034. Lancashire Emergency Plans

Appendix 1

LANCASHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STRATEGY

JUNE 2006

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CONTENTS List of Figures and Appendices

Page 3

1.

Overview

Page 4

2.

Background

Page 6

3.

Relevant Legislation

Page 8

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5

Page 8 Page 8 Page 8 Page 9 Page 9

4.

5.

6.

The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 The Water Resources Act 1991 The Groundwater Regulations 1998 The Environment Act 1995

‘Working Better Together Towards a Safer and Cleaner Environment

Page 10

4.1 4.2 4.3

Page 10 Page 11 Page 11

Section 1 Purpose & Aims Reasons for Updating the Protocol Areas of Mutual Interest

Pollution Intervention Planning

Page 12

5.1 5.2

Page 12 Page 13

Vulnerability of the Aquatic Environment Operational Pre-Planning

Operational Issues Relating to Environmental Protection

Page 14

6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4

Page 14 Page 14 Page 14

6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10

The Source, Pathway, Receptor Chain Hierarchy of Pollution Control Pollution Control Equipment The Provision of a Second Hazardous Materials/ Environmental Protection Unit Fire-fighting Foam Controlled Burn Strategy Decontamination Procedures Coastal Oil Spills Waste Management Flood Risk Management

Page 16 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 22 Page 23 Page 23

7.

Training and Personal Development

Page 24

8.

Partnership Arrangements

Page 25

8.1

Regional Fire & Rescue Service/Environment Agency Liaison

Page 26

9.

Conclusion

Page 28

10.

Recommendations

Page 30

11.

References

Page 32

12.

Acknowledgments

Page 33

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1

Stream contaminated with milk

Page 12

Figure 2

Environment Agency Grab Pack

Page 15

Figure 3

Hazardous Materials/Environmental Protection Unit

Page 15

Figure 4

Incidents attended by the Environmental Protection and Chemical Incident Units during the period 1 November 2002 – 30 October 2005

Page 16

Figure 5

Area of response of 30, 45 and 60 minutes from Burnley Fire Station

Page 18

Figure 6

Incidents Type and Location Utilising Environment Agency Grab Pack

Page 25

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1

National Fire and Rescue Service Operation Liaison Working Group – Terms of Reference

Appendix 2

Specialised Equipment carried on the Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Unit

Appendix 3

Proposed Environment Agency/Fire Service Training Strategy

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1. OVERVIEW Fire Authorities are required to formulate Integrated Risk Management Plans in order to improve the safety of communities and to utilise Fire and Rescue Service resources more efficiently and effectively. A particular aspect of the Integrated Risk Management Planning process is the requirement to give consideration to the protection of the natural environment. Integrated Risk Management Plan 2006/07 (Year Three) Project Number 2 refers to the Development of an Environmental Protection Strategy for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, (LFRS). The project links into the following strategic objectives: • • •

Reduce the commercial economic and social consequences of fire and other emergency incidents. Protect the environment and Lancashire heritage. Provide a better value service.

The scope of the project has been limited to the operational aspects of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services’ activities and does not include the day to day activities, such as the disposal of waste, or the work undertaken at the Service Training Centre. Whilst the primary concern for LFRS is the protection of the life, due consideration should be given to the protection of the natural environment in the Authority’s area. The Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) in the UK plays a vital role in responding to pollution incidents and its actions have helped to prevent or mitigate pollution at a variety of such incidents. In the emergency and non emergency phases of an incident, Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) intervention can significantly reduce the impact that spillages or firewater run-off containing environmentally damaging materials may have on the environment. Such actions can provide significant public health benefits. Public drinking water is drawn from rivers, lakes, lochs and groundwater, FRS activities to protect these waters will help safeguard public drinking water supplies and consequently public health. FRS pollution prevention and control activities can therefore be associated with the FRS stated aim of protecting public safety. This philosophy should be borne in mind when prioritising environmental protection as an objective within the Authorities strategic, systematic and dynamic risk assessment process. There are also significant cost benefits to the UK when FRS personnel implement first aid measures such as sealing a leak, blocking a drain or using a ‘controlled burn’ strategy. It is quite simply more expensive to clean up pollution from the environment than from a reservoir of containment provided by the service.1 Whilst LFRS has a legal responsibility to ensure that effective arrangements are in place to deal with an incident that could adversely affect the natural environment through both pre-planning and response, the authority also has a moral responsibility ___________________________________________________________________________ 4

to ensure that the quality of life of the people of Lancashire is improved through sustainable development. A widely used international definition of this approach is: “Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 1 The FRS role at incidents affecting the environment has been developed in close partnership with the Environment Agency and the Agency view the partnership as being one of their most successful pollution prevention initiatives. Whilst this partnership is perceived as being successful, some of the issues that were identified in the establishment of the partnership arrangements have not been implemented. One of the key issues that would appear to require further work is that of pollution intervention planning. The development of pre-planning is seen as a core function in an IRMP plan that is designed to improve the safety of the community. With regard to the pre-planning for incidents that may have an adverse effect on the environment, there would appear to be real scope for improvements to be made to the existing arrangements. National guidance has recently been issued with regard to identifying training outcomes, in accordance with the core competencies for environmental issues identified within the Integrated Personal Development Plan (IPDS) role maps. Furthermore, a new Fire Service Manual on Environmental Protection has recently been issued for consultation and it would appear to be an ideal opportunity to review the training of LFRS personnel in line with current national guidance. There is an issue regarding the speed of response and resilience of the availability of the combined Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Unit. The unit has taken over the role of two special appliances, the Environmental Protection Unit and Chemical Incident Unit and will therefore be subject to increased activity levels. The report identifies that early intervention is key to achieving successful pollution control measures, thereby minimising the impact on the environment. By providing a second unit in partnership with the Environment Agency, the resilience of the existing arrangements, and indeed the service provided to the public, would be greatly enhanced. There exists an opportunity for partnership working with a number of agencies and other Fire and Rescue Services. These partnerships have the potential to further improve the provision of environmental protection initiatives and would satisfy the requirement for co-operation and information sharing as Category 1 and Category 2 Responders under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Research is being undertaken globally with regard to the development of foam products that have less of an impact on the aquatic environment, and also controlled burn tactics as a method of protecting the environment. These initiatives should be monitored in order to ensure LFRS is complying with best practice in its service delivery. Whilst the partnership work that has been undertaken within the last ten years has resulted in a significant improvement in the arrangements for dealing with incidents affecting the environment, there is still scope for further improvements and this document will seek to highlight the improvements that can potentially be achieved. ___________________________________________________________________________ 5

2. BACKGROUND Responsibility for the protection of the environment in the UK rests with a number of different organisations. The most important of these being Local Authorities and the three environment agencies as follows; • • •

The Environment Agency for England and Wales The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency The Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland

The Environment Agency for England and Wales was set up in 1996 by the merger of the national Rivers Authority (NRA), Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pollution (HMIP) and the Waste Regulations Authorities of Local Authorities. In 1999 a protocol between the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Environment Agency, (EA) was agreed. The purpose of this protocol is to ensure effective co-operation between Fire and Rescue Services and the Environment Agency in dealing with incidents including those that involve the potential pollution of controlled waters and the disposal of waste. The protocol also aims to minimise the hazard to the environment from Fire and Rescue Service activities including firewater run off and hazardous materials incidents. Furthermore it seeks to encourage liaison and formulate measures at the pre-planning stage for special risk sites where there is potential for pollution to occur. From this national protocol, Fire and Rescue Authorities were advised to establish local working arrangements with the Environment Agency and consequently, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service formally entered into a Local Working Arrangement with the Environment Agency in May 2005. In February 2003, the Local Government Association and the Environment Agency agreed and signed a joint agreement, ‘Working Better Together’. This agreement is designed to ensure a close working partnership exists in order to deliver a series of environmental outcomes and as a consequence, the protocol between the Environment Agency and the Local Government Association has been reviewed and the revised protocol is currently in draft format. It is envisaged that this protocol will be key to the formulation of Integrated Risk Management Plans by Fire Authorities, (see Section 4). The partnership arrangements are given strategic direction by the National Liaison Strategic Group, which is comprised of representatives from the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA), the UK Environment Agencies, the Local Government Association and HM Fire Service Inspectorate and it’s counterpart in Scotland. A Liaison Working Group has also been established that provides support and advice to the Strategic Group. The Terms of Reference of the Working Group are included as Appendix 1. The working arrangements that exist between the Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency have resulted in an increased awareness from FRS personnel with regard to environmental issues and the joint partnership is perceived as being extremely successful. This increased awareness has resulted in improvements in the ___________________________________________________________________________ 6

response to incidents involving pollution where successful intervention has led to significant harm to the natural environment being avoided. It is generally considered that the major incident that occurred at Buncefield Oil Depot in December 2005 was a success in limiting the impact to the environment. Good co-operation at multi-agency level resulted in a partnership approach that sought to give due consideration to the protection of the environment in addition to the need to extinguish the many fires. Whilst large amounts of contaminant went off site and the effects of this loss of contaminant is still being monitored, had the incident at Buncefield occurred ten years ago, it is felt that significant pollution of surface and groundwater would have ensued with the drinking water of in excess of 30,000 people being affected. The Environment Agency view FRS personnel as being the front line environmental responders to incidents that have the potential to cause harm to the environment due to the speed of response that can be achieved by the FRS. The Environment Agency does not have the capability to provide intervention in the response times that can be achieved by the FRS and relies on the FRS to fulfil the ‘first responder’ role. This role is seen as vital in implementing pollution prevention measures and therefore FRS actions can have a significant impact upon the protection of the natural environment.

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3. RELEVANT LEGISLATION The requirement of the FRS to ensure that effective pre-planning measures and procedures to deal with incidents that may affect the environment are in place is included in the following regulatory framework: 3.1 The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 Section 11 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act gives Fire Authorities the power to respond to other eventualities. This includes an event or situation that causes or is likely to cause: •

One or more individuals to die, be injured or become ill

•

Harm to the environment (including the life and health of plants and animals)

3.2 The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 One of the aims of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 is to improve the UK’s ability to deal with the consequences of major disruptive incidents by improving the planning process at a local level. The definition of an emergency within the act includes “an event or situation which threatens serious damage to the environment”. The definition of an emergency is concerned with consequences rather than with cause or source. A spillage of a single drum containing chemicals into a watercourse in itself may not appear to be an emergency, however should serious damage to the aquatic environment ensue, the event would be deemed to be an emergency within the definition of the Act. The Act, associated Regulations and Guidance place duties on Category 1 and Category 2 Responders to work together in many areas; these include emergency planning, incident response and information sharing. 3.3 The Water Resources Act 1991 Discharges into controlled waters are covered by the Water Resources Act 1991. Section 85 of the Act makes it an offence for a person to cause or knowingly permit any “poisonous, noxious or polluting matter” to enter “controlled waters”, including groundwaters. Section 89 relates to the Statutory defences to the offence of polluting controlled waters as follows: 3.3.1 A person shall not be guilty of an offence under Section 85 if: 3.3.1.1

The entry is caused or permitted, or the discharge is made, in any emergency in order to avoid danger to life or health;

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3.3.1.2

That person takes all such steps as are reasonably practicable in the circumstances for minimising the extent of the entry or discharge and of its polluting effects and;

3.3.1.3

Particulars of the entry or discharge are furnished to the Authority (EA) as soon as is reasonably practicable after the entry occurs.

3.4 The Groundwater Regulations 1998 The Groundwater Regulations are intended to prevent unauthorised discharges of polluting material into groundwaters. Within the scope of the Regulations, groundwater means “all water which is below the surface of the ground in the saturation zone and in direct contact with the ground or subsoil”. 3.5 The Environment Act 1995 Under the provisions of the Environment Act 1995, the former role of the National Rivers Authority, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pollution and the Waste Regulation Authorities was transferred to the Environment Agency, along with all the statutory duties associated with them.

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4. ‘WORKING BETTER TOGETHER TOWARDS A SAFER AND CLEANER ENVIRONMENT’ The protocol between the Environment Agency and the Local Government Association has been reviewed and the revised protocol is currently in draft format. It is envisaged that this protocol will be key to the formulation of Integrated Risk Management Plans by Fire Authorities. In February 2003, the Local Government Association and the Environment Agency agreed and signed a joint agreement, ‘Working Better Together’. Local authorities and the Environment Agency have powers and duties that complement each other in protecting the environment and protecting and enhancing the quality of life for local communities. Working Better Together is designed to ensure a close working partnership exists in order to deliver a series of environmental outcomes. A series of individual protocols have been formulated one of which, Protocol number 8, relates to Fire and Rescue Service Issues. The protocol surrounding the partnership between the Environment Agency and Fire and Rescue Services has three sections under Part 1: •

Section 1 describes the aims of the protocol, roles and responsibilities, shared environmental outcomes and the arrangements for joint working between the FRS and the EA

•

Section 2 sets out the review arrangements for the protocol

•

Section 3 details the areas of mutual interest between the FRS and the EA in 5 separate annexes. These annexes detail the principles, legislation and procedures that must be adopted in relation to these areas of mutual interest.

4.1 Section 1 - Purpose & Aims The purpose of the protocol is to ensure effective co-operation between the Fire & Rescue Service and the Environment Agency in dealing with emergency incidents which involve: • • • •

the pollution, or potential pollution, of the environment the release of radioactive substances flooding the disposal of waste

It aims to: •

minimise the hazard to the environment from Fire & Rescue Service activities, including fire fighting, and from incidents involving environmentally harmful substances caused by a third party

•

encourage liaison between the Fire & Rescue Service and the Environment Agency, particularly at the planning stage to make sure they co-ordinate their response to incidents with the potential to pollute the environment

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•

promote liaison to improve the planning and co-ordination of responses to flooding incidents by the Environment Agency and the Fire and Rescue Service

3.2 Reasons for updating the Protocol This is the first revision of the protocol since it was signed by the Environment Agency and the LGA in 1999. The revisions reflect the changing nature of the arena in which both organisations have to operate due to the implementation of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and the Fire & Rescue Service Act 2004. 3.3 Areas of Mutual Interest The revised Protocol introduces a series of shared environmental outcomes to be achieved by 2009. These are set out below.2

AREA OF MUTUAL INTEREST

TARGET TO BE ACHIEVED

1. Emergency Planning & IRMP

Any IRMP's which have either a direct or indirect impact on the safety of the community through environmental protection, (pollution control), flooding, and controlled burn strategies will be developed in partnership with the Environment Agency.

