Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is keen to share an insight into how it conducts scientific investigations in the field, unveiling a new video showcasing its Emergency Management (EM) Vehicle.
Chief Environmental Scientist at EPA, Mark Patrick Taylor said the EM Vehicle was a rapid response, one stop science shop that could determine everything from contamination in the air and water to pollution in the ground.
“Part of EPA’s Science Division, the 24/7 unit is on a moment’s notice to support emergency services and has attended emergency events around the State,” Professor Taylor said.
“Equipped with air sensors, the unit provided valuable on the spot air quality readings during major events such as the 2019/2020 bushfires,” he said.
“More recently it was on scene at Cherry Creek in Altona to monitor impacts of a chemical spill.”
Professor Taylor said the vehicle saved EPA officers valuable time by making it possible to monitor and test on site for many of the things that determined whether there was a potential for harm to the community or the environment.
“It’s a smart bit of engineering too, with solar batteries to prolong its ability to stay in the field and a mobile workstation,” he said.
“A second EM Vehicle is already under development, because it delivers tangible benefits to the community in the form of information that helps keep you safe.”
The EPA’s three-minute video, with sound, can be accessed at this PS News link.
