoring DEPI incidents in their region, ensuring a regional command structure is in
place to suit the circumstance and providing leadership with any agency resources ensuring they are focused on
supporting the water corporation to resolve the incident.
DEPI Water Specialist
This role in the SCC provides advice to the State Controller on water related matters. The position is filled by a DEPI
Senior Officer from the Water and Natural Resources Group with relevant industry experience.
Water Liaison Officers
Water Corporations are encouraged to stay well connected within the command and control structures put in place
during an emergency. The use of water liaison officers within the IMT / EMT has proved beneficial in response to recent
events. Water corporations and DEPI staff are encouraged to consider the need for an exchange of liaison officers at all
levels of incident management. While not mandatory, it is an available option.
Incidents Controlled by Water Corporations
The incident controller is from the affected Water Corporation managing an incident where DEPI is the Control Agency.
The Water Corporation therefore acts on behalf of DEPI. The Incident Controller takes charge of the overall response to
the actual emergency, including tasking Support Agency personnel.
The role of the Incident Controller is listed in the SERP (EMMV Part 3). This means that the water corporation is
expected to manage the incident according to its emergency management plans and procedures and remain until the
emergency is either resolved or DEPI makes a replacement appointment.
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
9
For emergencies where DEPI is the Control Agency, water corporations should use the Australasian Inter-service
Incident Management System (AIIMS) as their Incident Management System. This will ensure all agencies and relevant
organisations can contribute to response activities within an integrated structure.
For emergencies associated with a water corporation, such as a dam safety incident or a service delivery
disruption relating to water or wastewater services, DEPI nominates the water corporation as the Incident
Controller.
This means that the water corporation is expected to manage the incident according to its emergency management plans
and procedures and remain as the Incident Controller until the emergency is either resolved or DEPI makes a
replacement appointment.
For emergencies where DEPI is the Control Agency, water corporations should use the principles outlined in AIIMS 4 –
ICS as their Incident Management System. This will ensure all agencies and relevant organisations can contribute to
response activities within an integrated structure.
DEPI Strategic Control Priorities (State Controllers Intent)
The strategic control priorities, also known as the State Controllers Intent, were developed by DEPI to articulate and
formalise the focus on primacy of life and issuing community information and community warnings to assist people to
make informed decisions about their risks in a water, wastewater or dam safety emergency.
The DEPI strategic control priorities listed below provide direction and guidance to the Incident Controller and IMT that
will inform their approach and the development of incident response strategies and the Incident Action Plan.
1.
Protection and preservation of life is paramount - this includes:

Safety of emergency services personnel, and

Safety of community members, including vulnerable community members and visitors / tourist located within the
emergency area.
2.
Issuing of community information and warnings.
3.
Protection of critical infrastructure and essential services that support community resilience.
4.
Protection of residential property as a place of primary residence.
5.
Protection of assets supporting economic production and individual livelihoods.
6.
Protection of environmental and conservation values.
7.
Safety and welfare of displaced community members.
8.
Effective transition to recovery.
The Incident Controller may need to vary the strategic control priorities in some circumstance. This shall be done in
consultation with the DEPI Regional Controller or State Controller based on sound incident predictions and risk
assessments.
DEPI as a Support Agency
The Support Agency provides support services, materials or personnel. Relief and recovery agencies are support
agencies during an emergency response.
Emergency responses falling within this Protocol can be part of a larger emergency, such as a significant ongoing
campaign flood or storm event. In these multi-agency emergencies DEPI may be the Support Agency rather than the
Control Agency.
DEPI and the water corporations retain their command structure – receiving direction through the Control Agency. At
least one representative of DEPI (representing DEPI and / or the relevant water corporations) should be engaged at the
relevant IMT / EMT.
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
10
Situation reports and briefings
All Situation reports are forwarded through the Incident Controller, in order to prevent the confusion created from multiple
reporting lines. Specific templates have been prepared for different hazard types, for potential flood events refer
Appendix C or a dam safety event Appendix D and a water / wastewater shown at Appendix E. Water Corporations
can forward Situation Reports from their own documentation providing they include the same level of information.
Consideration should be given to using a consistent approach and briefing format, such as ‘SMEACS’, which is used by
all emergency services and shown at Appendix G. SMEACS is a briefing format incorporating : Situation, Mission,
Execution, Administration, Command, Communication and Safety.
These situation reports and briefings are used to inform such things as:

Whole-of-government reporting.

