A02_PWS1_-Acrobat_Document.pdf

Armed Forces Pest Management Board

Technical Guide No. 31

Guide for Agricultural and Public Health Preparation of Military Gear and Equipment for Deployment and Redeployment

February 28, 2012

Published and Distributed by the

Armed Forces Pest Management Board Information Services Division

Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense For Installations and Environment

US Army Garrison–Forest Glen Silver Spring, MD 20910-1230

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

AFPMB Technical Guide No. 31: Guide for Agricultural and Public Health Preparation of Military Gear and Equipment for Deployment and

Redeployment

This Technical Guide (TG), first published in 1993 as "Contingency Retrograde Washdowns: Cleaning and Inspection Procedures," describes procedures, outlines responsibilities and defines requirements for preparing military vehicles, rolling stock, and unit and personal gear to comply with agricultural and public health pest exclusion requirements for redeploying ships, aircraft, equipment, and personnel from locations outside the United States (US). Access the AFPMB web site at http://www.afpmb.org for related information.

This revision provides two significant updates:

(1) Photos of washdown operations are updated to include current vehicles and more detailed guidance. LT James R. Lefevre and HM2 Kerlon B. Williams, 3D Medical Battalion, CLR-35, 3D MLG, Okinawa, Japan, and Lt Col (Sel) Mark Pomerinke, HQ ACC/A3AA, Langley AFB, VA provided washdown images and diagrams essential to this update.

(2) Due to concern about the accidental transportation of foreign animal disease and plant pathogens, especially fungal spores, on gear and equipment, this update incorporates detailed guidance on preparation of personal and unit equipment and gear for troop movement within AORs, from AOR to AOR, and retrograde to the CONUS. This guidance was adapted from the US Forest Service's guide for preventing the spread of white-nose syndrome, a parasitic disease of bats—Reference 7.7. Complying with this guidance will help ensure that troop movements do not accidentally transport foreign animal disease and plant pathogens into non-endemic areas where introduction could harm the host nation food supply and further complicate DoD and State Department missions.

Preceding versions of this TG were produced by the AFPMB Quarantine/Stored Commodities Protection Committee with the following personnel/organizations providing input and review: LCDR Eric Hoffman, MSC, USN, Navy Disease Vector Ecology and Control Center, Jacksonville, FL, Lt Col John Stein, AMSA, Washington, DC; Mr. Al Bane, US Transportation Command, Scott AFB, IL; Ms. Candace Funk, USDA APHIS PPQ, Washington, DC; Ms. Susan Kostelecky, USDA APHIS PPQ; Mr. Gary Walker, Defense Supply Center Philadelphia; Dr. William Tozer of DVECC Bangor, WA; and Dr. Peter Egan, AFPMB, Washington, DC.

This revision was produced by Lt Col Terry L. Carpenter, AFPMB/SPO, US Army Garrison- Forest Glen, Silver Spring, MD, Maj Stephen P. Wolf, HQ AMC/A7OO, Scott AFB, IL, and Mr. Stephan G. Lee, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific (EV22), Pearl Harbor, HI, the Ex-officio member, Chair, and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Quarantine Protection Committee. The authors thank Dr. John D. Stein, DVM, MPH, Dipl ACVPM, http://www.afpmb.org/

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

USDA-APHIS-PPQ-VRS, Riverdale, MD; Martin D. Walker, DOD Customs Program, USTRANSCOM J5J4-PT, Scott AFB, IL; Lt Col David E. Bowles, IMA to the Director, AFPMB, National Park Service Heartland Inventory & Monitoring Network, Springfield, MO; and LCDR Brian F. Prendergast, MSC, USN, Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit 2, Norfolk, VA, for their valuable contributions to the revision.

This TG will be periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that its information reflects current procedures, rules and regulations. Users are encouraged to submit comments and suggestions for improvement to the Director, Armed Forces Pest Management Board, via e-mail to afpmb-webmaster@osd.mil; by mail to Director, AFPMB, US Army Garrison–Forest Glen, 2460 Linden Lane Bldg #172, Silver Spring, MD 20910-7500; by telephone at (301) 295-7476; or by fax at (301) 295-7473.

Disclaimer

Mention of specific equipment or material in this handbook does not imply endorsement by the Department of Defense or the component Services.

mailto:afpmb-webmaster@osd.mil

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

Contents

1. Purpose

2. Impact of Invasive Species

3. Military Importance

4. Safeguarding the US from Invasive Species

5. Legal and Regulatory Guidance

6. Procedures

7. References

Appendix A: Preparing Personal and Unit Gear for Movement

Appendix B: Performing Redeployment or Retrograde Movement Washdowns

Appendix C: Criteria for Selecting and Equipping a Washdown Location

Appendix D: Operational Washdown Equipment

Appendix E: Guide for Operational Washdowns with Illustrations

Appendix F: Flow Chart of Typical Operational Washdown

Appendix G: Sample Vehicle Tags

Appendix H: Sample Inspection Log Book Entry

Appendix I: Sample Format for Letter to USDA Officials

Appendix J: Contact Information for Customs & Border Protection, USDA-APHIS, and DoD Offices Responsible for Clearance Authorization

Appendix K: Land Snails and Their Control

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

1. Purpose. Agricultural and public health quarantine actions are taken to safeguard agricultural and natural resources from risks associated with the entry, establishment, or spread of pathogens and pests of humans, animals or plants. This TG provides information on cleaning techniques and inspection procedures for Department of Defense (DoD) personnel responsible for agricultural and public health preparation of personal gear, equipment, supplies and vehicles for deployment and redeployment movement as defined below:

1.1. Deployment is the movement of military units from home station, whether CONUS or OCONUS, to a location where they will be employed in operations or exercises.

