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Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines (2014)

Chapter: Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs

« Previous: Chapter 2 - Introduction: Why Plan for Communications at Pipeline Incidents
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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Suggested Citation:"Chapter 3 - Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2014. Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22218.
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14 C H A P T E R 3 Decisions, Roles, and Organization Affiliations: The Role Determines the Decisions and Information Needs Common Decisions Safe and effective response to a pipeline emergency requires timely and clear communication. Communication is defined as the exchange of information among people. The information and the method of communication during a pipeline emer- gency depend upon the response and mitigation role played by individual people within their respective organizations. Roles determine decisions and information needs. It is important to distinguish between role and organization. Table 3-1 shows key roles and organizations that typically perform these roles. Common decisions that need to be made at a possible pipe- line incident include the following: • Do we have a pipeline emergency? • Where is the leak or release? • Whom do we notify? • Is there an immediate life or property threat? • What specialized resources are needed; where will we get them? • Should we shut down the pipeline? • Do we need to start an evacuation or other public protec- tive action? • Will state or federal resources be required? Each of these decisions must be made for each incident. Critical information is required to make these decisions. Often this critical information will be mediated through public safety communications (PSAP/Dispatch) centers. The management of a pipeline emergency depends on knowing what informa- tion is needed, who needs it, when they need it, and how they can obtain it. Failure to plan these aspects of communications, before an incident, can cause delays in getting the appropri- ate resources to the scene, increase risks to both emergency responders and the public, and increase the severity and resul- tant impacts of the incident. Key Roles in Pipeline Emergencies Roles Refer to Specific Operational Responsibilities Or Functions. The use of roles is contrasted with organiza- tional identity. There are two primary reasons for using a role-based approach within this document. First, organiza- tional roles differ across the United States. Second, in spite of their primary or perceived functions, organizations may be involved in multiple roles at an incident. Likewise, multiple organizations may share responsibility or functional activity in a single role. For example, evacuation is often considered primarily a fire or law enforcement role. However, depending on the nature of the incident and when assistance arrives, evacua- tion may be coordinated through the local emergency man- agement agency and performed by occupants of buildings near the emergency, pipeline operators, emergency medical services, or almost any other responsible party. The role determines the information needed at each par- ticular point in the progression of an incident. Organizations may have a set of information as their primary interest, but their information needs may vary depending on the partic- ular role they fulfill. For example, if evacuation is a prior- ity in the initial stages of an incident, law enforcement may be deeply involved in alerting and removing occupants of nearby structures from the hazardous area. Once sufficient fire service resources arrive, their attention may shift to issues of traffic control or expediting access to the scene for certain resources, such as pipeline crews. All personnel performing a singular function or responsibility generally have similar needs for information, regardless of their organizational affiliation. The roles in a pipeline emergency are listed below. These roles were used to define information needs and flows required to successfully manage a pipeline emergency. Well-defined

