About EPA
About the Radiation and Indoor Environments National Laboratory (RIENL)
What We Do
The R&IE laboratory protects the public and the environment by minimizing exposure to radiation and indoor air pollution through environmental measurements, applied technologies, and education. We also provide scientific and technical support for the Agency’s radiation, ambient air quality and indoor environments programs at EPA headquarters and in EPA Regional offices throughout the nation, and for other federal agencies, tribal, state, and local governments, and private industry.
Organization
Ron Fraass, Director
- Biography
- Phone: (702) 784-8200
- Email: fraass.ron@epa.gov
Andrea Stafford, Deputy Director
- Phone: (702) 784-8203
- Email: stafford.andrea@epa.gov
The Radiation and Indoor Environments National Laboratory includes:
- Center for Radioanalysis and Quality Assurance
- Center for Environmental Restoration, Monitoring, and Emergency Response
- Center for Indoor Environments
Center for Radioanalysis and Quality Assurance (CRQA)
Acting Director: Paul Weeden
- Phone: (702) 798-2301
- Email: weeden.paul@epa.gov
What We Do: The Center for Radioanalysis and Quality Assurance analyzes monitoring and sampling data. The Center’s mission is to provide accurate analysis of radionuclides in environmental surveillance samples and to demonstrate safe management of waste disposal.
Radioanalysis: CRQA offers a variety of specialized laboratory services:
- detection of low-level radiation,
- analysis of environmental collection samples such as water, soil, sediments, air filters, ashed biological materials, and vegetation,
- fixed and mobile laboratories equipped with an array of samplers and counters, and preparation and analysis of environmental samples.
CRQA's comprehensive analytical laboratory specializes in:
- radiochemistry,
- high resolution gamma spectroscopy, and
- thermoluminescent dosimetry.
Strictest quality assurance standards are applied to all analyses in the laboratory. CRQA maintains a close relationship with field monitoring personnel for rapid, carefully controlled processing of samples from collection through analysis and documentation. CRQA applies advanced computer support in sample tracking and data management to ensure complete and concise radiation data.
CRQA is accredited by the Department of Energy Laboratory Accreditation Program as a processor of personnel thermoluminescent dosimetry. CRQA participates in external quality assurance intercomparison programs such as the EPA Radiation Quality Assurance Program. All radioanalytical instrument calibration standards are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology to ensure that all analytical equipment functions with accuracy.
Quality Assurance: CRQA also shares in EPA's responsibility for regulating many Department of Energy nuclear waste activities. CRQA oversees DOE's waste characterization data to assess completeness and compliance with applicable quality assurance requirements.
With thorough knowledge of waste management, CRQA can review and verify various aspects of nuclear waste activities:
- repository design and site characterization,
- safe waste storage and management, and
- controlled migration of radionuclides.
Center for Environmental Restoration, Monitoring, and Emergency Response (CERMER)
Acting Director: Roger Goodman
- Phone: (702) 784-8326
- Email: goodman.roger@epa.gov
What We Do: The Center for Environmental Restoration, Monitoring, and Emergency Response measure 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: 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, Enhanced Radiological Ground Scanning System (ERGS) 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 taht developed the Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation Manual. The manual provides guidance for investigating, characterizing, and remediating radioactive contamination in the environment.
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 response capabilities is a team of experienced specialists, emergency response radiation detection/monitoring instrument, isotope identifier, specialized equipment, large trucks and vehicles, support equipment and the specially developed Mobile Radiation Laboratory. The team prepares for emergencies by planning and practicing effective response strategies for various emergency situations.
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 supplies
- "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, determining the likelihood and extent of radiation exposure.
Center for Indoor Environments (CIE)
Director: Emilio Braganza III
- Phone: (702) 784-8280
- Email: braganza.emilio@epa.gov
What We Do: The Center for Indoor Environments is a multi-disciplinary facility providing training and technical support in the program areas of radon, indoor environments, and ambient monitoring quality assurance. Scientific and technical staff provide support to the Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Center, which supports tribal communities for ambient and indoor air monitoring. The Center also includes a radon laboratory, which provides technical assistance to federal, state, and local government radon programs and to private industry. The Center staff also assists the Office of Air Quality, Planning, and Standards in particulate matter-related quality assurance activities.