Providing Fixed and Mobile Laboratory Analysis of Chemical and Biological Samples 

Returning service to mass transit systems after a chemical or biological attack is essential to the recovery of affected cities and their residents.  Through our analytical laboratory support contract with EPA, CSS supports research into methods and technologies that can be used to decontaminate mass transit systems after such an attack.

  • We mobilized on site at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), where a subway rail car was contaminated with an anthrax surrogate, then fumigated with methyl bromide to treat the contamination. Our chemists tested 22 air monitoring samples over four days, providing results to EPA within an hour after sample analysis was completed. Our prompt turnaround of the air samples confirmed that the area was safe for workers conducting the demonstration.
  • CSS set up and operated a biosafety level 2-enhanced (BSL-2E) laboratory for EPA. This BSL-2E lab supported EPA’s research during the Underground Transportation Restoration – Operational Technology Demonstration (UTR-OTD).  Samples were collected from a mock subway system after multiple rounds of contamination with an anthrax surrogate and decontamination using diluted bleach. Over a five-week period, our microbiologist processed 300 wash samples of surface materials by microbiological culture.  EPA used the data resulting from the analysis of 4000 bacterial culture plates to determine the effectiveness of the decontamination methods.  Our work helped advance EPA’s body of knowledge for restoring subway systems after a biological incident.

Additional Projects

Analytical Chemistry Support for the US EPA National Aquatic Resource Survey

CSS chemically analyzes hundreds of water samples collected annually from the US EPA’s National Aquatic Resource Survey (NARS), a critical contribution to the EPA assessments of the condition of the nation’s water bodies.

Social Values Relative to Wind Energy

CSS assisted in the assessment of social values related to understanding and support of offshore wind energy sitings off North and South Carolina.

NUCO Oil Pit removal

CSS supported EPA as the field team leader on a removal assessment at an abandoned oil pit site in Oklahoma.

Earth & Space Science Support & Operations

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

Facilities Operations & Maintenance

We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

We help our clients prepare for and protect the health and environment of communities after disasters and hazmat releases.

Satellite Data Applications

Helping create a more environmentally sustainable, weather-ready, and secure nation through application of earth observation data  

IT Services

Our IT solutions meet clients’ evolving needs.

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.

Get in touch

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