Special Environmental Concerns: Emergency Response

 

Successful emergency response requires planning ahead for situations that may cause immediate and serious harm to people or the environment. Potential emergency response situations could include the following:
 
 Waste Management and Remediation Emergencies

To report a spill or accident involving oil, gas, hazardous materials, anthrax, or explosives, contact the state Communication Center at 1 (800) 632-8000 or (208) 846-7610. The call will activate Idaho's Emergency Response Network, which consists of state and local agencies (including designated DEQ field personnel and four regional response teams), and, if necessary, federal agencies. The network will take the following steps:

  • Coordinate state and federal emergency response, recovery, and mitigation operations during emergencies and disasters.
  • Provide technical support to local jurisdictions involved in local emergencies and disasters that do not require human and material resources from the state.
  • Ensure state and local preparedness, response, and recovery plans are consistent with the state's emergency management goals and procedures.
  • Coordinate all requests from state and local governments for disaster emergency assistance.

For more information, visit DEQ's Waste Management and Remediation Emergency Response Web page.

 
 Air Pollution Emergencies

Under the Air Pollution Emergency Rule, DEQ is authorized to take appropriate action when levels of regulated air pollutants cause or are predicted to cause a health emergency. Table 1 below shows the four stages or levels of an emergency, with each stage addressing a progressively more serious air quality event.
 
Table 1. Stages of an Air Pollution Emergency
Stage Title Description
1 Forecast/Caution The National Weather Service issues an Atmospheric Stagnation Advisory, or an equivalent local forecast is issued, triggering an internal watch by DEQ.
2 Alert Air quality has degraded, requiring industrial sources to begin air pollution control actions.
3 Warning Air quality has further degraded, requiring control actions to maintain or improve air quality.
4 Emergency Air quality has degraded to a level that will substantially endanger public health, requiring implementation of the most stringent control actions.
 

For more information, visit DEQ's Air Pollution Emergencies Web page.
 
 Drinking Water Security

Under the federal Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act (known as the Bioterrorism Act), the Safe Drinking Water Act was amended to require community water systems that serve populations greater than 3,300 to implement new security measures. The measures are designed to help protect the supply of safe drinking water and maintain an adequate supply of water for fire fighting (see fire protection section) in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes and drought and disasters caused by humans, including vandalism and terrorist attacks.
 

 Vulnerability Assessments

The federal Bioterrorism Act requires community water systems serving populations greater than 3,300 to conduct a vulnerability assessment (VA) to evaluate weaknesses to potential threats, identify steps that can reduce the risk of serious consequences from attack or acts of vandalism, and prepare an emergency response plan incorporating the results of the VA. Although smaller systems are not required to comply, DEQ urges all water systems to prepare these security aids for their own protection. A self-assessment guide to assist all water systems in completing a VA can be found on the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators' Web site. For more information, visit DEQ's Drinking Water Security Web page.
 

 Idaho Water Area Response Network

Another resource is the Idaho Water Area Response Network (IDWARN), which all water systems can join. This network is modeled on the " utilities helping utilities" concept, which gives water/wastewater utilities the opportunity to be more resilient during disaster response and recovery. IDWARN is designed to provide quick and professional assistance in any situation that overwhelms the capabilities of a water/wastewater utility. No formal declaration of emergency is needed, and assistance can take the form of personnel, equipment, materials, or services. A member utility may request deployment of emergency support to restore critical operations at the affected water/wastewater utility. Water systems are encouraged to participate in this networking resource. Additional information can be found at www.IDWARN.org.
 

 Private Wells

Private well owners are responsible for the safety of their water. While not a requirement, it is recommended that private drinking water wells be tested for common contaminants at least once per year. Testing for bacteria and nitrate iscommon; however depending upon the area, land use activity, and well construction standards used, it may be reasonable to test for other potential contaminants. Questions regarding specifics related to private well testing should be directed to local Public Health Districts. (See projects that use individual wells for more information.)