Emergency Response: Preparing for Disasters & Emergency
Incidents June 2, 2015 Guest Secured Password: rangers!
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TCEQ EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Sam Barrett
Waste Section Manager TCEQ DFW Region
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Goals of this Workshop Communicate the resources that the State
of Texas has available to assist with disaster and emergency
response actions. Provide an opportunity for emergency response
personnel in the DFW area and surrounding counties to meet and get
to know each other.
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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality TCEQ is the State of
Texas lead environmental agency. Responsible for ensuring that
Texans have a safe place to live with the resources available for a
quality life. Our goals are clean air, clean water, and the safe
management of waste. We regulate sources of air and water pollution
and the management of wastes.
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Texas Hazardous Substances Spill Prevention and Control Act The
TCEQ is designated as the States lead for hazardous substances
spills and releases. We have the authority to make certain an
appropriate response is initiated for hazardous substances spills
and releases. We have the power to issue emergency orders and
implement state funded responses. We also support the Texas
Railroad Commission and General Land Office in responding to crude
oil releases.
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TCEQ Jurisdiction The Texas Water Code and the Texas Health and
Safety Code gives the TCEQ the authority to regulate discharges to
the water, emissions to the air, and the management of wastes. The
TCEQ has the ability to address most situations that create an
imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and the
environment.
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Natural Disasters In response to natural disasters, such as
floods, tornadoes, wild fires, and hurricanes, the TCEQ cooperates
with other state agencies and local municipalities to protect
lives, property, and the environment, and to take care of basic
human needs. Our primary functions are to secure hazardous
substances, oversee disaster debris management sites, and assist
public water supply systems and wastewater treatment plants. We
reach out to local communities, cities, and counties to determine
if they need assistance.
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All Emergencies Are Local Local jurisdictions are responsible
for ensuring the public safety and welfare of their residents. TCEQ
provides support to local responders. TCEQ has staff that are
trained and prepared to respond to all types of emergencies and
disasters.
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TCEQ Capabilities TCEQ response staff have been trained on
National Incident Management Systems and the Incident Command
System. Ability to sample and analyze air, water, soil, and waste.
Strong technical support staff that include chemists, biologists,
geologists, engineers, toxicologists, meteorologists, etc. that can
help solve problems and facilitate a successful response.
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TCEQ Funded Response Action When a responsible party is unable
or unwilling to implement an appropriate response, the TCEQ can
initiate a state funded response. The TCEQ may recover twice the
costs incurred by the TCEQ during the state funded response from
the Responsible Party.
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When the Governor issues a Declaration of State of Disaster The
Texas State Operations Committee (SOC) is activated to enable rapid
deployment of state resources. The SOC is operated by the Texas
Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Disaster Districts are the
States regional emergency management organizations that serve as
the initial source of state emergency assistance for local
governments. State resources committed to assist local governments
normally work under the general direction of the Disaster District
Chair and take their specific task assignments from the local
Incident Commander.
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Disaster Declaration Governor The State Operation Committee
(SOC) Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Emergency
Management Council 32 state agencies Red Cross and Salvation Army
Disaster Districts Chairman, Local Texas Highway Patrol Commander
Local Emergency Officials and Organizations Emergency Management
Coordinator Emergency Operation Center Incident Command
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Support for Incident Command Incident Command Emergency
Operation Center Disaster District Center State Operation Center
Governor State resources are directed to support the Incident
Commander.
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Emergency Response Operational Priorities Protect life and
property. Support rapid and effective response. Collect and
disseminate accurate incident information to improve
decision-making. Accurately track incident costs associated with
assigned resources for cost recovery. Maintain communication with
impacted local jurisdictions.
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Thank You We are all dedicated to protecting people from
injuries and death, and ensuring that we are prepared to implement
a positive response to mitigate any negative impacts from any
emergency situation. Protecting human life is the highest
priority.