Working Quickly to Protect the Health and Safety of First Responders During the Opioid Crisis

Early in the opioid crisis, some emergency medical technicians and police officers were hospitalized after being exposed to Fentanyl while on the job. Recognizing this emerging danger to first responders, EPA tasked CSS to prepare a Quick Response Guide on the dangerous drug. With limited published information on the health impacts of fentanyl, our staff reached out to scientists in the US and other countries. We also worked with an EPA toxicology expert to develop Provisional Advisory Levels (PALs) on fentanyl because other federal health agencies lacked updated, useable information. In just 20 weeks, CSS conducted detailed research; obtained and incorporated input from outside experts; wrote large sections of the document; assembled the first draft; presented the draft to On-scene Coordinators in EPA Regions 4 and 5; shepherded 11 subsequent drafts through reviews by all stakeholders; and coordinated with Consequence Management Advisory Division (CMAD) to publish the final 10-page Quick Response Guide on EPA’s website. We continue to update and revise the document as new information becomes available.

Additional Projects

ITC Tank Farm Fire Emergency Response

In response to a dangerous fire EPA ordered CSS’ senior field operations specialists to a facility near Houston where massive tanks stored highly flammable liquids to help manage emergency response activities.

Seafloor Substrate Mapping and Model Validation of Offshore Wind Sites

CSS supported developing a comprehensive seafloor characterization in support of a $3 billion offshore wind energy project in the coastal waters of New York.

IT Support to NOAA Fisheries

Our IT services support included developing and integrating information management systems central to NOAA Fisheries’ management and protection of living marine resources and their habitats

IT Services

Our IT solutions meet clients’ evolving needs.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

We help our clients prepare for and protect the health and environment of communities after disasters and hazmat releases.

Satellite Data Applications

Helping create a more environmentally sustainable, weather-ready, and secure nation through application of earth observation data  

Earth & Space Science Support & Operations

We deliver scientific support to advance our clients’ research goals.

Safety, Health, & Environmental

We provide our clients with tools to protect their workforce, the public, and the environment.

Facilities Operations & Maintenance

We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.

Human Health Risk Assessment

We help advance the understanding of chemical effects on people and the environment.

Get in touch

Contact us to learn more about our projects, capabilities, solutions, and service offerings.