PLANNING SECTION CHIEF (PSC)
The Planning Section Chief (PSC) coordinates response planning and monitoring, including development of the Incident Action Plan (IAP); oversees the collection, evaluation, dissemination, and use of incident information; and maintains status of assigned and demobilized resources.
(1) Review Common Responsibilities.
(2) Assign and manage Planning Section units.
(3) Assign personnel already on-site and request additional personnel to staff Planning Section positions appropriately (ensure compliance with organizational emergency response plans, as appropriate).
(4) Manage input to the Incident Event Log with the Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
(5) Keep the Incident Commander (IC)/Unified Command (UC) appraised of any significant changes in incident status.
(6) Work with the Incident Commander (IC) and Section Chiefs to prepare draft Incident Objectives (ICS-202) and Command Direction (ICS-202a).
(7) Manage collection, processing, and displaying of incident information with the Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
(8) Establish special information collection activities, as necessary (e.g., weather, environmental, etc.).
(9) Oversee document management process with the Legal Officer and Documentation Unit Leader (DOCL).
(10) Assist the Operations Section Chief (OSC) to develop response strategies, including appropriate alternative strategies.
(11) Facilitate planning cycle meetings and briefings.
(12) Develop Daily Meeting Schedule (ICS-230) in conjunction with Command and the Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
(13) Provide periodic predictions on incident potential.
(14) Coordinate with the Public Information Officer (PIO) and Liaison Officer (LOFR) on the current Situation Status and Resources Status so that the release of information is accurate.
(15) Supervise Incident Action Plan (IAP) preparation.
(16) Incorporate plans, e.g., Traffic, Medical, Communications, Safety, etc., into the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
(17) Develop other incident supporting plans, e.g., Decontamination, Demobilization, SCAT, etc.
(18) Provide the Resources Unit (RESL) with the Planning Section’s organizational structure, including the names and locations of assigned personnel.
(19) Assign Technical Specialists (THSP), where needed.
(20) Instruct Planning Section Units in distribution and routing of incident information.
(21) Prepare resource release recommendations for submission to the Incident Commander (IC)/Unified Command.
(22) Assign and follow up on action items, using Open Action Tracker (ICS-233).
(23) Maintain event documentation.
SITUATION UNIT LEADER (SITL)
The Situation Unit Leader (SITL) is responsible for collecting, organizing, evaluating, and displaying information about the current and possible future status of incident operations.
(1) Review Common Responsibilities.
(2) Obtain briefing and special instructions from the Planning Section Chief (PSC).
(3) Request and direct Display Processors and/or Field Observers, as needed.
(4) Participate in ICS meetings, as required.
(5) Prepare and maintain the Incident Situation Display.
(6) Collect and maintain current incident data.
(7) Prepare periodic predictions, as requested by the Planning Section Chief (PSC).
(8) Prepare, post, and disseminate resource and situation status information.
(9) Prepare Incident Status Summary (ICS-209).
(10) Provide status reports to appropriate requestors.
(11) Provide photographic services and maps.
RESOURCES UNIT LEADER (RESL)
The Resources Unit Leader (RESL) maintains the master list and status of all personnel and equipment resources (both primary and support) assigned to the incident.
(1) Review Common Responsibilities.
(2) Obtain briefing and special instructions from the Planning Section Chief (PSC).
(3) Post signs so arriving resources can easily find incident check-in locations.
(4) Record equipment and personnel check-in information on Check-in Lists (ICS-211).
(5) Participate in Planning Meetings, as required.
(6) Using Incident Briefing (ICS-201), prepare and maintain the Resources Display (organization chart and resource allocation and deployment sections).
(7) Establish contacts with incident facilities to track resources status, while coordinating with the Staging Area Manager (STAM).
(8) Gather, post, and maintain incident resource status/ETA, e.g., T-cards, software, spreadsheets.
(9) Maintain the master roster of all resources checked in at the incident.
(10) Prepare Organization Assignment List (ICS-203) and Incident Organization Chart (ICS-207).
(11) Prepare appropriate parts of Assignment Lists (ICS-204)/Work Plans.
DOCUMENTATION UNIT LEADER (DOCL)
The Documentation Unit Leader (DOCL) is responsible for maintaining accurate, up-to-date incident information which is critical to post-incident analysis.
(1) Review Common Responsibilities.
(2) Obtain briefing and special instructions from the Planning Section Chief (PSC).
(3) Participate in ICS meetings, as required.
(4) Establish and organize incident files.
(5) Establish duplication service and respond to requests.
(6) File all original forms, plans, and permits.
(7) Check accuracy and completeness of records submitted for files. Correct errors or omissions by contacting the appropriate ICS units.
(8) Provide incident documentation to appropriate requestors.
(9) Assist the Planning Section Chief (PSC) in compiling the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
ENVIRONMENTAL UNIT LEADER (ENVL)
The Environmental Unit Leader (ENVL) is responsible for environmental matters associated with the response, including strategic assessment, modeling, surveillance, and environmental monitoring/permitting.
(1) Review Common Responsibilities.
(2) Obtain briefing and special instructions from the Planning Section Chief (PSC).
(3) Participate in Planning Section meetings.
(4) Identify and prioritize sensitive areas and identify on Resources at Risk (ICS-232).
(5) Determine the fate, extent, and effects of contamination to air/land/water.
(6) Acquire, distribute, and provide analysis of weather forecasts.
(7) Monitor the environmental consequences of cleanup actions.
(8) Ensure all permits and plans are prepared according to the Incident Action Plan (IAP) checklist.
(9) Identify the need for, and prepare, any special advisories or orders.
(10) Identify the need for, and obtain, permits, consultations, and other authorizations.
(11) Evaluate opportunities to use various response technologies.
(12) Develop Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Plans.
(13) Identify the need for and obtain permits, including any Endangered Species Act provisions.
(14) Develop Waste Management/Disposal Plans.
(15) Develop a plan for collecting, transporting, and analyzing samples.
