Geographic Response Strategies (GRSs)
Geographic Response Strategies (GRSs) are map based planning documents intended for use by first responders in the event of an oil spill. The GRSs guide local responders to effectively deploy oil containment and recovery equipment to navigable waterways and select tributaries. The GRSs were developed collaboratively by multi-agency work groups which consisted of representatives from federal, tribal, state, non-governmental organizations, industry/contractors, and private citizens. The GRSs have been integrated into the EPA Region 1 (the six New England States) Inland Area Contingency Plan. Each GRS includes:
- Image(s) of the area for which the GRS was developed
- Graphic display of recommended strategies
- List of emergency contacts
- Estimated accounting of equipment and supplies required to deploy and maintain the strategy
- Location of staging areas and sensitive natural, cultural, and human use features
Strategies identified in GRSs are not mandates, but rather tools meant to assist the Incident Command (IC) or Unified Command (UC) in making operational decisions and facilitate the resource ordering process. The IC/UC should use their best professional judgement to determine the appropriate response strategy based on safety, current local conditions, resource availability, and personnel training/experience.
Vermont GRSs (to include towns as needed):
Lake Champlain (GRSs):
Missiquoi River (Swanton & Highgate)
Charcoal Creek (Swanton)
Alburgh
Swanton
Milton
Grand Isle Ferry Dock
Sandbar (Milton & Colchester)
Mallets Creek (Colchester)
Winooski
Burlington
Shelburne
Lewis Little Otter Creek (Ferrisburgh)
Otter Creek (Ferrisburgh & Vergennes)
Chimney Point (Addison)
Mount Independence (Orwell)
Connecticut River (GRSs):
North Stratford/Bloomfield
Johns River/Dalton/Lunenburg
Moore Reservoir/Littleton/Waterford
Barnet/Monroe
Mclndoe Falls/Monroe
Woodsville/Wells River
White River Junction/Lebanon
White River Junction/Lebanon
Charlestown/Springfield
Charlestown/Springfield
Bellows Falls/Walpole
Bellows Falls/Walpole
Brattleboro/Cheshire County
Brattleboro/Cheshire County
Brattleboro/Cheshire County