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ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY PROFILE
1976
ALASKA IDAHO
OREGON WASHINGTON
REGION X
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
120O SIXTH AVENUE
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 981O1
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f--
COVER PHOTOS TAKEN BY ERIC MEYERSON AND CHRISTOPHER MOFFETT
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PREFACE
When the President established by
executive order the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency in 1970, one
of the most significant mandates in
that order was to keep the public in-
formed on the quality of the environ-
ment. The purpose of this document is
to provide an overview of the environ-
mental quality of EPA's Region X —
Alaska and the Pacific Northwest
States of Idaho, Oregon and Washing-
ton. All of the basic data came from
annual reports submitted by the States
to EPA. Without this input the profile
would not have been possible.
This document is directed to both
the public and to Congressional, State,
and local officials. It is intended to help
develop an overall perspective on en-
vironmental issues as well as to assist
in policy analysis, program manage-
ment and program evaluation. This
report is to be the first annual report to
the people of Region X and their
elected and appointed officials on the
quality of our environment. Is it im-
proving? Where are the problems? And
what can be done to solve them.
The National Academy of Sciences
recently stated that development of
environmental indices is an "important
and urgent (natter" in our Nation.
Unfortunately, the data and knowledge
necessary for scientifically satisfac-
tory indices are lacking in many en-
vironmental areas. However, sufficient
data exist to formulate some useful
indicators.
Formulating useful and accurate
indices of environmental quality is a
challenging task. Therefore, we would
appreciate suggestions for improving
the information presented in this docu-
ment. Please direct your comments to
the Office of the Regional Admini-
strator, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle,
Washington 98101.
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This society has come a long way since the time when our daily struggle with
climate and wilderness dominated our ancestors lives, challenged their spirit and
energies, and shaped attitudes that served too well to forge a new Nation... We can
be proud of the progress we have made in improving the Nation's environmental
quality. Yet, we must meet additional challenges over the next few years. We must
improve our understanding of the effects of pollutants and of the means and costs
of reducing pollution. ... We also must continue the job of cleaning up pollution
from existing sources.
President Gerald R. Ford
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CONTENTS
WATER
AIR
RADIATION
•
PESTICIDES
SOLID WASTE
NOISE
Some principal issues ... overall regional stream mile quality ... current water
quality for the region's 16 major river basins ... trends in water quality
characteristics of the region's 16 major river basins ... drinking water... regional
programs and projects for improving water quality.
Issues and problems ... days of standards violations for each of 20 problem
counties by type of pollutant ... days of standards violations by severity of
violations for each of the 20 counties ... trends in air quality characteristics for the
20 counties ... regional programs and projects for improving air quality.
Discussion of major issues in Region X ... past, current and future trends in
exposure to radiation from fallout and industry sources ... regional programs and
projects for radiation protection.
Overview of principal issues in the Northwest ... trends in concentration of
"persistent" and "nonpersistent" pesticides in the Northwest ... programs and
projects related to the control and use of pesticides.
Issues related to solid waste disposal ... trends in the number of persons served by
sanitary landfills ... programs and projects for improved solid waste disposal in
the Northwest.
Issues and problems ... trends in the numbers of persons exposed to
unacceptable noise levels ... principal areas of noise control ... programs and
projects related to noise in the Northwest.
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WATER QUALITY
Region X includes four States having
833,000 square miles. In that area are
35,855 miles of tidal shoreline,
streams and inland bodies of water
with 38,340 miles of riverbank and
shoreline. Although this part of the
country is relatively free of industrial
water pollution, the majority of the
principal river waters in the Northwest
do not meet all water quality standards.
The index of water quality shown in
the chart at right is based on the
concept of percent of stream miles
meeting the water quality goals of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
according to criteria recommended by
the National Academy of Sciences.
A common water quality standard
violation in many of the Region's
watersheds results from high bacte-
rial concentrations. However, in many
areas the levels are receding to the
point that it is highly possible that sur-
face runoff rather than sewage dis-
charge is the principle problem.
Violations of temperature standards
are an additional widespread cause of
standards violations.
A disturbing trend is the apparent
widespread increase in presence of
organic and inorganic toxins. These
may be traced to increasing indus-
trial output, but the significance of
the trend is obscured by the fact that
there was little sampling for such
materials in the past. Thus, toxic
materials such as RGB's may well have
been far more common in water than
was suspected before active moni-
toring began.
