Running Head: COMMUNICATION EMERGENCY PLAN AND MINE CLEAN-UP
Communication Emergency Plan and Mine Clean-Up
Rebecca McGruder
Dr. Wheeler
MPH 584
12-13-15
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COMMUNICATION EMERGENCY PLAN AND MINE CLEAN-UP
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Introduction
Earlier this year the city of Durango and La Plata County in Colorado had to declare a
state of emergency because an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cleanup crew released
mine waste into the Animas River. One million gallons of waste, carrying heavy metals like iron,
zinc, and copper, spilled into the river (Ford, 2015). In the United States the EPA has
approximately 500,000 abandoned mines, with thousands considered contaminated, that they are
in charge of cleaning up. There is always the risk for a buildup of contaminated water, and in
Colorado these mines have the potential to contaminate the water supply for small towns. When
the emergency happened in Colorado no communication emergency system was set in place and
the EPA was not prepared to handle this crises (Associated Press, 2015). An emergency system
needs to be created, so the EPA can respond in a timely manner. Small towns in Colorado
communities depend on safe mine clean up to protect their water supply, there needs to be a clear
system of preparedness by the EPA in order to prevent the cleanup from damaging the water
supply it is trying to protect. Mines are generally located in rural areas, where private wells are
the main source of water (Locke, 2015). Mine spills are an example of point source pollution and
it is easy to identify, control, and treat because the pollution can be pinpointed to a specific
source (McKenzie and Pinger, 2015). If the response time to controlling this kind of point source
pollution can be minimized more efficiently the environmental effects will be minimized.
Vision, Mission, Objectives, Strategies, and Action Plan
Vision
The Vision of this intervention is to protect clean water supplies.
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Mission
The mission of this intervention is to protect the water supply of those in mine clean-up
areas by developing a communication emergency system to handle a mining water crisis.
Objectives
By 2017 100% of state and local agencies where the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) is cleaning up mine sites will have a specific communication plan.
By 2017 100% of EPA mine clean- up workers will have completed a training program.
By July 2016 communication between EPA clean-up workers in isolated areas and those
that can provide help will increase 100%.
By 2017 a new emergency communication plan for mine clean-up will be implemented
by the EPA.
Strategies
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Develop a clear and comprehensive communication emergency plan for the EPA, for
accidents related to mine clean-up in order to protect the water supply of communities
around abandoned mines.
-
Develop a specific communication plan for state and local agencies when the EPA is
cleaning mines.
-
Develop a communication tool to be utilized in the communities where mine clean-up
is happening.
-
Provide satellite phones to those working in clean-up mines.
-
Develop a training program to be completed by all EPA clean-up workers.
COMMUNICATION EMERGENCY PLAN AND MINE CLEAN-UP
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Action Plan
Initiative: Develop a clear and comprehensive communication emergency plan for the
EPA, for accidents related to mine clean-up in order to protect the water supply of communities
around abandoned mines.
In order to develop a specific communication plan for emergencies when cleaning mines
it will be important to first research successful programs to gather ideas. The Red Cross has an
excellent emergency and disaster response service and has been proven to provide effective
communication (American Red Cross, 2015). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a
wealth of information to assist in developing a successful communication plan and would be a
great asset for research (CDC, 2013). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has
tools to help build a successful emergency response plan, and has been proven effective in
emergency situations (FEMA, 2014). This needs to be the first step to implementing this
initiative. Reflection on the current emergency system and how it failed in Colorado is necessary
in order to provide the best solution and understand the need for a change. Analysis of successful
programs will show any weakness and holes in the current program and provide motivation to
improve the current system.
Initiative: Develop a specific communication plan for state and local agencies when the EPA is
cleaning mines.
