vvEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Pfficeof September 1996 International Activities (2631) 160-R-96-QQ2 IRA's International Technology Programs ^---' ^fes^ <*f~%"pti ------- Contents 1 The Importance of International Cooperation 2 Programs in Action 2 Technology Cooperation 3 Technical Assistance and Training 4 Information Exchange 5 Technology Demonstrations 6 Leveraging of Financial Assistance 6 Cooperative Research and Development 8 Appendix Courtesy of World Bank. ------- EPA's International Technology Programs The United States is a world leader in environmental protection, with significant expertise residing in both the public and private sectors. Exchanging this expertise with other nations can help solve pressing environmental problems worldwide while also serving broader U.S. foreign policy, economic and national security objectives. Highlighting a number of success stories, this publication provides an overview of EPA's international technology activities. The appendix contains a more detailed catalogue of available programs and resources. The importance of International Cooperation International cooperation is critical to achieving EPA's mission. Air, water and waste pollution crossing our borders with Mexico and Canada can imperil the health, environment, and well-being of people in the United States. Emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten to raise temperatures throughout the global atmosphere. Pollution of the oceans and irreversible losses of species and habitats world- wide undermine the resource base critical to our well-being and quality of life and deprive us of commercially valuable and potentially life-saving genetic materials. EPA's international technology programs the exchange of technology and expertise through technical assistance, training, information and other forms of technical cooperation play a critical role in this effort. Exchanging environ- mental management, regulatory and technological expertise with other nations can help solve environmental problems worldwide, including the global and regional threats that directly affect health and the environment in the United States. Sharing the burden of environmental regulation and research, as well as benefitting from scientific and technological breakthroughs in other coun- tries, can reduce the cost of environmental protection in the United States. In addition to environmental benefits, EPA's international technology programs can enhance world wide demand for environmental technolo- gies and expertise, thus creating commercial opportunities for U.S. business and industry. Cooperation on technical issues can improve relations with our foreign counterparts. Reduced environmental pressures overseas can contribute to political and economic stability worldwide, thereby enhancing U.S. national security interests. 1 ------- Phasing Out Ozone-Depleting Chemicals in Developing Countries The multi-billion dollar U.S. invest- ment in protecting the stratospheric ozone layer could be completely undone by unabated emissions of ozone-depleting chemicals in develop- ing countries. EPA is therefore working with developing countries under the U.S. Clean Air Act bilaterally and through the Montreal Protocol Multi- lateral Fund to reduce their produc- tion and use of these chemicals. EPA's work with Colombia, for example, has helped cut that country's use of ozone- depleting chemicals in the mobile air conditioning sector by 28 metric tons a year 20 percent of Colombia's overall use in that sector. PROGRAMS INACTION EPA's international technology programs include: technology cooperation, technical assistance and training, information exchange, technology demonstrations, leveraging of financial assis- tance, and cooperative research and develop- ment. Technology Cooperation 'Technology transfer" is the traditional term used for the dissemination of pollution prevention and control equipment and expertise. In 1992, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the international community endorsed the concept of "technology cooperation" as an important component of the worldwide effort to achieve sustainable develop- ment. Going beyond the traditional emphasis on government-to-government cooperation, the term puts more emphasis on the role of the private sector and public-private partnerships. ------- Fully embracing this concept, EPA is enlisting the expertise, resources and creativity of the private sector on behalf of environmen- tal objectives worldwide. The primary purpose of the U.S. Technology for Interna- tional Environmental Solutions (U.S. TIES) program, for example, funded from 1994 to 1996, has been to match pressing environ- mental problems overseas with the suppliers of proven and cost-effective environmental technologies in the United States. U.S. TIES funding has already led to millions of dollars in environmental sales for American companies. Technical Assistance and Training EPA's international technical assistance and training programs are carried out on both a programmatic and needs-driven basis. Longer-term programs focus on the strengthen- ing of the necessary environmental institu- tional and human resource capabilities (i.e., the establishment of environmental protec- tion laws, organizations and regulations and the human resource capabilities needed to implement them). In cooperation with the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S. AID), this Agency is working with the Governments of Central and Eastern Europe and Russia and Ukraine in applying risk assessment and economic analysis to envi- ronmental problems. Using a facilitated, train-the-trainer approach, EPA's international environmental training modules cover such environmental issues or management techniques as environ- mental economics; risk assessment; chemi- cal emergency preparedness and accident prevention; environmental compliance and enforcement; environmental impact assess- ment; and solid waste management plan- ning. Initially developed for use in Central and Eastern Europe, the modules have also been successfully applied in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. ------- Shorter-term assistance programs focus on more specific environmental problems. Under the Agency's Environmental Action Team program, for example, EPA provided short-term technical assistance to the Royal Thai Government in assessing and mitigat- ing severe health and environmental threats posed by a lignite power plant in the Mae Moh Valley. Coordinated closely with other U.S. public and