REGION III STANDING REGIONAL RESPONSE TEAM (RRT) MEETING
State College, Pennsylvania
Thursday, September 13, 2012
0830 to 1217
STANDING RRT CHAIRPERSONS: Dennis Carney & Gerald Heston (Alternate), U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region III; David Ormes & Leonard Rich (interim
Alternate), and RADM Steven Ratti, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) District 5.
AGENDA:
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Convene, Introductions, and Co-Chairs’ Opening Remarks
Welcome to State College, PA – Kerry Leib, PADEP
Introduction to RADM Steven Ratti, Fifth Coast Guard District Commander
RRT III Coordinator’s Report – Linda Baines, USCG
Retirement Recognition for Mr. Dennis Carney
PRESENTATIONS
o Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO) Region III
o Pennsylvania Fusion Center (PaCIC)
o NRDA Activities During DWH
o Homeland Response Force (HRF) Capabilities
o Navy Spill Response Overview
State/Commonwealth Reports
o Pennsylvania
o Virginia
o Maryland
o Delaware
o West Virginia
o District of Columbia
Agency Reports
o Department of Commerce (DOC) – National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA)
o Department of Interior (DOI)
o Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
o Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
o General Services Administration (GSA)
o Department of Defense (DOD) – U.S. Navy
o U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
o U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Forest Service
o Department of Transportation (DOT) – Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration (PHMSA)
o Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Protective Security Advisor (PSA)
o Department of Energy (DOE)
o Department of Justice (DOJ)
Standing RRT Meeting
State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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o Department of Labor (DOL) – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA)
Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC) Reports (Area Committee Reports)
o EPA Region III On-Scene Coordinator (OSC)
o Sector Baltimore (Upper Chesapeake Bay Estuary Area Committee)
o Sector Delaware Bay (Philadelphia Area Committee)
o Sector Hampton Roads (Virginia and Coastal Maryland Area Committee)
o Sector North Carolina (Coastal North Carolina Area Committee)
o Sector Buffalo (Lake Erie Area Committee)
o Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Huntington
o Marine Safety Unit (MSU) Pittsburgh (Port of Pittsburgh Area Committee)
o Sector Ohio Valley
Closing Remarks and Adjournment
HANDOUTS:
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RRT III Meeting Schedule and Agenda – Thursday, September 13, 2012
Defense Coordination Element Region III Update
DCO/DCE Staff Contact list
FEMA Region III Homeland Response Force (HRF Overview Brief)
Maps of Craney Island, Portsmouth, VA
Maryland MDE Report – September 2012
May 2012 RRT III – Delaware DNREC Emergency Response Summary
Sector Hampton Roads FOSC Report RRT III
Sector Baltimore FOSC Report – September 2012
Sector Delaware Bay FOSC Report – September 2012
Sector North Carolina FOSC Report – September 2012
2012 Work Plan for Regional Response Team III
MEETING NOTES:
Mr. Carney welcomed everyone. He expressed his thanks to everyone who attended this RRT
meeting and participated in the Penn State Creamery tour. Thanks to everyone for making this
last meeting memorable. We also want to recognize Mr. Mike Chezik, US DOI (retired) and
RRT III alumni.
The main topic discussed during the Executive Meeting yesterday was the decision to try and put
together a position description for members from states and agencies so that when a transition
occurs, the position within the RRT is fully defined within the home agencies. As of now, the
position descriptions need continuity between and among agencies.
There are upcoming transitions in some of the workgroups. Specifically, the chairpersons for the
NRDA and the Information Management workgroups are stepping down. Although these chairs
typically come from state or federal member agencies, there will still be repercussions due to
these changes.
Standing RRT Meeting
State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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It was also determined that the RRT will increase the use of remote meetings (i.e., webinars,
conference calls) to deal with issues and topics that need to be addressed in addition to the
biannual meetings. The new RRT III meeting schedule will held in May and November of each
year.
Everyone was asked to introduce themselves and state their agency/affiliation.
Welcome to State College, Pennsylvania – Kerry Leib, Director, Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection (PADEP)
Kerry Leib, PADEP welcomed everyone to State College, Pennsylvania. Mr. Leib expanded his
introduction to encourage everyone to take the time to explore this area and enjoy the campus
and surrounding area.
