texascavers Digest 28 Sep 2009 23:16:45 -0000 Issue 860
Topics (messages 12163 through 12177):
BCI trip to Whirlpool today
12163 by: Jim Kennedy
yakima rooftop bike racks for sale
12164 by: Nancy Weaver
UT Grotto Meeting â September 30, 2009
12165 by: Gary Franklin
cave diving related
12166 by: David
12169 by: Mark Minton
new Texas laws
12167 by: David
Austin Update - Whirlpool Cave Preserve - CAVER Attention Needed
12168 by: Jules Jenkins
12171 by: Diana Tomchick
12172 by: Linda Palit
12173 by: Jon Cradit
12175 by: Heather Tucek
12176 by: Louise Power
12177 by: Jules Jenkins
New Cave Critters Down Under
12170 by: Mark Minton
WNS Decon and Nylon
12174 by: Mark Minton
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
--- Begin Message ---
If anyone in south Austin is reading CaveTex this early on a Sunday, I
could still use a couple of helpers for a BCI staff trip to Whirlpool
Cave at 10:00. Call me at 512-663-2287. I won't be online after this
message. Thanks.
-- Jim Kennedy
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
48 inch rooftop Yakima rack available with 3 locking jaw mount bike
racks. Some parts old, not very pretty and still strong and
functional, survivors of many 4wd trips to Mexico. Some parts brand
new. Kit and caboodle for 90$ - about 400$ brand new.
call or email
Nancy
512.847.7422
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Underground Texas Grotto meeting Sep 30, 2009
www.utgrotto.org
The meeting is on Wednesday from 7:45 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
University of Texas Campus in 2.48 Painter Hall
http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/pai.html
Corinne Wong will present the Program for the evening.
Ayuda tener sentido de humor - travels in Coahulia, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipus.
She will be talking about her recent caving trip in Mexico to Cuatro Cienegas,
the Satillo area, and El Cielo along with progress made toward this exciting
project. Corinne serves as a Grotto Officer while staying completely engaged
in activities of the grotto, graduate research projects, and a host of others.
Come out for a cool time in Austin to support one of our own and experience all
the things that we take for granted on a daily basis.
Please see the web site for information on all UT Grotto activities. All of our
information is available including officer contact info, trip reports, new
caver training, and an event calendar that lists upcoming caving trips,
beginner trips, vertical rope training, or other cool social event activities.
Occasionally, some cavers gather beforehand about 6:30 at Sau Paulo
www.saopaulos.net for happy hour margaritas, and then we walk over to the
meeting. After the Official Grotto meeting, we migrate to Posse East
www.posseeast.com for beer & burgers, recruit for upcoming trips, and share
caving stories.
The UT Grotto needs you, YES I mean YOU, the bold caver with photos and a story
to share about your adventures, scientific research, or something else really
cool.
Contact Gary [email protected] to schedule you into our incredible Program
series.
This is not a General Meeting with Officer reports and official protocol of "I
MOVE THAT... Blah blah, blah"
It is more like an Event of fun with your friends !!! You should come check
it out.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
This news story may be from December.
According to the news story below, it appears cave divers have been
down to 1600 feet. Isn't that how the general public would
interpret it ?
Also, what do you think about the statement about "oil and gas reserves" ?
__________________________________________________________________________________
Deep inside a cave system in Italy and more than 1,600 feet below the
earth’s surface, divers found filamentous ropes of microbes growing in
the cold water.
‘Sulphur caves are a microbiology paradise. Many different types of
organisms live in the caves and use the sulphur,’ said Jennifer L.
Macalady, assistant professor of geosciences at the Penn State
University.
‘We are trying to map which organisms live where in the caves and how
they correspond to the geochemical environment.’
In this process, Macalady and her team discovered a previously unknown
form of biofilm growing in the oxygen-deficient portion of the lake.
‘The cave explorers had seen these strange biofilms,’ said Macalady.
‘So we asked them if they could get us a sample.’
The Frasassi cave system is located north of Rome and south of Venice
in the Marche region. These limestone caves are like New Mexico’s
Carlsbad Caverns and Lechuguilla Cave, but in those caves, sulphur
entered from oil and gas reserves, while in Italy, the sulphur source
is a thick gypsum layer below. Having sulphur in the environment
allows sulphur-using organisms to grow.
The researchers received about the weight of two paper clips of the
strange rope to analyse, said a Penn State release.
