CBRN CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT ADVISORY TEAM

2013 FY ANNUAL REPORT

1 2 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Consequence Management Advisory Team

3 Table of Contents

ASPECT

The Power of Data - The Data Philosophy of the ASPECT Program 6 Aerial Situational Awareness Essential During Hurricane Sandy Aftermath 7 ASPECT Provides Protection at Boy Scout of America Jamboree 8 Lost Neutron Source! 9 FBI Requests ASPECT to Determine Chemical and Radiological Background of Washington D.C. Area 9 Providing Critical Information to Rose Bowl and Super Bowl Event Officials 10 Joint Exercise to Develop SOPs 11 ASPECT Investigates Possible Uranium Mine Drainage in Grand Canyon 11 ASPECT Pursuing NRC License 11 Xavier University Student Assists ASPECT with Grand Canyon Survey 11

Biological

Evaluating Cleaning Robots for Spore Sampling 12 CMAT and DHS Work to Restart UTR Project 13 Self-Decon Guidance for Use by the Public In Progress 13 Ricin Training Under Development 13 Capitol Hill Ricin Support 13 Aggressive Air Sampling Evaluation Proves Technique to be Effective 14 Foot and Mouth Disease Vignette Tests Information Sharing 15 Biological Incident Environmental Sampling Plan Workshop 15 RV-PCR Laboratory Improvements Continue 16 EPA CMAT Partners with NYC DOHMH to Develop Biological Response and Decon Plan 16 Is Methyl Bromide the Future of Response Technologies? New Study May Find Out 17 Radiological & Nuclear

There’s an App for That-CMAT/NHSRC to Develop Decon App 18 Radiation Response Readiness Forum 18 Developing Radiation Response SOPs 18 Invaluable Experience Gained from RDD Exercise 19 30 RTFLs: Deployment Ready for Radiation Response 19 Quick Response Guides for RDDs and INDs 19 4 Chemical

New England Exercise Tests CWA Sampling & Analysis Coordination 20 Preparing for a WMD Attack: PHILIS Integrates into Multi-Regional & Multi-Agency Exercise 20 Food Contamination Scenario Tests Interoperability of Lab Network 21 ASPECT Plume Detection and Tracking at West, Texas Explosion 21 Reducing Disaster Impact Through Remote Sensing Technology 22 Response Guides and CWA Playbooks Updated to Maintain Readiness 22 PHILIS: Seeking to Continuously Improve 23 Reaching Out to Support Regions 1, 2 & 3 23 Live Demo of DHS IDDD Technologies Scheduled 23

Collaboration & Coordination

U.S. and Canada Working Together to Protect North America 24 Partnering with Poland for Biological Resiliency Demonstration 24 Improving CBRN Capabilities Through Knowledge Exchange with United Kingdom 25 Preparedness and Response Community Strengthens Relationship with the European Union 25 CMAT Leads Meeting with French Delegation 25 ICLN Continues to Develop New Tools 26 Disseminating Information on Emerging Threat Agents 26 Tornados Terminate Arctic Sentry Exercise 26 DHS Transitions WARRP to EPA 27 EPA-DoD Partnership 27 Collaboration with USDA to Protect Food Products 27 EPA-CDC Joint Clearance Work Group 27

CMAT Updates

Maintaining Response Readiness 28 CMAT’s Core NAR Evaluation Shows Improvement 28 CMAT In the News 28 Information for OSCs on CMAT Web Page 29 Coming Soon! 29 October 2013: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta 29

Table of Contents 5 ASPECT The Power of Data –

If you ask any first responder what item The Data Philosophy would make their job more effective you will most likely get a response “faster and of the ASPECT Program more accurate data presented as a picture.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sensors are complex in nature and are not that no data be released to the user unless (EPA) Airborne Spectro Photometric in a form that can be readily or easily used those data have been quality assured. Once Environmental Collection Technology by the first responder. ASPECT uses a set the data are extracted from the aircraft, (ASPECT) Program is striving to make this of high level pattern recognition algorithms the reach back team examines the data for request a reality with the goal to provide that permit potentially low levels of chemical quality, and then immediately forwards airborne collected chemical, radiological and or radiological signatures (called signals) to the data to the users. The ASPECT data situational data to first responders in a form be extracted from a complex environment communication system speeds up the compatible with their mission and within and processed into a set of image products. delivery of data because data can be pulled minutes from collection. When these image products are matched and reviewed directly from the aircraft with corresponding and concurrently without it having to land and also because Providing data rapidly to the end-user is collected aerial photographs, a set of the reach back team can consult with the not particularly easy if one considers all of information layers can be assembled or used data user concerning the content and the tasks that must be completed between individually. meaning of the data. the collection of the data and the ultimate delivery of the data/products to the decision Data Communication How fast can data be provided? ASPECT maker. routinely provides data to the first responder This entire data analysis process is in less than 5 minutes from the time a survey Data Collection conducted within the aircraft as the data is completed. During the 2013 Tournament are collected, permitting the generation ASPECT uses an airborne suite of infrared, of Roses deployment, ASPECT was tasked of imagery products within seconds after gamma ray, and visible (photographic) by the city of Pasadena, California, to the data have been collected. ASPECT sensing detectors to rapidly collect conduct a radiological environmental survey accomplishes the transfer of data from the information above an incident. Since the of the parade route prior to the event within air to the ground using a satellite-based data system uses the concept of remote sensing, a window of 1 hour. ASPECT was able to system. The satellite system can be viewed the aircraft and more importantly the flight conduct a multi-line survey over the seven as the ground connection to the aircraft and crew is never placed into a hazardous mile parade route, analyze the data, quality the reach back team uses this connection to chemical or radiological environment assure the data and provide scientifically extract and critically review all data collected. during the data collection. In addition, validated results to city and county personnel since ASPECT is an airborne platform, the Quality Control within 35 minutes of starting the survey. system can be and often has been rapidly At this point the data are handed over to the In summary, ASPECT has been designed dispatched to an emergency incident, first responder, right? Not exactly. The use and is operated to provide first responders taking up a patrol over the area once on of an automated detection process is very and decision makers with relevant and station. When on station, ASPECT has the efficient and has the ability to generate data scientifically validated chemical, radiological flexibility to patrol over the incident and products in seconds, but such a method also and situational data in the shortest time to make remote measurements based on has the ability to generate both false positive possible. This process truly allows the power the site conditions (e.g., wind) and the first and negative data findings. EPA has a policy of the data to be fully exploited by the first responder input (e.g., a report on conditions responder. at this location). ASPECT’s suite of sensors can identify and quantify chemical vapors and any gamma emitting materials within the survey area. Data Processing The raw data Example of data products. generated by these 6 Aerial Situational Awareness Essential During Hurricane Sandy Aftermath

In late October 2012, tropical storm Sandy developed into a hurricane killing more than 50 people in Haiti before moving north along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. The storm reached Category 2 status with hurricane force winds extending 175 miles out from the eye, making it much larger than most storms of its type. When Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the northeast coast, more than 7.9 million businesses and households were left without electric power. Within 4 days of landfall, the EPA’s ASPECT was deployed by Region 2 to provide aerial situational awareness along the entire New Jersey and New York coastlines and to conduct chemical surveys over targeted areas. ASPECT flew four sorties between November 4-9, 2012, collecting more than 3,000 One of the 1000s of aerial photos taken by ASPECT during the Hurricane Sandy aerial photos and hundreds of oblique Deployment. All photos are available to view via Google™ Earth photos that were geo-rectified (aerial) or geo-referenced (oblique) and made available to view using a free version of Google™ Earth. This was the largest photo mission ever conducted by the program; it yielded 21 terabytes of data. As with most deployments, areas for improvement were identified. ASPECT focused on one in particular to strengthen products by making them more accessible in a variety of geographic information system (GIS) platforms. ASPECT unveiled this new capability allowing our products to be viewed in Google™ Earth, Google™ Earth API, Google™ Maps, ESRI ArcGIS™ 10 and Flexview. Many products can also be viewed on mobile devices. This new line of products was developed over a period of several months and was successfully used during the Boy Scout Jamboree deployment in July 2013. ASPECT products are now available in a variety of GIS Platforms to better meets the needs of our customers. ASPECT 7 ASPECT ASPECT Provides Protection at Boy Scout of America Jamboree At the request of Region 3 and the National Guard Bureau, the ASPECT chemical and radiological detection, positioned oblique photographs. These Program provided support to EPA infrared and photographic imagery photographic products assisted in road Region 3 and the Joint Interagency Task system. With the entire system mounted hazard planning and other planning Force (JIATF) for activities associated in an aircraft and through the use of events that can only be efficiently with the 2013 Boy Scout of America automated software and satellite data accomplished from the vantage point of Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel conductivity, ASPECT was able to an aircraft and with imagery data that Reserve located near Mt. Hope, West rapidly transit the nine-county area can be viewed within the context of a Virginia, from July 14, 2013, through and provide chemical and radiological geographical information system. July 24, 2013. results to the EPA on-scene coordinator (OSC) and state officials within minutes The JIATF included, EPA, 35th West ASPECT was requested to assist with of the request. Virginia Weapons of Mass Destruction airborne chemical, radiological and Civil Support Team (WMD-CST), West situational data collection during the From the time of arrival on the July Virginia Department of Environmental entire 10-day event. Why ASPECT? 14 until the end of the Jamboree on Protection, the Federal Emergency The Jamboree was located on a large July 24, ASPECT flew nine missions Management Agency (FEMA), the reserve near the city of Mt. Hope, consisting of a radiological survey Federal Bureau of Investigation West Virginia and hosted over 40,000 of the campground area, numerous (FBI), Secret Service, National Guard Scouts and support personnel. The chemical surveys over the campground Combined Intelligence Operations campgrounds and associated facilities and nine-county area and the Center, Task Force Keystone cover an area of about 8 square miles. collection of 1,300 aerial photographs [(Pennsylvania National Guard Unit Scouts also conducted community and infrared images of event areas. specializing in Chemical, Biological, service activities over a 5-day period Fortunately, ASPECT did not detect Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)], Boy that encompassed a nine-county region. any abnormal chemical or radiological Scouts of America, Mount Hope Police Not only the Boy Scout reserve, but the findings during any of these flights. Department, and the West Virginia entire nine- county area is traversed by Products that were heavily used by the Department of Homeland Security and steep valleys and limited road access. A event staff and JIATF included geo- Emergency Management. number of high profile rectified aerial photographs and geo- visitors attended the event, including the King of Sweden, members of Congress, and members of the Cabinet. With such a large group of participants scattered over a broad geographical area, the safety of the Scouts and visitors was a top priority. Providing this safety required an immense amount of planning and included the need to provide early detection of hazardous chemical, radiological or other hazards during all phases of the Jamboree. ASPECT was a logical choice to provide this Sigma value plot overlay on Google ™ Earth. service since it is the nation’s only airborne 8 Lost Neutron Source! FBI Requests

