The Vulnerability Of Belmont County, WV Local Hazardous ... · 01/12/2010 · The material in this...

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The Vulnerability Of Hazardous Materials Transport

More than 1 million shipments of hazardous materials are moved throughout the country every day by all modes including pipelines, ships, trucks, trains, and airlines. These shipments vary widely by type and volume, from small packages of radioactive materials to bulk shipments of flammable or toxic materials. Although incidents with severe consequences are rare, Hazmat transportation presents constant challenges from type of materials involved, shipment methods, and growing concerns about the security of these shipments. Points to consider: In Afghanistan fuel tankers have been the targets of frequent attacks. Improvised explosive devices (IED) have been planted on these vehicles causing a huge explosion and fire spreading to nearby buildings. Consider that the threat of terrorists using these hazardous materials, such as flammable materials or hazardous chemicals, for terror attacks is real. For example, in 2002, terrorists drove a truck carrying liquefied natural gas and ignited the cargo in front of a synagogue in the Tunisian island of Djerba. Additionally, consider that toxic chemicals, radioactive nuclear waste, commercial explosives, flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are transported every day by trucks and trains across the country, through American cities and towns. These hazardous materials are transported on the City’s roads and freeways and are a topic of concern because they potentially can threaten the public and environmental safety. Both trains and large trucks are tempting targets for terrorists. These shipments are everywhere so a plan need not be complicated to inflict serious damage on a train car or truck carrying lethal materials, just penetrating tanks and causing an explosion or derailment can cause havoc. Remember that terrorists more often choose simple operations using readily available resources promising modest consequences rather than complex and uncertain operations promising catastrophic ones. Our hazardous material shipments provide a target-rich environment with predictable routes, and pose few security challenges.

December 1, 2010

According to a recent study by the Belmont County, WV Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Belmont County Emergency Management Agency’s Hazardous Materials Commodity flow study traveling between Ohio and West Virginia at the Moundsville Bridge, showed petroleum and crude oil tankers to be the most prevalent, hydrochloric acid/muriatic acid tankers were the next most numerous. Other vehicles were found to be hauling compressed helium and hydrogen, refrigerated liquid oxygen, liquefied petroleum gas, solid and solution caustic soda, refrigerated liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide, hydrated calcium hypochlorite and hazardous solid waste.


Tree Lighting Bomb Plot Foiled A sting operation recently resulted in undercover agents arresting a Somali-born naturalized U.S. citizen, in connection a plot to detonate what he believed to be a vehicle born explosive device (VBIED) at Portland, Oregon’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Points to consider: The long-term undercover operation, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ended in the arrest of the suspect after he attempted to detonate an inert explosives-laden van that was parked near the tree-lighting ceremony in Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square. Commenting on the arrest, John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, a military information site, said the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) effort to disrupt and deter attacks seems to be working, however, he cautioned that there will be other attacks, saying: "Most of those they are catching, their main crime is stupidity," he says. "But we can't depend on the stupidity of the enemy forever." Consider that terrorists seek to use violence to generate fear, and thereby to achieve their political goals. Experts say that terrorists target two types of targets: symbolic items of the country, and places with large numbers of people. Holidays should be considered significant targets of terrorism because they are so strongly connected with a countries economy and culture, has the potential for mass casualties, and would reap huge national and international media attention.

Is Information Sharing At Risk? The fall-out from the WikiLeaks cable dump is forcing an administration-wide intelligence retrenchment as agencies reconsider how to balance the need to share with the need to know. Points to consider: The post 9-11 the imperative was to break down the “stovepipes” that prevented sharing across the sprawling collection of intelligence offices in more than a dozen different agencies across the U.S. government and around the world, the so-called intelligence community. Now these various agencies are expected to tighten security to prevent leaks, and experts fear that now we may see a return towards inter-agency "stove-piping", or walling off information from other departments. Officials say they already see the information chill setting in. The State Department and other agencies have already tightened information-sharing and restricted access between the Military and nonmilitary agencies.

Former New Yorker Seen As An “Aspiring Awlaki” U.S. intelligence agencies have seen an increase in militants preaching jihad in English, and a corresponding uptick in terror plots involving U.S. citizens, now point to a new rising star in al-Qaeda.

