Edgewood Chemical Biological Center The U . S . Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center ( ECBC ) is the United States ’ s principal research and development resource for non - medical chemical and biological ( CB ) defense . As a critical national asset in the CB defense community , ECBC supports all phases of the acquisition life - cycle ― from basic and applied research through technology development , engineering design , equipment evaluation , product support , sustainment , field operations and demilitarization ― to address its customers ’ unique requirements . ECBC has full - time employees located at three different sites in the United States : Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground ( APG ) , Md . , Pine Bluff , Ark . , and Rock Island , Ill . It is a research , development and engineering center ( RDEC ) under the U . S . Army Research , Development and Engineering Command ( RDECOM ) . History . ECBC ’ s science and technology expertise has protected the United States from the threat of chemical weapons since 1917 when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that designated Gunpowder Neck , Md . , as the site for the first chemical shell filling plant in the United States . Since that time , the Center has expanded its mission to include biological materials and emerges today as the nation ' s premier authority on chemical and biological defense . Click here for a detailed ECBC historical timeline . ECBC has a history of developing technologies in the areas of detection , protection and decontamination . The Center ’ s reputation and track record have produced invaluable relationships with other federal agencies and earned it a spot as a key organization within the Department of Defense ’ s ( DoD ) Chemical Biological Defense Program ( CBDP ) , which manages national defense strategies and ensures that military operations are unconstrained by chemical , biological , radiological , nuclear and explosives ( CBRNE ) effects . As a fee - for - service government organization , ECBC continues to evolve its mission and vision to best support stakeholders ’ requirements . Mission . Integrate lifecycle science , engineering and operations solutions to counter CBRNE threats to U . S . forces and the nation . Vision . Premier Resource for CBRNE Solutions , Uniting and Informing the National Defense Community . Core Competence . Working Safely with chemical and biological agents in research , engineering and operations for DoD & nation Critical core capabilities . 1 . CB Agent Spectroscopy / Algorithm Development : This capability includes critical research associated with detection of chemical and biological materials from a distance . 2 . Inhalation Toxicology : Extensive scientific expertise , equipment and unique facilities to evaluate the toxicological impact of chemical agents and toxins on animals in highly controlled / instrumented conditions . 3 . Aerosol Physics : Scientific knowledge equipment and facilities are used to apply aerosol physics concepts to the development of predictive models for in - depth understanding of bacteria and virus particles . 4 . Filtration Sciences : Scientific capabilities and research are applied to determine more efficient methods to protect from toxic airborne respiratory hazards . 5 . OPCW Laboratory : ECBC is designated under the Chemical Warfare Convention ’ s ( CWC ) Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) as a designated laboratory to accurately and predictably identify chemical compounds prohibited by the CWC . 6 . Emerging Threats Science / Technology & Testing : Critical expertise and facilities to safely research emerging toxic threats , including synthesis , toxicity , properties ( chemical / physical ) , persistence , decontamination and environmental fate . 7 . Single Small - Scale Facility : ECBC maintains the only declared facility under the CWC where chemical compounds regulated by the treaty can be produced for protective purposes . 8 . CB Agent Handling and Surety : Expert level safety , industrial hygiene , security , surety and environmental protection professionals focused on maintaining ECBC ’ s critical national core competency to safely handle the world ’ s most toxic chemical and biological materials . 9 . Chemical Munitions Field Operations : Field deployable scientists , engineers , technicians and explosives specialists with chemical / biological agent surety expertise provide this unique capability for remediation of CB agent materials and other sensitive materials . 10 . Lifecycle CB Materiel Acquisition : ECBC drives technology transitions from research to engineering and development to production , fielding , and sustainment . 11 . CB Concept Through Sustainment Solutions : Using recent technologies available throughout industry and the Government , ECBC can rapidly execute complex projects covering all interdisciplinary aspects of design , development and production to meet the diverse range of customer requirements across the CBRNE community . 12 . Full - Service CB Testing : ECBC retains the expertise and cutting - edge infrastructure to test product performance in surety and non - surety environments . 13 . Chemistry and Bioscience of CB Warfare : Provide basic scientific understanding of chemistry and bioscience aspects of chemicals , toxins and biological organisms that may have potential as biological or chemical warfare materials . Major Facilities . Advanced Chemistry Laboratory Built 2005 Description / History : Chemistry laboratory McNamara Life Sciences Building Built 1997 Description / History : General purpose laboratory test building Bio Engineering Laboratory Built 1991 Description / History : Chemistry and biology laboratories Forensic Analytical Center Built 1993 Description / History : Chemistry / biology laboratory Engineering & Test Facilities Toxic Test Chambers Built 1943 Description / History : Hazardous material test facility Built 1971 Description / History : Hazardous material test facility Prototype Detonation Test and Destruction Facility Berger Engineering Complex Built 1989 Description / History : Engineering laboratory Recent Facilities Construction . Standoff Detection Technology Evaluation Facility Sample Receipt Facility ( SRF ) Currently under construction Chemical Transfer ( Single Small - Scale ) Facility Built 1983 Description / History : Chemistry laboratory