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Operations & Maintenance Manual
Chapter 9
Emergency Operating and Response
9.1 Introduction
Emergency conditions can be imposed on a collection system by natural disasters, civil
disorders, gas leaks and equipment failures. Emergency planning is essential to ensure continued
effective operation during emergencies. All personnel should be instructed as to their
responsibilities during an emergency situation.
Objectives of the emergency operating and response program are as follows:
1. Identify potential emergency conditions.
2. Eliminate or minimize adverse effects from emergency situations affecting the
collection system.
3. Develop procedures for properly responding to emergencies.
4. Provide instruction for system personnel to insure they understand their
responsibilities during emergency situations.
5. Maintain an emergency supplies inventory.
6. Enter into mutual aid agreements for specialized assistance from outside
organizations where appropriate.
9.2 Emergency Disasters
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters include severe rainstorms, windstorms and earthquakes. The treatment facility
is located outside the 100 year floodplain, and therefore is not subject to direct flooding.
Windstorms may temporarily interrupt power supplies. In this event, a generator can provide
power to pumps and other electrical equipment in the collection system and prevent flooding of
raw sewage. According to the USGS seismic hazard map, Cheney is in a low hazard earthquake
area. In the event of an earthquake, personnel should leave basements, manholes, or other
confined spaces until the quake subsides.
Sewage Spills
In case of sewage overflow or spill, take immediate measures to stop the flow and contain the
spilled sewage. Prevent public contact and prevent entrance of the sewage into any waterways.
Block off any grates or drains with filter socks to prevent sewage from entering. As soon as
possible, notify the Department of Ecology, Eastern Regional Office at (509) 329-3400. Refer to
Chapter 8 for additional guidance with chemical spills.
Gas Leaks
Numerous gases are commonly found in sewers. Refer to Chapter 8 for a discussion regarding
noxious gases. Methane is a common gas formed in the presence of wastewater and is a
colorless, odorless, highly combustible hydrocarbon that is explosive and can also suffocate the
victim. Methane in sewers may not be detectable until an explosion occurs. Always test all
sewers, manholes, and wet wells with a methane detector before entering.
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Operations & Maintenance Manual
9.3 Police and Fire Department
Telephone numbers of local police, fire departments and ambulance should be at all phone
locations. First aid instructions for treatment system personnel may also be available from the
fire department. Also refer to Table 1.2 on page 5 of this manual.
Table 9.1: EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Ambulance 911
Cheney Police (emergency) 911
Fire Department 911
Cheney Dispatch (509) 535-9233
Cheney Police (non-emergency) (509) 498-9235
9.4 Inventory of Emergency Supplies and Mutual Aid Agreement
An inventory of emergency related equipment, materials, and chemicals and their locations
should be kept for rapid reference. If emergency equipment is available at other organizations
within the City or County, location and type of equipment should also be listed.
Emergency mutual aid agreements with other organizations are often desirable. Example
organizations are:
1. Other community divisions
2. Industrial firms
3. Construction companies
4. Electric, gas and telephone utilities
5. Fire and police departments
6. Health department
9.5 Utilities
Short term interruption of electricity will stop effluent pumping, automated monitoring and
associated alarm systems within the facilities. This can only be tolerated for a short duration.
Long term interruptions will potentially cause odor and health problems and could lead to
violations in permit discharge limits.
Electric power is provided by the City of Cheney Light Department. The telephone number is
(509) 498-9230. The emergency dispatch number is (509) 535-9233.
Telephone service is provided by CenturyLink and Gas service is provided by Avista.
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