Emergency Action Plans Miriam Gradie Anderson Planning Specialist 608/ Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Dam Safety/Floodplain Management

Presentation will cover: –What is an Emergency Action Plan? –Why are Emergency Action Plans required? –How can Emergency Managers assist in writing Emergency Action Plans? –What is the role of Emergency Managers in implementing an Emergency Action Plan?

What is an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?

This is not a plan!

This is a plan, but not a very effective one.

An Emergency Action Plan is a pre- determined plan of action to be taken to reduce the potential for property damage and loss of lives in the event of an emergency. EAPs are companions to Inspection, Operation and Maintenance Plans which are written to reduce the likelihood of emergencies.

Why is it necessary to have an EAP for a dam?

Under Chapter NR 333, Wisconsin Administrative Code, Dam Design and Construction, owners of large dams are required to develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for each dam they own.

Specifically: NR Applicability. (1) The provisions of this chapter are applicable to dams not owned by the United States government that: a) Have a structural height of more than 6 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 50 acre−feet or more of water. b) Have a structural height of 25 feet or more and a maximum storage capacity of more than 15 acre−feet of water. c) Have a structural height of 6 feet or less or a maximum storage capacity of less than 50 acre−feet of water if the department determines that the dam is likely to endanger life, health or property if it is not designed, constructed or reconstructed in accordance with this chapter.

What is in an EAP?

Ch. NR (3)(c), Wisconsin Administrative Code lists the required components of an EAP. The section states: (c) An adequate emergency action plan shall be prepared for the (c) An adequate emergency action plan shall be prepared for the area downstream from the dam in consultation with the local unit of government and concurred in by the division of emergency government. An adequate emergency action plan shall include, but is not limited to, the following information: 1. A notification flow chart identifying involved agencies, other dam owners both upstream and downstream and their phone numbers. 2. Emergency operation procedures. 3. An inundation map of the hydraulic shadow on a scale of 1" = 2000' or less that extends downstream to an elevation within one foot of the dam nonexistent profile. 4. Procedures for notification of all property owners affected by a dam failure and a list of their names, addresses and phone numbers.

A plan is essentially: A plan is essentially: - What might happen - What I (you) will do when it happens - What others are expected to do when it happens Difference is an EAP is written down and Difference is an EAP is written down and is a signed document is a signed document Communication is key Communication is key

To assist owners in writing an EAP for their dam, DNR Dam Safety has produced a guidebook and a template EAP.

11 Step Process Step 1. Locate and utilize or estimate a hydraulic shadow map which clearly depicts the areas flooded by a dam failure (hydraulic shadow). Step 2. Identify those situations or events that could trigger an emergency condition and require action. Step 3. Evaluate the condition and level of emergency for the various triggering events or situations. Step 4. Identify all jurisdictions, agencies, groups and individuals who will be involved in an EAP. Step 5. Identify primary and auxiliary communications systems, both internal (between persons at the dam) and external (between dam personnel and outside entities).

Step 6. List and prioritize the order of notification for all persons and entities involved in the notification process, and draft a Notification Flowchart. Step 7. Develop a list of resources available to respond to an emergency including location in relation to dam. Step 8. Develop a draft Emergency Action Plan. Step 9. Hold one or more coordination meetings with all jurisdictions, agencies, groups and individuals who will be involved in implementing the EAP or who are on the Notification Lists to receive their review and comments for the draft EAP. Step 10. Make any necessary revisions, obtain the necessary signatures for plan approval/concurrence, and distribute the EAP to those who have responsibilities under the plan. Step 11. Set up process for post incident review, annual review, testing based on the county hazard mitigation plan and revision of the EAP as well as personnel training.

What is an Emergency Manager’s role in an EAP?

Step 1. Locate and utilize or estimate a hydraulic shadow map which clearly depicts the areas flooded by a dam failure (hydraulic shadow). DNR responsible for assisting dam owner. Step 2. Identify those situations or events that could trigger an emergency condition and require action. Discuss Guidance for Determining Emergency Level chart with Emergency Manager to determine if any site specific situations/events exist and if levels are correct. Step 3. Evaluate the condition and level of emergency for the various triggering events or situations. Discuss Level of Emergency Determination Chart with Emergency Manager to determine who is responsible for each step and the process if hydraulic shadow map crosses community or county boundary.

Step 4. Identify all jurisdictions, agencies, groups and individuals who will be involved in an EAP. Review list with Emergency Manager for completeness. Step 5. Identify primary and auxiliary communications systems, both internal (between persons at the dam) and external (between dam personnel and outside entities). Discuss communication equipment used with Emergency Manager to ensure coordination with overall emergency communication systems. Step 6. List and prioritize the order of notification for all persons and entities involved in the notification process, and draft a Notification Flowchart. Coordinate with Emergency Manager for accuracy, completeness and other sources of contact information.

Step 7. Develop a list of resources available to respond to an emergency including location in relation to dam. Emergency Manager may choose to be included in process. Step 8. Develop a draft Emergency Action Plan. Emergency Manager may choose to be included in process. Step 9. Hold one or more coordination meetings with all jurisdictions, agencies, groups and individuals who will be involved in implementing the EAP or who are on the Notification Lists to receive their review and comments for the draft EAP. Review list of reviewers with Emergency Manager for completeness. Emergency Manager may be resource for conducting meeting. Emergency Manager should review EAP to ensure EAP does not conflict with any All Hazards/ Emergency Response/Operations Plans.

Step 10. Make any necessary revisions, obtain the necessary signatures for plan approval/concurrence, and distribute the EAP to those who have responsibilities under the plan. Emergency Manager is a required signer and holder of the EAP. Step 11. Set up process for post incident review, annual review, testing based on the county hazard mitigation plan and revision of the EAP as well as personnel training. Emergency Manager should meet with the dam owner on an annual basis to review EAP and confirm contact information and to discuss opportunities to conduct or participate in dam related EAP exercises. Emergency Manager should meet with dam owner every 5 years to discuss changes to any All Hazards/ Emergency Response/Operations Plans.

EAP Updates Minor changes such as updated contact information do not require an updated Concurrence sheet Minor changes such as updated contact information do not require an updated Concurrence sheet All changes must be distributed to any holders of the EAP All changes must be distributed to any holders of the EAP

Some Dam Statistics

Number of Large Dams893 High Hazard195High Hazard195 Significant Hazard101Significant Hazard101 Low Hazard597Low Hazard597 EAPs on file with DNR are dated 2000 or earlier