DOCSLIB.ORG

Lessons from the Island

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Lessons from the Island LESSONS FROM THE ISLAND An independent review of the fires that burnt across Kangaroo Island during December 2019 - February 2020 November 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 OBSERVATIONS, INSIGHTS, LESSONS IDENTIFIED AND RECOMMENDATIONS 04 INTRODUCTION 04 ABOUT C3 RESILIENCE 04 DEBRIEF APPROACH 05 CONSIDERATION OF OTHER REPORTS 05 ANALYSIS METHOD 06 DATA MAPPING 07 BACKGROUND 08 THE FIRE CHRONOLOGY 13 FOCUS 1: ESTABLISHING COMMAND AND CONTROL 15 FOCUS 2: STATE (STRATEGIC) COMMAND 25 FOCUS 3: REGIONAL (OPERATIONAL) COMMAND 31 FOCUS 4: INCIDENT (TACTICAL) COMMAND 66 FOCUS 5: INTEROPERABILITY AND COOPERATION 72 FOCUS 6: PUBLIC INFORMATION AND WARNINGS 74 FOCUS 7: MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING 76 FOCUS 8: PLANNING ALIGNMENT AND INTELLIGENCE 79 FOCUS 9: LOGISTICS GOVERNANCE 81 CONCLUSION 82 ANNEXE 1 - COMPARISON BETWEEN 2007 AND 2020 KI FIRE LESSONS 91 ANNEXE 2 - ANALYSIS AGAINST THE INDEPENDENT REVIEW 94 ANNEXE 3 - ACRONYMS 95 ANNEXE 4 - REFERENCES Lessons from the Island The Independent Lessons Review of the 2019/2020 Bushfires - Kangaroo Island INSIGHTS LESSONS IDENTIFIED PAGE 0 2 Posture of SEC-LO in The current process of L3 IMTs reporting through RCCs added additional 2 Operational Structure reporting layers which had negative impacts on the strategic overview of the incident. There was a lack of strategic focus and assurance of the activities in Coordination Role relation to the IMTs performance, and we saw this repeated with the SCC 3 needed in SCC overseeing the RCC. 1 Lack of Strategic 637 Obs 4 We heard the SACFS is resource deficient, with which we agree. Based on this Focus of the SCC review, however we found duplicated roles, and a general tactical focus on many MAP occasions from all three levels of the command of the organisation. Furthermore, L3 IMTs reporting the position of Regional Liaison Officer confused these reporting lines. 6 to RCC Due to the operational load within the organisation, the process of only sending Lack of endorsed IMTs ceased, replaced with an ad-hoc manner of the selection of staff for 9 Standardisation and Trained IMT IMTs including field command positions. This lack of competence resulted in 2 communication deficiencies between the ground, lack of integration of local Lack of Internal and knowledge. The break down at times with communications across the IMT in the 10 Field Based IMT 1497 Obs Comms planning and operations cells, for example on the Ravine fire provided a basis for the failure of operational planning occuring at critical times. 1 RCC Overwhelmed The design of doctrine, combined with a lack of capability and competency programs for regional staff along with fatigue led to the RCC being overwhelmed. 3 This led to a lack of strategic resource planning, including using what capability Significant Under- 643 Obs LESSONS 7 existed within their own region to support operations on KI. resourcing of Fire Much of the good work completed was discounted by a culture of some not Fireground Discipline following, or actively working against, the chain of command. Secondly, there was a 14 and Accountability lack of accountability by some crews for the mopping up and blacking out 4 procedures led to further fire spread. The lack of technology gave the IMT little 22 Use of Technology 643 Obs intelligence picture to work to in collecting the achievement of tactics where successful, and detecting issues of lack of accountability where they occurred. Safety Officer There was a general lack of integration of the Safety Officer role within the IMT. They 12 posture in IMTs largely self tasked based on where they saw risk. While on the ground, physical and mental health management (through SAFECOM) is delivered connectively, it is not Mental Health and done so together in doctrine, nor are near misses or incidents treated the same 21 Wellbeing 5 (physical and psychological). Safety was addressed in the IAPs in the form of 455 Obs reminders yet, the placement of crews in the Rocky River precinct on the 3rd of Dynamic Risk- January 2020, was against the instructions in the IAP, the State Controllers Intent 11 assessed Safety Decision Making and lacked any type of dynamic risk assessment application. BUSHFIRES Staging, Base Camps Fires on KI are not new, nor are the challenges they bring. The lessons from 2007, 15 and Changeovers were repeated. The SACFS has a lessons management system, however it failed implementation for the KI fires, as the lessons have not translated into planning Interoperability and across coordinated fire fighting agencies. 