Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA) Debut

The Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA) debuted during an industry-led National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (NPREP) on June 17-18 in Portsmouth Harbor, NH. The drill sponsor was Sprague Energy and participants included the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Naval Shipyard Portsmouth, the States of Maine and New Hampshire, Piscataqua River Cooperative, University of New Hampshire, and local responders. An ERMA training session was conducted in late May to prepare individuals participating in the drill with respect to the functions and usefulness of ERMA during an actual response scenario. The NPREP drill dealt with a liquid asphalt spill and focused on effective implementation, management, and accountability of simulated field resources that my be needed during an emergency response situation. ERMA was used to access Geographic Response Plans, supply tides, currents, and weather forecasts, compile resources at risk, and provide an operational picture of the situation as the drill response progressed. For more information, contact Michele Jacobi or Amy Merten.