EPA's homeland security research is helping to protect human health and the environment from intentional acts of terror. http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/ en-us Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:00:00 -0400 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:00:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/ http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/images/epafiles_logo_epaseal.gif 250 112 EPA's homeland security research is helping to protect human health and the environment from intentional acts of terror. http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news071408.html EPA is investigating decontamination technologies for restoring public buildings to a usable state after a terrorist contamination event. In the context of decontamination, contaminants of interest are those that can persist on indoor surfaces and can lead to a continuing chance of exposure long after the contamination event occurs. Shawn Ryan Decon Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:00:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news070808.html Multi-parameter water monitors are deployed at multiple locations in water distribution systems and collect general water quality data that can be transmitted to various locations, including remote locations, thereby giving water utilities access to real-time or near real-time data from their overall system. Eric Koglin Tech Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:00:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news070808a.html PCR is used to determine the presence of specific bacteria in water in less than four hours. PCR involves enzyme-mediated reactions that replicate the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the target organisms. Eric Koglin Tech Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:00:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news070708.html Immunoassay tests are used to determine the presence of biotoxins and pathogens in water. The immunoassay devices are based on immunological interactions during which specific antibodies react with contaminants, or antigens, to produce a response indicating the presence of the contaminant. Eric Koglin Tech Tue, 07 Jul 2008 20:00:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news070708a.html Enzymatic test kits can detect the presence of chemical agents, carbamate pesticides, and/or organophosphate pesticides through a cholinesterase enzyme reaction. Under contaminant-free conditions, the enzyme reacts with other reagents present in the test kit. Eric Koglin Tech Tue, 07 Jul 2008 20:00:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news052808.html EPA is investigating the persistence (attenuation) of biological organisms and toxins on indoor building materials under various temperature and relative humidity conditions consistent with those achieved using heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Shawn Ryan Decon Wed, 28 May 2008 17:34:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news032808.html On February 7, 2008, the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS of Hanover, MD) announced that a TEVA Research project is one of six finalists vying for this year’s prestigious Franz Edelman Award. Regan Murray Water Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:21:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news031308.html The disposal of contaminated animal carcasses in response to foreign animal disease outbreaks is an event- and site-specific operation that can have significant environmental impacts. Paul Lemieux Decon Thu, 12 Mar 2008 16:43:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news122007.html Anomalous water quality results can indicate the onset of a contamination incident. For this reason, water utilities must be able to rapidly and accurately identify such results in water distribution systems. Reagan Murray Water Thu, 20 Dec 2007 09:33:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news112707.html EPA has created a report entitled the "Compendium of Prior and Current Risk Assessment Methods" to accelerate risk assessment, which in turn supports rapid response. Tonya Nichols Risk Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:42:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news112607.html Water distribution networks deliver drinking water to consumers through systems of pipes, valves, pumps, and tanks. Within these systems, sensors that can detect contaminants can be placed at various locations, such as fire stations, schools, hospitals, public buildings, publicly owned infrastructure, and even private homes. Regan Murray Water Mon, 26 Nov 2007 13:23:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news110707.html EPA organized a workshop to provide architects, engineers, owners, and other building professionals with the latest research on protecting buildings from a terrorist attack. The video captures the entire workshop, presentations, and discussion sessions. Jacky Rosati Decon Wed, 07 Nov 2007 07:37:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news090707a.html Chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have been used in the past to incapacitate and kill, and their potential use in a homeland security incident is a concern. Erin Silvestri Response Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:17:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news090707.html EPA has published the Building Decontamination Alternatives report, which provides information on effectively decontaminating buildings that are contaminated with chemical or biological (CB) warfare agents or with toxic industrial compounds. Joseph Wood Decon Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:17:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news073007.html In 2003, the National Homeland Security Research Center’s Threat Ensemble Vulnerability Assessment (TEVA) research program was formed to investigate the potential impacts of contamination events on water utility distribution systems and to help develop techniques and methods to reduce these impacts. Regan Murray Water Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:24:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news073007a.html EPANET is used in homeland security research to model contamination threats to water