Gov. Tomblin Announces Review of Elk River Spill Response

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has announced an “After Action Review” of the state’s  response to the January 9 Elk River chemical spill. 

The Review hopes to highlight the many ways in which state agencies, county and local emergency management offices, volunteer and charity organizations, the West Virginia National Guard, and other entities responded to the nine-county State of Emergency.

Tomblin’s office says the review will also address ways the state can improve its emergency response systems. 

“The Elk River chemical spill was an unprecedented disaster that affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of West Virginians, and has launched a national dialogue about the safety of our nation’s water supply,” Gov. Tomblin said in a news release issued Monday. 

“As this dialogue continues, West Virginia’s emergency response will act as a blueprint for other states across the country. The thoroughness of the Review depends in large measure on citizen participation. It is critical we receive an honest assessment of the emergency response including what we did well, opportunities for improvement, and concrete solutions for improving future response efforts.”

Officials with the West Virginia National Guard, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and General Counsel for the Office of the Governor will coordinate and supervise the review. 

Questionnaire responses must be received by May 26, 2014. To participate in the After Action Review, click here.