.ed States
yironmental Protection
.yency
Washington DC 20460
Research and Development
EPA COO 987 009 May 1987
c/EPA ORD Annual Report
-------
EPA/600/9-87/009
May 1987
ORD Annual Report
1986
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC 20460
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
K^rion 5, Library (5PL-16)
: ." S. Dearborn St-eot, ID >-i 1'370
-------
The Organization
The EPA's Office of Research and Development
headquarters in Washington does the strategic
planning and budgeting for a program of more than
$250 million in research per year.
Our research is conducted out of 14 laboratories
located from as far east as Narragansett, Rl, to as
far west as Corvallis, OR. We have major research
centers in Cincinnati, OH and Research Triangle
Park, NC. These laboratories report to five major
headquarters offices which are organized along
discipline lines: health; environmental processes
and effects; environmental engineering and
technology; monitoring systems and quality
assurance; and health and environmental
assessment.
-------
Foreword
EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD)
continues to strive for excellence in the Agency's
research program. Because the overall goal of our
program is to provide the scientific and technical
information necessary to support the Agency's
regulatory and enforcement responsibility,
representatives from ORD's client program and
regional offices actively participate on each of our
five research committees (Air and Radiation; Water;
Toxics and Pesticides; Hazardous Waste and
Superfund; and Multimedia Energy). We believe
that the EPA research committee system has
strengthened our ability to plan and manage the
essential scientific and technical work of the
Agency.
For the second consecutive year each committee
has been asked to prepare an annual report. The
FY-1 986 report is designed to provide the reader
with three things: (1) a summary of major research
issues as defined by each committee; (2) highlights
of major accomplishments that were responsible to
those issues in FY-1 986; and (3) the identification
of related research to be performed during FY-
1 987. The major purpose of this document is to
acquaint the reader with the interests of each
committee, and to highlight specific research
outputs. We hope that you find the reports
enlightening and useful.
Vaun A. Newill
Assistant Administrator for
Research and Development
-------
Pesticides and Toxics Committee
Introduction
Research in pesticides and toxic substances
provides support to meet the current and future
needs of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA),
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA) and, to a limited extent, the Federal
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Research
efforts are geared to provide scientifically valid yet
cost-effective evaluations of the risks associated
with pesticides uses and the manufacture and use
of new and existing chemicals.
The research program in support of TSCA and
FIFRA develops, evaluates, and validates health and
environmental test methodologies and procedures
to improve the predictability of human risk
estimates, develop exposure monitoring systems,
environmental fate and effects methods, and
guidelines for performing environmental risk
assessments. Additional research develops and
evaluates release and control methods for new and
existing chemicals, structure activity relationships
as predictors of chemical fate and biological effects,
and procedures for ensuring the human and
environmental safety of the products of
biotechnology. The contamination of ground water
from pesticides is another area of emphasis in the
ongoing research program.
Major Research Issues
ISSUE: Test Method Development
Under TSCA and FIFRA, manufacturers must test
chemicals and pesticides for potential hazards to
the public health and to the environment.
Consequently, research is needed to provide
guidance for performing such tests. Regulatory
decisions on a chemical depend on qualitative and
quantitative scientific data from industry regarding
potential adverse environmental and human health
effects of exposure to the chemical. Because
sensitive, reliable, cost and time effective tests are
needed, carefully screened methods under
development include methods for identification of
organic chemicals in products and trace-level
wastes. Such methods will be incorporated into
testing guidelines for use by industry and by those
who must evaluate the safety of chemicals.
1986 Program Accomplishments
Scientific Assessment
Methods were developed for: (1) deriving factors
for extrapolating male reproductive effects from
laboratory animals to humans; (2) detecting the
spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the
environment; and (3) detecting DNA adducts at
ultratrace levels. A computer information system
and data collection system for effects of chemicals
on human reproduction was established.
Monitoring
Analytical methods were developed to identify
and quantitate azo dye chemical compounds in
environmental samples and to support engineering
research on azo dye waste treatment. These
studies employed both tandem mass spectrometry
and Raman laser spectroscopy. Cell biology and
monoclonal antibody techniques were developed to
identify and discriminate chlorinated dibenzo-p-
dioxin isomers.
Health Effects
In the pesticides health effects area, journal
articles were prepared in the areas of
reproduction/teratology and neurotoxicology. Also,
reports were issued on the role of maternal stress
in the etiology of birth defects, on inhibition of the
expression of oncogenic transformation by certain
pesticide chemicals, on growth enhancement of
human bronchial epithelial cells by nickel sulfate,
and on the use of a renal concentration test in the
neonate as a predictor of long-term alterations in
urogenital morphology. Other reports discussed
test methods to determine the neurotoxic potential
of pesticides. The reports will be used by the Office
of Pesticide Programs for inclusion in testing
guidelines for industry to follow.
In the toxics area, test methods were developed
to detect the effects of toxic chemicals on the
nervous system, male reproductive system,
developing organisms, and the immune system.
Bioassays to predict carcinogenicity using cell
cultures were also delivered.
Environmental Processes
In pesticides environmental research, test
methods were developed for early life-stage toxicity
-------
for Atlantic silversides, Tidewater silversides,
Inland silversides, California grunion, and Gulf
toadfish. Effects were determined for 21 organotin
compounds on survival and growth of marine
unicellular algae. In addition, a handbook of acute
toxicity of chemicals to estuarine organisms was
prepared.
In the toxics area, several reports addressing
techniques for effects and uptake of sediment-
associated chemicals by benthic marine species
were issued. To answer testing issues related to
species sensitivity and surrogate species testing,
other reports covered the relative susceptibility of
fish and aquatic invertebrates to reactive chemicals
and the use of the fathead minnows as a surrogate
for other aquatic species. Research established the
estuarine species, Cyprinodon variegatus, as a
carcinogen assay organism, identified three hepatic
neoplasia types and developed similar systems for
three fresh-water species.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Scientific Assessment
In FY 1987, research will focus on the
development of quantitative dose-response models
for developmental and reproductive toxicology, on
methods for detecting dose-rate effects of
chemicals in mutagenesis, and the validation of
human mutagenicity assays in clinical
epidemiology.
Monitoring
Research will be conducted on methods
development for use in exposure monitoring
research. Immunological techniques will be applied
to exposure monitoring and dose measurements.
Chemometrics will be studied for complex samples
analysis. Efforts will be made to produce standard
procedures for these techniques.
Health Effects
In FY 1987, test methods development in support
of FIFRA will continue in the areas of reproduction/
teratology, neurotoxicology, genetic toxicology and
immunotoxicology. Research emphasis in the area
of immunotoxicology is a priority area for the Office
of Pesticide Programs.
In toxics research, neurochemical, behavioral,
and physiological methods for detecting
neurotoxicity will be provided. Methods for
predicting developmental and reproductive toxicity
and germ cell mutation will continue under
development. Methods will also be delivered
evaluating the impact of chemicals on immune
function, predicting the skin absorption of
chemicals, and evaluating the effect of chemicals
on microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Methods
for evaluating tumor initiators and promoters will
also continue to be developed.
Environmental Processes
Research in the pesticides area will develop and
validate bioassay methodologies for determining
the effects of chemical pesticides on estuarine and
freshwater animals. Methods will be made
available to test fishes and crustaceans and other
pesticide sensitive organisms. Environmental
factors which may modify organism response will
be determined so that proper interpretations can be
rendered. Impacts on acute or chronic tests such as
toxicity-time exposure relationships, sediment-
water interactions and salinity will be examined.
The new methods and test organisms may become
monitoring tools providing the opportunity to make
more reliable decisions when regulating.
Toxicity test methods will be developed for
evaluating hazards associated with toxic chemicals
to aquatic and terrestrial species. These methods
will be used for evaluating new and existing
chemicals under Sections 5 and 4 of TSCA,
respectively. Some of the major methods which will
be studied include tests for bioavailability for
evaluating sediment bound toxicants for freshwater
and estuarine organisms; tests to determine
toxicant effects on avian egg viability and methods
to use fish as surrogate assays for determining
carcinogen and teratogen potentials in other life-
forms.
ISSUE: Structure Activity Relationships
(SAR)
To enhance the efficiency of the regulatory
process for toxic substances, it is convenient to
group various chemicals which share common or
similar chemical characteristics rather than to deal
with each individual chemical. If it can be
demonstrated that chemical relationships, such as
similar molecular structures and similar modes of
toxic activity, form a firm scientific basis for
estimating probable environmental risks, then
better guidelines and techniques can be applied
and regulatory actions can be completed more
quickly using less resources. SAR is vital for
reviewing and screening PMN chemicals under
Section 5 of TSCA. The findings and techniques
established in this research are used to select
appropriate toxicity tests, to document test results,
to develop fate and effects data bases where
necessary and to provide the modeling means to
predict toxicity.
FY 1986 Program Accomplishments
Health Effects
A rapid, inexpensive method for calculating
molecular electrostatic potentials was developed to
-------
aid in predicting the toxicity of chemicals.
Additional data were provided on the enzyme
azoreductase to aid in predicting the toxicity of azo
dyes.
Environmental Processes
Three advances on SAR application have been
made available. Methods have been devised for use
which predict the mode of toxic action for PMN
chemicals, which provide a comprehensive
structure-toxicity method to estimate chemical
toxicity to aquatic organisms, and which function to
predict major metabolites of industrial chemicals.
SAR applications were reported on identification of
potential tumorogenic industrial chemicals and a
knowledge base expert system for managing false
negatives m chemical evaluations was delivered to
OTS. Relationships between microbial rate
constants and chemical properties have been
published.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Health Effects
Studies will continue to explore which azo dyes
will be converted by azoreductase to more toxic
compounds. Toxicological data will be gathered on
specific chemical classes such as acrylates and
pyridines. Computer-assisted methods for relating
mutagenicity to chemical structure and a data
management system for genotoxic chemicals are
being developed.
Environmental Processes
Structure activity relationships, used for
evaluating PMN chemicals under TSCA, Section 5,
will be developed for determining the fate and
toxicity of toxic substances in the environment.
While prediction of metabolites using the SAR
concept will be included, emphasis will be on
developing fate relationships for predicting
photolysis and biodegradation. Estimation
parameters which incorporate property/molecular
reactivity will consider metabolic factors,
bioaccumulation, and persistence. Compound
structure influences on microbial rate constants
and microbial transformation mechanisms will be
described.
ISSUE: Special Human Data Needs
To improve the Agency's ability to estimate risks
to human health, research activities in FY 1987 will
examine population groups exposed to suspect
toxicants in the environment to determine if
biological indicators of dose and/or effects are
related to environmental levels of exposure. Data
are also being developed on adverse effects as
measured by traditional epidemiological studies.
FY 1986 Program Accomplishments
Health
Support was provided for examining the potential
for using biological monitoring to estimate
exposure to toxic chemicals.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Health
Research will focus on biochemicals and
environmental epidemiology with emphasis on
better methods of assessing exposure and effects.
ISSUE: EcologyTransport/Fate/Field
Validation
To adequately evaluate the likely perturbations a
pesticide or toxic chemical may cause in the
environment, it is necessary to understand
probable exposure concentration/durations,
movements through ecosystems, degradation rates,
reservoirs, effects and residues. The Agency must
have applicable techniques to attain this
information; must be able to interpret findings and
have a capacity to predict problems. Research in
this area is designed to improve the criteria and
standards against which users of the toxic
materials and the Agency must comply. The intent
is to provide new or improved state-of-the-art
techniques to fill data gaps in order to have
scientifically credible and legally defensible
regulatory actions.
Environmental Processes
In the pesticides research area, findings of three
important areas relating to field studies were
transferred to program offices. Field effects of
methyl parathion to terrestrial species were
determined. Proposals were issued on how to test
the limits of applicability, i.e., methods results
laboratory vs. field comparisons and how to relate
field to laboratory data to improve hazard
evaluations in coastal/marine systems. Methods
were field validated for predicting the effects of
Abate on freshwater non-target organisms.
Exposure determinations from the annual
Dougherty Plain site study results were compiled
and distributed and simplified exposure procedures
(nomographs; tables) based on HSP-F model
production runs were transferred in usable form to
OPP in the form of a manual.
In the toxics program, marine studies determined
the influence of scale on measured results from
laboratory microcosms subjected to toxic
chemicals. Field studies were used to verify the fate
and effects resulting from microcosm experiments.
Fate screening tests were applied to collect
-------
biodegradation information which was used to
predict the fate of toxic organic compounds.
Freshwater system investigations were
completed and an evaluation of a pharmacokinetic
model offish, used as a surrogate species, for
mammals for initial screening of PMN chemicals.
The application of Leffler and Taub microcosms
was evaluated for screening chemicals and
information was released on SAR applications on
microcosms at various ecosystem levels from single
species to community level toxicant reactions.
Also, research results were released on
environmental factors which govern the kinetics of
abiotic redox transformations and on light-induced
oxidation of inorganic substances, as were the
study results of the model TOXIWASP applied in an
exposure study of organic substances in the
Delaware River.
Terrestrial system studies have determined the
effects of cold stress on avian acute toxicity tests in
an effort to reduce test result variability.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Environmental Processes
Pesticides research will concentrate on the
development, refinement and validation of
techniques and models to predict transport,
degradation and fate, as well as exposure estimates
of pesticides through surface and subsurface
matrices. Field and laboratory studies will be
conducted to determine the validity of laboratory
methodologies and if the results reflect
environmental responses under natural conditions.
Laboratory and field data will be used to assess
pesticide hazards to surrogate species and
populations and to provide information on pesticide
sorption, leaching and residues. The environmental
impact to ground-water caused by pesticides and
other agricultural practices will be investigated.
Pesticide processes in soils and ground-water will
be characterized, information will be developed on
spatial variability in subsurface cores, and
evaluations will produce best management
practices which could mitigate ground-water
contamination by pesticides.
Toxic substances research is designed to provide
methods, approaches and information for three
evaluative areas concerned with field validation,
exposure to toxicants and risk determinations. Field
and lab related activities will include: (1)
development of comparative toxicological
correlations for identifying surrogate species used
in toxicity testing; (2) development of assessment
techniques and their evaluation in field sites for
assessing hazards to ecosystems and biota; and (3)
development of fate (such as biodegradation) and
exposure mathematical models to evaluate or
predict exposure and hazards associated with toxic
substances in the environment. Research will
attempt to put limits on or define uncertainty of
predictive methods and provide user guides for
those models verified and/or ready for regulatory
application. System-level effects studies will define
adverse effects of toxic chemicals on system
processes and functions. Investigations will focus
on multispecies and community level methods and
data generation. Application of multistage
microcosms will be enlisted to enhance verification
procedures of methods, models and hazards.
ISSUE: HealthMarkers, Dosimetry, and
Extrapolation
For both the pesticides and toxic substances
programs, health effects research in FY 1986
focused on development of methodologies for
extrapolation of data from high to low doses and
between mammalian species to enhance human
health risk assessment predictability. In the toxic
substances research program, particular emphasis
is being placed on studies which involve defining
the relationship between biological markers of
exposure to neurotoxicants and behavioral
dysfunction as well as studies in dosimetry and
extrapolation related to genetically mediated health
effects. Additional pesticides, research includes
evaluating the relationship(s) between age and
dermal absorption using in vivo animal models as
well as research on compound-induced
reproductive alterations following exposure during
developmental periods. Data generated are used to
extrapolate toxicant risks to humans.
Health Risks
Journal articles on extrapolation methodology
were prepared on percutaneous absorption of
Folpet in young and adult rats in vivo and in vitro
and on age-related skin penetration of three
insecticides in rats in vivo and in vitro.
A gene-tox carcinogenic data base was also
developed to help determine those bioassay
systems which best predict carcinogenicity. The
dose-effect relationship of asbestos and other
durable mineral fibers was provided to the Office of
Toxic Substances in support of the ban and phase
down of asbestos.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Health Effects
In FY 1987, a number of methods for
extrapolating neurotoxic risks from animals to
humans will be investigated. Other research
projects will study in vitro systems to predict the
tumorogenicity of chemicals. Methods will be
developed for detecting functional effects of
prenatal exposure to toxicants.
-------
Research will also continue in the areas of
genetic toxicology, neurotoxicology and
reproduction/teratology. Research will focus on the
application of the parallelogram extrapolation
approach for pesticides, on the effects of
formamidenes on visual evoked potentials, and on
comparison of in vitro and in vivo skin absorption of
dinoseb in rats.
ISSUE: Exposure Monitoring
The major TSCA related monitoring research
efforts are directed toward improvements in
monitoring systems to estimate total human
exposure. Research is conducted to develop
approaches for multimedia/multipathways of
pollutants to estimate total human exposure. This
entails development of questionnaires and human
activity pattern analyses to identify key population
segments which may be exposed to chemicals,
investigation of environmental dose and personal
monitoring devices, providing more accurate
measures of the different exposure routes of
pollutant intake, and incorporation of network
monitoring systems with total human exposure
monitoring through studies conducted in the
human Exposure Assessment Location Project and
research at the Environmental Methods Test Site.
Additionally, research is conducted on chemicals
and biological techniques to identify and quantify
pollutants in biological tissues and fluids.
FY 1986 Program Accomplishments
Monitoring
Research for exposure monitoring in FY 1 986
focused on implementation of the Environmental
Methods Test Site (EMTS) and the Human Exposure
Assessment Location (HEAL) Project. At EMTS,
construction of the base map for the geographic
information system (CIS) was defined and initiated
and the quality assurance plan for the project was
produced. The draft protocol and the quality
assurance for the HEAL HCB/DDT pilot was
approved by the participating countries.
Additionally, reports on the use of kriging were
produced and a preliminary computer program for
analysis of human activity patterns was produced.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Monitoring
The HCB/DDT pilot will be conducted at the
EMTS. Work on development of a users guide for
the CIS will continue. Statistical research on
human activity pattern analysis using TEAM study
results will be conducted.
ISSUE: Biotechnology/Microbial and
Biochemical Pest Control Agents
Many of the techniques required to adequately
control or regulate microbial organisms or
"biochemical" products (e.g., pheromones) apply to
both TSCA and FIFRA mandates. Beyond these
basic techniques, however, there is a divergence
microbial applications under TSCA are usually
industrially oriented and relate to workplace
exposure or accidental releases; the microbial
applications under FIFRA are an intentional
dispersion to control undesirable flora or fauna.
Such microbial pest control agents (MPCA's) may
be "natural" selected stock or may be genetically
altered.
Users of biotechnological products must follow
recommended Agency guidelines in a testing
regime designed to help prevent adverse
environmental impacts. ORD helps establish these
techniques, determines if environmental effects are
exhibited by previously untested non-target
organisms and conducts field-oriented validation
studies as necessary to insure that testing criteria
and guidelines are appropriate and functional.
Engineering research is also underway to develop
and/or improve methods to contain or destroy
genetically engineered organisms.
Under FIFRA, research is geared towards
developing or improving bioassay methodologies for
determining the effects of biological control agents
(BCA's) on non-target receptors or hosts. This
research includes testing protocols and effects
information for unaltered and genetically altered
microbial BCA's. Investigations focus on routes of
exposure, methods to detect and identify agents,
toxicity, infectivity, persistence and effects. The
resultant information will be used to revise subpart
M guidelines and to guide regulatory decisions in
pre- and post-registration actions.
Pesticides health research in biotechnology
involves development of data on the immunologic
effects of microbial pesticides on mammalian cells.
Also, methods are being developed for using
monoclonal antibodies and biotinated DNA probes
to identify genetic material from biological
pesticides in non-target sites such as mammalian
cells. Such methods will provide the basis for
validation subpart M guidelines for testing
microbial pesticides.
Under TSCA, research focuses on development of
scientific rationales and procedures for evaluating
the environmental survivability, reproduction,
distribution, effects and risk associated with the
escape of genetically manipulated organisms. The
research results will be used to prepare protocols
for use in evaluating TSCA products involving
environmental application of microbes. This
research will also support regulatory rule-making
-------
specifying which products are to be considered
under TSCA.
In the toxic substances health research area,
studies are being conducted to determine the
genetic stability and function of a baculovirus
expression vector in vertebrate cells and to
evaluate the health effects of species and strains of
genetically altered organisms.
FY 1986 Program Accomplishments
Health Effects
A report on characterization of Bacillus
thur/ngiensis Cytolytic Factor was prepared. This
report will be included in the Office of Pesticide
Programs' testing guidelines. Work also continued
on developing assay methods for studying the
genetic stability and gene expression of a
baculovirus constructed to express foreign gene
products. Efforts were also directed toward better
characterizing microorganisms that degrade
hazardous compounds in order to use these
organisms in future studies to evaluate the health
effects of mutant and recombinant organisms.
Environmental Processes
A report was published on a FY 1 986 workshop
on "Enclosed Systems for Testing Microbial Pest
Control Agents." In order to assess the fate and
effects of non-target marine species of viruses,
bacteria, fungi, and protozoa that are potential
biorational agents, a study was completed where
shrimp were exposed to an insect virus and
histological and serological examinations were
carried out. Also, a report was published on field
validation of tests techniques for biological control
agents of freshwater organisms and a progress
report on the hazard assessment of biochemical
agents on metamorphosis and growth of marine
crustaceans.
Two other published reports increase the
Agency's ability to obtain and interpret data on new
biotechnology products. The reports describe a data
base to assess the genetic stability of novel
organisms and a data base for detecting, identifying
and enumerating novel organisms in terrestrial
environments. Several journal articles describe
techniques for evaluating regrowth and persistence
of genetically engineered bacteria released to
terrestrial ecosystems, evaluation of techniques for
the detection and enumeration of transconjugants
in laboratory media, and the fate and survival of
recombinant bacteria and recombinant DNA in
insects.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Health Effects
Research will continue in methods for the
identification and characterization of microbial
agents. This work will include recombinant of DNA
in plasmids and genome of bacilli, and on the
competition of endogenous and non-endogenous
intestinal microorganisms. Research will also
continue on the ability of non-endogenous
microorganisms to compete with endogenous
organisms of the gastrointestinal tract and the
implications of this to human health. The potential
for genetic exchange between organisms will also
be investigated.
Environmental Processes
Research will be conducted to develop or improve
bioassay methodologies for determining the effects
of biological control agents (BCA's) on non-target
receptors or hosts. This includes providing testing
protocols and effects information for unaltered and
genetically altered microbial BCA's and the study of
biochemical and genetically altered agents.
Investigations will focus on routes of exposure,
methods to detect and identify the agents and the
toxicity-infectivity, persistence and effects. Major
research will commence on biotechnological
applications, e.g., on genetically altered microbial
control agents. Studies will discern how to handle,
recover and monitor these organisms and how to
determine probable impacts on non-target
organisms in the aquatic and terrestrial
environment. This research defines areas of
concern and will result in more rapid and greater
public acceptance of safe reliable bioengmeered
organisms and substances. BCA testing
requirements, movement and survival in
freshwater systems and biochemical and insect
fungi BCA hazards to marine crustaceans will be
determined. The information will be used for
improving subpart M guidelines and for regulatory
decisions in pre- and post-registration actions.
FY 1987 research will also address the need for a
credible system for analyzing the potential
environmental hazards of genetically modified
microbes. This includes laboratory and field or
microcosm studies to modify procedures for
identifying, enumerating and tracking engineered
organisms or genes in environmental situations.
Factors which will be studied in the aquatic and
terrestrial media are persistence, detection,
potential for gene transfer and fate and effects.
Research should provide testing protocols and
provide information and guidance on hazards and
on approaches to assessing those hazards. This will
support regulatory rule-making for TSCA products
which involve environmental application of
microbes.
ISSUE: Engineering Release and Controls
Under the premanufacture notification (PMN)
process, manufacturers are required to submit
-------
information to EPA on the release and control of
new chemicals and significant new uses of existing
chemicals. EPA uses existing data to predict the
risks of and from the release of new substances;
and under the existing chemicals control program
evaluates technological alternatives to reduce the
release of and exposure to chemicals that are
already in use.
Models are being developed which can predict
release of and exposure to classes of new
chemicals for assessment of chemical-unit
operations and processes, and the physical and
chemical properties of chemical substances.
Additionally, models to predict potential exposure
and release levels, and the best control measures
to control release of an exposure to new chemicals
are being developed. Treatability testing of
potentially toxic chemicals are also conducted.
Alternatives to mitigate the release of and
exposure to specific existing and new toxic
substances are being defined through the
evaluation and adaptation of control measures
related to the release of chemicals in the workplace
and into the environment. Technologies,
management practices, and personal protective
equipment to limit the release into the
environment, and exposure to those toxic
substances, are being evaluated.
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act, EPA is responsible for pesticide
exposure studies, for reviewing and approving
pesticide labels, for administration of the pesticide
Farm Safety Program, and for supporting training
and education programs for pesticide users through
state extension services. The Agency is concerned
that protective clothing currently recommended for
use by pesticide users is not providing acceptable
protection. This situation is aggravated by a lack of
appropriate data. In order to improve the situation,
EPA requires greatly improved documentation
regarding the effectiveness of protective clothing.
This program focuses on generating breakthrough-
time and steady-state permeation rate data for
concentrated formulations of high toxicity
pesticides through a range of commonly available
polymer gloves that may be suitable for use by
mixers and loaders of pesticides. Evaluations of the
job compatibility and degree of protection provided
by clothing items other than gloves are also being
conducted in laboratory and field testing.
FY 1986 Program Accomplishments
Engineering
A report entitled, "Interim Guidance Manual for
Selecting Protective Clothing for Agricultural
Pesticide Operations" was completed in FY 1 986.
This report provides information needed by the
Office of Pesticide Programs to make acceptable
the protection provided by protective clothing for
workers exposed to pesticides. Also, preliminary
assessment was conducted on predictive
techniques for extraction, flaking, and
agglomeration unit operations. Interim reports were
completed on the development of validation of
predictive models and test methods for estimating
the effectiveness of protective clothing for
chemicals, and laboratory testing on half-mask
respirators. Evaluations of procedures and
methodology of asbestos abatement were also
conducted.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Engineering
Evaluations of polymer gloves for agricultural
pesticide use are currently being conducted, and
will be continued. Methodologies for estimating
protective clothing performance will be evaluated
for PMN review process. Full-scale piece
respirators are being tested in the laboratory.
Research on asbestos abatement will cover
evaluations of plastic barrier effectiveness, glove
bag removal, and localized vacuum removal, and an
assessment of effectiveness of O&M guidance
provided for asbestos abatement.
ISSUE: EcologyEcotoxicity and Risk
Assessment
In the past, emphasis in ORD's scientific
assessment program has been placed on the
assessment of risk to human populations. However,
there is also a need to assess the risk to non-
human populations and the environment. The
development of ecological risk assessment
protocols and guidance for terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems (primarily endangered species and
commercial fisheries) is necessary to quantify the
probability that adverse effects may occur as a
result of exposure to a toxic substance and to
estimate the significance of such effects in the
environment. Since environmental data developed
by industry may vary greatly from chemical to
chemical, procedures need to be developed which
provide guidance and consistency for the various
environmental exposure activities. This work will
develop risk assessment protocols and guidelines
for the assessment of adverse effects on terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems.
FY 1986 Program Accomplishments
Scientific Assessment
Studies were initiated to develop procedures for
performing environmental risk assessment.
-------
Environmental Processes
The initial design of a computerized terrestrial
model was completed, as was a survey of existing
biological databases covering susceptible species.
As part of an effort to integrate information from
toxicity, biochemistry, and physiology with
ecosystem models, a report was prepared
describing a comparative physiology database for
use in identifying susceptible populations. In
addition a report describing suitable methods for
estimating the probability of ecological damage was
prepared. Also developed was a component of the
Decision Support System, a gill exchange model
which predicts the exchange and bioaccumulation
of hydrophobic chemicals. The model has been
computerized and a user's manual has been
completed.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Scientific Assessment
Guidelines for risk assessment for terrestrial and
aquatic ecosystems focusing on endangered
species and commercial fisheries will be
completed.
Environmental Processes
FY 1 987 studies will develop ecological risk
models and integrated risk assessment processes
which express probability of risk to important
ecological populations. These studies include
combining exposure and hazard methods and data
and utilizing modified existing or new fate,
transport and effects models to depict risk. Levels
of uncertainty coupled with these approaches will
be described. Extrapolation of data across
populations and multiple usage of information will
be initiated to identify reliable endpoints.
Integration of models, output and other information
will allow ecosystem degradation criteria to be
developed. Some key factors to be addressed are
ecosystem stability, resiliency, stratification, kinetic
changes or exchanges and transport and fate.
Substantial modeling will address multimedia risks
and the models will be subtended with appropriate
software packages.
ISSUE: Support
For certain assessments, because data are
lacking, the ORD staff is required to conduct
literature searches, interpret data or render
technical and scientific judgments. In cases where
program office evaluations are complicated and/or
controversial, independent peer review of
assessments are required to ensure consistency.
There is a continuing need for ORD participation in
and review of major exposure and hazard
assessments conducted by OPTS which provide
Agency policy makers with technical expertise from
qualified scientists, and for improving Agency
regulatory decisions. Finally, in both the pesticides
and toxics areas, support will continue for quality
assurance and maintenance and dissemination of
standard reference materials. This entails the
production of pure chemicals in solvent solutions or
in environmental media to ensure the precision and
accuracy of routine analyses as well as the
production of reference spectra to identify unknown
chemical compounds in routine environmental
monitoring.
FY 1986 Program Accomplishments
Scientific Assessment
Detailed assessments in the areas of
carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity
and exposure on a variety of chemicals were
delivered to the program offices. Additional support
was provided by ORD personnel serving as expert
witnesses in litigations and in review of program
office proposed test rules and pesticides review.
Monitoring
A 1985 annual report (EPA Pesticides and
Industrial Chemicals Repository) summarized the
activities of the repository and its continuing
mission to provide a source of analytical reference
materials. This program helps to insure a single
common source of certified standard samples
necessary for good quality control. Samples are
supplied to and used by federal, state, local and
academic laboratories. The report indicates the
distribution of 30,000 samples to over 1,400
laboratories each year and includes information by
type of laboratory, types of standards (samples) and
by country.
A 1985 annual report (Intercomparison Program
for Pesticides) described a study program which
tests the ability of various laboratories to perform
pesticide analysis for environmental monitoring
purposes. This study evaluated the OPP contract
laboratories and identified a need for continued
monitoring of all laboratories engaged in
measurement and analysis. Average analytical
results need to be improved. Also conducted was
the annual bulk audit program for analysis of
asbestos from building materials and insulation; a
report of the results was produced. The need for
quantitative analysis of these materials was
investigated. An audit program for airborne
asbestos identification was started by development
of a standard transmission electron microscope
method for asbestos analysis.
Environmental Processes
Technical assistance was provided to OTS by
ORD in areas requiring special research aid or
-------
scientific expertise necessary for TSCA
implementation. This assistance enhances both
regulatory action(s) and program management to
insure that deliverables are appropriate to needs
and priorities. Another completed TA project
determined the chronic toxicity of phthalate esters
to two test organisms, Daphnia and fathead
minnows.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Scientific Assessment
Detailed assessments in the areas of
carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity
and exposure on a variety of chemicals were
delivered to the program office. Additional support
involved serving as expert witnesses in litigations
and review of program office activities including
proposed test rules, and special review of
pesticides.
Monitoring
A program will be maintained to provide quality
assurance/quality control to laboratories engaged
in pesticides monitoring activities. This will provide
the prevision and accuracy for analytical and other
data to support Agency requirements. Secondly, the
repository for standard chemicals and its
distributional function will continue to supply high
purity certified samples to users.
A study will also be conducted in an effort to
produce quality assurance chemicals which match
program office needs more readily than current
procedures. The airborne asbestos audit program
development will be increased to develop a
standard analytical method this year.
Environmental Processes
Technical assistance will be provided to OTS on
complex problems relating to environmental fates,
exposure, effects and risks of toxic chemicals or
bioengmeered organisms necessary for
implementation of TSCA. The forms of technical
assistance to be accomplished include workshops
and peer and other reviews and provision of special
data or information which is not otherwise
available. This includes toxicity tests and support
for exposure and risk modeling and assessments.
Test Method Development
1986 Program Accomplishments
Monitoring
Report on application of analytical methods for
detecting organic compounds in biological
tissuesFY 1986. 12/86
Journal article on azo dye identification and
quantitation procedures. 11/86
Report on application of analytical methods for
detecting organic compounds in airFY 1986.
12/86
Health Effects
Journal articles on percutaneous absorption of
folpet in young and adult rats in vivo and in vitro.
