United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
(4102)
EPA 800-B-98-001
August 1998
&EPA Water Program
Information Systems
Compendium—FY1998
Tools for
Making
Water Program
Decisions
-------
Cover design: Winslow Homer sketch of navigators on the Grand Banks
Courtesy of NOAA Photo Library
This document was prepared under Contract Numbers 68-W9-0039,68-C9-0029, and 69-C7-0018. Ms. Wendy
Blake-Coleman served as the manager for the project.
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EPA Water Program
Information Systems Compendium
Tools for Making
Water Program
Decisions
August 30, 1998
The URL for this document is
http://www.epa.gov/ow/compendium.html
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV 1558
Acknowledgments
I want to thank the staff of the Office of Water, other EPA programs, other federal
agencies, and environmental organizations, who played an essential role in collecting
systems information and reviewing the EPA Water Program Information Systems
Compendium.
Special thanks go to Deborah Thompson, Sherri Truss, and Delono Walton for the
countless hours they spent compiling and organizing the system information for the
Compendium.
Diane Regas, Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator
Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY ") 998
Preface
The Office of Water (OW) issued the first edition of the Office of Water Environmental and
Program Information Systems Compendium in 1990. It was revised and re-released in 1992. In
the 8 years since the first release of the Compendium, the direction of the Water Program and
information management technology have dramatically evolved. The Water Program
increasingly uses place-based approaches, such as watershed assessments and source water
protection assessments, as the basis for making policy and programmatic decisions.
Programmatic progress is evaluated with environmental indicators and performance measures.
The program has begun to display water resource status nationally by watershed in the Index of
Watershed Indicators. In addition, the use of geographic information systems and the Internet as
tools for program management has expanded exponentially since 1990 and now provides
opportunities to share and integrate data across organizations in ways unimaginable 8 years ago.
All of these elements have led to changes in the types of data needed in the Water Program and
have altered the ways that OW staff collect, access, manage, display, analyze, and transmit data.
This revision reflects the current state of information systems and tools within OW as well as 76
other water-related environmental information systems outside the OW that are instrumental to
managing the Water Program.
The Compendium has been modified in several ways to reflect both programmatic and
information technology changes that have occurred since 1990. A key water system, the Permit
Compliance System (PCS), moved to the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
(OECA) during a 1994 reorganization. Because PCS is critical to fulfilling the Water Program
mission, it was retained as a key Water Program system. The Compendium was renamed the
EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium to reflect the move of PCS from the
Office of Water to OECA. The section of the report entitled Selected Water-Related Information
Systems has been expanded to contain 76 non-OW systems (there were only 15 in 1992). This
expansion reflects the greater dependence of Water Program staff on information provided by
other organizations to complete watershed and source water protection assessments. The
inclusion of several earth science, toxic material, and demographic databases reflects the
increased emphasis by users of water data both within and outside EPA on geographically based
analyses and analyses integrating data from many sources. The inclusion of information
clearinghouses demonstrates our evolution in the areas of cross-program data exchange and
public awareness. It also highlights our efforts to eliminate duplication of effort in the areas of
data collection and management.
The evolution of the Internet since the completion of the last edition of the Compendium in 1992
resulted in substantial changes in the way information is presented. Some of the OW systems
were replaced by information made available on the Internet, and many others have Internet-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Preface
based components. Where applicable, this Compendium provides current Internet addresses,
known as Universal Resource Locators (URLs), for all systems listed. In addition, a new section
has been added to discuss the use of the Internet for providing water information to the public. A
list of web sites providing links to environmental program information, as well as specific
information systems and databases containing water quality information, is also provided.
The Office of Water welcomes suggestions for additional information systems and Internet links
to be included in the Compendium. Suggestions should be sent to
Wendy Blake-Coleman
USEPA/OW/PRMO (4102)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Blake-Coleman.Wendy@epa.gov
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV 1958
Contents
Acknowledgments 1
Preface xii
Contents v
Introduction *
Key Water Program Systems 5
Charts and Matrices 7
Key Word List n
Key System Profiles 15
Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and
Nonpoint Sources (BASINS) .. 18
City and County Files 20
Clean Water Needs Survey 22
Drinking Water Regulatory Impact Analyses 24
Drinking Water Supply File 26
Effluent Guidelines Studies 28
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index 30
Gage and Dam Files 32
Grant Information and Control System—Construction Grants 34
Index of Watershed Indicators (IWI) 36
Industrial Facilities Discharge File 38
Ocean Data Evaluation System 40
Permit Compliance System 42
ReachFile 44
Safe Drinking Water Information System/Federal Version 46
Safe Drinking Water Information System/State Version 48
STORET—The Legacy System 51
STORET—Biological Information System (BIOS) 52
STORET—Daily Flow System (DFS) 54
STORET—Water Quality System (WQS) 56
STORET X/New STORET 58
The Transition Between the Legacy System and New STORET (STORET X) . 61
Surf Your Watershed • • 62
The Waterbody System 64
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Table of Contents
Additional EPA Office of Water Systems 67
Outreach Services 73
Clearinghouses 73
Bibliographies 73
Web Sites 75
Environmental and Program Systems 78
Tracking Systems 78
Information Systems 79
Program and Information Management Tools 88
Scientific/Technical Models 88
Analytical/Assessment Tools 90
Access Tools 91
Selected Non-Office of Water Systems 93
Outreach Systems 101
Bibliographies 105
Web Sites 107
Environmental and Program Systems 109
Information Systems 109
Program and Information Management Tools 126
Analytical/Assessment Tools 126
Access Tools 134
Selected Non-Water-Related Systems Used by Source Water and Unified Watershed
Assessment Programs 136
i
The Internet as an Information System 147
Internet Sites for Water Programs 151
Government Agencies 151
State Environmental Agencies 152
International Environmental Organizations 153
Private/Industry/Academic Organizations 153
Internet Links to Water Information and Data Sources 155
Acronyms 157
Index 163
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
Introduction
Overview
i
The federal statutes that govern water programs convey a unique stewardship role to EPA and its
state and tribal counterparts—protecting and restoring the integrity of the Nation's water
resources. To carry out this mission, the Agency and its partners collect and manage large
amounts of information. The type of information collected ranges from site-specific information
on water and sediment chemistry, biota, and hydrogeology to national summary information on
the status of water resources and on program implementation. The information collected by
specific programs can also be of value to organizations elsewhere within and outside the Agency.
The purpose of this Compendium is to increase the awareness of Water Program managers about
the kinds of information available for their use as they make policy and program decisions. This
is accomplished with a combination of text and graphic profiles of more than 140 water
management information systems from the Office of Water and other EPA program offices, other
federal agencies, and nongovernment organizations.
It is also our intent to emphasize the availability of a wide range of water information and to
stress the importance of cross-program information sharing for successful program management.
The Process for Developing the Compendium
In 1990 interviews were held with approximately 50 Office of Water Division Directors, Branch
Chiefs, and Section Chiefs to discuss the need for a compendium of information systems for the
Office of Water and how to best organize such:a document. In the interviews, program managers
and their staffs emphasized that the Compendium should focus on the availability and usefulness
of the information. They requested that the information in the systems be discussed in the
context in which it was collected and that its completeness, timeliness, and quality be addressed.
The managers emphasized the importance of identifying non-Office of Water information
systems that would be useful to the Water Program. They also indicated that they wanted an easy
tool to help identify where they can find topic-specific information.
Interviewees suggested a variety of different ways to array information to help them decide
whether to further investigate a specific information system. The tools most frequently identified
were profiles, matrices, key words, and a system inventory. All of these tools have been
incorporated into the document.
National systems managers have worked closely in the development all versions of this
Compendium to ensure that it accurately represents the information systems maintained by the
Water Program. They and their staffs have provided extensive background information about
their systems, participated in the design of profiles, and reviewed drafts of materials. Their
contributions have helped significantly in ensuring that the Compendium provides a clear and
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Pagel
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Introduction
accurate summary of the information and the historical context of each system. These factors are
important to decision makers as they decide if available information is relevant or useful for their
specific program activities.
The Office of Water (OW) considers this Compendium one tool for developing a comprehensive
picture of Water Program information available to potential users. The Compendium is meant to
be a living document and as such will continue to be revised in the future based on users'
comments. The Office of Water welcomes suggestions for additional information systems and
Internet links to be included in the Compendium. Suggestions should be sent to
Blake-Coleman.Wendy@epa.gov. They will be reviewed for appropriateness and, at the
discretion of OW staff, revisions will be made to the version of the Compendium on the Internet.
It can be found at http://www.epa.gov/ow/compendium.html. Periodically, this information will
be reprinted and a revised document will be made available. The Compendium will also be
available as a "web-connected" CD-ROM that will allow the user to link directly to Internet
addresses throughout the document.
How the Compendium Is Organized
The Compendium is composed of four sections—profiles of key EPA Water Program systems, an
inventory of additional Office of Water systems, an inventory of non-OW systems, and a
compilation of Internet sources of information.
In the first section, each key information system profile is two pages in length. The first page
consists of text that describes the information in the system and its uses. The second page
visually displays the type of information and management tools provided in the system.
The following tools have been incorporated into this section of the document to enable users to
quickly identify which of the 22 key Water Program systems profiled are most pertinent to their
information needs:
• Cross-Program Matrices that graphically portray which systems contain information on the
six natural resource areas managed by the Water Program and on program functions such as
permitting and monitoring, and where more than one system contains information on the
same topic area.
• A Key Word List that contains more than 40 key water resource management terms enabling
the user to determine which systems contain information in a particular topic area.
The matrices and key word list are also intended to provide a cross-program perspective so that
decision makers can better understand and use water information within the broader community
of water information providers and users.
In addition to the 22 key Water Program system profiles, the document also contains an
information systems inventory in which 45 additional Office of Water information management
systems at EPA headquarters are described. For each system in this section, a short description
of the purpose of the system and the key information available in the system is provided.
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
At the request of Water Program managers, a section with short descriptions of 76 selected
water-related systems not maintained by the Office of Water, but containing information useful
to meeting the Water Program's mission, has been included.
Because the Internet has become such a significant mechanism for collecting and disseminating
information, this Compendium would not be complete without some discussion on that topic.
Most of the program offices and many EPA regional offices have developed or are in the process
of developing home pages that provide information on what they do and resources and
documents available. These home pages have become an excellent place to list information
about the various information systems managed by these offices. In some cases, the Internet has
become the primary method of reporting information generated by these systems.
Wherever possible, the current Universal Resource Locator (URL) address where reference data
can be located is provided for almost all systems listed in the Compendium. Web sites that
contain interactive environmental information (i.e., Surf Your Watershed and Index of
Watershed Indicators [IWI]), are treated as actual information systems and are listed as key
systems or with the other OW and non-OW systems in the Compendium. This document also
includes an extensive resource list of home pages for EPA and other agencies and organizations
that deal with environmental issues pertaining to water. This Compendium will itself be
available on-line, and all listed URLs will link directly to the respective web sites. The URL for
this document is http://www.epa.gov/ow/compendium.html.
Disclaimer
The user should be aware that the Internet is constantly being updated. The URLs provided
throughout the Compendium, as well as information provided at these locations, might not be
current. Not only are URLs subject to change, but they can also be case-sensitive. They should
be entered exactly as presented. The URLs in this Compendium were verified prior to
publication.
EPA and the Office of Water make no claims as to the accuracy of any information on the
Internet. Links to non-EPA sites do not imply any official EPA endorsement of or responsibility
for the opinions, ideas, data, or products presented at those locations, or guarantee the validity of
the information provided. Links to non-EPA servers are provided solely as a pointer to
information on topics related to environmental protection that might be useful to EPA staff and
the public.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
PageS
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
Key Water Program Systems
I Charts and Matrices
II Key Words
III Information System Profiles
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV1998
Charts and Matrices
The following charts and matrices will help readers quickly identify which of the profiled key
systems contain information useful to them:
• Questions That Key Water Information Systems and Tools Can Answer—This chart
shows which information systems may be useful to answer various types of questions.
• Information Systems/Water Resource Area—This is a checklist of which information
systems contain information about the six water resource areas managed by the Water
Program (coastal and marine waters, rivers and streams, lakes, wetlands, ground water, and
drinking water).
• Information Systems /Water Resource Area/Function—This is a checklist of which of the
key information systems profiled in the Compendium contain information supporting
program functions (e.g., research, monitoring, standard setting, permit writing, enforcement,
criteria development, regulation development, and method development) and indicates to
which of the six water resource areas managed by the Water Program the information applies.
These matrices also promote cross-program information sharing by enabling users to see where
more than one source of information is available to support work in each of the six water
resource areas. ;
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page?
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Key Water Program Systems
Questions That Key Water
Information Systems and Tools Can Answer:
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Where am I?
Is there a problem?
What facilities may be
affecting or affected by
the problem?
What's being done
to fix the problem?
Are the solutions
effective?
How can I help?
SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
How can I find locational data?
How can I determine the condition of a
resource, or point and nonpoint source
pollutant loadings in an area?
How can I find information about
industrial or municiple dischargers,
gaging stations, or water supplies, etc.?
How can I determine which technical
or programmatic solutions have been
or can be applied to the problem?
How can I identify proposed or
existing regulations?
How can I find out how much
money has been spent for
certain types of projects?
How can I find information about
data collection or analytical
methods that may be used?
How can I determine if the problem is
improving or getting worse?
How can I find information about
environmental activities in an area?
SYSTEM or TOOL
BASINS, BIOS, CC, CWNS, DPS, DWS,
EGS, GD, IFD, IWI, ODES, PCS, RF,
SDWIS/FED, SDWIS/STATE, STORET,
SURF, WQS, WBS
BASINS, CWNS, IWI, ODES, PCS,
RF, SDWIS/FED, SDWIS/STATE,
STORET, SURF, WBS, WQS
BASINS, CWNS, DWS, GD, IFD,
ODES, PCS, SDWIS/FED,
SDWIS/STATE, STORET, SURF, WBS,
WQS
BASINS, CWNS, PCS,
SDWIS/FED, SDWIS/STATE
DWRIA, EGS, SURF
CWNS, GICS/CG
EMMI, SDWIS/FED, SDWIS/STATE,
STORET, WQS
BASINS, IWI, SDWIS/FED (ACR)
CWNS, SURF
KEY SYSTEM ACRONYMS
ACR Annual Compliance Report IWI
BASINS Better Assessment Science Integrating IFD
Point and Nonpoint Sources ODES
BIOS STORET Biological Information System PCS
CC City and County Filej RF
CWNS Cletn Water Needs Survey SDWIS/FED
DPS STORET Daily Flow System
DWRIA Drinking Water Regulatory Impact Analysis SDWIS/STATE
DWS Drinking Water Supply File
EGS Effluent Guidelines Studies STORET
EMMI Environmental Monitoring Methods Index SURF
GD Gage and Dams Files WBS
OICS-CO Grants Information Control System/ WQS
Construction Grants
Index of Watershed Indicators
Industrial Facilities Discharge File
Oce&n Data Evaluation System
Permit Compliance System
Reach File
Safe Drinking Water Information System/
Federal Version
Safe Drinking Water Information System/
State Version
New STORET
Surf Your Watershed
Waterbody System
STORET Water Quality System
Pages
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Key Information Systems and the
Water Resource Areas They Support
Information Systems
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 9
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
Key Word List
The Key Word List is another tool that quickly points potential users to those key system
profiles which contain information useful to them in implementing their programs. The list
was developed with the assistance of Water Program managers and contains more than 40
terms commonly associated with the implementation of water programs. The words are
arrayed alongside the 22 key systems profiled in the Compendium. Check marks indicate in
which systems information associated with the key words can be found. The Key Word List
is not intended to be a substitute for the data element dictionaries available for many of the
Water Program information systems, but rather it seeks to provide a broad overview of the
types of information available in key water information systems maintained by the Water
Program.
Due to space and time constraints, key words are sometimes generalized and can cover
numerous related topics. For instance, the key word Location might mean latitude/longitude,
section/township/range, city, county, and so on. The reader will need to use the profiles to
obtain a more precise determination of the types of information within each of the key
systems. To assist the reader, several of the most general key words have been defined in the
footnotes.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 11
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Key Word List
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1 FOOTNOTE: In this report, these key words encompass the following tvoes of information:
isted in 40 CFR401.16, pursuant to section 304(a)(4) of the Clean Water Act.
nt inspection.
ress; latitude/longitude; or section, township and range.
| Biota = fish, macroinvertebrates, algae, and bacteria.
Conventional Pollutants = biochemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, total pH, fecal coliform, and oil and grease as
Facility = a building, structure, or source that is subject to regulation by EPA.
Inspection = compliance, sampling, multimedia, preoperational, emergency response, mechanical integrity, or enforceme
Location = site of a facility, pollution source, discharge point, water intake, well, or monitoring point as indicated by add
Page 12
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
Key System Profiles
Introduction
This portion of the Compendium consists of a series of two-page profiles that describe 22 of
the dozens of environmental and program information systems maintained by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's Headquarters Water Program. The term "system" is
defined as an ordered and comprehensive assemblage of information. Therefore, the 22
systems profiled are not limited to databases, but also include models, assessment tools, web
sites, and flat files. These key systems were most frequently identified during interviews as
containing information that is highly useful to Water Program managers in making program
decisions.
During the interviews, program managers emphasized their need to know not only what
information is in the system, but also how that information could be useful to them. The
profile attempts to answer What information is in the system and how can this information
support program decision making? The Compendium does not seek to address the
mechanics of the information systems.
Each key system profile consist of two parts, a narrative and a graphic, both of which
describe the information and management tools associated with the highlighted system. The
graphic representation was added at the request of interviewees who indicated the need for a
quick and easy way to determine the types of information available to them.
Profile Narrative
Each narrative includes the following:
• Description-—An opening statement identifying the system, the information it contains,
its users, the office that maintains the information system, and the program needs the
system was designed to address.
• Information—A discussion about what and how much information is hi the system, how
complete the information is, how users employ the information, what limitations of the
information are important to know, and what linkages to other information systems exist.
• Information Collection—Information about who provides the information to the system
and how often and in what way they provide it, as well as what provisions have been
made to ensure information quality.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 15
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Key Water Program System Profiles
• Access—Details on how to access the information and availability of training.
• National Manager—The telephone number and organization of the national manager of
the information system.
• Internet Address—Where the user can find additional online information about the
system.
Profile Graphic
Each system graphic is divided into the following two parts:
• A listing that identifies the most representative or important information available in the
system.
• A listing of the management tools available through the system, such as
- Statistical applications
Graphic applications
- Linkages to other information systems
The graphic depicts major categories of information available within the profiled system.
Some profiled systems have a limited number of data elements and they can all be listed. For
most profiled systems, however, only the most representative or important information
available is identified in the graphic. The graphic should be used in conjunction with the
system narrative to ensure that potential users are aware of any limitations or other caveats
associated with information contained in the system.
Page 16
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Page 17
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and
Nonpoint Sources (BASINS)
Description
BASINS
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS) is a computer-
based system for environmental analysis developed by EPA in response to a growing demand for
integrative watershed- and water-quality-based assessments. Developed for use by EPA, state,
tribal, and local agencies, BASINS facilitates the examination of environmental information,
provides an integrated watershed assessment and modeling framework, and supports the analysis
of point and nonpoint source management alternatives. A specific use of BASINS has been to
assist in the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).
BASINS integrates a geographic information system (CIS), national watershed data, and state-of-
the-art environmental assessment and modeling tools into one package. The software makes it
possible to quickly assess large amounts of point and nonpoint source data in a format that is easy
to understand. Users can assess water quality at selected stream sites or throughout an entire
watershed for nutrients, pathogens, pesticides, toxics, and sediments. Because BASINS integrates
environmental data with analytical tools and modeling programs, it can support the development
of cost-effective approaches to environmental protection.
The core of BASINS is the suite of interrelated components suitable for performing watershed and
water quality analysis. These components are grouped into five categories:
• National databases including spatially distributed data (such as USGS hydrologic unit
boundaries), environmental monitoring data (such as water quality data), and point source data
(such as data from the Toxic Release Inventory and the Permit Compliance System).
• Assessment tools (TARGET, ASSESS, and Data Mining) for evaluating water quality and
point source loadings at a variety of scales.
• Utilities that support the import of local data, the rectification of land-use and topographic
data, watershed delineation, and the management of water quality observation data.
• Watershed and voter quality models, including the Nonpoint Source Model (NPSM), the
Hydrologic Simulation Program-FORTRAN (HSPF), TOXIROUTE, and the Enhanced
Stream Water Quality Model (QUAL2E).
• Postprocessing output tools for interpreting and graphing model results.
Information is derived from Agency program system databases and other federal government
sources. In addition to data quality procedures within the source systems, rigorous testing and
acceptance procedures have been adopted for BASINS as part of the system's life cycle
development.
The systems and data can be downloaded or ordered on the Internet at the address listed below.
Training information can also be obtained from the same location.
Russ Kinerson (202) 260-1330
Andy Battin (202) 260- 3061
Office of Science and Technology/Standards and Applied Science Division
http://www.epa.gov/ost/BASINS
18
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EPA Wafer Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Page 19
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Description
City and County Files
Two automated data files have been developed by the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and
Watersheds to provide additional information for analyses based on the STORET system and
Reach File. The City File provides a comprehensive inventory of U.S. cities. The County
File provides a comprehensive inventory of U.S. counties.
cc
Information
Information
Collection
The EPA City File contains the city name and its related state-county code, as well as a
unique identifier. This identifier allows selection of data from other STORET databases
corresponding to a specific reach associated with a city. Basin, stream segment, and latitude/
longitude data are available from cross-referencing other data files.
The County File basically provides the same kinds of data as the City File, but the data are
aggregated by county. The County File contains the county name and code, water and land
areas in square miles, latitude/longitude, names and codes of coastal counties listed in the
Ocean Data Evaluation System, population densities, and 1970 census data.
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The City File information was derived from the Post Office (the original city number), the
Commercial Atlas and Marketing Guide (Rand-McNally), the Federal Information
Processing Standards Publication (U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of
Standards), and the Congressional District Atlas (U.S. Department of Commerce, Census
Bureau).
The County File contains data for all counties in the United States. These counties are listed
in the Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (U.S. Department of
Commerce, National Bureau of Standards). Quality control for these files includes a series of
edit checks that ensure data fall within normal ranges for specified data elements.
Access
Any person with access to the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer has
access to these files. NOTE: The STORET system is being modernized. This
modernization will affect the availability of this system. Be sure to read about the
proposed transition process on page 61 of this Compendium.
National
Manager
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds '
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Internet
Address
Not applicable
Page 20
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Description
Clean Water Needs Survey
The Clean Water Needs Survey (CWNS) is an automated inventory, maintained by the Office
of Wastewater Management (OWM), of all existing or proposed publicly owned treatment
works (POTWs) that need construction or renovation to meet the requirements of the Clean
Water Act. Files of past surveys are also available in the Needs Survey database.
Needs
Information
The official 1996 CWNS database contains more than 24,000 records, each of which includes
over 230 data elements organized by 19 subject areas. Among the information included is the
following:
Location and characteristics of POTWs
Construction cost estimates and how they were documented
Populations served by collection and treatment
Flow capacity
Effluent characteristics
Treatment processes
The CWNS's authority/facility (A/F) number allows linkages to the Grants Information
Control System; the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) number links
the CWNS to the Permit Compliance System and the Industrial Facilities Database; and the
reach number links the system to the Reach File. The database is undergoing modernization,
and the new database will be available for the 2000 survey.
Information
Collection
The information in the CWNS File is collected and/or updated every 4 years by each state, in
order to compile the Clean Water Needs Survey Report to Congress. The file contains the
final survey information from 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1996. To record new or
updated information about facilities in the file, facility fact sheets are sent out for each
collection effort containing information from the previous survey. States use these fact sheets
and the current Needs Survey Guidance to complete their new surveys. Quality control
activities were improved for the 1996 survey.
Access
All past Needs Survey files are open to the public. Current Needs Survey information is
accessible only to authorized EPA and state users. Anyone having a valid user ID and
password may access the past Clean Water Needs Survey files. Access to the database is
through the Review, Update, and Query System (RUQUS). Key facility information form the
1996 CWNS database and a copy of the report to Congress is available on the Internet.
National
Manager
Len Fitch (202)260-5858
Office of Wastewater Management
Municipal Support Division (4204)
Internet
Address
http://www.epa.gov/OWM/uc.htm
Page 22
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
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Page 23
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Drinking Water Regulatory Impact Analyses
Description
The Drinking Water Regulatory Impact Analyses (RIA) are a paper collection of studies
performed by the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water in accordance with Executive
Order 12291. The order requires that an analysis of benefits and costs be performed for every
major rule to be promulgated by the Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) and
Underground Injection Control (UIC) Programs. An RIA provides the EPA Administrator
with analyses of the potential costs and benefits of, and alternative approaches to, the
regulation of drinking water contaminants and/or injection practices.
