RPTB Overview - ObjectivesRPTB Overview - Objectives To provide a framework to identify To provide a framework to identify

credible incidents/dismiss hoaxes.credible incidents/dismiss hoaxes. To serve as a Planning Tool that can To serve as a Planning Tool that can

be adapted to a specific user’s needsbe adapted to a specific user’s needs To provide guidance from the time of To provide guidance from the time of

discovery through remediation and discovery through remediation and return to normal operationreturn to normal operation

RPTB Overview - Response RPTB Overview - Response GuidanceGuidance

Offers guidance on…Offers guidance on… Whom to notifyWhom to notify Actions to takeActions to take How to conduct a ‘Threat Evaluation’How to conduct a ‘Threat Evaluation’ How to collect samplesHow to collect samples How to analyze samplesHow to analyze samples How to remediate and recoverHow to remediate and recover

RPTB Overview - OrganizationRPTB Overview - Organization

Six modules:Six modules:1. Water Utility Planning Guide1. Water Utility Planning Guide

2. Contamination Threat Management Guide2. Contamination Threat Management Guide

3. Site Characterization & Sampling Guide3. Site Characterization & Sampling Guide

4. Analytical Guide4. Analytical Guide

5. Public Health Response Guide5. Public Health Response Guide

6. Remediation and Recovery Guide6. Remediation and Recovery Guide Module ‘0’ provides an OverviewModule ‘0’ provides an Overview

Module RelationshipsModule Relationships

Potential UsersPotential Users

Drinking water utilitiesDrinking water utilities LaboratoriesLaboratories Emergency respondersEmergency responders State drinking water programsState drinking water programs Technical assistance providersTechnical assistance providers Public health officialsPublic health officials EPA and other federal agenciesEPA and other federal agencies Law enforcementLaw enforcement

Application of ModulesApplication of Modules

Module 1: Module 1: Water Utility Planning GuideWater Utility Planning Guide

Planning

Module 1: Module 1: Water Utility Planning GuideWater Utility Planning Guide

Overview of contamination threats and Overview of contamination threats and incidents:incidents: Threat warning sources Threat warning sources Due Diligence – threat responseDue Diligence – threat response

Preparing for contamination threats:Preparing for contamination threats: Updating ERPsUpdating ERPs Establish ICSEstablish ICS Develop communication planDevelop communication plan Enhance physical securityEnhance physical security

THREATWARNING

SecurityBreach

WitnessAccount

Notification byPerpetrator

Notification byLaw Enforcement

ConsumerComplaint

Public HealthNotification

Warnings of Potential Warnings of Potential ContaminationContamination

Notification byNews Media

Unusual WaterQuality

Contamination Threat vs. Contamination Threat vs. IncidentIncident

Contamination threatContamination threat – an indication – an indication that a contaminant may have been that a contaminant may have been introduced (not confirmed).introduced (not confirmed).

Contamination incidentContamination incident - the confirmed - the confirmed presence of a harmful substance presence of a harmful substance (requires a response)(requires a response)

Module 2:Module 2:Contamination Threat Management Contamination Threat Management

GuideGuide

Module 2:Module 2:Contamination Threat Management Contamination Threat Management

GuideGuide

Module 2 provides:Module 2 provides:

A framework for decision-makingA framework for decision-making

A threat evaluation and management A threat evaluation and management processprocess

Descriptions of response actionsDescriptions of response actions

Threat Evaluation and Threat Evaluation and Management ProcessManagement Process

Evaluation of all available information Evaluation of all available information to determine if contamination is:to determine if contamination is: ‘‘Possible’Possible’ ‘‘Credible’Credible’ ‘‘Confirmed’Confirmed’

Work with minimal informationWork with minimal information Iterative process that is updated as Iterative process that is updated as

more information becomes availablemore information becomes available

Players in the Players in the Threat Management ProcessThreat Management Process

Drinking water utilities (WUERM)Drinking water utilities (WUERM) Drinking water primacy agencyDrinking water primacy agency Public health officialsPublic health officials Emergency respondersEmergency responders Local law enforcementLocal law enforcement FBIFBI

Is the Threat ‘Possible’?Is the Threat ‘Possible’?

