What we do

Integral to the Northern New Mexico College (Northern) Environmental Science program’s ability to monitor hazardous materials in the environment, the core competency of HSA is our ability to verify decontamination effectiveness through an evaluation process using non-toxic, fluorescing simulated contaminants; material tracking techniques; one-of-a-kind facilities; and expert personnel to provide decontamination research, test & evaluation, and education.  Education, training, research, and testing provide crucial real-time, visible evidence of decontamination success or failure.

HSA uses performance-based learning; unique tools and techniques; and the Contaminated Doffing Principles (CDP) developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to greatly improve the chances for a successful decontamination. Decontamination skills must be learned hands-on; there is no way to get around that. Training under realistic conditions with performance feedback that provides visible evidence is the standard for excellence.

HSA scientists seek to add to the body of knowledge regarding the minimization of cross contamination by understanding through comparison of inert simulant analytes and harmful contaminants based on behavior, volumetrics, and gravimetrics.

Located at 4525 Highway 14, Building 1B, Santa Fe, NM 87508-9602
Contact: Miguel A.Vigil mavigil@nnmc.edu 505.471-1515 or Camilla Bustamante, PhD MPH at cbustamante@nnmc.edu or 505.747.5454 for more information.