Flood Scenario Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R-08-005 September 2008 .

Flood ScenarioFlood Scenario

Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R-08-005 September 2008 www.epa.gov/watersecurity

Flood ScenarioA succession of storms brought significant and

widespread heavy rains

Heavy rains were the result of a number of slow-moving storms and unseasonably warm temperatures

Over several weeks, heavy rains began saturating soils, filling local reservoirs, and clogging storm drains with debris

Impact felt over a (insert size of impacted area) region


Flood Scenario (cont.)A strong storm system then brings heavy

precipitation, high temperatures, humidity, and winds producing major flooding

Magnitude of flooding varies, but it is a major event

Officials report creeks and rivers at 8 to 12 feet above flood stage – highest levels since 1950s

NWS extends flood watch over next 2 to 3 daysSandbag barriers constructed around vulnerable

areas, such as drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and low lying pump stations

Many people evacuate the area Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R-08-005 September 2008

www.epa.gov/watersecurity

Drinking water utilities experience significant challenges

75 percent of area is without power

Utilities request generatorsPlacement of generators is

challenging due to floodingFuel shortages for generators

expectedDowned trees, violent washouts

rupture numerous pipesSystem pressure droppingFire departments concerned that

loss of water pressure jeopardizes their firefighting capabilities

Utilities do not have enough field crews to fix all of the problems


Drinking water utilities experience significant challenges (cont.)

River flooding and large amounts of debris clog water intakes

A possible crude oil spill into a major drinking water source reported

Utilities receive growing numbers of consumer complaints regarding cloudy, poor-tasting drinking water

Utility representatives admit that amount of time required for completing damage assessment and repair is unknown at this point

Government officials, media clamoring for information and situation updates


Wastewater utilities also face several challenges Washouts, downed trees rupture collection

and transmission linesFlooding knocks out more than 50% of area

pump stations, many backup pumps failPower loss shuts down many lift stations,

causing sewage overflows and extensive combined sewer discharges into the streets

Raw sewage in the streets may cause cross-contamination to due broken water mains

Local industry spokespersons ask utilities to speed up repairs to continue normal discharges of industrial effluent and remain on-line


Extent of Flood Area


Facilitated DiscussionFacilitated Discussion


Facilitated DiscussionAt what point in this scenario would your

resources be fully committed or overcommitted?


Facilitated DiscussionWhat options are available to you to get

outside help?


Facilitated DiscussionHow will you activate your WARN in response

to this situation and how will you notify other WARN members that you need help?


Facilitated DiscussionIdentify and define processes that might need

to be included in your WARN agreement.


Facilitated DiscussionHow will outside assistance be managed

within your organization?


Facilitated DiscussionHow will outside resources be managed in

the field? Identify and define processes that might need to be included in your own WARN agreement.


Facilitated DiscussionHow will support to these resources be

managed? How will these elements be included in your WARN agreement?


Facilitated DiscussionHow will expenses be handled and should

this be addressed in your WARN agreement?


Facilitated DiscussionWhen will you know that demands from the

disaster have lessened to the point that you no longer need support?


Facilitated DiscussionHow are you going to manage demands for

long-term recovery? How will these needs be addressed in your WARN agreement?


Post Exercise SessionPost Exercise Session

(“Hot Wash”)(“Hot Wash”)

Discussion PointsDiscussion Points


Verify Exercise Objectives Were Met:Validate how WARN members work

together during a significant water sector incident

Facilitate an understanding of WARN concepts

Identify strengths and areas of improvement

Identify recommendations for changing approach


ConclusionPlease turn in your participant evaluation

formCompile all written and verbal commentsCreate an After Action Report with a

Corrective Action PlanNext WARN meeting

Thanks for participating


Flood Scenario Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R-08-005 September 2008 .

Documents

Transcript of Flood Scenario Office of Water (4608T) EPA 817-R-08-005 September 2008 .