9/86
Journal articles on age-related skin penetration of
three insecticides in rats in vivo and in vitro
studies. 9/86
Neurophysiological effects of perinatal lead
exposure in monkeys. 9/86
The evaluation of neuron-specific proteins as
biochemical indicators of toxicity. 9/86
Comparison of in vitro and in vivo testicular
function. 9/86
Journal article on role of maternal stress in the
etiology of birth defects. 6/86
Cytogenic methods for detecting chromosome
damage. 9/86
Journal article on inhibition of the expression of
oncogenic transformation by chemicals. 9/86
Quantification of neurotypic and gliotypic proteins
for assessing neurotoxicity following toxicant
exposure. 9/86
Complete development of two immunotoxicity
assays in animals. 9/86
Journal article on growth enhancement of human
bronchial epithelial cells by nickel sulfate. 9/86
Journal article on the use of renal concentration
test in the neonate as a predictor of long-term
alterations in urogenital morphology. 9/86
Report on the dose-response curve for 1,2
dibromoethane. 8/86
Testing protocol for rapid and cost-effective
assessment of reproductive damage. 9/86
Environmental Processes
Report on critical responses of populations of
Crustacea to toxicants. 12/85
Report on reproductive biology of Menidia
peninsulas. 12/85
-------
Report: Handbook of Acute Toxicity of Chemicals
to Estuarine Organisms. 9/86
Report on techniques for effects and update of
sediment-asso. tox. chemicals by Benthic Marine
Species. 6/86
Report on the fathead minnow as a surrogate for
other aquatic species. 7/86
Report on use of relative, position-specific eff.
measure, of benzo(a)pyrene metabolism as field
indicators of carcm stress aquatic environ. 9/86
Report on analysis of several tumor types exper.
induced Sheepshead minnow and their signific.
to mammalar lesions. 9/86
Structure Activity Relationships (SAP)
1986 Accomplishments
Health Effects
Report on how to use molecular electrostatic
potential to make risk assessments on
chemically induced toxicity for one class of
chemicals. 9/86
Report on SAR studies on azoreductase II. 9/86
Environmental Processes
Report on SAR methods to predict mode of toxic
action for PMN chemicals. 10/85
Report on a comprehensive structure-toxicity
method to estimate toxicity of chemicals to
aquatic organisms. 3/86
Delivery of a knowledge-base expert system for
managing false negatives in chemical
evaluation 6/86
Report on SAR methods to predict major
metabolites of industrial chemicals. 8/86
Report on SAR identification of potential
tumorogenic industrial chemicals. 9/86
Special Human Data Needs
1986 Program Accomplishments
Proceedings of conference on medical screening
and monitoring for effects of chemical exposure
in the workplace. 9/86
Ecology: Transport, Fate and Field
Validation
1986 Program Accomplishments
Environmental Processes
Final Report on Field Effects of Methyl Parathion to
Terrestrial Species. 12/85
Draft Users ManualSimplified Exposure
Procedures (nomographtables) to OPP Based on
HSP-F Production Runs. 1/86
Report on hazard evaluations and relate field to lab
data with proposal on how to test limits of
applicability. 2/86
Report on field validation for predicting effects of
Abate (Temephos) on non-target organisms.
6/86
Dougherty plain project report. 9/86
Report on pharmacokmetic model of fish as a
surrogate species for mammals in initial
screening of PMN chemicals. 10/86
Report on field validation of fate and effects of
selected toxic chemicals derived from laboratory
microcosms. 12/85
Journal article on environmental factors
governing the kinetics of abiotic redox.
tranformation. 12/85
Journal article on light-induced oxidation of
pollutants involving natural inorganic species.
12/85
Progress report on evaluation of Leffler & Taub
microcosms for screening chemicals. 1 /86
Report on effects of cold stress on avian LD-50 and
LC-50 tests. 2/86
Report on the influence of scale in marine
microcosms perturbed by toxic chemicals derived
from laboratory microcosms. 3/86
Journal article on exposure studies of organics in
Delaware River using TOXIWASP. 4/86
Journal article on SAR at the ecosystem levels
single: species relative tox. vs. ecosystem level
tox. using microcosms. 8/86
Report on suitability of biodegradation information
from fate screen tests for pred. fate of tox. organ.
compounds in microcosms and field studies.
9/86
10
-------
Health: Markers, Dosimetry and
Extrapolation
1986 Program Accomplishments
Health Effects
Report on test methods to determine the
neurotoxic potential of pesticides. 1 2/85
Journal articles on development of new
techniques to evaluate heritable gene mutations.
9/86
Predictive models for dose effects of asbestiform
minerals. 9/86
Journal article on the review and analysis of the
literature of select chemicals and the
establishment of the gene-tox data base. 7/86
Journal article on metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene in
monolayer cultures of human bronchial
epithelial cells from a series of donors. 3/86
Journal article on mterspecies comparison of
adult to developmental toxicity ratios. 8/86
Effects and interaction of metals and metal
chelators on aversion learning. 3/86
Exposure Monitoring
1986 Program Accomplishments
Monitoring
Annual report on research activities and methods
development at the EMTS. 12/86
Interim report on pollutant sources and human
exposure to toxic pollutants using TEAM data
FY 1986. 12/86
Biotechnology/Microbial and
Biochemical Pest Control Agents
1986 Program Accomplishments
Health Effects
Characterization of Bacillus thuringiensisc\\.o\\i\\c
factor. 9/86
Environmental Processes
Summary Report: Exposure Studies of Insect
Virus, Bacterium, and Protozoa and Fungus on
Non-Target Estuarme Crustacea. 11 /85
Report on field validation of test techniques for
biological control agents on freshwater
organisms. 1 2/85
Report on workshop for ORD/OPP entitled:
Enclosed Systems for Testing Microbial Pest
Control Agents. 6/86
Progress report on hazard assessment of
biochemical agents on metamorphosis and
growth of marine crustaceans. 9/86
Progress report on the effects of insect fungi in
Crustacea. 9/86
Report on data base for detecting, identifying, and
enumerating novel organisms in terrestrial
environments. 1/86
Report on development of data base assessing
genetic stability of novel organisms. 2/86
Internal report on regulatory res. for biotech:
identification and enumeration techniques,
survivability and genetic exchange in genet.
altered microorg. 9/86
Engineering Release and Controls
1986 Program Accomplishments
Interim guidance manual for selecting protective
clothing for agricultural pesticide operations.
9/86
Preliminary assessment of predictive techniques
for extraction, flaking, and agglomeration unit
operations. 1/86
Interim report on the development of validation of
predictive models and test methods for
estimating the effectiveness of protective
clothing. 5/86
Interim report on laboratory testing on half-mask
respirators. 9/86
Report on the fate of azo dyes m activated sludge
process. 10/86
Evaluations of procedures and methodology of
asbestos abatement. 3/86
Ecology: Ecotoxicity and Risk
Assessment
1986 Program Accomplishments
Environmental Processes
Report describing design specifications for models
including quantitative uncertainty estimates.
7/86
Report on comparative physiology data base for
the identification of susceptible species. 9/86
7 1
-------
Report on components and characteristics of
prototype terrestrial exposure model. 9/86
Report on functional objectives and
recommendations of prototype computer system.
7/86
Journal article on model developed to describe
exchange of non-polar hydrophobic toxicants
across fish gills. 8/86
Computer program of gill exchange model for
predicting bioaccumulation of hydrophobic
xenobiotic chemicals. 9/86
Support
1986 Program Accomplishments
Monitoring
Annual report on intercomparison program for
pesticides. 7/86
Annual Report: EPA Pesticides and Industrial
Chemicals Repository. 5/86
Guidelines for field testing soil, data, and transport
modelsfinal report. 4/86
Report on asbestos audit program. 9/86
Environmental Processes
Final report on chronic toxicity of phthalate esters
to Daphnia and fathead minnows. 3/86
Test Method Development
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Monitoring
Report on application of analytical methods for
detecting organic compounds in biological
tissuesFY 1987. 12/87
Report on application of analytical methods for
detecting organic compounds in airFY 1987.
12/87
Health Effects
Journal article describing validated test protocol to
detect and characterize neurotoxicity. 10/86
Report on age-related neurotoxic sensitivity to
organophosphate induced delayed neurotoxicity.
10/86
Report on germ cell cytogenetic test systems.
12/86
Glutathione Synthesis: A Requirement for Sperm
Nuclear Decondensation During Oocyte
Maturation. 3/87
Maternal Toxicity of Methoxychlor and Dibutyl
Phthalate. 2/87
Neurobehavioral Assessment of Egyptian
Pesticide and Textile Workers. 1 2/86
Pyrethroid Effects on Schedule-Controlled
Behavior: Time and Dosage Relationships
12/86
Behavioral aiid Neurochemical Effects of Amitraz
Exposures in Rats. 6/87
Some Behavioral Effects of Triphenyltm. 3/87
Embryonic Dosimetry of Putative Teratogens.
8/87
Comparison of the Behavioral Effects of
Endosulphan in Juvenile and Adult Rats. 9/87
Carcinogenic Initiators and Promoters' Report on 4
Agents. 2/87
Test System for Evaluating the Effect of
Environmental Chemicals on Metabolism by
Microflora of the Gastrointestinal Tract. 9/87
Report on prediction of skin absorption with the
rotating diffusion cell (RDC) model. 9/87
Modification of Aversion Learning: A Behavioral
Assay for Studying Metal-Chelator Interaction.
6/87
Report on developmental toxicity of phenolic
congeners. 9/87
Report on immune function in young adult mice
exposed to 2-deoxycoformycin in utero. 12/86
Evaluation of the immunotoxic effects of di-n-
octyltin-dichloride in the rat. 2/87
Evaluation of seizure models as indicators of
neurotoxicity. 8/87
A sound stimulation system for auditory research
with small research animals. 9/87
Report on detection and quantification of nervous-
system protein in cerebrospinal fluid in toxicant
exposed rats. 9/87
Environmental Processes
Report on optimization of environmental factors
during the life-cycle of Mysidopsis bahia. 1 2/86
12
-------
Final Report: Methods Manual for Spawning,
Culture and Testing of Atherinid Fishes. 1 2/86
Report on toxicity-time relationships for fish
exposed to pesticides. 9/87
Journal article on detection and discrimination of
chemicals in feed. 6/87
Report on the uses of oysters and fishes as
carcinogen assay subjects in laboratory
screening systems. 9/87
Report on effects of photosynthesis on update of
selected chemicals. 1/87
Report on low cost amphibian test for specific
cytotoxicity effect. 6/87
Report describing a mathematical model for
uptake of chemicals by plants. 6/87
Report on integrated multiple endpoint test to
screen for dermal toxicity, neurotoxicity and
acute toxicity. 8/87
Report on biochemical and pathological effects of
contaminated sediment on marine fishes. 9/87
Journal article describing relationships between
microbial degradation rate constants and
chemical properties. 9/86
Report on efficacy of fish embryo infection assays
to screen environmental carcinogens. 9/87
Report on comparison of rapid estuarine/marine
chronic tests results with those from long-term
chronic tests with synthetic chemicals. 9/87
Methods manual for marine algae toxicity tests.
9/87
Structure Activity Relationships (SAP)
1987 Program Outlook
Health Effects
Structure-activity relationships based on causally
derived parameters for one class of chemicals of
interest to OTS. 9/87
Pattern recognition analysis of azo dyes using
mammalian azoreductase. 9/87
Report on SAP studies on chlorinated pyridines.
3/87
Review of approximate methods for calculation of
molecular electrostatic potentials and their use
in the comparison of chemicals for toxicological
assessment. 6/87
Identification of substructures associated with
Salmonella mutagenicity by CASE-SAR analysis
for PMN use. 9/87
Computer assisted structure-mutagenicity
relationships for some nitrogen containing
chemicals of interest to OTS. 3/87
Provide a combined data management system for
genotoxic chemical. 12/86
Journal article on the genotoxicity of acrylates in
cultured mammalian cells. 8/87
Environmental Processes
Report describing SAR models for predicting the
toxicity and uptake to terrestrial plants and
animals. 6/87
Report on evaluation of SAR methods for
estimating physical/chemical properties of
industrial chemicals. 10/86
Delivery of Version 1 of a computer system for
QSAR estimation of physical/chemical
properties and ecotox. effects. 6/87
Report on database for QSAR models of
ecotoxicity. 8/87
Feasibility report on the development of SAR
models for chronic toxicity to fish, invertebrate,
and algae. 9/87
Special Human Data Needs
1987 Program Outlook
Determine feasibility of using monitoring or
screening methods to assess exposure-effect
relative to two organ systems. 1 2/86
Ecology: Transport, Fate and Field
Validation
1987 Program Outlook
Environmental Processes
Final data report on the field validation of
freshwater hazard assessment methodology.
12/86
Users Guide/Manual for Unsaturated-Saturated
Zone Pesticide Exposure Model. 1/87
13
-------
Report on spatial variability of soil release
characteristics (Dougherty Plain Site) for use in
PRZM (testing). 3/87
Journal article on results of field testing of PRZM
and PESTANS leaching models for coastal plain
soils. 3/87
Report on chemical characteristics of a pesticide in
aquatic field site after use application. 4/87
Journal article: Correlation Between Tissue
Cholinesterase Levels and Chemical Exposure in
Avians. 6/87
Journal article of spatial variability of pesticide
application. 11/86
Dougherty Plain Annual Report. 9/87
First Annual ReportNorth Carolina Pesticide
Runoff-Estuarine Exposure/Risk Assessment
Field Study. 9/87
Report on mathematical models for transport and
transformation of toxic chemicals in subsurface
environments. 10/86
Report on comparative sensitivity of larval stages
of pelagic spawning estuarine fishes to toxic
substances 12/86
Project report on rates, constraints, and kinetic
formulation for organic chemicals and metals.
12/86
Report on environmental assessment on an azo
dye. 5/87
Report on microbial transformation rate constants
for chemicals of high priority to OTS. 3/87
Journal article on amphipod crustacean Hyalella
azteca acute freshwater sediment toxicity tests.
3/87
Report on response of laboratory and field
communities to stress: impact of
pentachlorophenol. 3/87
Journal article in bioaccumulation of
hexachlorobenzene from contaminated
sediments by amphipods and Oligochaetes. 8/87
Journal article on freshwater sediment acute
toxicity test with the amphipod crustacean
Hyalella azteca. 8/87
Report relating response of single species and
benthic communities to toxic chemicals. 8/87
Report on SARs of chemical toxicant groups as
measured by microecosystem functional
responses. 11/86
Journal article on aerobic biodegradation of
complex organic mixtures. 1 2/86
Book chapterAbiotic Organic Chemical
Transformations at the Sediment Particle-Water
Interface. 5/87
Journal article on oxidation processes in aquatic
environments. 6/87
Journal article on environmental factors affecting
microbial transformation rates of pollutants.
8/87
Progress report on acute/chronic toxicity
extrapolation method for freshwater organisms.
9/87
Report on a draft protocol for a naturally derived
mixed cult microcosm for hazard evaluation of
toxic chemicals. 9/87
Health: Markers, Dosimetry and
Extrapolation
1987 Program Outlook
Report on the application of the parallelogram
extrapolation approach for pesticides. 9/87
Report on the effects of formamidines on visual
evoked potentials. 10/86
Comparison of In Vitro and In Vivo Skin Absorption
of DINOSEB in Rats. 9/87
Report on comparison of tumorigenicity for 5
mineral fibers by means of intrapleural
innoculation. 6/87
Report on the use of in vitro systems to assess the
carcinogenicity of asbestiform minerals. 9/87
Validation of a Human Behavioral Test Battery:
Effects of CO Exposure on Human Performance.
9/87
Report on effects of prenatal exposure to selected
organic compounds on development of sensory
systems. 6/87
Report on teratogenic effects of diphenyl ethers on
the pulmonary system of neonatal rats. 9/87
Report on percutaneous absorption of organic
compounds in young and adult rats. 9/87
14
-------
Onset Visual Evoked Potential and Motion
Adaptation in Humans: A Study to Provide Data
for Rat to Man Extrapolation. 6/87
Validation of a Learning Paradigon: Effects of
Selection Delay and Scopolamine and
Acquisition and Steady-State Performance on an
Automated Radial-Arm-Maze. 3/87
A Novel Method for Detection and
Characterization of Neuronal Phosphoproteins
Bound to Nitrocellulose. 9/87
Evidence That Genes for Tumor Markers are
Clustered with Cellular Oncogenes on Human
Chromosomes. 7/87
Report on expression of cellular oncogenes in
normal and transformed respiratory trace cells
and implications for risk assessment. 8/87
Evaluation of Industrial Chemicals in the Rat
Tracheal Cell Transformation Assay on Potential
Human Respiratory Carcinogens. 5/87
Report on the use of evoked brain potentials in the
evaluation of toxic exposures. 10/86
Exposure Monitoring
1987 Program Plans
Interim report on pollutant sources and human
exposure to toxic pollutants using TEAM data
FY 1987. 12/87
Users GuideData Base Management System
(CIS) for EMTS. 12/87
Annual Report of Pesticide Total Exposure. 9/87
Biotechnology/Microbial and
Biochemical Pest Control Agents
1987 Program Plans
Health Effects
Report on the competition of endogenous and non-
endogenous intestinal microorganisms: utility in
health research. 8/87
Journal article on recombination of DNA in
plasmids and genomes of bacilli. 9/87
Environmental Processes
Report on biological control agent testing
requirements for representative freshwater
species. 12/86
Report on lab testing and evaluation of selected
MPCA's on non-target arthropods. (Terrestrial)
6/87
Report on susceptibility of stressed non-target
species to microbial pest control agents. 9/87
Journal article: Evaluation of Techniques for
Detection and Enumeration of Trans-Conjugates
in Lab Media. 11/86
Journal article: On Methods to Evaluate Conjugal
DNA Transfer in a Terrestrial Microcosm. 1 2/86
Engineering Release and Controls
1987 Program Outlook
Evaluations for Polymer Gloves for Agricultural
Use. 9/87
Assessment of Toxic Exposures and Releases from
Filtration Unit Operations: Feasibility Study.
11/86
Report on methodologies for estimating clothing
performance for PMN review process. 9/87
Interim report on laboratory testing of full-
facepiece respirators. 9/87
Evaluation of plastic barrier effectiveness, glove
bag removal, and localized vacuum removal.
9/87
Evaluation of the effectiveness of O&M guidance
provided for asbestos abatement. 7/87
Ecology: Ecotoxicity and Risk
Assessment
1987 Program Outlook
Initial Design and Specifications of Computerized
Terrestrial Exposure Model. 9/87
Soils and Meteorological Databases for Terrestrial
Exposure Models. 9/87
Report on intertaxa correlations for toxicity to
aquatic organisms. 9/87
Report on baseline data and database definition
for seagrass ecosystems. 9/87
Report on efficacy and accuracy of empirical
models of toxic impacts and species interactions
in small mammals. 9/87
15
-------
Report on prelim, ident. of existing models to
predict physiologic and life history consequences
of animal body burdens of xenobiotic chemicals.
9/87
Report on wildlife population model dynamics:
emphasis on identification of critical
components. 12/86
Report on development of ecosystems resiliency
data base. 7/87
Documentation report on databases to support
aquatic ecosystem models. 8/87
Journal article: Describing Algorithms for Using
Standard Laboratory Results to Predict Effects on
Natural Populations. 8/87
Prototype Population Model and Software
Incorporating Lethal Effects of Narcotic
Chemicals on Natural Populations. 2/87
Update WASP 4.1 aquatic exposure model for risk
assessment. 9/87
Computer program of model predicting kinetic
exchange of hydrophobic xenobiotics. 9/87
Report on comparison of models for representing
bioconcentration and biomagnification in fishes.
9/87
Report on selection of critical terrestrial
ecosystems. 9/87
Report documenting the coupled plant-soil model
and software for predicting the fate of xenobiotic
chemicals in terrestrial plants. 9/87
Documentation report on preliminary models and
software that predict wildlife body burden of
xenobiotics as a func. of exp. rte. and avoidance
mechanism. 9/87
Report on efficacy and accuracy of empirical
models of plant species interactions;
development of existing models to incorporate
chemical insult. 9/87
Report on survey and analysis of mathematical
models suitable for assessing risk to terrestrial
ecosystems from releases of xenobiotics. 9/87
Review article on effects of chemicals on soil
microorganisms responsible for ecosystem
processescarbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur
cycles. 9/87
Support
1987 Program Plans
Monitoring
FY 1986 Annual Report on intercomparison
program for pesticides. 6/87
Annual Report: EPA Pesticides and Industrial
Chemicals Repository. 6/87
Manual of Quality Assurance in Pesticide
Laboratories. 1/87
Revised and updated manual for analytical
methods for tissue and environmental samples.
1/87
Evaluation report on air models to assess human
exposure to toxic organic compounds. 1 2/87
Report on asbestos audit program. 12/87
Annual reportQC sample program EPA
repository for toxic and hazardous materials
FY 1987. 12/87
Development and Validation Procedures for Total
Exposure Multi-Media Models (Air Model
Evaluation). 12/86
Annual reportQC sample program EPA
repository for toxic and hazardous materials
FY1986. 12/86
Environmental Processes
Internal report on status of exposure and risk
modeling support provided by CWQM team.
9/87
Development of Potential Risk Identification
System for Existing Industrial Chemicals by ITC.
6/87
Internal report on status of chemical reviews,
assessments and modeling support/training
provided. 9/87
Report on the toxicity-persistence of Cationic Poly-
Electrolytes. 9/87
16
-------
Hazardous Waste/Superfund Research
Committee
Introduction
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) authorizes a regulatory program to identify
wastes which pose a substantial hazard to human
health or the environment, and to develop
management standards for wastes which protect
human health and the environment. Research
support for this program provides the scientific and
engineering bases for characterizing wastes,
determining the hazards they pose, and formulating
controls. In addition, Section 311 of the Clean
Water Act authorizes research to support
prevention and control of hazardous materials
releases.
The Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
(OERR) and the Office of Waste Programs
Enforcement (OWPE) require scientific and
technical support from the Office of Research and
Development to mitigate health and environmental
problems at priority sites listed under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). ORD's
program provides a core of scientific and technical
expertise to support the implementation
requirements of CERCLA and the enforcement
actions undertaken to obtain cleanup and recovery
of costs. It concentrates on evaluating equipment
and techniques for discovering, assessing,
preventing, controlling, removing, and ultimately
disposing of hazardous substances released into
the environment. Many of the Superfund-
sponsored activities consist of field testing and
evaluating technologies developed in other
research programs, such as hazardous waste;
however, as a result of the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act of 1986, ORD will, for the
first time, begin research that is focused on
problems that are unique to Superfund sites.
The major research issues identified by the
Assistant Administrators for the Office of Solid
Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) and the
Office of Research and Development (ORD) provide
the framework for this discussion of the ORD
research accomplishments for FY 1986 and the
proposed program outlook for FY 1 987.
ISSUE: Alternative Technologies
Information and data developed in this issue
support the Office of Solid Waste (OSW)
implementation of those portions of the RCRA
amendments which require banning high-hazard
wastes from land disposal. For safe disposal of
such wastes, the effective alternative or waste-
altering treatment processes must be evaluated
and performance parameters established.
1986 Program Accomplishments
For evaluation of existing full-scale treatment
technologies which support OSW's "Best
Demonstrated Available Technologies" (BOAT) land
disposal restriction program, performance of
several alternative treatment process units were
evaluated for distillation, thin film evaporation,
steam stripping and biological treatment for
hazardous waste solvents; neutralization, cyanide
destruction, chromium reduction, and chemical
precipitation for metals, cyanides, and corrosive
wastes. Test data show that these alternative
treatment technologies are preferable to direct land
disposal, and that good design and operation are
critical for reduction of waste hazard potential to
acceptable levels.
Other data characterize residuals at 10
incinerators. Generally, these data show that
incinerator ashes would pass the existing toxicity
test (EP); however, in some cases, they also show
that the incinerators would not pass the proposed
Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
for metals and organics.
Technical Resource documents on treatment
alternatives for dioxin and solvent wastes were
produced. These TRDs provide information on
design and performance of alternative treatment
technologies for treating wastes banned from
direct-land disposal.
Six pilot-scale units for in-house cyanides and
metals research were fabricated and installed.
Inorganic waste treatment data were generated for
neutralization, lime precipitation, sulfide
precipitation, chromium reduction, cyanide
oxidation, and mixed-media filtration. Two other
pilot-scale units for in-house biological treatment
research were installed.
Waste-minimization case studies were conducted
on seven processes in support of the Waste
17
-------
Minimization Report to Congress. Waste-
minimization audit procedures developed were
applied to three waste-generating facilities. Audit
results were encouraging. Several significant
opportunities for reducing cyanide and solvent
waste generation having paybacks of less than one
year were identified. In FY 1987, this latter program
will include four of the "first third" waste streams
prohibited from land disposal.
The Hazardous Waste Engineering Research
Laboratory sponsored the annual hazardous waste
research symposium. Approximately 1,000 people
attended and some 60 papers were presented.
Significant technical and laboratory testing
support was provided to Environment Canada in a
cooperative project. Protocols for testing solidified
hazardous waste were evaluated. In the area of
emerging technologies, field application of APEG
(alkaline polyethylene glycol) reagents was
successfully demonstrated at Montana Pole, an
inactive wood-preserving site in Butte, Montana. At
this site, 9000 gallons of pentachlorophenol-
contammated light oil containing chlorinated
dibenzodioxm and chlorinated dibenzofuran (CDDs/
CDFs) homologs, ranging from 422 ppb of tetra
isomers to 84,000 ppb of octa isomer, had been
separated from ground water From Butte, the test
equipment was sent to Kent, Washington, where it
was used to treat 8,000 gallons of solvent-oil
wastes containing CDDs and CDFs.
In laboratory tests, oil from the Montana site was
effectively decontaminated by the APEG reagent at
conditions as mild as 70°C after 1 5 minutes. Total
TCDDs and total TCDFs were reduced from 422 ppb
and 147 ppb to below detection limits for TCDDs,
and to 33 3 ppb for TCDFs. At 100°C and 30
minutes of reaction time, all of the CDD/CDF
homologs were reduced to quantities below
detection limits. The field equipment used to
implement the chemical process consisted of a
2700-gallon reactor mounted on a 45-foot trailer
and equipped with a boiler/cooling system and a
laboratory/control room.
The APEG process, which successfully destroys
CDDs and CDFs in liquid haloorganic wastes, may
revolutionize the treatment of such wastes. The
process cost in the Butte, Montana
decontamination field demonstration was less than
10 percent of the projected cost of on-site
incineration.
Related work with KTEG (potassium
tetraethylene glycol) reagent has shown that
complex to be capable of destroying ethylene
dibromide (EDB) and a host of other halogenated
organics. The most recent work with KTEG was
oriented toward reactor design for full-scale
destruction of EDB formulation stocks and
investigation of the reaction kinetics of KTEG with a
series of compounds. The reagent successfully
dehalogenated carbon tetrachloride, chloroform,
methylene chloride, ethylene dichloride, ethylene
dibromide, and chloropicrin.
The white-rot fungus (Phanerochaete
chrysosporium) has been found to mineralize a
broad spectrum of persistent organopollutants
including: pentachlorophenol, hexachlorobenzene,
lindane, chlordane, Mirex, atrazine, DDT, DDE,
benzo(a)pyrene, methoxychlor, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, and
PCB congeners. After 90 days of incubation and
two additions of glucose, more than 99 percent of
the DDT was degraded. This naturally occurring
organism shows promise for the treatment of toxic
pollutants, even in low concentrations.
7557 Program Outlook
During 1987, in cooperation with the state of
California, the alternative technologies program
will concentrate on evaluation and demonstration
of six alternative treatment processes. Six to eight
existing treatment systems for controlling
hazardous wastes banned from land disposal will
be evaluated. Process evaluation will include
composting of toxic wastes, UV-hydrogen peroxide
treatment of pesticide rinse wastes, treatment of
auto-shop wastes, low temperature thermal
treatment, chlorinated solvent adsorption, and an
HF acid treatment process. Three more pilot-scale
technologies for m-house organic treatabihty
research will be investigated. In-house organic and
inorganic BOAT treatability studies will support
OSW development of regulations and respond to
ban-waiver petitions. Testing in FY 1987 will focus
on the "first-third" listed wastes to be restricted
from land disposal under HSWA. Four additional
hazardous waste minimization facility audits will be
performed. Technical resource documents on
alternative treatment technologies for corrosives,
halogenated organics, metals and selected special
waste streams will be produced. The 1 3th annual
hazardous waste research symposium will be
sponsored. The cooperative study with Environment
Canada on waste solidification will be completed.
Tests to determine if solidification is an appropriate
means to treat residuals from alternative treatment
processes prior to land disposal will be initiated.
Work will continue on reactor design and full,
field-scale demonstration of CDD and CDF
destruction in waste oils and on reaction studies for
KTEG detoxification of a series of chlorinated
organic solvents such as chloroform, carbon
tetrachloride, and methylene chloride. Laboratory
testing of techniques for removing PCBs from
harbor, sewer and lagoon sediments will also
continue. Currently, in response to needs in Region
II, investigators are removing and separating the
sediments from water, then using solvent
18
-------
extraction followed by chemical dehalogenation to
destroy PCBs being entrained/adsorbed by the
solids.
Research will continue to identify degradation
products of selected organopollutants formed by
the white-rot fungus in simulated waste treatment
systems. This will include a search for the
conditions necessary to promote mineralization of
the organopollutants and any conditions leading to
inhibition of mineralization. A determination of
lethal concentrations of pollutant will also be
undertaken.
Full-scale testing of the white-rot fungus
requires knowledge of cultivational practices
specific to the fungus and of requirements for
protection against indigenous microflora. The effect
of selected abiotic soil factors (moisture,
temperature, pH) on the survival in the absence of
competing microorganisms of the fungus will be
investigated. To support maximal growth of the
fungus, the ranges of environmental factors will be
optimized. The effect of soil biota on the survival
and growth of P. chrysosporium will be assessed to
determine the influence of indigenous microbial
populations.
Investigation of the complex system of 10-15
extracellular enzymes expressed by P.
chrysosporium will include development of criteria
that can be used to predict the activity of certain
hgnin-degradmg enzymes towards persistent toxic
aromatic pollutants. This information is critical to
any effort to optimize the degrading ability of P.
chrysosporium towards these persistent pollutants.
ISSUE: Waste Characterization
Human health, environmental effects and risk
assessment information and procedures are
developed to assist in the characterization of waste
and assessment of their hazards. This information
will assist m the development and revision of
regulations, and will be used in permitting and
enforcement decision-making. Research products
will provide simpler, less costly, and more accurate
information and risk assessment methodologies.
1986 Program Accomplishments
During FY 1986, 62 Health and Environmental
Effects Profiles (HEEPs) were prepared for use by
the Office of Solid Waste in making listing
decisions under Section 3001 of RCRA. To support
the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments
1 984 requirements which restrict land-disposal of
certain hazardous wastes, 100 Reference Doses
(RfDs) and 40 carcinogenicity evaluations were
prepared. As RfDs are prepared and verified, they
are entered into the Integrated Risk Information
System (IRIS). Currently, 90 such profiles are in
IRIS. Four petitions or Exposure Information
Reports were reviewed and assistance on health/
exposure assessment provided to work groups and
the permit assistance team. Forty-five subchronic
testing protocols were developed for specific
chemicals, and work continued on various aspects
of health and exposure assessment methodology.
Under development are short-term in vivo and in
vitro bioassays for use in screening protocols to
determine whether wastes, as single chemicals or
complex mixtures, are hazardous. The screening
protocol for determining potential adverse effects
on human health included cancer and non-cancer
endpoints. Toxic endpoints evaluated included
carcinogenicity/mutagenicity, neurotoxicity,
reproductive effects, teratogenicity, general toxicity
and immunotoxicity. The findings with four known
toxic chemicals, each with specific toxic endpoints,
gave very good predictability for each specific
endpomt. Validation studies indicated that
screening is capable of detecting specific biological
activity of pure compounds as single components.
Since most hazardous waste and hazardous waste
sites contain complex mixtures, future screening
will focus on more single-chemical constituents of
complex mixtures, including comparative organ-
specific toxicity, interactions, synergism, and
antagonism.
Activities in environmental processes research
supported risk assessment, listing, and waste-
banning decisions. The behavior of two groups of
important ground-water contaminants,
alkylbenzenes and halogenated aliphatic
hydrocarbons, was studied in microcosms
containing actively methanogenic aquifer material.
