Environmental Response core capability

Environmental Response core capability

To assess and manage the consequences to the community, environmental values, domestic animals and livestock of a hazardous materials release, naturally occurring pests or biological hazard.

Critical Task Table 16: Agency roles mapped to the VPF, by critical tasks within the Environmental Response core capability

 

Critical Task 16.1: Conduct risk / epidemiological assessments and identify consequence management strategies.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
Airservices AustraliaSubject to its regulatory obligations and only if spare capacity permits, Airservices Australia may provide assistance to state agencies in other emergencies that cause or threaten to cause death or injury to persons, damage to property, harm to the environment and disruption to essential services, including initial hazardous materials response on or in the vicinity of designated aerodromes.3.2, 16.7
DEECA

Control agency for response:

  • blue green algae (excluding marine blooms)
  • cetacean (whale and dolphin) stranding, entanglement and vessel strike
  • dam safety incidents
  • energy (electricity, gas, and liquid fuels) network supply disruptions
  • fire in state forest, national park and protected public land
  • non-hazardous pollution of inland waters
  • reticulated water and wastewater disruption (sewerage) service
  • wildlife affected by marine and freshwater pollution
  • wildlife welfare arising from an emergency event
  • biosecurity incursions
    - emergency animal disease outbreaks (including  aquaculture)
    - plant pest or disease outbreaks (including bee pests and diseases)
    - invasive plant, animal and exotic marine pest incursions
  • rapid and significant increases in established pest populations (vertebrate pests and plagues).
3.1, 15.7, 16.2
Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to coordinate waste pollution management strategies. 

Surveying and protecting threatened ecosystems, native plants and animals:

Recovery Coordinating Agency (RecCA) for wildlife and threatened ecosystems and species, and Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to survey and mitigate risks to protect threatened bird, marsupial, aquatic and plant species affected by emergencies on land within its portfolio and provide advisory services to others.

4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 16.2

Surveying and protecting threatened ecosystems, native plants and animals:

Recovery Coordinating Agency (RecCA) for wildlife and threatened ecosystems and species, and Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to undertake targeted interventions to maintain ecosystems and threatened species.

4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 16.2
FRVWhen responding to Hazmat events, the responding crew will, as much as practicable, attempt to contain the spread of hazardous materials into the environment. This includes, communicating with external agencies to ensure the event does not spread unnecessarily and for a smooth transition from the initial response to the remediation phase of a HAZMAT incident.16.5
Melbourne WaterProvide advice and support to the control agency and other response agencies regarding the impact of an incident or emergency (including pollution to waterways) within Melbourne Water’s waterway management district.3.2, 11.1
VFAKey support agency to respond to Blue-green algae blooms where these impact on fisheries and fishing. 
Key support agency to respond to fish mortality (fish deaths) events, including an initial impact assessment and notifying the relevant control agency if the cause relates /is suspected to relate to hazards managed by that agency e.g. exotic animal disease, pollution, blue-green algae bloom.3.2, 11.3, 16.2, 16.3
Key support agency to responding to marine pest incursions. 
Key support agency to sample shellfish for marine biotoxin contamination.3.2, 16.2
 

Critical Task 16.2: Conduct monitoring and surveillance activities.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
DEECA

Control agency for response:

  • blue green algae (excluding marine blooms)
  • cetacean (whale and dolphin) stranding, entanglement and vessel strike
  • dam safety incidents
  • energy (electricity, gas, and liquid fuels) network supply disruptions
  • fire in state forest, national park and protected public land
  • non-hazardous pollution of inland waters
  • reticulated water and wastewater disruption (sewerage) service
  • wildlife affected by marine and freshwater pollution
  • wildlife welfare arising from an emergency event
  • biosecurity incursions
    - emergency animal disease outbreaks (including  aquaculture)
    - plant pest or disease outbreaks (including bee pests and diseases)
    - invasive plant, animal and exotic marine pest incursions
  • rapid and significant increases in established pest populations (vertebrate pests and plagues).
3.1, 15.7, 16.1
Surveying and protecting threatened ecosystems, native plants and animals:
Recovery Coordinating Agency (RecCA) for wildlife and threatened ecosystems and species, and Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to survey and mitigate risks to protect threatened bird, marsupial, aquatic and plant species affected by emergencies on land within its portfolio and provide advisory services to others.		4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 16.1
Surveying and protecting threatened ecosystems, native plants and animals:
Recovery Coordinating Agency (RecCA) for wildlife and threatened ecosystems and species, and Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to undertake targeted interventions to maintain ecosystems and threatened species.		4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 16.1
DHMonitor, detect and investigate hazards that could become a risk or threat to public health or the health system.1.5
EPAAs a technical support agency provide environmental monitoring to inform the provision of advice in coordination with other support agencies. 
As a technical support agency respond to and assess reports of pollution from the community, industry, government agencies and emergency services.3.2, 4.4
LSVProvide air and sea marine animal detection services in support of the VFA.3.2
NOPSEMADevelop and implement effective monitoring and enforcement strategies to secure compliance for occupational health and safety, well integrity and environmental management in offshore petroleum operations and offshore greenhouse gas well operations and environmental management of greenhouse gas storage activities.1.3, 4.3
Ports VictoriaMonitor the movement and compliance with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) / AMSA and WorkSafe Victoria dangerous goods requirements through port waters. 
Parks VictoriaDevelop and administer procedures and guidelines to ensure processes are in place to manage potential risks associated with dams managed by PV consistent with the Strategic Framework for Dam Safety Regulations. Mitigation activities include:
*     implementing dam safety monitoring procedures for PV dams
*     Develop appropriate dam safety emergency plans to deal with a potential dam failure of high risk dams operated by PV undertaking periodic training and exercising to ensure the emergency management plan and associated business continuity plan is tested and can be implemented effectively 
*     ensure dam safety programs and any identified risks / deficiencies are appropriately funded
*     Management practices that periodically review risk of PV dams.		1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6
VFAKey support agency for DH to respond to food contamination involving fish in Victorian waters.3.2, 16.3
Key support agency to respond to Blue-green algae blooms where these impact on fisheries and fishing. 
Key support agency to respond to fish mortality (fish deaths) events, including an initial impact assessment and notifying the relevant control agency if the cause relates /is suspected to relate to hazards managed by that agency e.g. exotic animal disease, pollution, blue-green algae bloom.3.2, 11.3, 16.1, 16.3
Key support agency to sample shellfish for marine biotoxin contamination.3.2, 16.1
 