private sector groups, this assistance not only helped solve a pressing environmental problem in Thailand, but also led to the sale of almost $200 million in U.S. air pollution monitoring and control equipment. Information Exchange With over 25 years of experience, EPA is widely recognized as a leading source of environmental information. Exchanging this information that is, sharing U.S. informa- tion as well as benefitting from information generated abroad is a cost-effective way for reducing environmental risks worldwide The Global Market for Environmental Technology Environmental Business International (EBI) estimates the current global market for environmental goods and services at $408 billion, with growth rates between 7 and 17 percent in developing countries and somewhat slower growth rates in more devel- oped countries. The U.S. market accounts for approximately $170 billion of that total, with the domes- tic market expected to grow to more than $210 billion by the turn of the century. while lowering the cost of environmental protection in the United States. The Agency's international information pro- grams focus on both the kind of information needed (for example, information on environmental conditions and regulations or the performance and cost of technologies) and the mechanisms for delivering the information (from low-tech newsletters and workshops to on-line computer technolo- gies). EPA offers Technical Information Pack- ages (TIPs) on environmental issues of most concern to developing countries and economies in transition. These mini- resource libraries cover issues such as safe drinking water, mining waste management, environmental impact assessments, rural wastewater systems, and pesticide waste disposal. EPA and the U.S. Information Agency circulated the TIPs to information centers throughout the world. EPA is now updating and digitizing the TIPs to make the information available through the Internet. 4 ------- The Agency also played the leading role in establish ing the Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe in Budapest Hungary. Including business information services and Internet links to 13 countries, the Center is a major source of information for non-governmental organiza- tions, local authorities, national governments, academic institutions and private interests throughout the region. It has also served as a model for application in other parts of the world. Technology Demonstrations EPA's in-country technology demonstrations showcase the performance capabilities of U.S. technologies in real-time, country- specific settings, thereby helping to promote broader application of these technologies worldwide. One of EPA's projects in Poland, for example, is demonstrating the use of sewage sludge (biosolids) in revegetating and detoxifying land contaminated by coal mining and smelter waste. This project not only solves a pressing health and environ- mental problem in Poland; it also expands our understanding of an innovative approach that could be used in the United States. Under the Murmansk Initiative, EPA is working with the Governments of Russia and Norway to upgrade and expand a prototype low-level liquid radioactive waste (LLW) processing facility in Murmansk, Russia. Designed to help avoid possible ocean dumping of LLW from the decommissioning of Russia's nuclear submarine fleet, the project includes application of an innovative U.S. technology employing special filtering, containment and processing techniques. With the design phase now complete, construction will begin soon. The U.S. Department of Energy is also exploring the possible transfer to the United States of an innovative Russian technology used at the Murmansk facility. Leveraging of Funds for Environmental Protection in Russia and the Czech Republic Through the Agency's environmental capacity-building program in Russia and Czech Republic, EPA has leveraged $21 million in funding from the U.S. Agency for Interna- tional Development (U.S. AID) into more than $620 million for environ- mental protection in those two countries. The funds are leveraged through the country's own public funds and multilateral development banks, such as the World Bank, as well as through private sector investment. ------- Other technology demonstrations now underway include drinking water projects in Mexico, China and Ecuador; air pollution control projects in Poland, Russia, Ukraine, China, India and Korea; a waste project in Russia; a site characterization/remediation project in the Czech Republic; and renewable energy projects in Mexico, Chile and Argen- tina. Leveraging of Financial Assistance Identification of, and assistance in securing, the funds needed to deal with a specific environmental problems is an important component of EPA's international technology programs. Multilateral development banks and other international financial institutions have played a particularly important role in this regard. In the early 1990's, for example, EPA worked with Chinese authorities in developing and implementing a plan for capturing and using the methane that escaped from coal mines throughout the country. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that, if vented to the atmosphere, contributes to the warming of the earth's atmosphere. Captured methane can serve as a valuable source of energy. The Agency assisted the Chinese Govern- ment in winning a $10 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), a joint funding program run by the World Bank, the United Nations Environment Program and United Nations Development Program. As a result of this project, China expects to in- crease its coal-bed methane recovery from mines from an estimated 400 million cubic meters in 1990 to more than 1 billion cubic meters by the year 2000. The project has also led to the creation of a quasi-private corporation in China to facilitate foreign investment in coal-bed methane recovery projects in the future, and a number of U.S. companies have signed contracts with Chinese authorities for follow-on projects. Cooperative Research and Development In addition to sharing U.S. expertise with other countries, EPA benefits from joint research programs and from scientific and technological advances achieved in other countries. Cooperative research with Canada, Germany, Sweden, Japan, China, and India has yielded extremely valuable information to the United States at a fraction of the cost of what it would have cost to collect and analyze the data here. In a cooperative study with China, EPA was able to assess the loss