October 2008 I www.epa.gov
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Commonsense Actions and Best
Practices that Improve Laboratory
Efficiency and Effectiveness
-~.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
-------
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Commonsense Actions and Best
Practices that Improve Laboratory
Efficiency and Effectiveness
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC 20460
-------
Notice
This report has been reviewed and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and
policies of the Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products
constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
Acknowledgments
This document was prepared by members of
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified on page vii.
-------
Contents
Section Page
Contributors iii
1.0 Executive Summary 1
1.1 Introduction to Near-Term Study 1
1.2 Collecting Best Practices 2
1.3 Significant Efficiencies Achieved at Laboratories 2
1.4 Summary and Next Steps 4
2.0 Introduction 5
2.1 How EPA Laboratories Fulfill the Agency's Mission 5
2.2 Purpose of Near-Term Study 6
2.3 Scope of Near-Term Study 6
2.4 Organization of Report on the Near-Term Study 7
3.0 Laboratory Facilities, Buildings, and Infrastructure 9
3.1 EPA's Laboratory Network: Functions, Locations,
and Organization 9
3.2 Understanding the Built Environment that Sustains Laboratory
Contributions 9
3.3 Life-Cycle Management of Laboratory Facilities
and Infrastructure 10
3.4 Recent Legislation, Executive Orders, Federal Partnerships, and
Voluntary Programs that Affect Laboratory Facilities 12
4.0 Opportunities to Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness 15
4.1 Energy Use Reduction 16
4.2 Efficient Purchasing/Strategic Sourcing of Equipment
and Supplies 27
4.3 Chemical Resource Management and Waste Reduction 31
4.4 Water Conservation..... 36
4.5 Resource Sharing 47
4.6 Efficient Analytical Procedures 51
4.7 Other Significant Initiatives 56
5.0 Summary and Next Steps 65
5.1 Summary 65
5.2 Next Steps 66
Appendix 1.0 Acronyms/Abbreviations 67
Appendix 2.0 Functions across EPA's Laboratory Network 71
Appendix 3.0 Congressional Statutes Related to EPA's Mission '
and Responsibilities 73
Appendix 4.0 EPA's Laboratory Facilities and Buildings 75
Appendix 5.0 Questions for Laboratories about Location-Specific
Cost Savings 81
Appendix 6.0 Suggestions about Commonsense Actions and Best Practices .... 83
-------
List of Exhibits Page
Exhibit 1. Organization and Distribution of 516 Commonsense Actions
and Best Practices 1
Exhibit 2. Key Opportunities, Actions, and Best Practices 3
Exhibit 3. Organization of Report on the Near-Term Study 7
Exhibit 4. A Simple Life-Cycle Perspective for Sustainable and
Efficient Laboratories '. 10
Exhibit 5. Focus of Near-term Laboratory Study — Seven Categories
of Actions and Best Practices that Improve Efficiency
and Effectiveness 11
Exhibit 6. Distribution of 516 Actions and Best Practices across Time 15
Exhibit 7. Diversity of Energy Use Reduction Initiatives in Response
to Location-Specific Cost Savings Questions 17
Exhibit 8. Energy Use Reduction: Laboratory Improvements
Implemented, 2004-2007 22
Exhibit 9. Energy Use Reduction: Laboratory Improvements Planned,
2007-2010 ! ..25
Exhibit 10. OMB Seven Step Strategic Sourcing Model 27
Exhibit 11. Definitions of Laboratory Commodities 29
Exhibit 12. FY 2005 Spending on Laboratory Commodities 29
Exhibit 13. Cost Distribution of EPA's Laboratory Commodity
Purchases in FY 2005 30
Exhibit 14. Diversity of Chemical Resource Management and
Waste Reduction Initiatives in Response to Location-Specific
Cost Savings Questions 32
Exhibit 15. Chemical Resource Management and Waste Reduction:
Laboratory Improvements Implemented, 2004-2007 34
Exhibit 16. Chemical Resource Management and Waste Reduction:
Laboratory Improvements Planned for 2007-2010 35
Exhibit 17. Typical Laboratory Water Use 36
Exhibit 18. Typical Office Water Use 36