systems. Historically, EPANET has been limited to tracking the dynamics of a single chemical transported through a network of pipes and storage tanks. EPANET did not consider interactions between bulk species in the water or the surface species fixed to the pipe wall. Regan Murray Water Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:24:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news073007b.html Tucson Water is an innovative and advanced municipal drinking water system that serves nearly 700,000 customers. Through an EPA Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking (EMPACT) grant, online monitors have been providing near real-time water quality data to the public for several years. Robert Janke Water Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:24:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news062607a.html The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with support from EPA, the Department of Defense (DoD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), recently developed and constructed All Hazards Receipt Facilities (AHRFs) for prescreening unknown and potentially hazardous samples collected under unusual or suspicious circumstances. Rob Rothman Response Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:35:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news062607.html EPA is developing the Support for Environmental Rapid Risk Assessment (SERRA) database to accelerate the risk assessment process and to support emergency response. Tonya Nichols Risk Tue, 26 Jun 2007 09:27:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news052507.html TA new report provides owners, managers, engineers, and other decision makers with information about various building retrofit options that will improve building protection against airborne hazards. Jacky Rosati Decon Fri, 25 May 2007 14:40:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news042407.html The collection of surface contaminants, referred to as "wipe sampling," is an important technique for government agencies and the private sector to estimate contamination on a variety of surfaces, including those in buildings, homes, outdoor areas, and hands. Stephen Billets Response Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:21:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news040207.html Message mapping is a science-based risk communication tool that enables members of the emergency response and environmental protection communities to quickly and concisely deliver the most pertinent information about an emergency. Scott Minamyer Risk Mon, 2 Apr 2007 17:01:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news030607.html As part of EPA’s Office of Research and Development, the National Homeland Security Research Center rigorously tests technologies against a wide range of performance characteristics, requirements, and specifications under the Technology Testing and Evaluation Program. Joe Wood Technology Tue, 6 Mar 2007 13:01:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news030107.html EPA has an updated and expanded third version of its Standardized Analytical Methods for Environmental Restoration following Homeland Security Events report. Oba Vincent Response Wed, 28 Feb 2007 18:01:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news022607.html A radiological sampling procedure is now available to environmental sampling teams assisting the EPA with characterizing, remediating, and determining the final status of a site following a radiological contamination event. Kathy Hall Response Mon, 26 Feb 2007 10:11:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news022307.html EPA is conducting several projects concerning foreign animal disease (FAD) pathogens, agricultural terrorism, and agriculture disaster management. Paul Lemieux Decon Fri, 23 Feb 2007 02:01:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news122006.html On Wednesday, March 8, 2007, in Washington, D.C., the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) will host a workshop on the vulnerability of water supply systems to explosion blast effects. Kathy Nickel Water Wed, 20 Dec 2006 09:03:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news121406.html EPA held a workshop from April 26-28, 2006, in Washington, D.C. titled “Decontamination, Cleanup, and Associated Issues for Sites Contaminated with Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Materials”. Joe Wood Decon Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:31:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news120606.html EPA has developed an electronic data dictionary with information on a priority list of contaminants. This dictionary can help risk assessors and managers respond more rapidly and efficiently to environmental contamination incidents. Chandrika Moudgal Risk Wed, 6 Dec 2006 15:23:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news113006.html The catastrophic effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita resulted in monumental environmental and human health challenges. EPA responded to those challenges with dedicated, knowledgeable employees who worked around the clock aiding victims and protecting the health of the natural environment. Kathy Nickel General Thu, 30 Nov 2006 14:03:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news112706.html EPA is building upon and expanding current monitoring programs in order to develop robust, comprehensive, and fully coordinated surveillance and monitoring systems for water quality that provide early detection and awareness of disease, pest, or poisonous agents. John Hall Water Mon, 27 Nov 2006 16:26:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news112206.html EPA has released new evaluation reports on recently tested chemical detection technologies, including products by Cerex Environmental Services, Environics USA Inc., and Science Applications Intrnational Corporation. Eric Koglin Tech Wed, 22 Nov 2006 15:06:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news111606.html Bacterial endospores can survive in the environment for an extended time, and are resistant to a wide variety of treatments such as heat, desiccation, radiation, pressure, and chemicals. As potential bacterial spore decontaminants, ultraviolet light, γ-irradiation, wet/dry heat, ozone, aqueous solutions and mixtures, gels, and gases have been evaluated. John