of lung function in children due to their exposure to coarse and fine air-borne particulates. Similarly, EPA and the Government of India have just initiated a three-year research project on the health effects of lead exposure on puberty and adolescent development. With large residential areas adjoining lead smelter sites, lead exposure levels in India are much higher than in the United States. The information drawn from the medical examinations carried Reducing Lead Risks Internationally Lead in air, water, soil and some manufactured products such as gasoline is a major threat to the health of children worldwide. Focusing on technical assistance, training and information, EPA is working with policy makers around the world to develop and implement lead reduction strategies. In addition to the immediate health benefits of these programs, low-cost, clean-up strategies developed in these countries could eventually find use in the United States. ------- out under the study will improve our understanding on the health effects of lead on children. The results will buttress policy decisions on the regulation of lead-related products and abatement practices not only in India and the United States but ultimately around the world. EPA is also working with many developed countries in sharing environmental manage- ment expertise on new, non-regulatory mechanisms for protecting the environment. Other countries are extremely interested in our experience with such voluntary, non- regulatory programs as the Common Sense Initiative, Project XL, Energy Star Buildings, Green Lights and Waste Wise. Similarly, as EPA moves away from the medium-by-medium approach of the past toward a more integrated view of the environment, it can learn much from the experience of other countries that have already applied such techniques. Swed- ish and Dutch authorities, for example, have been implementing multi-media systems of environmental protection for many years. Environmental Protection in the U.S.-Mexico Border Area Technology cooperation and assistance plays a key role in protecting and restoring environmental quality in the U.S.-Mexico border area. Examples of EPA's programs in this region include: development of emission inventories for border sister cities; training for the operators of wastewater treatment plants; monitoring of water quality; and the development of pollution prevention manuals for key industrial sectors, such as metal finishing and electronics. ------- APPENDIX Selected Programs and Information Resources PROGRAMS: International Pollution Prevention Partnerships Contact: Ted MacDonald, Office of International Activities Tel: (202) 260-7394 Fax: (202) 260-0532 EPA is working through several international initia- tives to encourage public and private sector adoption of cleaner production policies, practices and technologies. Regional commitments on pollution prevention include activities under the Summit of the America's Partnership for Pollution Prevention, the i Asia-Pacific Economic j Cooperation Cleaner j Production Initiative, the North American Commission for Environmental Coopera- tion and several priority bilateral programs. Key « activities include guidance to | governments on pollution prevention policies, waste minimization in key industry \ sectors, training and work- I shops, international informa- [ tion networking and research cooperation. EPA partner- ; ships include cooperative ' programs under the U.S. | Agency for International '. Development's Environmen- tal Pollution Prevention Project and the U.S.-Asia j Environmental Partnership, ; as well as with the World « Bank, World Health Organi- i zation and the United Nations Environment ! Program. U.S.-Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP) Contact: Mark Kasman Office of International Activities Tel: (202)260-0424 Fax: (202)260-4470 Under the United States-Asia Environmental Partnership, EPA employs Environmental Action Teams, short-term technical assistance, training programs, and fellowships to build environmental capacity in Asia. Environmental Action Teams undertake short-term assignments in response to specific problems. EPA experts lead the teams, which may include profes- sionals from other federal agencies, international organizations, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Requests for teams must have host government support at local and national levels. The team works with government officials to isolate the causes of the problem and to devise immediate, medium and long-term strategies. Short-term technical assistance is appropriate in cases where a country requests an EPA expert for a specific and one-time activity. Past activities in this area have included a technical review of a pending solid waste regula- tion; a visit to a village to conduct an arsenic poison- ing health risk assessment; and participation at a World Bank mobile source air pollution workshop. Training programs are available both off-the-shelf and as hands-on practitioner workshops. An example of the latter is the recently completed multimedia enforcement inspector training that took place in Indonesia. Four EPA experts used a combination of classroom and site instruc- tion to train Indonesia's first 15 enforcement inspectors. Overall, the team visited 40 industrial sites in less than a month. The newly trained inspectors are now using their skills to train others throughout the country as the Environment Ministry opens new regional offices. Fellowships at EPA are available to applicants with designated funding and a precise programmatic goal. Most fellows are placed in one of EPA's ten regional offices, with their stay limited to one month. Fellowships are most useful when connected to other related activities under US- AEP, such as the Action Teams. Montreal Protocol Implementation Contact: Paul Horwitz, Office of Atmospheric Programs/ Office of Air and Radiation Tel: (202)233-9109 Fax: (202)233-9665 EPA represents the United States on the Executive Committee to the Multilat- eral Fund for the Implemen- tation of the Montreal Protocol (Fund), established by the Parties to assist developing Parties phase out ozone depleting substances. The goal of the Fund is to enable a global elimination of the major ozone depleting substances by the year 2010. The Fund covers the "incre- mental costs" associated with information exchange and training, capital costs of conversions, and for a short transition period, incremen- tal operational costs incurred by national governments or industries to achieve global environmental benefits. Over the five years of its operation, the Multilateral Fund's Executive Committee has approved funding of approximately $400 million for over 1200 activities in 90 developing countries. This figure includes the develop- ment of over 60 country specific phaseout strategies, 50 of which have already been approved by the Executive Committee, as well as conversions at over 200 industrial facilities. ------- Methane Emission Reduction from Coal Mines Contact: Dina Kruger, Global Change Division/ Office of Air and Radiation Tel: (202)233-9039 Fax: (202)233-9569 Methane is emitted when coal is mined and frequently vented to the atmosphere, where it becomes a potent greenhouse gas. In many mines, methane emissions can be profitably red.uced through the application of existing technologies for gas recovery and use. Methane recovery can also have other benefits, including improved coal mine safety and productivity, production of a new energy source, and reduced local air pollution through displacement of poor quality coal with coalbed methane. This EPA program identi- fies and encourages the development of profitable projects to reduce methane emissions from coal mining in China, Russia, Ukraine, Poland and the Czech Republic. The project is designed to identify profit- able opportunities to reduce methane emissions, raise awareness of coal-bed methane as an alternative energy resource currently not being tapped, and remove the barriers to the develop- ment of these projects. Methane Emission Reduction from Large Ruminant Livestock Contact: Mark Or|ic, Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division/ Office of Air and Radiation Tel: (202)233-9043 Fax: (202)233-9569 By promoting better use of available technologies coupled with sound manage- ment practices, this EPA program achieves large reductions of methane emissions per unit of meat or milk produced. Livestock producers benefit from reducing methane emissions because methane produced by their animals represents a loss of dietary energy. Converting feed into animal products more efficiently also results in greater profit for farmers from savings in feed per unit of production. Projects are mainly focused on dairy cattle improvement. Initially, scientists and development workers from the U.S. convene with their counterparts in developing countries to carefully analyze potential dietary improvements and design specific projects. Once a project design is completed, reviewed and approved by all participants, it is mar- keted to prospective donors. Programs such as the U.S. Initiative on Joint Implemen- tation offer opportunities for funding these types of projects. Livestock improve- ment projects are currently underway in India and Zimbabwe and activities are being planned for Ukraine, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, and Brazil. U.S. initiative on joint implementation (USIJI) Contact; Elmer Holt, Director, (202) 426-1628 www.ji.org/usiji/usiji.htm The United States Initiative on Joint Implementation (USIJI) is a voluntary pilot program contributing to the international knowledge base of joint implementation through projects designed to reduce or sequester green- house gas emissions in different geographic regions. Introduced in negotiations leading up to the 1992 Earth Summit, the concept of joint implementation was formally adopted in the text of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change. Two or more countries can work together in,implementing cooperative development projects, thereby reducing emissions at a lower cost than would be possible if each country acted alone. USIJI will provide public recognition and selected technical assistance to approved projects. U.S. Country Studies Program Contact: Ron Benioff, Director, (202)426-1628 www.gcrio.org/CSP/ webpage.html The U.S. Country Studies Program provides financial and technical assistance to developing and transition countries in carrying out national studies on climate change. Regional and sectoral oversight for this program is provided by the U.S. Country Studies Management Team, in which EPA participates. Fifty-five countries currently partici- pate in the program. These countries are developing inventories of their anthropo- genic emissions of green- house gases, assessing their vulnerabilities to climate change, evaluating response strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change, formulating national climate change action plans, and performing technology assessments. A new phase of the program, Support for National Action Plans (SNAP), provides technical and financial support for preparation of national action plans, in-depth evaluations of climate change technology needs and opportunities to promote technology diffusion. ------- PROGRAMS Caribbean Environment & Development institute Contact: Paulo Almeida, Office of International Activities Tel: (202) 260-6653 Fax:(202)401-0140 The Caribbean Environment and Development Institute (CEDI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering public-private sector cooperation on environmental management, for the purpose of promoting the sustainable develop- ment of the Wider Caribbean Region. Under a cooperative agreement with EPA and in coopera- tion with public and private sector experts in Puerto Rico, CEDI has undertaken projects to: promote improved solid waste management and inter-island recycling with Antigua; develop low-cost, low- maintenance alternative technolo- gies for drinking water treatment in small communities in Trinidad; and demonstrate industrial pollution prevention techniques in the Dominican Republic. CEDI has also promoted the hemispheric Partner- ship for Pollution Prevention, one of the principal components of the 1994 Summit of the Americas Action Plan. For example, hosted by the Government of the Common- wealth of Puerto Rico, CEDI and the Pan American Health Organization and Organization of American States, co-sponsored a meeting a Technical Experts in November 1995. The meeting brought together representatives from 25 government agencies, international and regional organizations, private associations from 20 countries in the Americas to plan the implementation of this Partnership. For additional informa- tion, please contact: Ramon Daubon, Executive Director Caribbean Environment & Development Institute Tel: (809) 759-6684 Fax: (809) 759-6872 U.S./GAZPROM Working Group Contact: Andrea Clark, Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division/Office of Air and Radiation Tel: (202)233-9044 Fax: (202)233-9569 The U.S.-Gazprom Working Group is a cooperative public-private initiative with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, the Russian natural gas transmission and production company, RAO Gazprom, and U.S. equipment and services providers to improve the efficiency and environmental soundness of the Russian natural gas sector. By improv- ing the production and transmission of natural gas systems in Russia, emis- sions of methane (a potent greenhouse gas) can be significantly reduced. Reductions of local air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide as well as groundwater or soil contamination associated with natural gas production can also be achieved. The group strives to achieve these goals through U.S.- Russian commercial cooperation. Activities include demonstration projects on valve sealing and pipeline corrosion control, a Conference on Natural Gas Pipeline Standards and Project Finance in September 1995, and U.S. study tour in April 1995 for Gazprom technical experts on technologies used in the U.S. to reduce emissions of methane from U.S. natural gas systems. Upcoming activities include demonstration projects on pipeline coating, geo- graphic information systems used to prioritize transmission pipeline maintenance, and improved removal of hydrogen sulfide from pipeline natural gas. EPA is also working with Gazprom on a joint leak measurement program at Gazprom compressor stations and on a Joint Report on Opportunities to Reduce Methane Emissions in the Russian Natural Gas Sector. U.S. Technology for International Environmental Solutions Contacts: Mark Kasman & Sarita Hoyt, Office of International Activities Tel: (202)260-2404 (202) 260-0051 Fax: (202)260-4470 The U.S. Technology for International Environmental Solutions (U.S. TIES) initia- tive is an inter-agency technology diffusion pro- gram designed to enlist greater participation of the U.S. private sector in achieving U.S. environmen- tal objectives overseas. Led by EPA, the public-private partnership uses interna- tional technical assistance and training, information exchange and technology demonstrations to match pressing environmental problems abroad with the suppliers of proven and cost- effective technologies in the United States. By enlisting the cooperation of other Federal agencies and the U.S. private sector in disseminating U.S. environ- mental technologies and expertise overseas, the U.S. TIES initiative reduces environmental problems at the global, regional, and national levels. 10 ------- Air Pollution Training Institute Contact: Howard Wright, Leader, Education & Outreach Group US EPA, MD-7 Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 Tel: (919)541-5584 FAX: (919)541-5678 The Air Pollution Training Institute (APTI), a component of the Education and Outreach Group, provides instructional materials, technical assistance and training in support of U.S. regulatory air pollution abatement programs. The Institute offers courses ranging from two to five days and workshops at sites across the US as well as via satellite. In addition, APTI also has various self-study courses for training in the home or in the place oiP employment. Foreign countries which meet certain requirements may request status as a Training Resource Center and be eligible to receive selected courses and materials. APTI courses include such topics as: Principles and Practice of Air Pollution Control Introduction to Air Toxics Control of Paniculate Emissions Control of Gaseous Emissions Motor Vehicle Emission Control Combustion Evaluation Air Pollution Field Enforcement Advanced Inspection Techniques Environmental Management Training Modules and Training Centers Contact: Orlando Gonzalez, Office of International Activities Tel: (202)260-4174 Fax: (202)260-8512 The International Environmental Management Training Program seeks to strengthen the environ- mental management capabilities of developing countries and countries undergoing economic restructuring. Serving as facilitators in the delivery of these modules to foreign audiences, EPA employ- ees prepare foreign facilitators to carry on this training without further EPA assistance. Initially developed for use in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia and the New Independent States, the mod- ules have now been adapted and successfully applied in other parts of the world, including Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. The modules also serve as core elements of the training programs offered by the Environmental Management Training Centers (EMTCs) and Centers for Environ- mental Training and Information (CETI) which EPA helped establish across Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. Current offerings include: Introductory Courses: Principles of Environmental Policy Principles of Pollution Prevention Principles of Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment Principles Of Solid Waste Management Planning Principles of Hazardous Waste Site Ranking Principles of Government Contracting Managing in an Environmental Organization Communications: Public Outreach Technical Courses: Economics of Environmental Decision-Making Environmental Audit Evaluation of Revenue Raising Mechanisms to Fund Environmental Investments Risk Assessment Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Hazardous Materials Emergency Response United States Environmental Training Institute Contact: Mark Kasman, Office of International Activities Tel: (202)260-0424 Fax: (202)260-4470 EPA launched the U.S. Environ- mental Training Institute (USETI) to link providers of U.S. environmen- tal technologies and management strategies with professionals from industrializing countries in need of appropriate, effective solutions. By providing comprehensive environmental management training and continuous opportu- nities for information exchange, USETI seeks to form long-term , productive relationships between industrializing countries and the U.S. private sector, U.S. Govern- ment, international agencies and non-governmental organizations in order to generate positive, sustainable, environmental change throughout the world. USETI has sponsored over 75 training programs for nearly 1400 government and private sector professional worldwide. USETI alumni represent over 44 coun- tries in regions such as Asia, Mexico, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. USETI provides targeted, short- term training programs in a variety of environmental topic areas including wastewater treatment technologies, municipal solid waste management, and cleaner production processes and tech- nologies to name a few. There is no tuition charged for USETI training courses. The USETI Catalogue of Courses is available at U.S. Embassies and USAID Missions abroad or by contacting USETI directly at: USETI 1000 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW, Suite 308 Washington, DC 20007 Tel: (202)338-3400 Fax: (202)333-4782 11 ------- PROGRAMS EPA Assistance Programs in Central and'Eastern Europe and the NiS Contact: Anna Phillips, Office of International Activities Tel: (202) 260-6341 Fax: (202) 260-4506 EPA's approach to environ- mental cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe and the New Independent States (NIS) recognizes the need to help alleviate some acute prob- lems in the near term, while addressing the long-term need to develop management capacity and more effective environmental institutions through provision of training and technical assistance. Institution-building activities strengthen public and non-governmental institutions by providing information on legislative/ regulatory frameworks, various environmental assessment tools, and pollution mitigation and prevention policies. Demonstration projects address high priority environ- mental issues in key geographic areas or "hot spots" where large populations are at risk from exposure to numerous pollutants, or where unique natural resources are threatened. Such projects demonstrate innovative, cost-effective, and appropriate technologies and/or focus on pollution or environmental problems common to the region. Regional Central American Environmental Project (PROARCA, i.e.: Proyecto Atnbiental Regional Centroamericano) Contact: Paulo Almeida, Office of International Activities Tel: (202) 260-6653 Fax:(202)401-0140 The Proyecto Ambiental Regional Centroamericano (PROARCA) is funded and managed by the U.S. Agency for International Develop- ment s Central America Regional Office (USAID/G- CAP) in Guatemala City. The purpose of this project is to support the Central America Commission on Environment and Develop- ment (CCAD, e.g.: Comision Centroamericano de Ambiente y Desarrollo) with the development of a regional model for sustain- able development. EPA has entered into a four-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Agency for Interna- tional Development to provide technical assistance to strengthen legislative and regulatory regimes, which is one of the three goals of PROARCA. Other goals are protecting biodiversity and improving coastal zone management. United States EPA - PAHO Risk Assessment and Risk Management Training for Latin America Contact: Paulo Almeida, Office of International Activities Tel: (202) 260-6653 Fax:(202)401-0140 U.S. EPA and the Pan American Health Organiza- tion (PAHO) cooperate in a training program on the assessment and management of environmental risks to public health. A five-person team from EPA and the PAHO Center for Health and the Environment (PAHO- ECO) have developed a five- day seminar that introduces the methodology and criteria for risk assessment; provides guidance in establishing priorities and norms for environmental health; discusses risk assessment and management strategies; and identifies local needs for future risk management capacity-building projects. The team has presented this training course five times since 1993; three times for regional audiences in Central America & the Caribbean islands, the Southern Cone of South America, and the Northern Andean Region, and twice for national audiences in Mexico and Brazil. The team has trained 197 environmental experts from a variety of agencies and technical disciplines. The course materials developed especially for this training have been revised to include the preparation of new local instructors to present this course, in a low- cost and sustainable fashion. US-Mexico Environmental Border Cooperation Contact: Pam Teel & Patrick Whelan, Office of International Activities Tel: (202) 260-4896; (202) 260-0769 Fax:(202)401-0140 Many of EPA's technical assistance programs with Mexico are focused on protecting health and environmental quality in the border area. Binational working groups under the 1983 La Paz agreement and the new Border XXI plan bring together technical experts from both countries to exchange information and develop joint action pro- grams related to air, water, hazardous and solid waste, enforcement, pollution prevention, emergency response, and information management. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Interior support working groups on environ- mental health and natural resources. Specific activi- ties currently underway include: development of emissions inventories for border sister cities, training for operators of wastewater treatment plants, water quality monitoring, develop- ment of pollution prevention manuals for key industrial sectors such as metal finishing and electronics etc. (For a detailed listing of activities conducted by each work group see the Border XXI, released for public comment in June 1996). 12 ------- INFOTERRA Contact: Emma J. McNamara, Enterprise Information Management Division Tel: (202) 260-1522 Fax: (202) 260-3923 EPA serves as the U.S. national focal point for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) INFOTERRA program, which serves as an international liaison between those who are seeking environmental information and those who have the knowledge and expertise. The INFOTERRA network consists of over 170 member countries, with a National Focal Point (NFP) in each country responding to specific requests for environmental information. Using e-mail, fax, phone, letters and other vehicles, INFOTERRA provides documents, bibliographies or referrals to experts. In addition, the NFPs register environmental experts in each country for inclusion in the INFOTERRA Interna- tional Directory of Sources. The following are examples of additional functions available through INFOTERRA/USA: Distribution of non- technical EPA publications Access to EPA, interna- tional and commercial data bases Referral of international clients to U.S. experts Provision of EPA and other government agency reports Access to EPA library and INFOTERRA International Network The Regional Training Center for Centra! and Eastern Europe Contact: Joanne McKernan, Office of International Activities Tel: (202) 260-9451 Fax (202) 260-4470 Located in Budapest, Hun- gary, the Regional Environ- mental Center (REC) for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) addresses major environmental problems in the region by engaging non- governmental organizations, local authorities, national governments, academic institutions and the private sector. The Center's pro- grams include NGO grant making, worldwide environ- mental information exchange and Internet linkages to 13 CEE countries (including its 5 local offices), initiatives to assess and share regional experiences in addressing crucial environmental issues, and business information and services. The REC performs market surveys and provides consultation services for a fee. Currently, the Business Information Service, working with the Foreign Commercial Service and the Commerce Depart- ment, is performing a survey in Central and Eastern Europe to identify environ- mental technologies most needed in the region, and in assessing where the US has the competitive edge. Electronic Information on Remediation of Soil and Ground Water Contact Walter W.Kovalick, Jr., Technology Innovation Office Tel: (703)603-9910 Fax: (703)603-9135 U.S. EPA/NCEPI, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242- 2419 Tel: (513)489-8190 Fax: (513)489-8695 Clean-up Information (CLU-IN) Homepage The "CLU-IN" homepage on the World Wide Web pro- vides information about innovative treatment tech- nologies for hazardous waste site remediation. It describes programs, organizations, publications, and other tools related to innovative technol- ogy use. The information is accessible on-line, or in computer files or data bases. The CLU-IN Bulletin Board (BBS) also is available via modem by calling (301) 589- 8366 (8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, VT-100 or ANSI). Voice help is available by calling (301) 589-8368. Vendor FACTS System The Vendor Field Analytical and Characterization Tech- nologies System (Vendor FACTS), is an electronic data base which provides informa- tion on 80 technologies provided by 71 U.S. compa- nies who offer innovative technologies that measure or monitor hazardous contami- nants at contaminated sites. Technologies address air, water, and soil sampling and analysis, and include cone penetrometers, fiber optic sensors, portable gas chroma- tography and mass spectrom- etry, ground penetrating radar, and immunoassay. This database can be downloaded from CLU-IN or obtained free from U.S.EPA/NCEPI. VISITT System The Vendor Information System for Innovative Treatment Technologies (VISITT) is an electronic data base that contains informa- tion provided by companies that offer innovative tech- nologies for cleanup of soil and ground water contami- nated by hazardous and petroleum waste, technolo- gies include soil vapor extraction, thermal desorp- tion, and bioremediation. VISITT 4.0 has data on 325 technologies offered by 204 companies, most based in the U.S. This database can be downloaded from CLU-IN or obtained free from U.S.EPA/NCEPI. Bioremediation in the Field Search System (BFSS). BFSS is an electronic data base of information on over 400 waste sites across the U.S. where bioremediation is being tested or implemented, or has been completed. BFSS allows users to search the database electronically, view data on specific types of bioremediation sites, and print reports of selected information. BFSS is avail- able for downloading from CLU-IN or free from U.S.EPA/NCEPI. 13 ------- RESOURCES Environ mental Software Programs Contact: Jon Grand EPA Region 5 Tel: (312) 353-8270 Fax:(312)353-3433 Developed through a cooperative agreement with Purdue University, this high quality and interactive software covers a wide range of environmental topics. There are tutorials, examples of regulatory programs, expert systems and risk assessment programs. The software has been used for risk evaluation in the field, public outreach, environ- mental education and training new employees; it has become an active tool in the mission of environmental practitioners. All 43 PC- based programs are public domain software and may be copied and given (not sold) to other interested users. Six of the programs (*) have been translated into Spanish. Water Groundwater Education System Surface Water Education System Water Efficient Landscape Planner* Residential Water Conserva- tion Techniques* Wetlands Education System National Primary Drinking Water Regulations U1C Class V Injection Wells Wellhead Protection Fish Contamination and Fish Consumption Advisories Private Water (Well) Systems Education System* Wastewater Alternatives for Unsewered Communities Wastewater Treatment and Disposal with Septic Systems Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR 2.0) Sustainable Agriculture Agricultural Pollution Prevention Best Management Practices for Soil Erosion Soil and Geologic Site Evaluation Petroleum Storage Practices on the Farm Pesticide Usage Guidelines Fertilizer Storage and Handling Practices on the Farm* Livestock Yards Management Livestock Waste Manage- ment Milking Center Wastewater Management Pesticide Storage and Handling Practices on the Farm* Solid Waste and Toxics Lead in the Environment The Lead Contamination Information System RCRA Corrective Action Programs Municipal Solid Waste Fact book(W) RCRA Boiler & Industrial Furnace Waste Disposal Air and Radiation Indoor Air Quality Residential Energy Efficiency(W) Stratospheric Ozone Deple- tion Habitat and Miscellaneous Environmental Assessment Resource Guide(W) Wetlands Education System Electronic Wetlands Herbarium(W) Pollution Prevention Comparative Risk Assess- ment Heart to Heart (Personal Health & Diet) (W)= Program requires Windows (TM) 3.1 or better. International Cleaner Production Information Clearinghouse (ICPIC) Contact: Miles Morse, Office of Research and Development Tel: (202)260-3161 Fax: (202)260-4524 The International Cleaner Production Information Clearinghouse (ICPIC) is a computerized information exchange system of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Cleaner Production Program, based on U.S. EPA's Pollution Prevention Information Exchange System (PIES). ICPIC is designed to transfer technical policy, program, legislative, and financial expertise on cleaner production. 14 ------- National Small Flows Clearinghouse Contact: Peter Casey, Program Coordinator West Virginia University/ P.O. Box 6064 Morgantown, WV 26506- 6064 Tel: (304) 293-4191 Fax:(304)293-3161 The National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) collects, classifies, and distributes information on innovative alternative wastewater treatment technologies for rural residents and small commu- nities. The NSFC produces two quarterly newsletters and a refereed journal, offers more than 250 informational products, operates a technical assistance and referral information line, and maintains a computer bulletin board system called the Wastewater Treatment Information Exchange. An information packet that more fully describes the program is available at no cost. 03 Partnerships Program Contact: Gary McNeil, Director OB Partnerships Program Office of Air and Radiation Tel: (202) 233-9173 Fax: (202) 233-9637 The O3 Partnerships Prgram, part of EPA's Stratospheric Protection Division, works with developing country governments and industry countries in reducing their use of ozone-depleting chemicals (ODS). The program has four key goals: (1) focus assistance on the priorities of the national government officials responsible for implementing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and on the requirements of each indus- trial enterprise selected by the government to receive assistance, (2) achieve measurable, cost-effective reductions in ODS use, (3) reduce ODS use through sustained efforts in the context of comprehensive strategies for each industrial application, and (4) foster relationships among EPA, the host govern- ment and other agencies to assure the success of the program. The Program's work in a country begins with the needs of the government. Based on these needs, the Program tailors its services to help develop individual projects and industry-wide comprehensive plans to reduce ODS emissions in specific applications, such as foam-blowing or solvent cleaning. Often the Program can help companies locate appropriate vendors of ozone- safe technologies. In most instances, EPA can also work directly with ODS-firms in the country. Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC) Contact: Beth Anderson, Pollution Prevention Division or Documents, Reference and Referral Tel: (202)260-1023 Fax: (202)260-0178 The Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse (PPIC) is dedicated to reducing or eliminating industrial pollutants through technology transfer, education, and public awareness. The Clearing- house is a free, nonregulatory service of the U.S. EPA, and provides the following services: tele- phone reference and referral, document distribu- tion for selected EPA documents and a special collection available for interlibrary loan. Technical Guidance Documents Contact: Dr. James E. Smith, Jr., Senior Environmental Engineer EPA Center for Environ- mental Resarch Information Cincinnati, OH 45268 Tel: (513)569-7355 Fax: (513)569-7585 The purpose of these docu- ments, prepared by EPA experts in consultation with the international scientific community and end use customers, is to provide brief and easy-to-read information on a range of different environmental issues, including: Metal Processing Wastes Tannery Wastes Waste Oils Spent Solvents Lead-Acid Batteries Seafood Processing Design and Operation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants Design and Operation of Hazardous Waste Treatment Centers 15 ------- RESOURCES Technical Information Packages Contact: Mark Kasman, Office of International Activities Tel: (202)260-0424 Fax: (202)260-4470 EPA offers a set of Technical Information Packages (TIPs) on environmental issues of most concern to developing countries and economies in transition. Consolidating some of the Agency's best information into mini- resource libraries, each TIP begins with a cover brochure providing an overview of the particular issue along with a list of EPA experts, a more extensive bibliography, and information on accessing existing databases and training opportunities. Accompanying the cover brochure are some of the most important source document provided more detailed information on environmental and health effects, relevant standards and regulations, and appro- priate technologies and management options. TIPs has been placed in 120 countries. A Directory of TIPs is available to locate the sets placed around the world. Each full set of TIPs weighs 250 pounds. A limited number of sets are available for placement in Information centers overseas. These sets will only be donated to information series willing to accept the full series, provide wide access, and able to pay for the shipment. EPA is currently converting TIPS to a compact disk format. EPA has prepared TIPs on: Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Water Quality Mining Waste Management Risk Assessment Pesticide Waste Disposal Pesticide Usage Guidelines Air Quality Management Pollution Prevention Small Community Wastewater Systems Hazardous Waste Management EPA Information Sources Solid Waste Disposal Environmental Impact Assessments Environmental Management Country and Region- Specific Programs EPA's bilateral and regional work is a critical component of its international technol- ogy programs. Below are the EPA contact points for specific countries and regions. Australia/New Zealand Program Manager: George Patrick Tel: (202) 260-4886 Fax:(202)260-8512 Canada Program Manager: Pete Christich Tel: (202) 260-4893 Fax:(202)260-8512 Caribbean Islands/Central America Program Manager: Paul Almeida Tel: (202) 260-6653 Fax:(202)401-0140 Central and Eastern Europe Program Manager: Anna Phillips Tel: (202) 260-6341 Fax: (202) 260-4506 Program Manager: Dan Thompson Tel: (202) 260-5224 Fax: (202) 260-4506 China/Hong Kong/Taiwan Program Manager Jentai Yang Tel:(202) 260-6508 Fax:(202) 260-0053 Program Manager Marianne Bailey Tel:(202) 260-5237 Fax:(202) 260-4470 Egypt Program Manager: Dave Strother Tel: (202) 260-6513 Fax:(202)260-8512 India Program Manager: George Patrick Tel: (202) 260-4886 Fax:(202)260-8512 Japan Program Manager: David H. Strother Tel: (202) 260-6513 Fax:(202)260-8512 Korea Program Manager: Jentai Yang Tel: (202) 260-6508 Fax: (202) 260-0053 Mexico Program Manager Pam Teel Tel: (202) 260-4896 Fax:(202)401-0140 Program Manager: Patrick Whelan Tel: (202) 260-0769 Fax:(202)401-0140 Russia/New Independent States Program Manager: Bill Freeman Tel: (202) 260-3508 Fax: (202) 260-4470 South Africa Program Manager: Marsha Coleman-Adebayo Tel: (202) 260-3826 Fax:(202)260-8512 South America Program Manager: Cam Hill-Macon Tel: (202) 260-6009 Fax: (202) 260-4470 Southeast Asia Program Manager: Mark Kasman Tel: (202) 260-0424 Fax: (202) 260-4470 Western Europe Program Manager: Kelly Jacobs Mudd Tel: (202) 260-6506 Fax:(202)260-8512 16 ------- The Office of International Activities would like to thank Martin Dieu, Maria Gonzalez and Sarita Hoyt for their work in putting this brochure together. World Bank photos on pages 1,3,4 and 7. ------- ------- |