WIREDGOV

Airborne dispersion trials in Westminster area

HOME OFFICE News Release (042/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 26 February 2008

A tracer trial to study the movement of airborne material in the urban environment will be taking place in the London Borough of Westminster shortly.

The trial will consist of small releases of a harmless, odourless gas at various locations within Marylebone and the monitoring of how it disperses within the local area.

It is expected to be carried out over a 48 hour period. The exact timing and precise location will be dependent on suitable meteorological conditions. The trials aim to improve contingency planning in the unlikely event of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear release. It follows similar trials that were carried out in May and June of 2007 and is not a response to any specific threat.

Home Office minister Tony McNulty said:

"These tracer gas trials are planned in the Westminster area of London in the next couple of weeks. There is no danger to public - the tracer gases are non-toxic and odourless.

"We have some of the best emergency planning systems in the world. These trials support the development of the UK's capability to model the release of hazardous material in urban environments, so that in the unlikely event of a release the best course of action can be taken."

Notes to Editors:

1. Participating personnel will be wearing high-visibility vests and carrying ID showing that they from the DAPPLE project.

2. Further information about the Dapple project can be found at http://www.dapple.org.uk