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Committee approves $128,355 purchase of chemical-identification sensors for HAZMAT team
Summary
Columbia County will buy Protect IR and Explore IR sensor bundles to strengthen hazardous materials response; staff described the devices as able to identify chemical compounds and cited frequent expected use; cost is $128,355.50.
The committee approved a long‑sought purchase of Protect IR and Explore IR sensor bundles to equip the county's hazardous materials response team.
"This is a sensor that can detect what any chemical compound is," Archie said, describing field use and recounting an earlier multi‑hour response in a school where the device would have shortened the response time. Staff recommended the $128,355.50 purchase to allow more rapid and tailored hazmat responses.
Committee members asked how often the devices would be used; Archie said with the frequency of battery-related and other incidents, the county expects to use such sensors regularly ("probably at least once every 2 weeks"). The item was moved to consent and approved.
