ENVIRONMENTAL
INDICATORS
TRANSITION
PROJECT
Briefing Package
April 27, 1993
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"While assessment of program performance is a critical component of an agency's
management system, the inability to link that performance to environmental results
deprive the agency of the true measure of its success and precludes the agency from
developing the visionary perspective it needs to meet future environmental needs."
Strategic Assessment of Florida's Environment (March, 1992).
"Resistance to seeing the strategic threats often focuses on the lack of complete
information and perfect understanding. We should acknowledge that we will never
have complete information. Yet we have to make decisions anyway; we do this all the
time. And one way we draw conclusions from incomplete information is by
recognizing patters."
Earth in the Balance, Vice President Al Gore (January, 1993).
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Environmental Indicators Transition Project
The Environmental Indicators Transition Project was an intense three month multi-divisional effort. The project was
designed to provide an analysis of the status of the Region's forests, rivers and streams, and human health. This was
accomplished by evaluating existing information as it relates to the quality and quantity of and associated risks to these
resources to the Strategic Planning Team as an input into the FY'94 Strategic Planning Process. To the extent the data,
information and analysis allow, the goals of the project were to:
* describe the current condition of the selected resources,
* identify potential causes of impacts and threats to the resources,
* describe the flaws, biases and gaps in the data and information,
* present recommendations to management based on the information for strategic planning, and
* identify relationships to existing programs and make recommendations for agency response.
The Project has three deliverables: 1) this briefing book, 2) a presentation to the Strategic Planning Team on April
27, and 3) a technical support document, providing detailed descriptions and explanations of the information provided in
summary form in the briefing book, which will be available in a draft final form in May.
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Project Background:
The project originated at the November, 1992 Senior Managers' meeting where it was decided that the Region
would focus its resources over the following months in three Strategic areas: Strategic Planning; Environmental Indicators
and Team Building.
The first step in the project was a Regional Workshop to develop a workplan for the Transition Project. The
participants at the workshop focused on three general resources: aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial ecosystems and human
health. These subgroups identified the questions they believed, if answered, could describe the health of these resources
and identified potential data sources which would help answer these questions. After considering budget and time
constraints and comparing the needed information with the available data, the core project team decided to focus on three
resource subsets: rivers and streams, forests, and human health. These subsets were selected because they are important
and because the team believed that data was available for these resources and would allow presentation of meaningful
information for strategic planning.
On January 11 the Senior Managers approved the Project Proposal and use of the resources necessary to implement
the proposal. Shortly thereafter the Rivers and Streams, Forest and Human Health Teams were formed. The members of
those teams are listed on the following page.
The data included in each team's analysis was determined by common criteria. Although the teams considered some
additional factors, all of the teams focused on data that: a) was available within the project time frame, b) was regional in
scope and c) could be used in strategic planning and linked to agency programs.
What follows is the result of an exceptional effort by all Project Team Members. The GIS Team headed by David
West deserves special recognition for the support and dedication they gave to the project.
The project has already had many successes: 26 additional data layers have been added to the GIS system and are
available for use by us all. The participants in the Project have learned a tremendous amount about the condition of the
environment in their own area of expertise, as well as other areas in which they do not traditionally work. We have all
learned that focused work designed to address true environmental causes can call forth from a multi-disciplinary team
almost limitless energy and enthusiasm. However, the true measure of success for this Environmental Indicators Transition
Project will be in the use you make of it. If you find the information important and use it in selecting regional
environmental goals and objectives for the FY'94 Strategic Plan, all of the work of the past months will have moved us
closer to the goal of real environmental improvement, returning to us all many times the amount of our investment.
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ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS TRANSITION PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS
Champions:
Cynthia Giles (ORC)
Randy Pomponio (ESD)
Human Health Team
Project Leader: Carol Stokes-Cawley (ESD)
Rivers and Streams Team
Team Leaders:
Team Members:
Forest Team
Team Leaders:
Team Members:
Margaret Passmore (ESD)
Sumner Crosby (WMD)
Francisco Cruz (WMD)
Ghassan Khaled (WMD)
Helene Drago (WMD)
Glenn Hanson (ARTD)
Karen Angulo (ARTD)
Jennifer Hubbard (HWMD)
Ron Preston (ESD) (advisor)
Art Spingarn (ESD)
Susan McDowell (ESD)
Dave Cutter (ESD)
Pat Flores (ARTD)
Karen Angulo (ARTD)
Thomas Stolle (HWMD)
Catherine Brown (ESD)
Fred Suffian (WMD-SCS)
Randy Piersol (ESD)
Team Leaders:
Advisor:
Team members:
Lorna Rosenberg (OPM)
Nancy Rios (HWMD)
Bruce Smith (OPM)
John Noble (ARTD)
Jeffrey Burke (ESD)
Debra Forman (ARTD)
Carol Ann Gross (WMD)
Alice Chow (ARTD)
Jack Kelly (ATSDR)
GISTeam
Team Leader: David West (OPM)
Team Members:
Brian Burch (OPM)
Don Evans (CSC)
Nancy Coleman (CSC)
Mike Perpiglia (CSC)
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GIS Team: (left to right): David West, Brian Burch, (missing: Don Evans, Nancy Coleman, Mike Perpiglia).
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Rivers & Streams Team
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WATERSHED FRAMEWORK
This map depicts the watersheds defined by the United States Geological Survey as hydrologic units. The hydrologic units
are grouped into larger basins such as the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Ohio.
Findings:
* A watershed is defined as an area of land from which water drains to a single point or given place on a stream. Its
boundary is usually delineated by following topographic divides.
* Hydrologic Units of the United States Geological Survey have a stream coding system that allows a standardized
base for locating, storing and retrieving hydrologic data.
* The watershed framework is useful for many water management activities.
* The watershed framework may not correspond to patterns in vegetation, soils, land forms, land use and other
characteristics that control water quality and biological potential.
Management Recommendations:
* The watershed framework provides a logical framework for managing water quality and addressing diverse impacts.
Watersheds should be used to organize water quality control activities in place of political frameworks such as state
or county boundaries. Natural variation in water quality has been observed to follow ecoregion rather than
watershed boundaries, so the ecoregion effects need to be considered as well.
* Non-water resources, such as air and wildlife do not observe watershed boundaries. Therefore different frames of
reference may be needed for different analyses.
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RIVERS AND STREAMS INDICATORS
MAJOR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
t
Management Recommendations:
* As a federal agency, we should ensure consistency in assessment and management of waters crossing political
boundaries. We must recognize inequities in income and resources available to address problems. For example,
West Virginia appears to have minimal resources and widespread water quality problems.
* We should identify sources of contamination in areas with contaminated fish and evaluate or initiate remediation
efforts.
* We should integrate fish tissue data with other identified stressors to human health, especially in populations
consuming larger quantities of fish, to locate communities for priority attention.
* We should develop criteria to identify other possible high risk fish tissue sites, based on the criteria used in the
National Bioaccumulation Study and other applicable information on toxics sources.
* We should continue to work aggressively with the agricultural community to mitigate the widespread impact from
this source.
* EPA and the Office of Surface Mines (OSM) should develop a better relationship to ensure remediation of existing
mine impacts and prevent additional impact. On a parallel track, we should consider existing tools within EPA to
address this extensive problem.
* We should develop a plan with adjoining Regions to reduce emissions contributing to acid deposition.
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RIVERS AND STREAMS INDICATORS
MAJOR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Findings: '
* Based on the initial analyses, there are several large impacted watersheds as well as many minimally impacted areas.
The most impacted areas are the urban corridor from Philadelphia to the District of Columbia; the coal bearing
regions of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia; and portions of agricultural areas of the Delmarva Peninsula,
central Maryland and central Virginia. The minimally impacted areas are northeastern and northern Pennsylvania,
the Clinch River, and portions of eastern Virginia.
* Potentially significant risks from the ingestion of contaminated fish do exist, particularly near urban and industrial
areas.
* State fish consumption advisories may not always be adequate to protect against such risks.
* In streams assessed by the states, nonpoint sources cause the greatest impact. Resource extraction and agriculture
are the major nonpoint sources.
* The lesser impact of point sources may be due to the greater amount of legislation, resources and time historically
spent addressing point source problems.
* Acid deposition poses an additional major threat to streams in the Mid Appalachian Highlands and the Atlantic
Coastal Plain.
Management Recommendations:
* In areas where the available data suggest severe impact, we recommend a comprehensive, cross-program approach
which addresses all impacts in the watershed.
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RIVERS & STREAMS TEAM: (left to right): Sumner Crosby (co-leader), Margaret Passmore (co-leader), Karen Angulo,
Jennifer Hubbard, Francisco Cruz, Helene Drago (missing: Glenn Hansen).
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Dieldrin Fish Tissue Concentration
FILLET SAMPLES
Small Mouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Large Mouth Bass
All Other
WHOLE BODY SAMPLES
White Sucker
Carp
Channel Catfish
Redhorse Sucker
All Others
COLORS REPRESENT
CONCENTRATION in PPB (ng/g)
No Detection
> 0 - 0.032, No significant risk
0.0321 -7
7.01 -25
25.1 -70
70.1 -300
> 300, Above FDA level
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Environmental Indicators
Initiative
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PCB Fish Tissue Concentration
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E
a
FILLET SAMPLES
Small Mouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Large Mouth Bass
All Other
WHOLE BODY SAMPLES
White Sucker
Carp
Channel Catfish
Redhorse Sucker
All Others
COLORS REPRESENT
CONCENTRATION in PPB (ng/g)
No Detection
> 0 - 0.065, No Significant Risk
0.0651 -50
50.1 -140
140.1 -1080
1080.1 -2000
> 2000, Above FDA level
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DDE Fish Tissue Concentration
FILLET SAMPLES
Small Mouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Large Mouth Bass
All Other
WHOLE BODY SAMPLES
White Sucker
Carp
Channel Catfish
Redhorse Sucker
All Others
COLORS REPRESENT
CONCENTRATION in PPB (ng'g)
No Detection
> 0 - 1.5, No Significant Risk
1.51 -32
3Z1 -250
250.1 -5000
> 5000, Exceeds FDA Action
Level
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TEC Fish Tissue Concentration
e
FILLET SAMPLES
Small Mouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Large Mouth Bass
All Other
WHOLE BODY SAMPLES
White Sucker
Carp
Channel Catfish
Redhorse Sucker
All Others
COLORS REPRESENT
CONCENTRATION in PPT (pg/g)
No Detection
> 0 - 0.003, No Significant Risk
0.0031 -0.5
0.51 -7.2
7.21 -10.8
10.81 -25
25.1 - 50, Above 1st FDA Level
(reduce consumption)
> 50, Above 2nd FDA level
(consumption not recommended)
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Environmental Indicators
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Mercury Fish Tissue Concentration
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FILLET SAMPLES
Small Mouth Bass
Channel Catfish
Large Mouth Bass
All Other
WHOLE BODY SAMPLES
White Sucker
Carp
Channel Catfish
Redhorse Sucker
All Others
COLORS REPRESENT
CONCENTRATIONS in PPM (ug/g)
No Detection
> 0 -0.15, No Significant Risk
0.15 -0.7
0.7 -1.0
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NONATTAINMENT OF DESIGNATED USES IN RIVERS AND STREAMS
Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act requires each state to submit a water quality inventory report to Congress, through
the EPA, every two years. This report provides information to the EPA and the public on the overall condition of water
quality including whether or not each assessed waterbody meets its designated use, as defined by the states' water quality
standards (eg aquatic life use, primary contact, etc.). This map represents percentages of only those rivers and streams that
have been assessed by the states and that do not fully support the States' designated uses for those waterbodies. This map
does not depict the extent of the problem, only the percentage not meeting designated uses. River mile estimates of
impaired rivers and streams are available.
Findings:
* The states use different assessment methods and assessment criteria, so the quantitative estimates of impacted
stream miles are not readily comparable among states.
* In many states, monitoring and water quality assessments are biased toward impacted areas. States often assume
unassessed reaches are probably not impacted.
* In many watersheds in each state, more than 40% of the assessed stream reaches in the watershed are impacted and
do not support their designated use.
* The most impacted areas are the urban corridor from Philadelphia to the District of Columbia; coal bearing regions
of southwestern Pennsylvania, the Scranton-Wilkes Barre area, West Virginia and Western Virginia; and portions of
agricultural areas of the Delmarva Peninsula, central Maryland and central Virginia.
* The minimally impacted areas are northeastern and northern Pennsylvania, the Clinch River, and portions of Eastern
Virginia.
Management Recommendations:
* In areas where the available data suggest severe impact, we recommend a comprehensive, cross-program watershed
approach. A watershed protection approach can also be applied in minimally impacted areas to protect high quality
areas. The maps following present problems and recommendations in more detail.
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Percent Non-Attainment of
Designated Uses for Waterbodies
No Data
< 10%
10% - 20%
20% - 30%
30% - 40%
> 40%
Under Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, States must
report to Congress, through EPA, on a biennial basis, on
the condition of their waters. The report is developed
by performing assessments on a subset of a Slate's
waterbpdies; for each waterbody assessed, the State
determines whether or not the waterbody meets its
designated uses, as defined in the State's Water Quality
Standards.
This map represents percentages of only those waterbodies
that have been assessed by the States and do not fully
support the States' designated uses for those waterfaodies.
EPA Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
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NONATTAINMENT OF DESIGNATED USES FOR RIVERS AND STREAMS
POINT SOURCE IMPACTS
Where waterbodies do not meet designated uses, the states determine possible sources of nonattainment. This map shows
the percentage of river miles associated with particular sources that are regulated within existing EPA NPDES programs,
including industrial, municipal, and stormwater runoff discharges, construction, and sludge and wastewater land applications.
Findings:
* Although there are only a few watersheds where nonattainment of designated uses is primarily due to point sources,
this source category still has a large impact throughout the Region. There are over 6000 miles of rivers and streams
impacted by three principal point source types: urban runoff/storm water, municipal, and industrial discharges.
* Impacted watersheds are located in the more heavily populated and urbanized areas.
* Point sources are responsible for less than 20 percent of the identified impact in a majority of the watersheds in the
Region. This lesser impact, compared to nonpoint sources, may reveal benefits from the historical investment in the
point source program.
Management Recommendations:
* Watersheds most dominated by point source impacts offer an immediate opportunity to the NPDES program to
affect improvement wholly from within their program. In watersheds dominated by point source impacts, EPA
should work with the states to identify the facilities responsible for the impact. Appropriate control measures should
be taken.
* For the majority of watersheds in the Region, a more comprehensive cross-program approach will be necessary. We
should build on the concept of watershed protection, applying tools such as the development of Total Maximum
Daily Loads (TMDLs). The TMDL process involves assessing relative contributions from both point source and
nonpoint sources within a watershed and allocating wasteloads to maintain water quality.
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Point Source Impacts on
Non-Attainment of
Designated Uses for Waterbodies
0
< 20%
20% - 40%
40% - 60%
60% - 80%
> 80%
Under Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, States must
report to Congress, through EPA, on a biennial basis, on
the condition of their waters. The report is developed
by performing assessments on a subset of a State's
waterbodies; for each waterbody assessed, the State
determines whether or not the waterbody meets its
designated uses, as defined in the State's Water Quality
Standards.
