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Local and Industrial Emergency Planners Recognized for Chemical Emergency Planning Achievements throughout EPA Region 7

Release Date: 08/26/2013
Contact Information: Kris Lancaster, 913-551-7557, lancaster.kris@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., Aug. 26, 2013) - Awards were presented to local emergency planning committees and industries for their outstanding achievements in planning for chemical emergencies at an Emergency Planning and Preparedness Conference July 25-27, 2013, in Overland Park, Kan. The conference was hosted by EPA Region 7, FEMA Region 7 and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

The purpose of the conference was to help prevent accidental chemical releases and minimize community risks when they occur. Representatives from fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical service agencies, private industry, city and county emergency management groups, tribal nations, and state and federal agencies attended.

“EPA Region 7 is proud to recognize local emergency planning committees and industry for protecting the public from chemical risks,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “Our obligation to our children, families and communities is to handle, store and transport chemicals responsibly.”

Awards recognizing achievements in chemical emergency planning were presented to:

• Iowa - Marshall County; Lennox Industries; and Polk County
• Kansas - Anderson County; Cowley County; and Shawnee County
• Missouri - Audrain County; Boone County; Clinton County; Knox County; Missouri Agribusiness Association; and Rosecrans Memorial Airport
• Nebraska - Antelope County; Burt County; Dodge County, Douglas County; Hamilton County; Madison County; Pierce County; Stanton County; Washington County; Wayne County; and Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Karl Brooks, EPA regional administrator; Beth Freeman, FEMA regional administrator; and Timothy Butters, deputy administrator, U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, delivered remarks at the conference.

Steve Taylor, executive director of the Missouri Agribusiness Association, served on a panel about fertilizer safety with EPA Region 7 staff. His main focus was the role of agricultural retailers and local emergency responders in preventing and reducing the risk from chemical accidents such as anhydrous ammonia releases.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Digital photographs of individual honorees receiving their awards are available on request. Contact Kris Lancaster at 913-551-7557 or lancaster.kris@epa.gov.