capitol hill ricin 2/2/04 – 2/9/04. incident description white powder – senator frist mailroom...
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: 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](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022072005/56649cdb5503460f949a5c56/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Capitol Hill Ricin 2/2/04 – 2/9/04
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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
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Response Mobilization
HSAA Requested EPA Support EPA Activated ERT, USCG-AST,
ATSDR, ERRS, START Capitol Police Activated Marines-
CBIRF
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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
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Initial Scope of Response
Initially Focused on Mail Collection- Bag, Document & Overpack
House Buildings Never Closed - Work @ Night
Develop Plan to Sample & Decontaminate Mailroom
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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
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Ongoing Work
Disposal of Wastes (PPE, decon water, rugs, etc.)
Treatment/Disposal of Mail EPA Costs: < $500K
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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
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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