Our support of the EPA’s National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) provides a significant example of our experience with the chemical analysis of water samplesNARS is a large collaborative program between EPA, states and tribes to conduct a statistically-based survey of the status of the nation’s waters.  The nation’s lakes, rivers and streams, wetlands and coastal waters are sampled iteratively over a five-year period.  Over forty-five states participate in the program.  The EPA generates an assessment report of the environmental condition of the water bodies sampled in a given year. The chemistry data we provide is a major component of that determination.  Key highlights of our support for NARS are included below.

  • Provided analytical chemistry support for NARS since its inception in 2007 and analyzed 850-1050 water samples a year for the program. 
  • Analyzed 12 to 23 chemical constituents annually depending on the water bodies being sampled in a particular year (e.g., coastal waters, lakes, rivers), including nitrate, nitrite and total phosphorus. 
  • Completed analyses following a strict schedule of sample hold times. 
  • Prepared comprehensive database of results and QC/QA data for the EPA.
  • Prepared and maintained an EPA-approved laboratory quality assurance plan and 20 EPA-approved SOPs.
  • Documented analytical performance for NARS work in annual updates of Data Quality Summary Report (DQSR)
  • Managed and cross-trained staff to meet analytical, sample load, and technical expertise requirements
  • Maintained staff competency based on results of multiple proficiency testing studies; peer review of calibration, sample, and QC data; and critique of control charts.

Additional Projects

Analysis for Coastal Operational Resiliency

CSS assisted with planning and executing a demonstration of three decontamination technologies on a USCG vessel contaminated with a benign surrogate for anthrax.

Quick Response Guides for Emergency Response

CSS prepares tactical, field, and quick response guides used by EPA OSCs and other first responders to address a wide range of contaminants.

Network Engineering Design and Support

CSS engineers and deploys large-scale networks to support multi-campus and multi-facility environments.

Satellite Data Applications

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

Earth & Space Science Support & Operations

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

Emergency Preparedness & Response

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

Safety, Health, & Environmental

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

IT Services

Our IT solutions meet clients’ evolving needs.

Environmental Resource Assessment & Management

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

Facilities Operations & Maintenance

We understand your facility support needs and deliver customized solutions.

Get in touch

Contact us to learn more about our projects, capabilities, solutions, and service offerings.