During a search for a lost neutron ASPECT to well logging source in the early fall of 2012, EPA assistance was requested. Determine Chemical A 15 curie americium-beryllium and Radiological (AmBe) source had been used during well logging earlier in the day near Background of Pecos, Texas. It was noticed missing when the crew had arrived at its Washington D.C. next destination near Odessa, some 130 miles away. Licensee personnel ASPECT is scheduled to fly the second immediately searched the Pecos part of a multi-state/county survey of well area to no avail and additional The search for this lost neutron source allowed an opportunity the greater Washington, D.C. region. personnel searched the route between to prove the additional capabilities of the ASPECT aircraft The FBI Washington Field Office the two well sites, also without with the addition of the neutron detectors. requested ASPECT to conduct a holistic success. chemical and a radiological “background” completed in about three hours. None assessment of the National Capital The AmBe source in question is of the surveys were able to locate the lost Area. Data from this survey will provide considered by the International Atomic source. However, the ASPECT aircraft emergency response managers with a Energy Agency (IAEA) to be a Class 3 was able to identify the location of a baseline related to atmospheric chemicals source, meaning it could cause permanent similar source placed by the licensee in an and the radiological background present in injury to someone who remained in unknown (to ASPECT) location along the D.C. area. The chemical portion of the close contact for a period of hours. the route. The ASPECT aircraft was able survey was completed in January 2013 and The location of the missing source was to estimate the location to within a few the radiological portion is scheduled for given high priority and EPA Region 6 hundred feet using operating protocols later in 2013. personnel, having received a Texas press developed just days prior. release concerning the lost sources, offered This proof of operation assistance and requested ASPECT support provided a level of assurance for the search efforts. Region 6, state that the source was not regulators, ASPECT team members and located along the route. licensee personnel convened to develop Redoubled media efforts a search strategy. The licensee provided requesting the public’s the ASPECT team access to a source assistance resulted in finding identical to the lost source in order to the lost source some eight help establish the aircraft’s ability to detect miles to the west of the neutron sources. ASPECT personnel used original site, in the direction that source to optimize a newly acquired opposite of the well neutron detector. The aircraft detectors logging team’s travel and were assessed for optimal flight altitude subsequent search efforts. It and line spacing using both gamma ray is unknown how the source and neutron detector capabilities. got there, but the incident A few days after the source was lost, did highlight the ability of support personnel from the state and a licensee, a state regulator, a Civil Support Team (CST) searched a Civil Support Team and the route from Pecos to Odessa. They regional and national EPA employed both gamma and neutron resources to work together detectors. Additionally, the ASPECT in a timely, organized aircraft, recently outfitted with sensitive fashion. It also proved the neutron detectors, surveyed the route additional capabilities of Washington Monument from the ASPECT plane during and some local landfills identified by the ASPECT aircraft with deployment for the 2006 State of the Union Address the planning team. The ASPECT the addition of the neutron survey covered 220 linear miles and was detectors. ASPECT 9 ASPECT Providing Critical Information to Rose Bowl and Super Bowl Events Officials

Events like the Tournament of Roses by the fastest means possible. This Rose Bowl Stadium about once every Parade, Rose Bowl Game and Super requirement is ideally suited for an 20 minutes within a controlled region Bowl attract worldwide attention and airborne detection system. of airspace called a Temporary Flight tens of thousands of fans. For example, Restricted Area (TFR). All data are the 2013 Tournament of Roses parade For the past six years, the city of processed in the aircraft. A scientific had over 750,000 people along the Pasadena, California, has requested that “reach back” team, which is co-located 7-mile parade route. in the Pasadena Keeping people Emergency safe is the number Command Post one priority of all with other local, public officials and state and federal providing safety to emergency such large numbers response personnel, of people gathered retrieves data in a concentrated from the aircraft, area is a great conducts both challenge. Public quality assurance safety involves and interpretation several components of the results, and including medical, then forwards this fire and protection information to the from hazardous city officials (the materials, requiring decision makers). expertise from the local, state and Rapid delivery federal levels. of data to the decision makers is All of these safety a foundation of the components must ASPECT Program be satisfied for a and the numerous large public event. deployments to the Hazardous material Rose Bowl events protection is one of have permitted the the most difficult team to refine how to accomplish. data are delivered. If a chemical is During the 2013 released into or ASPECT aerial photo of the 2013 Rose Bowl. deployment, upwind of an event, ASPECT routinely the identification, delivered data quantity and movement of the ASPECT assist with the Tournament products to the end user in less than five vapors must be quickly established by of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game minutes from collection. In addition, emergency personnel to safeguard the events. ASPECT collects pre-event ASPECT was tasked with providing a public. The same is true of a radiological chemical and radiological background pre-parade environmental radiological material. With this requirement in mind, data (conducted one day to one hour in survey of the parade route, float the emergency manager must design advance of the events) and data collected assembly area and float parking area with a strategy that permits both chemical during the active events. In general, the the results delivered prior to the start and radiological measurements to be aircraft follows a circular flight pattern of the event. This area covers about conducted over a wide aerial extent and traverses the parade route or the seven linear miles; ASPECT was able

10 to conduct a multi-line aerial survey, through the regional OSC. No abnormal process the data and provide the results findings were noted on either survey. ASPECT to the city of Pasadena 35 minutes after collection, well ahead of the timeline In addition to the chemical and Pursuing NRC required by the event officials. radiological monitoring capabilities, the ASPECT aircraft is outfitted with License ASPECT has never found chemical or a high resolution digital camera to take radiological compounds that were of aerial imagery of the incident area. This The ASPECT program initiated a process a hazardous nature at the Rose Bowl capability of matching the hazard and to draft a Nuclear Regulatory Commission events, but in 2010 ASPECT did detect image provides first responders and (NRC) License Application. The reasons ethylene at trace levels being emitted decision makers with updated situational ASPECT is pursuing a Nuclear Regulatory from the parade float assembly area. awareness they typically would not have. Commission (NRC) License are (1) Why ethylene? Ethylene is a common to conduct calibration flights, (2) use gas emitted by plants. With a large sources in training, and (3) participate in concentration of plants and flowers on Joint Exercise to and support exercises with other regions Rose Parade floats, the system was able Develop SOPs and organizations. Once the license is to detect the “flower emission” released approved, the sources from the setting. More importantly, will be stowed at the ASPECT determined that the source of A joint exercise (EPA ASPECT and warehouse facility the ethylene detected was the flowers and the 64th Civil Support Team - New near Cincinnati, not a threat. Mexico) was conducted to develop a Ohio. set of standard operating procedures ASPECT was also requested by EPA (SOPs) on integrating ASPECT data Region 6 to provide monitoring into the overall CST response structure. assistance as part of the Region’s The exercise consisted of a simulated Xavier deployment to the 2013 Super Bowl chemical accident and the recovery of in New Orleans, Louisiana. While this lost industrial radiological sources and University deployment had similar expectations as included a number of state and local the earlier work at the Rose Bowl, the first responders. The development of an Student Assists primary difference was that the federal SOP will greatly assist with ASPECT’s coordination of the event was under interaction and sharing of data with the ASPECT with the command of the FBI. As part New Mexico CST program and local of the work with the FBI, ASPECT first responders. Grand Canyon flew a number of monitoring sorties prior to the event including a low level Survey radiological environmental survey of the ASPECT A volunteer from Xavier University downtown New Orleans area. Products worked with the ASPECT program during including a manmade gamma sigma Investigates the summer to receive research credit in analysis plot and a gamma exposure pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. The student plot were generated and provided to Possible Uranium characterized a new configuration of the the OSCs who in turn provided this radiation detectors information to the FBI. Based on Mine Drainage in used on the this exchange of information, the Grand Canyon ASPECT aircraft FBI requested that ASPECT fly an to support a future environmental survey of the Mississippi survey in the Grand River from New Orleans to the A survey is being conducted per a Canyon. mouth of the delta. This mission was request from the National Park Service accomplished on the day prior to the (NPS) to investigate possible uranium game and consisted of a low level (300 mine drainage into the Grand Canyon. feet above ground) pass along each side NPS is interested in addressing any of the river to gather radiological data potential impacts to the public and and a high level pass (2,800 feet above environment from these potential ground) along the center line of the river discharges. The project will use a to gather chemical background data, subset of ASPECT equipment that all of which were passed to the FBI will be installed and flown on an NPS helicopter. ASPECT 11 Biological Evaluating Cleaning Robots for Spore Sampling Following the 2001 Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) letter attacks, sampling Surfaces.”; and presenting findings porous materials were as efficacious as methods such as the wetted gauze outside the U.S. Environmental the respective surface sampling methods wipe, vacuum sock, swab, and air Protection Agency (EPA). currently recommended. filtration were used to determine the presence, magnitude, and spatial extent The utility of commercially-available The robot sampling comparative of contamination. However, sample robotic floor cleaning devices for recovery (CR) results for a laminate collection and analysis remains a collection of B. anthracis spores was surface were higher for the wet wipe significant bottleneck for response to investigated. Three commercially- and wet vacuum-based robots (up a large-scale biological contamination available autonomous (robotic) vacuum- to 62% and 32%, respectively) than incident, requiring thousands of based cleaning robots and two “wipe for the tested vacuum-based robots samples using the current sampling and wet” vacuum-based robots were (CR less than 10%). The sampling techniques. evaluated for sampling efficiency on process of the wet wipe-based robot non-porous surfaces (laminate and is similar to the well-established wet The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, tile). The three vacuum-based robots wipe surface sampling method since and Nuclear (CBRN) Consequence were also evaluated on a porous surface both methods use a phosphate buffered Management Advisory Team (CMAT) (carpet). saline tween (PBST)-wetted cloth in assisted the National Homeland Security conjunction with a rubbing action on Research Center (NHSRC) in their The sampling efficiencies of these the surface. Low CRs from vacuum evaluation of the use of cleaning robots robots were assessed by comparing units were expected since previous as spore samplers. CMAT assisted their recoveries to recoveries obtained sampling studies have shown that the with planning the research, analysis by currently-recommended surface comparative surface sampling wet and evaluation of results; writing and sampling methods. The overall results wipe or the sponge wipe method on reviewing reports; co-authoring a show that sampling via robots is a viable nonporous surfaces has higher recovery publication entitled “Scenario-based alternative to these traditional sampling efficiency than comparative vacuum- Evaluation of Commercially-available methods, and can be used to great based surface methods. Cleaning Robots for Collection of advantage in a field response. Some Bacillus Spores from Environmental cleaning robots for porous and non- Recovery efficiencies for porous material (carpet) sampling were determined by comparison of three vacuum-based cleaning robots’ recoveries to that of the vacuum sock sampling method. The test results showed CR values on the same order or greater (in some cases up to 161%) than the current vacuum sampling method. The differences in recoveries among the three vacuum robots may be related to the unique design of each robot and operating conditions. Next steps: The current test method focused only on the sampling mechanism of the individual robots by limiting sampling surface area. Although not part of this study, varying the area cleaning logics or algorithms of individual robots could Robotic floor cleaning devices were investigated for their efficiences. be a way to increase collection efficiency

