EPA Resources

Learn about EPA's emergency response teams and about specialized equipment that we can deploy to collect information about chemical spills and pollutants emitted during a disaster.

ASPECT early reconnaissance airplane
DataRAM
Dive teams
Infrared camera
Laboratory
Logistics Response Vehicle
National Decontamination Team
Radiological Emergency Response Team
Trace atmospheric gas analyzer

ASPECT early reconnaissance airplane

First responders to a disaster need information about chemical leaks. And they need it fast.

A partnership between EPA and the Department of Defense led to the development of equipment mounted in a small aircraft, allowing the collection of detailed chemical information from a safe distance.

The equipment, known as the Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental Collection Technology (ASPECT), is an emergency response sensor package operated by EPA. The information ASPECT collects can immediately be sent to a ground unit giving emergency workers at the scene the data they need to safely respond to a disaster.

Audio | Brochure (1p, 71 KB)| Picture

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DataRAM air monitor

The DataRAM is a portable, battery-powered monitor often used in emergency response situations because it gives immediate readings of particulate matter levels in the air. The instrument continuously monitors and logs the real-time concentration and median particle size of airborne dust, smoke, mist and fumes. In addition, the air temperature and humidity are displayed and recorded.

Audio | Manufacturer's brochure on DataRAM 4 (4 pp, 85 KB)| Manufacturer's brochure on personalDataRAM (2 pp, 898 KB)| Picture

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Dive teams

Since many environmental emergencies affect not only air and land but also water, some EPA Regional offices have created dive teams to retrieve materials and conduct sampling in ocenas, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas. The teams are trained to dive in contaminated, low-visibility water, and to perform diver rescues. They participate in frequent refresher courses and exams to sharpen their skills. EPA dive teams provide a wide variety of services including environmental monitoring, sampling and field investigation in support of research, environmental response and criminal and civil enforcement activities. Having scientists and engineers who are able to work directly in the underwater environment makes our emergency response teams more efficient and effective.

Audio on EPA South Central Office (Region 6) Dive Team | EPA South Central Office (Region 6) Dive Team Brochure (1p, 28 KB)

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Infrared camera

Following an emergency, the EPA uses various modes of transportation, including helicopters equipped with a high-tech camera to detect chemical spills and leaks from a variety of sources as part of the rapid needs assessment. The camera can detect potentially hazardous chemical releases from tanks, barges, pipelines, rail cars, industrial facilities and other operations.

Inspectors or emergency response personnel use the camera for follow-up investigations if releases are detected. The infrared camera is another tool in EPA's ongoing efforts to rapidly identify and address potential environmental threats in affected areas.

Audio | Brochure (1p, 34 KB)

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Laboratories

EPA's laboratories in our Regional offices are vital parts of emergency response activities.

The labs provide timely and accurate scientific analysis to help field personnel make sound decisions about response and recovery activities. Learn, for example, more about EPA's Houston lab, which supports our Region 6 office in Dallas.

Houston Lab Audio | Houston Lab Brochure (2 pp, 69 KB)

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Logistics Response Vehicle

Emergency response personnel in our South Central office in Dallas (EPA Region 6) use the logistics response vehicle (LRV) to provide quick and effective communication during an incident. This “office on wheels” contains telephone and internet connections, televisions, a presentation room, and a satellite to facilitate conference calls. Completed in June 2007, the LRV streamlines the response process by eliminating the time and resources it takes to contract out for the same equipment and space.

The LRV has been used in response to floods in Oklahoma, as well as in several training exercises. This cost-effective, easy-to-operate system makes emergency response smoother for EPA staff and for the citizens affected by disaster.

Audio | Brochure (1p, 29 KB)

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National Decontamination Team

The National Decontamination Team is part of EPA’s Office of Emergency Management. It uses state-of-the-art decontamination technologies to help organizations and communities recover after wide-spread contamination.

Audio | Brochure (1p, 63 KB)| Picture

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Radiological Emergency Response Team

The Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT) responds to emergencies involving releases of radioactive materials. Working closely with federal, state and local agencies, RERT responds to emergencies ranging from incidents at nuclear power plants, to transportation accidents involving radioactive materials, to deliberate acts of nuclear terrorism.

Learn more about RERT.

Audio | Radiation Emergency FAQs Brochure (CDC.gov) (4 pp, 115 KB)| Understanding Radiation in Our World: Supplement for Journalists (National Safety Council) (16 pp, 67 KB)| Radioactive Contamination and Radiation Exposure Brochure (CDC.gov) (2 pp, 82 KB)| Picture

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Trace atmospheric gas analyzer

In response to a disaster, EPA will use a self-contained mobile laboratory to monitor air quality. The mobile unit, named Trace Atmospheric Gas Analyzer (TAGA), is capable of real-time sampling and analysis. It can detect chemicals at very low parts-per-billion levels. TAGA also has specialized sampling equipment to use at remote locations and to measure indoor air quality. TAGA aids EPA's efforts to rapidly identify and address potential environmental threats in disaster areas.