CSEPP in Fayette County

The likelihood of an incident involving Blue Grass Army Depot’s chemical weapon stockpile is very low, and the chance of Fayette County being directly affected by a chemical release is even lower. However, an unlikely (but not impossible) combination of a catastrophic incident and rare weather conditions could send a chemical plume across the Kentucky River and into southeastern Fayette County.

The map to the right illustrates the area that could be affected in such an incident. This area is divided into two zones: Zone 1, shown in pink, and Zone 2, in yellow. In an emergency, Fayette County authorities will use all available notification channels to alert citizens who live or work in affected zones, including commercial radio and television broadcasts, wireless emergency alerts (WEA) sent directly to cellular phones, NOAA weather radio broadcasts, and outdoor warning sirens.

Once notified, everyone in the affected zone(s) should stay tuned to radio or television broadcasts for additional information, including protective action instructions. Depending on the type of release, current weather conditions, and other factors, officials may issue orders to evacuate or to shelter in place.

Evacuation orders will be issued only if weather conditions permit enough time to evacuate all residents from the affected zone(s) before the chemical plume arrives. Evacuation routes will be announced at the time of the incident and will be arranged to keep evacuation traffic well clear of the plume. Citizens in need of assistance will be directed to Fayette County’s CSEPP reception center, which will be established at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Shelter in place orders will be issued if the plume is approaching too rapidly for a safe evacuation. Everyone should be familiar with shelter in place procedures because a transportation or industrial accident can also cause a hazardous chemical release which requires the same precautions. Click here for detailed shelter in place instructions.