Center for Environmental Restoration, Monitoring, and Emergency Response

Radiation and Indoor Environments Laboratory

The Radiation and Indoor Environments National Laboratory's Center for Environmental Restoration, Monitoring, and Emergency Response (CERMER) measures and monitors the concentration, distribution, and transport of radioactive materials. The Center's goal is to protect public health and the environment through safe management of radiation exposure. Teams are prepared to assess sites throughout the country using a variety of techniques. The Center works cooperatively with laboratory scientists to provide efficient and accurate analysis of radionuclides.

Environmental Restoration

Collecting Gamma Ray Measurements in the Field

CERMER's environmental scientists provide expertise in remediating radioactive contamination at sites throughout the U.S. Many of these sites are being remediated by EPA's Superfund and RCRA programs and the Departments of Energy and Defense.

In addition, the laboratory provides sample collection and analysis services during radiation site assessent and characterization, as well as during cleanup activities.Their mobile radiological laboratories and support vehicles enable them to conduct sample analysis at the site.

CERMER's environmental scientists also shared their expertise with the federal interagency work group that developed the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual. The manual provides guidance for investigating, characterizing, and remediating radioactive contamination in the environment.

MARSSIM (Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual)
A manual of methods for contaminatd site investigation.

Collecting a water sample

Environmental Monitoring

CERMER conducts air, water, vegetation, and soil surveillance studies as preventive and protective measures for public health and safety.

The studies involve a variety of activities:

sampling environmental media ranging from ambient air to deep well water
managing fixed and mobile detection instruments
using satellite communication and geographic information systems to detect radioactive pollutants.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

The core of CERMER's radiation emergency reponse capabilities is a team of experienced specialists and the specially developed Mobile Radiation Laboratory. The team prepares for emergencies by planning and practicing effective response strategies for various emergency situations.

Emergency response staff check instruments

Preparing for an emergency response exercise

The Mobile Environmental Radiation Laboratory and support vehicles are kept ready for rapid deployment and offer many features:

state-of-the-art monitoring and analytical equipment
uninterruptable power supplie
"Air Transportable" certification, which allows them to be air-lifted to emergency sites

CERMER responds to potential emergencies involving ionizing radiation by activating this specially trained team. If needed, the Mobile Environmental Radiation Laboratory can be air transported to sites within hours. Once at the scene, they assess environmental impacts, determing the likelihood and extent of radiation exposure.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Center for Environmental Restoration, Monitoring, and Emergency Response, you can contact us through radiation.questions@epa.gov or by phone: (702) 784-8200.