EPPR. Emergency Prevention Preparedness and Response. Progress Report th Ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council 15 May 2013

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1 EPPR Emergency Prevention Preparedness and Response Foto: Hurtigruten / Tomas Mauch 8th Ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council 15 May 2013 Kiruna, Sweden 1

2 Table of Contents Mandate 2 Response to Arctic Council priorities 2 Main achievements in Recommended Practices for the Prevention of Oil Pollution (RP3) 3 Arctic Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response Agreement 3 Consequence Management Training 3 Implementation and follow-up 4 Work plan for List of projects and activities 4-5 Cross-cutting projects and activities 6 Communication and outreach 6 Administration 7 Mandate The mandate of EPPR is to deal with the prevention, preparedness and response to environmental emergencies in the Arctic. EPPR is not an operational response organization. Members of the working group exchange information on best practices and conduct projects to include development of guidance and risk assessment methodologies, response exercises and training. The EPPR work plan, updated at each meeting, is refined biennially through Ministerial declarations and is further shaped by guidance from Senior Arctic Officials. The goal of EPPR is to contribute to the protection of the Arctic environment from the threat or impact that may result from an accidental release of pollutants (i.e. oil, chemicals and radiation) or questions related to the consequences of natural disasters. Response to Arctic Council priorities EPPR has focused on two projects in particular for the 2013 Arctic Council Ministerial meeting. The first project is the Recommended Practices for the Prevention of Oil Pollution in the Arctic (RP3) that addresses the Nuuk Declaration mandate given to EPPR regarding oil spill prevention. The second, in response to a request from SAOs in March 2012, support the Task Force on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response by developing Operational Guidelines to be appended to the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic. In addition to these two priorities, EPPR has undertaken activities and developed projects aimed at improving Arctic States capabilities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies involving petroleum, radiological materials, or hazardous noxious substances. The total expenses for the different EPPR project activities from 2011 to 2013 is approximately 1,3 million USD. Approximately 700 participants have been involved in the different meetings, exercises, workshops and conferences. 2

3 Foto: AECO Main achievements in Recommended Practices for the Prevention of Oil Pollution in the Arctic (RP3) EPPR conducted two workshops to develop the RP3: in Oslo, Norway, October 2011 and in Keflavik, Iceland, June The first workshop successfully brought together experts to develop the key elements of focus for the RP3 report and to chart a path forward. The workshop benefitted from broad participation from all Arctic States and included representatives from different authorities, industries and observers. The second workshop was convened to further develop the report and shape the conclusions. This workshop was held in cooperation with PAME and breakout sessions included PAME s Health, Safety and Environment project participants. The RP3 report was revised based on results from the workshop and circulated for further comments. The 3rd draft report was submitted to the Arctic Council for review in September 2012, and EPPR discussed the final draft report at their October 2012 meeting. The RP3 report was revised based on the feedback from the Arctic Council review and EPPR comments. The draft report was presented to Senior Arctic Officials (SAOs) at their meeting in Haparanda in November EPPR issued two products under the RP3 project: a full technical report and a high-level overview document containing recommendations to Ministers. Arctic Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response Agreement In March 2012, the SAOs requested EPPR to develop operational guidelines for Arctic Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response Agreement, addressing coordination and cooperation in response operations and notification as a priority. EPPR drafted Operational Guidelines and discussed them in depth during the October 2012 EPPR meeting. Best practices from other international bi- and multilateral agreements were reviewed and were important input to the draft text. The second draft was submitted to the Task Force for consideration in their meeting in Reykjavik in October Based on discussions in the Task Force meeting, it was decided that EPPR would develop a complete set of Operational Guidelines rather than just priority chapters. EPPR held a workshop in Canada, in January 2013 where the guidelines were discussed, completed and prepared for submission to the Task Force. Canada and Norway have been the co-leads on this project. Consequence Management Training EPPR conducted an international consequence management training course in October 2012 to address the complex issues related to responding to a release of radiological material. This new course, hosted by Denmark, was well received and EPPR plans to conduct additional training courses during the next chairmanship period. 3

