Saint Paul - Ramsey County Department of Public Health
All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan
Annex: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
Version 1.0
(September 2007)
Table of Contents
Section
Page
1. Introduction
3
2. Purpose
4
3. Situation and Assumptions
4
4. Roles and Responsibilities
5
5. Concept of Operations
19
6. Responsibility, Notification, Activation & Reporting
21
7. Response Actions
22
8. Communication
36
9. Training
36
10. Authority
38
Figures
1. Organization Chart for St. Paul – Ramsey County Department
of Public Health, Environmental Health Section
39
2. Environmental Health Emergency Response Decision Tree
40
3. SPRCDPH Environmental Health Incident Management
Staffing Chart
41
Attachments
I. Contact Information for Public Health Emergencies
42
II. Contact Information for Environmental Health Section Staff
44
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
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III: SPRCDPH Policy Activating a Public Health Response
45
IV: SPRCDPH Policy 800 MHz Radio Testing
47
V: SPRCDPH Policy All Staff Information Line
51
VI. Vendor Contact Information
53
VII. Job Action Sheets Template
55
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Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
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1.
Introduction
The State of Minnesota is subject to major disasters and emergency events that can pose a
significant threat to public safety and/or health. The four general types of such events are:
(1) natural disasters;
(2) technological hazards;
(3) civil emergencies; and
(4) national security events.
Specific hazards include but are not limited to: floods, tornadoes, blizzards, droughts, releases of
hazardous materials, high-level radioactive wastes plant and transportation accidents, emergency
levee/dam failures, pipeline leaks, explosions, forest fires, terrorism, critical infrastructure
failures, health threats and civil disturbances.
In times of emergency, such as widespread disease outbreak, floods, tornadoes, extended cold
and snow, and acts of terrorism, routine daily living is dramatically changed. People may be
evacuated from their homes and taken to temporary shelter; water and sewage systems may be
disrupted or made inoperable; gas, electric and phone service may be severely affected; food
supplies may be cut off; there may be a need to employ isolation and quarantine (isolation
applies to persons who are known to have an illness, and quarantine applies to those who have
been exposed to an illness but who may or may not become ill); and there may be widespread
destruction of property.
Ramsey County is susceptible to a number of hazards, ranging from natural disasters to accidents
to deliberate acts of violence. Of the multitude of hazards that could occur, Ramsey County
Emergency Management identified 14 as possible concerns. After conducting further analysis of
these 14 hazards and their probability, three (earthquake, karst, and solar storm) were determined
to be of insignificant concern and the list was reduced to 11. These include:
Natural
Extreme Temperatures (cold, heat)
Infectious Disease
Precipitation (flood, drought)
Summer Storms (hailstorm, lightening, thunderstorm, tornado, windstorm)
Winter Storms (blizzard, ice, heavy snow, sleet)
Technological/Human Induced
Dam Failure
Domestic Preparedness: Terrorism
Fire (urban, wildfire)
Hazardous Material (fixed facilities and transport)
Water Supply Contamination
Radiological Hazards
An emergency plan is needed to enable government to continue to operate and to carry out
emergency functions, and to protect the public and the environment from the effects of all the
above-mentioned hazards.
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
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The Environmental Health section of the St. Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
(SPRCDPH) recognizes the need for intra- and inter-agency communication, interoperability and
cooperation during disaster response. In complement to the Department’s “All-Hazard Response
and Recovery Plan” that assigns particular tasks to this Section, this document provides clarity
around the specific roles and responsibilities for St. Paul – Ramsey County environmental health
staff.
2.
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide formal written guidance and instruction for St. Paul –
Ramsey County Department of Public Health (SPRCDPH) environmental health staff during
incident response. It is intended to enable environmental health staff to act in a coordinated
fashion with other emergency responders both internal and external to SPRCDPH in the event of
an emergency or disaster. Figure 1 outlines the staffing of the Environmental Health section.
2.1.
Scope
This document addresses all emergency events in the community that warrant an environmental
health response. Public health and environmental health action might be required in the
following types of events:
• Naturally occurring emergencies such as floods and winter storms
• Large chemical releases or attacks
• Outbreaks of communicable disease including pandemic influenza
• Biological terrorism
• Chemical releases or attacks
• Radiological releases or attacks
• Nuclear detonations
Circumstances of the emergency event will dictate the nature and extent of public health and
environmental health intervention required. SPRCDPH may pool resources with other
jurisdictions to meet community needs. Mutual-aid agreements are in place on a regional basis
to facilitate this action.
3.
Situation and Assumptions
3.1.
Situation
Complications affecting the health of the community including disease; sanitation problems;
contamination of food, water, people, animals, areas, and structures; the need for mass-care
facilities; and mass causalities may occur as a result of an emergency situation.
The St. Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, is a
countywide agency serving all communities in various capacities, except those with their own
municipal environmental health agencies (i.e., City of St. Paul and Maplewood).
A “public emergency” is described in the County Charter as “a sudden or unforeseen
circumstance in the county affecting life, health, property, public peace, or public welfare that
requires immediate County Board action. (Ramsey County Charter, Sec. 10.04 C). Certain
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public health and environmental health emergencies will be of such magnitude that they are
encompassed by this definition. Other public health emergencies will exceed the day-to-day
capacity of programs within SPRCDPH, and the EH Section specifically, or warrant action by
the Section that falls outside its routine responsibilities – and require activation of a response –
but may not be at the level of public emergency as described in the County Charter. (See Figure
2, “Environmental Health Emergency Response Decision Tree.”) This document addresses
response and recovery activities under either scenario. For purposes of this document, the terms
“emergency,” “disaster,” “incident,” and “event” are used interchangeably.
3.2.
Assumptions
In the development of this document, the following assumptions were made:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
EH Section staff will be available for emergency response activities on an as-needed
basis, acting under the direction of the Department’s Public Health Incident Management
Team (PHIMT) and the Incident Commander;
The safety and security of responding staff is the top priority throughout any emergency
event;
Staff will receive the necessary training, materials and supplies prior to engaging in
emergency response activities;
Staff will have prepared a personal emergency plan for themselves and their families,
understanding the importance of ensuring the safety of loved ones in order to be effective
on the job during times of emergency;
All staff participating in a response effort will be provided the opportunity to ask
questions about the incident, the Department’s overall response, compensation, and other
relevant policies and procedures;
Staff will have access to all available emotional, mental and personal support systems
(e.g., through the American Red Cross, Employee Assistance Programs, etc)
Additional staff (e.g., from bordering jurisdictions, other local agencies, and state
agencies) will be available as needed (through mutual-aid, delegation, or other
agreements);
Sufficient laboratory capacity will be available; and
Redundant and interoperable communications and computer equipment will be available
4.
Roles and Responsibilities
4.1.
Roles of Local Agencies
According to the State of Minnesota’s Emergency Operations Plan, local government has the
primary responsibility for meeting the immediate health and safety needs of its citizens in the
event of a major disaster/emergency. However, state resources will augment those of local
government when: the needs generated by a major incident exceed the capability of local
government to respond; the state has a specialized resource needed by local government; or the
scope of the event is widespread and there is a need to utilize a centralized incident management
system.
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
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The SPRCDPH Environmental Health Section is charged with improving, protecting, and
promoting the health, the environment, and the well being of people in Ramsey County, with a
particular focus on protecting the environment and reducing environmental health hazards.
Disasters pose a variety of health risks, including physical injury, premature death, increased risk
of communicable diseases, and psychological effects such as anxiety, neuroses, and depression.
In the event of a public health or environmental health disaster or emergency, it is the Section’s
responsibility to provide support and advice – related to environmental hazards – to the public,
law enforcement, local fire, and local government responders regarding the protection of the
public’s health and safety during the emergency event (continuing through the recovery phase of
the emergency response effort). In fulfilling this responsibility, the Section’s response activities
will be directed by the PHIMT and/or the Incident Commander.
Section staff will provide public information support as necessary and will support the
Department’s Joint Information Center (JIC), if activated. Keep in mind: In accordance with
Department policy, staff members are not authorized to communicate with the media. During
normal, non-emergency operations, SPRCPH adheres to an open-door media policy giving the
media access to all designated or appropriate public health representatives (typically department
or program leaders) for interviews and written resources that provide health information and
education to the public. However, for a bioterrorism event, infectious disease outbreaks, and
other serious public health threats and emergencies, the SPRCPH open-door media policy will be
closed and all media inquiries should be directed to the Public Information Officer (PIO).
Ramsey County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (RCEMHS) is charged with
coordinating the emergency preparedness and homeland security efforts of the county. In
addition to planning and educating, they provide assistance to local jurisdictions and county
agencies before, during and after disaster strikes. RCEMHS works closely with county, local and
state law enforcement, and cooperatively with neighboring jurisdictions, to enhance homeland
security and better prepare for and respond to incidents ranging from tornadoes to terrorism.
RCEMHS also operates a volunteer organization. Ramsey County Emergency Services (RCES)
unit members are uniformed volunteers that provide emergency communications, coordination of
resources, planning and labor. RCES supports local and neighboring community agencies such
as: fire, ambulance, Sheriff, and police departments, with coordination, logistics,
communication and staging at emergency scenes.
4.2.
Roles of State Agencies
The State government is responsible for providing resources to support community response, and
for some emergencies, performing technical response functions on behalf of the communities.
Key State agencies involved in environmental health-related activities include: the Minnesota
Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, the Minnesota Department
of Health, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources.
The MN Department of Agriculture (MDA) has primary responsibility for monitoring,
enforcement and mitigation when the incident involves agricultural chemicals. In general, MDA
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is responsible for inspection and regulation of dairy, meat, poultry, feed and food-processing
facilities (though some food safety regulatory authority is delegated to certain cities and
counties). It ensures compliance with food safety laws and regulations intended to prevent,
minimize or remove harmful substances from the food supply. During a disaster, MDA will
assure food product safety in regards to a human, animal, or plant disease outbreak. As needed,
MDA would work with MPCA for the disposal of contaminated product, feed, water, and any
waste generated from decontamination procedures.
The MN Board of Animal Health (BAH) is responsible for surveillance and investigation of
domestic animal diseases. In the event of an emergency, the BAH will assess animal disease
outbreak status to control and prevent further occurrence of disease, including disease outbreaks
related to foreign animal diseases, such as Foot and Mouth disease and Exotic Newcastle
Disease. The BAH will work with local veterinarians and meat inspectors on the health
condition of animals presented for slaughter.
The MN Department of Health (MDH) is the lead public health agency responsible for protecting
and improving the public’s health throughout the state. MDH will perform additional activities
above and beyond its normal business efforts in times of crisis, such as a health emergency,
disaster, or catastrophic incident. Specific MDH responsibilities for the statewide management
of health protection services following a major disaster include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Provide guidance on protective action levels and medical assistance to
state and local authorities in areas affected by a natural disaster or
accidents/incidents involving hazardous materials (chemical and
radiological) and/or highly infectious disease agents (biological).
Provide advice and technical assistance on the delivery of health
protection services and critical medical services to medical providers in
areas affected by a natural disaster or accidents/incidents involving
hazardous materials (chemical & radiological), and infectious disease
agents (biological).
Assess long-term health implications of an incident/accident involving
human exposure to hazardous materials (chemical & radiological) and/or
highly infectious agents (biological) and establish protocols for managing
consequences into the future.
The MDH Public Heath Laboratory (PHLD) will make its laboratory
capabilities available 24/7 for the analysis and identification of potentially
hazardous biological, chemical or radiological agents during a potential
weapons of mass destruction (WMD) event, natural disaster, or other
public health emergency.
In conjunction with local health agencies, MDH is responsible for:
determining the safety of water supplies, the identification and
management of adulterated and distressed foods in hospitality
establishments (e.g., restaurants, bars, boarding houses, resorts, children's
camps, institutions, hotels, motels and lodging houses), determination of
appropriate actions for measured contamination levels and overall safety
conditions prior to re-occupancy.
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Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
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6.
Provide protective action decisions/guidance to local authorities for
preventing injury and/or death during extreme weather conditions.
MDH’s environmental health-specific priorities during an emergency or disaster include:
1. Ensuring an adequate supply of safe drinking water.
2. Providing food protection measures.
3. Ensuring basic sanitation services.
4. Promoting personal hygiene.
5. Assisting the efforts of first responders by providing health risk consultations or advising
on exposure pathways.
6. Providing information to emergency managers to help assess the scale of the emergency
to ensure an effective response.
The MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has primary responsibility for response to
environmental hazard incidents not involving radiological materials, agricultural chemicals, or
weapons of mass destruction. The MPCA:
• Will perform environmental monitoring and sampling.
• Will, in a chemical event, provide support and advice to law enforcement, local fire,
and local government responders regarding hazardous chemicals, debris
removal/disposal, and long-term cleanup.
• Will take a lead role in directing response to any oil or hazardous material spills or
releases (with the exception of agricultural chemicals) and will provide MPCA
contractors, if necessary, to assist with cleanup or evidence collection.
• Is the lead state agency in debris/waste management issues and environmental
contamination issues.
• Will provide personnel, equipment and materials to participate directly in the
mitigation activities and debris management.
• Will assist, or lead if necessary, the debris removal process including collection,
sorting, transfer, and disposal. (The amount of debris generated may exceed the local
government’s ability to respond efficiently or effectively to it. If local resources and
staff are overwhelmed, state staff and contractors could lead the debris removal
process.)
• Will monitor for and evaluate any environmental impacts from the site, set outdoor
clean-up criteria, and coordinate and/or oversee long-term cleanup.
• May recommend or direct protective actions (depending on the emergency).
• Will provide technical assessment and advice.
The MPCA will not perform assessment for the identification of nuclear, biological or chemical
agents.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) notifies State parks and boaters of
protective actions; provides incident command for forest, field or swamp fires; and assists in
notification and evacuation of waterways.
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Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
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Other State agencies include:
The Department of Public Safety, the lead state agency during the public safety phase of an
environmental hazard response to a terrorist incident involving a weapon of mass destruction.
Minnesota Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM), which:
a. Activates and manages the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
b. Coordinates State resources.
c. Controls access of air and rail traffic.
d. Assists County and other State agencies in coordination of protective actions
e. Requests and coordinates federal assistance agencies and programs
Minnesota State Patrol, which:
a. Provides a representative to the State EOC (SEOC) and/or the RCEOC as requested.
b. Assists in route alerting.
c. Provides aircraft, as needed.
d. Assists in selecting primary and alternate evacuation routes.
e. Assists in staffing and providing equipment for access control points.
f. Assists in providing security for evacuated area.
g. Assists in staffing traffic control points during evacuations and for reentry of the
public.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), which:
a. Provides a representative to the SEOC and/or RCEOC as requested.
b. Provides traffic and access control equipment.
c. Ensures State roads are clear of snow and debris.
d. Assists in impediment removal.
Minnesota National Guard, which:
a. Assists with access control and security for evacuated areas.
b. Transports emergency supplies.
c. Provides damage assessment assistance for public property.
d. Provides other resources and support as requested within its capabilities and as
authorized by law.
4.3.
Roles of Federal Agencies
The Federal Government is responsible for providing both technical and operational support to
the communities throughout the State. (Details of federal agency roles can be found in the
National Response Plan.) Key agencies of the Federal response effort, along with their
respective response functions, include:
55th Civil Support Team – Weapons of Mass Destruction Unit, which:
a. Provides support to county and local incident commanders regarding suspected
chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) weapons of mass
destruction.
b. Provides assessment and emergency response assistance on CBRNE issues to local
incident commanders.
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September 2007
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Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
which:
a. Coordinates overall Federal response.
b. Provides Federal resources and assistance to State and County governments.
c. Ensures Federal support exists for recovery operations.
U.S. Coast Guard, which:
a. Provides on-Scene Coordinators for transportation and fixed facility HAZMAT
incidents, as required.
b. Provides for notification and evacuation of waterways during emergency situations.
c. Provides resources and support as requested within its capabilities and as permitted
by law.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the lead law enforcement and investigative agency for
terrorist events or other situations that constitute a violation or possible violation of federal law.
The FBI is typically the lead federal agency on the ground.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the lead federal agency for the investigation of
incidents involving air and rail carriers.
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Emergency Response Program coordinates and
implements a wide range of activities to ensure that adequate and timely response measures are
taken in communities affected by hazardous substances and oil releases where state and local
first responder capabilities have been exceeded or where additional support is needed. The
program’s primary objectives are: to take reasonable steps to prevent such emergencies; to
prepare emergency response personnel at the federal, state, and local levels for such
emergencies; and to respond quickly and decisively to such emergencies wherever and whenever
they occur within our national borders.
The EPA chairs the National Response Team, which provides technical assistance, resources and
coordination on preparedness, planning, response and recovery activities for emergencies
involving hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants, hazmat, oil, and weapons of mass
destruction in natural and technological disasters and other environmental incidents of national
significance.
4.4.
Role of Other Agencies
Other agencies at the local, state or federal level may have a role during an environmental health
emergency. These include:
Response Agency
Typical Actions
Law Enforcement
Threat assessment; criminal investigation; forensics and
evidence processing; security
Surveillance and detection; epidemiological investigation;
Local Public Health
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Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
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Fire Department
Emergency Medical Services
Hospitals
Medical Examiner
Mental Health
Clinical Labs
Public Works
Animal Control
medical care coordination; administration of prophylaxis
& vaccines; emergency powers; communications with
other agencies, the public, and media
Scene management (if indicated); decontamination (if
indicated); HAZMAT disposal; staff care centers
Transport patients; support care centers and triage areas;
augment hospital services
Provide emergency and definitive medical care; isolate
patients; dispense medications and vaccines; supplement
lab services
Pathologic exams; body disposition; specimen collection’
casualty lists
Monitoring mental health needs; delivery of services to
response personnel and general public
Initial or confirmatory testing of specimens
Water, sewer monitoring and treatment; provision of
vehicles and equipment
Monitoring and control measures as may be necessary to
control spread
4.5. Responsibilities of SPRCDPH Environmental Health Staff During a Disaster
The role of SPRCDPH environmental health staff in a public health emergency will vary
according to the type and severity of the situation, as well as the emergency response plans in
place at other agencies within the community. Generally, local environmental health staff may
be called upon to provide public health sanitation advice, as well as information and assistance,
to other agencies, response partners, and the general public.
In addition, environmental health staff have an important responsibility in identifying,
monitoring and mitigating environmental hazards that can affect the health of a community
following a disaster. In doing so, they work closely with other public health, emergency
management, and volunteer agencies (such as the American Red Cross) to assist and coordinate
the reestablishment of basic services such as food safety, water supply, shelter, sanitation and
waste management, and to assure access to these services.
Broadly defined, staff will have the same roles in a disaster as they do in their “normal”/routine
work, but some roles will receive greater emphasis, work will be done within a different
structure, and staff may report to someone other than their usual supervisor. The majority of
environmental health emergency response activities will fall within the Operations function of
Incident Command (though there may at times be a role for environmental health within
Planning as well).
During a disaster, the most important role for EH staff is to work within the Incident Command
structure to: (1) Assess hazards, and work with others to analyze risk. (For example, after a
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
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tornado, EH professionals would assess whether food donated by volunteers is safe for
consumption.) (2) Intervene, by acting to reduce hazards, using regulatory functions or direct
provision of services. (For example, food establishments might need to be closed after a
chemical spill until EH professionals can ensure that the food and water is safe to be served.) (3)
Educate, and assure public awareness, using communication methods and tools and by working
with other communication professionals. (In any type of disaster, EH professionals have to help
the regulated community as well as members of the public understand the scope and severity of
the event so that appropriate precautions and personal protection measures can be taken.)
Of the activities for which SPRCDPH EH has responsibility, the following are most likely to be
relevant during an emergency or disaster:
• Regulation of:
Food-service establishments
Retail food establishments
Public swimming pools
Manufactured home parks
Lodging facilities
Public-health nuisances
Lead hazards
Solid waste haulers
Solid waste transfer stations
Solid waste processing facilities, including medical waste facilities
Hazardous waste generators
Hazardous waste facilities
Illegal dumping of solid and hazardous waste
• Investigation of food- and water-borne disease outbreaks (in coordination with
epidemiologists)
• Consultation and technical assistance for:
Solid and hazardous waste
Indoor air quality
Outdoor air quality
Recreational waters
Healthy homes
• Direct services for various solid and hazardous waste activities
• Resource recovery and waste processing
• Outreach and education
Depending on the incident, specific environmental health response roles and responsibilities may
include:
• Identify and assess hazards and potential hazards
Track, analyze and report on indicators of a possible environmental health
threat
Collect and analyze environmental samples
Inspect damaged buildings for health hazards
Provide information on the hazardous waste potential in damaged areas
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Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
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•
•
•
•
Assess current environmental health response capacity
Develop strategies and ensure appropriate actions are taken to prevent or lessen the
impact of adverse environmental exposures on the public’s health
Monitor and ensure safe food for human consumption
Monitor and ensure safe water for human consumption
Ensure appropriate and adequate functioning of sanitation facilities and
services
Implement actions to prevent or control vectors such as flies, mosquitoes,
rodents and other pests
Coordinate with the water, public works, and sanitation departments to ensure
the availability of potable water, an effective sewage system, and sanitary
garbage disposal
Coordinate with the animal care and control agency to dispose of dead
animals
Ensure that adequate sanitary facilities are provided in emergency shelters and
for response personnel
Maintain a visible presence in the response community by raising awareness of the
environmental health roles in disasters and emergencies
Provide consultation to other emergency responders on health risks and/or
exposure pathways
Provide the environmental health perspective to emergency managers and
other decision makers, to help assess the scale of the emergency and ensure an
effective response
Provide risk communication to affected parties
Promote personal hygiene
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4.6. Responsibilities of Partner Agencies
The following tables provide an overview of the responsibilities of various agencies, in
crosscutting areas likely to be relevant during any kind of large-scale emergency or disaster.
