Share thisThe United States Department of Agriculture operates the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that among other things, issues Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) permits for facilities that intend to receive organisms that are known to harm plants and animals.
PPQ responds to new introductions of plant pests to eradicate, suppress, or contain them through various programs in cooperation with state departments of agriculture and other government agencies. These may be emergency or longer-term domestic programs that target a specific pest. Subjects of interest include arthropods such as the Boll Weevil, Emerald Ash Borer, Gypsy Moth, Japanese Beetle as well as nematodes, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Although this article will deal mainly with the requirements of arthropod quarantine facilities, it would be likely that such a facility would also be designed to handle other plant pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes.
Site and Building Envelope Considerations
Containment facilities for APHIS should be designed as separate, dedicated buildings if possible and located away from agricultural zones. A buffer zone of 15 feet around the building is desired that would consist of gravel, pavement, or a mowed lawn. This zone would meet the foundation preventing the growth of any vegetation that could harbor contained organisms. A fence at least six feet high that includes signage restricting access to authorized personnel would ideally surround this buffer zone. Consideration needs to be given to locating the facility away from areas susceptible to natural or man-made threats and hazards. This would include finding sites outside of flood plains and locations known for frequent seismic activity and significant meteorological events such as hurricanes and tornados. Proximity to airports, rail yards, and major highways should be avoided if possible when constructing new facilities. When facilities are located in or near such areas, special features ought to be included in their design to reduce the risks of the contained arthropods escaping if such events were to occur. Contingency plans that describe the measures to be taken in case of any adverse natural or manmade event must be included in the Standard Operating Procedures of each facility.
If windows are necessary, they should be manufactured to resist breakage and should not be operable. All joints between the sills, frames, and walls need to be sealed. Doors should be selected to facilitate organism containment and contribute to the security of the facility. Self-closing, steel doors should be installed throughout the containment structure and should have thresholds and magnetic door frame gaskets that seal all doors with their frames. Doors should be windowless, or should have blinds or other covers to prevent organisms from moving toward light, toward the doors, and beyond. Emergency doors should have posted signs on the exterior and interior stating “Emergency Exit Only” and should activate audible alarms when opened. To ensure that these doors are not used as an entrance, the exterior handles should be removed and these doors should have interior or internal hinges. Exterior doors must lock.