A threat is deemed ‘possible’ if the A threat is deemed ‘possible’ if the circumstances indicate the opportunity circumstances indicate the opportunity for contaminationfor contamination

One-hour target for ‘possible’ stageOne-hour target for ‘possible’ stage

Is the Threat ‘Possible’?Is the Threat ‘Possible’? Information available at ‘possible’ stage:Information available at ‘possible’ stage:

Details of the threat warningDetails of the threat warning

If a threat is ‘possible’, potential If a threat is ‘possible’, potential response actions include:response actions include: Isolation and containmentIsolation and containment Initiate site characterization and samplingInitiate site characterization and sampling

Is the Threat ‘Credible’?Is the Threat ‘Credible’?

A threat is deemed ‘credible’ if additional A threat is deemed ‘credible’ if additional information corroborates the threatinformation corroborates the threat

2 - 8 hour target for ‘credible’ stage.2 - 8 hour target for ‘credible’ stage.

Is the Threat ‘Credible’?Is the Threat ‘Credible’?

Information available at ‘credible’ stage:Information available at ‘credible’ stage: Site characterization results.Site characterization results. Information from external resourcesInformation from external resources

If a threat is ‘credible’, potential response If a threat is ‘credible’, potential response actions include:actions include: Public notificationPublic notification Sample analysis & more site characterizationSample analysis & more site characterization

Is the Threat ‘Confirmed’?Is the Threat ‘Confirmed’? A contamination incident is confirmed A contamination incident is confirmed

once conclusive evidence is obtainedonce conclusive evidence is obtained

May take several days to confirmMay take several days to confirm

Confirmation of a threat Confirmation of a threat through:through:

Results of Sample Analysis:Results of Sample Analysis: Advantage: provides definitive evidenceAdvantage: provides definitive evidence Disadvantage: may ‘miss’ contaminant during Disadvantage: may ‘miss’ contaminant during

sampling or design of analytical approachsampling or design of analytical approach Preponderance of Evidence:Preponderance of Evidence:

Results of site characterizationResults of site characterization Assessment by law enforcementAssessment by law enforcement Assessment by public health agenciesAssessment by public health agencies Additional factors and informationAdditional factors and information

Is the Threat ‘Confirmed’?Is the Threat ‘Confirmed’? Information available at ‘confirmed’ stage:Information available at ‘confirmed’ stage:

Results of sample analysesResults of sample analyses Additional site characterizationAdditional site characterization Information from external resourcesInformation from external resources

If a threat is ‘confirmed’, potential If a threat is ‘confirmed’, potential response actions include:response actions include: Revising of actions taken to protect publicRevising of actions taken to protect public Planning for remediation and recoveryPlanning for remediation and recovery

Threat Threat Management Management

ProcessProcess

Module 3: Site Characterization Module 3: Site Characterization and Sampling Guideand Sampling Guide

Module 3: Site Characterization Module 3: Site Characterization and Sampling Guideand Sampling Guide

Intended for water utility staff and first Intended for water utility staff and first respondersresponders

Contains procedures for conducting site Contains procedures for conducting site characterization activitiescharacterization activities

Implemented at ‘possible’ stage to establish Implemented at ‘possible’ stage to establish ‘credible’ and ‘confirmed’ threat‘credible’ and ‘confirmed’ threat

Site Characterization Site Characterization ProceduresProcedures

PlanningPlanning by the WUERM and/or by the WUERM and/or Incident CommanderIncident Commander

ImplementationImplementation by the Site by the Site Characterization TeamCharacterization Team Site EvaluationSite Evaluation Field safety screeningField safety screening Rapid field testing of the waterRapid field testing of the water Sample collectionSample collection