17 Resource Sharing Discussions which ensued about machinery and aviation use on DEW estate, 6 pre-planning base camps and staging area should be documented within the Planning 1214 Obs 23 Connectivity GOMP and ROMP framework, but given the complexity of KI, the state had a role to play as well. The planning and execution of shift change overs often took 3-5 hours to achieve which lost critical fire ground time during benign hours where Sub-standard ICC 8 Facilities aggressive tactics could have taken place. ISLAND The level of responsibility and accountability outlined in doctrine for L3 IC's is not reflective of the CO, or delegate appointment to the role. L3 ICs had to report Posture of L3 ICs in through three levels of management below the CO to escalate issues. The multi- 16 SACFS and ZEST layered reporting lines was not conducive to assurance at the state level on 7 resourcing, exampled when the SDC discovered only one IMT member was rostered Public Information at night less than three days out from an extreme fire danger day. Compounded 318 Obs 20 and Warnings with this, having the ZEST directly reporting to the L3 IC, was a distraction, which was only resolved when delegated to a DIC. The L3 IC/ IMT were questioned too many times about the issuing of public warnings, relating to on ground fire conditions. Integration with the The fires on KI needed every capability they could get. The insertion of the ADF was 18 ADF a welcome one, however the tasking process took some time to adjust to and work 8 through. The integration of the forestry industry was mixed between fully Integration with 213 Obs integrated and not at all. Understanding capabilities outside the general 19 Industry coordinated fire fighting agencies was generally not applied. KANGAROO There is significant opportunity to achieve good community outcomes by further FFU Integration to integrating FFUs into operations of fires across KI. By all parties agreeing on a 13 IMT and Field Ops 9 coordination model, and common standards of PPE, safety standards and how to 227 Obs communicate, it will only increase positive outcomes for the community. Aviation responded well to support ground crew efforts. The establishment of a TRZ Aviation and IMT could have assisted with a more rapid deployment to the Ravine Complex. An even CFS 5 Integrated Knowledge 10 closer relationship between IMT and aviation specialists will increase the outcome 148 Obs for fires on KI to integrate air and ground tactics. Good outcomes were achieved in Logistics, with the general lack of resources SA 24 Logistics Governance 11 applied to the cells at all levels of command, however there was a need to integrate 250 Obs a finance officer into the IMT at the point of escalation to L2. PAGE 0 3 RECOMMENDATIONS Review the doctrinal environment that governs L3 incidents immediately to: Simplify the flow and reduce the repetition to make it less voluminous. Consider making it a formal joint operational policy between SACFS and DEW. Establishing L3 Incident Controllers as a direct report to either the DSC, DCO or CO. Establishing minimum training and competency standards for L3 IC that are achievable, in line with approaches such as the NSW RFS and VIC CFA. Establishing the RCC as a resource management centre for L3 Incidents. 1 Establishing the SCC as an operational coordination centre for L3 incidents. Prescribing the requirement to undertake annual L3, RCC and SCC exercising to maintain competence and currency. Delegating financial responsibility and delegation to ICs and L2/3 Logistics Officers Reviewing the current audit process undertaken by the SDC, and replace with regular assurance discussions between the L3 IC and an executive member suitably qualified to undertake such an assurance level. Prescribing an LO as the link between ZEST and the IC. Influence Government Policy to formally recognise the SACFS as the lead agency for AIIMS, and, working alongside the increased focus at present by the MFS in AIIMS, increase capability and competence in AIIMS training and experience for all agencies involved in coordinated firefighting operations including: Increasing the number of L2 and L3 functional area leads (including agencies such as MFS) with a competency based standard assessment. Increase the number of L3 ICs from 4 to 8. 