Points to consider: Experts say that Anwar al-Awlaki’s Yemen-based understudy, 24-year-old New York-raised Samir ibn Zafar Khan, uses sarcasm and fluent English to recruit jihadist. Khan's skills as a propagandist have grabbed the attention of U.S. intelligence and law enforcement, who have tracked his evolution from a U.S. blogger and “jihadi wannabe” to an online voice of jihad. His ability to speak to Western audiences in a vernacular that connects with young Americans makes him a rising star in al-Qaeda. Officials say that he solidified his extremist credentials earlier this month when the former New Yorker with an eye for graphics is believed to have published a "special edition" of the English-language "Inspire," which revealed details of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's (AQAP) failed cargo bomb plot, and mocking the stepped-up security that has ensued in the West. Consider that according to Ben Venzke, who runs Intel-Center, a group that monitors extremist sites that Khan’s style “may represent a new level of interaction by jihadist groups following an operation and is a far cry from the days of shadowy claims and questions as to who was actually responsible."

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Official Says Coast Guard Presence Needed New Bedford, MA Mayor Scott W. Lang said the recent discovery of two Palestinian stowaways aboard a Liberian freighter, highlights the need to expand coastal security.

Points to consider: Consider that terrorism has become a trans-national issue making border security our first line of defense against terrorists. The government uses technology as much as possible, to develop solutions to help with this enormous task. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the length of the International Boundary line of the U.S.-Canadian border, excluding Alaska, is approximately 3,987 miles, while the length of the U.S.-Mexican border is estimated at 1,933 miles. The length of the Alaska-Canada border alone is 1,538 miles. Additionally, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has surveyed the “general coastline” based on large scale nautical charts, resulting in a coastline measure for the 50 states totaling 12,383 miles.

Police Facility Targeted At least 12 people were killed and 16 others injured recently when two Taliban suicide bombers executed a brazen attack on a police chief's headquarters and a training center in Sharan, East Afghanistan. Points to consider: The two suicide bombers dressed as policemen to by-pas security and gain access to the secure facility then detonated their explosives-packed vests once inside the compound. Consider that officials have warned that terrorists could use uniforms, or government vehicles with official markings as a means of delivering an explosive device, allowing terrorists to bypass established security protocols and strike hardened, high-value targets.

Missing Radioactive Material Found FedEx has found a shipment of radioactive rods destined for Memphis, Tennessee, which was feared lost in shipping in a FedEx station in Knoxville, with the shipping label missing from the outer box. Points to consider: The shipment of radioactive rods is used by hospitals to calibrate CT scanning equipment was sent, with two other similar items each in their own metal cylinder, known as a pig, which is about 10-inches long and weighing 20-pounds. Be aware that these “pigs” contain are sealed but contain sources of radioactive material which may present a significant physical hazard, but are relatively safe as long as the radioactive material remains locked inside. Additionally, consider that according to Edwin Lyman, senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit organization based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, said that these previously considered low-risk materials are increasingly attractive to terrorists because they can be used to create "dirty bombs" that release of hazardous materials when they explode.

Another Drug Tunnel Found Authorities recently found what they described as a sophisticated tunnel used to smuggle drugs between Mexico and San Diego. Points to consider: The half-mile passage runs from a residence in Tijuana to a warehouse in San Diego's Otay Mesa area and was equipped with a rail system, ventilation and fluorescent lighting, and is the second such discovery in the region in less than a month. Consider that according to the National Drug Intelligence Center the number of tunnels being used to smuggle contraband across the Southwestern border into the U.S. has grown significantly, but also be aware of the potential for the tunnels to be used for terrorist activity, transporting terrorists or weapons of mass destruction into the United States.


Islamic Center Fire Investigated Authorities have declared a recent fire at the Salman Alfarisi Islamic Center in Corvallis, Oregon, which was frequented by the suspect in the recent Portland Christmas tree bomb plot arson. Points to consider: The fire was contained to one room, and erupted just two days after a Somali-born teenager was arrested after he tried to detonate a van he believed was loaded with explosives at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Portland. Consider that extremism exists in all faiths and countries. Some are foreign born and some homegrown. Earlier this year in Russia “skinheads” attacked crowds at the "Tornado" rock festival injuring 19 people in the attack. Analysts in Russia warn that increasing xenophobia (fear of foreigners) is allowing many far-right groups to prosper.

Mass Grave Found The Mexican army recently discovered several clandestine graves along a dirt road, holding at least 20 bodies near a ranch in the town of Puerto Palomas, just across the border from Columbus, New Mexico. Points to consider: Consider that Mexico today, is a country ravaged by a brutally violent power struggle between drug cartels and authorities in many regions, particularly along the border. Northern Mexico is at the center of a nearly four-year-old war involving rival drug gangs vying for smuggling routes into the US. According to various estimates Mexico’s drug trade generates $8-billion to $30-billion annually, providing the motivation for the “drug war”. Law enforcement sources say that violence from these turf battles among Mexico's drug gangs has resulted in more than 28,000 deaths in drug-related violence since President Felipe Calderon ordered a crackdown on gangs when he took office in December 2006.

