Chesapeake promotes public safety, environmental protection and public understanding of our operations in the communities where we operate. Chesapeake values these communities and takes the responsibility of operating in a socially responsible manner very seriously. Our efforts to accomplish this include, but are not limited to:
- Maintaining an Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
- Submitting chemical information to local responders, local emergency planning committees and the states where we operate
- Providing ERP training to local emergency responders
- Conducting environmental and safety training to provide safe and environmentally responsible operations for employees and the public
- Establishing partnerships with professional, experienced emergency response contractors
- Conducting regularly scheduled meetings with our contractors to discuss environmental, health and safety issues, including ERP
- Conducting emergency response drills with employees, contractors and local responders to ensure the effectiveness of the ERP
- Using signs and labels to identify our drilling locations and production sites
- Posting 24-hour emergency contact information on our signage located at the entries to our locations and sites
- Posting hazard identification at the gates to and on our locations
Although rare, situations can occur that require an immediate, organized and focused response by Chesapeake. To prepare for and respond to these situations on our locations, Chesapeake has developed a single, comprehensive approach to emergency management. The objective of our emergency response efforts is to ensure that all levels of the company have the capability to work together efficiently and effectively. To achieve this objective, we employ the same emergency response structure used by first responders, the Incident Command System. By working as a team with emergency response contractors and local first responders, such as the fire department, we are able to respond quickly and efficiently with one main objective: protect the public, our employees and the environment.
In the event of an emergency, an immediate and organized response by Chesapeake will be activated. Our ERP establishes the framework and response guidelines for designated Chesapeake employees based on the type and nature of the incident. The ERP outlines procedures for handling emergencies to minimize adverse impacts on the public, our employees and the communities where we operate. The first priority during an emergency is the safety of the responders and the public, followed by the environment and property. All levels of the Chesapeake organization work together to plan and prepare for emergencies.
Incident Report and Statistics
Reporting requirements are based on regulatory jurisdiction and incident severity. As required by law, one or more of the following governmental entities will be notified, as information of public record, in response to an incident.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3
- National Response Center (NRC)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)
- West Virginia State Emergency Response Commission (SERC)