6359 2 Perform annual exercising of L2/3 IMTs, RCCs and the SCC based on the hazard context forecasted for the next season. Increase the number of sector and divisional commanders, including observations maximising the opportunity for newly trained officers to be mentored. Increase the available aviation personnel, and determine the scope to deliver key aviation courses within SACFS. Increase human factor training including emotional intelligence for crews to better integrate to communities when deploying to L3 incidents. A general awareness campaign is conducted across SACFS about the importance 522 of blacking out and mopping up, and an increased expectation is provided to 3 those deploying to scrub areas, that this will be key tasks they will be asked to surveys (15.1% completed) complete. A project is sponsored by the CO to further explore the cultural issues which exist within the KI Group and its broader connection into the organisation, and 4 develops a change management plan which promotes a more cohesive relationship into the future.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Heatwatch Queensland: Extreme Heat in the Sunshine State
    HeatWatch Queensland Extreme heat in the Sunshine State Increasing extreme heat will have profound impacts on people, industries and ecosystems in Queensland. Discussion paper Mark Ogge Bill Browne Travis Hughes June 2019 ABOUT THE AUSTRALIA INSTITUTE The Australia Institute is an independent public policy think tank based in Canberra. It is funded by donations from philanthropic trusts and individuals and commissioned research. We barrack for ideas, not political parties or candidates. Since its launch in 1994, the Institute has carried out highly influential research on a broad range of economic, social and environmental issues. OUR PHILOSOPHY As we begin the 21st century, new dilemmas confront our society and our planet. Unprecedented levels of consumption co-exist with extreme poverty. Through new technology we are more connected than we have ever been, yet civic engagement is declining. Environmental neglect continues despite heightened ecological awareness. A better balance is urgently needed. The Australia Institute’s directors, staff and supporters represent a broad range of views and priorities. What unites us is a belief that through a combination of research and creativity we can promote new solutions and ways of thinking. OUR PURPOSE – ‘RESEARCH THAT MATTERS’ The Institute publishes research that contributes to a more just, sustainable and peaceful society. Our goal is to gather, interpret and communicate evidence in order to both diagnose the problems we face and propose new solutions to tackle them. The Institute is wholly independent and not affiliated with any other organisation. Donations to its Research Fund are tax deductible for the donor. Anyone wishing to donate can do so via the website at https://www.tai.org.au or by calling the Institute on 02 6130 0530.
    [Show full text]
  • SA Water Drinking Water Quality
    SA Water Drinking Water Quality January 2000 – July 2012 Amended Version: October 21 2012 Image: Myponga Reservoir Compiled by Anthony Amis Thanks to Warren Godson for the idea and support. Without tax deductible donations this project would never have happened. If you would like more information or would like to make a donation contact [email protected] for more details. 1 Table of Contents 1 Glossary p3 1 Background p4 2 Summary p5 3 Adelaide Summary p12 4 SA Water Breaches Summary p15 5. Substances p18 5.1 Antimony p18 5.2 Arsenic p19 5.3 p20 Bromodichloromethane/Dichlorobromoform 5.4 Bromoform p32 5.5 Cadmium p35 5.6 Chloral Hydrate/Trichloroacetalehyde p36 5.7 Chlorate p39 5.8 Chlorine p40 5.9 Chlorine Total p42 5.10 Chloroform p44 5.11 p46 Dibromochloromethane/Dibromochloroform 5.12 Dichloroacetic Acid p50 5.13 E.coli p52 5.14 Fluoride p53 5.15 Lead p54 5.16 Manganese p55 5.17 Mercury p56 5.18 Monochloramines p57 5.19 NDMA p60 5.20 Nickel p63 5.21 Selenium p64 5.22 Trichloroacetic Acid p65 5.23 Trihalomethanes p67 6. Kingscote p75 7. References p79 8. Appendices p80 2 Glossary ADWG: Australian DrinkingWater Guidelines DBCM: Dibromochloroform BDCM: Bromodichloromethane DBP: Disinfection By-Product DCBM: Dichlorobromoform FoE: Friends of the Earth FoI: Freedom of Information IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer NDMA: N-nitrosodimethylamine THM: Trihalomethanes WHO: World Health Organisation Concentrations in Water mg/L: parts per million (one cup of water in a swimming pool) ug/L: parts per billion (one drop of water in a swimming pool) ng/L: parts per trillion (one thousandth of one drop of water in a swimming pool) Information About Amended Version of this Report.