A continuing challenge is upgrading
the quality of waste water treatment as
required under the Federal Water Pol-
lution Control Act. Construction,
operation, maintenance and replace-
ment of sewers and waste treatment
plants and the modification of indus-
trial processes will require millions of
dollars a year in Region X states.
PRESENT QUALITY OF NORTHWEST RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES
100
MEETS FEDERAL
QUALITY GOALS
PROVISIONALLY
MEETS FEDERAL
QUALITY GOALS
FAILS TO MEET
FEDERAL QUALITY
GOALS- POLLUTED
The chart above illustrates the relative quality of the Region's 16 principal river basins. The chart is
shown in terms of percent of the river with differing water quality. The blue portions of the chart
show the percentage of the river which meets Federal water quality goals, while the yellow shows
the percentage of the river which provisionally meets water quality goals, and the red portion
illustrates the percentage which fails to meet water quality goals.
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WATER QUALITY
Comparison of the charts below illustrating
"Point Source-Related Pollutants" and "River
and Stream Miles Meeting Federal Goals"
provides some interesting insights into water
pollution trends in the Northwest. State and
Federal pollution control programs are now
heavily oriented toward controlling municipal
and industrial waste discharges. The
effectiveness of these programs is clear.
Between 1966 and 1974 criteria violations of
samples analyzed for discharge related
pollutants declined from 31 percent to 21
percent, a 33 percent reduction.
POINT SOURCE/RELATED
POLLUTANTS
1001
uur
40
30
20
10
UJ
Q_
If our evaluation of water quality is broadened to include parameters not discharge-related, such as
pesticides and gas saturation, our picture of water quality is altered considerably. The chart
showing "River and Stream Miles Meeting Federal Goals" indicates a perceptible decline in water
quality in the Northwest during the past decade. The proportion of total stream miles that
consistently meet Federal goals (blue) is decreasing. This is offset to some extent by increases in
the total stream miles that provisionally meet Federal goals (yellow). The reasons for this decline
are apparently related to the intensity of water and land use. Rivers east of the Cascades heavily
used for power generation and irrigation account for most of the apparent overall decline in water
quality. Federal and State pollution control programs have not addressed these problems and other
non-point sources during the past ten years. As a consequence non-point source control programs
are receiving increasing emphasis and will encompass a large part of the future thrust of pollution
control here in the Northwest.
STREAM MILES MEETING FEDERAL GOALS
100 r
MEETS FEDERAL
WATER QUALITY
GOALS
PROVISIONALLY
MEETS FEDERAL
WATER QUALITY
GOALS
FAILS TO MEET
WATER QUALITY
GOALS: POLLUTED
1966 1968 1970 1972 1974
1966-1968 1969-1971 1972-1974
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WATER QUALITY
Standards/Criteria Violations
RIVER BASIN
PRNC.
RIVER
KOOTENAI
CLARK FORK/
PENDOREILLE
SPOKANE
UPPER COLUMBIA
YAKIMA
LOWER COLUMBIA
WILLAMETTE
SPOKANE
UPPER
COLUMBIA
LOWER
COLUMBIA
WILLAMETTE
PUGETSOUND
WASHINGTON
COAST
GREEN
CHEHALIS
YAKIMA 4 -»•
BEAR
BEAR
-»•
RIVER BASIN
PRNC.
RIVER
OREGON COAST
SOUTHERN
OREGON LAKES
KLAMATH
ROGUE
KLAMATH
B D
UPPER SNAKE
MIDDLE SNAKE
LOWER SNAKE
UPPER
SNAKE
MIDDLE
SNAKE
LOWER
SNAKE
-
-»-
-
LEGEND
(I NOT A CONTRIBUTOR TO VIOLATIONS
| | MINOR CONTRIBUTOR TO VIOLATIONS
MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO VIOLATIONS
INSUFFICIENT DATA, BUT NO VIOLATIONS PRESUMED
NUMBERS OF VIOLATIONS
| INCREASING fTI DECREASING | ->- | UNCHANGING
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WATER QUALITY
Definitions of Parameters
In order to understand the signifi-
cance of standards violations it is nec-
essary to know what characteristic of
the water is not meeting the standard.
While many factors are taken into
consideration in the development and
application of water quality standards,
there are ten principal water quality
characteristics that are of particular
interest. These are:
TROPH (Trophic condition): This
refers to the intensity of biological
activity. Excessive biological activity is
characterized by very murky, turbid
water and nuisance-level growths of
algae and aquatic weeds.