The study was presented at the American Geophysical Union Conference
in San Francisco.
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
David Locklear said:
According to the news story below, it appears cave divers have been
down to 1600 feet. Isn't that how the general public would interpret it ?
Who knows what the general public thinks, but the
uninitiated often refer to the distance one goes into a cave as
"depth" even if it is completely horizontal. In this case, however,
they said 1600 feet below the earth's surface. That could be
correct, and doesn't necessarily mean the cave is anywhere near that
deep (which it is not). All it could mean is that there is a lot of
overburden.
Mark Minton
Deep inside a cave system in Italy and more than 1,600 feet below
the earth's surface, divers found filamentous ropes of microbes
growing in the cold water.
You may reply to [email protected]
Permanent email address is [email protected]
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Sure is quite out there.
Has anybody noticed all the new laws that recently went into affect in Texas ?
While none of the new laws specifically affect cavers, there are some new things
that could affect us if we are not careful.
I think all the occupants on the Powerwagon Bus have to be strapped in.
( Unless there are 16 cavers on board ). Feel free to correct me on that.
I think there is a provision that allows 4 wheeled electric vehicles
such as golf carts,
to go up to 45 mph on roadways without having to register the vehicle.
That sounds like a good idea
where I live. I may have my translation mixed up. Should be a good deal
for people selling golf carts to people that live in large
subdivisions. Maybe there will be some cave
that you can now legally get to by golf cart ?
Ref:
http://www.namic.org/stateLaws/09texas.asp
I think it is important to note that cavers should never drive before
or after their caving trips
while under the influence of any medication or alcohol, or drugs.
The penalty is severe if caught.
If you are driving home tired from a caving trip, and the police catch
you weaving, you better not
have had any of the above.
I would not be surprised if there are similar new laws in adjacent states.
David Locklear
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
IMPORTANT Message, PLEASE READ
Cavers,
If you use Whirlpool Cave Preserve in Austin. If you visit the cave, if you
live in the vicinity of the cave, Convict Hill/ Mopac/ Wm Cannon area. Please
swing by and take a walk around the preserve. We are currently experiencing a
problem on site with portable 'meth labs'.
Over the past couple of months several 5 gallon, blue, square, containers with
2 spigots, have been found on the preserve, just under the overpass of Latta
Lane.
The authorities have been notified and the materials verified as possible meth
lab setups.
TCMA preserve manager and volunteers have been working w/Austin Police Dept. to
address the situation.
The APD officers patrol, by drive-by but, we're the ones down, walking around
the preserve and in the cave. That's where we come in.
The cave has NOT been endangered!
But, if you're in the area, stop by if you can. Walk down to the cave. Most of
the containers have been found in the grassy area just to the left of the WP
sign, as you're facing the sign. The rest were discovered under the overpass,
which is on the trail to the cave.
If you see anything other than the obvious cars parked under the overpass for
cave trips, anything suspicious if you drive by late in the evening,
especially.
PLEASE call, Jules Jenkins, 512-289-1336.
Thanks very much,
jules jenkins
tcma manager, Whirlpool Preserve
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Do the authorities really believe that it's safe for the average
citizen to be wandering around at night on the Whirlpool Preserve
looking for people making meth? Doesn't sound like the smart thing to
do if you ask me.
Diana
On Sep 28, 2009, at 11:20 AM, Jules Jenkins wrote:
IMPORTANT Message, PLEASE READ
Cavers,
If you use Whirlpool Cave Preserve in Austin. If you visit the
cave, if you live in the vicinity of the cave, Convict Hill/ Mopac/
Wm Cannon area. Please swing by and take a walk around the
preserve. We are currently experiencing a problem on site with
portable 'meth labs'.
Over the past couple of months several 5 gallon, blue, square,
containers with 2 spigots, have been found on the preserve, just
under the overpass of Latta Lane.
The authorities have been notified and the materials verified as
possible meth lab setups.
TCMA preserve manager and volunteers have been working w/Austin
Police Dept. to address the situation.
The APD officers patrol, by drive-by but, we're the ones down,
walking around the preserve and in the cave. That's where we come in.
The cave has NOT been endangered!
But, if you're in the area, stop by if you can. Walk down to the
cave. Most of the containers have been found in the grassy area
just to the left of the WP sign, as you're facing the sign. The rest
were discovered under the overpass, which is on the trail to the cave.