Forums such as Regional Emergency Management Team (REMT) or State Emergency Management Team SEMT if
convened.

A change in Control Agency.

The media at the state level and the Emergency Management Joint Public Information Committee (EMJPIC).

Assurance to the Water Minister / DEPI Secretary that the incident is being managed well.

State Level strategic risk assessment.

Decisions regarding escalation or de-escalation of the emergency.

Adequate state level resource allocation if conflicting priorities.

Consequence management and a transition to Recovery.

Support communications planning – traditional and social media.

Activation of Water industry Mutual Aid arrangements.
Where there are a number of emergencies occurring concurrently, decisions regarding resource priorities may be made
using this information.
The control and command structure adhered to during interaction with stakeholders is as follows:

Interaction with local stakeholders occurs at the incident level, through the Incident Controller of the IMT

Interaction with regional stakeholders occurs at the Regional level, through the REMT

Interaction with state level stakeholders and government occurs through the whole-of-government reporting process
at the request of the Control Agency.
Safety Officer and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
The safety of water industry respondents, along with safety of the public, is a DEPI Strategic Control Priority.
Incident personnel should only be directed to respond to emergencies if their systems of work and work environments
are safe and without risk to health, and they have the appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to
ensure their health and safety while at work.
AIIMS caters for the appointment of a Safety Officer at Level 1 and 2 incidents. This appointment remains at the
discretion of the Incident Controller. The Safety Officer reports to the Incident Controller on all aspects of potential and
current safety and risk management issues identified at the incident.
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
11
State Control Centre services
The DEPI State Agency Commander role is rostered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be contacted on
1300 13 4444. The Agency Commander is supported by the SCC and can provide advice, resources and logistics
support while also acting as a conduit of information to Government, other emergency services and where appropriate,
the media and the public.
On activation of the SCC a number of additional services can be provided. Refer to http://www.scc.vic.gov.au/ for
additional detail.
Sourcing additional capacity and capability
A water corporation’s ability to respond may be compromised by the event and additional resources may be required. In
the first instance, additional resources should be sought from the following sources (not in priority order):

Support agencies within the municipal area, where prior arrangements for assistance have been made.

Other water corporations through Mutual Aid Arrangements.

The SCC through the DEPI Agency Commander on 1300 13 4444.
Where another agency is the Control Agency, then the Incident Controller for the overall emergency should be notified
that additional resources are being sought.
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
12
Bushfire Code Red Arrangements
Declaration of Code Red days
There are water industry preparedness implications with the lead up to and declaration of a Code Red day.
Prior to declaring a Code Red day, the Emergency Services Commissioner will consult with Fire Services Chief Officers,
the Chief Health Officer and Victoria Police. Advice will be sought from agencies/departments that have oversight of,
health, transport, major infrastructure, water, vulnerable communities and major events.
The days preceding a Code Red day are generally characterised by extreme heat and dry weather with a significant
increase in demand on drinking water services and also necessitating the Chief Health Officer to issue a Heat Health
warning.
The Fire Services Commissioner has the authority to declare a Code Red day. The impacts of a potential Code Red
forecast are broad ranging. There is an expectation that agencies including water corporations will be engaged and
prepared.
Concept of Operations
Key preparedness actions by water corporations should be driven by primacy of life and then maintaining the continuity
of supply of water and wastewater services.
The timeframes which have been planned for and drive the escalation in activities are:
Preparedness
Timeframe
Preparedness actions for water corporations.
Preparedness actions for DEPI Water
Risk and Resilience team.
Receipt of earliest
warning (7 day
forecast)

Consider delaying non-essential works


Bring forward critical works
Notify water corporations and make
aware of potential for declaration of
Code Red

Consider operational needs for high fire risk
areas

Confirm availability of water specialists

Check onsite redundancy systems,
generators, alternative power, chemicals, IT

Confirm contact lists and trigger for
activation

Assess any dependent risks from other
essential services

Review emergency management
arrangements

Secure alternative water supplies where
needed.