The chart at left shows trends for 10 principal
characteristics of river water quality for the
Region's 15 major river basins. An upward
pointing arrow indicates that the pollution
characteristic is worsening, a downward
pointing arrow indicates it is improving, and a
sidewise pointed arrow indicates no change in
the recent past. The blue color indicates that
the characteristics is not a contributor to
standards violations for the river basin while
the yellow and red colors respectively indicate
relative minor and major contributions to
violations.
DO (Dissolved Oxygen): Oxygen
dissolved in water or sewage. Ade-
quately dissolved oxygen is essential
to the life of fish and other aquatic
organisms that form the beginning of
the life chain. Discharge of excessive
organic solids generally are cause of
low DO concentrations.
TEMP: Temperature of water gov-
erns both the nature of life forms and
the rate of chemical reactions. In gen-
eral, higher temperatures are undesir-
able for the types of fish and shellfish
found in the Northwest and Alaska.
PH: This is a measure of acidity or
alkalinity of water. Extreme levels of
either can imperil fish life and speed
corrosion.
TDG: Total Dissolved Gases—a
measure of the concentration of gases
in solution in water—can effect the
metabolism of aquatic life forms. High
concentrations of gases in excess of
120 percent can cause high mortalities
in migrating fish.
TDS: Total Dissolved Solids is the
measure of nongaseous minerals in
solution in water—its relative "salti-
ness". Excesses affect water taste and
cause mineral build-up in pipes and
appliances.
BACT: Bacteria indicating the
probable presence of disease-causing
organisms and viruses not natural to
water. They come from the intestine of
mammals, including man.
AEST (Aesthetics): Refers to
detectable oil and grease, sediment,
and similar considerations.
RAD: Radioactivity may be present
in water as a result of discharge of
radioactive wastes or fallout. Its slow
decay presents a direct threat to
aquatic life and potential increase in
the cumulative dose rate for other life
forms.
OTOX: Organic Toxicants include
pesticides and other poisons that have
the same effects and persistence as
pesticides.
ITOX: Inorganic Toxicants are heavy
metals and other elements. Although
naturally found in water and essential
to life in low concentrations, excess
concentrations are poisonous.
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WATER QUALITY
Programs and Planning Efforts
NPDES—Under the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) water pollution
cleanup permits had been issued to
most of 2,500 industrial, municipal and
Federal dischargers by mid-1975.
These permits, called "first-generation
permits," virtually all require
improvement in the quality of
discharged water under schedules to
be met within the. next five years or
less.
With the issuance of permits almost
complete, the States and EPA will be
monitoring compliance by the
dischargers. During Fiscal 1975,
enforcement actions were instituted
against 54 violators in Region X.
AREAWIDE 208 PROGRAM—Local
government planning agencies in 10
areas of Washington, Oregon and
Idaho have launched two-year studies
aimed at developing long-term
comprehensive waste treatment
management plans for areawide
implementation. The areawide
planning effort comes under Section
208 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act. The agencies have been
allotted $6.2 million in Federal funds
to cover the cost of the planning
program. The States are designing a
companion planning program to cover
the remaining areas under their
jurisdiction. A major emphasis of the
Statewide program will be on
controlling nonpoint sources of
pollution such as agriculture and
forestry activities. Other point sources
activities, water quality standards, and
groundwater contamination will be
addressed as well.
The State and local 208 programs
provide significant opportunity for
citizens interested in clean water to
take part in decisions as to how the
goals of the law will be achieved in their
areas.
CONSTRUCTION GRANTS—This
year, over $100 million will be awarded
to municipalities in Region X to build
waste water treatment facilities. Under
this program, the Federal Government
contributes 75 percent of the eligible
costs of the facility. Priorities for
project funding are established by the
State agencies under authority of
Section 201 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act. The delegation
to the States of responsibilities relating
to the administration of construction
grants has contributed significantly to
Region X's National leadership in the
program. As possibly the largest public
works program in the country, great
progress has been made toward
reduction of waste discharges in
municipalities, as well as providing
approximately 4,000 jobs in the North-
west and Alaska to aid in deterring
National unemployment.
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The drinking water supplied to most
homes in Region X is safe. Sources of
water supply in the Northwest are of
better quality than those found in most
other parts of the country. Neverthe-
less, studies over the past 10 years
indicate that drinking water quality
may be deteriorating. The increasing
volume, variety and complexity of
pollutants that enter our ground and
surface water sources pose new prob-
lems while our methods of water treat-
ment remain tuned to contaminants of
an earlier era.
