Coastal Security Program Inaugurated

In August 2004, a new coastal security program designed to develop advanced sensors capable of providing early warning of biological, chemical, or nuclear material releases in marine and coastal environments was instituted at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL) Marine Research Operations in Sequim, Washington. PNNL is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by Battelle.

One part of the program will be centered on developing a new generation of sensors and technologies to detect the presence of weapons of mass destruction or ‘signatures’ as they are sometimes identified. For example, researchers will evaluate the use of living marine systems (such as clams and mussels) as biosensors to concentrate and detect the presence of biological, chemical, or nuclear materials in coastal waterways, beaches, and estuaries.

Another will investigate the possibility of developing novel ultra-small nanomaterials to serve as surrogate collectors and sensors. These ‘smart’ sensors are designed to selectively capture and preconcentrate signatures in the marine environment. “The vision is to establish a network of sensors and biosensors that can be easily and inexpensively deployed across wide regions on or near the shore. This network would serve as an early warning system for coastal security,” said Project Manager, Ms. Karen Steinmaus.

Early-warning sensor systems are being developed that can collect samples from the top microlayer of water where contaminants can concentrate, enabling more sensitive, accurate and early identification of contaminants of concern.

Through the program, Battelle researchers also will enhance imaging technologies so intelligence and national and homeland security agencies can better identify and describe potential terrorism targets. Additionally, they will develop and improve ocean transport computer models that can analyze a signature’s origin and predict its future path.

Already a recognized leader in marine sciences research, PNNL established a Coastal Security Institute in 2002 to provide a full set of measurement, assessment, and interpretive tools and capabilities to federal, state, and local governments and those in the commercial sector charged with the security of near-shore regions.

Marine Sciences Division Director, Dr. Richard Ecker, sees both environmental and security research benefiting from the new emphasis. “While PNNL scientists and engineers will apply what they’ve learned through environmental assessment research to our coastal security efforts, our new programs in coastal security will provide reciprocal value for our environmental science counterparts who can leverage them for other government agencies,” Ecker said.

For more information, contact Ms. Karen Steinmaus at (360) 681-3646, karen.steinmaus@pnl.gov, or Mr. Don Bradley, Coastal Security Institute, at (360) 681-4585, don.bradley@pnl.gov.