4 Implementation and follow-up on EPPR projects Prevention: Based on the information and findings in the RP3 technical report, EPPR has identified potential draft prevention initiatives that will contribute to safer operations and increase knowledge of the Arctic risks and possible mitigation measures. Radiological response: EPPR conducted a radiological emergency response exercise at a radioactive waste management site in Saida Bay, Russia, July Over 200 people participated in the exercise. EPPR s experience in conducting radiological emergency exercises has been valuable in verifying emergency response capabilities and identifying issues and gaps to be addressed for further action. EPPR s next radiological exercise will be a full-scale exercise in Russia scheduled for the summer of Work plan for List of projects and activities Arctic Rescue The lead of this project is Russia. The focus of the project is to elaborate best practices, recommendations and key elements of the emergency risks assessment system and the system for improving safety of potentially hazardous facilities. One of the elements is establishment of complex Search and Rescue Centers in the Arctic Regions of Russia along the Northern Sea Route. The overall goal is international promotion of advanced national experience and improvement of emergency preparedness through the exchange of information. A series of conferences have been held under this project. The next conference to be conducted is Emergencies, Preparedness and Response in the Arctic Including Oil Pollution Issues to be held in the Russian Federation Naryan-Mar city, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, August The conference will focus on implementation of the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic. Development of Safety Systems in Implementation of Economic and Infrastructural Projects Led by Russia and Norway, the Safety Systems project focuses on emergency response training. The overall goal is the improvement of industrial and environmental safety related to economic and infrastructural projects (primarily development of hydrocarbons on the Arctic continental shelf and hydrocarbons transportation). In 2012, demonstration drills were conducted focusing on practicing emergency delivery of rescue forces and equipment to the emergency situation zone in the Arctic. As part of the drill, Emercom of Russia aviation based in Norilsk city deployed to the exercise venue on August 23. International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arctic Region Chapter; In Situ Burn (ISB) Canada is the lead for this project, with USA and Norway as co-leads. The background is to contribute to the IMO Arctic Region Chapter on ISB of Oil Spills on Water and Broken and Solid Ice Conditions. The overall goal is to improve emergency preparedness and response capacities. The main activity is to develop text to include in the IMO Guidelines. The timeline is to finalize the text in Arctic region Oil Spill Response Resource and Logistics guide The lead for the project is the U.S. with Canada as co-lead. The background for the project was to develop a guide and a GIS tool for oil spill response resource and logistics. EPPR is employing the Arctic Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA) as the GIS component: The overall goal is to improve Arctic emergency preparedness. The website is live and has been used for several Arctic drills and a few potential incidents. To incorporate comprehensive data sets from Canada, the US (NOAA) co-hosted a workshop with the Inuvialuit Settlement Region Joint Secretariat and the Coastal Response Research Center (CRRC) on incorporating Canadian data into Arctic ERMA, February, 2013 in Edmonton, Alberta. The purpose of the workshop was to identify key data and information needs, data output sources, as well as functionality and access enhancements that would help in these scenarios. The outcomes of the workshop included: better understanding of US and Canadian data management practices and systems, improved identification of data available and needed, identification of long-term training needs for Arctic Communities, and discussion on methods for incorporating traditional local knowledge. Participants were from multiple sectors such as government response, environmental protection and fisheries, weather and natural resource agencies, private industry, non-governmental organizations, local indigenous communities, and universities. Arctic Guide for Emergency Prevention Preparedness and Response The U.S. is the lead for this project. The background and rationale is to develop a revised guide which include revised Environmental Risk Matrices. The overall goal is to facilitate information sharing and improvement of prevention and emergency preparedness measures. The main activity is to update the Arctic Guide. The report is to be finalized in June RP3: Develop recommendations Canada and Norway are co-leads. EPPR was tasked by Ministers to develop recommendations for the prevention of marine oil pollution. The overall goal is to improve prevention measures. The outcomes are a technical report and a summary report with recommendations which are submitted to the 2013 Ministerial. Recommendations contained in the RP3 report will be carefully considered and projects within EPPR s mandate will be developed through for consideration by SAOs. 4