Where waterbodies do not meet designated uses, the State
determines passible sources and causes of non-attainment.
This map shows the percentage of miles associated with
particular sources that are regulated within existing
EPA NPDES programs, including industrial, municipal, and
stormwater runoff discharges, construction, as well as
sludge and wastewater applications to land.
EPA Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
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NONATTAINMENT OF DESIGNATED USES FOR RIVERS AND STREAMS
NONPOINT SOURCE IMPACTS
Where waterbodies do not meet designated uses, the states determine possible sources of nonattainment. This map
shows the percentage of river miles associated with particular sources that fall under the general category of nonpoint
source, including agriculture, silviculture, resource extraction and on-site wastewater systems.
Findings:
* Nonpoint sources account for over 80% of the identifiable sources of nonattainment in many watersheds. Over
18,000 assessed stream miles were impacted by nonpoint sources.
* Impacted watersheds are located in more rural areas of the Region.
* The major sources of impact are agriculture, resource extraction, silviculture and on-site wastewater systems.
The following maps identify areas impacted by resource extraction and agriculture.
* Untreated domestic sewage continues to cause impacts in southern West Virginia and portions of western
Virginia.
Management Recommendations:
* The areal nature of nonpoint source problems and the current voluntary approach to mitigating impact make
these sources harder to control than point sources. The watershed protection approach requires all interests to
participate in defining and addressing problems. In the absence of a regulatory approach, cooperation among
all interests is our strongest tool.
* For resource extraction and agriculture, see the following maps.
* EPA should work closely with the US Forest Service to encourage Best Management Practices within forested
areas.
* EPA should explore avenues to solve remaining untreated domestic sewage problems in the Region.
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Non-Point Source Impacts on
Non-Attainment of
Designated Uses for Waterbodies
0
< 20%
20% - 40%
40% - 60%
60% - 80%
> 80%
Under Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, States must
report to Congress, through EPA, on a biennial basis, on
the condition of their waters. The report is developed
by performing assessments on a subset of a State's
waterbodies; for each waterbody assessed, the State
determines whether or not the waterbody meets its
designated uses, as defined in the State's Water Quality
Standards.
Where waterbodles do not meet designated uses, the State
determines possible sources and causes of non-attainment.
This map shows the percentage of miles associated with
particular sources that fall under the general category
of Non-Point Sources, including agriculture, silviculture,
resource extraction, and on-site wastewater systems.
EPA Region 111
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
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NONATTAINMENT OF DESIGNATED USES FOR RIVERS AND STREAMS
AGRICULTURAL IMPACTS
Available data indicate that agriculture impacts the greatest number of stream miles in the Region. Measured impacts
total over 8600 miles. This map shows two measures of impact by a general source category of Agriculture, which
includes cropland, pastureland, feed lots, and animal holding/management areas. The variable-sized dots represent the
actual miles attributed to this source category. The color of the watershed reflects the miles, expressed as a
percentage of identified impacts within the watershed.
Findings:
* Watersheds in the lower Susquehanna basin, the western half of Virginia and the DelMarva Peninsula are
impacted by agriculture.
* The lower Susquehanna basin and the western half of Virginia are all underlain by fertile soils and are located in
the Valley and Ridge and Piedmont physiographic provinces. The underlying carbonate bedrock formations,
which form the rich soils, are also very vulnerable to contamination from land activities.
* The unconsolidated sediments underlying the DelMarva Peninsula also form fertile soils which support extensive
agricultural activity and are vulnerable to contamination from land activities.
Management Recommendations:
* The most important aspects of a holistic watershed protection approach in these areas should include full
understanding of and cooperation with the agricultural community, as well as consideration of the
interdependence of surface and ground water systems.
* We should continue to encourage the application of Best Management Practices.
* We need to improve our ability to quantify the pollutants from agriculture so that we can make accurate
predictions for the calculation of watershed wasteload allocations.
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Agricultural Impacts on
Non-Attainment of
Designated Uses for Waterbodies
0
< 20%
20% - 40%
40% - 60%
60% - 80%
> 80%
Number of Miles Impacted
20 100 500
1000
Under Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, States must report to Congress,
through EPA, on a biennial basis, on the condition of their waters. The
report is developed by performing assessments on a subset of a State's
waterbodies; for each waterbody assessed, the State determines whether or
not the waterbody meets its designated uses, as defined in the State's Water
Quality Standards.
Where waterbodies do not meet designated uses, the State determines
possible sources and causes of non-attainment. This map shows two
measures of impact by a general category of Agriculture, including
Crop Land, Pasture Land, Feedlots, and Animal Holding/Management
Areas.
The variable-sized dots represent the actual miles attributed
to this source category, while the colored watersheds express
that quantity as a percentage of all miles attributed to all
sources within the watershed.
EPA Region III
u Environmental Indicators
Initiative
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MEAN TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS CONCENTRATION IN RIVERS AND STREAMS
The state water pollution control agencies, EPA and the USGS enter water quality monitoring data into STORET, a water
quality database maintained by the EPA. The map depicts average values of total phosphorous concentrations calculated
from samples collected by state water pollution control agencies from 1989 to 1992.
Phosphorous is an essential nutrient for aquatic plants which at elevated levels can contribute to eutrophication.
Phosphorous is often used as an indicator of agricultural and municipal impacts. The threshold levels used in the map are
taken from the EPA Gold Book which serves as guidance for the development of state water quality standards. At
concentrations exceeding 0.1 mg/1, the potential for eutrophication problems is high.
Findings:
* Mean phosphorous concentrations exceed the 0.1 mg/1 threshold level in areas with identified agricultural impact.
These data help to support the state water quality assessments.
* Mean phosphorous concentrations are also elevated in urbanized and more densely populated areas.
Management Recommendations:
* See discussion under previous map, entitled "Agriculture".
* Phosphorous is an example of a pollutant with both point and nonpoint origins. The control of phosphorous in some
watersheds will require a comprehensive, cross-program approach.
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Mean Total Phosphorous
Concentration in mg/1, 1989-1992
• < 0.05 mg/1
0.05 - 0.1 mg/
• > 0.1 mg/1
Initiative
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EPA Region 111
Environmental Indicators
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p
NONATTAINMENT OF DESIGNATED USES FOR RIVERS AND STREAMS
RESOURCE EXTRACTION IMPACTS
Resource extraction impacts the greatest number of stream miles in the western half of the Region. Measured impacts
in the Ohio, Monongahela, Allegheny, Kanawha and Susquehanna basins total over 6200 miles.
This map shows two measures of impact by a general source category of Resource Extraction, which includes surface,
subsurface, placer, and dredge mining practices, petroleum activities and mill and mine tailings. The variable-sized dots
represent the actual miles attributed to this source category. The color of the watershed reflects the miles, expressed
as a percentage of identified impacts within the watershed.
Findings:
* In both Pennsylvania and West Virginia, a majority of the impacts are due to abandoned mine drainage and the
associated acidification, elevated metals, sulfate and sedimentation. Resulting conditions can be extremely toxic
to most stream biota and can destroy the stream habitat.
* Active mining and petroleum activities have also been identified as sources of impact.
* Both Pennsylvania and West Virginia have specifically requested assistance from EPA in the form of improved
coordination between EPA and the Office of Surface Mines (OSM).
Management Recommendations:
* Resource extraction activities in Region III continue to impact a large number of rivers and streams. Although
much of the problem is caused by older abandoned mines, "new" abandoned mines appear and active mines
also cause impact. Region III should work closely with OSM to explore a more active role for EPA in the
reclamation of abandoned mines and the prevention of "newly" abandoned and active mining impacts.
* On a parallel track, we should consider existing programs within EPA (NPS and NPDES stormwater) to address
this widespread problem.
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Resource Extraction Impacts on
Non-Attainment of
Designated Uses for Waterbodies
0
< 2055
20% - 40%
40% - 60%
60% - 80%
Number of Miles Impacted
20 100 500
1000
belle 1 : 3500000
Under Section 305(b) ot the Clean Water Act, States must report to Congress
through EPA, on a biennial basis, on the condition ot their waters. The
report is developed by performing assessments on a subset of a State's
waterbodies; for each waterbody assessed, the State determines whether or
not the waterbody meets its designated uses, as defined in the State's Water
Quality Standards.
Where waterbodies do not meet designated uses, the State determines
possible sources and causes of non-attainment. This map shows two
measures of impact by a general category of Resource Extraction,
including Surface, Subsurface, Placer, and Dredge Mining practices,
Petroleum activities, and Mill and Mine Tailings.
The variable-sized dots represent the actual miles attributed
to this source category, while the colored watersheds express
that quantity as a percentage of all miles attributed to all
sources within the watershed.
EPA Region HI
u Environmental Indicators
I
^ Initiative
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-------
MEAN SULFATE CONCENTRATION IN RIVERS AND STREAMS
The state water pollution control agencies, EPA and the USGS enter water quality monitoring data into STORET, a water
quality database maintained by the EPA. The map depicts average values of sulfate concentrations calculated from samples
collected by state water pollution control agencies from 1989 to 1992.
Sulfate is released during the combustion of sulfur-bearing fossil fuels and when sulfur bearing minerals are exposed to the
atmosphere during mining. Acid mine drainage waters are commonly characterized by high sulfate concentrations,
therefore ambient sulfate concentrations can be used as an indicator of impact from resource extraction. This map
supports the previous map, entitled "Resource Extraction Impacts".
Findings:
* Mean sulfate concentrations are elevated in coal bearing regions of western and eastern Pennsylvania and West
Virginia.
* The spatial patterns of sulfate in the western part of the Region correspond well to the impact associated with
resource extraction in the state water quality assessments of attainment of designated uses.
* In the higher elevation, western areas which receive large sulfate loadings from atmospheric deposition, some of the
sulfate in the streams may be generated outside of the watershed.
* Mean sulfate concentrations are also elevated in the Lower Potomac, Lower James and the Hampton watersheds of
Virginia. Point source discharges are the suspected sources of the elevated sulfate levels in these areas.
Management Recommendations:
* See discussion under previous map, entitled "Resource Extraction Impacts".
-------
Watersheds Region III
Upper Chesapeake
Lower Chesapeake
Susquehaima
Potomac
Delaware
Chowan-Roanoke
Allegheny
Monongahela
Upper Ohio
Middle Ohio
Upper Tennessee
Kanawha
Big Sandy-Guyandotte
Atlantic Ocean
Eastern Lake Erie
Southern Lake Erie
Pee Dee
Southwestern Lake Ontario
ER\ Region III
Environmental Indicators
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-------
ECOREGION FRAMEWORK
This map depicts the ecoregions of Region III as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Terrestrial variables such as vegetation, soils, land forms, land use and other characteristics were used to delineate the
ecoregions. The ecoregions depict regions of similar aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Findings:
* Surface waters generally reflect the land forms which they drain.
* Ecological and water quality data should be summarized by ecoregions rather than watersheds because ecoregions
better correspond to the natural spatial variations and patterns in water quality.
* Many states are using the ecoregion framework to develop biological criteria for waters.
* Region III is participating in a Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (REMAP) called the
Mid-Atlantic Highlands Assessment (MAHA). It is an ecological assessment project based on the ecoregion
framework. The project will determine minimally impacted conditions, describe the current ecological condition of
parts of 6 major ecoregions and investigate diverse impacts. This study will cover 65% of Region III.
Management Recommendations:
* This project did not use the ecoregion framework primarily because watersheds provide a more familiar frame of
reference. However, the Region should begin to investigate the use of the ecoregion framework for assessing and
managing water resources and protecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It should be noted that at a recent all
employees meeting at EPA Headquarters, both Vice President Gore and Administrator Browner considered
ecosystem protection as a top Agency priority.
* The Region should coordinate with the MAHA project and use information from the project as it becomes available.
This project will provide real information on the utility of the ecoregion framework in water quality management.
-------
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Ecoregions Region III
60 - NORTHERN APPALACHIAN PLATEAU AND UPLANDS
61 - ERE/ONTARIO LAKE PLAIN
62 - NORTH CENTRAL APPALACHIANS
63 - MIDDLE ATLANTIC COASTAL PLAIN
64 - NORTHERN PIEDMONT
65 - SOUTHEASTERN PLAINS
66 - BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
67 - CENTRAL APPALACHIANS RIDGES AND VALLEYS
68 - SOUTHWESTERN APPALACHIANS
69 - CENTRAL APPALACHIANS
70 - WESTERN ALLEGHENY PLATEAU
Em Region III
Environmental Indicators
-------
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING OF BENTfflC MACROINVERTEBRATES
Benthic macroinvertebrates are an assemblage of animal groups that live in bottom habitats in the aquatic environment.
The major taxonomic groups of benthic macroinvertebrates include the insects, annelids, mollusks, flatworms and
crustaceans. Healthy macroinvertebrate communities indicate good water quality and physical habitat. In-stream
communities are excellent indicators because they live in the stream and thus their condition reflects long-term water
quality, unlike ambient samples which are often taken monthly and offer only a snapshot of water quality.
Findings:
* Data are collected using different methods and are not strictly comparable between the states.
* More data are readily available for the state of Maryland and the non-tidal streams of southern Delaware. Coverage
is limited in Pennsylvania and Virginia and very sparse in West Virginia.
* On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, 34% of sampled sites indicate severe impact while 55% indicate moderate
impact.
* In the nontidal streams of southern Delaware 26% of sampled sites show severe impact and 40% are moderately
impacted. Delaware reports that 80% of sites with poor quality biology are limited by habitat.
* Although the coverage is sparse, available data indicate impacted sites are also clustered in the middle and lower
Allegheny, the Monongahela, the Ohio and the lower Kanawha watersheds. Areas that appear to be minimally
impacted include the Upper Delaware River basin in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania.
Management Recommendations:
* The most impacted areas should be targeted for source identification, control measures should be implemented to
reduce stressors in those areas (including enforcement for traditional sources and innovative approaches for other
sources). 305(b) data can be used to identify sources.
* The least impacted areas should be targeted for pollution prevention activities and protection through awareness of
these areas in permitting, standards review and enforcement.
-------
Biological Monitoring of
Benthic Macroinvertebrates
Evaluation of Biological
Health
Good
Moderate
Poor
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-------
CANCER RISKS BASED ON FISH TISSUE DATA
Concentrations of chemical residues in fish fillets can be used to determine fish edibility. The following map illustrates the
estimated total (based on 45 chemicals) cancer risk for human fish consumption at a low ingestion rate.
Findings:
* All estimated cancer risks exceeded 1 case in 100,000, except for the background location. Risks would be even
higher for subsistence fishermen.
* Most sampling locations were chosen primarily because of suspected contamination and this was confirmed through
the study results.
* Most high risk locations currently have some type of fish consumption advisory in place.