Chang Decon Thu, 16 Nov 2006 16:11:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news110806.html The EPA and its partners are currently completing work on draft standards covering the physical security of water and wastewater/storm water utilities. Kathy Nickel Water Wed, 8 Nov 2006 16:54:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news102006.html Among EPA’s homeland security concerns is the possibility of terrorist events involving toxic chemicals whose health effects are not well known. Several EPA research projects are investigating how the risks associated with these chemicals can be estimated. Chandrika Moudgal Risk Fri, 20 Oct 2006 10:24:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news101906.html Disposal is the final step in the restoration process after the initial response and decontamination activities. Likely disposal options include high temperature thermal incineration, landfilling, and steam autoclaving. Paul Lemieux Decon Thu, 19 Oct 2006 16:17:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news101906a.html EPA has initiated a program to investigate chemical/biological agent destruction in incineration systems when the agent in question is bound on common porous building interior materials. Paul Lemieux Decon Thu, 19 Oct 2006 15:43:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news101606.html Building decontamination after a biological warfare agent (such as Bacillus anthracis) release may produce substantial building decontamination residue such as ceiling tile, carpet, wallboard, concrete, and wood. These materials would be removed from the building either before or after decontamination efforts. Joe Wood Decon Mon, 16 Oct 2006 09:57:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news101206.html Many interior building materials will require disposal after a terrorist attack with a biological weapon such as anthrax (B. Anthracis). Research indicates that incineration may be the best option to destroy all potentially remaining bio-contaminants. Joe Wood Decon Fri, 13 Oct 2006 15:27:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news100406.html The US EPA participated in a collaborative test program on the feasibility of using cement kilns for the destruction of post-consumer carpet. Paul Lemieux Decon Wed, 4 Oct 2006 16:45:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news100406a.html One potential method of terrorism is the intentional introduction of biological warfare agents (BWAs) into the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems of target structures in order to distribute pathogenic organisms. Kathy Nickel Tech Wed, 4 Oct 2006 14:27:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news083006a.html EPA has developed a Continuity of Operations (COOP) Tools Emergency Response Toolkit on a DVD to help responders during a nationally significant event where Office of Research and Development (ORD) expertise is needed. Charlena Yoder Response Wed, 30 Aug 2006 17:35:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news083006c.html EPA has released the National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) Storybook to summarize the Center’s mission. The Storybook lists and describes the Center’s research efforts, stakeholders, products, methodologies, priorities, resources, divisions, and collaborative relationships. Kathy Nickel General Wed, 30 Aug 2006 17:33:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news072406.html Current EPA research is focusing on the evaluation of commercially available technologies for decontaminating indoor surfaces in or around a typical office building or mass transit station. Joe Wood Tech Mon, 24 Jul 2006 18:12:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news072006.html Bombs and hijackings are dramatic terrorist weapons, but chemical, biological, or radiological agents can inflict greater damage on a community’s well-being. Many different substances and delivery methods can be used, and the level of public alarm is always high for these unconventional weapons of mass destruction. Oba Vincent Response Fri, 21 Jul 2006 9:07:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news062906.html EPA is developing health-based provisional advisory level (PAL) values for high-priority chemical, biological, and radiological warfare agents in air and drinking water that will support risk related decision-making. PALs are threshold exposure limits for the general public, including susceptible and sensitive subpopulations. Femi Adeshina Risk Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:19:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news062606.html Sophisticated computer programs are one type of tool available for monitoring changes in public health. The programs look for patterns in health-related data that indicate the appearance of a particular syndrome or set of symptoms in the population. Many cities and counties use these electronic public health syndromic surveillance (PHSS) system programs to help identify potential disease outbreaks early. Eric Koglin Tech Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:18:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news061906.html Sophisticated computer programs are one type of tool available for monitoring changes in public health. The programs look for patterns in health-related data that indicate the appearance of a particular syndrome or set of symptoms in the population. Many cities and counties use these electronic public health syndromic surveillance (PHSS) system programs to help identify potential disease outbreaks early. Kathy Clayton Risk Mon, 19 Jun 2006 17:37:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news061306.html Because safe drinking water and properly treated wastewater are critical to modern life, the federal government has identified the water sector as one of seventeen critical infrastructures/key resources. During 2005, EPA hosted three water sector security workshops involving drinking water as well as wastewater utility operators and other key stakeholders. The purpose of the workshops was to discuss water sector security issues in order to better gauge the current status of water security, outline common challenges, and identify what is most needed to better protect the nation’s water infrastructure. Scott Minamyer Water Tue, 13 Jun 2006 