Q&A: DHS and MBTA Biological Sensor Testing and Airflow Studies

What is this project? The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) on two national anti-terrorism projects designed to detect the release of hazardous substances on a subway system and minimize harm to riders and the community. The first project involves testing new biological detection sensors developed by the Department of Homeland Security at T subway stations in Cambridge (Harvard and Porter) and Somerville (Davis). The tests will determine how the sensor network performs outside of a laboratory setting. The second project involves ongoing airflow tests in several U.S. subway systems, including the MBTA. Understanding the movement of the air ensures that detection equipment is placed in the right locations to provide the earliest warnings. These tests look at differences in airflow due to system design, tunnel configuration, ventilation systems, and local weather. The MBTA was selected for the airflow tests because it is the oldest subway system in the United States. The MBTA airflow studies began in 2009. To learn more about the air flow project, see: www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/12/11/meserve. subway.safety.cnn. Why are these tests important? The release of toxic substances in a subway system is a serious threat to people who live in large cities. Mass transportation systems, with their open access, can be vulnerable to hazardous materials that could rapidly spread throughout the system and endanger hundreds of thousands of people. A rapid alert from a detection system can locate and identify these materials so that emergency responders can act quickly to contain the hazard, safely evacuate passengers, and provide appropriate treatment to people who may have been exposed. Do the tests pose any risk to people or the environment? The substance used to test the biological detection sensors is a non-infectious, killed bacterium that, even in its live form, is not considered harmful to humans. The bacterium, called Bacillus subtilis, is currently used in farming; as a food supplement for humans and livestock; and in organic pet foods. A 28-page environmental assessment, prepared by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, reviewed data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other published studies for any potential harm associated with this bacterial strain. Studies cited in the assessment examined inhalation, as well as ingestion and skin contact. These studies found no adverse effects in the range of concentrations that could conceivably be encountered in these tests. The report, Environmental Assessment for Bacillus subtilis Particles to Challenge Bio-Detection Sensors in Subway Stations, is available at: www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st_dea_detect_to_pro tect.pdf

NOTE: Testing of the biological detection sensors will take place late at night when the subway system is closed to the public.

The ongoing airflow studies involve releasing nontoxic, inert, odorless gas and particle tracers both above ground and in the subway system. These tracers pose no known risk to human health or the environment.

The Draft Environmental Assessment can be downloaded from the DHS Website http://www.dhs.gov/nepa (or directly at http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st_dea_detect_to_protect.pdf ). Comments on the document and test plan may be submitted to: MBTATest@hq.dhs.gov.

Q&A: DHS and MBTA Biological Sensor Testing and Airflow Studies
How will the biosensor project benefit Greater Boston? If this technology proves successful, it will provide early and accurate identification of biological hazards, allowing emergency responders to react quickly and save lives. While other American cities will benefit from this testing in the future, it will have immediate benefits for Greater Boston, as the first U.S. metropolitan area to adopt this technology. Why was the MBTA subway system chosen for the biological sensor testing? The U.S Department of Homeland Security considered subway systems in several different cities, but chose the MBTA because: DHS scientists had good knowledge about the airflow patterns and material transport in the MBTA subway system from the previous airflow studies. Unlike some other subway systems, the MBTA subway closes for a portion of every night, which allows for easier installation and maintenance of the technology. In addition, it is possible to conduct testing when the subway is closed to the public. Why are Cambridge and Somerville subway stations part of the biosensor testing, but not Boston stations? Airflow patterns in some Red Line stations were studied during previous airflow tests on the MBTA. The Harvard, Porter, and Davis Red Line stations are considerably larger than those in downtown Boston, and do not intersect with other subway lines. For these reasons, it is easier to analyze airflow patterns in these stations, which is more likely to produce reliable test results. Have the biosensors already been installed on the MBTA subway system? Yes, the sensors have been installed and are currently monitoring background conditions within the subway. The specific tests using the biological

material are planned for later this year and have not yet started. If the biosensors work, will they be installed in all U.S. subway systems? If the tests are successful, the installation and operation of the sensors will be the decision of local transit agency authorities, local public health departments, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This document was jointly prepared by the Cambridge Public Health Department, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Somerville Health Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate. May 3, 2012

The Draft Environmental Assessment can be downloaded from the DHS Website http://www.dhs.gov/nepa (or directly at http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st/st_dea_detect_to_protect.pdf ). Comments on the document and test plan may be submitted to: MBTATest@hq.dhs.gov.