Critical Task 16.3: Coordinate the delivery of diagnostic services.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
DEECA

Animal welfare (livestock and domestic) arising from emergency events:

  • provide advice on options for treatment, humane destruction or emergency salvage slaughter
  • where necessary, assist with humane destruction of injured or affected animals
  • inform and coordinate animal welfare organisations, volunteer groups or community groups wanting to contribute as required
  • assess and report losses and damage to agricultural assets and animals and, as outlined in the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan and SEMP, liaise with other agencies on identified needs (including but not limited to medical assistance, food, personal water, counselling, livestock fodder, stock water).
4.4, 4.5, 16.6
PVAssist in the response to blue-green algal blooms by erecting relevant signage and taking water samples. This is described in the Blue Green Algae Circular where PV is the designated waterway manager under the Marine Act 1988, (e.g. Albert Park Lake, lower reaches of the Barwon River system (including Lake Connewarre, Lysterfield Lake and Tower Hill) under the direction of the relevant CMAs.2.3, 3.2
VFAKey support agency for DH to respond to food contamination involving fish in Victorian waters3.2, 16.2
Key support agency to respond to fish mortality (fish deaths) events, including an initial impact assessment and notifying the relevant control agency if the cause relates /is suspected to relate to hazards managed by that agency e.g. exotic animal disease, pollution, blue-green algae bloom.3.2, 11.3, 16.1, 16.2
 

Critical Task 16.4: Restrict the movement of spread vectors or hosts using legislative instruments (includes ‘standstill’).

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
VFAEnforce provisions under the Fisheries Act 1995 prohibiting bringing into Victoria, possession, transporting or release of declared noxious aquatic species.1.3, 5.4, 16.5
 

Critical Task 16.5: Restrict the movement of hazardous materials or organisms using physical containment methods.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
AMSAManager of the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies including management of oil spill response equipment stockpiles, an aerial dispersant capability and a national team of trained responders and emergency managers.12.4
FRVWhen responding to Hazmat events, the responding crew will, as much as practicable, attempt to contain the spread of hazardous materials into the environment. This includes, communicating with external agencies to ensure the event does not spread unnecessarily and for a smooth transition from the initial response to the remediation phase of a HAZMAT incident.16.1
ICASupport a coordinated clean up to ensure safety and efficiency.16.7, 16.8
PVProvide trained staff to respond through clean-up and containment of oil and chemical pollution incidents in the local ports of Port Phillip, Western Port and Port Campbell, and state waters under the direction of DTP, in liaison with or as their agents, and the EPA under the Victorian Marine Pollution Contingency Plan.3.2
VFAEnforce provisions under the Fisheries Act 1995 prohibiting bringing into Victoria, possession, transporting or release of declared noxious aquatic species.1.3, 5.4, 16.4
WorkSafeParticipating agency for the following hazardous materials (including industrial waste) incident mitigation activities:
*     reduction/substitution of HAZMAT use (including inventory minimisation)
*     HAZMAT storage design and maintenance (including transport design)
*     HAZMAT transport requirements (e.g. prohibitions, material volume and selection, route and timing selection, transport mode, stakeholder engagement (e.g. WorkSafe Victoria, FRV, DTP, CFA, transporter, receiver))
*     Dangerous Goods transporter maintenance, training, licensing, inspection etc. (road/rail/marine/pipeline) - management of dangerous goods in transport, storage and handling
*     legislation, regulation and enforcement (e.g. Major Hazard Facilities, Dangerous Goods Code preventative requirements), supported by audits and inspection.		 
 

