Columbia Material Collection Guidelines: Fact Sheet
Release Date: February 5, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-036a
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The following guidelines are designed to assist public service personnel to determine when and how to collect and document space shuttle material. If the material is less than 18 inches in length and does not appear to be hazardous, then it may be collected under the following guidelines:
PRIVATE CITIZENS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT MATERIAL
The following trained personnel are authorized to collect non-hazardous materials:
- Local, State or Federal Law Enforcement Personnel
- Fire, Medical, or Emergency Services Personnel
- U.S. Forest Service or Texas Forest Service
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Only non-hazardous material may be collected under these guidelines. If the material includes any of the following, officials should contact 936-699-1032 or 936-699-1034 to report what they have found so that specially trained personnel can be deployed:
Stored Energy:High Pressure Tanks and Cylinders. Landing gear and tires.
Monomethyl Hydrazine: Clear liquid stored in tanks, strong fishy odor.
Nitrogen Tetroxide: Greenish liquid or brownish vapor, stored in tanks, bleach-like odor.
Ammonia:Clear liquid, stored in tanks, very strong ammonia smell.
Pyrotechnic Devices: Landing gear, window frames, crew seats, hatches and antennae.
Biological Material: Any biological material, including human or animal remains.
The following procedure should be followed by authorized, trained personnel if the identified material is non-hazardous:
- Photograph items before they are moved.
- Carefully document the location of the items (to include GPS data if available).
- Attach a tag to the item with the location the item was found and the name and phone number of the individual collecting the item. Include any information you think may be relevant to the investigation. Documentation for large items may be recorded with permanent marker directly on the hardware.
- Wear gloves (preferably not cloth) when handling items and do not open, adjust or move any switches, components or boxes.
- If possible, seal the item in a plastic bag.
- Transport the item to your local command post.
If an item is marked SECRET, CONFIDENTIAL, or SSOR do not leave this item unattended before handover to NASA personnel.
With any questions or for more information, please contact DPS at the Lufkin Emergency Operation Center, 936-699-1077.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03-Jun-2003 11:44:25