AREA 3 ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE UNIT

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Basil Blake
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1 AREA 3 ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE UNIT EXERCISE SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 SIMMIE, SASK.

2 AREA 3 EMERGENCY EXERCISE The Area 3 Emergency Response Unit held its annual training exercise as outlined in the constitution on September 13, 2017, in Simmie, Sask. Cliff Terry was contracted to coordinate the exercise under the following criteria: a) act as the coordinator for the exercise b) identify and arrange for any props related to the exercise c) write a final report on the exercise to include the following: - were objectives met - details of the exercise - identify any gaps in the exercise - make recommendations based on the observations of the exercise This report is based on the information obtained in the planning, observations and sequence of events of the exercise. It is not intended to criticize individuals or member companies in any way, but to point out the facts of the exercise as they occurred. Recommendations in this report are based on the sequence of events as they occurred and the exercise coordinator s observations.

3 AREA 3 TRAINING EXERCISE September 13, 2017 LOCATION: Simmie, Sask. TIME: 9:30am & 1:00pm EXERCISE OBJECTIVES: 1. To train member companies personnel in the proper procedures and use of the Area 3 oil spill equipment in an oil spill emergency. 2. To simulate an oil spill at Control Point 10 northwest of Simmie, SK on the Swift Current Creek. 3. To contain and recover a simulated oil spill on flowing water. SCENERIO: A simulated oil spill, using peat moss, to be deployed on the Swift Current Creek. Teams will deploy the oil spill containment and recovery equipment as directed by the exercise coordinator. LOCATION: Control Point #10 located approximately 3km northwest of Simmie, SK.

CONTROL POINT #10 The following teams were organized for the exercises: 1. Lake Boats and Motors 2. Lake Booms 3. Skimmer and Pumps 4. Pipeline and Portable Tank 5.

4 CONTROL POINT #10 The following teams were organized for the exercises: 1. Lake Boats and Motors 2. Lake Booms 3. Skimmer and Pumps 4. Pipeline and Portable Tank 5. Safety Prior to deploying the equipment for the exercise, the Exercise Coordinator had each team enter the Equipment Trailer to review the equipment each team required for the exercise.

5 BOAT TEAM REVIEWING EQUIPMENT IN TRAILER BOAT TEAM REMOVING EQUIPMENT

6 BOOM TEAM REMOVING EQUIPMENT FROM TRAILER SKIMMER AND PUMP REMOVED FROM TRAILER

7 PORTABLE TANK BEING SET UP BOAT BEING DEPLOYED INTO THE WATER Following the assembly of all the spill equipment, Cliff Terry directs teams to move their equipment into position.

8 SKIMMER BEING MOVED INTO THE WATER BOOM IS ATTACHED TO THE SKIMMER Peat moss was dumped into the Swift Current Creek from the top of the bridge.

then pulled into position to capture the simulated

9 BOOM BEING PULLED INTO A RECOVERY POSITION When the recovery equipment is in a ready position, the boom is then pulled into position to capture the simulated spill and bring it to the skimmer. PEAT MOSS BEING CAPTURED

10 PEAT MOSS BEING DIRECTED TO THE SKIMMER SKIMMED SIMULATED OIL PUMPED INTO PORTABLE TANK

11 LAKE BOOM BEING RETURNED TO TRAILER DEBRIEFING AND OBSERVATIONS: The following points were discussed and observed: 1. This was the first time the new equipment trailer was positioned at control point 10. The Warm and Hot Zones were restricted, however both morning and afternoon groups had no problems in setting up the equipment. 2. The simulated oil (peat moss) was dumped from the bridge as there was no flow in the Swift Current Creek and very little wind. This allowed for easy deployment of the boom and capture of the peat moss by both groups. 3. The changes made to the equipment trailer allowed for easy access and removal of the equipment. The marking of the equipment allowed for the equipment to be put back in the proper position. WERE OBJECTIVES MET? 1. To train member companies personnel, in the procedures and use, of the Area 3 oil spill equipment, in an oil spill emergency. - The exercise for 2017 was set up for two separate exercises. At the 9:30am session there were 58 attendees representing 15 companies. There were 45 attendees representing 18 companies at the 1:00pm session.

12 2. To simulate an oil spill at Control Point #10, northwest of Simmie, Sask. on the Swift Current Creek. With no flow and very little wind, the peat moss was dumped from the top of the bridge rather than upstream. 3. To contain and recover a simulated oil spill on flowing water. - Attendees at both sessions were very professional in the operation of equipment used to contain and recover the simulated oil spill. EXERCISE COORDINATOR S RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations are based on the events which occurred and the Exercise Coordinator s observations. 1. The Equipment Trailer arrived at Control Point 10 in an extremely dusty condition. An air vent should be installed near the front on the top of the trailer which will allow for positive pressure inside the trailer when travelling on dusty roads. 2. There were equipment deficiencies identified in the 2016 exercise report that were not completed. These deficiencies were discussed with Area 3 Chairperson and will be completed as soon as possible. Any outdated equipment should be replaced. 3. The large generator has not been installed as in the previous trailer. A small Honda generator could be purchased which would allow easy access in difficult terrain operations. EXERCISE COORDINATOR S COMMENTS: This report was based on the events and communication which occurred during the exercise. Special thanks to Stacey Wiens, Chairperson for Area 3, and Theresa Busse, Administrator for Area 3, for their assistance in the planning and organizing the exercises. Cliff Terry

AREA III ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE UNIT. Annual Spill EXERCISE SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 GULL LAKE

AREA III ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE UNIT Annual Spill EXERCISE SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 GULL LAKE AREA III EMERGENCY EXERCISE As stated in their constitution The Area III Emergency Response Unit held its annual