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Canada-United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan 2009

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Table of Contents

Letter of Promulgation

Abstract

100 Introduction

• 101 Background
• 102 Purpose and Objectives
• 103 Scope
• 104 abbrs and Abbreviations
• 105 Definitions

200 Joint Policy and Responsibilities

• 201 Joint Policy
• 202 Special Arrangements for Mutual Assistance

300 Planning and Response Organization

• 301 International Joint Advisory Team
• 302 Regional Joint Response Teams
• 303 On-Scene Coordinator
• 304 Canada and United States Federal Agencies’ Responsibilities
• 305 Preparedness and Response Coordination
• 306 Coordination with Industry and Non-governmental Organizations

400 Notification and Response Operations

• 401 Notification
• 402 Response
• 403 Disposal

500 Binational Activation and Deactivation

• 501 Activation
• 502 Deactivation

600 Reporting Provisions

• 601 Situation Reports
• 602 Post-Incident Reports

700 Public Information

• 701 Policy and Responsibilities

800 Updating and Exercising

• 801 Inland Plan Review
• 802 Meetings and Exercises

900 Administration

• 901 Custodians
• 902 Amendments

1000 Appendices

• Appendix A -- Inland Plan Regional Annexes List and Map of the Transboundary Coverage of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes
• Appendix B -- Binational Concept of Operations Diagram
• Appendix C -- Guidelines for the Revision of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes
• Appendix D -- Suggested International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT) Member Agencies
• Appendix E -- Notification Message and Diagrams
• Appendix F -- Binational Activation Message and Diagram
• Appendix G -- Binational Deactivation Message and Diagram

Letter of Promulgation

The Canada–United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan (the “Inland Plan”) sets forth cooperative measures for dealing with a release of a pollutant along the inland boundary of a magnitude that causes, or may cause, damage to the environment or constitutes a threat to public safety, security, health, welfare, or property.

The Inland Plan may also facilitate the provision of assistance in the event that only one country is affected, but the polluting incident is of sufficient magnitude to justify a request for assistance from the other country.

The revised Inland Plan supersedes the 1994 Canada–United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan, and complements the Canada–United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan, which describes a joint response mechanism for any polluting incident that threatens the waters or coastal areas of both countries. The Inland Plan is not intended to supersede any statutory authorities held by either Participant, to create any legally binding rights or obligations under domestic or international law with regard to the Participants or any other entity, or to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by law or equity against the Participants or any other entity.

The implementation and maintenance of the Inland Plan is the joint responsibility of the Canadian Department of the Environment and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Signed, in duplicate, in the English and French languages.

 

 

Abstract

Purpose and Objectives

The Canada–United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan (the “Inland Plan”) provides for a cooperative mechanism for preparedness for and response to polluting incidents that cause, or may cause, damage to the environment along the inland boundary or may constitute a threat to public safety, security, health, welfare, or property. The Inland Plan may also facilitate the provision of assistance when only one country is affected, but the polluting incident is of such magnitude to justify a request for assistance from the other country.

The purpose of the Inland Plan is to facilitate a coordinated and integrated federal response to a polluting incident along the inland boundary and to provide a mechanism for cooperative responses among all levels of government. This also includes all federally recognized First Nations (Canada) and Tribal Nations (U.S.). The Inland Plan provides for a binational coordination mechanism to ensure appropriate and effective cooperative preparedness, notification, and response measures between Canada and the United States.

This Inland Plan has been revised and updated to reflect the all-hazards approach of Canada’s Federal Emergency Response Plan and the United States’ National Response Framework. It also reflects the current laws and regulations of each country, supersedes the Canada–United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan signed on July 25, 1994, and complements the Canada–United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (the “Marine Plan”), which describes a joint response mechanism for any polluting incident that threatens the waters or coastal areas of both countries. The Inland Plan is not intended to supersede any statutory authorities held by either Participant, to create any legally binding rights or obligations under domestic or international law with regard to the Participants or any other entity, or to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by law or equity against the Participants or any other entity.

Binational Concept of Operations

The Inland Plan may be activated when a release of a pollutant causes, or may cause, damage to the environment along the inland boundary, or constitutes a threat to public safety, security, health, welfare, or property. The Inland Plan may also be activated when only one country is affected by a polluting incident but the incident is of sufficient magnitude to justify a request for assistance from the other country.

The Inland Plan is based on a division of the inland boundary into five regional planning areas and includes Regional Annexes that describe the jurisdiction, roles, and response procedures of regulatory and support agencies within each planning area. The Regional Joint Response Teams (RJRTs) are responsible for developing the respective Annexes. A map of the transboundary coverage of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes can be found in Appendix A.

The Inland Plan establishes an International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT) and RJRTs. The IJAT is the policy and advisory body with overall responsibility for the maintenance, promotion, and coordination of the Inland Plan. The IJAT also provides advice and assistance to the RJRTs. The RJRT is the regional body responsible for providing advice and support to the On-Scene Coordinator(s) (OSC(s)). The Inland Plan also establishes notification procedures and an incident management structure.

The OSC(s) should provide advice, assistance, and support to the Incident Commander (IC) or the Responsible Party during a polluting incident, as appropriate. The Responsible Party is ultimately responsible for the response to the polluting incident. However, the Inland Plan provides for oversight of the Responsible Party’s management of the response, as well as the coordination and support for response efforts at the scene of the polluting incident, should the Responsible Party’s response be inadequate or otherwise deemed inappropriate by the OSC. If the polluting incident is beyond the capabilities of the Responsible Party, if requested, or if required by statute, one of the OSCs may become the IC. In the event of a significant polluting incident, Canada and the United States are to follow the management structure under the Federal Emergency Response Management System (FERMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS), respectively.

When the Inland Plan is activated, each RJRT Co-chair is to assign an on-scene public information officer who is to maintain liaison with all interested parties in the officer’s country, including but not limited to all levels of government, news media, government press offices, the public, special interest groups, and concerned industries. A diagram of the Binational Concept of Operations can be found in Appendix B.

Responsibilities

The implementation and maintenance of the Inland Plan is the joint responsibility of Environment Canada (EC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These two organizations are to seek the assistance of other agencies, as necessary and appropriate. The Inland Plan may be amended at any time, consistent with the terms of Section 902 herein.