12 of these robots when sampling a wide with ricin in the D.C., Maryland, and area. Currently-available cleaning Self-Decon Virginia area. The local U.S. Department robots have various convenient of Defense (DoD) Weapons of Mass functions such as self-recharging, Guidance for Use Destruction Civil Support Team mapping, navigation, etc. These (WMD-CST) provided information on functions will allow large contaminated by the Public in analytical capabilities and other resources. areas to be sampled systematically. Two Edgewood Chemical Biological Center obvious benefits of using cleaning Progress (ECBC) participated in this course and robots for wide area sampling include provided information on their agency’s (1) fewer samples, because one sample CMAT has begun work to develop capabilities and resources. At the end is generated per deployment, and (2) self-decontamination guidance for use of the course, there was a hands-on less risk of personnel exposure to B. by the public in a biological release demonstration of surface sampling anthracis spores. In addition to wide scenario. Currently no available techniques. The course has been given area sampling, these cleaning robots guidance for the public on self twice in the D.C. area and is being could be deployed to areas where decontamination or protective measures evaluated to expand to a broader biological human sampling is difficult, such as exists. Eventually, a video will be sampling training course for the nation. inside HVAC ductwork and in highly developed that will be available to the contaminated areas (hot zones). public. Evaluating existing data from However, for real world application, related research projects, CMAT will Capitol Hill Ricin these robots need further evaluation work with NHSRC to identify additional Support with various surfaces, deposition types, research areas. This project may also be expanded to focus on chemical or surface loadings and environmental CMAT and NHSRC Decontamination radiological scenarios. conditions (relative humidity variation, and Consequence Management Division exposure duration, etc.). (DCMD) provided support to assist Ricin Training Region 3 OSC, Charlie Fitzsimmons, with the April/May 2013 ricin incident. CMAT and DHS Under Development CMAT provided guidance on sampling Work to Restart media, techniques, and strategies CMAT developed a two day course to for ricin. Information was provided UTR Project provide training on ricin. The training regarding the decontamination of includes current sampling media, sampling ricin-contaminated areas that included CMAT has been working with the techniques, and a detailed description sensitive equipment. CMAT provided Department of Homeland Security on the complexities of analyzing ricin decontamination details on current (DHS) Science and Technology samples. The course includes a description and past research results from various (S&T) to reinitialize the Underground of current laboratory capabilities for decontaminants, and information from Transport Restoration (UTR) project analyzing samples potentially contaminated a previous incident. after it was questioned by DHS leadership for budgetary reasons. Prior to the start of the UTR, EPA on-scene coordinators (OSCs) had identified gaps in the response to a release of a biological agent in a subway system. Additionally, state and local partners have indicated a strong need for assistance in planning for this type of scenario. Using existing data from actual response, research efforts, and exercises, CMAT is helping DHS identify the specific ways that the UTR project could address research gaps and improve the level of preparedness, thereby improving response and Ricin, a deadly toxin, can be easily extracted from castor beans. recovery timelines. Biological 13 Biological Aggressive Air Sampling Evaluation

The aggressive air sampling (AAS) Proves Technique to be Effective method was used as a supplement to surface sampling following building decontamination in response to the 2001 intentional B. anthracis spore contamination incident in the United States. However, AAS was not used as a primary method for sampling due to a lack of a systematic and rigorous evaluation of this technique. The CBRN CMAT assisted the NHSRC in their empirical evaluation of the AAS method for sampling B. anthracis surrogate spores. CMAT assisted with planning the research, analysis, and evaluation of results; writing and reviewing reports; and presenting findings outside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Unlike traditional surface sampling methods, AAS indicates potential airborne concentrations of respirable- size particles from resuspension, which AAS sampling exercise. might be used to assess risk of anthrax inhalation exposure. AAS is currently used for asbestos clearance sampling. clearance sampling may also require an determine whether this technique may be For asbestos, the inhalational route of extensive number of samples. Use of effective for B. anthracis spore sampling exposure produces the most severe these methods may be time and labor from common surfaces. The AAS and frequent negative health outcomes. intensive in order to achieve a reasonable Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Therefore, AAS is preferred over surface confidence. sampling to assess the inhalation risk. Similar to asbestos, the route of B. Innovative techniques such as AAS may AAS has the potential to anthracis exposure that produces the most prove useful as an additional tool to effectively shorten the timeline severe outcomes is inhalation. Surface augment currently-used surface sampling to recovery, reduce the sampling sampling does not differentiate particle methods and, with additional research, burden during a response, and size nor does it allow for determining may be used as an alternative method ultimately result in a decrease in the particles that could become re- in certain situations (e.g., detection of overall cleanup costs. aerosolized. Therefore, AAS is a logical spore presence from unknown hot spots, wide-spread contamination with a choice for sampling an enclosed area for used during the Bioresponse Operational B. anthracis; with the ultimate objective concentration close to the detection limit for surface sampling methods, etc.). AAS Testing and Evaluation (BOTE) Phase I of estimating inhalational risk under the project was used as the starting point for certain circumstances. has the potential to effectively shorten the timeline to recovery, reduce the this study. The currently-recommended Accurate measurements of residual sampling burden during a response, and B. anthracis spore surface sampling contamination are needed to ultimately result in a decrease in overall methods (i.e., vacuum socks or sponge inform decisions on re-entry and cleanup costs. wipes) were used to quantify the spore reoccupation of spaces following site abundance on additional replicates of decontamination. For a contamination The AAS method was evaluated using the test surfaces. These recoveries were incident affecting a wide area, traditional Bacillus atrophaeus (B. atrophaeus) spores then compared to AAS recoveries. This surface sampling methods (i.e., wipe, (a surrogate for B. anthracis spores) on evaluation identified the relative sampling swab, and vacuum sock) used for carpet, laminate, and painted drywall to efficacy of the AAS method for spore