Although chloroalkenes degrade anaerobically to
produce products that are more hazardous and
more mobile, this study showed that sequential
reductive dechlormation need not result in the
appreciable accumulation of products and that the
reduction can be rapid and extensive once activity
begins. The significant anaerobic degradation of the
alkylbenzenes has important implications for
remediating polluted ground waters.
An in vivo fish model was adapted to monitor
respiratory-cardiovascular responses of rainbow
trout exposed to acutely toxic aqueous
concentrations of chemicals. Observed responses
for acute toxicity syndromes in the fish have
allowed the grouping of similar response sets
caused by other chemicals into four types: AChE
inhibitors, respiratory irritants, respiratory
uncouplers, and narcotics.
A metal speciation modeling approach was
developed for evaluating potential mobilities of
arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead,
mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, and thallium in
ground waters under conditions reflecting leachate
contamination from a failed land disposal facility.
19
-------
Although these studies divide the metals into
"mobile" and "relatively immobile" groups, a high
degree of uncertainty still exists about such
predictions because of the wide variability in
ground-water characteristics, and the lack of redox
equilibria in many ground-water systems.
Information was gathered on the role of
microorganisms in the anaerobic transformation of
xenobiotic compounds for assessment of kinetic
concepts of degradation in natural environments.
Finally, to provide input to the mathematical model
developed to estimate potential ground-water
contamination from chemicals in land disposal
sites, extensive laboratory measurement of
hydrolysis rate constants for 26 compounds
regulated under RCRA were performed.
7557 Program Outlook
Approximately 90 HEEPs and 180 pre-HEEPs will
be prepared for OSW use in FY 1 987. In addition,
100 Reference Doses and 40 carcinogenicity
profiles will be prepared. Additional health and
exposure evaluations will be provided in support of
ban-waiver petitions, ACL and permit applications.
Major new emphasis will be on development of risk
assessment methodology, including the initiation of
a project to develop guidance on risk assessments
for the incineration process.
The health research program will continue
development of a screening protocol for
determining waste toxicity using short-term in vivo
and in vitro bioassays. This protocol is used for
predicting potential human health hazards and as
an indicator of future research needs. Bioassays for
the most significant, potentially debilitating, health
endpoints are under development to reduce the
uncertainties in assessing hazards and risks from
complex mixtures of unidentified and
uncharacterized wastes.
Environmental processes research will be
conducted in three major areas: risk assessment,
listing, and land disposal restriction programs.
Multimedia assessment models for predicting
potential migration of wastes from land disposal
sites into the air, soil and ground water will be
developed as will quantitative structure-activity
predictions of waste toxicity and models for
predicting waste concentration in ground water.
Studies have been initiated to determine the ability
of wetlands to retain or transform hazardous
wastes.
ISSUE: Dioxin
This research supports Agency assessments of
the extent and severity of dioxin contamination and
development of control procedures. Research
continues in health and risk assessment activities
and in transport and fate and quality assurance
assistance. Technologies with the potential to
detoxify or decontaminate dioxins and dioxm-like
compounds are also being evaluated.
1986 Program Accomplishments
Engineering evaluated chemical reagents,
alkaline polyethylene glycol (APEG) reagents, and
use of the mobile incinerator for treatment of dioxin
contaminated soils. Methods for decontaminating
PCB transformer and capacitor fire sites were also
evaluated.
In laboratory soil column and batch leaching
experiments using contaminated soils from
Missouri and New Jersey, TCDD was shown to be
strongly bound to the waste-soil matrix. Disposal of
these soils by themselves would be safe as regards
leaching and mobility of TCDD in water. A report
"Solubility of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in Contaminated Soils"
indicated that solubility of TCDD in these soils was
regulated not by clay and native organic matter, but
by the levels of other organic contaminants present
in the wastes with the TCDD. This finding suggests
that soils containing higher concentrations of other
organic contaminants would allow leaching of
greater amounts of dioxins.
During FY 1986, an analysis of soil ingestion
rates was performed to assist in the determination
of dioxin exposure to humans from ingestion of
contaminated soil. From a literature review, the
vapor-phase photolysis of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and the
kinetic and tissue distributions of 2,3,7,8-TCDD
were evaluated.
Monitoring research produced an evaluation
report on current methods for analyzing 2,3,7,8-
TCDD. Reference standards were prepared for tetra
isomers and for the important isomers in the penta,
hexa and hepta homolog series. Experiments were
conducted to evaluate co-elution and to optimize
analytical procedures for identification and
quantitation in environmental samples. A
monoclonal antibody to 2,3,7,8-TCDD was
produced and will be evaluated for its ability to
detect 2,3,7,8-TCDD in samples.
Of particular note is the major progress achieved
in the development of a monoclonal assay for TCDD
in the health program. A thyroglobulin was
conjugated with dioxin and this conjugate was used
to immunize mice and produce hybridomas. To
assay the cultures, a solid-phase
radioimmunoassay was developed. Fourteen
hybridomas were identified that produce
monoclonal antibodies reacting with bovine serum
albumin-TCDD (BSA-TCDD) but not with BSA
alone. Two hybridomas showed preferential binding
of BSA-TCDD of more than 200-fold. One of the
two was purified and showed high binding to BSA-
TCDD; this should allow detection of less than 1 ng
of dioxin per ml or about 50 pg in a 50 p\ sample. In
20
-------
general, the procedure looks promising and further
attempts will be made to demonstrate specificity
and binding characteristics.
Also determined was the linear relationship
between in vivo toxicity of dioxin (weight loss,
thymic atrophy) and induction of hepatic
microsomal cytochrome P-488-dependent
monooxygenases AHH (aryl hydrocarbon
hydroxylase) and EROD (ethoxyresorufin O-
diethylase). More importantly, there was excellent
quantitative correlation between the in vivo
structure activity relationships for 15 PCDFs and
their in vitro activities such as AHH induction in rat
hepatoma H-r-ll E cells and as ligands for the
2,3,7,8-TCDD receptor protein. This makes the use
of the in vitro AHH induction assays suitable as a
short-term quantitative test system for this class of
compounds.
Work continues to define the cytosolic receptor
binding as an assay applicable as a short-term test
system for PCDDs and PCDFs using cell cultures.
Results to date are promising and the study has
progressed to the use of radiolabeled ligands of
TCDD and TCDF for determination of the binding
power and further characterization of the receptor.
Work is also progressing to develop and test
computational structure-activity relationship
methods based on molecular properties related to
the mechanisms of interaction with biological
systems. The work is also addressing ways to
assess the toxicity of dioxin-like chemicals.
Laboratory experiments were conducted to
determine the bioavailability of polychlorinated
dibenzo-p-dioxins in the aquatic environment to
two species of fishcarp and fathead minnows.
Although the nominal water concentration of
2,3,7,8-TCDD was 0.2 ppt, based on input of stock
solution, a large portion of the material was
associated with suspended solids or was attached
to the aquaria walls. The "dissolved" 2,3,7,8-TCDD
concentrations were only about 0.005 ppt or 2.5%
of the nominal water concentration due to TCDD's
extreme hydrophobicity. Although the rate of
uptake of 2,3,7,8-TCDD appears to be slow, the rate
of depuration is even slower, and the steady-state
bioconcentration factor (BCF) for fathead minnows
is estimated to exceed 80,000 and for carp 33,000.
BCFs calculated on the basis of the dioxin
concentration in water free of suspended
paniculate matter are approximately six times
greater or in excess of 200,000 for carp. Although
no-effect water concentration cannot be predicted;
for carp, it would probably be less than 1 ppq.
1987 Program Outlook
The health research program will develop test
methods to detect health effects and will collect
data relevant to the assessment of human health
effects from dioxin and related compounds.
Endpoints to be studied include neurological effects
and immunotoxicological effects. This research will
further the development of a method for using
molecular designators to assess and predict
toxicological activity of dioxin-like compounds.
Engineering research will address mobility of
dioxins from soils containing high levels of other
organic contaminants. High priority is being given
to soils from wood preservative sites that are
contaminated with oil/pentachlorophenol and
higher chlorinated dioxins and furans. Data from
this work will be used by OSW in listing decisions
under RCRA and in guidance for making site
specific decisions on "how clean is clean."
Environmental processes research will continue
work to determine rates of uptake, body burden and
tissue distribution of 2,3,7,8-TCDD through
exposure to fish, plants, and large mammals. In
addition, the mobility of dioxins in soils and the
degradation of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and other dioxin
isomers will be evaluated, as will the rates of
photolysis of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and other dioxin
isomers.
ISSUE: Waste Identification
Analytical methods development for identifying
hazardous wastes and their chemical constituents
will continue. Analytical methods for enforcing
Section 3001 of RCRA must be standardized and
tested to determine their validity and reliability.
New methods and procedures for detecting the
presence of hazardous wastes under field
conditions are also required to satisfy RCRA facility
monitoring requirements.
1986 Program Accomplishments
1986 accomplishments included work on the
development, evaluation and validation of
monitoring methods. Generic methods for analysis
of Appendix VIII compounds were developed. The
generic approach being developed is intended to
reduce the cost and time needed for the analysis of
wastes. One example is the evaluation of a general
extraction procedure, EP III, for hazardous waste.
Another is a thermal-spray coupling device to make
solid and nonvolatile analysis possible by MS/MS
instrumentation.
To assist with problems associated with
measuring an ever-increasing number of organic
and inorganic contaminants in complex
environmental matrices, at ever-decreasing levels
of sensitivity, monitoring research has worked on
the development of advanced analytical methods
for detection, including such techniques as Liquid/
Gas Chromatography, and Mass, Fourier Transform
Infra-Red, and Inductively Coupled Plasma
Spectroscopy. Also, biological procedures have
27
-------
been evaluated as possible analytical screening
techniques.
Several monitoring methods designed to map
subsurface conditions were evaluated. These
methods included electromagnetic conductivity,
ground penetrating radar, and resistivity. The
standardization of subsurface monitoring methods
was initiated in order to improve the quality of data
collected.
1987 Program Outlook
Several projects will be pursued at the Ada and
Las Vegas laboratories to improve ability to monitor
pollutants in surface soils, the subsurface
unsaturated zone, and ground water. These
include geophysical techniques to characterize site
geohydrology and locate surface contamination;
among the FY 1 987 projects are investigations of
the capabilities of electromagnetic induction,
resistivity, and magnetometry techniques and their
subsequent use in EPA field operations; coupling of
lasers and downhole fiber optics for direct
measurement of groundwater quality; and
evaluation of other traditional ground-water
monitoring methods. Research on subtitle D
facilities will include development of expert
systems for location standards and monitoring in
wet environments and fractured zones.
A computerized Geographical Information
System (CIS) for integrating terrain, remote sensing
and sampling data will be evaluated and made
available for pilot use in the Regions. The Las
Vegas laboratory will continue to provide overhead
remote sensing to locate waste disposal sites,
detect waste discharges, identify erosion and other
types of deterioration, and to define environmental
impacts of land use.
ISSUE: Land Disposal
Research in land disposal provides guidance on
design, permitting, operation, maintenance, closure
and regulation of land treatment, storage and
disposal. Other research subjects include large-
volume waste disposal, mining wastes, solid waste
(non-hazardous) characterization and technology
transfer. In addition, source characterization and
control techniques for air emissions from
hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal
facilities are the focus of research activity.
1986 Program Accomplishments
During FY 1 986, several major accomplishments
were achieved in support of the Office of Solid
Waste (OSW). A report on prediction and mitigation
of subsidence damage to covers of hazardous
waste landfills was completed. The final report
presents methods to estimate the amount of cover
subsidence that may be expected when the
physical characteristics of wastes are known.
Settlement time may also be estimated. Methods
are described to prevent or mitigate subsidence.
Included are methods to hasten pre-closure
settlement and methods to strengthen waste
materials to minimize the amount of post-closure
settlement. Containerized (e.g., drummed) wastes
were found to contribute most to post-closure
settlement, and thus to subsidence in a RCRA-
permitted landfill. This contribution may be
prevented by not landfilling with contained waste
and by filling all voids with high strength materials.
The final report was prepared in response to a
critical OSW need for information on the potential
for subsidence damage to hazardous waste landfill
covers.
A project was undertaken to characterize
municipal waste combustor residue and its
leachate. The information gained will contribute
directly to a critical need of the Office of Solid
Waste for meeting a Congressional mandate in the
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA)
of 1 984. That mandate requires a report to
Congress as the basis for further needed action
regarding the possible regulation of the residues as
hazardous waste. The project will sample bottom
ash, fly ash, quench water, and ash landfill
leachate for comprehensive analysis of hazardous
components. Based upon earlier results from other
investigations, unacceptable concentrations of
heavy metals and several complex organics may be
present. This project will continue in FY 1 987.
A technical guidance document was issued.
Entitled, "Construction Quality Assurance for
Hazardous Waste Land Disposal Facilities," this
report discusses the five elements of a construction
quality assurance (CQA) plan (responsibility and
authority, CQA personnel qualifications, inspection
activities, sampling strategies, and documentation).
The document also addresses inspection activities
for six facility components. These components are
foundations, dikes, low-permeability soil liners,
flexible membrane liners, leachate collection
systems, and final cover systems. This guidance
document will help CQA personnel to ensure that a
constructed hazardous waste land disposal facility
will meet or exceed all design criteria, plans and
specifications.
Two reports on leachate collection systems for
hazardous waste facilities were completed. The
first, "Leachate Collection and Gas Migration and
Emission Problems at Landfills and Surface
Impoundments," identifies and describes potential
problems and is based on interviews with
regulatory officials, design engineers, and
commercial firms involved in hazardous waste land
disposal facility management. The second,
"Avoiding Failure of Leachate Collection and Cap
22
-------
Drainage Systems," describes state-of-the-art
design, construction, inspection, maintenance, and
repair activities to avoid system failures.
The report, "Estimating Leachate Production
from a Closed Hazardous Waste Landfill," was
issued. It presents a decision-free-based approach
to estimating leachate production rates and times,
and provides several practical examples of the
approach in estimating production in both
hypothetical and real-world situations.
Significant technical and laboratory testing
support were provided to Environment Canada in a
cooperative effort to evaluate protocols for testing
solidified hazardous waste. Results of this study
will be used by Canada to assist in development of
regulations for solidification/stabilization
technology. The results will provide that agency
with critical data on the applicability of regulatory
leaching procedures to predict performance of
solidified/stabilized waste.
Two major laboratory studies demonstrated that,
in contrast to the effects of pure solvents, diluted
solvents or very low concentrations of chemical
compounds in landfill leachates have no significant
effect on clay soil permeability over the term of
laboratory measurements. The data obtained from
studying a variety of methods for testing permeant
liquid, soil type, and permeability confirm that,
where permeability is used as a measure of
leachate/liner compatibility, site-specific tests
must be conducted, and the procedure must be
documented in detail if permit reviewers are to fully
understand the meaning of the data.
Data from one and one-half years of hydrologic
monitoring of three-layer cover plot studies have
confirmed the utility of the HELP model in
designing landfill cover systems. Calibration of the
model using short-term observations, however,
may lead to larger predictive errors, emphasizing
the need to consider both short climatic events and
long-term trends in applying the predictive results
to multilayer cover design. This work also
demonstrated the effectiveness of various soil
moisture sensing systems in multilayered soils
placed in accordance with engineering design.
A study evaluating 10 rapid testing methods for
characterizing different commercially available
bentonite clay types was completed. Using selected
petroleum industry bentonite test methods, specific
clay hydration techniques, and standardized
laboratory techniques, made it possible to
differentiate amounts of unaltered, polymer-
treated, or chemically treated commercial bentonite
products. Correlation between indicator test data
and hydraulic conductivity performance could not
be shown. The data obtained will be useful for
identifying type-distinction of unknown bentonite
products, and for confirming that bentonite
products meet design engineering specifications.
Development was initiated on four expert
systems to aid in review of RCRA permits for land
disposal sites. They will provide data on the
likelihood of subsidence, chemical resistance of
flexible membrane liners, acceptability of waste
analysis plans, and suitability of surface
impoundment design. The first two of the four
items are ready for testing and the other two will be
ready during FY 1987.
In FY 1987, twenty-four staff professionals
responded to over 200 requests for technical
assistance from EPA program offices. Regional
offices, industry, state officials, academia, Federal
agencies, and Canada. State-of-the-art technology
seminars were held in all 10 regions and at
headquarters.
Research was directed toward determining the
feasibility of land treatment of hazardous waste.
Activities included laboratory, bench- and pilot-
scale studies on soil and waste processes, organics
degradation, and loading rates. Studies measured
and interpreted the effect of surface soil changes
on the underlying soil and the quality of runoff
water from petroleum landfarms undergoing
simulated closure. The field results over two years
showed insignificant downward migration of the
organics and heavy metals, and demonstrated that
the closure period of two years in this study
allowed significant reductions in waste/soil
concentrations. In other work, laboratory column
and field lysimeter studies were conducted to
evaluate the efficiency of soil core and soil-pore
water samples to detect the migration of the
organic components of long-treated wastes through
soil. Finally, four specific industrial wastes were
used in studies to assess the potential for
treatment using soil as the treatment medium.
These wastes were API separator sludge, slop oil
emulsion solids, pentachlorophenol wood
preserving wastes, and creosote wood preserving
wastes. The data, recommendations, and
conclusions are useful for permitting and
regulating land treatment facilities and for their
design and operation.
1987 Program Outlook
During FY 1987, technical assistance to program
offices will be expanded to assist in the
development of regulations and guidance to the
Regional offices in the review of permits and
special problems, to the Office of Enforcement in
developing compliance actions, and to the public in
their waste management activities to protect the
public health and environment.
The four expert systems initiated during FY 1986
will be tested by selected permit reviewers,
independent subject specific specialists, and
program office staff. Development of additional
systems will be initiated to assist in other high
23
-------
priority RCRA permit-review decision areas.
Specific topics will be selected after further
consultation with the program office staff and
permit reviewers. Anticipated decision areas to be
addressed by the new systems are closure plans,
cover systems, and leachate collection systems.
A methodology for estimating the reliability of
flexible membrane liners (FML) in field service will
be prepared. The product will be a personal-
computer-based system with which a permit
reviewer or disposal-site operator may determine
the probability of FML failure versus time. The
methodology will be based upon current knowledge
regarding FML characteristics and responses to
given conditions. The conditions will include those
under the user's control (e.g., FML thickness) and
those that are uncontrollable (e.g., weather).
A report will be produced describing the
characteristics of municipal-waste combustor
residues for several sites. The chemical
characteristics of bottom ash, fly ash, quench
water, and ash landfill leachate will be described.
In addition, reports will be provided to OSW to
assist them in their regulatory determination for
large volume wastes. These include the topics of
mitigation techniques for copper heap and dump
leaching, gold/silver heap leaching and conceptual
management practices to control cyanide releases,
and utilization of soils to mitigate cyanide releases
from mining operations.
A data base on leachate generation
characteristics for municipal solid waste landfill
leachates is being developed and should be
available for use. The data base currently consists
of mostly small-scale research lysimeters, that will
have the capability of receiving and storing data
from full-scale MSW facilities also. A report on
municipal landfill gas condensate will be prepared
which will evaluate the gas condensate for
hazardous constituents and characteristics. Air
emissions measurement data from the stabilizing
and curing of hazardous wastes will be presented
in another report.
Preparation of a guidance document for the
design, construction, operation, and closure of an
RCRA surface impoundment will be completed.
Data will be provided on detailed characterization of
leachate from actual hazardous waste facilities.
This information will assist in liner compatibility
determinations, correlation of liner performance
versus waste, and determining the feasibility of
formulating synthetic leachate for use in regulatory
tasks.
ORD will continue to assist the program office in
development, review, and implementation of
regulatory systems for RCRA Subtitle D criteria. A
study of the permeability of a soil liner test section
constructed with normal field construction methods
and evaluated using both infiltration and drainage
collection techniques will be completed. Data
already obtained demonstrate the large variability
obtained over an area of field construction.
The Geotechnical Analysis for Review of Dike
Safety (CARDS) personal computer program will be
completed and distributed to Regional permit
writers and to the engineering community. The
CARDS program provides comprehensive and rapid
evaluation of dike safety for hazardous waste
surface impoundments.
Research will attempt to determine the
environmental conditions related to land treatment
site closure. Such environmental protection
parameters need to be identified to permit the
orderly phase-out of land treatment operations.
ISSUE: Incineration
Technical information and data are needed to
support permitting of incinerators and improvement
of design requirements. Results of this research are
used by the Agency and permitting officials to
evaluate the acceptability of incinerating particular
wastes and in monitoring operating units for
compliance with performance requirements.
Laboratory, pilot and full-scale units are
investigated to determine the performance of a
range of incinerators and other thermal treatment
devices.
ORD has generated a large quantity of existing
environmental performance data from more than
20 EPA-supported incinerator evaluations covering
all of the commonly employed engineering designs
operated by the user community, including liquid
injection, rotary kiln plus afterburner, at-sea types,
hearth or controlled air configurations, etc., and
from several advanced or less popular schemes
such as fluidized bed, molten salt and plasma arc
concepts, etc. Several reports on this broad base of
data have provided OSW, OTS, and OW program
offices the scientific and technical bases for
developing and promulgating their respective
regulatory approaches and standards for controlling
the thermal decomposition of hazardous wastes.
Subsequent industry-supported trial-burn data from
Regional permit actions continue to supplement
and confirm the ORD data base.
Additionally, ORD's field- and pilot-scale
evaluations of high-temperature industrial
processes including boilers, cement, lime,
aggregate, and asphalt kilns, and iron-making blast
furnace concepts represent another 20 facilities of
various designs where hazardous wastes are used
for their fuel value in lieu of fossil energy sources.
OSW uses this performance information in their
continuing formulation of regulatory policy for
these methods of treating hazardous waste. These
non-incinerator systems now dispose of a volume
of material by a factor of two or three times more
than do conventional hazardous waste incinerators.
24
-------
As the need for incineration and other forms of
thermal destruction increases in response to land
bans and Superfund actions, still more information
and detailed performance data must be gathered in
response to a wide spectrum of new questions
posed by the Science Advisory Board as well as the
concerned public. This additional data is necessary
in order to effectively support facility permitting
priorities by program and Regional offices, and
involves such issues as improved design and
operating conditions, reliability, monitoring
techniques, residue and total effluent qualities,
delisting, incinerating as-yet untested Superfund
wastes, and more recently the issue of measuring
the biological health impacts from incinerator stack
emissions as compared to those from traditional
fossil fuel combustion. ORD is addressing these
new needs through a continuation of laboratory,
pilot-scale, and field performance evaluations of a
range of incinerators and other thermal treatment
devices.
1986 Program Accomplishments
In Fiscal Year 1986, the research emphasized
generating additional incineration performance
data for dioxm, Superfund and RCRA permit
support actions. Support was provided to the Office
of Water's long-term research needs for ocean
incineration tests on PCBs and organochlorine
wastes; delivering and interpreting ORD's
performance results reports on high temperature
industrial process tests to OSW through
participation in their regulatory policy work group
workshops; mobile monitoring van development
with field testing; continued sampling and analysis
methodology refinements for untested compounds
and real-time monitoring concepts, and an
extensive amount of field technology transfer and
technical assistance which includes participation in
a permitting program for disposing of Department
of the Army chemical agent inventories.
Continuing progress was made on the primary
concerns which repeatedly impair the Agency's
ability to permit incinerators, namely products of
incomplete combustion (PICs), toxic heavy metal
fate and partitioning during thermal treatment,
failure mode or off-design performance, and the
new concern of biological health impacts of stack
emissions. On the latter issue, two series of marine
animal toxicity tests were completed at the
Combustion Research Facility (CRF). The CRF
accomplished a PCB trial-burn series in the rotary
kiln, tests of a Superfund site waste involving
solvent contaminated soils, and completion of a
Superfund site dioxin waste test burn report. The
overall FY 1986 program encompassed various
incineration tests using rotary kilns, liquid injection
units, plasma arc, industrial boilers, asphalt plants.
Center Hill's turbulent flame reactor, the kiln
simulator burning plastics and chlorinated
compounds, and additional progress in process
control measurement and instrumentation.
1987 Program Outlook
In 1 987, studies will be conducted to address
priority issues in incineration of hazardous waste
including the potential for increased emissions to
the environment during failure mode or off-design
operation, products of incomplete combustion
(PICs), toxic heavy metals partitioning and
emissions, and in-depth studies of process
monitoring parameters.
A field-scale evaluation of incinerator compliance
assessment techniques and performance will
determine the characteristics of all possible
effluents (total mass emissions) in any form (e.g.,
solid, liquid, gas) at all exit points of a typical full-
scale operating incinerator. Research in the boiler
and industrial furnace areas will continue with
pilot-scale boiler testing at two boilers to study
further PIC and metals emissions under both steady
and non-steady-state conditions in further support
of OSW's boiler regulations.
A computerized data base will be further
developed to manage both research and field data
on hazardous waste incineration and treatment
processes. The key information in the data base
includes process design and operating conditions,
waste characteristics, trial burn performance data
and air pollution control device performance.
In addition, ORD has been working with OSW to
develop necessary new and expanded incineration
program initiatives and goals to be considered for
FY 1 987 through 1 990 and beyond. These
programs, if funded, will adequately address
current unmet needs for additional research
information related to OSW's urgent permitting and
public information issues. The ORD incineration
research facilities have been identified by OSW as
being the most useful permitted facility for
conducting pilot-scale evaluations relating to their
initiatives.
Major classes of incinerators will be evaluated in
both field and pilot/laboratory situations. The
health effects of the initial waste will be compared
directly to effects of air emissions and residues to
evaluate whether the chemical alterations resulting
from combustion of the waste represent an
acceptable mitigation of health risk. Health
endpoints to be evaluated include: genotoxicity,
carcinogenicity, pulmonary toxicology, and other
major target organ effects as appropriate. Currently
available toxicological methods will be applied.
Existing methods will be evaluated for assessing
risks from municipal and hazardous waste
incinerators. From these evaluations, interim
25
-------
guidance on performing risk assessments from
such incinerators will be developed.
ISSUE: Quality Assurance
Improved method applications are needed to
assure the reliability of monitoring data used in
support of the RCRA program. The purpose of this
program is to assure that EPA consistently
produces scientifically and legally defensible
environmental data in support of its critical
regulatory and enforcement actions and research
objectives. Analytical standards and reference
materials are developed for and distributed to all
participating laboratories. Quality control and
performance evaluation samples are also being
developed and distributed to appropriate
laboratories. Additional support is provided to State
laboratories to facilitate their performance of the
required measurement and monitoring functions.
This support includes instrument calibration and
provision of reference materials.
1986 Program Accomplishments
Overall, 30,000 quality control check samples
were distributed to Agency contractors, State, local
and EPA laboratories. More than 20,000 organic
calibration standards were distributed to this same
set of laboratories. All contractor laboratories were
evaluated.
7557 Program Outlook
Calibration standards and performance
evaluation samples will continue to be developed
and distributed to Agency laboratories, Agency
contractors, state and local laboratories to assist m
standardizing monitoring methods and for
calibration of analytical techniques used in RCRA
monitoring. Dynamic validation reports will be
completed on all contractor laboratory program
methods.
ISSUE: Control of Hazardous Releases
Procedures needed to prevent, contain and clean
up accidental discharges of hazardous materials
are the focus of research in this issue. Accidental
releases of oil and hazardous materials occur
frequently and constitute a significant
environmental hazard. Such emergencies include
releases from transportation accidents (rail cars,
tank trucks, vessels, and pipelines); m-plant
releases, where the hazardous material leaves the
boundary of the plant; releases from uncontrolled
hazardous waste disposal sites, and releases from
underground storage tanks. The research
conducted in this program supports the mandates
of Section 311 of the Clean Water Act for release
provisions and Title I of RCRA for underground
storage tank provisions. The object of this research
program is to develop new and improved
technology for the prevention and control of these
releases and to provide technical information and
guidance regulations, development and
implementation.
1986 Program Accomplishments
The engineering program completed two
handbooks on hazardous substance release
prevention and removal ("Manual for Preventing
Spills of Hazardous Substances at Fixed Facilities"
and "Reference Manual of Countermeasures for
Hazardous Substance Releases"). The prevention
manual provides guidance on preventing spills of
hazardous substances in fixed facilities that
produce, store, and transport substances from raw
or starter materials. In this manual, emphasis is on
smaller chemical manufacturing facilities and
addresses almost 700 hazardous substances. The
removal manual contains procedures for selecting
treatment and disposal processes, or
countermeasures. Again, some 700 hazardous
substances are addressed. These documents are
providing federal, state, local government, and
industrial personnel with the most up to date
information on preventing and cleaning up
accidental releases of hazardous materials.
A state-of-the-art report on leak detection
methods ("Underground Tank Leak Detection
Methods: A State-of-the-Art Review") was
published. This report contains a catalog of known
leak detection methods, a description of in-tank
detection methods (as contrasted with inventory or
leak effects monitoring methods), a description of
physical environmental and operational variables
that each method must deal with to obtain a valid
determination, and an evaluation of how well each
method addresses each variable. The significance
to EPA's Office of Underground Storage Tanks (and
to the user community) is that none of the
commercial methods identified appeared to address
all variables adequately. This finding underscores
the importance of the ongoing evaluation of
volumetric leak detection methods, under which a
full-scale, controlled condition, environmentally
safe test apparatus was designed and installed. The
results of this evaluation will provide direct input
into the OUST development of regulations under
the 1 984 RCRA Subtitle I amendments, and will be
of interest to state and local regulators as well as to
the user community. Drafts of guidance documents
on preventing leaks from underground storage
tanks (USTs) and on corrective actions to clean up
leaks from USTs were delivered.
Ten spill prevention control and countermeasure
(SPCC) studies and 1 5 river contingency studies in
support of Section 311 (k) of the Clean Water Act
were completed. Development of a subsurface
26
-------
system for monitoring leaks from underground
storage tanks was initiated for detection of
contaminants away from the leaking tank.
A state-of-the-art report was completed on
subsurface biodegradation. Although prepared for
underground storage tanks, this report may also
serve as a general state-of-the-art on in-situ
biorestoration of contaminated ground water. The
report indicates that in-situ biodegradation, where
applicable, is potentially a very cost-effective and
environmentally acceptable remediation
technology. Many contaminants in solution in
ground water, and vapors m the unsaturated zone,
can be completely degraded or transformed into
new compounds by naturally occurring, indigenous
microbial populations. In other studies, a bioassay
protocol employing aquatic and terrestrial
organisms was used to evaluate various solid
waste and industrial leachates for their potential
environmental impacts. A battery of bioassay tests
was also verified in field trials to determine the
impact of toxic waste sites in actual drainage
systems.
major task will be initiated to develop new and
improved design, construction, and operating
practices for effective prevention of releases from
underground storage tanks and to survey corrective
action techniques for releases from underground
storage tanks.
Monitoring will continue to provide aerial
photography to assist in the assessment and
mitigation of spills from facilities engaged m
production, storage, processing, and distribution of
hazardous materials. Performance criteria for
evaluating leak monitoring methods will be
established and methods for detecting leaks from
underground storage tanks will continue to be
evaluated. Field measurements will be conducted
and private, local and state leak detection
experiences will be investigated.
Development of a multi-media bioassessment
screening protocol will continue, with modifications
incorporated to reflect the results of field
evaluations. In-situ cleanup procedures for
controlling leaks from underground storage tanks
will continue to be studied.
7357 Program Outlook
A guidance document on the use of
nondestructive techniques for locating buried
chemical containers will be published. Of the 17
techniques considered, four were selected as the
most applicable: electromagnetic induction, metal
detection, magnetometer, and ground penetrating
radar. The report will present techniques for
detecting steel and/or plastic containers under
different subsurface conditions.
A new laboratory method for determining the
effectiveness of chemical dispersants for
controlling floating hazardous materials will be
issued. This method is required by regulation and
incorporates scientific advances made since the
original EPA test was published in 1 971. A
recommended database covering the test results
for numerous combinations of commonly
transported crude oils and dispersants will be
available to the Regional Response Teams. The
field test and database should allow RRTs to reduce
the time needed to approve the use of dispersants
at a spill.
In a cooperative effort with the U.S. Coast Guard,
the Minerals Management Service, and
Environment Canada, a recommended method for
testing offshore oil spill cleanup equipment will be
completed. A major multi-agency international at-
sea demonstration is scheduled off the Canadian,
New Foundland coast.
The evaluation of existing volumetric methods for
detecting leaks from petroleum tanks will be
completed, and a similar effort initiated for tanks
containing chemicals and hazardous wastes. A
Superfund
ISSUE: Site Assessment
Superfund develops technologies and
information needed for assessing and managing
uncontrolled sites. The success of removal and
remedial actions frequently depends on an accurate
appraisal of the nature and severity of the problem.