If you see anything other than the obvious cars parked under the
overpass for cave trips, anything suspicious if you drive by late in
the evening, especially.
PLEASE call, Jules Jenkins, 512-289-1336.
Thanks very much,
jules jenkins
tcma manager, Whirlpool Preserve
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Diana R. Tomchick
Associate Professor
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Department of Biochemistry
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Rm. ND10.214B
Dallas, TX 75390-8816, U.S.A.
Email: [email protected]
214-645-6383 (phone)
214-645-6353 (fax)
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Well...
The intent here is to just ask people to keep their eyes open, not to put
anybody in harm's way. And people may notice things when driving by or
whatever. Each person can of course make their own decision about what is
appropriate action for them. But putting the information out means people
know to watch more carefully, if only to protect themselves and be cautious.
Some of us wander around at night regularly, or at least in the dark....
Linda
-----Original Message-----
From: Diana Tomchick [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 1:33 PM
To: Jules Jenkins
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Austin Update - Whirlpool Cave Preserve - CAVER
Attention Needed
Do the authorities really believe that it's safe for the average
citizen to be wandering around at night on the Whirlpool Preserve
looking for people making meth? Doesn't sound like the smart thing to
do if you ask me.
Diana
On Sep 28, 2009, at 11:20 AM, Jules Jenkins wrote:
> IMPORTANT Message, PLEASE READ
> Cavers,
>
> If you use Whirlpool Cave Preserve in Austin. If you visit the
> cave, if you live in the vicinity of the cave, Convict Hill/ Mopac/
> Wm Cannon area. Please swing by and take a walk around the
> preserve. We are currently experiencing a problem on site with
> portable 'meth labs'.
>
> Over the past couple of months several 5 gallon, blue, square,
> containers with 2 spigots, have been found on the preserve, just
> under the overpass of Latta Lane.
> The authorities have been notified and the materials verified as
> possible meth lab setups.
> TCMA preserve manager and volunteers have been working w/Austin
> Police Dept. to address the situation.
>
> The APD officers patrol, by drive-by but, we're the ones down,
> walking around the preserve and in the cave. That's where we come in.
>
> The cave has NOT been endangered!
>
> But, if you're in the area, stop by if you can. Walk down to the
> cave. Most of the containers have been found in the grassy area
> just to the left of the WP sign, as you're facing the sign. The rest
> were discovered under the overpass, which is on the trail to the cave.
>
> If you see anything other than the obvious cars parked under the
> overpass for cave trips, anything suspicious if you drive by late in
> the evening, especially.
> PLEASE call, Jules Jenkins, 512-289-1336.
>
> Thanks very much,
>
> jules jenkins
> tcma manager, Whirlpool Preserve
>
>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Diana R. Tomchick
Associate Professor
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Department of Biochemistry
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Rm. ND10.214B
Dallas, TX 75390-8816, U.S.A.
Email: [email protected]
214-645-6383 (phone)
214-645-6353 (fax)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit our website: http://texascavers.com
To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Diana,
Take Bill with you in his "cowboy fire-tights".
That will panic any meth head in the dark.
But seriously, please don't approach anyone you see unless you recognize them
as cavers.
Call a professional, let them do the approaching.
Also, it might be a good idea if you are a caver and you are there into the
night place your bat sticker so it can be seen.
Jon
-----Original Message-----
From: Diana Tomchick [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 1:33 PM
To: Jules Jenkins
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Austin Update - Whirlpool Cave Preserve - CAVER
Attention Needed
Do the authorities really believe that it's safe for the average
citizen to be wandering around at night on the Whirlpool Preserve
looking for people making meth? Doesn't sound like the smart thing to
do if you ask me.
Diana
On Sep 28, 2009, at 11:20 AM, Jules Jenkins wrote:
> IMPORTANT Message, PLEASE READ
> Cavers,
>
> If you use Whirlpool Cave Preserve in Austin. If you visit the
> cave, if you live in the vicinity of the cave, Convict Hill/ Mopac/
> Wm Cannon area. Please swing by and take a walk around the
> preserve. We are currently experiencing a problem on site with
> portable 'meth labs'.
>
> Over the past couple of months several 5 gallon, blue, square,
> containers with 2 spigots, have been found on the preserve, just
> under the overpass of Latta Lane.
> The authorities have been notified and the materials verified as
> possible meth lab setups.
> TCMA preserve manager and volunteers have been working w/Austin
> Police Dept. to address the situation.