Recommendations:
* See Occurrence of Toxics in Fish Tissue
-------
Cancer Risk by Location
Fish Tissue Data - Fillet Only
6.5 Grams /Day
Ca Risk by Location - Fillet Only
< 1 in 1,000,000
1 in 1,000,000 - 1 in 100,000
1 in 100,000 - 1 in 10,000
> 1 in 10,000
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Initiative
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-------
OCCURRENCE OF TOXICS IN FISH TISSUE
Toxic chemical residues in fish tissue (both whole body and fillet) can indicate the presence of these chemicals in the
watercolumn and/or sediments and can be used to determine fish edibility. There is limited information on the effects of
chemicals on fish health. Some of the most significant toxics in fish for human consumption in this region are dioxins and
furans as TEC, PCBs, dieldrin, p,p'-DDE, and mercury.
Findings:
* For organic chemicals, the highest concentrations were generally found in southeastern Pennsylvania and
southeastern Virginia. For mercury, the highest concentrations generally occurred in eastern Pennsylvania and
southern Virginia.
* Most Region III states use FDA Action Levels to set advisories. Risk-based concentrations could be more
protective.
Recommendations Based on all Fish Tissue Information:
* Identify sources of contamination and evaluate remediation efforts.
* Increased federal assistance to states for monitoring fish tissue and developing fish advisories.
* Identify criteria used to select sampling locations and determine if these criteria apply elsewhere in the region (look
for high risk sites not yet identified).
* Integrate this information with other identified stressors to human health, especially in populations consuming larger
quantities of fish to locate communities for priority attention.
* Provide technical assistance to the states through the National OST Fish Contamination Program
to develop water and sediment quality management and pollution prevention control strategies.
-------
Mean Sulfate Ion
Concentration in mg/1, 1989-1992
< 100 rag/1
100 - 200 mg/
> 200 mg/1
\
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Environmental Indicators
Initiative
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NONATTAINMENT OF DESIGNATED USES FOR RIVERS AND STREAMS
TOXICS IMPACTS
Where waterbodies do not meet designated uses, the states determine possible sources and causes of nonattainment. For
example, a stream may not meet its designated use as a cold water fishery because of high temperature discharges from a
power plant. The source of the impact is the industrial power plant, the cause of the impact is increased temperature.
This map serves as an example of how the impacts from a particular cause can be mapped throughout the Region.
This map show two measures of impact by a general cause category of Toxics, which includes Metals, Pesticides, Priority
and Nonpriority Organics, Ammonia, Chlorine, and Unknown Toxicity.
Findings:
* This map serves as one example of how problem pollutants can be mapped within the Region. The greatest causes
of impact to the Region's waters included nutrients, organic enrichment, and siltation; these causes are represented
partially in the Agriculture and Resource Extraction source maps since these activities contribute these pollutants.
This toxics map shows additional problem areas, somewhat reflected in the Resource Extraction and Point Source
Impacts maps.
* Out of the total 3910 miles impacted by any of the causes in the Toxics category, 2051 of these miles were due to
metals problems. Many of these metals problems coincide with Resource Extraction activities in the western
portions of the Region, though there are some additional industrial point source related problems, in the Lehigh
valley in Pennsylvania, the Greenbrier in West Virginia, and numerous watersheds in southern Virginia.
Management Recommendations:
* See the Resource Extraction and Point Source Impacts maps for recommendations.
* In this project, we did not use ambient metals monitoring data because there were questions concerning the quality
of the data. The impacts reported by the states and shown in this map could not be verified analyzing the ambient
data. EPA should work with USGS and the states to improve all future ambient water column monitoring for
metals.
-------
Toxics Impacts on
Non-Attainment of
Designated Uses for Waterbodies
0
< 20%
20% - 40%
40% - 60%
60% - 80%
> 80%
Number of Miles Impacted
20 100 500
1000
Linear Section 305(b) of the Clean Water Act, States must report to Congress,
through EPA, on a biennial basis, on the condition of their waters. The
report is developed by performing assessments on a subset of a State's
waterbodies; for each waterbody assessed, the State determines whether or
not the waterbody meets its designated uses, as defined in the State's Water
Quality Standards.
Where waterbodies do not meet designated uses, the State determines
possible sources and causes of non-attainment. This map shows two
measures of impact by a general category of Toxics, including Metals,
Priority and Nonpnority Orgamcs. Pesticides, Ammonia, Chlorine,
and Unknown Toxicity.
The variable-sized dots represent the actual miles attributed
to this source category, while the colored watersheds express
that quantity as a percentage of all miles attributed to all
sources within the watershed.
EPA Region 111
\
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& Initiative
Environmental Indicators
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MILES
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-------
POINT SOURCES OF TOXIC POLLUTANTS
Section 304(1) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) required the states to list those waterbodies which the state did not expect will
achieve applicable water quality standards, both numeric and narrative, due entirely or substantially to point source discharge
of toxic pollutants. For those point sources causing a violation of water quality standards a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit with water quality-based limits and a compliance schedule was required. This map consists
of the location of the Region III 304(1) facilities classified as major and minor facilities. A major facility is a municipal facility
with a design flow of greater or equal than one million gallon per day or an industrial facility with a rating greater or equal than
80 points. A minor facility is a municipal facility with a design flow less than one million gallon per day or and industrial facility
with a rating less than 80 points. The point system is based on facility characteristics such as flow and industrial category.
Findings:
* The Region III 304(1) list consists of 138 facilities. The 138 facilities are composed of 100 major facilities and 38 minor
facilities. Because there is no latitude and longitude information for 32 of the minor facilities and these facilities, as well
as several of the major facilities, they are not shown on the map.
* The basins where the majority of 304(1) facilities are located are: Lower Susquehanna, Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna,
Schuylkill, Lehigh, Youghiogheny, Upper Roanoke, Lower James and Gunpowder-Patapsco.
* There is no discharge monitoring information for the minor facilities in the Permit Compliance System (PCS). PCS is
a system that contains information on NPDES permits.
Management Recommendations:
* If management of 304(1) sites is a priority within the NPDES program, EPA should coordinate with the states to try to
get discharge monitoring information for the 304(1) minor facilities into the PCS. Since we have only 38 304(1) minor
facilities, we could commit our own staff to enter information into the PCS.
* The recently issued EPA Locational Data Policy mandates collection of accurate locational descriptors for all regulated
facilities. Accurate locational data are necessary to integrate with existing data and to assess potential impacts to
receiving waters.
-------
304(1) Site Locations
For Region III
• 304(1) - Major Discharger
• 304(1) - Minor Discharger
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Environmental Indicators
Initiative
-------
COMPLIANCE WITH TOXICS DISCHARGE LIMITS
COPPER LOADINGS AS AN EXAMPLE
The 304(1) program consists of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits with water quality-based
limits and compliance schedule for toxics pollutants. This map depicts the ratio of actual copper loadings to allowed copper
loadings for the 304(1) facilities discharging copper in Regions III. For example, 119% of the permissable limit means the
discharger is exceeding their permissable limit by 19%. Copper was chosen because more data were available for this parameter
than for other toxic parameters at 304(1) sites.
Findings:
* The basins where there are 304(1) facilities discharging copper at levels that exceed the permissible loading are: Clarion,
Lehigh, Schuykill, Brandywine and Gunpowder-Patapsco. The facilities discharging in these basins exceed the permissible
loading for copper by more than 19 percent.
* The facilities discharging to the following basins are meeting the permissible loading for copper: Chinooteague, Hampton,
Upper New, Upper Roanoke, Greenbrier, South Fork Shenandoah, Conococheague, Bald Eagle and Youghiogheny.
* There are 39 outstanding 304(1) facilities in the states of Maryland and Virginia operating without approved NPDES
permits that meet 304(1) requirements. Therefore, we do not have loading information for those facilities.
Management Recommendations:
* For those facilities that exceed the permissible loading, we need to set a compliance date for the 304(1) parameters.
Based on this information, we should develop enforcement actions as needed.
* For those basins where there are 304(1) facilities in compliance with the permissible loading, we should coordinate with
the states to develop instream monitoring programs to determine what environmental benefit we achieved through the
implementation of the section 304(1).
* We should coordinate with the states of Maryland and Virginia to issue the remaining 304(1) NPDES permits.
-------
Percent of Total County Acreage
in Forest
less than 20%
20% - 39%
40% - 59%
60% - 79%
greater than 79%
EPA Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Source County Boundaries from 1:2000000 U5GS DLG3 Ffa
rarest statistics from USTS 51afJ forest Statistics
feports.
Projection: Aben Ejuat Area Prtr/xttan
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buhcaton Project.
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MILES
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REGION 3'S FOREST RESOURCES
The Forest Indicators team gathered baseline data on the Region's forest resources to use as starting point for analyses of
stressor data. The following 4 maps present baseline data on percent forest by county, forest cover type, public ownership,
and elevation.
Findings:
* The majority of Region 3 is forested. The most heavily forested counties are located in the western portions of
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
* Forests are spai^ on the coastal plain.
* Oak/hickory is the dominant forest type in the Region. There are also large components of beech/maple and loblolly
pine forest.
* The vast majority of the Region's forests are in private ownership.
* High elevation forests occur along the Appalachian Mountain range as it passes through Pennsylvania, Virginia, and
West Virginia.
Management Recommendations:
* Work with the Forest Service to establish watershed approaches to engage local/private protection.
* Work with the Forest Service to establish protection programs (P2) in existing forested areas.
* Work with the Forest Service to establish forest restoration efforts to encourage large forest patch size protection in
coastal plain areas.
* Work with the Forest Service at the county level in outreach and education for local communities.
-------
FOREST INDICATORS T/P°
MAJOR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Findings:
* Region III is heavily forested; oak-hickory forests represent the dominate forest type. ~~
* There is currently no comprehensive dataset which describes the biological diversity of the Region's forests.
Information is limited to rare, threatened and endangered species and plant communities of which Region III is
home to a wide variety of special species and communities of concern.
* Elements of forest biodiversity are doing well: deer, resident songbirds, small mammals; Other forest species have
been extirpated or are declining in numbers: neotropical migratory songbirds, large predators (timber wolf, mountain
lion, bobcat, wolverine), amphibians.
* Most rare forest communities are associated with extreme environmental conditions such as high elevations or
saturated conditions
* Major stressors to forested ecosystems include air pollution in the form of ozone, air toxics, and acid deposition.
* Species sensitive to ozone include some of the Region's dominate tree species: white pine, black cherry, tulip poplar,
red spruce and red maple.
* Research results support an indirect link between high elevation forest decline, acid deposition and poorly buffered
soils [note: the pH of Region Ill's rainfall averages between 4.0 and 4.5].
* Forest fragmentation by roads, pipelines, subdivisions, clearcutting, etc. represent one of the greatest threats to the
overall ecosystem functions of our forests.
* EMAP's Forest Health Monitoring is being implemented in our Region. However, PA and WV do not participate in
the program, to date.
-------
FOREST INDICATORS
MAJOR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Management Recommendations:
* The Forest Team recommends working closely with the USDA Forest Service to better address the assessment and
monitoring of air pollution impacts to forests.
* The Forest Team recommends leveraging our existing regulations to better address forest fragmentation and means
to reduce or mitigate its consequences.
* The Forest Team recommends establishing closer links to EMAP's Forest Health Monitoring to achieve better
Regional coverage.
* The Forest Team recommends the use of innovative techniques and tools to identify areas of high biodiversity and
develop management plans to offset risks to biodiversity. Such tools/techniques include US Fish and Wildlife
Service's Gap Analysis Program, EPA's Habitat/Biodiversity Research Plan and the Watershed Approach.
-------
Forest Team
-------
FOREST TEAM: (left to right): Karen Angulo, Thomas Stolle, Pat Flores, Art Spingarn (co-leader), Susan McDowell
(co-leader), Dave Cutter, Catherine Brown, Randy Piersol, (missing: Fred Suffian).
-------
SENSITIVE TOXICITY MODEL -rtOASTA
SENSITIVE WXICITY
80 TO 100
V 10 TO 30
A JO TO 80
Acidic stress index (ASI) for acid-sensitive fish species in the Mid Appalachian and the
Mid Atlantic Coastal Plain regions. (ASI > 10 unsuitable for sensitive fish)
-------
NATIONAL ACID PRECIPITATION ASSESSMENT PROGRAM - NATIONAL SURFACE WATER SURVEY
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
A toxicity model, called an acid stress index, was used to estimate the acidity-related stress on fish associated with measured
levels of pH, aluminum and calcium. The fish response measured most frequently in the laboratory bioassays is mortality.
Thus, only experiments evaluating the effects of acidification on fish mortality were used for the toxicity model calibration.
Findings:
* Approximately 24% (9,317 miles) of the targeted population streams in the Mid Appalachia region exhibit ASI
values which indicate chemical conditions unsuitable for the survival of acid-sensitive fish populations.
* Streams with the highest ASI values occur in the western part of the Mid Appalachian region in the higher-elevated
upstream reaches.
* Acid stresses in the Mid Atlantic Coastal Plain region indicate that 45% (11,801 miles) of the targeted population
stream reaches exhibit ASI values which indicate chemical conditions unsuitable for survival of acid sensitive fish
populations.
* High ASI values are found in all areas of the Coastal Plain, but they are concentrated in the New Jersey Pine
Barrens where the waters are naturally acidic.
* Acidification is most likely one of the contributing causes of declines in fish stock in the Mid Atlantic Coastal Plain.
Other confounding factors contributing to the decline in the Coastal Plain are overfishing, eutrophication and habitat
modification in estuaries, land use changes, and toxic discharges.
Recommendations:
* In evaluating the priority of controlling acid deposition, impacts on important fisheries should be considered.
* Support the Regional Environmental Assessment and Monitoring Program (REMAP) project, the Mid Atlantic
Highlands Assessment (MAHA), which will provide more information on biological effects due to acidification.
-------
Estimated Stream Miles Impacted By Acid Mine
Drainage Compared to Acid Deposition
Stream Miles
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Acid Mine Drainage
Acid Deposition
Source
Source: National Acid Precipitation Assessment
Program National Stream Survey
-------
Streams Acidified in Region
(excludes acid mine drainage acidification)
Percent Acidified
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Source: National Acid Precipitation Assessment
Program National Stream Survey
56
12
10
Forested Streams Other Streams
Mid Atlantic Highlands
Pine Barrens Other Streams
Atlantic Coastal Plain
-------
NATIONAL ACID PRECIPITATION ASSESSMENT PROGRAM - NATIONAL SURFACE WATER SURVEY
ACID MINE DRAINAGE IMPACTS
Design of the National Surface Water Survey allowed quantitative estimates of acid mine drainage effects within the
targeted stream population. The bar graph shows an estimate of the impact of acid mine drainage compared to an
estimate of the impact of acid deposition.
Findings:
* Within the entire National Stream Survey area, an estimated 3441 miles of acidic streams not impacted by acid mine
drainage were found. Most of this acidic stream length was located in the Mid Appalachian and Mid(ajlantic
Coastal Plain.
* Within the entire National Stream Survey area, an estimated 2851 miles of streams were acidic because of acid mine
drainage. Another 3590 miles of streams were estimated to be impacted by acid mine drainage but were not
acidified. Therefore, a total of 6441 miles of streams were impacted by acid mine drainage.
* A large majority of the stream sites acidified because of acid mine drainage were located in western Pennsylvania
and northern West Virginia.
* Stream sites impacted by acid mine drainage but capable of neutralizing the acidity were more numerous in southern
West Virginia and Tennessee.