HEALTH PROTECTION
Agency
MDA
Responsibility
P: Lead role when agricultural chemicals involved; will recommend
MN Department of Agriculture
protective/remedial actions; assure food safety.
P: Assure food product safety in regards to a human, animal or plant
disease outbreak.
BAH
S: Advise veterinarians and meat inspectors on the disposition of animal
MN Board of Animal Health
carcasses.
S: Advise on the health of livestock presented for processing.
P: Animal health protection role, when the incident involves an animal
disease outbreak.
MDH
P: Human health protection role in the event of a public health disaster
MN Department of Health
involving hazardous materials (chemical and radiological) and infectious
agents (biological).
S: Provide technical assistance to the delivery of health protection
services by the medical providers including hospitals, clinics and EMS.
DLI
S: Assist with assessing and mitigating health hazards to workers.
MN Department of Labor and
S: Advise on matters relating to operational safety and health relating to
Industry
employees operating within hazardous areas.
DNR
S: Identify and sample wildlife in ingestion pathway zone; advise on
MN Department of Natural
usage of recreational areas; provide public information on use of natural
Resources
resources.
PCA
S: Lead role when incident involves hazardous materials, other than
MN Pollution Control Agency
agricultural products or nuclear/chemical/biological Weapons of Mass
Destruction, and will recommend protective actions.
DPS
P: Overall coordination of state agency activities during the response and
MN Department of Public Safety
recovery phases of a public health emergency, including those
incidents/accidents that result from the use of and transport of hazardous
materials (chemical and radiological), infectious agents (biological) as
weapons of mass destruction, and nuclear generating plant incidents.
P: Overall responsibility for coordination of animal health protection,
during an incident/accident that results from the use of hazardous
materials (chemical & radiological), infectious agents (biological), and
nuclear generating plant incidents.
S: When requested, make hazardous materials chemical assessment
teams and emergency response teams available to local authorities.
S: When needed, assure the provision of life and safety
P= Primary
C=Coordination
S=Support
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MASS CARE
Agency
BAH
MN Board of Animal Health
EMSRB
Emergency Medical Services
Regulatory Board
Responsibility
S: Support state and local agencies in the coordination of animal rescue
and sheltering.
S: Coordinate Critical Incident Stress Debriefing support to state and
local officials.
MDH
S: Inspect mass care site and kitchen.
S: Provide guidelines regarding health impacts of mass care sites.
DHS
C: Overall responsibility for coordinating mass care services.
Department of Human Services
S: Provide USDA-donate food, upon request.
DMA
S: Assist with radiological monitoring of evacuees and monitor their
Department of Military Affairs
vehicles, during a nuclear generating plant incident or terrorist event;
/National Guard
assist with vehicle decontamination.
DPS
S: Coordinate individual assistance programs and mass care activities
MN Department of Public Safety
with private relief agencies.
Volunteer
P: Meet the emergency human service needs of MN residents, including:
agencies/organizations establishment of a reception center and mass care site; registration of
evacuees; disaster welfare inquiry; housing; feeding; clothing; and crisis
counseling.
P= Primary
C=Coordination
S=Support
MN Department of Health
NOTIFICATION AND WARNING
Agency
FEMA
Federal Emergency
Management Agency
DNR
MN Department of Natural
Resources
DPS
MN Department of Public
Safety
County
Governments
Responsibility
P: Ensure the operational capability of the National Warning System on a 24hour basis.
S: Outdoor warning to recreationalists in state parks, at high-hazard dams,
waterways and campgrounds.
P: Maintain emergency notification and warning system, and implement as
needed. Coordinate Public Alert and Notification System (PANS)
activation during a nuclear generating plant incident.
S: Outdoor warning (via helicopter) to recreationalists in pre-determined
areas in the event of a nuclear generating plant incident.
P: Maintain the 24-hour MN Duty Officer System (under the Bureau of
Criminal Apprehension)
P: Disseminating notifcations and warning to municipalities and rural
residents, including special-needs populations.
P= Primary
C=Coordination
S=Support
_____________________________________________________
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 15 of 55
DEBRIS MANAGEMENT
Agency
MDA
Responsibility
S: Assist with waste characterization and handling/disposal advice.
MN Department of
Agriculture
BAH
MN Board of Animal
Health
MDH
MN Department of
Health
DMA
Department of Military
Affairs /National Guard
DNR
MN Department of
Natural Resources
PCA
MN Pollution Control
Agency
DPS
MN Department of
Public Safety
Mn/DOT
MN Department of
Transportation
S: Coordinate livestock carcass disposal with state, county and local units of
government.
C: Provide health protection input to risk management decision making
regarding site decontamination and management of debris contaminated with
chemical, biological and/or radiological materials, following a terrorist incident.
C: Provide health protection input into planning and on-scene guidance in
technical matters related to site decontamination and management of debris
contaminated with chemical, biological and radiological materials in a terrorism
incident.
S: Support PCA in the management of on-scene operations, including providing
technical input to PCA’s supervision of contractor operations.
C: Coordinate public information and communications related to health risks of
contamination.
S: Assist with waste characterization and handling/disposal advice.
S: Assist with conventional debris clearance, if requested.
S: Provide planning, guidance and on-scene technical support to characterize
debris at sites contaminated with hazardous chemicals, biological and
radiological material, resulting from suspected terrorism activities.
S: Provide technical advice and guidance on decontamination and site clean-up
in areas contaminated by hazardous chemicals, biological and radiological
materials as a result of possible terrorist activities.
S: Technical assistance for debris clearance on state waterways and in forested
areas; tree disposal recommendations for state/local governments. Assist state
and local governments with the incineration and disposal of dead animal
carcasses.
S: Assist in defining waste streams and disposal alternatives in support of local
units of government or a responsible party.
S: In a terrorism incident, support MDH in developing response procedures,
protocols and on-scene guidance for site decontamination and management of
debris contaminated with chemical, biological and radiological materials.
P: Manage on-scene state contractor operations, including hiring and
supervising contractor operations and fiscal management.
S: Ensure that federal requirements are identified/addressed, as applicable, in
debris removal operations.
C: Responsible for debris removal on interstate and state trunk highways;
provide assistance to local authorities; issue necessary transport permits.
P= Primary
C=Coordination
S=Support
_____________________________________________________
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 16 of 55
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD RESPONSE
Agency
MDA
Responsibility
P: Lead role when agricultural chemicals are involved.
MN Department of
Agriculture
MDH
MN Department of
Health
DMA
Department of Military
Affairs /National Guard
DNR
MN Department of
Natural Resources
PCA
MN Pollution Control
Agency
DPS
MN Department of
Public Safety
Mn/DOT
S: Review cleanup of accident/incident site to ensure the protection of public
health.
S: Provide public health laboratory staff and testing facilities for assessing
biological, chemical or radiological contaminants.
S: Respond to and support state and local authorities responding to a weapons
of mass destruction event.
S: Participate in response when wildlife/waterfowl/waterways/public lands are
involved.
P: Lead role when non-agricultural, non-radiological materials are involved and
not a WMD event.
P: Lead role in state public safety response to a terrorist event involving
weapons of mass destruction.
P: Deploy CAT and ERT teams.
S: Facilitate an appropriate state/local response; activate HAZMAT Regional
Response Teams, when requested by local authorities.
S: Lend forensics capabilities for identification/analysis of evidence for
potential weapons of mass destruction event; provide investigative support;
support and participate in efforts to mitigate terrorist attacks.
S: Support state/local response to, and investigation of, WMD event.
C: Coordinate bomb squads.
C: Coordinate requests for federal assistance from the Department of Homeland
Security.
S: Ensure that hazardous materials transportation regulations are enforced.
MN Department of
Transportation
P= Primary
C=Coordination
S=Support
_____________________________________________________
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 17 of 55
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Agency
Responsibility
DOA
S: Assist planners and emergency responders by providing geographic
information systems tools and geographic data.
S: Assist with hazard mitigation plans, upon request.
S: Provide supplies and/or equipment and real estate services.
S: Assist with the identification of locations of nursing homes and group
quarters, upon request.
S: Provide food/water/soil sampling equipment/expertise.
S: Provide laboratory capabilities.
S: Provide food safety expertise, and food/water supply-related information.
S: Provide mobile generators.
Department of Administration
MDA
MN Department of
Agriculture
DOC
MN Department of
Commerce
MDE
S: Assist schools in finding alternate facilities during and after a disaster.
MN Department of Education
MDH
MN Department of Health
DHS
Department of Human
Services
DMA
Department of Military
Affairs /National Guard
DNR
S: Provide surveillance, vaccine handling and expertise, and other treatment
or chemo-prophylaxis for an infectious disease outbreak.
S: Develop/maintain an inventory of state medical resources.
S: Provide food/water supply, lodging and housing-related information to
licensed facilities and the general public.
S: Provide food and environmental assessments in licensed facilities.
S: Provide food/water sampling equipment expertise.
S: Provide public health lab equipment/expertise.
S: Provide USDA-donated foods to disaster relief agencies; and assist
vulnerable individuals and families, during and after a disaster, through
emergency food assistance and feeding programs.
S: Provide uniformed personnel; transportation, construction and
communications equipment, facilities, and other emergency response
equipment.
S: Provide transportation, heavy equipment and fire fighting equipment.
MN Department of Natural
Resources
PCA
S: Provide air/water/soil sampling equipment and expertise, vehicles.
MN Pollution Control
Agency
DPS
Department of Public Safety
Mn/DOT
MN Department of
Transportation
C: Overall coordination during a major disaster/emergency; provide
supplies/equipment expertise.
S: Resource support for incident response.
P: Coordinate and implement the temporary housing program.
S: In consultations with MNVOAD, assist local governments in preparing
plans for handling/distributing donated goods offers.
S: Provide road construction and traffic control equipment, air
transportation and reconnaissance.
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 18 of 55
S: Maintain an inventory of their debris removal-related, public worksrelated and transportation-related resources.
P= Primary
C=Coordination
S=Support
5.
Concept of Operations
In emergency response and recovery, staff will operate within the Incident Command System
(ICS) to facilitate efficient incident management and integrate a wide variety of facilities,
equipment, personnel, procedures and communications within a common organization. ICS is
designed to provide a consistent set of terminology and concepts that organizations with varying
structures can share.
