Emergency Response Planning for New York City
CSS’ staff worked EPA Consequence Management Advisory Division (CMAD) to develop an integrated framework for responding if a biological agent was released over a wide area in New York City.
Helping Major Cities Plan for Disaster Response and Recovery
The physical environment of a large city poses specific challenges when planning for disaster response. Major issues include how to quickly protect the health of a large population, how to remediate homes and commercial buildings, and how to get essential transit systems and businesses up and running. CSS’ staff worked EPA CMAD to develop an integrated framework for responding if a biological agent was released over a wide area in New York City. The framework provides technical and operational guidance that is scalable and can be applied to several types of scenarios. Our staff worked with six workgroups to help develop:
- Templates for Sampling and Analytical Plans (SAP) and Remedial Action Plans (RAP)
- A decision tree for decontamination options; and
- Guidance for affected homeowners and businesses on using private remediation contractors
We helped perform an engineering remediation analysis of a large building in New York City, then used the templates to prepare an SAP and RAP for that building. Similarly, we used the templates to develop an SAP and RAP for a subway system, including options for decontamination of subway stations and cars. The completed framework document serves as the template for other U.S. cities looking to creating city-specific response and recovery plans.
We submitted our deliverables on time and $100,000 under budget. EPA praised our work as “Another excellent example of scientific support.”
Additional Projects
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.
ITC Tank Farm Fire Emergency Response
In response to a dangerous fire EPA ordered CSS’ senior field operations specialists to a facility near Houston where massive tanks stored highly flammable liquids to help manage emergency response activities.
Cleaning Up the National Anthrax Attack
Challenge CSS working alongside of the U. S. Centers for Disease Control characterized the extent of building contamination and subsequently determined that the entire 100,000 foot building and contents would need to be decontaminated. A novel method needed to be developed and implemented for cleaning the massive number of mail pouches, packages and artifacts destined…
Service Areas
Space Science Application Support & Operations
We deliver scientific support to advance our clients’ research goals.
Environmental Resource Assessment & Management
We apply science to address challenges affecting the nation’s natural resources.
Safety, Health, & Environmental
We provide our clients with tools to protect their workforce, the public, and the environment.
Facilities Operations & Maintenance
We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.
Human Health Risk Assessment
We help advance the understanding of chemical effects on people and the environment.
Satellite Data Applications
Helping create a more environmentally sustainable, weather-ready, and secure nation through application of earth observation data
Get in touch
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