United States Environmental Protection Agency Information Resources Management (PM-211D) EPA 220-B-92-029 PB93-128304 January 1993 X-/EPA Superfund Information Access Series: DATABASES AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection Printed on Recycled Paper ------- Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection Databases and Electronic Systems January 1993 Information Access Branch, PM-211D Information Management and Services Division Office of Information Resources Management Office of Administration and Resources Management U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Room 2904 401M Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20460 (202) 260-5934 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency i Region 5, Library (PI 77 V.'rst J?ckscr ... . '::,( Floor Chicago, IL 6GC.>. ..L--j ------- HAZARDOUS WASTE SUPERFUND COLLECTION AND DATABASE The Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection (HWSFC) is a special EPA Headquarters Library Collection on the subject of hazardous waste. Access to the Collection is enhanced by a Database (HWSFD) of bibliographic entries which correspond to each item in the Collection. The EPA Information Access Branch is responsible for the contents and maintenance of the Collection and Database. ACCESS GOALS The Collection and Database: Provide a unified resource of major hazardous waste reports, books and journals available through the EPA Library Network. Provide current information to assist EPA staff in making timely and effective policy and regulatory policy decisions. Assist in the transfer of hazardous waste information from the EPA to the states as part of the Agency's technology transfer effort. CONTENTS Continually growing, the Collection contains books and journals, legislation and regulations, reports from Federal agencies. Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) policy and guidance directives and EPA reports from selected program offices. The Database mirrors the contents of the Collection. A user can search the Database with little or no computer experience. The Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection is available for use in the EPA Headquarters Library. Selected documents from the Collection are distributed to the 10 EPA Regional libraries and laboratories in Ada, OK; Cincinnati, OH; Edison, NJ; Las Vegas, NV; Research Triangle Park, NC and the National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC) in Denver, CO. The Database is updated quarterly and reflects ongoing acquisitions to the Collection. The Database is available to the public through the EPA Online Library System (OLS) which resides on the EPA mainframe. To access it, the user will need a computer, modem and telecommunications software. The dial in number is (919) 549-0720. The parameters are as follows: 300-9600 baud rate 7 bits 1 stop bit even parity At the first prompt, the user types F to access "EPA OLS". The user then follows the prompts. To log off, the user types Q and follows the prompts. For user support, call: (800) 334-2405. For a user manual to OLS, call (919) 541-2777. A PC version of the Database can be used at the HQ Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection Reference area. It is also on display at EPA's new Public Information Center. For more information about the PC version call: Felice Sacks (contractor) Head Librarian of the HWSFC (202) 260-3021 ii ------- CONTENTS PAGE Introduction v Quick Reference Guide vii DATABASES AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS ATTIC 1 BRS 2 CERCUS 4 CLU-IN Bulletin Board 6 Docket 7 EDRS 8 RNDS 9 HWSFD Database 11 IRIS 13 OHMTADS 15 ORD Bulletin Board 17 PIES 18 RCRIS 19 RODS Database 21 RoLDatabase 22 RREL Databases 24 Hi ------- CONTENTS (continued) PAGE SETS 25 SR1S 27 TRI 28 VISITT 30 APPENDIX General Bibliography A-l IV ------- INTRODUCTION T his publication is intended as a guide for accessing databases and electronic systems produced or sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which contain information on the Superfund program or hazardous waste. It is designed for public and private sector professionals working in the Superfund program or related activities who need quick, timely access to pertinent data. Each entry in Superfund Information Access Series: Databases and Electronic Systems provides a general description of the system including an overview, content, access, special features and EPA or commercial contacts. Databases and Electronic Systems does not purport to be all inclusive on the subject of hazardous waste databases. A general bibliography in the Appendix leads the reader to information on other EPA databases as well as commercial databases covering hazardous waste topics. For further information about this document or the Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection, contact the following librarians of the Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection: Felice Sacks, (contractor), Head Librarian, or Fabienne McGovern (contractor), Reference Librarian at 202/260-5934. The address is U.S. EPA Headquarters Library, Room 2904, Mail Code PM-211A, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460. This document is part of a series entitled Superfund Information Access Series. The series is a comprehensive guide to information resources available at the Environmental Protection Agency on the subject of the Superfund program and related hazardous waste topics. The individual publications comprising the series are as follows: Guide to Key Documents and Information Sources - describes individual document types forming the core of the Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection and categorizes the Collection according to reference type and subtopics. Provides information on obtaining publications. Journals - an annotated guide to journals and other serials covering hazardous waste topics. Databases and Electronic Systems - fact sheets on databases and bulletin board systems supported by EPA and containing data related to hazardous waste. Hazardous Waste Superfund Database Users Manual - a guide for using the online and PC versions of the Hazardous Waste Superfund Database. ------- Hazardous Waste Superfund Database Thesaurus - a keyword guide for terms used to search the Hazardous Waste Superfund Database. Legislation and Regulations - information about legislative and regulatory sources within the Collection. Building a Hazardous Waste Collection - a "how to" book on acquiring basic items for a hazardous waste collection. Reference herein to any specific commercial publisher or service does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the EPA. M vi ------- QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE DATABASE PRIMARY DATA ATTIC BRS CERCLIS CLU-IN Bulletin Board Civil Enforcement Docket ECLIPS EDRS FINDS IRIS OHMTADS ORD Bulletin Board PIES RCRIS RODS Database RREL Databases SETS SRIS TRI VISITT Treatability studies Waste