The strength of ICS is that it can be scaled to any size based on the incident, and can grow to
accommodate an escalating level of response, or shrink to reflect a reduction in staff and
mobilized organizations. For example, in a small incident such as a localized food-borne illness
outbreak, the PHIMT may construct an ICS consisting of a lead sanitarian, one or two other
sanitarians, and an epidemiologist. This outbreak, however, could grow into a multi-state
outbreak. It could show signs of deliberate contamination. The ICS would then expand to
accommodate additional local, state and federal agencies, and the sanitarian who began as
director of the investigation would become one part of a team investigating one aspect of the
overall event.
For every incident, the following positions should be considered at the SPRCDPH level (as
determined by the PHIMT):
• Incident Commander – responsible for directing the response, identifying roles and
responsibilities, and determining response objectives
• Information Officer – responsible for releasing information regarding the incident to the
media or other agencies and the public.
• Safety Officer – to monitor worker safety and provide guidelines for protective actions
• Liaison Officer – to interface with external agencies
• Operations Section Chief – responsible for carrying out the specific tasks and objectives
necessary for effective response
• Logistics Section Chief – responsible for providing personnel and logistical support to the
response
• Planning Section Chief – responsible for incident briefings and the incident action plan
• Finance and Administration Section Chief – to monitor all expenses related to the
response
Environmental health staff may be assigned to fill one or all of these positions, or may perform
their work under one of these positions, depending on the nature of the incident. Assignment to
these roles will be determined by the (PHIMT). See Figure 3, “SPRCDPH Environmental
Health Incident Management Staffing Chart,” as one possible ICS organization chart for an
environmental health-specific incident.
_____________________________________________________
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 19 of 55
6.
Responsibility, Notification, Activation and Reporting
6.1.
Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the environmental health director to ensure that these procedures are
followed when necessary. It is also the responsibility of the director to ensure that the necessary
resources, including materials, supplies, personal protective equipment and communication
capabilities, are in place to support an effective response. It is the responsibility of EH section
staff to be familiar with and comply with these procedures.
6.2.
Notification
Typically, the Environmental Health section will be notified of a public health/environmental
health disaster or emergency by the Department’s Public Health Incident Management Team
(PHIMT). In addition, staff may become aware of an emergency situation through personal
discovery, contact with a partner agency or neighboring local public health/environmental health
agency, notification from a regulated business or entity, information received from the public, or
through the media, among other channels.
6.3.
Activation Circumstances
Activation of this SOP will be considered when information suggesting an emergency or disaster
situation/event that requires an environmental health response is received. Many circumstances
may activate this plan, including unusual reports from routine environmental health and public
health surveillance systems; suspicious epidemiological data; alerts from partner agencies such
as MDH, MDA, MPCA, neighboring local jurisdictions, or federal agencies; alerts from law
enforcement or emergency management personnel, contact from the MN State Duty Officer,
reports from the media, or overt threats received directly by Health Department staff.
6.3.1. Activation Procedures
1. The Environmental Health Director, in coordination with PHIMT, will activate this
SOP, whenever the situation warrants. (See Attachment III, SPRCDPH Policy
“Activating a Public Health Response”)
2. Others (e.g., PHIMT, the Director of SPRCDPH, or the Incident Commander) may
activate this SOP, whenever the situation warrants.
3. Once activated, the City of St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections and the
City of Maplewood Community Development Department would be notified.
4. Upon activation, the EH Director will convene decision makers (e.g., PHIMT, EH
supervisors, and/or others) to determine:
a. Nature of the incident (outbreak, natural disaster, etc.).
b. Extent of persons affected.
c. Populations at risk.
d. Potentially vulnerable locations.
e. Other agencies involved in response.
f. Need to initiate field operations.
g. Types of response activities needed.
h. Just-in-time training needs for staff.
i. Distribution of job action sheets to staff.
j. Need for immediate supplies/equipment.
k. Assignment of incident command system personnel.
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 20 of 55
l. Routine EH services that will continue during the response and how to meet
this need.
5. Upon plan activation, the environmental health director will review the “All Staff
Information Line” message system for appropriate outgoing information and make
revisions as necessary. The All Staff Information Line phone number is: 651/266XXXX.
See Figure 2, “Environmental Health Emergency Response Decision Tree.”
6.4.
Reporting
Unless otherwise directed, staff will generally report to their usual worksite, if possible. If
unable to report to usual worksite, staff will call the All Staff Information Line (651/266-XXXX)
for direction.
7.
Response Actions
The scope of the environmental health response may include activity in the functional service
areas of:
• Food supply and safety
• Drinking water supply and safety
• Waste water
• Solid waste management
• Hazardous waste management
• Household hazardous waste
• Indoor environments (e.g., mold)
• Animal waste removal
• Lodging
• Emergency shelter or housing (sometimes called “mass care” or “congregate care”)
• Vector control
• Public pools
• Chemical, biological and radiological hazards
_____________________________________________________
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 21 of 55
Water Supply
Contamination
•
•
•
Hazardous Material
Animal Waste
Removal
•
Fire
Indoor
environments
Terrorism
Hazardous
waste
management
Dam Failure
Solid waste
management
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Winter Storms
Wastewater
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Spoilage of refrigerated foods
Damage to food preparation facilities
Transportation failures
Power outages
Flooding of facilities
Contamination/degradation of relief
supplies
Damage to civil engineering structures
Broken mains
Damage to water sources
Power outages
Contamination (biological or chemical)
Transportation failures
Personnel shortages
System overload
Equipment, parts, and supply shortages
Destruction or damage to structures
Contamination of water and food
Disruption of power, heating fuel, water
supply, or waste disposal services
Overcrowding
Damage to civil engineering structures
Transportation failures
Equipment shortages
Personnel shortages
Water, soil, and air pollution
Damage to civil engineering structures
Transportation failures
Equipment shortages
Personnel shortages
Water, soil, and air pollution
Exposure to radon, mold, lead or
asbestos or other harmful agents
Carbon monoxide poisoning from
secondary sources of power/heat
Exposure to bacterial or viral pathogens
Destruction or damage to structures
Sudden generation of animal carcasses
and associated wastes
Summer Storms
Drinking water
supply and
safety
•
•
•
•
•
•
Precipitation (flood,
drought)
Food supply
and safety
Infectious Disease
Most likely effects on environmental health
Extreme
Temperatures
Impact of Emergency Events on Environmental Health Services
1
2
2
1
2
1
3
2
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
3
3
1
1
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
3
3
1
1
3
3
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
3
3
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
3
2
2
1
1
3
2
1
2
3
3
2
3
3
3
2
3
2
1
2
1
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
3
3
3
1
3
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
2
1
2
1
3
3
3
3
1
2
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
1
3
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
3
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
2
3
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
2
3
1
2
3
2
3
1
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
1
2
2
3
3
1
1
3
2
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
3
2
3
1
1
1
3
3
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
2
1
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
1
3
3
1
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
1
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
3
1
2
2
1
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
3
3
3
1
3
3
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
_____________________________________________________
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 22 of 55
Extreme
Temperatures
Infectious Disease
Precipitation (flood,
drought)
Summer Storms
Winter Storms
Dam Failure
Terrorism
Fire
Hazardous Material
Water Supply
Contamination
Destruction or damage to structures
Spoilage of refrigerated foods
Damage to food preparation facilities
Disruption of power, heating fuel, water
supply, or waste disposal services
Flooding of facilities
Personnel shortages
Supply shortages
Disruption of power, heating fuel, water
supply, or waste disposal services
Contamination of water and food
Personnel shortages
Supply shortages
Proliferation of vector breeding sites
Increase in human/vector contacts
Disruption of vector-borne diseasecontrol programs
Contamination (physical, biological or
chemical)
3
2
3
2
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
2
2
3
3
2
2
2
1
3
2
2
3
3
3
2
3
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
1
1
3
2
2
2
3
2
2
2
3
3
1
1
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
3
3
2
3
1
3
Damage to structures
Equipment failures
Transportation failures
Water, soil and air pollution
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
1
2
2
1
1
3
2
1
2
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
3
1
2
2
3
2
3
3
3
1
3
3
3
1
Most likely effects on environmental health
•
•
•
•
Lodging
Emergency
shelter
Vector control
Public pools
and other
recreational
water
Chemical,
Biological and
Radiological
Hazards
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1=Severe possible effect
2=Less severe possible effect
3=Least or no possible effect
Adapted from: Environmental Health in Emergencies and Disasters, World Health Organization 2002
In general, environmental health activities will fall under Operations within the “C-FLOP”
(Command – Finance, Logistics, Operations, Planning) structure of ICS. Under Incident
Command, assignments of particular staff to specific roles will be determined based on the
incident.
7.1. Food supply and safety
SPRCDPH epidemiologists and environmental health staff will work with the MDH, MDA, and
other local officials to identify which food supplies have been affected by the incident and ensure
a safe food-distribution system. This may include regular inspection of retail food service
_____________________________________________________
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 23 of 55
establishments, education of food-service staff, and public education. Epidemiologists and
environmental health will coordinate these efforts with the appropriate agencies responsible for
grocery stores and meat packing plants such as the MDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA). The MDH or other governing agency will be responsible for public notification of any
identified contaminated facilities and the work plan for resolution of the problem.
The role of EH professionals while investigating a food-borne disease outbreak varies widely
according to the nature of the event. The investigation may include an environmental evaluation
of the food facility suspected of causing the outbreak, interviews with employees and patrons,
and the collection of food and stool samples. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) may
play either a supporting or lead role in the investigation depending on the seriousness of the
outbreak or if the situation crosses governmental jurisdictions.
In the event of an incident, EH professionals may be asked by the Incident Commander or his
designee to help with the following activities: contacting licensed food service facilities to
assess the status of each one; ensuring that licensed food service facilities can provide for handwashing, ware-washing, safe water, and refrigeration (e.g., with generators or dry ice); providing
information to the public and businesses regarding food safety topics such as salvaging, sorting
and proper disposal; assuring that mass feeding sites comply with best practices for safe and
hygienic food preparation and service; providing information/recommendations to help manage
donations of food.
TASKS
Assessment
Inspect food preparation and retail facilities, including mass shelter and mass care
sites.
Qualitatively assess the impact of the incident on food in the area near the incident.
Identify basic food safety issues such as proper food temperatures, food storage,
cross-contamination, cleaning and sanitizing, hand washing, and personal hygiene.
Assist in the development of a sampling plan and coordinate sampling and analysis of
food, water or other materials as necessary.
If needed, assist with interviewing of patrons and/or employees during a food-borne
illness outbreak.
Assist in the determination of fitness of foods for consumption and identification of
potential problems related to food contamination (e.g., radiation, chemical, bacterial,
and viral).
Intervention
Assist other disaster-response agencies with food transport, storage, and distribution
logistics.
Assist with the sorting, condemnation, and disposal of contaminated food at
commercial establishments.