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Wash-
ington combined have more than
10,000 public water supply systems
that must meet minimum National
drinking water standards. Most cur-
rent problems occur with smaller sys-
tems, and may be attributed to poor
design, poor operating and mainte-
nance procedures, and inadequate
testing of water quality. In many cases,
small systems do not generate enough
revenue to provide the facilities, per-
sonnel, and services needed to ensure
consistent high quality of drinking
water. Region X will work closely with
State and local health agencies to help
WATER QUALITY
Water
identify solutions to problems that pre-
vent these systems from providing safe
water.
The chart below provides a profile
of certain issues related to mainte-
nance and improvement of safe drink-
ing water supplies in the Region.
Issues with a high priority need for
attention are marked in red, while
those with a lesser priority are
marked in yellow and blue. Starting
in 1977, data will be available to more
accurately estimate the number or per-
centage of the Region's population
served by water supplies meeting the
National standards.
PROBLEM
STATUS
PLANNING, COORDINATION
AND DESIGN OF FACILITIES
OPERATION AND MAINTEN-
ANCE OF FACILITIES
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
BACTERIA
HEALTH
STANDARDS
INORGANIC
SOME WORK NEEDED
ORGANIC
MONITORING
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
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AIR QUALITY
Many urban residents are more con-
cerned with air quality than any other
environmental feature. This is evi-
denced by the frequent reporting of
air quality indices on radio, television
and in the press in many large cities.
The Clean Air Act of 1970 gave EPA
authority to establish ambient air
quality standards which specify, for
the principal and most widespread
classes of air pollutants, limitations
necessary to protect the public health
and welfare.
These pollutants are: particulate
matter, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbons,
carbon monoxide, photochemical
oxidants, and nitrogen oxides. The
standards are further divided into two
categories: primary standards which
are set at levels required to protect the
public health; and secondary stand-
ards which are set at levels intended to
prevent the many other undesirable
effects of air pollution.
EPA Region X has identified 20
areas in the four States which com-
prise the principal industrial and
populated urban areas of high pol-
lution potential. In each there are a
number of sites at which the concen-
tration of air pollutants are measured.
These sites are selected both to
provide general air quality information
and to monitor existing or potential
problems.
In order to characterize the air qual-
ity problems of the Region, the number
of days per year during which the pri-
mary air quality standard was violated
is shown in the charts. Accordingly,
the chart is not representative of the
entire county but of the worst known
problem site for each pollutant type,
i.e., it shows the "worst case".
The first chart opposite shows days of stand-
ards violations for each of the 20 priority
counties in Region X. The chart is color-
coded to show the days of standards viola-
tions for carbon monoxide, particulate matter,
oxidants, and sulfur dioxide.
The lower chart shows days of standards
violations for each of the 20 counties in
Region X in terms of the severity of the viola-
tion. The yellow area of each bar on the chart
represents days in which the primary stand-
ard was violated but the "alert" level was not
reached. The red area of the bar shows the
number of days for which the "alert" level for
any one of the principal air pollutants was
exceeded.
An "alert" level is the level at which the public
is notified that there is an air pollution
problem.
The lack of 862 violations shown on the tables
at right should not be construed to suggest
there are no problems with SC>2 in Region X.
There are several areas where primary SC>2
standards are being violated within the Region,
but they are single source related and do not
fall within the high population areas.
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AIR QUALITY
Standards Violations
DAYSOFSTD'S VIOLATIONS BYTYPE OF POLLUTANT
cc
<
LJLJ
>-
CC
HI
CL
(/)
<
Q
210
180
150
120
90
60
30
DAYS OF STD'S VIOLATIONS BY SEVERITY
cc
<
LJJ
>-
CC
III
CL
(/)
<
o
210
180
150
120
90
60
30
54
29
135
3
••
79
133
n
X/
PARTICULATE
MATTER
CARBON
MONOXIDE
OXIDANTS
SULFUR
DIOXIDE
ABOVE
PRIMARY
STANDARD
ABOVE
ALERT
LEVEL
8
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AIR QUALITY
Region X has relatively few heavily
populated urban centers (only 6.5 mil-
lion residents in the four States com-
bined). But where there are major
urban centers, air pollution problems
exist.
The Seattle and Spokane metro-
politan areas still have significant
carbon monoxide problems too many
days of the year. Carbon monoxide
(CO) is a major threat to the residents
of Fairbanks, Alaska, during its long
winter and is becoming an increas-
ing problem in other Alaska cities such
as Anchorage. Developments
associated with the Alaska Pipeline are
expected to compound this latter
problem.
Portland, Oregon, has frequent CO
problems and other air quality prob-
lems. In other communities, such as
Tacoma, Washington, and Kellogg,
Idaho, the problems stem from
industry. Heavy metals and sulfur
oxides emissions from smelters have
long been difficult problems in both
areas.
EPA is working closely with the
States of Alaska, Washington and
Oregon to establish mechanisms to
reduce the CO levels in problem areas.
This includes measures to reduce
emissions from vehicles as well as
measures to reduce the number of
vehicle miles traveled in urban centers
having high levels of CO.
The combined monitoring and sur-
veillance systems of EPA, the State and
local air pollution control agencies in
Region X have nearly 200 monitoring
stations throughout the Region. These
stations are backed up by a recently
built mobile monitoring facility
utilized for emergency, short-term
requirements.
These charts show trends in each of the
priority counties for Region X. The direction
of the arrows indicates whether the number
of days of standards violations is increasing,
decreasing, or remaining the same. Blue
colors indicate the pollutant is not a con-
tributor to days of standards violations.
Yellow and red indicate relative severity of the
problem.
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AIR QUALITY
Trends in Air Pollutants in Primary Abatement Areas
ALASKA
PRIMARY ABATEMENT AREA <*
ANCHORAGE
FAIRBANKS
IDAHO
BANNOCK
ADA
POWER
WASHINGTON
SPOKANE
CLARK
COWLITZ
KING
SNOHOMISH
PIERCE
OREGON
PRIMARY ABATEMENT AREA
LINN
LANE
POLK
WASHINGTON
CLACKAMAS
MULTNOMAH
COLUMBIA
MARION
JACKSON
NO VIOLATIONS OF STANDARDS
EXCEEDS PRIMARY STANDARD | +
EXCEEDS ALERT LEVEL I f
INCREASING
UNCHANGING
DECREASING
INSUFFICIENT DATA BUT PRESUMED IN COMPLIANCE
* | INSUFFICIENT DATA BUT PRESUMED EXCEEDING
PRIMARY LEVEL
10
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RADIATION
Awareness of the potential for radia-
tion problems is greater in Region X
than in many other areas because of
the Hanford (Washington) Atomic
Works, the Arco (Idaho) nuclear facil-
ity, the forthcoming Trident sub-
marine base at Bangor (Washington)
and the increasing number of nuclear
power plants. Similar to the rest of the
Nation is the awareness that applica-
tions and uses of radiation are rapidly
increasing.
Two types of radiation contribute to
the problem of control: ionizing, which
is produced by radioactive materials
and radiation-producing machines
such as X-ray equipment; and non-
ionizing, produced by television re-
ceivers, radar, lasers, etc. Primary
threats to health associated with these
types of radiation are carcinogenic
effects and physiological changes due
to heat.
The environmental risks, such as
contamination of land, air, water and
natural resources also are of concern.
The number of nuclear power plants
is projected to increase significantly
by the year 2000. Protection of the
public health and environment re-
quires that the impact of radioactive
releases into the environment be pru-
dently examined as more power re-
actors and associated facilities are
developed. Waste materials must be
isolated from the biosphere until their
radiation has decayed or been re-
moved to levels of insignificance. No
suitable technology for the ultimate
disposal of these wastes has been
developed. Until a solution is obtained
interim waste management proce-
dures must be monitored to assure
waste containmnet.
EPA is working closely with State
officials in Washington and Oregon to
establish a workable emergency plan
should there be an accident at a
nuclear power plant. (Note: The table's
reference to per capita radiation dose
rate from nuclear power plants aver-
ages a fraction of a millirem per year.
The table deals with the normal plant
operation and does not take into con-
sideration the possibility of an
accident.)
EPA's role in radiation is primarily
one of setting environmental ambient
standards and monitoring.
11
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RADIATION
SOURCEOF
RADIATION
EXPOSURE
FALLOUT
INDUSTRY
NEAR-TERM
(1-5 YR.)
LONG-TERM
(5-50 YR.)