1.2. Redeployment is the transfer of forces and materiel to support another operational requirement, or to return personnel, equipment, and materiel to home/demobilization stations for reintegration and out-processing.

2. Impact of Invasive Species

Over the past 200 years, several thousand foreign plant and animal species have become established in the US. About one in seven has become invasive, leading to problems that cost the US more than $137 billion each year. An invasive species is a non-native species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species often reduce the economic productivity and ecological integrity of US agriculture and natural resources, and can have serious impact on the food supply. Conservation experts have found that in the US, invasive alien plant infestations cover 100 million acres and are spreading at a rate of 14 percent per year, an area twice the size of Delaware.

Examples of invasive vertebrate species in the continental US include nutria, house sparrows, European starlings, Burmese pythons, and commensal rodents (roof rat, Norway rat, and house mouse). Invasive invertebrate species that have become established in the US include zebra mussels, imported fire ants, Africanized honey bees, the Asian tiger mosquito, and many others. Invasive plants include kudzu, smooth brome, garlic mustard, lespediza, Chinese tallow, and hydrilla. In Hawaii, feral pigs, goats, and cats have severely impacted natural and environmental resources.

Invasive species may cause native population declines, species extinctions, shifts in predator/prey dynamics, shifts in species niches, changes in habitat, and reductions in ecosystem complexity. The establishment of a harmful invasive species diminishes biological diversity because, as certain species disperse to more places, the originating and invaded areas become more biologically homogeneous, and less genetically diverse.

In 1993, Congress' Office of Technology Assessment reported that devastating invasions of plants, insects, aquatic invertebrates, pathogens, and other organisms have changed

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment ecosystems and permanently diminished the biological diversity associated with them.

Examples of these harmful invaders in the US include: melaleuca (a wetlands tree), gypsy moth, spruce bark beetle, zebra mussel, larch canker, chestnut blight, and pinewood nematodes. Concern about the incursion of other harmful invasive species, such as the brown tree snake, is on the rise, due to the demonstrated harm they can do to the ecosystem.

Invasive species' effect on food crops and the food supply is also a major concern. The highly virulent Ug99 stem rust fungus is one example of a plant pathogen of concern. An epidemic of wheat stem rust caused by Ug99 is spreading across Africa, Asia, into the Middle East, and threatens to spread to North America where it will likely have a major impact on US wheat and barley production. As it has increased its geographic distribution, it has become more virulent. It now poses a major threat to the world's supply of wheat, on which large numbers of people depend for sustenance. If Ug99 spores are carried by troops into a non-endemic area, it could possibly reduce or eliminate food crops for native populations, jeopardizing their quality of life, as well negatively impacting or leading to termination of the US' mission in the area.

Most non-native species arrive in association with human activities or transportation.

Species can be brought into the country and released intentionally, or their movement and release can be an unintentional byproduct of cultivation, commerce, tourism, or travel.

Many non-native species enter the US each year as contaminants of commodities.

Agricultural produce, nursery stock, cut flowers, and timber can harbor insects, plants pathogens, slugs, and snails. Weeds continue to enter the US as seed contaminants.

Plant pathogens sometimes arrive as unintended contaminants of plant materials. Fish and shrimp pathogens and parasites have been introduced into the US on infected stock for aquaculture. Crates and containers can harbor snails, slugs, mollusks, beetles, and microorganisms. Military cargo transport can also bring in harmful species, such as the Asian gypsy moth and brown tree snakes. Ballast water that is released from ships as cargo is loaded or unloaded has brought in several destructive aquatic species. Soil can also harbor animal disease agents. The introduction and establishment of the Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) into the US is one example of a non-native species that poses a serious threat to stored agricultural products, including spices, grains and packaged foods. Khapra beetle life stages originating in USCENTCOM’s AOR have the potential to infest redeployed military cargo including empty containers, concrete, cardboard boxes, used bagging, wooden crates, and other items that provide harborage.

Reference 7.15 provides detailed information on Khapra beetle biology and identification to reinforce cleaning and inspection measures that help insure the mitigation of the beetle in association with redeploying military personal and cargo.

3. Military Importance

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

The potential importation of invasive species in or on military vehicles, vessels, and equipment that are present in areas frequented by the DoD is a primary concern of the USDA. DoD personnel are often required to re-deploy from locations around the world.

Associated with this movement is an elevated risk for the inadvertent introduction of exotic plant and animal pests into the US Due to the characteristics of exotic pests, irreparable damage to human health, agriculture, forestry, or the environment may result from such introductions.

Plant debris, garbage, food, soil, and even fresh water from foreign countries may contain organisms of quarantine importance. Pathogens, insects, nematodes and a variety of other animals may be carried in such media. These organisms, if allowed to enter the US, could proliferate to catastrophic proportions, unhindered by natural enemies. Because of this risk, it is DoD policy that all organizations and personnel involved in the movement of DoD sponsored cargo, personal property and accompanied baggage will take all steps necessary to prevent the spread of exotic pests, foreign plant disease, and foreign animal disease from one location to another.