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100 Introduction

101 Background

101.1

The need for a Canada–United States joint pollution contingency plan for polluting incidents that affect the inland boundary not covered by the Canada–United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (the “Marine Plan”) was officially recognized with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America and the Department of the Environment of the Government of Canada Regarding Accidental and Unauthorized Discharges of Pollutants Along the Inland Boundary in 1985. This Memorandum of Understanding outlines a plan of cooperative measures for dealing with accidental and unauthorized releases of pollutants that cause or may cause damage to the environment along the shared inland boundary and that may constitute a threat to the public health, property or welfare.

101.2

In 1994, Canada and the United States signed the first version of the Canada–United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan (the “Inland Plan”). It was later determined that the 1994 Inland Plan needed to be revised to reflect current policies, laws, and regulations of Canada and the United States. In response, the Participants signed this updated version of the Inland Plan.

101.3

The Inland Plan is intended to complement the Marine Plan and is intended to be consistent with the Treaty Between the United States and Great Britain Relating to Boundary Waters, and Questions Arising Between the United States and Canada, signed in 1909. The Inland Plan is also intended to complement the Agreement between the United States and Canada on Great Lakes Water Quality (first signed in 1972 and renewed in 1978), and amended by Protocol in 1987, as well as Article V (6) of the 1991 Canada-United States Agreement on Air Quality.

101.4

The Inland Plan is intended to be consistent with the following two 1988 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Council Acts: “Pertaining to the Exchange of Information Concerning Accidents Capable of Causing Transfrontier Damage” and “Provision of Information to the Public and Public Participation for Accidents Involving Hazardous Substances.”

101.5

The Inland Plan is also intended to be consistent with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Convention on Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, signed by Canada and the United States in Helsinki in 1992. This Convention calls for the development of agreements between governments on prevention, preparedness, response, notification, mutual assistance, and research and development issues.

101.6

The Inland Plan is also intended to be consistent with any agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States on emergency management cooperation.

101.7

The Inland Plan is also intended to be consistent with the relevant existing preparedness and response plans of each country, including the Canadian Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP) and the United States National Response Framework (NRF).

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102 Purpose and Objectives

102.1

The Inland Plan sets forth a cooperative mechanism for preparedness for and response to a polluting incident that causes, or may cause, damage to the environment along the inland boundary or that may constitute a threat to public safety, security, health, welfare, or property. The Inland Plan also may facilitate the provision of assistance for polluting incidents that, although directly affecting one country, are of such magnitude to justify a request for assistance from the other country (e.g., for technical advice, responders and equipment).

102.2

The purpose of the Inland Plan is to mitigate the effects to public safety, security, health or welfare, the environment, or property by facilitating coordinated and integrated responses to polluting incidents along the inland boundary. A map of the inland boundary can be found in Appendix A.

102.3

The objectives of the Inland Plan are to provide for a binational coordination mechanism to ensure appropriate and effective cooperative preparedness and response measures between Canada and the United States with respect to significant polluting incidents along the inland boundary; to develop systems for notification within the area covered by the Inland Plan; to set forth measures for monitoring and restricting the further spread of released pollutants in an expeditious manner; and to ensure the availability of adequate resources to respond to a polluting incident. The application of the Inland Plan is also to ensure that coordinated public information releases are made in a timely fashion to the public in both countries.

102.4

The Inland Plan includes Regional Annexes. These Annexes are to follow the guidelines described in Appendix Cof the Inland Plan.

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103 Scope

103.1

The Inland Plan applies to all polluting incidents along the inland boundary that have the potential for transboundary effects, and may address polluting incidents that, although directly affecting one country, are of such magnitude to justify notifying or requesting assistance from the other country (e.g., for technical advice, responders and equipment), except for those incidents occurring in the waters or coastal areas that are described in the Annexes to the Marine Plan. In the case of an incident where the pollutants spread to any major waterways covered by the Marine Plan, the country providing the initial OSC is to notify the Canadian Coast Guard or the U.S. Coast Guard.

103.2

The Inland Plan provides a structure for organizing response activities in each country that should follow the Canadian Federal Emergency Response Management System (FERMS) and the United States National Incident Management System (NIMS), and establishes a method of operation for personnel responding to a polluting incident.

103.3

In cases of radiological incidents, the Inland Plan is to work in conjunction with the Canada–United States Joint Radiological Emergency Response Plan (JRERP) administered by Public Safety Canada (PS) and the U.S.Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), respectively.

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104 abbrs and Abbreviations

DHS

(U.S.) Department of Homeland Security

DOS

(U.S.) Department of State

EC

(Canada) Environment Canada (Department of the Environment)

EOC

(Canada-U.S.) Emergency Operations Center

EPA

(U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency

FAC

(Canada) Foreign Affairs Canada

FEMA

(U.S.) Federal Emergency Management Agency

FERMS

(Canada) Federal Emergency Response Management System

FERP

(Canada) Federal Emergency Response Plan

GOC

(Canada) Government Operations Centre

HQ

(Canada-U.S.) Headquarters

HSPD

(U.S.) Homeland Security Presidential Directive

IC

(Canada-U.S.) Incident Commander

ICP

(Canada-U.S.) Incident Command Post

ICS

(Canada-U.S.) Incident Command System

IJAT

(Canada-U.S.) International Joint Advisory Team

JIC

(Canada-U.S.) Joint Information Center

JRERP

(Canada-U.S.) Joint Radiological Emergency Response Plan

NCP

(U.S.) National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (a.k.a. National Contingency Plan)

NEEC

(Canada) National Environmental Emergencies Centre

NIMS

(U.S.) National Incident Management System

NOC

(U.S.) National Operations Center

NRC

(U.S.) National Response Center

NRF

(U.S.) National Response Framework

NRT

(U.S.) National Response Team

OSC

(Canada-U.S.) On-Scene Coordinator

PIR

(Canada) Pollution Incident Report

PS

(Canada) Public Safety Canada

RCP

(U.S.) Regional Contingency Plan

REEC

(Canada) Regional Environmental Emergencies Coordinator

REET

(Canada) Regional Environmental Emergencies Team

RIC

(U.S.) Regional Incident Coordinator

RJRT

(Canada-U.S.) Regional Joint Response Team

RRT

(U.S.) Regional Response Team

SITREP

(U.S.) Situation Report

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105 Definitions

The following terms are defined as follows for the purpose of the Inland Plan:

105.1

All levels of government. This term includes the federal, provincial, state, territorial, Tribal and First Nations, regional, sub-regional, municipal, and local levels of government.

