The exercise simulated a suspicious laboratory located at an abandoned industrial site.  Participants were charged with responding to the scene, determining the type of lab, identifying the chemicals and decontaminating the site.  The exercise provided emergency responders with the opportunity to practice the pre-designed emergency plan and coordinate local agencies and resources.

This HazMat exercise is part of a week-long refresher training for members of the Michigan National Guard 51^st Civil Support Team held at the MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training Center (EMHSTC) in Lansing.  The training also included classroom lectures, tabletop exercises and hands-on experience transporting materials from cargo tanks and railcars. 

The Michigan National Guard 51^st Civil Support Team is composed of Army and Air National Guard members who deploy by land or air to provide support to civil authorities at a potential or actual domestic Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) incident. 

Additional participants in the exercise included the Ann Arbor Regional Response Team and the Washtenaw County HazMat Team.

The EMHSTC provides cost effective training for public and private sector agencies responsible for hazardous materials planning, response and cleanup.  In 2007, the EMHSTC provided approximately 100 courses to 2,500 students.  For additional information, visit www.michigan.gov/emhsd.