Introduction to RADM Steven Ratti, Fifth Coast Guard District Commander
Dave Ormes introduced RADM Ratti to the membership. RADM Ratti wanted to reiterate his
appreciation to this group for the excellent work that they do at this RRT and the Region. It is
hard to do this kind of job if groups are meeting each other for the first time at a response. The
RRT is very important to a successful response. Region III is looked to throughout the country as
a leader because of its innovative ideas and hard work to better prepare for a response.
Thank you for all you do. It is appreciated.
RRT III Coordinator’s Report
Linda Baines, USCG D5, welcomed and thanked all speakers and participants of the meetings on
Tuesday and Wednesday of this week for their many informative presentations and training
opportunities. We appreciate everyone’s participation. We had a wonderful time at the Penn
State Creamery and we wish to offer a special thanks to the Manager Tom Paulcheck, formerly
of the Marine Safety Office (MSO) Pittsburgh.
Our RRT meeting schedule has shifted to two meetings a year (May and November). The
tentative date for the next meeting is currently scheduled for May 14-16, 2013 in Rehoboth
Beach, VA. The November 2013 meeting is going to be in Charlottesville, VA; tentatively
scheduled for November 19-21.
Ms. Baines reported the following:
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RRT I – next RRT meeting is scheduled for September 18-19, 2012 in Portsmouth,
NH. For more information go to:
http://www.rrt1.nrt.org/production/NRT/RRT1.nsf/AllPages/rrt1.html.
RRT II – next meeting has not been scheduled. For more information go to:
http://www.rrt2.nrt.org/production/NRT/RRT2.nsf/AllPages/rrt2.html.
Caribbean Regional Response Team (CRRT) – next meeting has not been
scheduled. For more information go to: http://www.crrt.nrt.org/.
RRT III – next meeting is scheduled for May 14-16, 2013 at Rehoboth Beach,
Delaware. Additional information will be provided.
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State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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RRT IV – next meeting has not been scheduled. For more information go to:
http://www.rrt4.nrt.org/.
RRT V – next meeting is being scheduled for Oct. 9-11, 2012 in Madison, WI. For
more information go to: http://www.rrt5.org/meetings.php.
RRT VI – next meeting is Nov. 28-29, 2012 in San Antonio, TX. For more
information, go to: http://www.epaosc.org/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=5083.
Worker Safety and Health Technical Conference will be held Sept. 18-19, 2013 in
Washington, DC. Can attend virtually and there is still availability.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference will be held September 23-27 at
the Baltimore Marriot
Earle McFarland, RRT 4 USCG D7 RRT Coordinator has retired in August 2012; his
replacement has not been announced.
Resilient Building Workshop will be held 18 October 2012 in Washington, D.C. at
the National Building Museum at 401 F Street, NW. Pre-register at
www.sustainableconcrete.org.
The RRT and Region III website’s web address is; http://www.rrt3.nrt.org/. The
Regional Contingency Plan (RCP) Homepage website address is located at:
http://www.rrt3-rcp.nrt.org/.
If you have topics or suggestions for training or presentations please contact Linda Marzulli,
EPA, at marzulli.linda@epa.gov, or Linda Baines, USCG, at Linda.H.Baines@uscg.mil.
RETIREMENT RECOGNITION FOR MR. DENNIS CARNEY
Special thanks to Dennis Carney, the EPA RRT III Co-chair, for his 25 years of service to this
region and this RRT. He was awarded a letter from the RRT and the USCG as well as a few
parting gifts from the membership. This is also the last RRT meeting for Linda Baines, our
USCG RRT coordinator from District 5. Ms. Baines has served this RRT for 16 years. Mike
Chezik, recently retired from the US Department of the Interior and long-serving member as the
DOI REO for the Region III and Region V RRTs, was also recognized by this RRT.
Standing RRT Meeting
State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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LEFT: RADM Steven Ratti awarded Dennis Carney (EPA RRT III Co-chair) with his Letter of Appreciation.
RIGHT: Parting Gift from the membership. Mr. Gerald Heston (EPA) looks on in both photos.
LEFT: Dave Ormes (USCG RRT III Co-Chair) and Dennis Carney (EPA RRT III Co-chair) award Linda Baines
(USCG D5 RRT III Coordinator) with a Letter of Appreciation from this RRT.
RIGHT: Mike Chezik, Linda Baines, and Dennis Carney with their retirement cake.
PRESENTATIONS:
PRESENTATION: Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) Region III – Jeffrey Keefe,
ARNORTH, Alternate for COL Timothy Williams, Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO)
Region III
This presentation is provided in its entirety on the RRT Region III website at:
http://www.rrt3.nrt.org. For additional information or if you have any other questions on this
topic, please contact Mr. Jeffrey Keefe (Jeffrey.Keefe@us.army.mil; 210-483-3488).
