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Homeland Security
EPA Goal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution
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Introduction
Prior to the formation of EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), the National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) was instrumental in defining the research areas for the Safe Building and Water Security Office.
Once NHSRC was created, many research projects were transferred, but today NRMRL scientists continue to manage ongoing projects. A collaborative relationship has developed between the NHSRC and NRMRL: NHSRC staff members have access to NRMRL’s unique facilities and expertise, and NHSRC’s research activities are complementary to the NRMRL research program. The research is directly related to studies on contamination of air, water, and soil.
Air
Our researchers are working with NHSRC’s Decontamination and Consequence Management Division in four areas:
- Fumigation technology for remediation of biological hazards
- Incineration technology for disposal of building and agricultural waste from intentional
contamination or from natural causes (e.g., hurricanes and floods) - Microbiology laboratory support for evaluation of decontamination technologies
- Consultation on the practical aspects of structure decontamination
Land
Our land researchers are working with NHSRC on the implications of contaminated waste disposal in landfills, including the persistence of pathogenic organisms in landfill leachate and vent gases. Researchers are also studying the disposal of materials from natural disasters.
With the increased emphasis by the Department of Homeland Security on response to wide area contamination events, NRMRL's experience with soil cleanup is a natural fit for future research.
Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration
Our researchers are working with NRSRC to develop standardized methods for the preparation of environmental samples (particularly from groundwater) that contain biological pathogens. Most current techniques have been developed for clinical samples, not environmental samples. Because of the significant distinctions between environmental samples and clinical specimens, there is a need to develop sample preparation procedures that specifically address isolation and concentration of pathogens from complex environmental matrices.
Water
Our water researchers are working with NHSRC’s Water Infrastructure Protection Division on detection and decontamination of intentionally or unintentionally contaminated municipal water supplies. Research has been designed to test and evaluate pilot-scale technologies to protect drinking water consumers from deliberate and inadvertent threats and contamination events to source water supplies, treatment plants, and water distribution systems. NRMRL also supports NHSRC with research efforts that address monitoring, detecting, and treating emerging contaminants in water, using innovative portable and scalable technologies.
Environmental Issue or Problem
EPA’s mission is to protect human health and the environment. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent mailing of anthrax-tainted letters, EPA’s role with respect to homeland security was expanded. Presidential directives identified EPA as the primary federal agency responsible for public water supplies and their remediation following an indoor or outdoor attack.
In recognition of this expanded role, EPA established a homeland security research program. This research program is charged with developing and delivering reliable, responsive expertise and products, based on scientific research and evaluations of technology.
Long-Term Goal and Annual Performance Goals Addressed
Homeland Security & EPA's Strategic Plan
Contact
Carlos Nunez
Assistant Laboratory Director, Air | Human Health
Alice Gilliland
Assistant Laboratory Director, Water
Additional Information