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Lessons Learned in Counter-Terrorism and WMD Responses: Insights from Key Events

This presentation by Mark Mjoness, U.S. EPA, discusses critical lessons learned from significant events such as the NATO Summit and the Westwind Exercise, alongside notable incidents involving anthrax. It emphasizes the importance of early involvement, pre-event exercises, and coordination among various agencies like FBI, FEMA, and the EPA. Specific recommendations for improving planning and response include enhanced OSC involvement, better communication strategies, and the need for designated leaders for infrastructure sectors. Insights from these experiences can enhance future counter-terrorism and weapons of mass destruction preparedness efforts.

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Lessons Learned in Counter-Terrorism and WMD Responses: Insights from Key Events

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  1. Counter-Terrorism/Weapons of Mass Destruction Implementation Issues and Efforts:Lessons LearnedMark MjonessU.S. EPA/OERRWednesday, February 2, 2000

  2. Session Purpose • To discuss lessons learned from special events, predeployments, exercises, and incident responses, including: • NATO Summit • Westwind Exercise • Predeployment for World Trade Organization Conference • Anthrax events

  3. NATO Summit • Held in Washington, DC, in April 1999 at seven different venues • Attended by more than 4,000 participants • Classified as Special Event Readiness Level 1 (Highest) • Assessed CT capabilities in pre-event exercise

  4. NATO Summit (cont’d) • Involved FBI, Secret Service, DC, FEMA, DOD, DOE, EPA, DHHS, DOS, DOT, and the VA • EPA Response resources pre-deployed at Fort Meade (and other federal facilities) • OSCs • Management • Atlantic Strike Team, ERT, SATA

  5. General Lessons Learned • The following elements were found to be helpful for planning and coordination: • Early involvement • Pre-event exercises • HQ and high-level Regional involvement • Standardized computer equipment and software

  6. Specific Lessons Learned • The following elements would have resulted in smoother planning and coordination: • More OSC involvement • Proper display of site IDs and knowledge of account number • Realization that EPA is not the driver • Greater flexibility in preparations • Designated LFAs for specific infrastructure sectors • Fewer event venues

  7. Westwind Exercise • NLD City/Interagency WMD field training exercise • Took place at the Van Nuys Airport (Los Angeles) in February 1999 • Simulated chemical agent release from two devices • Resulted in 30 deaths and approximately 2,000 exposures

  8. Participating Agencies • Primary responders: • LAPD, LAFD, LACO Emergency Management, LACOFD, LACODHS, LA Sheriffs • Federal Departments and Agencies: • EPA, FBI, USDA, DOE, DHHS, DOJ, DVA, FEMA

  9. General Lessons Learned • EPA OSC coordination and integration into the ICS is important • Coordination with DOE personnel provides valuable insights • EPA technical advice to Crisis Management teams may or may not be followed

  10. General Lessons Learned • There was a lack of DEST coordination between planners, ERT, and Region 9 • JOC/JIC coordination needs to be improved • FEMA coordination of COM was very effective • EPA budget exercise needed

  11. Specific Lessons Learned • The following actions would have led to a smoother response: • Factor first responder casualties into the exercise • Test the Van Nuys Health and Safety Plan • Design additional field play for COM • Address logistical issues • Field mobilization and traffic problems • Media harassment and distraction at the JOC

  12. World Trade Organization: Lessons Learned • Get invited/invite yourself to the meetings • Keep in contact with other Federal agency contacts. Find out their level of involvement • Make direct contact with the local Fire Department • Attempt to bring in NRS resources as part of a “Federal Team” (FBI, EPA, PHS, FEMA) • Was unsuccessful in WTO pre-deployment

  13. World Trade Organization: Lessons Learned (cont’d) • Clarify/advertise EPA’s capabilities/authorities & limitations for deployment of response resources • Do not try to fill roles of other special teams being mobilized (e.g., TEU, HMRU) • Use knowledge of EPA HQ, ERT, and other Region personnel who have been involved with past special events • Liaison at FBI JOC was a valuable position, allowing interaction with other agencies and locals

  14. World Trade Organization: Lessons Learned (cont’d) • During organizing meeting, obtain commitment for liaison at EOC and JOC • Plan to have liaison at JOC and city EOC • Make it a high priority to have an EPA rep. at all necessary planning meetings • Take advantage of pre deployment • It is an opportunity for regional staff to train and exercise with ERT, HQ personnel, and other federal agency teams

  15. World Trade Organization: Lessons Learned (cont’d) • Keep in contact with other federal agencies during event • Coach EPA response staff to be outgoing/ extroverted • Do not trust politicians, police in riot gear, or ‘demonstrators’ in black clothes with ski masks • Don’t even try to monitor for riot agents

  16. Anthrax EventsLessons Learned • Clarify notifications • Regions/HQ roles • Regions should use discretionary authority • Assure FBI assumes lead as crisis manager • Provide COM

  17. Discussion Additional Lessons Learned???

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