Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP)
Background
The U.S. Army is required by law to eliminate its stock of unitary chemical munitions by the end of April 2012. That goal has been attained as of November 15th, 2011. The Umatilla Chemical Depot (UMCD) in northeast Oregon is one of eight sites in the nation where stored chemical weapons are being destroyed. At the UMCD, on-site incineration has been selected by the Army as the preferred destruction method. Emergency response planning and preparation to safeguard the public has been underway in Washington since 1989 through the state Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP). This mission has now been completed at the Umatilla Chemical Depot (UMCD) without a single agent release.
Accomplishments
Through the CSEP Program since 1989, the state has received over $80 million from the federal government. More than half of that amount has gone to Benton County for program support and equipment. Accomplishments include construction of a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Benton County, installation of a computer and telephone network in the EOCs of both the state and Benton County, installation of a microwave communications network and an 800 MHz communications system in Benton County, purchase of three minivans for Plymouth School and the installation of twenty sirens along the Columbia River in southern Benton County, as well as specialized training for local emergency responders. A command and control network of 800 MHz portable and mobile radios has been installed in select state and county emergency vehicles. A total of 550 tone alert radios have been installed in affected households and businesses in the county. Each affected household also received a “Shelter-In-Place” kit to use in the home if evacuation was not possible.
Five fire districts and five hospitals in the area received decontamination, medical, and personal protective equipment. Each of the fire districts received trailers to move the equipment to established access control points in Benton and Walla Walla Counties. Ten highway reader board signs and two highway advisory radios have been installed on area roads to assist in directing traffic. Affected hospitals and fire districts have received personal protective and chemical agent monitoring equipment to facilitate their response to access control and decontamination stations.
Current Status
As of November 15, 2011, the Umatilla Chemical Depot (UMCD) has completed its mission to destroy 3,700 tons of chemical weapons and agent. The activity began in 2004 and was safely completed with no release of agent to the communities nearby. The UMCD consistently engaged in close cooperation with Oregon and Washington State and local response, emergency management and medical agencies throughout the process. Beginning December 1, 2011 the CSEP Program has transitioned to the Close Out phase of the CSEP Program. During the next six months capabilities installed by the CSEP Program that provided notification and warning to the public will be removed or transferred to other agencies who have a purpose for the capabilities. By the end of May 2012, the Washington CSEP Program will have completed its mission to protect the public while this hazard was removed.
Contact Information:
Steve DeBow
State Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program Manager
E-mail at: s.debow@emd.wa.gov.
253.512.7066