Research activities supporting this objective provide
the techniques and procedures for on-scene
coordinators' need to quickly and effectively assess
the degree of hazard and the cleanup requirements
at specific uncontrolled waste sites.
1986 Program Accomplishments
In FY 1986, 58 Health Effects Assessment
documents were completed on individual chemicals
to support the program office in setting cleanup
goals at National Priority List (NPL) sites. At the
request of the program office, 1 6 rapid response
health assessments were provided for use in
emergency situations and for technical assistance/
information on specific chemicals.
Remote sensing was provided for site
assessment and pnontization of sites. For example,
aerial photographic analysis of RCRA work disposal
sites m Illinois (Chicago, Freeport, Sterling, and
Sheffield). Similar projects were performed in each
region to provide either single data analysis and
assessments at a site or to provide documentation
of change in site conditions. Also monitoring
assisted in the assessment and demonstration of
source and ambient air monitoring equipment and
27
-------
analytical methods for abandoned sites. Protocols
for analysis of aqueous samples were evaluated
and protocols for sediment and ground-water
sampling were prepared.
Engineering staff served on technical advisory
committees, reviewed site assessment and
feasibility plans and advised on engineering issues.
Examples include the technical advisory work
groups for the Iron Mountain and the Stringfellow
sites and the EPA Ground-Water Modeling Policy
Work Group. A prototype engineering cost model
was developed to test its applicability to remedial
action evaluations. A computer-assisted
engineering design work station was established to
demonstrate the application of this technique. If
successful, the system will save time and cost in
design engineering and the EPA remedial project
management.
7557 Program Outlook
Scientific Assessment assistance will continue to
be provided to the Regions in FY 1 987. Specific
activities will include preparation of site/situation-
specific risk assessments, rapid response health
assessments and Health Effects Assessment
documents for use in RI/FS and other response
efforts. A central point for coordinating the review
of Regional risk assessments and for providing a
focal point for Regional Offices to request risk
assessment assistance will be established.
Monitoring will produce protocols for soil
sampling, guidelines for sampling design and
guidelines for monitormg-well construction. Short-
term, quick turn-around technical advice and
reviews will continue to be provided to the Regions
and the Enforcement program.
Engineering staff members will serve on
technical advisory committees, review site
assessment and feasibility plans, and advise on
remedial action engineering issues. Based on data
collected from surveys, technology evaluations, and
other research activities, evaluations of technology
applicability, feasibility, and costs will be provided
for specific sites. A report on data requirements for
remedial action technology screening, evaluation,
design, and construction will be completed.
Engineering cost models will be completed to assist
in estimation of the costs of remedial action
alternatives in a remedial investigation/feasibility
study. The application of computer-assisted
engineering design techniques will be
demonstrated for remedial action assessments.
ORD staff will serve on technical advisory
committees, review site assessment and feasibility
plans, and advise on engineering issues.
Technical advice and consultation on emergency
and remedial response options will be provided to
Regional CERCLA programs and Enforcement
offices. This activity will continue to be conducted
primarily by ORD staff experts to the maximum
extent possible. Technical comments on site and
situation assessment plans and reports will
continue to be a major part of this overall activity.
In addition, a microcomputer-based system to
provide a tool for consistent and reliable cost
estimation will be developed for use in the
Feasibility Study process. The system will be
available to EPA headquarters and regional staff,
state personnel, and contractors for quick, easy
and accurate cost estimation. Engineering will also
continue to develop and demonstrate computer-
assisted engineering design techniques for
evaluation of remedial action alternatives for
uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
ISSUE: Personnel Protection
Personnel protection research in support of
CERCLA activities is directed toward improving the
safety, range, and efficiency of operations, and the
reduction of personnel protection costs. EPA is
obliged to provide those who perform the response
activities at chemical spill and hazardous waste site
incidents with chemical protective clothing,
equipment, and procedures that will prevent
personnel from receiving harmful exposures. Since
all chemcial protective clothing, equipment, and
procedures have limitations, it is important that
these limitations be defined through evaluation and
testing to prevent misuse and personal injury.
Defining the capabilities of personnel protection
technology is also important to promotion of more
efficient operations.
1986 Program Accomplishments
An Intra-EPA Workshop on Personnel Protection
Technology Research/Research Needs was
conducted during 1986. The attendees represented
six regions, the Occupational Health and Safety
staff, the Environmental Response Team and ORD.
Attendees identified a number of areas in need of
research and these will be Jntegrated into future
research program plans. A multiyear contract for
research on personnel protection technology to
support EPA operational and regulatory programs
was initiated. Development of a test kit for in-the-
field assessment of the degradation and
permeation resistance of protective clothing
materials was initiated. Prototype kits should be
ready during FY 1987.
An assessment of the technical and economic
feasibility of decontaminating and reusing
protective garment materials was initiated. An
evaluation of the compatibility of high-pressure
oxygen with the materials of construction of a
previously developed self-contained breathing
apparatus was conducted along with an
28
-------
investigation of the state-of-knowledge concerning
the health effects of routinely breathing high
concentrations of oxygen. Also, an evaluation of
heat stress management, including assessment of
the performance of vital-signs monitors and
personal cooling devices was initiated.
Interagency coordination of personnel health and
safety issues has been enhanced by the
implementation of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOD) amongst EPA, the Coast
Guard, the National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health, the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency. This MOD covers research,
development, testing, and evaluation of chemical
protective clothing, equipment and procedures.
1987 Program Outlook
FY 1 987 efforts will include additional testing of
chemical protective ensembles, evaluation of
personal cooling devices and hazard detectors, and
evaluation, development and verification of field
methods for rapid on-site determination of
appropriate chemical protective clothing. Another
mtra-EPA workshop is planned as is participation in
the MOD Workshop Group. Other coordination
efforts will continue via participation m ASTM
Committee F-23 on protective clothing and other
technical organizations and meetings.
ISSUE: Reportable Quantities
Activities under this issue provide carcinogenicity
and chronic effects risk information on specific
chemicals for use by the program office in setting
and adjusting the Reportable Quantity for a
hazardous substance. The Reportable Quantity is
the amount of a chemical that has to be released
before the requirement to notify Federal officials of
the release is triggered.
1986 Program Accomplishments
During 1986, Reportable Quantity
documentation, for carcinogenic and other chronic
health effects, was prepared concurrent with
health documentation efforts for the RCRA
hazardous waste listing effort for 62 chemicals and
wastes. In addition, draft Reportable Quantity
documents were prepared for other chemicals on
the original CERCLA hazardous substances list.
OERR issues revised RQs for 102 chemicals based
on chronic toxicity evaluations prepared by ORD.
7557 Program Outlook
Scientific assessment will continue to provide
carcinogenic and other chronic health effects
documentation to support the adjustment of the
Reportable Quantity for potential and actual
CERCLA hazardous substances during 1987.
Approximately 90 chemicals/wastes will be
evaluated and documentation prepared
concurrently with RCRA listing activities.
Approximately 100 additional chemicals currently
on the Acute Hazards List will undergo evaluation
of carcinogenicity and other chronic effects for use
in adjusting their Reportable Quantity. OERR will
propose RQ adjustments for 191 suspect
carcinogens based on evaluations prepared by
ORD.
ISSUE: Technical Support
Activity under this issue provides expert advice
and technical information to Enforcement, the
Regions and the Program Office for effective
implementation of the Superfund program.
1986 Program Accomplishments
The scientific assessment program provided
technical assistance to the Office of Waste
Programs Enforcement during 1 987 in the
assessment of exposure, health effects and risk
associated with Enforcement lead Superfund
remedial activities. Assistance was provided on
approximately 20 sites, and activity will continue on
several of these during FY 1 987.
The environmental monitoring support program
responded to a number of requests for technical
information and assistance during 1 986. These
included performance of a geophysical survey at
the Marrion Landfill in Region V, a geophysical and
soil organic vapor analysis of the Colber Landfill in
Region X, and review of possible responsible party
reports for the Keystone Landfill in Region III and
the Cinnammson Study Area of Region II.
Engineering provided technical assistance to
various EPA Regional offices on the feasibility of
using mobile treatment technologies (e.g., the
Mobile Incineration System, Mobile Soils Washing
System, Mobile In-Situ Containment/Treatment
Unit) for specific cleanup activities in their
jurisdictions. State-of-the-art technology seminars
were developed and presentations made in each of
the Regions. EPA's Mobile Carbon Regenerator,
was prepared for an evaluation to regenerate spent
carbon from a treatment system at EPA's Region IX
Stringfellow site.
Technical reviews and other advisory activities
were provided on the Beacon Heights, McKin,
Nashua, and Charles George sites in Region I; Byde
Park/Bloody Run, Love Canal, LiPari and
Cinnaminson sites in Region II; the Pepper Steel
and Biscayne Aquifer in Region IV: Indiana Harbour
and Woodville, Wl sites in Region V; Denney Farm
and other dioxin sites in Region VII; Rocky
Mountain Arsenal in Region VIII, Stringfellow, Iron
Mountain, and Celter Chemical sites in Region IX;
29
-------
and the Western Processing, Bunker Hill and
United Chrome sites in Region X.
A modeling study was completed on the
performance of proposed remedial action
alternatives at the Western Processing sites in
Kent, WA for Region X. A feasibility study was
completed on the use of mines for the long-term
storage of dioxin-contaminated soils for Region VII
and the state of Missouri.
Technical support was provided in the
environmental processes area in response to
specific requests from the Regions, Enforcement,
and States on ground-water sampling, analyses,
data interpretation and site-specific modeling.
7557 Program Outlook
The scientific assessment program will continue
to provide technical support to Enforcement and to
the Regions by reviewing and/or preparing
endangerment assessments.
Environmental monitoring will continue to
provide aerial imagery and remote sensing reports
for all sites assessed. Assistance in the review and
testing of site-specific sampling design, quality
assurance procedures and field audit procedures
will be provided.
Technical assistance will be provided to EPA
Regional Offices on the feasibility of using mobile
treatment technologies (e.g., the Mobile
Incineration System, Mobile Soils Washing System,
Mobile In-Situ Containment Treatment Unit) for
specific site cleanup activities. State-of-the-art
technology seminars will be continued in each
Region. Support will continue to be provided to
OERR in the development of a technology base in
support of legislative mandates relative to a final
rule that adjusts reportable quantities for
designated CERCLA hazardous substances. Efforts
will continue to provide the Program Office,
Regions and the states with technical support. Pilot
studies will be conducted on the use of Rotating
Biological Contactors (RBCs) on leachates from a
number of Superfund sites. Technical exchange on
new, innovative techniques will continue with
other countries through formal organizations, such
as the NATO CCMS, to maximize research
information generated by outside sources.
Emphasis will be on technology transfer activities
such as review and presentation of Superfund
technology transfer documents to the Regions and
participation in many technical conferences and
seminars. In-house studies will be initiated on the
application of biological processes to regenerate
spent carbon in connection with the Stringfellow
site. Innovative/newly developed applications for
treatment of contaminated soils and leachates
which evolve from site specific (NPL) experiences
will be provided to all Regional Offices. An increase
in in-house technical assistance to the Regions is
anticipated.
Technical reviews will continue to be provided to
Regional Offices. Geochemical and geotechnical
assistance will be provided on an extramural basis
and an expanded in-house soils testing laboratory
capability will be initiated. This capability will
provide the Regions with slurry-wall waste
compatibility data, as well as information on
permeability and other soil characteristics. A
modest increase of in-house support will be
provided for a transfer of the latest RCRA protocols
relating to secure landfill design to Superfund
remedial action plan reviews.
Assistance will continue to Agency and State
personnel on the use of subsurface models,
sampling and testing techniques, and on the
application of the bioassessment protocols for
determining the toxicity of spilled materials and
Superfund site waste samples.
ISSUE: Technology Evaluations
The objective of this research is to develop and
evaluate technologies that support emergency
actions at hazardous substance releases and
remedial actions for cleanup of uncontrolled
hazardous waste sites. The technical information
supports the implementation requirements of
CERCLA to obtain cleanup of the environment,
mitigation of health problems, and recovery of
cleanup costs.
1986 Program Accomplishments
A handbook on remedial actions at waste
disposal sites was revised and published during
1 986. This handbook is the basic technical
reference for remedial action technologies. At the
request of Region VII, EPA's Mobile Incineration
System has operated over the past two years at the
Denney Farm site for cleanup of dioxm-
contaminated liquids and soils to demonstrate the
feasibility of this approach to destruction of dioxm.
The Mobile Soils Washing System was designed for
water extraction of a broad range of hazardous
materials from contaminated soils, and has been
prepared for functional system evaluation.
Detailed technical manuals were completed on
leachate plume management, systems to
accelerate the stabilization of waste piles, cover
systems, stabilization/solidification technology,
drum handling practices, overtopping control for
impoundments, use of foams for hazardous spills,
and removal/prevention techniques for hazardous
substances releases. Research efforts were
initiated or continued in the area of in-situ
treatment including a field evaluation of
electrokinetics extraction, bench evaluation of
permeable treatment barriers, bench evaluation of
-------
aphron technology, and laboratory studies of
grouts, slurry backfill materials and chemical
stabilization techniques.
Two joint EPA-United States Air Force projects
were completed to demonstrate the full-scale
feasibility of EPA's Mobile In-Situ Containment
Treatment Unit and to evaluate in-situ biological
degradation technology.
1987 Program Outlook
Efforts will continue to develop and evaluate
techniques for remediation of uncontrolled
hazardous waste site problems with the greatest
emphasis on typical Superfund wastes (e.g.,
contaminated soil) in two categories: in-situ
treatment and on-site equipment. Four major
technology areas will be developed in each of these
categories: extraction processes; degradation/
detoxification processes; immobilization processes;
and delivery and recovery processes.
Extraction processes efforts will include
evaluation of vegetative uptake of organics from
contaminated soils, further research in the use of
artificial freezing for the treatment of contaminated
soils, vapor phase soil decontamination both in-situ
(soil flushing, biodegradation, vacuum removal,
etc.) and with aphron technology.
Immobilization processes activities will include
an increased emphasis of solidification/
stabilization evaluations, as well as research in the
areas of grouting, precipitation and thermal fusion.
Degradation/detoxification processes activities
will include additional research focused on in-situ
processes but with a shift towards developmental
activities rather than field-scale evaluations which
will be the emphasis of the Superfund innovative/
alternative technology demonstration program.
Delivery and recovery processes activities will
evaluate the effectiveness of delivery and recovery
systems which are essential for effective
implementation of most in-situ processes.
On-site equipment efforts will be directed
towards field demonstrations and evaluations of
various mobile hazardous waste control
technologies involving flow-through treatment
systems for excavated soils and sludges.
Studies will be conducted on the mobile
incinerator and other on-site treatment
technologies to develop efficient feedstock
preparation and handling schemes in the field.
Combustion Research Facility Tests will occur on
wastes from Hyde Park and Love Canal sites.
A limited program to demonstrate innovative/
alternative technologies will be initiated in FY
1 987. The objective of this program will be to
develop reliable cost and performance data on fully
developed cleanup technologies so that their full
commercialization can be accelerated and their use
in Superfund cleanups considered. Technologies
will be selected by the engineering program for use
on sites that are identified by the program office.
Demonstrations will be cost-shared with the
developer paying for the technology and the
demonstration, and the Agency paying for and
conducting the performance evaluation phase. The
Agency will also publish and disseminate the
results of these evaluations.
ISSUE: Innovative/Alternative Treatment
Technology
Program components in this issue fulfill the
Agency's responsibilities under Section 311(b) of
CERCLA established by the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthonzation Act of 1986
(SARA) which, in part, establish a comprehensive
and coordinated Federal program of research,
demonstration, and development to promote
commercialization of alternative and innovative
treatment technologies to be used in response
actions. The program is also intended to provide
incentives for development and use of such
technologies.
7557 Program Outlook
Engineering, in close coordination with the
program office, will operate a large-scale
demonstration program focused on testing and
evaluation of innovative/alternative treatment
technologies The objective is to develop reliable
cost and performance data on fully developed
cleanup technologies so that their full
commercialization can be accelerated and their use
in Superfund cleanups considered. The engineering
program will select privately developed
technologies for demonstration on sites identified
by the program office. Technologies will be selected
from requests for proposals published in the
Commerce Business Daily. Demonstrations will be
cost-shared, with the developer paying for the
technology and the demonstration, and the Agency
paying for and conducting the performance
evaluation phase and publishing/dissemination of
results.
Also in response to SARA, the engineering
program will initiate a development program that
will focus on evaluating innovative and emerging
alternative technologies developed mostly by the
private sector. These evaluations will provide
credibility to these new techniques and thereby
accelerate their potential for demonstration and
commercialization. Input from a Superfund
technology user's perspective to optimize the
usefulness of the technology will be provided by
coordination of our efforts with the program office.
Technologies will be selected from responses to
requests for proposals in the Commerce Business
Daily.
37
-------
Monitoring will test and evaluate newly
developed, but unproven, innovative monitoring
technologies for their applicability to Superfund site
assessment and pollutant characterization
problems. This will be a cooperative program
between developers of the technologies and the
Agency. In addition, promising, advanced/
innovative monitoring techniques and systems
which are not yet ready for demonstration, will be
evaluated for their applicability to Superfund sites
and further developed so that they can be
validated/demonstrated for use in Superfund
assessments.
ISSUE: Hazardous Substances Research
7557 Program Outlook
Program components in this issue fulfill the
Agency's responsibilities under Section 311(c) of
CERCLA created by the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA). This
section establishes, in part, a comprehensive and
coordinated Federal program of research and
development, the purpose of which is to improve
the Agency's scientific capabilities to assess, detect
and evaluate effects on, and risk to, human health
from hazardous substances.
An integrated research program, involving the
health effects and scientific assessment offices,
will develop data and procedures to fill information
and assessment gaps which exist in the various
phases of the Superfund public health evaluation
process. The health evaluation process includes the
assessment of toxicity, exposure and dose
assessment and risk characterization. This program
will develop: test methods needed to evaluate the
hazard potential of waste mixtures; screening
techniques for early detection of adverse health
effects; and improved measurement of health
endpoints particularly non-cancer endpomts such
as reproductive effects and neurotoxicity. Predictive
techniques that can reduce the uncertainties in risk
assessment caused by data limitations will be
developed and data will be generated in response
to specific requests from the Office of Emergency
and Remedial Response. Three research themes
will be emphasized: bioavailabilty/
pharmacokinetics; interactions of compounds in
chemical mixtures; non-cancer health effects.
The scientific assessment activity under this
coordinated program will include research to
provide data and methodologies for health risk
assessment use throughout the removal and
remedial processes for the program, regional and
enforcement offices. Efforts will begin on research
to understand risks posed to reproductive health
resulting from exposure to chemical mixtures, on
the development of methods for treatment of
available exposure information, on the development
of pharmacokinetic models for the exposure
assessment components of risk assessment, on
development of a field guide to assist field
personnel in the application of risk assessment
methods, and on methods to better characterize the
risks from chemical mixtures.
Health effects research will provide data and
methods in a wide spectrum of health science
disciplines to support hazardous substances
detection and responses and site management
processes. This research program has been jointly
designed with the program office to include
projects that have near-term, direct applicability to
CERCLA waste site issues. In FY 1987, research
will be initiated for rapid response toxicity testing of
selected waste samples, evaluation of the efficacy
of site cleanups which used hazardous waste
incinerators by testing the toxicity of residues,
development of dose measurement techniques for
inhaled compounds to provide microdosimetnc and
microtoxicological evaluations in risk assessments,
development of methodologies for predicting
neurotoxic effects from interactions of complex
mixtures, utilization of plant sentinel surveillance
systems for detecting contaminated sites, and
development and use of hemoglobin binding as a
dose monitor for human exposure to carcinogens.
Field screening techniques for contaminants in
soil, water, sediment and volatile organics in
ground water will be developed to accommodate
the increasing data requirements associated with
RI/FSs. These techniques will allow a more
focused, more complete, expedient and cost-
effective field effort during remedial investigations.
The major advantages include rapid turn-around
times enabling cost-saving field decisions, analysis
of a large number of samples in the field, ability to
redirect and focus sampling efforts thereby
increasing the accuracy of estimates of zones of
contamination and shortening field schedules, and
optimum selection of samples for off-site laboratory
analyses.
32
-------
Air and Radiation Research Committee
Introduction
Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) has three clearly defined
regulatory responsibilities: (1) setting and revising
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS),
(2) setting New Source Performance Standards to
limit emissions of NAAQS pollutants, and (3)
setting National Emission Standards for Hazardous
Air Pollutants, compounds not regulated as NAAQS
pollutants but which present a danger to health.
Primary (health-based) and secondary (welfare-
based) NAAQS are set to protect public health and
welfare from major air pollutants emitted from both
stationary and mobile sources. EPA has set NAAQS
for six pollutants: ozone (03), carbon monoxide
(CO), particulate matter (PM), sulfur oxides (SOX),
nitrogen oxides (NOX), and lead (Pb). Standards for
these "criteria" pollutants must be reviewed every
five years and revised if necessary. Individual states
are responsible for meeting NAAQS, which they
attempt to do through the development of State
Implementation Plans (SIPs).
In recent years, some additional environmental
concerns have arisen. One of these involves threats
to the global environment, such as hazards arising
from stratospheric ozone depletion and pollution-
induced changes in global climate. At the other end
of the scale are microenvironmentshomes, other
buildings, vehicle interiors. Another major issue is
radon and its potential for causing lung cancer. For
some of these areas, EPA's responsibilities are
limited to technical and public assistance. In other
cases, research is necessary to ascertain the
seriousness of the threat posed and to determine
whether environmental regulation is an appropriate
response.
EPA does not have specific regulatory authority
over radioactive materials. The Agency is
responsible for determining public exposure to
radioactive materials and for other advisory and
public assistance responsibilities associated with
radioactive substances.
In support of the above responsibilities, the Office
of Research and Development (ORD) provides
health and ecological effects data bases,
monitoring and modeling methods, risk
assessments, emission reduction and mitigation
technologies, and the corresponding quality
assurance and technical assistance to develop
regulations. In addition, ORD assists states in
developing SIPs by providing improved monitoring,
modeling, and control technology as they become
available.
Research performed through the Air and
Radiation Research Committee is managed
according to six research "issues." These issues
focus on regulatory needs and cut across scientific
disciplines and the pollutant-specific structure of
the regulatory program. The following discussion of
ORD's major accomplishments and program
outlook is organized accordingly.
Major Research Issues
ISSUE: Provide Scientific Support to
Develop and Review Primary and
Secondary NAAQS
1986 Program Accomplishments
Technical analyses were provided to the Office of
Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) in
support of their review of the NAAQS for NOX, CO,
S02 and PM. Comments from the Clean Air
Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) of EPA's
Science Advisory Board were addressed in a
second External Review Draft (ERD) of the Air
Quality Criteria Document (AQCD) for ozone. This
ERD was completed in November 1985. A follow-
up CASAC meeting was held in March of 1 986 and
a final AQCD was completed in September 1986.
An addendum for the lead AQCD was prepared to
consider blood lead-blood pressure relations. A
CASAC meeting was held in March 1986. A final
addendum was completed in June of 1986.
Under the new requirements for measuring
particulate matter less than or equal to 10
micrometers in size (PM-10), studies are being
conducted to develop an appropriate Federal
Reference Method (FRM). As part of this effort, a
study was conducted in Phoenix, Arizona, to
compare the precision and accuracy of two
instruments for measuring PM-10. Although the
data from this study have not been completely
evaluated, preliminary examination indicates that
measurement discrepancies result from inlet
soiling and the passing of large particles through
33
-------
the instrument. Vendors have tentatively agreed
with these observations and are attempting to
correct the problems.
In 1985, ORD developed a method for measuring
ambient concentrations of non-methane organic
compounds (NMOC) using cryogenic
preconcentration. The method was successfully
employed in multisite field monitoring projects
during the summers of 1 984 and 1985. A third field
monitoring project using the NMOC method was
initiated in the summer of 1986. These field studies
were carried out for OAQPS to obtain data needed
by that office before considering revisions to the
ozone standards. Approximately 20 cities were
monitored in each test. Refinements to the
monitoring methods have resulted from each of the
first two field tests.
As a result of documented visibility degradation
in the Western United States, ORD undertook to
develop methods to measure the visibility decrease
and to identify sources of such impairment. This
was accomplished in 1986. In addition, efforts
began to implement a similar measurement and
identification network for the Eastern United
States.
Quality assurance was provided for air programs
in an effort to ensure that measurement data are of
known accuracy and precision. A report published
in 1986 indicated that improvements have occurred
in the precision and accuracy of monitoring data
obtained in regional and national measurements.
Investigators in the Clinical Research Branch of
ORD's Health Effects Research Laboratory
demonstrated significant increases in the
permeability of the respiratory epithelium in normal
volunteers following acute inhalation exposure to
ozone. This permeability increase is greatest in
those individuals having the largest pulmonary
function responses. There is also evidence that the
epithelial changes may be associated with local
inflammation. To determine if this inflammation
arises from acute ozone exposure, additional
studies were begun using pulmonary cellular
elements derived from the lungs of volunteers by
bronchoalveolar lavage. Investigators at UCLA, in
collaboration with EPA, studied the respiratory
effects of long-term oxidant exposure to determine
the association between the chronic effects and the
magnitude of acute effects of a single Oa exposure.
Studies were completed which describe the
amount of ozone removed in the nasal passages
and in the lungs of individuals while they breathe
ozone. These studies provided information which is
important for the determination of the dose of
ozone reaching target tissues in the lungs and for
risk assessment analysis in humans.
Significant increases in airway resistance
occurred in a group of moderately exercising
asthmatics exposed to 0.3 ppm N02. This finding is
valuable to Agency regulators who must either set
a short-term standard for NO2 or determine
unequivocally that no such standard is needed.
Substantial progress was made in a wide-ranging
study of the chronic effects of long-term exposure
to N02 and 03. One-week, three-week, and three-
month exposure regimens were completed and the
data are being analyzed. Additional animals are
being exposed for 1 2 and 18 months. The study
focuses on the ability of oxidant gases to cause
chronic lung disease, as reflected by biochemical,
structural and functional changes in the lung.
Studies of natural killer (NK) cells and mterferon
were developed in 1986. These studies will be
valuable in determining the role of NK cells in
pulmonary immunology. Further, an animal viral
infectivity model was developed that is more
analogous to viral infections in man than are
conventional bacterial infectivity models. The
former model was used to study the effects of Oa
exposure on host defenses. The oxidant dosimetry
program produced a refined model for the uptake of
ozone in the lungs of animals, thereby improving
dosimetry comparisons for the ozone risk
assessment to be conducted in 1987.
Two clinical studies of S02 were completed. The
first study described the concentration-response
range of mildly asthmatic volunteers exposed to
S02 concentrations between 0.25 and 1.0 ppm.
Some asthmatics experienced bronchoconstriction
at S02 levels as low as 0.25 ppm. At 0.75 ppm S02,
50% of the subjects tested had a doubling of airway
resistance. This finding can be important in
evaluating the margin of safety provided by current
S02 standards. Another clinical study showed that
exposure to a mixture of S02 and sulfuric acid mist
did not affect mild asthmatics more than exposure
to either chemical alone.
The basis for the Agency's position on PM-10
was significantly strengthened by simulations that
examined the influence of breathing route and of
activity levels (from normal respiration to heavy
exercise) on particle deposition in human lungs.
The journal, Science, accepted a paper which
summarizes current epidemiological, chemical, and
toxicologic evidence relating to lung cancer etiology
in Xuan Wei, Peoples Republic of China. The
toxicologic and chemical evidence is consistent
with the epidemiologic hypothesis that indoor
smoky coal burning is the prime determinant of
lung cancer in Xuan Wei, especially in women. In
other epidemiological studies, a series of papers
were published in peer-reviewed journals. These
studies help elucidate the effects of NO2, particles,
ozone, and passive smoking on lung function,
growth, and respiratory symptoms. Results from
the studies of NO2 and ozone show effects at low
34
-------
levels and will be included in the criteria
documents and OAQPS Staff Papers on these
pollutants.
A study of lead neurotoxicity in children aged
three to seven years indicated that within the range
of 6.3-47.4 milligrams per deciliter of blood there
was a significant negative relationship between
blood lead level and Stanford-Bmet IQ, a measure
of cognitive function. The IQ decreased linearly as
blood lead increased. An analysis of audiometric
data from the second National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES-II) was initiated to
investigate the relationship of blood lead levels and
hearing thresholds. Results indicated that the
probability of hearing threshold changes increases
significantly with increasing blood lead levels at the
frequencies tested (0.5, 1.2, and 4.0KHz). A study
of the neurophysiological effects of lead exposure
in monkeys was also completed and an article
summarizing the findings was accepted for
publication. This study, which is part of a larger
investigation of the effects of perinatal lead
exposure, indicated prenatal or postnatal exposure
to lead resulted in abnormal neurophysiological
processing of complex auditory stimuli.
Electrophysiological recordings from specific
auditory areas of the brain showed that lead-
exposed monkeys discriminated between different
sets of auditory stimuli in an abnormal and
immature fashion.
Analysis of the 03 data taken by the National
Crop Loss Assessment Network (NCLAN) showed
that substantial dollar losses could be attributed to
03 damage. In that analysis, water stress during 03
exposure appeared to influence the results. Field
studies were initiated in an attempt to quantify the
effects of water stress. When completed, the
revised dose response data will be used to assess
the need to revise the secondary 03 standard. Also
in 1 986, planning was completed for the
International Conference on Assessment of Crop
Loss from Air Pollutants. This conference, to be
held in 1 987, will include full reports on the NCLAN
research.
As part of a continuing effort to determine the
causes of visibility degradation, a new method for
measuring light extinction was developed which
avoids the sight-path problems of a simple
teleradiometer. One study addressed haze trends
over Eastern North America during the 1978-1 982
mini-recession and concluded that improved
visibility and a slight reduction in sulfur emissions
were found in the Northeast in the summer season.
Substantial increases of sulfur emissions were
noted in the Southeast, with no evidence of
improved visibility. A semi-empirical approach was
developed for selecting chemical and physical rate
parameters to be used in a Monte Carlo regional air
quality model to estimate source-receptor
relationships. This approach is unique on a regional
scale and can be applied to estimate best fit rate
constants for the simulation of sulfur transport,
transformation, and removal.
Research on the effects of air pollution on
galvanized steel showed that the corrosion of zinc
results completely from deposited sulfur dioxide. It
was also shown that particle deposition accelerates
the corrosion of zinc.
1987 Program Outlook
The research program on NAAQS pollutants will
remain similar in 1 987. Research on the health
effects of carbon monoxide and lead will be de-
emphasized as the focus shifts toward ascertaining
the respiratory, immunologic, and metabolic effects
of long-term and peak exposures to oxidants,
particularly N02. Also, in anticipation of the need to
study the effects of ozone on major deciduous and
coniferous forests, work will begin on establishing
a laboratory population of suitable trees for future
study.
ISSUE: Provide Scientific Support to
Develop NSPS and SIPs
7555 Program Accomplishments
Two promising procedures for sampling source
emissions of PM-10 were field-tested. One method
involves the use of a modified Hi-Vol sampler with
a size selective inlet. The other uses a modified
dichotomous sampler. Further testing, evaluation,
and refinement are in progress. One of these
methods will be chosen as the standard, based on
its performance during the evaluations. In a related
area, ORD began fabrication of two sampling trains,
for use by OAQPS, regions, and states.
Quality assurance was provided to OAR, regions,
other ORD laboratories, the World Meteorological
Organization, and the World Health Organization
on projects supporting development of NSPS and
SIPs.
Under the National Audit Program, audits were
conducted for seven EPA source reference
methods. These were: CO, C02, Oa, Gas Meter
Calibration, S02, NOX, and Coal Sulfur and BTU
content. This program supports development of
EPA regulations and assists regions in determining
stack emissions for SIPs.
Two manuals, An Operation and Maintenance
Manual for Fabric Filters and Operation and
Maintenance Manual for Electrostatic Precipitators,
were completed and distributed to regional and
state personnel involved in inspection and
permitting of particulate control systems for electric
utility coal-fired boilers. An interactive computer
model for electrostatic precipitators was developed
which allows prediction of electrical operating
conditions and particle collection efficiency for any
35
-------
arrangement of round wire discharge electrodes. A
series of source category reports was completed on
major sources of PM-10 emissions. These reports
contain PM-10 emission factors needed by the
states to develop SIPs. The Sixth Symposium on the
Transfer and Utilization of Paniculate Control
Technology was held jointly with the Electric Power
Research Institute to transfer information and
program results to users and other interested
parties.
