One day this week, Williams-Ignacio Plant, a natural gas company based in La Plata County, will conduct a full-scale, mock emergency-response drill with employees and staff from Southern Ute Nation Law Enforcement and Emergency Management, La Plata County Emergency Management, first-responder organizations, and neighboring pipeline operators.
Information about the time, date, location and nature of the drill is not disclosed to ensure the mock emergency is conducted as realistically as possible. Mock drills are carefully planned and conducted to simulate a possible emergency situation, prepare responders and employees for emergencies, practice incident management, and better understand current response capabilities.
“Mock emergency drills are extremely important when it comes to being prepared for real-life emergencies” Pete Richards, Williams Northwest Pipeline director of operations, said in a news release.
“While incidents are rare, it’s necessary to practice regularly and be prepared if we need to implement our emergency response plans or stand up a unified command structure.”
County residents should be aware that, sometime this week, large groups of firefighters, law enforcement officials, emergency responders, employees and staff may be visible from roadways or houses when the drill is conducted.
The mock drill will include:
Colorado State PatrolDurango Fire Protection DistrictLa Plata County Emergency ManagementLa Plata County Sheriff’s OfficeLos Pinos Fire Protection DistrictNeighboring pipeline operatorsSouthern Ute Nation Law Enforcement and Emergency ManagementSelect employees will remain at the Williams plant during the drill to maintain operations.
The Williams plant is located at 3746 County Road 307, near the Durango-La Plata County Airport, and conducts natural gas operations on Southern Ute Reservation tribal lands.
For more information, visit co.williams.com.
fstone@durangoherald.com