generation, management, & capacity information for treatment, storage & disposal facilities & large quantity generators Superfund site information Innovative cleanup technologies Civil judicial enforcement Hazardous chemicals Enforcement related documents Treatment, storage & disposal facilities Risk assessment Hazardous substance information Research and technical information Pollution prevention Treatment, storage & disposal facilities Records of Decision (Superfund) Treatability studies, case studies, response Potentially responsible parties (Superfund) Superfund audits Toxic releases Innovative technology vendors VII ------- DATABASES & ELECTRONIC Systems ------- ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION CENTER (ATTIC) Overview The Alternative Treatment Technology Information Center (ATTIC) provides data and technical information on innovative treatment technologies for the cleanup of hazardous waste. The information in the system contains a wide variety of data from Federal, State and private sector sources. It is managed by EPA's Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL), Edison, NJ. Contents The ATTIC system is a collection of hazardous waste databases that are accessed through a computerized bulletin board system (BBS). The BBS features news items, bulletins, and special interest conferences - such as the Bioremediation Special Interest Group. It also features a message board that enables users to request advice from other users, as well as pose questions to the System Operator. ATTIC users can access several databases including the ATTIC Database, which contains over 2,500 records dealing with alternative and innovative technologies for hazardous waste treatment; and the RREL Treatability Database, which provides data on characteristics and treatability of a wide variety of contaminants. Information from these sources consists of treatability information, case histories, transport and fate data, and other technical information. Also included are the abstracts of Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) reports, many Records of Decisions (RODs), State agency reports, international programs, and industry studies. Abstracts of reports can be downloaded from the system. Copies of complete reports are available on request. Access ATTIC is free of charge to all members of the Federal, State and private sectors involved in site remediation. ATTIC can be accessed directly by users with a personal computer and a modem. In addition, users can request an ATTIC search by phoning the ATTIC System Operator. Communication/modem parameters: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, full duplex. (Users register online the first time they access ATTIC). A User's Manual is available and may be obtained by calling the ATTIC System Operator or leaving a message on the bulletin board. Contacts ATTIC System Operator (Voice Line) 301/670-6294 Online ATTIC Computer Access (2400 baud) 301 /670-3808 Online ATTIC Computer Access (9600 baud) 301 /670-3813 Joyce Perdek (EPA), Project Manager 908/321-4380 ------- BIENNIAL REPORTING SYSTEM (BRS) Overview Sponsored by the Office of Solid Waste, the Biennial Reporting System (BRS) is a national system that collects data on the generation, management, and minimisation of hazardous waste. These data allow EPA to: (1) describe the demographics of arid monitor trends in hazardous waste generation, management, and minimization and (2) assess the impact of its regulatory decisions. Also, the data are used by States in the development of Capacity Plans. Contents BRS captures detailed data on the generation of hazardous waste from large quantity generators as well as data on waste management practices from treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities. It provides data on the: (1) current regulatory status of hazardous waste generators and TSD facilities; (2) chemical composition and physical form of hazardous wastes; (3) quantities of particular hazardous wastes generated, and methods later applied for treatment and disposal; (4) efforts by generators to implement waste minimization programs and results achieved in reducing the volume and toxitity of hazardous wastes generated and processed; and (5) available capacity of hazardous waste TSD facilities. Information is submitted by the regulated community to States or Regions and is uploaded to the national system every two years. Access The system is available on EPA's mainframe and access is restricted to EPA personnel and the States. Authorized personnel may contact John Fogarty (below) to obtain BRS access. (A User's Guide, Training Manual and Data Element Dictionary are available. Call the Hotline for more information). National Biennial Reports from previous years are available to the public in hard copy and microfiche from the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling: 800/553-NTIS or 703/487-4650. The public may also request information from the database as a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by writing or sending a fax to: Ms. Jeralene Green U.S. EPA, National FOIA Office (A-101) 401 M Street, SW Washington, DC 20460 FAX: 202/252-0295 (Note: FOIA fee schedules apply). Contacts Hotline 800/876-0352 John Fogarty (EPA), BRS Section Chief 202/260-4697 ------- Commercial Sources National Technical Information Service 800/553-NTIS; 703/487-4650 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 ------- COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY INFORMATION SYSTEM (CERCLIS) Overview The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) contains information on potential hazardous waste sites that have been reported to the EPA by States, municipalities, private companies, and private persons pursuant to § 103 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) 1980, as amended. The database - managed by the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response is a tracking vehicle for events related to approximately 37,000 reported sites. EPA uses CERCLIS information to report Superfund accomplishments to Congress and the public, and to help Regional and Headquarters managers evaluate the status and progess of site cleanup actions. Contents The database consists of the following data: Name and alias names of the location Location of the site: latitude and longitude state, county, municipality congressional district address Classification of the site including incident type Discovery, Preliminary Assessments, Site Inspections, Removals Contact names Indicators or flags for: National Priority List (NPL) status Federal Facility Site ownership No further action Final and proposed NPL sites Remedial Information such as: Remedial Investigation Feasibility Studies, Design and Remedial Actions In addition, the database contains enforcement, removal, financial, event-specific and chemical/technical information as well as remediation targets and accomplishments. Data is obtained by Regional managers receiving information