RIA
Information
Information
Collection
Preliminary or final RIAs have been developed for surface water treatment, interim enhanced
surface water treatment, disinfection by-products, lead and copper, volatile organics,
inorganics, synthetic organics, radionuclides, and filtration and coliform. As other major
PWSS and UIC rules are promulgated (e.g., disinfection by-products, microbial contaminants,
long-term surface water treatment rule, ground water rule, radon, arsenic, radionuclides, and
contaminants from the contaminant candidate list), more RIAs will published. Various types
of information have been used and are contained in RIAs, including
Number of entities affected by regulation
Monitoring, engineering, and waste disposal costs
Population exposed to contaminants
Cancer cases resulting from exposure
Cancer cases/exposure avoided through regulation
The information used to assess the costs and benefits of regulations is drawn primarily from
existing information collections such as national surveys (National Inorganic Radionuclides
Survey, Community Water Supply Study, Community Water Supply Survey, Rural Water
Survey, National Organics Monitoring Survey, and the National Urban Pesticide Applicator
Survey); state studies; U.S. Geological Survey studies (Pesticides in the Nation's Rivers);
EPA databases (the Safe Drinking Water Information System/State and STORET); the
Agricultural Data Base (DRASTIC); County and City Data Book; the Census of Agriculture;
and documents developed for PWSS rules (Occurrence documents and Cost and Technology
documents).
Access
RIAs are maintained in hard copy format only. They are available to personnel from the
National Manager and from EPA regional offices. Copies may be ordered, at cost, from the
National Technical Information Service (NTIS) at (703) 487-4650 or 1-800-336-4700.
National
Manager
Bill Diamond (202) 260-7575
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Drinking Water Standards Division
Internet
Address
Not applicable
Page 24
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Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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DWS
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Drinking Water Supply File
The Drinking Water Supply (DWS) file is an automated database developed by the Office of
Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds to identify the locations of Public Water Supplies (PWSs),
their intakes, and sources of surface water supplies across the United States, The DWS also
contains some information for groundwater sources, i.e., wells, but it was designed initially to
provide locational information on surface water sources for PWSs serving more than 25,000
persons.
DWS tracks information about PWS characteristics, source of water, and PWS intake
locations. It contains information for approximately 850 PWSs serving more than 25,000
persons and for approximately 6,800 PWSs serving between 1,000 and 25,000 persons.
Information for PWSs serving more than 25,000 persons includes the PWS name, water
source, intake locations, and waterbody names and reach numbers. The plants, intakes, and
sources associated with a PWS have a hierarchical relationship. A single PWS may be
composed of one or more plants, each having one or more intakes (direct sources), which
may have one or more secondary (indirect) sources. As part of the information collection
effort, each plant, intake, and secondary source was assigned a unique code.
Information for PWSs serving between 1,000 and 25,000 persons include the same basic
information as for the other PWSs, but the information is not as accurate. Source and intake
information is often missing, and no treatment information is included for these facilities.
The DWS can be linked through the reach number to other water databases, including
STORET and the Reach File. The DWS was first implemented in 1979-1980 based on
information from the STORET Water Quality System and information collected during the
Public Health Service's 1963 inventory of public water supplies. Source names and intake
locations for utilities serving more than 25,000 persons were derived from the Safe Drinking
Water Information System/State (SDWIS/STATE). Reach numbers for surface water were
taken from the Reach File. This information was supplemented and verified by directly
contacting each utility serving more than 25,000 persons. Information for utilities serving
less than 25,000 persons was derived from topographic maps.
Updates are made as needed, and resources are available to make updates and add new
facilities and location coding. Edit checks ensure that data fall within the normal limits for
specific data elements.
Any person with access to the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer has
access to the DWS file. NOTE: The STORET system is being modernized. This
modernization will affect the availability of this system. Be sure to read about the
proposed transition process on page 61 of this Compendium.
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Not applicable
Page 26
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Description
EGS
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Effluent Guidelines Studies
The Effluent Guidelines Studies (EGS) are a collection of information compiled by the Office
of Science and Technology on an industry-by-industry basis to support development of
technology-based effluent guidelines, as required by the Clean Water Act. These guidelines are
designed to control discharges into waterways resulting from industrial processes. Regulations
are set for both direct and indirect discharges based on a determination of which pollutants can
be removed through treatment technology.
Since 1974, regulations have been developed for approximately 50 industries. Currently the
Agency is developing nine regulations, some for new industries and others for industries
already regulated and under review. Information collection includes questionnaires covering
engineering and economic information on individual plants. The questionnaires are
supplemented by sampling and analyses from wastewater discharge points, and secondary
engineering and economic information. Information collected includes
Plant name and location
Plant size (by production
and/or employment)
Wastewater characteristics
Wastewater controls
Treatment technologies
Plant age
Types of products/services
Water use
Costs of wastewater treatment
Pollution prevention practices
There are variations in the types and amount of information collected from each industry.
Information is collected to develop or revise effluent guidelines on an industry-specific basis.
Wastewater samples are collected by EPA contractors. Although the basic information
collected is generally similar across studies, there is great variation in the particular parameters.
Efforts are under way to standardize data definitions and collection and analysis methods.
Most information is collected at one time only, although wastewater sampling for some
industries may include a series of episodes over several months. Over the last 10 years all
sample and analysis information has been managed by a sample control center, where the
information is checked for accuracy and consistency.
Linkages to other databases are possible through National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) numbers (for direct dischargers).
Some questionnaires are maintained in paper form only and may be examined by EPA
personnel cleared for confidential business information. The inside processes analytical data
may be considered confidential business information. Access to this information must be
determined on a case by case basis. Some questionnaire information and sample and analysis
information is maintained in data sets on the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 or
on tapes stored off site.
Bill Telliard
(202) 260-7134
Office of Science and Technology
Engineering and Analysis
http://www.epa.gov/ostwater/prodesum.html
Page 28
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index
Description
EMMI
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
The Environmental Monitoring Methods Index (EMMI) is a computerized catalog of
information on environmentally significant chemical substances monitored by EPA, methods
for their analysis, and the regulatory and office-based lists on which they appear.
The EMMI system is a PC-based, user-friendly, menu-driven system that features rapid text
search and concurrent display of key data elements. EMMI is indexed on eight key fields, so
users can display or print information in almost any manner. In addition, EMMI users can
select from a variety of search parameters to locate a specific group of analytes.
The EMMI system offers a wide spectrum of data on analytes, analytical methods, and Agency
lists. The database currently contains more than 2,400 unique analytes that are identified on 40
statutorily mandated and office-based lists, as well as approximately 900 analytical methods
Lists include all Clean Water Act; Clean Air Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); and Comprehensive Environmental Response
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) lists.
Information tracked for each analyte includes its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number, its
names and synonyms, the regulatory and office-based lists on which the analyte appears,
regulatory limits, and analytical methods used to identify the substance. A unique
characteristic of EMMI is the specification of method detection limits by analyte. The EMMI
database associates each detection limit value with the appropriate acronym and provides a
detailed description of each detection limit acronym. EMMI is designed to provide this level of
specificity throughout the system.
Information tracked for each method includes the origin, the instrumentation needed the
responsible organization, and the detection limit, as well as a short summary of the method.
Information tracked for each list includes name, source, office responsible, chemicals on the
list, related laws, and a description of the purpose of the list.
The information in EMMI has been checked for accuracy by chemists working at the Office of
Science and Technology (OST) Sample Control Center. The conformation in EMMI is
provided by the method authors in each EPA program office and consensus standards
organizations (such as the American Association of Testing and Materials and the Association
of Official Analytical Chemists). The list was last updated in 1995.
Users can obtain a copy of the EMMI software from the National Technical Information
Service (NTIS), (703) 487-4650 (document PB97-501308TL); or from the Educational
Resources Information Center (ERIC), 1-800 276-0462 (document D-972).
Bill Telliard
(202) 260-7134
Office of Science and Technology
Engineering and Analysis Division
http://www.epa.gov/OST/pc/ds.html
Page 30
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Gage and Dam Files
Description
GD
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Two automated data files have been developed by the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and
Watersheds to provide flow data for analyses based on the STORET system and Reach File.
These files maintain information on gaging stations and dams on waterways. The Gage File
provides a common file for gage information to assist those involved with water quality studies,
waste load allocations, distribution studies, and advanced waste treatment assessments. The
Dam File provides an inventory of U.S. dams.
The Gage File contains mean and low flow values for each hydrologically connected reach in
EPA's Reach File. There is a mean and low flow value associated with every river reach in
Reach File 1. These values are for "artificial" gages located at the end of each reach. In
addition to the artificial gages, the file contains descriptive information for selected USGS
stream gaging stations through the United States. There are approximately 36,000 records in
the Gage File. Information includes gage locations and flow and velocity values.
The Dam File contain records for 68,155 dams across the country identified during a 1980
census. These records are for dams greater than 6 feet in height and with maximum water
impoundment capacities of at least 50 acre-feet, or at least 25 feet high with maximum water
impoundment capacities in excess of 15 acre-feet. An estimated 2 million additional dams
were too small to be included in the census. Information includes the locations and
characteristics of the dams.
The Gage File was derived from the National Water Data Exchange, the Master Water Data
Index, the Basic Characteristics File, and the STORET Daily Flow System, which is in turn
supplied by the U.S. Geological Survey. A model was used to assign flows to reaches without
gaging stations.
The Dam File was derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' 1980 inventory of dams as
part of the National Program of Inspection of Non-Federal Dams.
All files can be linked to other databases through reach numbers. Quality control for these files
includes a series of edit checks to ensure that data fall within normal rages for specified data
elements.
Any person with access to the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer has
access to these files. NOTE: The STORET system is being modernized. This
modernization will affect the availability of this system. Be sure to read about the
proposed transition process on page 61 of this Compendium.
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Not applicable
Page 32
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV 1998
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Grant Information and Control System—
Construction Grants
Description
GICS
Information
Information
Collection
Access
The Municipal Support Program's subsystem of the Grants Information and Control System
(GICS) tracks the processing of all wastewater treatment grant applications and active
construction grant projects funded by the Construction Grant Program authorized by the Clean
Water Act. Also tracked is federal funding provided to each state's State Revolving Fund
(SRF) Program authorized by the Water Quality Act of 1987. The largest part of the GICS
database deals with wastewater treatment construction projects, but there is a non-construction
grants component of GICS that contains information for many other EPA grants-related
programs including state program grants and research grants.
Construction Grants-GICS contains administrative, financial, technical, and project status
information on each construction grant funded by EPA. There are over 113,000 records of
construction grants information in GICS, with each record containing 75 nationally required
data elements.
Information is organized by a grant number assigned to each project and by state. Linkages to
other databases are possible through the authority/facility (A/F) number to the Clean Water
Needs Survey and through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit number to the Permit Compliance System (PCS).
The State Revolving Fund portion of GICS contains identification and financial information on
Capitalization Grants and on SRF projects. Nationally required data elements are used to
report on SRF implementation. In addition, states may utilize the SRF GICS State Optional
System to enter additional SRF project status information of particular interest to the state and
design more detailed customized reports.
GICS utilizes an on-line menu-driven system for data entry. For construction grants
information, states (and EPA regions that operate construction grants programs not delegated to
a state) create and then update their individual data files on grants as they are approved or
modified. For the State Revolving Fund program, EPA regions are ultimately responsible for
all data entry. In general, EPA regions enter information related to the State Revolving Fund
grants and states enter information related to the SRF-funded projects.
Quality assurance is an integral part of GICS. On-line data entry edits are programmed for
quality checks during data entry.
Any person with access to the EPA National Computer Center's IBM ES-9000 computer can
obtain access to GICS. All state and EPA regional users can design and generate individual,
specialized, and ad hoc reports. The Envirofacts system extracts active construction grants and
SRF data from GICS. These data can be viewed through Internet access to Envirofacts.
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Jannie Latta
(202)260-5831
Office of Wastewater Management
Municipal Support Division
http://www.epa.gov/enviro/htm/gics/gics_cgl.html
Page 34
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
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Page 35
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Description
IWI
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Index of Watershed Indicators (IWI)
The Index of Watershed Indicators (the IWI or Index) is EPA's first national picture of watershed health. The
Index organizes and presents aquatic resource information aggregated on a watershed basis. EPA's goal is to
depict the current condition of a watershed and indicate its vulnerability to future degradation. The Index is
calculated for more than 2,100 watersheds.
The Index of Watershed Indicators contains 15 indicators of condition and vulnerability, sometimes referred
to as "data layers." These were selected based on their appropriateness to IWI's objectives, their being
relatively uniform and available across the nation, and EPA staffs ability to depict them at the eight-digit
Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) scale. The indicators included in the IWI are as follows:
Condition Indicators
• Assessed Rivers Meeting All Designated Uses
• Fish and Wildlife Consumption Advisories
• Indicators of Source Water Quality for Drinking Water Systems
state's assessment of surface waters meeting "water supply" designated use
water system treatment and violation data
occurrence of chemicals regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act
attainment of the "water supply" designated use
community water supply systems with treatment in place beyond conventional treatment or which
were in violation of source-related standards in 1995
contaminants at one-half or more above the Maximum Contaminant Level
Contaminated Sediments
Ambient Water Quality Data - Four Toxic Pollutants - copper, chromium (hexavalent), nickel, and zinc
Ambient Water Quality Data - Four Conventional Pollutants - ammonia, dissolved oxygen, phosphorus,
andpH
Wetland Loss Index
Vulnerability Indicators
Aquatic/Wetland Species at Risk
Pollutant Loads Discharged Above Permitted Discharge Limits - Toxic Pollutants
Pollutant Loads Discharged Above Permitted Discharge Limits - Conventional Pollutants
Urban Runoff Potential
Index of Agricultural Runoff Potential
Population Change
Hydrologic Modification - Dams
Estuarine Pollution Susceptibility Index
For each condition indicator, values were selected which, in EPA staffs professional judgment, represent an
appropriate basis to describe whether the aquatic resources within the watershed are of a good quality, have
few problems, or have many problems. Similarly, for each vulnerability indicator, the Agency selected values
that they believed are appropriate to differentiate "lower" from "higher" vulnerability. For most indicators, a
minimum number of observations necessary to assign a "score" were established. In aggregating the 15
indicators into the overall index, Indicator #1, Assessed Rivers Meeting All Designated Uses, is weighted
more heavily than other indicators because it is a comprehensive state/ tribal assessment. All other indicators
are weighted equally. Where there are insufficient data for a particular indicator, that information is
displayed on the Indicator map and presented in the profile. At least 10 of the 15 data layers must be present
to calculate the overall index for any given watershed. If Indicator # 1 is not available, the values of the other
indicators of condition are multiplied by 3 to derive an Index score. Detailed information on sources of data,
the method used to characterize condition or vulnerability for each data layer, and the method for combining
individual indicators into the overall index are provided.
The Index of Watershed Indicators is available on the Internet and in a hard copy report.
Karen Klima
(202) 260-7087
klima.karen@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
http://www.epa.gov/surf7IWI/
Page 36
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Description
IFD
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Industrial Facilities Discharge File
The Industrial Facilities Discharge (IFD) File is an automated database of industrial point
source dischargers to surface waters in the United States. The IFD was created specifically to
provide the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds with a comprehensive database of
industrial point source dischargers.
The IFD contains approximately 120,000 records. The IFD has three basic kinds of
information: facility, direct discharge, and indirect discharge facilities. Facility information
includes site identification codes and summary effluent discharge information. Discharge
information includes the components of individual discharges, including location, flow, and
Standard Industrial Classification code (SIC). Nearly half of the direct dischargers tracked are
publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). Indirect discharger information is for industrial
flows from industries that discharge to other facilities, such as POTWs, rather than directly to
surface waters.
In addition, the IFD contains information for Superfund sites on the National Priorities List.
This information includes the location name, state and county codes, latitude and longitude
coordinates, reach number, and the mileage offset within the reach (i.e., the distance of site
from the reach's end point).
The IFD can be used for regulatory impact analyses, best available technology studies,
regulation development, and special projects.
Linkages to other databases, such as the Permit Compliance System (PCS) and STORET, can
be made through reach numbers and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit numbers. In addition, cross-references to outside databases, such as the
Complex Effluent Toxicity Information System (CETIS) and the Organic Chemical Producers
Data Base, have been built into IFD.
IFD information is derived from several sources. PCS was used to identify NPDES permitted
facilities to be included in IFD; general information about each facility was extracted from PCS
to form the basis of the IFD. The actual NPDES permits from EPA regional offices provided
discharge and location information for both direct and indirect point source discharges. In
addition, various states and local agencies provided additional and more recent information not
found in the EPA regional NPDES files. The Needs Survey database provided information on
POTWs identified by an NPDES number. When a new NPDES number is issued, the facility is
added to the IFD. Otherwise, users may use an interactive program to report discovered gaps
or errors, which are reviewed and added to IFD weekly.
Quality control for these files includes a series of edit checks to ensure that data fall within
normal ranges for specified data elements. Some locational data at the pipe level are
unreliable.
Any person with access to the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer has
access to the IFD. NOTE: The STORET system is being modernized. This modernization
will affect the availability of this system. Be sure to read about the proposed transition
process on page 61 of this Compendium.
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Not applicable
Page 38
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV 1998
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Page 39
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Ocean Data Evaluation System
Description
ODES
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
The Ocean Data Evaluation System (ODES) is a menu-driven system, maintained by the Office
of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW), for storing and analyzing water quality and
biological data from marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. The system supports
federal, state, and local decision makers associated with marine monitoring programs. The
system was designed in 1985 to support managers and analysts in meeting regulatory objectives
through the evaluation of marine monitoring information.
ODES contains over two and a half million records of data from the National Estuary Program,
the Great Lakes National Program Office, the Ocean Disposal program, the 301(h) sewage
discharge program, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program,
and the 403(c) program. Records pertain to:
• Water Quality
• Fish abundance
• Bioaccumulation
Benthic infauna
Fish histopathology
Bioassay
Sediment physical/
chemical characteristics
Mapping tools enable users to examine spatial relationships between pollutant sources, natural
resources, geographic features, and sampling station location. Plotting tools display spatial and
temporal relationships between measurements of selected variables. In addition to using
ODES analytical and retrieval tools, users can transfer data to an ASCII file. There data can be
loaded into a variety of software packages (e.g., Statistical Analysis Software (SAS), Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), spreadsheets, database managers) to produce reports
or ad hoc analyses using analytical tools not provided in ODES. ODES also enables users to
convert and download mapping and monitoring data into a format compatible with the EPA-
approved graphical information system (GIS) software ARC/INFO.
A link has been developed in ODES to allow a user to download or analyze STORET water
quality data using several of the ODES graphic and modeling tools. The menu-driven features
of the ODES system are used to generate STORET water quality data reports and to download
STORET data in text or ARC/INFO format.
All data in ODES are stored in SAS data sets. Since the data are compiled from many different
monitoring programs and users, standardized data submission procedures have been developed
to ensure accurate data entry. Key features include the use of coding schemes and standard
formats for marine data developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) and an extensive quality assurance
program. The quality assurance program includes producing data integrity reports and
descriptive statistics for each data set. The ODES technical staff uses this information to
review each data set submitted. A quality assurance report describing analytical methods and
procedures for each data set is stored on-line with each data set.
The ODES Manager can provide access by issuing a valid User ID, password, and account for
the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer. NOTE: The STORET system is
being modernized. This modernization will affect the availability of this system. Be sure
to read about the proposed transition process on page 61 of this Compendium.
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/tools/ref.htmW30
Page 40
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Permit Compliance System
Description
PCS
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
User Support
The Permit Compliance System (PCS) is an information management system maintained by the
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) to track the permit, compliance,
and enforcement status of facilities regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) program under the Clean Water Act. PCS supports the NPDES program at
the state, EPA regional, and national levels.
PCS tracks information about wastewater treatment, industrial, and federal facilities
discharging into navigable waters. Items tracked include
• Facilities characteristics •
• Discharge characteristics •
• Compliance schedules •
Permit conditions
Inspections
Enforcement actions
PCS distinguishes between major and minor facilities, based on the potential threat to human
health or the environment. Factors determining a facility's classification include the discharge
amount per day, the wastewater sources, and the population affected by the discharge.
Although all major and minor facilities must be permitted, only major facilities must provide
complete records to PCS. These currently number around 7,100. PCS also contains
information collected from states and EPA regions submitting information for the
approximately 56,300 minor facilities in the United States. The collection of latitude/longitude
(facility end of pipe) location information is now under way. The NPDES permit number
allows linkages to the Industrial Facilities Discharge File (IFD), the Clean Water Needs
Survey, and the Grant Information and Control System (GICS).
Facilities report their compliance and status information by submitting Compliance Schedule
Reports and Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) to EPA regions or delegated states, which
enter the information into PCS. Inspection and enforcement information is collected and
entered by EPA regions and/or delegated states. OECA provides a Discharge Monitoring
Report (DMR) Quality Assurance (QA) program to evaluate the analytical ability of NPDES
permittee laboratories for chemical and whole-effluent toxicity self-monitoring data. The EPA
regions and delegated states provide for QA of PCS data through methods that include
reviewing source documents,, double-keying data, and reviewing retrievals. OECA has
developed QA procedures to evaluate existing PCS data and a QA Guidance Manual to assist
EPA regions and delegated states in developing written QA procedures. PCS users should be
aware of the possibility of misinterpreting the data, EPA regional/state data entry variations,
and the quality of the DMR data.
Access to PCS is determined by the states and by EPA regions and headquarters, which
authorize user accounts and passwords. General access to all PCS information, except
enforcement and other sensitive information, is available to the public through Envirofacts.
PCS training is available from EPA headquarters and regional staff.
Mike Mundell
(202) 564-7069
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA)
Enforcement Planning, Targeting, and Data Division (EPTDD)
http://www.epa.gov/enviro/
(202) 564-7277
PCS-SUPPORT@epamail.epa.gov
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Reach File
Description
Reach
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
The Reach File is an automated database of surface water features developed by the Office,of
Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. It identifies all streams, lakes, reservoirs, coastlines, and
estuaries in the United States. Each of these is divided into segments called "reaches."
Reaches reference each other, so it is possible to hydrologically traverse the nation's rivers and
open waters while scanning other databases for information associated with any reach along the
traversal path. This is the foundation of EPA's ability to integrate information from other
databases in hydrological order and in common by river mile relationships.
The Reach File is currently in is third generation. Reach File 1 was created in 1982 and
contained information for 68,000 reaches, covering approximately 700,000 miles of streams.
Reach File 2, implemented in 1988, added new reaches, doubling the number of streams in the
file. Reach File 3 is complete for 44 states and will result in data files for over 3 million
reaches, with 93 million associated coordinates.
Each of the reaches in the Reach File is uniquely identified by a sixteen-digit Reach number.
The following kinds of information are maintained for each reach:
Hydrologic Structure
Reach Trace
Open Waterbody Characteristics
Reach name, type, length upstream and downstream
connections, state and county.
Latitude/Longitude coordinates along reaches.
Description of whole waterbodies (e.g., ponds, bays
reservoirs), including surface area and perimeter.
The information in Reach File 1 was based on NOAA aeronautical charts, which provided lines
traces that were scanned into the database. Cataloging Unit boundaries from the U. S.
Geological Survey (USGS) were added to the traces. Reach File 2's information was based on
Reach File 1, with additions from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS)
database. Reach File 3, now under development for the remaining states (except Alaska),
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, is based on the two earlier Reach Files, with additional
information from the USGS. This new information includes cataloging unit boundaries, new
names from GNIS, and scale digital line graph data to add precision. All information has been
verified with graphical and automated software tools. Reach numbers are used in a number of
other water databases, allowing linkages to the Reach Files.
Any person with access to EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer and a valid
STORET account has access to the Reach File.
Tommy Dewald
(202) 260-2488
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/rf/rfindex.html
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Safe Drinking Water Information System/Federal
Version
Description
SDWIS/FED
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Safe Drinking Water Information System/Federal version (SDWIS/FED) is EPA's national
database that stores routine information about our nation's drinking water. Designed to replace
the system known as FRDS (Federal Reporting Data System), SDWIS/FED provides EPA
with the information it needs to monitor the nation's approximately 175,000 public water
systems under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
States supervise the drinking water systems within their jurisdiction to ensure that each public
water system follows safe drinking water regulations established by EPA and the states. States
report drinking water information on a quarterly basis to EPA; this information is maintained
in SDWIS/FED.
Information states report to EPA includes
• Basic information on each water system: name, ID number, number of people served,
type of system (year-round or seasonal), and source of water (ground water or surface
water)
• Violation information: whether the system has been following established monitoring and
reporting schedules, whether the system is complying with mandated treatment
techniques, and whether the system has violated any Maximum Contaminant Levels
(MCLs)
• Enforcement information: what actions states take to ensure that drinking water systems
return to compliance if they are in violation of a drinking water regulation
Currently, EPA is in the process of determining additional information states might be
required to report in the future, such as the principal city and county served by the system
(most states already report this information) and treatment technologies being used.
EPA uses this information to determine if and when the Agency might need to take action
against non-compliant systems, oversee state drinking water programs, track contaminant
levels, and prepare national reports. Additionally, EPA uses this information to evaluate the
effectiveness of its own programs and rules, and to determine whether new rules are needed to
further protect public health.
The user can gain access to SDWIS/FED information in two main ways—through a Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA) request or through Envirofacts. This Act requires federal agencies
such as EPA to make data available upon request. Through filing a FOIA request, individuals
can access the information contained in SDWIS/FED. These requests are processed through
EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. A fee may sometimes be assessed for this
service. Additionally, SDWIS/FED information is available free of cost through the use of the
EPA's Envirofacts web site (http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/sdwis/sdwis_ov.html).
Abe Siegel
(202) 260-2804
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Implementation and Assistance Division
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdwOOO/datab/sfed.htmlor
http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/sdwis/sdwis ov.html
Page 46
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Page 47
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Safe Drinking Water Information System/State
Version
Description
SDWJS/STATE
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
SDWIS/STATE is a software program designed, developed, and maintained by EPA. It is provided
to interested states to run on their state local area networks (LANs) or on stand-alone personal
computers. EPA's goal is to provide states with a single data system that can
Meet the information needs of each state's drinking water program.
