Analysis for Coastal Operational Resiliency
CSS assisted with planning and executing a demonstration of three decontamination technologies on a USCG vessel contaminated with a benign surrogate for anthrax.
Developing and Testing Response Plans for US Coast Guard Facilities and Equipment
EPA, the Department of Homeland Security, and US Coast Guard (USCG) worked together on the Analysis for Coastal Operational Resiliency (AnCOR) project. It involved field-level demonstrations to train USCG response personnel and test equipment that could be used following a biohazard emergency. CSS first assisted with planning and executing a demonstration of three decontamination technologies on a USCG vessel contaminated with a benign surrogate for anthrax. We wrote and reviewed quality, sampling, air monitoring, and safety plans for the demonstration. While onsite for the 4-week demonstration, we set up the test bed during all three phases; prepared sampling kits; collected multimedia samples during the tests; shipped samples to the analytical laboratory; and prepared sections of the final report.
In a follow-on AnCOR project, we helped plan and execute a Wide Area Demonstration (WAD) at Ft. A.P. Hill’s Urban Warfare Training Center. The month-long field demonstration focused on decontaminating USCG-related structures (buildings and docks), materials (ropes, buoys), and hard and soft surfaces (asphalt, concrete, gravel, and vegetation). CSS participated in small workgroups to develop the exercise framework, prepared the Sampling Plan, and coordinated with the data management team. We handled the logistics for the exercise, arranging for decontamination contractors, videographers, office trailers, personal hygiene units, and electrical generators. During the field test we placed senior technical staff onsite to assist with background sampling, surrogate application, pre- and post-decontamination sampling, and two types of decontamination. We placed 65 reference material coupons and supported the collection and shipment of another 700 samples for analysis.
Additional Projects
Training for First Responders and Field Staff
CSS technical experts prepare and deliver essential training and information addressing worker safety and environmental hazards.
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 Laboratory Support for Mass Transit Decontamination Research
CSS helped advance EPA’s body of knowledge for restoring subway systems after a biological incident.
Service Areas
Emergency Preparedness & Response
We help our clients prepare for and protect the health and environment of communities after disasters and hazmat releases.
Facilities Operations & Maintenance
We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.
Safety, Health, & Environmental
We provide our clients with tools to protect their workforce, the public, and the environment.
Human Health Risk Assessment
We help advance the understanding of chemical effects on people and the environment.
Environmental Resource Assessment & Management
We apply science to address challenges affecting the nation’s natural resources.
Earth & Space Science Support & Operations
We deliver scientific support to advance our clients’ research goals.
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