14 sampling as a function of surface type of Preparedness and Situation Reports and spore surface loading. Foot and Mouth through an ICLN IT portal, it tested High volume (Hi-Vol) samplers (High information sharing processes between Volume Air Sampler VFC-PM10 for Disease Vignette the various agencies. FRM RFPS-1287-063, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) Tests Information Biological were used to collect aerosols. Particle Sharing resuspension was maintained with Incident turbulent air created by the operation of a stainless steel mixing fan. The DHS S&T, through its Integrated Environmental resuspension process was performed Consortium of Laboratory Networks using a leaf blower operated at the (ICLN), sponsored a 1-day vignette Sampling Plan highest speed [approximately 260 to examine federal agencies’ response Workshop kilometers (km) per hour (160 miles per to a U.S. outbreak of foot-and-mouth hour)]. The operating conditions of the disease. Representatives from the U.S. leaf blower were repeated for all the Department of Health and Human To assist the New York City (NYC) tests and set at an angle of 45 degrees, Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Department of Health, CMAT a distance of less than 30 centimeters Control (CDC) Laboratory Response presented a biological incident (cm) from the target coupon, and with Network (LRN); U.S. Food and Drug environmental sampling plan a forced aerosolization time of 1 min Administration (FDA) Headquarters; workshop. The workshop included per coupon of 36 cm x 36 cm area. The FDA Veterinary Laboratory sampling kit preparation instructions; leaf blower operator moved the tip of Investigation and Response Network provided detailed descriptions of the blower back and forth across the (Vet-LRN); U.S. Department of sampling methods and sampler coupon(s) at approximately 1 meter per Agriculture (USDA) National Animal training information; and ways to second for the total operation time. The Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN); minimize cross-contamination. exhaust of the Hi-Vol samplers was USDA Food Safety and Inspection CMAT addressed additional questions recycled within the test chamber. Service (FSIS); and EPA Environmental from NYC regarding the Biological Response Laboratory Network Incident Environmental Sampling Plan Data are reported as the number of (ERLN) and NHSRC were participants. Document which included operations, colony forming units (CFUs) recovered Designed as an exercise on reporting sample team preparation, and (aggregate of all three air samplers) from deployment. AAS and normalized by the surface area agitated by a leaf blower. The laboratory results showed that the average CFUs from AAS were 1.1, 3.1, and 0.8% recovered from currently used surface sampling methods for carpet, laminate, and painted wallboard, respectively. The relative comparison was normalized by surface area. However, the application of AAS would be over a much larger area than conventional sampling, which may support the use of AAS in such situations. The next steps are to evaluate AAS for hot spot detection and low-level uniform deposition detection compared to currently used methods, followed by field operational evaluations and tactical principles for using this method as a tool during response.

Biological 15 Biological RV-PCR Laboratory During a response to a bioterrorism Improvements Continue incident, time is of the essence with regard to how quickly contaminated areas can be has hired a contractor to remediated and repopulated. The FY12 make this lab operational. CMAT Annual Report introduced work Services have been related to the Rapid Viability Polymerase procured to commission Chain Reaction (RV-PCR) method. the laboratory and certify The article explained that RV-PCR is a all of the equipment. laboratory method geared at identifying Development of a biological viable organisms, such as B. anthracis, safety plan is currently Francisella tularensis, and Yersinia pestis, from underway, and a Quality environmental samples more quickly than Assurance Project Plan is traditional culture methods. The RV-PCR being established. OEM method provides shorter turn-around time anticipates the laboratory for laboratory analysis, has the ability for will be operational in FY14 higher throughput, and generates less waste and the RV-PCR method Office of Emergency Management Lab housed in the National than traditional culture methods. The RV- will be implemented. PCR method also uses the whole sample, Enforcement Investigation Center in Lakewood, Colorado. whereas traditional culture only uses a small fraction of a sample, making RV-PCR EPA CMAT Partners with NYC DOHMH more sensitive. Researchers at the EPA Office of Research and Development’s to Develop Biological Response and NHSRC are continuing to develop ways to make the method even faster and more Decon Plan user-friendly. The NYC Department of Health and address biological remediation, clearance and The EPA Office of Emergency Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will work re-occupancy. Management (OEM) and CMAT have closely with the EPA to oversee biological As a result, DOHMH has partnered with been working with EPA’s Office of remediation, clearance and re-occupancy. CMAT to develop a Biological Remediation Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention’s NYC is requesting assistance to help and Re-occupancy framework that will Microbiology Laboratory Branch develop a remediation framework for NYC assist the DOHMH, the city of New York (MLB), located in Ft. Meade, Maryland that provides guidance for all phases of and its various federal and state partners to establish it as the agency hub for the consequence management. Under the NYC with overseeing and/or directing the RV-PCR method. If an incident happened Citywide Incident Management System remediation and re-occupancy of a diverse tomorrow, OEM plans to rely on this lab (CIMS,) the DOHMH is designated core urban environment that includes residential for internal biological capacity for PCR competency for environmental mitigation, space, commercial space, large indoor and and RV-PCR. Here, two EPA scientists clearance and re-occupancy following a outdoor common spaces, building facades have become proficient with the method. biological incident. Currently, DOHMH and roofs, sidewalks, streets, roads and air Two scientists from the Department of has a draft plan for environmental sampling handling systems. Additionally, this project the Army’s Edgewood Chemical and after detection of a biological agent, should will include roll-out of the framework by Biological Center have also been trained. In it occur through BioWatch or traditional training internal and external stakeholders the coming months MLB plans to change detection systems such as syndromic and partners on the contents of the to a proficiency testing schedule of once surveillance. DOHMH recently held a framework, as well as coordinating and every three months, scaling back from the multiagency workshop to vet their plan with facilitating a workshop to evaluate and gain current once-a-month practice schedule. key partners that included EPA, the Federal feedback on the framework. CMAT has OEM expects to take a larger hands-on Bureau of Investigation (FBI), DHS, Sandia engaged a diverse project team to assist with role as one OEM scientist will be included National Lab, Argonne National Lab and this project that includes representatives in the proficiency tests. Los Alamos National Lab. The workshop from EPA’s Region 2 and 5, NHSRC, Progress continues with the assisted DOHMH with finalizing the Emergency Response Team (ERT), and the implementation of the National sampling plan and they are now ready to Office of Resource and Recovery (ORCR). Enforcement Investigation Center’s transition to another major planning and The project is expected to be completed in laboratory in Lakewood, Colorado. OEM response gap, which is lack of a plan to summer of 2014. 16 Is Methyl Bromide the Future of Response Technologies? New Study May Find Out

CMAT provides 24/7 scientific and On the other hand, methyl bromide does The operational study will include total technical expertise to the OSC or little to no damage to the structure or enclosure with: response customer for all phases of its contents during fumigation. Methyl  tarpaulins covering a 51,000 cubic consequence management, including bromide reduces waste, time, and the feet structure; sampling, decontamination, and total cost of remediation, and may be the  heaters, circulation fans, temperature clearance of radiological, biological, or only alternative for sensitive or historic and relative humidity monitoring; chemical contaminants. With a focus infrastructure.  methyl bromide concentration on operational preparedness, CMAT In addition to the added capacity, the monitoring inside and outside the facilitates the transition of the latest overall reduced cost, and the application enclosure; and science and technology to the field for sensitive infrastructure, methyl bromide  activated carbon scrubbing during response community in order to provide is effective. Methyl bromide is competent aeration. tactical options in the event of an to penetrate into all spaces, as a true gas Laboratory fumigation parameters incident involving releases of radiological, would. It is competent to inactivate B. biological, or chemical contaminants. obtained by NHSRC researchers will anthracis with a reasonable concentration- be evaluated in this operational study. Currently, some fumigants and liquid time dose. And methyl bromide, when the Surrogate B. anthracis spores will be placed sporicides are available to address limited fumigation is complete, can be effectively on structural materials and used to evaluate CBRN incidents. However, if there were a captured on activated carbon, reducing any efficacy of the fumigation. Remedial action significantB. anthracis or other biological potential detrimental environmental effects. plans, health and safety plans, and ambient agent release at a major economic or CMAT is teaming with NHSRC and air monitoring plans are being created for political target, a timely and adequate collaborating with the University of Florida use at this site as well as to be available as response may be lacking. The capacity in planning an operational methyl bromide templates for real-world emergencies in the of currently available technologies and fumigation study scheduled for December future. personnel to run them is inadequate. 2013. The study will yield operational There is the potential, however, to leverage data and increase EPA’s experience using the fumigation pest-control industry to Using methyl bromide reduces methyl bromide to timely, effectively, and waste, time, and the total cost address this current gap in capacity. Using environmentally respond to a B. anthracis its unique skills, the pest-control industry incident, making the nation more resilient of remediation, and may be the could participate in response to a national to terrorist attacks. only alternative for sensitive or anthrax emergency with methyl bromide historic infrastructure. fumigation. Adding methyl bromide fumigation to current response capabilities would significantly increase the capacity and timeliness of response, improving national resilience. Issues associated with the majority of current alternative remediation technologies, in addition to the inadequate capacity, include corrosion and collateral damage. Even if the capacity of several current alternative technologies were increased, the collateral damage they cause during fumigation or liquid application would significantly increase the volume of the waste streams, and increase the total time and cost of the remediation. In the case of sensitive or historic infrastructure, corrosive remediation techniques may not An example of a whole-house fumigation. be an option even if the capacity existed. Biological 17 Radiological Radiation Response Readiness Forum & Nuclear CMAT initiated a forum for OSCs and  Develop information on the other U.S. Environmental Protection standard operating procedures Agency (EPA) staff to discuss needs, (SOPs) in support of the Core ideas and efforts related to radiation National Approach to Response response and readiness. On-scene (NAR) Chemical, Biological, There’s an App coordinators (OSCs) from all 10 Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Regions were invited, as well as health list (National Tactical Guide to for That — physicists from the Office of Radiation Address Radiological Incidents) and Indoor Air (ORIA), Environmental  Begin the planning process for Response Team (ERT)and Radiological CMAT/NHSRC to developing and conducting field Emergency Response Team (RERT). decontamination trials. Develop Decon The group developed a list of App important issues that the membership then prioritized. The issues that were Developing highly ranked included: The National Homeland Security Radiation Research Center (NHSRC) is entering  Establish objective evaluation into an Interagency Agreement with criteria for recommending Response SOPs the Department of Homeland Security safe return to residences and (DHS) Science & Technology (S&T) to commercial establishments, and the Working with a select team of health conduct a variety of tasks. One of the final clearance of all contaminants physicists from the EPA Regions and tasks is to develop a decontamination from individual properties. These special teams, CMAT began developing application for emergency responders criteria would be used by state and radiation response (RR) SOPs that could with an emphasis on the emergency local governments. be used across the special teams and the phase to a radiological event. The  Develop an agency-wide regions. An initial list of desirable RRSOPs Consequence Management Advisory organizational chart identifying had been started for the Liberty RadEx Team (CMAT) will lead this effort in staff (name, office/division) with event. Coordinating with the Office partnership with NHSRC. Preliminary radiation expertise. This could of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA), a meetings are being held to organize the be expanded to include radiation template was developed and a tentative contract support and set the strategies workgroups in which agency staff approval path was agreed to. To date, the for completing the task. participate. workgroup has written, reviewed and  Develop debris management prepared final drafts of four RRSOPs, and parameters that can be used in have six more in the review stage, with one choosing appropriate repository additional RRSOP in the development location. This could possibly stage. The goal for the workgroup is to involve the U.S. Army Corps of have these 11 RRSOPs in final draft form Engineers (USACE) under an by the end of Fiscal Year 2013. Interagency agreement.  Develop an operations plan for DHS to cover the first 72 hours of an improvised nuclear device (IND) incident. Key issues that need to be addressed include the response timelines for responsible agencies; the roles of the responsible agencies; the expectations for EPA’s response; and the coordination of resources.

