The University will simulate a minor oil spill on Thursday in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The simulated spill will take place at Abbott Power Plant in Champaign and will require emergency first responders from the Champaign and Urbana fire departments.
The exercise allows Abbott Power Plant to test their facility response plan and for the Champaign and Urbana Fire Departments to drill emergency responders.
According to Captain John Barker of the Champaign Police Department, once the spill is simulated Abbott will place the emergency call and responders will be sent to the Power Plant. Prior to arrival at Abbott, responding crews “do not know exactly what to expect” and that the extent of the simulated spill will not be apparent until the emergency crews arrive.
Another benefit of the drill, Captain Barker added, is that authorities “get to stand next to the people (they) would be standing next to in a real event,” which allows everyone involved to play through the incident as though it is an actual spill.
Responders in the procedure will follow the simulated spill from Abbott Power Plant and determine the area to which the hazard will travel.
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The simulation is expected to begin at Abbott Power Plant at approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday.