As a means to standardize, regulations and procedures pertaining to military retrograde cargo washdowns were outlined in DoD Instruction 4500.35 (Processing and Shipping DoD Sponsored Retrograde Material Destined for Shipment to the US, its Territories, Trusts and Possessions) initially during the Vietnam war era. Since then, several additional instructions and guidance documents have been developed and/or modified to insure the successful completion of washdowns.

4. Safeguarding the US from Invasive Species

Executive Order 13112 enhances and orders coordination of Federal activities to control and minimize the economic, ecological, and human health impacts caused by invasive species. The Executive order also established a National Invasive Species Council to oversee a management plan detailing the goals and objectives of the efforts of the involved Federal agencies. This Executive order provides new impetus and importance to the basic work performed by the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to prevent pests and diseases that threaten our agricultural and natural resources from being introduced and becoming established in the US.

The first and most effective means of protection is through exclusion or prevention of intentional or unintentional entry of harmful invasive species. In protecting the US from harmful invasive species, APHIS is responsible for developing the procedures to exclude invasive species that can potentially affect plant and animal health, either directly or indirectly. Through its activities, APHIS protects not only agriculture but also forest, rangeland, and wetland ecosystems. APHIS works closely with USDA's Forest Service and the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense. APHIS controls regulates types of invasive species and vertebrate pests that affect native ecosystems, rather than agricultural resources. Certain specific activities focus on protecting and managing threatened and endangered species as well as migratory bird populations.

5. Legal and Regulatory Guidance

The Federal Plant Protection Act 2000 (Title IV of Public Law 106-224) and the 2002 Animal Health Protection Act (Title 7, US Code 8301-8322), prohibit introducing any animal, plant or material that is considered harmful to this country's agriculture. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Plant Protection and Quarantine Division, is the enforcement authority for this Act. Executive Order 13112 provides information regarding invasive species. DoD Instruction 4715.5 establishes policy, assigns responsibilities and prescribes procedures for establishing the implementing environmental guidance and standards to ensure environmental protection at DoD installations and facilities in foreign countries. Responsibility for port of entry inspection has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, Agriculture Inspection (CBP-AI). There are 317 official ports of entry in the US and 14 preclearance stations in Canada and the Caribbean. Here CBP-AI enforces the import and export laws and regulations of the US federal government and conducts immigration policy and programs. Appendix J provides contact information.

Combined service instruction (SECNAVINST 6250.2A/AR 40-12/ AFJI 48-104) defines DoD quarantine policies and procedures dictated by the US Departments of Health and Human Services; Agriculture; Treasury; Interior and Commerce. These regulations are intended to prevent the introduction and dissemination domestically or elsewhere of diseases of humans, plants and animals. Most recently, DoD 4500.9-R (Defense Transportation Regulation Part V) provides customs inspection and agricultural pre-clearance guidelines for DoD. AFI 24-401 and AFI 24-403 through 405 provides additional Air Force guidelines for air transportable retrograde cargo.

6. Procedures

When returning to CONUS from OCONUS locations and whenever operationally feasible during relocation movements in or between theaters of operations, perform cleaning and containment procedures for personal and unit gear―see Appendix A. If redeploying vehicles to the CONUS, perform washdown procedures―see Appendixes B through I. Washdowns may also be required for redeployments between non-US locations―contact information for US authorities responsible for overseeing quarantine requirements is at Appendix J. Additional information about land snails and their control is at Appendix K. A job aid for use by US military personnel as guidance for conducting agricultural inspections on foreign arriving military aircraft, luggage, cargo, and personnel is at Reference 7.12.

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

7. References

7.1. Brown, D. S. 1980. Freshwater Snails of Africa and their Medical Importance.

London: Taylor & Francis Ltd.

7.2. European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). 2011. EPPO

Activities on Plant Quarantine, http://www.eppo.org/QUARANTINE/quarantine.htm, updated Feb 02, 2011.

7.3. Hickman, C. P. 1967. Phylum Mollusca. Pp. 479-547 in: C. P. Hickman, ed. Biology of the Invertebrates. St. Louis: The C. V. Mosby Co.

7.4. Malek, E. A. and T. C. Cheng. 1974. Medical and Economical Malacology. New York:

Academic Press.

7.5. Mead, A. R. 1961. The Giant African Snail: A Problem in Economic Malacology.

Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

7.6. Miller, E., S. Swails, D. Swails, F. Olson, and R. T. Staten. 1988. White garden snail (Theba pisana Mueller): Efficacy of selected bait and sprayable molluscicides. Journal of Agricultural Entomology 5(3): 189-197.

7.7. Pimentel, D., L. Lach, R. Zuniga and D. Morrison. 2002a. Environmental and economic costs associated with non-indigenous species in the United States. Pp.