Allow states to easily monitor whether each public water system within their borders meets
state and EPA standards.
Assist states in distributing information about drinking water to consumers.
Help states meet quarterly reporting requirements to EPA's SDWIS/FED.
Provide easily accessible, high-quality data to users.
SDWIS/STATE has the ability to accept data from the state's old (legacy) data system that it is
replacing. It is anticipated that 25 to 30 states will adopt SDWIS/STATE as their data management
system by the year 2001.
SDWIS/STATE is the state counterpart to SDWIS/FED (see page 46) and as such maintains similar
data. The system currently houses three major categories of information—inventory, sampling, and
monitoring/noncompliance. The inventory data category allows storage of information on individual
drinking water systems such as the system location, size, population served, method of water
distribution, and treatment technologies. Information stored under the sampling data category
includes lab results for all Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) analytes (e.g., the Total Coliform Rule
and the Phase I, Phase II, and Phase V Rules for chemicals). The monitoring and noncompliance
information category contains information on the schedule for sampling required under each rule
and has the ability to store information on violations and related enforcement actions.
SDWIS/STATE currently generates and maintains monitoring schedules for the Total Coliform
Rule. By comparing the monitoring schedules to the sampling data, SDWIS/STATE can generate
automated noncompliance determinations for this rule. EPA will update the SDWIS software
periodically to add new capabilities, such as noncompliance assistance for other regulations,
including the Lead and Copper Rule; the Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule; the Disinfection
By-products Rule; the Phases I, II, and V (chemicals) Rules; the Ground Water Rule; and the Source
Water Protection Rule.
Each state is able to enter data into a copy of SDWIS/STATE on its own time schedule and using its
own computers. A subset of state data is transferred electronically to SDWIS/FED quarterly to meet
federal reporting requirements. Quality assurance is achieved through the SDWIS/STATE edit
checks, which are performed at the time of data entry. SDWIS/STATE software includes an on-line
data dictionary and metadata about the data collection.
To obtain information for a specific state's drinking water program, users need to communicate
directly with the state SDWIS/STATE contact. A list of state contacts can be obtained from the
drinking water home page http://www.epa.gov/safewater.
Larry Weiner
(202) 260-2799
Office Ground Water and Drinking Water
Implementation and Assistance Division
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/datab/sstate.html
Page 48
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Page 49
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
STORET—The Legacy System
Description
STORET
Information
STORET (STOrage and RETrieval of U.S. waterways parametric data) is one of the oldest and largest
water information systems currently in use. In conjunction with the Reach File, STORET forms the basis
for many other water information systems. *
STORET was first developed by the U.S. Public Health Service in 1964 to collect and disseminate basic
information on chemical, physical, and biological water quality of the nation's waters. In 1966, STORET
moved to the Department of the Interior, where it remained until 1970 when EPA was given
responsibility for maintaining the system. Today, STORET is jointly maintained by EPA's Office of
Information Resources Management (OIRM) and Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW).
STORET stores information on ambient, intensive survey effluent, and biological water quality
monitoring information. Although most STORET information has been added since 1975, records go
back to 1899. STORET has three main information areas:
These information areas are profiled on the following pages.
1
il System
OS
STORET
1
Daily Flow
System
Water (
Syst
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Currently, about 800 organizations have submitted information to STORET. There are over 735,000
sampling stations in STORET and more than 180 million parametric observations covering some 12,000
water quality parameters.
Many organizations submit information to STORET, including federal, state, interstate, and international
agencies. Users submit new information in the appropriate format daily. STORET data files are updated
weekly. Each organization is responsible for the information it submits to STORET; STORET is a user-
owned system. States submitting information follow quality assurance and control procedures as
specified in section 106 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). All STORET data are checked for invalid data
ranges or missing mandatory fields before being added to the system. Although STORET software edits
incoming data for errors and inconsistencies, the owners of the data have the primary responsibility for its
content.
Any person with access to the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer has access to
STORET. Although agencies may lock their STORET information, almost all information is available to
all users. NOTE: The STORET system is being modernized. Be sure to read about the proposed
transition process on page 61 of this Compendium.
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division ,
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/STORET/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 51
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Key Water Program System Profiles
STORET—Biological Information System (BIOS)
Description
BIOS
Information
Information
Collection
Access
The Biological Information System (BIOS) is an automated component of STORET, developed
by the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. It contains information on the distribution,
abundance, and physical condition of aquatic organisms in waters within and contiguous to the
United States, as well as descriptions of their habitats. BIOS provides a central repository for
biological information and analytical tools for data analyses.
The BIOS data structure is similar to that of the STORET Water Quality System (WQS), with
two basic kinds of information—the sites (or stations) where information is collected and the
samples collected at these sites. BIOS information is collected at sampling locations called
stations, which have several identifiers, including
• Agency code •
• State and county code •
• EPA Ecoregion •
Station ID
EPA Basin code
Latitude and longitude
Narrative description
U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) Hydrologic Unit
Code
For each station, information from one or more sampling events is recorded. Sampling events
belong to a particular survey, which may include sampling events from more than one station.
Each sampling event is identified by a date and identifier. The sampling gear used may also be
identified, as well as the sampling environment, meteorological conditions, physical and
chemical water conditions, and descriptions of the habitat. For each sample, the system stores
a complete record of the observed biota. Minimally, information includes the taxonomic
identities and counts of observed organisms.
BIOS information can be linked to the Water Quality System (WQS) and the Permit
Compliance System (PCS). BIOS also links to a taxonomic nomenclature file maintained by
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Several organizations submit information to BIOS, including federal agencies such as EPA,
and state, interstate, and international agencies. New information is submitted daily by the
users. Actual updates to BIOS data files are made once each week.
States submitting information follow quality assurance and control procedures as specified in
section 106 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). All STORET data are checked for invalid data
ranges or missing mandatory fields before being added to the system. Although STORET
software edits incoming data for errors and inconsistencies, the owners of the data have the
primary responsibility for its content. In addition to quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)
checks, BIOS also provides an on-line description of contacts, references, and analytical
procedures for each data set.
Any person with access to the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer has
access to BIOS. Although agencies may lock their STORET information, almost all
information is available to all users. To add or change information, a user must have a special
Agency ID and password; agencies may change only their own information. NOTE: The
STORET system is being modernized. Be sure to read about the proposed transition
process on page 61 of this Compendium.
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Not applicable
Page 52
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EP/4 Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Page 53
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Description
STORET—Daily Flow System (DPS)
The STORET Daily Flow System (DPS), an automated database maintained by the Office of
Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW), contains daily observations of stream flow and
miscellaneous water quality parameters collected at gaging stations belonging to the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) national network. The DPS contains essentially the same
information as the USGS Daily Values File; the DPS provides an alternative source for the
information and simplifies linkages to other, non-USGS water databases.
DFS
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
The system contains more than 695,000 records, each representing a single water year's worth
of information for over 29,585 gaging sites.
The system is composed of approximately 85 percent stream flow information, indicating the
quantity of water flowing past the gaging sites (cubic feet per second). The remaining 15
percent of the information consists of water level and water quality measurements, including
Temperature
Dissolved oxygen
Chloride
Conductivity
PH
Suspended sediment
Uses of DFS information include reviewing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permits, conducting regulatory impact analyses (RIAs), developing water monitoring
strategies, and analyzing waste load allocations, where the flow information is used to compute
loadings. The computation of loadings allows users to convert water quality measurements
(i.e., concentrations) to quantitative measurements (e.g., pounds per day).
DFS information can be linked to information in the other STORET subsystems through reach
numbers.
EPA receives new information for the DFS from the USGS Daily Values File twice each year,
usually in April and October, at which time the information is merged into the DFS and made
available to users.
Quality control for these files includes a series of edit checks to ensure data fall within normal
ranges for specified data elements.
Any person with access to the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer has
access to the DFS. NOTE: The STORET system is being modernized. Be sure to read
about the proposed transition process on page 61 of this Compendium.
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Not applicable
Page 54
-------
EP>4 Wafer Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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STORET—Water Quality System (WQS)
Description
WQS
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
The STORET Water Quality System (WQS), the main component of STORET, is an automated
system, maintained by the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds in close cooperation
with the Office of Information Resources Management. It contains chemical and physical
information obtained during monitoring of waterways within and contiguous to the Untied
States. This includes information for estuaries, streams, lakes, rivers, ground water, canals, and
coastal and international waters.
The Water Quality System is composed of two basic kinds of information—the sites (or
stations) where information is collected and the samples collected at these sites. There are
currently over 730,000 stations, over 300 of which are unique collection points for ground
water data. Station information includes
Station type
Latitude/longitude
U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) Hydrologic Unit
State and county/EPA Basin code
Reach number
Narrative description
The information on sampling reports includes where, when, and how samples were collected;
the parameters) tested for; and the testing results. The analyses report ambient water quality
and effluent chemistry. There are currently about 25 million sample records and about 150
million analysis records. WQS information can be linked to the Permit Compliance System
(PCS), the STORET Biological Information System (BIOS), and other water databases through
reach numbers.
Information is collected, coded, and submitted by state, EPA, and other federal agencies with
monitoring programs, as well as contractors, universities, and individuals. Providers and users
of information are called agencies, and each is provided an account. Information providers
submit information, and EPA updates the database as information becomes available.
Information from the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water Information System (NWIS) is
transferred to STORET periodically. Recent changes have provided special measures to
facilitate the user's retrieval of ground water information.
Each agency submits its own information, which is submitted to basic checks for existence of
mandatory fields and range checks as it is added to WQS. EPA guidelines exist for data
definition and quality. They are optional, but EPA strongly encourages their use. States
submitting information follow quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures as
specified in section 106 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Although STORET software edits
incoming data for errors and inconsistencies, the owners of the data are responsible for its
content.
Any person with access to the EPA National Computer Center IBM ES-9000 computer has
access to WQS. Although agencies may lock their STORET information, almost all
information is available to the public. To add or change information, a user must have a
special Agency ID and password; agencies may change only their own information. NOTE:
The STORET system is being modernized. Be sure to read about the proposed transition
process on page 61 of this Compendium.
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Not applicable
Page 56
-------
EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Page 57
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Key Water Program System Profiles
STORET X^New STORET
Description
New STORET
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
The new STORET system (previously called STORET X) is EPA's principal repository for marine
and freshwater ambient water quality and biological monitoring information. The new STORET
combines the functionality of the legacy STORET Water Quality System (WQS) with that of the
Biological Information System (BIOS) and the Ocean Data Evaluation System (ODES).
This new system is designed to meet the data and information needs associated with watershed-level
environmental protection programs. The new STORET was developed to promote data sharing and
access, to provide spatial assessment capabilities, to have built-in quality assurance protocols, and to
offer a variety of formats into which data can be downloaded. The design and flexibility of STORET
ensures the utility of its current array of features and makes it adaptable to meet the future needs of
the water monitoring community. Decision makers can use STORET both to plan pollution
prevention and abatement programs and to evaluate their effectiveness.
The new STORET tool kit emphasizes delivery of data rather than data analysis. By selecting the
appropriate export format (e.g., spreadsheet, dBASE), the end user can download data into the form
most compatible with the intended analysis, exporting the formatted STORET data to his or her
local workstation. Types of analyses offered typically include statistical, graphical, or spatial
(imported into a geographic information system, or "GIS").
The new STORET database is relational, composed of a variety of data tables that have logical
connections among them. The system is divided into six primary areas, each representing a closely
related set of activities and their associated data:
Ownership by organizations
Projects and surveys
Sites or areas monitored
Site visits, cruises, or trips
Field monitoring activities, measurements, observations, and samples
Results
STORET's primary purpose is to handle the data requirements of EPA's Office of Water, however
non-EPA water data owners are actively encouraged to use STORET as well. The system is
designed to be flexible, accommodating most water-related data sources including data for fresh and
marine surface water, ground water and source water, sediment, aquatic biota, and habitat. The
system also handles metadata, which will allow analysts to determine the quality and other
characteristics of the data.
Although data analysis is not the fundamental function of the STORET tool kit, STORET staff are
in the process of determining which data interpretation and data browsing tools will be available in
future releases. A list of available reports is also under development.
States submitting information will follow quality assurance and quality control procedures as
specified in section 106 of the Clean Water Act. All new STORET data is automatically screened
for invalid data ranges or missing mandatory fields before being added to the system. Although
STORET software checks incoming data for errors and inconsistencies, it is possible to
override these data checks. The owners of the data therefore have the primary responsibility
for its content
The first production version of the new STORET system is now available (September 3, 1998).
It is in a client/server architecture using a UNIX/Oracle server and a PC-based Oracle client
workstation configuration. To add or change information in the central system, a user must
have a special agency code and unlocking key. A version that operates in a stand-alone mode
on a 32-bit PC workstation is also offered.
Phil Lindenstruth (202) 260-6549
lindenstruth.phil@epa.gov
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/STORET/sthp.html
Page 58
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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Page 59
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
The Transition Between the Legacy System and
New STORET (STORETX)
Several of the key systems and files described in this section of the Compendium will
cease to be available within the next 18 months. Outlined below is the proposed
process for making the transition from the old version of STORET to the new version.
The City/County Files, the Gage and Dam Files, the Daily Flow File, and the Drinking
Water Supply Files will no longer be available by mid-1999 (or sooner). All of this
information is available through other sources including U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS), Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Census Bureau, and others; much of it is on
the Internet.
The Biological Information System (BIOS) and the Ocean Data Evaluation System
(ODES) data will be transferred directly to the new STORET database when data
migration begins in January 1999. The new system is designed to handle both BIOS
and ODES data. The existing systems will be discontinued when migration has been
completed.
The new STORET system was released September 3, 1998. After December 31,
1998, the existing STORET system will no longer accept new data. Users wishing to
store their data will have to use the new system although access to existing data will
continue until sometime in 1999. Data owners have been notified that any
modifications, additions, or deletions to existing data must be made prior to January 1,
1999. All existing STORET data will be copied to the Legacy Data Center (LDC)
beginning in January 1999. This storage repository will be Year 2000-compliant. Data
in the LDC will be made available on CD-ROM along with a collection of retrieval
and report programs. It has not yet been determined how users will be able to obtain
copies of these CD-ROMs. ;
After the data have been transferred to the LDC, any data that meet the minimum
requirements for new STORET will be transferred to that system. These minimum
requirements have not yet been determined.
"STORET X" was the working name of the modernized STORET system. This term
has allowed EPA to distinguish it from the legacy STORET system. It is anticipated
that as the old system is shut down, the new system will be known simply as
"STORET".
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 61
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Key Water Program System Profiles
Surf Your Watershed
Description
Surf Your
Watershed
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
Surf Your Watershed is a multifaceted Internet site established by EPA's Office of Water in
1997 to support the public's right to know about environmental conditions in their localities and
to promote watershed protection. The site contains a variety of tools and resources to help
citizens find, use, and share environmental information about watersheds and communities.
Information about local protection efforts, volunteer opportunities, drinking water, land use,
population, Superfund sites, hazardous waste permits, water dischargers, and current stream
flow conditions is available at both the state and watershed levels. All the information in Surf
Your Watershed can be queried by zip code, county name, watershed name, stream name, tribal
nation, or large ecosystem to allow users to retrieve data in the manner most familiar to them.
Surf Your Watershed contains sets of environmental data that can be queried to provide
environmental profiles for specific watersheds, as well as linkages to other web sites. The Index
of Watershed Indicators (IWI) allows users to find profiles of the overall health of more than
2,000 individual watersheds that are each roughly 1,000 square miles. Users can also use IWI to
obtain an overall picture of watershed health in the United States. The IWI is compiled from 15
indicators of water resource condition and vulnerability to future degradation. Users can obtain
an environmental profile for their watershed by typing in a zip code, state, or tribe name; by
searching with key words such as county, urban area, school name, or stream or lake name; or
by using a mouse to point and click on a series of maps. These include a U.S. map showing
state boundaries, state maps showing watersheds boundaries, and watershed maps showing
stream traces and major cities for each of the 2,111 watersheds in the continental United States.
Users can also move upstream or downstream from one watershed profile to another.
Additional information in Surf Your Watershed points users to hotlines, government and
organizational contacts, and calendars of environmental events. Surf Your Watershed has over
2,500 linkages to noncommercial environmental web sites related to the watershed approach to
environmental management. Examples include the Know Your Watershed Partnerships and
Adopt-Your-Watershed web sites which contain information on more than 500 active volunteer
monitoring groups and 4,000 watershed alliances throughout the nation; the American Heritage
Rivers web site, with a "Yellow Pages" directory of access to support their watershed protection
activities; and the River Corridors and Wetlands Restoration Efforts web site, which contains
nationwide information on river and wetland restoration projects, proposals, ideas, and contacts.
The Speak Out feature is an information exchange forum intended to promote greater public
participation in dialogues about water quality and watershed issues.
The web site linkage information is continually updated. New linkages are identified by EPA
staff searching the Internet or are suggested for inclusion by local groups in specific watersheds.
EPA reviews all the proposed sites to ensure that they meet EPA's criteria for inclusion in Surf
Your Watershed and assigns key words to help users navigate the list.
The databases associated with Surf Your Watershed are created in house using GIS analysis,
purchased, or created by other partners. Most data are updated at least once a year (frequently
more often). AH of the data in Surf Your Watershed are documented and catalogued by
geography, source or oiganization, key words, and other metadata. The Environmental
Information Management System, developed by EPA's Office of Research and Development, is
used to document the data sets and house searchable metadata.
Anyone may access Surf Your Watershed through the Internet. There are online tours of the site
to guide users through its features.
Karen Klima
(202) 260-7087
klima.karen@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
http://www.epa.gov/surf
Page 62
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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The Waterbody System
Description
WBS
Information
Information
Collection
Access
National
Manager
Internet
Address
The Waterbody System (WBS) is an automated database of state water quality assessment
information maintained by the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. WBS facilitates
collection, storage, retrieval, and analysis of water quality assessment information collected by
the states to meet the Agency's congressional reporting requirement under section 305(b) of the
Clean Water Act.
The WBS contains information that helps program managers report accurately and quickly on
the water quality status of a particular waterbody. It may also be used to target resource
expenditures and to set surface water program priorities. Information available includes
Waterbody identification
Water quality status
Sources of impairment
• Assessment information
• Causes or stressors of impairment
Under the Clean Water Act, states submit information to EPA on several types of surface waters
affected by point or nonpoint source pollution, including rivers, lakes, estuaries, Great Lakes,
ocean shoreline, wetlands, and groundwater.
The Waterbody System serves as an inventory of each state's navigable waters that have been
assessed for water quality. It is used as the basis for the 305(b) Report to Congress every 2
years. States assemble available monitoring information and make judgments on water quality
before summary information can be entered into the system. The WBS stores the results of such
assessments. The WBS is not designed to store, manipulate, or analyze raw monitoring data.
The WBS can be linked to the EPA Reach File and STORET via reach indexing. Also, the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) number links facilities reported in
the WBS to the Industrial Facilities Discharge File (IFD) and the Permit Compliance System
(PCS).
The Clean Water Act requires each state, territory, and interstate commission to develop a
program to monitor the quality of its water and to prepare a report every two years describing
the status of water quality. The information is collected and entered into WBS by the states,
territories and interstate commissions. This information is submitted to EPA every 2 years to
update the national database.
WBS is a voluntary program currently used by approximately 40 states, territories, and river
basin commissions. The database consists of assessments rather than monitoring data and
includes many optional fields. Consistency is good •within a state. The quality and content of
the assessment information is a function of states' water quality monitoring efforts. Those
wishing to aggregate to an EPA regional or national level should discuss data characteristics
with the WBS coordinator.
A major client for the WBS information is EPA's Index of Watershed Indicators (IWI). In IWI,
use attainment information is aggregated to the level of 9-digit U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Cataloging Units to provide an indicator showing the percent of surveyed streams meeting
Water Quality Standards. For access to the waterbody-level database files, the National
Manager should be consulted.
Thomas Dabolt
(202) 260-3697
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/NBSFlash/NBSFlash.html
Page 64
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
I Outreach Services
A Clearinghouses
B Bibliographies
C Hotlines
D Web Sites
II Environmental and Program Systems
A Tracking Systems
B Information Systems
III Program and Information Management Tools
A Scientific and Technical Models
B Analytical/Assessment Tools
C Access Tools
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
Introduction
This chapter contains an inventory of 45 additional environmental and program information systems
maintained by the Office of Water at EPA headquarters, but not profiled. Although most of these
systems are narrower in scope than the 22 systems that the Compendium highlights, they contain
information that could be useful for cross-media and program assessments.
Most, but not all, of the systems in this inventory are automated. Each system narrative consists of the
name of the system, the office responsible for its operation, the hardware and software used, and a point
of contact. A brief description summarizes each system's purpose and the types of information
available from it.
The systems have been organized into three broad categories, each with several subcategories:
• Outreach Services
- Bibliographies: Provide lists of publications, including authors, publication dates, and other
applicable information, that pertain to a specific subject area.
- Clearinghouses: Provide a single access point for relevant information about the topic of
interest.
- Hotlines: Enable telephone callers to have questions answered by people knowledgeable in the
subject areas.
Web Sites: Provide information about programs, services, and publications and current
information about topics of interest to the general public.
• Environmental and Program Systems
- Tracking Systems: Track activities and progress against established goals over time.
- Information Systems: Provide information to users.
• Program and Information Management Tools
- Scientific/Technical Models: Help users predict the outcomes of certain situations based on
the variables that the users enter.
- Analytical/Assessment Tools: Allow users to analyze data; may include statistical tools,
graphing and mapping tools, or other analytical methods.
- Access Tools: Facilitate users' access to water data (e.g., user-friendly, PC-based "front ends"
for complex mainframe systems).
The following matrices list the services and systems described in this section and show which of the
five OW program offices maintain them. The OW program offices are the Office of Ground Water and
Drinking Water (OGWDW); the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW); the Office of
Science and Technology (OST); the Office of Wastewater Management (OWM); and the American
Indian Environmental Office (AIEO). The systems are arranged alphabetically under each major
category within the narrative section.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 69
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY
Outreach
Services
Clearinghouses
Bibliographies
Hotlines
• Land Cover Digital Data Directory for the United States (Internet and
Hard copy, OWOW/AWPD)
The purpose of this system is to provide a summary description of mapped,
moderately detailed land cover data sets across the country. The geographic
coverage of the data sets includes both single-state and multi-state data. The
summaries in this directory include contact information to assist readers who
may want to acquire copies of the digital data for their own use. This
directory is not a centralized source for ordering and acquiring digital data;
it describes the availability of such data. To obtain land cover data, readers
must contact the reference given for each individual data set in the directory.
Contact: Doug Norton (202) 260-7017
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/wacademy/its.html
• Watershed Information Resources System (WIRS) Bibliographic
Database (Internet, OWOW/AWPD)
The WIRS Database is an on-line resource center for information on lake
and watershed restoration, protection, and management. WIRS may be
accessed and searched for specific information. WIRS offers technical
information in bibliographic formats contained in more than 5,000
watershed-related documents. A clearinghouse for these data is operated by
the Terrene Institute at (703) 548-5473 or on the Internet at
http://www.terrene.org.
Contact: Anne Weinberg (202) 260-7107
Internet Address: http://www.terrene.org/wirsdata.htm
« Safe Drinking Water Hotline (Phone or E-mail, OGWDW/IAD)
The Safe Drinking Water (SDW) Hotline assists both the regulated
community (public water systems) and the public with their understanding
of the regulations and programs developed in response to the Safe Drinking
Water Act and its 1996 amendments. Inquiries on EPA's drinking water
program, regulations, and standards are also accepted via e-mail. The
hotline can answer questions about drinking water and the Safe Drinking
Water Act (SDWA), order EPA publications, provide correct regulatory
citations, and provide referrals to additional contacts at the state level or on
related topics (such as bottled water).
E-Mail Address: hotline-sdwa@epamail.epa.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-800-426-4791
Hours of Operation: M-F 9:00-5:30 ET
Contact: Christine O'Brien (202) 260-4275
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/safewater
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
Storm Water Phase I Hotline (Phone, OWM/PD)
The Storm Water Phase I Hotline responds to questions regarding issues
associated with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) baseline industrial, construction, multi-sector and modified multi-
sector, general permits. This includes information concerning specific
requirements of the permit and other related information.
Toll Free Number: 1 -800-245-6510
Contact: Bryan Rittenhouse (202) 260-0592
Internet Address: Not applicable
Storm Water Phase II Hotline (Phone, OWM/PD)
The Storm Water Phase II Hotline responds to questions regarding issues
associated with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) proposed regulations for revision of the Water Pollution Control
Program addressing storm water discharges.
Storm Water Phase II Hotline Number: (202) 260-5816
Contact: George Utting (202) 260-9530
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/owm/sw2.htm
Wetlands Information Hotline (Phone, OWOW/WD)
The EPA Wetlands Information Hotline is a contractor-operated, toll-free
telephone service and e-mail box where users can request information about
wetlands regulation, legislation, and policy pursuant to section 404 of the
Clean Water Act, wetlands values and functions, and wetlands agricultural
issues. The Hotline acts as a first point of contact for EPA's Wetlands
Division, which is part of the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
(OWOW).
E-mail: wetlands-hotline@epamail.epa.gov
Washington, DC and vicinity: (703) 525-0985
Toll Free Number: 1-800-832-7828.