Confirm staff availability

Confirm any roster requirements

Maximise water production where appropriate

nominate a Water Specialist

Communications and key messages to staff
and contractors

Check water corporation command and
control

Confirm Regional contact and any liaison
officer requirements

Attend State Emergency Management
Team (SEMT)

Preposition any plant, material or people

Confirm media and public info arrangements
and any key water messages – link to SCC
Three days from
forecast day
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
13
The day before
On the day
Relief
Recovery

Confirm contact details with SCC


Review working in isolation in remote
locations in accordance with individual
corporation processes and procedure.
Note the SCC command and control
and nominate and availability of Water
Specialist

Confirm arrangements under water
replacement policy

Attend SEMT

Water Specialist to be located in SCC
and if required at regional level

Attend SEMT

Provide an assessment of strategic
water risks to SEMT and impact
assessments

Activate Mutual Aid arrangements in
consultation with Water Corporations if
required

Conduct or participate in debriefs as
appropriate.

Observe social media for emerging issues

Communicate the location of high risk assets
and water catchments to the pre formed Multi
agency Incident Controller Centre (ICC).

Request information on the
Local/Regional/State command and control
arrangements for the Code Red Day

Notify staff and contractors on work
restrictions for Code Red day

IMT operating or on standby

Monitor social media

Monitor operations

Monitor weather and fire warnings

Implement Bushfire Plan.

Provide alternative water supplies to impacted
areas in accordance with water corporation
processes.

Provide temporary water supplies or waste
water services to impacted communities within
the water corporation region.

Return systems to normal operations

Determine overall impact assessment and
cost

Undertake debrief
The Victorian Fire Services use Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) as an assessment of the intensity and speed at which fires
will travel, the difficulty of suppressing a fire and the potential impact on the community. The FDR has six levels, with
Code Red denoting the worst possible fire conditions (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Fire Danger Ratings
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
14
Appendix A - ‘First call to DEPI’ checklist
Notification should be made to the DEPI State Agency Commander on 1300 13 4444, followed by email of an
Emergency Confirmation Form
The following information should be provided, if available, on the first call.

Callers:
– Name
– Contact number
– Organisation and position

The nature of the emergency.

The location of the emergency.

Potential consequences

Your assessment of the emergency risk. Level 1 Level 2

Has there been any initial response to the event?
Level 3
– If YES, what? Incident Controller name and contact.
– If NO - how you found out about this emergency. If through another person, their name and contact number.

Are there communities at risk?
– If YES:

Have warnings/evacuations occurred?

Have the police been notified (or the Control Agency if part of a larger emergency)?

Is the emergency the result of suspected terrorist or criminal activity? (Police will need immediate notification).

Has there been any critical infrastructure failure or impact? (high risk)

