Category B: Science and Technology

ASPECT (formerly, SAFEGUARD) will prepare OSCs for the deployment and use of the Airborne Spectral
Photo-Imaging of Environmental Contaminants Technology (ASPECT) aircraft and its equipment. ASPECT is an emergency response chemical identification and monitoring system mounted in an aircraft that is available for use by all EPA regions. The system is capable of identifying gaseous plumes and their concentrations. In addition the platform is outfitted to take digital aerial photographs with geographical positioning system (GPS) data imbedded. This information can be sent to the responder on the ground by a telemetry system, allowing the responder to "access" the data on the system computers located onboard the aircraft.

The workshop also will examine the technical capabilities of the equipment and the procedures for deploying the aircraft and provides a simulation of the use of the aircraft and the equipment in responding to a release. The aircraft will be available at a nearby airport for touring the day before and the day after the course.

Bio 101 and Bioterrorism will provide wide-ranging access to the latest scientific information about bacteria and viruses and other potential bioweapons. Recent events have confirmed that bioterrorism is no longer a threat, but a reality. This session is designed to introduce the OSC to the world of biological organisms and how they have become threats to humans and the environment. The session will focus on how these organisms are classified through taxonomy; physical characteristics, such as shapes and sizes; where and how these organisms survive through metabolic diversity; how these organisms reproduce; and individual cell characteristics that make these organisms unique. In addition, the course also will focus on the concern of biological warfare, the benefits of employing most biological agents, and specifically, on Bacillus anthracis. The session also will include some hands-on demonstrations collecting and culturing bacteria, use of the gram stain technique to identify bacteria, use of microscopes, and biological identification through DNA technology, such as gel electrophoresis and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Bucket Chemistry for Field Responders will help OSCs to answer the following questions: What do you need to know about polymerization, two-phase gases, oxidizers, and other hazards? How can you apply practical principles of chemistry to realistic field response scenarios? This session provides practical demonstrations and videotapes of actual incidents.
**The OSC RTB recommends this course for new OSCs.

Industrial Processes will provide OSCs information about process chemistry that is relevant to site evaluation and remedial activities. The workshop presents a detailed analysis of four major industrial processes that frequently are encountered at Superfund sites. The review of each industrial process includes a synopsis of the process, a review of the key chemicals associated with the process, and an analysis of means of release to the environment, along with information related to the analysis and disposal of chemicals. The four-hour workshop is a condensed version of a comprehensive three-day course and is intended for personnel who have an understanding of basic chemical terms and principles of chemistry.
**The OSC RTB recommends this course for new OSCs.

Innovative Treatment Technologies: Bioterrorism will provide OSCs an overview of how the military, intelligence, and research and development communities interact with other departments of government, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), nonproliferation groups, and academia. The course will explain the connection between EPA offices, such as the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER), Office of Research and Development (ORD), and the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS), and organizations such as the Technical Support Working Group (TWSG), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DITRA), and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Decontamination technology development processes will be explained; for example, the National Decon Team, Red Team, and a general discussion about sterilization science.

Radiation at Superfund Sites - Advanced is designed to meet the needs of the OSC who is or might become involved in responses at a radiation site. For the course, it is assumed that the OSC has at least a basic understanding of radiation. The course examines site discovery, types of radiation sites, plans, procedures, and actual responses. One or more OSC case studies will be presented. This course will cover monitoring the Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) contractor to ensure that they effectively perform work at radiation sites. Documentation for cost recovery will be discussed, as well as radiation consulting services available from EPA's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA).

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