Spills can be reported to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) 24 hours a day at 888-233-7745.
2.3.2.1 Indiana DEM Responsibilities
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) provides the designated member of the RRT5 for Indiana and is the lead agency for the State in addressing spills, providing a 24-hour response capability. IDEM must provide technical assistance to the responsible party and the responding personnel and ensure compliance with Indiana spill regulations and other pertinent State and Federal rules and regulations.
Technical assistance can take the following forms:
- chemical identification, handling, and hazard information
- evaluation of the threat to environmental and public safety
- personal protection recommendations
- containment and cleanup methods
- resource identification and location
For large spills, or where the spiller fails to respond adequately, IDEM staff responds onsite to assist in the response effort, assuming the role of State OSC if necessary.
During a response, staff of the Emergency Response Section (ERS) of IDEM assume the role of technical advisers and provide on-scene assistance to the responsible party, and to individuals or agencies involved in the response. On occasion, ERS staff have assumed a role that would appropriately be called OSC. However, if a structure (e.g., ICS) that exists within a local or County jurisdiction provides an OSC and that OSC is being utilized, ERS staff will provide assistance to that OSC.
Once the immediate threat to public health and the environment has been dealt with, the incident is further stabilized and cleaned up under ERS supervision. Rule 327 IAC 26.1, Spills: Reporting, Containment, and Response, requires that the spiller report to IDEM and perform a spill response. A spill response means that a spill is contained and free material is removed or neutralized. Disposal of recovered material that is classified as waste is referred by ERS staff to appropriate personnel in the Office of Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. ERS staff may then conduct a follow-up investigation to ensure that material has been disposed of properly and the cleanup is acceptable.
2.3.2.2 Other Agencies—Indiana
The role of liaison between a spiller and the different program areas of IDEM is perhaps the greatest benefit that ERS can provide to those involved in a spill. This role can also extend to other State agencies and other response organizations. State agencies:
Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS): IDHS is the lead planning agency for coordinating man-made and natural disasters. IDHS also provides an alternate member for the RRT5.
Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM): OSFM responds to fire and explosion hazards from hazardous materials incidents.
Office of the Indiana State Chemist (OISC): OISC provides technical guidance regarding agricultural chemical incidents including fertilizers and pesticides. It also conducts investigations of improper application of regulated agricultural chemicals.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR): DNR Conservation Officers conduct investigations to assess damages to natural resources, such as fish kills.
DNR, Oil and Gas Division (O & G): DNR O & G regulates oil production facilities, including operation, maintenance, construction and abandonment of oil wells and associated equipment.
Indiana State Police (ISP): ISP investigates transportation incidents involving DOT hazardous materials, enforces DOT shipping regulations, and provides traffic control and site security.
Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH): ISDH is the lead agency for releases of radiological and etiological materials. It also provides technical guidance to IDEM regarding health issues and advisories.
Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT): INDOT usually provides traffic control for major transportation incidents involving releases of petroleum and hazardous materials. ERS also coordinates with other program areas within IDEM, as well as local response agencies such as fire departments, hazardous materials teams, sheriffs’ departments, local emergency planning committees (LEPCs), emergency management agencies, county health departments, and county highway departments.