14:43:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news060706.html The nation’s water utilities treat nearly 34 billion gallons of water every day, using an assortment of treatment methods to remove contaminants from drinking water before it enters the distribution system. The quality of water can still be affected within the distribution system, however, in ways that pose risks to public health. A number of tools are available to help utilities manage water quality; Distribution System Analysis: Field Studies, Modeling, and Management describes these tools—and how to apply them—in useful detail. Lucille Garner Water Wed, 7 Jun 2006 16:12:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news050806.html Risk assessment is often conducted using limited experimental data. In such instances, the ability to accurately and quickly predict potential health hazards from chemical exposure would save time and valuable resources that could be more wisely invested. Chandrika Moudgal Risk Mon, 8 May 2006 15:38:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news050306.html The building decontamination residues (BDRs) destined for disposal may be parts of a structure or its contents, or waste from the decontamination process. One way to deal with these BDRs is to incinerate them in combustion facilities; another is to use autoclaving with steam to disinfect them. EPA researchers are investigating how various materials and their contaminants behave during these two high-temperature treatments. Paul Lemieux Decon Fri, 5 May 2006 10:27:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news022806.htm The National Homeland Security Research Center’s (NHSRC’s) goal is to develop and deliver reliable, responsive scientific expertise and products. These are widely used to prevent, prepare for, and recover from public health and environmental emergencies. U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center General Tue, 28 Feb 2006 12:37:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news022406.htm Point-of-use (POU) devices are designed to purify only that portion of incoming water that is being used for drinking and cooking purposes, while point-of-entry (POE) devices treat all the water coming into a house or facility. What are the capabilities of these devices for treating or capturing the most likely contaminants? Irwin Silverstein Water Fri, 22 Feb 2006 09:17:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news020906.htm EPA’s Aerosol Test Facility (ATF) is located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. It is available to outside agencies and businesses for research into the behavior of aerosols under controlled conditions. Researchers, engineers, and product designers can obtain highly accurate data that will form a scientifically sound basis for their decisions. Russell Wiener Decon Thu, 9 Feb 2006 15:01:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news010606.htm An ongoing EPA study has confirmed the usefulness of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines for preparing in-house shelters as protection against airborne biological, chemical, or radioactive hazards. The DHS guidelines recommend that people create in-place shelters in their homes by using an interior room with few or no windows and sealing openings with plastic sheeting and duct tape. Jim Jetter Decon Fri, 6 Jan 2006 10:04:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news010306.htm In carrying out its responsibilities for protecting drinking water systems and sources, the NHSRC conducted research on the use of nonvirulent surrogates for Bacillus anthracis in inactivation studies involving chlorination. Eugene Rice Water Tue, 3 Jan 2006 09:17:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news120105.htm "Technologies and Techniques for Early Warning Systems to Monitor and Evaluate Drinking Water Quality: A State-of-the-Art Review" evaluates the existing sensors, monitoring technologies, and other products that can detect contaminants in drinking water distribution systems. Because terrorist threats could involve chemical, microbial, or radiological contaminants, information from a range of sources was used to evaluate products in all three categories. Jafrul Hasan Water Thu, 1 Dec 2005 16:23:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news113005.htm The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted a 2-day Symposium about communicating risks to drinking and waste water systems in San Francisco, California. More than 100 participants attended the Symposium, from drinking water and wastewater utilities, public health agencies, state and local drinking water and wastewater agencies, local emergency response organizations, elected officials, and the media. Scott Minamyer Water Wed, 30 Nov 2005 15:16:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news112805.htm The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), through a cooperative agreement with EPA, has created this guide to increase the level of awareness within the water sector and provide guidance on how to ensure that wastewater infrastructure is protected in the event of a terrorist attack. Specifically, the guide is designed to ensure managers of wastewater utilities are cognizant of the pre-planning necessary to prevent, detect, respond to and/or recover from the impact of decontamination wastewater containing chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) substances. Alan Lindquist Water Mon, 28 Nov 2005 08:27:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news112205.htm The Water Security Division of EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water has launched a new database, the Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT). This secure, online database for contaminants of concern to water security is designed to assist users in planning for and responding to threats and incidents of drinking water contamination. Ashley Smith Water Tue, 22 Nov 2005 09:03:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news111505b.htm To counter threats against water systems, EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) is developing the Threat Ensemble Vulnerability Assessment (TEVA) program. This program uses a computational framework containing a suite of software tools that can simulate threats and identify vulnerabilities in drinking water distribution systems, measure