Memorandum 12-181 HAZWOPER Training for Port and Harbor and Homer Volunteer Fire Department

Memorandum ID: 
12-181
Memorandum Status: 
No Status

Details

City of Homer
Port / Harbor   Telephone (907) 235-3160
4350 Homer Spit Road  Fax  (907) 235-3152
Homer, Alaska 99603-8005  E-mail  port@ci.homer.ak.us
     Web Site http://port.ci.homer.ak.us
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MEMORANDUM 12-181

TO:  HOMER CITY COUNCIL
CC:  PORT DIRECTOR/HARBORMASTER BRYAN HAWKINS, CHIEF OF POLICE MARK ROBL, FIRE CHIEF    BOB PAINTER, & CITY MANAGER WALT WREDE
FROM:  MATT CLARKE, DEPUTY HARBORMASTER
DATE:   NOVEMBER 30, 2012
SUBJECT: ANHYDROUS AMMONIA HAZWOPER TRAINING

As you are aware, the Port and Harbor department operates an anhydrous ammonia gas refrigeration and ice production plant on the Homer Spit.  Anhydrous ammonia gas is classified as a hazardous material containing corrosive and flammable properties.  The Ice Plant has the capacity to hold up to 4,000 lbs. of ammonia in its operating system; and can produce 100 tons of ice in a 24 hour period.  This plant is vital to our region’s commercial fisheries and economy, yet presents a significant hazard in the event of an emergency.

The Port and Harbor and Homer Volunteer Fire Department have identified the need to pursue ammonia gas HAZWOPER training in order to maintain our employees’ and volunteers’ current level of preparedness and to conduct a joint training exercise involving an emergency response at the Ice Plant.  The purpose of this training shall ensure the further protection of the lives of our emergency responders, the general public and its property, and help to prevent a disruption in our region’s economy.

The Port and Harbor recently contacted iWorkWise, a firm specializing in anhydrous ammonia gas HAZWOPER training, who proposed two training courses: a 4-hour responder awareness course to be offered to the members of HVFD, and an 8-hour first responder course to be offered for City employees charged with emergency response duties.  The proposed training dates are January 8th and 9th, 2013.  A joint training exercise involving the Port and Harbor and HVFD shall be conducted during the evening of January 9th.  The total estimated cost of training, including the instructor’s travel and per diem, is $8,000.

On March 13, 2000, the Homer City Council adopted Resolution 00-31 and engaged in a Community Spill Response Agreement with ADEC.  Section 12 of the CSRA provides for reimbursement of the local government for costs associated with preparedness training and joint exercises.  On November 29, 2012, ADEC drafted a Memorandum of Agreement in support of our proposed hazardous materials safety training and indicated its willingness to reimburse the City of Homer up to $8,000 for the associated costs.

Recommendation:
Approve Ordinance 12-59, accepting and appropriating a reimbursable grant in the amount of $8,000 from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for hazardous materials training.