- 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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Strengthening Risk Communications Training Support to Clients
A CSS employee owner supporting NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management (sub-contracted through Lynker Technologies) has been working closely with colleagues to develop, improve, and deliver trainings related to risk communication. The CSS trainer delivered their first training of Building Risk Communications Skills in Rhode Island to an audience of over 30 coastal managers, planners, practitioners, and a U.S. Representative. The training was well received and will help participants develop new…
Supporting Response Efforts Following California Fires
Following the fires that devastated Los Angeles, California and surrounding areas in January 2025, CSS employee owners were deployed to the area as a subcontractor to Weston Solutions, Inc. to assist with the response. This effort supports U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 Superfund Technical Assessment & Response Team (START) program. Initially, a CSS…
Employees Receive Green Sustainability Award of Excellence
Congratulations to our team supporting the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for receiving the Green Sustainability Award of Excellence. Our team led the charge helping CDC to upgrade their spill cabinets across all campuses (Atlanta, GA; Fort Collins, CO; San Juan, PR), which now include a more sustainable material called Trivorex ®. This highly absorbent…