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EMERGENCY RESPONSE VIA INLAND WATERWAYS | ||||
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Heather Nachtmann, Ph.D. Edward A. Pohl, Ph.D.
July 1, 2008 - December 31, 2009
This project investigates the feasibility of constructing temporary medical facilities on barges to
traverse inland waterways in response to natural or terroristic disasters. Limited resources are available
for general hazard relief across much of the geographical US. Inland waterways can provide access for
equipment and people when other means of transportation are unavailable due to capacity constraints or
destruction. For example, there are over 1,000 miles of navigable waterways in the state of Arkansas that
could assist in a catastrophic event such as a New Madrid earthquake in the northeast corner of the state.
Particular research questions include (1) what medical services should/could be provided?, (2) what is a
reasonable response time for such facilities? is this response time feasible?, (3) what is the optimal
barge design?, (4) is this economically/practically feasible?, and (4) how does weather factor in?.
Research will be accomplished through literature review, feasibility analysis and what-if analysis.
TRB Keywords: Inland water transportation, Disaster preparedness, Emergency management.
Product: In Progress (MBTC-3008)
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