Improve Response Capability Research Articles

Continuous beta monitoring technology for uncontrolled radiological release in underwater using integrated beta and gamma detection system

A monitoring system capable of in-situ beta detection has been developed to address the potential risks associated with radioactive releases from nuclear sites. Although releases are controlled within permissible limits and follow strict protocols to minimize environmental and public health impacts, incidents of uncontrolled releases due to human or mechanical failures have occurred, resulting in contamination of underground water sources. To improve response capabilities, transitioning from traditional sample-based monitoring to real-time monitoring of underground water is crucial. The system utilized an NaI(Tl) detector for gamma nuclides and two plastic scintillation detectors for beta nuclides. Beta detection was facilitated through a coincidence method involving the two plastic scintillators, with any influence from gamma radiation effectively mitigated using data from the NaI(Tl) detector. This configuration ensured accurate measurement of beta radiation by removing gamma contributions from the coincidence counts. The system, which was evaluated using detection experiments for beta nuclides 3H and 90Sr, achieved a minimum detectable activity that satisfied the criteria for restricting the intake, distribution, or consumption of 90Sr and 3H to 0.1 and 100 Bq/g, respectively, within 20 min.

Looking Ahead in the Rearview Mirror: During Action Review and Tabletop (DART) to Strengthen Health Emergency Readiness and Resiliency.

During health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, systematic evaluation of capabilities, and multisector coordination are challenging while operating in triage mode. During Action Review and Tabletop (DART) identifies recommendations for strengthening readiness and resiliency by creating a single methodology integrating retrospective analysis of the response to date with a prospective analysis of future scenarios. DART utilizes a role-based questionnaire and participant-led discussion for retrospective response review and identification of future scenarios of concern. Tabletop exercises exploring those future scenarios are conducted in a multi-role format to assess readiness and resiliency. Participants evaluate findings to determine recommended actions to improve response capabilities. 3 COVID-19 focused DARTs demonstrated the ability of this participant-led approach to systematically assess, not only readiness for today, but also resiliency to future complications. While demonstrating its usefulness during COVID-19, DART's flexible and modular design promises to be an effective for any ongoing health emergency.

Drawing Improvement Measures of a Smart Disaster Monitoring Management System in an Integrated Manner through Analyzing Overseas Cases

Disaster situation management is critical for reducing vulnerability in disaster and safety management areas, fostering safety awareness and improving response capabilities in the event of a disaster. Accordingly, National Disaster Management Research Institute of Korea has been running a smart disaster monitoring management system (SDMMS) to manage disasters in an integrated manner. However, the system has faced some limitations in disaster information collection in accordance with disaster management phases. Overseas cases have shown some implications regarding the system. Thus it is necessary to find out measures to improve the system. This study has intended to draw improvement measures of the SDMMS through analyzing overseas cases. To meet the purpose, this study has developed a case analysis framework composed of two major categories such as both information gathering and construction system, As a result, this study has found following improvement measures: 1) SDMMS needs to expand its functions to managing disaster and safety information holistically; 2) SDMMS needs to adopt an integrated approach in collecting disaster information; and 3) SDMMS needs to be available at all disaster management phases.

Post-disaster mental health and psychosocial support in the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake: a qualitative study

BackgroundFew studies exploring the actual practices implemented for long-term mental health and psychosocial support after a natural disaster have been published. This study aimed to reveal (1) the types of activities that were actually provided as mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in the long-term phase after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and (2) the problems that must be addressed to provide post-disaster MHPSS activities.MethodsAn open-ended questionnaire was sent to organizations in the Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures that were potentially involved in providing MHPSS to communities affected by the GEJE. The organizations were asked to describe their activities and the problems that needed to be addressed to provide these support activities. The collected statements were analysed using content analysis with NVivo11.ResultsThe support activities conducted to provide MHPSS in the long-term phase after the catastrophe were diverse and classified into 7 major categories, namely, (1) one-on-one support for individuals in need of assistance, (2) support for collective activities, (3) support around living conditions and income, (4) increasing public awareness about mental health, (5) human resource development to improve response capabilities for MHPSS, (6) support for MHPSS providers, and (7) facilitating collaborations among the MHPSS activities provided to affected communities. Problems with human resources and funding were the most frequently mentioned concerns among the organizations participating in the survey.ConclusionsThe establishment of systems to collect and share sufficient and relevant knowledge and to coordinate organizations for long-term post-disaster postventions would be desirable.