from site managers. The Regions upload the data regularly into CERCLIS. ------- Access The database is available on EPA's mainframe for EPA staff and its partners (States, contractors, and grantees). Certain commercial sources provide access to nonsensitive data contained in the database. For EPA access, users should first obtain a user ID for the EPA mainframe by contacting the National Data Processing Division. To obtain access to CERCLIS, the user must contact Jalania Ellis, CERCLIS Database Manager ( see below). LAN management products are also available to EPA staff. They are: WasteLAN - a two-way communication tool between the Regions and CERCLIS. (CleanLAN is a WasteLAN clone recording events related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). INSITE - extracts information from CERCLIS monthly and creates reports for top managers on Superfund progress. These reports then become integrated into the system. For the public, certain features of the database are available through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). However, most of the information is intended for EPA internal use. Private individuals may obtain certain information from the database through a Freedom of Information Act request (FOIA) (see p. 20). Contacts Maja Lee (EPA), 703/603-8904 CERCLIS Project Manager Jalania Ellis (EPA), 703/603-8884 CERCLIS Database Manager Commercial Sources (Other services may also be available) National Technical Information Service 800/553-NTIS; 703/487-4650 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 (Provides a magnetic tape updated quarterly) ------- CLU-IN BULLETIN BOARD Overview The Cleanup Information Bulletin Board System (CLU-IN) is designed for hazardous waste cleanup professionals and other technical experts for use in finding information about innovative technologies, consulting with one another online, and accessing related databases. It is managed by the Technology Innovation Office of the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Contents CLU-IN provides the following features: Electronic message capabilities Bulletins that can be read online (such as summaries of Federal Register notices on hazardous waste, descriptions of EPA documents and training programs, directories of EPA experts on hazardous waste cleanup, the OERR Infoline newsletter and other publications prepared by the Hazardous Waste Superf und Collection at Headquarters Library) Files that can be downloaded and used on the user's own computer Online databases that can be searched on CLU-IN Access The system is accessible to Federal, State and private sector audiences (no charge except for telecommunication charges). It is accessible to anyone with a computer, modem, phone line and telecommunications software (such as CrossTalk, Procomm, or SmartCom). Modem dial in: 301/589-8366. Parameters: 8 data bits,l stop bit, no parity, 1200/2400 baud. Contacts Hotline: System Operator 301/589-8368 ------- ENFORCEMENT DOCKET (DOCKET) Overview All information related to civil judicial enforcement activity, including case information, facility information, and defendant information is maintained in this system known also as DOCKET. The system in addition tracks administrative enforcement cases. It is sponsored by the Office of Enforcement. Contents Attorneys in the Regions provide information to the system. Data includes all case, facility and defendant information. Case information consists of data such as case name, date filed, date concluded, law/regulations violated and penalty information. Facility information comprises data related to the facility including address and EPA identification number. The defendant information includes data on all the defendants associated with the case. Access DOCKET is available on EPA's mainframe for EPA staff only. EPA users should apply to Merle Miller (below) for access to DOCKET. For the public, diskettes containing portions of the database that are nonsensitive can be purchased through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) by calling 800/553-NTIS or 703/487-4650. Contacts Merle Miller (EPA), Manager 202/260-2614 Commercial Sources National Technical Information Service 800/553-NTIS; 703/487-4650 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 (2 High-density diskettes, 51/4 inch, provided on a quarterly subscription basis. PB91-591970KPJ (US: $320; Foreign: $640). Individual orders are PB91-591971. Available in hard copy as PB91-921700KPJ; quarterly subscription, $230). ------- ENFORCEMENT DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM (EDRS) Overview The EPA's Enforcement Document Retrieval System (EDRS) is a computerized search and retrieval system containing the full text of EPA enforcement documents. It is maintained by the Office of Enforcement (OE). The system is located on the NCC-IBM 3090 in Research Triangle Park, NC. Access may be obtained through any personal computer with a modem and communications package or a full-screen terminal hardwired to the NCC-IBM. Documents can be searched by issue date, title, environmental law statute or a specific word. Contents EDRS is a computerized library of documents considered pertinent to the Agency's enforcement activities. The Program areas include Air, Water, Hazardous Waste and Pesticides/Toxic Substances. Documents are categorized into four groups: Policy/procedures Administrative enforcement Judicial action Model forms and sample documents The following TYPES of documents are included in the above categories: Enforcement policy compendia, guidance manuals and docket procedures Administrative decisions, judicial briefs and pleadings Civil judicial consent decrees, defensive litigation and decisions Program enforcement documents not contained in the above compendia Access EDRS is managed at EPA Headquarters and is available to: EPA staff, Department of Justice staff and State enforcement staff. Merle Miller (below) is the contact for training on the system. Interested parties should obtain a mainframe user ID from their ADP Coordinator for access to EDRS. Contacts Merle Miller (EPA), Manager 202/260-2614 The EDRS Infosource newsletter is available to the above users by calling EDRS contractor staff at 703/538-7825. (Note: EDRS contractor staff manage other related databases). 