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EPA Establishes Permanent National Homeland Security Research Center
EPA has announced the establishment of a permanent National Homeland Security Research Center, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a restructuring from the original temporary charter into three divisions: threat and consequence assessment, decontamination and consequence management and water infrastructure protection. With the permanent center, EPA will ensure effective design, implementation and oversight of the research and provide clear lines of communication and facilitate interaction within EPA and with other federal agencies, universities, and private sector and research partners.
The permanent staff of the center will increase to 50 scientists, engineers and support personnel located in EPA facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, Research Triangle Park, N.C. and Washington, D.C.
"This action enables EPA to continue to provide the scientific expertise, advice and guidance on homeland security issues to emergency personnel, decision makers and government officials that will result in improved protection for all citizens," said Dr. Paul Gilman, EPA Science Advisor and Assistant Administrator for Research and Development.
EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) was formed on Feb. 4, 2003, to manage, coordinate and support a wide variety of homeland security research and technical assistance efforts assigned to EPA in the wake of the World Trade Center and Capitol Hill anthrax terrorist attacks. The NHSRC was given an initial charter through October 2005 with the understanding that the need for the center would be re-examined prior to the charter's expiration. The center's objective was to produce useful methods, models, and guidance documents for first responders and decision makers in a relatively short time frame.
Since the center's creation, EPA has been given increased responsibility by a number of Homeland Security Presidential Directives and received requests for expert support by the Department of Homeland Security. New responsibilities, continuing research and technology needs, and strong support from EPA regulatory offices, external partners, and customers led to a decision by EPA to make the NHSRC a permanent organization.
For more information on the NHSRC, visit the Internet at: www.epa.gov/nhsrc.
EPA relies on quality science as the basis for sound policy and decision-making. EPA's laboratories and research centers, and EPA's research grantees, are building the scientific foundation needed to support the Agency's mission to safeguard human health and the environment.