2. Pollution Incident Management

All FRS will be equipped with Grab Packs and specialist Environmental Protection Equipment

3. Training Exercising & Pollution Prevention

All courses offered by the Fire Service College will be reviewed by the National Fire & Rescue Service Strategic Liaison Working Group and relevant environmental information incorporated into course syllabus.

4. Information Exchange

Local agreements signed between appropriate Environment Agency Regions and Fire & Rescue Services

5. Flood Risk Management

Completion of a Flood Risk Management Annex to this protocol. Supported by appropriate procedures and guidance

In accordance with the ‘Area of Mutual Interest 1 – Emergency Planning and IRMP’, this report has been compiled in partnership with the Environment Agency. When the draft protocol is issued in full format it will necessitate a review of the local working arrangements between LFRS and the Environment Agency. ___________________________________________________________________________ 11

5. POLLUTION INTERVENTION PLANNING In the event of an incident that causes pollution, the development of a pollution response plan which can be shown to have helped mitigate the impact of the incident may be used as part of the defence described in Section 89 of the Water Resources Act 1991 for both site operators and FRS.1 The development of pollution planning is seen as a core function in an Integrated Risk Management Plan that is designed to improve the safety of the community. 5.1 Vulnerability of the Aquatic Environment The FRS attends incidents that have the potential to pollute air, land and water. Pollution of the water or aquatic environment is considered to be the most vulnerable to pollution from emergency incidents and the aspect of the environment that the FRS can protect most readily. Consequently pollution prevention and control measures in the FRS concentrate primarily in the protection of the aquatic environment and to a limited extent, protection of the land. There are a number of factors influencing the impact that a pollution event has on the environment. These include the toxicity of the polluting substances involved; the pathway by which the pollution finds its way into the environment and the sensitivity of the receiving environment or receptor, (see Section 6.1). This sensitivity will be determined by the uses that any particular watercourse is put to and also physical factors such as it’s temperature, the dilution afforded and the chemical composition of the receiving waters itself. As an example; the spillage of the same quantity of a hazardous material into a small trout stream directly above a public water intake is likely to have a far greater impact than if the discharge was made into the estuary of a large river. Similarly the impact that a spillage of an organic pollutant such as milk at the same location in a river is likely to be more serious in summer due to lower flows and higher water temperatures.

Figure 1. Stream contaminated with milk

Most industrial and commercial sites have the potential to cause significant environmental harm and to threaten water supplies and public health. The environmental damage may be long term, and in the case of groundwater, may persist for decades or even longer. Rivers, sewers, culverts, drains, water distribution systems and other systems all present routes for the conveyance of pollutants off-site and the effects of a discharge may be evident some distance away.1 In many cases, major pollution incidents can be prevented, if appropriate pollution control measures are in place. Contingency planning is seen as the key to success in formulating preventative measures and incident response strategies. ___________________________________________________________________________ 12

5.2 Operational Pre-Planning LFRS operational crews undertake operational risk assessments of premises in order to seek information that will enable them to deal effectively with any potential incidents at such sites. A plan is prepared for those premises deemed to be of a particular hazard to firefighters, known as Category 3 premises, which details the location, nature and quantities of hazards at a site in addition to points of access, water supplies for fire-fighting etc. The resultant plan is then included in the information contained within the Vehicle Mounted Data System (VMDS) and is available on every pumping appliance within Lancashire. Whilst such pre-planning measures are currently in place to deal with incidents at the premises within Lancashire that are deemed to contain some form of hazard, these plans concentrate primarily on the hazards to Firefighters. It would appear that environmental issues such as pollution prevention are not included in such plans and that little knowledge exists regarding the potential impact from environmental harm at these sites. Whilst a section is included within the Category 3 plans for environmental protection, during a sample analysis of the existing Category 3 plans it was discovered that of the 20 plans sampled, none had any information included in the environmental protection section. Specific plans do exist for premises that fall within the remit of the COMAH Regulations and Lancashire County Council also has a plan, ‘Operation Merlin’, which was designed primarily to concentrate on the after effects of toxic releases. This plan is a response document and therefore does not give full consideration to pre-planning measures for the protection of the environment. In order for LFRS personnel to effectively deal with incidents that have the potential to pollute the aquatic environment, it is essential that they have sufficient knowledge of, and access to, appropriate information regarding; • • • •

Potential pollution sources The sensitivity and vulnerability of the water environment in their station area The pathways that any pollutant will follow before it enters surface or groundwater, e.g. directly by soakaway or indirectly via a surface water Areas at a site where containment can be effectively undertaken

Crews should therefore research this information in their own station area. The Environment Agency and other parties such as the Highways Agency and Sewage Undertakers can provide details of the environmentally sensitive areas, drainage systems, abstraction points etc. Once the information has been obtained and collated, this information should be included within the Vehicle Mounted Data System for the existing Category 3 premises. Any additional sites that are considered to be a significant risk to the environment, but do not come under the jurisdiction of the COMAH Regulations should also be the subject of a Category 3 risk assessment. Such information and plans of the sources, pathways and receptors of polluting material available to crews on the VMDS will enable effective planning for environmental damaging incidents and support timely and informed operational decisions. ___________________________________________________________________________ 13

6. OPERATIONAL ISSUES RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 6.1 The Source, Pathway, Receptor Chain The Fire & Rescue Service deals with a variety of emergency incidents where there is often a risk of polluting the aquatic environment. The situation might be a spillage or leak that is flowing into a drain, watercourse or seeping into the ground. The priority in these situations will always be public and crew safety. However, protection of public drinking water supplies should be of significant importance to Incident Commanders. Where fire extinguishments or precautionary actions, such as applying a foam blanket to reduce vapour emission are taken, it may be the fire service actions that are either causing the pollution or contributing to its severity. In these circumstances, UK environmental law requires mitigating actions to be taken by the FRS. Where the risk to the environment is high, Incident Commanders may decide on a course of action to reduce or eliminate environmental impact completely. The selection and deployment of environmental protection equipment is based upon breaking the source, pathway, receptor chain.

SOURCE e.g. contaminated fire water run off, toxic chemical, toxic smoke plume etc.

