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Terror Strike on Livermore Biolab Could Pose Threat
A terror attack on a planned biological defense laboratory at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in The Energy Department report identifies the potential for a “suicidal plane crash” or an explosion within the facility to overcome biological material containment systems, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. However, it says that a terrorist attack is “highly unlikely” to actually produce a biological threat. The Biosafety Level 3 facility would be used to store and research samples of microbes such as anthrax, plague, botulism and Q fever, which have been identified as potential agents of bioterrorism. The laboratory has been completed since 2005, but its opening has been delayed by legal challenges. The report says it is “probable” that a plane crash or bomb explosion would produce flames that would eliminate as many as 1 trillion microorganisms before they could be dispersed into the environment. Additional protection could come through vaccinations provided within a day to nearby residents. Microbes “are kept in locked freezers when not in use,” the report states. Motion detectors in laboratories and mechanical rooms would also help prevent theft of materials. Critics were not impressed by the study, the Chronicle reported. One group reported last year that a pathogen release could kill up to 7,500 people. “They should not build [the laboratory] in the Bay Area,” said Marylia Kelley, head of Tri-Valley CARES. “Not only is there a risk of terrorist attack or a ‘disgruntled employee’ scenario, but there’s the risk of a large earthquake.” Opponents could seek further court orders against the opening of the facility (Keay Davidson, San Francisco Chronicle, April 12).
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