Office of Science
FAQ
User Access

Visiting EMSL

EMSL is located in the City of Richland, which is found at the confluence of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers in southeastern Washington. Sitting on the "desert" side of Washington, Richland enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Together with the nearby cities of Pasco and Kennewick, it is often referred to as part of the "Tri-Cities", where the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers meet before heading to the Pacific Ocean. As part of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), EMSL is located on the north Richland campus, most of which is just a short walk away from the Columbia River. View an interactive Hanford map or a map of the PNNL Main Campus.

Additional Information

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Directions to EMSL

From the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, WA: Exit south from the airport parking area until you reach Interstate 182, then travel west toward Richland. Take the George Washington Way exit (Exit 5B). Continue north on George Washington Way for several miles, then turn left onto Battelle Boulevard, and right on Innovation Blvd. EMSL is the large brick building located on the left at the end of Innovation Blvd. A map of the route is available.

From other nearby airports: Directions from Seattle, Washington, Directions from Spokane, Washington, and Directions from Portland, Oregon.

Housing

The Guest House at PNNL is located across the street from EMSL, on the corner of Battelle Boulevard and Innovation Blvd. The facility has 82 rooms, in a variety of styles, which are available to university faculty, students, and others doing business or research with PNNL. All rooms are equipped with full network computer access, individual temperature controls, private baths, and telephones. Rooms with fax machines, cooking facilities, microwaves, and refrigerators are also available.

Note that the Guest House and EMSL are located approximately five miles from downtown Richland. Because taxi service and public transportation options are limited and because there are no available food sources within easy walking distance after 3:00 p.m., users are encouraged to bring a bike or rent a car.

Badging

All EMSL visitors, regardless of nationality, will need to have visitor badges to go past the Lobby. Visitors who are not working in the facility will need to work with their host to obtain visitor badges. Users will need to contact the User Support Office (USO) in advance to provide personal information required by the Department of Energy for badging purposes. The badging process for foreign nationals is more involved, and the request for citizens of some countries must be submitted as much as 6-8 weeks prior to the start of the visit. USO will advise you of the specific documentation required to process your badge.

All individuals must show identification when picking up their badges. Acceptable forms of picture I.D. for U.S. citizens are 1) a valid driver's license with picture, 2) a valid passport, or 3) a military photo I.D. Non-US citizens must bring all of their immigration documents, such as passport, visa, visa expiration documents (I-94, I-20, etc.), or INS card (for permanent U.S. residents). A passport alone for someone in the U.S. on a visa is not adequate.

Hours

Access to EMSL before 7:30 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. requires a proximity access card. Depending on your research needs, access to EMSL can be obtained for a variety of hour ranges. The USO will work with your project host to determine the necessary range of access suited to your research.

Bringing Items

There are restrictions on the types and quantities of chemicals and hazardous materials allowed in EMSL. Please do not send or bring any equipment, samples, or chemicals to EMSL without first coordinating with your host or the User Support Office, (509) 371-6003. They will make sure that EMSL and PNNL are following postal and shipping regulations, and that any new hazards are appropriately noted for the workspace. Samples will not be accepted without advance approval. All equipment must be identified as Property of Others before entering the building.

Parking

Parking at EMSL and other PNNL buildings is free of charge and does not require a permit.

Bus Service

Ben Franklin Transit provides service from EMSL throughout the Tri-Cities, West Richland, Benton City, and Prosser during the work week. For alternate times and route information, call (509) 735-5100, or look at detailed Routes & Maps.

Other Services

Health

First aid stations and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are located throughout the campus. Users seeking medical aid outside of their work hours can contact the following hospitals and clinics:

Kadlec Medical Center 888 Swift Boulevard, Richland (509) 946-4611

Kennewick General Hospital 900 South Auburn, Kennewick (509) 586-6111

Our Lady of Lourdes Health Center 520 North Fourth, Pasco (509) 547-7704

Physicians Immediate Care Clinics 310 Torbett Street, Richland (509) 946-7646 and 550 Gage Boulevard, Richland (509) 628-1362

Amenities

Showers and changing rooms are located in the following buildings:

An ATM machine is located in the EMSL lobby near Dr. Bill's Bistro.

Personal mail can be dropped at the collection box on the PNNL campus on Einstein Street just east of the picnic area. Full mail services are available at the Richland Post Office at 815 Jadwin Avenue. Other post offices can be found by searching the USPS website.

For information on transportation, sight-seeing and things to do, see Local Information on PNNL's visitor page.

User Support Office: , 509-371-6003