PATHWAY e.g. surface drains, permeable ground, air

RECEPTOR e.g. a river, groundwater, local populations

The aim of any incident involving pollution is to disrupt this chain through positive intervention and is linked to a hierarchical model of pollution control. 6.2 Hierarchy of Pollution Control • • • • •

Contain at Source Contain Close to Source Contain on the Surface Contain in the Drainage System Containing on/in the Watercourse

The aim of the hierarchy is always to contain any polluting materials at or as close to the source as possible in order to minimise both the quantity of contaminant lost and the spread of the contamination. 6.3 Pollution Control Equipment Equipment has been supplied by the Environment Agency to enable FRS to implement first aid pollution containment measures at an early stage of an incident. The Agency supplied Grab Pack is issued to every pumping appliance within Lancashire. The supply of the packs by the EA has been viewed as a national success in the arena of Environmental Protection. The Grab Pack contains pollution ___________________________________________________________________________ 14

control equipment that can be utilised to deal with a variety of pollution incidents in containing spills and leaks.

Contents of Grab Pack •

‘Dammit’ Sealing Putty

•

Clay Drain Sealing Mat

•

25 Oil Absorbent Sheets

•

600mm Poly Boom (10m Length)

•

Clear Polythene Bags

•

Cable Ties

•

Marking Tape

•

Laminated Instruction Sheet

Figure 2. Environment Agency Grab Pack Contents

LFRS, in common with the majority or FRA’s in England also possesses more specialised equipment to deal with spills. This equipment is carried on a Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Unit that has recently been enhanced to provide a method of decontaminating firefighters following incidents that have involved some form of hazardous substances. A full list of the equipment carried on this Unit is included as Appendix 2.

Figure 3. Hazardous Materials & Environmental Protection Unit

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6.4 The Provision of a Second Hazardous Materials/Environmental Protection Unit Early intervention is key in order to instigate pollution prevention measures before significant damage to the environment ensues. Whilst every pumping appliance carries a Grab Pack, at a more complex incident the specialist equipment carried on the Hazardous Materials/Environmental Protection Unit may well be critical in containing a major spillage or firewater run off. Should there be a delay in the Unit attending, the delay in introducing pollution control measures could have a significant impact on the environment. Whilst the impact in monetary terms is difficult to quantify, it would not be an exaggeration to suggest that a spillage or firewater run off affecting public drinking supplies or aquatic wildlife such as fish, could easily result in significant financial losses and immeasurable damage to the aquatic environment. The firewater run off from the Allied Colloids fire in Bradford in July 1992 resulted in thousands of fish being killed in the Aire and Calder rivers. As part of the Special Appliance Redeployment Project, the Chemical Incident Unit, (CIU), based at Preston Fire Station is to be disestablished. The original Environmental Protection Unit, (EPU), has recently been developed to take over the role previously provided by the CIU, that of firefighter decontamination, with the provision of an inflatable decontamination shower, chemical protection suits and radiation monitoring equipment.

Northern

Western Central Eastern Pennine

Southern

Figure 4. Incidents attended by the EPU and CIU during the period 01/11/02 – 30/10/05 CIU Incidents EPU Incidents

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During the period 1 November 2002 to 30 October 2005, the EPU was mobilised to 114 incidents and the CIU mobilised to 89 incidents, a total of 203 incidents. It is envisaged therefore that the activity levels of the combined unit will increase significantly. Figure 4 details the location of the incidents that the EPU and CIU have attended during the period, 1 November 2002 to 31 October 2005. The provision of the inflatable decontamination shower facility on the unit allows for the containment of contaminated run off. The Environment Agency’s recommended approach to decontamination is that contaminants and contaminated materials should be contained until they have been properly identified, after which time a decision can be made regarding the safe disposal. The early setting up of the decontamination shower will permit the most effective containment measures to be established at an incident involving hazardous materials. Providing a second unit with this decontamination facility will not only increase the capability and resilience for effective containment but will also improve the safety of firefighters requiring decontamination at such incidents. Whilst the partnership between LFRS and the EA has resulted in an improvement in the working arrangements between the two agencies, there would still appear to be a lack of knowledge by LFRS personnel as to the capabilities of the specialist equipment carried on the EPU and as a consequence, a reluctance to request the unit by Incident Commanders. With the increased awareness of the need to place greater emphasis on the early implementation of pollution control measures that should arise as a result of the preplanning and training detailed in Sections 5.2 and 7 respectively, it is anticipated that this will result in Incident Commanders requesting the Hazmats/Environmental Protection Unit on more occasions than has previously been experienced. Whilst the existing Unit is well placed for strategic deployment onto the county’s motorway network, attendance times to some areas of the county are in excess of 60 minutes and significant harm to the environment could occur as a consequence of a delay in implementing pollution control measures. Figure 5 details an estimated area of response from Burnley Fire Station utilising 30, 45 and 60 minute travel times. In accordance with the ‘Hierarchy of Pollution Control’, the most effective method of breaking the source, pathway, receptor chain is to contain any polluting materials at source in order minimise the quantity of contaminant lost and the spread of the contamination. In order to contain polluting materials at source it is essential that measures be put in place to achieve this aim at an early stage of an incident. Whilst the equipment contained within the Grab Pack is seen as a ‘first aid’ capability, a spillage of any proportion with a significant potential to cause harm would require the use of the specialised equipment from the Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Unit.

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Figure 5. CIU and EPU incidents & 30, 45 and 60 minute travel time from Burnley

CIU Incidents EPU Incidents

Green Red Blue

30 Minute travel time 45 Minute travel time 60 Minute travel time

Throughout this report, the following speeds have been used to calculate travel boundaries: Motorway – 60 mph, ‘A’ Roads – 35 mph, ‘B’ Roads - 25 mph, other roads - 20 mph

The Environment Agency has indicated that funding would be available to assist in the purchase of a second unit, similar to the existing one based at Burnley. The Agency has indicated that they will fund the Unit body or ‘pod’, which has been estimated at a cost of £23,000. Further funding would be available at regional level from the EA to fund the majority of the equipment carried on the Unit. Funding from LFRS would be required to purchase any additional equipment, including the Firefighter decontamination equipment and it is estimated that this would amount to approximately £15,000. It is anticipated that the prime mover ___________________________________________________________________________ 18

necessary for transportation of the pod can be provided from the existing vehicle fleet. A Company named Darcy supplies the majority of the specialist equipment that is provided for the existing EPU. The company has indicated that they would be willing to train LFRS personnel in the use of the equipment free of charge with officers of the EA also willing to assist in any training requirements. It is envisaged that the training required could be completed within one day per watch. There is also the facility to utilise an instructor from Burnley Fire Station to undertake any additional training that would be identified by a training needs analysis. In order to ascertain which station would be the most appropriate location for a second unit, further research would need to be undertaken. Two important criteria pertinent to the location of a second unit requiring consideration are: •

Those existing fire stations that have a spare appliance bay that is of sufficient height and length to accommodate a prime mover and unit body.

•

A location that allows the deployment of the unit to provide effective strategic cover across the county.

By providing a second Unit, the likelihood of containing polluting materials at or close to source will increase and therefore the potential to make a significant impact in protecting the environment should be realised, thereby achieving the authority’s strategic objectives namely: • • •

Reduce the commercial economic and social consequences of fire and other emergency incidents. Protect the environment and Lancashire heritage. Provide a better value service.