    [Show full text]
  • Resilient Queensland in Action Queenslanders Working Together to Ensure Disaster Resilience Is Embedded in Our Decisions and Actions
    Resilient Queensland in Action Queenslanders working together to ensure disaster resilience is embedded in our decisions and actions Progress update February 2020 1 Resilient Queensland in Action Document details Interpreter Security classification Public Date of review of security classification February 2020 Authority Queensland Reconstruction Authority Document status Final The Queensland Government is committed to providing accessible services to Queenslanders Version 1.0 from all culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you have difficulty in understanding QRA Reference QRA1636 this report, you can access the Translating and Interpreting Services via www.qld.gov.au/languages or by phoning 13 14 50. Copyright Disclaimer This publication is protected by the Copyright Act 1968. While every care has been taken in preparing this publication, the State of Queensland accepts © The State of Queensland (Queensland Reconstruction Authority), February 2020. no responsibility for decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or implied, contained within. Licence To the best of our knowledge, the content was correct at the time of publishing. Copies Copies of this publication are available on our website at www.qra.qld.gov.au/resilient-queensland Further copies are available upon request to: This work is licensed by State of Queensland (Queensland Reconstruction Authority) under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 International licence. Queensland Reconstruction Authority PO Box 15428 To view a copy of this licence, visit www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ City East QLD 4002 In essence, you are free to copy, communicate and adapt this publication, as long as you Phone (07) 3008 7200 attribute the work to the State of Queensland (Queensland Reconstruction Authority).
    [Show full text]
  • Bushfire Recovery & Resilience Forum
    Bushfire Recovery & Resilience Forum Community Science in Practice SATURDAY 15 MAY YEPPOON TOWN HALL 9.00AM TO 4.00PM Although funding for this product has been provided by both the Australian and Queensland Governments, the material contained herin does not necessarily represent the views of either Government. PROGRAM Welcome to Country Fire on the Farm - Consequences for Orchards and the Environment Central Queensland University Vegetation Management and Clearing Updates on the Latest Policies and Regulations Department of Natural Resources Morning Tea CRC Research Project Findings into the 2019 Black Summer Bushfires Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre Latest Bushfire Resilient Building Guidance for Queensland homes Queensland Reconstruction Authority Agmargins - Access to Diverse Cropping Options in our Region Deparment of Agriculture and Fisheries Central Queensland Bushfire Recovery, Preparedness & Resilience in Horticulture in Practice: Examples in Practice Growcom Lunch Overcoming Adversity and the the Importance of Resilience and Hard Work Shane Webcke Disaster Management and Natural Resource Management Livingstone Shire Council Crop Insurance Information and Products Queensland Farmers Federation and University of Southern Queensland Afternoon Tea Landholder Bushfire Management Planning Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium Q&A Panel Opportunities Central Queensland University Central Queensland University (alternatively known as CQUniversity) is an Australian dual sector university based in central Queensland. CQUniversity is the only Australian university with a campus presence in every mainland state. It has a long standing environmental and now agricultural undergraduate teaching program and research emphasis. PROFESSOR KERRY WALSH Professor Kerry Walsh undertook a Science degree in Botany and Agriculture at University of Queensland before undertaking postgraduate studies on low temperature tolerance of soybean in Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • 88 Fires: Yellowstone and Beyond Conference Proceedings
    THE ’88 FIRES: YELLOWSTONE AND BEYOND, CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS The ’88 Fires: Yellowstone and Beyond Conference Proceedings Edited by Ronald E. Masters, Krista E.M. Galley, and Don G. Despain Misc. No. 16 Misc. No. 2009 Tall Timbers Research Station, Miscellaneous Publication No. 16 The ’88 Fires: Yellowstone and Beyond Conference gratefully acknowledges the support of the following agencies and organizations that have contributed to this event: PRESENTED BY National Park Service 9th Biennial Scientific Conference on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem SPONSORS PARTNERS Th e ’88 Fires: Yellowstone and Beyond Conference Proceedings Edited by Ronald E. Masters, Krista E.M. Galley, and Don