8 ------- FACILITIES INDEX DATA SYSTEM (FINDS) Overview The Facilities Index Data System (FINDS) contains entries for approximately 600,000 sites or facilities that are regulated by EPA under various statutes including: RCRA, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, TSCA and FIFRA. While used as a computerized inventory, the program primarily serves as a mechanism for assigning a unique EPA ID number to these facilities. FINDS contains basic facility information, supports cross-media analysis of facilities, and assists regulatory and enforcement action such as permitting, compliance and inspection, by "pointing" to programs that regulate a facility. Contents Each entry typically contains the following information: Site name Geographic locators (street address, city, county, ZIP code, latitude and longitude, congressional district) Codes classifying the site (i.e., SIC code) List of other EPA and state databases containing information about the site, including the reference numbers used to retrieve the pertinent records from other databases. Users can seek site-specific information by entering the site name or EPA identifier but also can find information about all the sites in a given area by searching on ZIP code or city name. The user reviews the retrieved records to see what other sources of information about a given site should be consulted. Public users seeking certain information from these databases may need to complete appropriate Freedom of Information Act procedures. In addition, EPA users have access to corporate financial information integrated into the database. FINDS answers such questions as: What is a facility's current address? Which programs have more information about the facility? How many facilities are regulated under RCRA? Access The database is maintained on EPA's mainframe and can be accessed by EPA staffers using equipment that emulates a 3270 computer. Access is arranged by calling the Hotline number below or the Database Administrator. Public access is through commercial sources such as the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Chemical Information Systems, Inc. (CIS) and other private sources. ------- FACILITIES INDEX DATA SYSTEM (FINDS) (continued) Contacts The system is operated by the Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM), Program Systems Division, with data entry occurring at the EPA Regions. Hotline 800/424-9067 Joe Anderson (EPA), 703/235-5581 FINDS System Manager Dan Parker (EPA), 703/235-5584 FINDS Operation Manager Daisy S. Berlingeri (EPA) 703/235-5576 FINDS Data Manager Commercial Sources The public can obtain online access through private companies or purchase a tape product for the mainframe through NTIS. Chemical Information Systems, Inc. 800/CIS-USER; 301 /321-8440 7215 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 National Technical Information Service 800/553-NTIS; 703/487-4650 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Tape is issued quarterly in the form of data file-tape for the IBM 3090 10 ------- HAZARDOUS WASTE SUPERFUND DATABASE (HWSFD) Overview The Hazardous Waste Superfund Database (HWSFD) is a database of bibliographic entries which corresponds to each item in the Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection at EPA's Headquarters Library. The EPA Headquarters Library is responsible for the contents and maintenance of the Collection and Database which together provide a unified resource of major hazardous waste reports, books and journals and other related literature. Contents The HWSFD records abstracts of books, legislative and regulatory materials, reports from Federal agencies, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) policy and guidance directives, Records of Decision, and EPA reports from selected program offices. It is updated quarterly. A user can search the HWSFD with little or no computer experience. Entries can be searched by the following categories: Keywords Title EPA program office Date Author Abstract Access The HWSFD is available to EPA staff and partners through the EPA Online Library System (OLS) which resides on the EPA mainframe. Users must register with the National Data Processing Division for access to the mainframe. A version of the HWSFD is also available to the public through the mainframe. To access it, the user will need a computer, modem and telecommunications software. The dial in number is 919/549-0720. The parameters are as follows: 300-9600 baud, 7 bits, 1 stop bit, even parity. At the first prompt, the user types F to access OLS and follows the prompts. To log off, me user types Q and follows the prompts. For user support, call 800/334-2405. For a user's manual to OLS, call 919/541-2777. A PC version of the database can be used at the Hazardous Waste Superfund Collection reference section at EPA's Headquarters Library. For more information, call 202/260-5934. 11 ------- HAZARDOUS WASTE SUPERFUND DATABASE (HWSFD)(continued) Contacts Jonda Byrd (EPA), 513/569-7183 Project Officer Felice Sacks (contractor), 202/260-3021 Manager, HWSFD 12 ------- INTEGRATED RISK INFORMATION SYSTEM (IRIS) Overview IRIS is an online database of chemical-specific risk information on the relationship between chemical exposure and estimated human health effects. It presents a summary of information on chemical hazard identification and dose-response assessment, and provides quantitative risk values and qualitative health effects information. It reflects the EPA consensus opinion on potential adverse and chronic human health effects related to chemical hazard identification and dose-response assessment. IRIS also serves as a pointer system to more detailed data contained in supporting scientific studies. It is maintained by the Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (ECAO) of the Office of Health and Environmental Assessment (OHEA). Contents Updated monthly, IRIS includes approximately 500 chemicals and over 600 chemical risk summaries. A complete description of the database is contained in the Federal Register at 53 FR 20162, June 2,1988. IRIS contains information on hazard identification and dose response assessment, the first 2 steps in EPA's adopted 4 step chemical risk assessment process, as recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. IRIS data is arranged in the following broad categories: Noncarcinogenic Assessment - Lifetime Exposure Carcinogenicity Assessment - Lifetime Exposure Drinking Water Health Advisories/Acute Toxicity EPA Exposure Standards and Regulations References Substance Identification/Use Chemical & Physical Properties Access IRIS may be accessed by EPA staffers through their PCs or LAN with monthly updating via the mainframe. Disks are available for EPA staff from the ECAO Coordinator. Public availability is through the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) Toxicology Network (TOXNET), and the National Technical Information Service. 13 ------- INTEGRATED RISK INFORMATION SYSTEM |IR!S)(continued) Contacts IRIS User Support 513/569-7254 Patricia Daunt (EPA), 513/569-7596 Database Manager IRISfECAO Coordinators: Linda Tuxen (EPA) 202/260-5949 Jacqueline Patterson (EPA) 513/569-7574 Commercial Sources TOXNET 301/496-6531 National Library of Medicine IRIS Representative Specialized Information Services 8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20894 National Technical Information Service 800/553-NTIS; 703/487-4650 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Data disks (ASCII format) of IRIS can be purchased. 