Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management
The Consequence Management Advisory Division (CMAD) serves as EPA’s national special team providing leadership, expertise, and response capabilities for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN), as well as all hazard events.
CMAD’s mission is to prepare and support the emergency response community 24/7/365 during CBRN and all-hazard events. CMAD provides science-based solutions and response services during all phases of crisis and consequence management by deploying both personnel and assets.
CMAD provides tactical options for:
- screening;
- sampling;
- monitoring;
- decontamination;
- clearance; and
- waste management.
Toxicological/exposure assessment during the decontamination of buildings during an incident involving releases of radiological, biological, or chemical contaminants is also provided. In addition, CMAD maintains critical partnerships with EPA’s National Homeland Security Research Center and EPA’s special teams, as well as other federal and international partners.
General requests for CMAD support should be made to EPA’s Emergency Operations Center at 202-564-3850.
On this page:
- Response Equipment and Personnel
- Reports, Fact Sheets, and Other Documents
- Operations (Training/Exercises)
Response Equipment and Personnel
PHILIS (Portable High-throughput Integrated Laboratory Identification System)
PHILIS is a mobile laboratory for the on-site analysis of environmental samples contaminated with chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial compounds (TICs). PHILIS is part of the EPA’s evolving Environmental Response Laboratory Network. This mobile lab:
- reduces turn-around time for data;
- enhances on-site decisions;
- provides reliable on-site data for facility clearance decisions; and
- eliminates the need to ship/analyze samples off-site.
To request PHILIS assistance, please call: EPA’s Emergency Operations Center at 202-564-3850.
ASPECT (Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental Collection Technology)
ASPECT is the only airborne real-time chemical and radiological detection, infrared and photographic imagery platform in the US. Based near Dallas, Texas, and able to deploy within one hour, ASPECT is available to assist local, national, and international agencies supporting hazardous substance response and radiological incidents.
To request ASPECT assistance, please call: EPA’s Emergency Operations Center at 202-564-3850.
CMAD Technical Personnel
The 16 member team is located in six geographic locations including Washington, D.C.; Erlanger, KY; Raleigh, NC; Edison, NJ; Boston, MA; and Kansas City, KS; and is available to respond and/or provide technical expertise 24/7/365. Most of the staff hold advanced degrees and are experts in the following areas: Biology, Toxicology, Health Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, HVAC Engineering, and Contracts/Grants Management.
Reports, Fact Sheets, and Other Documents
Fact Sheet: Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs
Underground Transport Restoration (UTR) Operational Technology Demonstration (OTD)
Subway Railcar Decontamination with Methyl Bromide
Methyl Bromide Field Operation Guidance (MB FOG) Report
EPA/CDC Interim Clearance Strategy for Environments Contaminated with Anthrax
Operations (including Training/Exercises)
Radiation Task Force Leader (RTFL) Training
The Radiation Task Force Leader (RTFL) Training is a 10-day radiation safety course for EPA Response Support Corps personnel who will augment the existing emergency response program personnel in a response to a major radiological contamination incident. Currently there are 50 trained task force leaders.
Radiation Source Program (RSP)
CMAD’s RSP supports radiological training and exercises by using materials licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The license authorizes the use of the RSP’s sealed radiation sources allowing trainees to experience safe but elevated radiation environments in the field. CMAD provides a “turn-key” solution to the challenge of training in a radioactive environment.
For more information, contact Captain John Cardarelli II, Radiation Safety Officer, at: John Cardarelli (cardarelli.john@epa.gov).