Basic Information

NRMRL

In 1995, EPA created the National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) from several former Office of Research and Development (ORD) organizations. The purpose was to build an organization capable of developing and identifying the engineering and scientific solutions necessary to support EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. As the laboratory for risk management research within ORD, NRMRL focuses on environmental problem solving. Recognized as a national leader in scientific and engineering expertise and capability, NRMRL’s research directly supports national priorities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, manage chemical risks, clean up hazardous waste sites, and protect America's water. NRMRL's research portfolio spans EPA's five Strategic Goals. The Research Areas and Research Successes tabs explain how NRMRL assists in achieving the Strategic Goals to protect human health and the environment.

EPA's Goals Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality Protecting America’s Waters Cleaning Up Communities and Advancing Sustainable Development Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution

 

Research Areas

NRMRL is focused on integrated, multidisciplinary research that reflects national priorities, scientific requirements, and implementation realities. NRMRL's research areas are directly linked to EPA's mission, goals, and priorities in order to provide effective environmental solutions for the nation and world. EPA Goals Research Areas Climate change adaptation National Ambient Air Quality Standards Indoor and ambient hazardous air pollutants Technology assessment and scenarios for     implementation Indoor contaminants control and     characterization Regulated and unregulated drinking water     contaminants Water infrastructure, water distribution, and     source water protection Water quality restoration and protection,     integrated watershed management, nutrient     trading Ecosystem restoration Site cleanup, land revitalization Hazardous wastes, resource management Environmental technology and chemistry Sustainable systems management,     sustainability metrics Decision support tools, models, and     methodologies Toxic substances Biotechnology, global climate change Endocrine disruptors

Emerging Areas of Research Global climate change Green infrastructure Environmental sustainability of urban, industrial, and ecological systems Endocrine disrupting chemicals Environmental decision support systems Risk management of nanomaterials

Research Successes

NRMRL’s mission intersects with some of the most pressing environmental issues facing the nation and world today. Our scientists, engineers, and employees play a vital role in developing sustainable scientific and engineering solutions to these issues to protect human health and the environment. NRMRL researchers are protecting human health and the environment by: Verifying innovative diesel upgrade technologies that are designed to reduce pollutants in diesel engine exhaust, thus improving air quality, lowering ozone levels, and decreasing the number of potential respiratory diseases Comparing biofuel emissions with fossil fuel emissions from small industrial and commercial boilers, and providing decision makers with confirmation of reduced CO2 emissions from biofuel use Partnering with stakeholders to evaluate and demonstrate innovative technologies and to improve the cost effectiveness of operation, maintenance, and replacement of the nation’s aging and failing water infrastructure Creating water distribution system simulators to evaluate and study the physical, chemical, and biological reactions that occur inside drinking water pipelines in order to maintain a high level of water quality Developing an advanced technology and process for improving bioremediation to clean up contaminated soil and groundwater, thus eliminating the need for costly excavation Advancing cost-effective permeable reactive barrier technologies to filter out and treat hazardous materials during remediation of contaminated groundwater, thus making hazardous cleanup easier and more effective Testing and validating cost-effective “green” methods (like rain barrels and rain gardens) that communities can use to manage excess stormwater runoff and prevent contaminants from entering streams and water supplies

Strengths NRMRL possesses unique strengths and capabilities and is dedicated to providing credible technological information and scientific solutions that support national priorities and protect human health and the environment. NRMRL's strengths are: World-class scientists and engineers Sound science and engineering expertise State-of-the-science facilities Global collaboration and partnerships Innovative technology development and testing Visionary and forward-looking leadership Integrated, multidisciplinary research focus

Organization

NRMRL scientists and engineers provide the tools and expertise to manage risks and solve complex environmental problems. NRMRL is divided into divisions and staff organizations that directly support EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina) Responsible for research, development, and evaluation of air pollution control technologies. Conducts research, and develops and demonstrates air pollution prevention and control technologies for key industries, electric power plants,incinerators, indoor environments, and sources of greenhouse gases. Ground Water and Ecosystems Restoration Division (Ada, Oklahoma) Conducts research and engages in technical assistance and technology transfer on the chemical, physical, and biological structure and processes of the subsurface environment, the biogeochemical interactions in that environment, and alterations to other environmental media. Land Remediation and Pollution Control Division (Cincinnati, Ohio) Conducts research at the basic level, as well as bench- and pilot-scale levels, to explore innovative solutions to current and future land pollution problems. Sustainable Technology Division (Cincinnati, Ohio) Advances the scientific understanding, development, and application of technologies and methods for prevention, removal, and control of environmental risks to human health and ecology. Water Supply and Water Resources Division (Cincinnati, Ohio, and Edison, New Jersey) Conducts research to help prepare the primary and secondary regulations for drinking water and to develop technologies and strategies for controlling waterborne contaminants. Environmental Technology Assessment, Verification, and Outcomes Office (Cincinnati, Ohio) Serves as a focal point for EPA state-of-the science technology assessment and verification. Coordinates EPA and others in the private sector to develop, test, and implement technologies to protect the environment and human health.