A communication plan will be created that has clear direction in order to facilitate good
communication between the local governments and the EPA. The current communication
structure between states and the EPA is not consistent and varies from state to state (EPA,
2015c). The Office of Emergency Management within the EPA is responsible to prepare for and
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preventing environmental emergencies (EPA, 2015a). A committee formed from within the
Office of Emergency Management will enlist the help of state and local agencies with
contaminated mines listed to be cleaned. A survey will be developed to gather data on effective
communication at each governmental agency in order to understand the best chain of command
in an emergency. This data will be evaluated and a specific communication plan will be
developed and implemented by the EPA and the state and local agencies. No increased cost is
needed to implement this initiative. It will be challenging to gather the information and those in
charge of the survey will need to be persistent in gathering completed surveys.
Initiative: Develop a communication tool to be utilized in the communities where mine clean-up
is happening.
A communication tool will be developed to provide information to the community on
how they will be contacted and what to do if there is an emergency. It will be important to
develop a website for easy communication and constant access to information for those in
communities where mine clean-up is happening. Utilizing the information gathered in previous
initiatives document will be created and distributed to all community members. This document
will be mailed and will include instructions, contact information, and information on online
communication tools. It is important that these tools be clear and concise with accurate
information in order to facilitate effective communication (Mind Tools, 2015). A specific team
will be developed by the EPA to create these tools. This will involve the cost of new employees
and will be challenging because it involves the initial development of these tools.
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Initiative: Provide satellite phones to those working in clean-up mines.
Satellite phones need to be provided to those working in isolated areas with no cell phone
coverage. The EPA needs to purchase and provide workers with these phones, which will
involve a new cost for the EPA. Satellite phones range in cost from $500 to $1,000 dollars, with
the need for individual SIM cards for service. SIM cards minutes can be purchased individually
(BlueCosmo, n.d.). These phones should only be used in an emergency so the cost of minutes
should not be too vast, and after the initial purchase of the satellite phones the cost will be
decreased.
Initiative: Develop a training program to be completed by all EPA clean-up workers.
Utilizing all the new information created by the previous initiatives a new training
program needs to be developed and all workers should complete the new training. The additional
tools and plans need to be added to the current program. Those who run these programs need
access to the new information and will incorporate it into the current program. The EPA already
requires training in order to assist in Superfund site issues, like mine clean-up (EPA, 2015d). The
new information can be included in already required programs and training. Some of the training
is online and it would not take too much cost and time to incorporate the new information into
the online aspect of training (EPA, 2015d).
Literature Review
The Gold King mine spill occurred in the Colorado River Basin and affected the water
supply of six U.S. states (Chief, Artiola, Wilkinson, Beaner, and Maier, 2015). The chemicals
released into the water totaled approximately 190 tons, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and
cadmium. Lead as a toxin affects the body cumulatively and many body systems can be altered.
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Lead can be distributed to the brain, kidneys, liver, and bones (World Health Organization,
2015). Mercury can affect the nervous system, eyes, kidneys, intestines, and cause
developmental issues (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), 2011).
Arsenic can cause issues to the renal system, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, and
the neurological system (ATSDR, 2009). Water quality was affected for months, agriculture was
halted for a short time, and livestock and aquatic life was affected. Drinking water had to be
analyzed before ensuring it was safe for consumption and those using a well had to get their
wells tested. Long term effects are not fully understood at this time, and it is possible metal
sediment can be stirred and released into the future (Chief et al, 2015). This shows that mine
spills have long reaching effects to health and the environment.
In 1996 a mine spill occurred in the Philippines and large amounts of mine waste spilled
into the surrounding area (David, 2002). The mine pollution sediments settled on the ocean floor,
affecting the marine life. High metal concentrations were found three years after the crisis, in
1999. Marine sediments traced to the mine spill contained copper, manganese, lead, and zinc in
high concentrations (David, 2002). Copper can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach issues, and
diarrhea. High concentrations can cause liver and kidney damage (ATSDR, 2004). High
concentrations of zinc can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, anemia, and pancreas
damage (ATSDR, 2005). This is another example of the potential long reaching effects of mine
spills and contamination. Metal concentrations are not easily removed permanently after
contaminating a water source. It shows the importance of water source monitoring well after the
mine spill is initially cleaned.
