Traveling Through a Historic Storm to Expand EPA Onsite Analytical Capacity During an Emergency

Hurricane Harvey began its historic assault on the Gulf Coast region in late August 2017. While the storm was still slowly churning across Texas and Louisiana, EPA Region 6 requested analytical support from the mobile laboratory units CSS operates for EPA.  We mobilized two analytical units from Castle Rock, CO towards the requested destination of Corpus Christi, TX.  However, EPA’s orders changed over the course of the next day in response to newly emerging needs.  As a result, two CSS chemists flew to Corpus Christi, then drove more than five hours through heavy rain to San Antonio and then to the Region 6 laboratory in Houston before finally meeting up with the redirected mobile laboratory units.  By the following day, the units were ready to receive and analyze samples, handling a total of 67 water samples and 1 soil sludge matrix from 16 different sites over a two-week period. Preliminary results were submitted to EPA within 48 hours, helping the Agency protect the affected communities from volatile and semi-volatile contaminants and speed cleanup efforts.

Additional Projects

IT Support to NOAA Fisheries

Our IT services support included developing and integrating information management systems central to NOAA Fisheries’ management and protection of living marine resources and their habitats

Analytical Support for the Drinking Water Emergency in Hawaii

In response to the Red Hill Drinking Water Emergency, CSS staff mobilized on Christmas Day to set up mobile laboratory assets to analyze drinking water samples and confirm that the drinking water in residential homes was safe for human consumption.

Evaluation of Pesticide Safety

CSS supports the EPA Office of Pesticide Programs in evaluating the safety and potential health and environmental risks resulting from the use of pesticides and ensures that the data utilized for EPA’s regulatory decisions are scientifically sound.

Space Science Application Support & Operations

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

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.

IT Services

Our IT solutions meet clients’ evolving needs.

Satellite Science & Environmental Intelligence

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.

Human Health Risk Assessment

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

Get in touch

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