The necessary steps to be taken in each of several emergency operating conditions are detailed in this section. In developing contingency plans, it is necessary to attempt to foresee as many different types of emergencies as possible. A list of these emergencies might include:
1. Power Failures
2. Flood
3. Fire
4. Windstorm
5. Explosion
6. Personnel Injury
Should any emergency result in damage to the treatment facility which might reduce treatment efficiency, the Montana DEQ should be notified as soon as possible. Steps should be taken to provide interim treatment to the highest degree possible until complete repairs can be made.
Power Failure
In case of a power failure, the operator should first consult Northwestern Energy to determine whether the failure was the fault of the company or if the failure occurred within the treatment plant. If the failure was caused by an accident or a condition outside the plant, the operator has only to wait for normal power to be restored. The emergency generator will operate the WTP so that flow is allowed through the plant and the effluent is disinfected. The operator should find out from the power company how long they expect the power to be off. The operator should also request that the treatment plant be placed on a priority list for resumption of normal power.
If the failure was the result of a malfunction inside the plant or local to the site, most likely it will be due to an overload of the main circuits, or due to a problem in the main electrical distribution panel, or a control panel. If a circuit was overloaded, the breaker must be reset to supply normal power again. If a problem with the wiring in the main distribution panel or control panel is to blame, an electrician should be called in to inspect the electrical equipment.
To reduce system vulnerability, an electrician should inspect the wiring of the main distribution panel, control panels, and all electrical connections on an annual basis. If any potential hazard areas exist, corrective measures should be taken immediately. Future power failures in the facility can be prevented by making sure electrical connections are safe and by operating electrical equipment only as recommended by the manufacturer. Records should be kept of annual inspections and corrective measures resulting from deficiencies found during the annual inspection or power failures.
Flood
In the event of a possible flood, communications should be maintained with the offices of the State or National Weather Service in the area regarding forecasted water levels for the receiving waters. Information for flood warnings can be found on the State of Montana website at www.mt.gov.
Prior to flooding, plant staff should take measures to minimize damage. For instance, placing sandbags around doorways to minimize the amount of water entering the treatment buildings. If severe flooding causes disruption to normal treatment processes, ensure Montana Department of Environmental Quality is apprised of the situation as soon as possible.
As soon as flood waters begin to recede, plant personnel should inspect the facility for damage, clean up the landscape damage, and get the facility running normally as soon as possible.
Fire
In the event of a fire, evaluate the extent of the fire and determine if plant personnel can safely extinguish. If there is danger of the fire spreading outside of building or site, plant personnel shall contact the local fire department immediately.
If there is adequate time and actions will not endanger the plant personnel, explosive or flammable materials should be moved to a safe place where they will be out of the reach of flames.
If the fire is small and can be handled by the personnel, they should act swiftly. A fire extinguisher should handle a small fire. Shovels, dirt or sand, or water could be used in situations where an extinguisher is not readily at hand. If the fire is in an enclosed area, the personnel should be aware of the possibility of smoke inhalation. If the fire is large or endangers treatment processes, central efforts should be made by the fire department. After the fire is out, the personnel should water down the ashes or remains until the area is cool and free of all traces of smoke.
Determine the cause of the fire and take corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. If the plant personnel are unable to determine the cause, a State Inspector shall investigate. If the fire was due to improper storage of flammable materials, then a different arrangement for storage of these materials should be made. If the fire was at a motor or electrical connection, then the wiring at the location should be replaced and repositioned so as not to present a possible hazard again. Plant personnel shall also evaluate the location of fire extinguishers and add or relocated fire extinguishers as necessary.
Windstorm
In the event of a severe windstorm, damage would most likely be limited to fallen power lines, fences, and trees. If power is lost, the plant will operate on emergency power until Northwestern Energy repairs the damage and restores power. If an extended period of time is required to restore power, operators must monitor the generator operation to ensure continued water treatment can occur.
The operator should maintain communication with the offices of the State or National Weather Service in the area on the forecasted severity of approaching storms. The personnel should keep an alert watch on the weather conditions even if the severity of the storm is predicted to lessen.
The plant is equipped with little or no defense against a violent windstorm. Protective measures are limited to securing outside equipment so that it will not be blown away. Doors should be closed on the buildings. As soon as the storm has ceased, steps should be made to get the plant back in operation. This may necessitate cleaning open basins of debris, sticks, etc. and repairing equipment damaged by flying debris.
Explosion
It is unlikely that any explosion will occur within the treatment facility. However, the possibility exists in areas where flammable materials are stored. If an explosion occurs, the damage to the facility and treatment processes should be assessed as soon as it is safe for plant personal to enter the area. The potential for fires should be evaluated.
If the explosion has ignited smaller fires, the fires should be extinguished at once. If the treatment process has been affected, evaluate and take immediate corrective action. The Plant Superintendent should assess the extent of the damage, notify City and State officials, and make arrangement for repairs necessary to return the system to full efficiency.
Determine the cause of the explosion and take corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. If the plant personnel are unable to determine the cause, a State Inspector shall investigate.
Personal Injury
The plant personnel should become familiar with first aid procedures and be inoculated with tetanus and typhoid shots as recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Hazardous areas of the facility should be identified with warning signs and preventive safety measures should be obeyed. This is discussed in more detail in Chapter 12.
In the event of an injury to any of the personnel, assess the extent of the injury and determine if individual should be treated with first aid on site or taken to the hospital.