Hours of Operation: M-F 9:00-5:30 ET
Contact: Not available
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/wetline.html
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV1998
Web Sites
Beach Watch (Internet, OST/SASD)
BEACH Watch is the Internet home page for EPA's new Beaches
Environmental Assessment, Closure, and Health (BEACH) Program. This
web site will eventually become the national information hub for up-to-date
information on beach health protection activities throughout the United
States.
Information that can currently be found at this site includes
• BEACH Program Overview
• Beachgoers' Guide
• National Beach Health Survey information—status and current
information
• Links via the Internet to various sources of information. These include
Reports on beach water quality, such as EPA's report titled
Summary of U.S. Great Lakes Beach Closings 1981-1994 and the
National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) report Testing the
Waters, 1997.
Local beach information, including beach conditions, local beach
weather, and a list of contacts for more information on local beach
water quality.
Contact: Rick Hoffmann (202) 260-0642
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/OST/beaches
Drinking Water and Health Advisory Summary Tables (Internet,
OST/HECD)
These tables are prepared periodically and contain information on drinking
water regulations and health advisories. These are drinking water standards
in the form of nonenforceable concentrations of drinking water
contaminants, maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs), or maximum
contaminant levels (MCLs) and the values on which they are based. The
tables contain the following information on individual chemicals:
• Status of drinking water regulations
• Status of health advisory
• MCLGs
• MCLs
• One-day, 10-day, longer-term, and lifetime health advisories
• Reference dose (RfD)
• Drinking water equivalent level (DWEL)
• Cancer risk
• Cancer group
Contact: Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791.
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/OST/Tools/dwstds.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
Effluent Guidelines and Supporting Documents (Internet, OST/EAD)
This web page includes technical guidance and effluent limitation guidelines
for regulated industries. Entries current as of May 1998 include
• Existing Effluent Guidelines - Code of Federal Regulations
• Effluent Guidelines Plan
• Centralized Waste Treatment
• Industrial Laundries
• Industrial Waste Combustors
• Iron and Steel
• Landfills
• Leather Tanning and Finishing
• Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard
Contact: Beverly Randolph (202) 260-5373
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/OST/guide
National Small Flows Clearinghouse Web Site (Internet, OWM/MSD)
The purpose of this web site is to provide access to a range of services
provided by the clearinghouse. Features include on-line discussion groups
on small community wastewater topics, downloadable copies of recent
periodicals and informational brochures, and product listings and on-line
ordering.
Contact: Steve Hogye (202) 260-5841
Internet Address: http://www.nsfc.wvu.edu
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium f Y1998
Partnership 2000 (Internet, Lotus Notes, OWM)
This project is a joint effort among the Environmental Council of States, the
EPA Office of Information Resource Management (OIRM), the Office of
Air and Radiation (OAR), the Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) in
the Office of Water, and the Office of Grants and Debarment in the Office
of Administration and Resources Management (OARM). The States of New
York, Massachusetts, Delaware, Texas, and Arizona and EPA Regional
Offices in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, and San Francisco are
also involved in the Partnership 2000 project.
The purpose of the project is to provide an electronic means for all State
grant processing and communications between EPA Headquarters, Regions
and State participants. Partnership 2000 is currently under design and
development to produce pilot software for the participating States and
regions to use in their State grant process. The system will automate the
total grant process, including policy, guidance, application, award,
negotiation, tracking, and reporting functions. It will eliminate the need for
paper and promote information access.
Partnership 2000 is designed to strengthen partnerships with States and
support community based environmental protection. Through reinvention
and applying electronic commerce, it will streamline the grant process and
provide electronic management from application to award to closeout for
EPA's State grant community.
Contact: Jane Ephremides (OWM) (202) 260-3897
William Houck (OAR) (202) 260-1754
Kathleen Herrin (Office of Grants and Debarment) (202) 564-5346
Chris Clark (OIRM) (202) 260-5022
Internet Address: http://l 61.80.11.97
Water Quality Criteria Summary Table (Internet, OST/HECD)
The Water Quality Criteria Summary Table contains EPA's ambient water
quality criteria values published under section 304(a) of the Clean Water
Act. Users can access EPA's current list of human health and aquatic life
criteria values for priority and nonpriority pollutants, as well as organoleptic
effect criteria, on the Office of Science and Technology (OST) home page.
Contact: Cindy Roberts (202) 260-2787
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/OST/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
Environmental
and Program
Systems
Tracking Systems
• 301(h) Applicant Tracking System (PC, dBASE, OWOW/OCPD)
The purpose of this system is to track applicants to the 301(h) program
through the various stages of application, review, tentative decisions, final
decision, permit issuance, and reapplication/renewal. The system also
includes basic facility information for the existing facility and the proposed
design. The system is used by EPA headquarters program staff to manage
applications, reviews, and resource allocations.
Contact: Virginia Fox-Norse (202) 260-9129
Internet Address: Not applicable
• Grants Reporting and Tracking System (CRTS) (Mainframe, Lotus
Notes, OWOW/AWPD)
States and tribes use GRTS to track projects and activities funded with
Clean Water Act (CWA) section 319(h) funds. This mainframe database
contains information about approximately 6,000 projects. Starting with the
1997 fiscal year, the projects can be georeferenced by cataloging unit,
latitude and longitude, reach number, and state. The primary purpose of the
database is to meet grant reporting requirements, as well as to provide
information that can be used to respond to inquires from the Office of
Management and Budget, Congress, and various constituent groups.
Standard reports are available, as well as customized user-defined reports.
Contact: Don Konkoski (301) 694-7329 or (202) 260-7103
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/tools/db.htmltf4
• Notice of Intent (NOI) Processing Center (OWM/PD)
Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES),
facilities with point source discharges to waters of the United States must
obtain a permit for such discharges. The Office of Wastewater Management
issues NPDES permits for storm water discharges associated with industrial
activity in the states and territories that do not currently have authority to
issue their own NPDES permits. EPA established the NOI Processing
Center to process and maintain NOIs submitted by dischargers seeking
coverage under general permits for storm water discharges associated with
industrial activity.
Contact: Shavonne Simms (202) 260-9541 or
Betty West (202) 260-8486
Internet Address: Not applicable
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV 1 998
Information
Systems
Biosolids Data Management System (BDMS) (Under Development,
OWM/MSD)
This is a national system for compiling information on biosolids quality,
production rates, processing, use and disposal practices, and compliance
information. It is also a tool for compiling report data from biosolids
generators and permittees. The user will be able to upload information from
a local PC (using Windows 95) into the national system. The system will be
directly accessible through the Internet. It is envisioned that BDMS will
eventually be a module within the modernized Permit Compliance System
(PCS).
Contact: Bob Bastian (202) 260-7378
Internet Address: Not applicable
Clean Water State Revolving Fund National Information Management
System (PC, Excel, OWM/MSD)
The information system contains state-by-state data on the 51 Clean Water
State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) programs on an annual basis from the
inception of the CWSRF program in 1988. EPA regional and national
aggregations of the information are available. The information is updated
annually on a June 30 fiscal year basis from data provided by each state
program manager. Information in the system includes funds available in
each CWSRF program from federal capitalization grants, state match
contributions, leveraged bonds, investment earnings, and loan repayments.
Information on CWSRF assistance provided to projects identifies the type of
projects funded (wastewater treatment, nonpoint source, and estuaries); the
size of the community receiving the assistance; the amount of assistance
provided to hardship communities; and whether the assistance is provided in
the form of loans, refinancing, or other eligible means. Other information
includes state CWSRF agency points of contact and administrative and other
expenses of the fund.
Contact: Gloria Bullock (202) 260-8485
Internet Address: Not applicable
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey (OGWDW/IAD)
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to conduct a Drinking Water
Infrastructure Needs Survey every 4 years. The results of the survey are
used to allot Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (D WSRF) monies
among states and as part of the allotment formula for the Native American
DWSRF set-aside. The first (1995) Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs
Survey was submitted to Congress in January 1997.
The Drinking Water Infrastructure Data System (DWIDS) consists of
databases that store information provided by respondents to the 1995
Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey. The survey was designed to
identify the capital infrastructure needs faced by the nation's publicly and
privately owned community water systems. The databases contain both
current needs and future needs for the 20-year period from January 1995
through 2014. Project data collected includes a brief written description of
the project, a code that best describes the project, codes indicating the type
of documentation submitted to support the need and cost, the type of
treatment required, the design capacity of the project, and the cost of the
project.
Data collection for the 1999 Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey
will take place between November 1998 and August 1999. The Report to
Congress is due by February 2001.
Contact: Richard P. Nailer (202)260-5135
E-mail: naylor.richard@epamail.epa.gov
Internet Address: Not applicable
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) National Information
Management System (PC, Excel, OGWDW/IAD)
The information system will contain state-by-state data on the Drinking
Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program on an annual basis from the
inception of the DWSRF program with the first capitalization grant awarded
in 1997. EPA regional and national aggregations of the program
information will be available. The information will be updated annually
from data provided by each state DWSRF program. Information in the
system will include the amount of funds available in the DWSRF Fund for
infrastructure project loans and other eligible assistance from federal
capitalization grants, state match contributions, leveraged bonds, loan
repayments, and investment earnings. Other information about the fund
will include the types of projects funded, the population of the system
receiving assistance, and the amount and type of assistance provided.
Information will also be available on the DWSRF set-asides. A state has the
option of using a portion of its capitalization grant for set-aside purposes,
which include activities that encourage better system drinking water system
management and drinking water source water protection activities. State
DWSRF Agency contacts will also be provided.
Contact: James Bourne (202) 260-5557
E-mail: bourne.james@epamail.epa.gov
Internet Address: Not applicable
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
Information Collection Rule Federal Data Base (Mainframe ORACLE,
OGWDW/IAD)
This database is designed to help EPA develop new regulations under the
authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Data are collected from
approximately 300 large utilities (500 treatment plants) and analyzed to
study the risk/risk trade-off in disinfecting drinking water. Data are
collected on the presence and levels of microbial contaminants and
disinfection by-products (DBFs), including monitoring data for viruses,
bacteria, and protozoa. This information will be used to determine the need
for revisions in EPA's current water filtration and disinfection rule, as well
as the need for new regulations for disinfectants and disinfection by-
products.
Contact: Edward Cottrill (202) 260-2416
E-mail: cottrill.edward@epamail.epa.gov
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/icr.html
ICR Supplemental Surveys Data Base (Under Development,
OGWDW/IAD) :
This database will supplement data being collected under the Information
Collection Rule. It will contain the monitoring results of three related
surveys of public water systems—the Large System Survey, systems serving
100,000 people or more; the Medium System Survey, those serving 10,000
to 100,000 people; and the Small System Survey, those serving fewer than
10,000 people. The database will include source water monitoring data on
protozoa, bacteria, water quality parameters, and disinfection by-product
(DBF) precursors for systems using surface water sources. EPA plans to
begin the surveys in the fall of 1998, and the validated data will be used
during Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) Negotiated Rulemakings
on microbes and DBP in control drinking water. The data set is expected to
be complete and validated by spring 2000. It cannot and should not be used
for compliance, enforcement, or public health determinations.
Contact: Heather Shank-Givens (202) 260-0063
E-mail: givens.heather@epamail.epa.gov
Internet Address: Not applicable
Inventory of Certified Labs (PC, dBASE III+, OGWDW/TSC)
This system contains a list of laboratories certified to do compliance
monitoring analyses for public drinking water supplies and the contaminants
and methods for which for which they are certified to test in each state. This
listing was last updated in 1994. Any requester of information from the list
should verify the laboratory's current status with the principal state in which
the laboratory resides.
Contact: Ed Glick (513) 569-7939
E-mail: glick.ed@epa.gov
Internet Address: Not applicable
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
National Assessment Database (PC, Access, OWOW/AWPD)
The 51 separate state 305(b) databases were combined into a single,
consistent national system called the National Assessment Database for
1994 (or NAD 1994). Its data structure draws on the core data items found
in the underlying state-specific Waterbody System (WBS) databases (see
page 64). In addition to summary tables organized by state, NAD 1994 can
generate summary information for a variety of other spatial units. For
instance, NAD 1994 includes the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 8-digit
Cataloging Unit (CU) or Hydrologic Cataloging Unit (HUC) Watershed
containing the waterbody. Summary products at this CU-watershed level
can be easily produced. These watershed summaries can then be processed
in different ways. One watershed-level application involves an indicator
representing the extent of river waterbodies meeting designated uses relative
to the extent of assessed rivers. This indicator forms the basis for one of the
component indexes in EPA's overall Index of Watershed Indicators (IWI;
see page 34).
A new National Assessment Database for 1996 (NAD 1996) will be
constructed based on the WBS files used by states and other entities in
preparing their 1996 305(b) reports. Major goals in assembling NAD 1996
include the following:
• Enhance the data validation checking for state WBS files.
• Include additional waterbody types (especially lakes and estuaries).
• Pursue opportunities to fill current data gaps (e.g., include assessments
from Indian groups).
• Improve consistency in reporting on interstate watersheds.
• Factor in both traditional "targeted" monitoring and new regionally
randomized monitoring approaches to achieve more comprehensive
coverage.
The process initiated with the 1994 305(b) cycle will become
institutionalized by the start of the 1998 cycle. Wherever possible, EPA is
encouraging states to conduct annual electronic updates of their assessment
databases. These can be synchronized with rotating basin planning and
management activities. Many states are expected to update the assessments
on approximately 20 percent of the state's total waters annually.
Contact: Chuck Spooner (202) 260-1305
Internet Address: Not applicable
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
• The National Beach Watch Database (Lotus/Domino, OST/SASD)
The National Beach Watch Database contains the responses to the National
Health Protection Survey of Beaches. The survey consists of two parts.
The first section of the questionnaire contains information on a state's
and/or local jurisdiction's overall program and includes program-specific
information such as monitoring procedures, analysis methods, water quality
standards, and advisory implementation. The second section pertains to
local beaches and includes information on beach location and usage,
monitoring frequency, advisory or closure dates, and sources that caused the
advisory/closure. The results of this survey are available through the Beach
Watch web site.
Contact: Rick Hoffinann (202) 260-0642
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/OST/beaches
• National Contaminant Occurrence Database (Under Development,
OGWDW/IAD)
The National Contaminant Occurrence Database (NCOD) will be a
collection of data, of documented quality, on regulated and unregulated
chemical, radiological, microbial, and physical contaminants and other such
contaminants likely to occur in finished, raw, and source waters of public
water systems of the United States and its territories. The purpose of the
NCOD is to support the identification and selection of contaminants for
future regulation, regulation development or other appropriate actions, and
review of existing regulations for possible modification. The initial
deadline for the NCOD to be operational is August 1999. EPA will take a
phased approach for NCOD development and incorporate improvements to
the database beyond 1999.
Contact: Valerie Love-Smith (202) 260-5596
Internet Address: Not applicable
• National Listing of Fish and Wildlife Consumption Advisories (Internet,
OST/SASD)
This database includes all available information describing state-, tribe-, and
federally issued fish consumption advisories in the United States for the 50
states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories, and it has been
expanded to include the 12 Canadian provinces and territories. The database
contains information provided to EPA by the states, tribes, and Canada as of
December 1997. Advisories issued by several American Indian tribes are
included. These advisories inform the public that high concentrations of
chemical contaminants have been found in local fish and wildlife, and they
include recommendations to limit or avoid consumption of certain fish and
wildlife species.
Contact: Jeff Bigler (202) 260-1305
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/OST/fishadvice/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
National Sediment Inventory (Mainframe, SAS, OST/SASD)
EPA's National Sediment Inventory is a repository of sediment-related
monitoring data generated by federal agencies and others to determine the
incidence, extent, and severity of sediment contamination in the United
States. This database can be used by federal, state, and local agencies to
focus their pollution prevention and remediation efforts on the worst sites of
sediment contamination.
The National Sediment Inventory is used by EPA program offices as an
assessment tool. The inventory may be used as a screening tool to identify
contaminated sediment sites for consideration for remedial action, identify
problem pesticides and toxic substances that might require further regulatory
attention, identify impaired waters for National Water Quality Inventory
reports or development of Total Maximum Daily Loads, and target
watersheds for contaminant source management and pollution prevention
practices.
The inventory is the largest set of sediment chemistry and related biological
data ever compiled into a national database. It includes sediment chemistry
measures, fish tissue residue levels, and toxicity test results. This database
currently includes approximately two million records for more than 21,000
monitoring stations located in nearly 1,363 of the 2,111 watersheds hi the
continental United States. In developing this database, EPA seeks data that
are available in electronic format, represent broad geographic coverage, and
represent specific sampling locations that are identified by latitude and
longitude coordinates. There are also minimum data quality requirements
for data to be included in the database.
Contact: Jim Keating (202) 260-3845
E-mail: keating.jim@epamail.epa.gov
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gOV/ostA:s/report.html
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
National Sewage Sludge Survey (Mainframe, PC, Database, OST/EAD)
This system contains the questionnaire and chemical analytical portions of a
one-time survey conducted in 1988. The questionnaire portion contains
responses from a national survey of treatment, use, and disposal practices at
publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). The chemical analytical portion
contains measurements of biosolids (sewage sludge) from a subset of the
respondents to the questionnaire. Both surveys used stratified random
sampling, which is applicable to the development of national estimates.
The questionnaire database and the analytical database are available on
EPA's National Computer Center (NCC) if the user has access to that
system. The questionnaire database is identified as
A011.SLU.SLU29515.SSEP2689.SASFILE, and the analytical database is
identified as A01 l.SLU.NSSS.SASLIB. Digital databases, printed
databases, dictionaries, and reports are available through the National
Technical Information Service (NTIS). These items, along with their
associated NTIS reference numbers, are as follows:
Digital database on Statistical Assessment Software (SAS) format
mainframe tapes (PB90-501834)
• Digital database in American Standard Code for Information
Interchange (ASCII) format for the PC (PB93-500403)
• Printed version (voluminous) of the Analytical Database
(PB90-107491)
• Printed version (voluminous) of the Questionnaire Database
(PB90-107509)
• Data Element Dictionary for the Questionnaire and Analytical
Databases (PB90-198961)
• Data Element Dictionary for the Data Conventions Database
(PB93-500403),
• Regulatory Impact Analysis for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge
(PB93-110625)
• Technical Support Document for the Round Two Sewage Sludge
Pollutants (EPA-822-R-96-003) Note: this document contains the Final
Report: Percentile Estimates Used to Develop the List of Pollutants
for Round Two of the Part 503 Regulation
Contact: Chuck White (202) 260-5411
Internet Address: http://earthl.epa.gov/earthlOO/records/il0625.html
National Volunteer Monitoring Directory (Internet, OWOW/AWPD)
This database contains the results of a nationwide survey of volunteer water
quality monitoring groups. The database tracks the names and addresses of
volunteer monitoring groups, type of waterbody monitored, parameters
sampled, number of volunteers, budget, and information on data use and
users.
Contact: Alice Mayio (202) 260-7018
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitor/dir.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
Personal Computer/Complex Effluent Toxicity Information System
(PC-CETIS) (PC, FoxBASE, OWOW/AWPD)
The Personal Computer/Complex Effluent Toxicity Information System
(PC-CETIS) is designed to be used by permitting and compliance staff at all
levels of government and by industrial and municipal waste dischargers to
support compliance with the Clean Water Act. PC-CETIS is a
computerized repository of national toxicity test information. It is designed
to support stand-alone PC use by providing standardized entry,
maintenance, storage, and retrieval of ambient and effluent toxicity test
information.
Information available in the PC-CETIS system includes
• Reference-level information identifying and characterizing the
discharge facility and receiving water conditions for both ambient and
effluent toxicity tests. Reference-level information includes station
latitude/longitude, waterbody name, hydrologic unit, and discharge
information.
• Test parameter information such as sample, test, water chemistry,
quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and organism information.
• Test result information for acute and chronic tests such as
concentration, effect, and statistical method information.
For more information, contact:
Bob King
(202) 260-7028
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division
Internet Address: http://www.ntis.gov/fcpc/cpn4834.htm
Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards and
Guidelines (PC, dBASE/FoxBASE, OST/HECD)
This system contains the results of the 1993-1995 survey of state and federal
drinking water standards and guidelines, conducted by the Federal/State
Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee (FSTRAC). The database
contains information from 49 states and the USEPA, including (1) program
information by agency, (2) detailed standards and guidelines by agency, and
(3) detailed standards and guidelines by chemical. The program information
and detailed drinking water standards and guidelines have been entered into
the Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) of the National Library of
Medicine (NLM) and can be accessed through the Toxicology Network
(TOXNET) at (301) 496-6531.
Contact: Octavia Connerly (202) 260-1689
Internet Address: Not applicable
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium PV 1998
• Unregulated Contaminants Data Base (Mainframe, Focus,
OGWDW/SRMD)
This system contains the results of monitoring done by public water supply
systems to detect the presence of unregulated chemicals (those with no
MCLs) in their surface and/or ground water supplies. Information contained
in the system includes the following: the public water supply identification
number, sampling point ID, source type, sample date, analytical results sign,
concentration value, and (Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number. This
monitoring is required once every 5 years under the Safe Drinking Water
Act Amendments of 1987.
Contact: Lew Summers (202) 260-7577
Internet Address: Not applicable
• UIC Program Summary System (PC, OGWDW/IAD)
The Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program Summary System stores
and processes information concerning program implementation activities
and includes basic inventory, inspection, permitting, mechanical integrity
testing, and corrective action data. Data are compiled from reports
submitted by EPA regions and states. The system is used to support EPA
headquarters oversight of state and EPA regional UIC programs, national
policy and regulation development, litigation, resource distribution, and
budget planning, and to answer public and congressional inquiries. The
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) maintains a
separate system to track noncompliance and enforcement data compiled on
7520-2A, 7520-2B, and 7520-4.
The UIC Program Summary System contain complete summary information
for all state UIC programs (whether administered by the states or an EPA
region). Among the types of information in the databases are
Permit determination
Field inspection & testing
Well inventory
Record review
Permit issuance
Corrective/remedial actions
Class 4/5 well closures
Contact: Harriet Hubbard (202) 260-9554
Internet Address: Not applicable
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
UICWELLS (PC, FoxPro 2.6, OGWDW/IAD)
UICWELLS is an internal Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
(OGWDW) database of Class I injection well facilities in the United States.
It was developed specifically for the Underground Injection Control (UIC)
Program to provide crucial data in support of various regulations affecting
Class I injection well disposal. All information includes facility location,
well construction, operation, site geology, basic hydrogeology, waste codes,
constituents, etc.
The database contains various menus to access basic sets of data. Through
the Full Facility Report menu, the user can obtain all Class I facility data
located in 44 fields and in more than 600 pages (if printed). This feature is
user-friendly and can be compressed onto a 3.5-inch floppy or e-mailed in a
text format.
Contact: Robert E. Smith (202) 260-5559
Internet Address: Not applicable
Program and
Information
Management
Tools
Scientific/
Technical Models
Since most of the models in this section are known primarily by their acronyms
and might not be easily identifiable by their actual titles, the model descriptions
are listed in alphabetical order by acronym. Each model is also listed in the
Index (page 163) under both the acronym and the actual name.
• AQUATOX (PC, Windows 95, OST/SASD)
AQUATOX is an environmental fate and effects model for various
environmental stressors in aquatic ecosystems. It can simulate the
environmental fate of pollutants from their input into the waterbody; into the
water, sediments, and biotic components; to their uptake and release
throughout the food web, culminating in fish species that might be
consumed by humans or wildlife. The effects of the pollutants are predicted
by simulating the significant ecological processes, including primary and
secondary productivity, trophic structure and dynamics, predator/prey
interactions, toxicity, and nutrient dynamics. Pollutants that can be modeled
include nutrients, toxic organics, and pesticides. AQUATOX is currently
undergoing validation and beta testing. It should be available in the fall of
1998.
Contact: Marjorie Coombs Wellman (202) 260-9821
Internet Address: Not applicable
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System (CORMIX) (PC, FORTRAN,
OST/SASD)
Software system for the analysis, prediction, and design of aqueous toxic or
conventional pollutant discharges into lakes, rivers, and streams.
Contact: Hira Biswas (202) 260-7012
Internet Address:
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/tools/model.htmW3
Dynamic Toxics Waste Load Allocation Model (DYNTOX) (Mainframe
or PC, FORTRAN, OST/SASD)
DYNTOX is a waste load allocation model that uses a probabilistic dilution
technique to estimate the concentrations of toxic substances or fractions of
whole effluent toxicity. The model performs three types of simulation that
can aid in determining the frequency and durations of toxic concentrations
from a waste discharge.
Contact: Hira Biswas (202) 260-7012
Internet Address:
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/tools/model.htmlft5
Hydrologic Simulation Program - FORTRAN (HSPF) (Mainframe or
PC, FORTRAN, OST/SASD)
HSPF simulates watershed hydrology and water quality for both
conventional and toxic organic pollutants. The model framework includes
pollutant transport and transformation within stream channels. The model
can predict flow rate, sediment load, and nutrient and pesticide
concentrations from point and nonpoint source discharges.