285-303 in: D. Pimentel, ed.: Biological Invasions, Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Species. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

7.8. Pimentel, D., S. McNair, J. Janecka, J. Wightman, C. Simmonds, C. O'Connell, E.

Wong, L. Russel, J. Zern, T. Aquino, and T. Tsomondo. 2002b. Economic and environmental threats of alien plant, animal, and microbe invasions. Pp. 307-329 in:

D. Pimentel, ed.: Biological Invasions, Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Species. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

7.9. US Forest Service. 2010. Decontamination Procedures for Use on National Forest System Lands To Help Prevent the Spread of White-Nose Syndrome Associated with Cave and Abandoned Mine Entry, USDA Forest Service, http://www.caves.org/WNS/USFS%20WNS%20Decon%20Protocol%2021Jul10.pdf, accessed July 21, 2010.

7.10. USDA Agricultural Research Service. 2011. Ug99, an emerging virulent stem rust race and vulnerability of wheat in the US and worldwide, http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=14649, last modified: 04/08/2011, accessed July 21, 2011. The USDA-ARS Official Ug99 website is at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Ug99/, accessed July 21, 2011.

7.11. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 2010. International Services, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/international_safeguarding/index.shtml, last modified:

September 28, 2010

7.12. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 2011. Military Cooperator Agricultural Job Aid, Revised January 2011. Riverdale, Md.: US Department of Agriculture, http://www.afpmb.org/sites/default/files/contingency/MCI%20Job%20Aid%20Jan% 2013.pdf, accessed August 8, 2011.

http://www.eppo.org/QUARANTINE/quarantine.htm http://www.caves.org/WNS/USFS%20WNS%20Decon%20Protocol%2021Jul10.pdf http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=14649 http://www.ars.usda.gov/Ug99/ http://www.aphis.usda.gov/international_safeguarding/index.shtml http://www.afpmb.org/sites/default/files/contingency/MCI%20Job%20Aid%20Jan%2013.pdf http://www.afpmb.org/sites/default/files/contingency/MCI%20Job%20Aid%20Jan%2013.pdf

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

7.13. USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine. 2004. Treatment Manual. Riverdale, Md.:

US Department of Agriculture, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/treat ment.pdf, accessed July 21, 2011.

7.14. 2002 Animal Health Protection Act, http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/usc.cgi?ACTION=BROWSE&TITLE=7USCC109&PDFS=YES, Last updated:

December 23, 2008.

7.15. Stibick, J. 2007. New Pest Response Guidelines: Khapra Beetle. USDA-APHIS-PPQ- Emergency and Domestic Programs, Riverdale, Maryland.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/emergency/downloads/ nprg-khapra.pdf.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/treatment.pdf http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/treatment.pdf http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/usc.cgi?ACTION=BROWSE&TITLE=7USCC109&PDFS=YES http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/usc.cgi?ACTION=BROWSE&TITLE=7USCC109&PDFS=YES http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/emergency/downloads/nprg-khapra.pdf http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/emergency/downloads/nprg-khapra.pdf

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

Appendix A. Preparing Personal and Unit Equipment and Gear for Movement

A1. Cleaning and containment procedures: Animal and plant pathogens are easily transported on boots, uniforms, and other items that military personnel wear and use in the field. Following simple procedures for containment and decontamination will reduce the potential for transfer of harmful organisms. If moving from a location where a known highly infectious pathogen is established to another where the pathogen has not been introduced, more stringent measures than those listed below may be required— always consult with quarantine and health officials to ensure national and international requirements are complied with. Basic procedures include:

A1.1. Clean all clothing, footwear, and gear prior to deployment or redeployment movement. Consult agricultural and wildlife authorities for possible additional guidelines and requirements.

A1.2. Take only essential personal gear from location to location. If feasible, do not use gear that was used at a location with a pathogen of quarantine concern outside that affected location.

A1.3. When traveling from area to area, knock off dirt and mud from clothing (including inner clothing), boots, harness/ropes, helmet, backpack, headlamp, flashlight, weapons, camera and other gear, and dry-brush them clean. This is especially important because organic material, such as some clay soils, can prevent decontamination products from penetrating equipment, clothing, and boots.

A1.4. Follow cleaning and containment protocols between locations if feasible. If not feasible between individual locations, identify feasible opportunities for decontamination at the smallest possible geographic unit to minimize contamination between areas.

A2. Cleaning gear and equipment

A2.1. Weapons will be inspected by unit commanders or their designated representatives to ensure they are free of soil and other organic material.

A2.2. Mobility bags, field desks, communications equipment, and similar items should be cleaned thoroughly with hand brooms, rags, and other non-wetting methods.

Compressed air may be used to assist in the cleaning process. Specifically concentrate on seams, folds, cracks, crevices, and recesses.

A2.3. Pallets and their loads must be clean of compacted soil and vegetation. If necessary, pallet loads may have to be broken down to accomplish the appropriate level of cleaning. Padlocked boxes must also be inspected.

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

A2.4. Camouflage nets, tents, and canvas should be cleaned of soil and dust.

Hand cleaning, although time consuming, is the most effective method. Spread on a pest free surface and sweep down (no water) on both sides, paying attention to seam and flaps. Compressed air may also be used during the cleaning process.

A2.5. Ropes, Webbing and Harnesses:

A2.5.1. Cleaning by hand is the most effective method for cleaning harnesses, webbing, and ropes. At a minimum, knock all dirt off, spread them on a pest free surface and sweep them down (no water) to remove as much dirt as possible.