Management Recommendations:
* Control measures for both acid mine drainage and atmospheric deposition need to be implemented to address major
threats to streams in the Mid Atlantic Highlands.
-------
Percentage of Permissible
Copper Loadings
% of Permissible
> 119%
76 - 119
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-------
NATIONAL ACED PRECIPITATION ASSESSMENT PROGRAM - NATIONAL SURFACE WATER SURVEY
STREAM ACIDIFICATION
This study targeted small to midsized streams and investigated the effect of atmospheric deposition on the acidification of
streams. Areas in Region III included the Mid Atlantic Highlands (Allegheny Plateau and the northern Ridge and Valley
Province) and the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain (including the New Jersey Pine Barrens). The NAPAP NSS provides more
data for smaller streams in smaller, headwater watersheds which are often not priorities for the state monitoring networks.
Findings:
* Streams acidified by acid mine drainage were not included in the study. (The study considered acidification from
natural causes and other sources.)
* In the Mid Atlantic Highlands, 12% of the target streams were acidified.
* Acidified streams in the Mid Atlantic Highlands are nearly always found in forested watersheds because thin soils
and steep slopes make the watersheds unsuitable for agriculture or other uses and also make the streams more
susceptible to acidification.
* Toxic effects of acidity on biota in streams are expected to be most prevalent in the Mid Atlantic Highlands.
* In the Mid Atlantic Coastal Plain 10% of the target streams were acidified (excluding the New Jersey Pine Barrens
where acidification is organic and natural).
* The most likely source of acidity in both of these areas is atmospheric deposition.
Management Recommendations:
* Vigorous promotion of alternative transportation and energy conservation programs to limit emissions that contribute
to acid deposition.
* Emission reductions in adjoining regions should be a matter of concern to Region III.
-------
Typical Soil pH Values
Soil pH Ranges:
< 5.0
5.0 -5.19
5.2 - 5.50
> 5.50
Soil mapping units must contain at least 50%
of the pH ranking values to be classified into
these low soils pH categories.
I
: County SaaiArm fan 12000000 USGS DLG3 Kim.
~~ ~ ' llu in! Can
fob Qua fmm
Pn^rt: D«di anA Mafjmg Prtfami far Ike HM S^fion DJ £i
Iufcason P*pct.
Pnpnd By.US OM A(n HI (.«jr«Ar Jn^rntfn CMe.
Qn» Mm* M, !«13
G ID 20 30 40 50
MILES
Solo 1 : 3500000
EB< «eyo« III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
-------
SOILS: SLOPE
Steep slopes are subject to erosion, excessive runoff, and topsoil loss. This creates a stress for tree growth, and also
contributes to non-point source pollution.
Findings:
* Steep slopes are concentrated in the western part of the Region, especially in West Virginia.
* The majority of the Region's forests occur in areas with steep slopes. (Level areas, in general, have been converted
to agriculture and urban/suburban development.)
* Forest cover can help reduce erosion, runoff, and non-point source pollution.
* Once forests are logged, reforestation efforts are often difficult on steep slopes.
Management Recommendations:
* Require information on slopes, sensitive soils and best management practices during the environmental review
process.
* Work with the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and Soil Conservation Service to promote stewardship and best management
practices in areas with steep slopes.
-------
Slope Steepness
Soil Slope Ratings:
Severe
Moderate
Slight
Soils in the severe category contain a minimum ot 40%
soil components with slopes exceeding 15%. Soils in the
moderate class contain 20 - 39.9 percent of the soil
components with slopes exceeding 15%. The slight category
contains less than 20% soil components with slopes in
excess of 15%.
SBUIU. Gunly bmtro tan 1 200OOX USGS DLG1 F
Sak D*M (ton ttu 5nl Cm*nalm Strvtr (SCS)
StXTSCO Da^a* Da* itmputooi ty l)» US B>A
Pn»r! D
-------
1990 POPULATION/SPECIES AND COMMUNITIES OF CONCERN
Expanding human populations have been responsible for the disappearance of many natural animal and plant occurrences
and communities. This composite map was assembled to explore patterns between human population centers and
biodiversity elements identified by State Heritage Programs.
Findings:
* There is a high concentration of mapped rare species and natural communities along the forested Appalachian
Mountain Range that extends from PA south into VA and WVA. These are rural areas with low human population
densities.
* High concentrations of rare species and natural communities are also mapped in DE and western PA. This may be
an artifact of more intensive inventories in these areas.
Management Recommendations:
* Use EPA grants programs and NEPA reviews to support innovative approaches to land use planning to ensure
protection of areas with high biodiversity.
* Support/promote EMAP monitoring in forested areas with known high biodiversity.
* Target watersheds with high biodiversity for special educational, enforcement and pollution prevention initiatives.
-------
1990 Population by County
With Species and
Forest Communities of Concern
> 1,000,000
750,000 - 1,000,000
500,000 - 749,999
250,000 - 499,999
100,000 - 249,999
50,000 -99,999
10,000 - 49,999
< 10,000
Species Locations
Forest Community Locations
I
County bunfcn* /*BI 1:1000000 USGS Did! FV»
IMO US Om» lumt OaU fd.
intvatan .
9y. (iS DM Hfon 3! Cqn^hr h)bnw>nn Cmur.
: 1993
a 10 ?o 3D 40 so
MILES
Sttto t 3500000
EPA Region 111
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
-------
DEER HERBIVORY
Deer herbivory (or deer browsing) represents one of the greatest potential threats to forest regeneration and subsequently
places a variety of wildlife at risk due to the "opening up" of forests.
To date, several areas of our Region (most notably, PA) are subject to high deer densities which have an adverse impact on
understory vegetation. Adverse impacts may affect other wildlife populations which depend on understory vegetation
destroyed by deer.
Findings:
* High deer densities result in the overbrowse of young trees and plants up to six feet from the forest floor.
* Loss of forest regrowth potential, which is represented in the understory vegetation, bodes ill for the future health of
our forests.
* The continued fragmentation of the forest landscape only presents more opportunities for deer to encroach further
into forest interiors. The resulting overbrowse diminishes the availability of cover and nesting habitat for birds and
mammals, opens the forest to intrusion of non-native (exotic) plants and animals which supplant native biodiversity
and increases the risk to rare and threatened plants.
Management Recommendations:
* Work with the USDA Forest Service, local, state and federal land managers to increase public awareness of the deer
overpopulation problem. Encourage management techniques that include:
Shooting the deer.
Reintroducing native predators such as wolves and mountain lions.
Setting up family planning clinics in high deer density counties.
-------
Average Deer
Population Density
1985-1989
< 20 deer per square
mile of forest
20 to 35 deer per
square mile of forest
> 35 deer per square
mile of forest
Sam: Caatty
Pn*rl QU anl Mafffy P*pa~l Jbr IV n>A TlffOt DJ Ii
Moon Piqct.
Pnpnri 8y: LU E
Our: ffri I, 1993
0 10 20 30 40 60
MILES
Suit I : 3500000
Em Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
fun 1 iOOOOOO USGS DIG! HI.
hjbrndni
-------
GYPSY MOTH AND OTHER PESTS
Gypsy moth and other insect pests are potentially serious stressors on the Region's forests. Widespread and recurring pest
outbreaks can affect the forest's susceptibility to other stressors and, ultimately, change the nature of the forest itself (i.e.
oaks are the preferred host for gypsy moth; widespread oak mortality could lead to the regeneration of another forest type
(i.e. maple).
Findings:
* Region III has witnessed the onslaught of the gypsy moth as this pest's range continues to move south and west.
* Gypsy moth infestation, in combination with other stressors such as drought, acid deposition, and ozone can lead to
increased oak decline and mortality.
* Gyspy moth infestations (and other pests) can lead to the conversion of one forest type to another. One can argue
on both sides of this issue. Ramifications of an accelerated rate of conversion due to gypsy moth should be given
careful consideration.
* On private land, the first line of attack appears to be pesticide use; continued gypsy moth infestation could lead to
increased pesticide use and thus contribute to nonpoint source pollution and the loss of nontarget species such as
Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths).
Management Recommendations:
* Work with the Forest Service to encourage integrated pest management on private lands.
* Support research on the effects of pesticide use on nontarget species.
* Look to gypsy moth infested areas as potential areas for nonpoint source control management and education as it
regards pesticide use.
-------
Counties with Gypsy Moth/Gypsy Moth Forest Susceptible
Produced by: USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area
Forest Health Monitoring CIS Group
ED COUNTIES WITH GYPSY MOTH DETECTED
• SUSCEPTIBLE GYPSY MOTH FOREST
-------
EMAP'S FOREST HEALTH MONITORING PROGRAM
To date, EMAP's Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) represents the only longterm, systematic monitoring program
specifically designed to evaluate status and trends in forest health. The goal of the program is to measure and assess the
effects of natural and anthropogenic stresses on our forests.
Several environmental indicators are currently used and many others are being tested and refined for incorporation into the
program.
Findings:
* Three of the five states in our Region participate in Forest Health Monitoring (MD, DE, VA). These states
commenced the detection monitoring in 1991; therefore, limited data are available at this time. Detection
monitoring, the first level of the FHM, refers to the system of permanent plots (based, in part on EMAP's grid
system); these plots are assessed annually. In addition, irregular aerial surveys to assess forest pest and other
stressor effects are included in Detection Monitoring (see technical report for more details). In VA, several
demonstration pilot plots are underway in an effort to evaluate environmental indicators and address specific
concerns.
* Baseline data collected for the first year of monitoring indicate no regional trends in the decline of forest health.
Some states are experiencing widespread pest problems, although, at present, these do not represent cause for
alarm.
Management Recommendations:
* Encourage West Virginia and Pennsylvania to participate in FHM; this will provide Region III with a comprehensive
assessment of our Forest and provide early warning signs of stressors that EPA should address more rigorously.
* Establish better communication links between the Forest Service FHM team and Region III scientists via regular
roundtable discussions, exchange of staff and joint REMAP projects.
* Evaluate Regional needs for inclusion into EPA's REMAP projects.
-------
NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
MAJOR FOREST TYPES (EYRE, 1980)
and the EMAP TIER 1 SAMPLING FRAME
MAJOR FOREST TYPES
I 1 Milt - M - Jirt MM
rr-i VHI - Hi
I 1 LriMI? - IktrtlMf hi.
•• Oik - MM
^m Ol* - lUhr;
•• Oik - In - C)prtti
a^n Bm - til - C«ttH»*4
I 1 MM* - «•««» - llt«k
r—I «IH> - Mril
o
o
o
Digitlzid vtnion producid in 1981,
by S.N. Az«*«do, Ftrnt Oltni Iiom,
USEPA Environmental Renorch Lob, Corvolli»,
Orejon
o
o
o
AREAL
-------
Percent of Total County Acreage
in Forest
with Ozone Non-Attainment Areas
less than 20%
20% -39%
| | 40% -59%
[Fl 60% - 79%
HJ greater than 79%
'//), Ozone Non-Attainment
• Air Monitor Locations
\
iaaa: Camly SarnArm . 2000000 USCS DIC3 fib
Fant lUIotn J4m LETS Star ta
jrW Moralor kxxtm* flan
By IJ.S OH D^m m G^nplir
Mi«fc 10 19913
10 ?D 30 40 bO
MILES
SCJ/B t 3500000
ERA Region 111
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
-------
POPULATION DENSITY WITH OZONE NONATTAINMENT
High ozone levels are strongly correlated with high population density. In densely populated areas, mobile and area sources
contribute significant amounts of ozone precursors. As forested areas of Region III become more heavily populated, ozone
levels increase and reach concentrations which may stress forest health.
Findings:
* Ozone levels have exceeded both EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standard (120 ppb) and the Forest Service
Redline Value (120 ppb) in forested areas of Region III.
* The impact of increasing population density on forest communities can be profound and includes the impact of
increased concentrations of air pollutants such as ozone which are known to present a threat to forest health.
* The US Forest Service, the National Park Service and TVA operate air pollution monitoring stations in selected
forests of the Region.
* Sensitive species include some of Region Ill's dominant forest trees: white pine, black cherry, tulip poplar, red
spruce, red maple.
* There has been limited ozone monitoring in the higher-elevation, forested portions of Region III.
Management Recommendations:
* Increase ozone monitoring of rural, forested, high-elevation sites.
* Encourage the participation of the states of PA and WV in the Forest Health Monitoring Program for Region III.
* Identify sources or causes of ozone non-attainment in heavily forested counties.
* Work cooperatively with other EPA Regions to reduce source emissions of ozone precursors in other states which
are impacting Region III through long-range transport.
* Coordinate data collection of Forest Service, National Park Service and TVA with the existing EPA AIRS database.
-------
1990 Population Density
By Census Tract
With Ozone Non-Attainment
Persons Per Square Mile:
I > 7,500
5,000 - 7,499
1 2,500 -4,999
1,000 -2,500
500 -1,000
100 - 499
< 100
Ozone Non-Attainment
\
u
*
£
Saaa; Count,, SaaUmm fan 1:2000000 USGS DIGj fita
Dmtyraphx Dot* ftan 1990 US frmu SufMy Dau
( /torn '
,
Pnpct: D*u jnrf Mapffy PtfpaMt Jfar the f-P.-l
Mutton Popcf.
Pw^*nd 8y IAS EJH R*f»i
1, ;MJ
0 10 2D 30 40 50
MILES
Sei« 1 3500000
QM Region 111
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
-------
ACID DEPOSITION
Forests in Region III are exposed to the most acidic deposition in the U.S. Acid deposition may pose a long-term threat to
forest health in sensitive areas. Sulfate (SO4) and nitrate (NO3) deposition and pH of precipitation were selected for
review.
Findings:
* The pH of rainfall throughout the Region averages between 4.0 and 4.5.
* Sulfate loadings range from 10-40 kg/ha/yr; Nitrate loadings range from 10-30 kg/hayyr.
* Emissions from other EPA Regions is widely acknowledged as a significant contributor to Region III acid deposition
loadings.
* In 1990, the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP) found that, "There is no evidence of
widespread forest damage from current ambient levels of acidic deposition in the United States".
However, symptoms of forest decline at high elevations have been linked to acid deposition. Region Ill's
Appalachian forests fall into this category of high elevation.
* Possible long-term effects may occur, particularly on susceptible soils, due to nitrogen saturation, leaching of
nutrients, aluminum mobilization or a combination of all these effects.
Management Recommendations:
* Monitoring of acid deposition in our Region under the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) is
limited. Increased cooperation with the States, the Forest Service and the National Park Service may make
monitoring data more readily available to the EPA.
* Vigorous promotion of alternative transportation to reduce the Regional emissions of NOx.
* Vigorous promotion of energy conservation programs to limit emissions of NOx, and SO2.
-------
Acid Deposition
Areas Where Precipitation in the East is below pH 5
"Shaded aicas indicate individual states
having emissions of 1,000 kilutunnes oi SOj
and gicatcf.
Cuntuuis connect points of equal
precipitation pH.
*\J
Souicc: National Actd Precipitation Assessment PIO&IUIII Imeiim Report, IVB7 USLI'A
How "Acid" is Acid Rain?