105.2

Canada–United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (the “Marine Plan”). The Marine Plan sets forth a coordinated system for planning, preparing for, and responding to harmful substance incidents in the contiguous waters of Canada and the United States. The Marine Plan is complemented by five Geographic Annexes, which are under the oversight and responsibility of the respective Canadian Coast Guard Regional Directors and United States Coast Guard District Commanders. The Marine Plan is intended to complement the Canada–United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan (the “Inland Plan”).

105.3

Countermeasures. Any measures, whether physical, chemical or biological, that are implemented to reduce the impact and the effect of a pollutant on public safety, security, health or welfare, the environment, or property.

105.4

Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The physical location at which the coordination of information and resources to support incident management activities normally takes place. An EOC may be a temporary facility or may be located in a more central or permanently established facility.

105.5

Environment. The atmosphere, land, and surface and ground waters, including the natural resources therein, and all other components of the ecosystem.

105.6

Federal Emergency Response Management System (FERMS) (Canada). FERMS is the federal emergency response management system that ensures the coordination of federal department and agency activities for a harmonized federal response.

105.7

Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP) (Canada). FERP is the federal component of a national, all-hazards event response plan, based on the Federal Emergency Response Management System (FERMS). It is an essential element in Canada’s emergency preparedness and response capability. FERP provides for a requirement for proactive cooperation between federal government departments and agencies. Furthermore, it aligns federal coordination structures, capabilities, and resources into a unified, all-hazards approach to significant events and emergencies affecting national security and public safety.

105.8

Government Operations Centre (GOC) (Canada). The federal government organization that provides strategic level coordination on behalf of the Government of Canada in response to an emerging or occurring event affecting the national interest. It is a 24 hour/7 day all-hazards, interdepartmental centre conducting monitoring, analysis, planning, and operations in partnership with all levels of government, industry and non-governmental organizations, and international partners. This organization comprises the International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT) Member Agencies as suggested in Appendix D.

105.9

Incident Commander (IC). The government official (all levels of government) who coordinates and directs the pollution control efforts at the scene of the polluting incident. There is only one IC per polluting incident.

105.10

Incident Command Post (ICP). The field location at which the primary tactical-level, on-scene incident command functions are performed. The ICPmay be collocated with the incident base or other incident facilities.

105.11

Incident Command System (ICS). A standardized on-scene emergency management system construct specifically designed to provide for the adoption of an integrated organizational structure that reflects the complexity and demands of single or multiple incidents, without being hindered by jurisdictional boundaries. ICS is the combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications operating with a common organizational structure, designed to aid in the management of resources during incidents. ICS is used for all kinds of emergencies and is applicable to small as well as large and complex incidents. ICS is used by various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private, or organized field-level incident management operations.

105.12

Inland Boundary. The non-marine boundary common to both countries, including boundary areas and transboundary waters not included in the Marine Plan. The Inland Plan is intended to cover approximately 25 kilometers (km) or 15.5 miles on both sides along the Canada and U.S.border. A map of the inland boundary can be found in Appendix A.

105.13

International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT). A policy and advisory body with overall responsibility for the maintenance, promotion, and coordination of the Inland Plan. It comprises representatives from the Canadian Government Operations Centre (GOC) and the U.S. National Response Team (NRT) and is jointly co-chaired by the Participants. Suggested IJATMember Agencies are listed in Appendix D.

105.14

Joint Information Center (JIC). A media and public information center established by the RJRT and staffed by an on-scene public information officer from each Participant. The Center may also be staffed by on-scene public information officers representing all levels of government, the Responsible Party, and other interested parties. It is the location for media and the public to receive up-to-date information regarding a polluting incident.

105.15

Joint Radiological Emergency Response Plan (JRERP). A joint plan between Canada and the United States to deal effectively with a potential or actual radiological event that affects both countries or is of such magnitude to justify that assistance from the neighboring country could be necessary.

105.16

National Environmental Emergencies Centre (NEEC) (Canada). During a polluting incident, NEEC and the regional offices serve as Environment Canada’s focal points for notification of the incident, as well as for coordination and provision of scientific expertise and technical assistance. NEEC’s role is also to ensure appropriate communication with senior management. Furthermore, the Centre communicates departmental actions and activities associated with the management of the incident to other federal emergency operations centres, as necessary and appropriate. NEEC is also responsible for notifying the NRC.

105.17

National Incident Management System (NIMS) (U.S.). The NIMS integrates effective practices in emergency preparedness and response into a comprehensive national framework for incident management. The NIMSenables responders at all levels to work together more effectively to manage domestic incidents no matter what the cause, size, or complexity, and facilitates the implementation of the National Response Framework (NRF).

105.18

National Operations Center (NOC) (U.S.). The NOC assesses the overall situation and makes an initial determination to undertake the coordination of federal information-sharing and incident management activities. The NOC was formerly known as the Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC).

105.19

National Response Center (NRC) (U.S.). The NRC is the U.S. federal government’s national communications center. It is the responsibility of the NRC staff to notify the pre-designated On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) assigned to the area of the polluting incident and to collect available information on the size and nature of the release, the facility or vessel involved, and the party (or parties) responsible for the release. The NRC maintains reports of all releases and spills in a national database. The NRC is also responsible for notifying NEEC.

105.20

National Response Framework (NRF) (U.S.). An all-discipline, all-hazards plan, established by Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5, that represents a single, comprehensive framework for the management of polluting and other incidents affecting the United States. This Plan provides structures and mechanisms for the coordination of response efforts of federal incident commanders, and for exercising direct federal authorities. The NRF is implemented through NIMS.

105.21

National Response System (NRS) (U.S.). The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) (40 CFR part 300) establishes the NRS as the federal government’s response management system for emergency response to releases of hazardous substances into the environment or discharges of oil into navigable waters of the United States. This System functions through a network of interagency and intergovernmental relationships and provides for coordinating response actions by all levels of government to a real or potential oil or hazardous substances incident. A primary mission of the federal System is to provide support to state and local response activities.

105.22

National Response Team (NRT) (U.S.). The NRT is an established organizational element under the U.S. National Response System. The NRT, established by the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) (40 CFR part 300), is responsible for national response and preparedness planning, for coordinating regional planning, and for providing policy guidance and support to the Regional Response Teams (RRTs). EPA chairs the NRT. This Team comprises the International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT) Member Agencies as suggested in Appendix D.

