Acts of terrorism and other incidents can release dangerous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials. CSS researches and documents information on the best practices and most effective technologies for CBRN response. 

About this Program

Our emergency response specialists prepare the technical guides, reports, databases, and other resources that guide responses to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents.  Our work provides national and local first responders with the tools they need to protect human health and the environment.

Working closely with EPA’s CMAD since 2007, CSS staff presents state-of-the science information in easy-to-use documents designed for federal, state, and local emergency responders and decisionmakers. We also help plan for and perform field demonstrations and exercises. This field work tests, refines, and documents the effectiveness of proposed approaches and decontamination technologies following the release of CBRN materials.

By the numbers:

100Tasks or Technical Directives performed for CMAD since 2007

40+CBRN tactical, field, and quick response guides produced for first responders

16Field demonstrations and exercises supported

Additional Projects

Emergency Response Planning for New York City

CSS’ staff worked EPA Consequence Management Advisory Division (CMAD) to develop an integrated framework for responding if a biological agent was released over a wide area in New York City.

NUCO Oil Pit removal

CSS supported EPA as the field team leader on a removal assessment at an abandoned oil pit site in Oklahoma.

Analytical Chemistry Support for the US EPA National Aquatic Resource Survey

CSS chemically analyzes hundreds of water samples collected annually from the US EPA’s National Aquatic Resource Survey (NARS), a critical contribution to the EPA assessments of the condition of the nation’s water bodies.

Space Science Application Support & Operations

We deliver scientific support to advance our clients’ research goals.

Facilities Operations & Maintenance

We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

We help our clients prepare for and protect the health and environment of communities after disasters and hazmat releases.

Human Health Risk Assessment

We help advance the understanding of chemical effects on people and the environment.

Satellite Data Applications

Helping create a more environmentally sustainable, weather-ready, and secure nation through application of earth observation data  

Environmental Resource Assessment & Management

We apply science to address challenges affecting the nation’s natural resources.

IT Services

Our IT solutions meet clients’ evolving needs.

Get in touch

Contact us to learn more about our projects, capabilities, solutions, and service offerings.