Ready and Responsive
Our emergency procedures require employees to respond to all incidents quickly, with safety as the top priority. Procedures are guided by our Emergency Response Plan (ERP), which provides employees with the framework and action steps critical for responding to incidents in a safe, effective and efficient manner.
The ERP is built on:
- Well-trained personnel responding in a tiered approach based on incident level
- Engaged partnerships with local responders and professional emergency response contractors
- Scalable, flexible and adaptable operational capabilities
- A unified Incident Command approach and structure
In the case of a high-level incident, Chesapeake deploys its Emergency Preparedness and Response group composed of individuals trained in emergency planning and incident response management.
Chesapeake prepares for possible incidents by:
1
Utilizing risk identification tools to help determine sensitive sites and areas
2
Having an ERP and predetermined emergency response practices in place
3
Developing tactical response plans specific to the operating area
4
Conducting on-location drills based on possible scenarios
5
Performing in-depth exercises, including setting up incident command with Operations team members and corporate leadership
As part of our robust ERP, employees are trained on the same management system used by emergency responders, from firefighters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The National Incident Management System (NIMS), a nationwide incident response template, enables Chesapeake to work cooperatively with local, state and federal agencies in the event of an emergency, regardless of location. NIMS also allows for the integration of facilities, equipment, personnel and communications to create common processes for planning and managing resources. This integration and collaboration expedites the emergency response.
Field employees are also trained in NIMS level 100 and 200 and to the operations level of Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. This additional training provides employees with a clear understanding of their responsibilities in an emergency, along with a consistent, Chesapeake-mandated procedure to follow. The training also facilitates more effective communications with emergency response personnel.
In addition to emergency response trainings, we develop and prepare specialized teams of employees — Local Emergency Response Teams (LERT) — to assume command and control of an incident safely and efficiently. All of our operational areas have LERT teams made up of highly trained HSER, Security, Geology and Operations employees who are ready to respond in the event of an emergency.
Chesapeake hosts unannounced LERT trainings at least twice a year in each of our business units, during which tabletop exercises are done to simulate actual events. In 2021, 171 attendees participated in 15 exercises to better prepare them should an incident occur.
Emergency Response Tiered Organization
| Response Group | Field or Corporate | Level 1 Incident | Level 2 Incident | Level 3 or 4 Incident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field staff and leadership | Field | X | X | X |
| Chesapeake Operations Center | Corporate | X | X | X |
| Emergency Response group | Corporate | X | X | |
| LERT | Field | X | X | |
| Crisis Management team | Corporate | X |
In addition to training our on-site personnel in incident response, we partner with local fire and police departments to increase their capacity in the event of an emergency. Through our First Responder Outreach program, members of our Emergency Preparedness and Response group and Operations team interact regularly with local responders to understand department capabilities and establish partnerships before a potential incident.
The team also offers first responder information sessions covering such topics as how the exploration and production industry works, key industry terminology, potential site hazards and an overview of production site equipment. This additional education not only allows for better communication between Chesapeake and first responders but provides valuable safety awareness for the first responders themselves.