Vinegar Distilled Water
Lemon juice
"Pure" Rain |5.6| Baking Soda
1
Neutral
Basic
67 8 9 10 11 12 13 1,
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A value ol 7.0 is neutral. Readings below 7.0 are acidic,
leadings above 7.0 are alkaline. The more pH decreases below 7.0, the more acidity increases.
Because the pH scale is logarithmic, there is a tenlold difference between one number and
the one next to it. Therefore, a drop in pi I from 60 to SO represents a tenlold increase in
acidity, while a drop from 6.0 to 4.0 represents a hunderedfold increase.
All ram is slightly acidic. Only ram with a pH below S.6 is considered "acid rain."
-------
Work cooperatively with other EPA regions to reduce emissions of NOx, and SO2 which are impacting Region III.
Given the level of controversy over the effects of acid deposition on forest health, Region III should continue to
support research efforts aimed at solving the issue.
-------
ANNUAL AVERAGE pH OF
RAINFALL FOR 1990
IN REGION in
0 10 !0 30 40 SO
MILES
Sofa 1 : 3500000
E?M Region in
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Cmjr Bomdnta ttam 1JOOODOO ISGS DI.C3 TOM.
pH dMi trm OH NMknl
Albm EqtMl /tra ProJicUoii
Pt«i«p«l te tin EPA
UJ. IPA B^^o m G««nct>k InltenKldl Coxa.
1990 Annual Average (pH)
• < 4.20
• 4.20 • 4.29
4.30 - 4.39
• 4.40 - 4.49
• > 4.49
• NADP Monitoring Site
-------
NITRATE DEPOSITION
FOR 1990
REGION HI
1990 Annual Totals kg/ha
Em Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
0 10 20 30 40 SO
rn.it
Sots 1 : 3500000
ii
Court} BouMkrlai ftm lilOOOOGfl l.'SGS DLG3 FU«.
rWportJon Ada Ttan the N«kuaJ AUnMpbcrk
o
10
20
30
9.99
19.99
29.99
39.99
Albon EqiMl Ar« Ptajjelion
B «od M^ptaf Prepared for th* EPA Rc«l«o Hi
Envbtmex**! Indkaton Prq|Mi.
Byt Ujft. EPA R^oa m C««np«ik Inforn^lai Ceur.
FcbciMry I, 1991
• 40 and above
• NADP Monitoring Site
-------
SULFATE DEPOSITION
FOR 1990
REGION HI
EB* Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
a 10 !0 30 40 SO
ULEE
Safe 1 : 3600000
ii
flm lilOOOOOO ISC8 DI.G3 nm.
Mtnu Dqmuon feu tram O> NKloiaJ JUauMfbak
DqnriUoa Pn|m
JecHon: .\lbrn Eqiml Aro Pr^Mlon
DH> Bid Mq>pk« Ptcpnnd for ti. EPA Kjflo, HI
Envtrannacal iBdacan ProJ«cl
»}• f J. EPA
1990 Annual Totals kg/ha
• o • 9.99
m 10 - 19.99
20 • 29.99
30 - 39.99
• 40 and above
• NADP Monitoring Site
•
-------
GLOBAL WARMING - "THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT'
Forests could be adversely impacted by the effects of global warming. Certain species of trees may not be able to adapt to
climatic changes, thereby potentially placing entire forests at risk.
Findings:
* Scientific consensus exists that global warming is likely to occur.
* Global Warming is caused by "greenhouse gases" in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (49%), methane
(18%), chlorofluorocarbons (14%), and nitrous oxide (6%).
* It is likely to upset ecosystem balances and cause shifts in species ranges as the climate changes.
* Climatic change could also increase fire frequency and pest infestations.
Management Recommendations:
* Support reforestation efforts to counteract increasing carbon dioxide emission levels in the atmosphere.
* Educational programs (Center for Environmental Learning) directed toward causes and effects of global warming
and the role of forests.
* Actions in Region III should be part of a coordinated national/international strategy.
* Air programs should use forest data/concerns to assist in gaining public support for control measures that would
decrease emission of greenhouse gases.
-------
FRAGMENTATION
Fragmentation represents one the greatest threats to the functioning of forest ecosystems as habitat for our diverse wildlife
populations. Fragmentation can lead to increased exposure of the forest fragments to wind, solar radiation, increased rates
of evaporation. Forest fragmentation contributes to the loss of biological diversity by reducing the numbers of species
which can be supported in the remnant forests, increases forest species' exposure to higher rates of predation and
parasitism, and creates barriers for migration thus contributing to genetic isolation.
Findings:
* There has been no systematic attempt to evaluate the degree and extent of fragmentation in the Region's forests.
* The above finding notwithstanding, Region Ill's landscape is highly fragmented by roads, pipeline corridors,
powerline right-of-ways, impoundments, subdivisions, etc.
* The scientific literature is replete with studies that demonstrate the effects of forest fragmentation as it relates to the
forest condition and the maintenance of biological diversity including loss of genetic diversity, increased exposure to
predators or nest parasites, increased opportunities for deer encroachment and subsequent browsing damage,
invasion of non-native species, increased exposure to climatic variables such as wind and solar radiation.
Management Recommendations:
* Use EPA's grants programs to leverage innovative approaches to local land use planning that reduce fragmentation
and promote biodiversity.
* Work closely with the USDA Forest Service's Forest Stewardship program to improve best management practices
and encourage good stewardship on private lands.
* Leverage NEPA to its fullest extent to better address habitat (forest) fragmentation.
* Work w/EMAP landscape and forest health to obtain digitized land use/land cover data.
-------
Use GIS to identify forest restoration opportunities that would decrease fragmentation effects and create
wildlife/habitat corridors between currently disjunct forest patches. Use enforcement and mitigation agreements to
achieve restoration goals.
-------
Total Road Mileage for Region
(By State)
PA 116,508
Total Mileage = 254,098
Source: Office of Highway Infer. Mgt.
Federal Highway Administration
VA 67,700
MD 28,752
DE 5,444
DC 1,102
WV 34,592
-------
Percent of Total County Acreage
in Forest With
Population Change 1980-1990
Forest (%):
H less than 20%
[""I 20% - 39%
| | 40% -59%
iH 60% -79%
| greater than 79%
Population Change
• > 40%
• 20 - 39.9%
• 10 - 19.9%
Saaa: Coaly AwiAni /m 1,2000000 USGi DIO1 film
tar* tf£Mtn /niti USB SOU Fa
liD*! DAI from US CmMi
"
fn^ct: 04* aiA Mapping Putpant Jbr titf &A Jtggm ID El
Mum Piqft.
Fi^nl Sy: LU CR1
OH,
0 10 20 3D 40
MILES
Soli 1 : 3800000
EPA Region 111
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
-------
FRAGMENTATION: ROAD DENSITY/ROAD MILEAGE
In order to provide a coarse evaluation of the extent of fragmentation (by roads only), road density/acre of land was
calculated on a county basis. Increased potential for fragmentation could also be related to population change.
Findings:
* Several areas of the Region represent potential for increased forest fragmentation by roads. Most notably is
northeast PA (Monroe, Pike and Carbon Counties) which are highly forested and undergoing rapid development.
Other "hot spots" include southcentral West Virginia and southern Virginia.
* As various areas within our Region undergo rapid development, primarily in rural areas, the Region's Forest will
necessarily become more and more fragmented; thus subjecting the forests to the adverse impacts associated with
fragmentation (see previous description)
Management Recommendations:
* Work with state, county and local planning and transportation agencies especially in NE PA, S. Central WV, and S.
VA to develop regional transportation plans in an effort to use existing roadways more efficiently and to develop
alternative modes of transportation.
-------
Percentage of County in Forest
With Road Density
% of County in Forest
100% 15% 50% 25% 0%
6 .019
1 -007
H
1
I .004
V
*
EPA Region III
Environmental Indicators
^ Initiative
SOUK: Goaty Samttna from 1:2000000 USCS DLG3 Ffla
Rai D™ty DOJ CJaiUtl Frum Cam T/GER
fond Pnonti^n ,*» IfiFS Suit foal Aoasmaits.
PnfKtim: ftoen Equal Am Pmtrtart
PjtJKt: DttU old Mappmg PreptrrJ for tht EPA Kfgian
bvttcMon Project
Protend fly 1LS EPA Jteffwn QT Gtograptuc Information Cmttr
Dtli Mtrdi 13, 1333
0 10 20 30 40 50
MILES
Scale 1 : 3500000
-------
SOIL pH
Soil reaction or pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. Acid soils are poorly buffered, and forests growing on
them are therefore more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies and aluminum toxicity.
Findings:
* Many of the soils in Region 3 are naturally acid, with soil pH values below 5.5.
* The most acidic soils (below pH 5.0) occur in the coastal plain areas of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, and in
western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
* Research results support an indirect link between high elevation forest decline, acid deposition, and poorly buffered
soils.
Management Recommendations:
* Support long-term monitoring and research on long-term acid deposition effects on forest soils.
* Promote energy conservation programs, alternative transportation, and other strategies to reduce acid precipitation
emissions.
-------
TRI Source Locations For
Selected Chemicals With
Percent Forest by County
% County in Forest
less than 20%
20% - 39%
40% - 59%
60% -79%
greater than 79%
TRI Air Emission:
g) Ammonia
(5 Hydrogen Fluoride
0 Ethylene
(J Hydrocloric Acid
Sunn: QaMy SamUnm tan J MOOOOO USGS DLG1
Tun JU»r imrtnry iTKI) DOa from US DM HUS
Prafian Ahera Z^urf y^w Piqicfiji
Pn*»; Qua «M( M«7po^ Pitpmd ^r ih/ O1,*. R^pm 0;
>uhca(dn Pn^n
By. Ul DH R^vn 3.' G«fi^hr k/tnutm Cms.
.Vi -5. ;«3
Q 10 20 3D 40 bO
MILES
5ei« 1 . 3500000
EM Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
-------
OZONE
Ozone is widely considered to cause more damage to vegetation than any other air pollutant. Most forests in eastern North
America are exposed to ozone and there are indications that ozone is a Region-wide, background stress on forest health.
Findings:
* Ozone levels exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) throughout much of Region III.
* The US Forest Service red line threshold values are exceeded in most major metropolitan areas, as well as in some
rural, forested areas where monitors exist.
* Species sensitive to ozone include some of Region Ill's dominant forest trees: white pine, black cherry, tulip poplar,
red spruce, red maple.
* There has been limited ozone monitoring in the higher-elevation, forested portions of Region III.
* Region III is impacted by the transport of ozone and its precursors from adjoining EPA Regions.
Management Recommendations:
* Increase ozone monitoring of rural, forested, high-elevation sites.
* Encourage the participation of the states of PA and WV in the Forest Health Monitoring Program for Region III.
* Identify sources or causes of ozone non-attainment in heavily forested counties and take specific action to reduce
emissions.
* Work cooperatively with other EPA Regions to reduce source emissions of ozone precursors in other states which
are impacting Region III through long-range transport.
-------
Ozone Non-Attainment
For 1991
Marginal (0.121 -0.138)
Moderate (0.138 - 0.160)
Serious (0.160 -0.180)
Severe - 15 (0.180 - 0.190)
Severe -17 (0.190 -0.280)
Extreme (0.280 and above)
Additional Areas
Designated Non-Attainment
Areas Designated
As Attainment
Join. Gutty buntm f™ 110OOOOO USGS DLGJ Kim.
Oa»w AHainn*aMa*Alam*ti 4ate fnm
US OM/URS lnjux
Pri*ci DgU ail Mufjmg PwjMiW la tht [PA Rtgm IB
TnznMrtnunLt .Wiulort Ptejtct.
Sy :;.'. OM
Mm* !0 199
0 10 20 30 40 SO
MILES
*Jc 1 3500000
Em Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
-------
PERCENT FOREST BY COUNTY WITH OZONE NONATTAINMENT
A number of the heavily forested counties in Region III are designated in nonattainment for Ozone.
Findings:
* Ozone levels have exceeded both EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standard (120 ppb) and the Forest Service
Redline Value (120 ppb) in the following forested counties: WV: Greenbrier, Kanawha, Putnam, Cabell, Wayne and
Wood; Stafford, VA: Chesterfield, Hanover, Charles City and James City; MD: Charles; PA: Fayette, Somerset,
Cambria, Blair, Warren, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, Wyoming, Monroe, Carbon, Schuylkill, Juniata and Perry.
* The US Forest Service, the National Park Service and TVA operate air pollution monitoring stations in selected
forests of the Region. Still, there has been limited ozone monitoring in the higher-elevation, forested portions of
Region III.
* Sensitive species include some of Region Ill's dominant forest trees: white pine, black cherry, tulip poplar, red
spruce, red maple.
* Region III is impacted by the transport of ozone and its precursors from adjoining EPA Regions.
Management Recommendations:
* Increase ozone monitoring of rural, forested, high-elevation sites.
* Encourage the participation of the states of PA and WV in the Forest Health Monitoring Program for Region III.
* Identify sources or causes of ozone non-attainment in heavily forested counties.
* Work cooperatively with other EPA Regions to reduce source emissions of ozone precursors in other states which
are impacting Region III through long-range transport.
* Coordinate data collection of Forest Service, National Park Service and TVA with the existing EPA AIRS database.
-------
Forests - Public Lands
National Parks and
Wildlife Areas
National Forest
State Parks
State Forests
State Game Lands
Other Public Lands
Em Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Sam: G»»>ty IwOra fun 1:1000000 LEGS DIGJ fib
Pi* touaunt <»iH»< fon tUU luflaaty m^>
Pn^rtKW ^fem tqud tim Piv*ta*
Prof I CU< oil MiOTf P»»iiW *r tte DM D^in
Mum ftaMct.
P«9n< 8y UJ IPX J^fBr, HI Ofr^Ac Mjbnwtm Cnur
DA ,M«ri, M 1543
10 20 3D 40 50
MILES
Sate t : 3SOOOOO
-------
SAWTIMBER
(Forest Maturity)
Sawtimber stands are forested areas with a significant proportion of hardwood trees greater than 11 inches in diameter, or
softwoods greater than 9 inches in diameter. As such, sawtimber stands represent the Region's more mature forests. These
stands are more economically valuable than younger forests. They also tend to be more ecologically valuable, because they
are more structurally diverse and can support a wider range of biodiversity, than younger forest stands.
Findings:
* Sawtimber stands are mapped for PA, DE, MD, and WVA
* The Region's highest concentration of mature stands is in WVA.
* The metropolitan areas around Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and Pittsburgh generally have the Region's
lowest concentrations of mature forests.
Management Recommendations:
* Use EPA grants and the NEPA review process to encourage innovative land use planning which promotes
stewardship of large tracts of mature forests.
* Work closely with the U.S. Forest Service to improve best management practices and encourage stewardship on
privately owned forests.
