|
NRMRL is EPA’s premier National Risk Management Research Laboratory
“To prevent and reduce pollution of air, land, and water, and to restore ecosystems.” That's NRMRL's mission. The focus of the laboratory's research is on methods to prevent and control the pollution of land, water, subsurface resources, and indoor and outdoor air; to protect water quality in public water systems; and to remediate contaminated sites and groundwater. And even though NRMRL is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, many EPA facilities share NRMRL's mission and collaborate with NRMRL to solve a wide range of environmental challenges:
| Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center, Cincinnati, OH |
|
EPA's Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center (AWBERC) lies adjacent to the main campus of the University of Cincinnati and near major hospitals and medical research complexes. The Center is one of two major EPA research centers in the nation, housing research laboratories, training facilities, and administrative offices.
International Leader. AWBERC is internationally recognized for water research and has become a leader in areas of bioremediation and pollution prevention. The National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) uses the AWBERC facility for drinking water, water quality, land remediation, pollution control, and sustainability research. Learn more about the AWBERC facility.
Research Facilities Available for Your Use. With its valuable and highly specialized research facilities located in laboratories and research centers across the country, EPA has opportunities for states, private sector companies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to use EPA's facilities for research. By making its research facilities and equipment available when not otherwise in use for Agency research, EPA can serve as a catalyst for progress in efforts to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems. Learn more about using our facility for Collaborative R&D: Biocontaminant Laboratory | Drinking Water Research Facilities | Full Containment Facility
Greening EPA. Aligned with EPA's mission to protect the environment, AWBERC has implemented environmental “greening” features such as green roofs, rain gardens, more energy efficient equipment, elimination of the need to use once-through city water, and an enhanced recycling program that includes five different grades of paper; all fluorescent lighting; all petroleum products; all toner cartridges, and more. Learn more about Greening AWBERC.
Green Energy. EPA Cincinnati and EPA Headquarters partnered with the General Services Administration and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to purchase green power from Community Energy, Inc. of Wayne, PA. The fuel mix consists of 95% landfill gas and 5% wind power, and greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. The three year power-purchase contract will satisfy 100% of EPA's electricity needs for three facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio that consume a total of 15.6 million kWh/year. Learn more about AWBERC and Energy Conservation.
- Advanced Materials and Solids Analysis Research Core: (Cincinnati, OH)
The Advanced Materials and Solids Analysis Research Core (AMSARC), centered at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the foundation for the Agency's solids and surfaces analysis capabilities. The state-of-the-art analytical equipment that comprises AMSARC will benefit researchers in all of EPA's laboratories in Cincinnati, as well as other EPA research centers across the nation. It is expected that AMSARC will establish a stimulating and collegial environment for conducting cutting edge research that will benefit continued progress toward global sustainability, materials management, pollution prevention, and public health.
- Biocontaminant Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH
The Biocontaminant Laboratory (located in the AWBERC building) collaborates with NRMRL on the evaluation and analysis of biological contaminants. These contaminants can cause poor indoor air quality and trigger allergic reactions, breathing problems, and even lung disease. The BioLab is a new, state-of-the-science Biosafety Level 3 microbiology research facility that has two Class 10,000 clean rooms with highly specialized, top-of-the-line analytical instrumentation. BioLab Available for Collaborative R&D
- Full Containment Facility for Hazardous Materials Research, Cincinnati, OH
The Full Containment Facility (adjacent to the AWBERC building) collaborates with NRMRL on highly toxic or hazardous materials research in order to develop cleaner technologies and tools for integrated pollution management (for industrial processes). It is a self-contained and environmentally isolated research facility that has one double laboratory and eight single laboratories with capacities to conduct bench-scale and small pilot-scale research, and to analyze and characterize unknown waste samples. Each laboratory is outfitted with standard exhaust hoods that contain air, water, and vacuum hookups and can be individually climate controlled for temperature and humidity. Scientists can easily custom configure each of the laboratories because they contain only a few permanent structures, such as exhaust hoods, sinks, and countertops. The facility includes state-of-the-science analytical equipment (a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer, an elemental analyzer, a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, a high-performance liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer, and a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer), a large loading dock, sample storage rooms, office space, and an employee shower area. Full Containment Facility Available for Collaborative R&D
|
Top of page
| Test and Evaluation Facility, Cincinnati, OH |
|
The Test and Evaluation Facility (T&E) is designed to support research on new treatment technologies for water and hazardous waste. This unique facility, utilized by the National Risk Management Research Laboratory,
has a high-bay area for bench-, pilot-,
and full-scale research, and is supported by
analytical laboratories, chemical storage,
and office space. On-site chemistry labs, and two water distribution system simulators, allow scientists the flexibility to study drinking water contaminants, biosensors, and small systems.