G. Despain Meeting held 22–27 September 2008 Jackson Hole, Wyoming Presented by Th e International Association of Wildland Fire and Th e National Park Service 9th Biennial Scientifi c Conference on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with the support of a consortium of partners Sponsors AMK Ranch/University of Wyoming National Park Service Research Center Big Sky Institute, Montana State University | Canon U.S.A. | Grand Teton Association Haub School & Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources | Joint Fire Science Program National Park Service, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks | University of Wyoming, NPS Research Center University of Wyoming, Offi ce of Research | Wildland Firefi ghter Foundation Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center | Yellowstone Association | Yellowstone Park Foundation Partners Th e Association for Fire Ecology | Humboldt State University Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation | Tall Timbers Research Station Th e Nature Conservancy | University of Idaho | University of Alberta Th e University of Montana, Continuing Education, Community & Professional Services USDA Forest Service | U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • A Risk Assessment of the Impact of Farm Dams on Streamflow in Catchments on Kangaroo Island
    TECHNICAL NOTE 2007/16 Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation A RISK ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF FARM DAMS ON STREAMFLOW IN CATCHMENTS ON KANGAROO ISLAND Doug McMurray December 2007 © Government of South Australia, through the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2007 This work is Copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth), no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission obtained from the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be directed to the Chief Executive, Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, GPO Box 2834, Adelaide SA 5001. Disclaimer The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein as regards to its correctness, accuracy, reliability, currency or otherwise. The Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation and its employees expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice. Information contained in this document is correct at the time of writing. Information contained in this document is correct at the time of writing. ISBN 978-1-921218-76-7 Preferred way to cite this publication McMurray, D 2007, A risk assessment of the impact of farm dams on streamflow in catchments on Kangaroo Island, DWLBC Technical Note 2007/16, Government of South Australia, through Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, Adelaide. Knowledge and Information Division 25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide GPO Box 2834, Adelaide SA 5001 Telephone National (08) 8463 6946 International +61 8 8463 6946 Fax National (08) 8463 6999 International +61 8 8463 6999 Website www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................3 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Ki Natural Resources Management Board Agenda
    KI NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT BOARD AGENDA MEETING 153 to be held Friday 12 April 2019, Boardroom, 35 Dauncey St, Kingscote Verbal Report Paper 2:00 pm start CS Consent Schedule Time # Agenda Item 1:30 pm 1 Meeting Preliminaries (15 mins) 1.1 Welcome Damian Miley 1.2 Apologies 1.3 Presiding member Damian Miley 1 1.4 Declaration of interest by members 1.5 Acceptance of agenda and consent schedule Decision 1 1:45 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting 2.1 Acceptance of previous minutes Decision 2 2.2 Business arising from previous minutes Decision 13 1:30 3 Board Matters: for decision or discussion 3.1 Finance Reports February 2019 J Hughes Decision 16 3.2 Workshop outcomes: D Miley Decision 22 Native plant nursery Feral cat project Feral pig management Draft budget 2019/2020 3.3 Risk and Issues Register J Hughes Decision 23 3.4 Financial Management Compliance Program J Hughes Decision 31 3.5 Working Capital J Hughes Decision 36 3.6 Vessel sharing arrangements and other D Miley Decision 40 matters 3.7 Fraud J Hughes Decision 48 4 Board Matters: Consent Schedule 4.1 Correspondence register CS Noting 53 2:45 5 Any Other Business (15 mins) 6 Board Communique 7 Next Meeting Friday 24 May at 9:30 am 3:00 pm 8 Closure Kangaroo Island NRM Board Meeting 1. Meeting Preliminaries Number 153 – 12 April 2019 1.3 PRESIDING MEMBER Priority For Decision RECOMMENDATIONS That the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board: 1. Nominate a Presiding Member for this special meeting as per Natural Resources Management Act 2004 schedule 1, 2(2), “if the Presiding member is absent from a meeting a member chosen by the members present at the meeting will preside at the meeting”.