-------
Region III Forest Cover Types
LEGEND:
Oak -Hickory
Loblolly - Shortleaf Pine
Maple - Beech - Birch
Oak -Gum - Cypress
Oak -Pine
White - Red - Jack Pine
Aspen - Birch
Spruce -Fir
Elm - Ash- Cottonwood
Non-Forest
Em Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Sam*: COMy
fort Cm DaU DtfituW h/
XatarA Lt - FoM Cham Tim*, CaraOa, Oifgan
13W.
riqMctijH: Am Taud /rm Pv*'"1
Praprt: D*t* a*A Mapping Pajnutd fa* :hr £PA Jttgioi HI E
Miuoen Piofxl
Pirpni By. LU TPA tofion !U
DO: Fdnioty 10, I1S3
MILES
Seals 1 3500000
-------
BIODIVERSITY
Genetic and species diversity, as elements of biological diversity, contribute to the overall functioning and health of forests.
In order to better understand the status of our forests and the potential for adverse effects, exploring aspects of biological
diversity is essential.
Findings:
* There currently is no comprehensive dataset which describes our Region's biodiversity
* The best information available is limited to rare, threatened and endangered species or plant communities; This
provides an incomplete picture of the Region's biodiversity.
* Some forest dependent species are doing well, including deer, resident songbirds, small mammals.
* Some forest dependent species are in trouble including Neotropical migratory songbirds, large predators, and
amphibians; forest fragmentation, air pollution, pesticide use are implicated in these declines.
Management Recommendations:
* Enhance existing information (threatened and endangered species) through the following means:
Support EPA's National Biodiversity Assessment Program with Regional input
Support US Fish and Wildlife Service's Gap Analysis Program
* Implement EPA's Habitat Strategy (see technical support documents)
* Leverage existing programs to reduce potential risks (air pollution, habitat fragmentation) to forest biodiversity.
-------
Elevation Greater Than
2,500 Feet
Elevation Greater Than
2,500 Feet
EPA Region 111
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Source County Samdtna from 1:2000000 USGS DLG3 Film
ElmmoB Dm From USGS 30 moid DEM Dan
Projection: jVben EJWJ! Aw Ptw(rti«i
PTDTori: D*rta tnd Mapping Prtjxnt fur At EPA fagian ID Enmjrjnmmtil
bvbaton Project
Prepared By US EPA Region QJ Geographic Information Center
Dd> .Vtotrfi 21, 1993
0 ID 20 30 40 50
MILES
Seal! 1 : 3500000
-------
BREEDING BIRDS (Breeding Bird Survey and other related data)
Birds and bird communities represent elements of our Region's biodiversity, of which many species are forest dependent.
Often a sign of a healthy ecosystem lies in its ability to provide the necessary habitat and life history requirements (territory
size, foraging areas, etc.) to support wildlife populations. To date, the Breeding Bird Survey represents the only longterm
monitoring program of nongame avian population trends. Other avian datasets, including state Breeding Bird Atlases and
Christmas Bird Counts, can supplement our knowledge of avian population status, trends and distribution.
The use of birds as indicators of environmental change can provide additional insight to the effects of change (or stress)
when complemented with other similar kinds of information.
Findings:
* Declining populations of several migratory bird species have captured the attention of both scientists and land
managers at all levels of government. The analysis of the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) trend data provided the first
warning signs that certain Neotropical Migratory songbirds were in decline. Many of these species are area-
dependent forest interior species (i.e. these birds require large tracts of unfragmented forest to successfully breed).
* Although deforestation of the tropical rainforest (wintering grounds) was initially perceived as the major causal
factor of songbird population declines, there is sufficient evidence pointing to habitat alteration (fragmentation) and
degradation (pesticide use, etc.) on the temperate North American breeding grounds as contributing to the decline
of our songbird populations.
Management Recommendations:
* Support US FWS Gap Analsysis and other techniques to define areas of high biodiversity and associated stressors;
Develop a means to offset the effect of stressors.
* Develop and use an avian indicator to monitor changes in forest habitat quantity and quality.
* Support more fully EPA's participation in Partners in Flight, an international, interagency conservation program for
neotropical migratory birds.
-------
Percent of Total County Acreage
in Saw Timber
Under 25
25-50
Over 50
\
Projection: /torn Lptal Am Fraction
Prefect: Dttf tnd Mapping Prrfmnd for ttit EPA Regan
hAaton Project
Prepared By US EPA Rfgtcn W Geography Infannehan Center
D3T Mtrch 13, m3
0 10 20 30 40 SO
MILES
Suit 1 : 3500000
EPA Region 111
£ Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Sauce. Onoity Bounlina /ran 1:2000000 USGS DLG3
Fnmt mtutu /ran IZSFS SUl Foot
-------
Watersheds With Species and
Forest Communities of Concern
Upper Chesapeake
Lower Chesapeake
Susquehanna
Potomac
Delaware
Chowan-Roanoke
Allegheny
Monongahela
Upper Ohio
Middle Ohio
Upper Tennessee
Kanawha
Big Sandy-Guy andottr
Atlantic Ocean
Eastern Lake Erie
Southern Lake Erie
Pee Dee
Southwestern Lake Ontario
• Species Locations
Forest Community Locations
•aaa. Coaly &*o*me flan 1:2000000 USGS DIG)
SaHcm anl Canmaaty lacatvn flan TW Jjrtl
Pratcl.
By. US EPA Kipai m G*y,apkr
Dttr Mwrii 31. 1993
0 10 20 30 40 bl)
MILES
Suit 1 3500000
ERA Region III
3
£ Environmental Indicators
3
r Initiative
-------
SPECIES AND FOREST COMMUNITIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN
The protection of rare and endangered species and communities is the front line in the battle to preserve biodiversity.
Findings:
* The inventory of rare and endangered species and communities is an ongoing process conducted by several different
agencies and organizations, thus any data set must be considered incomplete.
* Rare and endangered species and communities occur throughout Region III, with concentrations along the
Appalachian Mountain range and in a number of sub-watersheds.
* Region III has lost many species since human settlement such as the wood bison, elk, timber wolf, mountain lion: all
large predators which require large areas of undisturbed habitat.
* Most rare forest communities are associated with extreme environmental conditions such as high elevations or
saturated conditions.
* Bioreserves represent a new approach by The Nature Conservancy to identify and protect areas that harbor
concentrations of rare species and communities and/or exhibit a high level of species biodiversity, and that require a
landscape or ecosystem level of protection.
Management Recommendations:
* Enhance existing data and state of knowledge through the following means:
Support/promote EMAP monitoring in high elevation forests and/or areas of high biodiversity.
Negotiate data sharing agreements w/State Heritage Programs & U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Region-wide
basis. Include "candidate" species listed under the Endangered Species Act, during regulatory reviews.
Consider candidate as well as listed species under the Endangered Species Act when implementing EPA Programs
(i.e. CWA reviews, Superfund R.A., NEPA, etc.).
-------
* Target bioreserves and other watersheds w/high biodiversity for special educational, enforcement & pollution
prevention initiatives.
* Form partnerships with The Nature Conservancy and other NGO's to set goals and develop innovative conservation
and restoration programs.
-------
Forests of Special Concern
And Bioreserves
Old Growth Forests > 100 ac.
Rare Forest Communities
The Nature Conservancy's Bioreserves
*
£
BM Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Soon: Corny &»«4ro fwm 1.200X00 USGS DLG1
Taml tfUftmTta Mau» Gncmxy, "
Pr^cttan: .Aftrrj faui /V« ?d^«t»i
Pnffl: DA 0d Mn^vif PwpwW Jbr Itit EPA Rtfion JH Ei
bAonon Pipwt.
I By. !li TfA X*fan HI Gtfafkr hf*»uM CmUr
F*r»ir, • 1993
0 10 20 30 40 SO
MILES
Scale 1 : 3SOOOOO
-------
AIR TOXICS
The selected toxic air pollutants (hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride, ethylene and ammonia) are known to cause acute,
catastrophic injury to vegetation close to the emission sources. While the effects of these toxic compounds are typically
localized, there are many sources of these compounds in Region III, including in rural, forested counties.
Findings:
* Hydrogen fluoride interferes in the metabolic processes of leaf tissue resulting in loss of chlorophyll, tissue death or
necrosis, leaf deformation and discoloration. HF-susceptible species occurring in Region III include members of the
following groups: pine, fir, ash, aspen, poplar, maple, spruce, birch, elm, willow. Facilities emitting HF occur in
heavily forested counties of PA and WV.
* Ethylene induces senescence, abscission, epinasty or leaf curling, inhibition of flowering, promotion of flowering,
etc.The largest source of ambient ethylene is automobile emissions.
* Hydrogen chloride causes marginal or interveinal chlorosis and necrosis of plant tissue. HCl-susceptible species
occurring in Region III include species of cherry and maple. There are numerous facilities emitting HC1 in Region
III. Many are in heavily forested counties.
* Ammonia causes foliar tissue collapse and eventual necrosis. There are numerous facilities emitting ammonia
throughout Region III.
Management Recommendations:
* Compare emissions w/sensitive forest areas; target sources for enforcement, P2, and public outreach.
* There is currently no monitoring for ambient concentrations of toxics. An ambient air monitoring program should be
considered if foliar injury is found consistently near sources.
* The location of new sources of these toxics should be carefully reviewed when in proximity to forested or other
sensitive areas.
-------
HUMAN HEALTH TEAM: (left to right): Nancy Rios (co-leader), Lorna Rosenberg (co-leader), Alice Chow, Bruce
Smith, Carol Ann Gross, John Noble, Jeff Burke, Debra Forman, (missing: Jack Kelly, Ghassan Khaled).
-------
Human Health Team
-------
HUMAN BEINGS OF REGION III - THE RECEPTORS
The receptors of the Human Health Group are the human inhabitants of Region III. Based on the 1990 US Census, the
approximate total population of our five states, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District
of Columbia is 25.8 million, which is about 10% of the total national population. In describing human health, often the very
young and the elderly are considered to be sensitive population groups to exposure from environmental pollutants. In
Region III there are approximately 2 million children under the age of 5 years and 4 million residents over 65 years of age,
a combined total of 23% of the entire population. The median age is 33.3 years.
* Approximately 48% of our population is male and 51% female, with a racial configuration of 81% white, 15% black
and 4% hispanic and other.
* People live all across the region in cities, suburbs and rural areas. Most of the population however is clustered
around our metropolitan areas, consisting of a central city and surrounding suburbs. These urban areas are the
residence of choice for 70% of Region Ill's population with the remaining 30% in rural areas.
* Human health is impacted by many different factors. The systems that now exist for collecting health data on a
regional/national basis are inconsistent and difficult to assess. Most significant is their lack of exposure information
between the pollutant and the human body; and about the dose of a pollutant or its metabolites that enter the body.
* Cancer occurrence is one measure of the quality of public health. Research reports that diet, use of tobacco and
lifestyle choices account for over 70% of these cancer occurrences. Although linkages of cancer in the United States
from environmental sources have been postulated, exposure to these stressors has not been defined with an
acceptable level of certainty. The Human Health Team reviewed data sets of cancer mortality from lung, liver,
kidney and leukemia as those cancers most closely linked with exposure from environmental pollutants. Incidence
data for the occurrence of these cancers with environmental exposures was not feasible to collect within the time
frame allotted to this project.
* Environmental pollutants are known to have non-cancer effects on the human body as well. Information on non-
cancer effects is not centralized, but may be available from individual hospital records. Gathering this data on a
regional basis would be significant undertaking. Since the cause and effect relationships of environmental pollutants
and human health is uncertain, we have focused our investigation on the potential of stressors to influence health
quality.
-------
Specifically, we selected the following stressors based on data availability and the fact that their influence is potentially far
reaching. Also, they were chosen because we believe and that the Agency's involvement in regulation, abatement, outreach,
or education could possibly reduce their impact on human health in Region III.
* Toxic air emissions from point sources
* Ground - level Ozone
* Threats to Public Drinking Water
* Lead
* Radon
* Contaminants in indoor air
* Pesticides
-------
1990 Population Density
By Census Tract
Persons Per Square Mile:
> 7^00
5,000 - 7,499
2,500 - 4,999
1,000 - 2,500
500 - 1,000
100 - 499
< 100
EPA Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Source: County Boundaries from 1:2000000 USGS DLG3 Files.
Demogntpfaf Dai* from 3990 US Census Bureau Data
Toxic Release Inventory (TK) Data from US. EPA TK1S ..
R*|OH Dote from Key Technology, TeWyrw, Arched Inc., AB.E ,
US.T, and the Radon Project.
Projection: fiber* Et$id Area Projection
Preyed: Deta and Mapfmg Prepared jvr the EPA Region UJ Environmental
bvtocaton Pmeet.
Prepared By- 115 EPA Hemm ffl Geographic Information Center
Dttf February S, 1993
0 10 20 30 40 50
MILES
Scale 1 3500000
-------
Minority Distribution
Region III
Percent Minority Population
95 - 100% Minority
90 - 94.9% Minority
75 - 89.9% Minority
50 - 74.9% Minority
25 - 49.9% Minority
10 - 24.9% Minority
5 - 9.9% Minority
0 - 4.9% Minority
EPA Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Source: Census Trad Data from ILS. Census Bureau TIGER Fues
Demographic Data from US Cerent Bureau Summary Tape
F3e • 3A fSTT-M).
Nates: Minority Population is calculated oe the total
rjcmdotton nonus thr non-hspenic, white population
Therefore, the term minority extends to indude
the Hiepani.' population.
Projection: AJbers Lquai Area Projection
Project: Deia tnd Maopmg PreptnA far the EPA Region ZD
Environmental haacatars hutiaiivr
Prepared By ILS EPA R«wn ffi Geography Information Center
DBJe Mardi W, 3993
10 20 30 40 50
MILES
Scald 1 : 3600000
-------
Poverty Distribution
Region III
Percent Under the Poverty Level
75 - 100% Under Poverty
50 - 74.9% Under Poverty
40 - 49.9% Under Poverty
30 - 39.9% Under Poverty
20 - 29.9% Under Poverty
13.1 - 19.9% Under Poverty
National Ave. = 13.1%
5 - 13.0% Under Poverty
0 - 4.9% Under Poverty
EPA Region III
w Environmental Indicators
u
r Initiative
Source: Census Tract Data from LLS Coxae Bureau 77GER Ffl«
Demographic Data 'mm IZS Onsiu Bureau Summary Tone
Fie - il ISTF-3M'TiHe P217.
Projection: /ten E-ruai Area Pmjectiot
Project: Data and Manpmg Prepared far the EPA Region ffl
Enmranmenm btmattoK Initiative
Prepared By LLS EPA Region HI Geographic hvformatton Center.
Dtte March 10, 2993
0 10 20 30 40 50
MILES
Scale i 3500000
-------
OVERVIEW OF CANCER IN REGION ffl
Cancer mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics is collected by EPA's ORD and converted to rate by
county. The data is categorized by white male, white female, nonwhite male and nonwhite female. Data is currently
available for the decades of the 1950s, '60s, and '70s; '80s data will become available in the near future. For the
Environmental Indicators project, 1970s data for lung, liver, kidney and leukemia for white males and females were
evaluated, since these cancers are potentially associated with environmental exposures. The nonwhite rates have not been
corrected for statistically small populations in some counties. This could result in a false high or false low, (zero), value.
ORD has developed a methodology for correcting for this phenomena with the '80s data. A composite map, based on the
ordinal rankings for each of these four cancers, was also generated.