Ohio EPA Treatability
Exclusion. Under the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, T&E is a permitted
treatment, storage, and disposal facility
that holds an Ohio EPA Treatability
Exclusion. This exclusion allows the
facility to conduct treatability studies
using quantities of all categories of
hazardous waste. This is unmatched by
any similar facility in the nation. As part of EPA’s Environmental Technology Verification Program, T&E also verifies water security monitoring and treatment technology testing.
Research Facilities Available for Your Use. With its valuable and highly specialized research facilities located in laboratories and research centers across the country, EPA has opportunities for states, private sector companies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to use EPA's facilities for research. By making its research facilities and equipment available when not otherwise in use for Agency research, EPA can serve as a catalyst for progress in efforts to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems. Learn more about using T&E Facility for Collaborative R&D.
USEPA. (2008). "Test and Evaluation Facility (PDF)." (2 pp, 211 KB) EPA Publication No. EPA/600/F-08/004.
|
Top of page
| Center Hill Facility, Cincinnati, OH |
|
Scientists at this facility collaborate with NRMRL in researching sediment/soil contaminant interaction, form and transport of contaminants in the environment, bioavailability, waste containment and disposal, landfill bioreactors, and waste material leaching.
Since the 1970s, researchers have supported several EPA programs because of Center Hill's special features:
- 21,000 square feet of laboratory and office space in single-story buildings
- 10 laboratories where bench-scale and pilot-scale research projects are conducted (Some bench-scale research performed at nearby laboratories is carried out at the pilot-scale level by Center Hill.)
- A high-bay research area
- A machine shop for construction and maintenance of specialized research equipment
- Field vehicles for research sample recovery
- Specialized analytical equipment
The specialized equipment and instrumentation enable researchers to determine and measure the chemical and microbiological characteristics of waste, leachates, soil and sediments, and the form (speciation) and transport characteristics of contaminants in soil and sediment. Center Hill uses research capabilities developed at the Advanced Photon Source of Argonne National Laboratory, which makes Center Hill the focal point for determining the atomic-level form, fate, and transport characteristics of specific metal contaminants.
To reduce its carbon footprint, Center Hill uses a nighttime setback mode for its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and energy efficient “green” lights in the office and high-bay areas. Learn More about Center Hill Facility
Greening EPA. The Center Hill Facility is part of EPA's large research and administrative campus in Cincinnati, Ohio. Staff at the Center Hill Facility conduct research in the fields of municipal solid waste, including disposal, residuals management, soil contamination, and risk reduction engineering. Learn More about Greening Center Hill Facility
|
Top of page
| Experimental Stream Facility (ESF), Clermont County, OH |
|
The Experimental Stream Facility (ESF) is one of only a handful of research facilities in the U.S. designed to conduct small stream research. The facility has eight stream mesocosms that provide a balance between the benefits of a controlled laboratory study (e.g. controlled flow rates, solar irradiance and streambed type) and the benefits of a field study. This allows researchers to study how pollutant loads interact with important characteristics of stream habitat that may or may not change as a result of anthropogenic stress.
Changes to the stream ecosystem structure and function can be measured and observed in ways that are not possible in field or laboratory studies. Well designed and controlled experimental stream mesocosm studies can represent a primary tool providing the process-level understanding necessary to move basic research and development from the laboratory bench-top to field applications. ESF studies are designed to gain information on both watershed management and the impact of contaminants of concern. Learn more about ESF research.
