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Water Security |  |
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National Environmental Methods Index for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Methods (NEMI-CBR)National Environmental Methods Index for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Methods (NEMI-CBR) is a secure, on-line, Web-based database for locating, evaluating, comparing, and retrieving analytical methods for chemical, biological, and radiological-related contaminants that could pose a threat to public water supplies. NEMI-CBR includes methods for both screening and confirmation and provides multiple methods for the same analyte, where applicable. The companion expert system, CBR Advisor, is linked to NEMI-CBR and provides advice (based on EPA’s Response Protocol Toolbox) for evaluating threats, safely collecting samples, and selecting the best method for a given situation, even when a contaminant's identity is not known. NEMI-CBR is a modification of the National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) Access to NEMI-CBR will be granted to select individuals from drinking water and wastewater utilities, State Primacy (primary enforcement) Agencies, Federal officials (including government laboratory personnel), and public health agencies. To apply for access to NEMI-CBR, visit: https://cdx.epa.gov/. If you have already been granted access to NEMI-CBR, log in at: https://cdx.epa.gov/SSL/cdx/login.asp.
How could NEMI-CBR be used? NEMI-CBR could be used as a planning and training tool by laboratories in preparation for an intentional or accidental contamination event from chemical, biological, and radiological agents. It could also be used to respond to a specific contamination event. NEMI-CBR can be used either to identify an unknown contaminant or to confirm a known contaminant Who will have access to NEMI-CBR? Access to this password-protected tool will be granted to personnel from drinking water and wastewater utilities, State Primacy (primary enforcement) Agencies, Federal officials (including government laboratory personnel), and public health agencies. EPA is granting access to these individuals because they represent the primary organizations that will be involved in water contamination planning and response. In addition, these groups have the necessary expertise to accurately interpret the data in the database. EPA may grant access to other types of users in the future depending on the need. Where can I find additional information about NEMI-CBR? Please download and read our Fact Sheet (PDF, 2 pp, 94KB), EPA 817-F-08-002, July 2008 Are there other related water security databases? In addition to NEMI-CBR, qualified users may be interested EPA’s Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) and the Standard Analytical Methods (SAM). WCIT is a secure, password-protected, online database that contains information on contaminants of concern that could pose a significant threat to public health if accidentally or intentionally introduced into drinking water or wastewater. WCIT contains peer-reviewed data on contaminants including chemical, biological, and radiological toxins. WCIT can be used as an aid for developing emergency response plans and responding to contamination incidents in drinking water and wastewater systems. Information on the contaminants in WCIT consists of commercial and scientific names, fate and transport behavior in water, toxicity and health effects, medical guidance, drinking water and wastewater treatment protocols, and infrastructure decontamination. EPA’s SAM compendium provides pre-selected methods (validated and non-validated) that could be used in a terrorism event where multiple laboratories would be involved in the response. SAM specifies one method per contaminant/matrix combination to enable sample loads to be shared among laboratories while maintaining data comparability and to simplify the task of outsourcing analytical support to the commercial laboratory sector. The single-method approach will also improve data validation efficiency. SAM includes only confirmatory methods for analytes in a number of matrices (solid, oily-solid, aqueous/liquid, drinking water, air, surface, and dust). Whom should I contact for more information concerning NEMI-CBR? For more information, please send an email to nemi@usgs.gov. |
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