Determine corrective actions and make recommendations to facility managers,
homeowners, and public health or other officials.
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 24 of 55
Communication/Education
Provide the public and businesses with information regarding the protection of
perishable foods, as well as proper preparation, storage, and disposal of foods under
emergency conditions.
Provide local, county and state personnel with food-service information and data
(e.g., regarding food handling establishments, retail food stores, mass feeding centers,
mobile kitchens, and food distributors).
7.2.
Drinking water supply and safety
In a major disaster such as a flood or deliberate terrorist attack, the public water supply system,
which includes treatment plants, storage and pumping facilities, and distribution pipelines could
be damaged, interrupted or contaminated. Environmental health staff will work with Ramsey
County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (RCEMHS), MDH and local public
water operators regarding disruption of water supplies. The MDH or other governing agency
will be responsible for public notification of any identified contaminated facilities and the work
plan for resolution of the problem.
The role of EH professionals while investigating a water-borne disease outbreak varies widely
according to the nature of the event. The investigation may include an environmental evaluation
of the water source suspected of causing the outbreak. The Minnesota Department of Health
(MDH) may play either a supporting or lead role in the investigation depending on the
seriousness of the outbreak or if the situation crosses governmental jurisdictions.
In the event of an incident, EH professionals may be asked to help with the following activities:
ensuring that safe, potable water will be available to the general public and to highly susceptible
populations (such as hospitals and nursing homes); preventing outbreaks of water-borne diseases
such as E. coli, salmonella, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and infectious hepatitis; providing
information to the public regarding water safety and supply; providing technical assistance and
guidance to food-service establishments.
TASKS
Assessment
Recognize the multiple pathways of exposure:
Ingestion and aspiration of water;
Dermal absorption (during clean-up and bathing);
Consumption of food contaminated by water directly through preparation; and
Consumption of food contaminated by water indirectly via food chain.
Assist with the preparation of a sampling plan and sample/perform field analysis of
drinking water for pH, disinfectant residuals, and microbiological contamination.
Assist with coordinating sampling and analysis for other parameters of state, local or
US EPA regulations, as necessary.
Qualitatively assess the impact of the incident on water resources in the area near the
incident.
Collect groundwater samples.
May, with guidance from the state and lab support, inspect water treatment, storage
and distribution systems.
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 25 of 55
May, with guidance from the state and lab support, conduct public health assessments
of non-community public drinking water systems and private wells, including at mass
shelter and mass-care sites.
May, with guidance from the state and lab support, conduct security assessments of
non-community public drinking water systems.
May, with guidance from the state and lab support, conduct damage assessments of
non-community public drinking water systems and private water wells during or
following a disaster.
Document public water system damage.
Intervention
Coordinate with SPRCDPH to prioritize special needs of susceptible populations
most at risk for health effects from dehydration, waterborne disease, and water
contamination.
Work to ensure an alternate water supply for all community needs.
Coordinate delivery by water haulers; coordinate bottled water distribution.
Determine corrective actions and make recommendations to water operators, facility
managers, homeowners, and public health or other officials.
Ensure the removal and disposal of contaminated water and standing water from
residential areas and industrial facilities.
Ensure the emergency restoration or replacement of facilities for treatment, storage
and distribution.
Ensure the disinfection of distribution systems, storage tanks, and water-hauling
tankers.
In case of suspected waterborne disease outbreak, follow established protocols.
Communication/Education
Communicate with public-water utilities about extent of damage.
Notify the public about the condition of water and actions to take.
Notify the public about availability and location of potable water.
Disseminate information about water needs and rationing.
Educate the public on water disinfection and storage.
Educate the public about well disinfection information and guidance.
7.3.
Wastewater
Sewer lines can become flooded or damaged in a disaster, potentially causing human waste
containing fecal matter to be released into the environment. This waste may contain a range of
disease-causing microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and eggs or larvae of parasites.
Microorganisms contained in human feces may enter the human body through contaminated
food, water, eating and cooking utensils, and by contact with contaminated objects. E. coli,
salmonella, typhoid, and cholera are spread in this manner, and are major causes of sickness,
diarrhea and death in disasters.
In the event of an incident, EH professionals may be asked to help with the following activities:
assuring proper management and disposal of human waste; preventing human exposure and the
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spread of disease-causing microorganisms; preventing contamination of domestic water supplies;
preventing the degradation of surface and groundwater quality.
TASKS
Assessment
Develop a sampling plan and coordinate sampling and analysis of materials, if
necessary.
Conduct surveys and/or damage assessments of wastewater systems, including private
on-site systems, and temporary or emergency systems for disaster-stricken areas.
Assess the impacts of wastewater on groundwater, surface water, drinking water
supplies, and recreational waters.
Conduct surveys or assessments of facilities and practices regarding hygiene and
disposal of human excreta in disaster-stricken areas, mass shelters, or mass-care sites.
Intervention
Oversee the placement and/or construction of alternative systems (e.g., chemical
toilets, “port-a-potties,” etc.).
Monitor the functioning and maintenance of alternative system(s).
Prevent or mitigate public health nuisance issues (e.g., odors, vectors).
In case of suspected waterborne disease outbreak, follow established protocols.
Determine corrective actions and make recommendations to water operators, facility
managers, public health or other officials, and the public.
Communication/Education
Provide public information regarding proper emergency sewage disposal methods.
Provide public information related to the prevention of disease.
Post hazard warnings.
Promote healthy behaviors (such as proper hand-washing techniques).
7.4.
Solid waste management
In the event of a natural disaster or a deliberate act of terrorism, the infrastructure that routinely
deals with the storage, collection and disposal of solid waste (for example non-hazardous
residential, commercial and industrial waste) may be interrupted anywhere from a few days to
several months. Disaster situations often result in large volumes of solid waste that overburden
the waste-management infrastructure, resulting in a failure of the collection system that could
lead to: breeding sites for insects and vermin (such as rats) which increase the likelihood of
disease transmission, proliferation of snakes and other pests in residential areas and associated
safety hazards for the public, and polluted water and air, as well as aesthetic complaints and
perceived threats to health by community members.
The disposal of medical wastes from health care facilities may be disrupted in the event of a
disaster, while both the demand for medical services and the generation of medical waste are
likely to increase. The resulting medical wastes must be handled and disposed of carefully to
eliminate potential hazard to the public. The management of waste includes collection, storage,
transportation, treatment and disposal systems.
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EH professionals may be asked to help with the following activities: determining the extent of
damage to the waste management system; ensuring the regulated community has the proper
guidance regarding safe operations and recovery from damage sustained; and communicating
with the public about safe practices and the prevention of secondary public health problems
associated with a disrupted waste management system.
TASKS
Assessment
Check with appropriate contacts to determine extent of solid waste management
system disruption.
Conduct surveys or assessments of facilities and practices regarding solid wastes and
solid waste management in disaster-stricken areas, mass shelters, or mass-care sites.
Develop a sampling plan and coordinate sampling and analysis of materials, if
necessary.
Intervention
Ensure that solid waste is properly and promptly stored, collected and disposed of to
prevent vector nuisances (like flies and rodents), odor problems, or the potential
contamination of food and water supplies.
Serve as liaison with functioning facilities and collection services to try and ensure
continuity of solid waste management services.
Work with appropriate contacts to publicize the availability of emergency disposal
and or transfer sites.
Provide regulatory oversight and technical assistance as needed.
Serve as a liaison between disaster site cleanup operations, waste haulers, and
disposal facilities. Determine if existing disposal sites are capable of accepting and
properly disposing of waste.
Monitor for hazardous wastes and disease vectors.
Verify that the medical waste receiving facilities are operational and can continue to
accept and treat wastes on site.
Determine the availability of medical waste transporters.
Serve as a liaison with other facilities to try and ensure continuity of medical waste
management services.
Determine if emergency public health authority is needed to ensure proper storage
and management of medical wastes.
Provide information for healthcare facilities about the management of medical wastes
Inspect medical waste facilities.
Determine corrective action and make recommendations to facility managers, public
health or other officials, and the public.
Communication/Education
Provide information and guidance to businesses and the public about changes in the
solid waste management system resulting from the disaster.
Provide public information about separation and storage, collection, and sites
available for the disposal of solid waste.
Provide public information regarding disease prevention, vector control, and safety
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Promote healthy behaviors.
7.5.
Hazardous waste management
Following a major disaster, the unplanned release of a hazardous waste into the environment that
poses a threat to human health and safety is likely to occur. A hazardous waste is any refuse,
sludge, or other waste material that is capable of (a) causing or significantly contributing to an
increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness; or
(b) posing a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when
improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed. Categories of
hazardous waste include, but are not limited to: explosives, flammables, oxidizers, poisons,
irritants, and corrosives.
Ramsey County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, local HAZMAT teams, and
SPRCDPH Environmental Health, as appropriate, will coordinate with MDH, MDA, MnDOT,
MPCA and EPA for removal and disposal of contaminated materials. In instances where city
sewage/treatment is involved, local officials and public waste water system operators will be
included in the discussions. Local hospital emergency departments, emergency medical services
(EMS), and fire/rescue decontamination procedures will be followed.
In the event of an incident, EH professionals can help with the following activities: taking health
and safety precautions at an incident site if hazardous wastes are present; identifying where
vulnerable populations are located; and assisting in implementing procedures to assess and
mitigate a hazardous waste incident.
TASKS
Assessment
Determine if hazardous waste generators/facilities are causing the disaster or could be
affected by the disaster.
Perform health hazard assessments of hazardous waste or material releases to identify
possible health hazards.
Intervention
Provide technical consultation, training, and planning assistance to incident
commander, emergency responders, public health officials and others regarding:
Impacts of decisions or activities on public health;
Sampling techniques and strategies;
Re-entry into contaminated areas;
Long-term monitoring of the environment; and
Long-term monitoring of the population exposed to the hazard.
Assist in determining whether illnesses, diseases, or complaints may be attributable to
exposure.
Conduct environmental sampling.
Monitor how the waste is disposed of to ensure it complies with regulations.
Potentially provide oversight and direction for the overall hazardous waste incident
response and cleanup.
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Communication/Education
Provide public information on the health effects of toxic substances.
Provide public information to minimize risk of exposure.
Provide public information and assistance regarding the disposal of household
hazardous wastes.
7.6.
Household Hazardous Waste
Ramsey county and neighboring metropolitan counties operate household hazardous waste
collection programs. Following a disaster, the public will require information on how to manage
household hazardous waste. In the event of an incident, EH professionals can help by doing the
following: determining the extent of the problem; identifying specific community needs for
information and education; and ensuring proper educational materials are disseminated.
TASKS
Assessment
Assess nature of program disruption and determine timeline for reestablished service.
Intervention
Work with existing contractors to assess their capacity to manage increased volumes
of household hazardous waste.
Evaluate options for providing alternative household hazardous waste collection
service to the public.