Exhibit 19. Diversity of Water Conservation Initiatives in Response
to Location-Specific Cost Savings Questions 38
Exhibit 20. Water Conservation: Laboratory Improvements
Implemented, 2004-2007 41
Exhibit 21. Water Conservation: Laboratory Improvements Planned,
2007-2010 45
Exhibit 22. Diversity of Resource Sharing Initiatives in Response
to Location-Specific Cost Savings Questions 47
Exhibit 23. Resource Sharing: Planned and Implemented Laboratory
Improvements, 2004-2007 50
Exhibit 24. Diversity of Analytical Procedure Initiatives in Response
to Location-Specific Cost Savings Questions 51
Exhibit 25. Efficient Analytical Procedures: Laboratory Improvements
Implemented, 2004-2007 55
Exhibit 26. Efficient Analytic Procedures: Laboratory Improvements
Planned, 2007-2010 56
Exhibit 27. Diversity of Other Significant Initiatives in Response to
Location-Specific Cost Savings Questions 57
Exhibit 28. Other Significant Initiatives: Laboratory Improvements
Implemented, 2004-2007 60
Exhibit 29. Other Significant Initiatives: Laboratory Improvements
Planned, 2007-2010 62
-------
Contributors
The following members of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have
contributed their knowledge, ideas, expertise, and advice to help prepare this report:
Dan Amon
Lara Autry •
Barbara Bates
Dale Bates
Sam Becker
Amy Caldwell
Andrea Cherepy
Steve Dorer
Bucky Green
Tonya Hudson
Rick Keigwin
Mike Kenyon
Jim Kitchens
Bill Lovely
Lyndia McQueen
Susan Mizinski
David Neleigh
Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta
Dale Pahl
Jorge Rangel
Bill Ridge
Steve Schmelling
Joe Slayton
Margaret Walters
Dennis Wesolowski
Candida West
Daniel Young
Emma Zinsmeister
OARM
ORD
Region 9
Region 7
Region 6
OAR/OTAQ .
OAR
OAR/OTAQ
OARM
OAR/ORIA
OPPTS
Region 1
ORD
Region 1
OAR/OTAQ
OAR/OTAQ
Region 6
ORD
ORD
ORD
OARM
ORD
Region 3
OAR/ORIA
Region 5
ORD
Region 6
ORD
Special thanks to Dale Pahl for leadership throughout this effort.
The following members of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency helped coordinate
the near-term laboratory study across EPA's laboratory network:
Elizabeth Cotsworth (OAR/ORIA)
Beth Craig (OAR)
Susan Hazen (OARM)
Jim Jones (OPPTS)
Lek Kadeli (ORD)
Ira Leighton (Region 1)
Jack Puzak (ORD)
Larry Starfield (Region 6)
-------
-------
1.0
Executive Summary
1.1 Introduction to Near-Term Study
Guided by principles in the President's Management
Agenda (PMA) to be results-oriented, the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, "the
Agency") is working actively to measure its progress
in relation to solving environmental problems and
improving environmental and human health. Sound
science and technical support from
EPA laboratories help create the
foundation for Agency decisions
and environmental achievements.
EPA Administrator Stephen
Johnson has requested a review
of the Agency's laboratory
capabilities and operations. The
goal of this effort is to improve
the effectiveness and efficiency
of EPA's laboratory network,
ensuring its ability to support the
Agency's mission into the future.
The laboratory review will include
both near- and long-term objectives.
In the near term, review efforts
focus on identifying efficiency
and effectiveness opportunities at
individual labs. Over the long term,
the Agency plans to engage an outside expert group
that will assess and evaluate EPA's laboratory network
needs over the next 10 years, and determine if the
existing network is able to meet those needs.
This report describes near-term opportunities
to improve efficiency and effectiveness at EPA
laboratories. More than half the opportunities described
in this report include actual experience and results at
individual laboratories during the past several years.
In the context of this experience, the report describes
commonsense actions and best practices and serves
as a guide for future actions across EPA's laboratory
network. Many of these actions and best practices
have multiple benefits. For example, they often
avoid increased costs while being environmentally
responsible.
