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Center for Environmental Restoration, Monitoring, & Emergency Response
Radiation and Indoor Environments Laboratory
The Radiation and Indoor Environments National Laboratory's Center for Environmental Restoration, Monitoring, and Emergency Response (CERMER) measures and monitors the concentration, distribution, and transport of radioactive materials. The Center's goal is to protect public health and the environment through safe management of radiation exposure. Teams are prepared to assess sites throughout the country using a variety of techniques. The Center works cooperatively with laboratory scientists to provide efficient and accurate analysis of radionuclides.
Environmental Restoration
CERMER's environmental scientists provide expertise in remediating radioactive contamination at sites throughout the U.S. Many of these sites are being remediated by EPA's Superfund and RCRA programs and the Departments of Energy and Defense.
Enhanced Radiological Scanning System (ERGS)
In addition, the laboratory provides sample collection and analysis services during radiation site assessent and characterization, as well as during cleanup activities. Their mobile radiological laboratories, Enhanced Radiological Ground Scanning System (ERGS) and support vehicles enable them to conduct sample analysis at the site.
CERMER's environmental scientists also shared their expertise with the federal interagency work group taht developed the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual. The manual provides guidance for investigating, characterizing, and remediating radioactive contamination in the environment.
MARSSIM (Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual)
Environmental Monitoring
CERMER conducts air, water, vegetation, and soil surveillance studies as preventive and protective measures for public health and safety.
RadNet Deployable Unit
The studies involve a variety of activities:
- sampling environmental media ranging from ambient air to deep well water
- managing fixed and mobile detection instruments
- using satellite communication and geographic information systems to detect radioactive pollutants.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
The core of CERMER's radiation emergency reponse capabilities is a team of experienced specialists, emergency response radiation detection/monitoring instrument, isotope identifier, specialized equipment, large trucks and vehicles, support equipment and the specially developed Mobile Radiation Laboratory. The team prepares for emergencies by planning and practicing effective response strategies for various emergency situations.
The Mobile Environmental Radiation Laboratory and support vehicles are kept ready for rapid deployment and offer many features:
- state-of-the-art monitoring and analytical equipment
- uninterruptable power supplies
- "Air Transportable" certification, which allows them to be air-lifted to emergency sites
Emergency response exercise
CERMER responds to potential emergencies involving ionizing radiation by activating this specially trained team. If needed, the Mobile Environmental Radiation Laboratory can be air transported to sites within hours. Once at the scene, they assess environmental impacts, determining the likelihood and extent of radiation exposure.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Center for Environmental Restoration, Monitoring, and Emergency Response, you can contact us through radiation.questions@epa.gov or by phone: (702) 784-8200 or (702) 784-8245.
