LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) CHAIRPERSONS/STAFF CONTACTS MEETING SYNOPSIS

Transcription

1 LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) CHAIRPERSONS/STAFF CONTACTS MEETING SYNOPSIS BETTY EASLEY CONFERENCE CENTER ROOM ESPLANADE WAY TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA OCTOBER 3, :30 PM MEMBERS IN ATTENDENCE: LEPC Chair Jennifer Hobbs, Chair Richard Delp Ron Mills Richard Knoff Chris Rietow Gary Weiss Scott Ehlers Bruce Porter Joseph Nelson Gary Koen LEPC Staff Tim Kitchen Kathy Ahlen Dwayne Mundy Jeff Alexander Michael Arnold Chuck Carter John Meyer John Gibbons Kate Boer Manny Cela

2 CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS Chair Jennifer Hobbs called the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Chair/Staff contacts meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by introductions. TRAINING TASK FORCE UPDATE Chief Don Sessions reported that the Training Task Force is finalizing the HazMat Field Operations Guidelines (FOG) Appendices to reflect the addition of two new protocols. The two new protocols are the use of foam agents and Maritime firefighting tactics and strategies including the potential integration of local Hazmat teams and the U.S. Coast Guard. Chief Sessions related that the Training Task Force discussed the need to update the SERT Technician HAZMAT competencies check off sheet and the SERT HAZMAT Training Guidelines. Chief Sessions indicated that a request for proposal (RFP) is being developed to solicit firms interested in bidding to perform the scope of work requirements. Chief Sessions summarized the issue regarding the Domestic Security Oversight Council (DSOC) decision to reduce the allowable number of Regional Hazmat teams in the state to a maximum of 3 per region, with a total of eighteen (18) regional hazmat teams statewide. The Training Task Force sent a letter to the Regional Domestic Security Task Force requesting an assessment of what is actually needed for Weapons of Mass Destruction/HAZMAT response. The TTF further requested that this future assessment be utilized to help determine the ideal number of regional Hazmat teams that are needed in each region. Chief Sessions disclosed that since the DSOC accepted the State Working Group Ad Hoc Committee s initial recommendation to reduce funding of regional hazmat teams statewide, several hazmat teams in the State of Florida will no longer be eligible to receive Regional Domestic Security Task Force Funding (RDSTF). Chief Sessions reported that a meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2013 in which the DSOC will finalize funding for the regional hazmat teams in the state. Chief Sessions announced that the Florida Fire Chief Associations (FFCA) will be voicing opposition to the reduction of hazmat teams without a risk/threat vulnerabilities assessment. Chief Sessions urged each Training Task Force member to reach out to the first responders and interested parties in their respective region to provide a unified message regarding opposition to reducing hazmat teams. Chief Sessions stated the Training Task Force will inform the group of the results of that meeting.

3 Chief Sessions disclosed the Training Task Force recommended a second letter to be sent from the SERC to the DSOC asking for reconsideration of the number of Hazmat teams to be funded for each region. The Training Task Force further requested that a draft letter be developed outlining the Commission opposition to the defunding of regional hazmat teams and their assets. Lieutenant Jonathan Lamm announced that the second annual HAZMAT Training Symposium schedule has been distributed and the event will be held at Fire Rescue East during January 23 24, Mr. Lamm indicated there will be a HAZMAT competition held on January 22, Mr. Lamm made note that the Training Task Force is seeking sponsorship from the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) for the January 2014 Hazmat Symposium. Mr. Tim Date added that the Training Task Force and the Local Emergency Planning Committee meetings will be held on January 21, 2014 and the State Emergency Response Commission meeting will be held on January 22, DISTRICT REPORTS In addition to HazMatters, the Districts reported the following; District 1: Ms. Kathy Ahlen reported that District 1 LEPC conducting HAZMAT monthly training. Ms. Ahlen stated that all three hazmat teams in the region will participate in this training. Ms. Ahlen stated the LEPC will be conducting four 4-hour E-Plan Operational Level Training classes in the District (West Florida Regional Planning Council and Ocean City) during November 12-13, District 2: Mr. Chris Rietow announced that District 2 LEPC held full scale exercise focusing on mass decontamination in cooperation with the Tallahassee Fire Department. The hazmat exercise involved a hazardous materials leak in a classroom. A video presentation was made of the exercise. District 3: Mr. Dwayne Mundy disclosed that there were several large chemical releases in the District 3 LEPC region this quarter. Mr. Mundy also reported that the Florida Division of Emergency Management conducted a Risk Management Program Audit in Madison County. District 4: Mr. Jeff Alexander stated that District 4 LEPC completed a Commodity Flow Study for Hazardous Materials as part of their HMEP Planning Project. Mr. Alexander provided an overview of the data collected, mentioned the interstate/highway corridors observed and made recommendations for training based on the most chemicals transported. District 5: Mr. Michael Arnold reported that the District 5 LEPC Biennial exercise will be a table top, multi-jurisdictional exercise involving CSX freight line.