    [Show full text]
  • American Civil War Round Table Queensland March/A
    American Civil War Round Table Queensland Nov/Dec Issue 2010 Newsletter of the American Civil War Round Table Queensland Inc. E d i t o r : Robert E Taylor QSM f wwf n . E m a i l : bob- [email protected] any traditional American Christmas customs that we take so much for granted world-wide today, spring from the early 19th century. Ironically the spirit of joy and goodwill to man came to maturity during The War Between the States, when violence, chaos, and staggering personal loss seemed likely to drown out choruses of "Peace on Earth." A rtists of the period, such as Winslow Homer, whose painting is seen here entitled “Home Sweet Home” (courtesy The National Gallery of Art, Washington) captures the very essence of Christmas in camp and brought it to the troops. The tent was a common home at Christmas for many but at such times became a sweet place to be, rather than on the all too bitter and gory battlefield. Winslow Homer Home Sweet Home H omer’s career as an illustrator for Harper‟s Weekly and other publications lasted nearly 20 years. In 1859 he opened a studio in New York City. W ithin a year of self-training he was producing such excellent oil works that his mother, herself an accomplished water painter, wanted to send Homer to Europe to study but instead, Harper‟s Weekly sent him to the front lines of the American Civil War. Mother was not pleased. Homer‟s Prisoners from the Front W inslow Homer used his numerous sketches as subjects for later paintings and one of the most successful of his works was „Prisoners from the Front,‟ painted in 1866.
    [Show full text]
  • Kangaroo Island 2018-19 Water Resources Assessment
    Kangaroo Island 2018-19 water resources assessment Department for Environment and Water December 2020 DEW Technical report 2020/34 Department for Environment and Water Government of South Australia December 2020 81-95 Waymouth St, ADELAIDE SA 5000 Telephone +61 (8) 8463 6946 Facsimile +61 (8) 8463 6999 ABN 36702093234 www.environment.sa.gov.au Disclaimer The Department for Environment and Water and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein as regards to its correctness, accuracy, reliability, currency or otherwise. The Department for Environment and Water and its employees expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice. Information contained in this document is correct at the time of writing. With the exception of the Piping Shrike emblem, other material or devices protected by Aboriginal rights or a trademark, and subject to review by the Government of South Australia at all times, the content of this document is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence. All other rights are reserved. © Crown in right of the State of South Australia, through the Department for Environment and Water 2020 ISBN 978-1-925964-85-1 Preferred way to cite this publication DEW (2020). Kangaroo Island 2018-19 water resources assessment, DEW Technical report 2020/34, Government of South Australia, Department for Environment and Water, Adelaide. Download this document at https://www.waterconnect.sa.gov.au
    [Show full text]
  • ACERS Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges
    Water quality Information Sheet Aquatic ecosystem condition reports 2013 panel assessment of creeks and rivers from the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM regions Issued July 2014 EPA 1048/14: This information sheet describes the outcome of the panel assessment of creeks and rivers from the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management (NRM) regions, sampled during autumn and spring 2013. Introduction The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) coordinates a monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER) program on the aquatic ecosystem condition of South Australian creeks and rivers. This MER program is designed to meet several objectives: • Providing a statewide monitoring framework for creeks and rivers that revolves through the NRM regions with sufficient frequency to allow for state of the rnvironment reporting purposes. • Describing aquatic ecosystem condition for broad general public understanding. • Identifying the key pressures and management responses to those pressures. • Providing a useful reporting format that can support environmental decision making within government, community and industry. This information sheet provides a summary of the scientific work used in assessing monitoring data from creeks and rivers. Aquatic ecosystem science is not always rigid and precise; it is often open to different interpretations in several respects. Therefore, the EPA has decided that the best way to assess the condition of streams is through an expert panel deliberation that uses a consistent descriptive modelling approach. The panel members comprised an environmental consultant and two biologists from the EPA (the authors of this assessment). All have at least 15 years’ experience in monitoring and assessing a range of streams across South Australia.