15 roles enable entities to plan for communications by anticipat- ing the information needed in an actual emergency. Initial Receipt of Notification by Pipeline Operator Although pipeline operators maintain sophisticated sys- tems to monitor pipeline flows/pressures and to detect leaks or ruptures in their pipelines, research into previous inci- dents has shown first reports of an incident often come from the public, emergency responders, contractors, or field-based employees of the pipeline operator. Control of Pipeline Release Control of the pipeline release involves personnel charged with closing valves to isolate the release, or mitigate the effects of the release. These personnel may be pipeline control cen- ter personnel, field-based pipeline employees, or emergency responders on the scene of an incident. First Arriving Responders Emergency responders (operator personnel on-site or public agency) are generally the first trained personnel to arrive on scene during the initial stages of a reported incident. Personnel assigned to public safety response organizations, such as fire departments, police departments or, in the case of coastal water-based incidents, the U.S. Coast Guard, usually fill the role of first responder. Public Safety Answering Point Call Taking and Dispatch (PSAP/Dispatch) PSAP call taking and dispatch refers to the organization receiving and transferring 9-1-1 calls for a particular geo- graphic area. These geographic areas usually coincide with political subdivisions such as counties, cities, towns, or other governing areas. The call taking role may be shared among one or more organizations. The PSAP receiving the initial call may trans- fer the caller and information to a specialized call taking facil- ity where additional details are obtained. Dispatch is the last stage of this role. Information collected in the first phase of this process is used to determine the number and type of resources (personnel and equipment) required to respond to a reported incident. The dispatch process is ordinar- ily governed by locally determined protocols and procedures. Notification of supporting agencies and organizations is another key function of this role and is usually undertaken at the point of dispatch. Supporting agencies can include the pipeline operator, specialized response resources, and state or federal agencies. Such notifications may also occur at the fed- eral level through the NRC. Incident Commander/Dispatch Resource Response Request The Incident Commander/dispatch resource response request role refers to the interaction and coordination between the on-scene Incident Commander and the supporting PSAP/ Dispatch center. In the early stages of the incident, the Inci- dent Commander will likely be the local ranking senior fire officer. Both entities are charged with identifying the need for and source of additional resources and support for the man- agement of the reported incident. Communication between the Incident Commander and dispatcher is critical to develop a common understanding of the incident (common operating picture), and is dependent on the flow of information between the Dispatch center and Incident Commander. Interagency Coordination Interagency coordination refers to the process of exchang- ing necessary information to ensure a coordinated response after multiple organizations are notified of a reported emer- gency. This coordination includes criteria such as (1) estab- lishing a common operating picture; (2) comprehending the incident’s magnitude, severity, and potential for escalation; Table 3-1. Roles and organizations that typically perform these roles. Role Organizations Initial Receipt of Notification by Pipeline Operator -Pipeline Operator -Public Emergency Communications (PSAP) Control of Pipeline Release -Pipeline Operator -Fire Department First Arriving Responder -Law Enforcement Agency -Fire Department -Emergency Medical Service -Pipeline Operator Public Safety Call Taking and Dispatch -Public Emergency Communications Public Protective and Response Actions -Fire Department -Law Enforcement -Emergency Management -Pipeline Operator Federal and State Support for Environmental Protection -State pipeline regulatory agency -State environmental agency -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -U.S. Coast Guard