14 ------- OIL AND HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE DATA SYSTEM (OHMTADS) Overview OHMTADS is a database system which contains information - chemical properties, regulatory information, safety data, toxicity data, response information on hazardous substances. It was developed to aid EPA's Emergency Response Division in responding to oil and hazardous substance emergencies. Contents OHMTADS includes chemical identification information, such as chemical name, trade name, Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number, and physical properties. It also contains lists of regulations covering production, use or distribution of chemicals. OHMTADS also contains data relating to cleanup efforts, such as: toxicity to humans, flora and fauna, flashpoint reactions with other substances, protective equipment, transportation and disposal information and methods of evacuation. Access The database can be accessed through five means all of which have been contracted out to vendors: online, diskette, microfilm, magnetic tape and CD-ROM. All users must contact the vendors listed below. Contacts Rich Norris (EPA), Manager 703/603-8760 Commercial Sources For online access and diskettes: Chemical Information Systems, Inc. 800/CIS-USER; 301 /321-8440 7215 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 For microfilm and magnetic tape: National Technical Information Service 800/553-NTIS; 703/487-4650 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 15 ------- OIL AND HAZARDOUS /MATERIAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE DATA SYSTEM (OHMTADS) (continued) For CD-ROM: Micromedex, Inc. 800/525-9083 600 Grant Street Denver, CO 80203-3527 Silver Platter Information 617/969-2332 1 Newton Executive Park Newton Lower Falls, MA 02162 16 ------- ORD BULLETIN BOARD Overview The Office of Research and Development's Bulletin Board System (ORD BBS or Board) is an electronic system designed to facilitate the exchange of technical information and ORD products among EPA Headquarters, laboratory and Regional staff and contractors; States; and other Federal agencies, universities, industry and the public. Contents The Board offers: an electronic message system brief bulletins with information about ORD products and activities files for downloading participation in conferences (subject-oriented) online database for identifying ORD publications (ORD Bibliographic Database containing ORD publications since 1973) options for ordering ORD publications Information that can be accessed includes research on innovative technologies and other hazardous waste management topics that are related to projects sponsored by ORD. Access The Board is accessible to Federal, State and private sector audiences (no charge except for telecommunication charges). It is open to anyone who has a computer, modem, telephone line and telecommunications software package. The setup parameters are: 1200 or 2400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, vtlOO emulation. The dialing number is 15135697610. Contacts Hotline 513/569-7272 Call for the ORD BBS User's Manual EPA/600/M-90/012 or order it online. 17 ------- POLLUTION PREVENTION INFORMATION EXCHANGE SYSTEM (PIES) Overview Designed to provide and promote the free exchange of information on pollution prevention (technical, policy, programmatic, legislative and financial) to the public and private sector, the Pollution Prevention Information Exchange System (PIES) is an interactive communication network that can be accessed by anyone with a PC-modem-telephone linkage. It was established in 1989 by the Office of Research & Development and the Office of Pollution Prevention. PIES is operated for EPA by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in Falls Church, Virginia. (PIES was formerly named EIES). Contents The PIES network consists of the following components: Bulletins and files which can be downloaded to disk Databases (see below) Message Center for asking and answering questions On-Line Repository for ordering documents (planned for the future) Mini-exchanges or specialized forums dedicated to discrete topic areas. These are small electronic bulletin boards allowing a user to enter and receive messages, view bulletins and access a database on a single topic. Current examples are: regional, State and local government activities; research programs and projects; grants progress; and a tie to the International Cleaner Production Information Clearinghouse sponsored by the UN Environmental Programme Industry and Environment Office. Databases: The databases include a calendar listing national and international conferences and training seminars; industry case studies; directory of Federal and State contacts to answer technical/policy questions; summaries of activities in the public and private sector including past and present grants and projects, training, awards and outreach activities; and abstracted publications. Access The system is accessible to Federal, State and private sector audiences (no charge except for telecommunication charges). It can be accessed by anyone by dialing through a modem (703/506-1025) or through Telenet by dialing the local Telenet access number. At the @ prompt, the Telenet user types "c 20256131" (without the quotes). Contacts PPIC Technical Support Hotline 703/821-4800 Small Business Ombudsman Hotline 800/368-5888 Myles Morse (EPA), Project Manager 202/260-3161 Beth Anderson (EPA), Coordinator 202/260-2602 18 ------- RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY INFORMATION SYSTEM (RCRIS) Overview Managed by the Office of Solid Waste, RCRIS maintains information on facilities that are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This database provides for automated maintenance of permit-processing events and compliance monitoring as well as enforcement activities. Data is gathered from EPA forms (Notification of Regulated Waste Activity, EPA Form 8700-12; Appplication for a Hazardous Waste Permit-Part A, EPA Form 8700-23). The database contains information on approximately 4,300 treatment, storage and disposal facilities, 19,700 transporters and 230,600 large and small quantity generators. Contents Data updated monthly includes the following: Type of Facility Facility name EPA Identification number Facility address Owner and operator information Facility contact name and phone number RCRA waste codes handled Permit process codes Permit issuance data and closure action events Enforcement and compliance information Access RCRIS is available on the EPA mainframe to EPA staff and the States. Users must first register with the National Data Processing Division for access to the mainframe. To obtain access to RCRIS, users must contact the RCRIS National Oversight Database Administrator (below). For public access, the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) sells information from the system except for sensitive enforcement data. In addition, LEXIS/ NEXIS, an online database produced by Mead Data Central, Inc. has selected portions of RCRIS in its Environmental Library. Additionally, the Office of Solid Waste (OSW) provides numerous reports