Contact: Hira Biswas (202) 260-7012
Internet Address:
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watersheaYtools/model.htmM2
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
Analytical/
Assessment Tools
Sediment Modeling Tool Kit (Under Development, OST/SASD)
The tool kit will provide users with an integrated system of GIS-based tools
specifically designed to support hydrodynamic and water quality model
studies. It will support multidimensional simulation modeling in a wide
variety of environmental settings. Features of the tool kit will include a
graphical user interface (GUI) front end for the hydrodynamic/water quality
model Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC); a grid generation tool
to segment a waterbody into a 1-, 2-, or 3-D representation; a relational
database management system (RDBMS) to feed environmental contaminant
fate data to the model; a series of geographic information system (GIS)-
based tools to preprocess spatially distributed data required by the model;
and a tool to visualize model output.
The tool kit will reduce the complexity of setting up a multidimensional
representation of a waterbody and provide seamless communication between
GIS, the RDBMS, and the model's GUI front end. It will also simplify the
means by which physical and fate data can be managed, manipulated, and
fed to the model.
-Contact: Bill Tate (202) 260-7052
Internet Address: Not applicable
Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control
Administrators (ASIWPCA) File (Mainframe, In-House Software,
OWOW/AWPD)
EPA's ASIWPCA database contains stream reaches that have been assigned
designated use impairment codes (minor, threatened, moderate, and severe).
Codes are assigned using state stream pollution data gathered by
ASIWPCA.
Contact: Bob King (202) 260-7028
Internet Address: Not applicable
Parameter (FARM) File (Mainframe, In-House Software, OWOW/AWPD)
The EPA STORET parameter database contains the complete set of
STORET parameters used on the Water Quality database, Chemical
Abstracts Service (CAS) codes, toxic chronic and health levels, and
solubility and vapor pressure levels.
Contact: Bob King (202) 260-7028
Internet Address: Not applicable
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV1898
• Pretreatment Limitations Model (PRELIM) Version 5 (PC, Clipper,
OWM/PS)
PRELIM 5.0 is a computer program to assist publicly owned treatment
works (POTWs), states, and EPA regions with the development of
technically based local discharge limitations under the national pretreatment
program. PRELIM calculates limits for designated pollutants based on
environmental criteria. The program computes the amount of each pollutant
that the POTW can receive and still meet the desired environmental
objectives. Using one of several methods, the program then allocates the
maximum allowable influent loadings to the appropriate nondomestic users.
Contact: John Hopkins (202) 260-9527
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/owmitnet/pipes/new.htm
• Water Quality Analysis System (Mainframe, In-House Software
OWOW/AWPD)
The purpose of this system is to link a series of water quality data files
(Industrial Facilities Discharge File [IFD], Gage, Drinking Water Supply,
Dams, City, Complex Effluent Toxicity Information System [CETIS], Reach
File, and STORET) and to enable the user to create reports and graphics
from the environmental information maintained in these data files. By
using this software, users can obtain access to a wide variety of information
related to cities, stream impairment, the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit and pipe discharge information, and
stream flow information by stream reach, stream gages, drinking water
supply locations, facility discharge location information, monitoring, and
bioassay results.
Contact: Bob King (202) 260-7028
Internet Address: Not applicable
Access Tools
Ocean Data Evaluation System (ODES) PC Data Entry System (PC,
dBASE, OWOW/AWPD)
The purpose of the system is to facilitate data entry into ODES by providing
users with a PC-based data entry tool. The system enables those unfamiliar
with ODES to enter data easily and quickly.
Contact: Bob King - (202) 260-7028
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/gils/records/il0091.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Additional EPA Office of Water Systems
• Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model (QUAL2E) User Interface (PC,
FORTRAN, OST/SASD)
The QUAL2E Windows interface was developed to make the model more
user-friendly. It provides input screens to facilitate preparing model inputs
and executing the model. It also has help screens and provides graphical
viewing of input data and model results.
Contact: Jerry LaVeck (202) 260-7771
Internet Address:
http://www.epa.gov/ostwater/QUAL2E_WINDOWS/metadata.txt.html
• Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) User Interface (PC,
FORTRAN, OST/SASD)
The SWMM Windows interface was developed to assist the user in data
input and model execution to make a complex model user-friendly. The
Windows interface was developed to assist with the Total Maximum Daily
Load (TMDL) program.
Contact: Jerry LaVeck (202) 260-7771
Internet Address:
http://www.epa.gov/ostwater/SWMM_WINDOWS/metadata.txt.html
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV
Selected Non-Office of Water Systems
I Outreach Services
A Clearinghouses
B Bibliographies
C Web Sites
II Environmental and Program Systems
A Information Systems
III Program and Information Management Tools
A Analytical/Assessment Tools
B Access Tools
IV Selected Non-Water-Related Systems Used by Source Water
and Unified Watershed Assessment Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
Selected Non-Office of Water Systems
Introduction
Water Program managers have indicated that many information systems outside the Office of Water
contain information useful in implementing their programs. These systems are maintained by a variety
of organizations, including other EPA offices, other federal agencies, and special interest groups. This
chapter contains descriptions of 76 information systems that are frequently used by Water Program
managers and have been recommended by them for inclusion in this Compendium. An overview
matrix is included at the beginning of the section to provide users of the Compendium with a listing of
selected water-related environmental and program information systems outside the Office of Water.
In the matrix, as in the previous chapter, the systems are organized into functional categories. These
categories include the following:
• Outreach Services
- Bibliographies: Provide lists of publications, including authors, publication dates, and other
applicable information, that pertain to a specific subject area.
- Clearinghouses: Provide a single access point for relevant information about the topic of
interest.
- Hotlines: Enable telephone callers to have questions answered by people knowledgeable in the
subject areas.
- Web Sites: Provide information about programs, services, and publications and current
information about topics of interest to the general public.
• Environmental and Program Systems
- Information Systems: Provide information to users.
• Program and Information Management Tools
- Analytical/Assessment Tools: Allow users to analyze data; may include statistical tools,
graphing and mapping tools, or other analytical methods.
- Access Tools: Facilitate users' access to water data (e.g., user-friendly, PC-based "front ends"
for complex mainframe systems).
• Selected Non-Water-Related Systems: pesticide, hazardous substance, agriculture, and parks and
forestry systems used by source water assessment and unified watershed assessment programs.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 95
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Page 99
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
Outreach Systems
Clearinghouses
Discussions with managers of water-related systems, both inside and outside
the Agency, indicate that there may be several thousand water systems
nationwide and many more internationally. This document is limited in
scope and is not meant to function as a comprehensive clearinghouse of
water information. However, several organizations do have water
information clearinghouses that serve this function and some of them are
summarized below. In addition, a new section has been added to the
Compendium that covers water information resources available on the
Internet. These resources have been developed by many different agencies
and organizations across the country and around the world.
• Master Water Data Index (MWDI)
U.S. Geological Survey
The Master Water Data Index (MWDI) identifies more than 480,000
sites for which water information is available. The information is
provided by over 450 organizations and includes the geographic
location of these sites, the organization collecting the information, the
type of information available (conductance, sediment concentration,
pesticides, etc.), the periods of time for which information is available,
the frequency with which parameters are measured, and how
information is stored. MWDI is being revised and might not be
available to the public.
For further information, contact:
James S. Burton (703) 648-5684
E-mail: JBurtoh@usgs.gov
U.S. Geological Survey
Office of Water Information
Internet Address: http://water.usgs.gov/public/nawdex/mwdi.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Selected Non-Office of Water Systems
• The National Ground Water Information Center (NGWIC)
National Ground Water Association
NGWIC is an information gathering and dissemination service that
performs customized research on all ground water-related topics and
locates and retrieves copies of available documents. The center operates
several computerized on-line databases. The databases include
information on ground water literature citations, well counts, industry
standards, firms that offer ground water remediation services, urban
water sources, ground water treatment methods, selection of ground
water sampling devices, universities offering ground water courses, well
construction information, etc. These databases are in NGWIC's Ground
Water Network. One of the databases, Ground Water On-Line, is
described on page 105. For more information about NGWIC's services,
contact:
Sandy Masters (614) 898-7791
E-mail: smaste@ngwa.org
National Ground Water Information Center
Internet Address: http://www.h2o-ngwa.org/about/
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Environmental Information Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Environmental Information Service manages the NOAA
Environmental Services Data Directory (NOAADIR), the National
Environmental Data Referral Service (NEDRES), and the NOAAServer
data access system.
For more information, contact:
Gerald Barton (301) 713-0572
E-mail: barton@esdim.noaa.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- NOAAServer
The NOAAServer data access system allows the user to search the
NOAA Environmental Services Data Directory for data and then to
connect to some of the data systems described in the directory
records for previewing and ordering the data.
Internet Address: http://www.esdim.noaa.gov/NOAAServer/
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY1998
NOAA Environmental Services Data Directory (NOAADIR)
The NOAA Environmental Services Data Directory (NOAADIR)
is a legacy on-line directory primarily of NOAA data sets. It
contains more than 12,000 data sets held within NOAA.
This directory is also available through the Federal Geographic
Data Committee (FGDC) Clearinghouse.
National Environmental Data Referral Service (NEDRES)
The National Environmental Data Referral Service (NEDRES) is
an on-line directory service providing information on the existence,
location, characteristics, and availability of environmental
information collected and maintained by federal, state and local
governments and private, public, and academic institutions.
Environmental information referenced by the NEDRES database
includes climatological, meteorological, oceanographic,
geophysical, geographic, hydrological, limnological, ecological,
toxic pollution, and satellite remote sensing information sources.
NEDRES documents over 22,000 data sets that are accessible
using the Internet.
Internet Address: http://www.esdim.noaa.gov/NOAAServer/
or http://fgdclearhs.er.usgs.gov/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Photo
Library
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Photo
Collection has been in existence since 1970, although some images date
back to the 1800's. NOAA photos and slides are in the public domain
and no fee is charged for using them. Credit must be given to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of
Commerce unless otherwise instructed to give credit to the
photographer or other source. Online photos include
General Collection - More than 350 images of marine life, weather
phenomena, instrumentation, ships, ocean scenes, and much more.
The National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Collection - A
special collection of more than 250 images.
The NOAA Historical Photo Collection - Images of sailors and
scientists charting and surveying America. Thousands of photos
chronicle the rich history of the oldest physical science agency in
the United States.
For further information, contact:
Carla Wallace (301) 713-2600 xl 18
Carla.Wallace@noaa.gov
Internet Address: http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/lb_images/photo.htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Selected Non-Office of Water Systems
National Small Flows Clearinghouse
West Virginia University (supported with a grant from EPA/OW/OWM)
Clearinghouse staff gather and distribute information about small
community wastewater systems. They offer educational materials
including brochures, films, videotapes, handbooks, and manuals and
publish several newsletters. The clearinghouse also provides toll-free
technical assistance and a referral service (by state) of experts who
design and operate wastewater treatment facilities.
For further information, contact:
National Small Flows Clearinghouse
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-624-8301
Hours of Operation: M-F 8:00-5:00 ET
Internet Address: http://www/nsfc.wvu.edu
National Water-Use Information Program
U.S. Geological Survey
This program is a federal-state cooperative program designed to collect,
store, and disseminate water-use information both nationally and
locally. The program was begun in 1978 to meet the need for a single
source of uniform information on water use. The water-use information
from this program complements long-term USGS information on the
availability and quality of the nation's water resources. For more
information, contact:
Wayne Solley (703) 648-5670
E-mail: WBSolley@usgs.gov
U.S. Geological Survey
Water Resources Division
Internet Address: http://water.usgs.gov/public/watuse/
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Information Center—Water
U.S. Geological Survey
The USGS provides water-resources information to government
agencies, academia, the private sector, and the general public. USGS
water-resources information requests, including those related to data
and publications, should be directed to
USGS Information Center—Water:
1-800-426-9000
E-mail: h2oinfo@usgs.gov
U.S. Geological Survey
507 National Center
Reston, VA 20192
Internet Address: http://water.usgs.gov
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Bibliographies
• WaterWiser - The Water Efficiency Clearinghouse
American Water Works Assoc., EPA, and Bureau of Reclamation
The purpose of the Water Efficiency Clearinghouse is to make water
efficiency/water conservation information available and to promote
wise and efficient use of water resources. Available information
includes
• Books, New Things & More
• Conservation/Water-Related Links
• Events Calendar
• Reference Searching
• WaterWiser Online Conference
• Water Efficiency Service Company Directory
For further information, contact:
WaterWiser 1-800-559-9855
E-mail: bewiser@waterwiser.org
Internet Address: http://www.waterwiser.org/
• Ground Water On-Line
The National Ground Water Association Information Center
Ground Water On-Line is a bibliographic database of ground water
documents indexed and abstracted by ground water specialists. It
contains nearly 78,000 records. The citations contain key concepts,
abstracts, chemicals, biological factors, geographic references, authors
titles, publication title, and more. Ground Water On-Line is available
on the Internet.
For more information about this database, contact:
Sandy Masters (614) 898-7791
E-mail: smaste@ngwa.org
National Ground Water Information Center
1-800-551-7379
Internet Address: http://www.h2o-ngwa.org/gwonluie/index.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Selected Water Resources Abstracts
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
The Selected Water Resources Abstracts (SWRA) database (formerly
the Water Resources Scientific Information Center [WRSIC] abstracts
database), contains abstracts compiled from several sources and
includes bibliographic literature from scientific journals, periodicals,
reports, books, and monographs pertaining to water resources between
1974 and 1993. The full database is accessible through the Universities
Water Information Network (UWIN) on the Internet. A subset of all
USGS publications from 1977-1993 is available on the USGS web site.
For more information, contact.
James S. Burton (703) 648-5684
U.S. Geological Survey
Water Resources Division
Internet Address: http://www.uwin.siu.edu/databases/wrsic/index.html
or
http://water.usgs.gov/index.html
WATERNET
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
The WATERNET database is a comprehensive index of publications
relating to drinking water and wastewater treatment. Brief abstracts
accompany most references; all AWWA publications are abstracted.
Records are indexed using terms from the WATERNET Thesaurus.
WATERNET provides international coverage of books, journal articles,
government reports, conference proceedings, handbooks, manuals, and
miscellaneous technical reports on the following subjects:
Water Treatment
Water Quality
Health Effects
Sludge Disposal
Wastewater Reuse
Desalination
Water Analysis
Litigation and Water
Drinking Water Industry
Water Pollution
Waterbome Diseases
Watershed Management
Wastewater Treatment
Water Conservation
Distribution Systems
Laboratory Information Systems
For further information, contact:
Grant Slade (303)347-6170
E-mail: GSlade@awwa.org
American Water Works Association
Information Services Department
Internet Address: http://www.awwa.org/waternet.htm
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• Wetlands Values Data Base
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The Wetlands Values Data Base is a bibliographic database of scientific
articles concerning the functions and values of wetlands. The database
uses a controlled subject vocabulary to index the articles. The fields are
state, geographic location, landform (Hammond), U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) hydrologic unit, wetland classification, wetland type
(Cowardin), and subject terms. The database is hosted by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and is available on the Internet at the address
below. Comments on the database may be sent to
op@wetlands.nwi.fws.gov. The database is not currently maintained,
and data collection for the database ended in 1992.
For more information, contact:
E-mail:op@wetlands.nwi.fws.gov
Internet Address: http://www.nwi.fws.gov/values_wais.html
Web Sites • National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends
Network (NADP/NTN)
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
The USGS is the lead agency for the monitoring of atmospheric
deposition in the United States. The National Atmospheric Deposition
Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN) brings together the
USGS and more than 100 partners from other federal, state, local, and
private organizations to provide continuous measurement and
assessment of precipitation chemistry and acid rain throughout the
United States. The USGS supports 76 of the 191 NADP/NTN sites and
provides more than one-third of the funding for the network.
The NADP/NTN is the only national monitoring program designed to
determine whether ongoing and future regulatory actions to reduce air
pollution are resulting or will result in an improvement in the quality of
the nation's precipitation chemistry. Improvements in precipitation
chemistry lessen environmental impacts to the nation's land and water
resources.
The NADP/NTN web site provides on-line precipitation chemistry data
for the national network of monitoring sites, plus on-line reports and
other information on acid rain, atmospheric deposition, and
precipitation chemistry.
For more information, contact:
Mark Nilles (303) 236-1870 ext. 307
Internet Address: http://btdqs.usgs.gov/acidrain/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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National Water Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA)
U.S. Geological Survey
The National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program is
designed to describe the status and trends in the quality of the nation's
ground- and surface-water resources and to provide a sound
understanding of the natural and human factors that affect the quality of
these resources. As part of the program, investigations are being
conducted in 59 areas—called "study units"—throughout the nation to
provide a framework for national and regional water quality assessment.
Regional and national synthesis of information from study units will
consist of comparative studies of specific water-quality issues using
nationally consistent information.
The NAWQA web site includes program details, summaries of results,
digital map products, and an extensive bibliography.
For more information, contact:
NAWQA (703) 648-5716
E-mail: nawqa_whq@usgs.gov
Internet Address:
hrtp://wwwrvares.er.usgs.gov/nawqa/nawqa_home.html
Partnership 2000
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(See Page 77)
Water Quality Networks (WQN)
U.S. Geological Survey
This web site contains on-line data from two USGS national
water-quality monitoring networks for the period 1970-1995. The
networks are the National Stream Quality Accounting Network
(NASQAN) and the Hydrologic Benchmark Network (HBN). Together
they represent water quality conditions in 681 watersheds nationwide.
The data are also available on CD-ROM. The web site also contains a
fact sheet.
For further information, contact:
National Water Quality Assessment Program (703) 648-6869
Internet Address: http://wwwrvares.er.usgs.gov/wqn96/
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• Water Resources Applications Software
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
This software and related material (data and documentation) at the web
site are made available by USGS to be used in the public interest and
for the advancement of science. You may, without any fee or cost, use,
copy, modify, or distribute this software, and any derivative works
thereof, and its supporting documentation.
Applications software includes modeling codes and other packages with
application to
• Geochemistry
• Ground water
• Surface water
• Water quality
• General use
For further information, contact:
National Water Information Center 1-800-426-9000
Internet Address: http://water.usgs.gov/sofrware/
Environmental and
Program Systems
Information Systems
Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Water Data Base
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Water Data Base is a collection of
precipitation and streamflow data from small agricultural watersheds in the
United States. This national archive of variable time-series readings for
precipitation and runoff contains sufficient detail to reconstruct storm
hydrographs and hystographs. Currently, more than 16,000 station-years of
data are stored in the database. The period of record for individual
watersheds varies from 1 to 50 years. Ancillary data in the system include air
temperature, land management practices, topography, and soils information.
The agricultural watersheds represented in the ARS Water Data Base are
located in the following states:
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
For more information about this database, contact:
Jane Thurman (301)504-9411
E-mail: jthurman@hydrolab.arsusda.gov
Internet Address: http://hydrolab.arsusda.gov/arswater.html
Arizona
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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AQUatic toxicity Information REtrieval (AQUIRE) database
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The AQUatic toxicity Information REtrieval (AQUIRE) database is an
automated system containing information about the toxic effects of chemical
substances to aquatic organisms. AQUIRE was developed jointly by EPA's
National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory,
Mid-Continent Ecology Division, in Duluth, Minnesota, and the Office of
Toxic Substances at EPA. The AQUIRE database provides decision makers
with aquatic toxicology information for use in developing risk assessments
and setting standards.
The database includes more than 169,000 aquatic toxicity effect records for
over 6,000 chemicals and 3,500 aquatic species. Data have been abstracted
from more than 12,000 scientific publications and research materials
published worldwide. The database covers lethal, bioconcentration, and
sublethal effect results from single chemical exposures performed on
freshwater and saltwater species excluding aquatic mammals, waterfowl, and
bacteria.
For more information, contact:
Scientific Outreach Program (218) 529-5225
Fax:(218)720-5003
E-mail: outreach@superior.dul.epa.gov
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/earthlOO/records/a00120.html
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Chemical Hazards Response Information System and the Hazard
Assessment Computer System (CHRIS/HACS)
U.S. Coast Guard
The Chemical Hazards Response Information System (CHRIS) provides
timely information essential for proper decision making by responsible Coast
Guard personnel and others during emergencies involving releases of
hazardous chemicals into the environment. CHRIS consists of a hard copy
database manual and two computerized components, the Hazard Assessment
Computer System (HACS) and MicroHACS. The manual provides detailed
information on the chemical, physical, and toxicological properties of more
than 1,300 chemicals. Hazards for each chemical are identified, as are
appropriate responses in the event of an accidental release.
At this time the Coast Guard is reviewing the data in CHRIS, checking,
updating, and correcting existing data. Also, the Coast Guard is adding more
than a dozen new fields and removing a few obsolete fields no longer useful.
When the manual is complete, the Coast Guard will ask the U.S. Government
Printing Office to sell it to the public. Additionally, the Coast Guard is
developing an interactive CD-ROM containing the CHRIS manual, which
will be made available to the public, and will place the manual on the
Internet.
The HACS component of CHRIS provides detailed information on the fate of
the chemical once released and defines the extent and duration of the hazards
that can be expected. MicroHACS operates on a personal computer and is a
more recent and updated version of the HACS program that contains
improved spill models, user-friendly input and output routines, and graphical
contour plotting capability. MicroHACS and HACS both provide hazard
assessments for water spills; however, MicroHACS has the added capability
of providing hazard assessments for land spills.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Alan Schneider (202)267-1217
E-mail: ASchneider@comdt.uscg.mil
U.S. Coast Guard
Internet Address: http://www.ccohs.ca/products/databases/chris.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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EPA Spatial Data Library System (ESDLS)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA Spatial Data Library System is a repository for the Agency's new
and legacy national geospatial data holdings. The purpose of ESDLS is to
Create a nationally consistent spatial data library system.
Integrate geospatial data in a standard framework.
Apply the appropriate standards and guidelines for management and use.
Provide a nationally consistent application-ready geospatial database.
Provide the Agency with access to ARC/INFO-ready geospatial data.
ESDLS data sources include
• U.S. Bureau of the Census
1990 and 1992 Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and
Referencing (TIGER)/Line
1990 Summary Tape Files (STF) 3A
- Public Law 94-171
• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) 2
- Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC)
- 1:2M Digital Line Graph (DLG)
• EPA
Envirofacts
Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center (EPIC) National
Priorities List (NPL) boundaries
- Reach File 1 (RF1)
Omemik Ecoregions
1994 Fish Consumption Advisories
Stability ARray (STAR) Meteorological Stations
Geographic Information Retrieval and Analysis System (GIRAS)
• Geographic Data Technologies (GOT)
ZIP Boundary and Inventory files
Data sets are available at the county, state, and national levels.
For more information, contact:
USEPA National GIS Program
nsdi@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Information Resources Management
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/esdls/esdls_over.html
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Estuarine Living Marine Resources (ELMR)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The Estuarine Living Marine Resources (ELMR) program has completed a
nationwide database on 153 species of fishes and invertebrates, found in 122
estuaries and coastal embayments. This program is conducted by NOAA's
Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) Division, in cooperation with
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and other agencies and
institutions. Three to five salinity zones, as defined in NOAA's National
Estuarine Inventory Program, provide the spatial framework for organizing
information on species distribution and abundance within each estuary. The
primary data developed for each species include spatial distribution by
salinity zone, temporal distribution by month, and relative abundance by life
stage, e.g., adult, spawning, juvenile, larva, and egg. In addition, life history
summaries and tables have been developed for each species.
Regional data summary reports have been published for the North Atlantic,
Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Gulf of Mexico, and West Coast. These reports
present information on the spatial distribution, temporal distribution, and
relative abundance offish and invertebrate species in U.S. estuaries. Life
history summary reports for the West Coast and Gulf of Mexico regions have
been completed, and reprints of several peer-reviewed journal articles are
also available. A national report summarizing the data and results from the
ELMR program is planned for publication in late 1998. All publications are
available free upon request.
In addition to the regional summary reports, a series of related analytical
studies have been published in the peer-reviewed literature. The ELMR data
and methodology have also been applied to special problems hi regional
resource management, using GIS technology to map and analyze species
distributions.
For more information, contact:
Mark Monaco (301) 713-3000 ext 189
E-mail: Mark.Monaco@noaa.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/ces/guide/prog(19).htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) is an electronic database
containing health risk information and EPA regulatory information on
specific chemicals. The health risk information is developed by two
intra-Agency work groups composed of EPA scientists from program offices
and the Office of Research and Development. It is maintained by the EPA
Office of Research and Development. IRIS was developed for EPA staff in
response to a growing demand for consistent health risk information on
chemical substances for use in decision making and regulatory activities
involving risk assessment.
IRIS is not an exhaustive toxicological database. It presents a collection of
files covering more than 500 individual chemicals. Each contains summary
descriptions and/or quantitative information on hazard and dose response
assessments in the following areas:
• Oral reference doses (RfDs) and inhalation reference concentrations
(RfCs) for chronic noncarcinogenic health effects.
• Oral and inhalation unit risks for chronic exposures.
The database also contains background documents on the risk assessment
methods used to develop the assessments contained in IRIS.
For more information, contact:
Risk Information Hotline (513) 569-7254
Office of Research and Development.
National Center for Environmental Assessment
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/iris
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Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
Interagency Partnership (currently operating under USDA)
The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) is a partnership of
U.S., Canadian, and Mexican agencies, other organizations, and taxonomic
specialists cooperating on the development of an on-line, scientifically
credible list of biological names focusing on the biota of North America.
ITIS is also a participating member of Species 2000, an international project
indexing the world's known species.
