The ESI [...]]]> NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration has produced a handy online training module for individuals looking to strengthen their knowledge of spills and their effect on the environment.  The following scenario describes and oil spill and directs you to the references and data that you can use to determine what natural resources are at risk.

The ESI Training Manual describes how Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps and data can be used by spill responders and planners, and by anyone interested in environmental sensitivity mapping. The manual provides an oil spill scenario that takes place in Mobile Bay, Alabama. Your task is to identify the probable resources at risk.

ESI data are distributed in multiple formats. The manual shows how to use:

* hard copy or PDF versions of the data.
* the free ESI Viewer product.
* the map document and tools available to simplify ESI viewing and querying in ESRI’s ArcMap vs. 9.2 or higher.

The same scenario is used for all of these formats, and the same basic questions are answered; however, a scenario with queries could be done on any of the ESI maps provided in these formats.

The ESI training manual can be downloaded HERE (.zip file – inlcludes: training manual, ESI viewer, example geodatabase, GNOME files, toolbar)

Source: NOAA.gov

CHEMTREC (Chemical Transportation Emergency Center) was established in 1971 by the chemical industry as a public service hotline for emergency responders, such as fire fighters and law enforcement, to obtain information and assistance for emergency incidents involving chemicals and hazardous materials.

Registration with CHEMTREC helps assist shippers of hazardous materials to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation hazardous [...]]]> Source: CHEMTREC.com Homepage

CHEMTREC (Chemical Transportation Emergency Center) was established in 1971 by the chemical industry as a public service hotline for emergency responders, such as fire fighters and law enforcement, to obtain information and assistance for emergency incidents involving chemicals and hazardous materials.

Registration with CHEMTREC helps assist shippers of hazardous materials to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulation 49 CFR § 172.604, which requires hazmat shippers to provide a 24-hour emergency telephone number on shipping documents for use in the event of an emergency involving hazardous materials.

What is CHEMTREC, view an overview video HERE.

CHEMTREC services include a broad range of critical resources that can help emergency responders mitigate incidents involving hazardous materials, such as:

• A round-the-clock communications center staffed by trained and experienced emergency specialists;
• Immediate access to thousands of chemical product specialists and hazardous materials experts through CHEMTREC’s database of over 30,000 manufacturers, shippers, carriers, public organizations and private resources;
• A state-of-the-art telecommunications system that supports the virtual emergency response team, seamlessly linking on-scene responders with chemical experts, transportation companies, medical experts, and clean-up efforts;
• An expansive electronic library of over 4 million Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS);
• An unmatched database of medical experts and chemical toxicologists who provide advice and emergency medical treatment assistance to on-scene medical professionals treating victims of product exposure;
• Translation capabilities for more than 170 languages in the event of an emergency involving non-English speaking stakeholders; and
• All the contacts, access and advantages that come with being a division of the American Chemistry Council.

CHEMTREC’s 24-hour Communications Center is located in Arlington, VA (Washington, DC metropolitan area).