Coordinating Emergency Response Operations Following a Massive Industrial Fire

Technical Guidance and Oversight Support at the ITC Tank Farm Fire Response

In March 2019, a dangerous fire broke out and began to spread at a facility near Houston where massive tanks stored highly-flammable liquids. As firefighters fought to bring the blaze under control, EPA ordered CSS’ senior field operations specialists to the scene to help manage emergency response activities.  We mobilized on site within 13 hours and began supporting the Unified Command. Our field experts deployed and supervised EPA’s response staff and equipment during the 11-hour overnight shift.  We served as a technical liaison between the operator of the tank farm and the lead EPA On-Scene Coordinator and state representatives, communicating up-to-date information on site conditions and firefighting efforts. We also managed a unified three-member air monitoring team that monitored for volatile organic compounds at the scene and for benzene within a 5-mile radius of the ITC Tank Farm location. 

“Just a note to tell you how much I enjoyed working with the three of you over the past 17 days…You have an amazing amount of knowledge and experience to ensure the safety of Texans… and even more amazing is how much care y’all have shown over this event, even when I know you had to be exhausted from working overnights…” Steve Mason, EPA Region 6

Additional Projects

Industrial Hygiene Services for the Army Public Health Command (APHC)

CSS served as the prime contractor performing facility-wide industrial hygiene (IH) surveys and assessments at 16 CONUS and 8 OCONUS Army installations for FY2016. We scheduled and executed surveys using teams of IH professionals for large-scale (NTE 200 shops surveys, 400 ventilation evaluations, 100 sound level measurements, and 100 noise dosimetry measurements per Army installation)…

Emergency Response Planning for New York City

CSS’ staff worked EPA Consequence Management Advisory Division (CMAD) to develop an integrated framework for responding if a biological agent was released over a wide area in New York City.

IT Support to NOAA Fisheries

Our IT services support included developing and integrating information management systems central to NOAA Fisheries’ management and protection of living marine resources and their habitats

Emergency Preparedness & Response

We help our clients prepare for and protect the health and environment of communities after disasters and hazmat releases.

Environmental Resource Assessment & Management

We apply science to address challenges affecting the nation’s natural resources.

IT Services

Our IT solutions meet clients’ evolving needs.

Earth & Space Science Support & Operations

We deliver scientific support to advance our clients’ research goals.

Satellite Data Applications

Helping create a more environmentally sustainable, weather-ready, and secure nation through application of earth observation data  

Safety, Health, & Environmental

We provide our clients with tools to protect their workforce, the public, and the environment.

Facilities Operations & Maintenance

We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.

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