STATE COLLEGE – The Centre Area Transportation Authority provided a vehicle for a specialized training to prepare first responders for potential emergencies involving compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas vehicles.
The number of alternative fuel vehicles continues to grow in Centre County, deployed by organizations such as CATA, the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, UPS, and other fleet operators.
Tim Ferretti, of Ferretti Salvage and Recycling, led the 16-hour course titled “Alternative Fueled Vehicles Level III Technician.” Funded by the Centre County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Centre County Emergency Management Agency, the training combined classroom instruction with hands-on exercises using live CNG/LNG vehicles provided by CATA. The training focused on familiarizing trainees with these alternative fuel systems, how to defuel them, and how to neutralize them in the event of incidents.
The training was developed in partnership between the two hazmat teams covering Centre County, the Centre Region Hazardous Materials Response Team and Eagle Response Services. Together, they advocated for LEPC funding to secure both emergency response kits and the necessary training to ensure local preparedness in the event of incidents involving CNT/LNG vehicles.
“Safety is CATA’s highest priority, so we were very happy to make one of our buses available for this important training,” said Todd Horsley, CATA Chief Executive Officer. “CATA transports thousands of passengers each day in the Centre Region on buses powered by natural gas, so it’s critically important that we support our public safety partners and first responders in their training for emergency incidents involving natural gas vehicles.”
