Contributed Photo Participants in a hazardous materials spill simulation examine an anhydrous ammonia tank leak.
The Shawano County Hazardous Materials Team participated in a simulated hazardous materials spill exercise on April 2 with members of the Shawano Fire Department, Wittenberg Fire Department, Stockbridge-Munsee Fire Department and Menominee Fire Department.
The exercise simulated a leak of an anhydrous ammonia tank at United Cooperative in Shawano. During the four-hour exercise, participants accessed the situation, donned personal protective equipment, sealed the leak and performed decontamination procedures.
“The exercise was a great opportunity for new and seasoned hazardous materials technicians to drill together,” said William Mott Jr., Shawano County Hazardous Materials Team leader.
Saturday’s exercise was a capstone event for firefighters completing an 80-hour hazardous materials training course as well as members of the hazardous materials team who were concluding their annual refresher training.
The training was sponsored by Shawano County Emergency Management with funding provided by a Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant.
“The training and capstone exercise are all part of our ongoing efforts to retain a trained and equipped hazardous materials team,” said Natalie Easterday, Shawano County Emergency Management director.
The Shawano County Hazardous Materials Team has been active since 2000.