Compressed air may be used to assist in the cleaning process.

A2.5.2. Not all harnesses, webbing, and ropes are compatible with chemical decontamination protocols, and may lose their integrity and become unreliable. If it can be determined that they will not be damaged by chemical decontamination, use the following procedure:

A2.5.2.1. Wash rope/webbing gently ("gentle" or "delicate" cycle if using a machine) in mild detergent.

A2.5.2.2. Rinse in fresh, clean water for a minimum of two rinses and allow to air dry.

A2.6. Footwear: Scrub and rinse boots so that all soil and organic material are removed. Rubber and leather boots, including soles and leather uppers, can be decontaminated with an appropriate chemical product listed in section A3 for a minimum of 10 minutes, then rinse and air dry.

A2.7. Clothing and washable gear: wash in a washing machine or by hand using conventional detergents. Washing can be done in cold, warm or hot water. Woolite® fabric wash is a detergent that has been proved effective for this procedure. Rinse thoroughly to ensure soil and other contaminants have been removed.

A2.8. Non-immersible gear such as flashlights, headlamps, radios, cameras, headgear, etc.: clean with soap and water if water-resistant, or use cleaning wipes applied directly on surfaces or casing.

A3. Recommended cleaning and decontamination products: The following chemical products were tested in a laboratory setting and were found to be particularly effective in killing even resistant pathogens. Note: Not all these products are compatible with all clothing and gear―follow item and product instructions carefully and test items of unknown compatibility before using any product.

A3.1. Woolite® Extra Delicates detergent.

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

A3.2. Lysol® IC Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner (with a minimum of 0.3% quaternary ammonium compound)―this is a concentrate which requires a 1:128 dilution (1 part concentrate to 128 parts water or 1 ounce of concentrate per gallon of water).

A3.3. Lysol® All-purpose Professional Cleaner.

A3.4. Formula 409® Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner (with a minimum of 0.3% quaternary ammonium compound).

A3.5. A solution of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) mixed as follows:

A3.5.1. If the concentration of available chlorine is 5.25%: Then add 5 tablespoons (2.5 ounces or 75 ml) of bleach to each gallon of water (or 1 gallon of bleach to 50 gallons of water). Mix thoroughly.

A3.5.2 If the concentration of available chlorine is 6.0%: Then add 4 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon (2.33 ounces or 65 ml) of bleach to each gallon of water (or 13 cups of bleach to 50 gallons of water. Mix thoroughly.

A3.5.3 Determine the percent of available chlorine by checking the bleach container's label. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) comes in two concentrations:

5.25% or 6.0% available chlorine.

A3.6. Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes.

A3.7. Virkon-S®, a disinfectant formulation with proven performance against over 500 strains of viruses, bacteria and fungi including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Avian Influenza, Salmonella and Campylobacter.

A3.8. Boiling water, for those items that can withstand the high temperature.

A4. Disposal of Decontamination Products

A4.1. Quaternary ammonium products such as Formula 409® and Lysol® cleaner must be properly disposed of into a sanitary water system (poured down a drain or toilet) or similar system to receive required sanitary treatment. It is illegal in the US to dump these products on the ground, and dumping should not be done anywhere else.

Follow the label instructions and do not wipe these products directly on your skin or surfaces that come in contact with humans, working animals, or wildlife. If using bleach solution, do not store dilution for more than 24 hours as the bleach will begin to break down once it is diluted. Store bleach in opaque bottles as breakdown will also occur when exposed to sunlight.

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

A4.2. Product guidelines should be consulted for compatibility before using any decontamination product on specific equipment. Note: never mix detergents and quaternary ammonium compounds (i.e., Lysol® IC Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner) directly with bleach as this will inactivate the bleach and in some cases produce a toxic chlorine gas.

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

Appendix B. Performing Redeployment or Retrograde Movement Washdowns

Take only essential personal gear to the washdown operation—all personal gear taken to the site is considered contaminated and will be subject to cleaning and inspection.

B1. Washdown Location

B1.1. Performing an effective and efficient washdown requires specific physical facilities for cleaning and inspection. Appendix C outlines the criteria for selecting and equipping a washdown location. In addition, an experienced military inspector familiar with USDA requirements and previous operational washdown participation should be consulted when possible and included on early reconnaissance trips to potential washdown locations. Care should be taken to consider adverse effects of the wash operation and to minimize release of used water and contaminants into the local environment. See DoD Directive 6050.16 and the Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document for further details.

B1.2. Every effort should be made to comply with host nation laws and regulations related to washdown operations. Coordination with local quarantine and health officials is important to maintaining a good relationship with the host nation.

B2. Operational Washdown Equipment

B2.1. Appendix D lists the items recommended to perform a successful washdown. This list is subject to modification based on the size and location of the washdown and availability of foreign national assistance.

B2.2. Personal gear used in a washdown operation is considered contaminated and will be subject to cleaning and inspection.

B3. Inspection and Cleaning Procedures. The inspectors must enforce strict, non-compromising standards. Personnel involved in an operational washdown must follow Appendix E guidelines in order to expedite re-entry approval into CONUS by USDA and USPHS officials.

B3.1. Inspectors

B3.1.1. USDA and CBP fully support DOD Agriculture Inspection training.

