On Thursday, 7 March 2024, Ally Emergency Management supported the FortisBC Emergency Management team by conducting a tabletop exercise (TTX) at the FortisBC Tilbury LNG Plant located in Delta, British Columbia.

The objectives of this TTX were to meet regulatory requirements and address regulator observations from previous exercises, ensure all on-site hazards are identified and response capabilities are confirmed, ensure responders are aware, make sure all crews have the opportunity to participate, and build a relationship with neighbors and first responders..

Scenario Overview:

A participant assumed the role of the control room operator for the day. Things are going normally when they see an alarm on the H2S detector on the amine system. They send a plant operator to investigate. They hear hissing and see a visible vapour leak from the area of the amine tower.

Immediate Response:

• Alert all personnel in the control room about the situation.
• Activate the Emergency Response Plan and notify the emergency response team.
• Contact emergency services, including fire and rescue, and inform them of the situation, providing details about the H2S detector alarm, the visible vapor leak, and the subsequent popping noise and large vapor cloud.

Safety Measures:

• Instruct all personnel to evacuate the control room and move to the designated assembly area following established evacuation procedures.
• Ensure that all nearby equipment and processes are shut down to prevent further escalation of the incident.
• Advise nearby personnel to evacuate the area immediately and move to a safe location upwind of the vapor cloud to avoid exposure to potentially hazardous gases.

Communication:

• Maintain communication with emergency services, providing updates on the situation, the location of the vapor cloud, and any observed changes or developments.
• Coordinate with onsite responders and external agencies to facilitate a coordinated response effort.

Assessment and Investigation:

• Once the immediate safety of personnel is ensured, initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident, starting with the source of the vapor leak and the popping noise.
• Assess the extent of the vapor cloud and any potential hazards it poses to nearby personnel, the facility, and the surrounding environment.
• Gather relevant information and data to determine the root cause of the incident and identify any necessary corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency Response Coordination:

• Work closely with emergency responders and response teams to mitigate the impact of the incident, including containment and cleanup efforts to minimize environmental damage.
• Provide support and assistance to emergency services as needed, including access to site maps, safety equipment, and any additional resources required for the response effort.

Follow-Up Actions:

• Conduct a debriefing session with personnel involved in the response to review the effectiveness of emergency procedures and identify any areas for improvement.
• Document lessons learned from the incident and update emergency response plans and procedures accordingly to enhance preparedness for future emergencies.

By following these steps, FortisBC can effectively manage the emergency situation, prioritize the safety of personnel, and mitigate the impact of the incident on the facility and the surrounding area.