- Success Stories, Uncategorized
- Emergency Preparedness & Response
Assisting with Design and Validation of Mobile Chemical Analysis Laboratory
Portable High-throughput Integrated Laboratory Identification System (PHILIS) is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) suite of mobile laboratories designed to provide on-site analysis of chemical agents. CSS employee owners support the PHILIS team with on-site responses and chemical analysis. CSS PHILIS teams recently supported the technical design and integration of state-of-the-art emergency response mobile laboratory units engineered for the rapid detection and quantification of hazardous materials. CSS PHILIS teams in Castle Rock, Colorado and Edison, New Jersey collaborated with EPA and MRIGlobal — a research- and technology-focused contract company — representatives to orchestrate the configuration of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, and preparatory systems to ensure benchtop-level performance under mobile conditions. CSS staff validated all critical support systems, including electrical, information technology (or IT), climate control system (or HVAC), vibration isolation, fume hoods, cabinetry and chemical storage, plumbing, power, fire, lighting, vacuum, and high-purity gas delivery systems. CSS chemistry staff upgraded and organized the current facility to best support the new laboratory units by implementing a transition and decontamination plan, installing an upgraded electrical system with higher voltage and amperage power supplies, and training staff on safe practices in use and movement of the new labs and equipment. CSS staff ensured that the laboratory adhered to safety standards while optimizing workflow for the hazardous material sample receiving, preparation, processing, analysis, and review while deployed to support EPA emergency response activities.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more about PHILIS.
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Assisting South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network
CSS employee owner and Marine Mammal Microplastic Specialist supporting NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science assists the South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network in responding to dead marine mammals when they strand on beaches or estuaries throughout South Carolina. This is work is critical for human and environmental health because it provides invaluable samples…
Engaging in New and Emergent Satellite Technologies
CSS employee owners (formerly Riverside employees) support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service’s (NESDIS) Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). STAR is the science arm of NESDIS, which acquires and manages the nation’s environmental satellites for NOAA. Satellite observations are critical to informing situational awareness and…
Supporting Guam’s Chemical Round Up
Senior chemist working on the CSS contract with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) supported the Guam Lab Chemicals Round Up in March of 2024 and July of 2025. During both mobilizations, START supported EPA’s mission to collect chemical waste items from across the U.S. island territory of Guam for off-island transport and disposal. As a field chemist, CSS employee…