Natural and Environmental Disasters Rebecca King, State School Nurse Consultant WVDE-Office of Special Programs

What ? On January 9, 2014, 7,500 gallons of MCHM leaked from storage container at Freedom Industry into Kanawha River approximately 1 mile from WV Water Company intake. Governor declared a State of Emergency: Affecting drinking, cooking, bathing and all usage of water in 9 counties except for flushing and fire. Unknown MSDS due to minimal research on chemical CDC involved with unknown chemical effects Local restaurants and public school systems closed

MCHM MCHM is a colorless oil with an odor of licorice Crude MCHM is a chemical foaming agent utilized in the processing of coal at coal preparation plants to remove impurities that contribute to pollution during combustion. The chemical washes coal in a process known as "froth flotation," which involves the separation of sand-size particles of coal from the surrounding rock within a tank of water or other solution. MCHM is utilized in about 20 to 25 percent of coal preparation plants in West Virginia. MCHM is not used in the majority of West Virginia's coal preparation plants, because it is only used to produce coal for metallurgical purposes, a type of coal known as "coking coal" and most West Virginia plants process coal that is to be used for the generation of electricity.

How? FEMA distribution points for bottled water with limitations Schools out for 7 days. Return to school plans unknown Safety first with use of bottled water for drinking and cooking Hand sanitizer No water fountains Schools continued to not use tap water through April 2014 to ensure safety of students

Time Frame January 9 spill January 13 zone flushing begins January 18 all zones completed and “All Clear” to use tap water January 20 due to smell Governor says he cannot be 100% sure of safety so “it is your decision to use water”

Discussion Points Individual Preparedness (Children/Elders) School Preparedness Triage for students and staff Long-term effect/disease tracking Schools as part of local teams and government when making decisions Use of School “Warn System”(Phone call system) to communicate with students, parents and staff Other points

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