Our Values We value our environment. We work at EPA because we believe that the prosperity and security of our families, our country, and our world depend on the health of the natural systems that surround us. We value the trust and respect of the American people. As a part of the federal government, we understand that the work we do is for the public good and we must meet the high expectations the American people hold for public servants. We value our research. We take pride in our work and are driven to conduct research that is scientifically sound and meets quality assurance standards. We value our people. Our ability to find solutions for environmental problems and to communicate the results depends on a talented and dedicated workforce with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. As part of the Office of Research and Development (ORD), NRMRL follows ORD's leadership and adheres to ORD's principles. NRMRL's core values are aligned with ORD's principles and are embodied in our mission, goals, and strategies.

Opportunities

EPA’s scientists and engineers partner with federal agencies, states, academic institutions, non-governmental, and other organizations to develop the best possible scientific tools and information for solving complex environmental challenges. Opportunities include: Facilities Funding EPA Careers Technology Verification Facilities Recognizing the breadth and complexity of the research challenges posed by environmental issues, EPA is exercising its leadership position by fostering a more open business model for conducting environmental research. EPA offers opportunities for states, private sector companies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to use its valuable and highly specialized research facilities located in laboratories and research centers across the country. By making its research facilities and equipment available when not otherwise in use for its own research, EPA can serve as a catalyst for progress in efforts to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems. Listed below are a few of EPA's unique facilities where opportunities for productive research alliances exist. The facilities may charge fees to cover the costs of equipment maintenance and facility staff time. Research efforts must be in line with the mission of participating laboratories. Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center (AWBERC) Cincinnati, Ohio Scientists and engineers use the AWBERC facility for research on water quality, drinking water, land remediation, pollution control, and sustainability. This research facility is internationally recognized for its water research and is a leader in the areas of bioremediation and pollution prevention.

Now more than ever, EPA must be innovative and forward looking because the environmental challenges faced by Americans all across our country are unprecedented. - Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

Center Hill Facility Cincinnati, Ohio Scientists at Center Hill research sediment and soil contaminant interaction, form and transport of contaminants in the environment, bioavailability, waste containment and disposal, landfill bioreactors, and waste material leaching. The 21,000-square-foot facility has 10 laboratories for bench- and pilot-scale research projects, a high-bay research area, a machine shop, and specialized analytical equipment. Experimental Stream Facility (ESF) Clermont County, Ohio Supporting EPA's watershed approach, ESF research provides a balance between controlled laboratory conditions and the variability of the natural environment necessary to sustain native communities. Scientists conduct studies to understand the relationship dynamics between the plant and animal life in the laboratory and those in streams and rivers. ESF is a leader in chemical dosing precision and failsafe design in its experimental setup. Research Triangle Park (RTP) Research Triangle Park, North Carolina At RTP, researchers characterize natural and human-made sources of emissions, and develop and demonstrate air pollution prevention control technologies. Modelers, industry professionals, and decision makers use RTP technological products to make indoor environments cleaner and to reduce emissions from pollutants and greenhouse gases. Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center Ada, Oklahoma Researchers at the Kerr center develop strategies and technologies to protect and restore groundwater, surface water, and ecosystems affected by human-made and natural events. The center contains state-of-the-science analytical equipment to study the transport and transformation of contaminants in soil and groundwater. Test and Evaluation Facility (T&E) Cincinnati, Ohio Located on the grounds of Cincinnati's Mill Creek wastewater treatment plant, T&E is where researchers conduct studies on new treatment technologies for contaminants in water and wastewater. They conceive, design, fabricate, and evaluate a variety of innovative treatment technologies and environmental control systems for water, wastewater, and soil and sediment. T&E's unique high-bay area allows for bench-, pilot-, and full-scale research. Urban Watershed Research Facility Edison, New Jersey Scientists at the Edison facility investigate alternative approaches to managing wet-weather runoff in urban settings. Stormwater in urban settings is rapidly and purposefully transported from rooftops, parking lots, and streets—where it has collected pollutants—to sewers. This rapid runoff can degrade receiving water and exceed treatment capacity. Edison scientists develop innovative solutions to these complex flow problems. More information about NRMRL facilities. Funding Opportunities We provide funding to support high-quality research by the nation’s leading scientists and engineers that will improve the scientific basis for national environmental decisions. Learn about current NRMRL Funding Opportunities. EPA Careers Discover the "who, what, where, and why" that lead to a meaningful career at EPA. Learn about EPA Careers, including specific vacancies and applying for a job that fits your background and interests. EPA relies on sound science to safeguard both human health and the environment. The Office of Research and Development (ORD) is the research arm of EPA. ORD's leading-edge research helps provide the solid underpinning of science and technology for EPA. ORD conducts research on ways to prevent pollution, protect human health, and reduce risk. Learn about ORD Job Opportunities, including specific vacancies in the scientific and engineering research areas. High-Level Career Opportunities (Title 42) Post-Doc Scientific/Technical (ST) Professional Positions College Students/Recent Graduates EPA Summer Opportunities Other Opportunities Technology Verification The Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program verifies the performance of innovative technologies that have the potential to improve protection of human health and the environment. ETV accelerates the entrance of new environmental technologies into the domestic and international marketplaces. Verified technologies are included for all environmental media—air, water, and land.