July 30 – At a Moment’s Notice: Rail Transportation Emergencies, Community Response and Health
Increases in rail traffic have resulted in increased concerns about the risk of and response to tanker-car derailments and spills. Several high profile accidents have residents and local officials alike giving new scrutiny to the cargo on the trains that have run through their communities for generations. What commodities are moving through our region on the extensive network of rail lines located here? What should communities do before finding themselves in an urgent situation? What is the range of situations for which they should be preparing? What are the protocols when emergencies occur?
This is the second of two sessions addressing common concerns in local government of protecting local residents from pollution and environmental health risks and identifying opportunities for public safety and reduction of environmental impacts. The sessions are titled collectively as Local Communities/Healthy Communities.
This program will discuss how local, state and national agencies are preparing and responding to rail accidents. Additionally presenters will review the potential long-term health and environmental consequences of rail accidents, and the responsibilities for avoiding, addressing and mitigating environmental damage.
Speakers include:
Alvin Henderson Jr., Chief Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services
Robert Full, Chief Deputy Director, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
Timothy Solobay, Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner
Joseph Taylor, Hazardous Materials Compliance Officer, Norfolk Southern
Date: Thursday, July 30
Location: Allegheny County Emergency Operations Center, 400 N. Lexington St., Office 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Time: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Registration is at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive early to allow time for security sign-in to the building.)
Cost: $25 (Michael P. Lynch Scholarship Fund (MPLSF) communities are eligible for a 50-percent discount for this event.)
More Details and Registration via the Local Government Academy