>
> The APD officers patrol, by drive-by but, we're the ones down,
> walking around the preserve and in the cave. That's where we come in.
>
> The cave has NOT been endangered!
>
> But, if you're in the area, stop by if you can. Walk down to the
> cave. Most of the containers have been found in the grassy area
> just to the left of the WP sign, as you're facing the sign. The rest
> were discovered under the overpass, which is on the trail to the cave.
>
> If you see anything other than the obvious cars parked under the
> overpass for cave trips, anything suspicious if you drive by late in
> the evening, especially.
> PLEASE call, Jules Jenkins, 512-289-1336.
>
> Thanks very much,
>
> jules jenkins
> tcma manager, Whirlpool Preserve
>
>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Diana R. Tomchick
Associate Professor
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Department of Biochemistry
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Rm. ND10.214B
Dallas, TX 75390-8816, U.S.A.
Email: [email protected]
214-645-6383 (phone)
214-645-6353 (fax)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit our website: http://texascavers.com
To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Just for clarification-
They aren't actually making the meth on-site. The 7gal Aquatainers are
being used to cook meth elsewhere, then they bring the jugs to the
Whirlpool Preserve to dispose of the waste material left after they
drain the drugs out. The jugs contain a crystaline substance that is
extremely toxic if you come in contact with it. If you see these blue
jugs, DO NOT TOUCH them! Although the exterior of the container isn't
harmful, the contents inside can seriously harm you, even if all you
do is open the container and look inside, the fumes could hurt you as
well.
I've been out there twice this month with the authorities (5
containers found the first time, 1 the second time). I've been in
contact with a Seargent from Austin Police Department (I've got his
cell on speed dial now), and they are taking more measures
security-wise. (I'm not at liberty to say, since this isn't a secure
email).
On 28/09/2009, Jon Cradit <[email protected]> wrote:
> Diana,
> Take Bill with you in his "cowboy fire-tights".
> That will panic any meth head in the dark.
> But seriously, please don't approach anyone you see unless you recognize
> them as cavers.
> Call a professional, let them do the approaching.
> Also, it might be a good idea if you are a caver and you are there into the
> night place your bat sticker so it can be seen.
>
>
> Jon
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diana Tomchick [mailto:[email protected]]
> Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 1:33 PM
> To: Jules Jenkins
> Cc: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Austin Update - Whirlpool Cave Preserve - CAVER
> Attention Needed
>
>
> Do the authorities really believe that it's safe for the average
> citizen to be wandering around at night on the Whirlpool Preserve
> looking for people making meth? Doesn't sound like the smart thing to
> do if you ask me.
>
> Diana
>
> On Sep 28, 2009, at 11:20 AM, Jules Jenkins wrote:
>
> > IMPORTANT Message, PLEASE READ
> > Cavers,
> >
> > If you use Whirlpool Cave Preserve in Austin. If you visit the
> > cave, if you live in the vicinity of the cave, Convict Hill/ Mopac/
> > Wm Cannon area. Please swing by and take a walk around the
> > preserve. We are currently experiencing a problem on site with
> > portable 'meth labs'.
> >
> > Over the past couple of months several 5 gallon, blue, square,
> > containers with 2 spigots, have been found on the preserve, just
> > under the overpass of Latta Lane.
> > The authorities have been notified and the materials verified as
> > possible meth lab setups.
> > TCMA preserve manager and volunteers have been working w/Austin
> > Police Dept. to address the situation.
> >
> > The APD officers patrol, by drive-by but, we're the ones down,
> > walking around the preserve and in the cave. That's where we come in.
> >
> > The cave has NOT been endangered!
> >
> > But, if you're in the area, stop by if you can. Walk down to the
> > cave. Most of the containers have been found in the grassy area
> > just to the left of the WP sign, as you're facing the sign. The rest
> > were discovered under the overpass, which is on the trail to the cave.
> >
> > If you see anything other than the obvious cars parked under the
> > overpass for cave trips, anything suspicious if you drive by late in
> > the evening, especially.
> > PLEASE call, Jules Jenkins, 512-289-1336.
> >
> > Thanks very much,
> >
> > jules jenkins
> > tcma manager, Whirlpool Preserve
> >
> >
>
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
> Diana R. Tomchick
> Associate Professor
> University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
> Department of Biochemistry
> 5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
> Rm. ND10.214B
> Dallas, TX 75390-8816, U.S.A.