Mr. Keefe provided a summary presentation of the DCO/DCE array across the country and
provided a staff roster for each DCO around the country. There are ten DCO/DCE programs
Standing RRT Meeting
State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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across the country. Recently, the DCO/DCEs all responded to Hurricane Isaac, worked the
Republican and Democratic National conventions, and the provided assistance with the wildfires
out west this summer. In the event that all DCO/DCE teams are engaged, there is a back-up
Team that can be activated out of Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, TX) that can provide
coverage for any additional events that may occur while the other DCOs are involved. The fiscal
Year 2013 for Region III will be very challenging and busy. Two critical positions recently
underwent new billet assignments – the new deputy just reported for duty and a senior operations
officer has also been brought on board.
PRESENTATION: Pennsylvania Fusion Center – Criminal Intelligence Center (PaCIC) –
Ms. Cathy Baughman, PA State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation
This presentation is provided in its entirety on the RRT Region III website at:
http://www.rrt3.nrt.org. If you have any other questions on this topic or for additional
information, please contact Cathy Baughman (SP-ProtectPA@pa.gov; 855-772-7768) or Lindsay
Hovis (lhovis@pa.gov; 855-772-7768), both of the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center
and a part of the Critical Infrastructure Organization for the state. The Fusion Center puts out
information on roadway and significant weather events to assist decision-makers with the
sourcing of their resources.
The Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, established the Pennsylvania
Criminal Intelligence Center (PaCIC) July of 2003 in an effort to provide law enforcement
agencies throughout the Commonwealth with one central point of contact for their information
needs. There are five tactical intelligence units across PA which investigates groups and
individuals who pose a threat. The PaCIC is staffed 24/7 and has integrated other federal and
state law enforcement agencies within the organization as well as to maintain close contact with
agencies that are not part of the PaCIC (USDA, etc.). PaCIC constantly researches and assesses
to identify threats and trends while maintaining situational awareness across the Commonwealth
by offering access to over 50 databases for gaining information. Another important aspect of
PaCIC’s work is the maintenance of the terrorism and drug tip hotlines for the Commonwealth;
their responses have increased every year.
PRESENTATION: NRDA Activities during DWH – Progress and Updates – Kevin
Reynolds, Ph.D. DOI Case Manager, DWH NRDAR
Due to the sensitive nature of this presentation, a copy will not be posted to the RRT Region III
website. For additional information or if you have any other questions on this topic, please
contact Kevin Reynolds (Kevin_Reynolds@fws.gov; 404-679-7292).
Mr. Reynolds provided the membership with an overview of the NRDA efforts that are currently
underway and with the status of the restoration process for the DWH response. Early restoration
project Atlas, located at http://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/, provides interactive maps and
information on the NRDA activities for this effort.
Standing RRT Meeting
State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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PRESENTATION: Homeland Response Force (HRF) Capabilities – LTC Darryl Bertani,
FEMA III HRF Civil Coordination Chief
This presentation is provided in its entirety on the RRT Region III website at:
http://www.rrt3.nrt.org.
The military CBRN Response Enterprise includes:
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National Guard units assigned to the National Guards of their respective states
Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (WMD-CSTs)
CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Packages (CERFPs)
Homeland Response Forces (HRFs)
All support requests submitted to JTF North must comply with U.S law and DoD policy for
domestic employment of Title 10, U.S. Code, federal military forces. The Title 10 units allocated
to USNORTHCOM for this mission include:
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Defense CBRN Response Force (DCRF) (formerly CCMRF)
Command & Control CBRN Response Elements (C2CREs) (formerly C2CCMRFs)
In addition, a catastrophic incident may require significant contingency-sourced follow-up
forces. When directed by proper authority, the HRF alerts, assembles, and deploys by ground
and/or air. HRF also conducts casualty search and extraction, decontamination, medical triage,
security, and command and control in the vicinity of a CBRN incident in order to save lives and
mitigate human suffering in support of civil authorities.
The HRF teams must be assembled and ready to deploy within 6 hours from alert and mutually
supports other HRFs in all other FEMA regions. The HRF CERFP organizations are summarized
in the figure below:
Left: The HRF locations around the US. One HRF is assigned to each EPA Region. Right: The HRF operational
concept for response – working closely with the CSTs.