Exhibit I. Organization and Distribution of 516
Commonsense Actions and Best Practices
75
39
Energy
Use
Purchasing/ Chemical Water Resource
Strategic Resource Conservation Sharing
Sourtinq Management
& Waste
Reduction
Category
Analytical Other
Procedures Significant
Initiatives
-------
This report assembles in one place the considerable experience
of employees at EPA's laboratories in developing and implementing
efficient and effective practices.
1.2 Collecting Best Practices
This report assembles in one place the considerable
experience of employees at EPA's laboratories in
developing and implementing efficient and effective
practices. This review organizes and describes 516
actions, best practices, and suggestions identified by
these employees—including opportunities to reduce
energy and water use, to purchase supplies collectively
in bulk, to reduce the amount of chemicals used and
disposed of by the laboratories, and to increase resource
sharing across multiple EPA laboratories.
Exhibit 1 illustrates the seven categories used to
organize these actions and best practices—as well as
the distribution of individual projects and suggestions
across the seven categories. The majority of these
projects and suggestions affect the operation and
maintenance of EPA laboratory facilities.
This report is a short-term snapshot that reflects current
experience at EPA laboratories. It is not intended to be
systematic or quantitative. The report includes estimates
provided by individual laboratories, where available,
of avoided costs, savings, or environmental benefits.
In most cases these estimates have not been verified
in a systematic fashion or by engineering analyses.
Although we do not have estimates of costs avoided
for all of the actions and best practices provided in the
report, there are instances where specific detail has been
included. Such examples are appropriate because they
help to provide useful information regarding return on
investment.
1.3 Significant Efficiencies Achieved at
Laboratories
The best practices identified in this report reflect a
strong commitment by EPA laboratories and employees
to responsibly manage government resources. Exhibit
2 highlights the most significant opportunities, actions,
and best practices from the suggestions identified by
EPA laboratories. A detailed review of these highlights
is presented in Chapter 4.0 of this report.
-------
Exhibit 2. Key Opportunities, Actions, and Best Practices
Energy Use (4.1):
Recommission laboratory heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and convert continuous air volume (CV) systems to
variable air volume (VAV) systems.
Implement operations and maintenance best practices (e.g., upgrade to T-8 lights, implement temperature setbacks, turn off lights and
equipment when not in use, develop and implement employee awareness programs).
Pursue energy savings performance contracts, where appropriate and advantageous for Agency.
Efficient Purchasing/Strategic Sourcing of Equipment and Supplies (4.2):
Implement strategic sourcing initiative already started for laboratory commodities.
Measure the success/utility of this effort.
Explore opportunities for extending strategic sourcing to other laboratory purchase areas, such as gases and large equipment.
Chemical Resource Management and Waste Reduction (4.3):
Continued development of microanalyses coupled with "green" chemistry is still an area of development and application that represents
ongoing opportunities.
Reductions in chemical purchasing and waste disposal can be achieved through sharing of chemical stocks. This could be accomplished
either through consolidation of chemical inventory systems, where feasible, or through other, improved means of cross-communication.
Continued implementation of recycling as part of best practices is recommended. This will also improve as additional markets for
recyclables open.
Water Conservation (4.4):
Develop and implement water management plans at all laboratories. As of March 2007, water management plans had been developed at
18 laboratory facilities; water consumption data for Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 revealed that the majority of those facilities recognized water use
reductions.
Consider installation of water metering within facilities. This action will provide facilities with the ability to better monitor water use,
especially in areas of high water use, and provide more accurate data on results of operational changes and/or the need for additional or
different management practices.
Assess the efficiencies of major water use systems within the facilities (e.g., HVAC systems and water treatment systems). The intent of
these assessments should be to determine ways to enhance operational efficiency of the systems that result in reduction of water use.
Improvements in Resource Sharing (4.5):
Purchasing efficiencies, such as agreements with other organizations for analytical services; the use of EPA contracts expertise to ensure
that equipment purchases are fully integrated; the establishment of interagency agreements (lAGs) with other federal organizations to
utilize excess space; and the pursuit of cross-laboratory and division partnerships for capital equipment acquisitions.