Research Facilities Available for Your Use. With its valuable and highly specialized research facilities located in laboratories and research centers across the country, EPA has opportunities for states, private sector companies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to use EPA's facilities for research. By making its research facilities and equipment available when not otherwise in use for Agency research, EPA can serve as a catalyst for progress in efforts to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems. Learn more about using ESF for Collaborative R&D.
USEPA. (2008). "The Experimental Stream Facility, Clermont County, Ohio (PDF)." (2 pp, 228 KB) Publication No. EPA/600/F-08/006.
USEPA. (2008). "Experimental Streams Facilities -- Design and Research" (Video)." (8.25 minutes, EPA YouTube) Publication No. EPA/600/F-08/017.
|
Top of page
| Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center, Ada, OK |
|
The Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center (RSKERC) houses state-of-the-science analytical chemistry equipment, specialized instrumentation for solid-phase and colloid characterization, and field equipment to study the transport and transformation of contaminants in soil and groundwater.
Ecosystems and Subsurface Research Field Site, Ada, OK
These research facilities collaborate with NRMRL on ecosystems’ susceptibility to nitrogen deposition and the development of novel management interventions for improving nitrogen-use efficiency in watersheds. The 11-acre field site includes a weather station, computer facility, and several types of wells designed to safeguard our underground supplies of drinking water against contamination by pollutants introduced to the subsurface via injection wells.
Research Field Site Available for Your Use. With its valuable and highly specialized research facilities located in laboratories and research centers across the country, EPA has opportunities for states, private sector companies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to use EPA's facilities for research. By making its research facilities and equipment available when not otherwise in use for Agency research, EPA can serve as a catalyst for progress in efforts to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems. Learn more about using RSKERC for Collaborative R&D.
Greening EPA. To reduce its environmental footprint, the Kerr Center became EPA’s first “carbon neutral” laboratory. This means the Center reduces energy use wherever possible and implements carbon offsets to mitigate any remaining greenhouse gas emissions caused by using energy. The result is net zero emissions. Learn more about Greening RSKERC.
Green Energy. EPA offsets 100 percent of the electricity consumption at the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center with renewable energy certificates (RECs) purchased through the Agency's current blanket green power contract. In April 2005, EPA entered into a three-year contract with Sterling Planet, to purchase 3 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of green power annually in the form of renewable energy certificates (RECs). Procured by the Defense Energy Support Center, this contract supports the generation of renewable energy from wind turbines at facilities located in Wyoming, California, and Nebraska, and will help offset 100 percent of annual electricity use at the Ada laboratory.
USEPA. (2008). "The Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center, Ada, Oklahoma (PDF)." (2 pp, 216 KB) EPA Publication No. EPA/600/F-08/003.
|
Top of page
| Research Triangle Park, NC |
|
At Research Triangle Park (RTP), NRMRL characterizes both natural and anthropogenic (human-made) sources of emissions, and researches, develops, and demonstrates air pollution prevention and control technologies. The technological products are then used by modelers, appropriate industries (for example, electric utilities), and decision makers. This leads to cleaner indoor environments and reduces emissions from pollutants and greenhouse gases. As part of EPA’s Environmental Technology Verification Program, RTP verifies the performance of innovative technologies, such as the Indoor Air Technology Testing Protocol and Dioxin Continuous Emission Monitoring Technology Testing. To reduce the environmental impact of its facilities and operations, RTP monitors and controls energy-consuming aspects of each building, uses building materials that have the least environmental impact, and has incorporated water-efficient fixtures throughout the complex. To learn more about the RTP Campus.
Greening EPA. Aligned with EPA's mission to protect the environment, RTP has implemented environmental “greening” features such as green roofs, rain gardens, more energy efficient equipment, elimination of the need to use once-through city water, and an enhanced recycling program that includes five different grades of paper; all fluorescent lighting; all petroleum products; all toner cartridges, and more. To learn more about Greening RTP.