potential public health impacts, and evaluate mitigation and response strategies. Regan Murray Water Tue, 15 Nov 2005 15:37:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news111505a.htm To address concerns regarding the vulnerability of water distribution systems, NHSRC researchers are identifying, testing, and evaluating both POU and POE technologies. These devices can be used proactively to protect a water system against contamination, and they can be used as a response measure in the event a water system has become contaminated. Irwin Silverstein Water Tue, 15 Nov 2005 15:32:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news110405.htm EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center is testing an expanded version of the "E-Plan HazMat Response System" (E-Plan) for homeland security use. E-Plan is a secure computer system designed to make facility-specific hazardous material information available online to emergency responders and homeland security managers. Kathy Clayton Risk Fri, 4 Nov 2005 10:24:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news102805.htm EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) held its first "Workshop on Decontamination, Cleanup, and Associated Issues for Sites Contaminated With Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Materials" at the International Trade Center Building in Washington, D.C., February 23–25, 2005. The workshop opened with a plenary session. Joe Wood Decon Fri, 28 Oct 2005 14:37:00 -0400 http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d9bf8d9315e942578525701c005e573c/7129427bf1235b88852570a400649a52!OpenDocument The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced the establishment of a jointly funded research center based at Michigan State University that will fill critical gaps in microbial risk assessment needed to support homeland security objectives. One grant of $10 million for five years was awarded to establish the center. Suzanne Ackerman Risk Mon, 24 Oct 2005 16:21:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news092905a.htm In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the anthrax attacks in the fall of 2001, federal and state personnel successfully carried out their mission to provide response, recovery, and remediation under trying circumstances, including an unprecedented demand on their capabilities to analyze environmental samples. In reviewing these incidents, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 9/11 Lessons Learned and its Anthrax Lessons Learned reports identified several areas where the country could better prepare itself in the event of future terrorist incidents. Oba Vincent Response Fri, 21 Oct 2005 15:01:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news092905.htm Since the events of September 11, 2001, improving the security of our nation's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure has become a top priority. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a critical role in this effort as the federal agency lead for water security. Kim Fox Water Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:08:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news092605.htm In the event of a terrorist attack in which biological weapons such as anthrax are used to contaminate a building, much of the porous material in the building will be shipped for disposal after decontamination activities. This material is collectively termed "building decontamination residue" (BDR). Paul Lemieux Decon Mon, 26 Sep 2005 15:16:00 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news091405.htm EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, provides data, methods, guidance, tools, and technologies to enhance public safety and mitigate adverse effects in the event of a terrorist attack. Through its research, NHSRC supports EPA's WaterSentinel Program. The program is directed by the Office of Water's Water Security Division (WSD). The overall goal of this program is to design and demonstrate an effective contamination warning system (CWS) for timely detection and appropriate response to drinking water threats and incidents. Regan Murray Water Wed, 14 Sep 2005 12:19:24 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news083005a.htm The attacks of September 11, 2001, and recent events involving the identification of water system vulnerabilities have elevated concerns about intentional threats to the nation's water systems. In response to these concerns, EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), Water Infrastructure Protection Division (WIPD), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, has implemented a three-phase program to test and evaluate early warning systems for drinking water infrastructures. An early warning system (EWS) is an integrated system for monitoring, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating water system data. It can enable decision makers to respond quickly and effectively to protect public health in the event of intentional water system contamination. Jafrul Hasan Water Tue, 30 Aug 2005 07:09:04 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news083005c.htm EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), Water Infrastructure Protection Division (WIPD), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is responsible for protecting drinking water systems and sources. To carry out these responsibilities, the NHSRC, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), conducted research on the ability of chlorination to inactivate bacterial agents in drinking water. Eugene Rice Risk Tue, 30 Aug 2005 07:07:02 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news083005d.htm EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is developing a decision support tool for the disposal of residues from the decontamination of buildings and water systems. Researchers supporting these projects are located at EPA's research centers in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Paul Lemieux Decon Tue, 30 Aug 2005 07:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news071905.htm Since 2003, EPA has been evaluating commercially available technologies that have potential for decontaminating office buildings and indoor surfaces following an intentional release of a chemical or biological agent. Technologies evaluated by EPA to date include the