A spokesman says the Grand River Conservation Authority is “in the final stages” of developing a response plan for emergencies associated with the Conestogo Dam.
Dave Schultz told the Community News at an open house on June 25 the plan involves the participation of senior municipal officials and public works departments as well as police, fire departments, social service agencies and the public health unit.
There are several events which alone or in combination could create a dam emergency, including:
– extreme flooding;
– unusual leakage of water through the embankment, foundation or abutments;
– loss of discharge capacity;
– earthquake; and
– sabotage.
However, the GRCA says in most cases a dam failure can be anticipated hours, or maybe even days, in advance – which would provide time to prevent the failure or implement emergency plans.
Level one emergency
In a non-failure emergency, which would include “natural flooding” as a result of a major storm or spring melt, the GRCA would simply alert emergency response agencies to implement their flood response plans.
Level two
In the event of a potential but not imminent dam failure, the GRCA will take any action that may reduce the chance of failure. For example, it could contact local electricians or millwrights to repair equipment or bring in contractors to do emergency repairs to the dam. In the event of a power failure, a back-up generator already on site would be put into service.
The GRCA will also notify emergency service agencies and others that a potential failure is developing. Those agencies will then decide if and when they should implement evacuation procedures.
Level Three
When a dam failure is imminent or has already occurred, the GRCA issues a warning to emergency services and others to that effect.
During levels two and three the GRCA would be in constant and direct contact with emergency agencies at their operation centres to provide regular updates on the dam’s condition. It would also issue information to the public via radio, television, websites and other media.
The role of municipalities and emergency agencies
Municipalities have plans to respond to various types of emergencies within their communities.
They also have the key responsibility of issuing evacuation notices and helping the evacuees. Almost every municipal department, along with emergency services, would be involved in implementing the GRCA’s disaster response plan.
The plans vary slightly in different municipalities, but generally include the following components:
– senior municipal officials set up the emergency operations centre for municipal and emergency services staff, issue evacuation notices and coordinate the emergency response;
– fire departments assist with evacuations and conduct water rescues;
– police set up road blocks, assist with evacuations and maintain security in evacuated areas;
– public works departments close roads and bridges, protect public infrastructure (water and sewer systems, for example) and work with utility companies;
– social service agencies assist with evacuations, establish and operate shelters and find lodging for displaced people; and
– public health units inspect damaged buildings and issue boil water advisories.
Role of residents
People who live in areas that may be subject to flooding should have their own emergency plans and be prepared to evacuate. They should also:
– know where their property is in relation to flood warning areas;
– listen to warnings and advisories on the television, radio or websites (including www.grandriver.ca);
– follow the instructions of emergency response officials, such as police, fire and municipal officials;
– be ready to take necessary items such as cash, medication, important papers, identification and change of clothes if ordered to evacuate; and
– not return home until authorities advise it is safe.
