Stormwater modeling tools can be useful for predicting the precipitation-driven transport of contamination in the environment, and these models can be used following an intentional or natural disaster to aid decision makers for a variety of tasks, including developing sampling an...

Reducing the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 relies on effective cleaning and disinfection, along with continued social distancing practices. EPA researchers are evaluating innovative ways to inactivate aerosolized virus and reduce airborne transmission of COVID-19 in large spaces...

This presentation provides a summary of tests conducted to determine the virucidal effects of Artemesia tilesii against bacteriophages MS2 and Phi6. Suspension tests conducted with the plant extract indicate no major difference between bacteriophage suspended in deionized water v...

As more workplaces, schools, and other mass gathering areas begin to reopen, they will need to think about the following three components of their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic: best cleaning approaches for common areas, monitoring water quality and water management pla...

This technical brief summarizes research conducted in EPA's Homeland Security Research Program to support development of technologies and practices for managing and treating decontamination wash water resulting from a Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) contamination incident. This bri...

This presentation summarizes the results of lab studies on the inactivation of UVC light against SARS-CoV-2 and two surrogate viruses as well as results from a field study in collaboration with LA Metro that measured UVC doses at various locations in a metro car outfitted with UV...

Development of numerical models to predict stormwater-mediated transport of pathogenic spores in the environment depends on an understanding of adhesion forces that dictate detachment after rain events. Zeta potential values were measured for Bacillus globgii and Bacillus thuring...

Presentation of preliminary results to LA Metro on the disinfection of surfaces with MS2 viruses (a surrogate to SARS-CoV-2) in the presence of UVC light.

Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent for anthrax, is a dangerous pathogen to humans and has a history as a bioterrorism agent. While sampling methods have been developed and evaluated for characterizing and clearing contaminated indoor sites, the performance of these sampling ...

The main objective of this study was to compare the re suspension of an inert sugar-based surrogate, known as DNA Tagged Reagents for Aerosol Experiments (DNATrax) developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) under variable humidity conditions for an underground sub...

Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a persistent contaminant that poses a significant risk to human health and the environment. Understanding the fate and transport of Cs-137 following a contamination incident is necessary for effective containment and remediation. In this study, we performed...

The Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER) in the Office of Research and Development at the US Environmental Protection Agency conducts research to enhance response capabilities and community resilience to manmade and natural disasters. Following an int...

Following a terrorist attack or natural disaster, contamination could be spread broadly throughout the environment. The intentional or accidental release of chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) agents is particularly concerning in large cities, where densely populated area...

Following a bioterrorist attack, materials contaminated with a biological agent pose significant health threats. A six-month outdoor sampling study was conducted using Bacillus globigii (Bg) to compare the spore recovery of traditional vs. emerging sampling methods over time. Bg ...

Following a terrorist attack or natural disaster, chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) contamination can be spread broadly throughout the environment.For example, rainfall may mobilize and further spread contamination into areas and/or infrastructure that was not initially...

The US Coast Guard (USCG) is on the front lines of our Nation’s effort to protect the American people, homeland, and way of life. Through a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funded research study, the US Coast Guard is working with Homeland Security Research Program at the US...

This presentation introduces the EPA's Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) at a university level. It provides a broad overview of SWMM's capabilities and discusses some typical use cases. It also provides links to additional information and resources related to SWMM.

This report was prepared to evaluate the feasibility of using rapid manufacturing technologies (i.e., computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling, printing) to develop three-dimensional (3D) physical models as surrogates for outdoor field experiments. These models have the potent...