16 (3) understanding the resources required and where to obtain them; (4) having knowledge of an incident’s likely progress (i.e., control of the release, quantity of materials released, threats to people, property, and the environment); and (5) awareness of regulatory requirements and informed deci- sion making. The Incident Commander, PSAP personnel, and the pipeline operator often fulfill this coordination role. In significant incidents, this role may be fulfilled by the local emergency management agency working with the pipeline operator and other governmental agencies. Public Protective and Response Actions First arriving responders implement public protective and response actions to safeguard life, property, and the envi- ronment. Depending on the nature of a spill or release, the role may include (1) evacuation, (2) sheltering-in-place, (3) environmental assessment, (4) confinement of runoff, or (5) firefighting. Federal and State Support for Environmental Protection Environmental agencies at the state and federal levels play an important role in terms of (1) reporting of releases, (2) provision of expertise and support for mitigation of inci- dents, and (3) environmental restoration. On-scene support may be provided for large releases, or release of materials harmful to human health or the environment. Such support ranges from provision of technical specialist guidance to perform air monitoring, delivering specialized equipment. The research team has described the roles necessary for the successful resolution of pipeline emergencies. The follow- ing subsections describe the roles of agency or organizational affiliations. Although agencies may typically fulfill a particular role at an incident, this does not mean they may not perform other roles depending on the circumstances of an incident. Knowing the agencies involved and the role or roles they are fulfilling is critical to understanding their information needs. Types of Organizations The organization of emergency services and the associated legal frameworks will vary across locales. The process of iden- tifying the necessary roles and which organizations perform them is carried out locally during the planning phase. Pipeline Operator. Pipeline operators are usually either private corporations or municipal governments. Organiza- tional differences between pipeline companies depend on the type of pipeline operated. Pipeline categories are defined by their operating characteristics and purpose. Pipeline operators are responsible for maintenance and operation of pipelines and related facilities, which may include pumping stations, valve locations, and storage and distri- bution facilities. In emergencies, they are responsible for isolating the product flow, providing emergency on-scene responders with pipeline expertise, resources, equipment, and support. Pipeline operators should be part of the unified command structure or have a liaison at the Incident Com- mand Post (ICP). Pipeline operations are coordinated from pipeline control rooms, which are typically distant from the incident location. Control room staff are responsible for pipeline operation, mon- itoring and controlling the flow of product through the lines and any associated storage and distribution facilities, as well as for responding to and correcting abnormal conditions (3). Fire Service. Fire service refers to the provision of fire and rescue services by public fire departments. Fire depart- ments provide different types and levels of specialized emer- gency services and this varies widely across the nation. While most departments provide basic fire and rescue services, others may provide emergency medical services, medical transport (ambulance) service, technical rescue, and haz- ardous materials (hazmat) response. Firefighting equipment also varies. Fire services may range from rural, all-volunteer organizations with minimal capabilities, to large, metropol- itan fire services staffed with career personnel that provide a wide range of specialized emergency planning and response services. Hazardous materials capabilities may range from First Responder Operations-level responders, with minimal protective equipment and minimal detection capabilities, to a Hazardous Materials Response Team staffed at the HazMat Technician level. Hazardous materials services provided can include fire sup- pression, standby for hazardous conditions, hazardous materials response, and initial evacuation or sheltering decisions carried out with the support of law enforcement and emergency man- agement agencies. Law Enforcement. Law enforcement refers to the local agency charged with answering criminal complaints and enforcing the local criminal code. Often, multiple agencies have overlapping jurisdictions. For example, a municipal police agency and a Sheriff ’s office or State Police may share the same enforcement area. Depending on the location and local organi- zation and agreements among jurisdictions, any of these agen- cies may be the first responding law enforcement agency on the scene of a pipeline emergency. Law enforcement agencies at a pipeline emergency are typi- cally responsible for scene control and public protective actions. Their capabilities may be limited as they self-protect and iden- tify materials or directly deal with the product released.