Site Characterization Site Characterization ProcessProcess

Five StagesFive Stages Customizing the PlanCustomizing the Plan Approaching the SiteApproaching the Site Characterizing the SiteCharacterizing the Site Collecting SamplesCollecting Samples Exiting the SiteExiting the Site

1. Customizing the Plan1. Customizing the Plan

Site Characterization Plan customized Site Characterization Plan customized based on nature of threat (4 hazard based on nature of threat (4 hazard categories)categories) low, radiological, chemical, and/or low, radiological, chemical, and/or

biologicalbiological Site characterization team assembled Site characterization team assembled

based on type of threat and safety based on type of threat and safety needs needs

2. Approaching the Site2. Approaching the Site Establishing site zones:Establishing site zones:

Site perimeter and staging areaSite perimeter and staging area Protective action zone where specialized Protective action zone where specialized

PPE may be requiredPPE may be required Conduct field safety screening:Conduct field safety screening:

Detect environmental hazards (air & Detect environmental hazards (air & surfaces).surfaces).

Initial evaluation of site conditionsInitial evaluation of site conditions Determine if it is safe to proceedDetermine if it is safe to proceed

3. Characterizing the Site3. Characterizing the Site Repeat field safety screeningRepeat field safety screening Evaluate site conditions:Evaluate site conditions:

Signs of intrusion or tamperingSigns of intrusion or tampering General signs of contaminationGeneral signs of contamination Indicators of chemical contaminationIndicators of chemical contamination

Rapid field testing of the water:Rapid field testing of the water: Additional information for the threat assessmentAdditional information for the threat assessment Tentative identification of contaminantsTentative identification of contaminants Determine if special precautions are required for Determine if special precautions are required for

samplingsampling

3. Characterizing the Site – 3. Characterizing the Site – cont’d.cont’d.

Currently Available Rapid Analytical Currently Available Rapid Analytical Assessment Tools:Assessment Tools:

Acute Toxicity TestingAcute Toxicity Testing Rapid ImmunoassaysRapid Immunoassays Rapid Enzyme TestRapid Enzyme Test Rapid PCRRapid PCR Field Deployable GC/MSField Deployable GC/MS

3. Characterizing the Site – 3. Characterizing the Site – cont’d.cont’d.

Rapid Analytical MethodsRapid Analytical Methods Technology is rapidly improvingTechnology is rapidly improving Results are only presumptiveResults are only presumptive These methods are no substitute for These methods are no substitute for

standard laboratory analysesstandard laboratory analyses

4. Sample Collection4. Sample Collection

To follow rapid field testingTo follow rapid field testing Samples to be collected and analyzed Samples to be collected and analyzed

in accordance with State Primacy in accordance with State Primacy Agency/EPA/USGS guidelinesAgency/EPA/USGS guidelines

5. Exiting the Site5. Exiting the Site

Initiated upon completion of site Initiated upon completion of site characterizationcharacterization

Confirm collection of appropriate samplesConfirm collection of appropriate samples Properly document findingsProperly document findings Secure the siteSecure the site Securing a site may involve multiple steps for Securing a site may involve multiple steps for

higher hazard level sites and/or crime sceneshigher hazard level sites and/or crime scenes

Module 4: Analytical GuideModule 4: Analytical Guide

Module 4: Analytical GuideModule 4: Analytical Guide Intended for planners and labs that may provide Intended for planners and labs that may provide

support to the water utility during an eventsupport to the water utility during an event

Provides a general approach to the analysis of Provides a general approach to the analysis of unknowns in waterunknowns in water

Identifies analytical procedures for:Identifies analytical procedures for: ChemicalsChemicals RadionuclidesRadionuclides PathogensPathogens

Not intended as a ‘how to’ lab manualNot intended as a ‘how to’ lab manual

Analytical Analytical Approach Approach

for Unknown for Unknown ContaminantsContaminants

Review the SiteCharacterization Report

Contaminant classknown or suspected?