Can the DEPIs State Agency Commander call back the Incident Controller or original caller?
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
15
Appendix B - Emergency Confirmation Form
Date / time of report:
Date _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _
Time _ _ : _ _ hours
Emergency name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Emergency Type -
dam
Water
wastewater
Irrigation
Details of the person sending the confirmation:
Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Contact number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Organisation _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
What are the potential consequences? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
______________________________________________________
Is there a public safety risk?
Yes / No
If Yes, have the police been notified?
Yes / No
Have any warnings been issued /evacuations occurred?
Yes / No
Is there suspected terrorist or criminal activity?
Yes / No
If Yes, have the police been notified?
Yes / No
Emergency details:
Date of emergency_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Time _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Type of emergency / description_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Location of emergency _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Is it a part of a larger emergency (e.g. flood or fire)?
Yes / No
Initial Assessed Incident level:
level 1 / level 2 / level 3
Incident management details (if known):
Control Agency _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _
Incident Controller name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Contact number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Has there been a failure of critical infrastructure?
Yes / No
If Yes, describe: _ _ _ _ _ ___ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_____________________________________________________
Expected resolution?
Date _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _
Time _ _ : _ _ hours
Time of next report:
Date _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _
Time _ _ : _ _ hours
DEPI SCC 24hr Emergency
Email sccvic.sdo.depi@scc.vic.gov.au
1300 13 4444 AH (DEPI Agency Commander)
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
16
Appendix C - Flood Situation Report
Dam Operator ______________________
Flood Incident Situation Report For Dams
Date: _________
Time: _________ hours
Previous Report:
Date: _______
NEXT REPORT DUE:
Another report will only be issued if a flood warning is
issued downstream of any (dam operator) storages.
External Email Distribution:
BoM VRO Hydrology
DEPI State Agency Commander
VICSES
Time: _______
flood.vic@bom.gov.au
sccvic.sdo.depi@scc.vic.gov.au
Sccvic.sdo.ses@ses.vic.gov.au
Internal Email Distribution Lists:
Dam Operator_____________________
Duty Manager Contact: __________________
This Situation Report is provided as a ‘heads-up’ status report for dams affected by a
significant flooding event.
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
17
___________ RIVER SYSTEM
Dam / Reservoir Name_______
_______ hours date _______________
Storage Level (m AHD)
______
Storage Volume (ML)
______
Storage Volume (%)
______
D/S release (ML/d)
______
Estimated inflows (ML/d)
______
Inflow trend
Increasing / steady / decreasing
Current Operating Status
E.g. Normal operating conditions.
Planning assumptions
Dam / Reservoir Statistics & Data
Full Supply Level
_____ m AHD
Full Supply Volume
_____ ML
Previous Max Flood Outflow
_____ ML/d
Date____
D/S Minor Flood Level
___ m
______ ML/d
D/S Moderate Flood Level
___ m
______ ML/d
D/S Major Flood Level
___ m
______ ML/d
Dam / Reservoir Name (2) _______
_______ hours date __________________
Storage Level (m AHD)
______
Storage Volume (ML)
______
Storage Volume (%)
______
D/S release (ML/d)
______
Estimated inflows (ML/d)
______
Inflow trend
Increasing / steady / decreasing
Current Operating Status
E.g. Normal operating conditions.
Planning assumptions
Dam Statistics & Data
Full Supply Level
_____ m AHD
Full Supply Volume
_____ ML
Previous Max Flood Outflow
_____ ML/d
Date____
D/S Minor Flood Level
___ m
______ ML/d
D/S Moderate Flood Level
___ m
______ ML/d
D/S Major Flood Level
___ m
______ ML/d
(Other dams to be added as required.)
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
18
Appendix D - Water / Wastewater Situation Report
Emergency name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Date / Time of report:
Date _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _
Time _ _ : _ _ hours
Details of the person sending the report
Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Contact number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Organisation _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Incident management details
Control Agency _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _
Incident Controller name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Contact number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Current situation, impacts and losses
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Control strategy
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Critical risks
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Expected resolution?
Date _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _
Time _ _ : _ _ hours
Time of next report:
Date _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _
Time _ _ : _ _ hours
No. of attached / emailed images taken at site ………………………………..
DEPI SCC 24hr Emergency phone:
1300 13 4444 AH (DEPI Agency Commander)
Email:
sccvic.sdo.depi@scc.vic.gov.au
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
19
Appendix E - Dam Situation Report
Dam name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Location _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Date / Time of report:
Date _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _
Time _ _ : _ _ hours
Details of the person sending this report
Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Contact number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Organisation _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Incident management details
Control Agency _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _
Incident Controller name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Contact number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Current situation at the dam – (Failure mode, piping, overtopping, slip, crack)
________________________________________________________________
Potential Downstream impacts ( life, property, another dam, inundation map)
________________________________________________________________
Current Control strategy ( reduce inflows, increase outflows, open scour )
________________________________________________________________
Limiting factors ( weather, access, expert advice, machinery )
________________________________________________________________
Key timings to dam failure ( will the dam fail, when and volume of water )
________________________________________________________________
Expected resolution to event
Date _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _
Time of next report
Date _ _ / _ _ / _ _ _ _
Time _ _ : _ _ hours
Time _ _ : _ _ hours
No. of attached / emailed images taken at site ………………………………..
DEPI SCC 24hr Emergency phone:
1300 13 4444 AH (DEPI Agency Commander)
Email:
sccvic.sdo.depi@scc.vic.gov.au
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
20
Appendix F - Incident Action Plan Template
The Incident Action Plan (IAP) objectives should be based on mitigating the key risks of the emergency, in the following
strategic control priority order:
1.
Protection and preservation of life is paramount - this includes:

safety of emergency services personnel; and

safety of community members, including vulnerable community members and visitors / tourist located
within the emergency area.
2.
Issuing of community information and warnings.
3.
Protection of critical infrastructure and essential services that support community resilience.
4.
Protection of residential property as a place of primary residence.
5.
Protection of assets supporting economic production and individual livelihoods.
6.
Protection of environmental and conservation values.
7.
Safety and welfare of displaced community members.
8.
Effective transition to recovery.
Should circumstances arise where these priorities seem inappropriate, then the Incident Controller must first consult with
DEPI and the relevant stakeholders before they are changed.
INCIDENT ACTION PLAN
Event name:
Date / time of plan:
For time period:
Prepared by:
Approved by:
Pages:
SITUATION
Overview of the current and future
situation including key risks and actions
taken e.g.

Risks to life (respondents and the
community)

Warnings issued and evacuations

Risk to critical infrastructure and
essential services

Risks to property and assets

Risks to the environment
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
21
MISSION
Incident objectives based on DEPI
incident management priorities (see
previous page).
1.
2.
3.
4.
EXECUTION
Strategies (action plan) to achieve the
objectives and allocation of
responsibility.
1.
2.
3.
4.
ADMINISTRATION
Address of:

Incident Control Centre (ICC)

Staging area (where personnel
meet for briefing prior to
deployment)

Welfare/feeding facilities etc.

Fuelling and supply centres.
COMMAND AND COMMUNICATIONS

Incident Management Team
structure with contact details
(radio channel or phone number).

Support Agency contact
arrangements.

Key facility contacts.
SAFETY
OHS arrangements:

Hazards

Medical plan

Safety Advisor
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
22
Appendix G - SMEACS Briefing format
SITUATION