17 PSAP Call Taker. The PSAP call taker is the information entry point into the 9-1-1 system. These services are com- monly provided at the county, parish, or major city level and, sometimes, are also provided in even smaller political juris- dictions. The call taker may be a representative of an indepen- dent public safety communications organization, emergency management, or public safety agency. The function of the call taker is to determine the nature of the problem (police, fire, or EMS), the jurisdiction involved, and then to transfer the call or information to the respective public safety dispatcher. PSAP/Dispatch. Dispatchers may serve one function (police), reside in a combination center serving more than one service (fire, police, EMS), or have multiple dispatch cen- ters that serve each service. The critical distinction of mul- tiple dispatch centers is the need to recognize that (1) the call taker is probably not in direct communication with on-scene resources or the Incident Commander and (2) multiple dis- patch centers may serve both police and fire, which means that information must be relayed to both services thereby introducing additional coordination challenges. In small agencies, a single person may fulfill both the role of call taker and the role of dispatcher. Incident Command. Incident command refers to the on- scene responder in charge of the field response. This person is usually affiliated with a traditional public safety emergency response organization, and command may be transferred based on the size and nature of the incident. However, in certain circumstances, the initial on-scene Incident Com- mander may be a representative of the pipeline operator, or a state or federal response agency (e.g., U.S. Coast Guard). In this structure, pipeline operators may serve as a liaison to the Incident Commander. Unified Command. Unified command will likely be employed at large or long duration incidents and entail key agencies collaboratively managing the incident. Under uni- fied command of an incident, multiple agencies with differ- ent legal, geographic, and functional responsibilities interact effectively to manage, coordinate, and plan. Participants and procedures are usually identified in advance. Unified com- mand would be ideal in a pipeline emergency because of the complex nature of these incidents. Unified command is characterized by the following: • A shared understanding of priorities and restrictions • A single set of incident objectives • Collaborative strategies • Improved internal and external information flow • Less duplication of efforts • Better resource utilization (18) The Incident Commanders within the unified command make joint decisions and speak as one voice. Incident Com- manders work out differences before taking action. Unified command would customarily incorporate pipeline operator representatives. Emergency Management Agency. The Emergency Man- agement Agency is usually an “All Hazards” coordinating agency responsible for establishing and staffing the juris- diction’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC serves as an off-site location for management of an incident to facilitate resource requests and to enable the formation of strategic objectives. Emergency Management Agencies are established at the state level and have a working relationship with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its regional offices. Locally, emergency management is usually organized at the county or city level. Smaller political entities may have emer- gency management functions assigned to fire or police depart- ments and/or operate the EOC. Depending on the size or scope of the incident, multiple EOC’s may be activated at the local, county, and state levels. Under principles of the incident com- mand system, these centers would support the on-scene Inci- dent Commander and pass resource requests from the lowest to highest levels. State Pipeline or Environmental Agency. States retain authority over some aspects of pipeline operations and con- trol environmental quality in areas not regulated by the federal government. Responsibility for pipeline safety varies widely given that each state has an environmental agency to lead envi- ronmental aspects of a pipeline spill or release. Each state (except Alaska and Hawaii) has its own govern- mental entity responsible for oversight of pipeline operations and safety within that state. Some of these offices are admin- istrative in nature while others have a field response or inves- tigative role during or after an incident. Some states divide responsibility between two or more agencies, such as a Fire Marshal and Public Utilities Commission. Requirements for notification in the event of a pipeline release exist in almost all cases. For additional information, refer to the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives’ 2013 publica- tion, Compendium of State Pipeline Safety Requirements and Initiatives Providing Increased Public Safety Levels Compared to the Code of Federal Regulations (19). Emergency responders should know their state’s require- ments and the procedure for notification of the state pipeline agency in the event of an emergency. Principal Federal Agencies. The federal government has an important overarching role in pipeline incidents that result in release of oil or hazardous substances. While the on-scene role

18 may be limited for smaller events, it has a critical role for report- ing incidents and providing technical support. It is impor- tant to be aware of the federal structure, which is designed to support emergency response at the state and local levels. Two primary entities have a functional role in mitigation of, or support for, pipeline emergency response: the PHMSA and the National Response Team (NRT). Many other federal agen- cies contribute expertise. PHMSA. PHMSA, within the U.S. DOT, is the princi- pal federal agency regulating pipeline safety. It supports the response efforts of other agencies; however, its response role is limited. PHMSA’s responsibilities include efforts to improve pipeline integrity; regulation of pipeline safety and risk; admin- istration of a national pipeline inspection program, including operator requirements; and provision of technical assistance to state pipeline safety programs. The NRT is the principal federal entity managing pipeline emergency response. The team structure comprises 15 agen- cies designed to harness the expertise and resources of federal agencies in support of local and state responders working to mitigate a pipeline emergency when there is an environ- mental threat. The team is authorized by federal legislation including the Clean Water Act (subsequently modified by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990), the Comprehensive Environmen- tal Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the National Contingency Plan) (20). The first response would come from one of 13 Regional Response Teams (RRT) that are based throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii (and Pacific Islands), and Puerto Rico (and U.S. Virgin Islands). The NRT is activated for incidents where major spills or releases overwhelm regional resources, pose a threat to the environment or property, or occur in an incident affecting multiple states. The lead federal official representing the NRT or RRT is known as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC). These response teams are planning, policy-coordi- nating bodies whose primary role is to provide assistance to the FOSC during an event. Separate reporting requirements exist for oil and hazardous substances. Federal guidance requirements are detailed under the CERCLA (CFR 2012, Title 40, Chapter 1, Environmental Protection Agency) (21) and the Clean Water Act. The Emer- gency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act includes a list of hazardous substances and reporting quantities (22). The NRC is the federal government’s federal notification point for oil or hazardous substance spills or releases. Noti- fication to the NRC begins the process of bringing federal resources to bear in emergencies through a FOSC who serves as the federal government’s focal point for assessing the inci- dent. Depending on the severity of the incident, actions can range from notification, monitoring, on-site assessment, or activation of the RRT or NRT. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA) is also responsible for pro- tecting human health and the environment from pollutants and chemical exposure resulting from industrial activity or other sources. The EPA is the lead agency for enforcement and regulation in several key areas related to consequence management in the event of a pipeline emergency. The EPA participates in the federally organized RRTs and the NRT. The EPA administers numerous legal and regula- tory programs for emergency response to oil or hazardous substance releases, including those resulting from pipeline incidents. U.S. Coast Guard. The U.S. Coast Guard reports to the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime. It has a broad and diverse mission encompassing search and rescue, military support, border security and inspection, drug inter- diction, investigation of maritime accidents, and response to environmental emergencies occurring in or adjacent to navigable waterways. It is organized into nine geographic districts, and has facilities located throughout these areas. The U.S. Coast Guard’s role as a federal agency is unique. It acts as a first responder for events that occur on or near waterways and, through the NRT, provides expert advice and assistance to state and local Incident Commanders for inci- dents resulting in release of oil or hazardous materials from a pipeline or other source that may impact a navigable water- way. The U.S. Coast Guard has special expertise in respond- ing to such incidents because pipeline facilities often traverse waterways, and many terminals or petroleum processing facilities are located on or adjacent to waterways. Key Information Needs As the previous section indicated, it is important to plan for communication well before a pipeline emergency occurs. The lists presented in Tables 3-2 through 3-11 are not exhaustive, but rather are designed to identify those pieces of information that are both critical AND likely missing or poorly communicated in the initial stages of an incident. The research team presents the source and destination for each of these critical information elements, and summarizes the information needs by major role, the “most important infor- mation you need” in that role and the “most important infor- mation you need to provide to others.” Common sources for information are also provided.

