VA 2015 Technical Assistance Grant

Overview

Main Objective

The purpose of this project is to identify gaps in response coverage to a protected inland non-tidal waterway that serves as a reservoir for a major metropolitan community. Conducting multi- jurisdictional / multi-agency exercises are intended to assist in developing plans, policies, and procedures to improve response to and recovery from incidents which may involve major petroleum pipelines and reduce community wide risks associated with pipeline leaks and / or failure. The Lee Hall Reservoir serves a community population of approximately 490,000 (According to the 2010 Census) and would be classified as an Unusually Sensitive Area (USA by 49 CFR 195.6 standards). The petroleum pipeline lies within one thousand feet of the southern end of the reservoir.

Public Abstract

Under the terms of this agreement, the Recipient must demonstrate completion of the work through the actions it has specified in its Application. The expected outcome of this project is to host a regional Functional Exercise to prepare our response force (local fire and emergency services, law enforcement, regional hazardous materials team, regional marine incident response team, emergency management, and Newport News Water Works) to appropriately respond to and mitigate incidents involving leaks or spills into the Lee Hall Reservoir from existing high volume petroleum pipeline equipment.

Relevant Files & Links