developed over the years in response to requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Others were prepared to aid OSW in examining facets of the regulated community that is subject to the requirements of RCRA. These reports are listed in a catalog, Hazardous Waste FOIA Reports, which is available by calling Lisa Hearns, FOIA Coordinator, at 202/ 260-3393. To request reports from the catalog, the public must complete a form in the catalog and mail or fax it to: 19 ------- RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY INFORMATION SYSTEM (RCRIS) (continued) Ms. Jeralene Green U.S. EPA National FOIA Office (A-101) 401 M Street, SW Washington, DC 20460 FAX: 202/252-0295 Note: FOIA fee schedules apply. Contacts Hotline 800/767-RCRI RCRIS National Oversight Database Administrator 202/260-4697 Commercial Sources LEXE/NEXIS 800/543-6862 Mead Data Central, Inc. 513/859-1608 9443 Springboro Pike, P.O. Box 933 Dayton, OH 45401 National Technical Information Service 800/553-NTIS; 703/487-4650 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 PB91-592000 (Data file-tape subscription) Issued quarterly PB91-592001 (Data file-tape on demand) 20 ------- RECORDS OF DECISION SYSTEM (RODS) Overview A Record of Decision (ROD) is a document describing EPA's planned course of action to dean up a Superfund site listed on the National Priorities List (NPL). Each ROD is the official record of EPA's remedy selection for the site. The Records of Decision System (RODS) database, housed on EPA's mainframe and maintained by Computer Science Corporation for the Hazardous Site Control Division, provides information on all RODs published since the inception of the Superfund program. A complete listing of RODs prepared (but not necessarily distributed) to date, however, will be found in the CERCLIS database. (See pp. 4-5). Contents The database is comprised of the full text of each ROD, an abstract, and specific information contained in various fields, such as: site name, alias name, ROD date, region, location, ROD ID, site ID, keywords, contaminated media, key contaminants, selected remedy, and figures. Graphics, tables and page numbers are not included. Note: cost information is in the abstracted field. This field is divided into: 1) an overview; 2) the remedy; and 3) the goals. Access EPA personnel must obtain a user ID through the National Data Processing Division to access the mainframe. State and local government personnel may be able to obtain direct access to the database as well. To access RODS, potential users must contact Jalania Ellis, Database Manager (see below). EPA users can print data by arranging a box and bin number through the Washington Information Center (WIC). Direct access to the database is not available to the general public. However, the public may access information from it by calling the RODS Database Manager (see below) or by dialing up ATTIC. (See p. I). (Hard copies of the RODs, are available for viewing at the EPA Headquarters Library and Regional libraries. In addition, the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) sells these documents). Contacts Maja Lee (EPA), 703/603-8904 RODS Project Manager Jalania Ellis (EPA), 703/603-8884 RODS Database Manager An intermittent bulletin entitled Superfund Records of Decision Update provides information on current RODs (9200.5-2161). To order it, call the RCRA/Superfund Hotline at 703/920-9810 or 800/424-9346. 21 ------- REGISTER OF LISTS (RoL) Overview Managed by the Information Policy Branch (IPB) of the Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation (OPPE), RoL is a database that provides information on lists of regulated chemical substances that EPA maintains. Its purpose is to present minimal factual data on the specific chemical and point to other sources of information. Presently it contains over 3,300 chemicals and covers 31 EPA regulatory lists. Absence of a chemical or other substance from this database does not necessarily mean that it is not regulated by EPA. Contents Data for each chemical includes: List Data Substance Data Name of Agency list Program offices Regulatory origin List description List manager Citations Chemical name CAS number Other chemical names Regulatory/origin/Agency list(s) Waste streams Reportable quantity Threshold planning quantity IRIS listing (see pp. 16-17) The unique features of this database are the following: Information is linked from offices to lists to chemicals Components of waste streams or chemical categories can be found Synonyms of a chemical name can be retrieved Searches are conducted on the chemical name and all synonyms Through a query system lists can be compared to determine: 1) all chemicals in the union of lists selected 2) those chemicals in list 1 but not in list 2 3) chemicals common to all chosen lists References are cited to the IRIS database Although the database is primarily designed for searching, simple reports can be generated at any point. Such reports are most useful as the result of using the query feature of the database. The query allows the user to retrieve all chemicals meeting certain categories of information into a set (or list) that can then be printed. 22 ------- Access RoL is available to EPA staff for use on most PCs. Updates are issued quarterly. For more information, call the contacts below. Contacts Jim Daley (EPA), RoL Manager 202/260-2743 23 ------- RREL DATABASES Overview The following databases are produced by EPA's Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL). They address a range of topics from treatability data to response actions and case studies. These systems are accessible to the public as indicated. RREL Treatability Database The purpose of this system is to compile data on the treatability of specific organic and inorganic compounds in all types of waters and wastewaters as well as in soil, sludges and sediments. Users (at no charge) can request diskettes containing the database for PC use, or access it through the Alternative Treatment Technology Information Center (ATTIC) (seep.l). Contacts Glenn Shaul (EPA), Manager 513/569-7408 COUS (Computerized On-Line Information System) COLJS is a consolidation of several computerized databases developed by RREL and includes: 1) Case History File of case studies about corrective actions on leaking underground storage tanks, hazardous waste site removal and remedial actions, and oil or hazardous material spill responses; 2) Library Search System containing abstracts of documents in the RREL library collection which document oil and hazardous materials spills, problems with underground storage tanks, personnel protection, stormwater issues, incineration, soil washing, and other Superfund related activities; 3) SITE system containing reports on completed Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation Program projects; and the 4) RREL Treatability Database (see above). Users dial into the system via modem on a microcomputer. The number is 19085484636. Parameters are: 