Acts of terrorism and other incidents can release dangerous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials. CSS researches and documents information on the best practices and most effective technologies for CBRN response. 

About this Program

Our emergency response specialists prepare the technical guides, reports, databases, and other resources that guide responses to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents.  Our work provides national and local first responders with the tools they need to protect human health and the environment.

Working closely with EPA’s CMAD since 2007, CSS staff presents state-of-the science information in easy-to-use documents designed for federal, state, and local emergency responders and decisionmakers. We also help plan for and perform field demonstrations and exercises. This field work tests, refines, and documents the effectiveness of proposed approaches and decontamination technologies following the release of CBRN materials.

By the numbers:

100Tasks or Technical Directives performed for CMAD since 2007

40+CBRN tactical, field, and quick response guides produced for first responders

16Field demonstrations and exercises supported

Additional Projects

Analytical Support for the Drinking Water Emergency in Flint, Michigan

Helping 100,000 Residents Affected by Elevated Lead Levels in Local Water Supply Lead contamination found in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan had a catastrophic impact on the community and its residents. CSS supported EPA’s response to the crisis by providing mobile and fixed analytical laboratory services and data review.  Over a nine-month period, our…

Analysis for Coastal Operational Resiliency

CSS assisted with planning and executing a demonstration of three decontamination technologies on a USCG vessel contaminated with a benign surrogate for anthrax.

Red Hill Drinking Water Crisis

CSS supported the U.S. EPA Red Hill response operations in Hawaii in early 2022.

Human Health Risk Assessment

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

IT Services

Our IT solutions meet clients’ evolving needs.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

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

Space Science Application Support & Operations

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

Satellite Data Applications

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.

Safety, Health, & Environmental

We provide our clients with tools to protect their workforce, the public, and the environment.

Get in touch

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