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Capitol Hill Ricin 2/2/04 – 2/9/04

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

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Capitol Hill Ricin 2/2/04 – 2/9/04

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  1. Capitol Hill Ricin 2/2/04 – 2/9/04

  2. 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

  3. Response Mobilization • HSAA Requested EPA Support • EPA Activated ERT, USCG-AST, ATSDR, ERRS, START • Capitol Police Activated Marines-CBIRF

  4. 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

  5. Initial Scope of Response • Initially Focused on Mail Collection - Bag, Document & Overpack • House Buildings Never Closed - Work @ Night • Develop Plan to Sample & Decontaminate Mailroom

  6. 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

  7. Ongoing Work • Disposal of Wastes (PPE, decon water, rugs, etc.) • Treatment/Disposal of Mail • EPA Costs: < $500K

  8. 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

  9. 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

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