Current Situation, including impacts

Details of incident

Life and property at risk

Location

Weather

Resource deployment
MISSION

What are we trying to achieve

Incident objectives
EXECUTION

How do we plan to achieve objectives

Strategies

Timings
ADMINISTRATION

Logistics of operation
COMMAND / COMMUNICATIONS

Incident Management Structure

Communications Plan

Strategic telephone numbers
SAFETY

Weather

Known / anticipated hazards

Watch-out scenarios

Dress standards

Tasking suited to personnel
QUESTIONS
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
23
Appendix H - DEPI Emergency Contact List
Water and Natural Resources Group
Mobile
Andrew Fennessey
0413 006 787
Marilyn Harris
0412 391 008 (Private)
Siraj Perera
0408 110 939
Konrad Gill
0431 500 111
Pradeepa Adihetty
0438 571 614
Michelle Robinson
0408 331 420 (Private)
DEPI Floodplain Managers
Mobile
Paul Bennett
0407 306 144
Mike Edwards
0409 963 036
Viktor Brenners
0439 023 931
Steve Muncaster
0438 795 375
DEPI Communications
Mobile
Danielle Hartnett
0408 425 348
Wendy Milsom (Part-time : Monday and Thursday)
0438 591 928
Mandy Smith
9637 8978
Nick Talbot
0408 473 278
Kim Payne
0400 983 471
Sarah O'Bryan (Part-time : Tuesday and Wednesday)
9637 8922
Beth Richens – Office of Living Victoria
0477 332 762
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
24
DEPI Regional Contacts
Gippsland Region
Daniel Mainville
North East Region
Bruce Gray
North West Region
Peter Forbes
Port Phillip Region
Rodney Warren
South West & Barwon
Region
Rachael May
03) 5172 2188
0488 481 497
Daniel.Mainville@depi.vic.gov.au
(03) 57 611 542
0400 073 706
Bruce.Gray@depi.vic.gov.au
(03) 5430 4364
0417 331 881
Peter.Forbes@depi.vic.gov.au
(03) 9296 4524
0419 507 052
Rodney.warren@depi.vic.gov.au
(03) 5336 6755
0438 360 539
rachael.may@depi.vic.gov.au
Water Corporation Contacts
Barwon Water
Helen Foster
(03) 5226 2501
0419 394 939
helen.foster@barwonwater.vic.gov.au
Faults and Emergencies
1300 656 007
Ian Davis
ian.davis@barwonwater.vic.gov.au
(03) 5226-9230
0418 352 995
Central Highlands Water
Faults and Emergencies
Cameron Butcher
1800 061 514
Cameron.butcher@chw.net.au
(03) 5320 3182
0408057898
Central Gippsland Water
Peter Rees
(03) 5177-4687
0429 358 770
peter.rees@gippswater.com.au
Faults and Emergencies
1800 057 057
Brian Wallin
Brian.Wallin@gippswater.com.au
(03) 5177 4760
0417 056 697
City West Water
Faults and Emergencies
Scott Vines
132 642
svines@citywestwater.com.au
(03) 9313 8591
0416 181 358
Coliban Water
Faults and Emergencies
Neville Pearce
(03) 5434 1256
0429 943 905
1300 363 200
nevillep@coliban.com.au
colibandutymanager@coliban.com.au
Duty Manager
0417 452 014
East Gippsland Water
Duty Officer
Tony Smith
1300 134 202
TSmith@egwater.vic.gov.au
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
25
(03) 5150 4428
0419 880 473
Gary Pini
gpini@egwater.vic.gov.au
(03) 5150 4421
Gippsland and Southern
Rural Water
Duty Officer East
0412 860 250
Joe Matthews
(03) 9974 4722
0409 352 212
Duty Officer West
josephm@srw.com.au
0417 589 183
Goulburn-Murray Water
martina.cusack@gmwater.com.au
Martina Cusack
(03) 5826 3869
0409 075 047
Duty Manager
1800 064 184
Geoff Enever
geoffrey.enever@gmwater.com.au
(03) 5826 3633
0407 341 867
Goulburn Valley Water
lukeh@gvwater.vic.gov.au
Luke Haines
Duty Officer
(03) 5832 0721
0439 998 033
1800 454 500
Les Goudie
Incident Controller
incident@gvwater.vic.gov.au
0419 545 737
Jessica Hunt
0409 682 219
(03) 5832 0429
jessicah@gvwater.vic.gov.au
Grampians Wimmera
Mallee Water
Darren Raeck
1800 188 586
darren.raeck@gwmwater.org.au
(03) 5381 98790408 315 710
Lower Murray Water
Scott Barnes
(03) 5051 0706
0458 979 355
Scott.Barnes@lmw.vic.gov.au
Faults and Emergencies
1800 808 830
Kevin Murphy
kevin.murphy@lmw.vic.gov.au
0409 044 656
Melbourne Water
Matthew Howe
(03) 9235 7057
0467 718 088
Integrated Control Centre
(ICC)
Matthew.Howe@melbournewater.com.au
132 446
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
26
North East Water
John Day
Faults and Emergencies
(02) 6022 0596
1300 361 644
0409 959 841
Mark Goldsworthy
Duty Manager
jday@newater.com.au
mgoldsworthy@newater.com.au
0400 360 017
(02) 6022 0581
0427 502 883
South East Water
Faults and Emergencies
