Chemical Emergencies

Definition

Chemical hazard is the release of toxic agents into the atmosphere and environment that can harm population, animals, and food supplies. Hazardous chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, propane, and others, are heavily used for various agricultural and manufacturing processes at many locations throughout the state.

History

In 1986, Congress passed legislation requiring the United States Army to dispose of its stockpile of chemical weapons by 2007, as required by international treaty. The federal legislation also directed that "maximum protection" be provided for the public and the environment during the destruction process. The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) was developed to assist state and local governments in providing "maximum protection." Incineration operations have been successful at Johnson Island in the South Pacific and at Tooele Army Depot in Utah. A burn facility at Umatilla Chemical Depot (UMCD) is under construction with incineration scheduled to start in 2002 and continue for three years. To date, there has been no release of chemical agent from the UMCD that has affected Washington State.

Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment

Hazardous chemicals are used for a variety of purposes and are regularly transported through many areas in Washington State. Ammonia is used as a refrigerant, in agriculture, and in wastewater treatment. Chlorine is used in wastewater treatment, sanitization of drinking water and swimming pools, aluminum manufacturing, and for bleaching paper, wood pulp, and textiles. Propane is widely used as a fuel. Nearly every community has a chemical hazard or a hazardous material transportation system that should be included in public education and emergency planning.

The UMCD in Oregon is a special interest military arsenal storing nerve and blister chemical munitions capable of causing death. The UMCD stockpile includes approximately 3,717 tons of blister and nerve agents. The movement of agents from storage to incineration facilities increases the risk of an accidental release. Possible triggers for an accidental release also include an aircraft crash directly on the installation and earthquakes. Additionally, the high political profile of chemical storage depots increases their vulnerability to terrorist actions.

For CSEPP, the area around the UMCD is divided into emergency planning zones (EPZs). The area surrounding the chemical storage area, out to a distance of approximately six miles, is called the Immediate Response Zone (IRZ). This area could have less than an hour response time, depending on weather conditions, and may receive the highest concentration of agents. A 42-mile stretch of the Columbia River is designated as the Marine Safety Zone (MSZ). Both areas are warned by Tone Alert Radios (TARs) and sirens. The MSZ may be the most vulnerable as people in boats may be within four miles of the UMCD. The zone from the IRZ to 20 miles from the UMCD is called the Protective Action Zone (PAZ). TARs and highway reader-boards provide protective action information within the PAZ. The Precautionary Zone (PZ) extends from the PAZ with no outer boundary. The risk of adverse impacts to humans is negligible in the PZ.

An accidental release of chemical agent at the UMCD has the potential for creating a plume that could reach approximately 1,500 residents in the IRZ and PAZ of southern Benton County in Washington. A release would affect people camping in state and local parks along the Columbia River. During fishing and boating season, large numbers of people are vulnerable on the Columbia River in the MSZ. Also vulnerable is a large transient population composed of Spanish-speaking farm workers during the harvest season. In addition to the hazard to people, substantial agricultural and fishing industries are at risk. A major transportation corridor with highways, rail lines, and a navigable waterway passes through the IRZ. Another aspect of the hazard is public perception. Even if not exposed to an actual physical threat, many people may panic, believing chemical agents have affected them.

Vulnerable to a chemical release from the UMCD are:

  • Unincorporated communities of Plymouth and Paterson in Washington
  • Washington State Patrol port-of-entry on Interstate 82
  • Several large agricultural operations that employ large numbers of workers
  • Contamination of agricultural products valued at over $5 billion annually

Conclusion

Emergency response planning in Washington and Oregon is focused on CSEPP. State and local plans and standard operating procedures are prepared and routinely exercised. Twenty sirens in the Washington IRZ and Columbia River MSZ provide protection to the public. TARs are distributed to homes and businesses in the Washington IRZ and PAZ. An extensive microwave radio and computer system supports this alert and warning equipment. Decontamination equipment and personal protective equipment are being issued to first responders and hospital personnel. The equipment supports traffic control operations at several points in southern Benton County and at hospitals assisting during a chemical release event. Training and exercise programs are under constant refinement to enhance the preparation process. A comprehensive public education effort is currently underway to explain what to do in the event of a chemical release at the depot. Statewide, businesses that use chemicals are required to have emergency operating plans.

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