18 Invaluable Experience Gained from RDD Exercise

The state of Vermont hosted a full-scale CMAT’s participant was part of the duration of the exercise), and more on exercise in October, 2012 to test its ability simulation cell and had direct input to the providing guidance and information to to respond to a no-notice detonation of pace, tenor and realism of the exercise. the state’s citizens. As in many real life a radiological dispersion device (RDD). During the 10-hour exercise, several events, an unexpected amount of time The exercise was designed by the state dozen injects guided the exercise, which and manpower was spent correcting many radiological health agency to test their first started with the premise that a burned car faulty media reports (some intentional) and response capabilities, their communications had been discovered to have significantly their ramifications, as participants role- systems, and how well the state health elevated radiation readings. The first playing as panicked citizens swamped the agency could answer the concerns of responders informed the state radiological state radiological and health agencies with their citizens. The exercise involved three health agency of the possible radiological concerns. primary venues, separated by up to 60 event. The state agency was then required An after action report found the exercise miles, including the state’s fire academy to follow up and was timed to completion. very useful, an invaluable experience for and its radiological health agency building. As the response grew (radiation readings the individuals manning the radiological Participants in the exercise included fire, and rumors indicated a significant plume and health agencies, and highlighted the police, hazmat and other responders. of material had left the burned car or value of significant “cross fertilization” that EPA participants were an OSC and three its vicinity), the exercise focused less comes with a full-scale exercise involving health physicists. CMAT was invited by on the responders (who continued to most of the actual players in a possible EPA Region 1 to participate in the exercise role play their actual response for the RDD event. and sent one health physicist to the event. Quick Response 30 RTFLs: Deployment Ready for Guides for RDDs Radiation Response and INDs Completing its fifth year, the Radiation for possible deployment to a radiation Quick Response Guides (QRG) describe the Task Force Leaders (RTFL) program with response. CMAT delivered a plenary most significant information for a stand- its support from CMAT, now has thirty presentation during the National Remedial alone responder to know when confronted RTFLs ready for deployment. Due to Progect Manager (NRPM) conference in with organizing a response for an RDD budget uncertainties and travel restrictions Las Vegas, Nevada, in November 2012. or IND event. CMAT participated in the in 2013, the RTFL training team chose to The presentation provided information development of both the RDD and IND repeat the refresher training by webinar, about the RTFL program to the remedial QRGs, The RDD QRG provides brief offering mostly new material and some project managers (RPMs) and extended an but detailed information about what to homework to keep the RTFL knowledge invitation to get involved in the Response expect, how to stay safe, what personal fresh. Three 2-hour webinars authored Support Corps by becoming an RTFL. protective equipment (PPE) to use, what and delivered by the training team were Since the conference, approximately 10 doses are allowed, and information on held during May and June 2013 each held people have shown interest or requested detection, sampling and waste handling. The two times to assist in attendance. Thirty more information. Also in July 2013, IND QRG describes most of the same RTFLs participated in the webinars Colleen Petullo retired from EPA and information, but due to the vastly larger and completed assignments addressing her role as the RTFL training team lead. expected impact of an IND in an urban contaminated vehicles, contaminated The RTFL training team leadership is setting, the IND QRG limits its suggested workers, sampling packaging and now being provided by CMAT staff. In courses of action to supporting initial emergencies in a hot zone. In light of the October 2013, EPA’s ERT, in Edison, response efforts (e.g., life-saving, avoiding Fukishima Daiichi disaster, the participants New Jersey, will host a 2-week initial RTFL fallout the first few days). The QRGs are in also got extra information about nuclear training “boot camp” focused on meeting review and may be available early in Fiscal power plants, how they operate, and their Region 1, 2, and 3 interests in the program. Year 2014. expected problems, Currently 30 of 38 participating RTFLs have met all their required refresher training and are ready Radiological & Nuclear 19 Civil Support Teams (CST) participated in (MIT’s) Lincoln Labs. Chemical the exercise by screening spiked samples The exercise tested the for CWAs using their field protocols. A coordination between total of five CST units participated (1st federal, state, and local CST-Massachusetts, 11th CST-Maine, assets to merge and New England 12th CST-New Hampshire, 13th CST- leverage the various Rhode Island, 14th CST-Connecticut sampling and analysis Exercise Tests and 15th CST-Vermont), along with protocols of each of Spike sample. the Massachusetts Department of the participants to CWA Sampling Environmental Protection (DEP) and support the overall & Analysis Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s CWA response. Coordination Preparing for a WMD Attack: PHILIS In the fall of 2012, the Chemical, Integrates into Multi-Regional & Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Consequence Management Multi-Agency Exercise Advisory Team (CMAT) deployed field asset, the Portable High Throughput Integrated Laboratory Identification During the winter of 2012/2013, of the network would be challenged, System (PHILIS), mobile staff and Region 6 sponsored a large, inter- and the ability to collect and share agency, weapons of mass destruction analytical data across federal, state, and (WMD) full-scale response exercise local platforms would be tested. A toxic (FSE). CMAT and EPA Regions 4, chemical (alicarb), a chemical warfare 5, and 6, along with the Centers for agent (sarin) and two biological releases Disease Control (CDC), Food and (botulinum toxin and cholera) were part Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. of the Region 4, 5, and 6 FSE. PHILIS Department of Agriculture (USDA), analyzed spiked environmental samples and numerous state, local, academic, for sarin, sarin breakdown products and commercial entities participated. and aldicarb using state of the art gas A total of 51 laboratories (five federal, chromatography/mass spectrometry two mobile (PHILIS), two academic, (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography- two commercial, and 40 state) covered tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/ PHILIS trailer. 30 individual states and three laboratory MS) methodologies. Data from the 51 equipment to Region 1’s New England networks (EPA’s ERLN and the Water laboratories were compiled, processed (NE) Laboratory facilities in Chelmsford, Laboratory Alliance (WLA), CDC’s and validated via EPA’s automated data Massachusetts. PHILIS participated in a Laboratory Response Network (LRN) validation software (WebEDR). full-scale chemical warfare agent (CWA) and USDA’s response exercise using a “live” CWA. Food Emergency Response Network The goal of the exercise was to determine (FERN)). The the best way to coordinate federal, state, goal of the FSE and National Guard responses to a was to test the CWA attack with regard to each agency’s various laboratory sampling and analytical assets. Region networks in the 1’s NE Laboratory is one of the EPA’s aftermath of an Environmental Response Laboratory event, in this case Network (ERLN)-approved ultra dilute a hurricane, where agent (UDA) laboratories, which are several chemical set up to analyze CWA-contaminated and biological environmental samples. PHILIS mobile releases occur units prepared and analyzed CWA-spiked simultaneously samples at the Region 1 facility. over a large In addition to the Region 1 and PHILIS geographic area. EPA Regions 4, 5 and 6 full scale response capabilities. laboratory assets, several National Guard The robustness 20 Food ASPECT Plume Detection and Tracking Contamination at West, Texas Explosion

Scenario Tests On Wednesday, April 17, a massive screening and aerial reconnaissance explosion occurred at the West support to the ongoing response. The Interoperability of Fertilizer Company plant in the small ASPECT plane subsequently made Lab Network Texas town of West, 18 miles north several flyovers beginning on the of Waco. The explosion occurred at evening of the explosion. ASPECT about 8:00 p.m. with a school and a was able to detect the ammonia PHILIS supported the Integrated nursing home among the buildings plume resulting from the explosion, Consortium of Laboratory Networks near the plant. The explosion shook and subsequently tracked the plume (ICLN) Confidence Building houses 50 miles away and measured as northward as it migrated from the Competency Testing Exercise for a 2.1-magnitude seismic event. It left explosion site and eventually dissipated testing the interoperability of the 15 people dead, sent dozens more to into the atmosphere. Numerous different ICLN laboratories supporting hospitals for medical attention, leveled aerial photographs of the explosion each other in the event of a large homes and businesses in every direction site and surrounding area were taken intentional food contamination across the town, and prompted a wide- and provided to the OSC and on-site scenario. The scenario was a liquid scale evacuation in the community of response teams. The cause of the food source (beer) contaminated with about 2,600 people because of concern explosion is still under investigation. a toxic industrial chemical, in this that another fertilizer tank at the exercise tetramine, which may have facility might explode. The material of been distributed nationwide. The seven labs that are part of the ICLN modified their daily standard laboratory procedures and quickly adapted to the methods and protocols needed to analyze a large number of samples for tetramine in beer. The ability to adapt existing national laboratory assets to a single contaminant would be necessary to restore the nation’s confidence in the food supply in the event of an intentional poisoning incident.

