Research and Development

EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) has relied on Cadmus since 2005 as one of its five top contractors to provide scientific, technical, research, engineering, and modeling support through Cadmus’ five-year contract with ORD’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL). The work awarded through this contract is quite diverse, covering all research areas in which EPA laboratories and program offices may have a need for contractor support. With hiring freezes in some EPA branches and divisions, ORD depends increasingly on the expertise of Cadmus and its selected subcontractors to provide cutting-edge research necessary for protecting human health and the environment.

Cadmus’ work to includes multiple projects to assess a novel, cost-effective method of demolishing abandoned, dilapidated buildings containing asbestos. Such buildings are commonplace in many cities nationwide. They frequently remain vacant for many years, posing law-enforcement and neighborhood property-value problems, before finally collapsing.

Our projects under the contract with ORD also include serving as technical advisors and outreach coordinators to communities interested in participating in decisions and Superfund hazardous waste sites in their neighborhoods. In addition, EPA’s Superfund and Brownfield offices rely on Cadmus expertise to provide quick-turnaround document reviews and other services when they need contractor support that can be mobilized within a matter of weeks or even days to provide critical services.

Cadmus staff provide highly innovative approaches on a GIS-based modeling project for NRMRL staff interested in integrating wetlands into a water quality trading program for the Great Salt Lake in Utah. The methods developed under this project may be applied by Cadmus and EPA to numerous other sites nationwide. Other innovative work conducted under the contract with ORD includes two projects developing case studies for developing a human health and ecological risk assessment research strategy for nanomaterials that could be released in the environment as contaminants. These materials include titanium dioxide commonly used in sunscreens and also in wastewater treatment, and may include nanosilver used in disinfectant sprays.

Cadmus’ status as a leader in drinking water and wastewater issues is not lost on EPA’s Office of Research and Development. Cadmus was selected to conduct three large projects in these areas, ranging from condition assessment of collection systems, to managing the drinking water needs infrastructure survey, to writing up-to-date nutrient control design manuals. Cadmus scientists and engineers keep busy on these projects, ensuring that EPA is provided with the most current information available in these critical areas, and supporting EPA in developing innovative ways to meet national needs for disposing of wastewater and providing drinking water while protecting human health and the environment.