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LEPC reports widespread hazmat and lithium‑ion battery training; radiation detection prompted local truck inspection
Summary
The statewide LEPC reported recent training exercises for firefighters, rail personnel and a radiological search at a transfer station in North Clarendon; bomb‑prevention training courses will soon be offered to first responders.
Bob Marino, representing the statewide Local Emergency Planning Committee, told the Rutland‑region RMC that the April LEPC meeting drew roughly 74 attendees and that trainers have conducted a range of hazardous‑materials exercises across the region.
"We trained about 194 firefighters," Bob said, listing refresher and specialized trainings (hazmat refreshers, lithium‑ion battery response, and gas meter exercises) conducted with multiple departments and partner organizations including Vermont Rail System and Beta Technologies. He reported weekend exercises that practiced river‑boom deployment for hydrocarbon spills.
Marino also described a radiological search at a transfer station in North Clarendon after a trash hauler triggered a radiation detector; responders inspected the truck and looked for a medical radiological source. He characterized these incidents as messy but typically not dangerous when they stem from improperly discarded medical isotopes.
The committee heard that two hazmat technicians and several Vermont State Police Bomb Squad members completed Office for Bombing Prevention training through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; those trainers will offer a suite of short, in‑person courses on bomb threats, IED awareness, and planning to first responders and institutions.
Why it matters: the training portfolio reflects an emphasis on chemical, radiological and battery‑fire risks and on practical exercises that bring together fire departments, state police, public health and private partners. Committee members asked logistical questions about course registration and platform (Bob said the bombing‑prevention courses will register through the Office for Bombing Prevention learning management system, not the state LMS).
No formal committee action was taken on training topics during the meeting; staff encouraged members to register and bring lessons back to local departments.