Photo taken a day after the explosion. The ASPECT plane photos the direction and extent of the plume. concern was anhydrous ammonia, a gas with suffocating fumes that is used as a fertilizer. When exposed to humans, it can cause serious health problems. The Region 6 on-scene coordinator (OSC) requested that the Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental Collection Technology (ASPECT) Liquid chromotography-tandem mass System mobilize to provide chemical spectrometry workstation. Chemical 21 and economic impact by providing rapid CWA Core NAR issues. Five sections of Chemical response using remote sensing technology. the CWA Playbook have been revised CBRN CMAT has been assigned the lead and updated and are under review by the on the SDR geospatial and remote sensing OSCs and work group members. Monthly data interoperability workgroup during conference calls will continue.

NRT Quick ReferenceGuide: 1For references, please see Key References Cites/Used in National Response Team disaster responses. Sarin (GB)1 (NRT) Quick Reference Guides (QRGs) for Toxic Industrial Chemicals. QRGs are intended for Federal OSC/RPMs. Agent Classification: Schedule 1 Chemical Warfare Nerve Agent; CAS: 107-44-8; Formula: C4H10FO2P; Molecular Weight: 140.10 g/mol. Description: Colorless & odorless liquid when pure; brown liquid with a fruity odor in impure form. GB is a lethal cholinesterase inhibitor with a mechanism of toxicity similar to Reducing organophosphate insecticides, only much more potent. GB is more easily generated and more volatile than chemical warfare agents GA, GD, GF, HD, Lewisite, & VX. Environmental breakdown products of GB, including methylphosphonic acid (MPA) and isopropyl methylphosphonic acid (IMPA), are relatively non-toxic. Persistence: GB is considered a “very low persistent” agent. Vapor: minutes-hours; liquid: 2-24 hours. Persistence will depend upon the amount & purity of the agent, method of release, environmental conditions & the types of surfaces & materials impacted. Porous, permeable, organic or polymeric materials such as carpets & vinyl tiles can act as sinks for absorbing GB vapors & liquids, prolonging persistence. Physical properties are listed at/near STP unless otherwise indicated. Conversion Factors: ppm = mg/m3 x 0.1745; mg/m3 = ppm x 5.730

AgentCharacteristics Vapor Volatility Freezing Point Vapor Density Boiling Point Flash Point Aqueous Soluble Liquid Density Pressure Solubility 2.94 mm Hg 22,000 mg/m3 -69°F/-56°C 4.86 (air = 1) 316°F /158°C >280°F/138°C miscible organic solvents 1.09 g/ml Disaster Impact Response AIR RELEASE SCENARIOS ARE ASSUMED MOST PROBABLE; HOWEVER, OTHER RELEASE SCENARIOS & EXPOSURE ROUTES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. Open Areas: Because GB is volatile, and would be relatively easy to disperse as a vapor, the primary release/attack scenario is an airborne release. GB is expected to degrade in the environment fairly rapidly; however, liquid GB on surfaces could persist for up to 24 hours. Environmental conditions will affect the degradation & evaporation rates of GB with cooler & drier conditions enhancing persistence. GB vapors are heavier than air, so vapors can accumulate in lower terrains.

Water/Water Systems: GB is not typically considered a water hazard. If released into natural waters or water systems, GB will likely degrade rapidly (less than 2 days) depending on volume and other environmental conditions. Indoor Facility: Due to its volatility, GB could potentially be dispersed as a vapor or an aerosol inside a building or facility; HVAC systems could be impacted. GB vapors are heavier than Release Scenarios Scenarios Release Through Remote air so vapors can accumulate in lower levels or utility corridors inside the buildings. Guides and Onset Onset is dose and route dependent and may occur within seconds after exposure to vapors and within minutes or hours from exposure to liquid forms. Even relatively low dose exposure to GB can be fatal, although immediate administration of an antidote can be lifesaving (see First Aid below). Signs/ Information below is exposure route specific. Regardless of route the following range of effects may occur depending on dose. Symptoms Mild: Runny nose, reduction in pupil size (miosis), dimness of vision, tightness of chest, difficulty in breathing; Moderate: Increased miosis (to level of pinpointing of pupils), headaches, confusion, drowsiness, nasal congestion, tightness of chest, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, generalized weakness, twitching of large muscle groups; Severe: Involuntary defecation and urination, drooling, twitching, staggering, convulsions, cessation of breathing, loss of consciousness, coma, and/or death. Exposure Inhalation: A primary exposure route; inhalation of very small concentrations can produce health effects.

Sensing Technology Effects Health CWA Playbooks Routes Skin: Especially toxic from contact with liquid agent. Moderate to severe signs/symptoms occur at but are NOT limited to the site of contact. Exposure can also result from absorption of vapors via skin. Eyes: Eyes are the most sensitive target organs of nerve agent exposure. Miosis (reduction in pupil size) will typically be the first sign of exposure. Ingestion: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, & cramping. Contamination of foods is the most likely route for ingestion of agent. Other: Females appear to be more susceptible to nerve agent effects. Certain genetic traits may increase susceptibility.

Air: Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) for general population one-time exposure emergency scenarios for GB (complete definitions are available in Key References Cited/Used in NRT Quick Reference Guides for Chemical Warfare Agents): AEGL Level in mg/m3, at exposure duration → 10 min. 30 min. 1 hr. 4 hr. 8 hr. AEGL 1: threshold mild effects 0.0069 0.0040 0.0028 0.0014 0.0010 The Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction Updated to AEGL 2: potentially irreversible effects or impaired ability to escape 0.087 0.050 0.035 0.017 0.013 AEGL 3: threshold for severe effects/medical needs/increasing potential for lethality 0.38 0.19 0.13 0.070 0.051 Exposure Guidelines: IDLH = 0.1 mg/m3; STEL = 1.0 x 10-4 mg/m3; Worker Population Limit (WPL) [an 8-hr time-weighted average occupational value] = 3.0 x 10-5 mg/m3. General Effect Levels Effect Population Limit (GPL) [a 24-hr time-weighted average] = 1.0 x 10-6 mg/m3. Soil: Industrial Exposure Scenario = 32 mg/kg. Residential Exposure Scenario = 1.3 mg/kg. Drinking Water: Army field standard at 15 L/day, for 7 days = 4 μg/L; Provisional Advisory Levels (PAL-1) for general public at 2 L/day, for 1, 30, and 90 days = 37, 8.1 and 2 μg/L,

(SDR) is an element of the President’s respectively. Note Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection (levels A-D), medical surveillance requirements, First Aid options and personnel decon may vary depending upon the agent, site, & the release scenario. Additional information on personnel safety and PPE selection criteria can be found at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb. We also recommend that Maintain Readiness responders check their own internal procedures (SOPs) if they have them. Medical Pre-incident: A baseline cholinesterase activity determination and an annual physical and respiratory function exam. During Incident: Conduct periodic on-site medical National Science and Technology Council monitoring, observe for any signs & symptoms as per Health Effects section above and treat accordingly as per First Aid section below. First Aid Immediately remove person from affected area, remove contaminated articles. Wash bare skin with warm soapy water, and rinse eyes with plain water for 10-

15 minutes if exposed to liquid agent. Antidote: Atropine, 2-PAM Chloride injections (Duo Dote/Mark II kits). Antidote kit should only be administered as per pre- incident training. Send person for follow up medical attention and evaluation. If cleared, continue to monitor for & treat accordingly. (NSTC) and facilitates national strategies PPE GENERAL INFORMATION: NIOSH-certified Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Air Purifying Respirators The National Response Team (NRT) Quick (APR) or Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), full-face masks, & protective clothing should be used. Pre-incident training & exercises on the proper use of PPE is recommended. Per NIOSH guidance - LEVEL A: Recommended for the initial response to a GB incident. Level A provides the greatest level of skin (fully encapsulating suit), respiratory (SCBA), & eye protection when the contaminant identity or concentration is unknown. Select Level A when the GB concentration is unknown or above the IDLH or PersonnelSafety AEGL-2, & when there is a potential of ocular or dermal exposure. LEVEL B: Provides the highest level of respiratory protection (SCBA) when a lesser level of skin protection for reducing disaster risks and losses. is required. Select Level B when the GB concentration is unknown or above the IDLH or AEGL-2 & dermal exposure is less of a risk. Level B differs from Level A in that it Reference Guide (QRG) inter-agency work incorporates a non-encapsulating, splash-protective, chemical-resistant outer suit that provides protection against most liquids but is not airtight. LEVEL C: Select Level C when the contaminant identity & concentration are known & the respiratory protection criteria factors for the use of APR or PAPR (i.e., < IDLH, warning properties) are met. Level C may be appropriate when decontaminating personnel or equipment. LEVEL D: Select Level D when the contaminant is known & the concentration is below the appropriate occupational exposure limit or less than AEGL-1 for the stated duration times. Downgrading PPE levels can be considered only when the identity & Strategies are based on effective use of concentration of the contaminant & the risks of dermal exposure are known, & must be accompanied by on-site monitoring. group continues to develop updates for all Real-time field screening tools (results not confirmatory or quantitative): Caution should be given to equipment that has not been properly evaluated. False positive & false negatives may occur in the presence of interferents common in the environment. The following is a summary of minimum screening levels for equipment procured by most EPA response teams. Other screening tools may be used by other agencies & responders; some with similar capabilities & limitations. NOTE: Detection equipment does not measure contaminant levels. Rather they detect the presence of a nerve agent at levels as low as listed below. science and technology. The ASPECT Minimum Screening Levels CAM/ICAM AP2C/AP4C APD-2000 Dräger M256 M272 (water) existing QRGs that are more than two years Detection Field ppm 0.017 0.0017 0.017 0.025 0.0008 0.02 mg/L mg/m3 0.1 0.01 0.1 0.14 0.005 NA

