The plane is moving to the San Antonio, Texas area to prepare for on-scene analyses of chemical tanks, pipelines and facilities that may be damaged in the hurricane's wind and flooding.
ASPECT, or "Airborne Spectral Photometric Collection Technology," is supported by scientists from Los Alamos National Laboratory's Chemistry Division and Center for Homeland Security, and it is operated by and for the EPA. The specially equipped aircraft is able to determine whether any airborne chemical hazards are present in areas of overturned tanks, leaking pipes or storm-damaged facilities.
The plane, a twin-engine Aerocommander 680 aircraft based in the Dallas, Texas vicinity, is equipped with a multi-spectral infrared (IR) mapping system and a Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer package called ASPECT. This airborne sensor is the only "stand-off infrared" detection tool devoted to emergency domestic response applications. The technology provides first responders with critical information regarding the size, shape, composition and concentration of gas clouds that can be invisible to the naked eye, but harmful or lethal to citizens or first responders in their path.
In addition, Los Alamos scientists in the Center for Homeland Security at the Laboratory provide "reachback" support - analysis and discussion of and implications of data collected from the aircraft at the site. Los Alamos supports the development of unique computer pattern recognition tools used for chemical and radiological data analysis on the aircraft.
Said EPA Region 6 coordinator Mark Thomas, "We do three sets of data analysis to provide data for the public: one in the airplane for immediate results for the first responders, then a first review with a set process. Then there's a final re-examination and external review, using visual inspection as a quality assurance requirement, to document the full process. Collectively, as a technical team, we fully stand behind what we're doing."
The ASPECT plane and its gear provide a remote airborne detection system that provides information about exact locations of contamination and aid in avoidance of those hazardous areas for first responders. The airborne equipment can identify, map and provide GPS locations of the extent of a chemical hazard cloud, helping first responders and residents stay out of harm's way, especially when the hazards are invisible.
The ASPECT system uses three sensors: A Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, to detect and locate chemical vapors. It can see through smoke and dust to get a measurement of the location and concentration of the vapor plume. A second sensor, a high-resolution Infrared Line Scanner, records an image of the ground below, as well as marking plume information.
The system then uses GPS mapping data and digital images of the site to create exact maps and digital data overlays of chemical plumes and low area locations where toxin-laden air may accumulate.
The ASPECT plane and equipment have been called into service nationwide more than 50 times, having flown during the Hurricane Katrina emergency, during the 2003 California fires, for chemical plant and rail-car accidents in a number of states, the space shuttle debris search and the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
Note to news media/editors: photos available online at . . .
http://www.lanl.gov/news/newsbulletin/images/New_Orleans_fire_barge.jpg.
Photo caption: An image of a smoke plume off the Mississippi River after the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Photo credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory.
http://www.lanl.gov/news/newsbulletin/photos/ASPECT-map-accident.jpg.
Photo caption: The plane, flying in patterns over an accident site, develops maps of exact locations of chemical plumes. Photo credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory.
http://www.lanl.gov/news/newsbulletin/photos/ASPECT-interior.jpg.
Photo caption: The interior of the ASPECT plane shows the equipment and controlling computers. Photo credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory.
http://www.lanl.gov/news/newsbulletin/photos/ASPECT-fire-spect.jpg.
Photo caption: A spectroscopic image of the chemical plume arising from a Michigan industrial accident site. Photo credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory.
http://www.lanl.gov/news/newsbulletin/photos/ASPECT-fire-image.jpg.
Photo caption: Photograph of flames engulfing part of a Texas facility. Photo credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and Washington Group International for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.