Transcript Slide 1
A State Perspective on Impacts
of Deepwater-Horizon Incident
Northwest Area Committee Meeting
Astoria, Oregon
Jeff Christensen
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
18 November, 2010
SOME POSITIVE OUTCOMES OF
DEEPWATER-HORIZON ON THE
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
#1) We are reminded that a significant
disaster can strike any at any time
#2) Existing stockpiles
of equipment are
replaced and in some
cases upgraded
#3) Personnel in private and public sector
gain valuable experience
#4) We exercised mutual aid in a new and
different way
#5) Oil spill research lessons learned
In Situ Burning
Dispersants
Modeling efforts
#6) Lessons learned from organization of the
response action
Joint Information
Center
Public
Affairs
Finance
Unified Command
FOSC
SOSC
RP
Local, Tribes
Logistics
Liaison Officer
Safety Officer
Operations
Planning
SPECIFIC ISSUES FOR
CONSIDERATION OF THE PACIFIC
NORTHWEST RESPONSE
COMMUNITY
#1) Even in a case of a SONS, state roles and
responsibilities for protecting public health
and the environment are relevant
#2) West Coast perspective on our region’s ability
to assist Gulf and Eastern Seaboard States
#3) How do we address public understanding
and expectations?
#4) How can we do a better job involving
communities and local governments in planning
and drills and exercises before an incident?
#5) Should we revisit
worst case planning
standards for
contingency plans
and the Area plan?
Northwest Area Contingency Plan
National Contingency Plan
• The Northwest Area Contingency Plan
is the primary Federal policy and
guidance document for responding to
releases of oil and hazardous
substances to water or land for three
states:
–
• Idaho
• Washington
• Oregon
AND three regional Federal operational areas:
• USEPA Region 10
• U.S. Coast Guard Puget Sound
• U.S. Coast Guard Sector Portland
• Identifies a command structure for
event management
For more information…
• http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/cu/index.htm
• Jeff Christensen, Manager
Emergency Response/Environmental Cleanup
Land Quality Division
Oregon DEQ
(503) 229-6391
[email protected]