Highgate Falls Rubber Dam Removal Project: Emergency Action Plan Summary

Strategic Insights -

The Highgate Falls Rubber Dam Removal Project, implemented by Swanton Village, Inc., has submitted a comprehensive Emergency Action Plan (TCEAP) to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for approval. The plan prioritizes the safety of personnel working on the project, focusing on protecting those at the dam site and ensuring timely evacuation and emergency response in case of unexpected events.

Key Takeaways:

  • The plan identifies two primary emergency events: inundation of the work area during construction and sudden, unexpected entry of personnel into the flowing water upstream of the temporary access road.
  • Prior to commencement of work, all personnel will receive a safety orientation to become familiar with evacuation routes, signals, notification procedures, and emergency action duties.
  • Water level alarms will be set to notify contractor personnel when a predetermined water elevation is reached, producing both audible and visual indications.
  • Emergency rescue equipment and first aid supplies will be stored on-site, with locations indicated on a project-specific safety map developed by the contractor.
  • The project superintendent or a responsible individual will order an evacuation of the work area when high water levels are present, and will call for emergency rescue and medical assistance in case of unexpected entry of personnel into the flowing waters.
  • The emergency contact list and organization of command and communications chart will be posted in conspicuous locations at the site.
  • The contractor's designee will monitor water levels on the upstream side of the dam daily and report any significant changes, with increased frequency of observations when conditions warrant.
  • Watch alert basis monitoring will be instituted by the project superintendent under certain conditions, such as high water levels or rising water flow.

Statistics:

  • The project will utilize a single crane located on an existing harden concrete area adjacent to the left abutment, with a temporary access road not installed.
  • The contractor's designee will monitor water levels daily, with i ntervals of 1 hour or less based on rising water conditions.
  • The emergency contact list includes 10 individuals with business and mobile telephone numbers.
  • The organization of command and communications chart outlines the hierarchical structure of the emergency response team, including the project superintendent, local response agencies, and FERC representatives.

Sources:

  • P-2547 TCEAP Rubber Dam Removal
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
  • Village of Swanton (Owner)
  • The Turner Group (Engineer)
  • PC Construction Company (Contractor)
  • Local Emergency Response Agencies (Fire, Police, and Ambulance Departments)
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
  • Local Emergency Response Agencies (Fire, Police, and Ambulance Departments)