> Email: [email protected]
> 214-645-6383 (phone)
> 214-645-6353 (fax)
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> Visit our website: http://texascavers.com
> To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
> For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> Visit our website: http://texascavers.com
> To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
> For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
>
>
--
Go find out!
-Heather Tuček
UT Grotto
NSS 59660
(512) 773-1348
[email protected]
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Unfortunately we find these things all the time on public land in the west. Our
HazMat Coordinator has recommended the following procedures when we see
something either at the office or in the field (some of this information is
Bureau- or location- specific, but good info nevertheless):
SUSPICIOUS SUBSTANCE / BIOLOGICAL - CHEMICAL
A suspicious substance might be in the form of a powder, a vial, or a container
with a label indicating that a biological or chemical substance is inside.
FIRST ON SCENE -
Do not touch or move the object
Remove yourself to a safe area
Direct others away from area (secure the scene)
If near the office, Building Maintenance will initiate the shutdown of the
HVAC system.
Notify Designated Official (DO)
If you have inadvertently touched the substance:
Wrap the contaminated areas in anything (coat, paper, trash bag.)
Verbally direct others away from the area.
Move to the shower and decontamination as quickly as possible.
Notify (or have someone else contact) the following individuals:
1. Designated Official - Dispatch - 911
2. Law Enforcement
3. Hazardous Materials Coordinator
4. District Safety Manager
Employees -
Assist as needed or requested. May need to keep others away from scene or make
the contact to law enforcement.
NOTE: Based on lessons learned at other Federal Offices, employees will likely
be asked to stay in place while an initial evaluation of the situation is
taking place. This serves one very important purpose: to limit the spread of
the potential contamination. Until it can be determined who may have come in
contact with the substance and how far the potential contamination has spread,
employees will need to remain in place.
> Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:29:15 -0500
> From: [email protected]
> To: [email protected]
> CC: [email protected]; [email protected];
> [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Austin Update - Whirlpool Cave Preserve - CAVER
> Attention Needed
>
> Just for clarification-
>
> They aren't actually making the meth on-site. The 7gal Aquatainers are
> being used to cook meth elsewhere, then they bring the jugs to the
> Whirlpool Preserve to dispose of the waste material left after they
> drain the drugs out. The jugs contain a crystaline substance that is
> extremely toxic if you come in contact with it. If you see these blue
> jugs, DO NOT TOUCH them! Although the exterior of the container isn't
> harmful, the contents inside can seriously harm you, even if all you
> do is open the container and look inside, the fumes could hurt you as
> well.
>
> I've been out there twice this month with the authorities (5
> containers found the first time, 1 the second time). I've been in
> contact with a Seargent from Austin Police Department (I've got his
> cell on speed dial now), and they are taking more measures
> security-wise. (I'm not at liberty to say, since this isn't a secure
> email).
>
>
>
>
>
> On 28/09/2009, Jon Cradit <[email protected]> wrote:
> > Diana,
> > Take Bill with you in his "cowboy fire-tights".
> > That will panic any meth head in the dark.
> > But seriously, please don't approach anyone you see unless you recognize
> > them as cavers.
> > Call a professional, let them do the approaching.
> > Also, it might be a good idea if you are a caver and you are there into the
> > night place your bat sticker so it can be seen.
> >
> >
> > Jon
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Diana Tomchick [mailto:[email protected]]
> > Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 1:33 PM
> > To: Jules Jenkins
> > Cc: [email protected]
> > Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Austin Update - Whirlpool Cave Preserve - CAVER
> > Attention Needed
> >
> >
> > Do the authorities really believe that it's safe for the average
> > citizen to be wandering around at night on the Whirlpool Preserve
> > looking for people making meth? Doesn't sound like the smart thing to
> > do if you ask me.
> >
> > Diana
> >
> > On Sep 28, 2009, at 11:20 AM, Jules Jenkins wrote:
> >
> > > IMPORTANT Message, PLEASE READ
> > > Cavers,
> > >
> > > If you use Whirlpool Cave Preserve in Austin. If you visit the
> > > cave, if you live in the vicinity of the cave, Convict Hill/ Mopac/
> > > Wm Cannon area. Please swing by and take a walk around the
> > > preserve. We are currently experiencing a problem on site with
> > > portable 'meth labs'.
> > >
> > > Over the past couple of months several 5 gallon, blue, square,
> > > containers with 2 spigots, have been found on the preserve, just
> > > under the overpass of Latta Lane.
