Fire and Emergency Services Newfoundland and Labrador Public Hearings Proposed Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Generation Project March 2011 1
Overview Fire and Emergency Services- Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) is tasked with the implementation of an emergency management strategy designed to develop and maintain a modern and robust emergency management system in the province. 2
Overview FES-NL is primarily responsible for both the provision of emergency preparedness and emergency response, planning, and training, and for a leadership role in the coordination and/or delivery of fire protection and fire prevention services throughout the province. 3
Mandate The mandate of the agency is to develop and maintain a fire and emergency management system in Newfoundland and Labrador to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to and recover from fires and other major emergencies and disasters, and includes the development of a Business Continuity Plan for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador 4
Legislative Authority FES-NL operates under the authority of the Fire and Emergency Services Act and is also responsible for the provisions of the Fire Prevention Act, 1991, (which will be replaced by the new Fire Protection Services Act, when proclaimed). 5
Lines of Business FES-NL delivers the following lines of business; Awareness, Education, Training, Certification Fire Services, Emergency Management and Support Services Regulation, Enforcement and Reporting 6
Awareness, Education, Training, General Certification Promotes awareness and provides education, training and certification services to the general public and the emergency first responders including the fire service. Assist individuals, communities and governments with the means and knowledge required to prepare themselves for and respond to a future disaster or emergency (emergency preparedness). 7
Awareness, Education, Training, Specific to the EIS Certification Fire Prevention Act permits the Fire Commissioner to set standards for both industrial and municipal fire fighters. FES-NL is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress to test and certify fire fighters to international standards. FES-NL offers training programs in fire fighting, hazardous materials incident response, rescue and emergency management. 8
General Fire Services, Emergency Management and Support Services Evaluates and recommends the most suitable form of fire protection service for municipalities. Assist in the management of an emergency or disaster in partnership with the affected area. Manage any large scale emergency or disaster and coordinate the actives and operations of all first responders/service providers including coordination of multi-disciplinary and multi- jurisdictional response. 9
Fire Services, Emergency Management and Support Services Specific to the EIS FES-NL would review and provide comment on the site specific Emergency Response Plans as they are developed if requested. FES-NL would be involved in the management of a major emergency that involved the general public. FES-NL, in partnership with some regional fire departments, has developed and maintains a regional Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Services Agreement. 10
Regulation, Enforcement and Reporting General Regulations adopted under authority of the Fire Prevention Act address fire and life safety issues such as building construction and process areas through the adoption of various national codes. FES-NL conducts fire investigation and other inspection services. All municipal emergency management plans must be approved by Director of Emergency Services (FES-NL) and Council. 11
Regulation, Enforcement and Reporting Specific to EIS All building construction and process areas must go through a plan review process administered by the Government Service Centre. All companies and personnel installing or servicing fire protection equipment must have the appropriate licenses/permits from FES-NL. Emergency plans for Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Mud Lake, Sheshatshiu and North West River must be approved by Director of Emergency Services (FES-NL) and Council. 12
EIS Key Issues Hazard risk analysis and mitigation measures. Fire and life safety protection features during construction and operational phase. Emergency Response Plans for fire protection and other emergencies including training. Development of suitable all hazards Municipal Emergency Plans for the affected communities. Compliance with both Fire and Emergency Services Act and Fire Prevention Act and related regulations. 13
EIS Report A review of the entire EIS report was conducted with specific reference to; Project Planning and Description Volume 1 Part A Project Planning and Description Volume 1 Part B 14
FES-NL Position Fire and Emergency Services Newfoundland Labrador concurs with the identified predicted environmental effects as identified by the proponent and the proposed mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate adverse effects and maximize positive ones. 15
Legislative Controls FES-NL is confident that the current legislative controls in place will address all matters within our mandate. 16
Monitoring and Follow-up During construction all building construction and process areas will be subject to plan approval process ensuring that all fire and life safety features are addressed. FES-NL will work with the proponent to review and recommend adjustments, where required, to specific Emergency Response Plans. FES-NL will ensure that all companies and individuals performing work on fire protection equipment meet Provincial regulations. 17
Monitoring and Follow-up FES-NL will work with the proponent and the councils of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Mud Lake, Sheshatshiu and North West River to ensure that a suitable all hazards Municipal Emergency Management Plan is developed and submitted to the Director of Emergency Management (FES-NL) for approval and subsequently formally adopted by Council. 18
Questions 19