EPA Research Partner Support Story: Facilitating Closure of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center

Partner: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Challenge: Decontamination and sampling efficacy validation to facilitate decommission and closure of facility
Resource: Supporting sampling and decontamination strategy development with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC)
Project Period: 2019 ‒ Present

Foreign animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever can have devastating effects on U.S. livestock industries, food security, and the economy. Since 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) off of Long Island, New York, has served as a first line of defense against intentional introduction and naturally occurring, highly contagious animal pathogens within the United States.

"I have been working with EPA ORD and Region 2 on various issues for 24 years beginning with the anthrax events in 2021 and 2006, through the 2014 Ebola crises, COVID, Mpox and including but not limited to the development of bio-response waste management tools, guidance documents and the NYC Bio-response plan…I have relied on ORD’s team of experts in working through the challenges of scientific research design, sampling, laboratory diagnostics, safety measures and other critical elements of concern for decontaminating buildings, the wastes generated and for identifying disposal issues. I have frequently asked for and relied on ORD’s expertise and assistance on matters related to building decontamination at the Plum Island Animal Disease Research Center, including identifying the appropriate methods of investigation and the desired response critical to protection of public health and the environment. ORD’s team of experts have always been responsive to my requests. With teamwork and ORD’s expertise and assistance, I am confident that the building decontaminations and closure of the PIADC will be a success.” – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Alan Woodard

In 2008, the facility was found to have aging infrastructure and limited capacity to keep up with current animal agricultural research needs. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, began constructing the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas, to take over the mission of PIADC. Once the new facility was operable, DHS initiated closure activities for PIADC and its associated facilities on Plum Island. EPA Region 2 along with New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation are responsible for overseeing tasks related to decontamination and sampling efficacy validation to facilitate decommission and closure of the facility.

EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) is providing scientific support for these activities through the Plum Island Closure and Support Program. ORD is supporting the sampling and decontamination strategy development with DHS to ensure a thorough process. As subject matter experts, ORD scientists provide a science-based approach to ensure facilities are effectively decontaminated and that risks are reduced to safe levels. This assistance with cleanup will allow the state of New York to use the space for other means in the future without risking public health and the spread of potential animal diseases.