A State Perspective on Impacts of Deepwater-Horizon Incident 

Northwest Area Committee MeetingAstoria, Oregon

Jeff ChristensenOregon Department of Environmental Quality

18 November, 2010

SOME POSITIVE OUTCOMES OF DEEPWATER-HORIZON ON THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

#1) We are reminded that a significant disaster can strike any at any time

#2) Existing stockpiles of equipment are replaced and in some cases upgraded 

#3) Personnel in private and public sector gain valuable experience

#4) We exercised mutual aid in a new and different way

   In Situ BurningIn Situ Burning Dispersants Dispersants  Modeling effortsModeling efforts

#5) Oil spill research lessons learned

#6) Lessons learned from organization of the response action

Unified CommandFOSCSOSCRPLocal, Tribes

PlanningOperationsFinance  Logistics

Liaison Officer

Safety Officer

Joint InformationCenter

PublicAffairs

SPECIFIC ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST RESPONSE COMMUNITY

#1) Even in a case of a SONS, state roles and responsibilities for protecting public health and the environment are relevant  

#2) West Coast perspective on our region’s ability to assist Gulf and Eastern Seaboard States

#3) How do we address public understanding and expectations?

#4) How can we do a better job involving communities and local governments in planning 

and drills and exercises before an incident?

 #5) Should we revisit worst case planning standards for contingency plans and the Area plan?

Northwest Area Contingency PlanNational Contingency Plan

• The Northwest Area Contingency Plan is the primary Federal policy and guidance document for responding to releases of oil and hazardous substances to water or land for three states:

• Idaho• Washington• Oregon

– AND three regional Federal operational areas:• USEPA Region 10• U.S. Coast Guard Puget Sound• U.S. Coast Guard Sector Portland

• Identifies a command structure for event management

For more information…

• http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/cu/index.htm

• Jeff Christensen, ManagerEmergency Response/Environmental CleanupLand Quality DivisionOregon DEQ(503) 229-6391christensen.jeff@deq.state.or.us