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Session Purpose

Counter-Terrorism/ Weapons of Mass Destruction Implementation Issues and Efforts: Lessons Learned Mark Mjoness U.S. EPA/OERR Wednesday, February 2, 2000. Session Purpose. To discuss lessons learned from special events, predeployments, exercises, and incident responses, including: NATO Summit

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Session Purpose

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  1. Counter-Terrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction Implementation Issues and Efforts:Lessons LearnedMark MjonessU.S. EPA/OERRWednesday, February 2, 2000

  2. Session Purpose • To discuss lessons learned from special events, predeployments, exercises, and incident responses, including: • NATO Summit • Westwind Exercise • Predeployment for World Trade Organization Conference • Anthrax events

  3. NATO Summit • Held in Washington, DC, in April 1999 at seven different venues • Attended by more than 4,000 participants • Classified as Special Event Readiness Level 1 (Highest) • Assessed CT capabilities in pre-event exercise

  4. NATO Summit (cont’d) • Involved FBI, Secret Service, DC, FEMA, DOD, DOE, EPA, DHHS, DOS, DOT, and the VA • EPA Response resources pre-deployed at Fort Meade (and other federal facilities) • OSCs • Management • Atlantic Strike Team, ERT, SATA

  5. General Lessons Learned • The following elements were found to be helpful for planning and coordination: • Early involvement • Pre-event exercises • HQ and high-level Regional involvement • Standardized computer equipment and software

  6. Specific Lessons Learned • The following elements would have resulted in smoother planning and coordination: • More OSC involvement • Proper display of site IDs and knowledge of account number • Realization that EPA is not the driver • Greater flexibility in preparations • Designated LFAs for specific infrastructure sectors • Fewer event venues

  7. Westwind Exercise • NLD City/Interagency WMD field training exercise • Took place at the Van Nuys Airport (Los Angeles) in February 1999 • Simulated chemical agent release from two devices • Resulted in 30 deaths and approximately 2,000 exposures

  8. Participating Agencies • Primary responders: • LAPD, LAFD, LACO Emergency Management, LACOFD, LACODHS, LA Sheriffs • Federal Departments and Agencies: • EPA, FBI, USDA, DOE, DHHS, DOJ, DVA, FEMA

  9. General Lessons Learned • EPA OSC coordination and integration into the ICS is important • Coordination with DOE personnel provides valuable insights • EPA technical advice to Crisis Management teams may or may not be followed

  10. General Lessons Learned • There was a lack of DEST coordination between planners, ERT, and Region 9 • JOC/JIC coordination needs to be improved • FEMA coordination of COM was very effective • EPA budget exercise needed

  11. Specific Lessons Learned • The following actions would have led to a smoother response: • Factor first responder casualties into the exercise • Test the Van Nuys Health and Safety Plan • Design additional field play for COM • Address logistical issues • Field mobilization and traffic problems • Media harassment and distraction at the JOC

  12. World Trade Organization: Lessons Learned • Get invited/invite yourself to the meetings • Keep in contact with other Federal agency contacts. Find out their level of involvement • Make direct contact with the local Fire Department • Attempt to bring in NRS resources as part of a “Federal Team” (FBI, EPA, PHS, FEMA) • Was unsuccessful in WTO pre-deployment

  13. World Trade Organization: Lessons Learned (cont’d) • Clarify/advertise EPA’s capabilities/authorities & limitations for deployment of response resources • Do not try to fill roles of other special teams being mobilized (e.g., TEU, HMRU) • Use knowledge of EPA HQ, ERT, and other Region personnel who have been involved with past special events • Liaison at FBI JOC was a valuable position, allowing interaction with other agencies and locals

  14. World Trade Organization: Lessons Learned (cont’d) • During organizing meeting, obtain commitment for liaison at EOC and JOC • Plan to have liaison at JOC and city EOC • Make it a high priority to have an EPA rep. at all necessary planning meetings • Take advantage of pre deployment • It is an opportunity for regional staff to train and exercise with ERT, HQ personnel, and other federal agency teams

  15. World Trade Organization: Lessons Learned (cont’d) • Keep in contact with other federal agencies during event • Coach EPA response staff to be outgoing/ extroverted • Do not trust politicians, police in riot gear, or ‘demonstrators’ in black clothes with ski masks • Don’t even try to monitor for riot agents

  16. Anthrax EventsLessons Learned • Clarify notifications • Regions/HQ roles • Regions should use discretionary authority • Assure FBI assumes lead as crisis manager • Provide COM

  17. Discussion Additional Lessons Learned???

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