The Hazmat-WMD discussion group was started in December of 1998 as a way for hazmat response professionals to communicate via the internet. Origionally named VaHazMat-L it was intended to connect HazMat Technicians and Specialists in the state of Virginia. The group began gaining the attention of attendees of the Virginia Hazardous Materials conference held annually in Virgina Beach, Va. It became a way for people to tap the knowledge of instructors and other hazmat professionals who walk the talk. 20,385 messages later we have become a world wide internet discussion hotbed for Local, State, Federal and International HazMat and WMD Professionals.