BIOQUELL CLARUS™ C unit (hydrogen peroxide vapor), the CERTEK Inc. 1414RH Formaldehyde Generator/Neutralizer, and the CDG Research Corporation Chlorine Dioxide Gas Generator. Eric Koglin Tech Tue, 19 Jul 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news071805.htm EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), Water Infrastructure Protection Division (WIPD), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is responsible for conducting research to protect drinking water systems and sources from terrorist attacks. As part of this responsibility, the NHSRC, in partnership with the Department of the Army, is developing a protocol for the detection of biological contaminants that would present a health threat if used in an attack against the nation's water supplies. Alan Lindquist Water Mon, 18 Jul 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news070105.htm The objective of technology evaluation is to assess the performance of commercially available, portable ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) detectors. IMS detectors are lightweight and designed to rapidly detect toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and chemical warfare (CW) agents in air. Eric Koglin Tech Fri, 1 Jul 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news062705.htm A technical advisory panel meeting was held in January in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the meeting was for a group of technical experts and stakeholders to discuss technologies for cleaning building ventilation air in order to prevent or remove contamination by chemical or biological agents. The meeting included several presentations and was followed by an afternoon discussion. Eric Koglin Tech Mon, 27 Jun 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news062105.htm In response to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9, EPA is testing and evaluating technologies that could be deployed in a water contamination warning system. As part of the directive, EPA is charged with developing robust, comprehensive, and fully coordinated surveillance and monitoring systems that would allow early detection and awareness of a water contamination incident. HSPD-9 directs EPA to support this effort by developing nationwide laboratory networks that integrate existing federal and state resources. Grace Robiou Tech Tue, 21 Jun 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news062005.htm As part of the President's proposed Fiscal Year 2006 budget, EPA is planning the WaterSentinel Initiative, a demonstration project that would design, deploy and evaluate a model contamination warning system for drinking water security. The proposed project, which would be developed in partnership with select cities and laboratories, responds to a Homeland Security Presidential Directive that charges EPA to develop surveillance and monitoring systems to provide early detection of water contamination. Kim Fox Water Mon, 20 Jun 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news052705.htm In September 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) within the Agency's Office of Research and Development (ORD). As one of the elements within NHSRC, the Safe Buildings Team has, as a key part of its responsibilities, engineering and economic analysis of alternative technologies and approaches for decontaminating buildings following an attack using chemical and biological (CB) agents. Bruce Henschel Decon Fri, 27 May 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news051805.htm The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) has published Security Information Collaboratives: A Guide for Water Utilities. The purpose of the guide is to inform drinking water and wastewater utilities, and others, about the benefits of establishing collaborative arrangements with other organizations to share information on water security. Scott Minamyer Water Wed, 18 May 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news042605.htm EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) and the National Research Council (NRC) have again joined forces to help protect the nation’s drinking water. This time, the NRC’s Water Science and Technology Board (WSTB) will work with NHSRC to provide peer review for research and technical needs as they apply to water security issues. Kathy Nickel Water Tue, 26 Apr 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news041105.htm On March 16, 2005, postal employees at the Cincinnati Processing and Distribution Center (CPDC) received written notification of an emergency evacuation drill. The CPDC is a massive regional mail hub, handling as many as 7 million to 9 million pieces of mail a day for portions of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Oba Vincent Response Mon, 11 Apr 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news040805.htm The NHSRC, in collaboration with other government, academic, and private organizations, conducted a series of investigations on issues related to combustion of Building Decontamination Residues, such as carpeting. To broaden the usefulness of the research, issues were investigated both relating to the disposal of carpeting as building decontamination residue as well as the utilization of post-consumer carpeting as supplemental fuel for energy intensive industrial processes such as cement production. Paul Lemieux Decon Fri, 8 Apr 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news031005.htm EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, has developed the Technology Testing and Evaluation Program (TTEP) in an effort to provide reliable information regarding the performance of homeland security related technologies. TTEP is an outgrowth of EPA’s successful and internationally recognized Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program. Eric Koglin Tech Thu, 10 Mar 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news030905.htm EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is developing a device and a methodology to better detect pathogenic microbes in drinking water samples. This device will enhance the ability of sampling personnel and analytical laboratory technicians to concentrate biological organisms in large-volume water samples. Alan Lindquist Water Wed, 9 Mar 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news030405.htm EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, has