Note: This section on sampling contains general guidelines & does not replace the need for a site-specific sampling plan. See reference list for specifics. System is a prime asset that can be Sampling Concerns: Detection, sampling equipment & procedures, & analytical techniques will be highly site-specific & depend on: 1) physical state of the agent; 2) type of surfaces old. The CWA Core National Approach to contaminated (e.g., porous vs. nonporous); 3) the purpose of sampling (e.g., characterization, decon efficacy, & clearance); & 4) specific laboratory requirements. Few laboratories currently have capability to determine GB, particularly for large numbers of samples & in all types of media. The EPA is in the process of setting up analytical assets for chemical agent leveraged by the nation during disasters analysis of environmental samples, see ANALYSIS section below. For sampling questions, call the EPA/HQ-EOC at 202-564-3850. Response (NAR) National Preparedness June 2013 to help reduce the environmental, health, work group also continues to address EPA’s Quick Response Guides being updated.

Remote Sensing: Oil burn-off during ASPECT’s Gulf Oil Spill deployment.

22 PHILIS: Seeking Reaching Out To Live Demo of to Continuously Support Regions DHS IDDD Improve 1, 2 & 3 Technologies

The PHILIS units continue the following CMAT continues liaison support of EPA Scheduled analytical methods of development on Region 1 and 2’s CBRN preparedness CWAs: efforts. CMAT works to keep Region 1 Support to the DHS-sponsored  liquid chromatography-tandem mass and 2 OSCs involved with the Integrated Integrated Detection and spectrometry (LC/MS/MS); Detection and Decontamination Decontamination Demonstration (IDDD) project continued with a site  gas chromatography with mass Demonstration (IDDD) project and non- visit to the New York City (NYC) selective detector (GC/MSD); and traditional threat agents (NTA) issues. This is a CMAT-coordinated and Department Mass Transit Authority (MTA) on  gas chromatography/time-of-flight of Homeland Security (DHS)-sponsored June 11, 2013. The “live demo” mass spectrometry (GC/TOF-MS). event. Training on new modules for of IDDD technologies has been A rapid LC MS/MS method for the Visual Sampling Plan software will scheduled for fall 2013, at the NYC organophosphate pesticides is also under be held at Region 2 in July 2013. EPA’s MTA’s Bowery subway station. The development. The results will be shared with Environmental Response Team (ERT), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the CWA Sampling Analysis Plan (SAP) Region 1 and 3, along with the New York (EPA) will participate and will likely co- work group as a prototype of rapid methods chair sessions at the IDDD demo. for selected CWAs. Quality Assurance City (NYC) Department of Health and Technical Services (QATS) contractor Mental Hygiene have been invited. laboratory audits are being planned.

CMAT’s PHILIS trailers deployed for a demonstration.

Chemical 23 Collaboration U.S. and Canada Working Together & Coordination to Protect North America

The Emergency Management Emergency Management (OEM) Emergency Management Agency Consultative Group (EMCG) was Consequence Management Advisory (FEMA), this working group consists of formed by an agreement between the Team (CMAT) the Department of participants from the U.S. EPA, DHS, U.S. and the government of Canada Homeland Security (DHS), Department Department of Health and Human to address emergency management of Defense (DoD), Department Services (HHS), Northern Command cooperation. The EMCG is comprised of State (DOS), and Department (NORTHCOM), and Department of of working groups that focus on tasks of Transportation (DOT) send Energy (DOE), and Canadian agencies from the December 2011 United States- representatives to these meetings. and is working to develop a cooperative Canada Beyond the Border (BTB) The Canadian delegation includes CBRNE Response Work Plan between Action Plan. During meetings of the representatives from Public Safety the U.S. and Canada. EMCG, updates from all of the working Canada, the Canadian Embassy, Border CMAT participated in the meetings of groups for the tasks of the BTB Action Services Agency, Department of the EMCG CBRNE Working Group Plan are provided. Working groups Foreign Affairs and International Trade, to provide input on the final work plan focus on topics including federal-to- Transport Canada, and the Department and terms of reference. CMAT has also federal mutual assistance, movement of National Defense. offered leadership assistance for the of goods and people across the border OEM has been an ongoing participant subgroup areas of clearance criteria for during and following emergencies, joint on the BTB Task 7A Canada- CBRN and environmental response. exercises/training, critical infrastructure, United States Chemical, Biological, CMAT will continue to provide support and cybersecurity. Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives to other areas of coordination, as In addition to the U.S. Environmental (CBRNE) Working Group. Led by needed. Protection Agency (EPA) Office of the CBRNE Branch of the Federal

Partnering with Poland for Biological Resiliency Demonstration

The goal of the Transatlantic Collaborative international biological incident assistance have been in contact with the developers Biological Resiliency Demonstration so TaCBRD could plan future events with of the products that could be used by the (TaCBRD) is to develop and demonstrate the appropriate stakeholders. During this EPA to provide input on what gaps exist a capability for resilience in countering a workshop, CMAT also provided a briefing for these products and how EPA would wide-area biological incident that affects on EPA’s response to Japan following use them. As these products are further U.S. and partner nations. It is led by the the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster. developed, CMAT and NHSRC will also Defense Threat Reduction Agency with Other participants in this workshop were provide assistance in evaluating their use. its key partner, the Department of State’s from DHS, DoD, DOS, the Federal Foreign Consequence Management office, Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and with the primary partner nation, HHS and U.S. Department of Poland. Agriculture (USDA). Along with developing biological CMAT has also participated sampling training for the Civil Support in meetings detailing some of Teams (CST) stationed in Germany and the software products being Polish responders, CMAT has supported developed by TaCBRD and the TACBRD International Recovery how they would function Assistance workshops. The goal of that to support an international workshop was to examine the roles and or large-scale response to a participation of U.S. agencies that would biological agent. EPA [National assist in a large scale biological incident Homeland Security Research Soldiers from Poland and the Illinois National Guard treat a in Poland and existing frameworks for Center (NHSRC) and CMAT] simulated casualty during an exercise in Warsaw, Poland. 24 Improving CBRN Preparedness and Response Community Capabilities Through Strengthens Relationship with the Knowledge European Union

Exchange with European Cooperation in Science and responders a best guess based on various United Kingdom Technology (COST) invited CMAT to inputs. ASPECT collects actual chemical present at its Second International Open and/or radiological data at an event and Workshop on Local-Scale Airborne Hazards transmits scientifically validated situational CMAT and the EPA Office of Research Modeling and Emergency Response in Paris, and Development’s (ORD’s) NHSRC France, on June 13, 2013. First responders met with representatives from the United and emergency response authorities face a Kingdom’s Government Decontamination large spectrum of potential threats due to Service (GDS) to identify areas for the release of hazardous substances in built awareness, near real-time, to the first operational and scientific exchange. The environments. Due to the complexity of response community. ASPECT’s data can representatives were from the GDS the wind field in built areas, adequate flow even provide input to models, ultimately Emergency Response and Recovery and dispersion modeling and health impact strengthening a model’s prediction. The program and CBRN Capabilities Office. assessment tools are required to predict briefing addressed how responders have This cooperative effort falls under the the dispersion of hazardous materials with assets available for use other than models, agreement between the U.S. government sufficient accuracy within a very short time. which can be misleading, and showed how and the government of the United This workshop was an opportunity for models can use near real-time data collected Kingdom (U.K.) of Great Britain and stakeholders, decision makers, practitioners by assets like ASPECT to make future Northern Ireland on Cooperation in and scientists active in the field of predictions more accurate during events. Science and Technology for Critical development and use of local-scale airborne Infrastructure Protection and Other hazards modeling to collect information and CMAT’s participation strengthened their Homeland/Civil Security Matters and a discuss the latest issues and state of the art relationship with the preparedness and representative from the U.K. Embassy also developments. response community in the European attended this meeting to clarify the rules of Union. Their collaboration and cooperation international engagement. CMAT briefed the work group on will enable the United States and European the Airborne Spectral Photometric Union to improve their response capabilities, A Communication Plan is being developed Environmental Collection Technology increase efficiencies and reduce costs. using the above mentioned agreement, (ASPECT) Program. Models provide first with input from the U.K. Embassy and EPA’s Office of Homeland Security. NHSRC leads this overall effort, with CMAT Leads Meeting with French CMAT taking the lead for all operational topics. CMAT will continue to meet via Delegation teleconference with the GDS head of CBRN Capabilities to discuss and prioritize A delegation from the French Ministry of parties. As such, the French have invited the operational areas for collaboration and Ecology, Sustainable Development, and and funded two trips for EPA participants cooperation. Energy met with CMAT and NHSRC from to travel to France and learn more about the January 14-18, 2013 in Washington D.C. operational planning and technologies under and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. development there. Further, the French Both the EPA and the French delegation are returning to the U.S. for the upcoming shared information on organization and Decontamination Conference in November statutory authority, lessons learned from 2013. At that time, a study will be launched CBRN responses, advances in tools and to jointly evaluate the use and efficacy of a technologies, laboratory development, French developed decon foam and gel. and training and exercises. All participants identified the need to develop a mutually beneficial partnership as each country is investing resources into the development of Collaboration guidance and tools beneficial to all involved & Coordination 25 Collaboration ICLN Continues to & Coordination Develop New Tools

