The Environmental Protection Agency today initiated a five-day homeland security exercise with the involvement of more than 700 personnel from federal, state and local agencies and the private sector. Called Liberty RadEx, the drill is the largest one of its kind to test the nation’s capability to clean up and help communities recover from a dirty bomb terrorist attack.Liberty RadEx portrays conditions at least 30 days after a radiological dispersion device was detonated in Independence National Park in Philadelphia, Pa. The drill is unique in that it simulates the end of the emergency phase when response operations transition to new teams brought in to test areas for radiation contamination, determine cleanup plans, and help communities recover.
“This exercise is significant because it will help inform how all levels of government, businesses and community organizations can work together to meet challenges associated with long-term cleanup and community recovery from a dirty bomb attack,†EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin said.
The majority of Liberty RadEx will take place April 27 to 29 at venues in Philadelphia, and at one site in Ridley Park, Pa. Site visits and tours are available to those interested in observing the exercise at locations that can be found on EPA’s website.