> > > The authorities have been notified and the materials verified as
> > > possible meth lab setups.
> > > TCMA preserve manager and volunteers have been working w/Austin
> > > Police Dept. to address the situation.
> > >
> > > The APD officers patrol, by drive-by but, we're the ones down,
> > > walking around the preserve and in the cave. That's where we come in.
> > >
> > > The cave has NOT been endangered!
> > >
> > > But, if you're in the area, stop by if you can. Walk down to the
> > > cave. Most of the containers have been found in the grassy area
> > > just to the left of the WP sign, as you're facing the sign. The rest
> > > were discovered under the overpass, which is on the trail to the cave.
> > >
> > > If you see anything other than the obvious cars parked under the
> > > overpass for cave trips, anything suspicious if you drive by late in
> > > the evening, especially.
> > > PLEASE call, Jules Jenkins, 512-289-1336.
> > >
> > > Thanks very much,
> > >
> > > jules jenkins
> > > tcma manager, Whirlpool Preserve
> > >
> > >
> >
> > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
> > Diana R. Tomchick
> > Associate Professor
> > University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
> > Department of Biochemistry
> > 5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
> > Rm. ND10.214B
> > Dallas, TX 75390-8816, U.S.A.
> > Email: [email protected]
> > 214-645-6383 (phone)
> > 214-645-6353 (fax)
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Visit our website: http://texascavers.com
> > To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
> > For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Visit our website: http://texascavers.com
> > To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
> > For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
> >
> >
>
>
> --
> Go find out!
> -Heather Tu�ek
> UT Grotto
> NSS 59660
> (512) 773-1348
> [email protected]
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> Visit our website: http://texascavers.com
> To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
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--- Begin Message ---
Thanks to all for their thoughts and input. I think we're on top of the
situation as best we can be.
Big thanks to Heather for her diligence and care for the karst and in
particular Whirlpool!
Jules
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 28, 2009, at 5:10 PM, Louise Power <[email protected]> wrote:
Unfortunately we find these things all the time on public land in the west. Our
HazMat Coordinator has recommended the following procedures when we see
something either at the office or in the field (some of this information is
Bureau- or location- specific, but good info nevertheless):
SUSPICIOUS SUBSTANCE / BIOLOGICAL - CHEMICAL
A suspicious substance might be in the form of a powder, a vial, or a container
with a label indicating that a biological or chemical substance is inside.
FIRST ON SCENE -
Do not touch or move the object
Remove yourself to a safe area
Direct others away from area (secure the scene)
If near the office, Building Maintenance will initiate the shutdown of the
HVAC system.
Notify Designated Official (DO)
If you have inadvertently touched the substance:
Wrap the contaminated areas in anything (coat, paper, trash bag.)
Verbally direct others away from the area.
Move to the shower and decontamination as quickly as possible.
Notify (or have someone else contact) the following individuals:
1. Designated Official - Dispatch - 911
2. Law Enforcement
3. Hazardous Materials Coordinator
4. District Safety Manager
Employees -
Assist as needed or requested. May need to keep others away from scene or make
the contact to law enforcement.
NOTE: Based on lessons learned at other Federal Offices, employees will likely
be asked to stay in place while an initial evaluation of the situation is
taking place. This serves one very important purpose: to limit the spread of
the potential contamination. Until it can be determined who may have come in
contact with the substance and how far the potential contamination has spread,
employees will need to remain in place.
> Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:29:15 -0500
> From: [email protected]
> To: [email protected]
> CC: [email protected]; [email protected];
> [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Austin Update - Whirlpool Cave Preserve - CAVER
> Attention Needed
>
> Just for clarification-
>
> They aren't actually making the meth on-site. The 7gal Aquatainers are
> being used to cook meth elsewhere, then they bring the jugs to the
> Whirlpool Preserve to dispose of the waste material left after they
> drain the drugs out. The jugs contain a crystaline substance that is
> extremely toxic if you come in contact with it. If you see these blue
> jugs, DO NOT TOUCH them! Although the exterior of the container isn't
> harmful, the contents inside can seriously harm you, even if all you
> do is open the container and look inside, the fumes could hurt you as
> well.
>
> I've been out there twice this month with the authorities (5
> containers found the first time, 1 the second time). I've been in
> contact with a Seargent from Austin Police Department (I've got his
> cell on speed dial now), and they are taking more measures
> security-wise. (I'm not at liberty to say, since this isn't a secure
> email).
