Engineer presents professional information designed to keep U.S. military and civilian engineers informed of current and emerging developments within their areas of expertise for the purpose of enhancing their professional development.
Issue link: https://engineer.epubxp.com/i/284727
January–April 2014
Engineer 31
A large aluminum tube, similar to heating, ventilation,
and air-conditioning ducting, transfers air from the ECS to
large pieces of fltration equipment, each with multiple car-
bon flters where the air is cleaned. Noise dampeners ensure
that the operating noise level is within the Washington,
D.C., guidelines of 55 decibels at the edge of the project.
A continuous air-monitoring system analyzes the air
emitting from the ECS, looking for key chemicals in the
If a sensor notes a chemical of concern, technicians
from the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center alert lead-
ers at the site. Coordinated protocols have been established,
with extensive training on how to respond.
From a command trailer that serves as the nerve center
for the entire site, project leaders have radio communica-
tions and visual oversight of the project area. In addition,
cameras with 360° views inside the ECS provide leaders
with an immediate update on excavation operations as the
dig team works deeper and deeper into the soil. Members of
the team wear a full personal protective equipment ensem-
ble, including a breathing apparatus. Site leaders carefully
review the weather each day and adjust work schedules if
local conditions such as heat and humidity could cause a
safety issue.
A site crew of approximately 50 workers, representing
multiple agencies and organizations, is on-site every day
during the project. This includes USACE colleagues from
the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville,
Alabama; Army representatives from the Edgewood Chemi-
cal Biological Center and 20th Support Command; and Dis-
trict of Columbia police personnel. For safety, an ambulance
is parked nearby, ready to respond to any injuries that may
occur on the site.
During the almost 21-year Spring Valley Formerly Used
Defense Site Project, nearby residents have not needed to
shelter in place to avoid a chemical release. However, as an
added safety layer, USACE has implemented a shelter-in-
place system that includes an evacuation zone, a notifca-
tion system with a strobe light and siren alerting system to
alert residents, and a system to automatically call people on
a roster.
If any chemicals of concern are released into the atmo-
sphere, eight residences and designated American Univer-
sity staff will be notifed. Project leaders have met with
these families and tested telephonic and e-mail notifcation
systems in English and Spanish. The system will be tested
monthly throughout high-probability operations. Recogniz-
ing that this is a high-profle project, project leaders have
maintained a robust and transparent communications effort,
to include meetings with community members, weekly
updates on the District's Web site, and multiple news media
interviews emphasizing project safety.
To see an interactive tour of the 4825 Glenbrook Road
project, visit