1200-2400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity. Contacts System Operator 908/906-6851 Robert Hillger (EPA), Project Manager 908/321-6639 24 ------- SITE ENFORCEMENT TRACKING SYSTEM (SETS) Overview SETS consists of information on the identity of potentially responsible parties (PRP) associated with a particular Superfund site (which includes sites on the National Priorities List (NPL) and sites not on the NPL). The data is gathered from a notice letter that EPA sends to such parties as notification of the potential liability which they may have incurred with respect to the site. This information has been extracted to form data files sold by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Contents The data includes the PRP name and address, a contact person for the company/ individual, the date the general or special notice was issued, and the related Superfund site name and identification number. The site can be a National Priorities List (NPL) site or a non-NPL site. EPA created SETS to track PRP identification and therefore the data contained therein does not address other administrative information related to that tracking. Also, the lists contained in SETS represent EPA's preliminary findings on PRP identification. The data can be obtained according to Region or on a national basis. Access EPA staffers can contact Alicia Corley (below) about the data. The public can purchase it through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). The national version is on file- tape for the IBM 3090 and on diskette for a microcomputer; the individual regional data is on a diskette for a microcomputer. Additionally, LEXIS/NEXIS, an online database produced by Mead Data Central, Inc. has selected portions of PRP information in its Environmental Library. Note: Names and addresses of potentially responsible parties associated with NPL sites are also available to the public through the CERCLIS database offered by the Chemical Information System (CIS). (See below and pp. 4-5). Contacts Alicia Corley (EPA), SETS Manager 202/260-8717 Commercial Sources Chemical Information Systems, Inc. 800/CIS-USER; 301 /321-8440 7215 York Road Baltimore, MD 21212 25 ------- SITE ENFORCEMENT TRACKING SYSTEM (SETS)(continued) National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 File Tape: PB90-591790 (National) Diskettes: 51/4" 800/553-NTIS; 703/487-4650 31/2" PB90-591780 (National) (Diskette) PB90-502618 (Region 1) (Diskette) PB90-502626 (Region 2) (Diskette) PB90-502634 (Region 3) (Diskette) PB90-502642 (Region 4) (Diskette) PB90-502659 (Region 5) (Diskette) PB90-502667 (Region 6) (Diskette) PB90-502675 (Region 7) (Diskette) PB90-502683 (Region 8) (Diskette) PB90-502691 (Region 9) (Diskette) PB90-502709 (Region 10) (Diskette) PB92-592130 (National) (Diskette) PB92-500131 (Region 1) (Diskette) PB92-500149 (Region 2) (Diskette) PB92-500156 (Region 3) (Diskette) PB92-500164 (Region 4) (Diskette) PB92-500172 (Region 5) (Diskette) PB92-500180 (Region 6) (Diskette) PB92-500198(Region 7) (Diskette) PB92-500206 (Region 8) (Diskette) PB92-500214 (Region 9) (Diskette) PB92-500222 (Region 10) (Diskette) 26 ------- SUPERFUND REPORT INFORMATION SYSTEM (SRIS) Overview Developed by the Program Evaluation Section of Superfund's Office of Program Management, the Superfund Report Information System (SRIS) is a user-friendly PC-based information system intended to provide EPA offices with the ability to: 1) track the development and publication of Superfund-related studies and reports: 2) retrieve information about these studies or reports; 3) track EPA's response to official reports; and 4) track the Agency's implementation of follow-up actions. Contents SRIS contains detailed information on most FY1988,1989, and 1990 studies and reports relevant to the Superfund program that were released by the General Accounting Office (GAO), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA). Additionally, information on reports published by various public and private sources the Congress, think-tanks, and interest groups-are also included. (In SRIS a "study" is an unfinished or ongoing assessment and a "report" is a finished product). Access The database is for EPA internal use. It can be accessed on the OERR LAN and staff can gain access by obtaining an initial access code and password. However, many of the audit reports included in this database are in hard copy at the EPA Headquarters Library. Contacts Sharon Hallinan (EPA), SRIS Administrator 703/603-8894 Bill White (EPA), OERR LAN Manager 703/603-8923 27 ------- TOXIC RELEASE INVENTORY (TRI) Overview The Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) was developed to manage data from an inventory of toxic substances mandated under Title ffl (§ 313) of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986. SARA set forth provisions for the reporting, by industry, of data on over 300 toxic chemicals released into the air, water, and land. The reporting requirement applies to owners and operators of facilities having 10 or more full- time employees, that are in Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes 20 through 39 (i.e., manufacturing facilities) and that manufacture (including importing), process or otherwise use a listed toxic chemical in excess of specified threshold quantities. Contents TRI data is arranged in the following broad categories: 1) Facility identification; 2) Substance identification; 3) Environmental release of chemical; 4) Waste treatment; and 5) Off-site waste transfer. Specifically, the data include the names, addresses and public contacts of plants manufacturing, processing or using the reported chemicals, the maximum amount stored on site, the estimated quantity emitted into the air (point and non-point emissions), discharged into bodies of water, injected underground, or released to land, methods used in waste treatment and their efficiency, and data on the transfer of chemicals off-site for treatment/disposal, either to publicly owned treatment works or elsewhere. (Based upon data collected on EPA's Toxic Chemical Release Form R). Access TRI is publicly accessible on the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET) and LEXIS/NEXIS, produced by Mead Data Central, Inc. Both the Government Printing Office (GPO) and the National Technical Information Service offer CD-ROM, microfiche, magnetic tape and other special software products related to this database. Contacts User Support (TRI Us) 202/260-1531 EPCRA Hotline 800/535-0202; 202/479-2449 GPO 202/783-3238; 202/275-0186 710 North Capitol St., NW (computer products) Washington, DC 20401 28 ------- Commercial Sources LEXIS/NEXIS 800/543-6862 Mead Data Central, Inc. 513/859-1608 9443 Springboro Pike, P.O. Box 933 Dayton, OH 45401 National Library of Medicine 301 /496-6531 TRI Representative 8600 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20894 National Technical Information Service 800/553-NTIS; 703/487-4650 5285 Port Royal Road 703/487-4763 (computer