Research Facilities Available for Your Use. With its valuable and highly specialized research facilities located in laboratories and research centers across the country, EPA has opportunities for states, private sector companies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to use EPA's facilities for research. By making its research facilities and equipment available when not otherwise in use for Agency research, EPA can serve as a catalyst for progress in efforts to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems. Learn more about using our facility for Collaborative R&D: Air Pollution Facilities | Mobile Source Facility | Multipollutant Control Facility
| Facilities
for Air Risk Management Research |
Air Pollution Studies,
Research Triangle Park,
NC
Emissions, such as those from diesel trucks and those found in indoor environments, pose a risk to human health and ecological systems. So the Facilities for Air Pollution Studies use open-path remote sensing equipment, an instrumented heavy-duty diesel truck, and emissions characterization chambers to develop methods for the study of emissions and the problems they cause. These facilities are part of the RTP complex.
|
Air House, Research Triangle Park, NC
Indoor air pollution prevention and control are the focus of research at this facility, which is part of the RTP complex. The research includes a variety of projects, such as characterizing sources of indoor contaminants, modeling indoor air quality, and evaluating radon from biocontaminant sources and radon control options. Research results help in decision making regarding, for example, the use of water-based cleaners in schools.
|
| Analytical Chemistry Laboratory: A state-of-the-art facility is available to characterize the organic fraction of collected particle samples. This facility also works on developing innovative sample analysis techniques. This laboratory contains various state-of-the-art analytical equipment such as Gel Permeation Chromatograph, GC/Mass Spec, Ion Chromatograph Detector, Elemental Carbon /Organic Carbon ratio, and High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph equipment to apportion emissions to the corresponding sources. Source emission profiles for fine PM (PM- 2.5) are needed together with ambient PM-2.5 composition from local or regional air monitoring stations to enable States to apportion ambient fine PM to the responsible sources. This information in turn is used to construct a strategy for bringing any nonattainment areas into compliance with the PM-2.5 NAAQS. |
| Chassis Dynamometer Facility: The chassis dynamometer facility is capable of simulating and testing on-road operation of vehicles as large as 80,000 lbs GVW, as well as long-haul tractor-trailer rigs and pickup trucks. Different test cycles can be programmed and gaseous emissions can be monitored both as extracted from the tailpipe or after dilution in a standard EPA constant volume sampler. Total particle emissions can be measured in the CVS. Additional analytical equipment includes GC-MS, FTIR, and particle sizing units to enable real-time or near real-time data. This facility can be used as a source of fresh emissions for human and animal testing. A large bay is located next to the facility which can be used to locate the test subjects. |
| Combustion Analytical Laboratories: Organic and inorganic emissions from in-house laboratory- and pilot-scale combustion and incineration test facilities are characterized. These laboratories provide analytical support to a multitude of in-house research projects and programs. Primary emphasis is placed on the verification of the quality of research measurements in order to support research objectives. |
| Firetube Package Boiler: This test facility consists of a commercial 70 HP Scotch marine type boiler as the primary component. The boiler's burner is capable of firing gas or any grade of fuel oil, singly or in combination, and is rated at 0.85 MW (2.9 MM Btu/hr) thermal input. Samples can be taken at a number of locations in the stack. |
| IAQ Test House: The IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) test house is an unfurnished, single-story, wood framed house with a central heating and air-conditioning system. The heated floor area of the house is about 120 m2. The indoor temperature and relative humidity (RH) are monitored throughout the house. Air handler (furnace) flows are measured using hot-wire or inertial anemometers. Outdoor air exchange rates are measured using tracer gas techniques. VOC and particulate concentrations are determined over time and at several locations (rooms). Meteorological data are obtained from an on-site meteorological tower. All the data are analyzed and recorded using on-site computers. |
| Mobile emissions real-time analysis laboratory: NRMRL’s on-road capability includes a fully instrumented tractor trailer that can measure the full plume of PM from diesel trucks while on the road. This Diesel Emissions Aerosol Laboratory (DEAL) can be used to evaluate the effects of natural cooling and dilution on the formation of PM. |