The goal is to create an easily accessible database with reliable information
on species names and their hierarchical classification. The database will be
reviewed periodically to ensure high quality with valid classifications,
revisions, and additions of newly described species. The ITIS includes
documented taxonomic information on flora and fauna from both aquatic and
terrestrial habitats. ,
The ITIS partners include
• Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NC-AA)
• Department of the Interior (DOI)
Geological Survey (USGS)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Agriculture Research Service (ARS)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
• Smithsonian Institution
- National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)
For more information, contact:
Gladys Cotter (703) 648-4042
Gladys_Cotter@usgs .gov
USGS Biological Research Division
Internet Address: http://www.itis.usda.gov/itis/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Land Use and Land Cover Digital Data
U.S. Geological Survey
Digital data derived from land use and land cover (LULC) and associated
maps at scales of 1:250,000 and 1:100,000 are available from the U.S.
Geological Survey. These data can be used alone or combined with a base
map or other supplemental data for a variety of applications, using
commercially available software. You can produce area summary statistics,
select specific portions of a map to study, or display single classifications
such as bodies of water. The LULC category has nine classes of data—urban
or built-up land, agricultural land, rangeland, forest land, water, wetland,
barren land, tundra, and perennial snow or ice. These classes are subdivided
by type; for example, forest lands are shown as deciduous, evergreen, or
mixed, and water is shown as streams and canals, lakes, reservoirs, or bays
and estuaries.
LULC and associated digital data are available on the Global Land
Information System (GLIS) at the following Internet address:
http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/webglis/
Multiple files on CD-ROM or other media can be ordered from the GLIS
site. These data are also available at no charge using anonymous file transfer
protocol (FTP). Access to FTP files can be gained through the GLIS site.
LULC and associated digital data offer convenient, accurate, flexible, and
cost-effective access to users who are involved in environmental studies, land
use planning, land management, or resource planning.
For more information, contact:
USGS Earth Science Information Center (ESIC)
1-800-USA-MAPS
Internet Address: http://map.usgs.gov/mac/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs05294.html
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• National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory Program (NCPDI)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The National Coastal Pollutant Inventory (NCPDI) program is a series of
database development and analytical activities within NOAA's Strategic
Environmental Assessments (SEA) Division. The cornerstone of the
program is a comprehensive database and computational framework that
contains pollutant loading estimates for all major categories of point,
nonpoint, and riverine sources located in coastal areas that discharge to the
estuarine, coastal, and oceanic waters of the contiguous United States
(excluding the Great Lakes).
Discharge estimates are made for nine major source categories and 17
pollutants. The estimates were originally made for the base year 1982, but
have been updated to reflect conditions in the early 1990s.
The NCPDI is intended to be used as a tool to conduct screening-level
strategic assessments for better understanding of the relative contributions of
pollutant discharges from different sources both within and across estuarine
systems and coastal regions.
For more information, contact:
Dan Farrow (301)713-3000 ext. 156
E-mail: Dan.Farrbw@noaa.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Ocean of Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/ces/guide/prog(22).htm
• National Coastal Wetlands Inventory
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
This system is a comprehensive and consistently derived coastal wetlands
database for the conterminous United States (excluding the Great Lakes).
The project is conducted jointly by the Strategic Environmental Assessments
(SEA) Division and the Beaufort Laboratory of the National Marine
Fisheries Service, both components of NOAA.
The database contains cell- or raster-based information on more than 27.4
million acres of wetland habitats in the nation's coastal areas. Fifteen general
wetland habitat types are identified. The database was developed by grid
sampling 5,290 maps from the National Wetlands Inventory of the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.
Regional and national summary reports have been published based on the
National Coastal Wetlands Inventory information.
For more information, contact:
Anthony J. Reyer (301) 713-3000 x!99
E-mail: treyer@seamail.nos.noaa.gov
Internet Address: http://www.neonet.nl/ceos-idn/datasets/NOS00038.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program (NCBP) Data Base
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
This database contains contaminant fish tissue residue data generated by the
National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program (NCBP). The program's
freshwater fish monitoring network comprises about 115 stations in the
nation's major rivers and the Great Lakes. Samples were collected and
analyzed for a suite of organic contaminants (pesticides and industrial
chemicals) and potentially toxic elements (mostly metals).
The fish residue data can be searched by state, monitoring station, chemical
name, or species offish. Data were generated from residue analyses
conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fisheries
Contaminant Research Center (now the USGS Environmental and
Contaminants Research Center) from 1969 to 1986. These data are also
available in STORET.
For more information about the database, contact:
Christopher J. Schmitt (573) 875-5399
E-mail: Christopher_Schmitt@usgs.gov
U.S. Geological Survey,
Environmental and Contaminants Research Center
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/ces/guide/prog(38).htm
National Estuarine Inventory (NEI)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NEI is a national estuarine database initiated in June 1983 as part of
NOAA's program of strategic assessments of the nation's coastal and oceanic
resources.
The NEI Data Atlas, Volume 1, was completed in November 1985. It
identifies 92 of the most important estuaries and subestuaries of the
contiguous United States; presents information through maps and tables on
physical and hydrologic characteristics of each estuary; and specifies a
commonly derived spatial unit for all estuaries, the estuarine drainage area
(EDA), for which data are compiled. These estuaries represent about 90
percent of the estuarine water surface area and freshwater inflow to estuaries
of the east coast, west coast, and Gulf of Mexico. Volume 2 presents area
estimates for 7 categories and 24 subcategories of land use, as well as 1970
and 1980 population estimates. Land use data are compiled for three spatial
units: (1) the EDA, (2) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) hydrologic catalog
units, and (3) counties that intersect EDAs. Population estimates are
compiled for EDAs only.
For more information, contact:
John Klein (301)713-3000
E-mail: John.Klein@noaa.gov
Internet Address: http://www.neonet.nl/ceos-idn/campaigns/NEI.html
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National Heritage Network
The Nature Conservancy
Natural heritage programs exist throughout much of the Western
Hemisphere. Collectively, they represent the largest ongoing effort to gather
standardized data on endangered plants, animals, and ecosystems.
Natural heritage programs manage standardized information on endangered
plants, animals, and ecological communities. What animals, plants, and
ecological communities are rare? Where do they occur? How are they faring?
These are all questions that natural heritage programs answer every day. As
society makes decisions on developing our world, good decisions depend on
good information. Natural heritage programs provide this key information on
biodiversity to developers, corporations, conservationists, government
agencies, and researchers.
Using a common, standards-based methodology, natural heritage programs
share information on endangered plants, animals, and ecological
communities that make up our planet's biodiversity. Collectively, these
programs are known as the Natural Heritage Network.
For more information, contact:
Bruce Stein (703)841-2711
E-mail: Bstein@tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy
Internet Address: http://www.heritage.tnc.org/
National List of Vascular Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The National List of Vascular Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands is a
listing of wetland plants as defined by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's
Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. The
National List, cooperatively developed since 1983 by the Fish and Wildlife
Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, and
Natural Resources Conservation Service, is used to establish the presence of
hydrophytic vegetation under the section 404 Regulatory Program of the
Clean Water Act and the Swampbuster Provisions of the Food Security Act
of 1985. The National List contains accepted and synonym scientific names,
common names, growth habit and life-form, distribution by state and region,
and a regional wetland indicator status for more than 8,400 species. A 1998
version of the National List is being prepared for anticipated publication
before the end of 1998. The National List is updated as additional
information is received.
For more information, contact:
Porter B. Reed, Jr. (813) 570-5425
E-mail: buck@wetlands.nwi.fws.gov
Internet Address: http://www.nwi.fws.gov/ecology.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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National Resources Inventory
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service
The National Resources Inventory is a statistically based sample of land use
and natural resource conditions and trends on U.S. nonfederal lands. The
1992 NRI covers some 800,000 sample points representing America's 1.5
billion acres of nonfederal land. At each sample point, information is
available for three years—1982, 1987, and 1992. Data are being collected for
1997.
For more information, contact:
Tom livari (202) 690-0024
E-mail: Tom.Iivari@usda.gov
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Internet Address: http://www.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/nri_data.html
National Shellfish Register of Classified Growing Waters
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The 1995 register characterizes the status of more than 4,200
shellfish-growing waters in 21 coastal states, reflecting an assessment of
nearly 25 million acres of estuarine and nonestuarine waters. More than 77
million pounds (meat weight) of oysters, clams, and mussels were harvested
from these waters in 1995, having a dockside value of $200 million. For the
first time, the report includes such factors as relative shellfish abundance, the
basis for classification, the status of shellfish restoration efforts, and the
potential to upgrade harvest classification for each growing water. The data
elements collected in previous registers are also provided; these include
growing water name and location, harvest classification, area, and the types
of pollution sources contributing to harvest limitation.
The classification of shellfish-growing waters is based on the National
Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP), a cooperative effort involving states,
the shellfish industry, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since
1983, it has been administered through the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation
Commission (ISSC). The ISSC was formed to promote shellfish sanitation,
adopt uniform procedures, and develop comprehensive guidelines (NSSP
Manual of Operations Parts 1 and 2) to regulate the harvesting, processing,
and shipment of shellfish.
For more information, contact:
Dan Farrow (301) 713-3000 ext 156
E-mail: Dan.Farrow@noaa.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Office of Ocean Resources Conservation and Assessment
Internet Address: http://www-orca.nos.noaa.gov/projects/95register
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National Status and Trends Data Base (NSTDB)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The National Status and Trends Data Base (NSTDB) contains monitoring
information collected through NOAA's National Status and Trends Program
for Marine Environmental Quality. Information from the Benthic
Surveillance Project (1984-1993), Mussel Watch Project (1986-present),
bioeffects studies (1986-present), and historical assessments are stored in this
Internet-accessible database. The system contains both field and laboratory
measurements of potentially harmful contaminants in fish, shellfish, and
sediments. The bioeffects studies include sediment toxicity surveys, benthic
community assessments, biomarker studies and endocrine disrupter research.
The Benthic Surveillance Project consists of annual sampling from about 120
selected sites in the estuaries along the coasts of the United States. This
sampling includes concentrations of toxic chemicals in sediments and bottom
dwelling fish (both taken at the same locations) and the frequency of external
disease and internal poisons in the bottom fish. The Mussel Watch Project
samples bivalves at a network of approximately 250 coastal and estuarine
sites. Initially sampled annually, about half the sites are now sampled on
alternate years. Sediment contamination is measured at these sites on a 5- to
10-year cycle. Bioeffects studies have been carried out in about 25 estuaries
around the nation. Historical studies include literature review as well as
sediment contaminant histories developed from dated cores from 10 coastal
locations.
More than 700 books, journal articles, and agency technical memoranda and
presentations have been derived from National Status and Trends Programs.
Most of these reports are available upon request, and many can be
downloaded directly from the Internet.
For more information, contact:
Charles A. Parker (301) 713-3028 ext 145
E-mail: Charles.Parker@noaa.gov
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Status and Trends Program
Internet Address: http://seaserver.nos.noaa.gov/projects/nsandt/nsandt.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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National Water Information System (NWIS)
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
NWIS is a distributed water database in which water data from 1.4 million
collection sites can be processed over a network of workstations and
fileservers at USGS offices throughout the United States. There are four
subsystems: the Ground Water Site Inventory System, the Water Quality
System, the Automated Data Processing System, and the Water-Use Data
System. Many types of data are stored in the system's distributed, local
databases, including
Site information
Time series (flow, stage, precipitation, chemical)
Peak flow
Ground water
Water quality
Water use
Stream flow data and peak flow data are now available through the NWIS-W
data retrieval program on the Internet at http://waterdata.usgs.gov.
General assistance in the operation and application of NWIS is available
from the NWIS office in Reston, Virginia. An NWIS Fact Sheet (FS-027-
98) is now available on the Web through the USGS water home page at
http://water.usgs.gov.
For more information, contact:
Allen Lumb (703)648-5306
E-mail: amlumb@usgs.gov
Water Resources Division
National Water Information Systems
Internet Address: http://water.usgs.gov/
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• National Water-Use Data System (WUDS)
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
The National Water-Use Data System (WUDS) is an information storage and
retrieval system containing data on water use in the United States. The
system has two parts—the Site-Specific Water-Use Data System (SWUDS)
and the Aggregate Water-Use Data System (AWUDS). SWUDS contains
water-use information for individual users or systems and includes 5 types of
data files—water use, measurement point, conveyance, annual measurements,
and extended data. States routinely collect information in these areas for
inclusion in the system, but the level of detail and coverage varies from state
to state.
AWUDS contains information for the following major water-use categories:
public supply, domestic, commercial, industrial, mining, power generation
(including thermoelectric, nuclear, and hydroelectric), irrigation, livestock,
and sewage treatment. The information is aggregated for the nation every 5
years by county and 8-digit hydrologic cataloging unit. The latest information
is for 1995 and is available on the Internet and in USGS Circular 1200,
Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 1995.
For more information, contact:
Wayne B. Solley (703) 648-5670
E-mail: WBSolley@usgs.gov
U.S. Geological Survey
Branch of Water-Use Information
Internet Address: http://water.usgs.gov/public/watuse/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Toxic Chemical Release Inventory System (TRIS)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Toxic Chemical Release Inventory System is an automated database
containing information on the annual estimated releases by industry of more
than 600 toxic chemicals to the environment. The reporting of these release
results is required by section 313 of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986.
Information in the system includes
• The names, addresses, and public contacts of plants manufacturing,
processing, or using the reported chemicals.
• The maximum amount of toxic chemicals stored on site.
• The estimated quantity emitted into the air, discharged into bodies of
water, injected underground, or released to land.
• Methods used in waste treatment and their efficiency.
• Information on the transfer of chemicals off site for treatment or
disposal, either to publicly owned treatment works or elsewhere.
The system is publicly accessible on the National Library of Medicine's
Toxicity Data Network (TOXNET) and via the Internet on Envirofacts.
For more information, contact:
Janette Petersen (202) 260-1558 or TRIS-US (202) 260-1531
E-mail: Petersen.Janette@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxic
Information Management Division
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/tris/tris_query.html
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• WaterStats - The Water Utility Data Base
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
WaterStats is a joint project between AWWA and the AWWA Research
Foundation. The purpose is to collect water utility profile information from
water utilities in the United States and Canada. These data are made
available to AWWA members and AWWA Research Foundation subscribers
in electronic format. .The most recent (1996) survey information from 1,000
utilities is being released in 1998 in Microsoft Excel and Access formats.
There is no print counterpart. Information includes
• General Information (water production and sales, population served,
total capital expenditures, etc.)
• Revenue (water charges, meter reading and billing, etc.)
• Financial (annual operation and maintenance expenses, etc.)
• Treatment Practices (surface and ground water treatment practices,
residual treatment and disposal practices, etc.)
• Water Quality (raw and finished surface and ground water quality and
distribution system water quality and lab analysis)
• Distribution Systems (miles of pipe, main breaks, type of pipe materials,
storage facilities, etc.).
For further information, contact:
Shari Feltner (303) 347-6145
E-mail: sfeltner@awwa.org
American Water Works Association
Information Services Department
Internet Address: http://www.awwa.org/h20stats.htm
• Wildlife Refuge Management Information System
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
The Wildlife Refuge Management Information System stores information on
National Wildlife Refuge administration, resources, activities, funding needs,
and annual accomplishments nationwide. The system is designed to provide
computer links between refuges, FWS regional offices, and Washington, DC.
Information access is automated within the agency, and data sets of general
interest are being made accessible on the Internet. FWS will honor
reasonable search requests.
For more information, contact:
Joe Williams (703)353-1744
E-mail: Joe_D_Williams@fws.gov
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Refuges
Internet Address: http://www.fws.gov/pullenl/cais/rmis.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Program and
Information
Management
Tools
Analytical/
Assessment Tools
Since most of the models in this section are known primarily by their acronyms
and might not be easily identifiable by their actual titles, the model descriptions
are listed in alphabetical order by acronym. Each model is also listed in the Index
(page 163) under both the acronym and the actual name.
• ANNIE-Interactive Development Environment (ANNIE-IDE)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This system provides program designers with a tool kit that follows a
consistent methodology for building interactive interfaces. It provides the
tools to write code to incorporate many standard computer operations.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
• Capture Zone Analytic Element Model (CZAEM)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Capture Zone Analytic Element Model delineates the source water zone,
or capture zone envelope, for pumping wells in aquifers. The model
represents the steady flow field, including the influence of multiple pumping
wells, areal recharge, and ground water/surface water interactions. The
numerical solution uses the analytic element method and includes point sinks,
line-sinks, and the pond function. The detailed capture subzones drawing
routines include time-of-travel isochrones and source water subzones for
distinguishing source water percentages from rivers and from the aquifer.
CZAEM was developed through cooperative agreement with Dr. Otto Strack
at the University of Minnesota. CZAEM has a command line user interface
and runs under the DOS.
For more information, contact:
Steve Kraemer (706) 355-8340
E-mail: kraemer.steven@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/ada/aem.html
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Dynamic Hydrolic Model (DYNHYD5)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This model simulates variable tidal cycles, wind, and unsteady flows in large
rivers and unstratified estuaries. The model can be used in combination with
the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASPS) to predict a
chemical's transport and fate, and its uptake and distribution throughout a
user-described food chain.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://earthl.epa.gov/earthlOO/records/wasp.txt
Ecological Sensitivity Targeting and Assessment Tool (ESTAT)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Ecological Sensitivity Targeting and Assessment Tool (ESTAT vl.O)
integrates information on contaminant releases from EPA-regulated facilities
(from databases such as the Toxic Chemical Release Information System
(TRIS), the Permit Compliance System (PCS), the Aerometric Information
Retrieval System (AIRS), and the Biennial Reporting System (BRS)) with
information on ecological resources such as spatial data for sensitive areas
and associated endangered species data.
ESTAT can model and map the air dispersion and downstream water dilution
of contaminants that may affect important areas such as ecoregions,
hydrologic units, counties, national wildlife refuges, and national parks.
ESTAT can also spatially display information to portray relationships
between EPA-regulated activities and natural and urban areas. For water
modeling, ESTAT uses the Pollutant Routing Model (PROUTE), which
simulates downstream flow and concentration resulting from upstream
dischargers, accounting for chemical decay under steady-state conditions.
For more information, contact:
Thomas Born (202) 260-4905
E-mail: born.thomas@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation
Internet Address:
http://www.esri.com/base/common/userconf/proc97/PROC97/ABSTRACT/
A459.HTM
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Exposure Analysis Modeling System (EXAMS V. 2.95)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This interactive model evaluates the behavior and probable fate of synthetic
organic chemicals in lakes, rivers, and estuaries for either steady-state or
quasi-dynamic conditions.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
Finite Element Model of Water/Lagrangian-Eulerian Finite Element
Model of Waste (FEMWATER/LEWASTE)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This system models flow and transport in three-dimensional, variably
saturated porous media under transient conditions with multiple distributed
and point sources/sinks.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_cearn/wwwhtml/products.htm
Food and Gill Exchange of Toxic Substances (FGETS)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This model simulates the bioaccumulation of nonpolar organic chemicals hi
fish from both water and tainted food. The routes of exchange are modeled
as diffusion processes that depend on the physical-chemical properties of the
pollutant and morphological/physiological characteristics of the fish. The
model can also simulate time to death from chemicals whose mode of action
is narcosis.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: StanciI.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
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Green Cross Solar (GCSOLAR)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The GCSOLAR program is a set of routines that compute direct photolysis
rates and half-lives of pollutants in the aquatic environment. The half-lives
are calculated as a function of season, latitude, time of day, depth in the
waterbodies, and ozone layer thickness.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/gils/records/a00150.html
Equilibrium Metal Speciation Model (MINTEQA2)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This geochemical model calculates equilibrium aqueous speciation,
adsorption, gas phase partitioning, solid phase saturation states, and the
precipitation-dissolution of 13 metals.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
Multimedia Exposure Assessment Model (MULTIMED)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This model simulates the movement of contaminants leaching from a waste
disposal facility. MULTIMED predicts concentrations at a receptor due to
transport in the subsurface, surface air, or air.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epalgov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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• MULTIMED Daughter Process Model (MULTIMDP)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The MULTIMED model has been modified to simulate the transport and fate
of first- and second-generation transformation (daughter) products that
migrate from a water source to a gradient receptor well.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
• National Wetlands Inventory Digital Data Base
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) has produced 48,000 paper maps of
wetlands. To date, 22,000 of those maps have been digitized for use in
geographical information system (GlS)-based analyses. Statewide databases
have been built for Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland,
Minnesota, New Jersey, Washington, and West Virginia. NWI digital data
also are available for portions of all other states.
Copies of database files can be purchased at cost from the National Wetlands
Inventory offices in St. Petersburg, Florida. Other products available include
acreage statistics by quad, county, or study area, and colored-coded wetland
maps. These data are being used for applications such as resource
management planning, impact assessment, wetland trends analysis, and
information retrieval.
For more information, contact:
1-800-USA-MAPS
(703) 648-6045 (in Virginia)
U.S. Geological Survey
Earth Science Information Center
or
Herman Robinson (813)570-5412
E-mail: Herman@wetlands.nwi.fws.gov
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Habitat Conservation
Internet Address: http://www.nwi.fws.gov/
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National Wetlands Research Center Geospatial and Biological Data
Bases
U.S. Geological Survey
The National Wetlands Research Center databases contain aerial
photography, metadata, spatial data, and bibliographic data related to
wetlands, coastal areas, waterfowl, and forested wetlands.
For geospatial data, contact:
Helena Schaefer (318) 266-8696
E-mail: helena_schaefer@usgs.gov
National Wetlands Research Center
For bibliographic data, contact:
Judy Buys (318) 266-8692
E-mail: Judy_Buys@usgs.gov
National Wetlands Research Center
Internet Address: http://www.nwrc.gov/data.html or
http://www.nwrc.gov/library_catalog.html
Pesticide Assessment Tool for Rating Investigations of Transport
(PATRIOT)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This model provides rapid analyses of ground water vulnerability to
pesticides on a EPA regional, state, or local level. The model quantifies a
pesticide's leaching potential in terms of mass transport to the water table.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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• Dilution Plume Model (PLUMES)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This model is intended for use with plumes discharged to marine and some
fresh waterbodies. Both buoyant and dense plumes, single sources, and
many diffuser outfall configurations can be modeled.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
• Pesticide Root Zone Model (PRZM)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This model predicts the vertical movement of pesticides in unsaturated soil
both within and below the plant root zone, and extending to the water table.
The model consists of hydrology and chemical transport components that
simulate runoff, erosion, plant uptake, leaching, decay, foliar wash off, and
volatilization of a pesticide.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
• Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model (QUAL2E)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This tool models the behavior of conventional pollutants in one-dimensional
streams and well-mixed lakes under steady-state conditions. Version 3
incorporates several uncertainty analysis techniques useful in risk
assessments.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htrn
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Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This model simulates all aspects of the urban runoff hydrologic and quality
cycles. These include surface runoff, transport through the drainage network, and
storage and treatment.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhrml/products.htm
Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASPS)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This model simulates the contaminant fate and transport in surface waters in
dimensions. A toxicant version handles organic chemicals or metals, and a
sediment conventional pollutant version handles disolved oxygen, nutrients,
phytoplankton, and eutrophication.
For more information, contact:
Frank Stancil (706) 355-8328
E-mail: Stancil.Frank@epamail.epa.gov
Office of Research and Development - Athens
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/epa_ceam/wwwhtml/products.htm
Wellhead Analytic Element Model (WhAEM)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
WhAEM is a general-purpose subsurface geohydrology model for use in well-
head protection, source water area delineation, sole-source aquifer modeling, total
maximum daily load assessment, and pump-and-treat design, as examples. The
WhAEM solution is based on the analytic element method and includes point-
sinks for wells, line-sinks for rivers, line-doublets for geologic barriers, and an
areal recharge function. Graphical output includes contours of the piezometric
surface and tracing of pathlines. Model design in WhAEM is assisted by using the
Digital Line Graph map of roads and hydrography as the background template.
The latest release of WhAEM runs under Windows95/NT with a standard
graphical user interface, an on-line tutorial and help system. WhAEM builds on
the Capture Zone Analytic Element Model (CZAEM) demonstration project. It is
being developed by the Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (OGWDW).
For more information, contact:
Steve Kraemer (706) 355-8340
Office of Research and Development
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/ada/aem.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Access Tools
Envirofacts Warehouse
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Envirofacts Warehouse provides access to several databases and tools.
Currently, its components include program system, spatial, and demographic
data; metadata; tools to access and display the data; and other features that
educate users on environmental issues.
The Envirofacts database currently contains information about Superfund
sites, hazardous waste, safe drinking water, discharges to water, toxic
releases, air releases, and grant information. The national program database
also contains the Facility Index System (FINDS), which cross-links facilities
existing in multiple databases. Similarly, the Envirofacts Master Chemical
Integrator (EMCI) provides an index for EPA-regulated chemicals listed by
program system. The Locational Reference Tables (LRT) provide latitude
and longitude coordinates for EPA-regulated facilities.
The EPA Spatial Data Library System (ESDLS) (see page 112) is a
component of Envirofacts. Another component, the Demographic Data
Base, contains 1990 U.S. Bureau of Census data. EPA provides several
Envirofacts tools that allow users to access information contained in the
national program database, including on-line query forms and mapping tools.
Other program system data will be added in the near future.
The Envirofacts Feedback Form (at http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/
ef_feedback.html) should be used for questions, comments, and concerns
related to information in Envirofacts.
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/
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• Maps On Demand
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Maps On Demand (MOD) web site provides Internet access to EPA
mapping applications. MOD applications use data available through EPA's
Envirofacts Warehouse, including EPA's Spatial Data Library System
(ESDLS), the Envirofacts database, and demographic data to generate maps
of environmental information. MOD provides users with a variety of
mapping options. MOD's mapping options are as follows:
• Sitelnfo displays selected criteria (e.g., demographic information)
around user-specified latitude and longitude coordinates.
