April 22, 2004 -- Following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the need for readily accessible information on the capabilities and capacities of environmental laboratories to respond to contamination of our air, soil, and water.
In response to this need, EPA developed the Compendium of Environmental Testing Laboratories, a web-based tool designed to collect, disseminate, and maintain information on laboratories that analyze chemical, biological and radiochemical analytes most likely to be associated with a contamination incident.
The Compendium was developed as a tool to quickly identify laboratories with the capabilities to support incident-specific response and recovery-a critical function not currently available elsewhere. In non-emergency situations, the Compendium serves as a valuable resource for Agency offices seeking analytical services.
The compendium tool is intended for emergency response and laboratory personnel. At this point in time, access to the compendium is limited to State and Federal users and water utilities.
EPA anticipates the Compendium will contain information on approximately 900 laboratories by the end of 2004.
As additional laboratories participate in this effort, the Compendium will serve as an invaluable tool to water utilities, emergency responders, and Federal, State, and local agencies in responding to contamination threats, terrorist attacks, or natural disasters.
Visit http://www.epa.gov/gov/compendium/ for more information.