Why Sample? - Understanding Common Sampling Objectives for Oil Spill Response

ABSTRACT #2017-204: There is a growing recognition of the role science plays in supporting oil spill response coupled with increasing reliance on data-driven management and decision-making approaches. Collecting samples for analysis of hydrocarbons and other chemicals potentially used during oil spill response (e.g., dispersants) has become common place on many spills. While the rationale and approaches for oil spill sampling may be well known to experienced chemists and environmental scientists, the response community is still gaining experience in integrating sampling programs into dynamic oil spill response and decision-making. This paper reviews common sampling objectives for three key aspects of spill response: operational decision-support, environmental impact assessment (including natural resource damage assessment), and source identification. These broad categories span a range of interrelated sub-topics including, among others, public/worker health and safety; understanding how physical and chemical properties of oil influence selection of response options; monitoring cleanup effectiveness, especially for alternative response technologies such as dispersants; identifying and differentiating between spill and non-spill pollution sources; and evaluating potential impacts to resources at risk. Methods for achieving sampling objectives, including development of Sampling and Analysis Plans, are discussed with the goal of increasing awareness among response managers and improving response capability among staff who may be tasked with sampling support during training exercises or actual incidents. Relevant considerations for study design, collection methods, and analytical parameters are also reviewed.

Global Dispersant Approvals in Asia Pacific – Current Status and On Going Challenges

ABSTRACT Following the Macondo Incident, the international oil and gas industry spent significant time and effort analyzing lessons learned and implementing key projects to ensure that critical response and preparedness issues that were identified are addressed to improve response capabilities. The Global Dispersant Stockpile (GDS) was established as part of a post-Macondo Joint Industry Project through Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), recognizing that delivery of sufficient quantities of dispersant is a key element for a successful dispersant operation, especially during the initial phases of a large scale response to an event such as a subsea well blowout. Taking into account the global approval status and proven effectiveness on a range of crude oils, three key oil dispersants, Finasol® OSR 52 (Total), Corexit® EC9500A (Nalco) and Slickgone® NS (Dasic) were selected for the Global Dispersant Stockpile. A total of 5,000 m3 of these dispersants are now stored and ready to be deployed from five strategically positioned global locations. For example, sizable volumes of two of these products (total volume = 700 m3) are located at OSRL’s response base in Singapore, which can be quickly mobilized to support a response in the Asia Pacific region. An ongoing effort associated with the management of the GDS is to enable the pre-approval of at least one of the three products for countries in the region where spill response may be required. At present, this is not the case in the region for a variety of reasons, e.g., toxicity concerns and biodegradation processes of dispersed oil. A particularly cautious approach by regulatory authorities following the Macondo incident, coupled with a number of other specific regional concerns, has exacerbated the issue of obtaining and maintaining dispersant approvals in the region. The aim of this paper is to identify and discuss the existing regulatory framework governing the dispersant product approval process and dispersant use authorization for countries in Asia Pacific. The paper will detail the present status of regulations related to dispersant use for a number of countries in the region, the potential challenges associated with achieving permissions in countries with no regulations and a discussion of strategies to address identified obstacles. Additionally the activities that are being undertaken to expand regulatory approvals will also be addressed. It is anticipated that a greater understanding of the reasoning behind the GDS will facilitate a positive regulatory perspective and the potential for dispersant pre-approval in the region.