19 For example, in Table 3-2, it is known that pipeline opera- tors need to rely on public safety dispatch to identify the loca- tions of incidents. This means that pipeline operators must identify the dispatch centers serving their operating areas, and review the content and means for how to report infor- mation about the location of an incident. Please refer to Appendix 2 for a complete enumeration of information needs. Readers should view these tables as the basic information needs that the respective organizations need to receive and supply to others. The last column, “Decisions Where Infor- mation Needed,” provides context for why the information needs are important to the management of the incident. These tables are a good way to define the information needs to initiate the pre-emergency planning process for pipeline emergency communication. Table 3-2. Most important information you need. Information Sources Role Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Location of incident Public safety dispatch Initial receipt of notification Do we need to respond? Who do we send? What public safety agencies do we ask to respond? Scene conditions (investigation by local responders); impact of hazard on environment, life safety and infrastructure Investigation by local public safety responders via public safety dispatch Initial receipt of notification Do we need to respond? Do we shut down the pipeline? Where and how do we shut down the pipeline? Amount of release Investigation by local public safety responders via public safety dispatch Control pipeline release Do we shut down the pipeline? Pipeline employees Control pipeline release Where and how do we shut down the pipeline? Table 3-3. Most important information you need to provide to others. Information Recipient Function Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Material released, rate of release (diameter of pipeline) Public safety dispatch Dispatch/Incident Command resource request What types of resources and how many should I request? Scope, quantity & location of event (public affected, time to shut down) Public safety dispatch Interagency coordination How do we establish coordination? What agencies will be involved? State/federal agency notifications State/federal regulatory agencies (e.g., National Response Center) Interagency coordination How do we establish coordination? What agencies will be involved? Federal and state support for environmental protection Pipeline Operator