4 District 6: Mr. Tim Kitchen announced that District 6 LEPC is planning upcoming HMEP Training classes in CAMEO in Osceola County and Lake County and a E-Plan Training class for Emergency Response, Planning, and Investigation. District 7: Mr. Chuck Carter disclosed that District 7 LEPC purchased a couple of cylinders for Chlorine training. The devices include an end cap from the one ton cylinder and 150 pound cylinder. The cylinders will be loaned to agencies in the District for training purposes. Mr. Carter made it known that other LEPC districts can also request use of the cylinders upon availability. District 8: Mr. Scott Ehlers reported that District 8 LEPC had Ethanol Training in response to incident at the Port of Tampa. Mr. Ehlers encouraged all LEPCs to check with their local first responders to ensure that they have right quantity and amount of foam on hand to respond to an incident of the same nature. Mr. John Meyer added that District 8 LEPC will be sending members of the Regional Hazmat Response Teams to Maritime Training in November. Mr. Ehlers announced that he would be stepping down as Chair of the District 8 LEPC. District 9: Mr. John Gibbons stated that the District 9 LEPC will meet with a representative from Wedgworth Fertilizer at the next LEPC meeting on December 6, Wedgworth Fertilizer located in Moore Haven, Florida is the fifth largest producer of Ammonia Nitrate in the United States. The Wedgworth representative will provide an update on Ammonia Nitrate. District 10: Ms. Kate Boer reported that District 10 LEPC held three (3) Methamphetamine Clandestine Lab Response classes in St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach Counties. District 11: Mr. Manny Cela announced that District 11 LEPC staff conducted its Annual Training Needs Survey. The survey is sent to members and interested parties to collect information on specific training needs in the District as well as possible venues for the coming year. The Training Subcommittee met and made recommendations for the LEPC to vote on. OTHER BUSINESS DISCUSSION ON THE HAZARDS ANALYSES CONTRACT WORKGROUP REPORT Tim Date Mr. Tim Date noted that the Hazard Analysis Working Group Sub-Committee met on September 25, Mr. Date noted that the Subcommittee discussed opportunities for improving the hazards analyses program and identified priorities. Mr. Chris Rietow suggested that the LEPCs or Counties should decide

5 which sites are priorities and need to be visited each year. Mr. Date recommended changes to the hazards analyses contract scope of work. Mr. Date added that at the next Hazard Analysis Working Group Sub-Committee conference call he will discuss FDEM s legal staff s comments as to what is actually required by law. Mr. Manny Cela suggested that facilities that do not require hazards analyses site visits should receive less funding allocation and facilities with identified higher risk receive the increase funding allocation. Mr. Michael Arnold expressed concerns about the amount of time and effort that is required to prepare hazards analyses, and expressed his opinion that the hazards analyses funding allocation is not enough for rural counties Ms. Eve Rainey pointed out the hazards analyses funding allocation was based on the counties receiving the current amount and having the regional planning councils participate in order to reduce the number of hazards analyses contracts needed throughout the state. Ms. Jennifer Hobbs proposed that the Hazard Analysis Working Group Sub- Committee members receive ideas and suggestions from the LEPCs and Counties and present those comments at the next meeting in January. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CONTRACT SPENDING REQUIREMENTS Jennifer Hobbs Ms. Jennifer Hobbs inquired about the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Contract funding period based on the state fiscal year (July June). Ms. Hobbs asked if requirements and deadlines can be changed. Mr. Paul Wotherspoon explained that the past agency (Florida Department of Community Affairs) administering the HMEP contracts ran out of budget authority, so the HMEP contracts were changed to correct the issue. Mr. Wotherspoon explained that he is willing to go back to the federal fiscal year (October September). Mr. Gary Weiss expressed concern as why grant contracts were not getting out on time. Mr. Wotherspoon explained that the financial services requirements have changed. Increased oversight of Program requirements by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) was cited to be the main issue at this time. Mr. Dwayne Mundy requested that the Florida Division of Emergency Management notify all regulated facilities by mail regarding Tier II submissions and not just provide facilities with an notice as was done in prior years. Mr. Wotherspoon stated that notifying facilities by was required; however facilities could also be notified by letter if the LEPC would like FDEM to do so.

