E-PLAN SUCCESS STORIES

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is E-Plan?

A: E-Plan is a highly reliable, highly secure, Internet accessible repository of facility, and hazardous material information. E-Plan system was designed, built and implemented specifically for first responders through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). The E-Plan system is in use in many communities in the U.S.

2. Why First Responders should become a part of E-Plan?

A: Because E-Plan is a highly secure, web-based information system that enables first responders to retrieve information critically needed in the initial stages of hazardous material emergencies. The system contains data on over 30,000 facilities in 14 states, and information on over 20,000 unique chemicals, including weapons of mass destruction. One of the most important factors in a successful response to a hazmat accident is the speed with which the First Responder can obtain hazardous materials information quickly, completely, accurately, and in an easily understood format. Armed with E-Plan information, First Responders can plan the most effective response to the incident, and

a) Protect themselves, and not add themselves to the casualty list
b) Rescue the victims involved in the incident
c) Protect the people living and working in the areas around the incident
d) Minimize property damage

In given situations, the E-Plan system can make the difference between life and death for fire fighters and first responders. As a result, it has been enthusiastically embraced by fire fighters and hazmat response teams wherever it has been introduced. Without E-Plan, this information is currently available only in paper form and retrieving this information from a file storage room during an emergency is a lengthy process if even possible at all. Instant access to the critical hazmat information provided by E-Plan makes it an invaluable ally for fire fighters and first responders.

3. How can I become a part of E-Plan System? Are there any training programs associated with E-Plan?

A: An initial Account Request must be submitted by an Authorizing Authority for a city/county/area to set up an E-Plan account for a city, county, region or state. Once this account is set up for a city, county, region or state, this responsible official will have the authority to issue User Names and Passwords to First Responders to gain access to E-Plan. First Responder can become an E-Plan Authorized User by

a) attending on-site training provided by EPA trainers (Contact E-Plan Administrator) or
b) utilizing the E-Plan Online Registration and Training Program at http://eplan.erplan.net/training/

4. Should First Responders have proficient computer knowledge in using E-Plan?

A: E-Plan is easy to use, flexible and requires a minimal amount of computer knowledge, First Responders are learning in a matter of minutes how to use the system.

5. Is there an E-Plan demo site?

A: Yes. Click here to open the E-Plan Demo Site Instructions.

6. What is the E-Plan system security overview?

A: E-Plan, a highly-secure web-based hazardous material (HazMat) information delivery system, provides first responders rapid access to the data they need during HazMat incidents or terrorist attacks. Since the E-Plan system stores and dispenses sensitive information concerning hazardous materials, providing security for the data is an absolute requirement. All responders and authorized personnel otherwise involved with E-Plan are carefully screened and authorized by local officials, who have been previously approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials. EPA may delegate authority for approving local authorizing officials to a State implementing agency, on a State-by-State basis. Physical security is fully enforced via strict key control and housing the web servers in a vault-like room within The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD).

Confidentiality and Integrity: Extreme care is taken to ensure data confidentiality by encrypting information in transit and strictly enforcing usage rules. Prospective users are trained in the appropriate and effective usage of E-Plan and also provided the rules for acceptable usage of the system. Data integrity is ensured via several levels of checking mechanisms. Data integrity and confidentiality will be maintained throughout the life of the system.

Availability and Reliability: The E-Plan system is fault tolerant due to improved back-end architecture and the availability of back-up servers for all data. Since E-Plan is accessed at times of emergencies providing information to first responders during accidents, its availability meets or exceeds the industry-standard 99.9%

System Monitoring: System Monitoring programs automatically monitor the health of the E-Plan system, sending email notification to System administrators if anything goes wrong.

E-Plan Security protocols are similar to those in use by the government agencies for Tier II data and other industry-standard practices. Mechanisms can be put in place so that the security clearance protocols for E-Plan access are delegated to the state and/or local authorities.