Are You Ready – An Industry Focus on Planning Preparedness and Capabilities
This session will provide an opportunity to learn the current state of planning, preparedness, and response capabilities in the western inland response area. Updates will be given from multiple perspectives to include rail, pipeline and the U.S. EPA
Chair: Eddie Murphy, Emergency Response Liaison, U.S. DOT PHMSA
Best Practices for Involvement of Tribal/Indigenous Nations and Communities in Emergency Management
The importance of recognizing and involving Tribal/Indigenous Communities in emergency management continues to be recognized across a broad spectrum of industries and regulatory agencies. Such communities can find themselves on the front lines of oil spill and other hazardous substance emergencies. This session will build on the solid foundation established by the panel at Clean Waterways 2022 where the involvement of Tribal/Indigenous communities in emergency response planning was initially discussed. Tribal/Indigenous panelists will present their views on potential best practices and how they can foster strong relationships, so come prepared to learn and participate as the discussion could be directly applicable to your situation!
Co-Chair: Kent Lien, Technical Leader, Emergency Management, Canada Energy Regulator (CER)
Co-Chair: Dan Barghshoon, Emergency Management Technical Specialist, Canada Energy Regulator
Federal Updates: Straight from the Source’s Mouth
Join us for a comprehensive update on federal initiatives and regulatory changes impacting inland waterways, featuring insights from key representatives of the USEPA National SPCC Program, the US Coast Guard’s National Marine Salvage and Firefighting Task Force, the Department of the Interior, and EPA Region 8.
Engage in an interactive Q&A discussion addressing the challenges and successes of regulatory oversight, inter-agency coordination, and stakeholder engagement in fostering resilient waterways. Attendees will gain actionable insights and resources to strengthen their preparedness efforts in alignment with federal standards. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and contribute to the dialogue on safeguarding our vital inland waterways!
Chair: CWO4 Dana Fleming, All-Hazards Response Specialist, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Ohio Valley
Planning Successful Mutual Aid Drills – Lessons Learned
It’s been said that “all emergency events are local”. And, it’s local emergency personnel who respond first. Drills and exercises can vary in size and location, but this session will focus on an actual inland mutual aid drill in conjunction with state and federal agencies along with industry.
Chair: Servil Hoff, Emergency Response Coordinator, Marathon Petroleum Company
Case Studies: The Reason Why You Came to CLEAN WATERWAYS 2025
Case studies provide real-world lessons that can be used to develop a risk-based approach that will lead to safer, more efficient, and resilient response systems. Each community and response organization is different, and the types of disasters we are likely to face vary by region, but discussing these North American incidents will allow the attendees to gather insights from leaders who have faced complex problems and prevailed.
Chair: Dan Frazen, Managing Director, Colorado Preparedness & Response Network (CPRN)
Moderator: Sam Dinkins, Technical Program Manager, Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO)
Challenging and Dangerous: Responding to Future Fuels and Unexpected Hazards
Speakers will present case studies and best practices on responding to new cargo and fuel challenges in the transportation industry. From ammonia, hydrogen and liquified gases, presentations will address a myriad new challenges facing emergency responders with the goals of life safety, environmental protection and protecting property.
Chair: Joel Block, Emergency Management, Pembina Pipeline
Moderator: Tony Houdyshell, Hazmat & Emergency Response Officer, CPKC Railway
Practice Makes Perfect
How do you get good at what you do? Practice, practice, practice and grow from your missteps and mistakes. This session will cover best practices and lessons learned from the OSRO, Responsible Party (RP), and Regulator perspective.
Chair: TJ Engstrom CEP, Director Emergency Services, SET Environmental, Inc.
Moderator: Joey Phillips, Environmental Manager, CHS Inc.
Response Decision Making that can Accelerates and Enhance Recovery and Restoration
None of us want to intentionally harm the environment, or wildlife, or pollute our air and water. But spills happen. This session will focus on restoration enhancements that can accelerate the recovery of the natural environment after the initial response.
Chair: Daniel Murray P.E., Associate, Project Manager, GHD, Inc.
Moderator: Scott Karcher, Manager of Hazardous Materials, Midwest Region/Special Agent CSXPD, CSX Transportation, Inc.
Wildlife Response: Not as Easy as You Think
This session will explore the topics of oiled wildlife response and ephemeral data collection for protection and injury determination to birds and freshwater mussels. Wildlife response covers a broad range of actions some common and others that you may have never thought of.
Chair: Barry Forsythe Ph.D., National Spill Response Coordinator, US Fish & Wildlife Service