105.23

Natural Resource Trustee (U.S.). The federal, state or tribal organization or agency with legal trust responsibilities for natural resources.

105.24

On-Scene Coordinator (OSC). For responses conducted in the United States, the On-Scene Coordinator is the federal official designated by EPA to provide advice, assistance, and support to the Incident Commander (IC) or the Responsible Party during a polluting incident. In addition, the OSC could be the designated IC. The authorities of the OSC are very broad and provide for responding and directing response to a polluting incident that threatens public safety, security, health or welfare, the environment or property.

Canada does not have a similar authority in federal, provincial or territorial legislation to predesignate an OSC. However, for the purposes of the Inland Plan and for international consistency, Environment Canada is to be the OSC. Environment Canada is to coordinate government activities and provide, to the Incident Commander (IC) or the Responsible Party, advice, assistance, and support at the scene of the polluting incident, and is to monitor their response. In addition, the OSC could also be the designated IC.

105.25

Participants. The Participants referred to in the text of this Inland Plan are Environment Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

105.26

Pollutant. Includes any hazardous substance; contaminant; radioactive material; and any element, substance, compound, or mixture, including disease-causing agent, which after release into the environment will affect its quality or upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation into any organism, either directly from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through food chains, will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutation, physiological malfunctions (including malfunctions in reproduction) or physical deformations, in such organisms or their offspring. For the purpose of this Inland Plan, “pollutant” includes oil of any kind or in any form, including petroleum, fuel oil, sludge, oil refuse, and oil mixed with wastes other than dredged spoil. The term includes natural gas, natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas useable for fuel (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic natural gas).

105.27

Polluting Incident. Release of any pollutant, on either side of the inland boundary, of a magnitude that causes or may cause damage to the environment or may constitute a threat to public safety, security, health, welfare, or property.

105.28

Regional Environmental Emergencies Coordinator (REEC) (Canada). This is the Regional Environment Canada official responsible for managing the regional environmental emergencies program and its emergency response functions, and for chairing and coordinating the planning and response activities of the REET. The REEC is also the Canadian RJRT Co-chair.

105.29

Regional Environmental Emergencies Team (REET) (Canada). A multi-agency, multi-disciplinary regional advisory body which provides coordinated and comprehensive information and advice to the Canadian lead agency, including: environmental, wildlife, and human health impacts; resource sensitivities; environmental forecasting; spill behavior and spill modeling; contingency planning; spill countermeasures; clean-up priorities and techniques during the planning for and response to a polluting incident. REET is chaired by Environment Canada or co-chaired by Environment Canada and the provincial ministry responsible for the environment or as otherwise arranged, and is composed of all levels of government and other agency environmental specialists. Other representation from local communities and industry is included, as necessary.

105.30

Regional Incident Coordinator (RIC) (U.S.). A management position in each of the Regional Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) within EPA. This person provides management objectives and clarification of regional policy issues, and ensures efficient and effective communication flow between the field Incident Command Post (ICP) and upper level management. The RIC is the point of contact for the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) or the Incident Commander (IC) to obtain personnel, expertise, equipment, and information in support of response actions. The RIC is also the U.S. RJRT Co-chair.

105.31

Regional Joint Response Team (RJRT). The binational regional support and advisory team that is responsible for the development, maintenance and effective implementation of the respective Regional Annex of the Inland Plan. The RJRT is composed of representatives from agencies and organizations in both Canada and the United States and is co-chaired by regional representatives of each Participant as described in the Inland Plan Regional Annexes. The RJRTshould include representatives from the appropriate Canadian REET (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie and Northern, or Pacific and Yukon Region) and from the appropriate U.S. RRT (EPA Region 1, 2, 5, 8 or 10), whose area of responsibility coincides with the respective inland boundary of the five adjacent Regions. A map of the transboundary coverage of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes can be found in Appendix A.

105.32

Regional Response Team (RRT) (U.S.). Parallel in agency membership to that of the NRT, RRTs develop and coordinate preparedness activities before response actions are taken and also coordinate assistance and advice to the On-Scene Coordinator(s) (OSC(s)) during such response actions. The two principal components of the RRT mechanism are a standing team, consisting of designated representatives from each participating federal agency and state, tribal and local government; and an incident-specific team, which is formed from members of the standing team when the RRT is activated for a response. The role of the standing RRT, co-chaired by representatives of EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard, includes the establishment of communications systems and procedures, and planning, coordination, training, evaluation, preparedness, and related activities on a region-wide basis. The role of the incident-specific team is determined by the operational needs of the response to a specific polluting incident.

105.33

Release. Any accidental or intentional release including any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, burning, escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing of pollutants into the environment. This includes the abandonment or discarding of barrels, containers, and other closed receptacles containing any pollutant. The term does not include: (a) any release that results in exposure to persons solely within a work place, (b) emissions from the engine exhaust of a motor vehicle, rolling stock, aircraft, vessel, or pipeline pumping station engine, and (c) the normal application of fertilizer. For purposes of this Inland Plan, “release” also means a threat of a release.

105.34

Response Action. This action includes the clean-up, removal, disposal, destruction, or neutralization of one or more released pollutants; actions to abate or mitigate an actual or threatened release; actions to monitor, assess, and evaluate an actual or threatened release; and other actions to prevent or mitigate damage to public safety, security, health or welfare, the environment, or property.

105.35

Responsible Party. Refers to the polluter, or the person who owns or has charge, management or control of the pollutant. The Responsible Party’s primary responsibility is on-site emergency planning and response to the polluting incident.

105.36

Significant Polluting Incident. A polluting incident that has or is likely to have particularly significant and substantial adverse effects on public safety, security, health or welfare, the environment or property, and requires or is expected to require a heightened level of response (e.g., the incident is anticipated to require the application of special techniques or methods or the involvement and coordination of several levels of government).

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200 Joint Policy and Responsibilities

201 Joint Policy

201.1

The Participants are to seek the cooperation from the appropriate Canadian and United States agencies, to the extent possible, to respond expeditiously to a polluting incident. Actions taken pursuant to the Inland Plan are to be consistent with the statutory authorities, operational needs, and other obligations of each country.

201.2

Effective communication between Participants is vital to the successful implementation of the Inland Plan. Polluting incidents are to be reported as soon as is practicable, in accordance with Section 400 herein.