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6.6 Fire-fighting Foam Fire-fighting Foam is highly polluting and can have a significant impact on the aquatic environment. The use of foam for training purposes is restricted, for operational use no restriction exists, however the potential damage to the environment should be considered prior to using foam, particularly at sites of an environmentally sensitive nature. Whilst firefighting foams are effective in dealing with class ‘B’ liquid fires, their use should be carefully managed. Perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) foam is particularly harmful and has an association with bladder and other cancers. Due to the concerns regarding PFOS foam, 3M ceased the manufacture of PFOS in firefighting foam in 2003, although stocks are still in existence nationally. LFRS does not possess foam of this type, nor does any of the FRS in the North West region. Firefighting Foams have many properties that are regulated by environmental laws. These properties include foaming, toxicity, oxygen demand biodegradability, and oil emulsification. Each of these properties has short-term effects on the local environment, including the following: •

Contaminating surface water, making it temporary uninhabitable for wildlife

•

Contaminating groundwater, setting the need for treatment prior to drinking

•

Disrupting a wastewater treatment plant, causing untreated sewage to be discharged, and heavily contaminating surface water.

Long-term effects are still being explored, although some research has shown that some firefighting foams leave long-term residual breakdown products in soil.3 There are many different types of foam in widespread use, but they all fall into two broad generic categories depending on whether the main constituent or foaming agent is protein or synthetic. 6.6.1 Toxicity to Aquatic Organisms Foam is designed to be used with large quantities of water and so may end up in the water or aquatic environment. Aquatic toxicity tests are usually conducted on a variety of organisms that represent key links in the food chain. These include algae, protozoa, crustaceans and fish. There is enormous variation in toxicity levels among the different foam categories. The most toxic foams are Syndets, followed by AFFF. Protein-based foams are much less toxic. Of all the protein-based foams, FFFP is the least toxic.4 6.6.2 Biodegradability The biodegradability of foam is a measure of how readily it is broken down by micro –organisms (mostly bacteria) in the environment. The micro-organisms digest foam and in the process extract oxygen that is dissolved in the surrounding water which may lead to the asphyxiation of aquatic organisms. Synthetic foams such as AFFF are generally less biodegradable than other foams.4 ___________________________________________________________________________ 20

LFRS uses foam supplied by Angus Fire in the following applications: FOAM TYPE FP70 - Fluroprotein Expandol - Synthetic Petroseal - FFFP Niagara – Alcohol Resistant FFFP

APPLICATION 5x Foam Making Branchpipe Foam Tender – Low Expansion Foam MEX 225 Foam Making Branchpipe ‘Wardash’ & High Pressure Hosereel Foam Tender – Alcohol Resistant

Angus Fire claims that all of the above foams are biodegradable and virtually nontoxic to aquatic organisms. This assumes that they are used at the correct solution rates. Despite this claim, the use of foam at incidents should be carefully monitored in conjunction with the Environment Agency, whenever possible with containment measures being considered. The use of a controlled burn strategy should also be considered as opposed to the application of foam where appropriate. The use of compressed air foam systems (CAFS) is becoming more widespread. These type of systems typically use much lower percentages of film forming foam in water (0.5% - 1%). Such systems are still in the development stage and thus far the use of them has proven problematical, however consideration should be given for their future use in order to reduce the potential pollution from fire-fighting foam. Research is progressing globally with regard to the impact of foam on the environment. The situation with regard to the manufacture of foam products less damaging to the environment should be closely monitored in order to ensure that LFRS is using products that cause as little damage to the environment as possible. 6.7 Controlled Burn Strategy The Best Practical Environmental Option (BPEO) principle can be applied to pollution releases from fires at sites storing substances hazardous to the environment. In purely BPEO terms, the appropriate response is the one having the smallest overall environmental impact over all media (air, land and water).5 The concept of the controlled-burn tactic has developed and involves a restricted or controlled use of water or foam on fires to reduce potential environmental impacts of chemicals and contaminated firewater runoff. The Environment Agency wishes to develop policy on controlled burns and to establish workable guidelines on when controlled burn may be appropriate. There may be occasions when the use of a controlled burn tactic is the most appropriate method of dealing with an incident, for example a pesticide store on an agricultural site in a rural location, close to a water course. The legal implication of allowing fires to burn as opposed to extinguishment requires consideration. The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 places no legal duty on FRS to extinguish fires. The duty is only to provide for extinguishing fires and protect life and property in the event of a fire. ___________________________________________________________________________ 21

The duty on how to conduct firefighting operations is governed by the principles of common law relating to reasonableness. In practice this means that there are likely to be circumstances where it would be reasonable for the FRS Incident Commander to decide to cease or limit firefighting operations, because the consequences of continuing to fight the fire would be worse than the destruction of property.5 Ultimately the decision as to whether to adopt a controlled burn tactic would rest with the Incident Commander however advice could be sought from other agencies such as the Health Protection Agency and the Environment Agency, where this is appropriate. Further research into controlled burn strategies is being conducted by the Environment Agency. CFOA, through the National Liaison Strategic Group is involved in this research. The Environment Agency publishes guidance on pollution prevention and the aim is to issue guidance in relation to controlled burn as Pollution Prevention Guide (PPG 28). Consideration should be give to adopting the recommendations contained within PPG 28, where appropriate in order to determine the Best Practical Environmental Option, (BPEO) for dealing with incidents that have an impact upon the environment. 6.8 Decontamination Procedures Decontamination of Fire Service personnel and/or casualties to protect life and health must take precedence over all other considerations at the scene of an incident, however it is still important to ensure all reasonable practicable measures are taken to protect the environment when such procedures are being used. LFRS will inform the Environment Agency and the Water Company as soon as possible when decontamination procedures are being employed. The Environment Agency and Water Company will then provide advice on how to minimise environmental pollution. LFRS is currently undertaking a review into the procedures to be adopted at incidents involving the decontamination of personnel. The Environment Agency are involved in the review and will advise on the methods to be adopted with regard to either dilution or containment in order to ensure that the revised procedure conforms to best practice. The guidance contained within the protocol for the disposal of contaminated water issued by Water UK should also be adhered to. The review of the decontamination procedures undertaken by LFRS must take into account any guidance issued by the Environment Agency and Water UK. 6.9 Coastal Oil Spills The large amount of shipping that service the ports of Heysham, Fleetwood and Liverpool and the presence of offshore oil fields in Morecambe and Southport Bays pose a significant risk of a major oil spillage off the Lancashire Coast. Given this level of activity, it is feasible that large amounts of oil or other chemicals could come ashore on the Lancashire Coastline. Lancashire County Council, Emergency Section ___________________________________________________________________________ 22

