Enhancing Emergency Preparedness: Columbia Water’s Contingency Emergency Response Plan Training

On July 17, 2024, Columbia Water, the City of Columbia’s drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater utility, conducted a crucial tabletop exercise focused on the Contingency Emergency Response Plan (CERP). This event, facilitated by Clean Water 2020, brought together key personnel from Columbia Water to strengthen their emergency response capabilities in anticipation of potential disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

Objectives of the Exercise

The primary goal of the tabletop exercise was to foster constructive dialogue among participants as they navigated various realistic scenarios related to emergency situations. These scenarios mirrored past events, including significant flooding experienced during the 2015 disaster, and included challenges like hurricane tracking, community evacuations, and power outages.

William Adams, the facilitator from Clean Water 2020, guided the session, ensuring active participation and encouraging team members to collaboratively devise solutions to the problems presented. The success of the exercise hinged on the engagement of all participants, highlighting the importance of teamwork in emergency response situations.

Participants

The exercise featured an array of professionals from the City of Columbia, including:

• Frank Eskridge, Director of Utility Operations

• Stephen Sealey, Wastewater Treatment Operations Manager

• Jeremy Yates, Field Operations Manager

• George Bryan, Wastewater Collection Superintendent

• Ben Wildt, Columbia Water Communications Manager

• David Winburn, Water Distribution and Maintenance Superintendent

• Harry Tinsley, Emergency Management Director

Each participant played a critical role in responding to a series of incidents, which included managing sanitary sewer overflows, major line breaks, pump station failures, and citywide power outages.

The CERP in Action

The CERP, finalized in 2015, serves as a comprehensive guide for Columbia Water’s Wastewater Division in emergency situations. Throughout the tabletop exercise, staff members evaluated risks, assessed immediate needs, and initiated recovery efforts to effectively handle the emergencies presented.

This training not only reinforced the operational plans in place but also aimed to improve communication among team members and external partners. Participants reported a greater understanding of their roles and responsibilities, enhanced organization for emergency response, and increased confidence in their ability to manage crises effectively.

Building Resilience for Future Challenges

The CERP has proven valuable in preparing staff for recent hurricanes, including Irma in 2017, Dorian in 2019, and September’s Helene. The training conducted during this tabletop exercise underscores Columbia Water’s commitment to ensure public safety during catastrophic events. By fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience, the City of Columbia is better equipped to face future challenges.

In conclusion, the tabletop exercise on July 17 was not just a routine drill; it was an essential step in fortifying Columbia Water’s emergency response strategies, ultimately ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents in times of crisis.