201.3

In a response situation that falls within the scope of the Inland Plan, the Participants are to make every effort to obtain resources that could be used for a joint response operation, subject to their capabilities and general requirements. In addition, each Participant is to have in place procedures to ensure that the necessary resources from the public and private sectors may be used to achieve a successful outcome to a joint response operation.

201.4

The existing decision-making process of each affected country is to be followed to determine which countermeasures should be used to respond to a polluting incident in the affected country (e.g., in-situ burning).

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202 Special Arrangements for Mutual Assistance

202.1

The Participants may, as appropriate, assist each other in exercising a right of recovery against a third party, including providing documentation.

202.2

As appropriate for mutual assistance, special customs and immigration clearances for response resources, including responders and equipment, may be granted by each country in accordance with the laws and regulations of each country. Procedures for accomplishing this are to be developed by national, regional, and local authorities, and are to be outlined in each Inland Plan Regional Annex.

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300 Planning and Response Organization

301 International Joint Advisory Team

301.1

The International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT) is the policy and advisory body whose purpose is to respond quickly to interagency and policy problems that cannot be resolved at the local level during significant polluting incidents. IJAT participation during a significant polluting incident is dependent upon mandated responsibilities. Members are asked to participate by EC’s Headquarters through the Government Operations Centre (GOC) on the Canadian side and by EPA Headquarters, Office of Emergency Management, through the National Response Team (NRT), on the U.S. side of the border. A diagram of the Binational Concept of Operations can be found in Appendix B.

301.2

The IJAT comprises representatives from the suggested agencies listed in Appendix D and is jointly co-chaired by the Participants. IJAT Co-chairs have the overall responsibility for the maintenance, promotion, and coordination of the Inland Plan.

301.3

During a significant polluting incident, and upon the request by either Participant, the IJAT is to facilitate the provision of emergency resources and other support to the Regional Joint Response Team (RJRT) and also to activate other related emergency plans, such as the Canadian Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP) and the United States National Response Framework (NRF). Actions of the IJAT are not to include management or direction of the on-scene response.

301.4

The IJAT is also to maintain a list of potential assisting agencies of each country and the assistance available from them. In addition, the IJATis to be responsible for notifying the RJRTs of any changes to these agencies’ response capabilities.

301.5

IJAT Co-chairs should ensure that their country is in compliance with legal requirements for protecting the health and safety of emergency responders.

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302 Regional Joint Response Teams

302.1

Regional Joint Response Teams (RJRTs) are responsible for the development, maintenance and effective implementation of the respective Regional Annexes to the Inland Plan, including the development and maintenance of videos, maps, photos, or other records of sensitive areas that are given high priority for protection in the event of a polluting incident. The Regional Environmental Emergencies Coordinator (REEC) from the appropriate ECRegional Office and the Regional Incident Coordinator (RIC) from the appropriate EPA Regional Office will support the RJRT, when activated. Additionally, during a polluting incident, coordinated and comprehensive information and advice can be obtained from the Regional Environmental Emergencies Team (REET) (Canada) or the Regional Response Team (RRT) (U.S.). A diagram of the Binational Concept of Operations can be found in Appendix B.

The REEC and the RIC, or the field OSC, may request activation of the REET or the RRT who can provide specialized expertise and equipment in support of response activities.

The REETmay coordinate with the Incident Command Post (ICP) directly or provide assistance through the REEC. The RRTcoordinates directly with the Regional Incident Coordinator (RIC) unless asked by the Incident Commander (IC) to coordinate directly with him/her in the ICP.

302.2

The RJRT should include representatives from the appropriate Canadian REET (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie and Northern, or Pacific and Yukon Region), and from the appropriate U.S. RRT (EPA Region 1, 2, 5, 8 or 10), whose area of responsibility coincides with the respective inland boundary of the five adjacent Regions.

302.3

The RJRTs’ areas of responsibility are divided as follows:

1. The combined inland boundary of the Yukon Territory and British Columbia with EPA Regions 8 and 10 (Montana, Alaska, Washington, Idaho) -- CANUSWEST;
   
   
2. The combined inland boundary of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba with EPA Regions 5 and 8 (Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota) -- CANUSPLAIN;
   
   
3. The combined inland boundary of Ontario with EPA Regions 2 and 5 (New York, Minnesota, Michigan) -- CANUSCENT;
   
   
4. The combined inland boundary of Quebec with EPA Regions 1 and 2 (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York) -- CANUSQUE; and
   
   
5. The combined inland boundary of New Brunswick with EPARegion 1 (Maine) -- CANUSEAST.

Further subdivision of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes may be an option for some regions for easier implementation.

302.4

Each RJRT is to maintain the Inland Plan Regional Annex that includes contact lists for all levels of government.

302.5

The standing pre- and post-incident functions of the RJRT are to include planning and preparedness activities, and are outlined below:

1. Developing procedures to promote a coordinated response by all federal agencies to polluting incidents; procedures include, among others, environmental, technical, logistical, legal, customs, immigration, financial, and public information/media relations procedures;
   
   
2. Reviewing post-incident reports from the OSC(s) on the handling of polluting incidents for the purpose of analyzing response actions, recommending needed improvements in the contingency plans, and identifying training needs;
   
   
3. Forwarding to all levels of government the relevant reports and recommendations including OSC post-incident reports;
   
   
4. Preparing RJRT debriefing reports and recommendations concerning amendments to the Inland Plan or its Regional Annexes; and
   
   
5. Planning and implementing exercises as addressed in Section 802 of this Inland Plan.

302.6

Under RJRT coordination, the Participants should encourage federal agencies of both countries to coordinate their planning and response activities with each other, and with all affected levels of government, industry and non-governmental organizations, as appropriate.

302.7

The RJRTis to seek arrangements with federal agencies of both countries having services or facilities that may be useful to it in responding to a polluting incident.

302.8

The RJRTdoes not have operational control over the OSC(s). During a polluting incident, the advisory and support functions of the RJRT include:

1. Providing advice and assistance to the OSC(s) during polluting incidents;
   
   
2. Monitoring incoming reports, reviewing the possible impact of reported polluting incidents, and being fully aware of the actions and plans of the OSC(s);
   
   
3. Coordinating the actions of the various agencies in supplying the necessary resources and assistance to the OSC(s);
   
   
4. Engaging other federal agencies, and industrial or scientific groups to play their appropriate parts in support actions by acting through or in coordination with the RJRT or OSC(s);
   
   
5. Coordinating all reporting on the status of the polluting incident to the respective Participants (using existing reporting mechanisms, as stipulated in Section 601);
   
   
6. Ensuring that the OSC(s) have adequate public information support to ascertain that media and the public receive up-to-date information regarding a polluting incident;
   
   
7. Reviewing and monitoring actions taken by the OSC(s) and making recommendations for additional measures needed to support the response and to protect the environment;
   
   
8. Recommending a means to facilitate response coordination among all levels of government, industry and non-governmental organizations;
   
   
9. Promoting efficient communications to ensure effective information flow; and
   
   
10. Ensuring that the OSC(s) undertake adequate measures for protecting the health and safety of emergency responders.

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303 On-Scene Coordinator

303.1

The OSC(s) may assume one of the two following roles:

1. Provide advice, assistance, and support to the Incident Commander (IC) or the Responsible Party and coordinate and direct the federal government activities at the scene of a polluting incident; or
   
   
2. Lead when the polluting incident is under federal jurisdiction or in accordance with federal, provincial, state, territorial, Tribal or First Nations’ agreements or when the polluting incident is beyond the capabilities of the IC or the Responsible Party. In the case where the OSCis the lead, he/she is to be responsible for the overall control and direction of the operations and could be designated the IC within the Incident Command Post (ICP). In the event of a significant polluting incident, Canada and the United States are to follow the management structure under the Federal Emergency Response Management System (FERMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS), respectively.

303.2

The OSC(s) is (are) to ensure that adequate measures for protecting the health and safety of emergency responders are taken.

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304 Canada and United States Federal Agencies’ Responsibilities

304.1

Responsibilities of specified agencies are set out in Environment Canada’s National Environmental Emergencies Contingency Plan, the Canadian Coast Guard’s Marine Spills Contingency Plan, the Canadian Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP), the U.S. National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) and its supplementary guidance, and the U.S. National Response Framework (NRF). Other levels of government may be requested to assist, as needed.

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305 Preparedness and Response Coordination

305.1

Initial responsibility for responding to incidents rests with local authorities unless otherwise identified under federal, provincial, state, territorial, Tribal and First Nations, regional, sub-regional or municipal regulations or agreements. Therefore, the Inland Plan anticipates that each country will encourage communities to have up-to-date contingency plans and information about potential hazards, as well as adequate equipment and trained personnel for responding to potential polluting incidents within the community’s jurisdiction.

305.2

Whenever an incident exceeds local capabilities, local authorities should seek assistance from other levels of government and should coordinate with industry and non-governmental organizations, when appropriate.

305.3

To ensure that authorities and planning mechanisms are applied consistently during a polluting incident, the Inland Plan and its Regional Annexes are to be coordinated with the comprehensive emergency plans prepared for U.S. local emergency planning committees or districts on the inland boundary in compliance with Title III (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986) of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Actof 1986; with Regional Contingency Plans (RCPs) developed under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP); with the Area Contingency Plans developed under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990; and equally with existing Canadian plans and arrangements.

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306 Coordination with Industry and Non-governmental Organizations

306.1

The Inland Plan and its Regional Annexes should be coordinated with general and area-specific emergency response plans developed by major industrial and volunteer associations and by individual industries near the inland boundary.

306.2

The RJRTis to annually prepare and update a list of governmental and non-governmental technical support, including that of industry, which can be of assistance during joint response activities.

306.3

The IJAT Co-chairs are to review the Inland Plan Regional Annexes and advise each RJRT on sources of expertise, services, and technology that the RJRT could include in planning.

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400 Notification and Response Operations

401 Notification

401.1

Any polluting incident is to be reported to the other country without delay by telephoning the appropriate Regional contacts (as referenced in the Inland Plan Regional Annexes) or the Canadian National Environmental Emergencies Centre (NEEC) at (819) 997-3742 or the U.S. National Response Center (NRC) at (202) 267-2675 (outside the United States) or (800) 424-8802 (in the United States), in accordance with the procedures stated in each Regional Annex.

401.2

Whenever the NRC is notified of a polluting incident with the potential for transboundary effects, it is to notify NEEC. Whenever NEEC is notified by the NRC of a polluting incident, it is to notify EC’s appropriate Regional Office, which, in turn, is to follow up with subsequent notifications. Whenever NEEC is notified of a polluting incident with the potential for transboundary effects, it is to notify the NRC. Whenever the NRC is notified by NEEC of a polluting incident, it is to notify the appropriate EPA Regional Office, which, in turn, is to follow up with subsequent notifications.

401.3

If the polluting incident is considered significant, the NRC is also to notify the appropriate OSC on duty, who is to follow up with the U.S.RJRTCo-chair and the U.S.IJATCo-chair. The NRC is to forward information to the National Operations Center (NOC). With regard to a significant polluting incident in Canadian territory, the appropriate Environment Canada (EC) Regional Office is also to notify the Canadian RJRT Co-chair (REEC) and NEEC is to notify the Canadian IJAT Co-chair and the Government Operations Centre (GOC).

401.4

If the polluting incident is considered significant, a written notification message is to be originated by the appropriate RJRTCo-chair, sent to the other RJRT Co-chair and to the IJATCo-chairs, and is to be acknowledged in writing by the recipient. Both RJRTCo-chairs are to follow up with subsequent notifications. This written notification message is not to activate the Inland Plan but is to permit assessment and immediate preparation for the possibility of its activation. The written notification message is to include the geographical position of the incident, a situation summary, and other appropriate data, and is to be distributed to all appropriate officials through each country’s notification systems. The standard format for the written notification message as well as the notification diagrams can be found in Appendix E.

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402 Response

402.1

Each Inland Plan Regional Annex is to identify the specific response roles of participating levels of government, industry and non-governmental organizations.

402.2

In the event of an Inland Plan activation or a joint response, the OSC(s), IJATand RJRTare to consult among themselves and coordinate the joint response efforts and actions that will take place; the status of the response operations in each country; the personnel, equipment and financial resources available; the information that will be transmitted to the public; the safety and health issues; and the ecological/natural, historical, archeological and cultural considerations.

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403 Disposal

403.1

Pollutants and other associated incident debris that are recovered as a result of response actions are to be disposed of in accordance with all applicable government requirements, and in a manner intended to minimize the possibility of further or continuing environmental damage.

