A simulated release of nerve agent at the Blue Grass Army Depot Wednesday prompted an emergency response from officials in 10 central Kentucky counties.
The drill was part of the annual Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program. Lexington Division of Emergency Management Public Information Officer John Bobel says this year's scenario included a lightning strike of a pallet carrying nerve agent. "We have staff throughout the 10 county CSEPP area. You know, a rough estimate is 2,000 people are involved in the exercise total, because that includes police and fire and other emergency managers from throughout the 10 county area plus all the folks at the depot that are very intensely involved in these types of exercises," said Bobel.
Work is currently underway on a chemical neutralization facility at the Madison County site. Bobel says the start-up of disposal operations in a few years will likely heighten intensity. "As we get closer to the demil operations actually taking place in Madison County, the rate of anticipation is greater. We train hard every day for this type of accident happening," added Bobel.
Bobel says there are also some 50 federal evaluators who participate in the spring time drill. He says social media is another method for getting the word out in case of a real emergency.?