The Integrated Consortium of lab networks to (1) provide notice and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Laboratory Networks (ICLN) and its situational awareness of incidents that Headquarters; FDA Veterinary Laboratory Network Coordinating Group (NCG) may involve multiple network laboratory Investigation and Response Network continue to develop tools and guidance capabilities and capacity and (2) provide (Vet-LRN); USDA National Animal for the seven member federal agency a means to export laboratory generated Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN); laboratory network. The goal is to ensure testing results to a pre-defined database and USDA Food Safety and Inspection coordination between network labs for populated with Minimum Data Elements Service (FSIS). The vignette was not issues involving laboratory capability and (MDE) for the purpose of confidentially designed to exercise the full range of capacity, sampling and analytical method sharing lab results with other ICLN federal agency response authorities or development and validation, quality members. In order to test the capabilities actual field response, but only to exercise assurance, data reporting and sharing, and of the portal and the processes by which reporting of Preparedness and Situation performance testing. In 2013, the ICLN the individual networks coordinate Reports through the ICLN Portal to test developed an online “Methods Registry” communication, a vignette format tabletop information sharing processes between detailing network labs’ capabilities, testing exercise was conducted in 2013. The the various agencies. Information sharing protocols, and point-of-contact for specific vignette centered around an incident consisted of the lead agency providing priority chemicals, radiochemical agents involving an outbreak of foot and a detailed description of the incident, a and biological agents and toxins. Work is mouth disease (FMD) in the U.S. milk description of available laboratory capacity currently in progress to link accreditation- supply and consisted of representatives to handle the lead agency’s response required “Performance Test” results to from EPA’s Environmental Response activities, and detailed information from each analyte in the Methods Registry. The Laboratory Network (ERLN); HHS other agencies detailing any potential surge ICLN has completed the development of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) capacity the non-lead agencies may be able the ICLN Portal which allows individual Laboratory Response Network (LRN); to provide for support.

Disseminating Information on Tornados Terminate Emerging Threat Agents Arctic Sentry

The White House Chemical Sub- these agents. CMAT coordinated with Exercise Interagency Policy Committee (IPC) EPA OHS to present the EPA response Workgroup met on a regular monthly basis activities at the exercise. Other workgroup CMAT prepared summary information on throughout 2013. The primary theme for activities included participation in briefings ASPECT, the Portable High Throughput the year centered on federal policy issues with DHS concerning the Chemical Integrated Laboratory Identification pertaining to dissemination of classified Terrorism Risk Assessment (CTRA) for Systems (PHILIS), and Trace Atmospheric information related to emerging threat chemical threat prioritization. Gas Analyzers (TAGA) assets to support agents. Discussion mainly pertained to the Arctic Sentry what information about these agents Exercise. This can be released to federal, state and local exercise was emergency first responders and to the conducted from public at various timeframes, including May 17 to 21, prior to any incident involving a release 2013, but was of these agents (pre-incident planning), terminated during the early stages of the incident early due to the (first response activities involving mass tornado in Moore, casualties), and for post-incident activities Oklahoma. (remediation, clearance and monitoring activities). The workgroup conducted a tabletop exercise detailing the federal Tornado as it passed Moore, Oklahoma. response activities to a release of one of 26 DHS Transitions Collaboration EPA-CDC Joint WARRP to EPA with USDA to Clearance Work On May 16, 2013, DHS officially Protect Food Group transferred the products developed under the Wide Area Resiliency and Recovery Products The joint EPA-CDC work group to Program (WARRP) to EPA. The purpose address clearance and toxicity issues on of WARRP is to develop and demonstrate CMAT, Office of Homeland Security (OHS), and NHSRC began a unknown threat agents has the final draft solutions (i.e., frameworks, operational document under review. Conference capabilities and interagency coordination) collaborative effort with the USDA to provide assistance regarding the USDA’s calls were held between the DOD that would enable a timely return to Chemical Materials Agency group at functionality, restore basic services and requirement to protect food products from intentional contamination using ECBC, DHS, CDC-NCEH and the EPA re-establish social and economic order (CMAT, Regions1 & 2 and NHSRC) on following a catastrophic event. WARRP emerging threat agents. EPA has provided review and comment on a laboratory decontamination, cost tracking, waste focused on a management and other CWA issues and to coordinated method being developed for USDA by the ECBC. The method will define how to discuss future partnerships. The scope of systems this partnership is under development. approach to perform analysis for these contaminants in the recovery a variety of foods. CMAT is considering and resiliency developing a of wide similar testing urban areas, method for including environmental all types samples. If of critical development of infrastructure, key resources (both these methods is civilian and military) and high traffic successful, EPA areas following a Chemical Biological may be able to Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) offer additional incident. lab testing capacity to USDA for food. CMAT EPA - DoD and NHSRC will also be working Partnership to develop decontamination guidance for Conference calls were held between the contaminated DoD Chemical Materials Agency (CMA) food for USDA. group at the Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center (ECBC), and DHS, CDC National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) and EPA (CMAT, Mr. Russell (DHS) and Ms. Canzler (EPA) signing one of the first Regions 1 & 2 and NHSRC) on WARRP transition agreements. decontamination, cost tracking, waste management and other CWA issues and to discuss future partnerships. The scope of this partnership is under development.

Collaboration & Coordination 27 CMAT Updates CMAT in the News

Interested in more articles about CMAT? Maintaining Additional articles published about CMAT Response can be found at:  CBRNe WORLD, Aspects of Chem Readiness – An interview with CMAT’s Director discussing the Team’s capabilities projects The Consequence Management Advisory and response assets. February 2013 Team (CMAT) and the National Counterterrorism Evidence Response http://www.cbrneworld.com/_uploads/download_magazines/Aspects_of_ Team (NCERT) conducted team training Chem.pdf in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) facility between April 29 and May 3, 2013. The  DomesticPreparedness.com - EPA’s Role in Domestic Preparedness by Erica training included an 8-hour Hazardous Canzler, Director of the CBRN Consequence Management Advisory Team, Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) refresher; radiation, September 12, 2012 chemical and biological training; and a http://www.domesticpreparedness.com/Commentary/Viewpoint/ Level-A exercise. Chemical, Biological, EPA%60s_Role_in_Domestic_Preparedness/ Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) wipe sampling and personnel decontamination  It All Starts with Science, EPA’s Mobile Lab Helps Clean Up Vermont were exercised. The National Homeland Community - By Larry Kaelin with Mike Nalipinski. A description of Security Center (NHSRC) also participated and collaborated with the exercise part of PHILIS’ role in the cleanup of Albans, Vermont after Hurricane Irene. the training. August 27, 2012 http://blog.epa.gov/science/2012/08/epa%E2%80%99s-mobile-lab-helps- CMAT’s clean-up-vermont-community/ Core NAR  KMOV.com, EPA plane detects radiation at West Lake landfill, will release findings. CMAT’s ASPECT plane investigates a Missouri landfill. March 11, Evaluation Shows 2013

Improvement http://www.kmov.com/news/local/EPA-plane-detects-radiation-at- Bridgeton-Landfill-197213011.html On May 14, 2013, CMAT emergency response preparedness was evaluated  Washington Times, Mapping a picture of Earth’s minute particles from the as part of the annual Core National sky. CMAT’s ASPECT plane provides surveillance for President Obama’s Approach to Response (NAR) process. second inauguration. January 21, 2013 CMAT has responsibility for criteria under the Headquarters, Special Teams http://p.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jan/21/mapping-a-picture-of- and CBRN evaluations and has shown earths-minute-particles-from-/ improvements. CMAT continues to help develop the preparedness of the agency to  West Virginia Public Radio, EPA teams up with National Guard to keep respond to a CBRN event by supporting the Regions in all areas of response and Jamboree safe. CMAT’s ASPECT plane provides surveillance for the 2013 preparedness. These include leading the National Scout Jamboree. July 24, 2013 development of CBRN national response guides, developing laboratory capacity, and http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=30948 collaborating with international, national, state and local partners on issues related to a CBRN response. 28 Information for OSCs on CMAT Web Page

CMAT is developing a series of summary (PPE) recommendations, hazard reduction summary documents should be posted to documents for chemical and biological and cleanup information. The summaries CMATs website in FY14. agents. Each summary includes: have incorporated recent findings of CMAT Web Page: background information, exposure ORD/NHSRC when applicable. The http://www.epa.gov/osweroe1/ guidance, expected heath effects after information is concise and comprehensive content/partners/cbrncmat.htm exposure, personal protective equipment to assist OSCs during a response. The

October 2013: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

The State of New Mexico has requested that EPA Airborne Spectrophotometric Environmental Collection Technology (ASPECT) assist with airborne chemical and radiological monitoring as part of the 2013 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. This event typically draws a crowd of over 500,000 spectators. ASPECT has assisted the state for the past four years and provides daily chemical/radiological sweeps in addition to a heightened state of emergency response readiness in the event of an accident. CMAT Updates 29 30 31 UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Consequence Management Advisory Team

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