Findings:
* Cancer mortality rates for white males are generally higher than for white females. This is especially evident in the
lung cancer maps, where the female rates are in the lowest range, while the male rates are across the board. This
may be due to non-environmental factors, such as diet, stress, and smoking.
* Counties with high composite cancer rates tend to be in the southern part of the Region.
* The following counties are have high rates (top three categories) for both white males and females: Surry, VA;
Queen Annes, MD; Calvert, MD; Rappahannock, VA; Craig, VA; Wise, VA; Lincoln, WV; and Logan, WV.
Management Recommendations:
* Counties with high composite cancer mortality rates should be considered under stress and should be considered
sensitive. EPA should make sure that activities regulated by EPA in these areas do not add to this stressed situation.
* When available, the 1980s cancer mortality data should be evaluated to determine if there are any significant findings
with respect to nonwhites or significant changes for whites.
* For those counties with high rates for males and females, the programs should investigate the possibility of a link to
environmental causes.
-------
Cancer Mortality Composite
For White Males
Cancer Index Number
19-20
17 -18
15 - 16
13 -14
11 -12
9-10
7 -8
4 -6
.prttf^
Soon: CaurOy fewiAria flan 1 2000000 LEGS DIG] Fita
Gmor .VfarlaWy CWa to 1 15 DM Ojlto of Dondi u *an of Mny. lioy, InAnu «nj
Cku onJ Uj^nf Pirpafl fa llu E7X
P(OMTT
liS EP/t %»i UJ G
-------
Lung Cancer Mortality Rate
White Males
D 10 20 30 40 SO
MILES
Scik 1 : 3500000
> 1000
901 to 1000
801 to 900
701 to 800
601 to 700
501 to 600
401 to 500
I < 400
1 Data Not Available
EPA Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
.So.ro- County Bamdinef from 1:2000000 USGS DLG3 fia.
Caver Martmty Dot) far US DM Offta of Raeordi aul
Daxlarmmt, Katardi Triangle PM
Projection: /Son Equal Arm Projtchon
Project: Data tnti Mapping Prrrxmt for the EPA Rfgvn SI Errsirororunl*!
bvbceton Project
Praartd By US EPA Rerun m Gtorrqiiic hfomatan Cater
Mirch 2S. 1S93
-------
Lung Cancer Mortality Rate
White Females
> 1000
901 to 1000
801 to 900
701 to 800
601 to 700
501 to 600
401 to 500
< 400
Data Not Available
ERA. Region III
u Environmental Indicators
Initiative
Source: County BcmUna from 1:2000000 USGS DLG3 fita
Coxa MartiLty Deta jar US £f.'A Office cj RaatrA anj
Development, Keeevth Triangle Pntc
Projection: flben Equd Am PraKtwn
Pnjed: Daia tnd Mappmg Prrfmrtd for the EPA Region IS Emnmrmentgl
bvbraton Project.
Prepared By: US EPA Rerun m Gtornarx bihrmOan Cater
Die: Mtrch 25, 1993
0 10 20 30 40 50
MILES
1 : 3SOOOOO
-------
Cancer Mortality Composite
For White Females
LJ
Cancer Index Number
11
Id
9
8
7
6
5
4
Initiative
Sana: CaaOy fcu»tn9 /m 1.2000000 LEGS DLG1 Fila
Cant! Mrt*ly D"" to US DM Oflto of Xfrnadt mi
pnM, ft*arA Truiyk Pjrt
«• lk< un of Wiuy, lunj, Mom «J
Pnj«l- DU j»l Mippnf PitpuW to IV OM Dfn HI
Atrficabn PnKl.
Sy I" £P/1 SWOT 01 G«»rap)ir htoratm Gnttr
0 10 ?0 30 40 50
MILES
Salt I : 3600000
EM Region III
Environmental Indicators
-------
TRI AIR RELEASES - CANCER WEIGHTED
The Toxics Release Inventory contains a substantial amount of environmental release data for all media. This data is
reported in pounds of chemical released per year, based on estimates. In order to relate these releases to one another,
chemical-specific toxicological information, cancer and non-cancer, is multiplied by the amount of the release. This results in
a risk-based (human health) value that can be compared across facilities and counties.
Findings:
* The counties which are in the highest category of total release but at least two categories lower of cancer (C) or
non-cancer (NC) weighted releases are: York, PA(C); Frederick, VA(C)(NC); Henry, VA(C)(NC); Wood,
WV(C)(NC); and Giles, VA(NC). The counties which are in the highest category of cancer (C) or non-cancer (NC)
weighted releases but are at least two categories lower for total releases are: Crawford, PA(C)(NC); Lebanon,
PA(C)(NC); Cabell, WV(C)(NC); Suffolk, VA(C); Carbon, PA(NC); Mercer, PA(NC); and Montour,PA(NC).
* The highest cancer-weighted air releases are in the urban areas of Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Erie; Baltimore; and
Charleston, WV. In addition, high cancer-weighted releases are found in the counties of Allegany, MD; York, VA;
Suffolk, VA; Marshall, WV; Cabell, WV; and Jefferson, WV.
* The highest non-cancer-weighted air releases are in urban areas of Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Erie; and Baltimore. In
addition, high non-cancer-weighted releases are found in the counties of Allegany, MD; Carbon, PA; Lycoming, PA;
Montour, PA; York, PA; and Cabell, WV.
* The counties with high cancer-weighted air releases and high composite (liver, lung, kidney and leukemia) cancer
(white males - 1970s) are Cabell, WV; Kanawha, WV; and Baltimore City.
Management Recommendations:
* Counties with high releases should be evaluated for opportunities to reduce the emissions, such as pollution
prevention, enforcement, and outreach. The "worst" facilities within each county should be targeted first.
* Further investigation should be conducted to determine the strength of the association between TRI cancer-weighted
releases and cancer mortality, using 1980s data.
-------
TRI Air Releases
County Summation
Cancer Weighted
4.5 + (>90 %)
.5 -4.49 (70% -90%)
.05 - .5 (50% - 70%)
.01 - .05 (30% - 50%)
0 (0 -30%)
No Readings
£
Saura: County
Tone JUnK hmniary
'on: Vbtn Ltf^t Aata Piajftm
D*t* anA Moving Pfepanl far Out
By. US TfA
Oft FArvary i3, 1113
a in 20 30 «o so
MILES
Suit 1 3500000
EfM Region III
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
flm 1 2000000 USCS DLG1 Om
fna> Cut fjan US BM 70S
-------
TRI Air Releases
County Summation
Non-Cancer Weighted
22,000 + (90% - 100%)
900 - 21,999.9 (70% - 90%)
80 - 899.9 (50% - 70%)
6 - 79.9 (30% - 50%)
.01 - 5.9 (10% - 30%)
0 (0% -10%)
No Reading?
Saaa: Qwily ftwiAna tail 12000000 USGS DLGJ fim.
Toxic RrioM hroentory (TRIJ Data ftan US TPA TKS
: /Atn Zquol ,-lmi Projflian
et: CM* onA Mafjmtg Pwptmt tor Itu EPA Jtfpan W
Sy: U£ [PA Jtffxn HI Gaympkic hijbnmthcvi Otter
Ttntary li 1W
0 10 10 30 40 50
MILES
Sola 1 , 3500000
EB4 Region III
"^i
5 Environmental Indicators
$
& Initiative
-------
RISK FROM INDOOR RADON
The risk of lung cancer due to exposure to radon and its decay products is well documented. The Surgeon General has
identified radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has classified radon as a Group A carcinogen.
Findings:
* EPA Region III has developed a regional database of indoor radon concentrations. A graphical representation of
this database identifies regional areas which have indoor radon concentrations in excess of 4 pCi/L.
* The regional map has identified residences in the Reading Prong area as having the greatest evaluated indoor radon
concentrations. The Reading Prong is a geologic formation containing granite enriched with uranium which emits
radon. Elevated radon readings have been confirmed throughout the Reading Prong which extends under north
central Maryland, eastern Pennsylvania, northern New Jersey, and southern New York.
* The map also shows indoor radon concentrations outside of the Reading Prong. High, moderate, or low indoor
radon concentrations exist throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Delaware and the District of Columbia have are
moderate to low.
* The map has identified some areas in Virginia and West Virginia as having high to moderate indoor radon
concentrations. The total extent of radon in these two states can not be determined because of insufficient data.
Management Recommendations:
* Region III should attempt to convince the municipalities and townships in high radon potential areas to adopt EPA's
new "Model Standards and Techniques for Control of Radon in New Homes and Buildings" in their building codes.
* Region III should supplement the Agency's manuals on mitigation techniques for pre-existing family dwellings with
quarterly classroom instructions and/or an instructional video to ensure that radon reduction systems are properly
installed.
-------
* Region III should investigate the possibility of a joint federal/utility incentive for the mitigation of radon in pre-
existing homes.
* Region III should encourage school superintendents and school building managers to test and mitigate their school
buildings.
-------
Percentage of Radon Readings
Above 4 pCi/1
70% to 80%
60% to 70%
50% to 60%
40% to 50%
30% to 40%
"I 20% to 30%
| 10% to 20%
•I 0% to 10%
0*
SOUKS County Bouadinec from 1:2000000 USGS DLG3 FOa.
Raton Dot {ran X
-------
RISK FROM INDOOR AIR
Indoor air quality problems can present a significant health problem to the majority of our population because people
spend about 90% of their time indoors, and there are some very nasty pollutants, both carcinogens and non-carcinogens,
commonly associated with the indoor air environment.
Findings:
* Although the health effects of various indoor air pollutants are known, there is insufficient data to determine the
exposure levels at which these effects would occur, and/or exposure information is insufficient for quantitative risk
determination.
* There is no health related data that would enable us to quantify the extent or seriousness of IAQ problems in
Region III; however, there is no reason to believe that people living in Region III are less immune to IAQ problems
than in other areas of the country. In fact, IAQ problems may be more significant in Region III because of the
climate and population density.
* Many if not most indoor air problems are easily remedied; (e.g., increase ventilation, remove the source) once it is
determined that IAQ problems exist.
* Many if not most businesses have become knowledgeable about IAQ problems and solutions in the office. The
reason: IAQ problems have cost American business some 60 billion dollars a year in lost productivity due to
absenteeism.
* The uninformed public; i.e., the homeowner is probably at greatest risk from IAQ problems.
Recommendations:
* Region III already conducts some outreach related to indoor air problems; however, resources for this are limited.
Given the potential for significant risk due to the amount of time spent indoors and the toxicity of various pollutants
in the indoor air environment, such outreach should be given a higher priority by Region III and its States, and
receive more resources.
-------
An IAQ outreach strategy should be developed that has the uninformed public; i.e., the homeowner as the principle
target (refer to the technical support document for specific outreach recommendations).
IAQ outreach should be incorporated into the urban risk program.
-------
RISK FROM PESTICIDES
There are over 50,000 pesticides on the market today. Of those it has investigated, EPA has identified at least 60 pesticide
chemicals as possible carcinogens. Risk from pesticides is generally associated with pesticides in food, pesticides in drinking
water, indoor air problems and other instances of misapplication.
Findings:
* Although a survey indicated that 82% of Americans viewed pesticide residues on food as a serious hazard, data
collected by FDA on both domestically grown and imported food indicates that pesticide residues on food are at very
low levels and do not pose a risk to human health.
* A national survey of drinking water systems conducted by EPA in 1991 found very few instances where health based
levels for pesticides were exceeded in drinking water wells.
* Inspections conducted by Region III States over a five year period of both agricultural and non-agricultural uses of
pesticides resulted in a fairly low percentage of actionable violations.
* When misused, pesticides may pose a risk to public health; however, it would appear that pesticide handlers under
the watchful eye of federal and State regulatory agencies are using pesticides responsibly.
* The possible exception to responsible users of pesticides may be the uninformed homeowner. Market studies indicate
that greater quantities of pesticides are used in the home and yard than on our nation's farmlands.
Recommendations:
* Region III already conducts outreach related to pesticides; however, resources for this are limited. Given the
potential for significant risk due to pesticide misuse, such outreach should be given a higher priority by Region III
and its States, and receive more resources. The homeowner should be the principle target of this outreach.
* Pesticide outreach should be incorporated into the urban risk program.
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LEAD IN REGION ffl
Lead is a ubiquitous pollutant found extensively throughout Region III. It is a heavy metal that can cause serious health
consequences from even small exposure. Particularly at risk are fetuses and children under six years who come in contact
with lead. Approximately 70% of elevated blood lead levels in children are believed to come from dust and flakes of
degrading lead based paint, 23% from drinking water and 7% from lead in soil and other sources. Lead based paint has
been used extensively in homes built prior to 1978 when it's sale to consumers was banned. Over half of the children in
Region III live in homes where lead paint is found, a population at risk of over 1.0 million.
Findings:
* US Census data reports age of housing information in 10 year increments, so housing data prior to 1970 gives a most
inclusive picture of homes with lead. In Region III greater than half the population live in housing which was built
prior to 1970. This amounts to almost 17 million people, of which approximately 1.3 million are children under 6yrs.
* Regional information on blood leads is sporadic. Extensive data exists for children in Baltimore, Washington,DC
and Philadelphia. This data confirms that children living in older homes in dilapidated conditions have blood lead
levels over 10 ug/dL in excess of the national standard.
Management Recommendations:
* The Region must reinforce its relationships with all federal, local and private agencies working on reducing
exposure to lead such as providing grant funding or research dollars. Investigate lead exposure in a rural area
with a high percentage of older homes and provide appropriate outreach.
* Increased staff education, referral and innovative outreach to the public to emphasize the hazards and
prevention of lead contamination.
* Promote testing of all children for blood lead.
* Formulate a Regional multi-media task force to address lead issues, including those involved in Title X lead
paint abatement effort, the Lead and Copper Rule of the Safe Drinking Water Act and clean-up of lead
Superfund sites.
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Percentage of Housing
Built Prior to 1970
% Built Prior to '70
95 - 100%
90 - 95.9%
75 - 89.9%
50 - 74.9%
25 - 49.9%
10 - 24.9%
5 - 9.9%
0 - 4.9%
Population by Category
8000000
6000000 '
I
000000
2000000
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EPA Region III
Environmental Indicators
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VOC EMISSIONS IN OZONE NON-ATTAINMENT AREAS
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from a myriad of sources, which include
stationary, or "point" sources (refineries, chemical plants, etc.), area sources (dry cleaners,
gas stations, etc.), and mobile sources (motorized vehicles, airplanes, etc.). VOCs are
significant both as a precursor to ozone (which contribute to adverse respiratory impacts)
and as an indicator of toxic air pollutants (50% of toxic air pollutants are VOCs).
Findings:
* In non-attainment areas, the 1987-88 VOC emissions data indicate that point
sources are a relatively small contributor to total VOC emissions. The major
contributors of VOC emissions are area and mobile sources.
* The 14% VOC emissions from point sources are the remains of a massive effort
of control over the last 20 years. But, even if VOC emissions from point sources
are reduced to zero, the collective impact of area and mobile sources may still
result in ozone non-attainment and substantial loadings of toxic air pollutants.