Examples of current agricultural training programs for DOD members include:

B3.1.1.1. DOD Pre-clearance Program (DTR Part V, Chapter 506).

Qualifying military personnel are trained by CBP and USDA agents to inspect and certify DOD cargo meets US entry "pre-clearance" requirements. Pre-clearance expedites re-entry of DoD cargo while reducing congestion at US ports of entry.

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

B3.1.2. Military Customs Inspector-Excepted Program (DTR Part V, Chapter 505, Para E). Agricultural regulations allow for MCI-E programs at select installations in the US. Under this program, CBP-AIS trains and certifies qualifying DOD personnel to conduct agricultural compliance inspections for arriving passengers and DOD aircraft.

B3.1.3. Naval Afloat CBCA Program (DTR Part V, Chapter 502, Para C). USDA and CBP train qualifying US Navy personnel to inspect and certify USN vessels (cargo holds, living quarters etc) and personnel belongings meet US entry requirements.

B3.1.4. EUCOM Military Customs and Border Clearance Agency Program (MCBCAP). MCBCAP inspectors conduct agricultural "pre-clearance" inspections on all DOD cargo leaving the EUCOM AOR for the Unites States. Qualifying inspectors attend a 2-day training course are conducted by USDA only.

B3.1.5. Agricultural Agent (AA) / Senior Agricultural Agent (SAA) training as necessary. USDA provides AA/SAA training to DOD forces a necessary to support retrograde movements to the US. AA/SAA are most commonly used during contingencies and DOD exercises in SOUTHCOM/PACOM/EUCOM AORs. SAA/AA inspect and certify DOD passengers, baggage and cargo meet US entry requirements.

B3.2. Administrative requirements

Necessary administrative requirements will be established by military inspectors for USDA's review and final inspection at the point of entry.

B3.2.1. Tags attached to each vehicle after cleaning are appropriate for marking vehicles. A sample of a vehicle tag is shown in Appendix G.

B3.2.2. An inspection log should be kept to track the number of vehicles and insure a double check for the tagged vehicles. A sample format for the log is shown in Appendix H.

B4. Responsibilities. During an operational washdown, certain agencies or individuals must assume the specific responsibilities as assigned below.

B4.1. DoD. The Department of Army (DALO-TSP) is the DoD Executive Agent for the Military Customs Inspection Program (MCIP-Applicable in EUCOM where there is a permanent APHIS Advisor). Overseas Unified Commanders are responsible for compliance with DoD Directive 4500.9 (establishes guidelines for processing and shipping DoD sponsored retrograde materiel).

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

B4.2. Headquarters or Highest Operational Command: Requests to this command should be made when lower echelon commands need upgraded manpower requirements for inspection teams, if teams cannot be acquired through internal resources.

B4.3. Major Echelon Involved

B4.3.1. The major echelon will probably be stationary within CONUS or its main base. However, coordination on operational washdowns will generally occur at this level, including needed technical advice on all matters pertaining to operational washdowns.

B4.3.2. Deploying units may request a detailed brief on how to conduct the operational washdown from this organizational level. Sufficient resources at this level would include applicable references and the senior inspector's support requirements (equipment, personnel augmentation, subject expert support).

B4.3.3. Requests to the senior inspector for other inspection team members can be made regarding appropriate USDA quarantine compliance requirements for clearing retrograde cargo.

B4.3.4. This level of command will provide budgeting and funds for travel of inspection teams to operational washdown sites during contingency and training exercises.

B4.3.5. The senior inspector of this command level has the final authority in the operational washdown for certifying pest-free vehicles, equipment, and supplies.

Some exceptions do exist as follows:

B4.3.5.1. Ship or aircraft commanders in the case of mission requirements and operational necessity may be forced to proceed to CONUS with a partial certification.

B4.3.5.1.1. If only a partial certification is provided, the senior inspector will notify the appropriate USDA-APHIS Officials in Riverdale, Maryland, as well as local officials of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with copies to commands as necessary. The notification generally details the extent of the certified material and specifies whether or not it is segregated from uncertified equipment and supplies.

B4.3.5.1.2. In the case of notification on a partial certification, appropriate commands must notify local CBP-Agriculture Inspectors and should assist the incoming activity to prepare for the reception of embarked equipment by the USDA upon its arrival in CONUS. Close coordination with local CBP-Agriculture

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

Inspectors at the US port of arrival is required to ensure any required cleaning of partially pre-cleared vehicles and/or equipment can occur at the US port of arrival.

B4.4. Commander or On-Site Deployed Command with Overall Authority

B4.4.1. The on-site deployed command should schedule with USDA preclearance officials for coordination and briefing of members actually involved in the deployment and subsequent washdown.

B4.4.2. Where washdown facilities are not fully adequate at the proposed overseas loading port, base, or airport, the deployed command will need to coordinate with in-country contacts or liaison agencies to delineate shortfalls and determine suitable solutions. Additional coordination may be required to negotiate through host nation support agreements as in the case of adequate fresh water washdown facilities at a final overseas loading port or site.

B4.5. Commander, Specific Deployed Units On-Site

B4.5.1. This on-site unit will determine the scope and extent of operational washdowns needed, based on the amount of equipment and supplies that need washing and inspecting. Since this unit will be doing the washdown, additional briefings with the senior inspector, USDA Preclearance officials, and the appropriate staff members should be followed up, particularly if previous briefings have not been accomplished by the higher echelon command.