A conceptual model to assess stress‐associated health effects of multiple ecosystem services degraded by disaster events in the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere

Few conceptual frameworks attempt to connect disaster‐associated environmental injuries to impacts on ecosystem services (the benefits humans derive from nature) and thence to both psychological and physiological human health effects. To our knowledge, this study is one of the first, if not the first, to develop a detailed conceptual model of how degraded ecosystem services affect cumulative stress impacts on the health of individual humans and communities. Our comprehensive Disaster‐Pressure State‐Ecosystem Services‐Response‐Health model demonstrates that oil spills, hurricanes, and other disasters can change key ecosystem components resulting in reductions in individual and multiple ecosystem services that support people's livelihoods, health, and way of life. Further, the model elucidates how damage to ecosystem services produces acute, chronic, and cumulative stress in humans which increases risk of adverse psychological and physiological health outcomes. While developed and initially applied within the context of the Gulf of Mexico, it should work equally well in other geographies and for many disasters that cause impairment of ecosystem services. Use of this new tool will improve planning for responses to future disasters and help society more fully account for the costs and benefits of potential management responses. The model also can be used to help direct investments in improving response capabilities of the public health community, biomedical researchers, and environmental scientists. Finally, the model illustrates why the broad range of potential human health effects of disasters should receive equal attention to that accorded environmental damages in assessing restoration and recovery costs and time frames.

Con Edison's Success in Reducing Risk: Applying Real-World Lessons Learned to Broaden Spill Planning and Response Programs and Build Personnel Competencies

ABSTRACT Con Edison's service territory covers more than 1,000 miles of inland and coastal shoreline in one of the most heavily regulated and scrutinized areas of the Unites States: New York City. In November 2009, the company experienced a catastrophic failure of a large transformer at a high-voltage electric substation, resulting in approximately 200 gallons of dielectric oil impacting the Bronx River. While the volume of oil was relatively small, the duration of the cleanup lasted nearly one month with costs of approximately $1.75 million, plus a nearly $1 million compliance order issued by New York State for violation of state regulations. Following this event, and through a study of all historical spill incidents, it was clear that the primary risk of spills to the environment came from the more than 30 million gallons of oil contained in the company's high-voltage transformers and oil-filled electric transmission and distribution system, which were not covered by existing Facility Response Plans developed as part of implementing OPA 90. Given these results, the company sought to refine existing spill response program elements to further reduce risks and enhance environmental stewardship. Using the existing Spill Management Team (SMT) model in the OPA 90 program, a company-wide SMT approach was created to better prepare for and reduce the risks associated with potential spills from all company sources. The team consists of more than 50 personnel from the various business units of the company, providing direct access to a wide spectrum of skill-sets and specialties. In addition, the company has developed Oil Spill Contingency Plans (OSCP)—also covered under OPA 90—with detailed response tactics for over 300 locations. On the heels of the program implementation, a large spill of dielectric oil from an underground high-voltage electric distribution line resulted in more than 2,000 gallons impacting the Hutchinson River. While the impact to the waterway was greater than in the 2009 event, the response duration was only 6 days with clean-up costs just over $300,000 with no state issued compliance order, a significant improvement. This result was due, in large part, to implementation of the OSCP and SMT programs. Through these experiences, the many benefits of establishing a company-wide SMT and the OSCP's were realized, including developing spill response and Incident Command System expertise, refined coordination, and improved cost management. These efforts have significantly reduced the company's spill risk exposure by improving response capabilities.

EFFECTS OF ACOUSTIC SIMULATION APPLIED TO A US&R TRAINING

Multidisciplinary US&R (Urban Search and Rescue) operations including medical care are needed to save lives of victims trapped under rubble in structural collapse disasters. In Japan, to improve response capabilities against such disasters, the leading response directors started challenges at their first comprehensive training facility for US&R. The authors collaborated with their actions, and in one of the US&R trainings, the authors applied an acoustic simulation during a full field exercise to provide a noisy environment simulating those of actual US&R operation site. The result of questionnaires to trainees and instructors shows that the acoustic simulation contributed to make the training be more effective, and it has remarkable effects especially for the aim of the training to examine the suitable protocol for Japan to establish command and control, safety, and communications during US&R operations.