has produced an Oil Spill Contingency Plan that details the action to take in the event of such an occurrence. The Chief Fire Officer of LFRS is the County Oil Pollution Officer for oil spills off the coast of Lancashire. The County Oil Pollution Officer has overall responsibility for the activation of the Oil Spill Contingency Plan. The Counter Pollution Branch of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is responsible for co-ordinating all at-sea responses to spill incidents. The clean up of the shoreline lies primarily with the District Council within whose area the pollution has occurred. However overall control and co-ordination of oil pollution on-shore clean up operations within Lancashire is the responsibility of the County Oil Pollution Officer. There is a multi-authority agreement to support this approach within Lancashire.6 Whilst the CFO is the County Oil Pollution Officer, it is unlikely that LFRS resources would be utilised to deal with an oil spill that has affected the Lancashire shoreline. The nature of such an incident would make it extremely difficult to put any effective pollution control measures in place. 6.10 Waste Management Waste is likely to be generated at incidents where pollution control measures have been employed. This includes the contained pollutant, soiled materials such as absorbents, damaged containers and contaminated equipment and clothing. This waste will need to be moved and disposed of. The Environment Agency regulates this activity and will provide advice and guidance to the responsible party. The Fire & Rescue Service will normally not have direct responsibility for disposing of waste generated at the incident it attends, however where Hazardous Waste has been produced at incidents, a duty of care is provided to the FRS Incident Commander. The duty is to ensure that the waste is contained and handed over to a responsible or competent person. The Fire Service Manual gives guidance on the protocol to be adopted in order to ensure that this duty of care is fulfilled. 6.11 Flood Risk Management Whilst Flood Risk Management is included in the Draft Protocol 8 on Fire Service issues in the ‘Working Better Together’ series, the subject has not been considered as part of Project Number 2, The Development of an Environmental Protection Strategy. This subject is considered in detail in IRMP Project Number 4, Review of the Arrangements for Response to Water Related Incidents.

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7. TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT In 2005, the National Liaison Strategic Group commissioned a report, ‘A Review of the Environment Agency, Fire Service Training Strategy’ (OHES 2005), the purpose of which was to examine the delivery of training within both agencies but principally the FRS. The report recommended the further development of existing training and resources and adopting a structured approach to environmental training that could be delivered centrally, regionally, at FRS training centres and local fire stations. Such training would offer a consistent national approach to environmental issues. The report is a comprehensive review of the current training undertaken by FRS personnel both at the Fire Service College and locally within individual FRS and advises on a strategy consisting of a number of role orientated elements. A new Fire Service Manual on Environmental Protection, currently in draft format, has recently been issued to FRA’s for consultation. The author of the Manual is David Hanlon of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who has been seconded to the ODPM in order to complete the project. The Manual highlights that through the Integrated Personal Development System (IPDS), there is a need for a more formal approach to environmental protection by the developing the competence of operational, fire safety and managerial staff. Thus far, there has been little formal development of the specialist skills and knowledge needed to inform the environmental competences described in the IPDS role maps. The Manual details the identified training needs for the various FRS roles from Firefighter through to Brigade Manager. It would appear appropriate that LFRS Training Department should seek to engage with the Fire Service College and Stewart Ower, the author of OHES 2005, in order to ensure LFRS are involved in the development of any national training strategy in line with the requirements of IPDS. The training strategy should seek to ensure that the operational personnel of LFRS receive training in accordance with national guidelines appropriate to the role in which they are operating. The proposals for core progression training detailed in OHES 2005 are included as Appendix 3. These proposals identify the resource, target audience, including EA Officers, and the development that is required to implement the proposals. OHES 2005 further identifies that that the proposal represents a significant investment in course and resource redesign, however the timing of such a review is right in terms of need and the opportunity to align with the National FRS Learning and Development Strategy. 7 Whilst there has been an increased awareness in pollution control measures since the partnership initiative between FRS’s and the EA was introduced, there is scope to further develop this awareness with a training programme designed to educate and inform operational personnel in environmental issues, including a better understanding of pre-planning measures.

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8. PARTNERSHIP ARRANGEMENTS Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, (CFRS) have undertaken an analysis of data relating to environmental incidents, attended by CFRS between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2005 (with potential or actual threat to the environment), This analysis indicated that the majority of incidents requiring the deployment of pollution prevention equipment were highways related incidents. Of the 66 incidents attended that were considered to offer a significant environmental threat, 58 were highways related and were dealt with using ‘grab pack’ equipment from front line appliances. This represents 88% of such incidents.8 The research undertaken by LFRS resulted in a smaller percentage of incidents that were highways related, (see Figure 6).

Northern

Eastern

Central

Western

Pennine

Southern

Figure 6. Incident type and location utilising Environment Agency Grab Pack Key

Count 27 9 63

Description Commercial Domestic Highway

6

Industrial

5

Public Building

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During the period between the 1 November and 2002 and 31 October 2005, of the 110 incidents at which equipment from the Grab Pack was utilised, a total of 63 incidents (58%), were located on the Highway. Whilst this is a smaller figure than that in Cumbria, highways related incidents still form the majority of occasions on which the grab pack equipment is used. CFRS, the Environment Agency and Amey Mouchel have entered into a joint partnership for dealing with incidents on the county’s major trunk roads. Amey Mouchel have responsibility for the motorway network and the majority of trunk roads in Cumbria on behalf of the Highways Agency. The Partnerships aim is to enhance environmental protection service delivery on the major highways in Cumbria. This is being achieved by:• • • • • • •

Expanding the availability of environmental protection equipment at key strategic locations on the major roads network by utilising Amey Mouchel, Environment Agency and Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service depots. Joint pollution control and prevention training exercises being conducted. The training will concentrate on health and safety, attendance & call out procedures and primary duties at the scene. Amey Mouchel are providing environmental protection equipment at all entrances and exits to motorways in Cumbria. Amey Mouchel operation staff have received Incident Command and Cordon Control & Safety of training from the Fire Service Amey Mouchel operation staff will receive environmental awareness and incident response training from the Environment Agency. The Fire Service and/or the Environment Agency providing health and safety information relating to any hazardous substances which may be encountered at a particular incident Involvement of Amey Mouchel staff in the incident debrief process.8

Amey Mouchel’s area of responsibility extends into Lancashire and it would appear that the company would be willing to establish a similar arrangement with LFRS to that in existence in Cumbria. Following discussions with the Highways Agency who are responsible for the remainder of Lancashire’s motorway network it would appear that the Highway’s Agency would also be willing to enter into a similar partnership. Such a partnership could result in Highways Agency officers dealing with minor spills on the county’s motorway network without the need to request a pumping appliance from LFRS to attend the incident. The Highways Agency are also interested in setting up joint training exercises that would benefit both the FRS and Highways Agency personnel. 8.1 Regional Fire Service / Environment Agency Liaison Other areas within the country have established regional Fire Service/Environmental Agency Liaison groups. The purpose of these groups is to consider issues that affect both agencies within the environmental protection arena. This enables them to share information and co-operate as Category 1 Responders as part of their duties under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. ___________________________________________________________________________ 26

One such group, the Thames Regional Fire Service/Environment Agency group was established in order to ensure best practice with regard to the provision of equipment, pollution control measures, policies and procedures etc. Representatives from each of the regions Fire and Rescue Services and Environment Agency offices meet every four months to share information and work together, for example in the preparation of training and exercising. A group such as that already established in the Thames region could be formed in the North West consisting of the following 5 FRS • • • • •

Cheshire Fire Service Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service

Terms of reference would need to be drawn up and a protocol established, those already in existence could become a framework for the North West region.

