Kodiak emergency committee weighs objective to develop Tier II hazmat plan

Kodiak's Local Emergency Planning Committee will vote Friday, Oct. 9, on five objectives for 2026 and 2027, including a hazardous materials response plan covering every Tier II facility on Kodiak Island. Tier II forms disclose the hazardous chemicals facilities keep on hand.

The committee meets at 6:30 pm at the Kodiak Fire Department. Chair and Emergency Manager Ken Folsom wrote the five objectives up for a vote.

One objective calls for at least one 2027 tabletop exercise testing a Tier II facility's response plan with local responders. Two objectives seek outreach to draw facility representatives, agencies, businesses and community groups onto the committee. A fifth sets responsibilities, priorities and measurable goals for working committees, with regular reports at meetings.

At the committee's July 29 meeting, Monique Lewis urged annual reviews of Tier II reports. Ali Kostelecky asked the committee to discuss a community-wide exercise.

The Alaska Inland Area Contingency Plan says the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation identified five Kodiak Subarea facilities, including seafood processors, that handle anhydrous ammonia.

Speakers at Friday's meeting will have three minutes each for public comment.