• Query Mapper allows users to map the results of Envirofacts queries and
view surrounding demographics, land use, and land cover, as well as
physical and cultural characteristics.
• Basinlnfo allows users to map watersheds and select criteria (e.g.,
program systems, .demographic information) to be displayed on the map.
• Countylnfo creates maps of EPA-regulated facility, demographic, and
safe drinking water information by county.
• Ziplnfo creates maps and reports of EPA-regulated facility,
demographic, and safe drinking water information by zip code.
• Facility Density Mapper allows users to map the concentration of
EPA-regulated facilities at the national, state, county, hydrologic
subregion, or hydrologic cataloging unit level.
For more information, contact:
Dave Wolf (202) 260-3075
E-mail: Wolf.Dave@epamail.epa.gov
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/enviro/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Selected Non-Office of Water Systems
Selected Non-
Water-Related
Systems Used
by Source
Water and
Unified
Watershed
Assessment
Programs
On October 18, 1997, the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Clean Water
Act, the Vice President called for a renewed effort to restore and protect water
quality. He asked that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), working with other affected agencies,
develop a Clean Water Action Plan. A key element of the Action Plan is a
cooperative approach to restoring and protecting water quality in which state,
federal, tribal, and local governments work with stakeholders and interested
citizens to (1) identify watersheds not meeting clean water and other natural
resource goals and (2) work cooperatively to focus resources and implement
effective strategies to solve these problems. As a result of this effort, states and
tribes are currently implementing Unified Watershed Assessments. A Unified
Watershed Assessment consists of looking at water quality conditions on a
watershed-wide basis and prioritizing state and tribal watersheds for management
actions.
States and tribes are also involved in completing Source Water Assessments,
which are required as a result of the 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking
Water Act, section 1453. The Source Water Assessment is a more detailed and
localized effort to gather information on the sources of all public drinking water
supplies, including identification of potential contamination threats. States are
required to submit a plan to EPA describing how they plan to complete these
Source Water Assessments.
There are numerous federal data sources that, although not directly water-related,
contain geographically specific data on potential sources of contamination to
surface and ground water, land use, and land coverage that might affect water
quality. These sources could be useful tools to states, communities, and tribes for
assessing the susceptibility of their drinking water sources to contamination, as
well as for prioritizing watersheds for restorative or protective measures.
Selected data sources are listed below to illustrate the type and range of federal
information available as assessment tools.
Additional data sources that might be useful for assessments are summarized on
the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/cleanwater/uwadrqft/uwaappc.html. For more
information on source water assessments, visit the Office of Ground Water and
Drinking Water's web site at http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/swapnp.html. As of
May 1998, it contains information on available technical and policy guidance
documents. In the future there will be information on federal data systems most
relevant to Source Water Assessment elements (delineations, inventories, and
susceptibility determinations).
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• Ecological Incident Information System (EIIS)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs has recently developed the Ecological
Incident Information System, a database of ecological incidents that are
reported to EPA by state and federal government agencies and pesticide
registrants. An ecological incident is defined as any adverse effect
experienced by a nontarget organism that has occurred from incidental
exposure to a pesticide. The adverse effects typically reported are mortality
or injury to fish, birds, and bees and toxic effects on plants. EIIS contains
data on actual instances of unintended adverse effects that are observed and
reported. Not all adverse effects are included because of certain limitations in
the data collection process. For example, adverse effects on a pet within a
household are more likely to be noted than are adverse effects on a wild
animal hi an isolated farm field. States vary in their rates of reporting adverse
effects, and pesticide registrants are not required to submit location
information for ecological incidents.
Federal and state agencies participate in the collection and reporting of
ecological incidents on a voluntary basis. EPA actively solicits data from
other federal and state agencies that collect incident data. Each year, more
than 100 state agencies are contacted, as well as federal agencies such as the
Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and the Department of the Interior. By 1995, over 30 percent
of state agencies had submitted information for more than 800 ecological
incidents. Pesticide registrants are required by the amended 1972 Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to submit reported adverse effect
data to EPA.
EIIS is one of the databases accessible through the Pesticide Information
Network (PIN). A user with a computer with a modem and
telecommunications package can dial directly into PIN and search EIIS. PIN
is a user-friendly, menu-driven information service that is free and available
to anyone for the cost of the telephone call.
To access EIIS through PIN, telecommunications options should be set to 8
databits, 1 stop-bit, no parity, full duplex; the number is (703) 305-5919.
The application of EIIS is also available on 3'/4-inch diskettes for
IBM-compatible personal computers. A relational database program such as
dBASE III+ is required. A user's manual is mailed with the diskettes.
For more information, contact:
Candy Brassard (703) 305-5392
Office of Pesticide Programs
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/cbep/actlocal/eiis.htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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• Environmental Contaminants Encyclopedia
National Park Service
This database is a compilation of contaminant information related to fish,
wildlife, invertebrates, and humans. It emphasizes environmental toxicology
and the fate of chemicals in the environment. It summarizes information on
these issues into a single, easily searchable source. This document is
designed as a tool that can be used to quickly ascertain general information
about 118 elements, compounds, and products—specifically, petroleum
products, components of petroleum products, metals, volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), and cyanide. It is also a quick reference in helping one
decide whether concentrations are above levels that might cause impacts on
living things.
Information in the Environmental Contaminants Encyclopedia was taken
from hundreds of sources, including
• Books
• Journal articles
• Government documents
Electronic databases (e.g., Hazardous Substances Data Bank from the
National Library of Medicine)
• Personal communications
An attempt was made to summarize information helpful in interpreting
residue data from water, sediments, soil, and tissues. This emphasis can be
seen in the overall organization of the information presented. Often what a
resource manager first needs to know is whether certain chemical
concentrations are normal, high, or exceeding some benchmark (such as
regulatory standards or criteria). Therefore, the "backbone" of the
Environmental Contaminants Encyclopedia emphasizes the following
concentration data: (1) low, typical, and high environmental concentrations
found throughout the country and world; (2) concentrations that are toxic to
various organisms; and (3) standards, criteria, and other benchmark values.
Many types of information other than environmental, regulatory, and toxic
concentrations are also in the Encyclopedia, including brief sections at the
beginning of each entry that give general overviews on the compound, its
hazards, its more dangerous toxic effects (carcinogenic, developmental,
reproductive, endocrine, genotoxic), and its environmental fate.
For more information, contact:
Roy Irwin (970) 225-3520
E-mail: Roy_Irwin@nps.gov
National Park Service, Water Resources Division
Internet Address: http://www.aqd.nps.gov/toxic/index.html
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Forest Inventory and Analysis National Data Base Retrieval System
(DBRS)
U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Depatment of Agriculture (USDA)
Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) research units have participated in
establishing a national Data Base Retrieval System (DBRS). This
cooperative database is composed of common forest resource attributes using
compatible formats and represented by a standard set of inventory tables. The
North Central (NC) FIA unit, the Rocky Mountain (RMT) FIA unit, the
North East (NE) FIA unit, and the two Southern Research (SRS) FIA units
have cooperated further to make this information available through an
interactive dialog that will produce a set of user-defined tables for any state,
county, or geographical area within the NC/RMT/NE/SRS regional
boundaries. FIA research units also have made the Eastwide/ Westwide (tree,
plot, county) data available for downloading. Plans are being made to include
data for the Pacific Northwest (PNW) FIA unit. Ultimately, all contiguous
states within the nation will be represented in the FIA National Data Base
Retrieval System.
For more information, contact:
W. Brad Smith (202)205-0841
Forest Inventory, Economics, and Recreation Research, Washington Office
Internet Address: http://www.srsfia.usfs.msstate.edu/scripts/ew.htm
Forest Land Distribution Data for the United States
United States Forest Service, U.S. Depatment of Agriculture (USDA)
In 1991, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest
Experiment Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis (SO-FIA) research unit
began a project to map forest land distributions for the United States. The
project was performed in support of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable
Resources Planning Act (RPA) 1993 Assessment Update program to provide
information on current forest and rangeland conditions. The RPA mapping
project was completed in December 1992.
Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data from National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellites were used as the primary
source of information for this project. Forest type groups maps of the
contiguous United States and Hawaii were produced by SO-FIA. The forest
type groups map of Alaska was produced by the Pacific Northwest Forest
and Range Experiment Station, Anchorage Forestry Sciences Lab (Alaska
FIA unit), in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, Earth Resources
Observation System (EROS) Data Center, Alaska Field Office, Anchorage.
For more information, contact:
AndyHartsell (601)338-3131
Southern Forest Experiment Station, Forestry Sciences Lab
PO Box 906, Starkville, MS 39759
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/docs/grd/forest_inventory/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Hazardous Substance Release/Health Effects Database (HAZDAT)
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
This scientific and administrative database provides access to information on
the release of hazardous substances from Superfund sites or from emergency
events and on the effects of hazardous substances on the health of human
populations. The following information is included in HAZDAT: site
characteristics, ATSDR activities and site events, contaminants found,
contaminant media and maximum concentration levels, impact on population,
community health concerns, ATSDR public health threat categorization,
ATSDR recommendations, environmental fate of hazardous substances,
exposure routes, and physical hazards at the site/event. In addition,
HAZDAT contains substance-specific information such as the ATSDR
Priority List of Hazardous Substances, health effects by route and duration of
exposure, metabolites, interactions of substances, susceptible populations,
and biomarkers of exposure and effects. HAZDAT also contains data from
EPA's Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Information System (CERCLIS) database, including site CERCLIS
number, site description, latitude/longitude, operable units, and additional
site information.
For more information, contact:
Sandra Susten (404) 639-0700
Internet Address: http://atsdrl.atsdr.cdc.gov:8080/hazdat.html
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National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The mission of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is
to serve the basic agricultural and rural data needs of the people of the
United States, especially those working in agriculture and those living in
rural communities, by objectively providing important, usable, and accurate
statistical information and services needed to make informed decisions.
American agriculture is continually counted, measured, priced, analyzed, and
reported to provide the facts needed by people working throughout this vast
industry. Each year, NASS conducts hundreds of surveys and prepares
reports covering virtually every facet of U.S. agriculture—production and
supplies of food and fiber, prices paid and received by farmers, farm labor
and wages, and farm aspects of the industry. In addition, NASS's 45 State
Statistical Offices (SSOs) publish data about many of the same topics for
local audiences.
In addition, NASS conducts surveys that provide comprehensive data on
pesticides and fertilizers used on farms for major field crops, vegetables,
fruits, and livestock. Beginning in 1997, NASS also expanded its pesticide
use surveys to include postharvest applications for selected commodities.
NASS publications cover a wide range of subjects, from traditional crops,
such as corn and wheat, to specialties, such as mushrooms and flowers; from
calves born to hogs slaughtered; from agricultural prices to land in farms.
The abundance of information produced has earned for NASS employees the
title "the fact finders of agriculture."
For more information, contact:
Don Bay, Administrator (202) 720-2707
National Agricultural Statistics Hot-line 1-800-727-9540.
Internet Address: http://www.usda.gov/nass/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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National Park Service Geographical Information Systems
National Park Service
The goal of this program is to provide usable geographic data and
information, through geographic information systems, for scientifically based
management of park resources and for park planning. Geographical
information systems (GIS) have been used by the NFS since the mid-1970s,
when Yosemite and the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks embarked
upon GIS projects. Today about 200 parks are accessing GIS technology.
With GIS, park managers have a powerful tool to solve resource management
problems. GIS allows them to bring together and relate information that
otherwise would be impossible to integrate. The park managers can then
discover changes, patterns, and trends in the resources.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Armstrong (3G3) 969-2964
GIS Coordinator, National Park Service
Internet Address: http://www.nps.gov/gis/
NatureNet: Water Resources in the National Parks
National Park Service
This site provides information on the National Park Service's programs in
water resources, including water quality, ground water analysis, wetlands,
fishery programs, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National
Water-Quality Assessments (NAWQA), water rights, and national wild and
scenic rivers.
For more information, contact:
Jen_Coffey@nps.gov
National Park Service, Water Resources Division
Internet Address: http://www.aqd.nps.gov/datasci/scienceframe.htm
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Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Reregistration Eligibility Decision
Documents (RED)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Reregistration Eligibility Decision documents, or REDs, contain the results
of EPA's regulatory reviews of pesticides initially registered before
November 1, 1984. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), EPA must review the human health and
environmental effects of these older pesticide active ingredients and
determine whether they are "eligible" for reregistration—whether they can be
used without posing unreasonable risks to human health or the environment.
All registered pesticides also must meet the safety standard of the Food
Quality Protection Act, which became effective on August 3, 1996. Under
this law, EPA must conclude with "reasonable certainty" that "no harm" will
come to infants and children or other sensitive individuals exposed to
pesticides. All pesticide exposures—from food, drinking water, and home
and garden use—must be considered in determining allowable levels of
pesticides in food. Exposures from pesticides in drinking water are estimated
using available monitoring data or, if such data are not reliable, from
modeling.
For more information, contact:
Jack E. Housenger (703)308-8000
Housenger.Jack@epa.gov
Office of Pesticide Programs
Internet Address: http://www.epa.gov/REDs
Pesticide Eco-Effects Toxicity Database
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) is developing a database of
currently known toxicity values of registered pesticides in the United States.
More than 13,000 records on 600 active ingredients have been included by
the database. The toxicity data are compiled from actual studies reviewed by
EPA during registration. Studies performed by EPA, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and Fish and Wildlife Service laboratories that have been
reviewed by OPP and judged acceptable for use in the ecological risk
assessment process are included. The database contains entries for
ecotoxicity studies on plants, fish, birds, invertebrates, insects, and mammals
that have been found to meet EPA's criteria for use in ecological risk
assessments.
For more information, contact:
Brian Montague (703) 305-6438
Office of Pesticide Programs
Internet Address: Not applicable
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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• Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Data Base
Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Depatment of Agriculture
(USDA)
This data set contains digital soil survey maps with attribute tables and is the
most detailed level of soil geographic data developed by the National
Cooperative Soil Survey. SSURGO depicts information about soil features
on or near the surface of the earth. The map data are in a 7.5-minute
quadrangle format and include a detailed, field-verified inventory of soils and
nonsoil areas that normally occur in a repeatable pattern on the landscape and
that can be cartographically shown at the scale mapped. Field mapping
methods using national standards are used to construct the soil maps in the
SSURGO database. Mapping scales generally range from 1:12,000 to
1:63,360. SSURGO digitizing duplicates the original published soil survey
maps. This level of mapping is designed for use by landowners, townships,
and county natural resource planning and management. The user should be
knowledgeable of soils data and their characteristics. SSURGO data are
available for selected counties and areas throughout the United States and its
territories. A soil survey digitizing status map and a list of soil surveys
digitized are available through the Internet. SSURGO data may also be
ordered on-line.
For more information, contact:
National Soil Survey Center (402) 437-5499
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
Internet Address: http://www.ncg.nrcs.usda.gov/ssur_data.html
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State Soil Geographic Database (STATSGO)
Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Depatment of Agriculture
(USDA)
This data set is a digital general soil association map with attribute tables
developed by the National Cooperative Soil Survey and distributed by the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil Conservation
Service) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It consists of a broad-based
inventory of soils and nonsoil areas that occur in a repeatable pattern on the
landscape and that can be cartographically shown at the 1:250,00.0 mapping
scale. The soil maps for STATSGO were compiled by generalizing more
detailed soil survey maps. Where more detailed soil survey maps were not
available, data on geology, topography, vegetation, and climate were
assembled, together with Land Remote Sensing Satellite (LANDSAT)
images for STATSGO development. Soils of like areas were studied, and the
probable classification and extent of the soils determined.
Map unit composition for STATSGO maps was determined by transecting or
sampling areas on the more detailed maps and expanding the data statistically
to characterize the whole map unit. This data set consists of georeferenced
digital map data and attribute data. The map data were collected in 1- by
2-degree topographic quadrangle units and merged and distributed as
statewide coverages. The soil map units were linked to attributes in the
Estimated Properties - Soil Interpretation Record (SIR) relational database
which gives the component soils and their associated properties.
A separate 1:250,000 scale data set has been prepared for each U.S. state
except Alaska (which has a scale of 1:1,000,000). The Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico also has a 1:250,000 scale data set. Data for the District of
Columbia are included with data for Maryland. The initial generation of the
data was completed in 1994. The data format is that used by the Arc/Info
geographic information system (GIS) software package distributed by
Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
For more information, contact:
National Soil Survey Center, USDA Soil Conservation Service
(402) 437-5499.
Internet Address: http://www.ncg.nrcs.usda.gov/stat_data.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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The Internet as an Information System
I Introduction
II Internet Sites for Water Programs
III Internet Links to Water Information and Data Sources
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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The Internet as an Information System
In 1992 when this Compendium was last compiled, the Internet was in its infancy. Since that
time, it has developed into the world's largest information system. It has become a major
repository of environmental and program information and as such, it has been included in this
Compendium.
Most government agencies and academic institutions, as well as many public and private
organizations, have developed web sites describing their water programs and services. At
any web site the primary web page that provides basic introductory information is called the
"home page." Additional detailed information is available on pages linked to the home page.
Many of the systems in the Compendium have web sites on the Internet that contain
background information, user manuals, actual links to the system, and other information. The
Universal Resource Locators (URLs) or Internet addresses for these systems are listed in the
first three sections of this document. This section provides a listing of the URLs for many
other international, national, state, local, and private water program home pages. The listing
is followed by a list of links to collections of useful water information and data sources.
Disclaimer
The user should be aware that the Internet is constantly being updated. The URLs provided
throughout the Compendium, as well as information provided at these locations, might not be
current. Not only are URLs subject to change, but they can also be case-sensitive. They
should be entered exactly as presented. The URLs in this Compendium were verified prior
to publication.
EPA and the Office of Water make no claims as to the accuracy of any information on the
Internet. Links to non-EPA sites do not imply any official EPA endorsement of or
responsibility for the opinions, ideas, data, or products presented at those locations, or
guarantee the validity of the information provided. Links to non-EPA servers are provided
solely as a pointer to information on topics related to environmental protection that might be
useful to EPA staff and the public.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Internet Sites for Water Programs
There are thousands of federal, state, international, private industry, and academic
environmental organization web sites on the Internet. The following links are a compilation
of various site lists located by searching the World Wide Web and are included at the
discretion of the authors.
Government Agencies
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA Office of Water
OW Water Resource Center
American Indian Environmental Office
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
Office of Science and Technology
Office of Wastewater Management
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, & Watersheds
Region 1 - CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT
Region 2 - NJ, NY, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
Region 3 - DE, MD, PA, VA, WV, and DC
Region 4 - AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, and TN
Region 5 - IL, IN, MI, MM, OH, and WI
Region 6 - AR, LA, MM, OK, and TX
Region 7 - IA, KS, MO, and NE
Region 8 - CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY
Region 9 - AZ, CA, HI, NV, Guam & American Samoa
Region 10 - AK, ID, OR, and WA
Chesapeake Bay Program
Coastal America
Great Lakes Program
Great Lakes Spatial Data
Great Lakes Information
Gulf of Mexico Program
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Climate Diagnostics Center
Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory
Environmental Research Laboratories (ERL)
Hydrologic Information Center NWS, NOAA
National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)
National Climatic Data Center
National Oceanographic Data Center
National Weather Service (NWS)
NOAA Network Information Center
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE)
USAGE St. Paul District
USAGE Water Control Page
USAGE Waterways Experiment Station (WES)
United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
USFWS National Wetlands Inventory
United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Federal Geographic Data Committee
National Water Conditions
National Water Data Exchange (NAWDEX)
USGS - Water Resources Division
USGS Node National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center
National Rural Water Association (NRWA)
National Science Foundation
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Rural Utilities Service, Water And Waste Program (USDA)
United States Bureau of Reclamation
http://www.epa.gov/
http://www.epa.gov/ow/
waterpubs@epamail .epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/indian/
http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/
http://www.epa.gov/OST
http://www.epa.gov/OW-OWM.html
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/
http://www.epa.gov/regionO I/
http://www.epa.gov/region2/
http://www.epa.gov/region03/
http://www.epa.gov/region4/
http ://www.epa.gov/region5/
http://www.epa.gov/earthlr6/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/region7/
http://www.epa.gov/region8/
http://www.epa.gov/region09/
http://www.epa.gov/regionlO/
http://www.epa.gov/r3chespk/
http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/coastam/
http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/
http://epawww.ciesin.org/glreis/nonpo/spatial/spatial.html
http://www.great-Iakes.net/
http://pelican.gmpo.gov/gulfofmex/gmpo/gmpo.html
http://www.noaa.gov
http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/
http://www.cmdl.noaa.gov/
http://www.erl.noaa.gov/
http://hsp.nws.noaa.gov/
http://nic.fb4.noaa.gov/
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov
http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/
http://www.nws.noaa.gov
http://www.nnic.noaa.gov
http://www.usace.army.mil/
http://www.ncs.usace.army.mil
http://www.ncs-wc.usace.army.mil
http://www.wes.army.mil/WES/welcome.html
http://www.fws.gov/
http://www.nwi.fws.gov/
http://www.usgs.gov/
http://fgdc.er.usgs.gov/index.html
http://nwcwww.er.usgs.gov:8080/NWC/html/NWC.html
http://h2o.er.usgs.gov/public/nawdex/nawdex.html
http://h2o.usgs.gov/
http://water.usgs.gov/nsdi/
http://www.ncar.ucar.edu/info/homepage.html
http://www.nohrsc.nws.gov
http://www.nrwa.org/
http://www.nsf.gov
http://www.ncg.nrcs.usda.gov
http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/
http://www;usbr.gov
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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The Internet
Internet Sites for Water Programs
State Environmental Agencies
Alabama
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Arizona Game and Fish
Arizona Water Resources Research Center
Arkansas
Arkansas Dcpt of Pollution Control and Ecology Regulations
California
California EPA
California Department of Water Resources
California Watershed Projects Inventory (CWPI)
California Rivers Assessment (CARA)
Colorado Water Resources
Colorado Springs Utilities
Colorado State University - Water Center
Colorado Water Resources Research Institute
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Colorado Water Information Program
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Delaware
Delaware Dept. of Nat, Resources and Environmental Control
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Gopher)
Gcorgja Dept. of Nat. Resources
Georgia Home Page
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
Idaho Department of Water Resources
Idaho Bureau of Hazardous Materials
Illinois EPA
Indiana Water Resources Research Center
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Kansas Northwest Groundwater Mgmt. District
Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
Maine DEP, Bureau of Land & Water Quality
Maryland Department of the Environment
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Missouri Department of Conservation Home Page
Missouri DNR, Division of Environmental Quality
Missouri Freshwater Springs
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Montana Water Information System
Montana Natural Resource Information System
Montana GIS Data Library
Nebraska Natural Resources Commission
Nebraska Water Center / Environmental Programs Unit
Nevada
Nevada Division of Water Planning
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
New Mexico Environment Department
New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
North Carolina Dept. of Environment and Nat. Res.