B4.5.2. By using pertinent guidance given in this TG, and working with staff personnel, the onsite units will formulate a comprehensive plan for the operational washdown.

B4.5.3. Washdown equipment will be used by unit personnel. The unit should make sure the equipment is available.

B4.5.4. The inspection and cleaning procedures outlined in this TG will be followed by personnel.

B4.5.5. By working with the respective departments, appropriate personnel at this level can determine equipment and supplies that were not exposed to foreign soil contamination and which will not be off-loaded for the operational washdown. These items should be listed and certified free of contamination in writing by the senior inspector.

B4.5.6. Potential contamination problems may occur when back-loading equipment, supplies, and vehicles from previous operations ashore.

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

B4.5.7. Personnel and equipment requirements of the senior inspector will include additional inspectors, support vehicles, radio operators, and radios for the washdown area. The on-site deployed unit will assist the senior inspector in meeting these requirements.

B5. Contaminated Cargo: Because only a percentage of cargo entering CONUS ports of entry is examined by inspectors, there is a risk that some will reach an ultimate destination contaminated. In the event this occurs it is critical that a report be made immediately to the local APHIS State Plant Health Directors (SPHD) detailing the type and number of vehicles that were not decontaminated, any observed pathogens or pests, and what actions were taken to mitigate the contaminated vehicles.

B6. Summary

Information in this TG is intended to serve as minimum guidance for conducting operational washdowns to meet regulatory requirements. Consult with USDA APHIS Riverdale, Maryland quarantine officials and the Armed Forces Pest Management Board to identify recent changes in Quarantine requirements and new developments regarding techniques before proceeding with pre-deployment briefings.

B7. References

AFI 24-401, Customs-Europe, 27 October 2004.

AFI 16-606, Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Program, 21 January 2011

AFIJ 48-104, Quarantine Regulations of the Armed Forces, 24 January 1992

BUMEDINST 6250.12C, Pesticide Applicator Training and Certification for Medical Personnel, May 1999.

DD 2855, US Military Cargo Preclearance Program Form, September 2006.

DoD 4500.54-G, DoD Foreign Clearance Guide, DTR 4500.9-R-Part V DOD Customs and Border Clearance Policies and Procedures, January 2011

DoD Instruction 4715.5, Management of Environmental Compliance at Overseas Installations, April 22, 1996

CINCLANTFLTINST 5400.M, US Atlantic Fleet Regulations, Jun 96 http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/3AFI24-401.pdf http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI16-606.pdf http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_12.pdf http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/downloads/prevmed/directives/bumed_inst_6250-12C.pdf http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/downloads/prevmed/directives/bumed_inst_6250-12C.pdf http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd2855.pdf https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/ http://www.transcom.mil/dtr/part-v/ http://www.transcom.mil/dtr/part-v/ http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/blaw/dodd/corres/pdf2/i47155p.pdf http://biotech.law.lsu.edu/blaw/dodd/corres/pdf2/i47155p.pdf

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

CINCPACFLTINST 6250.1, Agriculture Quarantine Inspections of Naval Vessels, Jan 92.

NAVMED P-5010-8, Navy Preventive Medicine, Chapter 8, Insect and Rodent Control, Sep 87.

OPNAVINST 3710.2E/ AFR 8-5, Foreign Clearance Procedures for US Naval Aircraft, 6 Apr 84.

SECNAVINST 6210.2A/ AFIJ 40-12, Medical Service Quarantine Regulations of the Armed Forces, 24 Jan 92.

USEUCOM Directive 30-3, Customs Border Clearance Agency Program, Oct 2003.

World Health Organization, Geneva, International Medical Guide for Ships, Second Edition. 1987

Stibick, J. 2007. New Pest Response Guidelines: Khapra Beetle. USDA–APHIS–PPQ– Emergency and Domestic Programs, Riverdale, Maryland.

[http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/online_manuals.shtml].

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

Appendix C: Criteria for Selecting and Equipping a Washdown Location

C1. Location Criteria

C1.1. Hardstand

C1.1.1. The availability of hardstand is a major limiting factor determining the duration of an operational washdown. Hardstand is defined as a surface that, even when wet, will not allow any soil transfer to tires of clean vehicles. Hardstand is absolutely essential in:

C1.1.1.1. Areas associated with the actual washing of vehicles, C1.1.1.2. Areas used for off-loading and cleaning vehicle accessory items, C1.1.1.3. Staging areas for clean vehicles awaiting backload, and

C1.1.1.4. All roads in between the above areas.

C1.1.2. In reviewing the hardstand area, consider wash water run-off into aquatic habitats including marine environments. Petroleum or other contaminants washed from vehicles may pass directly into such areas, causing harm to aquatic life.

Freshwater run-off into brackish or saltwater habitat can also cause harm to aquatic life.

C1.1.3. During the planning phase, consider constructing berms or implementing other containment strategies and possibly re-utilizing the wash water.