Discourage washing or disposing of hazardous materials into the sewers, drains or
soil.
Inspect household hazardous waste drop-off facilities.
Communication/Education
Provide information about waste collection activities for homeowners.
7.7.
Indoor environments
SPRCDPH Environmental Health, in conjunction with MDH and MPCA, is responsible for the
mitigation of contaminated and otherwise damaged buildings and living spaces. This will be
done in conjunction with emergency management and other regulatory agencies.
Issues in the indoor environment include: radon, mold, lead, carbon monoxide and asbestos.
TASKS
Assessment
Conduct surveys or assessments of homes and facilities, including mass shelter and
care sites.
Develop a sampling plan and coordinate sampling and analysis of materials, if
necessary.
Intervention
Determine corrective action and make recommendations to facility managers, public
health or other local officials, and the public.
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Communication/Education
Educate the public about the dangers associated with the use of generators and carbon
monoxide poisoning.
Educate the public about human health impacts of disasters (e.g., mold resulting from
floodwater in the home, etc.)
Promote healthy behaviors.
7.8.
Animal Waste Removal
SPRCDPH will work with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health for assuring animal waste is
removed safely. This will be done in consultation with LIEP and MDH (for animal disease
concerns) and coordinated with the District Veterinarian from the Minnesota Board of Animal
Health, the primary resource for animal waste disposal.
TASKS
Assessment
Conduct surveys or assessments of facilities and practices regarding pet and animal
wastes, including remains, in disaster-stricken areas, mass shelters, or mass-care sites.
Develop a sampling plan and coordinate sampling and analysis of materials, if
necessary.
Intervention
Work with other response partners to ensure guidance provided contains an
appropriate public health message.
Determine corrective action and make recommendations to facility managers, public
health or other officials, and the public.
Communication/Education
Provide direction on safe handling and disposal practices related to animal carcasses
and animal wastes.
Promote healthy behaviors.
7.9. Lodging
The role of SPRCDPH environmental health staff during an emergency regarding lodging
establishments is likely to be unchanged from routine operations. In the case of lodging
establishments being used as emergency shelter/mass care facilities, see section 7.10 (below).
Certain conditions (i.e., those that displace many people from their homes) may result in the need
for unscheduled inspections of lodging establishments, or a change in inspection protocol, to be
determined based on the incident.
7.10. Emergency shelter or housing (sometimes called “mass care” or “congregate care”)
This function provides congregate shelter facilities and food services to disaster victims and
emergency workers in a disaster. Mass care provides bulk distribution of supplies and
commodities to people affected by the disaster. Mass care shelters will be operated in
conjunction with MDH, SPRCDPH, Ramsey County Human Services, American Red Cross and
the Salvation Army.
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The American Red Cross has been designated by Congress to provide emergency housing,
feeding and first aid to displaced persons in disaster situations. Mass care services are initiated
upon notification of an impending disaster or immediately following a disaster.
According to the Minneapolis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, mass care is the
function and process by which the Red Cross responds to immediate emergency needs of disaster
victims or emergency workers in a disaster area. Mass care assistance is provided through a
combination of the following three elements: (1) congregate or individual temporary shelters; (2)
fixed or mobile feeding operations; and (3) direct distribution of relief supplies.
In the event of an incident, EH professionals may be asked to help with the following: ensuring
safe and healthy feeding and shelter conditions at emergency gathering places.
TASKS
Assessment
Assist with the inspection of mass shelter or mass-care sites.
Assist building officials and structural engineers in determining the habitability of
pre-identified shelters.
Evaluate shelter facilities for: potable water, emergency disposal of sewage and solid
waste, food sanitation, personal safety, air quality, vector control, and personal
hygiene amenities.
Intervention
Assist other responding agencies in the planning and development of temporary
housing sites.
Provide housing sanitation guidance and oversight in disaster aftermath.
Identify and address problems related to pest infestations, living requirements (e.g.,
lighting, temperature, solid/liquid waste disposal, sleeping arrangements, personal
hygiene), and infectious medical waste storage, transportation and disposal.
Communication/Education
Advise decision makers regarding public health concerns in emergency shelters.
Promote healthy behaviors.
7.11. Vector control
Disasters frequently create conditions that result in population increases of insects and rodents.
In this situation, the chance of disease transmission increases sharply. For example, floods and
heavy rains will create new mosquito breeding sites in disaster rubble or standing water. If
sewage systems are disrupted and riverbanks are disturbed, rodents will leave these areas and
head for other sources of food and harborage. After a disaster, there will be a considerable
amount of solid waste including food waste that can serve as a food supply for rodents and
insects like houseflies. In addition to disease hazards, insects and rodents can contribute to
psychological stress by being a major nuisance in a disaster situation.
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In the event of an incident, EH professionals may be asked to help with the following activities:
ensure elimination of public health nuisances, including breeding sites for rodents, flies, and
mosquitoes; provide information to the public regarding tick- and mosquito-related topics such
as transmitted diseases and insect repellent use and safety; and coordinate emergency corrective
measures against vectors that cause public health problems.
TASKS
Assessment
Assist in conducting environmental-related disease investigations related to water,
pest, or other disease vehicles/vectors.
Assess conditions in the disaster are (e.g., standing water, uncollected and exposed
solid waste containing food waste, damaged sewer system) that may promote vector
populations.
Monitor for disease vectors.
May collect vectors for laboratory analysis.
Survey potential vector-breeding sites.
Perform field surveys to identify hazards related to disease outbreak (e.g., pest
management, habitability, and other environmental health surveys used for vector
control).
Coordinate assessment activities with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control
Commission.
Intervention
Provide assistance and oversight related to implementation of control measures.
Determine corrective actions, report findings and recommendations to public works
and health authorities.
Work with private and public refuse haulers to reinstate regular collection or arrange
for special collections.
Contact the Metropolitan Mosquito Control Commission about applying vectorcontrol measures in the affected area.
Communication/Education
Provide public information regarding vector-borne disease control measures.
7.12. Public pools and other recreational water
Environmental health staff will work with the County epidemiologists, MDH and MDA to
ensure water safety. Water includes recreation sites and other water that could contribute to
disease transmission or the likelihood of injury, such as swimming pools and beaches.
TASKS
Assessment
Understand the potential health effects related to exposure to chemical agents in
floodwater, including:
Petroleum from damaged refineries;
Chemical contamination from oil spills;
Gasoline from damaged gas stations;
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Chemical releases from flooded automobiles;
Hazardous waste sites in region; and
Industrial facilities with lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, arsenic,
benzene, or pesticides.
Understand the potential health effects related to exposure to biological agents
(bacteria, parasites and viruses) in floodwater, including:
Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) (naturally, from disruption of soil, or as a result
of an intentional contamination);
E. coli and enterococci (as indicators of possible sewage contamination – not
generally harmful themselves, they indicate the possible presence of diseasecausing bacteria, viruses, and protozoans that also live in human and animal
digestive systems);
Shigella (Shigellosis)
Yersinia pestis (Plague); and
Cryptosporidium (Cryptosporidiosis).
Understand the potential health effects related to exposure to physical agents in
floodwater, such as tree limbs, sharps, and other debris.
Test water quality.
Intervention
Assure the removal and disposal of contaminated and standing water.
Assure the protection of the public’s health from chemical, biological and physical
agents in recreational waters (e.g., enact beach closures, conduct pool inspections).
Communication/Education
Provide public information regarding recreational water safety.
7.13. Chemical, Biological and Radiological Hazards
The two main strategies for minimizing illness, injury and death due to chemical, biological and
radiological hazards are to reduce the number of cases through preventive activities, and to
reduce severity of the health impact through early detection and intervention. The key to
effective outbreak control is rapid response.
In the case of abatement being necessary for a known, intentional biological or chemical
contamination incident, SPRCDPH EH will coordinate with the Minnesota Duty Officer and will
take direction from HAZMAT, MDH, MDA, MPCA and federal agencies in determining the
appropriate course of action. In the event of a criminal investigation, the removal of these
materials will be coordinated with the investigating agency. The county sheriff or a designated
law enforcement official will act as the liaison between public health and the criminal justice
system officials conducting the investigations.
7.13.1.
Biological
Biological agents are infectious viruses or bacteria that produce disease or toxins, such as
anthrax, botulism, cholera, Ebola virus, hantavirus, plague, Q fever, ricin, salmonella, smallpox,
and tularemia. Most biological agents do not survive or persist long in the environment and are
easily disinfected or inactivated. (Two exceptions are anthrax spores and ricin toxin.)
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A bioterrorism attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs (agents) used to
cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. These agents are typically found in nature,
but it is possible that they could be changed to increase their ability to cause disease, make them
resistant to current medicines, or to increase their ability to be spread into the environment.
Biological agents can be spread through the air, through water, or in food. Terrorists may use
biological agents because they can be extremely difficult to detect and do not cause illness for
several hours to several days. Some bioterrorism agents, like the smallpox virus, can be spread
from person to person and some, like anthrax, can not.
7.13.2.
Chemical
A chemical emergency occurs when a hazardous chemical has been released and the release has
the potential for harming people's health. Typical chemical agents of concern include:
ammonia, arsenic, benzene, chlorine, cyanide, formaldehyde, mercury, mustard gas, sarin, and a
wide range of pesticides and other industrial chemicals.
Chemical releases that endanger the safety and health of the general public can be caused by an
accidental industrial release from a facility, a transport-related release, or by the deliberate use of
industrial chemicals or chemical warfare agents. Chemicals enter the body through the skin,
eyes, lungs or digestive tract. The rate of absorption varies with different chemicals, and is
affected by the concentration and the length of time the chemical is in contact with the body, the
air temperature, humidity and the person’s age.
7.13.3.
Radiological
There are several ways in which a person can become overexposed to radiation. In peacetime,
the more likely ways are accidents in nuclear power plants or research institutions dealing with
radioactive materials, transportation accidents, and undue exposure to radioactive waste or
radioactive sources used in industry, medicine and research laboratories. Recently, the threat of
terrorist acts that involve nuclear facilities, a dirty bomb, or the theft of radioactive substances,
has become more prominent. The primary concern with a radiological agent is exposure and
spreading of the contamination.
In the event of a biological, chemical or radiological incident, EH professionals can be asked to
participate in: monitoring, data collection, and communication with the public and with
partnering agencies.
TASKS
Assessment
Conduct environmental-related disease, injury, illness or exposure investigations.
Monitor the extent of the casualties and alert and activate local and more distant
health-care facilities.
Perform field surveys to identify environmental hazards related to the health threat.
Conduct interviews to establish causal factors related to people, place and time.
Prepare a sampling plan and coordinate sampling and lab analysis of food, water or
other materials.
Collect soil, water and or vegetative samples.
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Contact regulated entities in the affected area to determine if regular operations have
been disrupted.
