On Saturday, December 26, 2015, FEMA Watch Operations sent an advisory for heavy rains and flooding.  The Regional Watch Team stated the potential for heavy rains over the next several days across parts of Missouri and southeast Kansas.  The December 26 forecast was for 2 to 6 inches of rain falling generally south of a line from Hannibal, Missouri to Kansas City to Chanute, Kansas.  Most of this area has received several periods of rain over the past month.  It was reported that rainfall of this amount will likely cause flooding of area waterways.  The National Weather Service predicted that numerous river gauges will rise above flood stage during the next week.  A flash flood watch was posted for this area.

On the morning of Sunday, December 27, 2015 the Regional Watch Center reported that rain has continued to fall in Missouri, and will fall into the evening hours.  Flooding has impacted southwest Missouri and areas have begun evacuations.

 On Monday, December 28, 2015 the Governor of Missouri issued a State of Emergency in response to the heavy rains and flooding that have occurred over a large part of the state.  The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) was activated to a level 1 - control center only.  Five Red Cross shelters were opened.  About 9,800 customers had lost power.  Interstates and local roads have been closed in flooded areas.

On Monday, December 28, 2015 EPA began communicating with Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) and US Coast Guard (USCG) regarding flood issues, specifically the risk to the Birds Point Levee in New Madrid, Missouri.

On December 30, 2015 MDNR SEOC activated to a level 3 24 hour/7 day response (24/7).  FEMA activated to a level 3 24/7 response as well.  FEMA notified EPA that they were issuing a Mission Assignment (MA) to mobilize to FEMA RRCC and perform ESF #10 functions.

1.1.1 Incident Category

Stafford Act response

1.1.2 Site Description

EPA has been given 1 ESF 10 (Hazardous Materials) Mission Assignment from FEMA to respond to the FEMA RRCC, a  EPA OSC has been deployed to the FEMA RRCC to staff the ESF#10 desk as a liaison.

1.1.2.1 Location

FEMA RRCC is located on Ward Parkway is south Kansas City, Missouri

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Flooding in southeast Missouri

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results.

Continued coordination with MDNR

2.1.1 Narrative

FEMA has issued a mission assignment to EPA to staff the ESF#10 desk at the FEMA RRCC.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

As of January 2, 2016

MDNR:

MDNR is reporting that as the water recedes they are getting calls regarding orphan drums and containers.  They are working on a mission assignment for ESF 10 assistance.  MDNR is also planning for debris removal activities in the St Louis Area.

 Birds Point Levee

Water did not crest as high as anticipated.  The USACE has stood down the incident command post at Birds Point.

FEMA RRCC

Currently the RRCC is Activated to a Level 3 24/7 response.  USACE was activated by FEMA to the RRCC on December 30, 2015.  EPA was activated on December 31, 2015 to the FEMA RRCC.  The OSC in charge of HHW and orphan drum and container removal will be reporting to the FEMA RRCC today (1/2/16) to begin working with USACE on preparing for removal operations.

Weather Report:

Flood warnings continue in Southeast Missouri.

3 day forecast - no precipitation

Approximately 125 counties have road closures, a few major roads are closed in flooded areas.

14 flood related fatalities.

Meramec River:

Pacific and Eureka are out of flood stage tomorrow morning..

Valley Park and Arnold is falling out of flood stage.

Mississippi River:

St Louis is dropping 

Chester is cresting

Cape Girardeau is rising.

New Madrid is rising.

Other news:

Shelters are closing

Missouri is the only state in the region currently activated.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

Staff the FEMA RRCC provide assistance as needed to the state.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues