OREANDA-NEWS. The Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) conducted a live, full-scale environmental emergency response drill, simulating an environmental accident at Miami International Airport to help first responders prepare for the possibility of a chemical spill. In addition to providing invaluable hands-on practice, the annual exercise is required for the airport's Maintenance and Environmental Division to maintain its International Organization for Standardization ISO 14001 certification.

"Operation Echo 4" took place at MIA's massive air chiller plant, which powers the airport's expansive air conditioning system and is the third-largest such unit in the United States. The drill scenario centered on a 100-gallon bleach spill that directly affected workers in the chiller plant and impacted airport users as the powerful bleach odor was carried into the nearby South Terminal.

The exercise tested first responders' ability to meet the medical needs of affected airport employees and passengers, while also forcing chiller plant workers to properly assess the situation and contain the chemical spill to avoid any environmental impact in and around the massive facility.

"Preparedness is critical to every aspect of our work here at MIA," said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. Gonzalez. "We hold this environmental drill - and several other exercises - throughout the course of the year to ensure that our employees and first responders are always ready for the unexpected. The safety of our passengers and employees is, without question, our top priority."

In February, MDAD, in conjunction with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Aviation Division and other emergency response agencies, successfully carried out a full-scale aviation emergency exercise at MIA with the help of more than 140 local volunteers. The drill fulfilled a Federal Aviation Administration requirement to conduct a live, simulated emergency scenario on MIA's airfield every three years and is designed to test and evaluate the airport's emergency plan and the ability of emergency services to respond to a major incident. Drills covering several other areas of airport operations are planned for the coming months at MIA.