As such, Tampa (Fla.) Fire Rescue has implemented a new strategy, involving "push teams," to decrease the amount of time that it will take to have hazardous materials commodity experts re-enter their facilities to provide damage assessments and leak repairs at the Port of Tampa. In addition to rapid leak control, the new re-entry process will speed up the time associated with bringing the fuel supply online, which is arguably one of the most needed resources following a hurricane.
The Port of Tampa is the 10th largest port in the nation in terms of cargo handled and the No. 1 port in the state for fuel supplies. In addition, there are three anhydrous ammonia terminals; a liquefied petroleum gas terminal that’s one of the largest in the country with 25 million gallons; sulfuric acid; molten sulfur and chlorine.
For the most part, these dangerous commodities do not pose a threat to life or the environment as long as the materials stay confined within their designed containers. Unfortunately human error, technological failures and/or the effects of natural disasters have resulted in unexpected releases.
Releases resulting from human error or technological failures are usually easier to manage because they commonly involve one type of material, commodity experts are usually on site to provide rapid reconnaissance, and fire/rescue personnel are able to quickly respond and initiate mitigation strategies and tactics. However, when a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, is the cause of the incident, many materials can be simultaneously released, thus increasing the potential for widespread ill effects to humans and the environment.
This was evident in and around New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, when what was left behind was reported as “toxic soup.” As is evident from this and other experiences, the amount and extent of the toxic damage is directly proportionate to the time it takes for private industry experts and emergency responders to access the facilities, assess the damage and control the releases.
The Push Teams
The new plan is accomplished by housing and integrating port facility personnel at the same shelter as the city’s debris removal push team that’s assigned to access the port. These push teams would be summoned when the hurricane forecast calls for a Category 2 or greater storm. As soon as the all clear is given, a public-private convoy will leave the shelter and make its way to the port. The convoy consists of Tampa Fire Rescue hazardous material technicians; Department of Public Works’ front-end bulldozers; the U.S. Coast Guard; Tampa Port Authority; Tampa Bay Port Heavy Weather Advisory Group; Tampa Electric Co. and representatives of the various hazardous material facilities located in the port. This cross-discipline task force approach provides added safety for all participants involved in the port re-entry.
Depending on the amount of debris, the convoy may travel as a close group, or the Tampa Fire Rescue hazardous material technicians, Department of Public Works’ front-end bulldozers and Tampa Electric linemen may move ahead of the pack to allow for a quick retreat if needed. The port facility representatives are positioned at the end of the convoy so that the last vehicle in the convoy correlates to the first facility reached during the push. Upon reaching each facility, the representatives will first work to remove enough debris from their facility’s entrance so their vehicle can clear the roadway to make room for additional resources to pass by if needed. After this is accomplished, the representatives will safely and cautiously access their facilities to conduct damage assessments to be forwarded to the U.S. captain of the port and Emergency Operations Center.
Tampa is hopeful that this process will increase safety of personnel, improve mitigation strategies and hasten damage assessments, while decreasing the time associated with previous port re-entry plans, when time is of the essence.
Mike Gonzalez is the special operations chief for Tampa Fire Rescue.
[Photo courtesy of Gerald Nino/Customs and Border Protection.]