put together a new team of experts from throughout the EPA known as the Red Team. When activated during a homeland security event, the Red Team moves to designated locations where they provide scientific guidance to the Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD). Oba Vincent Response Fri, 4 Mar 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news020705.htm The EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC), headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, has signed an interagency agreement with the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to study and develop decontamination methods for a building’s drinking water lines and appliances. Researchers, under the agreement, will provide a technical resource document for both emergency and follow-up responders. Ann Brown Water Mon, 7 Feb 2005 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news120104.htm The U.S. EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) announced today that District Fire Chief Edward J. Dadosky and two other City of Cincinnati officials have joined the NHSRC under part-time appointments made possible by an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement between the two organizations. U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center Response Wed, 1 Dec 2004 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news110904.htm EPA announced today the establishment of a permanent National Homeland Security Research Center, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a restructuring from the original temporary charter into three divisions: threat and consequence assessment, decontamination and consequence management and water infrastructure protection. U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center Response Thu, 11 Nov 2004 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news110104.htm Water — every drop of it — is a precious natural resource that Americans once enjoyed with little thought to potential tampering by terrorists or others. Today, however, U. S. citizens are increasingly aware of threats of harm to our homeland. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the delivery of anthrax-contaminated letters later that year have taught us to anticipate that other such threats are possible. U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center Water Mon, 1 Nov 2004 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news102904.htm A recent report follows a collaborative effort initiated by the “Homeland Security Workshop on Transport and Disposal of Wastes from Facilities Contaminated with Chemical or Biological Agents.” U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center Decon Fri, 29 Oct 2004 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news072204.htm The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking applications to fund a research center on microbial risk assessment needed to support homeland security objectives. One grant of up to $10 million will be awarded to establish the center. U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center Risk Thu, 22 Jul 2004 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news070304.htm The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Homeland Security Research, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center, has developed a helpline database to provide information on issues related to general policy, training, and equipment needed to both plan and train for potential threats to homeland security. The database will be made available to environmental laboratories, emergency responders, and other officials charged with public protection. U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center Response Sat, 3 Jul 2004 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news070204.htm The EPA’s Homeland Security Research, in conjunction with the EPA’s Laboratory and Capability Committee, has developed a list of Standardized Analytical Methods (SAM) to be used by environmental laboratories in analyzing biological and chemical samples associated with threats to homeland security. SAM provides a standard by which to measure specific types of contamination that may be associated with future terrorist attacks. U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center Response Fri, 2 Jul 2004 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news052503.htm One of the most important battles in the war against terrorism won't be fought in the caves of Afghanistan. Instead, a behind-the-scenes battle to better protect the U.S. drinking water supply from terrorist attack will be fought in Cincinnati - by more than 80 scientists in the labs of a modernistic federal building in Corryville. Cincinnati Enquirer Water Sun, 25 May 2003 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news052303.htm Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman on Friday, May 23, received a briefing and tour of homeland security research being conducted at EPA in Research Triangle Park (RTP). Scientists and engineers in RTP are working to develop new methods for detecting hazardous chemical and biological contaminants in buildings and to provide better ways to clean up and dispose of contaminants that may result following a terrorist attack. U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center Decon Fri, 23 May 2003 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/nhsrc/news/news030103.htm Air Force Research Laboratory and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials combined forces for future Homeland Security Research efforts Feb. 24 at the EPA’s Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center in Cincinnati. 2nd Lt. J. Elaine Hunnicutt General Sat, 1 Mar 2003 00:00:01 -0400 http://www.epa.gov/homelandsecurity/htm/ohs-sp.htm In September 2002, EPA published a Strategic Plan for Homeland Security outlining the Agency's activities and initiatives through fiscal year 2005 in support of homeland security. The 2004 Homeland Security Strategy updates this earlier effort and furthers EPA's strategic planning process. Specifically, the update takes into consideration the Agency's available resources through fiscal year 2005, recent Presidential Directives and expectations, and the evolving role of the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center General Sun, 1 Sep 2002 00:00:01 -0400