20 Public Safety Emergency Responder (Police, Fire, EMS) Information Recipient Function Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Scene conditions (investigation by local responders); impact of hazard on environment, life safety and infrastructure Investigation by local public safety responders via public safety dispatch Initial receipt of notification Do we need to respond? Do we shut down the pipeline? Where and how do we shut down the pipeline? Amount of release Investigation by local public safety responders via public safety dispatch Control pipeline release Where and how do we shut down the pipeline? Pipeline employees Control pipeline release Where and how do we shut down the pipeline? Scope, quantity, type, location of release Pipeline operator, On-scene responders via public safety communications Environmental protection Will Environmental protection agencies respond? Table 3-5. Most important information you need to provide to others. Information Sources Function Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Product identification and associated hazards Physical observation Public safety communications Pipeline operator First arriving responder What are my initial actions? Is this a pipeline incident? Physical damage (Is excavation in progress?) Physical observation First arriving responder Is this a pipeline incident? Responder resource available (Personal Protection Equipment [PPE]/training) Public safety communications First arriving responder Is this a pipeline incident? Do I need additional public safety resources? Consequences of non- entry to life safety, property, and environment Physical observation First arriving responder What are my initial actions? Table 3-4. Most important information you need.

21 Information Recipient Function Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Will state or federal environmental agencies respond? Public safety communications Environmental protection Need to assess health effects/air monitoring? Table 3-7. Most important information you need to provide to others. Information Sources Function Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Scope, quantity, type, location of release Pipeline operator, On-scene responders via public safety communications Environmental protection Will Environmental protection agencies respond? Are oil or hazardous chemicals released? On-scene responders via public safety communications Environmental protection Need to assess health effects/air monitoring? Pipeline operator, on- scene responders via public safety communications Will state or federal environmental protection assets respond? Table 3-6. Most important information you need. Information Sources Function Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Location Public via 9-1-1 Pipeline operator Public safety dispatch/call taking What questions do I ask caller? Severity of incident Public via 9-1-1 Pipeline operator On-scene public emergency responder Public safety dispatch/call taking What resources do I dispatch? What questions do I ask caller? Presence of possible ignition sources? Public via 9-1-1 Pipeline operator On-scene emergency responder Public safety dispatch/call taking What resources do I dispatch? What questions do I ask caller? Are there any injuries? Public via 9-1-1 Pipeline operator On-scene public emergency responder Public safety dispatch/call taking What questions do I ask caller? What resources do I dispatch? Table 3-8. Most important information you need. Environmental Protection Public Safety Communications (PSAP/Dispatch)

22 Information Recipient Function Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Location On-scene public emergency responders Public or pipeline operator Initial Incident Command If pipeline incident confirmed, what type of resources and how many should I request? Pipeline operator Public safety dispatch/call taking What questions do I ask caller? Material released On-scene emergency responders Dispatch/Incident Command resource request What types of resources and how many should I request? Table 3-9. Most important information you need to provide to others. Information Sources Function Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Location On-scene public emergency responders Public or pipeline operator via Public safety communications Initial Incident Command If pipeline incident confirmed, what type of resources and how many should I request? Exposures/population density On-scene emergency responders Public safety communications Initial Incident Command If pipeline incident confirmed, what type of resources and how many should I request? Identification of material released On-scene emergency responder Pipeline operator or public via public safety communications Initial incident command If pipeline incident confirmed, what type of resources and how many should I request? Consequences of not evacuating on life safety On-scene emergency responder Pipeline operator or public via public safety dispatch Public protective action Do we need to start public protective actions? Number, physical condition, and locations of people affected On-scene emergency responder Public safety communications Interagency coordination Do we need to start public protective actions? Can we and do we need to remove people from the hazardous area? Table 3-10. Most important information you need. Incident Command/Interagency Coordination

23 Information Recipient Function Where Information Needed Decision(s) Where Information Needed Scene Conditions (investigation by local responders); impact of hazard on environment, life safety, and infrastructure Pipeline operator Initial receipt of notification Do we need to respond? Where and how do we shut down the pipeline? Media/Public warning Public protective actions Do we need to start public protective actions? Amount of Release Pipeline operator via public safety dispatch Control pipeline release Do we shut down the pipeline? Table 3-11. Most important information you need to provide to others.

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TRB’s Hazardous Materials Cooperative Research Program (HMCRP) Report 14: Guide for Communicating Emergency Response Information for Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines provides guidance on responding to a pipeline emergency. Report appendices are available on the project website.

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