A major achievement in flue gas desulfurization
(FGD) research was the development of improved
calcium sorbents for low-cost retrofit SC>2 control.
Up to 95% S02 removal has been achieved in a 50
cfm pilot plant using duct injection of dry sorbent in
a humidified flue gas followed by a fabric filter. A
Lime/Limestone Flue Gas Desulfurization
Inspection and Performance Evaluation Manual
was published for use by regional and state
personnel involved in inspection and permitting of
FGD systems for electric utility coal-fired boilers.
The Office of Air and Radiation currently has two
NSPS for industrial boilers in the formal rule-
making processboth under court-ordered
schedules. Both the NSPS for PM/NOX and for S02
are scheduled for promulgation in early 1987. For
the past year, ORD worked with regulators to
review and acquire NOX emission test data in an
attempt to establish the proposed emission
standard based on Iow-N0x burners. However,
insufficient Iow-N0x burner test data were
available to meet the maximum criteria for standard
setting. ORD helped regulators develop an S02
standard that is flexible enough to permit the use of
"developing technologies" as alternatives to
scrubbers. The proposed S02 standard includes a
"window" for these technologies through a 50%
removal and 0.6 lb/106 Btu emission limit criterion.
This window is an alternative in the proposed S02
standard for "developing" technologies to the 90%
removal and 1.2 lb/106 Btu emission limit based on
scrubbers.
Industrial flares are demonstrated to be effective
in controlling emissions of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). Source data were developed on
the effect of pilot flames on the performance of
flares. A technical paper summarizing this data was
published in Combustion Science and Technology.
An improved mechanism was developed to
quantify the atmospheric formation of ozone from
its precursors (hydrocarbons and NOX). This
mechanism will afford increased accuracy in air
quality simulation models. The first generation
regional oxidant model was evaluated and
improvements are being made. When completed,
this model will be used to evaluate the impact of
various control strategies on ozone air quality for
both episodic (one hour to two days) and long-term
(seasonal to annual) concentrations, in support of
primary ozone standards.
In support of the proposed inhalable paniculate
air quality standard, the Regional Lagrangian Model
of Air Pollution (RELMAP) was completed. RELMAP
simulates ambient concentrations and wet and dry
deposition of sulfur dioxide, sulfates, and fine and
coarse particles over the eastern U.S. and
southeastern Canada. A user's guide for the second
pollution episodic model (PEM-2) was completed.
Results of an evaluation of the PEM-2, an urban
scale paniculate model, showed that background
concentrations of particles contribute significantly
to urban paniculate pollution. Sulfate sources in
Philadelphia were apportioned using mathematical
and statistical methods.
A comparison of air quality dispersion models
and receptor models using urban data sets also
demonstrated high background pollutant
contributions to urban concentrations. AROSOL, an
urban scale aerosol model, was modified to include
two modules for conversion of sulfate, thereby
allowing AROSOL to be operated either as a
lumped sulfate model or as a model which predicts
the particle size and composition distributions. In
order to improve model accuracy, fugitive emission
factors were developed for use with urban and
mesoscale paniculate models.
Version Six of the User's Network for Applied
Modeling of Air Pollution (UNAMAP) program was
disseminated to the user community. UNAMAP is a
collection of models and data bases on magnetic
tape which is made available to the user
community through the National Technical
Information Service.
Version One of the Meteorological Processor for
Diffusion Analysis (MPDA-1) was completed,
resulting in a format easily used by air quality
dispersion models. An adjustable buoyancy balloon
tracer of atmospheric motion (Phase III) was
improved. The tracer was developed to evaluate the
accuracy of air pollution transport models and has
application throughout the atmospheric sciences. A
complex terrain workshop was held to review the
preliminary version of the S02 Complex Terrain
Dispersion Model. Several recommendations
emerged from the workshop which will be
incorporated in future versions of the model.
1987 Program Outlook
The goals for this area remain the same for 1987.
A major area of emphasis will be research which
focuses on the interrelationship between volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) and air toxic controls. In
addition, remote monitoring systems will be
developed, evaluated and applied in areas in which
data are needed for SIP evaluation or revisions and
for Agency evaluation of the need for new
36
-------
standards. In the area of modeling research, ORD
expects to complete smog chamber studies of
ozone, supporting the development of urban and
regional scale ozone air quality mdoels. In addition,
a user's guide for an evaluated complex terrain
model for stable plume impingement on elevated
terrain will be completed.
ISSUE: Provide Scientific Support to
Develop Regulations for Hazardous
Air Pollutants (HAPs)
1986 Program Accomplishments
Final comprehensive Health Assessment
Documents (HADs) for asbestos and nickel were
delivered to OAQPS. External review drafts on
beryllium, acetaldehyde and dibenzofurans were
released to the public for comment. An addendum
was issued to OAQPS on perchloroethylene, and
assessments were prepared on gasoline and
benzene vapors.
Tier I Health Effects Summaries were prepared
for 1 2 compounds. They are: propylene oxide,
phenol, styrene, napthalene, ammonia, chlorine,
zinc/zinc oxide, methyl and toluene isocyanates,
xylene, propylene, copper, and mineral fibers.
These documents summarize available scientific
literature on the health effects of a compound. If a
chemical is considered for regulation as a result of
evidence presented in a Tier I document, ORD will
proceed with the preparation of a comprehensive
HAD.
Advanced ambient measurement techniques
were investigated, such as combined mass
spectrometry, gas chromatography/Fourier
transform infrared spectrometry, supercritical fluid
chromatography, tunable atomic line mass
spectrometry and cryogenic concentration. To
improve surveillance and control of industrial
sources, techniques such as capillary column
chromatography, selective detectors, and portable
monitors were investigated. One promising
technique involves the use of specially prepared
stainless steel canisters to inhibit reactions with
pollutants collected. Canister use obviates many of
the problems encountered in using solid sorbents,
such as Tenax, for sample collection. Canisters
have been successfully used in several field
projects and the technique will be further explored.
Monitoring for VOCs through the Toxic Air
Monitoring System (TAMS) continued throughout
the year at Houston, Boston, and Chicago.
Validated TAMS data have been supplied to OAQPS
and incorporated into their interim air toxics data
base. A second monitoring location in each of the
above three cities has been selected and
monitoring equipment is being installed.
An earlier study which used the Total Exposure
Assessment Methodology (TEAM) to measure
personal exposures and breath concentrations of
VOCs generated data from 600 individuals. The
data were partially analyzed in 1986. Indoor and in-
vehicle sources were found to be much more
important than outdoor sources, even in the
extremely concentrated petrochemical refinery
areas of northern New Jersey and Los Angeles. The
major source of exposure to benzene and styrene
was cigarette smoking. Chloroform exposure was
primarily due to shower use. Room air deodorizers
and moth crystals were the major sources of
exposure to para-dichlorobenzene. Exposure to
tetrachloroethylene comes mainly from dry-cleaned
clothes. Presentation of the results at the annual
meeting of the American Chemical Society
(Chicago, September 1985) was reported
nationwide by the Associated Press and the
nationally televised NBC Today Show. An analysis
of the risks of organic chemicals in the home was
presented at the annual meeting of the Air
Pollution Control Association in Minneapolis (June
1986). The carcinogenic risks to these unregulated
air pollutants exceeded the risks associated with
the regulated hazardous air pollutants by factors of
10-100.
The Total Human Exposure Research Council
(THERC) was formed to enhance communication on
research projects concerning human exposures to
chemicals, including hazardous air pollutants. An
important objective of THERC is to develop a
strategic, five-year plan for all research on human
exposure methodology and assessments conducted
by the Agency. As a first step toward this goal, a
paper was published which summarizes total
human exposure concepts, and a second paper was
published which reviews the Agency's research
program on total human exposure to environmental
pollution.
An Interdivisional Air Toxics Study (IATS) was
initiated to study the health effects of inhaled
HAPs. Compounds under study were selected
based on high production and potential human
exposure. As part of this effort, studies of p-xylene,
toluene, and phosgene exposures were completed.
The results of one of these studies showed a
concentration-related response of saccharine
aversion to p-xylene in rats, indicating a
neurobehavioral response which warrants further
investigation.
Important advances were made in developing and
validating test methods to determine the neurotoxic
potential of HAPs. In particular, studies using
discrete lesions in the visual cortex are beginning
to elucidate the relationships between neural
structures in the visual system and indivdual
components of the flash-evoked potential, which is
37
-------
commonly used to measure neurotoxicity. The
findings of these studies will provide for a better
understanding of the neurological basis for
neurotoxicity of HAP compounds. Another
significant advance in test method development
was provided by studies to evaluate nervous system
specific proteins (NSSP) as biochemical markers for
neurotoxicity. A variety of NSSPs (synapsin I, GFAP,
P-38, b-tubulin and N-200) have been shown to
respond to prototype neurotoxicants in a manner
which is consistent with the accompanying
cytopathology, thus indicating that NSSPs can be
used as biochemical indicators of neurotoxicity.
A study to evaluate the visual function effects of
the industrial solvent, sulfolane, was completed
and submitted for publication. The results indicated
that high dosages were required to produce effects,
thereby indicating that the visual system is not
particularly sensitive to this compound. These data
are in contrast to previous work which has shown
that neurotoxic effects such as increased
susceptibility to seizures are produced by lower
dosage of sulfolane.
More cost effective and better predictive
indicators of reproductive dysfunction are being
developed to evaluate potential HAPs. A series of
papers was published in peer-reviewed journals
dealing with reproductive effects of manganese in
rats. The results indicated a delay m sexual
development in males with no apparent long-term
reproductive impact. An evaluation of age
dependent gastrointestinal adsorption of Mn304,
which is a combustion product of the fuel additive
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT), was conducted to evaluate the fate of
inhaled particles translocated to the gut. Results
indicate higher absorption and retention in young
(preweanling) rats than in adults, resulting in
greater exposure for younger animals and an
increased possibility of toxicity.
Two woodstove emission samples showed a
dose-related tumorogenic response in the Sencar
Mouse Skin Tumor Initiation/Promotion Assay.
These two samples are from an airtight woodstove
burning oak or a softwood mixture. This finding is
particularly important in light of EPA's recent move
to regulate woodstove emissions.
A preliminary study of seven potential ethylene
oxide control technology concepts for hospital
sterilizers was completed. Acid hydrolysis, low
temperature catalytic oxidation, and adsorption
were selected for follow-up laboratory and field
investigation. Laboratory testing and field
evaluations will be initiated in December 1986 to
define the control capabilities of the three
techniques.
A report entitled "Evaluation of Control
Technologies for Hazardous Air Pollutants" was
developed to assist state and local air pollution
control agencies in preparing and reviewing
permits for HAP emission. The report was
distributed to OAQPS, all regional offices, and
numerous state and local agencies.
Two wood stove emission control technologies
are under study: existing catalytic secondary
combustors and advanced non-catalytic secondary
combustion. The catalytic work is focused on two
projects, both of which will be used to determine
the degradation in emission control performance
over time. Final results will be published following
the 1986-87 heating season. The advanced non-
catalytic secondary combustion development work
is focusing on the use of a small secondary heat
source to maintain a stable secondary flame at the
low, smoldering burn rates commonly encountered
in wood stoves. Lab tests on experimental units of
both types retrofitted into an existing stove show
that this technique is capable of reducing carbon
monoxide and total hydrocarbons by more than
95% compared to this stove's normal emission
level.
In 1986, ORD conducted a workshop to foster
EPA and industry communication. Partially as a
result of this workshop, Prevention Reference
Manuals are being developed which will cover how
to evaluate processes and facilities for accidental
release potential, detailed descriptions of pertinent
controls (prevention, protection, and mitigation),
and specific evaluations for individual chemicals.
Smog chamber studies can simulate a variety of
atmospheric conditions and can provide
information that can be used to predict atmospheric
lifetimes and daughter products. In 1 986, such
photochemistry studies were conducted on several
candidate HAPs, including acrolein, a compound
currently undergoing regulatory assessment.
A study was completed on the mutagenic activity
of wood smoke emissions under typical
atmospheric conditions. This study indicated that
the mutagenicity of wood smoke emissions was
enhanced under conditions simulating sunlight.
The results of a field measurements program on
HAPs were published. This report summarizes the
atmospheric concentrations of a variety of HAPs
observed in selected U.S. cities.
Integrated Air Cancer Program
Data collected during 1985/86 sampling in
Raleigh, N.C. and Albuquerque, N.M. were
analyzed. Two manuscripts were reviewed and
submitted for publication. One of these describes
effective techniques for measuring the mutagenic
activities of gas and particulate-phase photo-
oxidation products from wood smoke. The other
evaluates the effectiveness of specially coated
-------
silica gel cartridges for sampling aldehydes and
ketones in the air. Bioassay data were used in the
source receptor modeling analysis for the first time.
Results from the Albuquerque site show that an
average of 50% of the ambient particulate
mutagenicity was from wood stoves and 50% from
automobiles.
7557 Program Outlook
Hazardous air pollutants are an agency priority
for 1987 and 1 988. Several areas will be
experiencing growth. One of these is total human
exposure monitoring. Efforts will be made to adapt
the Total Exposure Assessment Methodology to
meet the requirements of the Agency's Air Toxics
Strategy. Ambient and source measurement
methods will be improved to provide accurate data
for use in characterizing source emissions and
ambient concentrations of HAPs.
Another growth area is municipal waste
research. Health effects studies will be initiated in
an effort to determine the risks associated with
emissions from municipal waste incinerators.
Research will also be initiated to develop efficient,
cost-effective ways to eliminate or control
hazardous emissions from municipal waste
combustors.
The issue of accidental releases will be
addressed in several ways. A study of hazard
identification and evaluation techniques will begin
as will preparation of reference manuals for key
hazardous chemicals. Technical support will be
provided to regions and states to assist in
preventing such releases or reducing the hazards
once such a release has occurred.
ISSUE: Provide Scientific Support to the
Mobile Source Regulatory Program
1986 Program Accomplishments
As recommended by EPA's Science Advisory
Board, validation of the Simulation of Human Air
Pollutant Exposure (SHAPE) and the NAAQS
Exposure Model (NEM) began, using field data
collected during the Denver-Washington, D.C.,
carbon monoxide exposure study. These models
predict human exposure frequency distributions by
modeling human activity patterns and the
concentrations associated with particular
microenvironments. A paper was completed
providing preliminary information on the field
performance of SHAPE and its validation using the
Denver data base. Additional analyses of the
Denver data base were conducted to determine the
relationship between fixed monitoring stations and
microenvironmental CO concentrations. Additional
analyses were completed which related CO
exposure profiles to estimated carboxyhemoglobin
levels and measurements of CO in the breath of
subjects. A model for calculating the CO
concentrations in the passenger compartment of
motor vehicles moving in traffic was tested using
the field data from the Washington, D.C.,
microenvironment study. A field study was
conducted in Honolulu to measure CO exposures
while people engage in activities such as
automobile and bus commuting, jogging, shopping,
eating in restaurants, and office work. The findings
suggest that human exposure to motor vehicle
exhaust in some microenvironments can be a
problem even in Hawaii, which otherwise has
relatively clean ambient air.
Exposure to carbon monoxide elevates levels of
carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in the blood. COHb,
therefore, is a good indicator of CO dose level. In
1986, a study was completed which showed that
an effects threshold for COHb apparently exists and
lies between the 4%, and 6% COHb levels. This
conclusion was drawn because the investigators
were unable to detect significant physiological or
symptomatic changes in patients with ischemic
heart disease when exposed to CO sufficient to
cause COHb levels of 4% but symptoms were
significantly increased when the COHb was 6%.
Another study of CO toxicity was completed in
1 986 which showed that CO exposure diminishes
hand-eye coordination. These findings are
important for evaluating whether the margin of
safety provided by the current CO standard is
adequate.
A major study was completed on the impact of
methanol fuels on evaporative emissions from a car
fueled with 85/15 unleaded gasoline/methanol.
Although the data are still being analyzed, the
results are expected to have an impact on decisions
about the feasibility of methanol as a popular-use
vehicle fuel.
Research was conducted to characterize organic
emissions from motor vehicles operated at reduced
ambient temperatures. The results showed that
formaldehyde emissions did not increase in
gasoline or methanol fueled cars running at idle. It
is hypothesized, however, that further studies,
under actual operating conditions, will show
increased formaldehyde levels as temperatures
drop.
1987 Program Outlook
The overall approach will remain the same,
particularly in the area of exposure monitoring. A
new research effort will be undertaken, initially
through the Health Effects Institute, to determine
the health effects of aldehydes, especially
39
-------
formaldehyde, from motor vehicles. In 1988, this
effort will be expanded to include an in-house
component. In addition, research will be conducted
to determine the emission rates of hydrocarbons
from gasoline during vehicle refueling. Studies will
also be done to characterize the emissions from
diesel powered vehicles equipped with advanced
emission control technologies.
ISSUE: Provide the Scientific Data to
Determine the Impact of the
Quality of Global and
Microenvironments on Public
Health and the Environment
1986 Program Accomplishments
Integrated Indoor Air Research Program
EPA has taken a second look at its indoor air
research program and has initiated several changes
as a result. ORD and the Office of Air and Radiation
are working closely to develop a long-range plan for
indoor air. OAR established a new indoor air policy
staff to assist in guiding indoor air research and
decision-making. A review of EPA's plans for the
indoor air research program was conducted by the
Science Advisory Board (SAB). The results of this
review will be available in early 1 987 and will be
used to guide the program in the future. The SAB
was also asked to review ongoing efforts in indoor
air research and their comments were highly
favorable. Major program accomplishments are
highlighted be'ow.
Work was begun on an extensive bibliography of
the world literature on indoor air and total human
exposure, emphasizing concentrations measured in
indoor microenvironments. The bibliography will be
completed in 1 987. EPA also developed the
computerized Bibliographic Literature Information
System (BLIS) to search and retrieve abstracts of
the indoor air quality literature rapidly using an IBM
personal computer. EPA sponsored or participated
in technical meetings to advance knowledge and
understanding of indoor air quality problems.
In conjunction with the federal interagency
Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ), a
statistical design was developed for a nationwide
field survey of concentrations of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) and combustion products in
homes. Although the design was completed,
implementation of the nationwide field survey was
not performed, and a smaller-scale pilot survey was
designed as an initial step to test hypotheses and to
evaluate, develop, and refine measurement
methodologies and instruments.
Protocols were prepared for a chamber study
designed to replicate and extend earlier findings
regarding the neurobehavioral and pulmonary
physiology effects of inhaling VOCs. Additional
research on neurobehavioral effects of VOCs was
begun in several areas including: (1) development
of a portable olfactometer, (2) study of the
possibility of trigeminal sensitivity in Sick Building
Syndrome responders, and (3) development of a
neurobehavioral test battery for use in evaluating
children.
The exposure portion of a clinical study of
children with parents who smoke was completed,
as were analyses of nicotine in indoor air, blood
and urine cotmme, air and urine mutagenicity,
COHb, particulates, and organics. A pilot field study
was initiated which examines the levels of nicotine
in children of smoking parents and evaluates indoor
levels of nicotine and other pollutants in the homes
where the children live. A second pilot field study
was completed of the mutagenicity of emissions
from several in-home combustion sources,
including convective and radiant kerosene heaters,
gas stoves, fireplaces, and cigarettes. The data are
being analyzed and will be published within one
year.
Preliminary studies of organic compound
emissions from kerosene space heaters were
completed in 1986. Measurements were made of
products of incomplete combustion, and bacterial
mutagenesis bioassays were conducted on
emission samples. The results suggested that
emissions of carcinogens may be significant for
certain heater types under specific operating
conditions.
Laboratory studies of organic vapor emission
rates from selected indoor building materials and
consumer products were conducted and reported in
1986. Sources studied include a floor adhesive,
caulking compound, particle board, acrylic floor
wax, moth crystals, and paints. Interlaboratory
comparisons of formaldehyde emissions were
conducted as part of a long-term effort to
standardize emission testing procedures. Several
papers on testing procedures and results were
presented and published.
A prototype version of a computerized data base
on sources of indoor air pollutants was developed
and distributed for review by a small group of
indoor air quality researchers and the regulatory
office in 1986. A revised verison will be distributed
for general use in 1987.
Radon Mitigation
Field testing to develop and demonstrate low-cost
techniques for reducing radon concentrations in
homes was continued. Some of the radon-reducing
techniques being tested are: various natural and
forced ventilation methods, air pressure equilizing
methods, drain-tile suction, block-tile suction,
block-wall ventilation, and sub-slab suction. The
40
-------
techniques selected for testing in each home vary
according to type of house, foundation, local
geology and meteorology, and other factors.
Through 1986, 30 homes in eastern Pennsylvania
and 10 homes in Clinton, New Jersey have had
radon reduction techniques installed. Reductions in
most homes have ranged from 90% to 99+%. Based
largely on the experience in eastern Pennsylvania,
a brochure for homeowners and a technical manual
for installers of radon mitigation techniques were
issued in August 1986. These will be updated in
1 987, based largely on results from ongoing field
projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New
York. A Radon Mitigation Test Matrix was
developed and is being refined to better define the
size of the future program needed to recommend
mitigation methods for all housing types on a
national basis. Initial estimates show a need to
perform mitigation studies on about 600 existing
houses and 100 new houses to meet this objective.
The Radon Mitigation Demonstration Program is
being rapidly expanded to meet these objectives
within a reasonable timeframe.
Stratospheric Modification
Initiation of studies on control technology and
strategies for controlling ozone depleting
substances resulted in identification of sources for
which additional studies need to be conducted.
National and international workshops were held on
control strategies for stratospheric modification. A
workshop was also held specifically on N20
emissions from combustion. This workshop helped
to define analytical approaches for measurement of
N20 and examined the relative strength of various
emission source sectors. The available data
indicate that stationary combustion sources are the
major contributors of N20 emissions. Existing
information has been summarized and evaluated
and will be incorporated into the information
provided to the EPA Administrator for use in
decision-making.
1987 Program Outlook
The immediate priority for the indoor air program
is to complete a research needs assessment. A
preliminary plan for this assessment was presented
to the SAB in September 1 986 as the cornerstone
for ORD's long-term strategy for studying the
problems associated with indoor air pollutants. As
this study progresses, research will also continue
on developing improved monitoring and
measurement methods, characterizing source
emissions, developing control technologies, and
assessing the health effects from VOCs and indoor
combustion products.
The level of effort in the radon mitigation
program will remain stable Stratospheric
modification research will be increased, to include
a new research effort to ascertain the extent to
which changes in global climate may be due to
man-made pollutants. Interim results are also
expected from studies of the biological effects of
increased UV-B radiation resulting from reduction
of stratospheric ozone.
ISSUE: Provide Monitoring Support for the
Department of Energy Off-Site
Monitoring Program
1986 Program Accomplishments
Each year, ORD provides technical assistance to
the Department of Energy in the form of radiation
safety monitoring, long-term hydrological
monitoring, a human surveillance investigation
program, and maintenance of a radiation data base
ORD also provides radiochemical analyses of
environmental samples for regions, states, and
contractor laboratories. Support to both of these
activities continued in 1986 with a stable level of
effort.
7557 Program Outlook
No changes are expected in this program m
1987.
FY 1986 Deliverables
ISSUE: National Ambient Air Quality
Standards
Air Quality Criteria Document on Ozone and Other
Photochemical Oxidants (9/1 5/86)
Air Quality Criteria Document for Lead (6/30/86)
Proceedings of an International Symposium on
Aerosols (8/28/86)
Report on Externalization of Methods to Model
Visibility Degradation (5/12/86)
Comparison of Precision and Accuracy Data from
SLAMS and the National Audit Program in CY-
83(12/31/85)
Annual Report on the CY-84 Ambient Air Audit
Program (12/31/85)
Annual Report on the CY-84 National Audit
Program (12/31/85)
Annual Report on the QA Program for the SLAMS
Network- CY-83 (12/31/85)
Report on Audits of Laboratories Making Source
Measurements (1 2/1 2/85)
41
-------
Journal Article on Changes in Pulmonary
Epithelial Permeability in Man (8/25/86)
Journal Article on Sensitivity of Neonatal Versus
Adult Rats to Ozone and Nitrogen Dioxide
(9/30/86)
Model of the Regional Uptake of Gaseous
Pollutants in the Lung (7/25/86)
Journal Articles on Effects of Air Pollution on
Symptoms, Lung Function and Lung Function
Growth of Children (6/24/86)
Journal Articles on Dose Effects Function of CO on
Compensatory Tracking (9/26/86)
Journal Articles on the Influence of Breathing
Mode and Activity Level on the Regional
Deposition of Particles in Man (2/28/86)
Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart
and Lung Disease (8/27/86)
NAS Study of the Feasibility of Conducting
Epidemiologic Research on the Criteria Air
Pollutants (12/31/85)
Project Report on the Health Effects Institute
Cooperative Agreement (9/30/86)
Article on Semi-Empirical Evaluation of Regional
Scale Source-Receptor Relationships (2/28/86)
Article on Recommended Parameters for Use in
Regional Visibility Models (11 /27/S5)
Article on Visibility Improvements Due to a
Decrease in S02 Emissions During the 1981-82
Mini-Recession (9/30/86)
ISSUE: New Source Performance
Standards and State
Implementation Plans
Status Report on Amendment to 40 CFR Parts 50
and 53 with Respect to PM10 (6/25/86)
Final Report on Pilot Scale Cement Kiln Test to
Evaluate Applications of NOX Control Combustion
Modification (12/26/85)
Interim Report on VOC Destruction Efficiency of
Industrial Flares (8/27/86)
Final Report on Evaluation of a Selective Catalytic
Reduction System of NO* Control on a Stationary
Diesel Engine (1/31/86)
Final Report on Application of Reburning on Gas-
and Oil-fired Package Boilers (10/31/85)
Final Report on Field Verification of Wind Screen
Model for Storage Piles (7/31/86)
Mathematical Modeling of Single Droplet
Trajectories in Combustor Flow-Field-FCR Task 1
Draft Final Report (9/29/86)
Report on Evaluation of OH Reaction Rate Protocol
for Determining Reactivity of Organic
Compounds (9/29/86)
Report on Numerical Simulations of
Photochemical Air Pollution in the NE United
States (6/27/86)
Report on Development and Evaluation of an
Improved CBM Mechanism for Urban and
Regional Modeling (1/15/86)
Report on EPA Regional Oxidant Model: ROM-1
Evaluation for 3-4 August 1 979 (5/21 /86)
User's Guide for Interim (Linear) Regional
Particulate Matter Model (2/14/86)
Report on First Cross Appalachian Tracer
Experiment (CAPTEX) on Long Range Transport
of Air Pollutants (4/10/86)
Report on COM 2.0 (Climatological Dispersion
Model) User's Guide (11/1 2/85)
Develop and Distribute UNAMAP Version 6
(9/2/86)
User's Guide: A Multiple Source Gaussian
Dispersion Algorithm Using On-site Turbulence
Data C\ 727/86)
Report on Pollution Episodic Model (PEM)
Evaluation Against Philadelphia Data Base
(2/10/86)
Report on Local and Regional Contribution to
Urban Particulate Matter (7/31/86)
Report on the Incorporation of S02 Photochemical
Oxidation Model into AROSOL (7/23/86)
Report on Air Parcel Marker System. Phase III
System Testing (5/20/86)
MDPA-1: A Meteorological Processor for Diffusion
Analysis User's Guide (1/29/86)
Report on EPA Complex Terrain Modeling
Workshop (8/15/86)
ISSUE: Hazardous Air Pollutants
Final Health Assessment Document for Nickel
(9/15/86)
42
-------
Final Health Assessment Document for Beryllium
(4/1/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Hydrogen
Sulfide (6/30/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Chlorine
(4/30/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Zinc Oxide
(3/15/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Styrene
(3/7/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Phenol
(2/18/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Ammonia
(4/30/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Propylene
(4/29/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Methyl
Isocyanate (7/31/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Toluene
Diisocyanate (4/15/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Propylene Oxide
(4/15/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Xylene
(7/31/86)
Tier I Health Effects Summary for Copper
(7/30/86)
External Review Draft Health Assessment
Document for Dibenzofurans (7/15/86)
External Review Draft Health Assessment
Document for Hydrogen Sulfide (9/1 5/86)
Final Report on Woodstove/Fireplace Emissions
(11/15/85)
Internal Report on Options for Externalizing the
HAP QA Repository (5/15/86)
Journal Articles on Mutagenicity, Carcinogenicity
and DMA Dosimetry of Polycychc Organic Matter
from Air (3/26/86)
Journal Articles on Metabolism, Mutagenicity,
and Carcinogenicity of Selected PAHs and Nitro-
PAHs Found in Air (9/30/86)
Report on the Effect of HAPs (Organic Vapors) on
Lung Host Defenses in Animals (3/31/86)
Interim Report on Control Technology for
Reduction of Hazardous/Toxic Emissions
(6/2/86)
Draft Final Report on Effectiveness of Woodstove
Combustion Chamber Modifications (9/29/86)
Complete Facility for Wood Stove Lab Certification
Tests (9/29/86)
Complete a Detailed Plan for Phase II of the Radon
Mitigation Research Plan (3/26/86)
Radon Reduction Approaches for Detached
Houses: Technical Guidance (4/30/86)
Provide Engineering Evaluation and Technical
Assistance to EPA for National and International
Workshops (9/12/86)
Report on the Identification, Screening, and
Measurement of HAP Concentrations in Ambient
Air (9/30/86)
Report on Primary Photochemical Processes of
Acrolein (12/24/85)
Draft Final Report on Residential Wood
Combustion Emission Laboratory Measurements
from Phase I IACP Field Study (1 2/20/85)
Report on Atmospheric Transformation of
Emissions from Residential Combustion Under
Winter-time Conditions (7/23/86)
ISSUE: Mobile Source Pollutants
Report on New Fuels/Additives Registered in
FY'85 (12/19/85)
Complete a Model of Human Exposures Inside
Vehicles on Highways (3/28/86)
Article on Characterization of Emissions from Late
Model In-use, Light-duty Vehicles (10/23/85)
Article on the Impact of Low Ambient Temperature
on the Emission Rate of Formaldehyde from
Motor Vehicles (9/29/86)
Develop Procedures for Measurement of
Hydrocarbon Emissions During Vehicle Refueling
(12/12/85)
ISSUE: Global and Microenvironmental
Journal Article on the Effects of UV-B Radiation on
Competitive Interactions (9/30/86)
43
-------
Journal Article on Dose-Response of Marine
Ecosystems to UV-B Radiation Simulating 0-1 5%
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion (9/30/86)
ISSUE: Provide Radiological Support to
DOE
Annual Report on Off-Site Surveillance Around
the Nuclear Test Site (5/14/86)
Annual Report of the Radionuclide
Intercompanson Studies (6/24/86)
Report to Headquarters on Externahzation of
Quality Assurance (5/1 3/86)
44
-------
Projected FY 1987 Deliverables
ISSUE: National Ambient Air Quality
Standards
Update Evaluation of PM/SOx Health Effects:
Addendum to the PM/SOx Air Quality Criteria
Document (1/31/87)
Status Report on Evaluation of PM10 Monitoring
Methodology (12/30/86)
Status Report on Evaluation of Improved NMOC
Methodology (12/30/86)
Annual Report on Monitoring Support Provided in
FY'86 (12/30/86)
Interim Report: Establishment and Preliminary
Results of the Eastern Visibility Network
(12/30/86)
Interim Report on the Status of the Visibility
Program: FY'86 (12/30/86)
Annual Report for CY'85 on the QA Program of the
SLAMS Network (12/30/86)
Annual Report on the CY'85 National Ambient Air
Auditing Program (1 2/30/86)
Report on the Reference and Equivalence
Methods Program (12/30/86)
Annual Report on the National Source Monitoring
Audit Program (12/30/86)
Journal Articles on the Effects of 03 and N02 on
Pulmonary Host Defenses in Animals (6/30/87)
Journal Article on the Immunologic and
Biochemical Response of Volunteers to 03 and
N02 (9/30/87)
Series of Reports on Various Aspects of Indoor
N02 and Paniculate Exposure (6/30/87)
Journal Articles on Pulmonary Function and
Symptoms in Asthmatic Volunteers Exercising in
Sulfur Dioxide and Sulfuric Acid (9/30/87)
Reports on Health Effects and Sources of
Summertime Haze in the Northeastern U.S.
