U.S. ARMY DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah--- Over time, emergency response teams have asked what would happen if a widely used industrial chemical is released, in large amounts, near an urban environment. What protocols would be needed to ensure first responders can safely evacuate a community? At what proximity is it possible for people to safely shelter-in-place, rather than evacuate? How will community leaders ensure it is safe for its citizens to return?
Comprehensive answers to these questions are what U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground (DPG), sponsored by The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC) and other federal agencies, will determine from data collected during the Jack Rabbit II test trials, which begin in August of this year.
"The JRII test program will provide data to help modelers more accurately predict downwind chlorine plume concentrations and behavior. This information is invaluable to first responders and military personnel who are involved in responding to unintended chlorine releases" said Damon Nicholson, the DPG Jack Rabbit II program manager.
The five and 10-ton trials will determine how a chlorine release, in close proximity to an urban area, affects residents, schools and places of business. The trials will take place in a simulated urban environment built on one of DPG's test grids, where the plume's movement will be monitored with state-of-the-art meteorological and chemical sensors. The urban environment will be built on a large 400 by 600 foot gravel pad and will consist of twelve rows of large metal cargo containers, commonly referred to as Conex boxes, other urban buildings, and vehicles.
A chorine dissemination device will be placed on a cement pad upwind of the urban environment. Instrumentation placed in and around buildings and vehicles will help determine chlorine infiltration characteristics.
"Jack Rabbit II will be the first test program involving large-scale chorine trials to include building structures and vehicles. It will help establish infiltration rates and concentration levels in and around urban structures and vehicles," Nicholson explained.
Nicholson added that data collected will be used to evaluate existing safety guidelines for community and military leaders and first responders. The trials will help determine if it is safer for people to evacuate a site or remain indoors and shelter-in-place. Data will also be collected on how urban surfaces--walls, floors, concrete, asphalt, building material, and furnishings-- might be compromised by corrosive chemicals.
Obtaining survivability data and improving emergency response measures are also goals for Utah Valley University (UVU) and The Chorine Institute, key partners for the test. "The hope is to establish long-term partnerships with stakeholders, for the Jack Rabbit II trials," said Andrew Byrnes, Associate Professor, of UVU Emergency Services. "One of the 'foundational goals' of the university is to engage with public and private partnerships, which will provide valuable real-world experiences for the students and also benefit the community at large," Byrnes said.
The university's Emergency Services program is designed to provide a framework and guidance for a coordinated response to small and large scale disasters, which prepares students to understand their roles in emergency situations. UVU is one of Utah's largest public universities. The university is based in Provo, Utah, about 95 miles southeast of DPG and offers the only Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Services Administration in Utah.
As a state, Utah is especially interested in research and development fields. It actively seeks to employ large numbers of people from the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, collectively known as S.T.E.M. according to the Governor's official website.
"The university will sponsor seven student interns from the Emergency Services department and one faculty member to serve as part of the Jack Rabbit II testing team," Byrnes said.
The university has also donated two fire engines, an ambulance and three automobiles for the Jack Rabbit II test. The vehicles will be exposed during the trials and used to gather much needed data on how chlorine might infiltrate engines, heating systems and air conditioners.
"We are excited to have the university involved," Nicholson said "We all want to understand how heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems could become entry points, or distribution systems, for a hazardous contaminant such as chlorine."
Byrnes added that the university hopes to establish long-term partnerships with the with community stakeholders to enhance their student's core skills and proficiency.
"We hope to contribute to the body of knowledge that will be gained and ultimately benefit all emergency responders nationally and internationally," Byrnes said and added, "Our students don't just want an education, they want to 'graduate with a resume.'"
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