C1.1.4. The size of hardstand required will vary with the number of vehicles and the amount of time available. However, the following minimum criteria are required so as not to impede traffic flow during an operational washdown assuming a six vehicle capacity wash rack:

C1.1.4.1. A washdown area of at least 150 feet (46 meters) on either end of the wash rack assembly and 50 feet (15 meters) on the sides parallel to the flow of equipment.

C1.1.4.2. The staging area for accessory vehicle items and palletized supplies should be at least 100 feet (30 meters) meters wide and 350 feet (110 meters) long.

C1.1.4.3. The size required for the clean vehicle staging area will vary depending on how soon after washing/inspection back loading can begin. If the vehicle/cargo decks on board the ships or aircraft must be cleaned before backload can

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment proceed, then establish a staging area capable of holding a larger number of vehicles.

Ensure vehicles do not become re-contaminated during the backload.

C1.2. Fresh Water Availability:

C1.2.1. Large quantities of fresh water are consumed in a relatively short period of time during washdown operations (SALT WATER MUST BE AVOIDED AS IT WILL CORRODE VEHICLES). Approximately 250,000 gallons are required for an average Army battalion or Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of 300 wheeled vehicles using two (2), 5.0" (130 mm) diameter fire hoses operating at the minimum recommended pressure of 90 psi.

C1.2.2. In many areas only gray water is available. Gray water is defined as non-saline, but with a number of contaminants from prior use. Though not used for sewage purposes, the storage of this water and the absence of chlorine make it a potential disease carrier for those in close contact with it during washing operations.

Basic immunizations are needed. Due to direct and indirect health risks to personnel associated with sewage contaminated water, black water is not authorized. NOTE:

POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS ARE CLEARLY ASSOCIATED WITH USING SEWAGE-

CONTAMINATED WATER NOT ONLY TO WASHDOWN PERSONNEL BUT TO OTHERS WHO

MAY CONTACT THE EQUIPMENT.

C1.2.3. In addition to water quantity, insure adequate water pressure of at least 90 psi is maintained throughout the operation.

C1.3. Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions may delay or interrupt an operational washdown. Health and safety of the work crews during operational washdowns scheduled in areas where extreme hot or cold weather might be encountered is a significant concern. Consult a physician familiar with extreme weather medicine before a washdown is scheduled in areas where the effective temperature (including wind chill factors) might fall below 45°F/7.2°C or exceed 88°F/31°C. The length of time work crews are exposed to cold and freezing water is an additional factor that must be considered. Lightning strikes and strong winds are also threats that must be considered; follow command guidance for operations during threatening or severe weather.

C2. Equipment Selection

C2.1. The following equipment is considered essential to the success of an operational washdown.

C2.1.1. Wash racks: The design and number of wash racks will largely determine the speed at which the operational washdown can be conducted. Wash racks must be designed with regards to the following parameters:

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

C2.1.1.1. Personnel safety

C2.1.1.2. Efficiency of vehicle movement on and off the rack

C2.1.1.3. Ease of work for the cleaning personnel.

C2.1.2. Adequate clearance between the bottom of the vehicle and the ground is critical to adequately wash, inspect and if necessary re-wash and inspect the undercarriage. If the vehicle is too close to the ground, work crew efficiency and the inspection/rewash process is adversely affected resulting in extending the time required to complete the washdown.

C2.1.3. The number of wash racks necessary will vary with the amount of space available. Additionally time dedicated to cleaning each vehicle will vary depending on its initial condition and number of wash racks. Historically, a washdown proceeds at an average rate of one vehicle per individual wash rack per half hour of daylight.

C2.1.4. A person should be assigned to guide vehicles up and down the wash racks to maintain a high safety margin.

C2.2. Water Pumps/hoses. The design, output and reliability of pumps can affect the speed of a washdown operation. The following provides minimum requirements and suggestions:

C2.2.1. A minimum of two (2) hose lines for each individual wash rack.

C2.2.2. Pumps must be capable of sustaining a minimum output pressure of 90 psi for many hours of continuous use.

C2.2.3. Fire Department pumper trucks work well in the absence of adequate standing reservoirs and are usually available at any seaport, airport, or military base. Several hose lines with 90 psi outputs can be routinely operated off a single truck.

C2.2.4. A supply of new hoses should be kept in reserve for use during the washdown in the event of ruptures.

TG 31: Agricultural & Public Health Preparation of Military Gear & Equipment for Deployment & Redeployment

Appendix D: Operational Washdown Equipment

The following guidelines can be used for operational washdowns with an average Marine Expeditionary Unit, Army Regiment, or Air Force Squadron.

Wash Rack Site

Equipment Quantity Floodlight set 6 Cranes As required "Y" gates 3 Fire gose (1"ID) 600 ft/2 per wash rack Fire gose (2" ID) 200 ft/2 per wash rack Fire gose (5" ID) 200 ft/2 per wash rack Fire nozzles (2 per wash rack) 8 Pump (55 GPM or greater) 2 Water truck (5000 gallon) 1 Steam hose (1" ID, 12 ft lengths) 6 Steam hose (1" ID) 300 ft Air compressor 2 Steam manifold (6 stations) 1 Flatbed Trucks movement of supplies As required Portable head 2 Vehicle wash racks 4 Wet/Dry Vacuum 6 or more as required

Personal Gear

Equipment Quantity Cold/Wet Weather Clothing 40 sets (sizes) Hardhats 40 Straw…