* While the percentages of total VOC emissions will vary for specific areas of
concern, substantial reductions in VOCs cannot occur without addressing area and
mobile sources.
* Traditional regulatory efforts alone will not be enough to curb VOC emissions
because much of the mobile and area source emissions are caused by individual
actions.
Management Recommendations:
* Extensive outreach should be conducted to educate the public on how their
actions affect and how changes in their actions can reduce VOC emissions, and
the effect of these emissions on human and ecological health.
* Region III should continue to participate in or lead national initiatives to reduce
VOC loadings.
* Region HI should explore possible new regional initiatives to address area and
mobile source contributions to VOC loading and should continue to participate in
existing actions such as transportation initiatives--i.e., trip reduction program,
transit subsidy, etc. Active sponsorship or promotion of alternative fuels or cars is
an important and visible role that the Region might undertake.
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Indexing/Forecasting System
—— Proposed Approach ——
Toxicrty X Concentration X Exposure
Drinking Water
+ Radon = Rjs|<
-------
Prototype TRI Indexing System
Maryland State: 1990
Proposed Approach
Toxicity
prepared by Dr. Debra L. Fonnan 3/1/93
Phase I
Phase II
X Concentration X Exposure =
Risk
Tool
Concept
Variables
Toxicity Index ^^
Contaminants +
of
Concern
| Toxicity X Mass |
t t
chronic acute °
0
o systemic 0 •
0 cancer 0 •
o r
cific GIS
Fate + Transport
Risk Assessment
Epidemiology m
4- Receptors
sasured
= Risk
1 ° monitors
W ° dispersion (media specific) X
>riority pollutants '
acid aerosols a aggravated health conditions
ine paniculate PM » " confounding variables
Cm «" population size
nutagens
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INDEXING/FORECASTING SYSTEM
A Prototype Indexing System is under development which ranks TRI releases in terms of their relative toxicity. Phase I
includes development of the Index system, Phase II includes characterization and evaluation of potential receptors. The
Index System utilizes approved toxicity factors from the IRIS database and incorporates both noncarcinogenic and
carcinogenic toxicity and their weight of evidence classifications, thus retaining sensitivitity to the original toxicity values.
Because the IRIS database is endorsed by the EPA and is nationally recognized, this approach serves to support actions
which might be based on the results of the Indexing procedure.
Findings:
* The Prototype Index System is media-specific and multi-component, including a Chronic Index, an Acute Index and a
Fate Index.
* An Index value is reported for each releasing facility which allows the identification of major contributors of the
most toxic compounds.
* The results of the Chronic Index of the Prototype for RY1990 TRI releases to the air medium for the State of
Maryland are presented in the technical report document. This methodology may reveal primary contributors in
areas other than urban, highly populated regions.
* The Prototype TRI Index System is intended to be included as part of a forecasting effort to evaluate the impact of
TRI releases on human health risk.
Recommendations:
* Other sources identified by our group as key contributors to human health risk include Area/Mobile sources,
Pesticides, Indoor Air, Lead, Radon and Groundwater as a source of drinking water. These sources may be
mathematically evaluated in terms of their relative toxicity indices to determine the comparative risk index of each
variable.
* Appropriate resources should be dedicated to evaluating suitable chemical lists, toxicity values and exposure
information for the key contributors: TRI, Area/Mobile Sources, Pesticides, Indoor Air, Lead, Radon and
Groundwater as a source of drinking water.
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Hazardous Waste Sites With Public
Water Supplies With MCL
Violations Within A 3 Mile Radius
Volatile/Halogenated
Metals
Pesticides
Radionucleii
> 8 Public Water Supplies
5-8 Public Water Supplies
3-4 Public Water Supplies
1 - 2 Public Water Supplies
\
Environmental Indicators
Initiative
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Hazardous Waste Sites
Located Near Potentially Vulnerable
Ground Water Intakes
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# of Ground
Water Intakes
0
1 to 25
26 to 50
> 50
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# of Ground
Water Intakes
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26 to 50
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Hazardous Waste Sites with Public Water Supplies with MCL Violations within a 3 Mile Radius
Hazardous waste sites represent a significant source of ground water pollution to both private and public sources of potable water. Public
water supplies (PWSs) in the vicinity of hazardous waste sites are at particular risk. The presence of maximum contaminant level (MCL)
violations at PWSs located near hazardous waste sites may be an indicator of ground water supplies that are already contaminated by
hazardous waste sites (as opposed to at risk of contamination). This map locates hazardous waste sites that are within a 3 mile radius of
one or more ground water intakes used by PWSs that have MCL violations of industrial type contaminants. Information regarding MCL
violations-for PWSs are contained in FRDS n (Federal Reporting Data System).
Findings:
* Inorganic (e.g.,metals), organics (e.g.,halogenated organics; pesticides), radionuclides (e.g.,gross alpha and beta; combined radium
226/228) represent a small percentage of MCL violations. Pennsylvania was found to have the highest number of MCL violations due
to these parameters, which present a potential for adverse health effects.
* Based on the data from FRDS between 1988-1992, ground water based PWSs in Bucks and Montgomery counties in southeastern
Pennsylvania, which lie within a 3-mile radius of a hazardous waste site with known ground water contamination, had MCL
violations of industrial-type contaminants.
* This analysis includes only 54% of the PWSs with MCL violations due to data gaps in FRDS regarding latitudinal and longitudinal
coordinates for the location of PWSs. This map is therefore expected to be under inclusive of the sites meeting the criteria.
However, it is not likely to affect the data distribution throughout the Region and results significantly.
Management Recommendations:
* Analyze contaminant trends over time using existing data in FRDS for PWSs; then target activities to achieve compliance through
treatment, or through remediation of hazardous waste sites or both.
* Prioritize hazardous waste site clean-up based on vulnerability of potentially exposed PWSs; consider a search for additional sites
in most vulnerable areas with known ground water contamination problems.
* Consider a search for additional, as yet undiscovered hazardous waste sites in the most vulnerable areas with known ground
water contamination problems (as potentially demonstrated by consistent MCL violations).
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Percent of Public Water Supplies
With Coliform Violations
I > 74.9%
1 50 - 74.9%
30 -49.9%
1 20 -29.9%
10 - 19.9%
5 - 9.9%
0 - 4.9%
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Hazardous Waste Sites Located Near Potentially Vulnerable Ground Water Intakes:
Hazardous waste sites represent a significant source of ground water pollution to both private and public sources of potable water. Hazardous
waste sites located near potentially vulnerable ground water intake wells may lead to significant contamination of public water supplies (PWSs)
and private wells. Identification of ground water intakes in the vicinity of existing hazardous waste sites with known ground water
contamination may give some insight to the location of potentially vulnerable ground water intakes in this Region.
Findings:
* There are very little drinking water quality data for private wells. What is available is limited and/or not centralized in a database
for use in this Study.
* Pennsylvania and Delaware both have a significant number of vulnerable ground water intake wells, based on the total number of
ground water intake wells used for PWSs within a 3 mile radius of a hazardous waste site with known ground water contamination.
* This analysis includes PWSs ground water intake wells for community and non-transient/non-community water supplies for the entire
Region.
Management Recommendations:
* Encourage states to consider well-head protection programs for high risk public and private well clusters. Use existing data,
e.g., CERCLA/RCRA sites paper files, to assist in locating private wells in known stressed areas.
* Encourage states and loan agencies to require testing and follow-up of private wells when real estate is transferred.
* Include in prioritization of hazardous waste site cleanups potential for impact on ground water supplies of drinking water.
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Percent of Public Water Supplies with Colifonn Violations
Human health concerns related to public and private sources of drinking water supplies with contamination from waterborne diseases is a
concern to all residents of Region HI. Historically the quality of drinking water has been a factor in determining human welfare. Waterborne
diseases have for the most part been well-controlled in this country compared to others but there still is continuous violations of the coliform
standard. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is an indicator of drinking water quality. Contaminant levels in drinking water above the
MCL may represent a potential human health and environmental concern. Information regarding MCL violations for public water supplies
(PWSs) are contained in FRDS II (Federal Reporting Data System II).
Findings
* MCL violations for coliform were wide-spread in the Region. Pennsylvania and Virginia were found to have the most violations of
the coliform standard for fiscal years 1988-1992. Counties with the highest percent of PWSs with MCL violations of coliform were
primarily in rural areas. There is a potential for adverse health effects for persons consuming water that exceeds MCLs for coliform.
* This analysis includes only 54% of the PWSs with MCL violations due to data gaps in FRDS regarding latitudinal and longitudinal
coordinates for the location of PWSs. However, it is not likely to affect the data distribution throughout the Region and results
significantly.
Management Recommendations
* Target activities to achieve compliance by use of appropriate treatment technologies and/or innovative funding approaches for
vulnerable PWSs that may have difficulties achieving compliance, e.g., small PWSs.
* Control sources of coliform in drinking water by construction of sewage treatment plants in highly stressed areas and/or regulation
of the construction of septic systems in these areas.
* Have all affected programs work together (with other state and federal agencies) to control agricultural run-off in areas
with the greatest frequency of coliform violations.
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Percent of Public Water Supplies
With Nitrate Violations
I > 14.9%
M 10 - 14.9%
5 -9.9%
3 -4.9%
2 -2,9%
1 - 1.9%
0.1 -0.9%
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PERCENT OF PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES WITH MCL VIOLATIONS
AND POPULATION AFFECTED
FISCAL YEAR 1992*
State
DE
MD
PA
VA
WV
Surface Water Source
Percent of
Supplies
0
6.8
4.2
6.0
9.4
Population
(%)
0
0.36
2.7
1.2
2.7
Ground Water Source
Percent of
Supplies
12.6
4.5
8.4
18.2
6.0
Population
(%)
9.6
3.4
8.5
1.4
3.5
Total
Percent of
Supplies
11.0
4.7
7.4
16.0
7.4
Population
(%)
2.3
0.8
3.9
3.6
2.9
'Percent of population affected are presented for each State based on the percent of
the population served by PWSs with MCL violations for each State.
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Percent of Public Water Supplies with Nitrate Violations
Nitrate contamination of public and private drinking water supplies is a concern to many residents of Region ffl, but presents a particular
significant risk to newborns. Newborns exposed to levels of nitrate above the MCL may be at potential risk of toxic effects. Nitrate in surface
water may pose an additional risk to the environment. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is an indicator of drinking water quality.
Contaminant levels in drinking water above the MCL may represent a potential human health and environmental concern through discharge
of contaminated ground water to surface water. Information regarding MCL violations for public water supplies (PWSs) are contained in FRDS
II (Federal Reporting Data System II).
Findings:
* MCL violations for nitrate were detected primarily in Delaware and Pennsylvania in this Region for fiscal years 1988-1992.
Lancaster county was found to have the highest percent (greater than 14.9%) of PWSs with MCL violations of nitrate for
ground water based PWSs. Other counties with a high percent of PWSs (ground water source) with MCL violations of nitrate w
Lebanon, Sullivan and Union counties in PA and Sussex county in DE.
* The nitrate levels reported above the MCL may pose a significant risk to newborns.
* This analysis includes only 54% of the PWSs due to data gaps in FRDS regarding the latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates for the
location of PWSs. However, it is not likely to affect the data distribution throughout the Region and results significantly.
Management Recommendations!
* Target activities to achieve compliance by use of appropriate treatment technologies and/or innovative funding strategies for vulnerable
PWSs that may have difficulties achieving compliance, e.g., small PWSs.
* Identify and control sources of nitrate in drinking water by outreach to fanners on the proper disposal of agricultural waste, and
outreach to both fanners and homeowners on the proper use of agricultural chemicals, including fertilizer.
* Eliminate existing data gaps in FRDS with respect to the locational information of PWSs by providing resources to the States to
determine the latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates for the location of PWSs so that we can have a complete geographic data
base for targeting EPA and state activities in all program activities that affect drinking water supplies.
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Mobile and Area VOC Emissions
by County (tons/year)
with Ozone Non-attainment
(1987-88 Emission Inventory)
> 30,000
20,000 to 30,000
15,000 to 20,000
10,000 to 15,000
7,500 to 10,000
AFS Facilities
(Major VOC Sources)
Ozone Non-Attainment
1 5,000 to 7,500
2,500 to 5,000
< 2,500
Man Quay bmtana f F-tpu*
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Percent of Ground Water and Surface Water Based Public Water Supplies with MCL Violations and Population Affected
in Fiscal Year 1992
Ground water and surface water are natural resources of potable water. Ground water is the water source for approximately
94% of PWSs, which serve approximately 25% of the population using PWSs. Surface water is the water source for
approximately 6% of PWSs, which serve approximately 75% of the population using PWSs. Privates wells are primarily served
by ground water sources and serves approximately 19% of the population. Drinking water quality is regulated by the Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA) passed by Congress in 1974 and amended most recently in 1986. The goal of the SDWA is to
assure the provision of safe drinking water to Americans by setting drinking water quality standards, and requiring regular testing
for regulated and unregulated contaminants. The Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are the enforceable standards that are
used to assess drinking water quality.
Findings;
* In fiscal year 1992, there were up to 16.0 % of ground water and surface water based PWSs with MCL violations in each
of the states which may have affected up to 3.9% of the population in each of the states. The percent of ground water
and surface water based PWSs with MCL violations was greatest for the State of Virginia. The total population affected
by ground water and surface water based PWSs with MCL violations was similar for all of the states (2.3-3.9%) except
Maryland (0.8%).
* Ground Water contamination is likely to be more chronic than surface water contamination; the percent of PWSs with
MCL violations is greater for ground water than for surface water in fiscal year 1992.
* Overall, the population at risk in fiscal year 1992 was greatest for ground water based PWSs. Although the population
served by surface water based PWSs is greater than for ground water, the population at risk due to MCL violations is
greater for ground water based PWSs.
Management Recommendation:
* Prioritize compliance activities at the most chronic violators.
* Consider innovative funding approaches for vulnerable PWSs that may have difficulties achieving compliance, e.g., small
PWSs which typically use ground water sources.
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Figure 1
SOURCES OF VOC EMISSIONS
FROM OZONE NON-ATTAINMENT AREAS *
26%
AREA
60%
MOBILE
14%
POINT
FROM 1987-1988 EMISSION INVENTORY
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AREA AND MOBILE SOURCES; A SIGNEFICAN CONTRIBUTOR TO AIR POLLUTION IN REGION Btt
VOC loadings are a good indicator of potential environmental threat because they encompass approximately 50% of the
toxic air emissions and are also precursors to ozone, which has known human health and ecological impacts. This map
displays the VOC emissions of area and mobile sources (it does not include point sources) compared with areas of ozone
non-attainment in Region III.
Findings:
* Even when the contribution from point sources is eliminated, substantial VOC emissions still exist throughout the
region.
* Preliminary results indicate that relatively high emissions of VOCs exist in areas not commonty considered a problem
(i.e., that are not in areas of ozone non attainment).
* The exposure of people and ecological systems to toxic air pollutants and to ozone is widespread in the region.
Management Recommendations:
* Region III should complete the emission picture and evaluate VOC emission data using 1990 emission inventories.
* Ambient air toxic information or development of models to estimate public exposure is needed.
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