Martin Poole
132 812
martin.poole@sewl.com.au
(03) 9552 3955
0410 365 373
Katherine Miller
katherine.miller@sewl.com.au
(03) 9552 3059
0409 334 006
South Gippsland Water
Glenn Joy
(03) 5682 0442
0417 142 049
gjoy@sgwater.com.au
Faults and Emergencies
1300 851 636
Ravi Raveendran
ravi.raveendran@sgwater.com.au
(03) 5682 0407
Wannon Water
Sally Obst
sally.obst@wannonwater.com.au
Duty Officer
1300 926 666
(03) 5565 6667
leon.devilliers@wannonwater.com.au
0400 994 578
Leon de Villiers
(03) 5565 6658
0439 945 656
Western Water
Anthony Browne
(03) 9218 5558
0407 165 258
1300 650 425
anthony.browne@westernwater.com.au
Duty Incident Controller
0418 517 664
Westernport Water
Derrick Harrison
(03) 5956 4155
Faults and Emergencies
dharrison@westernportwater.com.au
1800 249 090
Graeme Rocke
groche@westernportwater.com.au
(03) 59564121
Yarra Valley Water
Faults and Emergencies
Frank Portelli
132 762
frank.portelli@yvw.com.au
(03) 9872 2634
0400 089 782
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
27
Appendix I - Abbreviations
AIIMS 4
Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System (fourth edition)
DEPI
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries
DH
Department of Health
DHS
Department of Human Services
EMJPIC
Emergency Management Joint Public Information Committee
EMMV
Emergency Management Manual Victoria
EMT
Emergency Management Team
IC
Incident Controller
IMT
Incident Management Team
MERC
Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator
RCC
Regional Control Centre
REMT
Regional Emergency Management Team
SCC
State Control Centre
SEMT
State Emergency Management Team
SERP
State Emergency Response Plan
SMEACS
Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration, Communication and Safety
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
28
Appendix J - DEPI Regional Boundary Map
DEPI Regions
Address
Contact Number
Barwon South West
Corner Fenwick and Little Malop Streets Geelong
3220
03 5226 4667
Gippsland
71 Hotham Street Traralgon 3844
03 5172 2111
Grampians
402-406 Mair Street Ballarat 3350
03 5336 6856
Hume
89 Sydney Road Benalla 3672
03 5761 1611
Loddon Mallee
Corner Midland Highway and Taylor Street Epsom
3551
03 5430 4444
Port Phillip
8 Nicholson Street East Melbourne 3002
03 136 186
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
29
Appendix K - Glossary
Coordination: The bringing together of agencies and resources to ensure the effective response to and recovery from
emergencies - primarily concerned with the systematic acquisition and application of required resources.
Victoria Police are responsible for the coordination of the response to all emergencies in Victoria and the Department of
Human Services (DHS) is responsible for the coordination of recovery.
Command: The direction of resources in response to an emergency and operates vertically within an agency. Agencies
retain the command of their own staff, unless by agreement, regardless of the Control Agency.
Control Agency: The agency nominated to control the response activities to a specified type of emergency.
Incident Control Centre (ICC): The location where the Incident Controller and appointed members of the Incident
Management Team provide overall direction of response activities.
Incident Management Team (IMT): The group of incident management personnel comprising the Incident Controller,
and the personnel he or she appoints to be responsible for the functions of Operations, Public Information, Intelligence,
Planning and Logistics.
Multi-agency incident: A situation that occurs when more than one agency, e.g. DEPI and CFA, have responsibilities or
when both agencies’ areas of responsibility are threatened or included within the operational area of an incident.
SMEACS: A briefing format incorporating: Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration and logistics, Command and
Communications, Safety and questions.
Support Agency: Provides essential services, personnel, or material to support or assist the Control Agency or affected
persons. A Support Agency is an agency with specific skills and resources to support the response to a particular type of
emergency.
Water, wastewater and dam safety incidents
30