[Scan-DC] Chemical Fire Exercise at Blue Plains

[Alan Henney]

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION  Contact:  Michele Quander-Collins
May 13, 2008                             WASA Public Affairs Director


DC WASA and Fire Department Conduct Toxic
Chemical Fire Exercise at Blue Plains

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) will
conduct “Operation Snapfire” – a simulated methanol fire suppression
exercise to test and practice the emergency response required to
contain and control a methanol fire at the Blue Plains plant.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant
                      5000 Overlook Avenue, S.W.
                      Washington, D.C. 20032   (Exit #1 off of I-295)

WHO:  DC WASA Emergency Response personnel
DC Fire/EMS personnel
Metropolitan Police personnel
Methanol Institute officials

Media representatives must be on site by 9:00 a.m.
 and will be guided to the exercise-event area


BACKGROUND:  As part of the advanced wastewater treatment process at
Blue Plains, DC WASA adds methanol to remove nitrogen
(denitrification) before the treated wastewater is returned to the
Potomac River.  While essential to the wastewater treatment process,
methanol, a clear, colorless liquid, is considered highly flammable.
WASA’s primary approach to ensuring the safe use and storage of
methanol, is proper containment in the state-of-the-art structures,
training of employees, effective monitoring of the chemical,
pre-planned fire suppression and working with District of Columbia
fire officials on drills similar to “Snapfire”.

With assistance from the District Fire/EMS Department, DC WASA will
conduct a small scale disaster exercise to simulate the necessary
emergency response procedures required to contain and control a
methanol fire at Blue Plains.