CURRENT
POTENTIAL
FOR
INCREASE
The table to the right helps put the radiation
exposure problem in perspective by
comparison to what every individual receives
from natural radiation exposure. As the table
indicates, there is a significant, continuing per
capita radiation dose rate from medical uses of
ionizing radiations, and it is believed this rate
will continue.
The chart at left shows the trends for radiation
exposure. The total radiation dose to the
population from ionizing radiation is
increasing. This is due to a number of factors
including increasing population, increasing
variety of radiation applications, the expansion
of existing applications, and changes in
lifestyle resulting in increased exposure to
certain types of sources.
RADIATION DOSE RATE FROM VARIOUS SOURCES*
SOURCE OF EXPOSURE IN MILLIREMS**
NATURAL
Occupational
Nuclear Power
Fuel Reprocessing
AEC Activities Other
Than Open-Air
Weapons Testing
Open-Air Weapons Testing
TV, Consumer Products,
Air Travel
Diagnostic Radiology
1960
130.0
0.75
0.0001
0.01
13.0+
1970
130.0
0.8
0.002
0.0008
0.01
4.0
2.6
72.0
2000
130.0
0.9
0.2
0.2
0.01
4.9
209.
*From Environmental Protection Agency (1972)
**The millirem is a unit of biological dosage related to the amount of
energy deposited in tissue by various kinds of ionizing radiations.
+ 1963
12
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PESTICIDES
The decline of agricultural use of
chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides
has necessitated a greater reliance
upon organophosphates and carba-
mates for insect control. These chem-
icals degrade rather quickly, which is
of long term importance to the environ-
ment. They are often extremely toxic
and therefore more dangerous to
apply. This has resulted in applicator
certification and training, safe re-
entry practices, public education pro-
grams and accident surveillance.
In addition to participating in pri-
mary and ongoing National programs
such as pesticide registration, certi-
fication of applicators, etc., EPA
Region X is also currently involved in
several other major pesticide-related
issues.
Perhaps the most pressing of these
at this time is the problem of disposing
of used agricultural pesticide con-
tainers. The Region has recently
awarded a contract to a private
research concern to identify the extent
of this problem.
Accidental herbicide damage to
non-target crops is also an area of
great concern. The Region has re-
cently developed a pilot program
designed to inform Chicano migrant
workers about pesticide safety and
use. The prime thrust of this effort, one
of the first of its kind in the country,
has been to provide educational pro-
grams for workers.
Monitoring and laboratory re-
search in pesticides is at a high level
in this Region. For several years,
major facilities in Wenatchee and in
Boise have been conducting epi-
demiological and laboratory studies
on the effects of chronic pesticides
on man and his environment.
The majority of pesticides in cur-
rent and recent use can be divided
into two general defined categories:
"persistent" and "non-persistent".
Persistent pesticides have chemical
properties that are comparatively
resistant to natural breakdown
processes. This group includes
most of the chlorinated hydrocarbon
insecticides (DDT, dieldrin, etc.),
and some of the mercury-containing
fungicides. The non-persistent group
consists of naturally derived as well as
synthetic substances used to control
pests. Pesticides of this type are
usually either more easily degradable
(such as organophosphates and
carbamates), or relatively more selec-
tive as to target pest affected (such
as pyrethrins, biological controls, etc.).
The accompanying chart illustrates
the general status of these agri-
culturally important substances; sev-
eral trends are apparent. Because of
their residual properties, concentra-
tions of persistent chemicals build-up
in the systems of animals as one
moves up the food chain. Little is
known of the possible consequences
that might result from long-term ex-
posure to even very small amounts of
these substances in our everyday
existence, and the use of many of these
persistent substances has recently
undergone a marked decline. This is
perhaps best illustrated in the case of
DDT, which can now be used only
under very special and necessary
circumstances.
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PESTICIDES
The chart below illustrates the trend in the
concentrations of two categories of the
principal types of pesticides in the
environment. Because of the restrictions on
the use of DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, etc., this
classification is in a decreasing trend. The
organo-phosphates (non-persistent), which
have been substituted for the chlorinated
hydrocarbons, are increasing in use. But
because of their short life, their concentrations
in the environment do not significantly
increase.
GENERALTYPE
AMOUNT
USED
CONCENTRATION IN
AIR
WATER
SOIL
FOOD
AND
FEED
PERSISTENT PESTICIDES
(CHLORINATED
HYDROCARBONS,
MERCURIALS, ETC.)
