City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  July 31, 2006

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council approve the purchase of rescue equipment for the We Energies project.

Background:  In the approval process of the We Energies’ Elm Road Generating Station (ERGS) in Oak Creek, an analysis was developed for the impact on City services.  Analysis and impact statements were submitted in testimony before the Public Service Commission which ultimately necessitated mitigation payments to the City.

The City of Oak Creek understands its’ responsibility to respond to emergency incidents that would occur at the ERGS during construction and operation.  The response would include, but not limited to, the construction of a water intake tunnel.  One aspect of the Department’s capability analysis included the operational needs for specialized rescue during the construction of this tunnel.  This specialized rescue was beyond the training and equipment the Department possessed at the time.  Recent mine accidents and safety requirements were reviewed and incorporated into needs-analysis and operational plan that was developed.

The President of the United States signed the Department of Homeland Security Directive #5 to enhance the ability of the United States to manage domestic incidents by establishing a single, comprehensive national incident management system.  From that directive, the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and National Response Plan (NRP) were established requiring all communities to have an all-discipline, all-hazards emergency response plan for their respective jurisdictions.  The NRP further identifies the training level, minimum equipment, and team-member task components for tunnel and mine rescue operations through the Emergency Support Function (ESF) #9.

Therefore, the Fire Department identified the tunnel construction as the first of the many challenges that would be posed by the construction.  In April of this year, training was provided to Department members by a firm certified in Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) procedures.  Out of that training, equipment needs were identified and Department met with the Personnel and CIP Committees to present the equipment needs.

Even though this rescue equipment will be purchased specifically for a We Energies construction incident, the equipment will have multiple uses in a variety of rescue and fire incidents beyond the construction period.  The equipment will last many years and will support the Department in its’ mission of service to the community.  The Common Council has been provided a spreadsheet which outlines the alternative use of this same equipment.

Fiscal Impact:  The estimated cost of the equipment is $325,000.  The monies for the equipment will come from the We Energies Mitigation Account #19.

Prepared by: Thomas Rosandich Assistant Fire Chief	Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Approved by: Brian M. Satula Fire Chief	Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk