United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Washington DC 20460
Research and Development
EPA/600/9-86/027 Sept. 1986
£EPA ORD Annual Report
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Foreword
EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD)
continues to strive for excellence in the Agency's
research program. Because the overall goal of our
program | is to provide the scientific and technical
information necessary to support the Agency's regu-
latory aqd enforcement responsibility, representa-
tives from ORD's client program and regional offices
actively participate on each of our five research
committees (Air and Radiation; Water; Toxics and
Pesticides; Hazardous Waste and Superfund; and
Multimedia Energy). We believe that the EPA research
committee system has strengthened our ability to
plan and manage the essential scientific and technical
work of the Agency.
For the second consecutive year, I have asked each
committee to prepare an annual report. The FY-1985
report is designed to provide the reader with three
things: (1) a summary of major research issues as
defined by each committee; (2) highlights of major
accomplishments that were responsible to those
issues in FY-1985; and(3)the identification of related
research to be performed during FY-1986. The major
purpose of this document is to acquaint the reader
with the interests of each committee, and to highlight
specific research outputs. We hope that you find the
reports enlightening and useful.
Donald J. Ehreth
Acting Assistant Administrator
for Research and Development
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The Organization
The EPA's Office of Research and Development
headquarters in Washington does the strategic
planning and budgeting for a program of more than
$250 million in research per year.
Our research is conducted out of 14 laboratories
located from as far east as Narragansett, Rl, to as far
west as Corvallis, OR. We have major research
centers in Cincinnati, OH and Research Triangle Park,
NC. These laboratories report to five major head-
quarters offices which are organized along discipline
lines: health; environmental processes and effects;
environmental engineering and technology; monitor-
ing systems and quality assurance; and health and
environmental assessment.
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Air and Radiation Research Committee
Introduction
The Air research program provides the Office of Air
and Radiatibn (OAR) with the scientific data bases,
methodologies, assessments, models, emission re-
duction technologies and corresponding quality assur-
ance support to develop and implement air quality
standards and ensure compliance with them. The
research program has two focuses. The first is
research on the six air pollutants for which National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) have been
set. These; pollutants are carbon monoxide (CO),
sulfur dioxide (SOz), particulate matter (PM), ozone
(03), nitrogen oxide (NOX), and lead (Pb). The other aim
of the program is to study potentially hazardous air
pollutants (f^APs) which are defined as pollutants that
cause irreversible or reversible incapacitating illness
and have not already been regulated as NAAQS
pollutants. '
In an effort to develop a more cohesive, responsive,
long-range research program, the Assistant Admin-
istrators for Research and Development (ORD) and
OAR identify the priority research issues for the Air
and Radiatibn research programs. These issues cut
across scientific disciplines (e.g., monitoring, health,
engineering, risk assessment, environmental proc-
esses), and the pollutant-specific structure of the
research programs. The following discussion of
ORD's major accomplishments in FY 1985 is organ-
ized by these issues.
Criteria Air Pollutants
Scientific Assessments
During FY 1985 technical analyses were provided to
the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
(OAQPS) in1 support of their proposal and promulga-
tion of the>NAAQS for NOX, CO, SO2, and PM. In
addition, work was continued on Air Quality Criteria
Documents (AQCD) for O3, and Pb.
For O3, a Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee
(CASAC) meeting was held on the first external
. review draft (ERD) of the AQCD. Comments from the
CASAC are currently being addressed in a second
ERD, whichjis scheduled for completion on November
15, 1985. A. follow-up CASAC meeting will be
scheduled io review the second ERD in March of
1 986. A final AQCD is scheduled for completion in
October of 1986.
The second ERD for Pb was published on October 15,
1984 and the second CASAC meeting, which granted
closure on all issues covered to that time, occurred in
May of 1985. An addendum to the Pb AQCD is now
being prepared to consider blood-lead/blood pressure
relations. A CASAC meeting is scheduled for January
of 1986. I
An international symposium on aerosols was held on
May 19,1985, sponsored arid organized by ORD. The
proceedings from the symposium will be published
during FY 1986. >
Health Data
Two clinical studies of the pulmonary and immuno-
logical effects of oxidants, such as O3 and nitrogen
dioxide (N02), did much to increase understanding of
ozone's effect on the pulmonary immune system.
One of these studies investigated the response of
otherwise healthy adults with allergic rhinitis exposed
to various concentrations off O3. Another study com-
pared the respiratory responses to 03 of healthy
adults with and without naturally acquired respiratory
infection. The negative findings suggest that the host
defense mechanism in these individuals are not
compromised by exposures to Oa at the ambient
concentration tested. These results corroborate the
findings of two animal studies, also completed in FY
1985, of the immunological effects of O3 and NO2. In
addition, an animal study was completed on the
effects of chronic exposure to S04 and ammonium
sulfate, a commonly occurring aerosol particle.
Results of this study are being analyzed.
A five-year follow-up study of the neurobehavioral
effects of Pb in children was completed. In addition,
animal studies attempting to replicate earlier findings
on the neurological consequences of Pb exposure
were performed. These studies indicate that neuro-
behavioral effects can be seen in children at much
lower levels of Pb than previously suspected.
Data from animal toxicology studies and epidemio-
logical investigations can be better used for standard
setting if methods are developed to relate these data
quantitatively to actual human exposures and effects.
This is the purpose of extrapolation research. Of
particular importance is the need to determine where
pollutants are deposited in the respiratory systems of
many species and how each species differs in
processing, neutralizing, and eliminating the pollut-
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ant. In FY 1985, two important projects were com-
pleted on 03dosimetry in several animal species. The
first of these made significant advances in the math-
ematical accuracy of existing 03 dosimetry models,
particularly those predicting physicochemical proper-
ties and secretory parameters. The other project, an
experiment study in animals, related exercise and O3
dose and correlated these with existing human
studies cited in the Criteria Document for O3.
Three extrapolation projects were completed on
respiratory tract deposition of particles in animals.
One showed the complexity of deposition patterns for
hygroscopic particles. Six to eight-fold differences in
these patterns are seen in varying conditions of lung
temperature and humidity. Regional deposition
curves were extabiished for aerosol particles in five
common laboratory animals. These curves can be
related to available human data. Deposition of
insoluble particles was found to be related to route of
breathing and activity level. A major finding was that
current samplers underestimate the mass of larger
particles (10-15^m) deposited under conditions of
oronasal breathing.
Welfare Data
Based upon analysis of the Oa field data taken by the
National Crop Loss Assessment Network (NCLAN)
and processed through agricultural economic models,
substantial dollar losses were attributed to 03 damage
under the exposure scenarios studied. However,
several problems became apparent from some of the
field data. The most prominent one was the role of soil
moisutre deficits on crop response to ozone. These
responses had not been studied earlier but evidence
indicated a reduced ozone response during dry
weather. To interpret the yield data properly and to
establish secondary standards based upon real world
events, research was designed this year to establish
the level of importance of soil moisture. The field
exposure equipment for the entire national network
was redesigned, built or purchased, and installed in
FY 1985 to conduct moisture research. This new
research endeavor will accommodate revised expo-
sure regimes to approximate more closely the daily
durations normally found in the field.
A comprehensive multi-year research program was
initiated to assess the problem of visibility degrada-
tion. A number of studies have been conducted to
characterize the visibility degradation in the U.S. and
to identify the source of haze producing aerosols. Also
a study was completed on the temporal and spatial
variability of the visual effects of stack plumes.
To improve the Agency's ability to assess the impact
of pollutants or materials damage, an instantaneous
atmospheric corrosion monitor has been developed
and evaluated. This monitor is now being used in field
experiments where air pollution levels will be related
to materials damage.
Monitoring
A promising new method of measuring non-methane
organic compounds (NMOC) was studied and the
commercially available components were evaluated.
The spectrophotometer network is now operational.
This network provides sites which State and local
agencies can use to check the certification of their
ozone monitoring devices against a primary standard.
A final report for the National Air Pollution Back-
ground Network was prepared and will be published
as an ORD project report. The subject of the report
was the background ozone concentrations in remote
National Forests over an extended time period.
A final report was submitted on the validation of a
Manual Test Method for Determination of CO Emis-
sions. A final validation of the Alkaline Permanganate
Method for NOX,S02 and C02 is continuing. Collection
efficiencies for NOX and CO2 are 100% but the SO2
collection efficiency is 90%.
The Stanford Institute of Mathematics and Statistics
(SIMS) published a final report detailing the results of
a Five Year Study on Air Quality. This study statisti-
cally evaluated risk analysis for environmetnal toxi-
cants. Over 100 technical papers resulted from this
work.
A report was submitted on research to assess the
causes of visibility reduction in the West and this
work was augmented by the use of a multistation
monitoring network. Airborne LIDAR (laser induced
direction and ranging) was used in the support of the
study of plume/air mass transport in several Western
areas.
New Source Performance Standards
(NSPS) and State Implementation Plans
(SI Ps)
Air Quality Models
To increase the accuracy of current urban scale air
quality models, a number of studies have examined
the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in
producing ozone. The data obtained from these
studies have been used to improve the chemical
mechanisms currently used in air models to describe
and characterize the formation of ambient ozone from
precursor components. Also, to develop a scientific
method to assess .the role of individual VOCs to
produce ozone, an experimental procedure for esti-
mating atmospheric reactivity was developed which
used the hydroxyl radical (OH) as a single indicator of
atmospheric reactivity. (OH is a major atmospheric
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oxidizing agent.) In this procedure, the reaction of
VOC urider OH attack is assumed to represent the
more complex processes of atmospheric oxidation.
Special [fluid model facility experiments were com-
pleted on the demonstration of Good Engienering
Practice for develoing stack height estimates needed
for air quality modeling of emission sources located in
complex terrain. Also, a report has been completed on
the development of air quality models for complex
terrain application.
Urban and regional scale air quality models for
particulate matter were completed in support of the
Agency's efforts to regulate inhalable particles. To
develop [better analytical tools to assess the relative
contribution of pollution sources to specific receptors,
source apportionment techniques have been eval-
uated. Specifically, a number of studies have been
completed including target transformation analysis of
aerosol mass and receptor model for airborne organic
species.!
A major report has been completed on asessing the
state of the science on atmospheric diffusion for use
in air quality modeling. The report evaluates existing
techniques and provides a critical examination of the
research} required. This work will have wide applica-
tion to a number of models used in assessing air
quality impacts from stationary sources.
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Monitoring Systems
Over 65,000 filters were received, analyzed, and the
data entered into the system for development of the
Inhalable Particulate Network Data Base. The filters
were analyzed for mass, inorganic chemicals and
metals. In support of amendments to the NAAQS
regarding particle size, sampler inlets for particles
<10 fjm were evaluated for suitability.
Quality assurance was provided for all of the air
programs to ensure that technical data are of known
accuracy and precision. Support was provided to the
Office of Air and Radiation, the Regions, other ORD
laboratories, the World Meteorological Organization
and the World Health Organization.
A report was published providing an assessment of
the Precision and Accuracy for State and Local Air
Monitoring Sites (SLAMS) for 1982.
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Control Technology
In 1985, pilot scale testing with fuel oil showed that
up to a 7$% reduction in NOX levels can be achieved
using returning techniques with initial NOX levels of
200 ppm'or above. It was also shown that using coal
as the reburning fuel is dependent on the coal
properties and is not as effective as natural gas due to
the fuel-nitrogen effects. In conjunction with the
Electric Piower Research Institute, a joint symposium
on NOX Control Technology was conducted to transfer
the latest technological developments to designers,
users and educators.
A preliminary study showed that simulated high
nitrogen hazardous wastes can be combusted with
NOX levels of less than 100 ppm. This study will be
expanded in 1986 to determine the potential for using
high nitrogen hazardous wastes as fuel supplements.
On August 2, 1985, EPA announced its intention to
set Standards of Performance for Residential Wood
Combustion. Critical teeihnical questions exist con-
cerning the appropriate emission measurement
method and the long-term viability of catalytic control
technology now on the market. An emission
measurement project was initiated and completed
comparing three candidate methods. Results are
being analyzed and will be used to determine if one or
more of these methods iis acceptable.
Significant achievements were attained in the area of
flue gas desulfurization (FGD) control technology. In
dry FGD, a pilot-scale spray-dryer/baghouse system
was constructed and operation has begun. In wet
FGD, sodium formate was found to be a less costly
alternative than other organic acid additives.
A Lime/Limestone Flue Gas Desulfurization Inspec-
tion and Performance Evaluation\Manual, an SPMS
milestone, was completed and distributed to regional
and State personnel involved in inspection and
permitting of FGD systems for electric utility coal-
fired boilers.
The Ninth Symposium on Flue Gas Desulfurization
was held jointly with the Electric Power Research
Institute to transfer information and program results
to users and other interested parties.
Data were developed on the influence of flare head
design and relief gas composition on flare perform-
ance. Atechnical paper on the findings was presented
at the annual meeting of Air Pollution Control
Association in Detroit. The results were also pre-
sented in a technical report (EPA/600/2-85/106),
"Evaluation of the Efficiency of Industrial Flares-
Flare Head Design and Gas Composition."
Research on the technology of organic acid enhance-
ment of limestone FGD processes, initiated in 1977,
was concluded in FY 1985. This technology was
introduced commercially in 1981 and has been so
successful that further research by EPA is unneces-
sary.
The Agency is now considering an NSPS for industrial
boilers. ORD provided input in FY 1985 which allows
consideration of the performance capabilities of
current and future emission control technologies. As
a result, future technologies can be specifically
designed to accommodate a particular technology.
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and the environmental benefits of the NSPS are not
compromised by high emissions.
EPA research on electrostatics resulted in two
technological breakthroughs for particulate control.
The "E-SOX" concept combines advanced electro-
static precipitator and spray dryer technology so that
both jobs are handled by the same equipment. By
separating and maximizing the particle charging and
collection functions, significantly enhanced collection
efficiency can be achieved, with reduced space
requirements. The improved ESP performance is
itself very useful for retrofit upgrading and, possibly,
for meeting NSPS. The super electrostatic augmented
fabric filtration—"(Super) ESFF"—concept promises
to reduce by two thirds or more the number of bags
required in a baghouse for a conventional power
plant. This is achieved through the application of
electrostatics to the filtration process to significantly
reduce pressure drop across the filter.
Hazardous Air Pollutants
Scientific Assessments
Fourteen final Comprehensive Health Assessment
Documents were delivered to OAQPS in FY 1985.
Among these were documents on cadmium, ethylene
oxide, dioxin, vinylidine chloride, chloroform, and
nickel.
In addition, Tier I Health Effects Summary documents
were prepared for six compounds; the compounds
were chloroprene, acrolein, acetaldehyde, phosgene,
phenol, and hydrogen sulfide.
Monitoring Systems
Research to develop, evaluate, and standardize
monitoring systems for measuring potentially haz-
ardous air pollutants in the ambient air and from
sources was accelerated to support the Agency's
efforts to better characterize air toxics. For chemicals
presently difficult or impossible to measure in the
ambient air, advanced techniques were investigated.
Techniques specifically studied in FY 1985 were
combined mass spectrometry, gas chromatogrpahy/
Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, supercrit-
ical fluid chromatography, tunable atomic line mass
spectrometry and cryogenic concentration. To im-
prove the surveillance and control of-industrial
sources, techniques such as capillary column chroma-
tography, selective detector, and portable monitors
were investigated. The Toxic Air Monitoring System
(TAMS) was operated to provide needed data on the
presence, concentration, and sources of potentially
hazardous air pollutants, in particular, VOCs. The
system also was used to augment ongoing activities
of long-term pollutant trends.
Control Technology
Three wood stove control technology projects were
initated. Two of these are investigating catalyst long-
term emission control 'performance. The first one
involves operating four catalytic stoves in the lab,
under simulated residential use, on a continuous
basis with periodic emission measurements. The
second project tests aged catalysts obtained from
homeowners in various regions of the country. The
third project is investigating alternative noncatalytic
control technologies. Initial tests on a combustion
chamber modification, consisting of a small gas-fired
secondary pilot burner coupled with enhanced sec-
ondary air injection achieved over 95% CO and total
HC reductions relative to the normal emission levels
of this commercially available stove.
A report on "Hazardous/Toxic Air Pollutant Control
Technology: A Literature Review" was distributed to
each State air pollution control agency through the
EPA Regional Offices. A manual for "Evaluation of
Control Technologies for Hazardous Air Pollutants"
was developed to assist State and local air pollution
control agencies in preparing and reviewing permits
for HAP emissions. The manual is being reviewed by
State and local agencies and will be published in FY
1986.
Planning for accidental release research was begun.
A literature search was performed and contracts
were made with several groups inside and outside
EPA. The following areas were identified for further
work: (1) development of an information system (2)
production of a Prevention Reference Manual for use
in reviewing industry accidental release prevention
plans including pre- and post-release plans, (3)
evaluation of control technology with emphasis on
post-release control options, and (4) validation of
models being used for industrial in-plant application
to estimate the exposure resulting from accidental
release.
Health Data
Dose response information to support the hazardous
air pollutant program is developed in the areas of
mutagenicity and cancer, neurotoxicology, inhalation
toxicology, and developmental biology. The chemicals
are either selected by OAR as high priorities or by the
researchers to develop, test, or calibrate their testing
systems. In FY 1985, two studies of toluene were
completed. Specifically, the first phase of a neuro-
behavioral evaluation in humans was completed, and
results of the photo-oxidation products of a toluene/
NOX atmospheric transformation study were pub-
lished in Environmental Science and Technology. In
addition, animal studies of subchronic epxosure to
toluene were begun.
Numerous other chemicals were investigated; the
following are examples of the studies performed. A
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journal article has been prepared on nitropyrene
mutagenicity, metabolism, and DNA binding in tra-
cheal cells.jResults show that methoxychlor changes
in the pituitary function may indicate toxic effects
from nitropyrene. A journal article was written to
describe the findings of a micro mutagenesis assay
on extracteid indoor air particulate matter from a pilot
field study conducted in Columbus, Ohio.
The Integrated Air Cancer Project (IACP) is an
interdisciplinary research program to develop the
scientific methods and data bases for identifying the
major sources of carcinogenic chemicals emitted into
the air or arising from atmospheric transformation.
During FYJ 1985, IACP field sites became fully
operational. These integrated field studies involve
sampling, analysis, and bioassay of source samples,
as well as riear and far ambient samples from both
indoors and outdoors. Sampling of residential wood
combustion was completed in FY 1985 and sub-
sequent bioassays were begun.
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Atmospheric Processes
In order toidetermine the transport, transformation,
and fate of hazardous air pollutants, a number of
laboratory iand field experiments have been com-
pleted. Smog chamber studies which can simulate a
variety of atmospheric conditions were conducted on
potential hazardous air pollutants. This research
provides necessary information on the lifetimes and
daughter products of important hazardous com-
pounds. Also, selected chemicals which are emitted
to the atmo'sphere in large quantities were tested for
producing [potentially mutagenic compounds as a
result of atmospheric oxidation reactions.
Mobile Sources
Monitoring Systems and
Control Technology
Although there has been a reduction in the develop-
ment of large synfuel plants, interest in smaller
industrial units and combined cycle plants for power
generation has increased. Environmental Monitoring
Plans were reviewed for the Great Plains Coal
Gasification Associates and Dow Syngas coal gasi-
fication projects, the Forest Hill heavy oil project, and
Unocal's Parachute Creek and Seep Ridge oil shale
programs. Results of year-long monitoring at the Cool
Water Coal Gasification project were analyzed and
discussed at the first semi-annual Monitoring Review
Committee! meeting. Improved data are needed to
develop better designs for facilities.
An analysis of non-synfuels energy areas was per-
formed to determine which emerging energy indus-
tries may pose environmental problems in the future.
Special permits were reviewed for oil shale projects
by Getty and City Service, and environmental impact
statements for an Alaskan coal mine and Pacific
Shale Oil projects were analyzed.
A number of studies have been completed on the
characterization of the emissions from a variety of
motor vehicles including light and heavy duty engine
categories. One major study was completed on the
characterization of emissions from vehicles using
methanol and methanol/geioline blended fuels. This
information will be used by the Agency in developing
regulations involving the use of methanol as a motor
vehicle fuel. Also, work was; completed on assessing
the ambient temperature and fuel effects on emis-
sions from light duty diesel! vehicles. Another study
was completed on the development of real-time
measurements for carbon rnonoxide emissions from
in-use vehicles equipped with three-way catalysts.
Additional data analyses were undertaken of the
Denver, Colorado-Washington, D.C. human exposure
data base, focusing on the relationship of CO
exposure profiles to breath CO levels as measures of
blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). Efforts were con-
tinued to validate existing computer simulation
models using the 1,600 profiles of CO collected in
Denver and Washington, D.C. Models were also
developed of CO exposures in highway microenvi-
ronments, and a workshop was held at Harvard to
review the results of exposure modeling and moni-
toring efforts.
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Health Data \
The Coburn-Foster-Kane (CFK) equation purports to
make it possible to determine inhaled doses of CO
based on the level of COHb in the venous blood of
humans. In FY 1985, EPA completed clinical studies
to determine the validity of the CFK equation.
Analyzed results show that 'the CFK equation is valid.
Also, data collection was completed in a study to
determine pre-anginal chamges in left ventricular
function in individuals with ischemic heart disease
exposed to CO at levels sufficient to cause COHb
levels of 4%. A manuscript was prepared and was
submitted to a peer reviewed journal. A follow-up
study was initiated, in which individuals with ischemic
heart disease were exposed to CO to determine if
measurable responses could be detected in these
individuals at COHb concentrations of approximately
6%. Studies of CO effects on hand-eye coordination
were begun and a final report on the first experiment
has been prepared and approved.
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Global and Macroenvironments
Inhouse laboratory studies were conducted to deter-
mine the composition and rates of emissions from
household building materials, such as particle board
and adhesives. Research was also conducted to
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determine the organic emissions from unvented
space heaters. Work was initiated on the development
of a computerized data base for sources of indoor air
pollutants.
In May 1985, an "Indoor Air Source Characterization
Workshop" was held in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
This EPA sponsored meeting attracted 60 researchers
representing U.S. and foreign research institutes,
universities, and private companies. Twenty-five
papers, including three by EPA researchers, were
presented on combustion sources, indoor materials,
and biological sources.
The first phase of scheduled field testing to develop
and demonstrate low-cost residential radon mitiga-
tion techniques was completed in 18 homes in the
Reading Prong in eastern Pennsylvania. The short-
term results are encouraging. In four homes with
initial radon levels of up to 7.4 working levels (wl),
radon was reduced to 0.03 wl or less by the
application of refined versions of these mitigation
measures, representing indoor radon reductions of
97 to 99%.
Research has continued to assess the health and
environmental effects of increased uvB radiation due
to the decrease of stratospheric ozone. In FY 1985,
research focused on the effects of uvB radiation on
such crops as soybeans, maize, wheat, rice, and
citrus fruit, as well as biologically important systems
such as phytoplankton and zooplankton. Research
was also conducted on stratospheric ozone model
development, and epidemiology of melanoma, and
the effects of increased uvB radiation on photo-
chemcial smog formation.
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Interdisciplinary Research Committee
introduction
The interdisciplinary research program develops risk
assessment guidelines and ensures consistent appli-
cation of tfiese guidelines throughout the Agency.
Activities in this area also support the dissemination
of scientific and technical data from the Office of
Research and Development (ORD). Finally, the inter-
disciplinary research program provides resources to
conduct long-range exploratory research through the
grants, cerjters and visiting scientists programs and
provide central management, audits and compliance
monitoring1 for the Agency-wide Quality Assurance
Program. ,
Scientific Assessments
In late 1903, the Toxics Integration Task Force
recommended that EPA underscore its commitment
to consistency and technical quality in risk assess-
ments by intensifying its work on risk assessment
guidelines land establishing the Risk Assessment
Forum. Since these activities cut across all media,
and affect all parts of EPA, they have been considered
part of the Interdisciplinary Research Committee.
These activities have continued into FY'85, and we
expect them to continue in the years beyond as well.
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Five risk assessment guidelines were proposed in FY
'85 for public comment. They are:
• Proposed Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assess-
ment I
• Proposed Guidelines for Exposure Assessment
• Proposed Guidelines for Mutagenicity Risk Assess-
ment ;
• Proposed Guidelines for the Health Assessment of
Suspect Developmental Toxicants
• Proposed Guidelines for the Health Risk Assess-
ment of Chemical Mixtures
The proposed guidelines and the public comment
were reviewed favorably by the Science Advisory
Board, and the revisions requested by the Science
Advisory Board were made. The five guidelines will be
published early in FY '86. In FY '86, the Agency
expects to [propose guidelines for male infertility,
female infertility, systemic toxicants, and use of
measurement information in exposure assessments.
The Risk Assessment Forum is a body of senior
scientists representing each Assistant and Associate
Administrator who meet regularly to resolve intra-
agency disputes relating to the analysis of scientific
information or the use of science policy. The Forum
assists EPA's risk assessment process in several
ways:
• It analyzes scientific information and science policy
issues for use in Agency risk assessment,
• It develops risk assessment procedures not covered
by the guidelines.
• It recommends revisions to the guidelines when-
ever such revisions appear to be necessary.
« It reviews selected risk assessments upon referral
from the program offices or senior Agency manage-
ment.
9 It recommends appropriate research to reduce
uncertainties in risk assessment.
The Forum has completed two actions to date—
classification of carcinogenicityfortrichloroethylene
and perchloroethylene according to EPA's proposed
carcinogen risk assessment guidelines, and interim
acceptance of the carcinogen risk assessment for
vinyl chloride by ingestion prepared by the Carcinogen
Assessment Group and used in a pending regulatory
package by the Office of Drinking Water. Seven other
Technical panels have also been formed. Their work
includes: j
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• Finding a better way to convey risk estimates and
their uncertainty to decision makers; their first
effort is development of alternative methods of esti-
mating parameters of the multi-stage model in
carcinogen risk assessment
• Proliferative hepatocellular lesions of the rat:
review and future use in risk assessment (neo-
plastic nodules) i
i
• Interim risk assessment procedures for mixtures of
chlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans
» Acceptable daily intakes
e Resolution of several issues in risk assessment of
arsenic by oral exposure
|
• Establishment of appropriate safety or uncertainty
factors for cholinesterase inhibitors
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. * Convening of an expert workshop on carcinogen
risk assessment needs
The Forum staff is completing a Charter for future
Forum operations, and several other issues are
expected to be taken up in FY'86.
Technical Information and Liaison
As the primary research arm of the Environmental
Protection Agency, ORD provides scientific informa-
tion needed by EPA to develop and enforce regula-
tions. Appropriate and timely dissemination of re-
search results supports the scientific basis for EPA
regulations and increases confidence in the decision
making process.
The Center for Environmental Research Information
(CERI) provides centralized support for the production
of information products in a cost-effective manner,
ensures consistent uniform disseminaiton of re-
search results, and provides a technology transfer
program to synthesize information and develop
presentations to support specific, high-priority pro-
gram objectives at the lowest cost to the government.
In FY'85, CERI continued to supprot ORD laboratories
by writing summaries of research projects conducted
by or for ORD, editing documents and summaries,
assuring the quality of material submitted for printing,
typesetting and producing documents, assuring the
quality of and preparing documents for submission to
the National Technical Information Service, control-
ling the distribution of documents, and responding to
requests for publications and documents.
Thetechnology transfer program continued to assess
the status of research and regulations, discuss with
the Research committees their priorities for the
dissemination of material, develop innovative infor-
mation transfer mechanisms, and ensure that infor-
mation on improved technology and management
practices is distributed to appropriate audiences to
comply with EPA regulations.
Exploratory Research
The Office of Exploratory Research (OER), which
administers the Research Grants Program and the
Environmental Research Centers Program, supports
interdisciplinary research-efforts related to a broad
range of long-term environmental issues. The goal of
both programs is to provide basic scientific informa-
tion on which the Agency can make regulatory
decisions.
V
The Research Grants Program is divided into five
program areas including environmental health, biol-
ogy, engineering, air and water. Research is spon-
sored on a number of broad topics such as the
identification and characterization of hazardous
contaminants in various media (air, water and soils);
understanding the intermedia transport, conversion
and fate of pollutants in the environment; human and
ecological risk assessment; incineration and combus-
tion studies; emissions reduction and control pro-
cesses associated with hazardous sites; and devel-
opment of newtechnologies in industrial wastewater
treatment.
Investigator-initiated research applications are re-
ceived in response to an annual solicitation document
and grants are selected on the basis of technical
merit, the potential relevance toward meeting the
Agency's long-range research goals and the contri-
bution toward a balanced research program.
During FY'85, 414 grant applications were reviewed
by ad hoc peer review panels, 122 were approved for
scientific merit and evaluated by in-house scientists
for Agency relevancy. Fifty-seven new proposals
were awarded and fifty-seven continuing grants were
processed for funding. Abstracts of the 114 grants
awarded in FY'85 were published and widely dis-
tributed within and outside EPA.
The Environmental Research Centers Program sup-
ports long-term environmental research in science
and engineering. The program consists of eight
university-based centers, each specializing in an area
of interest to EPA, including ground water, hazardous
waste, environmental epidemiology and marine
science research. Support to each center is provided
through a cooperative agreement with EPA and the
center's research program is managed by a center
director, along with an EPA project officer. The center
director is assisted by a Science Advisory Committee
(SAC) which advises the director on the technical
progress of ongoing research and reviews proposals
for further research. The SACs are composed of
scientists and engineers from industry, government
and academic institutions. At least two staff scien-
tists from EPA laboratories are members on each
SAC.
During FY'85, substantial changes were made in the
management of the centers to address prior problems
identified by the Science Advisory Board. Seven of the
eight centers were extensively reviewed by ad hoc
panels of expert consultants. All passed review and
final reports'of the seven site visits were received.
The eighth center, the Hazardous Waste Elimination
Research Center at Louisiana State University is
scheduled for review in June 1986.
Quality Assurance
Quality assurance (QA) activities play an integral role
inthe planning and implementation of environmental
data collection efforts and in establishing the quality
of the resulting data. Quality assurance is the process
10
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of assessing whether the data provided by the data
collectors to the data users is of the quality needed
and claimed. The Quality Assurance Management
Staff (QA|MS) is charged with developing appropriate
policy arid management guidance and with over-
seeing the quality assurance activities of EPA offices
and laboratories responsible for collecting environ-
mental data.
During FY'85 QAMS has had significant impact on
the planning, implementation and oversight of Agency
QA activities. The following describes a few of QAMS'
most important accomplishments:
The primary thrust by QAMS during the past year has
been on (reviewing, and where necessary, revising
planning} guidance [QA program plans (QAPP) and
data quality objectives (DQO)]. QAPPs are detailed
descriptions of the design of an Office or laboratory's
QA progr.am and of the way in which that program is
implemented. QAMS updated the 1980 QA program
plan guidance. The new guidance will be tested for
one yeari evaluated, changed, where necessary, and
finalized; All 42 Offices and laboratories are sub-
mitting revised
approval!
plans in early FY'86 for QAMS
Data quality objectives are now mandated for all
significant Agency environmental data collection
activities. Data quality objectives are statements of
the data (quality required by data users to assure that
the resulting data are of the quality needed. QAMS
issued guidance that describes the process that
should bje used in developing DQOs. QAMS is now
reviewing the "first round" of DQOs submitted by 15
Programj Offices and ORD laboratories for their
highest priority environmental data collection activ-
ities.
QAMS is! not only responsible for providing planning
guidance for QA activities but is also charged with
preparing guidance for line management to use in
evaluating the implementation of their QA programs.
During FY'85 QAMS completed management sys-
tems audits (MSAs) for the Office of Drinking Water
and for Region IV. MSAs evaluate the way an office
carries o'ut its QA program, using the approved QAPP
as the basis for the audit. In addition to the detailed
audit re'ports, the experience gained from these
audits Ifed to the development of a protocol for
conducting management systems audits for National
Program; Offices and Regional Offices.
In FY'85; QAMS undertook a major effort to provide
information on reliability and availability of sample
collectio'n and analysis methodology for data col-
lection activities. This effort is known as RUMM
(Routinely Used Measurement Methods). QAMS
performed a careful review of the 304(h) analytical
methods.
QAMS supported the expansion of a computerized
system to assist line management in determining the
status of QA activities. The system is now operational
in Region 2 and is being set up in Regions 5 and 6.
QAMS has also made major inroads into defining the
responsibilities and authorities of personnel respon-
sible for QA. QA performance standards are now in
place for each Assistant Administrator and for each
Regional Administrator for FY'86. QAMS is assuring
that adequate resources are provided to implement
the QA activities by adding line items in tier one and
tier two Agency workload models.
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Hazardous Waste/Superfund Research Committee
Introduction
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act(RCRA)
authorizes a regulatory program to identify wastes
which pose a substantial hazard to human health or
the environment and develop waste management
standards which protect human health and the
environment. Research support for this program
provides the scientific and engineering basis for
characterizing wastes, determining the hazards they
pose, and formulating controls. In addition. Section
311 of the Clean Water Act authorizes research to
support prevention and control of hazardous mater-
ials releases.
The Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
(OERR) requires scientific and technical support from
the Office of Research and Development to mitigate
health and environmental problems at the priority
sites listed under authority of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA). ORD's program produces a core of
scientific and technical information to support the
Implementation requirements of CERCLA and the
enforcement actions undertaken to obtain cleanup
and recovery of costs. It concentrates on evaluating
equipment and techniques for discovering, assessing,
preventing, controlling, removing and ultimately
disposing of hazardous substances released into the
environment. Because of the nature of the Super-
fund-sponsored effort, activities consist of field
testing and evaluating technologies developed in
other research programs, such as hazardous waste.
Hazardous Waste
Alternative Technologies
Research supporting this objective is intended for use
by the Office of Solid Waste (OSW) in implementing
the portions of the RCRA amendments which require
banning high hazard wastes from land disposal. In
order for these wastes to be safely disposed, the
effectiveness of alternatives and waste altering
treatment processes must be evaluated and per-
formance parameters established.
Under the program to evaluate existing full-scale
treatment technologies to support OSW's Best Dem-
onstrated Available Technologies (BOAT) landfill
restriction regulations, 83 plants were screened for
evaluation in 1985. Site Visits were made to 20
facilities and field tests were conducted at six plants.
Sampling and analysis activities were conducted on
residuals from 10 incineration facilities. The Toxicity
Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) was con-
ducted on the incinerator residue and compared with
the existing Extraction Procedure (EP). An assessment
of incineration capacity was conducted and a report
was prepared on the practical limits of waste pa-
rameters that impact the feasibility of incineration.
An overview assessment of waste stabilization and
fixation processes was conducted. Two investigations
were initiated to provide technical assistance to EPA
Regions I, II and V in the identification of cost-
effective technology to remove PCBs from sediments
in Bedford Harbor, the Hudson River and Waukegan
Harbor.
Waste minimization case studies were conducted at
eight facilities that reuse or recycle solvents and
metal wastes. The case study results will be utilized
by OSW in prepar-ation of the waste minimization
report to Congress mandated by the HSWA amend-
ments. Technical Resource Documents (TRDs) were
initiated for wastes containing solvents and dioxins.
Efforts underway in 1985 will be continued through
1986. Field evaluations of full-scale waste treatment
facilities will be continued as will pilot scale investi-
gations of BOAT technologies for treating wastes.
Mobile pilot scale units will be assembled for
conducting on-site treatment evaluations of BOAT
systems for treating waste. Wastes minimization
audits will be conducted at full-scale facilities. TRDs
will be prepared for wastes containing metals,
cyanides, and corrosives. Cooperative agreements for
conducting demonstrations of advancedtechnologies
will be initiated with states and universities. Support
to the Regions and OSW will be provided for the
evaluation of Research, Development and Demon-
stration (RD&D) permits. Efforts to elucidate the
biochemical and genetic mechanisms used by bac-
teria for degrading polychlorinated biphenyls and
field tests of the survivability of white rot fungus
under a variety of conditions will also be continued.
Waste Characterization
Health and risk assessment information is neededfor
developing and revising regulations, permitting and
enforcement decision-making and regulatory policy
making. Products of this research will provide more
12
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applicable, simpler and more accurate information
and risk assessment methodologies.
Activities in 1985 included preparation of Health and
Environmental Effects Profiles (HEEPs) to support
RCRA 3001 listing decisions, as well as revision of
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) and Unit Cancer Risk
(UCR) calculations to support the land banning
program.! Because of the urgency of initiating the land
banning effort, fewer HEEPs were produced in 1985
so that the ADI and UCR effort could be initiated.
Methodologies for conducting risk assessments are
also being updated to incorporate recent develop-
ments inj toxicology, including the use of structure-
activity relationships and exposure evaluations.
Health research has developed an in vivo/in vitro
lexicological screen for evaluating potentially haz-
ardous waste samples and process stream residuals.
The biological methods employed in the screen are
designed to be rapid, inexpensive, and capable of
screening large numbers of wastes. Emphasis is on
identifying a wide range of potential toxic responses
associated with each waste by employing methods
from several disciplines of toxicology, including
mutagenesis/carcinogenesis, general toxicology,
neurotoxipology, reproductive teratology, and immuno-
toxicology. The protocol involves oral administration
of waste [material samples to rodents for ten con-
secutive days. At the end of the ten-day period the
whole animal, body tissues, and fluids are evaluated
for toxicity in each endpoint. The goal of the screen is
to maximize the amount and type of information
obtained by exposing metabolically competent, intact
animals to hazardous waste mixtures. The protocol is
being validated using a series of control compounds
of known: and defined toxicity. The validation study
ensures that the protocol will be capable of detecting
biologically active wastes and will allow assessment
of its use as a predictive tool for known chronic
effects.
i
The validation study has been initiated with four
chemicals; cyclophosphamide, acrylamide, diethyl-
stibesterol, and chlordecone. The data from the initial
study have been statistically evaluated, and a series
of scientific papers have been submitted for peer
review arid for publication in the scientific literature.
The greatest progress has been accomplished in the
mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and cytotoxicity assay
areas, where a battery of these tests has been
validated bnd used to evaluate a series of RCRA waste
samples. \
Environmental Processes research has progressed in
several areas. Subsurface transport and fate efforts
involved investigating biotransformation of several
chlorinated hydrocarbons using actual aquifer mate-
rials from anaerobic regions, construction of soil
profile microcosms for evaluation of their usefulness
in predicting waste mobility in vadose zones, and
continued development oif the two-phase flow model.
Structure-activity (QSAR) research produced predic-
tions of the bioaccumulation potential of all the
chemicals identified in waste mixtures, structure-
toxicity models for estima ting the LC 50 and no-effect
concentration levels for seventy percent of the known
industrial chemicals and a user oriented program
which estimates the joint toxicity of the chemicals
selected for evaluation.
Scientific Assessment activitiesfor 1986 will include
generation of HEEPs for waste listing decisions and
initiation of a new effort to respond to the permitting
requirements of landfills a nd surface impoundments.
Efforts to review the information available on chem-
icals for evaluating their associated acceptable daily
intake and unit cancer risk values will be expanded to
support the land disposal restriction program.
Health research development of the toxicological
screening protocol will continue. Emphasis will be on
evaluating the results of research and validation
efforts to date, and identification of options and
associated advantages for future efforts.
Environmental Processes research supporting sub-
surface transport and fate will develop existing soil
and aquifer microcosms into standard protocols for
predicting waste mobility and field test available
models that describe solute transport in the sub-
surface. Also, a protocol for determining a site's
vulnerability to contamination will be developed and
field evaluated to determine its applicability to various
hydrogeologic regimes. Multi-media modeling efforts
will couple compatible transport and fate models from
several media to produce a screening level and site-
specific multi-media exposure assessment package.
Probabilistic techniques will be developed and used
to address uncertainty.
Dioxins
This research is intended to help the Agency assess
dioxin contamination and develop procedures for
addressing it. Health research and risk assessment
activities are being conducted, as are transport and
fate research and a quality assurance support pro-
gram. Technologies which have the potential to
detoxify or decontaminate dioxins and dibxin-like
compounds are also being- evaluated.
Accomplishments in 1985 included a risk analysis of
TCDD contaminated soil and initial analysis of other
non-2,3,7,8 dioxin congers. Preliminary pharmoco-
kinetic studies with rhesus monkeys have been
completed and are producing findings which must be
subjected to confirmation studies.
•
Engineering research on dioxin treatment alterna-
tives has progressed in several areas. First, develop-
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ment of in-situ stabilization techniques for mitigating
dioxin transport in soils is nearly finished. Results of
these studies indicate that portland cement and lime-
treated asphalt are viable stabilization techniques.
Other findings indicate that leachate concentrations
of 2,3,7,8 dioxin may be limited by its aqueous
solubility to the range of two to three parts pertrillion.
The utility of inactive mines to serve as repositories
for dioxin contaminated soils has also been investi-
gated, and on the basis of evaluation of 29 sites, the
concept appears viable. Finally, field testing of the
mobile incinerator continued. Installed at the Denny
farm site near McDowell, MO, tests using dioxin
contaminated liquid wastes and soils have verified
the effectiveness of its control devices and its
destruction removal efficiency.
Monitoring research has produced an evaluation
report on current methods for analyzing 2,3,7,'8
TCDD. Improvements to current methodology are
suggested.
Environmental Processes research identified anom-
alies in sorption/desorption of dioxin from soils and
initiated studies to identify their causes. Differences
were also found in isomer bioconcentration levels in
carp and fathead minnows exposed to trace con-
centrations in water and sediment. These differences
appear to be related to different rates of metabolism
in the fish rather than rates of uptake from water.
For most offices, 1986 research will build on research
already conducted. Risk assessment activities will
expand methodologies developed in 1984 and 1985
to include scientific advances and new information in
the areas of bioavailability, body burden and epidem-
iology. Engineering research will evaluate the ability
of white rot fungus to metabolize dioxin found in soils.
This fungus has recently been shown effective in
metabolizing recalcitrant, halogenated compounds
such as PCBs, DDT, and lindane. Field experiments
evaluating the ability of UV photolysis in combination
with APEG reagents to detoxify contaminated soils
will also continue.
Environmental Processes research will continue to
explore the transport and fate of dioxin. Saturated and
unsaturated zone microcosms using soils from con-
taminated sites will be employed to determine rates
of movement and transformation of 2,3,7,8 dioxin.
This will be accomplished by both dosing the micro-
cosms with radio-labelled compound and measuring
the release of "aged" dioxin. Rates of photodegrada-
tion in soils will also be measured. Rates of dioxin
uptake by fisK, plants and large animals will be
determined by tissue and organ analysis after con-
trolled exposure. Biomagnification factors will also be
calculated.
Waste identification
Analytical methods needed for enforcing Section
3001 of RCRA must be standardized and tested to
determine their validity and reliability. New methods
and procedures for defecting the presence of haz-
ardous wastes under field conditions are also re-
quired to satisfy Section 3013 of RCRA, which
establishes facility monitoring requirements.
Accomplishments for this objective in 1985 fall into
the categories of development evaluation and valida-
tion of monitoring methods. Analytical validations
include four extraction methods, a method for most
target herbicides, andthe inductively coupled plasma
chromotography method. Methods evaluated a single
laboratory validation for the flash point of wastes, a
method for monitoring mercury, and methods for
determining corrosivity, metals dissolution, and
ignitability. All of these validations were performed by
single laboratories and were sufficient in some but
not in all instances to consider the method completely
validated. Methods that are not class specific and
intended for a large group of analytes require multi-
lab validation.
Several monitoring methods designed to depict
subsurface conditions were evaluated. These in-
cluded electromagnetic conductivity methods, ground
penetrating radar, resistivity methods, and borehold
techniques.
A computerized Geographical Information System
(GIS) for integrating terrain, remote sensing, and
sampling data was also evaluated.
Land Disposal
Research into land disposal provides guidance on
design, permitting, operation, maintenance, closure
and regulation of land treatment, storage and disposal
facilities.
Land disposal research produced several significant
handbooks and technical resource documents during
1985. These included publications for use in esti-
mating the attenuation by soils of hazardous chemical
solutions and procedures for assuring the quality of
construction used in land disposal facilities. A
document on the design, construction and evaluation
of clay liners for landfills, surface impoundments and
stockpiles was also produced.-A compilation of all the
available information on the design, construction and
evaluation of clay liners was prepared and some
information was presented for the first time. The
information it contains was obtained from existing
literature, private and public engineers, and evalua-
tions of the performance of 17 existing liners.
Other accomplishments included field testing of an
electrical leak detection technique on a retention
pond, a report on the efficiency and costs of con-
trolling volatile organic emissions from surface
14
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impoundrpents, and initiation of a research program
designed |to make artificial intelligence techniques
available for permit writers.
Land treatment research has also progressed and a
final report on closing petroleum refinery land
treatment facilities is being prepared. In order to
finish this study, several major efforts were com-
pleted, including development of a screening protocol
for predicting the treatability of wastes, degradation,
transformation, toxicity, and transport studies. Other
1985 accomplishments include selection of study
sites for evaluating the treatability of wood preserv-
atives and initiating laboratory treatability studies on
creosote and pentachlorophenol.
i
During 1986, research will continue in areas prev-
iously initiated. Additional guidance will be provided
on the design and performance of containment sys-
tems for waste management facilities, and guidance
on design and control technologies developed for
Subtitle C facilities will be adopted for Subtitle D
facilities., A large volume waste program will be
initiated to assess the environmental problems these
systems cause. Also, the artificial intelligence pro-
gram wil) be continued in order to provide the
Regional offices with timely support for land disposal
and incineration permits.
!
Land treatment research will continue with emphasis
on producing a training manual for applicants and
permit writers and determining the effects on or-
ganics degradation of varying the frequency of waste
loading.
Incineration
Research ito support the permitting of incinerators
and improvements in design is used by EPA and other
permitting officials to evaluate the acceptability of
incinerating particular wastes and to monitor oper-
ating units for compliance with performance require-
ments. Laboratory, pilot and full-scale units are
investigated to determine the performance of a range
of incinerators and other thermal treatment devices.
During 1985, emissions performance testing con-
tinued op industrial processes. These tests are
designed to provide data in support of proposed RCRA
standards for practices that involve disposing of
wastes as, part of the operation of another industrial
process. Tests were conducted on two asphalt plants,
a steel furnace, and two industrial boilers. Interim
reports were published on incinerator operating
parameters which correlate with hazardous material
destruction. The Combustion Research Facility (CRF)
received all of its final RCRA and TSCA permits and
has finished a series of incinerator failure mode
experiments. Exeriments at CRF for transient feed
impacts 6n incinerator performance have been
delayed to allow for trial burns on dioxin-bearing
wastes from several Superfund sites. Eleven combus-
tion facilities were base tested for dioxin emissions to
provide data for Tier 4 of the National Dioxin Program.
In 1986, all prior research on waste disposal in
industrial processes will be assembled into three
guidance documents on best practices for industry to
employ in safely disposing of hazardous waste in its
respective processes. A stoker-fired boiler will be
tested under nonsteady state operating conditions to
determine the impact on waste destruction efficiency.
A report will be published on incineration conditions
required for destruction of three dioxin bearing
wastes from Superfund sites. Research will be
continued to assess the impact of thermal destruction
processfailure modes on facility performance. Special
emphasis will also be placed upon assessing the fate
of metals in thermal destruction processes.
Quality Assurance
The purpose of the quality assurance program is to
ensure that data of known quality are used throughout
hazardous waste research. Analytical standards and
reference materials are being developed for and
distributed to all participating laboratories. Quality
control and performance evaluation samples are also
being developed and distributed to appropriate labor-
atories. Additional support is being provided to state
laboratories to facilitate their performance of the
required measurement and monitoring functions.
This is taking the form of assistance in instrument
calibration and provision of reference materials.
Overall, 30,000 quality control check samples were
distributed.to Agency contractors, state, local and
EPA laboratories. More than 20,000 organic calibra-
tion standards were distributed to this same set of
labs. Activities supporting this objective should
remain largely unchanged in 1986.
Control of Hazardous Releases
Accidental releases of oil and hazardous materials
occur frequently and constitute a significant environ-
mental hazard. The research conducted in this
program supports both the Clean Water Act's releases
section and RCRA's underground storage tank (UST)
provisions. The object of this research program is to
develop technical information and guidance needed
for headquarters staff and on-scene coordinators in
developing and implementing regulations, as well as
cleaning up actual releases.
In 1985, a major research effort was initated to
support development of 'the underground storage
tank regulations mandated by the 1984 amendments
to the RCRA. The primary goals were to identify
methods for detecting leaks from USTs and to design
a methodology for evaluating these methods. An
15
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initial state-or-the-art report was completed. A start
was made in engineering an apparatus for con-
ducting evaluations at full-scale uncontrolled condi-
tions. Also, sensors were evaluated for detecting
leaks once they leave a tank. These sensors are
intended to assess the magnitude of leaks and the
nature of the environment being threatened. First
priority is being given to development and standard-
ization of techniques for determing the extent of
dispersion and movement of materials from leaking
tanks.
In response to the requirements of the Clean Water
Act, a series of research programs have been in
progress to prevent and contain hazardous materials
releases. Accomplishments in 1985 include comple-
tion of guidance manuals on selection and use of
sorbents to contain and clean up liquid hazardous
releases and on overtopping control techniques for
hazardous waste impoundments. A report was com-
pleted on the feasibility of canine olfaction technology
for detection of hazardous substances. In addition,
aerial photography was used in support of twelve
releases in order to provide a rapid assessment of
potential harm to health and the environment.
Efforts in 1986 are expected to produce technical
handbooks on hazardous substance releases preven-
tion and removal, a report on non-destructive tech-
niques for locating subsurface releases and chemical
containers, and a report on the use of chemicals to
control floating hazardous materials. Also, chemical
and site specific risk assessments for USTs will be
initiated.
Environmental processes research will test and field
validate a multimedia bioassessment protocol for
determining the bioavailability and toxicity of haz-
ardous releases on various environmental settings.
This will be conducted at waste or spill sites and be
used to determine the significance of the risks posed
to exposed organisms. The monitoring program will
continue to use remote sensing in support of releases.
In 1986, engineering research supporting the UST
program will fabricate and install the test apparatus
required for evaluating volumetric leak detection
methods for tanks containing petroleum fuels. The
accelerated regulatory development schedule also
requires an evaluation of methods for tanks con-
taining chemicals and hazardous wastes. Major
programs also will be initiated in the areas of leak
prevention (in response to incidents such as the
release at Bhopal, India) and corrective actions for
leaking tanks.
Environmental processes research will also address
corrective actions by carrying out a series of labor-
atory and field tests of promising biological and
physical/chemical techniques for in situ corrective
action. A survey will be conducted to identify other
techniques which may have been successful in
correcting problems at other types of hazardous
waste sites.
Superfund
Site Assessment
The success of removal and remedial actions fre-
quently depends on an accurate appraisal of the
nature and severity of the problem. Research activ-
ities supporting this objective provide the techniques
and procedures that on-scene coordinators at uncon-
trolled waste sites need to assess the degree of
hazard and the specific cleanup requirements quickly
and effectively.
Site, situation, and chemcial specific exposure and
risk assessments covering single chemicals and
complex mixtures were prepared for OERR, the
Regions, OSC's and ERT personnel. During 1985,
on-scene coordinators were given a new tool for
assessing the hazards posed to humans at uncon-
trolled sites in the form of a procedure for estimating
vapor emissions from landfills. Rapid response health
assessments were provided for determining re-
sponses to emergency situations, and health effects
assessments were prepared for use in setting cleanup
goals.
Engineering support consisted of direct technical
support to OERR for developing guidance for con-
ducting remedial investigations and feasibility stud-
ies, and cost estimation procedures for remedial
action alternatives. Feasibility studies, reports and
plans were reviewed for more than six sites. Engi-
neering assessments were provided for various
processes used in stabilizing uncontrolled wastes,
and an interim report was prepared on the issue of
placing stabilized dioxin contaminated soils in used
mines.
Assuming the availability of resources and reauthor-
ization, site and situation assessment activities will
continue and remain largely unchanged in 1986. A
chemical-specific catalogue of sensitive population
subgroups will be developed, as will a report on the
data requirements for remedial action engineering
evaluations. Short-term, quick-turnaround technical
advice and reviews will continue to be provided to the
Regions and Enforcement.
Technology Evaluation
Reports, manuals, and handbooks are being prepared
to provide design and operational data and cost
effectiveness information for decisions regarding
removal and remedial actions.
In 1985, EPA's mobile incinerator was successfully
demonstrated in Region VII through a field evaluation
16
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of its ability to destroy dioxin-contaminated liquids
and soils. In addition, the mobile carbon regenerator's
ability to reactivate filtration carbon was also suc-
cessfull^ tested. Field applications handbooks were
completed for the following remedial action tech-
nology areas: leachate plume management, cover
systems1, stabilization and solidification techniques,
fugitive Idust control, accelerated methods of in-situ
stabilization, and dioxin handling practices. Full-scale
evaluatibns of slurry trench cut-off walls are being
conducted at two sites, and public requests for new
and innovative site control technologies have been
issued.
Assuming the availability of resources, an ambitious
program is envisioned for 1986. The mobile carbon
regenerator will be demonstrated at the Stringfellow
Hazardous Waste Site in California. It will reactivate
spent carbon from a physical/chemical treatment
system being used to treat leachate at this location.
The mobile in-situ containment/treatment system
will be tested, in conjunction with the U.S. Air Force
at Volk Air National Guard Field in Wisconsin. An
abandoned training site contaminated with solvents,
fuels, and possibly PCBs will be used. Another major
activity will be to evaluate, under controlled-condition
testing, jcommercially available, innovative technol-
ogies which can be applied to the Agency's emer-
gency response and remedial activities. Also, a study
will be conducted to evaluate the use of a modular
transportable incineration system (i.e., with a capacity
five to ten times that of the mobile incinerator
currently in use) for cleanup of Superfund sites in
New Jeijsey.
Technical evaluation of innovative remedial and
removal, technologies will be pursued and include
in-situ chemical and microbial waste degradation and
air stripping of volatile organics from soils. Ongoing
evaluations of the integrity of several full-scale slurry
walls will be completed. Evaluations of multiple
component walls, such as bentonite used with flexible
membrane liners and cements, will be initiated, as
will the efficacy of electrokinetic techniques for
remedial action for contaminated soils and leachates.
Vegetative techniques will also be studied for the
extraction of small concentrations of organics from
soils. Art expert system for remedial action per-
formance and reliability assessment will also be
initiated.
Personnel Protection
Information on personnel health and safety equip-
ment and procedures is being developed through
evaluatibns and assessments of technical compo-
nents so as to ensure protection during removal and
cleanup operations.
During 1985, the following efforts were undertaken:
the permeation resistance to ten liquid hazardous
substances of a chlorinated polyethylene outer
garment material was evaluated and a report deliv-
ered; the construction of a two and one-half hour
chemical protective ensemble was completed and the
ensemble breathing apparatus was submitted to
NIOSH for certification 'testing; modification of the
breathing apparatus to correct deficiencies noted by
NIOSH is underway. A'five-year personnel protection
research plan was prepared to address research
needs of the Superfund, Toxic Substances, and
Pesticides programs and a major RFP was prepared
as a key implementation step. Discussions have been
held among EPA, OSHA, INIIOSH, and the Coast Guard
(USCG) regarding development of formal cooperation
on chemical protective clothing research.
In 1986, efforts will inblude additional testing of
chemical protective ensembles, evaluation of decon-
tamination agents and procedures, evaluation of
personal cooling devices and evaluation of personal
hazard detectors. An intra-EPA workshop is planned
to discuss EPA's requirements for personnel protec-.
tion technology research and to inform key personnel
of pertinent research activities of EPA and other
organizations. Coordination efforts will continue
through participation in an ASTM committee on
protective clothing and o'ther technical organizations
and meetings. It is expected that a formal coordination
agreement among EPA, NIOSH, OSHA, and USCG
will be implemented in 1986.
Reportable Quantities
Risk information needs to be prepared on specific
chemicals for use by OERR in setting and adjusting
the amount that must be released in order for Federal
notification to be required.
In 1985, OHEA completed sixty reportable quantities
(RQs) chapters of Health and Environmental Effects
Profiles (HEEPs) and completed an additional ninety
RQs carried over from the previous year. An equal
number is expected to be completed in 1986.
Significant support will also be provided for identi-
fying potential carcinogens on the CERCLA list of
chemicals using a new carcinogenicity evidence
scheme.
Technical Support
Site and chemical specific assessments of exposure
and health risks at uncontrolled sites were provided
to the program office. The Regions and the states.
Engineering technical support was provided to Region
X for the Western Processing and Chrome Waste
sites, to Region IXfor the Stringfellow, Iron Mountain
and Celter Chemical sites, to Region VII for the
Denney Farm and La Bounty sites, to Region VI for the
Compass Industries landfill fire, to Region V for the
Calumet Harbor PCB disposal, to Region IV for the
Whitehouse sites, to Region II for the Prices' landfill.
17
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Li Poir, Hyde Park, and the Love Canal sites, and to
Region IfortheGilson Road, the Beacon Heights and
the McKin sites. Fourteen technology transfer brief-
ings were presented to EPA Regional offices and
several states on cover technology, stabilization and
solidif ication processes, in-situ treatment techniques,
and a general overview of eleven handbooks covering
remedial technology.
Environmental Processes technical assistance was
provided upon request. Efforts were directed to
workshops aimed at Headquarters, Regional, and
state staffs, particularly with regard to groundwater
hydrology and movement of contaminants in the
subsurface. Preparation of a second volume of a
handbook explaining the use of three levels of
mathematical models was initiated. The new volume
will incorporate several field applications of the
models from the original volume and will feature
extensions and modifications of the codes for greater
user convenience. A user's guide for minimizing the
adverse environmental effects of cleanup of uncon-
trolled hazardous waste sites was also completed.
Assuming the availability of resources, 1986 activities
will remain largely unchanged. In addition to site and
chemical specific risk assessments, OHEA support
will also include a field study to determine the volume
of soil that accumulates on the hands of on-site
workers. Engineering support is expected to remain
unchanged, the level of support being directed
proportionate to the level of program office activity.
Environmental Processes support will also continue
and focus on groundwater related assistance, in-
cluding training and advice on the use of models, and
assistance for bioassessing sites and cleanup effec-
tiveness.
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Multimedia-Energy Research Committee
Introduction
The multimedia energy research and development
program provides the scientific and technical infor-
mation necessary to support the Agency's permitting
and standard-setting processes and to allow for the
development and utilization of energy sources in an
environmentally acceptable manner. Research is
conducted: (1) to better understand the phenomenon
of acid |deposition and provide information upon
which rrtitigation decisions may be made; (2) to
expand EPA's knowledge of the performance, reli-
ability, and cost of the limestone injection multistage
burner (LIMB) control technology; (3) to characterize
and evaliuate synthetic fuels discharges; and (4) to
evaluate! the impacts of energy development in cold
climates:
Acid Deposition
Research on acid deposition is coordinated through
the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program
(NAPAP), which is administered by the Interagency
Task Force on Acid Precipitation (ITFAP). EPA is one of
the joint-chairs of the Interagency Task Force and has
the lead| role in the aquatic effects and the control
technology research areas. The term "acid rain"
refers to [the atmospheric deposition of acidic or acid-
forming compounds in either dry or wet form. These
compounds exist in the atmosphere as gases or
aerosol particles containing sulfur oxides (SOX),
nitrogen oxides (NOX), hydrogen chloride, sulfuric
acid, nitric acid, and certain sulfate and nitrate
compounds. While scientists generally agree that
these compounds are responsible for deposition of
varying degrees of acidity, many questions persist
about the causes, effects, and methods of mitigating
or controlling acid deposition. The objective of acid
deposition research is to develop the necessary data
to understand fully the sources and characteristics of
acid deposition; the extent of damage or potential
damage; and the corrective measures that may be
used to diminish the problem.
I
Atmospheric Processes
Improvements are needed in both the scientific
understanding and the field data bases on atmos-
pheric transport, transformation and deposition on
acidic substances in order to develop more scientif-
ically acceptable, yet simplified models to meet
assessment and policy needs.
Quantification of source-receptor relationships is
needed to evaluate tho effectiveness of control
strategies proposed to reduce acid deposition. The
complex (nonlinear) processes of transport, chemical
and physical transformation, and wet and dry deposi-
tion are not well understood. Analytical tools (math-.
ematical models) need to be developed to simulate
these processes. Such tools provide the means to
quantify the contribution of specific sources (or areas)
of emissions to acid deposition at specific receptor
sites (or areas).
In FY'85, ORD completed development of the initial
version of the Regional Acid Deposition Model
(RADM). The RADM contains modules that simulate
atmospheric transport, dispersion, chemical and
physical transformation, precipitation, scavenging,
and dry deposition. These) modules are being revised
as the uncertainties in the transport, chemistry, and
deposition processes become better understood and
are better able to be characterized. In FY'86, sensi-
tivity studies needed to evaluate and refine the RADM
components will be concluded. Such information is
necessary to design field experiments to develop data
necessary to evaluate and improve the RADM. When
fully developed and evaluated, the RADM will provide
the analytical tool needed to evaluate the effective-
ness of control strategies proposed to reduce acid
deposition.
Deposition Monitoring
A long-term quality-assured monitoring record of
total deposition (both wet and dry) is needed with
sufficient spatial and temporal scale to: (1) provide
data for long-term trend analyses; (2) evaluate
atmospheric models; and (3) determine exposure in
effects .studies. !
i
The deposition monitoring research program provides
a wealth of deposition data on wet precipitation
through the National Trends Network (NTN). This
150-station network operated at peak capacity in
FY'85, providing important scientific information on
wet acidic deposition from sites throughout the
nation. The NTN will continue to be fully supported in
FY'86.
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A growing body of evidence suggests that dry
deposition, in the form of gases and aerosols,
contributes significantlyto total acidic deposition. Dry
deposition rates vary with surface cover and topog-
raphy, and are affected by wind speed and humidity.
Until our recent efforts to develop and deploy accurate
monitoring instrumentation, we could only estimate
rates of dry deposition. In FY'85, EPA conducted field
testing of a prototype dry deposition monitor and
established a pilot dry deposition network of six sets
of monitoring equipemt at five locations in the eastern
U.S. Our site at West Point, NY, was equipped with
dual monitors to enable us to evaluate the variability
of the equipment. Other locations are: Oak Ridge, TN;
Whiteface Mountain, NY; College Park, PA; and
Research Triangle Park, NC. EPA completed the
design for siting a full national network to measure
regional dry deposition. We estimate that the system
will contain 90 stations when it becomes fully
operational, and that these will be installed over the
next several fiscal years.
In FY'85, EPA began installation of a mountain cloud
chemistry/forest exposure monitoring network. High
elevation forests are frequently exposed directly to
clouds. Cloud or fog droplets can collect directly on
vegetation and affect it. The mountain cloud chem-
istry/ forest exposure monitoring networks sites will
measure air and cloud water chemistry, the frequency
of cloud contact, and the amount of acidic material
deposited on vegetation. Measurements using com-
mon observational techniques will be made at sites in
the Appalachians, Adirondacks, and Laurentians. By
the Spring of 1986, the EPA network will have sites
located at Whiteface Mountain, NY; Hubbard Brook,
NH; Shenandoah National Park, VA; and Mt. Mitchell,
NC.TheTennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is installing
a site at Whitetop Mountain near Mt. Rogers, VA; and
the Canadians are installing sites at Montmorency,
Quebec and at Mt. Tremblant, Quebec. These sites
will be used to establish the rates of deposition to
elevated forest regions in eastern North America by
fog and low clouds and to test the various proposed
hypotheses for observed forest die-back.
Aquatic Effects
Acidic deposition is believed to be a major contributor
to episodic depressions of pH in aquatic systems,
which may result in biological effects such as reduced
fish populations. The risk to surface waters and
aquatic biota in the United States is only partially
known. Improvements are needed in both the scien-
tific understanding and the field data bases which
define the processes affecting: (1) the current state of
surface waters and watersheds, (2) the chemical and
biological changes to those resources, and (3) the rate
of change resulting from altered loadings of acidic or
neutralizing substances. These improvements will
allow the development of more scientifically accept-
able yet simplified relationships and models for
assessment and policy needs.
Two major research efforts have been mounted to
improve our understanding of aquatic effects—the
National Surface Water Survey and the Direct/
Delayed Response Project.
Terrestrial effects of acidic deposition fall into two
major categories: effects on watersheds and soils;
and effects on forests. The major issues deal with
whether effects can be shown or suspected, their
extent, their magnitude and the rate at which they
occur.
Acidification of surface water is a watershed-level
phenomenon, and a full understanding of all the
biogeochemical processes involved is not expected
for some years. The DDRP will make predictions of
surface water response using a subset of the
appropriate processes. In FY'86, EPA will initiate a
watershed research program designed to test the
predictions made by the D/D models by using
experimental manipulations in a small number of
watersheds.
Preliminary data on foliar damage and growth
reductions in several species of trees in different
forest ecotypes suggest that environmental pollution
including acid deposition may be a major or con-
tributing cause. EPA and the U.S. Forest Service have
been working closely to sponsor research in several
forest types to address the questions of the causes of
observed changes in forest health, and their extent
and magnitude. In FY'86, EPA, in close cooperation
with the Forest Service, will be implementing field
research in spruce/fir forests in the Northeast and
Southeast, in commercialy important pine species in
the Southeast, in mixed hardwood forests of the East,
and in some western coniferous forests. The research
'-program will address the major hypotheses of cause
related to air pollutant impact in each of these forest
types.
Effects on Materials
The population-at-risk of common building materials
in the United States is only partialy known. Improve-
ments are needed in both the scientific understanding
and in the field data bases that define the exposure
and processes affecting: (1) the current state of
materials; (2) the changes to those materials; and (3)
the rate of change resulting from altered loadings of
acidic or neutralizing substances. These improve-
ments will allow the development of scientifically
acceptable yet simplified relationships and models for
assessment and policy needs.
The materials effects program produced, in FY'85, a
comprehensive regional estimate of the damage to
20
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materials( from acid deposition and other airborne
pollutants. While a significant amount of controversy
has arisen concerning the assumptions, methodol-
ogies, and calculations of the analysis, the 17-state
study provides a useful basis for the technical
dialogue. The study covers several metals plus paint
and masonry. The principal finding was that the
annual estimate of damage over the region studied
was $2 bullion (within uncertainty bounds between
$0.5 billion and $6 billion) for the amount of damage
that is occurring-due to acid deposition.
In FY'86, the program continues to determine those
materials and resources at risk and develop data
bases and methods for differentiating the effects of
acid deposition from those of natural and other man-
made sources.
Assessments
Improvements are needed in the methodologies for
integrating acid deposition research, models and data
bases and for assessing uncertainty in order to meet
policy needs.
The assessment research program performs two vital
functions: (1) integrates the various aspects of the
acid deposition research program, and (2) provides
information for formulating appropriate decisions
that address acid deposition issues. A major part of
this effort is to develop assessment tools and
documents. In FY'85, EPA published "The Acidic
Deposition Phenomenon and Its Effects—Critical
Assessment Review Papers."
In FY'86,jthe program continues to develop strategic
emissions/source-receptor dose-response models
and data Ssystems to meet the needs of policymakers;
and proyide the scientific basis for evaluation of
altenativ6 systems of control and mitigation strate-
gies. EPA will update and maintain the NAPAP data
bases; conduct detailed analyses of aquatic, meteor-
ological, forestry, and materials data; and integrate
and compare the various NAPAP sources of informa-
tion to develop assessment methodology and docu-
ments.
Limestone Injection Multistage burner
(LIMB)
EPA qbntinues to develop LIMB technology that is
designed to reduce both SOX and NOX, the two major
acid rain precursors. The LIMB technology is designed
to be retrofitable to large and small existing coal-fired
boilers.
LIMB Technology Development
Additional information is necessary to document the
reliability and cost-effectiveness of LIMB technology
to reduce the emissionspf sulfur and nitrogen oxides.
The LIMB performance goal is to reduce SOX emis-
sions by 50-70% and NOX emissions by 50-80%.
During FY'85, EPA continued the development of
high surface area sorbents and sorbents treated with
"promoters" such as sodium carbonate to improve
the sulfur capture ability of the LIMB technology.
Laboratory tests are continuing to define the optimum
conditions for the injection of the sorbent. During
FY'85, work continued oh a cofunded contract for a
full-scale demonstration of the LIMB technology on a
wall-fired utility boiler. EPA is providing approxi-
mately 30% of the total funding for this demonstra-
tion. Most of the remainder will be funded by Babcock
and Wilcox, the State of Ohio, and Ohio Edison, which
is also providing the power plant.
During FY'85, a basis for the preliminary process
design of the full-scale wall-fired boiler demonstra-
tion of LIMB was developed and peer reviewed. The
final process design is scheduled to be reviewed in
FY'86.
i
The FY'86 program continues laboratory and pilot-
scale research of the LIMB process to improve
engineering knowledge of the effects of operating
parameters and system variables on NOX control and
SOa capture. EPA initiates prototype testing of a
tangentially-fired boiler to provide the basis for
transferring development information into design
criteria for practical hardware. We continue to
develop design criteria for commercial-scale demon-
stration of a wall-fired boiler. The wall-fired demon-
stration is scheduled for completion in mid 1988.
Synthetic Fuels—Environmental
Engineering
EPA has consulting responsibilities as specified in the
Energy Security Act, and assists the Synthetic Fuels
Corporation (SFC) and its project developers in
evaluating monitoring data.
Synfuels Discharges and Control Technology
The synfuels program activities during FY'85 pro-
vided support to the Regional Offices, States, and the
Synthetic Fuels Corporation (SFC) in the development
of viable Environmental Monitoring Plans (required
by SFC sponsors) to determine problem discharges
and effectiveness of inplace controls, review of
environmental impact statements, and permit appli-
cations.
i
Although there has been la reduction in the develop-
ment of large synfuel plants, the interest in smaller
industrial units and combined-cycle plants for power
generation has increased. Environmental Monitoring
plans were reviewed for the Great Plains Coal
i
Gasification Associates and Dow Syngas coal-gasi-
fication projects, the Forest Hill heavy-oil project, and
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Unocal's Parachute Creek and Seep Ridge oil shale
progams. Special permits were reviewed for the Getty
and City Service oil-shale projects, and environmental
impact statements for an Alaskan coal mine and the
Mobile and Pacific Shale Oil Projects were reviewed.
The FY'86 program will continue to provide engineer-
ing and technical support to the Regions and States
for permitting and Environmental Impact Statement
review of monitoring plans for projects sponsored by
the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation. Studies will be
initated on multimedia problems, and on control
needs of those energy technologies that are closestto
commercial development. Technical manuals for key
control areas of coal and oil shale processes will be
prepared.
Cold Climate Research
The Cold Climate Research Program addresses
environmental and health issues applicable to most
cold weather regions, but primarily to the State of
Alaska, where natural resource development, expand-
ing population and the extreme climate pose unique
problems. The research program concentrates on
those areas of highest concern to Region X and the
State.
Cold Climate Data Needs
In FY'85, the Cold Climate Program emphasized
resource development and habitat modification is-
sues, including the impacts of oil and gas develop-
ment, the environmental impacts of placer mining,
the evaluation of asbestos in drinking water, the
toxicology and fate of petroleum hydrocarbons in
oiled waters, and the impact of particulates, partic-
ularly woodsmoke, on human health in urban areas.
The FY'86 program will continue to address enviorn-
mental problems unique to cold weather regions. It
continues to evaluate the impacts of oil and gas
development on coastal tundra wetlands; to evaluate
the impacts of placer mining on aquatic ecosystems;
to improve air models for application to North Slope
problems; and to evaluate the urban woodsmoke
problem.
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Water Research Committee
Water Quality Based Approach/Permitting
A continuing issue in water quality regulation is the
water quality based approach (WQBA-program) which
focuses on the quality of ambient marine and
freshwaters essential to protect human health and
aquatic life. This contrasts with an earlier Agency
emphasis!on the technology-based approach effort
which focjused on effluent limits. Emphasis is now
placed on characterizing the attainable uses of a
water body based on natural features and surround-
ing land forms, single chemical criteria development,
and toxicity reduction through biomonitoring. Deter-
mination jof wasteload is based on these factors.
Diffuse or nonpoint sources of contamination are
addressee) through best management practices.
These activities are supported by permit and receiving
water monitoring, methods standardization, and
quality assurance.
FY 1985'Accomplishments—During FY 1985 ORD
supported the Water Quality Based Approach (WQBA)
in the areas of health effects, risk assessment,
monitoring, and water quality. Research was initiated
to develop a tiered battery of health effects bioassays
for use in the NPDES program. In vitro and in vivo
bioassays were applied to six different municipal
wastewater effluents. The effluents included those
consisting of only domestic waste streams and
several which contained both industrial and domestic
wastes. Although all the streams exhibited toxicity,
those with industrial wastes were more toxic. Some
of the less toxic effluents had a greater effect on
streams because they made up a larger percentage of
the stream flow.
Methods lfor measuring a spectrum of microbial
indicators in turbid waters and shellfish meats were
developed or adapted to determine if a quantitative
relationship exists between microbial indicators and
disease in shellfish consumers. The microbial indi-
cators included fecal coliforms, E. coli, enterococci,
Clostridium perfringens, and bacteriophage.
Information on health and environmental effects of
specific chemicals was gathered, summarized and
quantified into acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for use
by the Regions and states. The Ambient Water
Quality (AWQ) criteria were revised.
In the area of methods evaluation and standardiza-
tion, several manuals were produced. Manuals on
toxicity testing were produced for acute toxicity for
fish, chronic short term tests, land precision of the
duckweed (Lemna) test. Sitate-of-the-art reports on
the rapid chronic mammalian cell toxicity test and the
availability of open channel flow calibration were
produced. Priority pollutant methods standardization
in water was completed in FY 1985, as were GC/MS
priority pollutant methods standardized for biological
tissue.
Effects of holding time and temperature on coliform
testing for waters was published as was an improved
method to reconstitute waterborne viruses and
revised urology method!} on sample cytotoxicity
removal. User friendly data reduction PC packages for
use by Regions were provided.
Information on minimum data sets necessary for
evaluating site-specific water quality assessments
was published. Several reiports of large-scale appli-
cations of assessment techniques for complex chem-
ical effluents impact analyses, biological integrity
impact analyses, and methods for distinguishing
between discharge and run-off were produced.
In the area of quality assurance, three reference
calibrants were added to the repository biological
toxicity testing system; single laboratory precision/
accuracy testing was performed for biological and
chemical test procedures!; and reference materials
and performance audit materials were supplied to
support fresh water analysiis. Performance evaluation
studies were conducted i'or trace metals, minerals,
nutrients, PCBs, pesticides, volatile organics, cya-
nides, residues, and oil and grease. Traceability to the
National Bureau of Standards was established for
volatile organics and trace metals of the performance
evaluation (PE) sample!; and PCB in sediment.
Biological quality control samples, calibration stand-
ards, and other quality control samples were dis-
tributed.
In the area of environmental processes and effects, a
report was produced on evaluation of the index of
biotic integrity using fisih for freshwater aquatic
ecosystems. A handbook of transport and transforma-
tion of rates and estimation procedure for conven-
23
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tional pollutants was produced, and a workshop on
the storm water management model (SWMM III) was
held. Reports on the following subjects were pro-
duced: case studies on the use of short-term chronic
toxicity tests of complex effluents, evaluation of
available marine toxicity tests for effluents, research
strategy for application of water quality based ap-
proach to estuaries, a tiered approach to integration
of single chemical and toxicity controls in the water
quality based approach, field validation studies to
evaluate site-specific criteria guidelines, and re-
quirements of the minimum data set for calculation of
final acute values based on tested species sensitivity.
Ten water quality criteria documents and fifteen draft
aquatic life advisories were also produced.
FY 1986 Program—\n FY 1986 bioassays that were
developed in previous years to determine toxicity of
municipal and industrial waste discharges will be
field tested at several different field locations. The
results of these field evaluations will be combined
and a methods manual will be produced in FY 1987.
During the year, several possible epidemiological
sites for study of the relationships between microbial
indicators of water quality and disease in clam and
oyster consumers will be selected. Sites under
consideration include Narragansett Bay, Pamlico
Sound and the U.S. Coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
Factors to be considered in site selection include:
population of at least 50,000 discharging to the site,
both clams and oysters being harvested in the same
area and a harvesting season long enough to obtain a
range of water quality. After the site has been
selected, shellfish harvested from waters of known
quality will be fed to human volunteers. Measure-
ments of microbial indicators in the harvesting water
and shellfish meats will be made using the spectrum
of possible indicator organisms. The organisms that
best correlate with disease in shellfish consumers
will be proposed as the appropriate indicator orga-
nisms or criteria.
In the methods evaluation/standardization and qual-
ity assurance areas, research of the previous year will
be continued with some changes in emphasis. In the
biological methods area there will be increased
emphasis on methods and culturing techniques for
sheepshead minnow, mysid shrimp, and Champia
In the area of chemical methods development, generic
instrumental approaches to monitoring rather than a
chemical-by-chemical approach will be evaluated.
Development and evaluation of metal speciation and
toxicity monitoring probes will be undertaken.
The development of comprehensive ecological criteria
for meeting goals of the Clean Water Act will
continue, as will the work on the national atlas and
maps of aquatic ecoregions. Environmental processes
characterization research will be conducted and data
bases and wasteload allocation models will be
developed, improved, simplified, and tested as .re-
quired for implementing the water quality based
approach. The Center for Water Quality Modeling will
maintain and provide model codes, user manuals,
and training and user assistance.
Toxicity test methods for aquatic life will be developed,
verified, and transferred to Regions and states for
predicting instream water body and biological impacts
in fresh, brackish and marine systems. The signifi-
cance of toxicity persistence to biota will be deter-
mined and methods developed for factoring these into
the permitting process. Research will continue to
integrate pollutant-specific toxic control techniques
with whole effluent toxicity testing procedures and
best availabletechnology(BAT)limitsfor use in water
quality permitting. Field tests will be conducted to
combine site-specific criteria modification for tech-
niques with the whole effluent toxicity approach.
Some freshwater and marine specific chemical
aquatic life criteria and advisories will be developed
as needed. Research will be conducted to develop,
modify, and apply experimental knowledge based on
expert systems for environmental assessment needs.
The cooperative ecological research with the People's
Republic of China will continue in FY 1986 to address
the impact of contaminants on freshwater organisms
and will be at the stage in which field verification of
methodologies will be emphasized.
Wastewatar Treatment Technology
This issue is concerned with identifying new or
additional information or technologies needed to
improve the reliability and cost-effective upgrading
and construction of municipal treatment facilities and
the compliance of existing municipal and industrial
facilities. The problems unique to the management
and treatment of wastewater from small communities
are of major concern and require special attention.
The management of sludge produced by treatment
plants is not only a major technical problem but also
represents a major cost component of wastewater
treatment and management.
FY 1985 Accomplishments—In the engineering area,
major accomplishments included ten Regional semi-
nars on "Improving POTW Performance Using the
Composite Correction Program Approach." A major
technical assistance effort was initiated in 1984 with
Region III and Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
It focused on municipal and industrial toxicity reduc-
tion and innovative nutrient control of point source to
support the implementation phase of the Chesapeake
Bay Program and resulted in three major engineering
projects that were implemented during 1985. The
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design manual, "Odor and Corrosion in Sanitary
Sewerage Systems and Treatment Plants," was
published. Engineering evaluations were completed
for innovjative projects funded by the Construction
Grants 1/jA Program. Estimates of toxics removals by
POTWs were provided in support of the new RCRA
amendments. TheGC/MS tape work has continued to
identify abditional toxicants that were not included on
the initial list of the 129 priority pollutants. This
information will help identify industrial toxicants of
national concern.
The engineering research program also continues to
support the development of sludge regulations. A
seminar publication entitled "Composting of Munic-
ipal Sludges" was widely distributed in 1985. The
handbook, "Estimating Sludge Management Costs,"
was published, providing cost-estimating curves and
covering both capital costs and annual operating and
maintenance (O&M) costs for commonly used pro-
cesses in municipal wastewater sludge treatment,
storage, transport, use, or disposal.
In the health area, criteria Profile Documents are
being finalized to support the new technical regula-
tions for jsludge. The purpose of the documents is to
present information that can be used for the calcula-
tion of "hazard indices." Included are cancer data
(potency estimates), oral chronic toxicity data used in
the quantification of hazards in the food chain, and
inhalation and aquatic toxicity data used in deriving
hazard indices for the incineration and ocean disposal
of sludges. The application of mutagenicity data has
not yet been determined.
A major |accomplishment for the Office of Health
Research was the publication of the state-of-the-art
summary document entitled "Health Effects of Land
Application of Municipal Sludge." A project was also
initiated to determine the occurrence and distribution
of pathogens and chemicals in products marketed
from sludge.
i
In the monitoring and quality assurance area, "Guide-
lines for; the Analysis of Water Pollutants" was
published in the Federal Register. Discharge moni-
toring quality assurance performance audits were
performed for the 7,000 major dischargers in the
NPDES system and the quality assurance repository
was maintained. Alternative test procedure requests
were analyzed for 44 cases submitted in accord with
the Clean Water Act regulations.
FY 1986 Program—The 1985 engineering activities
will continue during 1986. Major attention will be
devoted to collecting critical information for a design
manual on fine bubble aeration systems and con-
ducting regional and state seminars on innovative
and alternative (I/A) technology. Due to the tremen-
dous number of requests from the municipal sector.
four additional seminars on the Composite Correction
Program will be conducted in 1986. Work will also
begin on protocol that will enable the Regions and the
states to evaluate reasons for failure of I/A projects
for the 100% modification/replacement program.
Field validation of the industrial and municipal toxicity
reduction protocols will be conducted during 1986.
Studies of crop uptake of organics in sludge, studies
of die-off of pathogens on sludge-amended soils, and
evaluations of sludge injection into a landfill will be
conducted. Studies characterizing solids entering
municipal wastewater, raw sludge and treated sludge
for pathogens and other indicator organisms will be
conducted. Also, metals; balance studies will be
conducted around normalty operating multiple-hearth
and fluidized bed sludge incinerators in order to
collect meaningful toxic organic emissions data for
the new sludge regulations.
A feasibility study will be conducted to identify a
population with sufficient exposure to sludge prod-
ucts to support an epidemiological study associating
infectious disease with exposure to wastewater
aerosols from land application sites. Work will be
initiated to develop a pathogen risk assessment
methodology for sludge.
In the quality assurance area, the costs associated
with the repository, performance auditing, and other
quality assurance serviceis will be the subject of an
effort of externalization. This activity will involve
charging fees to public and private users for Quality
Assurance services (e.g., quality control check sam-
ples). New legislative authority is being sought and a
regulation is being drafted for promulgation.
Oceans, Estuaries arid Lakes
Marine research focusos on the development/
validation of protocols for (predicting the impacts from
ocean disposal actions for use in the ocean dumping
permit program and the 301 (h) waiver program.
Technology-related research in this area focuses on
correlations between the type of treatment and the
resulting environmental impacts followng disposal
and is used in assessing the appropriate level of
treatment for wastes to be disposed to the ocean.
Estuarine research develops procedures and informa-
tion that supports decisions related to estuarine
water quality. Great Lakes research is conducted on
the transport, fate and effects of toxic materials in
selected areas of that ecosystem for use by the Great
Lakes National Program Office, the Regions and the
International Joint Commission under the US/
Canada Water Quality Agreement.
FY 1985 Accomplishments—In support of EPA's
ocean disposal activities, effects assessment methods
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were evaluated to determine the applicability of these
procedures for use on dredged material. The effects of
pollutant interactions on sediment toxicity were also
determined. Researchers supported the 301 (h) wa iver
program for ocean outfall discharges by providing
technical assistance, as part of a national task force,
for 21 applicants nationwide. Preliminary assess-
ments of transport, fate and effects were completed
for sewage sludge disposal at the 106-mile ocean
dumping site and for incineration-at-sea activities. A
pilot-scale study compared five alternative waste-
water treatment systems for ocean discharge with a
conventional activated sludge system for removal of
toxic metals and organics. Partitioning of metals and
organics on wastewater solids has been measured
and fundamental correlations developed. A threer
dimensional physical transport model and a three-
dimensional hydrodynamic model were documented
for use in the Great Lakes. Also, several studies of
metal and organic contamination in the Raisin
River/Monroe Harbor area were completed.
FY1986Program—The marine research program will
continue to develop and test assessment procedures
for evaluating the impacts of ocean dumping and
ocean outfall discharge of wastes, to develop and test
monitoring methods for coastal and deepwater
application, to develop and revise screening proce-
dures for characterizing the bioaccumulation poten-
tial of contaminants associated with wastes to be
ocean disposed, and to evaluate the significance of
bioaccumulation processes, resultant time residues
and biological effects. The program will also continue
to develop and evaluate methodologies to be used in
predicting and assessing the exposure to and the
effects of emission products from at-sea incineration
of hazardous wastes.
Research to develop a procedure for evaluating
alternative technology options and their impact: on
the viability of ocean dumping will continue. Research
on major removal mechanisms in wastewater treat-
ment processes will continue with emphasis on the
development of a kinetic data base for sorption,
stripping and biodegradation. The assessment of
integrated wastewater treatment mechanisms will
focus on partitioning toxic metals and organics on
wastewater solids during treatment and the.desorp-
tion or distribution encountered when sludges and
wastewaters are discharged to the ocean.
s
Great Lakes research will study the transport, fate
and effects of toxics, emphasizing studies of con-
taminated sediments. In addition, substantial tech-
nical assistance will continue to be given to the Office
of Water, the Great Lakes National Program Office,
and the Regions.
Health Effects of Drinking Water
Contaminants
This research defines the health risks from exposure
to drinking water contaminants. Areas of major
concern deal with developng toxicological testing and
risk assessment methodologies for complex mixtures,
determining the public health risk from exposure to
waterborne infectious disease agents, conducting
epidemiological studies to determine health risks in
human populations exposed to various drinking water
contaminants, and providing criteria documents
summarizing the relevant scientific data to support
the health risk assessment.
FT 1985Accomplishments—-In FY 1985 a symposium
was held to summarize the state of knowledge on the
health effects from exposure to disinfectants and
disinfection byproducts. Also in FY 1985, a Giardia
Methods Workshop was held in Region I. This
workshop served to inform the Regions of the best
methods to use for concentrating and identifying
Giardia in drinking water supplies. Minimum infective
dose studies were completed for rotaviruses in human
volunteers. The dose-response data will be used to
support revision of the microbiology drinking water
standard. An Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
(ELISA) method was developed to detect and identify
pathogenic viruses (Norwalk, Hawaii, SnowMountain
Agent) in drinking water. This methodology can be
used to identify several of the causative agents in
waterborne disease outbreaks.
The Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office
completed 28 health assessments on various organic,
inorganic and microbiological drinking water con-
taminants.
FY 1986 Program—The proceedings of the state-of-
knowledge symposium on health effects from ex-
posure to disinfectants and disinfectant byproducts
held in FY 1985 will be published. This information
will support revision of the trihalomethane and
disinfection drinking water regulations as well as
define future research needs. Research will continue
to develop dose-response data in support of recom-
mended maximum contaminant levels (RMCL) and
health advisories (HA). Several chemicals to be
completed are: xylenes, dichlorophenols, chlorine,
and haloacetonitriles. Clinical, epidemiological and
toxicological studies will be conducted to determine
the association between the use of drinking water
disinfectants (chlorine, chloramine and chlorine
dioxide) and cardiovascular disease. Toxicological
studies to determine the effects from exposure to
multiple chemicals will be conducted for the volatile
organic compounds. An epidemiological study to
determine the association between radon in drinking
water and lung cancer will be undertaken. In the area
of microbiology, methods for identifying infectious
26
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disease agents (e.g., Campylobacter, viruses, Giardia
and Cryptosporidium) will be developed and improved.
A study to determine the virulence and growth factors
for Legiopel/a and opportunistic heterotrophic orga-
nisms that occur in drinking water will be conducted.
Drinking water criteria documents will be finalized for
seven inorganic, three organic, thirteen pesticide and
two micrpbial agents. In addition, 30 HAs for new
chemical^will be prepared. Three criteria documents
will be prepared for the following disinfectants and
their byproducts: chlorine, chloramine and chloro-
phenol. '
Drinking Water Technology
The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 directs the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set
national jdrinking water standards. This research
program is focused on developing a defensible basis
for standards that apply to public water supply
systems and providing technical assistance to states,
regions and utilities.
Major engineering research issues deal with the
treatment of trace organics and disinfection byprod-
ucts. Also, control of microbiological contaminants
and development of a fundamental understanding of
disinfection kinetics remain a relatively high priority.
For example, there is general concern over the
occurrence of Giardiasis in the U.S., and a growing
awareness of problems resulting from poorly operated
treatment plants and deterioration of water quality in
distributipn systems. Finding cost-effective treatment
processes to remove regulated contaminants from
small water supplies that are not in compliance is also
receiving major attention.
In the mandatory quality assurance area, ten regional
laboratories are evaluated annually in support of the
National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations
monitoring certification program. This program is
also responsible for methods development and ana-
lytical prbcedures to produce precise and accurate
total measurement systems for chemical, microbio-
logical and radiochemical analysis. Technically and
economically feasible analytical procedures to be
used by the Agency, States, municipalities and
operators of public drinking water systems to monitor
contaminants are also provided.
FY 1985\ Accomplishments—Various filtration pro-
cesses were evaluated to determine their effective-
ness to remove Giardia cysts, bacteria, and turbidity.
These include rapid rate filtration, diatomaceous
earth, and slow sand filtration. Reports were produced
on point-;of-use (POU) technology for small systems
and individual households to address activated
alumina systems for fluoride reduction, activated
carbon for volatile organics reduction, and the
management aspects of POU applications.
The proceedings of the spminar on plumbing mate-
rials and drinking water quality was published that
addresses drinking water problems related to plumb-
ing materials. Four papers on the effects of microbial
growth conditions and their resistance to inactivation
by disinfectants were prepared, as was a comprehen-
sive paper that offers a reliable measurement of the
organic solids content of Finished drinking water.
Over 5,000 calbiration standards and 55,000 quality
control and performance1 evaluation samples were
produced and distibuted to EPA regional, state, local
and EPA contract laboratories for analysis of public
drinking water. Interlaboratory methods evaluation
studies for maximum trihalomethane potential (MTP),
purgeables, total organic halides, trace metals and
total oxidants/chlorine dioxide were completed.
Interlaboratory comparison studies involving the
measurement of radionuclides in water were con-
ducted that included gross alpha/beta, tritium and
strontium-89/90. On-site laboratory evaluations in
response to regional requests were also conducted.
Technical support was provided for laboratory certi-
fication training courses.
i
FY 1986 Program—Research will continue to focus on
developing information to assist utilities in complying
with existing regulations and providing data to support
proposed regulations. Large-scale experimental
treatment technology projects will be conducted for
organic and inorganic contaminant removal, especi-
ally related to ground water. Studies to evaluate the
effectiveness of chlorine and alternative disinfectants
for the control of water-borne pathogens will be
continued. Evaluations of treatment technology for
radionuclide removal and residues disposal man-
agement will also continue. Studies to determine the
factors leading to deterioration of water quality in
distribution systems will be conducted, and problems
of small systems, including system design, perform-
ance and operational criteria, and institutional and
pricing policies will also be studied.
The monitoring and quality assurance program will
provide methods development and analytical proce-
dures to produce precise and total measurement
systems for chemical, radiochemical, and microbio-
logical analysis and will develop less expensive
methods for new parameters which have been
established. This program will also conduct laboratory
certification for the ten regions for organic and
inorganic chemicals and microbiological analysis,
will produce and distribute quality assurance and
performance evaluation samples and standard refer-
ence materials and will also conduct requested on-
site laboratory evaluations for radiochemical analysis
of drinking water. ',
27
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Groundwater
Our science for assessing and predicting the impacts
of ground-water pollution is meager but growing. In
the past few years important gains have been made
by the EPA ground-water research program in
technology for accessing the subsurface and taking
samples that are uncontaminated by the sampling
process. Further, we know reasonably well how a few
organic chemicals of concern behave in a few
geological materials. However the state-of-the-art for
ground-water monitoring is cumbersome, expensive,
and insufficiently precise. Our capability for predicting
the behavior of organic and microbiological contam-
inants is limited. Finally, there is little information
available on the effectiveness or the costs of methods
for in-situ cleanup of already polluted aquifiers.
FY1985Accomplishments—Several significant pub-
lications were produced covering a wide range of
topics. The following research reports were published:
"State-of-the-Art of Aquifer Restoration Techniques,"
"DRASTIC: A Standardized System for Evaluating
Ground Water Pollution Potential Using Hydrogeo-
logical Settings," "Methods for Determining the
Location of Abandoned Wells," "Methods for Deter-
mining the Mechanical Integrity of Class II Injection
Wells," and "Evaluation of SepticTank System Effects
on Ground-Water Quality." A handbook, "Ground
WaterTransport: Handbook of Mathematical Models"
and "Guidance Manual for Vadose Zone Monitoring
at Land Treatment Facilities" were also published.
Conferences on "Characterization and Monitoring of
the Vadose Zone," "Surface and Borehole Geophysics
in Ground-Water Investigation," and "Methods for
Determining the Location of Abandoned Wells" were
conducted. The program also participated/conducted
the Fourth National Symposium and Exposition on
Aquifer Restoration and Ground-Water Monitoring, a
training course on Modeling Subsurface Flow and
Contaminant Transport, and a technology transfer
seminar on Protection of Public Water Supplies from
Ground-Water Contamination.
Support of the International Ground-Water Modeling
Center and the National Ground-Water Information
Center was continued.
FY 1986 Program—In the processes area, research
will continue on sorption biotransformation, facili-
tated transport, dispersion, immiscible flow, potential
transport of metals due to complexation with organic
chemicals, and other physical/chemical processes
such as hydrolysis, substitution, and redox. Labora-
tory/field testing of potentially cost-effective aquifer
restoration techniques will also continue. A major
effort will be ongoing to aid regulation of underground
injection, specifically on fluid front movement from
Class I (Hazardous Waste) wells, to assess techno-
logical options for improving Class V (currently
unregulated) injection well practices, to field verify
mechanical integrity tests for injection wells and
determine interaction of injected wastes with in-
jection ozone geological materials. Finally, emphasis
will continue on technology transfer and technical
assistance, including continued support of the
National Ground-Water Information Center and the
International Ground-Water Modeling Clearing-
house.
In the monitoring area, the program will continue to
support the Regions in locating abandoned wells.
Research will continue to determine the application
of geophysics and other techniques for detecting and
mapping fluid movement from injection wells. Evalu-
ation and development of laser-induced fluorescene
for monitoring ground water contamination using
fiber optics will also continue. Hollow stem auger
methods will be evaluated to determine if sampling
wells completed by this method contribute to vertical
movement of contamination outside well casings,
potentially contaminating potable ground water.
28
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Pesticides and Toxics Research Committee
EPA resea.rch on toxic subtances and pesticides is
directed toward fulfilling the Agency's need to meet
the provisions of Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA), the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Roden-
ticide Act (FIFRA) and, to a lesser extent, the Federal
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This research
is directed toward development of health and eco-
logical tesjt methodologies, procedures to improve
human risk estimates, exposure monitoring systems,
and environmental fate and effects methods and risk
assessments. It also focuses on structure activity
relationships as predictors of chemical fate and
biological effects. Other efforts are directed toward
engineering and technological information needed to
evaluate release and control methods for new and
existing chemicals. Additional research is aimed at
developing procedures for ensuring the human and
environmental safety of biotechnology products as
well as microbial and biochemical pest control agents.
t
Support is provided under the following issues:
j
Test Method Development
Under TSCA and FIFRA, manufacturers must test
chemicals and pesticides for potential hazards to the
public health and environment, and research is
therefore cpnducted to provide guidance for perform-
ing such tests. Regulatory decisions on a chemical
depend on qualitative and quantitative scientific data
from industry regarding potential adverse environ-
mental and human health effects of exposure to the
chemical. Since the sensitivity, reliability, cost and
time constraints of these tests vary widely, carefully
screened methods are being developed and approved
by the Agency. When completed, such methods will
be incorporated into testing guidelines for use by
industry and others who must evaluate the safety of
chemicals.'
I
Health: Markers, Dosimetry, Extrapolation
This research develops new techniques to estimate
human exposure in order to improve the predictability
of human risk from toxic substances through the
development of biological markers to link chemical
exposures and chronic effects, the development of
the means to extrapolate from high to low doses and
from animals to humans, and the performance of
metabolisn;) and related studies to improve both dose
estimates |and extrapolation to enhance human
health risk assessment predictability. Additional
studies in the toxic substances research program
involve defining the relationship between biochem-
ical indicators of exposure to neurotoxicants and be-
havioral dysfunction as well as studies in dosimetry
and extrapolation related to genetically mediated
health effects. Additional pesticides research in-
cludes evaluating the relationship(s) of age and
dermal absorption using in vivo animal models as
well as research on compoiJnd-induced reproductive
alterations following exposure during developmental
periods. Data generated in the toxics and pesticides
areas will be used to extrapolate toxicant risks to
humans.
Special Human Data Needs
This effort provides epidemiological data to assist in
identifying and regulating existing chemicals which
might pose health risks. Research focuses on identi-
fying potentially hazardous substances, evaluating
biological measures, and developing new epidemio-
logical and biostatistical methods. Efforts in this area
are also used for evaluation of animal test results on
biological markers. Such activities will examine
population groups exposed'to environmental contam-
inants that are suspect toxicants for particular organ
systems to determine if biological indicators of dose
and/or effects are related to environmental levels of
exposure and if they are correlated with adverse
effects measured by traditional methods.
Ecology: Transport, Fate and Field Validation
This effort develops models to predict the transport,
fate and transformation of pesticides and other
chemicals in the environment. To adequately evaluate
the likely perturbations a pesticide or toxicant chem-
ical may cause in the environment, it is necessary to
understand probable exposure concentrations/dura-
tions, movements through ecosystems, degradation
rates, reservoirs, effects and residues. The Agency
must have available techniques which may be applied
to attain this information, must be capable of inter-
preting findings, and must have a predictive capacity
to anticipate problems. Activities in this area are
designed to meet these needs, to improve the criteria
and standards against which industry, the users or
the Agency must comply. The intent is to provide new
or improved state-of-the-art techniques and fill data
gaps so that scientifically credible and legally defen-
sible regulatory actions can be taken. Additionally,
29
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field testing and validation is conducted on such
models as well as on test methods developed in
support of testing guidelines.
Engineering
Under the premanufacture notification (PMN) pro-
cess, manufacturers are required to submit informa-
tion to EPA on the release and control of new
chemicals and significant new uses of existing
chemicals. EPA uses existing data to predict the risks
from the release of new substances, and, under the
existing chemicals control program, evaluates tech-
nological alternatives to reduce the release of and
exposure to chemicals that are already in use.
This research focuses on the evaluation of chemical
manufacturing processes to determine how and to
what extent chemicals are released into the environ-
ment in manufacture. Efforts also examine chemical
manufacturing processes to estimate byproduct and
contaminant production. Additionally, alternatives to
mitigate release of and exposure to new and existing
chemicals are investigated and evaluated, including
protective garments.
Exposure Monitoring
Research focuses on the development of methodol-
ogies for determining human exposure to environ-
mental pollution. This includes personal monitoring
instrumentation, population sampling schemes,
questionnaires and diaries, exposure models, activity
pattern data bases, and pilot field studies to determine
the distribution of the population's exposures to
environmental pollutants of concern to the Agency.
The major TSCA-related monitoring efforts include
Improvement in monitoring systems to estimate
human exposure. Research will also be continued to
develop approaches for multi-media/multi-pathway
monitoring systems which generate data that will
provide an estimate of total human exposure. Studies
will also be conducted to incorporate environmental
dose into personal exposure monitors and to provide a
better understanding of the contribution of the
different exposure routes on pollutant intake. The
relationship of network monitoring to personal expo-
sure monitoring will be evaluated in a Human
Exposure Assessment Location Project.
Structure Activity Relationships Data
Since decisions regarding health and environmental
risk of new TSCA chemicals rely on existing knowl-
edge about similar chemicals and on estimations of
physical and chemical properties, SAR is vital for
reviewing and screening PMN chemicals under
Section 5 of TSCA. The findings and techniques
established in this research will be used to select
appropriate toxicity tests, to document test results, to
develop fate and effects data bases where necessary
and to provide the modeling means to predict toxicity.
Health research emphasizes determination of quali-
tative effects and quantitative dose response data on
specific, high-concern compounds and chemical
classes. SAR research is also being conducted to
develop correlations for predicting the environmental
toxicity of new chemicals to freshwater, marine
estuarine and terrestrial species, as well as for
predicting the behavior and fate of toxic chemicals in
the environment.
Biotechnology
Research in biotechnology constitutes a comprehen-
sive effort to deal with potential problems posed by
the release of bioengineered products into the
environment as well as to determine the effects of
microbial and biochemical pest control agents
(MBPCAs). Environmental processes and effects
research determines the survival and fate of geneti-
cally engineered organisms and other microbial pest
control agents released into the environment and
assesses their potential impacts. Health research
develops predictive in vivo and in vitro tests for
adverse health effects to human populations. Engi-
neering and control technology efforts improve
containment, control and destruction measures for
genetically engineered organisms.
Many of the techniques required to adequately control
or regulate microbial organisms or "biochemical"
products (e.g., pheromones) apply to both TSCA and
FIFRA mandates. Beyond these basic techniques,
however, there is a divergence—microbial applica-
tions under TSCA are usually industrially oriented
and relate to workplace exposure or accidental
releases; the microbial applications under FIFRA are
intended to control undesirable flora or fauna. Such
microbial pest control agents (MPCAs) may be
"natural" selected stock or may be genetically
altered.
Users of biotechnological products must follow
recommended Agency guidelines in a testing regime
designed to help prevent adverse environmental
impacts. ORD helps establish these techniques,
determines if environmental effects are exhibited by
previously untested non-target organisms, and con-
ducts field-oriertted validation studies as necessary to
ensure that testing criteria and guidelines are appro-
priate and functional. Engineering research will also
be conducted to develop and/or improve methods to
contain or destroy genetically engineered orgnisms.
Environmental Risk Assessment
Ecosystem risk research will provide a scientifically
based system to assess ecological risks from exposure
to environmental toxicants. This system will provide
the capability to assess risks associated with different
uses of chemicals resulting from various options for
30
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regulating pesticides and toxicants to protect orga-
nisms in their natural environment. This research will
provide for prognostic assessment, extrapolations to
any patterns and levels of environmental release,
inferences of types of responses to be expected in
natural systems, and estimates of uncertainties in the
assessments.
i
Support j
This research provides support for risk and exposure
assessment, quality assurance, dissemination of
reference|standards and quality assurance reagents.
* GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1936 - 646116 /'40652
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