Rockville HazMat Response was a Lesson in Preparedness, Director Said

A lunchtime discovery of a mysterious substance by a Parks and Recreation Employee in Downtown Rockville set off a chain reaction of emergency management response across from Town Hall on Thursday.

In the end, the substance proved to be harmless, but Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said the exercise at least proved Vernon is capable of handing situations in the post-9/11 world. 

"It proved we could handle anything like this," Purcaro said. "Terrorism is everywhere in this world. More than 99 percent of the time, the substance is benign, but we can't afford to be wrong in the one instance it is a real threat."

According to a news release issued by Mayor George Apel with Purcaro's input, a "suspicious white powdery substance" was found at the Cogswell Fountain in Central Park at about 11:30 a.m.

The town employee noticed the white powder while performing maintenance duties in the park.

Purcaro said once the substance was discovered - and reported - hazardous materials protocol mush be followed.

Vernon police, the Vernon Fire Department, local emergency management officials and a regional MazMat team were all dispatched to the scene.

The substance was recovered and tested by about 3 p.m.

Purcaro described the substance as residue from a fountain that had been inactive for the colder months.

Said Apel, “I am pleased to report that at approximately 3 p.m., the Capitol Region Hazardous Materials Response Team determined that the substance found was not hazardous. I commend our local emergency services and the regional HazMat Team for their rapid and diligent response. The Town will continue to handle any such instances with the highest degree of concern for the health and safety of our residents.”