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9. CONCLUSION In accordance with the Integrated Risk Management Plan, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is required to safeguard the environment of Lancashire. Not withstanding the legal and moral obligations for LFRS to consider environmental issues, there are real benefits in protecting the environment. In addition to the substantial savings that can be made to the economy by the early intervention by FRS in implementing pollution control measures, the community of Lancashire would benefit from any improvement in the existing level of service provided. The existing partnership between the Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency has resulted in real progress being made in the establishment of environmental protection arrangements. The Environment Agency considers the initiative to be its most successful partnership, contributing to its stated aim of maintaining and improving the environment. With the introduction of a new protocol detailing how the Environment Agency and Fire and Rescue Services can improve the partnership arrangements through the ‘Working Better Together’ series, and also the introduction of a Fire Service Manual on Environmental Protection, there exists an ideal opportunity to review and improve the Environmental Protection arrangements provided by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. The new protocol should form the basis of a revision of the local working arrangements between LFRS and the Environment Agency. In order to achieve this aim, policies and procedures must be in place that will allow for pre-planning and effective response to incidents that threaten the environment. Operational personnel will be better prepared to deal with any incidents that affect the environment with more effective pre-planning in place to deal with the more specific sites where it is known that hazards to the environment exist. By increasing the awareness of personnel through adopting a training plan that reflects the competencies required by the IPDS role models, the value of the protection of the environment should be more evident to the personnel of LFRS. In order for LFRS to be fully effective in its strategic objectives with regard to the development of an environmental protection strategy, it is essential that personnel within the Service have a full understanding and take ownership of environmental protection issues as a core function of the FRS. The Fire Service Manual on Environmental Protection and the document OHES 2005 should be the key to the development of a training package that will impact upon all roles within the Service and operational policy and procedures. The Manual details the identified training needs for the various FRS roles from Firefighter through to Brigade Manager. It would appear appropriate that LFRS Training Department should seek to engage with the Fire Service College and Stewart Ower, the author of OHES 2005, in order to ensure LFRS are involved in the development of any national training strategy in line with the requirements of IPDS. The training strategy should seek to ensure that the operational personnel of LFRS receive training in accordance with national guidelines appropriate to the role at which they are operating. ___________________________________________________________________________ 28

There is an issue regarding the speed of response and resilience of the availability of the Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Unit. The unit has taken over the role of two special appliances, the Environmental Protection Unit and Chemical Incident Unit and will therefore be subject to increased activity levels. For pollution prevention measures to be effective, early intervention is key to achieving a successful outcome. Whilst every appliance carries a Grab Pack, at a more complex incident the specialist equipment carried on the HMEP Unit may well be critical in containing a major spillage. Should there be a delay in the HMEP attending, the delay in introducing pollution control measures could have a significant impact on the environment. By providing a second unit in partnership with the Environment Agency, the resilience of the existing arrangements, and indeed the service provided to the public, would be greatly enhanced. There exists an opportunity for partnership working with a number of agencies and other Fire and Rescue Services. These partnerships have the potential to further enhance the provision of environmental protection initiatives and would satisfy the requirement for co-operation and information sharing as Category 1 and Category 2 Responders under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Whilst it is understood that fire-fighting foams can have a significant adverse effect on the environment, it is accepted that there are occasions when fire-fighting foam is the most expedient and efficient extinguishing medium. Future developments in the manufacture of foam products that have less of an impact on the aquatic environment should be monitored including the development of Compressed Air Foam Systems, (CAFS) in order to ensure that harm to the environment is minimised. The research that is being undertaken with regard to controlled burn tactics being used as a method of protecting the environment should be monitored and any recommendations made by the Environment Agency in Pollution Prevention Guide 28 (PPG 28) should be considered in any future policy designed to determine the Best Practical Environmental Option, (BPEO) for dealing with incidents that have an impact upon the environment. The progress that has been made in environmental protection through the establishment of the innovative partnership arrangements between FRS and the Environment Agency has been successful in raising awareness and reducing the number of incidents that have caused harm to the environment. There is scope for the partnership arrangements to be further developed in accordance with Protocol Number 8 and for LFRS to improve the safety of communities by utilising resources more efficiently and effectively in order to protect the natural environment, thereby ensuring that the requirements of the Integrated Risk Management Plan are fulfilled.

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10. RECOMMENDATIONS The statutory duties and moral obligations with regard to Environmental Protection, placed upon Lancashire Combined Fire Authority are best discharged through arrangements as proposed in the following recommendations: Recommendation 1 The ‘Working Better Together, Protocol number 8 should form the basis of a revision of the local working arrangements between Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and the Environment Agency. Recommendation 2 A greater emphasis should be placed upon the pre-planning arrangements for incidents that may have an adverse effect upon the environment. Such arrangements may include operational risk assessments of generic sites, for example agrochemical stores, which could be included on the Vehicle Mounted Data System, (VMDS). More specific information on environmental protection measures for sites that constitute a significant risk to the environment should be included within the Category 3 risk assessment. Crews should undertake familiarisation visits to such sites in order to identify the materials constituting the risk, the location of drains, watercourses etc. and the potential areas where pollution prevention measures such as booms and mats might be deployed in the event of an incident affecting the environment. Recommendation 3 The awareness of the personnel of LFRS should be raised regarding the measures that can be taken to protect the natural environment from the harmful effects of hazardous spillages and firewater runoff through better pre-planning and pollution control measures. This can be achieved by the Training Department developing core training, in conjunction with the Environment Agency and IPDS. The recommendations contained within document OHES 2005 and the Fire Service Manual on Environmental Protection should form the basis of the development of such training. Regular joint exercising at a multi-agency level should further enhance this training. Recommendation 4 A second Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Unit, similar to the existing Unit, should be provided in partnership with the Environment Agency and appropriately located to provide effective strategic cover across the county. This would enhance the existing provision allowing for earlier intervention at incidents requiring pollution control and also provide some resilience to the current arrangements.

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This would enhance the provision of more specialised equipment for dealing with incidents involving pollution of the environment and firefighter decontamination, enabling earlier intervention an in addition, provide resilience for the existing arrangements. Recommendation 5 The potential for working in partnership with other agencies, for example the Highways Agency should be further explored in order to offer the best possible service to the public. Such a partnership could result in an arrangement similar to that in existence between Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Amey Mouchel for dealing with incidents on the highways. Recommendation 6 A North West Regional Fire Service/Environment Agency Liaison Group with clear Terms of Reference should be formed that would result in better information sharing and co-operation between the agencies at a regional level. Recommendation 7 Current research on the development of foam products that have less of an impact on the aquatic environment, and controlled burn tactics as a method of protecting the environment, should be monitored in order to ensure LFRS is complying with best practice.