Perform Screening forChemicals and Biologicals

Specific contaminanttentatively identified?

NO

YES

Perform Screening forChemicals or Biologicals

NO

YES

Perform ConfirmatoryAnalysis

Presence ofcontaminantconfirmed?

Revise/ExpandAnalytical Approach

YES

NO

Analysis Complete.Report Results.

Is additionalscreening

necessary?

NO

YES

Current Laboratory Current Laboratory InfrastructureInfrastructure

Chemical Analysis Biological Analysis

EnvironmentalChemistry Labs

RadiologicalLabs

SpecialtyLabs

EnvironmentalMicrobiology Labs

Lab ResponseNetwork

ChemicalWeapons

Biotoxins

Environmental Chemistry Environmental Chemistry LabsLabs

Labs suited to complete analyses for Labs suited to complete analyses for compliance with the Safe Drinking compliance with the Safe Drinking Water or Clean Water ActsWater or Clean Water Acts

May require advance notice for analysisMay require advance notice for analysis

Radiochemistry LabsRadiochemistry Labs For analysis of a range of radionuclidesFor analysis of a range of radionuclides

Include EPA, DOE, State and some commercial Include EPA, DOE, State and some commercial labslabs

http://www.epa.gov/radiation/programs.htm-erhttp://www.epa.gov/radiation/programs.htm-er

Federal Radiological Management Center Federal Radiological Management Center (FRMAC) operated by FEMA(FRMAC) operated by FEMA

http://www.fema.gov/rrr/rep/index.shtmhttp://www.fema.gov/rrr/rep/index.shtm

Biotoxin LabsBiotoxin Labs

Currently few labs with this capabilityCurrently few labs with this capability

Labs with this capability are listed in the Labs with this capability are listed in the Laboratory Response Network (LRN)Laboratory Response Network (LRN)

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/emcontact/index.asp http://www.bt.cdc.gov/emcontact/index.asp

Chemical Weapons LabsChemical Weapons Labs

Chemicals placed on Chemical Weapons Chemicals placed on Chemical Weapons Convention (CSC) Schedule 1Convention (CSC) Schedule 1

Two labs in US qualified and permittedTwo labs in US qualified and permittedUS Army Edgewood LaboratoryUS Army Edgewood Laboratory

Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoriesLawrence Livermore National Laboratories

Access through Federal AgenciesAccess through Federal Agencies

Microbiological LabsMicrobiological Labs

For analysis of waterborne pathogensFor analysis of waterborne pathogens May include hospital, medical, public May include hospital, medical, public

health and/or environmental health and/or environmental microbiology labsmicrobiology labs

Labs with this capability listed in Labs with this capability listed in Laboratory Response Network (LRN)Laboratory Response Network (LRN)

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/emcontact/index.asp http://www.bt.cdc.gov/emcontact/index.asp

Laboratory Response Network Laboratory Response Network (LRN)(LRN)

Developed by CDC, Association of Public Developed by CDC, Association of Public Health Labs and FBIHealth Labs and FBI

Designated to handle bioterrorism eventsDesignated to handle bioterrorism events PathogensPathogens BiotoxinsBiotoxins

Composed of City, County, State and Federal Composed of City, County, State and Federal Public Health labsPublic Health labs

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/emcontact/index.asphttp://www.bt.cdc.gov/emcontact/index.asp

Laboratory Screening for Chemical Contaminants

Purge &Trap

SPEDirect

AqueousInjection

METALS

AA, ICP,ICP-MS

GC/MSGC/PID/ELCD

WetChemistry

HPLC -Fluorescence

HPLC-UV

Immuno-Assays

Report MethodAnalytes

SPESPME

Micro LLECont LLE

LC-MSLC-MS/MS

GC/MSGC/MS/MS

DirectAqueousInjection

MultidetectorGC

Presence of methodanalytes confirmed?

