capitol hill ricin 2/2/04 – 2/9/04. incident description white powder – senator frist mailroom...

Capitol Hill Ricin 2/2/04 – 2/9/04

Incident Description

White Powder – Senator Frist Mailroom –Found 2/2/04

Initial Assessment by Capitol Police HMRT

Field Tests – 5 of 6 Positive Lab Results on 2/3/04 -

Confirmed Ricin

Response Mobilization

HSAA Requested EPA Support EPA Activated ERT, USCG-AST,

ATSDR, ERRS, START Capitol Police Activated Marines-

CBIRF

Incident Command

ICS had Parallel Tracks - Investigations & Response

Limited Info Sharing from Investigations to Response

EPA Integrated Our Operations Into Capitol Police’s ICS Structure

Goal: Open Buildings asap

Initial Scope of Response

Initially Focused on Mail Collection- Bag, Document & Overpack

House Buildings Never Closed - Work @ Night

Develop Plan to Sample & Decontaminate Mailroom

Further Scope of Response

Implement Decontamination Plan

- Fumigation w/ Heat?- Washdown w/ Weak Bleach - Steam Vac Carpets

Dirksen Open On Schedule (2/9) USCG- PIAT & EPA-CIC Support to

Capitol Police’s PIO

Ongoing Work

Disposal of Wastes (PPE, decon water, rugs, etc.)

Treatment/Disposal of Mail EPA Costs: < $500K

Lessons Learned: Part 1

Increase in Capitol Police’s Hazmat Capabilities

- Good News: * Less Cross-Contamination * Improved ICS * Less Reliance on Others- Bad News: * Less Access to Sampling Data for EPA & CDC

Lessons Learned: Part 2

PFO – Offers Potential Help Efficacy Methods for Interior

Bldg Remediation Are Needed Criminal/Response Coordination:

Still a Work in Progress ERT Can Do Great Job as SSC Formalized Guidance on

Clearance Committees Would be Useful