Intervention
Work with appropriate emergency responders and governmental agencies to ensure
the safety of the general public.
Monitor workers’ health and safety.
Ensure the availability of immediate medical treatment to those who require it.
Ensure safe shelters and healthy food and water supplies.
Determine disease control and prevention measures and make recommendations to
public health and other officials, health care professionals, and the public.
Communication/Education
Inform the public about the incident; measures being taken to contain the release; the
health effects of exposure; and what the public can do to protect themselves.
Provide accident and emergency departments with information about the nature of the
chemical and any precautions to be taken.
Explain contamination and how to decontaminate casualties, staff and equipment.
Provide information and technical guidance to the public and others regarding cleanup and decontamination.
8.
Communication
SPRCDPH and the environmental health section specifically have developed numerous systems
for communication with staff during an emergency.
8.1. 800 MHz Radio System
Traditionally used by police, fire, and public works agencies as their primary communication
tool in everyday work, an 800 MHz radio system has been purchased by Ramsey County to be
used for special events including emergencies involving public health. The system is tested
monthly by Department designees (with representatives from EP3 and EH sections), and is
exercised at least annually through drills. See Attachment IV, “SPRCDPH Policy 800 MHz
Radio Testing.”
8.2.
All-staff Information Line
The Department has a dedicated phone line that can hold a recorded message for access by all
staff. The phone number is 651/266-XXXX. See Attachment V, “SPRCDPH Policy All Staff
Information Line.”
8.3.
Automated Call-out Systems
The Department has the capability to contact all staff via electronic means (e-mail and/or
telephone) with information and instructions. The EH Section is also developing this capacity,
via its “digital health department” system. Policies guiding these systems are under development
at this time.
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9.
Training and Testing
The Department’s Public Health Incident Management Team (PHIMT) is responsible for
ensuring that all SPRCDPH staff are familiar with the Departments All-Hazards Response and
Recovery Plan, as well as other Department policies and plans related to emergency
preparedness and response, and that all relevant staff are trained appropriately. All EH staff
must be familiar with the EH Annex to the Department’s plan.
A staff-training plan is under development for the Department and for the Section. This
document assumes that all staff will be trained before being asked to respond to an incident, and
that plans will be exercised annually or as often as is financially and logistically feasible.
9.1.
Ongoing Training
Department heads are responsible for ensuring that both new and current department personnel
receive appropriate emergency management training. Requests for emergency managementrelated training will be coordinated through the county emergency management director.
9.2.
Just-in-Time Training
Training for environmental health staff, specific to the incident at hand, will be provided as
needed during the emergency response.
9.3.
Testing
Testing can take the form of a drill, a “tabletop” exercise, a functional exercise, or a full-scale
field exercise. Exercises are crucial components of a plan’s ongoing maintenance that provide a
unique opportunity for testing ideas, identifying gaps, recognizing inefficiencies, and honing
skills.
• A drill tests a single emergency response function. It involves actual field
response. Its effectiveness lies in focusing on a single, or relatively limited
portion of the overall response system in order to evaluate and improve it.
• Tabletop exercises are often used to introduce leaders to new ideas and plans and
allow them to talk through potential situations and problems. In a tabletop
exercise, actions and discussion are based on a described emergency situation plus
a series of messages to players. Participants practice problem solving through ongoing discussion and critique of the appropriateness of hypothetical actions taken
and decisions made.
• Functional exercises are implemented on a larger scale to allow officials to
actually practice skills and procedures, respond to unexpected developments,
interact and collaborate with response partners, and use equipment and tools with
which they may be otherwise unfamiliar. The functional exercise is a simulation
of an emergency that includes a description of the situation, a timed sequence of
messages, and communication between players and a simulation group.
• The full-scale field exercise adds a field component to interact with communityor state-wide partners through actual and simulated messages. It tests the
deployment of seldom-used resources and will involve policy, coordination,
operations and field personnel.
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10.
Authority
The legal basis for the responsibilities outlined in this document lies within the following County
and State ordinances that regulate environmental health activities:
Ramsey County
1.
Ramsey County Administrative Ordinances (Res. #2001-79)
2.
Ramsey County Food Protection Ordinance (Res. #2002-398)
3.
Ramsey County Public Swimming Pool Ordinance (Res. #95-332)
4.
Ramsey County Hazardous Waste Management Ordinance (Res. #97-174)
5.
Ramsey County Solid Waste Ordinance (Res. #2003-371)
6.
Ramsey County Lodging Ordinance (Res. #81-863)
7.
Ramsey County Manufactured Home Park Ordinance (Res. #92-624)
8.
Ramsey County Public Health Nuisance Ordinance (Res. #2006-371)
9.
Ramsey County Youth Camp Ordinance (Res. #92-623)
Minnesota State
1.
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 145A (Local Public Health Act)
2.
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 115A (Waste Management Act)
3.
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 400 (County Solid Waste Management Act of 1971)
4.
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 473 (Metropolitan Government)
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Figure 1.
Organization Chart for St. Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Environmental Health Section
Environmental Health Director
Zack Hansen
Administration
Information Systems
Lee Holden
Clerical
Debbie Hosch
Debra Dahl
Nancy Diebel
Teresa Hesse
Beth Johnson
Katie Shaw
Community
Involvement
Policy, Planning &
Evaluation
Mary Elizabeth Berglund
Amber Dallman
Dan Donkers
Kaia Johnson
Lisa Marshall
Tara Roffler
Cheryl Armstrong
Deborah Carter McCoy
Norm Schiferl
Community
Environmental
Health
Mark Clary
Mike Crider
Lori Green
Joe Hibberd
HHW & Yard
Waste
John Springman
Pete Miller
Solid &
Hazardous
Waste
Larry Carlson
Aaron Chavez
Paul Gelbmann
Greg Lamere
Laura Piotrowski
Karen Reilly
Joe Wozniak
Lead Hazard
Reduction
Jim Yannarelly
Mike Gilles
Yia Khang
Bruce Noyes
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Figure 2.
Environmental Health Emergency Response Decision Tree
Investigation
Determine the
Scope of the
Event
Event in
Ramsey
County
Assessment
Yes
Determine the
Nature of the
Event
Is there a
significant impact
on environmental
quality?
No
Are large numbers
of individuals
potentially affected?
Is there an
environmental health
component?
No
Not an Environmental
Health Emergency
Be prepared to assist with
the PH response.
Yes
Yes
Is it within our
programmatic
scope?
No
No Immediate Response
Role for SPRCDPH EH
Be prepared to assist
neighboring jurisdictions or
other response partners by
providing EH expertise; Be
prepared to provide
community education.
Yes
Is it within our area
of expertise?
No
Refer to Proper
Agency:
MDH
CDC
MDA
FDA
MPCA
USDA
Be prepared to assist
neighboring jurisdictions or
other response partners by
providing EH expertise; Be
prepared to provide
community education.
Yes
No
Response
Are a large number of
businesses or
facilities affected?
Yes
No
Does response to
the event exceed the
capacity of EH staff?
Yes
No
Does the event present
a significant hazard?
Yes
No
Proceed with
Routine EH
Activity
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September 2007
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Activate EH
Response Plan
Figure 3.
Note: Confidential Information Deleted
SPRCDPH Environmental Health
Incident Management Staffing Chart
August 2007
Incident Command
Lead Name
Back-up Name
Safety
Lead Name
Back-up Name
Public Information
Lead Name
Back-up Name
Finance/Administration
Lead Name
Back-up Name
Logistics
Lead Name
Back-up Name
Liaison
Lead Name
Back-up Name
Operations
Lead Name
Back-up Name
Planning
Lead Name
Back-up Name
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Attachment I: Contact Information for Environmental Health Emergencies
Note: Confidential Information Deleted
AGENCY NAME/ROLE
LOCAL
SPRCDPH –
Public Health Preparedness
Coordinator
SPRCDPH –
Public Health Director
SPRCDPH –
Public Information Officer
SPRCDPH –
Office Manager
CONTACT PERSON
Name
PRIMARY
PHONE #
Phone number
AFTER-HOURS
PHONE #
Phone number
Ramsey County –
Sheriff
Ramsey County –
Emergency Management and
Homeland Security
City of St. Paul –
Office of Licensing, Inspection and
Environmental Protection
City of Maplewood –
Community Development
Department
REGIONAL
American Red Cross –
Emergency Services
American Red Cross –
Switchboard Operator
Metropolitan Mosquito Control
Commission
STATE
MN Duty Officer (to report all
environmental emergencies)
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 42 of 55
AGENCY NAME/ROLE
CONTACT PERSON
PRIMARY
PHONE #
AFTER-HOURS
PHONE #
MN Department of Health –
Emergency Operations
MN Department of Health –
Environmental Health Services
MN Department of Health –
Environmental Surveillance and
Assessment
MN Department of Health –
Public Health Laboratory
MN Department of Agriculture –
Main Reception
MN Department of Agriculture –
Dairy and Food Inspection
MN Board of Animal Health
MN Pollution Control Agency
MN Department of Homeland
Security and Emergency Management
MN Poison Control
ECHO (MN Emergency and
Community Health Outreach)
Minnesota Relay Service
(provides telecommunications
assistance directly to Minnesota's
deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech or
mobility impaired citizens)
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 43 of 55
Attachment II: Contact Information for Environmental Health Staff
Note: Confidential Information Deleted
NAME
DESK PHONE
PAGER
BLACKBERRY
_____________________________________________________
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 44 of 55
Attachment III: SPRCDPH Policy Activating a Public Health Response
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 45 of 55
______________________________________________________
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 46 of 55
Attachment IV: SPRCDPH Policy 800 MHz Radio Communication
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Policy & Procedure Title: 800MHz Radio Testing
Date: 5.22.2007
Final
Introduction:
Ramsey County has purchased a new two-way, land mobile radio system for use by public safety and
public health entities. This system is referred to as 800 MHz radio. The 800 MHz radio system has been
traditionally used by police, fire, and public works agencies as their primary communication tool in
every day work. However 800 MHz is relatively new to public health agencies and will most likely be
used for special events, specific department activities, or as a secondary communication tool. In
emergencies involving public health, the 800 MHz radio system could very well become the primary
communication tool for public health to communicate to public safety agencies, or over large
geographic areas, or to communicate to other public health agencies or locations outside Ramsey
County. Testing and exercising this system is needed to ensure a competent radio user and a functioning
system.
Purpose:
To document a procedure that will ensure Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
(SPRCDPH) 800 MHz radio system is operational and SPRCDPH staff users are familiar and
comfortable with radio operation. These established policies and procedures will ensure SPRCDPH 800
MHz radio system is operable and available for daily or back-up communications.
Applicability/Scope:
For all SPRCDPH sections, staff, and/or designees utilizing the Ramsey County 800 MHz radio system
and equipment.