products) Springfield, VA 22161 29 ------- VENDOR INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR INNOVATIVE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES (VISITT) Overview This database, developed by the Technology Innovation Office (TIO) within the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER), provides information on 155 innovative treatment technologies and the 97 companies that offer them. It is part of a broad effort to promote the use of innovative treatment technologies for the cleanup of soil and groundwater contaminated by hazardous waste. VISITT is designed to capture current information on the availability, performance and cost of innovative treatment to remediate contaminated hazardous waste sites. Information is submitted by developers, manufacturers, and suppliers of innovative treatment technology equipment and services. The database is a means for innovative technology vendors to make their products and capabilities known. Contents The database contains data on vendors of innovative technologies to treat soils, sludges, sediments and groundwater in situ, e.g., soil washing, thermal desorption, bioremediation, solvent extraction and in situ vitrification. It does not include conventional technologies, i.e., incineration, solidification/stabilization, and above-ground aqueous treatment systems. Each vendor record includes company information (name, address, contacts, phone number), a technology description, technology advantages and limitations, and applicable media, wastes and contaminants. Vendors may also provide information on: performance data; waste limitations; unit costs and factors impacting cost; available hardware/capacity; project names and contacts; permits obtained; treatability studies; and references. Data retrieved can be viewed on the screen or printed. Special Features: searching on a waste description to find applicable technologies searching on a specific technology to find available vendors searching on a site name to locate vendors which may have conducted treatability studies for the site or site cleanup Access VISITT is currently available on diskettes only. The diskettes are free to the public and can be ordered by calling or writing to the VISITT Hotline (next page). The database will be updated at least annually. Vendors who want to submit technology information can obtain the Vendor Information Form (EPA/540/2-91/011) by calling 513/569-7562. 30 ------- For EPA staff, TIO is working directly with headquarters and regional offices and labs to install the database on LANs and at workstations. To find out about the status of this project, call the Hotline listed below. Contacts Hotline 800/245-4505 703/883-8448 For written requests, write to: visnr c/o PRC Environmental Management, Inc. 1505 Planning Research Drive McLean, VA 22102 31 ------- APPENDIX ------- Appendix General Bibliography The following sources provide additional information on EPA and commercial databases addressing hazardous waste topics: Access EPA: Major EPA Environmental Databases. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Information Management Services Division, Washington, DC, EPA 220B-92-014, PB92-147438,1992. An extensive number of databases have been developed to respond to legislative requirements to monitor, track, and report certain types of information and/or to help the Agency more efficiently execute its activities. This document is designed as a guide to the major environmental data systems within EPA. A "major system" has been defined, for the purposes of this document, as those Agency systems which are national in scope and which contain information related to one of the environmental programs, as opposed to administrative data. Directory of Online Databases. New York, NY, Cuadra/Elsevier, 1991. A semi-annual publication which indexes databases by name, producer (i.e., Federal agency, commercial company) and subject. Index leads to a descriptive summary of the database. Donley, Elizabeth, ed., Environmental Software Directory. Donley Technology, Box 335, GarrisonviUe, VA 22463; 703-659-1954.1990/91 Edition. 1990. 293 pp. ISSN: 1043-9056. Arranged by subject, this annual directory provides information on automated information systems which focus on an array of environmental topics. Among the areas covered are: hazardous substance management, water/wastewater, ground water/soils, mapping/geophysical information, air pollution, and ecological related issues. Government and commercial productsdatabases, software, online systems are included. Information Systems Inventory (ISP. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Administration and Resources Management, Information Management and Services Division, Washington, DC, 21M-1016, May 1991. Available in hard copy and on computer diskettes, this information resource contains data on approximately 500 of EPA's current information systems as well as some models and databases. It is the definitive source of summary information about EPA systems. The database is updated and maintained by the Information Management and Services Division of the Office of Information Resources Management. The public can obtain hard copies or diskettes through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). A-l ------- Matthew Lesko. The Federal Data Base Finder: A Directory of Free and Fee-Based Data Bases and Files Available from the Federal Government. Information USA, Inc., P.O. Box 15700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; 3*01-369-1519. Third Edition. 1990. 571 pp. $125 (Book and diskette for $325). ISBN 1-878346-03-2. This valuable resource includes a list of databases and data files from all the federal government departments, many independent agencies, and the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Each entry presents a brief description, stock number and contact person. A table of contents provides an easy guide to all the databases and files within each department or agency. The index helps locate information by subject. Matthew Lesko, The State Data and Database Finder. Information USA, Inc., P.O. Box 15700, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; 301-369-1519. 1990. $145 (Book and diskette for $345). Identifies thousands of database and data sources which are hidden within each of the 50 state governments. The OSWER Source Book and Addendum. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Technology Innovation Office, Washington, DC, EPA/540/9-91/001, May 1991; April 1992 The section on "Information Systems and Software" describes additional database sources of hazardous waste information produced by the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Sullivan, Thomas (ed.), Directory of Environmental Information Sources. 3rd ed. Rockville, MD., Government Institutes, Inc., 1990. Contains a section listing environmental databases and describing their content and access. Numerous entries relating to hazardous waste topics are listed. A-2 ------- |