Environmental Sampling & Analytical Methods (ESAM) Program
Launched in 2018, the ESAM Program is a comprehensive resource for field-and-laboratory-ready documents and web-based tools supporting characterization, remediation and post-decontamination following an intentional or accidental homeland security-related contamination incident. As a comprehensive program, ESAM helps coordinate field and laboratory response to chemical, radiochemical, biotoxin and pathogen contamination.
ESAM is currently divided into the below components, which work together to support decisions for environmental remediation and recovery. Having these resources in one location reduces the time needed to search for information during an incident.
Sample Collection: Documents and tools that provide information regarding sample collection following a chemical, radiochemical, biotoxin, or pathogen contamination incident including:
- Sample collection procedures and strategies
- Sample Collection Information Document (SCID) and associated query tool
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Visual Sample Plan (VSP)
Analytical Methods and Protocols: Resources that improve the nation’s laboratory capacity and capability to analyze environmental samples following intentional, accidental or natural contamination incidents involving chemical, biological and/or radiological hazards including:
- EPA’s Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM) and associated query tools
- Collaborative analytical methods and protocols
Data Management and Visualization: Includes publications and tools that assist with managing data associated with environmental sampling and analysis activities following a wide-area chemical, biological or radiological contamination incident including:
- Scribe
- Tools Used for Visualizing Sampling and Analysis Data During Response to a Contamination Incident
- Data Management for Wide-area Responses: Literature Review and Operational Expert Feedback
- Data Management for Wide-area Responses: Technology Evaluation and Operational Expert Feedback
Other Emergency Response Resources and Tools
Below are links to relevant research and tools which support ESAM.
- EPA's Emergency Response and Homeland Security Research provides science and technology needed to effectively respond to and recover from disasters.
- Homeland Security Research Program Models, Tools and Applications provide innovative models, tools, and technologies to aid in making informed decisions related to human health and the environment.