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State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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STATE AND COMMONWEALTH REPORTS
Pennsylvania
Representative Kerry Leib, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)
reported the following:
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Pretty normal responses. Most of the PADEP responses have been related to gas well
drilling issues.
One of the major things happening was in Tioga County where a large area reported
that natural gas was bubbling out of the ground, which is a cause for concern. This is
an issue that Pennsylvania has lived with for decades, if not centuries. The situation
has been evaluated to see if a driller in the area was responsible for this new leak. The
company drilling in the area has made changes in their operations to correct the
possibility of any future natural gas leaks.
Two separate tanker truck casualties occurred recently – two tanker trucks, one
carrying butane and one propane rolled over each resulting in a release; and the
interior liner of one acid tanker was compromised, resulting in an acid release.
Maryland
Representative Alan Williams of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) provided
a summary of incidents in a handout.
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MDE and EPA personnel conducted a 3-day evaluation trip to the 29 long-term
monitoring stations for the PEPCO response on the Patuxent River. Of the 29
stations, 10 were considered completed with no further action required. The
remaining 19 stations did not meet the guidelines, so these remained on the list. This
recommendation was taken to the MDE Secretary to request that the 10 clean sites be
removed from the long-term monitoring requirements. The Secretary denied the
request. The 10 “clean” sites were only removed from the EPA list. The MDE
Secretary did agree to reducing the monitoring requirements down to once every three
years.
Emergency Response Units responded to an overturned propane tank truck that had
lost brakes on a steep hill in Port Deposit, Cecil County. The truck had over turned
and struck a condominium building. The truck had to be removed from the building,
and was towed to a safe location and off loaded.
Emergency response units responded to an overturned gasoline tanker also in Port
Deposit, MD. The tanker ignited killing the driver. MDE and fire department units
allowed the tanker to burn itself out.
Emergency response units responded to a leaking cylinder of Dichlorosilane, a water
reactive, air reactive, pyrophoric gas. The cylinder was removed to a 1,000 gal. portatank where it was allowed to offgas into water creating a Hydrochloric Acid solution
that was then neutralized.
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State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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Virginia
Representative Gregory Britt, Virginia Department of Environmental Management (VADEM),
reported the following:
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In the last three years, VADEM has received many notifications: 1,500 of which
involved spills in VA. This year we are at 1,900 notifications (a 20 % increases via
notification)
Caroline County, a rural area, had an incident with Russell Stover candy facility. The
refrigeration system experienced an ammonia release. After multiple entries, the
authorities were able to close relief valve and secure the source.
Methamphetamine labs have also been an issue in Virginia. VADEM has seen a shift
in the locations from southwest Virginia towards the tidewater and Hampton Roads
area. There has also been a noted increase of “one bottle” meth production labs.
Each year EPA picks one state partner. Jack Tolbert from VADEM was nominated
and chosen, making him the state partner for the whole country.
Representative John Giese, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ), was not
present.
Delaware
Representative Ellen Malenfant, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control (DE DNREC), had no significant incidents to report. However, the following was
provided.
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The number of clandestine lab responses has increased this summer in Delaware.
We are working with the USCG on the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) map
update for Sector Delaware Bay.
Representative Ben Anderson, DE DNREC – Water Activities Board (WAB), had nothing new
to report.
West Virginia
Representative Rusty Joins, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP),
reported the following:
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WVDEP is nearing final stages of a study on horizontal well drilling. This was
mandated by legislature to study the safety of impoundments and pits and air
monitoring issues around well production as well as the effects of light and noise on
nearby residents. Nothing has been identified as an imminent threat or of great
concern and this study will be available at the end of the year.
District of Columbia
Representative from the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (DC
HSEMA) was not present.
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State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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AGENCY REPORTS:
The following sections describe agency reports presented at the Standing RRT Meeting.
Department of Commerce (DOC)
Representative Ed Levine, NOAA SSC, provided the following information on his NOAA and
DOC activities since the last RRT meeting:
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Mr. Csulak is away conducting Shoreline Countermeasure Assessment Technology
(SCAT) classes in the region this week.
NOAA's Remediation of Underwater Legacy Environmental Threats (RULET)
Database on sunken wrecks with oil is being finalized.
Delaware Bay Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) map was funded; NOAA would
like to have this update completed by January 2014.
NOAA’s Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA®) mapping
program for Sector Delaware Bay is underway and the new ESI data will be
incorporated into the program upon completion.
