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View over Earth looking at the sun


55 Years of Earth Day!

Since April 22, 1970 — that’s 55 years! — we’ve celebrated Earth Day to raise environmental awareness and support for environmental protection. At CSS we have a passion for the environment and through various government contracts, we work with our clients to overcome challenges to help protect this rock we call home. Below are a…

Artist rendering of NOAA satellite in orbit


Engaging in New and Emergent Satellite Technologies

CSS employee owners (formerly Riverside employees) support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service’s (NESDIS) Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). STAR is the science arm of NESDIS, which acquires and manages the nation’s environmental satellites for NOAA. Satellite observations are critical to informing situational awareness and…

satellite photo of the destruction path of a tornado


Providing Data Products for More Effective Consumption

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) is responsible for providing data, products, and services that help businesses and organizations operate more efficiently and effectively. As such, these data and products need to be available in a publicly accessible and digestible format the audience are able to understand.   To…

Woman in a lab cuts into abdomen of a marine mammal


Assisting South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network

CSS employee owner and Marine Mammal Microplastic Specialist supporting NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science assists the South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network in responding to dead marine mammals when they strand on beaches or estuaries throughout South Carolina. This is work is critical for human and environmental health because it provides invaluable samples…

microscopic view of an organism


Training Citizen Scientists on Identifying Harmful Phytoplankton Within their Communities

Since 2018, CSS employee owners have provided support to NOAA’s Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN) program, which is managed out of NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). NOAA’s Phytoplankton Monitoring Network provides a highly valued bridge between the public and aquatic ecosystem researchers. Through this program, citizen scientists collect water samples from their designated…

View over a valley with a fog settled between the mountains


Monitoring Air Quality in California’s San Joaquin Valley

CSS employee owners supported the deployment and operation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality monitoring trailer (WEAVE COM – Western Enhanced Air quality VEhicle for COmmunity Monitoring) in California’s San Joaquin Valley in during late fall and early winter of 2024.  Elevated particulate matter (PM2.5) is frequently found throughout the valley during…

Person in a laboratory works on an instrument


Monitoring Algal Blooms for Harmful Toxins

CSS employee owners support NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) Sensor Development Team in their efforts to detect and monitor these harmful algal blooms in coastal waters where they are likely to occur. HAB monitoring is critical for detecting harmful toxins produced by some algae. When present in over…


Laura Nielsen

Leadership TeamLaura Nielsen Vice President, Operations Ms. Nielsen plays a critical role in overseeing various aspects of company operations, particularly focusing on the contracting and subcontracting processes. She provides support across multiple domains including administration, office management, business development, proposal support, contract management, event planning, and program management. Additionally, Laura is entrusted with the oversight…


Brian Ashe

Leadership TeamBrian Ashe Senior Vice President Mr. Ashe joined CSS with the acquisition of Riverside Technology and is responsible for satellite development, weather and environmental intelligence programs. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Cornell University and master’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Denver.