DirectAnalysis orDigestion

VariousSample

Prep

YES

ICHPLC

FlowInjectionAnalysis

HeadspaceAnalysis

Report ConfirmedResults

PerformConfirmatory

AnalysisNO

Basic Screen (Section 6.4, Table 6-3)

ORGANIC

Expanded Screen (Section 6.5, Table 6-4)

IonSelectiveElectrode

CYANIDE

Screening for Chemical Contaminants

Module 5:Module 5:Public Health Response Public Health Response

GuideGuide

Module 5:Module 5:Public Health Response GuidePublic Health Response Guide

Five Public Health Response Actions:Five Public Health Response Actions: Plan the public health responsePlan the public health response Determine public health consequences Determine public health consequences Implement appropriate operational Implement appropriate operational

responses responses  Implement the public notification strategyImplement the public notification strategy Make available a short term alternate water Make available a short term alternate water

supply (if necessary) supply (if necessary)

1. Plan the public health 1. Plan the public health responseresponse

Pre-Threat Planning:Pre-Threat Planning: Integrate Health Dept into Utility ERPIntegrate Health Dept into Utility ERP Identify agencies involved and rolesIdentify agencies involved and roles Develop communication strategyDevelop communication strategy Develop operational/health response Develop operational/health response

plans plans

2. Determine Public Health 2. Determine Public Health Consequences from IncidentConsequences from Incident

Post-Threat (contaminant identified)Post-Threat (contaminant identified) Assess acute/chronic health effectsAssess acute/chronic health effects Determine exposure routes of concernDetermine exposure routes of concern Determine stability of contaminant in waterDetermine stability of contaminant in water Calculate ability to spread in distribution Calculate ability to spread in distribution

systemsystem

3. Implement Appropriate 3. Implement Appropriate Operational ResponsesOperational Responses

Isolation and containment of suspect Isolation and containment of suspect waterwater

Elevation of disinfection levelsElevation of disinfection levels

4. Public Notification 4. Public Notification GuidanceGuidance Content:Content:

Specific instructions to consumersSpecific instructions to consumers Explanation of situationExplanation of situation What is being done to address itWhat is being done to address it

Format:Format: Short and simpleShort and simple In all common languagesIn all common languages

Methods of delivery:Methods of delivery: Broadcast mediaBroadcast media Distribution through community centersDistribution through community centers

5. Short-Term Alternate Water 5. Short-Term Alternate Water SupplySupply

Water for consumption and sanitation:Water for consumption and sanitation: Bottled waterBottled water Bulk water hauled to distribution centerBulk water hauled to distribution center

Water for firefighting:Water for firefighting: Pumper trucks filled from neighboring Pumper trucks filled from neighboring

supplysupply Contaminated water if no other Contaminated water if no other

immediately available alternativeimmediately available alternative

Module 6:Module 6:Remediation and Recovery GuideRemediation and Recovery Guide

Recovery

Plan

Module 6:Module 6:Remediation and Recovery GuideRemediation and Recovery Guide

Intended for entities involved in Intended for entities involved in characterization, risk assessment and characterization, risk assessment and remediationremediation

Designed to address incidents that pose Designed to address incidents that pose immediate and/or long term risksimmediate and/or long term risks

Overall objective – return water system to Overall objective – return water system to service ASAPservice ASAP

Roles and ResponsibilitiesRoles and Responsibilities

Recovery is coordinated under the Recovery is coordinated under the Incident Command SystemIncident Command System

‘‘No single agency (government or No single agency (government or private sector) possesses the authority private sector) possesses the authority and expertise to unilaterally implement and expertise to unilaterally implement the remediation and recovery program.’the remediation and recovery program.’