New Trend: Women Leading Police Departments Police commanders, mayors and other leaders have increasingly become targets of drug gangs that are seeking to control territory for their operations, so many Mexican States affected by drug violence have recently seen an increase in the number of women leading their police departments after men rejected the jobs out of fear. Points to consider: In October Marisol Valles Garcia a 20-year-old university student was named police chief in Praxedis G. Guerrero, Chihuahua, Mexico, and two other municipalities near Ciudad Juarez, just across the border from El Paso, Texas, have also sworn in women as police chiefs. Consider that this tactic trend has not changed the way the cartels operate, recently gunmen in two trucks chased and killed Hermila Garcia Quinones the newly appointed female police chief of the town of Meoqui.

Cargo Ships Collide One cargo ship was badly damaged and began to sink after it collided with another cargo vessel in West Bengal’s Hooghly River.

Points to consider: The collision between the two ships, Green valley and Tiger Singh, occurred on the Hooghly where it meets the Rupnarayan rivers near Nurpur, South 24 Parganas. Consider that the Marine environment is different whether it's a small boat or an oceangoing vessel, requiring special training, requiring specialized procedures, changes of tactics, and some changes in attitudes, even though the circumstances during which accidents can start off may be basically similar.


Power Failure Strands Thousands Of Passengers Recently a power failure disrupted Singapore’s light rail transit (LRT) train services in Bukit Panjang, affecting four trains, leaving an estimated 5,000 passengers stranded between stations. Points to consider:

LRT staff and first responders were immediately deployed on board the trains to help passengers safely evacuate. Consider that in the wake of this latest incident, it is important to understand that although mass transportation incidents are at one of their lowest levels ever, accidents and emergencies do happen and can have a profound effect on first a responders operation. Train cars carry hundreds of passengers in an enclosed environment; recognize that this incident highlights the potential for mass casualty incident that is present in our aging rail system. Additionally, be aware that these incidents require a prompt response and implementation of both the individual Departments and community-wide disaster plans. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources. These incidents also create the need for expansion of the ICS to include a Medical Sector to decide where to set-up both triage and treatment areas. Furthermore, consider that emergencies involving railroad equipment require specialized procedures, which necessitates responders to undergo specific training and certification to prepare for all types of transportation-related incidents.

Plane Crashes After Takeoff Recently a Russian-made IL-76 cargo plane heading to Sudan's capital Khartoum crashed shortly after taking off from Karachi airport in Pakistan, killing all eight crew members on board and at least three others on the ground. Points to consider: The jet crashed into buildings that were under construction inside a naval base, close to Jinnah airport sparking a blaze, which was fuelled by thousands of gallons of aviation fuel. Consider that in the wake of this tragic incident, it is important to understand that although aviation accidents are at one of their lowest levels ever, accidents do happen and can have a profound effect on first a responders operation. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources. Furthermore, consider that emergencies involving aircraft require specialized procedures, which necessitates responders to undergo specific training and certification to prepare for all types of aviation-related incidents.

Storm System Pounds Much Of The US A relentless storm system raked the south from Florida panhandle to Maryland recently producing heavy rain and spawning at least four tornadoes classified as EF-2.

Points to consider: Consider that each year natural disasters create major problems around the world, with storms and floods dominating the statistics, contributing more than two thirds to the major disasters. The reality is that these events can happen anywhere, no matter how unlikely or unpredictable, and it’s important to remain aware and prepared for the possibility of an emergency. When a disaster happens, rapid response saves lives. The faster and more coordinated emergency response efforts are, the more effective they can be. Because most first responders do not respond to large scale emergencies every day, it is important to stress effective response requires a disciplined team in which each participating individual follows clear lines of communication and performs according to clearly assigned roles and directions.


Evacuations Ordered After Ammonia Leak Victoria police and firefighters were called recently to the Archie Browning arena in Esquimalt, BC, Canada and evacuated the arena and neighboring McDonald's restaurant after an ammonia leak was discovered in the arena. Points to consider: Ammonia (UN2672) is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Exposure to 300 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. Ammonia is also flammable at concentrations of approximately 15% to 28% by volume in air. When mixed with lubricating oils, its flammable concentration range is increased. It can explode if released in an enclosed space with a source of ignition present, or if a vessel containing anhydrous ammonia is exposed to fire. Fortunately, ammonia has a low odor threshold (20 ppm), so most people will seek relief at much lower concentrations. For general operating procedures depending on the concentration, refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #125 or #154.