6 Mr. John Gibbons inquired about the HMEP funding period for next year. Mr. Wotherspoon explained the HMEP funding period for next year will be October 1, 2014 September 30, Mr. Michael Arnold stated that the District 5 LEPC requested additional HMEP funding for last year but did not receive any additional funding. Mr. Arnold inquired as to why unspent HMEP funds were returned to the United States Department of Transportation. Ms. Linda McWhorter, Preparedness Bureau Chief made it known that the LEPC membership could contact her directly for assistance regarding HMEP grant funds in the future if necessary. Ms. McWhorter reiterated that she does not like returning monies to the federal government and she will work diligently to address the LEPC s concerns. Mr. Paul Wotherspoon announced that Mr. David Hart, of the Department of Homeland Security would not be making the presentation on Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards due to the shutdown of the federal government. MOTIONS MADE: Ms. Kate Boer offered a motion that the Division notifies all regulated Section 302/311/312 facilities by mail regarding Tier II submissions. The motion included a request that all correspondence be routed through the LEPCs for review prior to distributing to facilities. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Ms. Kate Boer offered a second motion that HMEP Planning and Training contracts reverberate back to the federal fiscal year. The motion was tabled in order to receive additional instructions on how HMEP funds will be handled. The issue is scheduled as an agenda item for the January meeting. More Discussions followed: Mr. Chuck Carter referenced the HMEP grant funds that were sent back and inquired as to how the HMEP grant funds were allocated. Mr. Ron Mills requested that the Division provide a complete accounting of the HMEP grant funds for revenues and expenditures. Mr. Dwayne Mundy questioned the funding allocation for LEPC staffing. Mr. Mundy continued stating that the allocated amount reflects $486,845 in the Financial Status Report Section on page 19 of the SERC package; however, LEPC staff receives only $450,000. Mr. Mundy noted that there is $36,845 difference between the two amounts and requested an explanation for the discrepancy. HOW-TO-COMPLY HANDBOOK UPDATE Kathy Ahlen Ms. Kathy Ahlen pointed out that the How-to-Comply Handbook was a good reference tool but it was out of date. Ms. Ahlen requested that the handbook be updated on the Florida Division of Emergency Management FloridaDisaster.org website in a PDF format. Mr. Jeff Alexander recommended that the How-to- Comply Handbook be put in word version to allow for constant updating.

7 Discussion followed and ended with Mr. Alexander volunteering to provide a word version of the How-to-Comply Handbook. Ms. Ahlen agreed that the Emergency Planning Community Right to-know Act (EPCRA) booklet should either be updated or taken off the Division s website. Ms. Boer stated she would check her files for a word version of the booklet. Discussion followed on the web site and other changes that should be made. Mr. Sam Brackett requested that the Committee members notify him of any corrections or items needing updating on the Florida Division of Emergency Management FloridaDisaster.org website and assured them he would see that it was taken care of. ISSUES FOR STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE COMMISSION (SERC) Ms. Jennifer Hobbs reported that there are a few items the LEPC would like to bring forward to the SERC. The first item is that the Florida Division of Emergency Management notifies all Section 302/311/312 regulated facilities by mail regarding Tier II submissions. The second item is the funding allocation for LEPC staffing. The third is the location of the April 2014 LEPC meeting. Ms. Kate Boer agreed to host the April 2014 LEPC meeting in Singer Island (Palm Beach County). A motion was made to hold the April 2014 LEPC meeting in Singer Island. The motion was seconded and passed. Chief Michael Murphy asked that the request for the accounting of hazards analyses program funds be forwarded to the SERC. Mr. Ron Mills requested for a detail accounting of all program funds. Ms. Hobbs agreed to forward to the SERC a request for a detail reporting for Hazards Analyses funds, Local Emergency Planning Committee, and Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness funds. Ms Rainey requested an update of the status of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Florida Division of Emergency and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the submitting of Tier II information. Mr. Dwayne Mundy noted that the State Emergency Response Commission needs to update its Memorandum of Understanding with LEPCs and Fire Departments to include E-Plan rather than Florida HMIS for electronic Tier II submittal and sharing. Chief Murphy noted that the contract agreement with the E-Plan provider that is signed and executed needs to ensure compliance with EPCRA requirements in the State of Florida. Ms. Hobbs agreed to forward to the Committee a request for SERC staff to update the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Florida Division of Emergency and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the submitting of Tier II information.

8 FUSION CENTER PRESENTATION FL. Department of Law Enforcement Ms. Sylvia Ifft, of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Fusion Center provided a presentation of activities at the Fusion Center. A fusion center is a collaborative effort of state and federal agencies working in partnership with local partners to share resources, expertise, and/or information to better identify, detect, prevent, apprehend and respond to criminal and terrorist activity utilizing an all crimes/all hazards approach. It was announced that a meeting will be held at the Valencia Criminal Justice Institute, 8000 College Lane in Orlando, Florida to discuss Chemical Safety and Security on December 11, SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING The next LEPC meeting will take place January 21, 2014 in Daytona Beach, Florida. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. There being no further business to discuss the meeting was officially adjourned.