Rural Emergency Planning Constraints & Opportunities

RURAL EMERGENCY PLANNING – CONSTRAINTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Univ. of Idaho Department of Geography Michele D. Vachon, CHMM, Ph.D. Student Courtney M. Thompson, Ph.D. Student Dr. Tim G. Frazier

Regulations Federal

State • Regional • Local

Hazardous Materials  Secretary of Transportation  Risk to health, safety and property when transported in commerce  49 CFR (DOT Regs)  Hazardous Materials Flow Studies (HMCFS)

Background

Modeling

Plume Analysis

Interviews

Conclusion

Case Study

North Central Idaho

Case Study: North Central Idaho

Project Scope  Community Emergency Coordinator  Previous studies  TRB Guidebook for local hazmat studies  Plume analysis

Constraints

Survey conditions

Data availability

Time

Budget

Field Work 20 locations

80 hrs. 2hrs 2x periods

Capture HazMat Bulk Shipments

Observation Points

Field Observations Vehicle • Type • Capacity Route • Location • Traffic flow Placard • Hazard Class/Division • Placard Info

Field Observations Hazard Class/Division

Total Shipments

2.1 Flammable gas (LPG/propane)

11

2.2 Non-flammable gas (anhydrous ammonia)

10

2.3 Gas poisonous inhalation 3 Flammable and combustible liquid (gasoline and diesel)

1 33

5.1 Oxidizer

3

8 Corrosive material

2

Percent HazMat Breakdown 53

17 8

8 1 Flammable Nonflammable gas gas

Gas PIH

Flammable liquid

Oxidizer

3 Corrosive

Top 3 Hazardous Materials 41,655 live within evacuation zone for these materials

Additions to Methodology

Plume Model

Data Gap

Ammonia Plume Model - Lewiston

LPG Plume Model - Moscow

Deliverables • Produced HazMat Flow Study for 5-County Region • Disseminated to stakeholders • Regional and state agencies • Region 10 FEMA approved • Increased understanding of hazmat issues in rural regions

Interviews & Outcomes Awareness

Training

Grants

Spill Drills

Conclusion • Rural communities could improve their hazmat studies with plume modeling • Improved and affordable analysis with already existing limited resources • More realistic understanding and awareness of what type of incident could occur

THANK YOU! Special thanks to the Don Gardener, Clearwater County Emergency Coordinator, the Idaho Dept. of Homeland Security