Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Knox County Local Emergency Planning Committee met Oct. 27.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

LEPC Chairman Brad Stevenson called the Regular and Annual Meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Approval of October 22, 2019 Regular and Annual Meeting minutes

Minutes reviewed by Chairman Stevenson. Moved by Jim Cueno, second by Randy Hovind to accept the minutes, all yeas.

Old Business

GFD spring Haz Mat training consisted of a table top science drill in order to maintain social distancing during initial weeks of COVID pandemic. The Galesburg Fire Department received a new Haz Mat ID monitor from MABAS and after attending a Train-the-trainer, provided training to the entire department on its use. GFD fall Haz Mat training was conducted by BNSF personnel and involved three days re familiarization with the engines, tank cars and hopper cars.

Captain Brock Schmitt was named as the new MABAS #31 Haz Mat Team leader and it was reported that the Galesburg Fire Department is no longer going to be a part of MABAS #53 TRT.

New Business

Deputy Chief Brad Stevenson announced that he will be retiring from the Galesburg Fire Department after 31 years of service on 1/20/2021.

KCEMA Director Randy Hovind reported that he has been working on updating the county EOP that is due in January of 2021. He also talked about the PPE that he is required to keep on hand at this point in the COVID pandemic and the need to develop an Alternative Housing Plan for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals that have no place to go to quarantine during the pandemic.

KCHD Director Michelle Gabriel reported that testing in all areas is increasing and that rapid/quick testing may be available for schools and first responders in the near future. COVID cases have been on the rise since Labor Day and contact tracing shows that it is likely from family gatherings. Nursing home cases and deaths are also on the rise. She also reported that a two dose vaccine that would first be

offered to first responders and health care professionals may be available by the end of the year. The two dose vaccine would be administered 21-28 days apart and the goal would be for 80% immunity.

Chairman Stevenson advised that the Deputy Fire Chief job description currently contains the chairmanship of the LEPC committee.

Incidents and Responses

1. On December 5, 2019, a leak of ¼ cup of Styrene Monomer occurred in the BNSF rail yards at 3598 Saluda Rd. The cause of the release was due to a leaking outlet valve. The railcar was moved to a different track and the contents transferred to another car.

2. On December 7, 2019, a leak of 300 gallons of Anhydrous Ammonia occurred at Lynnbrook Farms 1078 Knox Rd 200 East. The cause of the release was due to equipment failure and no actions were taken other than to remain upwind until the product had dissipated.

3. On January 5, 2020, a leak of 50-60 gallons of engine lube oil occurred in the BNSF yards at 2215 S. Henderson St. The cause of the release was due to a retention tank being left open while the car was moving. A contractor was called in to clean up the spill.

4. On January 9, 2020, a leak of 40 gallons of engine lube oil occurred in the BNSF yards at 2215 S. Henderson St. The cause of the release was due to a frozen retention tank on a locomotive. Absorbent pads were used to contain the spill and a contractor was called in to clean it up.

5. On January 22, 2020, a leak of 25 gallons of Ferrous Sulfate occurred in the BNSF yards at 3598 Saluda Rd. The cause of the release is unknown and a contractor was called in to clean it up. 6. On February 15, 2020, a leak of 115 gallons of engine oil and coolant occurred in the BNSF yards at 2251 S. Henderson St. The cause of the release was due to mechanical failure. An absorbent boom was used to contain the spill and a contractor was called in to clean it up. 7. On September 13, 2020, a leak of 1 gallon of Benzine occurred in the BNSF yards at 2215 S. Henderson St. The cause of the leak is that a valve was left open. BNSF Haz Mat personnel isolated the area and closed the valve to stop the leak. A contractor was called in to clean up the spill.

Public Comment – no public comment.

Adjournment

It was moved by Brad Stevenson and seconded by Dan Robinson to adjourn meeting at 3:00 p.m. The vote was unanimous.

https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/assets/1/20/Knox_County_Local_Emergency_Planning_Committee_Minutes_10.29.2020.pdf