Cooperative lab services, such as cross-divisional laboratories teaming up to accomplish work when a single lab is unable to fulfill a
request for services.
Equipment sharing initiatives, where several laboratories implement principles of centralized and shared resources to improve efficiency.
This optimizes the use of laboratory equipment and space with reduced investment costs. The concept of equipment sharing also means
leveraging research funds by sharing expenses.
Efficient Analytical Procedures (4.6):
Use automated sample preparation that reduces time, chemicals, and waste.
Explore innovative analytical instrumentation to maximize the number of analyses performed, leveraging current resources to
accommodate growing demands.
Remove regulatory or other barriers to use more efficient and effective methods to generate data (e.g., employ performance-based
measurements).
Other Significant Initiatives (4.7):
When multiple facilities share a common location, integrate functions to improve efficiency.
Provide greater flexibility in work schedules for lab and field sampling staff to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of support for
scientific programs.
Reduction of instrument service agreements through life-cycle planning and oversight of repair requirements.
Use of indefinite quantity contracts (IDIQs) to provide flexibility in use of contract services.
-------
The benefits of these individual opportunities, actions,
and best practices span a wide range—from avoided
costs of hundreds of thousands to a few hundred dollars.
The most significant avoided costs have occurred
in the area of energy efficiency, where a number of
laboratories have implemented measures that save
hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Moreover,
the laboratories are hopeful that when the strategic
sourcing project on laboratory supplies is implemented
fully, it will result in additional, significant annual
cost reductions. While some chemical management
and waste disposal practices may result in only small
efficiencies at one laboratory, implementation at
multiple laboratories may extend the impact.
Collectively, the efforts described in this report
help EPA achieve the long-term national efficiency
goals established by Congress and the Office of the
President (e.g., in the Energy Policy Act of 2005,
the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007,
and in Executive Order 13423). By themselves, the
opportunities described in this report do not permit EPA
to achieve these national goals. Thus, EPA is taking
many additional actions. For example, beyond the
opportunities described here, EPA looks ahead to new
and renovated buildings that demonstrate sustainable
design and operation. Illustrating the Agency's
commitment to sustainable and efficient buildings,
EPA1 and representatives from 16 other federal agencies
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOD)
entitled "Federal Leadership in High Performance and
' Luis A. Luna, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of
Administration and Resources Management, signed this MOU
on behalf of EPA. Energy Management and Conservation
Program: Fiscal Year 2006 Annual Report. U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency, December 18, 2006, page 18.
Sustainable Buildings" on January 24, 2006, at the
White House Summit on Federal Sustainable Buildings.
This MOU commits these federal agencies to the
energy-efficient and sustainable design, construction,
and operation of their facilities.
1.4 Summary and Next Steps
A primary objective of the near-term laboratory
review is to identify opportunities for efficiency and
effectiveness improvements at individual laboratories.
The short-term snapshot of opportunities presented
in this report demonstrates that this objective has
been accomplished. More than half the opportunities
described in the report extend beyond opportunities and
include actual results—that is, tangible actions taken
during the past several years at individual laboratories.
These results demonstrate leadership and stewardship
by EPA employees at individual laboratories to manage
government resources effectively.
This report helps EPA transfer knowledge about the
short-term opportunities and results in a systematic
manner across EPA's laboratory network. EPA plans
to distribute this report widely across its laboratory
network and to urge laboratory and facility managers
to adopt these commonsense actions and best practices
wherever appropriate. Effective communication
will help laboratory and facility managers make
informed decisions about the highest-value actions
and best practices—particularly when investments
lead to significantly reduced operating costs and
other benefits. When this is the case, applying these
actions and best practices will lead to measurable long-
term improvements in laboratory effectiveness and
efficiency.
-------
2.0
Introduction
This chapter highlights the significant roles of EPA
laboratories in fulfilling the Agency's mission. The
chapter also describes the purpose and scope of the
near-term laboratory study and the organization of this
report.