NON-PERSISTENT PESTICIDES
(ORGANOPHOSPHATES,
CARBONATES,
BIOLOGICAL, ETC.)
t
SATISFACTORY CONDITION
AREAS OF CONCERN; MORE ACTION NEEDED
INCREASING
DECREASING
UNCHANGING
14
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SOLID WASTE
Waste management presents a spec-
trum of problems, from extreme health
and environmental hazard to the effi-
ciency of collection operations. The
diverse nature of the wastes (dead
animals, mercury-rich industrial
sludges, dredge spoils, abandoned
cars, septic tank pumpings, residen-
tial solid waste, infectious hospital
wastes, demolition debris, feedlot
wastes, etc.) and their occurrence
makes the challenge of waste manage-
ment as complex as its sources.
Many disposal methods pollute the
land, air or water. For example, burn-
ing dumps contribute to air pollution
and some disposal sites, especially
west of the Cascade mountains, are so
situated that leachate and drainage
waters aggravate the pollution of rivers
and streams.
The long-term solution to solid
waste management problems lies in
the development of systems that will
wisely control the quantity and charac-
teristics of wastes. This can be done by
efficient collection, creative recycling,
recovering energy and other resources,
and properly disposing of wastes that
have no further use. In the near term,
the development of environmentally
acceptable methods of disposal on
land is one of our objectives. Current
programs and projects include:
State solid waste grant program.
Region X provides annual grants to
States to serve as the catalysts for the
development and improvement of
State solid waste programs. State
Solid Waste Management Plans have
been developed in all four States; haz-
ardous waste inventories have been
published in three States (only two
other States have completed hazard-
ous waste inventories); hazardous
waste management programs have
been established in two States;
Oregon has hazardous waste regula-
tions and Washington is preparing a
State Resource Recovery Plan.
Disposal site information system.
Region X developed a computerized
disposal site information system in
three States and the fourth State plans
to join the system during the next fiscal
year. The system provides a mecha-
nism for storing, updating, and re-
trieving information on both active
and inactive solid waste disposal sites.
This system is now being set up in
other EPA Regional Offices based on
the Region X experience.
Status of hazardous waste manage-
ment. Region X contracted with a con-
sulting firm to develop a report "Status
of Hazardous Waste Management in
Region X." This project will tie the
existing types of industrial processes
in Region X to the specific types and
quantities of hazardous waste they are
likely to produce. The product of this
study will be a report that will assist
both EPA and the States of Region X in
expanding and improving their hazard-
ous waste programs.
Enforcement. There is no specific
Federal solid waste regulator power,
but Region X has been able to use air
and water pollution laws and the
1899 Refuse Act to eliminate the en-
vionmental insults from offensive solid
waste practices.
Federal facilities. EPA is empowered
to develop various guidelines for solid
waste management practices which
are mandatory for Federal agencies.
In addition to land disposal guide-
lines developed earlier EPA is now
publishing several guidelines that will
require resource recovery at Federal
facilities. Agencies will be required to
recycle paper, use resource recovery
plants, and use deposit type beverage
containers.
15
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SOLID WASTE
Resource Recovery; Landfills
Resource recovery systems are in operation only in Cowlitz County, Washington, indicated by a
blue dot. Yellow dots indicate location of counties and municipalities committed to undertaking
resource recovery activities. Black dots indicate counties and municipalities where resource
recovery planning is in progress.
Chart indicates percentage of population
served by disposal facilities meeting State
requirements in Washington, Oregon, Idaho,
and Alaska.
RESOURCE RECOVERY ACTIVITIES
WASHINGTON
PORTLAND
*SALEM
PERCENT OF POPULATION
SERVED BY FACILITIES MEETING
STATE REQUIREMENTS
100% r
80%
60%
40%
20%
1972* 1973* 1974
REGION X
'EXCLUDES ALASKA
16
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NOISE
Sound, so vital a part of our exist-
ence, is growing to such disagreeable
proportions within our environment
today that it is a very real threat to
health. The problem is not limited to
occupation noise and hearing loss, but
also includes community noise, which
affects us not only physiologically,
but psychologically (nervousness,
tension, etc.) as well.
In view of these facts, Congress
passed the Noise Control Act of 1972
which gives EPA authority to set stand-
ards on new products that are major
sources of noise (cars, trucks, etc.) and
existing noise sources (interstate rail-
roads, trucks and aircraft) which need
national uniformity of treatment.
