LEPC Annual Exercise

June 4, 2024 

This report is written based on the exercise requirements outlined in Section 3750.04(C) of the Ohio Revised Code and the rules adopted under it. * If the exercise complies with the criteria established, the commission shall issue an Order of Concurrence with the conduct of the exercise. * If the exercise does not comply with the established criteria, the commission shall issue an Order Refusing to Concur with the conduct of the exercise. 

Executive Summary: 

On May 4, 2024 at 10:00 am the Scioto County LEPC conducted a Table-Top Exercise at Minford Fire Department. The scenario was based on a traffic accident involving tanker semi-truck and a car at the State Route 823 bypass. The accident caused the tanker truck to rupture and leak Anhydrous Ammonia into the environment. Some of the motorists became contaminated and were having ill effects from the chemical exposure. The accident caused a large Anhydrous Ammonia plume and was to blowing downwind forcing motorists to stop traveling. The Table-top exercise provided a good opportunity for the community responders to discussed a hazardous material incident at this location and what were the best actions from them to take. The exercise met the annual exercise requirement of Ohio Revised Code 3750.04 . 

The exercise was evaluated by the following evaluators: 

Robert Czechlewski, Director - Jackson County EMA 

Garth Wireman, Director - Greenup County EMA 

Michael Boster, Director - Lawrence County EMA 

The Exercise Facilitator was Lorie Mount Ohio EMA Southeast Region Supervisor. 

In order to receive a concurrence for an exercise, the LEPC must successfully demonstrate a majority of the Points of Review for each chosen Objective. The LEPC chose to evaluate the following Objectives: 2, 3, 7, and 9. 

The Facilitator and Evaluators feel that the activities within the exercise did demonstrate Objectives – 2, 3, 7, and 9; did not demonstrate Objectives - None. 

Objectives: Objective #2: Incident Assessment. 

Demonstrate the ability to identify the hazardous material(s) involved in the incident and to assess the associated health and physical hazards. 

Points of Review Available: 10 

Needed to Meet Objective: 6 

Number Met: 10 Number 

Not Met: 0, ( ) 

Number Not Applicable: 0, ( ) 

The exercise players successfully demonstrated the Incident Assessment objective. Minford Fire Department discussed proper procedures to approach the incident scene. The ERG book was used to determine proper distancing and personal protective equipment along with the using SDS sheets as they became available. This information was then shared with the other exercise players. All actions, according to participants, were based on existing Standard Operating Procedures and the county Emergency Operation Plan. 

Points Not Met: None. 

Points Not Applicable: None. 

Corrective Action Recommendations: No corrective actions made at this time. 

Objective #3: Incident Command. Demonstrate the ability to implement an Incident Command System and effectively direct, coordinate, and manage emergency response activities. 

Points of Review Available: 10 

Needed to Meet Objective: 6 

Number Met: 10 

Number Not Met: 0, ( ) 

Number Not Applicable: 0, ( ) 

The exercise players successfully demonstrated the Incident Command objective. The exercise players discussed the establishment and how the Incident Command Post would be identified. The assignment of the Incident Command was discussed. The players discussed working with the Scioto County EMA/EOC when activated and what role the agency would play in a large incident. Public notifications to the public and off-site agency were discussed. Record keeping at the 911 center was discussed. The actions discussed during the exercise were based on existing plans and procedures. 

Points Not Met: None. 

Points Not Applicable: None. 

Corrective Action Recommendations: No corrective actions made at this time.  

Objective #7: Response Personnel Safety. Demonstrate the ability to protect emergency responder health and safety. 

Points of Review Available: 14 

Needed to Meet Objective: 8 

Number Met: 14 

Number Not Met: 0, ( ) 

Number Not Applicable: 0, ( ) 

The exercise players successfully demonstrated the Population Protective Actions objective. The participants discussed the geographical area at risk and appropriate actions were identified based on the risks posed and the area impacted. The player discussed how the actions would be coordinated and communicated amongst appropriate organizations (e.g., fire, law enforcement, dispatch, and EMS). The players dicussed initial media alerts and how notifications would occur. Notification would be done in a timely manner, with updates provided by the pre-designated public information officer (PIO). The players discussed how records would be kept to document protective actions decisions made, instructions issued and actions implemented. The actions dicussed were based on existing plans and procedures. 

Points Not Met: None. 

Points Not Applicable: None. 

Corrective Action Recommendations: No corrective actions made at this time. 

Objective #9: Emergency Public Information. Demonstrate the ability to coordinate and disseminate accurate information about the incident to the public and the media in a timely manner. 

Points of Review Available: 9 

Needed to Meet Objective: 5 

Number Met: 9 

Number Not Met: 0, ( ) 

Number Not Applicable: 0, ( ) 

The exercise players successfully demonstrated the capability to implement Emergency Public Information. The county Emergency plans pre-identified a Public Information Officer (PIO) for emergency. The PIO for the Table-top discussed gather incident data, preparing messages for review, and release the information to the public and posting on media outlets. The PIO discussed working with lead agencies to stay informed on changes in the incident. The initial media notification were discussed in a timely manner as well when updated should be released. Documentation was discussed and monitoring of the media was discussed. Actions discussed were based on existing plans and procedures. 

Points Not Met: None. 

Points Not Applicable: None. 

Corrective Action Recommendations: No corrective actions made at this time. 

Additional Recommendations: The following is a roll up of evaluator recommendations from each objective. 

For the following objectives, the evaluators note: 

Objective #2 – 

1. Table-Top exercise location was noisy and made it difficult to hear discussions. 

2. Make sure all FDs have the new 2024 ERG. 

3. Recommend that a commodity flow Study of the chemicals transported in the area be conducted. 

Objective #3 – 

1. ICS positions need to be identified, also signage for the ICP. 

2. ICS needs to determine a way to keep reports of the Incident. The assignment of a scribe at the Command Post could be one way. 

3. Implement an on-scene accountability system. 

Objective #7 – 

1. Get Minford FD a 4 gas meter. 

2. HazMat Technician training for some of the Fire fighters. 

3. Do a HazMat exercise with one of the Hazmat team next year. 

4. Use Turnout gear and SCBA to escort victims. 

5. Make sure the FD’s have a copy of the HazMat plan. 

Objective #9 – 

1. Agencies should be mindful that there is a Central Emergency Public Information function at the EOC who can coordinate public information. Organizations such as the the schools can utilize this communication capability to ensure they “speak with one voice” concept takes place. Critique Findings: A critique involving the exercise players and evaluators was held immediately following the exercise. The evaluators reviewed their findings and discussed them with the exercise players. Responders and support agencies agreed this was a great learning experience and that the exercise encompassed the objectives as stated. They plan to continue reinforcing the working relationships that exist in their local response community and updating plans as needed to address recommendations. 

This report is respectfully submitted by, Daniel E. Endrizzi, SERC Exercise Facilitator (614) 296 4364