New
York Times: To prepare for a possible catastrophic gas
leak, such as from a terrorist attack or accidental chemical
spill, the New York City police department has commissioned
Brookhaven National Laboratory to conduct several city-wide
tests this summer. On three separate, nonconsecutive days in
July, invisible and odorless gases will be released in seven
different locationsâmdash;three above ground
and four in the subway system. Monitoring equipment positioned
throughout the city will track how the gases get dispersed.
Because of the city's extensive subway system, airflow through
the city can be affected both below and above the
groundâmdash;sometimes in surprising ways. The
tests are designed to monitor airflow so that officials can
better determine what to do should a catastrophic gas event
occur, such as whether to shut down certain subway lines to
limit the spread of the hazardous material.
