LEPC members discuss propane training, Shelter in Place, more

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EATON — Preble County Local Emergency Planning Committee held its most recent meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17. The committee elected its chairman and vice-chairman, approved up to $1,000 for a propane training class, approved a $50 raise for the Shelter in Place “turtle,” and approved various items for 2020.

The committee elected Suzy Cottingim chair and Kerri Swigart as vice-chair. All previous Members at Large were renewed for the next cycle. Cottingim took control of that meeting at that point.

EMA Coordinator Dave Anderson reported on four spills:

•On Aug. 31, a semi swerved to miss a deer and rolled into a ditch on Ohio 122, south of West Elkton. The semi had an empty tank of helium and spilled less than 25 gallons of diesel and anti-freeze. According to Anderson, West Elkton Fire Department remediated the spill. Preble County EMA sent the report and photos to Ohio EPA.

•On Oct. 1, two semis crashed on I-70 West at the second mile marker and spilled approximately 30 gallons of diesel. One of the semis hit the guardrail and returned into traffic, hitting the second semi. Northwest Fire Department applied absorbent and contained the spill, the wrecker company pumped remaining diesel, and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) applied sand and cleared it up after the trucks were removed. EMA notified Ohio EPA and sent photos and a report.

•On Oct. 2, three semis and an SUV were involved in a crash on I-70 West at the first mile marker. One semi hit an SUV that was stopped due to construction and then hit another semi, which was pushed into the semi in front of it. The at fault semi driver and two people in the SUV were killed. Because of the accident, 65 to 75 gallons of diesel, motor oil, and anti-freeze were spilled on the road. The wrecker company from Indiana cleaned up the scene to ODOT’s approval. Preble County EMA called Ohio EPA, and sent a report and photos.

•On Oct. 8, two semis were involved in a crash at Ohio 725 and Quaker Trace Road, spilling 25 to 30 gallons of diesel. One semi ran the stop sign on Quaker Trace Rd. and the semi on Ohio 725 struck it, landing in the front yard of the resident on the corner. The homeowner advised their septic tank and well were close to the trucks. The at fault company called ERTS to handle the cleanup. Ohio EPA called, because of the well, their drinking water division was advised too. Preble County EMA sent a report and photos to EPA.

Anderson asked the committee for an additional $1,000 for the propane training class approved at the last meeting. However, at the last meeting, Anderson was under the impression Suburban Propane was willing to donate 1,000 gallons of propane. Between the two meetings, Anderson found out they were willing to sell it at a cost of $0.95 to $1.10 per gallon. Sheriff Mike Simpson was able to call Wood Propane and found they would sell the needed propane for $0.50 per gallon. The committee approved a motion to spend no more than $1,000 with Wood Propane to cover the propane costs.

In other business:

•Anderson discussed the 2020 LEPC exercise with the committee. He expressed his desire to organize a training and exercise committee. The following members agreed to be part of that committee: Suzy Cottingim, Justin Erbaugh, Sheriff Simpson, and Eaton Fire Chief Brian Smith.

•Anderson requested a $50 raise the the Shelter in Place “turtle,” for a total of $450. The committee discussed other options, but ultimately approved a motion to give the current “turtle” the raise.

•The 2020 budget was presented to the committee for approval. Anderson added, any member is welcome to review the budget at any time.

•The committee approved the 2020 EMA/LEPC Contract and the 2020 LEPC meeting dates.

The committee will meet again in mid-January of 2020.

By Kelsey Kimbler

[email protected]

Reach Kelsey Kimbler at 937-683-4061 or on Twitter @KKimbler_RH

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