EPA's Environmental Response Laboratory Network - Preparing for CBRN IncidentsCollaborative Efforts to Improve Environmental Monitoring
Oral Presentation
Prepared by C. Langlois-Miller, S. Cendrowski
US EPA, CBRN CMAT, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20460, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 202-853-7765
ABSTRACT
The Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ERLN) is EPA's national network of public and private CBRN laboratories that can be accessed as needed to support large scale environmental responses. With the threat of a chemical, biological, or radiological attack to the United States becoming more complex, the need for accurate, timely environmental testing capabilities becomes even more crucial.
EPA's ERLN is responsible for the testing of environmental samples and is also a member network of the Integrated Consortium of Laboratory Networks (ICLN), an interagency group that coordinates federally-sponsored analytical laboratory services for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents. As part of the ICLN, the ERLN provides surge laboratory capacity support to other federal agencies in the event that the number of samples generated during an incident response exceeds the dedicated laboratory capacity.
The ERLN program has undergone some recent updates, including development of a new CBRN Environmental Laboratory Database and a revision of membership requirements. ERLN member laboratories enter their capabilities into the database, which is available for EPA On-Scene Coordinators or EPA’s Special Teams to search. ERLN member laboratories are also able to participate in CBRN laboratory exercises coordinated by the ICLN and 9 federal agencies supporting the ICLN. The ERLN’s integration of public sector laboratories with accredited private sector laboratories allows for a unique capability to serve the nation by improving preparedness for a nationally significant event.