The DOC has participated in developing the dispersant monitoring guidance for the
NRT S&T committee. The final draft is undergoing its final editing and should be
presented as final at the October 2012 NRT meeting, if possible.
NOAA is working with the API ISB Subcommittee on human health and safety
studies.
The Alternative Response Technology Evaluation System (ARTES) was designed by
Region III as a means to evaluate potential response options for a spill within a
localized area. The use of ARTES during the Deepwater Horizon response was
unprecedented. It was never envisioned that ARTES would be used to evaluate over
100,000+ public and industry products and suggestions on how to cap the well and
clean up surface oil. The API Industry Technical Workgroup wants to finalize
ARTES and send it to the NRT for incorporation into technical guidance for
evaluating alternative response technologies in the future.
Aerial observation training will be held this winter. The dates will be announced once
the schedule is determined.
They are also looking to fill the Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) position posted
to New Orleans, LA.
NOAA began conducting the Section 7 consultation for Area Contingency Plan
(ACP) for Sector Delaware Bay with NMFS and the USFWS. The sector had a
meeting with FWS on the ACP and will pass that information along to other sectors.
Department of the Interior (DOI)
Representative Lindy Nelson, Department of Interior Region III, reported the following for DOI:
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There is not much to report, as there have been no major incidents within the region.
Thanks to Kevin Reynolds for his presentation today and to Mike Chezik for all your
years of service.
Greg Hogue has also retired as REO in Region IV. Lindy will have to work as his
alternate, with Andrew Raddant currently acting as Lindy’s backup.
Standing RRT Meeting
State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Representative Karl Markiewicz, ATSDR Region III, reporting the following for ATSDR:
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Business is usual; they have been providing support on request, including the
Dimock, PA Residential Groundwater Site.
ATSDR is focusing on public health issues associated with the Marcellus Shale oil
and gas extraction within the region. They have been looking at impoundments and
stations, but there is no data to be released as of yet.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Representative Richard Polley reported the following for FEMA:
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The Regional All-Hazards Plan will be out at the end of September.
In October, the Bluestone Dam Response Plan will be out. Kanawha valley contains a
number of hazmat sites, refineries, and chemical and electric generation plants, etc. If
there is substantial release from the dam, there will be a substantial impact from Ohio
all the way down to Kentucky. This plan will be posted to the website once finalized.
The Inauguration Response Plan is currently under development.
FEMA released IS-450, an online course on emergency preparedness for Federal
employees.
1. IS-450 (Target audience is those folks outside the Washington D.C.
area/National Capital Region (NCR)):
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/IS450.asp
2. IS-450.NC (Target audience is for federal employees within the NCR):
http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/IS450NC.asp
Both courses introduce practical steps Federal employees can take to prepare
for emergencies that could threaten their homes, workplaces, or communities.
The NCR version includes information specific to the Washington, D.C. Area,
including information on Metro, Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
closure and dismissal procedures, and local alerting systems. Both courses
take approximately one hour to complete.
These courses are designed so any Federal department or agency can choose
to adopt them as recommended or mandatory training, depending on agency
needs. Some departments, like DHS, intend to implement these courses as
required training for all employees. Other organizations may choose to
recommend these courses to employees with certain emergency duties, like
members of an Emergency Relocation Group or Occupant Emergency Team.
These courses can be taken online, for free, at the public website for the
FEMA
Independent
Study
Program,
available
at
http://www.training.fema.gov/is/. Employees who complete training through
this Web site will receive a certificate of completion after successfully passing
Standing RRT Meeting
State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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a final exam. In addition, these courses may be available to load into your
agency's own internal learning management system.
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As far as the Hurricane Isaac Response: 2000 people worked/operated in LA and MS.
This will transition to a disaster recovery plan, in which the Federal Disaster
Recovery Framework will be activated. This framework can be found online at
http://www.fema.gov/recoveryframework/.
Government Services Administration (GSA)
Representative Maryann Toniazzo reported the following for GSA:
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A severe weather event produced 80 mph winds, heavy rain, and caused widespread
power outages impacting several states in GSA Mid Atlantic Region’s territory on
June 29, 2012. GSA Region III was activated in support of the declarations and has
provided FEMA support with identifying sources of oxygen supply and finding
leased space for Interim Operating Facilities and Joint Field Offices in West Virginia
and Virginia. We are continuing to provide resource support.