Steps to Remediation and Steps to Remediation and RecoveryRecovery

Long term alt. water Long term alt. water supplysupply

System System Characterization / Characterization / Feasibility studyFeasibility study

Risk AssessmentRisk Assessment Detailed analysis of Detailed analysis of

alternativesalternatives Remediation Remediation

technology selectiontechnology selection

Remedial DesignRemedial Design Remedial ActionRemedial Action Post Remediation Post Remediation

MonitoringMonitoring Communication to Communication to

restore public restore public confidenceconfidence

1. Long Term Alternate 1. Long Term Alternate Water SupplyWater Supply

Need depends on nature and severity of Need depends on nature and severity of contaminationcontamination

State and Federal assistance is likely to State and Federal assistance is likely to be requiredbe required

EPA, FEMA, Army Corps of EngineersEPA, FEMA, Army Corps of Engineers

2. System Characterization / 2. System Characterization / Feasibility StudyFeasibility Study

Detailed assessment of nature and Detailed assessment of nature and extent of contaminationextent of contamination

Preliminary feasibility study of treatment Preliminary feasibility study of treatment optionsoptions

3. Risk Assessment3. Risk Assessment

Evaluate risk reduction achieved in Evaluate risk reduction achieved in immediate response actionsimmediate response actions

Establish preliminary remediation goalsEstablish preliminary remediation goals Assess potential risk reduction from Assess potential risk reduction from

long-term remedial actionslong-term remedial actions

4. Detailed Analysis of 4. Detailed Analysis of Remedial AlternativesRemedial Alternatives

Evaluation based on:Evaluation based on: effectivenesseffectiveness technical feasibilitytechnical feasibility treatability of contaminanttreatability of contaminant

5. Remediation Technology 5. Remediation Technology SelectionSelection

Advantages/Disadvantages based on:Advantages/Disadvantages based on: Protection of human health and the Protection of human health and the

environmentenvironment Compliance with applicable regulations Compliance with applicable regulations ImplementabilityImplementability CostCost

6. Remedial Design6. Remedial Design

Lead agency (assisted by utility, etc.) Lead agency (assisted by utility, etc.) responsible for designresponsible for design

Includes preparation of:Includes preparation of: SpecificationsSpecifications DocumentationDocumentation Detailed DrawingsDetailed Drawings

7. Remedial Action7. Remedial Action

Implementation of Remedial DesignImplementation of Remedial Design Treatment system construction, Treatment system construction,

operation and maintenanceoperation and maintenance Treatment of contaminated water AND Treatment of contaminated water AND

rehabilitation of system componentsrehabilitation of system components

8. Post Remediation 8. Post Remediation MonitoringMonitoring

Post-treatment Start-up monitoring:Post-treatment Start-up monitoring: Monitoring for contaminants of concernMonitoring for contaminants of concern Regular system performance Regular system performance

inspections and maintenanceinspections and maintenance Regular water distribution system Regular water distribution system

inspection and maintenanceinspection and maintenance Maintenance of security measuresMaintenance of security measures

9. Communication to 9. Communication to Restore Public ConfidenceRestore Public Confidence

Public OutreachPublic Outreach WorkshopsWorkshops MeetingsMeetings PresentationsPresentations Information RepositoryInformation Repository Revised Public NotificationsRevised Public Notifications

SummarySummary The threat of contamination is a reality The threat of contamination is a reality

faced by drinking water systemsfaced by drinking water systems All threats should be evaluated to All threats should be evaluated to

determine if they are “possible” or determine if they are “possible” or “credible”“credible”

Effective management of a Effective management of a contamination threat relies on:contamination threat relies on: Timely and relevant informationTimely and relevant information A systematic evaluation of the threatA systematic evaluation of the threat Appropriate response decisionsAppropriate response decisions

Summary (cont’d.)Summary (cont’d.)

Planning for an effective response to a Planning for an effective response to a contamination threat or incident may be contamination threat or incident may be the most efficient and effective defensethe most efficient and effective defensehttp://www.epa.gov/watersecurityhttp://www.epa.gov/watersecurity

EPA RPTB download:EPA RPTB download: http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/

watersecurity/home.cfm?program_id=8watersecurity/home.cfm?program_id=8