Critical Task 16.6: Destroy the organism and/or susceptible hosts.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
DEECA

Animal welfare (livestock and domestic) arising from emergency events:

  • provide advice on options for treatment, humane destruction or emergency salvage slaughter
  • where necessary, assist with humane destruction of injured or affected animals
  • inform and coordinate animal welfare organisations, volunteer groups or community groups wanting to contribute as required
  • assess and report losses and damage to agricultural assets and animals and, as outlined in the Victorian Emergency Animal Welfare Plan and SEMP, liaise with other agencies on identified needs (including but not limited to medical assistance, food, personal water, counselling, livestock fodder, stock water).
4.4, 4.5, 16.3
 

Critical Task 16.7: Render (disperse / dilute / neutralise) the hazardous material safe.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
Airservices AustraliaSubject to its regulatory obligations and only if spare capacity permits, Airservices Australia may provide assistance to state agencies in other emergencies that cause or threaten to cause death or injury to persons, damage to property, harm to the environment and disruption to essential services, including initial hazardous materials response on or in the vicinity of designated aerodromes.3.2, 16.1
DTP

Control agency for:

  • level 2 and level 3 maritime-sourced pollution oil spills in Victorian coastal waters up to three nautical miles. Level 1 spills are the responsibility of designated port management body and facility operators as per arrangements set out in the SEMP Maritime Emergencies (non-Search and Rescue) Sub-Plan
  • essential service disruption to public transport, major arterial roads, bridges, tunnels and rail networks.
3.1, 16.8, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 11.3, 4.4. 4.5
FRVWhen responding to Hazmat events, the responding crew will, as much as practicable, render a hazardous material safe through dilution, dispersal or neutralisation, in consultation with appropriate agencies. This may include collection and relocation once hazardous materials are rendered safe.16.8
ICASupport a coordinated clean up to ensure safety and efficiency.16.5, 16.8
PVProvide trained staff and equipment to support response to oiled wildlife, in accordance with the Wildlife Response Plan for Oil Spills under the direction of DEECA or DTP through the Wildlife Response Plan for Marine Pollution Emergencies and/or the Marine Pollution Contingency Plan.3.2

Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to rehabilitate, restore and reinstate public land and tourism and visitor assets managed directly by PV from the agreed date of transition from emergency response to recovery, including:

  • recovery and rehabilitation of natural values, cultural values, tourism and visitor assets affected by an emergency on parks, reserves, rivers, waterways and local ports managed by PV (in collaboration with DEECA and DH)
  • clean-up following oil or chemical pollution incidents on parks, reserves, rivers, waterways and local ports managed by PV (in liaison with DEECA, or their agents, and the EPA)
  • clean-up of fish death incidents (in collaboration with EPA and DEECA)
  • assist with the recovery and rehabilitation of other public land affected by an emergency
  • and other water-based recovery actions affected by an emergency
16.8, 18.1, 18.4, 18.5
 

Critical Task 16.8: Dispose of contaminated waste.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
DEECALead the disposal of Emergency Animal Disease waste in a large scale (level 3) EAD response.16.9
DTP

Control agency for:

  • level 2 and level 3 maritime-sourced pollution oil spills in Victorian coastal waters up to three nautical miles. Level 1 spills are the responsibility of designated port management body and facility operators as per arrangements set out in the SEMP Maritime Emergencies (non-Search and Rescue) Sub-Plan
  • essential service disruption to public transport, major arterial roads, bridges, tunnels and rail networks.
3.1, 16.7, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 11.3, 4.4. 4.5
EPAProvide technical support in the prevention, mitigation and risk reduction of pollution and waste emergencies by applying and enforcing the Environment Protection Act, including manage systems for the transport of priority waste from generation to disposal.10.4
FRVWhen responding to Hazmat events, the responding crew will, as much as practicable, render a hazardous material safe through dilution, dispersal or neutralisation, in consultation with appropriate agencies. This may include collection and relocation once hazardous materials are rendered safe.16.7
ICASupport a coordinated clean up to ensure safety and efficiency.16.5, 16.7
PV

Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to rehabilitate, restore and reinstate public land and tourism and visitor assets managed directly by PV from the agreed date of transition from emergency response to recovery, including:

  • recovery and rehabilitation of natural values, cultural values, tourism and visitor assets affected by an emergency on parks, reserves, rivers, waterways and local ports managed by PV (in collaboration with DEECA and DH)
  • clean-up following oil or chemical pollution incidents on parks, reserves, rivers, waterways and local ports managed by PV (in liaison with DEECA, or their agents, and the EPA)
  • clean-up of fish death incidents (in collaboration with EPA and DEECA)
  • assist with the recovery and rehabilitation of other public land affected by an emergency
  • and other water-based recovery actions affected by an emergency.
16.7, 18.1, 18.4, 18.5
 

Critical Task 16.9: Decontaminate affected people, places and equipment.

AgencyActivityAdditional alignment to critical tasks
DEECALead the disposal of Emergency Animal Disease waste in a large scale (level 3) EAD response.16.8
FRVWhen responding to Hazmat events which results in exposure to members of the public, FRV is responsible for mass casualty decontamination. 

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