11-08 Annex C - Environmental Incident

Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATOs)

General

1. Due Diligence requires response to an environmental incident. The CCO/CIC are required to utilize the following procedure for environmental incident response. 

2. A situation becomes an environmental incident when there is: 

1. a release of a substance that can be considered harmful to the environment such as, but not limited to: 
2. hazardous materials; 
3. lead; and/or 
4. heated water; 
5. damage to the environment; and/or
6. an environmental inspection or investigation. 

3. The environmental incident also becomes significant when it will/might arouse the interest of the public or the media becoming the subject of questions to the Department of National Defence or the CCO/CIC. 

Contingency Plan

4. Units must make every effort to prevent the occurrence of environmental incidents, but they must also have a contingency plan in place in the event of an accidental spill or release. 

5. The contingency planning process includes the following activities: 

1. determine if a response plan is required through risk analysis; 
2. determine the requirement by: 
   (1) reviewing the higher level plans and existing plans within the unit and determine the level of detail required;
   (2) assess response capabilities; and 
   (3) conduct hazard identification (risk analysis) by identifying: 
   

   (a) potential incident sources; 
   (b) possible migratory routes of released products; and  
   (c) possible environmental impacts of chemicals used or stored within the unit (HAZMAT); 

3. write the plan/procedure with assistance from the RHQ (if required) to include the following: 
   (1) an OPI for the contingency plan; 
   (2) procedures for reporting the incident (see Annex C, paragraph 5); and 
   (3) name and responsibilities of individuals within the unit, to include contact numbers;  
4. select the response team members and list of required equipment: 
   (1) possible safety risk; 
   (2) procedures for disposal of waste materials following the incident; and 
5. revise, test, practice and maintain plan. 

Environmental Incident Procedures

6. The procedures to follow when an environmental incident has occurred is:  

1. stay calm; 
2. ensure safety of personnel; 
3. secure the area; 
4. identify and assess the situation to determine the facts. do not assume any details about the incident, by;
5. respond to the incident where and when it is safe to do so, by; 
   (1) confining the spill using booms and socks; and 
   (2) absorbing the spill using the absorbent material and/or absorbent pads;
6. restore the site where and when it is safe to do so, by:
   (1) cleaning-up the site; and
   (2) disposing of used spill response equipment;  
7. report the incident.

Reporting Procedures

7. Environmental incidents must be reported to the appropriate environmental authorities and the chain of command. The report will be used to promote public safety, update policies and improve training. 

8. A report of an environmental incident occurring within the region must be reported: 

1. to the appropriate environmental authorities as soon as possible; and 
2. through the CCO/CIC chain of communication for environmental matters as soon as possible. 

9. The RCO will inform NDHQ/D Cdts.  

10. Verbal reports must be followed by a written report as soon as possible. 

11. The following information is to be included in an environmental incident report: 

1. date, time and location of the incident; 
2. description of the incident including full particulars of whom and what was involved, what happened, and why and how it happened; 
3. particulars of the individuals and equipment involved, including the affiliated unit; 
4. possible broader implications of the incident, including the effect on future activities; 
5. recommendations for further action;
6. actual and/or probable media interest and involvement; and 
7. name, location and telephone number of person or agency initially reporting the incident. 

12. The information needs to be accurate. however, the lack of confirmation is not to delay the transmission of the report. the report is to be sent out with the best information at the time, and updates issued to correct or amplify the situation as soon as possible. if the information is unconfirmed, it is to be so noted. 

Significant Incidents

13. NDHQ/D Cdts or the RCO is responsible to determine if an environmental incident occurring under their authority is a significant incident. If so, it must be reported in accordance with CFAO 4-13 reporting of significant incidents.  

Back to top