- Success Stories
- Environmental Resource Assessment & Management
Contributing to Wind Energy Area Designations
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently announced two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in the Gulf of Mexico. The WEAs are located off the coasts of Galveston, Texas, and Lake Charles, Louisiana and have the potential to power nearly three million homes.
BOEM collaborated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to identify the most appropriate location for the designation. Our staff supporting NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science worked with the team to build an ocean model that analyzed the entire Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Through this analysis, BOEM was able to locate areas that have the least conflict with other uses and the lowest environmental impact.

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Assisting with a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
Los Angeles County in California is a densely populated area vulnerable to natural hazards such as flooding and wildfires. Our staff modified and applied the Integrated Vulnerability Assessment Framework developed by NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science to assess the county’s climate vulnerability. Through partner and stakeholder engagement, the team used a series of…

Providing Yearly Response Training
CSS scientists supporting the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Scientific and Technical Assistance for Consequence Management (STACM) contract are experienced in EPA’s emergency response efforts, both natural and manmade. To help EPA staff prepare for these emergency response efforts, CSS staff provide yearly response training. The training includes review of respiratory protection equipment, operation checks, a…

Monitoring Algal Blooms for Harmful Toxins
CSS employee owners support NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) Sensor Development Team in their efforts to detect and monitor these harmful algal blooms in coastal waters where they are likely to occur. HAB monitoring is critical for detecting harmful toxins produced by some algae. When present in over…