Definitions:
Halo Talkgroup- A starting Talkgroup location for all SPRCDPH users to initiate communication or to
re-establish communication if interrupted.
Coordinator- The individual identified by the SPRCDPH director with overall responsibility for the
SPRCDPH 800 MHz system users and equipment. Responsibilities include: policy/procedure/protocol
development; internal and external department point of contact; equipment maintenance, accountability,
and recommendations.
Leader(s)- Individual(s) identified by the SPRCDPH 800 MHz Coordinator as being an 800 MHz point
of contact for internal staff or sections. The leader will be responsible for checking-in/out of equipment
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
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to individuals, conducting monthly tests, training of users, and maintenance of equipment assigned to
them by the Coordinator.
Talkgroup- An assigned named channel on a particular frequency for communication.
User(s)- An individual who has formally completed an 800 MHz radio training, approved by the
Ramsey County Manager’s Office.
Radio Equipment- All portable and base station digital radios used for 800 MHz communications,
battery chargers, antennas, and accessories.
SPRCDPH Base Station- Non-portable 800 MHz radio station located in the Situation Training And
Response (STAR) room at Ramsey County Government West Building.
Zone- A particular set of Talkgroups put together in a radio and designated using a letter.
Policy:
The SPRCDPH 800 MHz radio system will be tested monthly to ensure reliability as a communications
system. Additionally the 800 MHz radio system will be exercised at least annually through stand-alone
drills involving SPRCDPH staff and equipment or as a supplement drill to another exercise. This drill
may include other local public health departments, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency management
and/or other government entities.
The SPRCDPH 800 MHz Coordinator is responsible for testing of the 800 MHz radio system monthly.
Leader(s) will be responsible for ensuring all radios are charged and accountable for testing. Leader(s)
will initiate and operate the monthly test ideally from the SPRCDPH 800 MHz Base Station, currently
located in the Situation Training And Response room (STAR) if this is not possible the test may be
performed remotely or off-site with a mobile radio. If using any of the RPOOL Talkgroups (Talkgroup
5-14, Zone A) for testing or regular use you must first get permission from Ramsey County Dispatch
Center and one Talkgroup will be assigned to you. This can be done by calling the Ramsey County Law
Enforcement Center via phone line at 651-266-9333 and requesting dispatch or via 800 MHz radio
transmission on Talkgroup-11, Zone-Z (RAM911). It is recommended that Ramsey County Dispatch be
informed when use of the Talkgroup is finished.
Testing Procedure:
The Leader must begin each test by stating their name, agency, location and the function being
performed. The Leader may use the Introduction Radio Testing Script provided below. The monthly
test should include minimally 3 separate communications with each radio user. Each communication
should be performed on a separate Talkgroup and/or Zone. The Leader will always initiate the first
communication from the Halo Talkgroup; Talkgroup-1, Zone-A (Ramsey County Public Health-1) and
then direct users to an alternate Talkgroup and/or Zone for a 2nd and 3rd communications. The Leader
should provide general instructions of the test after the introduction. The Leader may use the Test
Instruction Script provided below.
The Leader must conclude each monthly test stating their name, agency, location and that the monthly
test has ended and that the Talkgroup is open for common use. The Leader may use the Conclusion
Radio Testing Script below for this purpose.
SPRCDPH 800 MHz Radio Testing Scripts:
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 48 of 55
Introduction Radio Testing Script
Leader- “This is (Full Name) with (Agency Name) conducting the monthly SPRCDPH 800 MHz Radio
System test at (Time). This test is being facilitated from (Your Location) and will act as the Base
Station for this test.
Test Instruction Script
Leader- “I will initiate the first communication with each user by calling a Radio ID number and asking
for a response from that radio user with their name and location, if no response is heard I will continue
to the next Radio ID number. This first communication will concluded after attempted contact has been
made with each Radio ID number. We will continue by moving all Users to an alternate Talkgroup
established by me for a second communication. The monthly test will conclude after the second/third
communication is performed. I will state when the test is completed and the results will be marked in
the Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health 800 MHz Radio Test Chart and emailed
to all Users before the next monthly test.”
Conclusion Radio Testing Script
Leader-“This is (Full Name) with (Agency Name) concluding the monthly SPRCDPH 800 MHz Radio
System test at (Time). This test was facilitated from (Your Location). Results from this test will be
published in an email to all SPRCDPH users. This Talkgroup is now open for common use. Thank you
for your participation. SPRCDPH Base Station signing off.”
Example Communication Test:
Communication 1, Talkgroup-1, Zone-A
Leader- “Base Station to radio ID #316998, can I get your name and location.” (Leader should
give approximately 3 seconds for a response, if none is heard a repeat attempt will happen; if
there is still no response the Leader will continue to the next radio ID number).
User- “Base Station this is Emily with radio ID 316998, I’m currently at 7th street and Kellogg.”
Leader-“Base Station copied, Thank you Emily”
Leader- This concludes communication for Talkgroup-1, Zone-A I would like all Users to move
to Talkgroup-9, Zone A for communication number two.”(At the conclusion of
attempting communication with each radio ID)
Communication 2, Talkgoup-9, Zone-A
Leader- “Base Station to Emily. What is your favorite TV show?”
User- “Favorite TV show is Little house on the prairie.”
Leader-“Base Station copied, Little house on the prairie”
Leader-“This concludes communication for Talkgroup-9, Zone-A I would now like all Users to
move to Talkgroup-4, Zone Z for communication number three.”(At the conclusion of
attempting communication with each radio ID)
Communication 3, Talkgoup-4, Zone-Z
Leader- “Base Station to Emily. Please repeat this phrase 1-2-3-4-5, 5-4-3-2-1. And then signoff.”
User- “1-2-3-4-5, 5-4-3-2-1, this is Emily signing off”
Leader-“Base Station copied, Thank you Emily”
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 49 of 55
Leader- “This concludes communication for Talkgroup-4, Zone-Z and ends today’s test”
Testing Schedule:
The SPRCDPH monthly 800 MHz test will be conducted on the second Tuesday of every month
starting at 10:00am. All SPRCDPH staff that has completed formal 800 MHz radio training (users) will
be expected to participate in 1 test every 3 months minimally. All users will be able to sign-up ahead of
time and will receive a schedule of test dates and times from a Leader. All users will receive a reminder
the day before a scheduled test via email from a Leader.
Testing and Exercise Drill Results:
The results of the SPRCDPH 800 MHz monthly test will be documented using the Saint Paul – Ramsey
County Department of Public Health 800 MHz Radio Test Chart and will be posted in the following
monthly test email reminder to radio users. Monthly test results and/or exercise drill results will be
included in all relevant reports as well.
Next Steps:
This Policy and Procedure document and actions will be evaluated annually for needed changes, which
may include testing date, frequency, and procedures.
Signatures:
________________________________________________________
Director
Date
________________________________________________________
Section Manager
Date
_____________________________________________________
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 50 of 55
Attachment V: SPRCDPH Policy Activating a Public Health Response
_____________________________________________________
Attachment
V: SPRCDPH Policy All Staff Information Line
Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 51 of 55
______________________________________________________
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 52 of 55
Attachment VI: Vendor Contact Information
Note: Confidential Information Deleted
COMPANY NAME AND
SERVICE PROVIDED
BOTTLED WATER
CONTACT PERSON
TELEPHONE/ E-MAIL
CRYSTAL CANYON INC,
Bottled Drinking Water
PREMIUM WATERS INC,
Bottled Drinking Water
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
BAY WEST INC,
Hazardous Waste Clean-up and
Removal
CLEAN HARBORS ENVIRONMENTAL,
Hazardous Waste Removal
COMO LUBE & SUPPLIES INC, Used Oil,
Filter, Sorbent and Antifreeze
Management
HEALTHCARE WASTE SOLUTIONS,
Rubbish, Waste, Hazardous Waste, and
Infectious Waste Removal
LOE'S OIL CO INC,
Used Oil, Filter, Sorbent and Antifreeze
Management
OSI ENVIRONMENTAL INC,
Oil Sludge Removal and Disposal
SPECIALITY CONTRACT SERVS-DBA
SERVICEMASTER,
Bio-hazardous Waste Clean-up
VEOLIA ES TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
LLC,
Hazardous Waste Removal
WEST CENTRAL ENVIRONMENTAL,
Hazardous Waste Clean-up and
Removal
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
ENVIROBATE METRO INC, Asbestos,
Lead and Mold Abatement
REFRIGERATION
(THE) AMMONIA HOUSE, Refrigeration
Equipment, Parts and Supplies
GARTNER REFRIGERATION,
Refrigeration Equipment, Parts and
Supplies
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 53 of 55
COMPANY NAME AND
SERVICE PROVIDED
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
CONTACT PERSON
TELEPHONE/ E-MAIL
COMADE INC,
Safety Equipment and Supplies
TRAFFIC CONTROL CORP,
Safety Equipment/
Miscellaneous Equipment
SANITATION
ON SITE SANITATION INC, Portable
Toilets (Chemical Toilets)
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
GREEN LIGHTS RECYCLING INC,
Rubbish and Waste Removal
KEITH KRUPENNY & SON DISPOSAL
SERVICE INC,
Rubbish, Waste and Lumber Removal
RESOURCE RECOVERY TECHNLOGIES
LLC (RRT),
Waste Removal and Garbage Hauling
VEOLIA ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES,
Rubbish and Waste Removal
TESTING AND SAMPLING
BAY WEST INC,
Environmental Testing and Consulting
BRAUN INTERTEC CORP,
Soil Testing
BRAUN INTERTEC CORP, Environmental
Testing and Consulting
INTERPOLL LABORATORIES INC,
Environmental Testing, Sampling and Lab
Analysis
NOVA CONSULTING GROUP,
Environmental Testing and Consulting
PACE ANALYTICAL SERVICES,
Environmental Testing, Sampling and Lab
Analysis
PEER ENGINEERING INC, Environmental
Testing and Consulting
TREE AND LANDSCAPE
BLUEMEL'S TREE & LANDSCAPE,
Tree Removal and Trimming
TALL TIMBER TREE SERVICE,
Tree Trimming
See also: Saint Paul and Ramsey County Contract and Analysis Services, Master Contracts database
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 54 of 55
Attachment VII: Job Action Sheet Template
Environmental Health Emergency Response
Job Action Sheet
TEMPLATE
Title/Role: __________________________________________________
Responsible Person: __________________________________________
Name
Title
Back-up: ___________________________________________________
Name
Title
Reports to: _________________________________________________
Name
Title
When to Perform Task: ___________________________________
Materials and Equipment (including PPE) Needed:
Steps in Performing Task:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Outcome: ____________________________________________________
Standard for Successful Completion: _______________________________
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Saint Paul – Ramsey County Department of Public Health
Annex to the All Hazards Response and Recovery Plan: Environmental Health Standard Operating Procedures
September 2007
Page 55 of 55