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11. REFERENCES 1. The Draft Fire Service Manual – Environmental Protection 2. The Draft Protocol No. 8 ‘Working Better Together’ 3. Environmental Impacts of Firefighting Foams 4. Managing Fire Fighting Foams in the Environment 5. Environmental Impact of Controlled Burns R & D Technical Report P388 6. Oil Spill Contingency Plan

David Hanlon

LGA/Environment Agency Hughes Associates Angus Fire

Environment Agency Lancashire County Council

7. A Review of the Environment Agency Fire Service Training Strategy (OHES 2005)

Stewart Ower

8. Cumbria Emergency Environmental Protection Group

Cumbria FRS

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12. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The following are thanked for their assistance in the compilation of this report:

Bruce McGlashan

Environment Agency

Stephen Wren

Environment Agency

David Hanlon

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Bill Taylor

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

Sarah Rolfe

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

Donald McDonald

Maritime Coastguard Agency

David Cronin

Highways Agency

Greig Crawford

Amey Mouchel

Paul Roberts

United Utilities

John Astbury

Health Protection Agency

Debbie King

Environment Policy Development, LCC

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Appendix 1 National Fire and Rescue Service Operation Liaison Working Group Terms of Reference

Mission Statement for the Initiative “In Partnership Towards a Safer & Cleaner Environment” Overall Purpose of Group To provide technical support and operational guidance to the National Fire and Rescue Service Liaison Strategic Group Specific objectives The group will: 1.

Identify issues requiring updating, amending or for inclusion within the Protocol between the LGA and Environment Agency on Fire & Rescue Service Issues.

2.

Identify and promote current best operational practice on environmental protection within the UK. Make recommendations for implementation and promotion of identified areas to Strategic Working Group. This work should include consideration of current working practises and key issues identified from incident reviews.

3.

Co-ordinate Fire and Rescue Service liaison at a local operational level. Promote the development of Local Agreements within a common National Framework.

4.

Co-ordinate the maintenance and updating, where necessary, details of the current levels and location of pollution control equipment supplied to the Fire & Rescue Service.

5.

Identify future equipment requirements and consequent budgetary needs. Ensure that areas where coverage is inadequate are identified and prioritised so that spending can be appropriately targeted should funding become available.

6.

Oversee the Environment Agency’s National Budget for Pollution Equipment Materials. This will include the identification of the money required to fund the provision of pollution equipment for the coming financial year and ensuring that the money subsequently allocated to the budget is spent by the end of the financial year. Regional Fire Group representatives will be responsible for the management of this money within their respective Regions

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7.

Review the use and effectiveness of pollution equipment supplied to the Fire & Rescue Service. Co-ordinate the evaluation of new items of equipment and recommend placement onto the Nationally agreed equipment list

8.

Develop an acceptable method for the recovery of costs associated with the use and replacement of equipment provided by the Environment Agencies, and the services provided by the Fire & Rescue Service.

9.

Provide input into the Environment Training Strategy including courses at College, Moreton-in-Marsh, Scottish Gullane, other training courses and Rescue Service Manuals.

10.

Provide comment on relevant guidance materials.

Agencies Fire and Rescue Service the National Fire and Rescue Service Fire and Rescue Service College, training materials such as Fire and

Group Membership: Bruce McGlashan (Chair) Liz Hobday (Technical Secretary) Jo Evans Roger Harman Lawrence Mathew Jeremy Hay Trevor Marsh John Hemmsworth Nina Reader Jo Slimin Qumual Syed Doug Watt Mark Livingstone Tony Hussey Eddie Mullen Keith Ring Dave Hanlon Andy Harrison

EA - Process Management EA - Process Management EA - Wales EA – North East Region EA - South West EA - Anglian EA – North West EA – Southern EA – Midlands EA - Thames EA Procurement SEPA Environment & Heritage Service. N.Ireland Fire Service College Fire Service College HMFSI CFOA Scottish HMI

Meeting Frequency. The Group will meet every four months and more regularly if issues dictate

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Appendix 2 Specialised Equipment Carried On The Hazardous Materials/Environmental Protection Unit

Supply of Grab Pack items in greater quantities Peristaltic pump, suction filter & squeegee Oko-Tec Boom complete with ends and blower Drum tourniquets Mechanical drain seal bungs Self erecting pools (100 litres) Flexi-tanks (2000 & 6000 litres) Pneumatic pipe blockers and associated equipment Vetter Aspirator ‘Froggy’ floating pump Overpack drums Drum upender Vetter leak sealing lance Chemical absorbent booms Chemical absorbent cushions Oil absorbent booms Oil absorbent cushions River booms Hughes Decontamination Shower and associated equipment Chemical Protection Suits Re-robe packs Radiation monitoring equipment Decontamination cordon cones and poles 24v Generator & lighting Sphagsorb

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Appendix 3 Proposed Environment Agency/Fire & Rescue Service Training Strategy

Resource Training Video • Environmental risk assessment • Emergency deployment of equipment CD ROM (powerpoint) • Environment Agencies • FRS initiative • Protocol agreements • Introduction to environment • Pollutants and their effects • Environmental risk assessment • Emergency deployment of equipment CD ROM (powerpoint) • FRS initiative • Protocol agreements CMMI FSC Course • Environment Agencies • FRS initiative • Protocol agreements • Introduction to environment • Source, pathway, receptor concept • Pollutants and their effects • Environmental risk assessment • Emergency deployment of equipment • Case studies based on selection and emergency deployment of equipment • Basic equipment deployment practical exercise SMMI FSC Course • Protocol refresher • Environmental risk assessment (larger or more serious incidents)

Target Audience FRS new recruits Firefighter Crew Manager (Training school and on station training) FRS Officers (distance learning) Agency on station training of EP unit crews

Agency Officers (Area presentations) Agency Management Agency Academy Crew Managers

Station Managers

Development Required Additions to existing video. Supporting trainer notes Redesign of current Fire 1 & Fire 2.

Part of above presentation.

Redesign of input and notes to focus on 1st responder role. Source case studies and incident footage. Expansion of environmental input so basics do not need to be included in SMMI and HMEP courses.

Redesign input and notes to focus on Incident Commander role.

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•

Emergency deployment of equipment to include specialist equipment • Case studies based on formulating incident response strategy • Preplanning • Station pollution prevention issues • Practical exercises on Fire ground HMEP FSC Course • Protocol refresher • Environmental risk assessment (complex and more serious incidents) • Use of data sources such as chemdata for environmental incidents • CCBRN issues • Decontamination • Controlled burn • FF Foam issues • Emergency deployment of equipment to include specialist equipment • Case studies based on formulating incident response strategy • Preplanning • Practical exercise acting as HMEPO – complex scenario towards end of 5 week course. • Operationally focussed assessment HMEP Refresher • Case studies • Desktop exercises Area Management Programme • Strategic view of partnership and implications for FRS at a strategic level Fire Service Manual

Technical Seminars

Source case studies & incident footage. Develop exercise scenarios. Consider delivery options.

Potential HMEPO’s

Redesign input to focus on specialist advisor (HMEPO) and Incident Commander roles at larger incidents. Consider delivery options.

HMEPO’s

Senior FRS officers with area management responsibilities Entire range of FRS personnel & FSC staff involved in environmental training FSC instructors

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