(3/31/87)
Journal Articles on Mutagenicity and
Carcinogenicity of Air Samples from Xuan Wei,
PRC (9/30/87)
Project Report on the Health Effects Institute
Cooperative Agreement (9/30/87)
Article on the Use of Streaker to Measure Aerosol
Composition and Absorption with One-Hour
Time Resolution (9/30/87)
Journal Article on Small Particle Soiling of
Building Materials (9/30/87)
ISSUE: New Source Performance
Standards and State
Implementation Plans
Final Draft Report on Multistage ESP Using
Prechargers and Collectors with Large Diameter
Electrodes (5/30/87)
Report on Fundamental and Bench-Scale
Evaluations of Promising Dry Injection Sorbents
and Additives (6/30/87)
Final Report on Transfer Efficiency Measurement
Method for Spray Painting in the Surface
Coating Industry (3/30/87)
Project Reports on Reduction of VOC Emissions
from Surface Coating Operations via Process
Modifications (9/30/87)
Interim Report on VOC Destruction via Catalytic
Oxidation (9/30/87)
Report on Field Measurements of Background
VOCs (9/1/87)
Report on Results of Simulated Emissions Control
Impacts on Seasonal Ozone Statistics (9/30/87)
Report on Validation of Second Generation Model
Based on Complete NEROS Data (6/30/87)
Report on Evaluation of Alternative to CBM
Chemical Mechanism for Use in Urban Air
Quality Simulation Models (3/30/87)
Report on Development and Evaluation of
Advanced Lagrangian Model (6/30/87)
Report on Regional Scale Photochemical Module
and Sulfate Formation (3/30/87)
Evaluation and Assessment of UNAMAP
(4/30/87)
Article on the Evaluation of Receptor Modeling
Results in Philadelphia (10/30/86)
Development and Delivery of User's Guide for
PEM-2 Pollution Episodic Model (11 /30/86)
User's Guide for Evaluated Complex Terra in Model
for Stable Plume Impaction (8/30/87)
45
-------
Report on Mesoscale Dispersion Study Using
Tracer Released from 1000 Foot Meteorological
Tower in Beijing (3/1/87)
ISSUE: Hazardous Air Pollutants
Experimental Procedures: Measurement of
Survival of Recombmant DNA Molecules in Air
(10/30/86)
External Review Draft Health Assessment
Document for Acrolein (10/15/86)
External Review Draft Health Assessment
Document for Acetaldehyde (11 /30/86)
External Review Draft Health Assessment
Document for Phosgene (10/1 5/86)
Tier One Health Effects Summary for Mineral
Fibers (10/1/86)
Tier One Health Effects Summary for Ethyl
Chloride (10/15/86)
Tier One Health Effects Summary for Methyl
Methacrylate (10/1 5/86)
Tier One Health Effects Summary for Maleic
Anhydride (10/1 5/86)
Final Health Assessment Document on
Dibenzofurans (10/30/86)
Project Report on Validation of a Method for
Measuring Cadmium (1/30/87)
Report on Development of New Sampling and
Analysis Techniques for Ambient HAPs
(12/30/86)
Status Report on Sampling Conducted at Three
Locations (12/30/86)
Internal Report Summarizing Quality Assurance
for HAP Projects in FY'86 (12/30/86)
Journal Articles on Neurotoxicological
Assessment of Hazardous Air Pollutants
(3/31/87)
Journal Articles on the Development and
Application of Micromutagenesis Methods to
Identify Carcinogens in Ambient Air (10/31 /86)
Interim Report on Wood Stove Catalyst Longevity
for Pollutant Reduction in Developing Regulatory
Alternatives (10/30/86)
Final Report on Efficiency Degradation of Wood
Stove Catalysts (12/31/86)
Report Describing the Engineering Program and
Data Base Control of Major Accidental HAP
Releases (6/30/87)
Report on Performance of HAP Control Under
Transient Conditions (1/31 /87)
Report on a Literature Review Update of More
Than 1 50 Volatile Organic Compounds (5/30/
87)
Report on Atmospheric Depletion Rates of
Selected HAPS Consistent with Clean Air Act
Requirements (1 2/31 /86)
Report on Screening High Volume Emissions for
Potential HAPS Formed as Transformation
Products Using SARS (10/30/86)
Report on Gas/Aerosol Phase Distribution and
Structure of Chemical Species in the
Atmosphere Which May Prove Hazardous to
Humans (4/1/87)
Report on the Status of the Integrated Air Cancer
Project (12/30/86)
Journal Articles on the Development and
Evaluation of Methods to Apportion the
Mutagenicity of Ambient Air to Sources
(10/31/86)
Interim Report on Methods for Determining Wood
Smoke Source Emissions (9/30/87)
ISSUE: Mobile Source Pollutants
Report on New Fuels and Additives Registered in
FY'86 (12/30/86)
Status Report on Population Exposure Activities
(12/30/86)
Article on the Impact of Low Temperature on
Emissions from Late Model Motor Vehicles
(9/1/87)
Article on the Impact of Methanol Fuels on
Evaporative Emissions (1/30/87)
Reportto Evaluate FTIR as a Tool for Measurement
of Exhaust Methanol and Formaldehyde
(9/30/87)
Article on Evaluation of Emissions from Diesels
Equipped with Advanced Emission Control
Technology (9/30/87)
Article on the Emission Rate of Mutagenic
Gasoline Hydrocarbons (3/30/87)
46
-------
ISSUE: Global and Microenvironmental
Final Report on Evaluation of the Effectiveness of
Residential Radon Mitigation for Building Code
Officials, Home Builders, and Home Owners
(9/30/87)
Journal Article on the Nature of UV-B-Related
Changes in Competitive Balance and
Mechanisms Involved (9/30/87)
Journal Article on the Effect of UV-B Radiation on
Energy and Carbon Cycling Through Plankton
Species to Economic Species (8/31/87)
Biennial Report to Congress on Stratospheric
Ozone Modification (11/30/86)
ISSUE: Provide Radiological Support to
DOE
Annual Report of Off-Site Surveillance Around the
Nuclear Test Site: CY'86 (7/30/87)
Annual Report on the Intercomparison Program
for Radiation Quality Assurance (1 2/30/86)
Annual Report on Radiation Standards and
Reference Materials: 1986(12/30/86)
47
-------
Multimedia-Energy Research Committee
Introduction
The multimedia energy research and
development program provides the scientific and
technical information necessary to guide the
development and utilization of energy sources in an
environmentally acceptable manner. Research is
conducted: (1) to better understand the
phenomenon of acid deposition and provide
information upon which mitigation decisions may
be made; and (2) to expand EPA's knowledge of the
performance, reliability, and cost of the limestone
injection multistage burner (LIMB) control
technology.
Acid Deposition
Research on acid deposition (acid rain) is
coordinated through the National Acid Precipitation
Assessment Program (NAPAP), which is
administered by the Interagency Task Force on Acid
Precipitation (ITFAP). The term "acid rain" means
the atmospheric deposition of acidic or acid-
forming compounds in either dry or wet form.
These compounds exist in the atmosphere as gases
or aerosol particles containing sulfur oxides (SOX),
nitrogen oxides (NOX), hydrogen chloride, sulfuric
acid, nitric acid and certain sulfate and nitrate
compounds. The objective of acid deposition
research is to develop the necessary data to fully
understand the sources and characteristics of acid
deposition; the extent of damage or potential
damage; and the corrective measures used to
diminish the problem of acid deposition.
Major Research Issues
ISSUE: Man-Made Emissions
Estimates of high-quality emission data bases
and historical emission trends are needed to
establish the basis for scientific assessments and
policy development. Detailed emission data bases
are required for operation of the Regional Acid
Deposition Model (RADM). State-of-the-art
emission models are needed to develop projections
of future emission trends and costs of alternative
control strategies.
1986 Program Accomplishments
The 1980 Emissions Data Base and Inventory
was completed. Cooperative efforts with 48 States
to develop the 1985 Emission data base are well
underway. A report on emission trends for SOs and
NOx from 1 900 to 1 980 has been published as have
other supporting studies for developing a
comprehensive emission data base and inventory.
A quality assurance and quality control plan for the
NAPAP Emission Inventory has been published.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
The program will continue to develop emissions
data bases derived from mass balance calculations,
new source tests, New Source Performance
Standards (NSPS), and literature reports. We will
continue to develop and test models specific to
major source sectors (e.g., utilities, other industrial
sources). These models are responsive to policy
options and will be used to analyze cost-effective
strategies.
ISSUE: Atmospheric Processes
Improvements are needed in both the scientific
understanding and the field data bases on
atmospheric transport, transformation, and
deposition on acidic substances in order to develop
more scientifically acceptable, yet simplified
models, to meet assessment and policy needs.
1986 Program Accomplishments
The preliminary evaluation of the full Regional
Acid Deposition Model (RADM) using the Oxidation
and Scavenging Characteristics of April Rams
(OSCAR) meteorology and wet chemical deposition
data were reported. The gas-phase chemistry
module was compared with both smog chamber
data and the more complex chemical mechanisms.
The RADM cloud processes and aqueous-phase
chemistry module was subjectively evaluated
against limited field data and more complex
models. Because of lack of appropriate data, the dry
deposition module was not evaluated. Much larger
and extensive data bases are required to test the
system thoroughly. Several sensitivity tests were
also conducted in which emissions in the Ohio
Valley were theoretically reduced by 50% and 90%
and resultant calculated deposition patterns were
analyzed.
48
-------
A detailed operational plan and feasibility
analysis for the intensive field studies and the
atmospheric model evaluation effort was
completed. Draft performance evaluation
statements and data quality objectives were
provided for nine experimental tasks required for
the operational and diagnostic model evaluation
field studies. The report indicates that the
operational evaluation of RADM is feasible and the
diagnostic evaluation of the model is currently
being ascertained. Proposed management and
technical approaches are also provided.
The Regional Lagrangian Model of Air Pollution
(RELMAP) has been applied and evaluated for the
entire year of 1980 as part of the International
Sulfur Deposition Model Evaluation (ISDME).
Assessments have been made of the sensitivity of
the predictions of S02, S04, and total sulfur wet
deposition to the process rates; i.e., the modeled
rates at which S02 transforms to S04 and S02 and
S04 wet/dry deposition occur. The RELMAP
sensitivity studies also address single-layer versus
multilayer model applications.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
The program will conduct sensitivity testing on
the advanced verison of the Regional Acid
Deposition Model (RADM) using existing
monitoring data bases. We will evaluate and refine
the advanced version of RADM using field study
data. Once completed, RADM will be used to
calibrate Lagrangian models, develop control
strategies, perform source-receptor analysis, and
assess materials damage.
ISSUE: Deposition Monitoring
A long-term quality assured monitoring record of
total deposition (both wet and dry) is needed with
sufficient spatial and temporal scale to: (1) provide
data for long-term trend analysis; (2) evaluate
atmospheric models such as RADM and (3)
determine exposure in effects studies.
1986 Program Accomplishments
The deposition monitoring research program is
providing the deposition data on wet precipitation
through the National Trends Network (NTN). This
1 50-station network operated at full capacity in
1 986. A series of data reports covering the first
four years of operation of the deposition were
published.
Since dry deposition may account for a larger
proportion of total deposition than wet deposition,
implementation of a dry deposition network was
begun with a 5-station dry deposition pilot network.
A contract was awarded for installation of the first
30 sites of a more extensive network (up to 100
sites) and field evaluations of proposed
concentration monitors were conducted.
FY 1987 Outlook
Work will continue on the establishment of an
operational dry deposition network and on the
development of an analytical method which more
precisely measures dry deposition. Dry deposition
characterization and measurements will lead to a
better determination of deposition velocities. An
additional 1 5 dry deposition monitoring sites will be
deployed expanding the network to a total of 45
sites.
ISSUE: Aquatic Effects
Acidic deposition is believed to be a major
contributing factor to chronic depressions of pH and
possible episodic depressions in aquatic systems.
Effects which may result include effects on fish and
other aquatic organisms and on drinking water
quality. The population-at-risk of surface waters
and aquatic biota in the United States is only
partially known. Improvements are needed in both
the scientific understanding and the field data
bases which define the processes affecting: (1) the
current status of surface waters and watersheds
including episodes; (2) the chemical and biological
changes to those resources; and (3) the rate of
change resulting from current and altered loadings
of acidic or neutralizing substances. These
improvements will allow the development of more
scientifically acceptable, yet simplified relationships
and models for assessment and policy needs.
1986 Program Accomplishments
The National Surface Water Survey (NSWS)
addresses the current status of resources. Results
of Phase I activity are nearing completion with the
recent publication of data and analysis of the
Eastern Lake Survey and Stream Survey (Pilot), and
the imminent release of the report on the Western
Lake Survey. The Stream Survey (Mid-Appalachian
Region) report will be released in 1987.
The rate of change of systems is being
investigated by the Direct/Delayed Response
Project. Three different levels of modeling activities
will supply target loading predictions by region.
Results of analyses based on empirical
relationships and single-factor response times for
the Northeast and Southeast will be released in
1 987. Verification of prediction of the Direct/
Delayed Response Project (DDRP) will be
undertaken with field and pilot level manipulations
of watersheds as part of the Watershed
Manipulation Project (WMP). The research plan for
this project was developed and reviewed in 1986 so
that manipulations can begin within 1 987.
Long-term monitoring provides the ultimate
verification of model predictions by producing
information on water quality trends especially in
sensitive systems. The Long-term Monitoring
49
-------
Project was evaluated and redesigned based on the
results of the Eastern Lakes Survey to maximize its
applicability to detecting changes in sensitive
surface waters.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
Support will continue for the National Surface
Water Survey (NSWS) to allow us to determine the
temporal chemical and biological variability of
sensitive aquatic resources. We will continue the
DDRP which will allow us to predict short-, mid-,
and long-term responses of surface waters to
acidification. The WMP will be continued to allow
us to corroborate the DDRP model predictions at
current and altered acid loadings.
ISSUE:Forest Effects
Since the early 1 980's, various adverse changes
in forest condition have been observed in the
United States. Apparently increased mortality has
been observed in high elevation stands of red
spruce and balsam fir. Also there is some indication
that annual increment growth is reduced in these
stands. These observed symptoms are non-specific
and could be caused by several different factors or
combination of factors. Acidic deposition and its
associated pollutants have been implicated as
causal factors.
1986 Program Accomplishments
A joint EPA/U.S. Forest Service research
program, the Forest Response Program (FRP), was
established in 1985 to investigate: (1) extent of
damage to forest ecosystems which might be
caused by acid deposition, (2) cause and effect
relationships and (3) dose response relationships.
During late FY 1985 and FY 1986, the FRP
established the Spruce-Fir, Southern Commercial,
Eastern Hardwoods and Western Conifer, research
cooperatives. Also, the National Vegetation Survey
was implemented and a Synthesis and Integration
Team was established. All of these activities have
produced detailed research plans which have
passed peer-review.
Spruce-Fir Research Cooperative: Following peer
review in March 1986, a meeting with the Federal
Management Group (FMG) was held and, as a
result of that meeting and subsequent
reprogrammmg, 21 projects were funded in FY
1986. These projects are addressing the question
of extent of forest damage and investigating most
of the major hypotheses of cause and effect related
to the impact of atmospheric deposition on forests.
Southern Commercial Forest Research
Cooperative: In FY 1986, three controlled exposure
laboratory studies were funded at Texas A&M
University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL),
and North Carolina State University (NCSU).
Controlled exposure-field research was conducted
in FY 1 986 at ORNL and at the Duke Forest Primary
Research Site. In mid-March a request for
proposals was issued with two objectives: (1) to
study plant physiology in natural stands on the
Duke Forest and stand representation of the region;
and, (2) to study the feasibility of field fumigation
techniques. Two projects have been identified for
funding. Four secondary research sites have been
identified and will be established in FY 1987.
Planning for the development of a central testing
facility began in FY 1 986 on a site at the Forest
Service greenhouse facility in Macon, GA.
Eastern Hardwood Research Cooperative: The
Eastern Hardwoods Cooperative initiated three
projects in FY 1986. These concentrated mainly on
the spatial extent and temporal development of
adverse changes in forest condition in eastern
hardwood species. Also included are studies
concerning the effects of atmospheric deposition on
physiological and nutritional processes.
Western Conifers Research Cooperative: Seven
projects were funded by the Western Conifers
Cooperative in FY 1 986. Similar to Eastern
Hardwoods, the thrust of this cooperative is
problem definition. The concentration of effort in FY
1 986 was on resolution of questions on extent of
damage with a smaller effort addressing effects
mechanisms.
National Vegetation Survey: Fourteen projects
were undertaken by the National Vegetation Survey
in FY 1986 exploring the questions of the temporal
development and spatial extent of changes in forest
condition. These include both analysis of available
data, field observations and two studies along
known deposition gradients.
Synthesis and Integration: A computerized data
base system was developed to track outputs and
status of FRP projects. The data base will be
expanded to include key bibliographic information
as well as pertinent non-FRP project data. Two
research projects were initiated, both dealing with
the assessment of physiological characteristics for
use in developing models of whole-tree processes
and with the evaluation and development of
statistical techniques for the analysis of
dendrochronological data.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
We will expand the collaborative research with
the Forest Service on the effects of acid deposition
and other air pollutants on spruce/fir forests in the
eastern U.S. and southern commercial forests.
Quantitative research will continue on eastern
mixed hardwood forests and western conifers. We
will continue to cooperate with the Forest Service
in the design and implementation of studies to
determine the extent and magnitude of forest
50
-------
productivity decline, and will initiate a design to
meet long-term monitoring needs.
ISSUE: Effects on Materials
The Materials Effects research is directed
towards (1) understanding the quantitative
relationships between the various forms of acidic
deposition and the resulting damage rates to
materials, and (2) identifying the geographical
extent of matenals-at-risk.
1986 Program Accomplishments
As a result of major program and project reviews
conducted with NAPAP, the materials research
program was reconstructed. A major initiative was
the development of a research program to
determine the effects of acid deposition on paint/
substrate systems.
A preliminary physico-chemical model of acid
deposition on galvanized steel was prepared. This
model demonstrated the ability to predict damage
in the field from information gathered in the
laboratory. Additional laboratory and field studies
are being conducted to refine and test the model.
Field studies on other common metals are in
progress at five materials exposure sites. Initial
results of the field study were published that
indicate the sensitivity of metal surfaces to acid
deposition changes over time, as a corrosion layer
is formed. This has led to the development of a
model of deterioration based on the formation of a
carbonate layer as a rate-controlling step in
deposition.
The Materials Inventory Data Base was
extensively reviewed and recommendations
prepared for future work on extrapolating the data
to other metropolitan areas.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
The program will continue to determine those
materials and resources at risk and to develop data
bases and methods for differentiating the effects of
acid deposition from those of other sources of
pollution. Damage functions will be developed for
selected materials at field sites so that we can
determine if widely used building materials
deteriorate as a result of acid deposition. An
assessment of the effect of acid deposition on the
service life of materials and life cycle costs will be
undertaken.
ISSUE: Assessments
What existing mechamsm(s) would best integrate
acid deposition research information to provide
policy-makers with the ability to formulate timely
and cost-effective decisions for dealing with acid
deposition issues?
7555 Program Accomplishments
At the beginning of 1986, the assessment
responsibility was transferred from a staff at EPA to
a staff at NAPAP. Ongoing activities were
concluded. Draft assessments in the areas of
emissions, atmospheric processes and source/
receptor relationships, deposition and air quality,
aquatic effects, forest effects, and health and
visibility were completed. In-house analyses to
support EPA programs continue in these areas,
using products of the assessment program such as
a geographical information analysis system.
Limestone Injection Multistage Burner
(LIMB)
EPA continues to develop LIMB technology that is
designed to reduce both SOX and NOX, the two
major acid deposition precursors. The LIMB
emission reduction technology is designed to be
retrofited to large and small existing coal-fired
boilers.
Major Research Issues
ISSUE: LIMB Technology Development
Additional information is necessary to document
the reliability and cost-effectiveness of LIMB
technology to reduce the emissions of sulfur and
nitrogen oxides.
1986 Program Accomplishments
In 1 986, work continued on the development of
high surface area sorbents and sorbents treated
with "promoters" to improve the sulfur capture
ability of the LIMB technology. The design phase of
the wall-fired full-scale LIMB demonstration was
completed. Also, we continued the laboratory and
pilot-scale research of the LIMB process to improve
engineering knowledge of the effects of operating
parameters and systems variables associated with
NOx control and S02 capture. As a result of a
Congressional add-on to the LIMB budget, we
initiated a competitive procurement for a
tangentially fired full-scale LIMB demonstration.
FY 1987 Program Outlook
In 1987, we will complete the boiler modification
of the wall-fired LIMB demonstration at Ohio
Edison's Edgewater #4 site. After modification we
will begin a full year of testing at the site. We will
evaluate proposals for the tangentially fired
demonstration and continue to support pilot-scale
work. Startup for the tangentially fired
demonstration is projected for 1989.
51
-------
FY 1986 Deliverables
ISSUE: Man-Made Emissions
Proceedings: Second Annual Acid Deposition
Emission Inventory Symposium (November
1985), EPA/600/9-86/010, Radian Corporation,
April 1986.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Plan for
the NAfAP Emission Inventory, EPA/600/8-86/
025, August 1986.
ISSUE: Atmospheric Processes
Preliminary Evaluation Studies with the Regional
Acid Deposition Model (RADM), February 1986.
Regional Eulerian Model Field Study and
Evaluation: Proposed Management and
Technical Approaches, August 1986.
ISSUE: Deposition Monitoring
Final Report1 Development of Methods for
Collection and Analysis of Precipitation, June
1986.
Precipitation in North America 1984: Annual
Data Summary, September 1986.
Annual Report: Spatial Temporal Analysis 1984,
September 1986.
Report on Status of Western Core Sites for Dry
Deposition Measurement, July 1986.
Report: Siting Selection for Dry Deposition
Network, December 1985.
FTIR Determination of Ammonium and Sulfate
Ions, September 1986.
ISSUE: Aquatic Effects
Direct Delayed Response Project, September
1986.
Volume I: Executive Summary
Volume II: State-of-the-Science
Volume III: Appendices (for State-of-the-
Science)
Volume IV: Implementation Plan
Volume V: Appendices (for Implementation
Plan)
Characteristics of Lakes in the Eastern United
States, Volume I, II, III, EPA/600/4-86/007a, b
and c, June 1986; National Surface Water
Survey: National Stream Survey, Phase I Pilot
Survey, EPA/600/4-86/026, June 1986.
ISSUE: Terrestrial Effects
Completed Peer Review of Forest Survey Plan,
April 1986.
Research Plan for Spruce-Fir Cooperative, April
1986.
Research Plan for Southern Commercial
Cooperative, April 1986.
Research Plan for Western Confiers Cooperative,
April 1986.
Research Plan for Eastern Hardwoods
Cooperative, April 1986.
Progress Report from the Southern Commercial
Cooperative, April 1986.
Progress Report from the Spruce-Fir
Cooperative, April 1986.
ISSUE: Materials Effects
Report on U.S. EPA Workshop on Acid
Deposition Effects on Portland Cement,
Concrete, and Related Materials, February 1986.
Supplemental Statistical-Analysis of North East
Materials Inventory Data Base, September 1986.
Report on Development of Acid Damage
Functions, September 1986.
Report: Evaluation of Existing Paint Damage Data,
September 1986.
ISSUE: Limestone Injection Multistage
Burner (LIMB)
Status Report on EPA LIMB Development and
Demonstration Program, EPA/600/8-86/036,
October 1986.
Projected FY 1987 Deliverables
ISSUE: Man-made Emissions
Preliminary 1985 Point Source Emissions File
(1/31/87)
ISSUE: Atmospheric Processes
Report on Urban and Mesoscale Modeling
Methods for Pollutants for Material Damage
Assessment (12/1/86)
Report on Chemical Module for the Second
Generation Eulerian Model (RADM-2) (2/1/87)
52
-------
Report on Sulfur Species Engineering
Assessment Model and Evaluation Against
RADM (3/30/87)
Report on Review of Existing Mesoscale Models
for Use in Complex Terrain (3/30/87)
User's Guide for a Mesoscale Acid Deposition
Model for Assessments Including Model
Evaluation Report (6/30/87)
Detailed Design, Logistics Documentation and
Sampling and Analytical Manuals for the Model
Evaluation Field Study (9/30/87)
ISSUE: Deposition Monitoring
Annual Report on the National Monitoring QA
for NTN Network, CY 85 (1 2/30/87)
Site Survey for the Western Core Site (2/28/87)
Final Report: Development of Real-Time Acid
Precipitation Monitor (3/30/87)
Final Contract Report on Development and
Evaluation of Dry Deposition Monitors (3/30/87)
Annual Data Inventory Report, CY 1986
(4/30/87)
Siting Plan for Dry Deposition Stations in the
Southeast. Deliver Final Report (5/30/87)
» Analytical Differences Between Snowfall and
Rainfall (9/30/87)
Trends Analysis of Wet Deposition Data
(9/30/87)
ISSUE: Aquatic Effects
Provide Final Report on the Results of the
Western Lake Survey (1 2/30/86)
Report on Analysis of Aquatic Long Term
Monitoring Data (12/31/86)
Final Analytical Methods Manual for Western
Lake SurveyI (2/28/87)
Report on the Application of Flow Injection
Technology for the Determination of pH in Low
Ionic Strength Waters (7/30/87)
Final Report on Critical Evaluation of Biological
Sensitivity Indices (8/30/87)
Final Report on Results of NSS-MA/SE National
Stream Survey (8/30/87)
Project Report on Regional Rates of Surface
Water Acidification and Direct/Delayed
Response(9/30/87)
Report on Evaluation of QA/QC in the NSWS
(9/30/87)
Final Report on Cistern Drinking Water Survey
(9/30/87)
ISSUE: Forest Effects
Annual Research Plan for Eastern Hardwood
Cooperative (3/31/87)
Forest Research Plan National Progress Report
(9/30/87)
Report on Findings of Mountain Cloud Chemistry
Project for 1986(9/30/87)
ISSUE: Materials Effects
Research Plan for Determining the Effects of
Acid Deposition on Exterior Coatings (2/28/87)
Field Sampling for Materials Inventory Validation
(4/30/87)
Laboratory Study of Acid Deposition of Damage
Mechanisms on Galvanized Steel (9/30/87)
ISSUE: LIMB
Final Reports on LIMB Engineering Processes
Analysis Studies Relating Development Results
to Industry Comm. Requirements (2/28/87)
Completion of Boiler Modification and Initiation
of One Year LIMB Wall-Fired Demonstration
(7/31/87)
Draft Report on Initial LIMB T-Fired Prototype
Testing (9/30/87)
Plan and Implement the 1 987 Joint EPA/EPRI
Symposium on Dry SO2 and Simultaneous
NOX Control Technologies (9/30/87)
53
-------
Interdisciplinary Research Committee
Introduction
The Interdisciplinary Research Committee plans
those programs in the Office of Research and
Development (ORD) which cross all media. Quality
assurance oversight activities ensure that the data
are of known and documented quality, and that
they meet the requirements established by the
responsible office or laboratory. Risk assessment
management efforts include the development of
risk assessment procedures for ensuring the
consistency and technical competence of the
overall risk assessment program. ORD manages a
series of new intra-agency workgroups which have
developed guidelines for carcinogenicity,
mutagenicity, developmental toxicity, exposure
assessment, and assessment of chemical mixtures.
Exploratory research provides solutions to
environmentally related problems which require a
basic or fundamental understanding. ORD is
particularly interested in long-range strategic
research issues addressing emerging
environmental problems. Consequently, in addition
to the research conducted through the laboratories,
ORD supports research conducted through its
research grants and centers programs. Efforts
carried out under the auspices of the
interdisciplinary program also include centralized
support for the production and dissemination of
information products, and provide a technology
transfer program to synthesize information and
develop methods of data presentation. Finally,
regulatory support efforts serve to identify major
regulatory issues early in their development and
bring together ORD experts and key regulatory staff
to discuss the state of the applicable science.
ISSUE: Manage and Implement Exploratory
Research Grants Programs and
Research Centers Program
This program is designed to broaden and
enhance the Agency's environmental, scientific and
engineering knowledge base and assure the
application of science basic to the solution of
environmental problems.
The Research Grants Program is divided into five
environmental program areas: health, biology,
engineering, air physics and chemistry, and water
physics and chemistry. This program division
results in research on a number of such broad
topics as the identification and characterization of
hazardous contaminants in various media (air,
water and soils); understanding of the intermedia
transport, conversion and fate of pollutants in the
environment; human and ecological risk
assessment, incineration and combustion studies,
emissions reduction and control processes m
hazardous waste sites; and development of new
technologies for industrial wastewater treatment.
Investigator-initiated research applications are
solicited by an annual "Request for Applications"
(RFA). The RFA is a mechanism by which proposals
are solicited for a one-time competition in a
narrowly defined, high-priority research area.
Grants are awarded on technical merit, potential
relevance to the Agency's long-range research
goals and contribution to a balanced research
program m ORD.
The Environmental Research Centers Program
supports long-term environmental research m
science and engineering. The program consists of
eight university-based centers, each specializing in
an area of interest to EPA: ground water, hazardous
waste, environmental epidemiology, marine
science, industrial waste, municipal waste,
intermedia pollutant transport, and environmental
risk assessment. Support for each center is
provided through a cooperative agreement with
EPA. Each center's research program is managed
by a center director and an EPA project officer. The
center director is assisted by a Science Advisory
Committee (SAC) which advises the director on the
technical progress of ongoing research and reviews
proposals for further research. The SACs are
staffed by scientists and engineers from industry,
government and academia. At least two scientists
from EPA laboratories are members of each SAC.
1986 Program Accomplishments
In the Research Grants program, 405 research
applications were reviewed by ad hoc peer review
panels; 1 39 were approved for scientific merit and
evaluated by m-house scientists for agency
relevance. Fifty-four new proposals were awarded
and funding for 49 others was continued. Abstracts
of the new grants awarded m FY 1 986 were
54
-------
published and widely distributed. A workshop on
genetic toxicology featured the completed work of
EPA grantees. Some major scientific
accomplishments of the Research Grants Program
are highlighted below; a complete annual report, an
FY 1 986 abstract of new awards and an FY 1986
bibliography of published articles from funded
grants are available from the Office of Exploratory
Research upon request.
Major Scientific Highlights
Validation of an in vitro fish model technique for
investigations of metabolism, carcinogenesis,
and chemical toxicity for better quantitative risk
assessment and extrapolation from animal data
to man.
Establishment of animal models to demonstrate
correlation between UV-B radiation and the
onset of melanoma.
Studies are in progress to elucidate a mechanism
for UV-B radiation effects on plants. Efforts are
focused on the efflux of specific ions (calcium,
potassium, etc.) from cells and the influence of
environmental stresses (such as temperature
and nutrients) on the UV-B damage.
The biological detoxification of complex industrial
mixtures shows promise in the engineering of
microorganisms which can degrade both
polychlormated biphenyls and chlorobenzoates.
Under study is the mechanism for inserting
engineered plasmid genes into suitable bacteria
for amplification and subsequent degradation of
industrial sludges, wastewaters and
contaminated soils.
Development of a new bonded phase for gas
chromatographic separation of 1 8 priority
pollutants which are difficult to separate in other
systems.
Demonstration that oxygen depletion in sewage
receiving waters is due mainly to microbial
utilization of organic carbon rather than to
nitrification.
Development of a method, based on supercritical
fluids, to separate polyaromatic hydrocarbons
(e.g., benzo-a-pyrene) from particulate water and
sorbent traps
Establishment of a model for the production of (-T,
NO's and SO-f2 m atmospheric water droplets
for use in acid precipitation studies.
Development of an effective treatment method for
removal and control of radon indoor air pollution.
A promising technique is the use of granular
activated carbon (GAG) to reduce concentration
of radon and other radionuclides in household
water supplies.
Testing of new, cost-effective drinking water
disinfection processes. Alternate techniques to
chlorination, such as the use of ozone, anion
exchange resins and the coagulation of
submicron particles methods are being
investigated.
In the Research Centers Program, minor changes
were made in several project officer assignments to
provide maximal coverage of centers by the various
ORD laboratories. Each center was assigned a lead
ORD laboratory responsible for conducting
interacting center-ORD laboratory studies. Detailed
explanations of 1986 accomplishments may be
found in the Research Centers annual reports.
There were 31 3 deliverables in the centers
program in FY 1 986, including 99 journal articles,
28 books or bound proceedings, 47 book chapters,
123 project reports, and numerous conferences,
workshops and seminars. Following is a
representative listing:
Field measurements and laboratory analyses in
concert with EPA's Ada, Oklahoma Robert S.
Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
(RSKERL) confirmed natural degradation of
hydrocarbon plumes in ground water.