In Romania two dam failures in 2000 led to the release of contaminated water into a main
tributary (Macklin, Brewer, Balteanu, Coulthard, Driga, Howard, and Zaharia, 2001). Pollution
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and fish deaths were the main result of this spill. Testing of the water showed little movement of
contaminated sediment over time and the water contained heavy metal concentrations. The
metals can settle into the sediment and release toxins long after the spill is contained (Macklin et
al, 2001). These spills affect the environment long after the spill is cleaned up. Communities
need to understand this in order to be motivated to keep testing their private water supplies.
In the mid 1980’s several Pennsylvania communities experienced outbreaks of giardiasis
(Penn State Extension, 2015). Hundreds of people were contaminated and many more were
exposed because the drinking water was contaminated with giardia cysts. Giardia is an intestinal
parasite and can cause diarrhea, gas, greasy stool, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and
dehydration (CDC, 2015). Those with private drinking wells were required to test and safeguard
their water supplies (Penn State Extension, 2015). This case shows the importance of clean
drinking water. Contaminated water exposes the entire community to disease, illness, and health
effects.
The largest waterborne disease outbreak in the United States was in Milwaukee in 1993
(Water Quality and Health, 2014). Cryptosporidium is a chlorine-resistant parasite and it affected
25% of the population of Milwaukee. This resulted in over 96 million dollars in healthcare costs
(Water Quality and Health, 2014). Cryptosporidium infection causes watery diarrhea,
dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting (Mayo Clinic, 2015).
This event lead to changes in water quality treatment processes, how water quality is monitored,
and public health regulations (Water Quality and Health, 2014). This outbreak highlights the
importance of clean water and good water quality control. Contamination of water supplies
affects a large amount of the communities’ population and can cause high financial burdens.
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These examples of the long term effects of mine spills on the quality of water showcases
the importance of having a concise, quick, and effective response to an accident. Most mines are
located in rural areas and most rural communities rely on untreated private sources, like wells,
and utilize groundwater (McKenzie and Pinger, 2015). This initiative is essential in order to
protect groundwater sources. Water is essential for life and clean drinking water is necessary
(McKenzie and Pinger, 2015). Fifteen million United States households rely on private wells and
all private wells use groundwater (CDC, 2014). These wells are not regulated and need to be
tested regularly. If contaminated it is the responsibility of the owner to make sure the well water
is safe for drinking (EPA, 2015b). These spills release contaminants long after the crises. The
faster the response the less impact on the drinking water supply.
Extended Parallel Processing Model
When motivating the community where mines are located to regulate and be vigilant to
possible contamination it is important to establish a perceived threat. The Extended Parallel
Process Model (EPPM) is a good guideline to ensure success (DiClemente, Salazar, and Crosby,
2013). This model theorizes that individuals will either accept the message based on fear and be
motivated to change behavior or reject the message and focus on controlling fear (DiClemente et
al, 2013). It is important to establish a perceived threat, in this case contamination of water. The
community needs to feel like they are susceptible to mine leaks and that if their water is
contaminated it will have severe effects on the community. It is important that the community
understand the threat and how it affects them. It is also important, according to the EPPM, to
establish within the community the ability to respond to the threat. The developed community
tools given to the community through this initiative should give clear information on what to do
if there is a mine spill. The main goal is to motivate the community to get well water tested
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immediately and for some time after containment. If the community focuses on controlling fear
instead of behavior change they will not get their water tested. If the EPPM model is utilized it
will increase the success of the communities response.
Evaluation
The program evaluation framework will be used to ensure effectiveness of this
intervention. The four standards of utility, propriety, flexibility, and accuracy are elements that
should be achieved by this initiative and this framework will help to ensure effectiveness of the
program (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1999). This framework involves six steps.