GSA Region III is still supporting disaster response efforts in Pennsylvania resulting
from the 2011 hurricane and tropical storm events.
GSA Region III partnered with the Philadelphia Federal Executive Board (FEB) to
conduct an Interagency Continuity Table Top Exercise called Liberty Down 12 on
Wednesday, August 15, 2012. Representatives from over 25 local, state, and federal
agencies participated in the all-day event in Philadelphia. The exercise facilitated a
learning environment for participants to discuss and exercise their continuity plans,
policies, and procedures within the context of an earthquake scenario. A guest
speaker from the U.S. Geological Survey participated in the event, discussed
earthquake preparedness, and provided great insight as to how an earthquake would
affect the Philadelphia metropolitan area. This exercise was an excellent opportunity
for the 95 participants to discuss and present multiple options and possible solutions
specifically focusing on reconstitution, operational management, remote access to
emergency operating records, and customer contact and support in a no fault
environment.
We also partnered with the Federal Protective Service and offered an interactive
“Active Shooter and Tenant Awareness” class on July 31, 2012, to the Philadelphia
FEB community. Participants learned what measures to take in the event they find
themselves in the proximity of an Active Shooter. The session was well received and
attended by 65 people from 17 different agencies. Additional training sessions are
planned for September 25, 2012.
The GSA Mid-Atlantic and Northeast and Caribbean Regions conducted a joint
Continuity Exercise on May 31. This was an important milestone for both regions.
Region II and Region III share the responsibility as backups for each other on certain
essential functions. The major objective of the exercise was to demonstrate that the
two regions were able to access each other’s emergency operating records and
continuity information. The planning and preparation for this exercise was conducted
by a joint regional team comprised of participants from both regions.
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State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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GSAXcess® personal property (http://gsaxcess.gov/) provides a wealth of resources
to government agencies looking to acquire a wide variety of property at affordable
prices. Each year, re-purposing excess property saves taxpayers hundreds of millions
of dollars. GSA’s Office of Personal Property Management helps federal agencies
dispose of and acquire such property.
The GSA MarkeTips booklets are available on the back table and have information
on FedRooms, the Personal Property Program, and Sustainability.
Department of Defense (DoD) - U.S. Navy
Representative Chris Murray, Navy On-Scene Coordinator (NOSC) representative, was not
present.
US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Representative William Rogers reported the following for the USACE:
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Col. Kent Savre assumed command of the North Atlantic Division on July 31, 2012.
Col. Savre is conducting site visits throughout the Division.
The USACE is developing their Work Plan for FY 2013.
All hazards plans were updated for the North Atlantic Division.USACE has practiced
hurricane modeling based on specific storms using the hurricane modeling group that
is available and assists FEMA.
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Representative Kurt Gernerd, US Forest Service, was not present.
Department of Transportation
Administration (PHMSA)
(DOT)/Pipeline
and
Hazardous
Material
Safety
Representative Alec Dankanich, PHMSA, reported the following:
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The National Piping Mapping System (NPMS) has developed a Public Map Viewer to
allow the user to pipeline systems (gas transmission lines, hazardous liquid trunklines) on
a county-by-county basis. It does not contain gathering or distribution pipelines, such as
lines which deliver gas to a customer's home. Therefore, not all pipelines in an area will
be visible in the Public Map Viewer. For more information on the NPMS Public Map
Viewer, go to https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/PublicViewer/.
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The PHMSA Research and Development (R&D) efforts are currently focusing on three
different studies to foster solutions to many challenges to pipeline safety and protecting
the environment:
o Leak detection methods, which is an on-going process;
o Detection of leaking valves and the use of remote control valves;
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State College, Pennsylvania
September 13, 2012
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o Corrosive nature of diluted bitumen study by the National Academy of Science.
These projects are addressing technological solutions that can quickly be implemented to
improve pipeline safety. For more information on these R&D topics, go to
https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rd.
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The Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference in Baltimore, MD will be held at
the Marriott Waterfront on Sept. 23-27th, 2012. There will be lots of training available at
the conference. www.2011conference.net.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Protective Security Advisors (PSA)
Representatives Ray Hanna, Mark Milicich, and Robert Mooney, Protective Security Advisor
(PSA) were not present.
Department of Energy (DOE)
Representative Steve Johnson was not present.
Department of Justice (DOJ)
Representative Bob Brook was not present.
Department of Labor (DOL) / Occupational of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Representative Adam Hamrick, reported the following for OSHA:
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Participated in the recent PREP exercise with Sector Delaware Bay.
