On Thursday, Oct. 9, from about 9 a.m. to noon, a hazardous material response training will take place in the 4500 block of West 36-1/2 Street. The training is near the site of an air monitor that samples air quality daily for precautionary purposes to provide early detection of a possible biological release. This is one of 14 monitors located throughout the metro area, with annual hazardous material response training conducted at one of the locations. This is a routine training exercise only.

 About a dozen staff from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota National Guard 55th Civil Support Team will be on-site wearing hazardous materials gear and taking swab samples within a 100-foot radius of the air monitoring cage. The trails and sidewalks nearby will remain open to pedestrians. If you have questions, contact Bret Schothorst, Minnesota Department of Health, at 651.201.5580.