Hazmat Called After Chemical Spills At Water Treatment Plant Hazardous materials units were called to the St. Clair Township, Ohio Water Facility recently after workers changing cylinders spilled chlorine. Points to consider: The workers immediately self-evacuated the area, and closed the door, confining the spill the room to which the leak occurred. Consider that chlorine (UN 1017) is a greenish-yellow gas or a clear, amber colored liquid with a suffocating, pungent, irritating odor. Chlorine and water can be very corrosive. Corrosion of metal containers can make leaks worse. Although non-flammable, chlorine is a strong oxidizer and will support the burning of most combustible materials. Flammable gases and vapors can form explosive mixtures with chlorine. Chlorine can react violently when in contact with many materials and generate heat with possible flammable or explosive vapors. Chlorine gas is heavier than air and will collect in low-lying areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124.

Worker Hospitalized After Chemical Spill Mississauga Fire and Emergency Service’s Hazardous Materials Unit was called recently to the Armstrong Manufacturing Co in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada after a man separating mixtures spilled insecticidal soap concentrate which subsequently caused a fire causing the worker to suffer second-degree burns to 80% of his body. Points to consider: Insecticidal soap concentrate is a clear, yellow, viscous liquid. It is considered stable but incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Alcohol foam is recommended because many of these products contain up to 30% alcohol, which contributes to its flammability.

Hazmat Called To Acid Leak Hazmat crews called to Cree, Inc. in Durham, North Carolina, recently after hydrochloric acid leaked from a pipe exposing two workers.

Points to consider: When the Hazmat crew arrived they immediately washed down the workers in nearby shower, transported them to a nearby Hospital as a precaution, and evacuated the building, as other members managed to find the pipe that was leaking and stop the flow of acid. Consider that hydrochloric acid (UN 1789) is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a harsh pungent irritating odor. Depending upon concentration it may fume upon release. Its vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. It reacts with common metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #157.

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CO The Silent Killer Emergency crews were dispatched recently after the Grant County Sheriff's Department received a report of a sick child at the Red Rose Mobile Home Park in Marion, Indiana. When first responders arrived, they called for a hazardous materials crew, who determined carbon monoxide (CO) was to blame.

Points to consider: Officials said that a 9-year-old boy died, and his sister and father were sickened as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. Be aware that carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure. Consider that Statistics show, on average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO, and with winter approaching responders should be aware to its hazards.

Hazmat Called To Chemical Truck Fire Highway 59 at the Liberty-San Jacinto, TX county line was closed recently as firefighters battled a chemical truck fire. Points to consider: A Hazmat crew was called to the scene, to assist firefighters because the truck was carrying acrylic acid, advising the fire crews to use extreme caution and extinguish the blaze from a distance due to the dangerous cargo. Consider that acrylic acid (UN 2218) is a colorless corrosive liquid with an acrid odor. Considered unstable, light and air sensitive, prone to hazardous polymerization. It is Combustible, incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and amines. Contact with oxidizers may cause fire. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 132P.

Hazmat Called To Tanker Car Derailment Dallas Fire-Rescue hazardous materials units were called recently after four Union Pacific tanker cars carrying acetone derailed, and was reported to be leaking the potentially volatile fluid. Points to consider: Acetone (UN 1090) is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid with a mint-like odor. Extremely Flammable Liquid and Vapor! Vapor may cause flash fire. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. This material may produce a floating fire hazard, and is sensitive to static discharge. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 127.

Truck Crash Results In Chemical Spill China’s Quzhou City’s fire brigade was called recently after a tanker carrying 30-tons of isopropylamine was involved in a crash with another truck, resulting in the chemical to spill, vaporize, and sicken three workers at a nearby factory.

Points to consider: Firefighters evacuated the factory and sealed the hole in the tanker, which allowed the flammable and toxic isopropylamine, used to produce pesticide to leak out. Consider that isopropylamine (UN 1221) clear colorless alkaline very volatile moderately toxic, highly flammable liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat, flame, sparks, or strong oxidizers. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of oxides of nitrogen. Incompatible with strong acids, strong oxidizers, aldehydes, ketones, epoxides. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 132.


Hazardous Materials Chemicals are found everywhere. They purify drinking water, increase crop production, and simplify household chores. But chemicals also can be hazardous to humans or the environment if used or released improperly. Hazards can occur during production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal. Varying quantities of hazardous materials are manufactured, used, or stored at an estimated 4.5 million facilities in the United States--from major industrial plants to local dry cleaning establishments or gardening supply stores. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants. Hazardous Materials, as defined by the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazardous Communication Standard, as any chemical, radiological or biological material that poses a wide range of health hazards and physical hazards (such as flammability, corrosion, and reactivity). Hazardous materials are grouped into the following four categories, based on their properties: • Toxic (causes human health effects) • Ignitable (has the ability to burn) • Corrosive (causes severe burns or damage to materials) • Reactive (causes explosions or generates toxic gases)

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