The Oxford County Local Emergency Planning Committee met on November 29, 2022 at Paris Fire

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 12:05 PM by Allyson Hill.

II. Approval of Minutes

Bill Hussey motioned to approve the minutes from August. Brad Peck seconded the motion.

Vote: Approved

a. Treasurers Report

Bill Hussey motioned to approve the Treasurers reports from August. Brad Peck seconded the motion.

Vote: Approved

b. Chemical Spill Report

The committee reviewed the spill reports for 2022. Only three spills were reported in the last quarter and they were petroleum products or other automotive fluids.

c. Training and Events Scheduled for December 2022/January/February 2023

The committee reviewed the training and event schedule. Several LEPC members will be attending the SO. Maine Hazmat TTX at the Scarborough DPS building on December 6th.

III. Old Business

d. Hazardous Materials Training Update

Hebron FD is hosting a Hazmat Ops Refresher course on December 11th, which is now full. The next Ops Refresher will be scheduled for February and will take place at Paris FD. A Zoom call is scheduled on December 6th for the LEPC instructors to discuss the training focus for the new year.

e. Tier II Reports

The committee reviewed the list of received Tier II Reports. At this time, Rumford Community Home has still not reported, and there is a facility in Bethel and one in Paris that have to be looked into.

f. Tank Truck Rollover Training

The training was very well attended, with many Oxford County departments represented. The question was posed as to whether attendees will be receiving certificates of any sort from the state for completing the training; we will follow up.

IV. New Business

g. MVH - Paris Elopement Drill Lessons Learned

Brad Peck spoke about the Elopement/Missing Resident drill that took place on August 3, 2022. In addition to MVH staff, the drill was also attended by EMA, Paris FD, Paris PD, PACE and the Game Warden. Lessons learned from this drill were primarily concerning communication capabilities. While alerting the facility of the missing resident, it was discovered that the intercom system in the kitchen and laundry could not be heard, despite being turned up to full volume. It was also found that some of the walkie-talkies were not functioning due to dead batteries, which highlighted the need for regular testing and replacement of batteries. MVH has also purchased additional walkie-talkies after noting that there were not enough on hand to provide to the staff searching the grounds, causing them to return to the facility to check in when they could be continuing to search. MVH staff have since conducted additional training to further lessen the likelihood for a resident to become lost, and to improve the alerting and search processes should an elopement occur.

h. Facility Plan Reviews

At this time, ND Paper has still not provided an updated facility plan for review. Art Allen will follow up with the new safety manager at ND Paper to send one over.

i. Tier II EPCRA Reporting Workshops

SERC is offering a number of workshops on the Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), for facilities that are required to report extremely hazardous substances and/or hazardous materials above reporting quantities. These workshops will be offered via Zoom, on the following dates, January 19th and 25th, 2023, and February 2nd, 8th, and 16th, 2023. Signups are through MEMA by phone, fax, or at maine.serc@maine.gov

j. New Member - Cammie Sprague, EMA Deputy Director

Bill Hussey motioned to approve Cammie Sprague as a new member of the LEPC. Brad Peck seconded the motion.

Vote: Approved

k. Voting - Chairperson

Geff Inman motioned to nominate Cammie Sprague as the LEPC Chair. Bill Hussey seconded.

Vote: Approved

l. Voting: Treasurer

Mark Blaquiere motioned to nominate Allyson Hill as the LEPC Treasurer. Geff Inman seconded.

Vote: Approved

m. Voting - Secretary

Mark Blaquiere motioned to nominate Rachael Leighton as the LEPC Secretary. Geff Inman seconded.

Vote: Approved

n. Location and Timing of Next Meeting

The next meeting will take place on February 28th, 2023 at 12pm. It is the hope that the meeting will be held at 9 Western Prom, the new location of the EMA Office, however this will have to be confirmed at a later time.

o. Adjournment

Brad Peck motioned to adjourn. Mark Blaquiere seconded the motion.

Vote: Approved

The meeting ended at 12:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Rachael Leighton

LEPC Secretary