The first is engaging stakeholders. Stakeholders must be engaged for successful implementation
of changes (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1999). In this program the EPA and the
community surrounding mine clean-ups need to be engaged and invested in this program; they
are the main stakeholders. The second step is to describe the program, which involves
developing missions and objectives. These objectives need to establish a need, expectations,
action plan, and models used to change behavior (CDC, 2011). These have been developed when
creating the VMOSA previously mentioned. The third step is to focus the design of the
evaluation (Community Tool Box, 2015). This defines the desired purpose of evaluation and
how it will be achieved. The evaluation in this program should produce improved
communication between EPA workers and those who will assist in an emergency. The fourth
step is to gather credible evidence in order to bolster the validity of the evaluation and the
recommendations (CDC, 2011). It is important to monitor the amount of satellite phones
distributed, the amount of improved communications, changes in training programs, and
increased education and awareness within the affected communities. Success within this fourth
step will lead to the fifth, the conclusions will be justified (CDC, 2011). If there is success then
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the program is validated. Standards need to be met and a proper analysis conducted to validate
findings (Community Tool Box, 2015). Finally it is important to share information in order to
make sure new initiatives are utilized (CDC, 2011). People need to understand and accept the
information gathered and the resources shared in order to enact change. If people are not
convinced of the value of this program they will not be motivated to implement changes.
If all these steps are achieved it is important to ensure these procedures are held to
specific standards. Utility standards ensure that the initiative is serving a need within the
community. Feasibility standards maintain that the evaluation is appropriate to the initiative
(Morbidity and Mortality Report, 1999). This evaluation will ensure successful implementation
of the program and these changes to the emergency system will protect communities near mine
clean-up sites. Propriety involves legal and ethical standards that should be maintained.
Accuracy standards will show that the program has value (CDC, 2011). Since this initiative is
building on a current system propriety is achieved and the program accurately addresses the
needs of the community. These standards ensure that when evaluating the program the needs of
the community are valued and taken into account. These standards, if met, means the program is
not frivolous and without merit.
Innovation
The EPA has an emergency system set into place for environmental disasters. When the
mine spill happened in Colorado it became evident that the emergency system had a weakness
when it came to early communication (Associated Press, 2015). This innovation strengthens the
already set into place emergency system by focusing on improving the communication when
emergencies develop. An advantage to this innovation is that it builds on already existing
programs, which decrease the need for increased costs to implement and engages those who will
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be implementing the necessary changes. A clear and specific plan will be developed in order to
minimize confusion and provide a concise strategy for success. The state and local agencies are
involved in order to ensure that the plan is practical. The necessary changes will be included on
already operating training programs, which is an easy and straightforward way to update
policies. Providing satellite phones is the main financial burden of this innovation and also the
best way to prevent the previous failures in response. This strategy may have the highest cost,
but it is the easiest and simplest way to improve this situation. Creating a communication tool
between the EPA and the community will involve those who are most affected by an emergency.
Involving an initiative geared directly toward the community is important for engagement.
Limitations
The biggest limitation to this innovation is also one of its advantages. This initiative
utilizes already created organizations and offices within them. Adding more work to those who
already have establish workloads can create stress and resentment. This may impede the progress
of the innovation. The goal is to stress the need to improve the emergency systems set into place
in order to provide better service to those in the communities that are being helped. Another
limitation is the involvement of state and local agencies. It can be frustrating trying to contact
and get information from so many different departments, but it will be the best way to ensure
quality improvements to the emergency program. States should be motivated by improved
environment and health of the communities they are in charge of serving.
Conclusion
There is a need for improvement in the emergency plans within the EPA. It is important
to mitigate the effects of mine spills in order to protect the health of the community and
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environment of those living in these areas. The strategies developed in this innovation will
improve the communication between workers in mines and those who can assist in emergencies.
This innovation will protect those in rural areas who depend on groundwater based private wells
for their clean water. Clean water is important and necessary for a healthy life (McKenzie and
Pinger, 2015). This initiative will increase the response time in emergencies and therefore
decrease the effects of accidental spills.
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