Critical elements of the infrastructure of many utilities are vulnerable to damage during earthquakes. There is potential for damage to electrical substations, transformers and transmission lines; the rupture or collapse of water, gas and sanitary sewer pipelines; damage to water and wastewater treatment facilities; as well as telephone switchgear and transmission lines. Cellular communication towers could collapse or become misaligned and thus inoperable. Disruption of water and wastewater service could pose a health risk, as could the loss of electrical or gas service should the earthquake occur during either the winter or summer months. Loss of telecommunications could hamper the response process and the rupture of gas lines and mains could result in fires.
Electric and gas service to eastern Missouri is primarily provided by Union Electric, Laclede Gas and the Rural Electric Cooperatives. Water and sewer service is generally provided by local private or government-owned utilities. Southwestern Bell is currently the primary telecommunications carrier in this area; however, several cellular telephone service providers have also established their presence.
Development of an emergency response plan by utilities under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission is currently voluntary and cannot be mandated due to the Hancock Amendment. Emergency response plans for government-owned utilities, such as municipally-owned natural gas systems, are part of the overall local government Emergency Response Plans.
Within the St. Louis area, there exists a voluntary Disaster Response Council which is composed of representatives of the local utilities. The purpose of this Council is to promote a coordinated effort in the response and recovery following an earthquake or other natural disaster.
Mutual aid agreements have been established by several utility providers with providers outside the area of potential earthquake damage.
Utilities should be encouraged to perform vulnerability studies of their facilities.
The development of an emergency response plan by each utility under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission should be promoted. These response plans should be coordinated with the local and state emergency response plan, tested and updated annually,.
Mutual aid agreements and voluntary coordination of emergency response efforts should be promoted.