Mobile Source Research Facility, Research Triangle Park, NC
This research facility, part of the RTP complex, collaborates with NRMRL on emissions research. In particular, the facility characterizes and performs source profiling of motor vehicle emissions and off-road engine exhaust. A suite of small-engine dynamometers is available to carry out research on small, hand-held engines such as those used in leaf blowers and chain saws. Mobile source research helps to reduce and prevent a wide range of emissions and compounds that are harmful to human health and the environment. |
| Open Burning Test Facility: The open burning test facility (OBTF) has been used for several emission characterization studies related to open burning of various materials. The OBTF uses a refractory-lined burn pit on a weighing platform, coupled with a high volume air handling system to simulate in-plume measurements taken during open burning events. |
| Pilot-Scale Multi-Pollutant Control Research Facility: This is a state-of-the-art research facility consisting of 4 million Btu/hr (1.2 MWt) pulverized coal fired boiler where combinations of technologies can be evaluated to optimize the control of multi-pollutants such as SO2, NOx, PM, and mercury. Currently, the facility is equipped to evaluate key technology options such as low NOx burners, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for NOx and mercury oxidation, lime flue gas desulfurization (FGD) for SO2 and mercury capture, fabric filter for fine PM and mercury capture, and conventional and advanced sorbents for mercury, SO2, and/or NOx removal. Future capability will include electrostatic precipitator (ESP) for fine PM and mercury and a circulating fluidized bed for SO2, mercury, and NOx. |
|
Top of page
| Edison Environmental Center, Edison, NJ |
|
The Edison Environmental Center (EEC) is located on 205 acres of suburban property shared with other EPA facilities to develop and evaluate the performance of common and innovative stormwater management practices. The laboratory building is configured to conduct bench- scale analyses of environmental samples.
The National Risk Management Research Laboratory utilizes the facility to research technical approaches to managing flow and runoff generated from rainfall in an urban setting, including green technologies such as green roofs, swales, and rain gardens. The facility includes greenhouses that allow all-season operation; analytical laboratories for on-site analysis of common chemical and microbial stressors; a high-bay engineering development and support area; automated electronic monitoring and automatic sampling equipment; and will soon include a one-of its-kind, full-scale pervious pavement demonstration research site.
Research Facilities Available for Your Use. With its valuable and highly specialized research facilities located in laboratories and research centers across the country, EPA has opportunities for states, private sector companies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to use EPA's facilities for research. By making its research facilities and equipment available when not otherwise in use for Agency research, EPA can serve as a catalyst for progress in efforts to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems. Learn more about using EEC for Collaborative R&D.
Greening EPA. Our parking lot is an experiment in permeable surfaces! The lot covers about one acre and provides parking for employees and visitors. The lot slopes so water flows across the driving lanes between the porous sections. Partially buried tanks receive water drained from lined sections of the permeable parking lanes, allowing researchers to measure volume and flow rates and also study stormwater quality. Monitoring instruments are installed in and beneath the porous pavement to understand the movement of stormwater through the pavement, underlying layers, and into the native soil. Six rain garden cells will help reduce stormwater runoff from non-porous sections of the parking lot and the roof of the adjacent building. Measurements will enable scientists to determine whether permeable surfaces will help cities: cool more effectively during summer evenings than areas paved with conventional surfaces; reduce stormwater volume flowing to receiving waters; and improve water quality by removing solids and other environmental contaminants. All of the rain falling on the parking lot will infiltrate into the soil with no runoff reducing the environmental footprint of our EPA facility. For more information read our fact sheet: "Design/Construction of a Permeable Pavement Demonstration Site at the Edison Environmental Center(PDF)." (2 pp, 195 KB) (EPA/600/F-09/038) October 2009 - Abstract
USEPA. (2008). "The Urban Watershed Management Research Facility (PDF)." (2 pp, 216 KB) EPA Publication No. EPA/600/F-08/004.
|
Top of page
Contact:
Jane Ice, Communication
(513) 569-7311
Debbie Westerman, IT Specialist (Web)
(513) 569-7364
You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page.
See EPA's PDF page to learn more. |
