Non-toxic gas tests begin in the NYC subway to prepare for biological attacks – Telemundo New York (47)

What you should know

• The MTA says the Department of Homeland Security, working in conjunction with a team of investigators and city agencies, will deploy a non-toxic gas on five separate days between October 18 and 29 at approximately 120 locations throughout the city.
• Most of the locations will be above ground, including some parks. Several underground metro stations will also be included, although the details of which are unknown.
• Travelers can expect to see teams of researchers working in locations scattered throughout the city, both above and below ground. DHS said there will be a variety of sampling equipment and sensors at locations throughout the five boroughs.

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NEW YORK – New York City’s response plans to a possible chemical or biological attack will be piloted beginning Monday as part of a federal readiness study.

The MTA says the Department of Homeland Security, working in conjunction with a team of investigators and city agencies, will deploy a non-toxic gas over five separate days between Oct. 18 and Oct. 29 at approximately 120 locations throughout the city, including transit.

Most of the locations will be above ground, including some parks. Several underground metro stations will also be included, although details on which ones are unknown.

“The goal of these tests is to deliver actionable information to emergency preparedness planning authorities for the possible release of hazardous chemicals or biological materials over a wide area,” said Kathryn Coulter Mitchell, chief DHS official, in a statement.

Anyone in the vicinity of test operations is cautioned that the gas is non-toxic and does not pose a risk to the health of the public.

The study simulates “the aerosol release of a biological agent in a densely populated urban environment.”

“The study will track the movement of non-toxic material and the results of these tests will be used to learn more about the relationship between airflow at street level and underground environments,” the MTA said.

Travelers can expect to see teams of researchers working in locations scattered throughout the city, both above and below ground. DHS said there will be a variety of sampling and sensor equipment at locations throughout the five boroughs and that the equipment will be clearly marked.

The study is part of the ongoing testing of the federal urban threat dispersal program. New York City has been tested before, in 2016, as have other major cities, such as Washington DC and Boston.

“Lessons learned now will help refine and verify dispersion and airflow models that will inform response protocols and keep our citizens, critical infrastructure, including hospitals, police and fire stations, and our transit systems safe.” Mitchell added.

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