The Goddess of Fire
Has anyone ever heard of biocontainment level 5?
Fri Oct 22 14:59:14 1999


Dr. Alfonso Torres, Center Director, Plum Island Animal Disease Center,
reminded the audience of the purpose of the Plum Island facility and
the importance of its location. He pointed out that while operation and
maintenance costs are more than $10 million per year, there would not be

a great savings by moving the facility onto the mainland of the United
States. This is the only level 5 biocontainment facility in the United
States and by having it on the island, there is more security when
working with foot-and-mouth disease virus, etc.


http://www.usaha.org/reports/govrel98.html

What the good Director did not inform, was that Plum Island is conveniently located across from Groton, Ct. submarine base and Plum's shores are submarine friendly, and they have a nice base there too.

What the heck was he talking about biolevel 5, never heard of it.

I did hear from Plum Island Security Officer and I will be going in. Have to make one last phone call to arrange the interview day and time.

BTW does anyone have the answer to the lobster kill. According to fishermen, the entire lobster population in Long Island sound is dead or dying. If I lived along the North Shore of Long Island, in close proximity to Plum island and Brookhaven Lab with its new Syncronitron, I would be looking for a new piece of Real Estate elsewhere.

Grendel
Level 4 is normally the max but...
Fri Oct 22 23:05:34 1999


in facilities handling extremely hazardous micro-organisms, Biocontainment Level Five is sometimes implemented.

This involves posting clearly legible notices where the organisms can see them, warning of the severe legal consequences of any attempt to escape, blend into the general population, and get a green card. Amnesty International has protested this policy and the matter is currently under review by the International Unicellular Rights Commission.

Popeye (tGoSP)
Biocontainment Safety Level 5 -- BSL-5
Fri Oct 22 21:14:12 1999


I could tell you what BSL-5 is, but then I would have to
kill you. And we don't want that, now, do we? ;)

Actually, BSL-5 is an Above-Top-Secret designation used for
extra-terrestrial pathogens, including, but not necessarily
limited to, bacteria, virii and proto-virii, and other
equally nasty, and worse, "bugs".


Not really, but it sounds good, doesn't it?

The Goddess of Fire
Sounds good, but, Mon. on Sightings what will I say?
Sat Oct 23 06:42:56 1999


I am realy nervous about going on the radio show. I enjoy digging, but, radio?
Hope you will listen Monday night.
tGoF

The Goddess of Fire
Plum Island to air Monday night Sightings on the Radio
Sat Oct 23 06:51:22 1999


and....I am really nervous about it. Will Thomas is going to be the guest and he will be able to present the finding articulately.
Sometime in the next week or following, I will be going to Plum Island to do an interview of Officials.
I have heard from a local fisherman on the Sound and lobsters are not the only fish life dying.
He mentioned that since July adult bunker (menhaden) have been non-existant. He gave me a report of other fish.
I am trying to find out what Plum was dumping into the sound when they got fined this Spring/Summer.
So, the investigation will be ongoing after the radio show.
tGoF

Accountability
tGoF...
Sat Oct 23 08:59:34 1999


Taking names...making things happen! Perfect example of the kind of research approach we all should aspire to! Wouldn't it be nice if all of our self proclaimed "journalists" aspired to the same standards! Excellent work!

The Goddess of Fire
One problem, I am scared stiff, I don't have a radio voice!
Sun Oct 24 08:24:53 1999


I sound Bronx/Brooklyn. When I get really nervous, I can't control my voice, high/lows, quivers!
I thought Will Thomas would have done the show alone.
Tomorrow I have to run out an buy a good phone, too. I will keep plenty of water near the phone, too.
I might tune into the various bbs to get feedback, then again, if it comes off really bad, I may not return for years to come?????
tGoF

theo
Radio tips
Sun Oct 24 10:33:25 1999


Bronx/Brooklyn will be an asset! Just speak slowly and clearly and think before you answer a question Also, try not to interrupt. (I'm not saying that to you personally, but I've worked in radio long enough to see that nervous folks often interrupt the questioner unintentionally.) You'll do great! I can't wait to hear you!

: )