5 Foto: Tone J. Sund Radiation Emergency Training and Exercises The project is co-led by the U.S. and Russia. The background is to conduct Emergency Response Training. The overall goal is to improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities. In October 2012 EPPR conducted an International Consequence Management Training Course which was hosted by Denmark. The course teaches tools and techniques to develop and execute plans for responding to a release of radiological material. EPPR will conduct additional radiological response training in In order to validate preparedness and identify potential gaps in capabilities, EPPR conducts radiological emergency exercises. In June 2012, EPPR conducted an emergency response exercise in Russia and the Saida Bay Branch of the Northwest Center on Radioactive Waste Management. EPPR s next radiological exercise will be a full-scale exercise in Russia scheduled for summer Emergency Rescue Team Technical Support The lead and co lead for this project is the U.S. and Russia. The background is to improve technical capabilities, and the overall goal is to improve emergency preparedness. After EPPR s 2010 radiological response exercise at the Nerpa Shipyard, some specific equipment needs and training enhancements to improve overall emergency response capabilities were identified. Equipment upgrades and associated training were provided. This project will be completed in Community Radiation Information The leads of the project are the U.S. and Russia. The background for the project is to improve communication about radiation to the public. The overall goals are information sharing, improve prevention measures, improve emergency preparedness and improve response capabilities. Training, exercises, job aids, a glossary of nuclear terms, and a Compendium of Good Practices in Emergency Public Information were produced under this project. This project will be completed in Technical Analysis Capabilities for Radiological Emergency Response The leads of this project are the U.S. and Russia. The background and rationale for the project is to improve technical analysis in the event of a radiological emergency. The project included development of a prototype information support system which provides response teams with a spectrum of technical information to assist in planning the most efficient response, while minimizing radiation doses to rescuers and maximizing effectiveness of response actions. The overall goal is to improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The project will be completed in Technical Crisis Center Support to the EMERCOM The leads for the project are the U.S. and Russia. The background is to develop Technical Crisis Center support to the EMERCOM Crisis Situation Management Center.. The project included development of procedures to access technical support for radiological emergency responses, training, and in the final phase, cataloguing and updating an instructional video library to ensure future accessibility for users. The project will be completed in Arctic Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue Network (AAmverNet) The leads for this pilot project are USA and Canada. The background for the project is to follow up AAmverNet Fact sheet 2011 and Notice to Mariners The overall goal is to improve emergency preparedness. The main activity was to evaluate a pilot AAmverNet. The project will be finalized in Operational Safety and Health of Arctic Oil Spill Response Workers Led by the USA, the purpose of this project is to develop a guide for Occupational Safety and Health of Arctic Oil Spill response Workers in order to improve regional operational capabilities to protect Arctic oil spill response workers.. The overall goals are information sharing to better understand the unique hazards to these workers and to improve prevention measures, emergency preparedness, and response capabilities. The main activity is to develop a guide and a report. A draft report will be prepared in 2013 and the project will be finalized in Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response - Operational Guidelines EPPR is responsible for maintaining and updating the Operational Guidelines for the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic as per SAO decision on 20 January 2012, and will develop procedures for doing so. 5

6 Foto: Larissa Shpinkova / IBRAE Foto: Trond Johansen / SNSK Cross-cutting projects and activities The chairmanship is responsible for projects, co-operation and information sharing with the other working groups. EPPR is contributing to several projects conducted by other working groups. Projects developed to address the RP3 recommendations will likely be cross-cutting where input and/or leadership from AMAP, CAFF and PAME will be of great importance. Communication and outreach EPPR has recently launched a new website. All outcomes from projects, reports guidelines and presentations are posted at the website. EPPR is working on a communication plan that will be discussed at the June 2013 meeting. EPPR will also update its Strategic Plan in

7 Foto: Larissa Shpinkova / IBRAE Administration EPPR held two meetings in 2011 and 2012 respectively. In addition, EPPR undertook workshops, exercises and contributed to meetings of other working groups or initiatives. The next EPPR meeting will be in Oulu, Finland 3-4 June, EPPR does not have a dedicated budget, nor a permanent secretariat. Projects are funded individually by contributions from participating countries and in some cases by external funding based on applications. Norway has been responsible for the chairmanship and its secretariat duties and associated costs since the last Ministerial. Mr. Ole Kristian Bjerkemo (Norway) chairs the working group and Ms Ann Heinrich (USA) is the vice-chair. 7

8 For further information EPPR Secretariat Norwegian Costal Administration Department of Emergency Response P.O. Box 1502, NO AALESUND Telephone / EPPR Emergency Prevention Preparedness and Response 8