Volcanic Ash Impacts toCritical Infrastructure Poster Series

Volcanic Impact Study Group (VISG) Forum25 September 2013

Auckland

Tom Wilson: University of CanterburyCarol Stewart: Massey University

Volcanic Impacts Research Group: UC, Massey, GNS Science, UoA

Context – Ash Impacts• Volcanic ash is the most likely volcanic hazard to affect

the most people during an explosive eruption• Typically disruptive, rather than destructive

• Although can potentially create a variety of unique impacts• Wide range of potential ash sources and characteristics

makes it difficult to estimating what impacts will be…• Thickness, grainsize, leachate, etc.

• Limited evidence base – compared to other perils

Lessons from 1995-96 Ruapehu eruption

Widespread and costly impacts to engineering lifelines: $10-30 million (1995/96) from a small eruption

Paton et al. 1998. Organisational Response to a Volcanic Eruption. Disaster Prevention & Management 7 (1): 5-13

Insufficient knowledge of volcanic hazard impact and appropriate mitigation strategies within responding organisations

Insufficient access to required information further exacerbating uncertainty for preparedness, response and mitigation decision-making

No agency had the required integrated capability for this applied knowledge

Disaster occurred in a complex multi-jurisdictional setting which required well-established pre-existing networks between information providers and responders

So what was done about it?Acted as a catalyst for:

Developing a greater evidence-base of volcanic impacts to enhance preparedness and mitigation decision making (particularly for ash fall)

Enhance communication and coordination structures between volcano scientists and stakeholders

Volcanic Impact Study Group

Research Context – Ash Impact Research• Over the past 10-15 years the New Zealand research

group (and collaborators) have aimed to undertake a sustained and systematic approach to volcanic impact assessment - critical infrastructure: electricity, water supplies,

wastewater, land and air transport, telecommunications

- ash cleanup and disposal- primary industries, including agriculture- social impacts- emergency management

• Reconnaissance trips to impacted areas to bring lessons home

• Followed by laboratory testing of critical infrastructure components...VAT Lab

Recon Trips: by volcano & year visitedEldfell (Heimaey) 2008Redoubt 1996; 2010

Pinatubo2007

Merapi 2006

Sakurajima2001

Shinmoedake2011

Ruapehu1995-96

Lapevi2003-05

Hudson2008

Chaiten2009

Puyehue Cordon-Caulle2012

Etna2003

Tungurahua2005; 2010

Pacaya2010

1) How did impacts unfold in real situations, what were main problems, what was resilient/tolerant (just as important)what mitigation actions were effective, previous preparedness, lessons learned, adaptive behaviours, etc

2) Trips conducted at various time intervals afterwards

3) Trips range from small scale (1 person), to larger multi-disciplinary teams

4) Emphasis on collaborating with local authorities, scientists, and utility managers

5) Development of standardised impact assessment procedures

Reconnaissance Trips

Consistent findingsUnexpected. Exotic.Unexpected impacts.

Unexpected interdependencies.

Ash was difficult and expensive to clean up.

Can we mitigate? Where do we find information?

“Wish we had planned for this…”

Poster Series 1: 2006-2010Single sectorsShort, well summarised, authoritative reference posters

considered optimalChop down long, boring reportsWide application

BCP, CDEM exercises, international...Tongariro eruption

Volcanic Ash Testing LabIdentified some components/systems

are vulnerable, or might be vulnerableLaboratory testing

Electricity – flashoverWater – floc/coagComputers – damage & function lossGenSets – filter fragility/replacement

Contaminated with 3mm ash

2012-13: Revision & ExpansionEXISTING “SECTOR” POSTERS:

Updated and revised with an expanded knowledge base

Valuable interaction with each sector

2012-13: Revision & ExpansionNEW CROSS-CUTTING POSTERS

Buildings, GenSets/HVAC, Computers and Urban Clean UpTarget knowledge gaps

Seed funding from AELG thesis research projects

Common DesignConsistent layout across

all postersModerniseFoster recognition

SpecialisedDeliberately designed as

fact- and advice-rich resources for a specialised audience

Minimise volcano jargonSector specific

terminology Accurate & authentic trust

Content - what to include?Sector specificIncisive reviews from

AELG members extremely valuable

Relies on pointing to wider resourcesAsh impacts websiteIVHHN

Development and extension of networks

Review process...CAROL HELP!AELG

Partner organisations used where needed e.g. BoP Lifelines, CAA, Ministry of Health, ESR

Number of cycleslong and tedious, but worth it (we think...)