Provided a presentation on the HAZCOM new standard which became effective May
26, 2012. There is a lot of information available on the OSHA website and “Quick
Cards” on the rule requirements available for download or ordering. The Hazard
Communication Final Rule was updated and the changes were published March 26,
2012 in Federal Register (FR) 77: 17574-17896. The Effective Date is May 25, 2012;
however, full implementation will not take place until June 1, 2016. Specific training
requirements on labeling and placarding of chemical components of the new final rule
are to be completed by December 1, 2013. OSHA provided training on the new
HAZCOM requirements for the RRT on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. For more
information go to: HAZCOM on Federal Register.
o OSHA's New Hazard Communication Standard specifies a uniform format
and information requirements of the hazards of the hazardous chemical
information that must be included on Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (replacing
the former Materials Safety Data Sheet [MSDS]). In order to promote
consistent presentation of information, OSHA requires that SDSs follow the
16-section format established by the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) standard. OSHA is preparing a guidance document that will include
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instructions for composing individual sections of the SDS. The guidance
document will be posted on the Agency's website in the near future.
Due to two heat-related mortalities, OSHA is continuing it nationwide outreach
campaign to raise awareness among workers and employers about the hazards of
working outdoors in hot weather, known as the National Heat Campaign. Information
for the workforce is located on the OSHA website. The slogan is “Water. Rest.
Shade.” For more information and additional educational resources, go to
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html.
Will be conducting a Continuity of Operations (COOP) Exercise next week.
NIOSH did a health hazard evaluation on respirable crystalline silica exposure; the
results of that health hazard can be found on the CDC website
(http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/silica/).
FOSC REPORTS (AREA COMMITTEE REPORTS):
The following sections describe FOSC reports addressed during the Standing RRT Meeting:
EPA Region III OSC Reports
Representative Richard Fetzer, EPA OSC, reported on the following:
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Region III OSC is moving forward with the IACP update. They are making good
progress on the writing of the plan and update as well as the mapping portion of the
plan. They expect to bring the final draft to the RRT for adoption at the May 2013
RRT III meeting.
EPA’s Dimock, PA Residential Groundwater Site Response – EPA Region III
conducted an emergency removal action to prevent, limit, or mitigate the threats
posed by the presence of hazardous substances at the Dimock site in Susquehanna
County, PA in January, 2012. Four home wells were found to be contaminated to
with levels of hazardous substances that present a public health concern. The four
homes have been dependent on water donated; EPA conducted sampling for a total of
60 homes in the area. Only four wells were found impacted. EPA wrapped up the site
and developed the final POLREP. The OSC will continue to coordinate within EPA as
necessary and also as necessary with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other
federal agencies, such as ATSDR.
Sector Baltimore (Upper Chesapeake Bay Estuary Area Committee)
Representative LCDR Rick Armstrong provided his complete list of incidents and activities on a
handout (refer to handout). In summary, the Sector reported the following:
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The Sector is participating in the preparation for the Presidential Inauguration (a
Nationally Significant Event [NSE]), which will be held on January 21, 2013.
Coincidentally, this is also Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as well.
They have had various vessel events (summarized in handout).
The Sector hosted Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Techniques training.
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IMD participated in the Naval Air Station Patuxent River Oil & Hazardous Substance
PREP Table Top Exercise on August 29th, 2012.
The Sector began Phase II of the Geographic Response Plan (GRP) for the Upper
Chesapeake Bay.
GRP Boom deployment exercise at Ft. Armistead Park, Patapsco River (date to be
determined).
Upper Chesapeake Bay Estuary Area Committee Meeting, 1000-1200, on 23 Oct
2012 at the Salisbury Fire Department Training Room, Salisbury, MD.
Sector Delaware Bay (Philadelphia Area Committee)
Representative CAPT Kathleen Moore provided a complete list of incidents and activities on a
handout (refer to handout). In addition, the Sector:
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Sector Delaware Bay had a Change of Command on May 24, 2012. CAPT Kathleen
Moore relieved CAPT Meredith Austin as Sector Commander.
The 2011 Virginia earthquake initiated the development of a Sector earthquake
response plan; the plan has been finalized.
The Area Committee has been working on updating the ESI mapping for the Sector.
Combined our PREP and AMSC exercise. We are still incorporating the lessons
learned and the ERMA data is maturing.