Development of stable biofilms of phototropic
microorganisms used to detoxify organic
compounds using specific compounds (sodium
algenate, for example).
An extensive investigation on the volatilization of
chloroform and trichloroethylene from bath and
shower water showed that inhalation of these
compounds during showering and bathing is a
significant route of exposure.
Two new analytical methods were developed to
characterize organic aerosols for use in source
allocation models. Both methods were
successfully field-tested as part of the California
Air Resources Board's analytical method
intercompanson study.
A workshop on environmental risk assessment led
to alteration in the environmental scoring
methods being developed by the Office of Policy,
Planning, and Evaluation.
Isolation of two new bacterial species which are
capable of degrading chloroaromatic compounds.
Experiments showed that these species are
capable of using trichloroethylene as their sole
source of carbon and energy.
55
-------
Research on the solubility of gasoline in water
showed that gasoline octane enhancers increase
their solubility in water, increasing spill or leak
hazard.
7557 Program Outlook
During FY 1987, the Research Grants Program
will release a minimum of three RFAs: (1)
mechanisms of immune alterations induced by
environmental pollutants; (2) effects of air
pollutants on forests; and (3) studies of ozone
depletion and global climate modification. Five to
ten grants per RFA will be awarded. Applications
from individual investigators will continue to be
peer reviewed and evaluated for relevance to EPA's
mission. Emphasis will continue on improvement in
quality of research; coordination with the Agency's
research planning process; broad dissemination of
results of completed grants, and coordination with
other Federal agencies. A workshop, "Concepts in
Inhalation Toxicology," will be cosponsored by the
Research Grants Program during FY 1987. Other
seminars and workshops featuring the completed
work of grantees will be held in Agency
laboratories and other locations.
Oversight and management of the Research
Centers Program will emphasize attention to new
trends, discoveries or leads coming from ongoing
studies. An annual summary report of the results
obtained by each of the centers will be prepared for
evaluation of the effectiveness of the center to
respond to new research needs. Recommendations
for reorienting existing centers will be prepared
when appropriate. Symposia and workshops will be
held to disseminate information from center
studies.
ISSUE: Manage and Implement
Distinguished Visiting Scientists
Program
The Distmguised Visiting Scientists Program
(DSVP) is designed to identify senior visiting
scientists who will conduct research in ORD
laboratories on a temporary basis, usually one to
three years. The intent of the program is to
enhance the Agency's scientific competence and
quality, to improve relations between EPA and the
scientific community, and to increase the visibility
of research in ORD laboratories. During the DSVP
assignment, EPA provides technical and
administrative support as needed.
1986 Program Accomplishments
During FY 1986, five new DSVP researchers
were selected, bringing the total of active DVSP
researchers to nine. The five new researchers were
selected from a peer review, process of 36
candidates. Their names, areas of research, project
areas and relevant EPA laboratories are listed
below.
Applicant
(Institution)
Winners of the 1 986 DVSP Competition
Field(s) ORD Laboratory
Project Area(s)
Michael Overcosh
(North Carolina
State)
Guenther Stotzky
(New York U.)
Richard Dick
(Cornell)
Charles Wurrey
(U. of Missouri,
Kansas City)
Richard Hawkins
(Utah State U.)
Environmental
Engineering
Biology
Microbial
Ecology
Civil
Engineering
Physical
Chemistry
Civil
Engineering
Watershed
Science
HWERL-Cincinnati
ERL-Corvallis
WERL-Cmcmnati
EMSL-Las Vegas
ERL-Corvallis
Engineering methods
for source reduction
of toxics and
hazardous wastes.
Ecotoxicology
Fate of genetically
engineered organisms.
Classification of
sludges via physical
properties.
Sludge management.
Measurement methods
for isomers of dioxins
and dibenzofurans.
Responses of
watersheds to
acid deposition.
56
-------
1987 Program Outlook
The DSVP will continue as in 1 986. The
scientists selected to participate will be renowned
in their fields of research. Involvement of these
visiting scientists in the day-to-day activities of
ORD laboratories will result in exchanges of
information beneficial to both EPA and the
scientific community and will enhance the
reputation and credibility of EPA research.
ISSUE: Manage the Agency's Quality
Assurance Program
A significant portion of EPA's budget is spent on
collecting environmental data. Quality assurance
(QA) activities play an integral role in the planning
and implementation of environmental data
collection efforts and in the evaluation of the
resulting data. By means of their QA programs,
EPA organizations can enjoy substantial resource
savings, collecting only needed data and assuring
that the collected data are of the requisite quality.
Quality assurance is the process of management
review and oversight at the planning,
implementation, and completion stages of an
environmental data collection activity to assure that
data provided by a line operation to data users are
of the quality needed and claimed. Quality
assurance should not be confused with quality
control (QC); QC includes those activities required
during data collection to produce the data quality
desired and to document the quality of the collected
data (e.g., sample spikes and blanks).
Quality assurance programs consist of specific
activities conducted before, during, and after
environmental data collection. During the planning
of an environmental data collection program, QA
activities focus on assuring that the quality of the
data needed by data users has been defined, and
that a QC system has been designed for measuring
the quality of the data being collected. During the
implementation of a data collection effort, QA
activities ensure that the QC system is operating
and that problems found by QC are corrected. After
environmental data are collected, QA activities
focus on assessing the quality of the data obtained.
Here, one determines whether the data obtained
are adequate to support data-dependent regulatory
decisions or research hypotheses.
The Quality Assurance Management Staff
(QAMS) is charged with overseeing the quality
assurance activities of the Agency.
1986 Program Accomplishments
The basic elements of the Agency's mandatory
quality assurance program are specified in EPA
Order 5360.1. These include:
requiring QA in all Agency-supported data
collection activities,
defining Data Quality Objectives,
developing quality assurance program and project
plans,
conducting audits,
implementing corrective actions based on the
audits,
establishing achievable data quality limits for
methods cited in EPA regulations,
developing technical guidelines for assessing data
quality, and
providing for QA training.
Since the issuance of EPA Order 5360.1 in April
1984, QAMS has been intensively involved in
preparing guidance on these key QA program
components. Beginning in FY 1986, QAMS has
begun a transition from the guidance phase to
interactive implementation support. QAMS wants
each Agency data collection organization to
possess the knowledge, resources, and
management support that are essential to effective
QA program implementation.
Specific FY 1986 priorities included:
1. Quality Assurance Program PlansEach
Agency data collection organization needs an
approved Quality Assurance Program Plan
formalizing and documenting the
management structure, policies, and
procedures of its quality assurance program.
QAMS has worked with individual
organizations in order to assure that their
Program Plans are carefully designed and well
implemented. By the end of FY 1986, both the
pace and the quality of Program Plan
submissions to QAMS had improved.
2. Data Quality ObjectivesData Quality
Objectives (DQOs) are qualitative and
quantitative statements developed by data
users to specify the quality of data needed to
support a regulatory decision or research
hypothesis obtained from a particular data
collection activity. QAMS has placed strong
emphasis on the development of Data Quality
Objectives, since they are essential
precursors to the design of a meaningful QA/
QC program for data collection. In FY 1 986,
QAMS pursued the following emphases
related to DQOs:
working directly with individual programs to
help them develop solid DQOs for selected
data collection activities,
57
-------
in cooperation with the Office of Policy,
Planning, and Evaluation, developing an
Agency-wide tracking mechanism for DQO
preparation, and
preparing a training workshop on DQO
concepts and procedures.
QAMS' overall goal has been to direct the attention
of senior management to the importance and value
of the DQO process.
3. Management Systems Audits
Comprehensive auditing is critical to the
success of the Agency's quality assurance
program. Although there are several major
categories of QA audits, the one which QAMS
emphasized most in FY 1986 is the
Management Systems Audit (MSA). The MSA
is a tool for measuring the implementation of
a QA program against the individual
organization's management structures and
standards described in its approved QA
Program Plan. QAMS' FY 1986
accomplishments in this area were threefold:
QAMS provided formal guidance as well as
informal support and training to Agency
organizations carrying out their own
internal Management Systems Audits.
QAMS conducted an extensive independent
MSA of the Region V quality assurance
program. (A report on this audit will be
available early in FY 1987.)
QAMS commenced a comprehensive
analysis of the difficult conceptual problems
associated with quality assurance audits
focused on Office of Research and
Development activities
All of these achievements were directed at the
ultimate goal of making MSAs a routine but
powerful oversight tool for identifying the strengths
and weaknesses of Agency QA program operation.
1987 Program Outlook
During FY 1 987, QAMS' transition from the
guidance phase to implementation support will
continue. The long-term goal is to institutionalize
line management responsibility for assuring the
quality and utility of the Agency's data collection
programs. Specific FY 1987 priorities include:
1. Establish the DQO process as the first key step
in designing major new data collection
programs.
2. Assure that all Agency data collection
organizations are supported by program plans.
3. Establish both internal and external
management systems audits as a standard
and effective element of the Agency's QA
program.
4. Implement a comprehensive QA training
program/workshop to meet the information
needs of all participants in the Agency-wide
QA program.
5. Implement an alternative method validation
procedure to take advantage of data collected
during laboratory QC analyses.
6. Analyze the procedures for developing QA
project plans, and make subsequent revisions
to clarify responsibilities and streamlining the
review process whenever appropriate.
Fulfillment of these priorities will enhance EPA's
progress toward its ultimate goal of assuring
scientifically and legally defensible environmental
data in support of its regulatory, enforcement, and
research objectives.
ISSUE: Assure Uniform Risk Assessment
EPA's scientific assessment program provides
uniform Agency-wide guidance to assure the
consistency of exposure and risk assessments to
support regulatory decision-making.
Final risk assessment guidelines will be
published on carcinogenicity, mutagenicity,
developmental toxicity, complex mixtures, and
exposure. Additional guidelines on reproductive
effects, systemic toxicity and pharmacokinetics are
under development. A new Agency-wide Risk
Assessment Forum provides a mechanism for
interoffice exchange on science issues in risk
assessment; advises the Agency on precedent-
setting cases and important environmental risk
assessment issues, and recommends revisions or
updates to the risk assessment guidelines A
computer-housed electronically communicated
catalogue of Agency risk assessment and risk
management information on chemicals will be
managed by the scientific assessment program.
1986 Program Accomplishments
Five risk assessment guidelines were approved
by the Administrator and were published in Vol. 51
of the Federal Register on September 26, 1 986:
Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment, pp.
33992-34003.
Guidelines for Estimating Exposures, pp. 34042-
34054.
58
-------
Guidelines for Mutagenicity Risk Assessment, pp.
34006-34012.
Guidelines for the Health Assessment of Suspect
Developmental Toxicants, pp. 34028-34040.
Guidelines for the Health Risk Assessment of
Chemical Mixtures, pp. 34014-34025.
The guidelines and the public comment were
reviewed favorably by the Science Advisory Board,
and revisions requested by the Science Advisory
Board were made. An ad hoc Agency-wide group is
working on an implementation plan for the new
guidelines. In FY 1 986, the Agency continued work
on separate guidelines for male infertility and
female infertility, scheduled proposal in the Federal
Register for FY 1 987, and initiated work on new
guidelines on the use of measurement information
m exposure assessments, and on
pharmacokinetics.
The Reference Dose (RfD) Workgroup on
acceptable daily intakes completed and made public
risk assessment information on 98 chemicals.
The Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), a
computer-housed electronically communicated
catalogue on Agency risk assessment and risk
management information for chemical substances
was developed and implemented. Risk assessments
for non-carcinogenic health effects for 98
chemicals have been input into IRIS. IRIS contains
information (toxicity and regulatory) in a chemical
specific format and chemicals are selected for
inclusion based on both their lexicological
properties and their occurrence in the environment.
IRIS was designed especially for Federal, State and
local environmental health agencies as a source of
the latest information about Agency health
assessments and regulatory positions for specific
chemicals
1987 Program Outlook
Risk Assessment Forum activities for FY 1 987
are as follows.
The RfD workgroup will complete and make public
risk assessment information on approximately
200 chemicals in addition to those completed in
FY 1986.
A draft report on several issues involved in
assessing carcinogenic risk from oral exposure
to arsenic is nearmg completion and being
readied for a peer review workshop in early FY
1987.
A draft report on the appropriate safety or
uncertainty factors for cholinesterase inhibitors
will be ready for review in early FY 1 987.
The following reports were completed and are
being published:
Interim risk assessment procedures for mixtures
of chlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans.
Formal report on "Proliferative Hepatocellular
Lesions of the Rat: Review and Future Use in
Risk Assessment (neoplastic nodules)." All
internal and external reviews are completed and
it will be printed early in FY 1 987.
Interpretation of Neoplastic Nodules
The IRIS activity is expected to include risk
assessments for noncarcinogenic health effects for
approximately 200 additional chemicals and
carcinogenic health effects for 100 chemicals.
ISSUE: Technical Information Product
Management/Technology Transfer
The Center for Environmental Research
Information (CERI) provides centralized support for
the production of information products in a cost-
effective manner, insures consistent uniform
dissemination of research results, and provides a
technology transfer program to synthesize
information and develop presentations to more
effectively support specific high-priority program
objectives at the lowest cost to the government.
1986 Program Accomplishments
In 1 986, CERI continued to provide support to
ORD laboratories by writing summaries of research
projects conducted by or for ORD, editing
documents and summaries, assuring the quality of
material submitted for printing, typesetting and
producing documents, assuring the quality of and
preparing documents for submission to the
National Technical Information Service, controlling
the distribution of documents, and responding to
requests for publications and documents.
The technology transfer program assessed the
status of research and regulations, discussed with
the Research Committees their priorities for
disseminating material, developed innovative
information transfer mechanisms, and ensured that
information on improved technology and
management practices was distributed to
appropriate audiences to comply with EPA
regulations. All information on products was
developed using a team of participants from ORD,
EPA program offices, and private industry.
In 1986, CERI developed and published two
manuals, two handbooks and a variety of brochures
and information tools for the technological and
regulatory communities.
The design manual. Municipal Wastewater
Treatment, provides a comprehensive source of
59
-------
information to be used in the design of disinfection
facilities for municipal wastewater treatment
plants. The manual includes design information on
halogenation/dehalogenation, ozonation, and
ultraviolet radiation.
The manual entitled Fabric Filter Operation and
Maintenance is slanted toward the concerns of the
plant environmental engineer responsible for long-
term control strategies, O&M plans, preparation of
bid specifications, and performance trends analysis.
The document also presents information to enable
plant personnel to recognize potential problem
areas as well as existing problems, their underlying
causes, and their solutions. The information
provided should help EPA field personnel to
determine if the fabric filter is operating within the
applicable regulations, to judge the effectiveness of
the plant's O&M program, and to assess the causes
of poor fabric filter performance.
The handbook entitled Permit Writer's Guide to
Test Burn DataHazardous Waste Incineration
was developed for State and Federal permit writers
and others concerned with the permitting and
testing of hazardous waste incinerators. The
handbook summarizes the test results from
hazardous waste burns conducted at 23 full-scale
stationary incinerators. In addition to the
incinerator data, the handbook also presents the
results of hazardous waste test burns at 11 lime,
cement, and aggregate kilns and 11 industrial
boilers.
The handbook entitled Stream Samp/ing for
Waste Load Allocation Applications discusses
sampling strategies that will facilitate the fine
tuning of water quality models for allocating waste
loads.
Other publications produced this year describe
radon reduction techniques for detached houses,
nitrogen oxide control for stationary combustion
sources, the technology of sequencing batch
reactors, the causes and control of activated sludge
bulking and foaming, and the National
Pretreatment Program These publications help
industries and municipalities to understand
applicable regulations and the available
technologies to satisfy those regulations.
In addition to publications that aid EPA
constituencies, CERI develops seminars to transfer
information to appropriate users. In 1986, the
seminar series stressed current technologies for
treating hazardous waste in keeping with RCRA
and CERCLA regulations. These seminars were
intended not only to transfer information but to
establish lines of communication so that the Office
of Solid Waste, the Office of Research and
Development, EPA Regional Offices and the states
could avail themselves of all resources for
accomplishing their missions.
1987 Program Outlook
In the ensuing year, CERI plans to realize 11
projects in hazardous waste treatment and
disposal, ground-water contamination, drinking
water and air pollutant regulations, and municipal
treatment of wastewater, each of them calling for
seminars or guidance documents, depending on
audience needs. As an example, CERI plans to
address the problems associated with RCRA
regulations that pertain to the contamination of
groundwater by hazardous wastes migrating from
sites where they are stored. Since site owners
must control releases of these wastes they need to
know how to investigate and assess whether
corrective action is required and what technological
alternatives are available and appropriate for
resolving the problem. CERI is therefore conducting
10 technology transfer seminars and developing an
associated publication that addresses preliminary
assessments, site investigations, and corrective
action alternatives. The information will be targeted
at owners and operators of hazardous waste sites,
as well as federal and state regulatory officials who
are involved with administrating RCRA regulations.
ISSUE: Regulatory Support
The Office of Regulatory Support (ORS) was
established in FY 1986 to sharpen ORD's focus on
regulatory development in the Agency and to serve
as a bridge between scientific/technical expertise
and regulatory decision making. ORS' primary
function is to identify major regulatory issues early
on in their development and bring together ORD
experts and key regulatory staff to discuss the state
of the applicable science. By helping to delineate
the areas of relative certainty and uncertainty, and
by identifying areas of research which hold
promise, ORS seeks to improve the ability of ORD
to make a very direct and timely impact on
regulatory decisions.
1986 Program Accomplishments
Created a new organizational unit comprised of
seven professionals and a director from diverse
regulatory and scientific backgrounds.
Established strong working ties with key staff in
EPA program offices.
Organized several workshops to bring regulatory
and scientific personnel together to reach an
understanding of the applicability of selected
research to critical regulatory decisions.
Provided weekly status report to ORD senior staff
on key legislative and regulatory development
activities.
60
-------
Organized information on all ORD workgroup
activities.
Represented ORD on the Agency steering
committee and the Administration Risk
Management Council.
Organized briefings for the AA on all options
selection reviews and related regulatory
decisions.
Represented ORD in critical Agency-wide task
groups including the integrated chlorinated
solvents strategy, CERCLA Title III planning,
Superfund health program development, etc.
Developed a series of issue papers informing ORD
of regulatory and technical issues on the Agency
regulatory agenda.
7357 Program Outlook
ORD has identified the following regulatory items
as those which will warrant significant ORD
involvement in the coming fiscal year. Staff will
employ a variety of means to ensure ORD's
participation in the deliberations leading to
regulatory decision-making.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Leaking underground storage tanks: regulations
for tanks
Restriction of land disposal of certain hazardous
wastessolvents and dioxins; California list
and establishing the framework for EPA's land
disposal program.
Air emission regulations for hazardous waste
treatment, storage and disposal facilities.
Proposed reinterpretation of mining waste
exclusionsmelting/refining.
Corrective action at Federal facilities.
Corrective action regulations for underground
storage tanks.
Criteria for classification of solid waste disposal
facilities and practices (revision).
RCRA location standards for hazardous waste
treatment, storage and disposal facilities.
Superfund (CERCLA)
National Contingency PlanHazard Ranking
System revision.
Title III Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know.
Research, Development, Demonstration and
training amendments.
Clean Water Act
Sewage sludge use and disposal regulations.
Regulations to implement recommendations of
the Domestic Sewage Study.
Comprehensive revision to ocean dumping
regulations.
Safe Drinking Water Act
Proposed National Primary Drinking Water
Regulations: inorganic and organic compounds
and microbiological contaminants.
Final National Primary Drinking Water
Regulations: maximum contaminant levels for
volatile organic chemicals found in drinking
water.
Proposed National Primary Drinking Water
Regulation: surface water treatment criteria.
List of contaminants occurring in public water
systems which may require regulation.
Criteria for state implementation of wellhead
protection program.
Clean Air Act
National Ambient Air Quality Standards: carbon
monoxide, particulate matter, sulfur oxides,
nitrogen oxides, ozone.
National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air
Pollutantsorganics.
Control of excess evaporative emissions/fuel
volatility.
Gasoline marketing control strategy.
Treatment, storage and disposal facility area
source air emissionsRCRA standards.
Toxic Substances Control Act
Testing rules and standards, Section 4various.
Biotechnology rulesignificant new use rule;
pre-manufacturmg notification and reporting
requirements.
61
-------
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act
Strategy for regulation of inert ingredients in
pesticide formulations.
Special and routine reviews of registration/
reregistration.
Cross Media Issues
Strategy for control of municipal waste
combustion.
Stratospheric ozone protection plan.
Agency indoor air quality policy.
Air toxics strategy.
Risk assessment guidelines implementation.
Integrated Environmental Management Program.
ORD Regional Communication Study.
Regulatory endpomts for environmental risk
assessment.
Implementation of chlorinated solvents
integration strategy.
62
-------
Water Research Committee
Introduction
EPA's water research program provides the
knowledge and methods required to protect our
Nation's freshwater and marine environments, to
ensure the continued safety of our drinking water
supplies, and to implement the most cost-effective
wastewater treatment technologies. Demands on
water supplies are increasing while chemical
contamination from toxic wastes and waterborne
diseases are posing major threats to some
localities. Traditional methods and strategies to
measure and control pollution effects, especially
from organic chemicals, may no longer provide the
level of assurance demanded by the public. In order
to meet the challenges of increasingly complex
contaminants in water, research must develop
effective approaches to assess a growing number
of potentially harmful mixtures of organic, toxic and
chlorinated organic compounds Water
management is becoming more complicated, and
regulators in both the federal and state sectors
require greater scientific certainty as a basis for
their decision.
In this context, EPA's health effects research is
important to the development of both drinking
water and ambient water quality regulations. The
engineering research program's evaluation,
development and transfer of innovative treatment
technologies to municipalities, industry and private
landowners assists in the implementation of cost-
effective alternatives. EPA is also accelerating its
research into the toxic impacts to fish, wildlife and
their ecological systems. Finally, the necessity for
credible research and monitoring data is a cross-
cutting issue of significance to the entire research
program.
Water research activities will continue to provide
support to the Agency in the following areas.
developing revised and new drinking water
Maximum Contaminant Levels and Health
Advisories; developing Criteria Documents and the
scientific underpinnings of ambient water-quality
regulatory policies; assisting the Regions and
States to meet the burgeoning demand for toxicity-
based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permits; providing technical
support to the municipal wastewater construction
program in pretreatment, sludge, infiltration/inflow
and protecting ground water resources.
The six topics described in this report represent
the principal concerns in the water research area.
Specific research outputs supporting each topic
appear in the final section of this water research
committee report
Major Research Issues
ISSUE: Water Quality Based Approach/
Permitting
A continuing issue in water quality regulation is
the water quality based approach (WQBA) program
which focuses on the quality of ambient marine
and freshwaters essential to protect human health
and aquatic life Emphasis is now placed on
characterizing the attainable uses of a water body
based on natural features and surrounding land
forms, single chemical criteria development and
toxicity reduction through biomonitoring.
Determination of wasteload allocation is based on
these factors. Diffuse or nonpoint sources of
contamination are addressed through best
management practices. These activities are
supported by permit and receiving water
monitoring, methods standardization, and quality
assurance. Measurement of toxic concentrations of
chemicals m water, sediment and tissue is
required. Speciation of elements, metallic
compounds, and PCBs by GC/MS are to be
included in these measurements.
1986 Program Accomplishments
During FY 1986, the health research program
continued to develop and evaluate health effect
bioassays for the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System/Water Quality Based Approach
(WQBA) permitting program. Research has been
conducted to enhance our knowledge of collection,
concentration, and bioassay techniques for
evaluating the health effects of wastewater
effluents. Modifications to existing protocols for the
Salmonella mutagenicity assay and the Chinese
Hamster Ovary cell cytotoxicity assay have
increased the sensitivity for detecting these
biological endpoints in whole wastewater samples.
Using this modification, mutagenicity and toxicity
were detected in wastewater, and these effects
63
-------
were not previously detected using the standard
protocol. A preliminary finding has demonstrated
that over 80% of the mutagenic activity of
wastewater effluents was identified in the
particulate matter. Determination of the physical
state of mutagenic components of wastewater
would have a significant effect on the assessment
and management of the disposal options to protect
human health.
A site has been selected on the York and James
Rivers to study the relationship between microbial
indicators of water quality and disease in clam and
oyster consumers. Background measurements of
various microbial indicators have been made in the
harvesting waters and in the shellfish meats prior
to beginning the human clinical study. OMB
approval to conduct the human clinical study was
obtained in the last quarter of the year.
Manuals were published for the identification of
marine invertebrates and phytoplankton. Improved
alternative media for total coliform bacteria were
developed and validated in an mterlaboratory study.
Mammalian cell culture methods for virus analysis
were updated and published to replace dated
material in the existing (1 984) USEPA Virology
Methods Manual
Effects of holding time and temperature on
coliform testing for waters was published, as was
an improved method to reconstitute waterborne
viruses and revised urology methods on sample
cytotoxicity removal. User friendly data reduction
PC packages were provided for use by Regions
In the area of monitoring and quality assurance,
three reference ualibrations were added to the
repository of biological toxicity testing systems,
single laboratory precision/accuracy testing was
performed for biological and chemical test
procedures; and reference materials and
performance audit materials were supplied to
support freshwater analysis. Performance
evaluation studies were conducted for trace metals,
minerals, nutrients, PCBs, pesticides, volatile
organics, cyanides, residues, and oil and grease
Biological quality control samples, calibration
standards, and other quality control samples were
distributed
The environmental processes and effects
program has completed several major projects in
1986. These include completion of: a report on
analytical components of a field study to test
wasteload allocation (WLA) models; workshops on
selected WLA models and the development of
user's manuals for two models; a map of aquatic
ecoregions for the coterminous United States and a
report on methods to measure bioaccumulation
from pollutants in sediments. Several case studies
using toxicity tests of complex effluents were
finished. An evaluation was conducted of the
toxicity factor model to derive site-specific criteria,
and evaluation of site-specific ammonia criteria for
a field site was carried out. Ambient water quality
criteria were completed for nickel, Dursban,
pentachlorophenol, dissolved oxygen, toxaphene,
selenium and zinc. In addition, several ambient
water quality advisories were also prepared.
7557 Program Outlook
The health research program will continue to
generate data which is suitable for performing
assessments of the potential health effects from
wastewater effluents. Assessment of the relative
potency of a given wastewater effluent will be
based on biological data in comparison with
relevant reference chemicals and environmental
mixtures for which there are documented effects. A
report on the evaluation of health effect bioassays
methods for testing wastewaters will be published
The human clinical study to determine the
relationship between microbial water quality
indicators and disease in shellfish consumers will
begin. The first year will concentrate on oysters. In
FY 1988, clams will be used in the clinical studies
In the scientific assessment area, 10 human
health chapters for Ambient Water Quality criteria
documents will be prepared Ten water quality
advisories will also be developed for OW Reviews
of four 301(g) variance requests will be completed.
Response to technical assistance requests will
continue.
The monitoring and quality assurance program
will continue to emphasize the generic
instrumental approach in order to provide the most
cost-effective methods possible. This will include
continuing work on GC/MS and HPLC/MS
methods for organic chemicals, ICP methods for
metals and ion chromatography for specific ion and
metals speciation in ambient waters, municipal
sludge, sediments and biological tissue Research
will continue the development of an on-line fiber
optics toxic analyzer
A manual containing five standardized, short-
term chronic effluent toxicity test methods for
marine organisms will be published. Standardized
methods will be developed for specific human
pathogens such as Salmonella, Hepatitis A virus
and rotavirus in sludges, waters and wastewaters.
Additional reference toxicants and other biological
reference materials will be developed and
distributed
The environmental processes and effects
program will continue to develop, improve, simplify,
and test data bases and wasteload allocation
models to implement the water quality based
approach. The Center for Water Quality Modeling
will maintain and provide model codes, user
manuals, training and user assistance In addition,
64
-------
work on the national atlas and maps of aquatic
ecoregions will continue.
Toxicity test methods for aquatic life will be
developed, improved, verified, and transferred to
Regions and States for predicting instream water
body and biological impacts m fresh, brackish and
marine systems. The significance of toxicity
persistence to biota will be determined and
methods developed for factoring these into the
permitting process. Research will continue to
integrate pollutant-specific toxic control techniques
with whole effluent toxicity testing procedures and
best available technology (BAT) limits for use in
water quality permitting. Freshwater and marine
specific chemical aquatic life criteria and advisories
will be developed as needed. The research program
will develop, modify, and apply experimental
knowledge-based expert systems for environmental
assessment needs
Research will be conducted to strengthen the
scientific and technical data base to support the
Agency's effort to reduce the loss or degradation of
the wetlands. Improved methods will be developed
to assess individual and cumulative impacts of
wetland conversions as well as effective means of
mitigating impacts.
The cooperative ecological research with the
People's Republic of China will continue in FY 1 987
to address the impact of contaminants on
freshwater organisms, and will be at the stage in
which field verification of methodologies will be
emphasized
ISSUE: Wastewater Treatment Technology
This issue focuses on the identification and
evaluation of technologies to improve the reliability
and cost-effectiveness of municipal and industrial
wastewater treatment facilities This research
emphasizes the technical area in support of the
development and implementation of regulations for
the management of sludge produced by waste
treatment plants Standardized analytical methods
and quality assurance practices are needed to
support these efforts.
1986 Program Accomplishments
In the scientific assessment area, a quantitative
risk assessment for the land application/
distribution and marketing sludge disposal option
for pathogens was initiated using a revised version
of the Sandia Lab fate and transport model.
Qualitative pathogen risk assessments for sludge
landfilling and ocean disposal options were
completed.
In the engineering area, major accomplishments
included five Regional seminars on evaluation of I/
A projects for the 100% modification/replacement
program, and the completion of eight I/A
technology evaluations The Process Design
Manual for Disinfection was published and
distributed at the October 1 986 WPCF conference.
Fiver Regional seminars on "Improving POTW
Performance Using the Composite Correction
Program Approach" were presented. Ten Design
Information Series reports were produced. Toxics
Interference Manual for Municipal Wastewater
Treatment was prepared in support of pretreatment
regulations Assessment of the capability of six
alternative treatment technologies for the control of
toxics in marine waste discharges and a survey of
toxics reduction on six Ohio municipal wastewater
treatment plants were conducted. Reports were
completed on evaluations of enhanced chemical
oxygen demand (COD) removal in pharmaceutical
wastewater, pilot anaerobic biological treatment of
pulp mill evaporator foul condensates, evaluations
of granular carbon treatment of pesticide
manufacture wastewater, toxic reduction
evaluations at a multipurpose special chemical
plant with the development of a modified Walsh
fractionation procedure to identify toxics, and
alternatives to toxic organic paint strippers.
The engineering research program continues to
support the development of sludge regulations.
Technical support was provided to revise the draft
regulations on the pathogen content of sludge for
land disposal A paper entitled "Basis for Risk
Reference Dose for Dietary Cadmium Intake" was
published
In the health effects area, research activities
were directed toward determining the health
effects of pathogens, organic and inorganic
chemicals in sludge. In addition, HERL has had
major input to ECAO's efforts to provide risk
assessment models for pathogens in sludge.
A study of the pathogen content of D&M sludge
products was initiated in FY 1 986 to evaluate the
regulatory needs for the safe use of composted
sludge Municipal sludges which are marketed or
otherwise distributed to the public as soil
amendments or fertilizer will be analyzed for both
organic and inorganic priority pollutants. Six
composite samples from each of two major cities
will be analyzed as well one composite sample from
each of 24 smaller cities. In addition to priority
pollutants, the mass spectra of the chromatograms
will be examined for other substances which occur
frequently or in high concentrations. A report on
this study will be completed by September 1 987.
In addition, research results on the leaching of
viruses from sludge, survival of enteric viruses
during sludge storage, and determination of the
stability of viruses in sludge extracts were
published. These data will be useful in conducting
pathogen risk assessments.
65
-------
A final report on the Lubbock Infection
Surveillance Study describing the relationship
between land application of wastewater and
infections in an exposed population was published
in 1986. The data from this study will be useful in
determining the risks of infectious disease to
humans living near wastewater land application
sites. The final report from the Ohio Farms Sludge
application study was completed, and three
separate sections reported on: (1) Health Effects; (2)
Tissue Metal Residues; and (3) Estimation of
Cadmium Intake.
In the monitoring and quality assurance areas, a
report reviewing and updating the "Guidelines
Establishing Test Procedures for Analysis of
Pollutants" was published in the Federal Register.