However, the primary responsibility
for control of noise rests with State
and local governments. EPA provides
technical assistance to States and
communities that need help in writing
legislation and establishing noise
control enforcement programs.
Technical assistance is provided
in areas such as:
• Developing model legislation
• Reviewing proposed legislation
and regulations
• Training of State and local offi-
cials in writing laws and ordi-
nances and in noise enforcement
measurement techniques
Some examples include assistance
to Oregon and Washington in develop-
ing noise regulations, assistance to the
cities of Anchorage, Seattle and Port-
land in developing noise control ordi-
nances, and the monitoring of noise
levels from railroad locomotives,
ferries and auto and motorcycle race-
tracks.
Future trends indicated on the facing
page reflect expected developments
due to EPA product-related activities
and the effect of noise-control efforts
in Oregon and Washington. Idaho and
Alaska, the latter undergoing a popula-
tion increase, presently lack noise con-
trol regulations.
17
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NOISE
Areas and Trends
PRINCIPAL AREAS OF NOISE CONTROL
TYPEOFCONTROL
FEDERAL STATE
INTERSTATE VEHICLE STANDARDS
CONSTRUCTION NOISE
STANDARDS (ORDINANCES)
BUILDING CODES
(INSULATION & LOCATION)
AIRPORTS/AIRCRAFT
IMPLE-
MENTATION
NEEDED
LOCAL
IMPLE-
MENTATION
NEEDED
TRENDS IN NUMBERS OF PERSONS EXPOSED
TO UNACCEPTABLE NOISE LEVELS
SOURCES OF NOISE
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
AIRPORTS/AIRCRAFT
CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRIAL
LEGEND
m
SATISFACTORY CONDITION
AREAS OF CONCERN;
MORE ACTION NEEDED
SERIOUS PROBLEM
INCREASING
DECREASING
UNCHANGING
18
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SUMMARY
This first Environmental Profile of thefour States comprising Region
X of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is based on data
compiled over a number of years. Both State and Federal sources of
data were used.
This profile is intended to help the public and its elected and
appointed officials at all levels of government better understand the
state of the environment in the Northwest and Alaska.
One of the principal difficulties in developing an overview of
environmental quality lies in selecting measures that do not overly
simplify or mask complex and important underlying issues. Each of the
topical areas treated in this document can be discussed in much
greater detail.
Additional information is available from
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region X, Mailstop 605
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
The chart opposite provides a synopsis of trends for certain
environmental quality parameters for Region X as a whole.
1Q
-------
SYNOPSIS OF ENV
INDICATOE
COMPONENT
WATER
AIR
RADIATION
PESTICIDES
SO LID WASTE
NOISE
RIVER MILES NOT
MEETING STANDARDS
SEVERITY OF VIOLATION
OF STANDARDS
DAYS OF STANDARDS
VIOLATIONS
SEVERITY OF POLLUTION
IN DAYS IN WHICH
STANDARDS VIOLATED
NEAR-TERM EXPOSURE
CONCENTRATION IN FOOD,
WATER, AIR
PERCENT POPULATION
SERVED BY SANITARY
LAND-FILLS
NUMBER OF PERSONS
EXPOSED TO UNACCEPT-
ABLE NOISE LEVELS
INDICATO ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^M
^^^^^^H
-------
Postage and Fees Paid
U S Environmental Protection Agency
EPA — 335
3RD CLASS BULK RATE
-------
SYNOPSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
INDICATORS 1976
COMPONENT
WATER
AIR
RADIATION
PESTICIDES
SO LID WASTE
NOISE
RIVER MILES NOT
MEETING STANDARDS
SEVERITY OF VIOLATION
OF STANDARDS
DAYS OF STANDARDS
VIOLATIONS
SEVERITY OF POLLUTION
IN DAYS IN WHICH
STANDARDS VIOLATED
NEAR-TERM EXPOSURE
CONCENTRATION IN FOOD,
WATER, AIR
PERCENT POPULATION
SERVED BY SANITARY
LAND-FILLS
NUMBER OF PERSONS
EXPOSED TO UNACCEPT-
ABLE NOISE LEVELS
INDICATOR
•
TREND
IMPROVING
IMPROVING
IMPROVING
IMPROVING
NO CHANGE
IMPROVING
IMPROVING
WORSENING
LEGEND
SATISFACTORY CONDITION
n AREAS OF CONCERN;
MORE ACTION NEEDED
SERIOUS PROBLEM
230 SC-L.:,. >>
20
60501*
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