Environmental response to intentional dissemination of Bacillus anthracis spores in the United States–2001

AbstractThe intentional dissemination of Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores at multiple locations in the United States in the fall of 2001 resulted not only in several deaths and illnesses (including psychological effects), but likely changed lifestyles and attitudes, and increased the public's awareness of individual vulnerability. While federal resources had previously been committed to preparing local public health agencies for counter‐terrorism activities and to enhance environmental and medical response, these release episodes have increased the consistency of environmental and medical response activities, and increased government resources for homeland security. This article abstracts current information from many sources that summarize the environmental responses to the anthrax releases. The article discusses the international agreements and the U.S. regulations concerning biological weapons, the characteristics of the anthrax organism, potential exposure pathways, adverse health conditions resulting from inhalation exposure, the environmental response to two specific release episodes, environmental sampling and analytical procedures, recommended personal protective equipment, and the subsequent federal efforts to improve response capabilities. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Optical Technologies in the Fight Against Bioterrorism

Optical technologies that can detect or destroy biological agents could play a major role in protecting communities from bioterrorist attacks such as the anthrax mailings that killed five people and infected dozens more in the U.S. this past autumn. Devices that improve response capability to biological attacks are crucial to minimizing the threat because of the lag time between exposure to the biological agent and the appearance of symptoms. Fixed and portable optical sensors that identify biological organisms in minutes are available. Sensor technology, coupled with new germicidal irradiation techniques that instantaneously eradicate bacteria spores, could help minimize human casualties in the event of future attacks.

Control of Oil Spills In Fast-Water Currents—A Technology Assessment1

ABSTRACT A technology assessment was conducted to quantify the oil spill threat in fast waters, and then identify promising equipment and strategies for those threat scenarios. Recommendations are made to pursue methods, equipment, and training that show the most promise to improve response capabilities in currents from 1 to 6 knots. Containment and removal of oil spilled in rivers and coastal tidal regions where currents exceed 0.7 knots is difficult because many skimmers and conventional booming methods are not effective in fast currents. The oil will generally entrain and follow the water path under the boom or skimmer for faster currents unless it is tricked by a device for deflection, containment, or recovery. This can be accomplished using specialized equipment and strategies; however, properly trained response personnel are essential. The benefits and liabilities of high speed skimmers and specialized boom systems that use a number of techniques are summarized. Shallow-draft high-current boom can be used to deflect the oil to shore at steep angles where the currents are slowed by the rising shoreline and conventional skimmers can be effectively used. Promising deflection strategies are listed. Alternate containment and diversion techniques also presented include: pneumatic boom, horizontal air and water jets, plunging water jets, diversion paravanes, and floating paddle wheel.

CONFIGURING A SUPPLY CHAIN TO REDUCE THE COST OF DEMAND UNCERTAINTY

Reducing lead time enables a company to react more quickly to demand information and, hence, to better match supply with uncertain demand. But it is only one lever for improving response capability. Managers are familiar with others (e.g., excess capacity, supplier choice, and so forth) but lack techniques to quantify the impact of adjusting these levers. Here, we enumerate a number of these levers and present a model whereby they might be combined into effective response capability. The impact of adjusting these levers is illustrated by data obtained from a skiwear manufacturer that did so. Some of the insights that resulted run counter to intuition.

DEVELOPING MARINE POLLUTION RESPONSE CAPABILITY IN THE WIDER CARIBBEAN REGION1

ABSTRACT With assistance from international organizations and donor nations, the nations of the Wider Caribbean Region are steadily increasing their capability to deal with oil pollution. The need for a reasonable response capability stems from factors such as the region's complex network of petroleum production points and transportation routes, dependence of national economies on the pristine marine environment that attracts tourists, and the vulnerability of many of the nations to pollution incidents resulting from lack of preparedness. The problems of improving response capability in a region having over three dozen governments are immense. Nevertheless, through recent events, the Region's governments are recognizing the importance of having an agency responsible for environmental matters, a response organization, a pollution contingency plan, and adequate legislation to provide the jurisdiction necessary to prevent and to take action to control discharges into the marine environment. These developments are occurring through regional cooperation such as the implementation of the Action Plan for the Caribbean Environment Programme, and through national and independently sponsored efforts to increase marine pollution response capability.