A Central Alberta-based coal mine "Blacksand" operates as both an underground and surface mining company. Their site boasts an on-site processing plant that cleans, crushes, and dries the coal before it is loaded onto railcars to be delivered to customers across the country.  Today, one of the trains carrying the processed coal derailed only 10 km from the coal mine site, dumping several tonnes of coal onto the edge of Lake Ariel, which is used to fill the local irrigation canals for nearby grain and livestock farmers. Approximately 1/3 of the coal has been dumped into the water, with the rest scattered on the lake's edge. The rail line is completely blocked with 4 cars being off the rails; 1 of the derailed cars has caught on fire.

Consider this scenario and answer all the questions posed in the assignment description.

Who would be the "lead agency" in this situation?

How is this determined?

What would you expect the "lead agency" to be accountable for? (roles, duties)

Who are the possible supporting and coordinating agencies in this scenario? Explain.

What other considerations should leadership consider in this scenario?