Area Committee is trying to explore and understand the changes to the port, with the
understanding that the current market forces changes from sea to rail. This will, of
course, affect the need to change how and where we will now be responding.
The Army Corp (USACOE) – is deepening and widening the river to improve traffic
safety.
Sector Hampton Roads (Mid-Atlantic Coastal Area Committee)
Representative CAPT John Little provided a complete list of incidents and activities in a handout
(refer to handout). In summary the Sector participated in the following:
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CAPT John Little provided an overview of the Craney Island waste oil pipeline
releases. NAVSTA Norfolk has closed their Oily Waste/Waste Oil (OWWO)
pipeline, which extends from Naval Station Norfolk and runs under the Elizabeth
River to the Navy’s Craney Island Fuel Terminal. There have been five (5) releases
from that line over the past year. The releases have all been on land so far; however,
the releases are getting closer to impacting the water. The Navy has hired an external
agency to review the systems and they will be testing the underwater portion of the
pipeline system soon.
There have been two recent incidents with prosecutions:
o SEA Solutions – has had multiple gallon/barrel releases of waste oil into the
water;
o An individual was prosecuted for sabotaging a marine vessel at a marina.
There will be a full-scale PREP exercise on September 19, 2012 with the Colonial
Pipeline as our industry partner at the pipeline crossing on the James River in Surry
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County. The TTX will be testing components of the new Geographic Response Plan
(GRP) in the Sector Hampton Roads Area Plan.
Harbor Safety Joint Area Maritime Committee, a Virginia group, was honored as the
Area Maritime Safety Committee of the year.
Sector North Carolina (Coastal North Carolina Area Committee)
Representative CAPT Anthony Popiel from Sector North Carolina provided a complete list of
incidents on a handout (refer to handout) reported:
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The Sector has engaged with BOERME relative to offshore wind farm requests.
The new Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps for the Sector were delivered
by NOAA this summer.
There has been a strong emphasis on exercises in recent months;
o Recently conducted a Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise with the Sector
relocating to Chapel Hill, NC.
o In July there was a tabletop exercise with the Brunswick nuclear power plant,
which was very well attended.
o There was also a mass rescue exercise on the Little River (border between North
and South Carolina) for a passenger vessel.
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SCAT training will be held this week at the Sector.
SOARS exercise is planned for the end of this month on the Buoy Tender.
The next Area Committee meeting is 9 November 2012.
Sector Buffalo – (Lake Erie Area Committee)
Representative LT Thomas Pequignot had to leave, so there was no report-out for Sector Buffalo.
MSU Huntington (Ohio Valley)
A representative from MSU Huntington was not present.
MSU Pittsburgh (Port of Pittsburgh Area Committee)
CDR Lindsey Weaver, the representative from MSU Pittsburgh, reported the following:
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She relieved CDR Timme on July, 14, 2012. CDR Timme has been re-assigned as the
master of national security strategy program at the National War College in
Washington, D.C.
Cyber threats have become the biggest threat of recent years; the Sector has formed a
Cyber Subcommittee to address these issues.
The SWPA/Wheeling ACP was signed on June 27, 2012 is not on the USCG
Homeport website as it is currently out for review.
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Sector Ohio Valley
Representative CAPT Larry Hewett from the Sector Ohio Valley was not present.
CLOSING REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT:
The Co-Chairs again thank everyone for attending the Region III RRT meetings this week.
Thank you to all our speakers for their dynamic and interesting presentations. If you want to
volunteer or know of a speaker for upcoming RRT Meetings, please contact RRT Coordinators,
Linda Baines (Linda.H.Baines@uscg.mil) or Linda Marzulli (Marzulli.Linda@epamail.epa.gov).
Dennis Carney’s actual last day is January 3rd 2013. Thank you so much for the wonderful RRT
sendoff. He has enjoyed the partnership, friendship, and support at this RRT and hope that it
continues to grow. Thank you again!
The Region III RRT meetings for 2013 are tentatively scheduled for May 14-16 at Rehoboth
Beach, DE and November 19-21 at Charlottesville, VA. Additional information will be provided
as soon as hotel arrangements are finalized. Please continue to check the RRT III website’s
Upcoming Meetings section at http://www.rrt3.nrt.org.
Websites for the RRT
RRT III website address: http://www.rrt3.nrt.org.
Regional Contingency Plan (RCP) homepage address: http://www.rrt3-rcp.nrt.org.
The Standing RRT Meeting adjourned at 1217.