AMU Emergency Management Original Public Safety

EDM Briefing: New App for Pipeline Incidents Relays Real-Time Info

By
pipeline incidents Arsenault

EDM briefing for February 18, 2022: The SAVER program is seeking input from emergency responders for its next assessments of equipment and systems; Philadelphia schools push back against reports of lead contamination in their water system; Allegheny County public transportation infrastructure bridge repairs are slated to take three months and will cost at least $2 million; NASA satellites reveal the underwater volcanic eruption in Tonga reached into the mesosphere; county supervisors in San Luis Obispo seek to save Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant ahead of its decommissioning; and planning and response to pipeline incidents will be available in real time between operators and emergency responders through a new, free mobile app.

1. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate is seeking input from emergency responders for its next assessments on commercial equipment and systems. The System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program seeks information on what equipment and technology should be reviewed to make sure they are able to function effectively in real-world applications to enhance first responder safety. Anyone in the emergency response community interested in giving input needs to complete a brief survey, and responses are due by February 25.

2. A study conducted at Philadelphia-area schools found major lead contamination in the school buildings. According to reports, lead sources were found in water fountains, bathroom sinks, and kitchen sinks, and the Longstreth Elementary School had the highest sources of lead contamination with 49 outlets. School officials released a statement noting that the district had a system in place to ensure the water being consumed was not contaminated.

3. A public transit bridge in Pittsburgh that was deemed unsafe and closed for use on February 4 may take at least three months to repair. Port Authority of Allegheny County noted that repairs to the Saw Mill Run Boulevard bridge are likely to cost at least $2 million after the bridge shifted at a joint. The closure has disrupted public transportation infrastructure, forcing Red Line trains to use the Blue Line while shuttle buses operate to connect rail services.

4. Data from geostationary satellites indicates that the massive eruption of the underwater volcano in Tonga reached the third layer of the atmosphere, known as the mesosphere. Scientists at NASA analyzed the data, noting that gas, steam, and ash from the volcano traveled upward at least 38 miles into the atmosphere. To date, it is the largest-scale eruption to ever be recorded, second to Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, which erupted 22 miles into the atmosphere in 1991.

5. County supervisors in San Luis Obispo County, California, voted in favor of helping the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant remain open. Diablo Canyon is set for decommissioning in 2025, and the Board of Supervisors sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom and requested assistance for PG&E to gain the necessary permits to continue the plant’s operation. According to PG&E, Diablo Canyon began operation in San Luis Obispo County in 1985 and produces zero emissions in the production of electricity. PG&E also maintains nearly 12,000 acres of natural habitat around the power plant.

6. Planning and response to pipeline incidents is about to become more effective and convenient. A new mobile app, Buxus – the Latin word for “pipe” – will be offered for free to the emergency response community. Funded by pipeline operators, the new app will provide two-way communication between operators and emergency responders, quickly relaying critical information about an incident in real time. The app will also offer a portal where emergency responders can make specific requests for information or resources from the operator. Emergency responders will also be provided with pipeline-specific information, such as hazards posed by the product, appropriate emergency response actions and interactive maps.

Kimberly Arsenault serves as an intern at the Cleveland/Bradley County Emergency Management Agency where she works on plan revisions and special projects. Previously, Kimberly spent 15 years in commercial and business aviation. Her positions included station manager at the former Midwest Express Airlines, as well as corporate flight attendant, inflight manager, and charter flight coordinator. Kimberly currently holds a master's degree in emergency and disaster management from American Public University.

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