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Hazmat teams respond to Thursday call from ITD Headquarters

More than 500 employees at ITD Headquarters were locked down last Thursday after an envelope containing white powder was opened.

Boise police and Hazmat responders arrived at the department’s Boise campus just after noon, following a report of an unknown substance in the building. ITD employees inside the building at the time of the discovery were asked to remain inside while those outside the building, located at 3311 W. State, were kept out of the facility for safety until testing of the material was complete.

Testing of the substance showed that it was not dangerous, and employees were allowed to return to their workstations after nearly three hours of lockdown.

“I want to thank all the emergency responders for the professionalism they displayed in protecting Idaho Transportation Department employees during Thursday’s evacuation,” said ITD Director Brian Ness. “I also want to thank all ITD employees who were affected for their patience and cooperation with responders."

A Hazmat crew enters ITD Headquarters.

A security camera allowed a peek at the Hazmat activities.

Hazmat efforts were staged oustide the Headquarters' main entrance.

Boise police secured the Headquarters' rear entrance, above, and street entrances, below, including the State Steet entrance.