Army, DHS Partner to Enhance Ammonia Transit Safety, Community Protection
The AmPPER project evaluates transit vulnerabilities, tests the ability of protective gear to block toxic vapors, and examines engineered water-spray containment systems designed to protect port workers and surrounding communities during a major chemical release of ammonia.
Experts from DHS S&T’s Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC) are working with researchers from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) to evaluate human exposure risks in the event of a transit incident.
Ammonia is an essential chemical with global production surpassing 220 million tons annually. "Ammonia is used every day, and working with this compound reinforces how critical it is for American industry, economic commerce, and infrastructure resilience,"said Jessica Cox, chemical security specialist at CSAC."It impacts how our population is fed, how electronics are manufactured, how fuel is managed, and how food is stored."
Because compressed ammonia is transported in large volumes across rail lines, waterways, and highways, accidental leaks or punctures present serious public safety and national infrastructure risks. Upon release, pressurized liquid ammonia rapidly vaporizes into a dense, caustic cloud that irritates the eyes and can cause severe, potentially fatal chemical burns to the respiratory system.
"The demand for ammonia is only going to grow,"added Helen Mearns, CSAC deputy director."Proactive safety measures are vital to prevent catastrophic events, as transport accidents can lead to severe injuries and operational disruption."
To evaluate human exposure risks during a transit incident, researchers conducted rigorous laboratory testing at DEVCOM CBC’s specialized facilities at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Scientists used the Simulant Agent Resistance Test Manikin's, orSMARTMAN—an advanced breathing simulator that replicates human respiration rates and lung resistance—to measure how quickly toxic vapors penetrate various materials.
“CSAC approached CBC to assess if the SMARTMAN capability could be used to test a wide range of expedient measures.An adapted head form and test rig were built as a one-off capability to support CSAC in their assessment. The test rig down selected materials that would ultimately be run on the SMARTMAN system,” said Jonathan Grzeika, a chemist at DEVCOM CBC who worked closely with CSAC on the AmPPER project.
The joint team tested both certified personal protective equipment for first responders and common household items for civilians caught near an unexpected release. The evaluations revealed that standard swim goggles provide an effective seal around the eyes, preventing chemical irritation and preserving critical vision during an emergency escape. Researchers also evaluated towels dampened with common household liquids—including water, vinegar, lime juice, and brewed coffee—to determine how effectively they neutralize and filter out ammonia vapors.
"One of the key takeaways from this project is that collaboration gives you the best results,"Cox noted."We knew CBC had specialized technologies like the SMARTMAN that we didn’t have [at CSAC]. Working directly with subject matter experts allowed us to design better experiments and collect higher-quality data."
In addition to individual protective measures, the AmPPER team partnered withindustry to evaluate engineered water curtain systems. Because ammonia dissolves readily in water, high-volume spray barriers placed at ports and industrial transit corridors can absorb, dilute, and knock down airborne vapor plumes before they migrate off-site.
Chamber tests confirmed that water curtains are effective at reducing downwind vapor concentrations from a simulated release.
With laboratory and chamber evaluations complete, researchers are translating their findings into actionable response toolkits, updated shelter-in-place recommendations, and operational hazard guidance for emergency planners and port authorities nationwide.
"We can characterize ammonia, understand its risks, and test practical mitigation measures so we can reduce hazards and save lives,"Cox said."At the same time, it ensures our ports and transit corridors can safely keep up with the nation's economic and energy needs."
By combining world-class unique scientific infrastructure with interagency expertise, the AmPPER project showcased how agencies work together to analyze complex chemical threats, evaluate emerging mitigation technologies, and deliver mission-critical solutions that safeguard warfighters, first responders, and American communities.
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