http://alaweb.asc.edu/govern.html
http://www.state.ak.us/locai/akpages/ENV.CONSERV/home.htm
http://www.state.az.us/game
http://ag.arizona.edu/AZWATER
http://www.state.ar.us/
http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/regs/regsmain.htm
http://www.water.ca.gov/www.gov.sites.htmi
http://www.calepa.cahwnet.gov
http://wwwdwr.water.ca.gov/
http://ice.ucdavis.edu/Cal ifornia_Watershed_Projects_Inventory/
http://ice.ucdavis.edu/California_Rivers_Assessment/
http://srvldcolka.cr.usgs.gov/
http://www.csu.org/
http://www.lance.colostate.edu/depts/ce/netscape/specialjrograms/wcenter/
http://yuma.acns.colostate.edu/Depts/CWRRI/
http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/cdphe_dir/cdphehom.html
http://www.waterinfo.org/
http://dep.state.ct.us/
http://www.state.de.us/govern/intro.htm
http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/
fopher://gopher.dep.state.fl.us/
ttp://www.dnr.state.ga.us/
http://www.state.ga.us/
http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/
http://www.idwr.state.id.us/idwr/idwrhome.htm
http://www2.state.id.us/serc/index.html
http://www.epa.state.il.us/
http://ce.ecn.purdue.edu/wrrc.html
http://www.state.in.us/acin/dnr/index.html
http://www.state.ia.us/government/dnr/index.html
http://www.ink.org/public/kdhe
http://colby.ixks.com/~wbossert
http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/eqc/eqc.html
http://www.deq.state.la.us/
http://www.state.me.us/dep/mdephome.htm
http://www.state.me.us/dep/blwq/l&whome2.htm
http://www.mde.state.md.us
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/
http://www.rnagnet.state.ma.us/dep/dephome.htrn
http://www.deq.state.mi.us/
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/
http://www.state.ms.us/
http://www.deq.state.ms.us/domino/deqweb.nsf
http://www.state.mo.us/conservation/
http://www.state.mo.us/dnr/deq/homedeq.htm
http://www.umsl.edu/~joellaws/ozark_caving/springs/jspring.html
http://www.deq.mt.gov/
http://nris.msl.mt.gov/wis/wisl.html
http://nris.msl.mt.gov/
http://nris.msl.mt.gov/gis/mtmaps.html
http://www.nrc.state.ne.us/
http://ianrwww.unl.edu/ianr/waterctr/wchome.html
http://www.state.nv.us/
http://www.state.nv.us/cnr/ndwp/home.htm
http://www.state.nh.us/des/descover.htm
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/
http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/
http://wrri.nmsu.edu/
http://www.dec.state.ny.us
http://www.ehnr.state.nc.us/EHNR/
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State Environmental Agencies (continued)
North Carolina GIS Database
North Carolina - Division of Water Resources
North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute
North Dakota State Water Commission
North Dakota Geological Survey Division
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Dept. of Health, Div. of Env. Health
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
South Carolina Dept. of Health and Environmental Control
South Dakota Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission
Texas State Agencies
Texas Environmental Center
Utah Water Research Laboratory
Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Utah GIS Database
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Washington State Department of Ecology
Washington Department of Transp. Env. Affairs Office
Washington -University of WA's Wetland Ecosystem Team
West Virginia Division of Env. Protection
Wisconsin State Agencies
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
Wyoming Water Resources Center
Powell Consortium. (AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, UT & WY)
http://cgia.cgia.state.nc.us/
http://www.dwr.ehnr.state.nc.us/home.htm
http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/CIL/WRRI
http://www.swc.state.nd.us
http://www.state.nd.us/ndgs/NDGS.HomePage.html
http://www.epa.ohio.gov/
http://www.oklaosf.state.ok.us/~conscom
http://www.deq.state.ok.us/home.html
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/
http://www.deq.state.or.us/
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us
http://www.doa.state.ri.us/info/exec.htmSdeparts
http://www.health.state.ri.us/yhd08.htm
http://water.dnr.state.sc.us/
http://www.state.sc.us/dhec/eqchome.htm
http://www.state.sd.us/state/executive/denr/denr.html
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/
http V/www.tnrcc.texas.gov/
http://www.texas.gov/
http://www.tec.org/guestbook-noforms
http://publish.uwrl.usu.edu/
http://www.eq.state.ut.us/
http://dpagr6.state.ut.us/
http://www.anr.state.vt.us/
http://www.deq.state.va.us
http://www.wa.gov/ecology/
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/eesc/environmental/
http://www.fish.washington.edu/research/wef/WET.htmI
http://charon.osmre.gov/
http://badger.state.wi.us/departments.html
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/
http://www.state.wy .us/state/government/state_agencies/deq.html
http://www.wwrc.uwyo.edu/
http://wrri.nmsu.edu/powell
International Environmental Organizations
Environment Australia
Division of Water Resources CSIRO Australia
International Groundwater Modeling Center (IGWMC)
Middle East Water Information Network
National Water Research Institute (Canada)
University of Western Australia - Centre for Water Research
WQ Branch, BC Ministry of Env., Lands & Parks
Water Resources Systems Research Laboratory (UK)
Environment Canada
http://www.environment.gov.au/
http://www.csiro.au/
http://www.mines.edu/igwmc/
http://www.ssc.upenn.edu/~mewin/
http://www.cciw.ca/nwri/intro.html
http://www.cwr.uwa.edu.au/index2.html
http://www.elp.gov.bc.ca/wat/wq/wqhome.html
http://wrsru7.ncl.ac.uk/
http://www.doe.ca/
Private/Industry/Academic Organizations
American Water Resources Association (AWRA)
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Farm*A*Syst/Home*A*Syst
National Drought Mitigation Center
National Institutes for Water Resources
Pipe Association Global
The Riess Institute
Wasser & Boden (Water & Soil) (German)
Watershed '98,Water Environment Federation
http://www.uwin.siu.edu/~awra
http://www.awwa.org/
http://www.wisc.edu/farmasyst
http://enso.unl.edu/ndmc
http://wrri.nmsu.edu/niwr/
http://www.pag.org
http://www.riess.org
http://www.blackwell.de/wabo.htm
http://www.wef.org/docs/watershed.denver.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FV1998
Internet Links to Water Information
and Data Sources
The Internet is a rich source of water-related environmental information. The following links
represent a small sample of these resources located by searching the World Wide Web and
are included at the discretion of the authors. !
Air and Water Quality (Environment) Directories
Adopt Your Watershed
American Heritage Rivers Services
Biodiversity and Ecosystems Network
Bottled Water Web
Browse EPA Topics
Cadillac Desert Online
Center for International Environmental Law
Clean Water Init, Apdx C Watershed Assmt. Data and Tools
Effluent Guidelines (Existing)-Code of Federal Regs
Effluent Guidelines Plan
Effluent Guidelines (Centralized Waste Treatment)
Effluent Guidelines (Industrial Laundries)
Effluent Guidelines (Industrial Waste Combustors)
Effluent Guidelines (Iron and Steel)
Effluent Guidelines (Landfills)
Effluent Guidelines (Leather Tanning and Finishing)
Effluent Guidelines (Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard)
Encyclopedia of Water Terms
Engineers Online
EnviroLink
Environment and Municipal Online
EPA Watershed Tools Directory
Global Change Master Directory
Groundwater Remediation Project, Environment Canada
Hydrogen Peroxide Online
Index of Watershed Metadata and Datasets
Internet Resources for the Biologist
Inter-American Water Resources Network (IWRN)
Lifewater International
National Extension Water Quality Database
Pollution Online
Public Works Online
River Corridors and Wetlands Restoration
Selected Info. Res. for NPS Poll. Reduction for MN River Basin
Sewage World
Software for Ground Water Scientists
Solid Waste Online
Speak Out
Universities Water Information Network (UWIN)
Universities Water Information Network (UWIN): Wetlist
UWIN - USGS WRSIC Research Abstracts
Univ. Of MD Agriculture and Environment Resources
Water Resources Databases
Water Quality Topics
Water Quality Information Center
Water Online
Water Publications Digest
Waterloo's Environmental Information Systems Project
WaterWiser: The Water Efficiency Clearinghouse
WWF Global Network
WWW Virtual Library: Environment
http://www.einet.net/galaxy/Community/Environment/Air-and-Water-Quality.html
http://www.epa.gov/surf/adopt/
http://www.epa.gov/rivers/services/
http://straylight.tamu.edu/bene/
http://www.bottledwaterweb.com/
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/browse.htm
http://www.crpi.org/cadillacdesert/
http://www.econet.apc.org/ciel/
http://www.epa.gov/cleanwater/uwadraft/uwaappc.html
http://www.epa.gov/epacfr40/chapt-I.info/subch-N
http://www.epa.gov/OST/guide/98plan.html
http://www.epa.gov/OST/guide/cwti.html
http://www.epa.gov/OST/Rules/laundry/
http://www.epa.gov/OST/iwc/
http://www.epa.gov/OST/ironsteel/
http://www.epa.gov/OST/Rules/21ndfls/
http://www.epa.gov/OST/guide/tann.html
http://www.epa.gov/OST/pulppaper/
http://www.tec.org/tec/terms2.html
http://www.engineersonline.com
http://envirolink.org/
http://www.environmentonline.com/
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/watershed/tools/
http://gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov/
http://gwrp.cciw.ca/index_e.html
http://www.h2o2.com
http://www.epa.gov/eimssurfi'
http://www.nfrcg.gov/fieldguide.html
http://www2.uwin.siu.edU/IWRN/orgs//
http://www.lifewater.org/
http://hermes.ecn.purdue.edu:8001/server/water/water.html
http://www.pollutiononline.com
http://www.publicworks.com
http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/restore/
http://www.soils.agri.umn.edu/research/mn-river/doc/edinfowb.html
http://www.sewage.net
http://gwrp.cciw.ca/internet/software.html
http://www.solidwaste.com
http://www.epa.gov/surf/surf98/speak.html
http://www.uwin.siu.edu
http://www.uwin.siu.edu:80//WaterSites/browse.html
http://www.uwin.siu.edu/databases/wrsic/index.html
http://www.inform.umd.edu/EdRes/Topic/AgrEnv/
http://www.nal.usda.gov/wqic/dbases.html
http://hammock.ifas.ufl.edu/text/wq/19634.html
http://www.nalusda.gov/wqic/index.html
http://www.wateronline.com
http://www.groundwatersystems.com/
http://bordeaux.uwaterloo.ca/
http://www.waterwiser.org/
http://www.panda.org/
http://earthsystems.org/Environment.shtml
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
Acronyms
AIEO
AIRS
ANNIE-IDE
AQUIRE
ARS
ASCII
ASIWPCA
ATSDR
AVHRR
AWPD
AWRA
AWUDS
AWWA
A/F
BASINS
BDMS
BIOS
BRS
CARA
CAS
CC
CD-ROM
CERCLA
CERCLIS
CETIS
CFR
CG
CHRIS/HACS
CORMIX
CSIRO
CU
CWA
CWNS
CWPI
CWRRI
CWSRF
CZAEM
DBF
DBRS
DEP
DFS
DLG
DMR
DNR
DOI
American Indian Environmental Office (EPA/OW)
Aerometric Information Retrieval System (EPA/OAR)
ANNIE-Interactive Development Environment
Aquatic Toxicity Information Retrieval
Agriculture Research Service
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer
Assessment and Watershed Protection Division (EPA/OW/OWOW)
American Water Resources Association
Aggregate Water-Use Data System
American Water Works Association
Authority/Facility
Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources
Biosolids Data Management System
Biological Information System (STORET Legacy System)
Biennial Reporting System
California Rivers Assessment
Chemical Abstracts Service
City and County Files
Compact Disk Read-Only Memory
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (1980)
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information
System
Complex Effluent Toxicity Information System
Code of Federal Regulations
Construction Grants
Chemical Hazards Response Information System and the Hazard Assessment
Computer System
Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
Cataloging Unit
Clean Water Act
Clean Water Needs Survey
California Watershed Projects Inventory
Colorado Water Resources Research Institute
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Capture Zone Analytic Element Model
Disinfection By-product
Forest Inventory and Analysis National Data Base Retrieval System
Department of Environmental Protection
Daily Flow System (STORET Legacy System)
Digital Line Graph
Discharge Monitoring Reports
Department of Natural Resources
Department of the Interior
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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Acronyms
DOS
DRASTIC
DW
DWEL
DWRIA
DWS
DWSRF
DYNHYD5
DYNTOX
BAD
EDA
EFDC
EGS
BUS
ELMR
EMCI
EMM!
EPA
EPIC
EPTDD
ERIC
ERL
EROS
ESDD
ESDIM
ESDLS
ESIC
ESTAT
EXAMS
FACA
FEMWATER
FGDC
FIA
FGETS
FINDS
FOIA
FRDS
FSTRAC
FTE
FTP
FWS
GCSOLAR
GD
GOT
GIGS
GIF
GIRAS
GIS
GLIS
GNIS
CRTS
GUI
Disk Operating System
Depth, Recharge, Aquifer, Soil, Topography, Impact (of the Vadose Zone),
Conductivity
Drinking Water
Drinking Water Equivalent Level
Drinking Water Regulatory Impact Analyses
Drinking Water Supply File
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
Dynamic Hydrolic Model
Dynamic Toxics Waste Load Allocation Model
Engineering and Analysis Division (EPA/OW/OST)
Estuarine Drainage Area
Environmental Fluid Dynamics Computer Code
Effluent Guidelines Studies
Ecological Incident Information System
Estuarine Living Marine Resources
Envirofacts Master Chemical Integrator
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center
Enforcement Planning, Targeting, and Data Division (EPA/OECA)
Educational Resources Information Center
Environmental Research Laboratories
Earth Resources Observation System
Earth Sciences Data Directory
Environmental Services Data and Information Management (NOAA)
EPA Spatial Data Library System
Earth Science Information Center
Ecological Sensitivity Targeting and Assessment Tool
Exposure Analysis Modeling System
Federal Advisory Committee Act
Finite Element Model of Water
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Forest Inventory and Analysis
Food and Gill Exchange of Toxic Substances Model
Facility Index System
Freedom of Information Act
Federal Reporting Data System
Federal/State Toxicology and Risk Analysis Committee
Full Time Equivalent
File Transfer Protocol
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Green Cross Solar Program
Gage and Dam Files
Geographic Data Technologies
Grants Information and Control System
Graphic Internet File
Geographic Information Retrieval and Analysis System
Geographic Information System
Global Land Information System
Geographic Names Information System
Grants Reporting and Tracking System
Graphical User Interface
Page 158
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
HACS Hazard Assessment Computer System
HAZDAT Hazardous Substance Release/Health Effects Database
HBN Hydrologic Benchmark Network
HECD Health and Ecological Criteria Division (EPA/OW/OST)
HQ Headquarters
HSDB Hazardous Substances Data Bank
HSPF Hydrologic Simulation Program-FORTRAN
HTML Hyper Text Markup Language
HTTP Hyper Text Transmission Protocol
HUC Hydrologic Unit Code
IAD Implementation and Assistance Division (EPA/OW/OGWDW)
ICR Information Collection Rule
ID Identification Number or Code
IFD Industrial Facilities Discharge File
IGWMC International Groundwater Modeling Center
IRIS Integrated Risk Information System
ISSC Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Commission
ITIS Integrated Taxonomic Information System
IWI Index of Watershed Indicators ;
IWRN Inter-American Water Resources Network
LANDSAT Land Remote Sensing Satellite
LEWASTE Lagrangian-Eulerian Finite Element Model of Waste
LRT Locational Reference Tables
LULC Land Use and Land Cover
MCL Maximum Contaminant Levels
MCLG Maximum Contaminant Level Goals
MINTEQA2 Equilibrium Metal Speciation Model
MOD Maps On Demand
MPRS Marine Pollution Retrieval System
MSD Municipal Support Division (EPA/OW/OWM)
MULTIMDP Multimed Daughter Process
MULTIMED Multimedia Exposure Assessment Model
MWDI Master Water Data Index
NAD National Assessment Database
NADP National Atmospheric Deposition Program
NASQAN National Stream Quality Accounting Network
NASS National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA)
NAWDEX National Water Data Exchange
NAWQA National Water Quality Assessment (USGS)
NCAR National Center for Atmospheric Research (NOAA)
NCBP National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program
NCEP National Centers for Enviromental Prediction (NOAA)
NCFIA North Central Forest Inventory and Analysis
NCG National Cartography and Geospatial Center (USDA/NRCS)
NCOD National Contaminant Occurrence Database
NCPDI National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory
NE FIA North East Forest Inventory and Analysis
NEDRES National Environmental Data Referral Service (USGS)
NEI National Estuarine Inventory
NGWA National Ground Water Association
NGWIC National Ground Water Information Center
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Dage 159
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Acronyms
NLM
NMFS
NMNH
NOAA
NOAADIR
NODC
NOI
NPDES
NPL
NFS
NPSM
NRCS
NRDC
NRI
NRRC
NRWA
NSDI
NSI
NSSL
NSSP
NSTDB
NTIS
NTN
NWI
NWIC
NWIS
NWRCDB
NWS
OCPD
ODES
OECA
OGWDW
OIRM
OPP
OPPE
ORD
OST
OW
OWM
OWOW
FARM
PATRIOT
PC
PC-CETIS
PCS
PIN
PLUMES
PNW FIA
POTW
PROUTE
PRZM
PD
PWS
National Library of Medicine
National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA)
National Museum of Natural History
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Environmental Services Data Directory
National Oceanographic Data Center
Notice of Intent
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
National Priorities List
National Park Service
Non Point Source Management System
Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)
Natural Resources Defense Council
National Resources Inventory
Natural Resources Research Center
National Rural Water Association
National Spatial Data Infrastructure
National Sediment Inventory
National Severe Storms Laboratory
National Shellfish Sanitation Program (FDA)
National Status and Trends Data Base
National Technical Information Service
National Trends Network
National Wetlands Inventory
National Water Information Clearinghouse
National Water Information System
National Wetlands Research Center Data Bases
National Weather Service
Ocean and Coastal Protection Division
Ocean Data Evaluation System
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (EPA/OW)
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (EPA/OW)
Office of Information Resources Management (EPA)
Office of Pesticide Programs (EPA)
Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation (EPA)
Office of Research and Development (EPA)
Office of Science and Technology (EPA/OW)
Office of Water (EPA)
Office of Wastewater Management (EPA/OW)
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (EPA/OW)
Parameter File
Pesticide Assessment Tool for Rating Investigations of Transport
Personal Computer
Personal Computer/Complex Effluent Toxicity Information System
Permit Compliance System
Pesticide Information Network
Dilution Plume Models
Pacific Northwest Forest Inventory and Analysis
Publicly Owned Treatment Works
Pollutant Routing Model
Pesticide Root Zone Model
Permits Division (EPA/OW/OWM)
Public Water Supplies
Page 160
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
PWSS
QA
QC
QUAL2E
RBBS
RCRA
RDBMS
RED
RF
RF1
RF3
RfC
RfD
RIA
RMTFIA
RPA
RUQUS
SAS
SASD
SDW
SDWA
SDWIS/FED
SDWIS/STATE
SEA
SIC
SO-FIA
SPSS
SRF
SRS FIA
SRMD
SSO
SSURGO
STAR
STATSGO
STF
STORET
STORETX
SURF
SWMM
SWRA
SWUDS
TIGER
TMDL
TNC
TOXNET
TRIS
TSC
UIC
UICS
URL
USCOE
Public Water System Supervision
Quality Assurance
Quality Control
Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model
Remote Bulletin Board System
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Relational Database Management System
Re-Registration Eligibility Document
Reach File
Reach File 1
Reach File 3
Reference Concentrations
Reference Doses
Regulatory Impact Analyses
Rocky Mountain Forest Inventory and Analysis
Resources Planning Act
Review, Update, and Query System
Statistical Analysis Software
Standards and Applied Sciences Division (EPA/OW/OST)
Safe Drinking Water
Safe Drinking Water Act
Safe Drinking Water Information System/Federal Version
Safe Drinking Water Information System/State Version
Strategic Environmental Assessments
Standard Industrial Classification
Southern Forest Experiment Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
State Revolving Fund
Southern Research Forest Inventory and Analysis
Standards and Risk Management Division (EPA/OW/OGWDW)
State Statistical Offices
Soil Survey Geographic
Stability Array
State Soil Geographic Database
Summary Tape Files
Storage and Retrieval System
New STORET or Modernized STORET
Surf Your Watershed
Storm Water Management Model
Selected Water Resources Abstracts
Site-Specific Water-Use Data System
Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing
Total Maximum Daily Load
The Nature Conservancy
Toxicity Data Network
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory System
Technical Support Center (EPA/OW/OGWDW)
Underground Injection Control
Underground Injection Control Program Summary System
Universal Resource Locator
United States Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 161
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Acronyms
USDA United States Department of Agriculture
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS United States Geological Survey
UWIN Universities Water Information Network
USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
VOC Volatile Organic Compound
WAIS Wide Area Information Service
WASPS Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program
WATSTORE Water Storage and Retrieval System
WBS Waterbody System
WD Wetlands Division (EPA/OW/OWOW)
WES Waterways Experiment Station
WHAEM Wellhead Analytic Element Model
WHPA Wellhead Protection Area
WIDE Water Industry Data Base
WIRS Watershed Information Resources System
WQN Water Quality Networks
WQS Water Quality System
WRSIC Water Resources Scientific Information Center (USGS)
WUDS National Water-Use Data System
WVU West Virginia University
WWW World Wide Web
3age 162
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
Index
301(h) Applicant Tracking System 78
Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Water Data Base 109
ANNIE-IDE 126
ANNIE-Interactive Development Environment 126
Aquatic Toxicity Information Retrieval (AQUIRE) Database 110
AQUATOX 88
ASIWPCA File 90
Assocociation of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators File 90
BASINS ! 18
Beach Watch : 75
BIOS 52
Biosolids Data Management System (BDMS) 79
Capture Zone Analytic Element Model 126
Chemical Hazards Response Information System Ill
CHRIS/HAGS i Ill
City and County Files •. 20
Clean Water Needs Survey 22
Clean Water State Revolving Fund National Information Management 79
CORMIX 89
Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System 89
CZAEM 126
Daily Flow System 54
Dilution Plume Model 132
Drinking Water and Health Advisory Summary Tables 75
Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey 80
Drinking Water Regulatory Impact Analyses 24
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) 80
Drinking Water Supply File 26
Dynamic Hydrolic Model 127
Dynamic Toxics Waste Load Allocation Model 89
DYNHYD5 127
DYNTOX 89
Ecological Incident Information System (EIIS) 137
Ecological Sensitivity Targeting and Assessment Tool 127
Effluent Guidelines and Supporting Documents 76
Effluent Guidelines Studies 28
Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model • 132
Enhanced Stream Water Quality Model User Interface 92
Envirofacts Warehouse 46, 134
Environmental Contaminants Encyclopedia 138
Environmental Monitoring Methods Index 30
EPA Spatial Data Library System (ESDLS) 112
Equilibrium Metal Speciation Model 129
ESTAT 127
Estuarine Living Marine Resources (ELMR) 113
EXAMS V. 2.95 128
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 163
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Index
Exposure Analysis Modeling System 128
FEMWATER/LEWASTE 128
FGETS 128
Finite Element Model of Water/Lagrangian-Eulerian Finite Element Model of Waste 128
Food and Gill Exchange of Toxic Substances 128
Forest Inventory and Analysis National Data Base Retrieval 139
Forest Land Distribution Data for the United States 139
FRDS (See Safe Drinking Water Information System/FED) 46
Gage and Dam Files 32
GCSOLAR 129
Grant Information and Control System—Construction Grants 34
Grants Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS) 78
Green Cross Solar 129
Ground Water On-Line 105
Hazard Assessment Computer System 111
Hazardous Substance Release/Health Effects Database (HAZDAT) 140
HSPF 89
Hydrologic Simulation Program - FORTRAN 89
ICR Supplemental Surveys Data Base 81
Index of Watershed Indicators (IWI) 36
Industrial Facilities Discharge File 38
Information Collection Rule Federal Data Base 81
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 114
Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) 115
Inventory of Certified Labs 81
Land Cover Digital Data Directory for the United States 73
Land Use and Land Cover Digital Data 116
Maps On Demand (MOD) 135
Master Water Data Index (MWDI) 101
MINTEQA2 129
MULTIMDP 130
MULTIMED 129
MULTIMED Daughter Process Model 130
Multimedia Exposure Assessment Model 129
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 141
National Assessment Database 82
National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network 107
National Beach Watch Data Base 83
National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory Program (NCPDI) 117
National Coastal Wetlands Inventory 117
National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program (NCBP) Data Base 118
National Contaminant Occurrence Database 83
National Environmental Data Referral Service (NEDRES) 103
National Estuarine Inventory (NEI) 118
National Ground Water Information Center (NGWIC) 102
National Heritage Network 119
National List of Vascular Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands 119
National Listing of Fish and Wildlife Consumption Advisories 83
National Park Service Geographical Information Systems 142
National Resources Inventory 120
National Sediment Inventory 34
National Sewage Sludge Survey 85
National Shellfish Register 120
Page 164 ~~ ~~ ~~
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EPA Water Program Information Systems Compendium FY 1998
National Small Flows Clearinghouse 104
National Small Flows Clearinghouse Website 76
National Status and Trends DataBase (NSTDB) 121
National Volunteer Monitoring Directory 85
National Water Information System (NWIS) 122
National Water Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) 108
National Water-Use Data System (WUDS) 123
National Water-Use Information Program .:' 104
National Wetlands Inventory Digital Data Base 130
National Wetlands Research Center Geospacial and Biological Data 131
NatureNet: Water Resources in the National Parks 142
NOAA Environmental Services Data Directory (NOAADIR) 103
NOAA Photo Library 103
NOAAServer 102
Notice of Intent (NOT) Processing Center 78
Ocean Data Evaluation System 40
Ocean Data Evaluation System PC Data Entry System : 91
ODES PC Data Entry System 91
OPP Reregistration Eligibility Decision Documents (RED) 143
Parameter File , 90
PARMFile 90
Partnership 2000 77
PATRIOT , 131
PC-CETIS 86
Permit Compliance System 42
Pesticide Assessment Tool for Rating Investigations of Transport 131
Pesticide Eco-Effects Toxicity Database 143
Pesticide Root Zone Model 132
PLUMES 132
PRELIM Version 5 91
Pretreatment Limitations Model 91
PRZM 132
QUAL2E 132
QUAL2E User Interface 92
Reach File 44
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 73
Safe Drinking Water Information System/Federal Version 46
Safe Drinking Water Information System/State Version 48
Sediment Modeling Tool Kit 90
Selected Water Resources Abstracts 106
Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Data Base 144
State Soil Geographic Database (STATSGO) 145
STORET X/New STORET 58
STORET—The Legacy System 51
Storm Water Phase I Hotline 74
Storm Water Phase II Hotline 74
Storm Water Management Model 133
Storm Water Management Model User Interface 92
Summary of State and Federal Drinking Water Standards 86
Surf Your Watershed 62
SWMM 133
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Page 165
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Index
SWMM User Interface 92
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory System (TRIS) 124
UIC Program Summary System 87
UICWELLS 88
Unregulated Contaminants Data Base 87
USGS Information Center—Water 104
WASPS 133
Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program 133
Water Quality Analysis System 91
Water Quality Criteria Summary Table 76
Water Quality Networks (WQN) 108
Water Resources Applications Software 109
Waterbody System 64
WATERNBT 106
Watershed Information Resources System (WIRS) 73
WaterStats ,„ 125
WaterWiser 105
Wellhead Analytic Element Model 133
Wetlands Information Hotline 74
Wetlands Values Data Base 107
WhAEM 133
Wildlife Refuge Management Information System .... 125
Page 166
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