Emergency Response: Preparing for Disasters & Emergency Incidents June 2, 2015 Guest Secured Password: rangers!

TCEQ EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Sam Barrett Waste Section Manager TCEQ DFW Region

Goals of this Workshop Communicate the resources that the State of Texas has available to assist with disaster and emergency response actions. Provide an opportunity for emergency response personnel in the DFW area and surrounding counties to meet and get to know each other.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality TCEQ is the State of Texas’ lead environmental agency. Responsible for ensuring that Texans have a safe place to live with the resources available for a quality life. Our goals are clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste. We regulate sources of air and water pollution and the management of wastes.

Texas Hazardous Substances Spill Prevention and Control Act The TCEQ is designated as the State’s lead for hazardous substances spills and releases. We have the authority to make certain an appropriate response is initiated for hazardous substances spills and releases. We have the power to issue emergency orders and implement state funded responses. We also support the Texas Railroad Commission and General Land Office in responding to crude oil releases.

TCEQ Jurisdiction The Texas Water Code and the Texas Health and Safety Code gives the TCEQ the authority to regulate discharges to the water, emissions to the air, and the management of wastes. The TCEQ has the ability to address most situations that create an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and the environment.

Natural Disasters In response to natural disasters, such as floods, tornadoes, wild fires, and hurricanes, the TCEQ cooperates with other state agencies and local municipalities to protect lives, property, and the environment, and to take care of basic human needs. Our primary functions are to secure hazardous substances, oversee disaster debris management sites, and assist public water supply systems and wastewater treatment plants. We reach out to local communities, cities, and counties to determine if they need assistance.

All Emergencies Are Local Local jurisdictions are responsible for ensuring the public safety and welfare of their residents. TCEQ provides support to local responders. TCEQ has staff that are trained and prepared to respond to all types of emergencies and disasters.

TCEQ Capabilities TCEQ response staff have been trained on National Incident Management Systems and the Incident Command System. Ability to sample and analyze air, water, soil, and waste. Strong technical support staff that include chemists, biologists, geologists, engineers, toxicologists, meteorologists, etc. that can help solve problems and facilitate a successful response.

TCEQ Funded Response Action When a responsible party is unable or unwilling to implement an appropriate response, the TCEQ can initiate a state funded response. The TCEQ may recover twice the costs incurred by the TCEQ during the state funded response from the Responsible Party.

When the Governor issues a Declaration of State of Disaster The Texas State Operations Committee (SOC) is activated to enable rapid deployment of state resources. The SOC is operated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Disaster Districts are the State’s regional emergency management organizations that serve as the initial source of state emergency assistance for local governments. State resources committed to assist local governments normally work under the general direction of the Disaster District Chair and take their specific task assignments from the local Incident Commander.

Disaster Declaration Governor The State Operation Committee (SOC)  Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM)  Emergency Management Council 32 state agencies Red Cross and Salvation Army Disaster Districts  Chairman, Local Texas Highway Patrol Commander Local Emergency Officials and Organizations  Emergency Management Coordinator  Emergency Operation Center Incident Command

Support for Incident Command Incident Command Emergency Operation Center Disaster District Center State Operation Center Governor State resources are directed to support the Incident Commander.

Emergency Response Operational Priorities Protect life and property. Support rapid and effective response. Collect and disseminate accurate incident information to improve decision-making. Accurately track incident costs associated with assigned resources for cost recovery. Maintain communication with impacted local jurisdictions.

Thank You We are all dedicated to protecting people from injuries and death, and ensuring that we are prepared to implement a positive response to mitigate any negative impacts from any emergency situation. Protecting human life is the highest priority.