Visiting EMSL
Badging
All EMSL visitors, regardless of nationality, are required to be badged. User Support Office (USS) staff will need to obtain, in advance, some personal information from you to process your badge application. U.S. citizens need to show picture identification when they arrive to pick up their badges. Acceptable forms of picture I.D. for U.S. citizens are:
Additional Information
- Valid driver's license with picture
- Valid passport
- Military photo I.D.
The badging process for foreign nationals is more involved. The request for citizens of some countries must be submitted as much as 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the visit. USS will advise you of the specific documentation required to process the request. All foreign national visitors must bring proof of their immigration status. Proof of status includes a passport, visa, visa expiration documents (I-94, I-20, etc.), or INS card (for permanent U.S. residents). A passport alone for someone here on a visa is not adequate.
Directions to EMSL
From the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA: Exit south from the airport parking area until you reach Interstate 182, then travel west toward Richland. Take the George Washington Way exit (Exit 5B). Continue north on George Washington Way for several miles, then turn left onto Battelle Boulevard, and right on Q Avenue. EMSL is the large brick building located on the left at the end of Q Avenue.
A map of the route is available.
Bringing Items
Chemical Samples – There are restrictions on the types and quantities of chemicals and hazardous materials allowed in EMSL. Contact either the Environmental Compliance Representative (376-4768) or the Chemical and Waste Management Representative (376-4176) before sending or bringing any chemicals into the building.
Any samples or potentially hazardous materials that a user intends to bring or send should have been identified on the proposal form.
Personal Equipment – If bringing or sending equipment please ensure that the equipment is tagged with the name of the institution that owns it, or that it is identified as personal equipment. Staff at the EMSL Lobby Desk and the EMSL loading dock can help obtain tags when needed.
Hours
Access to EMSL before 7:30 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. is via a proximity card. Depending on your research needs, access to EMSL can be obtained for a variety of hour ranges. USS staff can help you determine the necessary range of access suited to your research.
Housing
The Guest House at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is located adjacent to EMSL. This facility has 82 rooms, in a variety of styles, which are available to university faculty, students, and others doing business or research with PNNL. All rooms are equipped with full network computer access, individual temperature controls, private baths, and telephones. Rooms with fax machines, cooking facilities, microwaves, and refrigerators are also available.
Note that the Guest House and EMSL are located approximately five miles from downtown Richland. Because taxi service and public transportation options are limited and because there are no available food sources within walking distance after 3 p.m., users are encouraged to rent a car.
Parking
Parking at EMSL and other PNNL buildings is free of charge and does not require a permit.
