Battelle has announced that its company researchers have supported three Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) projects to analyze the timeline of how long COVID-19 lives on a variety of surfaces and what available disinfecting products are effective, the company announced on Wednesday.

“This work is critical to EPA’s efforts to helping America reopen,” said Battelle senior research scientist and project manager Ryan James. “Many governmental and commercial stakeholders are interested in the results that Battelle’s work for EPA will provide.”

With the EPA funding, Battelle will investigate the virus on a variety of materials including stainless steel, laminate and paint that are common in public spaces. There will be a particular focus on materials used on high-touch surfaces in mass transit environments such as transportation vehicles. 

Battelle’s researchers also will study effective methods for removing and preventing contamination on surfaces. Multiple disinfection approaches will also be tested. The team is working with the EPA to select disinfectants with a range of active ingredients from EPA’s existing list of registered products. 

In an additional project, Battelle will analyze how effective germicidal ultraviolet light and ozone treatment are to decontaminate materials from the virus. Researchers will test effectiveness of anti-viral surface pre-treatments to reduce exposure to viruses. Battelle researchers will also assess the effectiveness of electrostatic sprayers to apply antimicrobial coatings for disinfection and contamination prevention.

“We’ll use SARS-CoV-2 and surrogate coronaviruses to determine how long these treatments are effective over time,” said Battelle principal research scientist Meg Howard. “After applying products, we’ll let it undergo natural use and weathering for a period of days or weeks and then add the virus to see if it provides protection.”

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. 

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries.

Jacobs has been appointed to Transport for London's (TfL) renewed Professional Services Framework, across a variety of lots including Project, Program and Portfolio Management, Business Case Management and the new Lean Consultancy, the company reported on Wednesday. 

"Through this framework we look forward to continuing our support for TfL in achieving its objectives and building upon our current portfolio of support, which includes major city changing projects such as the Step Free Access and the Deep Tube Upgrade Programs," said Jacobs People and Places Solutions EMEA SVP and GM Donald Morrison.

TfL is the integrated transport authority responsible for the operation of the public transport network and main roads in London. The framework is designed to enable even greater levels of sustainable travel across the city, while continuing to deliver major infrastructure projects such as Crossrail.

TfL has projected that the framework will operate for a maximum four-year period, with contract mobilization immediately. The contract will provide the TfL organization, the Greater London Authority and London's Borough Authorities to access contemporary consultancy support to enable greater efficiency and effectiveness in project and program delivery. 

Jacobs will support TfL by examining the environmental, health, equality, economic and business effects of London's ULEZ, and through Project Edmond, which analyzed how to best understand population flow and behavior through the transport network to drive sustainable decision-making and transport investment.

About Jacobs

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. With $13 billion in revenue and a talent force of more than 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.