    [Show full text]
  • Requirements and Verification Methods of Tunnel Safety and Design
    Requirements and verification methods of tunnel safety and design Jonatan Hugosson, Haukur Ingason, Anders Lönnermark and Håkan Frantzich Institute of Sweden SP Technical Research Research SP Technical Fire Technology SP Report 2012:26 Requirements and verification methods of tunnel safety and design Jonatan Hugosson, Haukur Ingason, Anders Lönnermark and Håkan Frantzich Abstract The report explores the foundations for a sound approach to performance-based fire safety design in tunnels. The main reason for conducting this study is that Swedish stakeholders have different opinion about what constitutes tunnel fire safety. Two main issues are discussed here, namely specification and verification of fire safety. Literature was reviewed and some international tunnel safety experts were interviewed. Tunnel fire safety can be specified through a combination of the: aim of fire safety, objectives and functional requirements, a set of scenarios to handle, and prescriptive requirements. Tunnel fire safety can be verified through several existing tools. Examples of these tools are scenario analysis, quantitative risk analysis, engineering tools to structure and systemize the process, and through using safety oriented procedures. It is important to consider safety in all stages of a tunnel: planning, design, construction and operation. To achieve this, effort needs to be invested in the process to clearly structure it and access it more easily. Relevant stakeholders need to be included wherever they are present and decisions continuously need to
    [Show full text]
  • Drinking Water Quality Report 2013-14
    SA Water Drinking Water Quality Report 2013-14 Government of South Australia 4 / A Message from our Chief Executive 5 / SA Health Statement 5 / Economic Regulation 6 / Safe Drinking Water Legislation 7 / The Adelaide Services Alliance 8 / Drinking Water Quality Management 13 / Our Water Supply Systems 13 / Our water supply sources 15 / Water treatment 20 / Country drinking water supply system sources and treatment 22 / Metropolitan Adelaide water treatment plant sources 23 / Metropolitan Adelaide water quality systems and treatment 24 / Drinking water supply systems and towns/suburbs supplied 27 / Managing our water supplies 29 / Water Quality 2013–14 29 / Catchments, land management and source water 33 / Water treatment and distribution 34 / Water quality monitoring and testing 35 / Drinking water quality and performance 37 / Customer satisfaction 38 / Incident management 40 / Research and Innovation 42 / Employee Awareness and Training 44 / Glossary of Water Quality Terminology 48 / 2013–14 Water Quality Data This report covers the period of 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014. Total water usage (raw water for treatment) 2013-14 213 926 ML Population served Highlights 1 173 000 in metropolitan Adelaide through 9 190 km of water mains Raw water sources Number of routine 432 000 in country areas through % of total water supplied water quality tests 17 582 km of water mains. carried out River Murray: 36% 295 519 (total) Drinking water quality and performance Surface water: 30% 49 529 (metropolitan Adelaide) Seawater: 28% 43 862 of the routine 245 990 samples collected from our drinking Groundwater: 6% (country) water supplies throughout South Australia were used to determine health-related compliance.
    [Show full text]