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500 Binational Activation and Deactivation

501 Activation

501.1

The Inland Plan may be activated by the RJRT Co-chair from the country of origin of the significant polluting incident, after consultation with and consent from the RJRT Co-chair from the other country and both IJAT Co-chairs. This activation would take place if the polluting incident is accompanied by a substantial threat of the spread of a pollutant into the inland boundary of the other country or such spreading has already occurred, or if the polluting incident is of sufficient magnitude to justify a request for assistance from the other country.

501.2

The appropriate RJRT Co-chair may activate the Inland Plan through a telephone message. The telephone message is to be followed by a written activation message (fax or email). The standard format for the written activation message as well as the activation diagram can be found in Appendix F.

501.3

Upon receipt of an Inland Plan activation message, the IJATCo-chairs are to notify their respective foreign relations departments that a significant polluting incident has occurred or has the potential to occur. The verbal and written notifications are to be made to Foreign Affairs Canada and to the Department of State (U.S.).

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502 Deactivation

502.1

A recommendation to end the joint response to a significant polluting incident is to be made after consultation and consent between the OSC(s), the IC, and the RJRT and IJATCo-chairs. The Activating RJRT Co-chair is to deactivate the Inland Plan by a formal written message with the agreement of the RJRT Co-chair from the other country. This written message is to clearly establish the date and time of the deactivation of the Inland Plan. The standard format for the written deactivation message as well as the deactivation diagram can be found in Appendix G.

502.2

Upon receipt of an Inland Plan deactivation message, the IJATCo-chairs are to notify their respective foreign relations departments that the significant polluting incident has ended. The verbal and written notifications are to be made to Foreign Affairs Canada and to the Department of State (U.S.).

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600 Reporting Provisions

601 Situation Reports

601.1

The RJRTis to ensure that the Canadian Pollution Incident Reports (PIRs) and the U.S. Situation Reports (SITREPs) include a full and timely assessment of the incident, actions taken, and progress made during the response. In turn, the RJRT is to provide the IJATwith the PIRs and SITREPs along with additional comments describing the RJRT’s actions and recommendations.

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602 Post-Incident Reports

602.1

The RJRTmay request the OSC(s) and/or IC to submit reports and to prepare operational debriefings for the RJRT and IJAT on the polluting incident. These may include actions taken and any observations, lessons learned, and recommendations that need to be made.

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700 Public Information

701 Policy and Responsibilities

701.1

When a polluting incident occurs, the public is to be provided with timely and accurate information on the nature of the incident, the steps that are being taken to cope with the problem, and what citizens should do to protect themselves. This information is intended to protect human lives, to encourage understanding among the public, to ensure cooperation from all interested parties and to reduce the possibility of the spread of concern or alarm through misinformation.

701.2

When the Inland Plan is activated, the RJRT Co-chairs are each to assign an on-scene public information officer who is to maintain liaison with all interested parties in the respective country, including but not limited to, all levels of government, news media, government press offices, the public, special interest groups, and concerned industries. These officers are to join a Joint Information Center (JIC) set up on-scene and are to support the OSC(s) or IC, maintaining an account of events and advising the OSC(s) or IC on public information issues.

701.3

The OSC(s) or IC is (are) to keep all levels of government and the RJRT apprised of news office activities (e.g., issuing press releases, organizing briefing sessions, keeping the public informed) and public information issues.

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800 Updating and Exercising

801 Inland Plan Review

801.1

The IJAT Co-chairs may review the Inland Plan annually to identify any planning-related issues, and recommend appropriate updates as needed, consistent with the terms of Section 902 herein.

801.2

The RJRTCo-chairs may review the Inland Plan Regional Annexes annually to identify any planning-related issues, and recommend appropriate updates as needed, consistent with the terms of Section 902 herein.

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802 Meetings and Exercises

802.1

Scheduling RJRT meetings and conducting joint response exercises are the responsibility of the RJRTCo-chairs, as described in the Inland Plan Regional Annexes. The recommended frequency of these meetings and exercises are as follows:

1. RJRTmeetings: one meeting for each Regional Annex, at least once every 18 months, alternately organized and hosted by each Participant;
   
   
2. RJRTexercises: one exercise for each Regional Annex every two years, alternately organized and hosted by each Participant; and
   
   
3. Schedules for both the RJRT meetings and exercises are set out in the Inland Plan Regional Annexes.

802.2

To promote greater efficiency, joint meetings may be held to coincide with joint exercises and may include more than one Region or Annex, as appropriate.

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900 Administration

901 Custodians

901.1

The custodians for the Inland Plan and its Regional Annexes, as well as any amendments thereto are: for Canada, the Director of the Environmental Emergencies Division, Environmental Protection Operations Directorate, Environment Canada; and for the United States, the Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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902 Amendments

902.1

The Inland Plan and its Regional Annexes may be amended at any time, provided both Participants accept the terms of the amendment(s) and do so in writing.

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1000 Appendices

Appendix A

Inland Plan Regional Annexes List and Map of the Transboundary Coverage of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes

Appendix B

Binational Concept of Operations Diagram

Appendix C

Guidelines for the Revision of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes

Appendix D

Suggested International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT) Member Agencies

Appendix E

Notification Message and Diagrams

Appendix F

Binational Activation Message and Diagram

Appendix G

Binational Deactivation Message and Diagram

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Appendix A

Inland Plan Regional Annexes List and Map of the Transboundary Coverage of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes

Annex I CANUSWEST

The combined inland boundary of the Yukon Territory and British Columbia with EPA Regions 8 and 10 (Montana, Alaska, Washington, Idaho)

Annex II CANUSPLAIN

The combined inland boundary of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba with EPA Regions 5 and 8 (Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota)

Annex III CANUSCENT

The combined inland boundary of Ontario with EPA Regions 2 and 5 (New York, Minnesota, Michigan)

Annex IV CANUSQUE

The combined inland boundary of Quebec with EPA Regions 1 and 2 (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York)

Annex V CANUSEAST

The combined inland boundary of New Brunswick with EPARegion 1 (Maine)

Transboundary Coverage of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes

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Appendix B

Binational Concept of Operations

Institutions in Canada

• EC – Environment Canada
• GOC – Government Operations Centre
• HQ – Headquarters
• NEEC – National Environmental Emergencies Centre
• REEC – Regional Environmental Emergencies Coordinator
• REET – Regional Environmental Emergencies Team

Binational Teams

• IJAT – International Joint Advisory Team
• JIC – Joint Information Center
• OSC – On-Scene Coordinator
• RJRT – Regional Joint Response Team

Institutions in the U.S.