A report on "Systematic Approach to Methods
Development for RCRA Appendix VIII Analytes"
was made at the Industrial Wastewater "Annual
Symposium on the Analysis of Pollutants in the
Environment "
7557 Program Outlook
In the scientific assessment area, identification of
five second round Hazard Indices/Environmental
Profiles and one Pathogen Prototype Criteria
document for viruses will be initiated The scientific
assessment program will respond to the SAB and
public comments on land application chemical risk
assessment methodology. The pathogen land
application/distribution and marketing risk
assessment methodology and a bacteria prototype
document will be delivered to OWRS.
In the engineering area, technology evaluations
in support of the 100% modification/replacement
program will be continued. The design, cost and
performance information will be developed for
sludge stabilization and dewatermg processes, and
the evaluations of sludge management alternatives
Work on improved design procedures and
parameters to correct design deficiencies and
improve performance and compliance of POTW will
be conducted toward the completion. Toxicity
reduction evaluation protocols and case histories,
and approaches to enhance toxics removal in
wastewater treatment will be conducted Work will
be initiated on the engineering data base and
managerial techniques needed by states to apply a
system engineering approach in implementing the
water quality control programs. Evaluations of
treatment technologies will be continued to assist
the Industrial Technology Division in the
development of BAT limitations, and on toxicity
reduction evaluations for use by permitting
authorities in writing best professional judgment
(BPJ) NPDES permits. Work in toxics to be
conducted includes assessment of treatment
mechanisms and the fate of toxics during
wastewater treatment, pilot study on acclimated
and un-acchmated wastewater, evaluation of
industrial wastewater treatment methods for the
removal of pharmaceutical chemical oxygen
demand (COD) in powder activated carbon
treatment (PACT) wastewater treatment, the
removal of phthalates from plastic molding and
forming wastewaters, and ammonium from
tungsten wastewater. A data base on the kinetics
of removal of toxics by sorption, volatilization, and
biodegradation will be developed. Methods to
facilitate evaluation and prediction of the
consequences of disposal of various wastes into
the freshwater and marine environment will be
evaluated and determined
In FY 1 987, HERL plans to develop a computer
simulation method based on Kjellstrom and
Nordberg's kinetic model of cadmium metabolism
in the human being that will allow predicted
population frequency distributions of accumulated
renal cortex cadmium. Expected cadmium injection
levels resulting from various sludge usage
scenarios recently developed by HERL and MERL
staff will be used to predict the effect of the
increased cadmium in the food supply.
A field study to determine the survival of Ascaris
ova in sludge amended soil will be completed in
early FY 1 987. Further studies on the infective dose
of enteric viruses will continue into mid-FY 1 988.
The monitoring and quality assurance program
will review, update and distribute the annual report
on "Guidelines for Establishing Test Procedures for
the Analyses of Pollutants." Research to evaluate
and standardize HPLC/MS methods for sludge
matrices is planned. Plans to assist the regions in
evaluation and improvements of flow measurement
techniques and equipment are being made.
Supercritical fluid extraction techniques for field
preparation of samples will be investigated.
Rapid, advanced techniques will be evaluated
and standardized to detect and monitor toxicity
entering municipal waste treatment plants and to
measure toxicity reduction during waste treatment
processes.
Research will be conducted to identify and
determine the distribution of unlisted chemicals in
industrial wastewater. Compounds that can be
identified by empirical mass spectra matching, as
well as those that elude identification by this
technique, will be included
ISSUE: Marine, Estuaries and Lakes
Marine research focuses on the development/
validation of protocols for predicting the impacts
from ocean disposal actions for use in the ocean
dumping permit program, the 301(h) waiver
program and the NPDES program. Technology-
related research in this area focuses on
-------
correlations between the type of treatment and the
resulting environmental impacts following disposal
and is expected to be used in assessing the
appropriate level of treatment for wastes to be
disposed to the ocean. Estuarine research develops
procedures and information that supports decisions
related to estuarine water quality. Great Lakes
research is conducted on the transport, fate and
effects of toxic materials in selected areas of that
ecosystem for use by the Great Lakes National
Program Offices, the Regions and the International
Joint Commission under the US/Canada Water
Quality Agreement.
1986 Program Accomplishments
In support of EPA's ocean disposal activities,
effects and exposure methods were evaluated.
Emphasis was given to the development of a
wasteload allocation model for municipal sewage
sludge at the 106-mile ocean dumping site. The
correlation of laboratory and field bioaccumulation
data for pollutants from dredged material was
completed. Researchers supported the 301 (h)
waiver program for ocean outfall discharges by
providing technical assistance, as part of a national
task force, for several applicants nationwide.
Methodologies were developed/evaluated for use
in predicting and assessing the effects of emission
products from the at-sea incineration of hazardous
wastes. An inter-laboratory comparison of toxicity
from selected drilling fluids was conducted. A
report on the desorption of toxic metals from sludge
to marine waters was also completed.
EPA's Great Lakes program was supported
through the development of a documentation
manual for a phytoplankton simulation model,
completion of a study of biological effects along a
chemical gradient, and the development of a
source-fate-transport-exposure toxicity model for a
Great Lakes area of concern (Raisin River). A high
level of technical assistance was also provided to
the Great Lakes National Program Office, the
Regions end the International Joint Commission.
7357 Program Outlook
The marine research program will continue to
develop and test assessment procedures for
evaluating the impact of ocean dumping and ocean
outfall discharge of wastes, to develop and test
monitoring methods for coastal and deepwater
application, to develop and revise screening
procedures for characterizing the bioaccumulation
potential of contaminants associated with wastes
to be ocean disposed, and to evaluate the
significance of bioaccumulation processes,
resultant tissue residues and biological effects. The
program will also continue to evaluate the impacts
of drilling fluids and produced waters on the marine
environment. Research to develop a procedure for
evaluating alternative technology options and their
impact on the viability of ocean dumping will
continue. Technology related research in this area
will focus on the desorption of toxic organics from
sludges to marine waters and on the fate of toxic
organics and metals during treatment.
The estuarine research program will be
developing generic procedures for conducting
wasteload allocations in estuaries. These
procedures will be used to help make better source
control decisions in the NPDES and construction
grants programs.
Great Lakes research will study the transport,
fate and effects of toxics. Emphasis will be given to
problems related to in-place pollutants. In additon,
substantial technical assistance will continue to be
given to the Office of Water, the Great Lakes
National Program Office, and the Regions.
The Office of Water is developing a Near Coastal
Waters Strategy. The goal of this strategy is to
maintain, and where possible, enhance
environmental quality of near coastal waters. A
research plan will be developed which is
responsive to the needs expressed in the strategy.
ISSUE: Health Effects of Drinking Water
Contaminants
This research defines the health risks from
exposure to drinking water contaminants. Areas of
major concern deal with developing toxicological
testing and risk assessment methodologies for
complex mixtures, determining the public health
risk from exposure to waterborne infectious disease
agents, conducting epidemiological studies to
determine health risk in human populations
exposed to various drinking water contaminants,
and providing criteria documents summarizing the
relevant scientific data to support the health risk
assessment.
1986 Program Accomplishments
In FY 1986, 1 0 and/or 90 day toxicity studies
were completed for the following compounds:
tetrahydrofuran; 1,2-dichloropropane; 1,2,3-
trichloropropane; ethylene glycol; chlorobenzene;
1,3-dichlorobenzene; and 1,2-dichloroethane. The
data from these studies will be used by ODW to
develop Maximum Contaminant Level Goals
(MCLG) in support of drinking water standards.
Trichloroethylene (TCE) has been reported to
increase the incidence of liver cancer in mice, but
not rats. Evidence suggests that the species
sensitivity to TCE resides in its ability to induce
peroxisome proliferation in mice, but not in rats.
Mice were shown to be sensitive to
tnchloroethylene and trichloroacetic acid (a by-
product of TCE metabolism) induction of
67
-------
peroxisome proliferation while rats were
insensitive. Both species were sensitive to
dichloroacetic acid, while monochloroacetic was
inactive in either species. Cytotoxicity studies using
primary cultures of rat and mouse hepatocytes
reflected the sensitivity to the TCE metabolites seen
for peroxisome proliferation induction in vivo.
These data support the idea that mouse liver
sensitivity to induction of peroxisome proliferation
by tnchloroacetic acid in part underlies the
carcinogenicity of trichloroethylene in that species.
Chlorine dioxide and chlorite were evaluated for
effects on neurobehavioral development of rat
pups. Rat pups were indirectly exposed (via their
dam's drinking water) to various levels of these
compounds. The development of locomotor activity
of the rat pups was tested in a home cage
apparatus from 14 through 21 days of age. Pups
exposed to both compounds exhibited delays in the
development of locomotor activity when compared
to controls.
A study to determine the carcinogenic and tumor
promoting activity of dichloroacetic acid,
trichloroacetic acid and trichloroethylene
administered in the drinking water to B6C3F1 mice
was completed. The results indicate that both
dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid are
hepatocarcmogens. Not only are these chlorinated
acetic acids contaminants of drinking water, but
trichloroacetic acid is a major metabolite of
trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. Therefore,
our results might also explain the
hepatocarcmogenic activity of trichloroethylene and
perchloroethylene, which are industrial
contaminants of ground and drinking water.
The study of health effects associated with point-
of-use granular activated carbon (GAG) filters in the
home is nearing completion. Preliminary results
from that portion of the study dealing with by-pass
GAG home filters indicate that there is no excess
illness or infection in a study group who used this
type of filter relative to a group that did not use
GAG filters. The data from this portion of the study
were very similar to that observed with faucet type
GAG filters, where no excess illness or infections
were linked to filter use.
A two-day training session detailing Giardia
Immunofluorescent Antibody techniques was
conducted. Representatives from Regions I and X,
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Resources and the University of Pittsburgh
attended the session.
The re-evaluation of the Aluminum Drinking
Water Criteria Document (DWCD) initiated some
minor revisions. Future action on this document
awaits direction from the Office of Drinking Water
(ODW). Public comments on all 28 Phase II
documents have been received and reviewed and
appropriate responses have been delivered to
ODW.
Three Phase IV drinking water criteria documents
on disinfectants and disinfectant by-products were
externally peer reviewed (chlorine and by-products;
chloramines and ammonia, chlorophenols). A
workshop was conducted on all eight of the Phase
IV documents. The eight Phase V documents have
been revised and prepared for external review. The
30 health advisories for Section 1445 unregulated
VOCs were revised to incorporate comments
received from OHEAand internal ECAO-CIN
reviews (rough external review drafts).
1987 Program Outlook
In FY 1987, the health effects program will
conduct 10 and 90 day subchronic toxicity studies
on: 1,2-dichlorobenzene, epichlorohydrin, 1,1,1-
trichloropropanone, chloropicrm, monochloramine,
chlorine, monochloroacetic acid, 2,4,6-
trichlorophenol, and 90 day studies on dichloro-
and trichloroacetic acids.
In order to resolve the questions relating
disinfection of drinking water to cardiovascular
disease, the following studies will be initiated: a
second pigeon study on the primary disinfectants to
independently repeat the previous study, an animal
study on chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and chloramine.
Human clinical studies on the disinfectants and
cardiovascular disease parameters will be
completed as well as the currently ongoing
epidemiology study.
To determine the role of MX as a possible
mutagenic by-product of disinfection, in vivo tests
will be conducted to determine the mutagenicity
and tumorgenicity of MX. This data will be
important in validating the results of in vitro studies
and will directly support development of an MCLG
for this disinfection by-product.
The microbiology research program will conduct
a study to determine the risk of infectious diseases
in populations using point of entry drinking water
treatment devices. Infectivity data will be developed
for an additional 20 heterotrophic organisms
isolated from in home granular activated carbon
filters. A feasibility study will be conducted to
determine if a population can be identified to
determine the health significance of low levels of
viruses in finished drinking water. Research on
identifying Giardia cysts in water supplies and
determining their viability and infectivity will
continue.
Twenty-eight Phase II documents will undergo
quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checks
for submission as final documents. The aluminum
document will be finalized pending guidance from
ODW. Phase IV documents will incorporate all
external review comments (Public/Workshop).
68
-------
Phase V documents will undergo external review
and final drafts will be prepared. Health advisories
will be prepared as final External Review Drafts.
ISSUE: Drinking Water Technology
The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1 974 directs the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set
national drinking water standards. This research
program is focused on developing a defensible
basis for standards that apply to public water
supply systems and providing technical assistance
to states, regions and utilities.
Major engineering research issues deal with the
treatment of trace organics and disinfection by-
products. Also, control of microbiological
contaminants and development of a fundamental
understanding of disinfection kinetics remain a
relatively high priority. For example, there is
general concern over the occurrence of Giardiasis
in the U.S. and a growing awareness of problems
resulting from poorly operated treatment plants and
deterioration of water quality in distribution
systems. Finding cost-effective treatment processes
to remove regulated contaminants from small
water supplies that are not in compliance is also
receiving major attention.
In the analytical methods and mandatory quality
assurance areas, 10 regional laboratories are
evaluated annually in support of the National
Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations
monitoring certification program. This program is
also responsible for methods development and
analytical procedures to produce precise and
accurate total measurements systems for chemical,
microbiological, and radiochemical analysis.
Technically and economically feasible analytical
procedures to be used by the Agency, states,
municipalities and operators of public drinking
water systems to monitor contaminants are also
provided.
FY 1986 Accomplishments
A report on the cost and performance for
treatment of synthetic organic chemicals was
produced to assist Phase II regulations. Evaluation
of mplant trihalomethane control technology was
completed to provide cost and performance
information. An interim report on the inactivation of
microbial agents by chemical disinfectants was
produced. Evaluations of silicate and phosphate
compounds for their ability to inhibit corrosion of
different pipes were completed.
About 1 5 final reports were produced to provide
information on such topics as trihalomethane
control techniques, removal of radium from
drinking water, and the control of dioxins from a
granular activated carbon regeneration furnace.
About 25 presentations were made at national and
international meetings on EPA research activities
in VOC removal techniques, distribution system
problems, virus and bacteria inactivation by
disinfection, and the effective operation of water
filtration plants.
In support of the revised Primary Drinking Water
Regulations, analytical "Methods for the
Determination of Organic Compounds in Finished
Drinking Water and Raw Source Water" were
developed. These include packed wide-bore and
capillary GC and GC/MS methods for the nine
volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and the 51
Section 1445 VOCs requiring monitoring. A method
employing the wide-bore column and the
photoionization and electrolytic conductivity
detectors in series is being evaluated for
determination of all 60 compounds. The laboratory
continued to support the National Inorganics and
Radiochemical Survey and is developing analytical
methods for the National Pesticides Survey.
Drinking water certification training courses
were offered to regional and state personnel in
chemistry and microbiology. On-site laboratory
evaluations were made in response to regional
requests.
The Presence-Absence test, a rapid, inexpensive
method for detecting coliform bacteria in finished
drinking water, was evaluated. State-of-the-art
reports were prepared for methods for several
microbiological parameters under consideration for
proposed regulation of maximum contaminant
levels.
FY 1987 Program
Research will continue to focus on developing
information to assist utilities in complying with
existing regulations and providing data to support
proposed regulations. Large-scale experimental
treatment technology projects will be conducted for
organic and inorganic contaminant removal,
especially related to ground water. Studies to
evaluate the effectiveness of chlorine and
alternative disinfectants for the control of
waterborne pathogens will be continued.
Evaluations of treatment technology for
radionuclide removal and residues disposal
management will also continue. Studies to
determine the factors leading to deterioration of
water quality in distribution systems will be
conducted, and problems of small systems,
including system design, performance and
operation criteria, and institutional and pricing
policies will also be studied. Field scale evaluations
of granular activated carbon (GAC) technology and
additional treatment technology data for new
chemicals under the Safe Drinking Water Act
-------
Amendments will be initiated in support of
regulation developments.
The monitoring and quality assurance program
will provide methods development and analytical
procedures to produce precise and total
measurement systems for chemical, radiochemical,
and microbiological analysis and will develop less
expensive methods for new parameters including
synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs) which have
been established. Final standardized methods for
these SOCs and the pesticides for the underground
water survey will be published. The program will
also conduct laboratory certification for the 10
regions for organic and inorganic chemicals and
microbiological analysis, will produce and distribute
quality assurance and performance evaluation
samples and standard reference materials, and will
also conduct requested on-site laboratory
evaluations for radiochemicals analysis of drinking
water.
Research will begin on the development and
standardization of rapid, inexpensive new methods,
such as gene probes and monoclonal and
polyclonal antibody methods for detecting and
quantifying pathogen microorganisms in water
supplies and finished drinking water.
ISSUE: Ground Water
Our science for assessing and predicting the
impacts of ground water pollution is meager but
growing. In the past few years, important gains
have been made by the EPA ground water research
program in technology for accessing the subsurface
and taking samples that are contaminated by the
sampling process. Further, we know reasonably
well how a few organic chemicals of concern
behave in a few geological materials. However, the
state-of-the-art for ground water monitoring is
cumbersome, expensive, and insufficiently precise.
Our capability for predicting the behavior of organic
and microbiological contaminants is limited. Finally,
there is little information available on the
effectiveness for the costs of methods for in-situ
cleanup of already polluted aquifers.
1986 Program Accomplishments
A number of significant scientific advances were
reported. "Aerobic Degradation of Halogenated
Methanes, Ethanes, and Ethylenes by a Natural
Gas-Stimulated Microbial Community" reported the
discovery of a method by which trichloroethylene
and other important ground water contaminants
may be degraded in place. "Behavior of the
Hepatitis A Virus in Subsurface Systems" and
"Predictive Models for Pathogens in Ground
Water" described our increasing knowledge about
potential contamination of underground water
supplies from surface sources. "Physical and
Chemical Components of Dispersion" provided
important new information about a significant
problem in ground-water contaminant models.
Two major reports were published: EPA Ground-
Water Research Programs, and Ground-Water
Quality ProtectionState and Local Strategies.
Training efforts continued with basic ground-
water hydrogeology courses taught at five EPA
Regions, and the publication of a Training Manual
on Ground Water Contaminant Modeling. Other
important information transfer efforts also
continued with support of the International
Ground-Water Modeling Center and the National
Ground Water Information Centers.
7557 Program Outlook
The program will continue to focus on studies of
subsurface processes such as sorption,
biotransformation, redox, hydrolysis, and ion
exchange. Research to evaluate the cost-
effectiveness of aquifer restoration methods, such
as the one described above for trichloroethylene,
will also continue.
Major outputs are expected to support the
current regulatory emphasis on determining the
safety of deep-well injection of wastes. Research is
underway on fluid front movement from Hazardous
Waste injection wells, interaction of injected fluids
with injection zone materials, and mechanical
integrity test methods.
Emphasis will also continue on technical
assistance and information transfer Training of
Regions is expected to continue for several years,
and support of the International Ground-Water
Modeling Center and the National Ground Water
Information Center will also continued.
Research resulting from the wellhead protection
provision of the Safe Drinking Water Act
Amendment is being proposed.
In the monitoring and quality assurance area, the
program will continue to support the Regions in
locating abandoned wells. Research will continue
to determine the application of geophysics and
other techniques for detecting and mapping fluid
movement from injection wells. Evaluation and
development of laser-induced fluorescence for
monitoring ground-water contamination using fiber
optics will also continue. Hollow stem auger
methods will be evaluated to determine if sampling
wells completed by this method contribute to
vertical movement of contamination outside well
casings, potentially contaminating potable ground
water.
70
-------
Environmental Results and Projected
Output
ISSUE: Water Quality Based Approach/
Permitting
FY 1986 Results
Report on Evaluation of Metals Dissolution for
Chromium.
User-Friendly IBM PC Computer Programs for
Solving Sampling and Statistical Problems.
Development of Methods for Collection and
Analysis of Precipitation.
Report on Methods for Distinguishing Compounds
of Mercury.
Third Quarter/Annual Alternative Test Procedure
(ATP) Application Report.
Equivalency Applications Received, Notice and
Comments Published in Federal Register, Final
Notice Published in Federal Register.
Methods for Selected Synthetic Organic
CompoundsSummary Report.
Evaluation of Method 200.1, Determination of
Acid Soluble Metals.
Recommendations to the Office of Drinking Water
on Analytical Procedures for Virus Monitoring of
Drinking Water.
Status Report on "Virus Recoveries from
Retrofitted Aerobic Sludge Digesters," submitted
to Wastewater Research Division, Water
Engineering Research Laboratory, Cincinnati.
Report to Wastewater Research Division, Water
Engineering Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, on
indigenous viruses isolated from sludge
digesters undergoing different feeding protocols.
Annual Report on the Repository for Toxic and
Hazardous Materials.
Annual Report on Quality Control Samples
Program.
Annual Report on Referee Analytical Services.
Annual Report on the Traceability to the National
Bureau of Standards.
"Methods for Synthetic Organic Compounds
(SOCs)."
Report on analytical components of field study to
test WLA models.
TOXIWASP WorkshopAnnapolis, MD.
QUALlie WorkshopBoston, MA
User's manual for metals including
enhancements to MEXAMS with tutorial.
Map of aquatic ecoregions of the conterminous
United States.
Journal article on methods to measure
bioaccumulation resulting from sediment
toxicants.
Report on case studies on toxicity tests of complex
effluents to predict aquatic community impacts-
Ohio River, Wheeling, WV, Skeleton Creek, Enid,
OK, Naugatuck River, Waterbury, CT, and
Kanawha River, Charleston, WV
Report on feasibility of toxicity factors model to
derive site-specific criteria.
Journal article on field evaluation of site-specific
criteria for ammonia.
Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Nickel,
Dursban, Pentachlorophenol, Dissolved Oxygen,
Toxaphene, Selenium and Zinc.
Projected FY 1987 Outputs
Delivery of 10 Water Quality Advisors (human
health portions) to the regions on unregulated
chemicals found in ambient water.
Preparation of 10 human health documents of
Ambient Water Quality Criteria on presently
unregulated chemicals.
Review of up to four 301 (g) CWA, variance
requests for program office acceptance process.
Response to technical assistance as requested.
Quality Assurance Support of Regional, State,
Municipal Monitoring by Preparation and
Distribution of Calibration Materials.
Evaluation and Validation/Standardization of
Monitoring Methods for Monitoring Methods:
Chemical, Biological, and Physical.
Development/Improvement to Monitoring
Methods: Analysis of Sludge and Wastewater
Contaminated by Non-Gas Chromatographic/
Mass Spectrometer Analyzable Pollutants (Dye
Formulator).
77
-------
Health Effects Bioassay Methods Manual for
Determining Whether Receiving Streams Meet
Water Quality Standards.
Report on framework for application of
ecoregional approach to water quality standards
setting.
Report on the relationship between lipid content,
body burden, and thermodynamics calculation of
bioaccumulation.
Report on updated documentation for QUAL-lle
including uncertainty analysis.
Training courses, through the Center for Water
Quality Modeling, including QUAL-lle, WASP
4.1, EXAMS Hand CYNTOX.
Journal publication and guidance relative to
toxicity persistence
Report on the feasibility of using complex effluent
toxicity to allocate wasteload at an estuarme
site.
Report on toxicity characterization at a field site.
Journal article on the life cycle toxicity of Al, low
ca, and low pH to fathead minnows.
Report on use of toxicity factors for Copper
Criteria.
Ambient Water Quality Criteria for 10 compounds.
Ambient Water Quality Advisories for 10
compounds.
Journal article describing algorithms for
estimating photochemical rate constants from
chemical properties.
Report on design of a decision support system for
freshwater wetlands.
Report on experimental approach to testing of
mitigation projects.
Process-based ecosystem model of water quality
functions of freshwater wetlands.
Report on approach for assessing the cumulative
impacts of wetland loss.
Internal report on application of water quality
criteria and effluent toxicity tests in the control
of toxic chemicals in China.
Internal report on application of models for
conventional and toxic pollution assessment in
China.
Internal report on joint US-China studies on
pollutant transformation processes.
ISSUE: Wastewater Treatment Technology
FY 1986 Results
Initiation of a quantitative risk assessment for the
land application/distribution and marketing
sludge disposal option for pathogens.
Completion of qualitative pathogen risk
assessments for sludge landfilling.
Completion of qualitative pathogen risk
assessments for sludge ocean disposal options.
Regional seminars on evaluation of I/A projects
for the 100% modification/replacement
program
Evaluation reports on eight I/A technologies.
Process design manual for wastewater
disinfection.
Regional seminars on "Improving POTW
Performance Using the Composite Correction
Program Approach."
Series reports on design-information.
Toxics interference manual for municipal
wastewater treatment.
Assessment of the capability of six alternative
treatment technologies for the control of toxics
in marine waste discharges.
A survey of toxics reduction of six Ohio municipal
wastewater treatment plants.
Report on evaluations of enhanced COD removal
in pharmaceutical wastewater.
Report on pilot anaerobic biological treatment of
pulp mill evaporator foul condensates
Report on evaluations of granular activated carbon
treatment of pesticide manufacture wastewater
Report on toxic reduction evaluations at a
multipurpose special chemical plant with the
development of a modified Walsh fractionation
procedure to identify toxics.
Technical support to revise the draft regulations
on the pathogen content of sludge for land
disposal.
Report on the current frequency of occurrence of
toxic pollutants in industrial wastewater.
72
-------
Report on the results of a feasibility study to
determine the best tool for database
management system (DBMS) construction.
Projected FY 1987 Outputs
Revision/refinement of five environmental profile
documents to be utilized by OWRS for screening
of chemicals for possible regulation under CWA
405(d).
Delivery of the pathogen land application/
distribution and marketing risk assessment
methodology for health-based criteria to OWRS.
Delivery of Bacteria Prototype Document for
Deriving Criteria for Bacteria in Sludge to OWRS.
Report on the Occurrence of Microorganisms in
Distribution and Marketing Sludge Products.
Technology evaluations in support of the 100%
modification/replacement program.
Report on the design, cost and performance
information for sludge stabilization and
dewatering processes.
Evaluations of sludge management alternatives.
Improved design procedures and parameters to
correct design deficiencies and improve
performance and compliance of POTW.
Toxicity reduction evaluation protocols and case
histories, and approaches to enhance toxics
removal in wastewater treatment.
Evaluations of treatment technologies to assist the
Industrial Technology Division in the
development of BAT limitations.
Toxicity reduction evaluations for use in writing
best professional judgment (BPJ) NPDES
permits.
Reports on the removal of phthalates from plastic
molding and forming wastewaters, and
ammonium from tungsten wastewater.
Development of data base on kinetics of removal of
toxics by sorption, volatilization, and
biodegradation.
Report on performance of capillary column data
using the VAX 785 computer.
ISSUE: Marine, Estuaries and Lakes
FY 1986 Results
Development of wasteload allocation model for
municipal sewage sludge at the 1 06-mile ocean
dumping site.
Correlation of laboratory and field
bioaccumulation data for pollution from dredged
material.
Technical assistance in support of 301(h) waiver
program for ocean outfall discharges, and to
national and international offices with Great
Lakes concerns.
Development and evaluation of methods to assess
effects of emission products from hazardous
wastes incinerated at sea.
Inter-laboratory comparison of toxicity from
selected drilling fluids.
Development of source-fate-transport-exposure
toxicity model for Great Lakes area of concern
the River Raisin.
Projected FY 1987 Outputs
Development and testing of procedures for
evaluating impacts of ocean dumping/ocean
outfall discharge of wastes.
Evaluation of significance of bioaccumulation
processes, tissue residue, and biological effects
of contaminants in wastes to be ocean-disposed.
Evaluation of impacts of drilling fluids on marine
environments.
Development of procedures for conducting
wasteload allocations in estuaries to support
NPDES and construction grant programs.
Elucidation of problems related to in-place
pollutants in Great Lakes; technical assistance to
national and international offices with Great
Lakes concerns.
Development of research plan to respond to Near
Coastal Waters Strategy.
ISSUE: Health Effects Drinking Water
Documents
FY 1986 Results
Preparation of 30 draft Drinking Water Health
Advisories on unregulated VOCs.
73
-------
Disposition of public comments received on Phase
II DWCDs and Agency response document.
Three final draft documents of the Phase IV
documents on disinfectants and disinfectant by-
products.
Eight external review drafts of Phase V chemicals.
Report on the Percutaneous Absorption of
Chemicals in Drinking Water.
Published International Symposium on the Health
Effects of Disinfectants and Disinfectant By-
Products.
Published a Review of the Occurrence and
Significance of Viruses in Drinking Water.
Published an Annual Summary of Waterborne
Disease Outbreaks.
Report on Parameters Governing the Volatilization
of Trichloroethylene into Indoor Air from a
Laboratory Model Shower.
Projected FY 1987 Outputs
Fmalization of 22 Phase II DWCD for MCLGs/
MCLs proposal 1988.
Incorporation of external review comments and
updating 1 6 Phase V documents for MCLGs/
MCLs proposal 1989.
Updating three Phase IV DWCD on disinfectant
and disinfectant by-products for FY-90
regulation.
Report on Cancer and Reproductive Hazards of
Principal Contaminants in Drinking Water.
Report on Target Organ Toxicity of Major Chemical
Contaminants in Drinking Water.
Report on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors m
Populations Supplied with Chlorinated and
Nonchlorinated Drinking Water of Varying
Hardness.
Determination of Virulence and Growth
Conditions of Legionella.
ISSUE: Drinking Water Technology
FY 1986 Results
Provided and distributed 55,000 quality control
and performance evaluation samples for
chemical, radionuclide, and microbiological
analysis of drinking water.
Conducted methods validation studies for organic,
inorganic, and microbiological analysis of
drinking water.
Evaluated 10 regions and personnel for
capabilities to provide quality data in support of
the NIPDWR's monitoring (laboratory
certification) program.
Evaluated alternate test procedures for chemical,
microbiological and radiochemical analysis of
drinking water.
Report on the treatment of synthetic organic
chemicals in drinking water.
Report on the mactivation of microbial agents by
chemical disinfectants.
Report on investigation of treatment modifications
other than the use of alternate disinfectants for
the control of trihalomethanes.
Report on investigation of design scale-up
suitability for air stripping columns for the
removal of volatile organic chemicals from
groundwater.
A report on the evaluation of the presence of dioxin
and furans in all effluent streams from the
fluidized-bed GAC reactivation furnace.
Projected 1987 Outputs
Provide methods development and analytical
procedures to produce precise and accurate total
measurement systems for chemical,
radiochemical and microbiological analysis.
Develop and distribute quality control (QC) and
performance evaluation (PE) samples for drinking
water laboratory certification and evaluation
programs.
Conduct laboratory evaluation for 10 regions for
laboratory certification program.
Evaluate alternate test procedures for drinking
water analysis.
Overview Agencywide mandatory quality
assurance program for drinking water.
Report on removal of radium from drinking water.
Report on removal or prevention of disinfection by-
products and precursors.
Report on concentration times time (Cxt) values for
Hepatitis A and coliphage inactivation.
74
-------
Report on carbon usage rate data for determining
the cost of removal of specific organics on Phase
II Regulatory calendar.
Report on carbon usage rate data for determining
the cost of removal of specific organics on Phase
V Regulatory calendar.
Report on inexpensive low-tech removal methods
for radon.
Report on performance and cost information on a
full-scale ion exchange plant for nitrate removal.
Report on field evaluation of packed tower
aeration for the removal of volatile organic
contaminants from groundwater.
Report on the performance of air stripping and
granular activated carbon for removal of volatile
organic contaminants from groundwater.
ISSUE: Ground Water
FY 1986 Results
Evaluating initial methods for constructing
monitoring wells with hollow stem augers.
Investigating use of fiber optics for monitoring
contaminants in groundwater.
Annual report on source variability affecting
ground-water monitoring.
Described a method by which trichloroethylene
and other important ground-water contaminants
may be degraded in the subsurface.
Described how a number of viruses survive and
move in ground water.
Provided new evidence on the nature of
dispersion, the most important problem in
ground-water contaminant transport modeling.
Provided a description of important strategies for
State and local ground-water protection
programs.
Provided a consolidated description of current
ground-water research.
Provided materials and conducted training in
ground-water modeling.
Continued other important information transfer
efforts, including the International Ground Water
Modeling Center and the National Ground Water
Information Center.
Projected FY 1987 Outputs
Report on the use of hollow stem augers for
constructing monitoring wells.
Report on developing methods for mapping fluid
movement from injection wells.
Field testing techniques for locating abandoned
wells.
Report on development of fiber optics for
monitoring ground-water contaminants.
Computer code and documentation for predicting
organic chemical solubility in mixed solvent
systems.
Article on adaptation of subsurface microbes to
degrade organic pollutants.
Report on study of Class I injection wells.
Report on cement bonding of injection wells.
Interim report on the use of ground-water models
in wellhead protection.
US GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1987 748-121/40724
75
------- |