>
>
>
>
>
> On 28/09/2009, Jon Cradit <[email protected]> wrote:
> > Diana,
> > Take Bill with you in his "cowboy fire-tights".
> > That will panic any meth head in the dark.
> > But seriously, please don't approach anyone you see unless you recognize
> > them as cavers.
> > Call a professional, let them do the approaching.
> > Also, it might be a good idea if you are a caver and you are there into the
> > night place your bat sticker so it can be seen.
> >
> >
> > Jon
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Diana Tomchick [mailto:[email protected]]
> > Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 1:33 PM
> > To: Jules Jenkins
> > Cc: [email protected]
> > Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Austin Update - Whirlpool Cave Preserve - CAVER
> > Attention Needed
> >
> >
> > Do the authorities really believe that it's safe for the average
> > citizen to be wandering around at night on the Whirlpool Preserve
> > looking for people making meth? Doesn't sound like the smart thing to
> > do if you ask me.
> >
> > Diana
> >
> > On Sep 28, 2009, at 11:20 AM, Jules Jenkins wrote:
> >
> > > IMPORTANT Message, PLEASE READ
> > > Cavers,
> > >
> > > If you use Whirlpool Cave Preserve in Austin. If you visit the
> > > cave, if you live in the vicinity of the cave, Convict Hill/ Mopac/
> > > Wm Cannon area. Please swing by and take a walk around the
> > > preserve. We are currently experiencing a problem on site with
> > > portable 'meth labs'.
> > >
> > > Over the past couple of months several 5 gallon, blue, square,
> > > containers with 2 spigots, have been found on the preserve, just
> > > under the overpass of Latta Lane.
> > > The authorities have been notified and the materials verified as
> > > possible meth lab setups.
> > > TCMA preserve manager and volunteers have been working w/Austin
> > > Police Dept. to address the situation.
> > >
> > > The APD officers patrol, by drive-by but, we're the ones down,
> > > walking around the preserve and in the cave. That's where we come in.
> > >
> > > The cave has NOT been endangered!
> > >
> > > But, if you're in the area, stop by if you can. Walk down to the
> > > cave. Most of the containers have been found in the grassy area
> > > just to the left of the WP sign, as you're facing the sign. The rest
> > > were discovered under the overpass, which is on the trail to the cave.
> > >
> > > If you see anything other than the obvious cars parked under the
> > > overpass for cave trips, anything suspicious if you drive by late in
> > > the evening, especially.
> > > PLEASE call, Jules Jenkins, 512-289-1336.
> > >
> > > Thanks very much,
> > >
> > > jules jenkins
> > > tcma manager, Whirlpool Preserve
> > >
> > >
> >
> > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
> > Diana R. Tomchick
> > Associate Professor
> > University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
> > Department of Biochemistry
> > 5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
> > Rm. ND10.214B
> > Dallas, TX 75390-8816, U.S.A.
> > Email: [email protected]
> > 214-645-6383 (phone)
> > 214-645-6353 (fax)
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Visit our website: http://texascavers.com
> > To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
> > For additional commands, e-mail: [email protected]
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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> > To unsubscribe, e-mail: [email protected]
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> >
> >
>
>
> --
> Go find out!
> -Heather Tuček
> UT Grotto
> NSS 59660
> (512) 773-1348
> [email protected]
>
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--- Begin Message ---
Lots of new cave critters have been reported in
Australia:
<http://www.livescience.com/animals/090928-new-species-underground.html>
Mark Minton
You may reply to [email protected]
Permanent email address is [email protected]
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
Hazel Barton and Sterling Ropes have just released results
of tests to determine whether quaternary ammonium compounds harm rope
and
webbing:
<<http://www.caves.org/WNS/Sterling%20Results.pdf>http://www.caves.org/WNS/Sterling%20Results.pdf>.
They tested both nylon and polyester rope. As you can see, there is
essentially no effect on strength. This is in accord with the
chemistry of nylon and polyester and is what I would have
expected. Note that these results are for Sterling products only,
but they can be reasonably assumed to apply to other manufacturers'
products as well. The only thing I found strange is that they tested
at a minimum concentration of only 0.15% quaternary ammonium
compounds, while the decon procedures call for 0.3%. Nevertheless, I
don't think that will make any difference.
Mark Minton
You may reply to [email protected]
Permanent email address is [email protected]
--- End Message ---