• EOC – Emergency Operations Center
• EPA – Environmental Protection Agency
• HQ – Headquarters
• NRT – National Response Team
• RIC – Regional Incident Coordinator
• RRT – Regional Response Team

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Appendix C

Guidelines for the Revision of the Inland Plan Regional Annexes

The Canada–United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan (the “Inland Plan”) provides for a cooperative mechanism for preparedness for and response to polluting incidents that cause, or may cause, damage to the environment along the inland boundary, or may constitute a threat to public safety, security, health, welfare, or property. The Inland Plan may also facilitate the provision of assistance when only one country is affected, but the polluting incident is of such magnitude to justify a request for assistance from the other country.

Regional Annexes include, among other matters, the definition of the jurisdiction, roles, and response procedures of regulatory and support agencies within specific regions of each country.

Additionally, and as mentioned in Section 102.4, the following list of contents is intended to serve as guidance in the revision of Regional Annexes to help ensure a common understanding and approach.

This list is not to inhibit the creativity of planners or interfere with existing regional planning practices; regions may elect to develop separate contingency plans. In fact, it may be beneficial to integrate the revision of the Regional Annexes into the existing regional planning process.

Proposed List of Contents

1. Scope (includes purpose and geographic areas)
   Map of the regional inland boundary
   List of border cities
   
   
2. Agreements and plans (relevant to each region)
   
   
3. Response organization
   • Response center
   • OSC(s)
   • Special forces/teams
   • Response structures
     
     
4. Operating procedures
   1. Discovery and notification
   2. Information on and coordination between
      • OSC(s)
      • REETs and RRTs
      • RJRTand IJAT
      • All levels of government
      • Public information groups
      • Special interest groups
   3. Response operations
      
      
5. Special considerations
   1. Customs and immigration
   2. Health and safety of responders and volunteers
   3. Volunteer coordination
   4. Aboriginal lands (Canada) or Native Lands (U.S.)
      
      
6. Administration
   1. Amendments
   2. Updating and exercising schedule
   3. Contact and resource list

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Appendix D

Suggested International Joint Advisory Team (IJAT) Member Agencies

Canada:

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Canada Revenue Agency, Canadian Coast Guard, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian Heritage, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Foreign Affairs Canada, Health Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Industry Canada, Department of Justice Canada, Department of National Defence, Natural Resources Canada, Parks Canada Agency, Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Safety Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Transport Canada, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, National Energy Board, Privy Council Office, Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

United States:

Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, General Services Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

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Appendix E

Notification Message and Diagrams

Date:

Time:

To:

(RJRTCo-chair of the other country, address, email address, telephone and fax numbers)

From:

(RJRTCo-chair of the originating country, email address, telephone and fax numbers)

CC:

(IJAT Co-chairs of each country)

Name of Region and Annex:

1. Geographical location
   
   
2. Pertinent incident details (e.g., nature, amount, and potential impact of the pollutant; weather conditions)
   
   
3. Reason for notification message

Notification Procedures in Canada

Institutions in Canada

• EC – Environment Canada
• GOC – Government Operations Centre
• NEEC – National Environmental Emergencies Centre
• REEC – Regional Environmental Emergencies Coordinator

Binational Teams

• IJAT – International Joint Advisory Team
• RJRT – Regional Joint Response Team

Institutions in the U.S.

• EPA – Environmental Protection Agency
• NRC – National Response Center

Notification Procedures in the U.S.

Institutions In Canada

• EC – Environment Canada
• NEEC – National Environmental Emergencies Centre
• REEC – Regional Environmental Emergencies Coordinator

Binational Teams

• IJAT – International Joint Advisory Team
• RJRT – Regional Joint Response Team

Institutions in the U.S.

• NOC – National Operations Center
• NRC – National Response Center

OSC – On-Scene Coordinator

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Appendix F

Binational Activation Message and Diagram

Date:

Time:

To:

(RJRTCo-chair of the other country, address, email address, telephone and fax numbers)

From:

(Activating RJRT Co-chair, address, email address, telephone and fax numbers)

CC:

(Activating country IJAT Co-chair and others for information and action, as appropriate)

Name of Region and Annex:

Inland Plan Activated at: (date and time)

Name of OSC:

If a written notification message under Section 401.4 of the Inland Plan was not issued, the necessary site information is to be added to the message activating the Inland Plan.

In its acknowledgement, the receiving country is to report the name and contact information of its IJAT Co-chair and OSC.

Binational Plan Activation

* Following the verbal activation notification, the activating RJRT Co-chair is to send a written notification message.

Institution in Canada

• EC – Environment Canada

Binational Teams

• IJAT – International Joint Advisory Team
• RJRT – Regional Joint Response Team

Institution in the U.S.

• EPA – Environmental Protection Agency

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Appendix G

Binational Deactivation Message and Diagram

Date:

Time:

To:

(RJRTCo-chair of the other country, address, email address, telephone and fax numbers)

From:

(Deactivating RJRT Co-chair, address, email address, telephone and fax numbers)

CC:

(Deactivating country IJAT Co-chair and others for information and action, as appropriate)

Name of Region and Annex:

Inland Plan Deactivated at: (date and time)

Binational Plan Deactivation

* Following the verbal deactivation notification, the Activating Country RJRT Co-chair is to send a written notification message.

Binational Teams

• IJAT – International Joint Advisory Team
• RJRT – Regional Joint Response Team

OSC – On-Scene Coordinator

Environment Canada

Environmental Protection Operations Directorate
Environmental Emergencies Division

EC En4-83/2008E
www.ec.gc.ca/ee-ue/

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Emergency Management
National Planning and Preparedness Division

EPA-540-R-08-001
OSWER 9246.2
June 2009
www.epa.gov

To obtain additional information:

In Canada

Environmental Emergencies Division
Environmental Protection Operations Directorate
Environment Canada
Place Vincent Massey, 15^th Floor
351 St. Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau, Québec  K1A 0H3

E-mail:
neec@ec.gc.ca

Web site:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/ee-ue/

In the United States

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Office of Emergency Management
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460

Web site:
http://www.epa.gov/oem/content/border.htm

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