On October 27, Valero conducted a major multi-agency table top drill simulating a marine incident. Close to 150 Energy stakeholders representing a dozen organizations from various levels of government, emergency services and other concerned actors took part in this large-scale drill held at the Lévis convention and exhibition centre. This simulation did not involve the deployment of equipment or personnel in the field. Valero Energy regularly conducts various types of emergency measures drills. However, holding a simulation of this magnitude is exceptional. This strategic activity initiated by Valero Energy is the end result of more than one year of planning and coordination.
Objectives
To enable participating organizations to become more familiar with one another, collaborate more effectively together and coordinate all of the strategic aspects associated with an emergency response.
Participating organizations
- Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)
- Chaudiere Appalachian health and social services integrated centre (CISSS)
- City of Lévis
- Department of Environment, Sustainable Development and Fight Against Climate Change (MDDELCC)
- Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC)
- Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
- Groupe Desgagnés – Transports Desgagnés Inc.
- Québec City
- Port of Québec
- Québec Public Security Department (MSP)
- Services Québec
- Transport Canada
- Valero Energy Jean Gaulin Refinery
Planning
“Valero’s Operation Lighthouse” required substantial planning that took more than a year. The work done in the lead-up to the event, in itself, brought participating organizations together and provided them with a forum to exchange ideas and views on best practices relating to emergency measures.
Operation
During the drill, a working table for each participating organization was provided, in addition to an Emergency Management Group table and a Joint Information Center and a government liaison table. Throughout the day, participants had to manage various situations pertaining to the simulated incident as it evolved. The roles and responsibilities of each of the organizations were also clearly determined.
Next up
Various follow-up activities have already been planned:
- Debriefings will be held in each of the organizations
- A comprehensive report will be issued to identify, in particular, areas of improvement and/or training opportunities
- Some organizations have already agreed to organize new bilateral meetings to delve more deeply into certain issues and promote more awareness of the way they operate
