Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Utility companies work to restore service, but efforts are hindered by damaged
roadways and access restrictions. Various natural gas pipelines have suffered sig-
nificant ruptures in segments that cross through the affected area. As the response
teams for the pipeline companies attempt to isolate those segments of the pipeline,
an explosion occurs along the section in Paducah, Kentucky, that severely damages
a main water line and a sewer line. The resulting gas flare ends after a few hours.
Telephonic communications are virtually nonexistent due to major damage to
towers and lines. Broken fuel lines and interrupted travel routes are creating fuel
shortages, leaving very little fuel for backup generators. Meanwhile, hundreds of
critical facilities are without power. Damages to pipelines throughout the area and
manufacturing facilities located in Ballard and McCracken Counties has created
a release of petroleum products (crude oil, gasoline, diesel, etc.) and HazMat (anhy-
drous ammonia, vinyl chloride, etc.). The earthquake and resulting water surges have
broken portions of the levee systems and dams, allowing for HazMat-contaminated
water to overflow into surrounding agricultural areas. Widespread environmental
and economic impacts are expected. The contaminated water creates a significant
risk to drinking water groundwater sources. More than 50 dams are damaged and
all are located in Carlisle, Ballard, Hickman, McCracken, and Graves Counties.
Levee damage is confined mostly to Fulton and McCracken Counties.
Federal Response Efforts
Due to the magnitude of the disaster, the state of Kentucky requested federal
assistance under the Stafford Act for the 15 affected counties. Immediately, the
President issued a disaster declaration for each of the affected states, including
Kentucky. Representatives from federal agencies have arrived and EPA Region VI
has deployed staff to provide support and guidance. Other than personnel support-
ing coordination, the full contingent of federal resources will not begin arriving for
another week.
Local and state responders are overwhelmed. Many responders were injured
while performing response operations in damaged, unsound structures, which has
made the need for additional staffing paramount. In response to the widespread
earthquake-caused damage or destruction of supply sources, resources from around
the country are mobilized; many, however, have yet to arrive due to damaged trans-
portation links. There are also significant problems in identifying where resources
are most needed. Private sector organizations are offering resources and assets to aid
in response efforts. There is a major shortage of qualified responders, especially for
structural assessment, environmental assessment, and monitoring. Responders face
additional stress due to lodging shortages.
Phase 1: 0-4 Days Response Questions
These questions serve to focus your thoughts on the issues associated with the scenario.
In advance of the exercise, participants are expected to read the scenario, review each
question, and develop individual responses to each question.