2.1 How EPA Laboratories Fulfill the
Agency's Mission
2.1.1 Roles of EPA Laboratories
EPA's laboratories bring science to environmental
protection. They contribute the critical scientific and
programmatic support vital to accomplishing the
Agency's mission of protecting human health and
the environment. The core characteristics of EPA
laboratories, their diversity, adaptability to changing
environments, and their quick responsiveness to crises,
drive the success of the Agency as a whole.
EPA's laboratories are not carbon copies of one another;
rather, the laboratories carry out a diverse set of
responsibilities. In all, EPA has 39 laboratories in 27
cities (see Appendix 4.0). The 21 laboratories of EPA's
Office of Research and Development (ORD) focus
primarily on environmental research and development.
The eight laboratories in four national programs - the
Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), the Office of
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA),
and the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances (OPPTS), and the Office of Solid Waste &
Emergency Response (OSWER) -serve a variety of
functions, which include implementation of regulatory
programs, specific support for voluntary programs, and
direct scientific support. Additionally, 10 Regional
laboratories provide a wide range of regulatory services
and field and analytical services to the air, water,
pesticide, toxics, hazardous waste and enforcement
programs of the regions, states and tribes.
This study's effort to identify and share opportunities
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of EPA's
laboratories will help to ensure that the laboratories
continue to perform their crucial roles in the protection
of the environment and human health. Appendix 5.0
contains the questions that were developed to help
identify opportunities at individual laboratory locations.
Appendix 6.0 presents the responses to these questions
prepared by EPA laboratories.
As we face the new challenges of the 21st century,
the roles of these EPA laboratories are necessarily
changing and expanding. In this period of tight
fiscal constraints, the ability of EPA's laboratories to
continue their important work while taking on new,
critical functions—such as those related to Homeland
Security—necessitates that the laboratories find and
pursue opportunities to do their work more efficiently.
2.1.2 EPA's Mission
Since its establishment in 1970, EPA has worked
diligently in meeting its mission requirements for
protecting human health and the environment. Since
1970, Congress has passed a number of major statutes
that have assigned and expanded responsibilities to EPA
in initiating and carrying out specific environmental
programs. The enacted legislation includes, but is
not limited to: the Clean Air Act (CAA); Clean
Water Act (CWA); Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA); Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA);
and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
As outlined in the 2006-2011 Strategic Plan, EPA
established specific goals, objectives and sub-
objectives in five major areas of focus: Clean Air and
Global Climate Change; Clean and Safe Water; Land
Preservation and Restoration; Healthy Communities
and Ecosystems; and Compliance and Environmental
Stewardship. In each of these major goals, EPA's
network of laboratories plays a critical scientific and
technical role. EPA's laboratories provide crucial
support to the environmental programs in achieving
results and meeting objectives, by performing analytical
measurements to determine the presence and extent of
known or potential contaminants in the environment.
They develop monitoring technologies and testing
procedures. Our laboratories evaluate exposure and
-------
risk to humans and ecosystems, and provide ways to
minimize or eliminate these risks. They also provide
the scientific and technical information needed to make
informed decisions on a multitude of environmental
and regulatory issues. Collectively, EPA's laboratory
network is science-focused, and is continually
advancing environmental science through its diverse
activities and accomplishments. These contributions are
essential in meeting EPA's goals and objectives.
2.2 Purpose of Near-Term Study
Sound science lies at the heart of EPA's mission. The
Agency must rely on innovative research, accurate
measurements, and effective technology to implement
its programs and protect the environment and human
health. Without sound science and data, EPA cannot
set environmental and health standards, clean up
contaminated sites, measure ambient air and water
quality conditions, or identify the new technologies or
practices that will reduce releases into the environment.
A principal source of EPA's science is its own
laboratories.
As announced by Assistant Administrator George Gray
of EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD)
on March 15, 2007, this laboratory review has been
divided into two parts: a long-term external study, and
a near-term internal study. Over the long term, the
Agency plans to engage an outside expert panel that
will assess and evaluate EPA's laboratory network
needs over the next 10 years, and characterize the
ability of the existing network to meet those needs.
For the near-term, the Agency has conducted this
internal study to identify opportunities to improve
efficiency and effectiveness at EPA's laboratories. This
study collects numerous best practices identified by
EPA laboratory employees. These best practices include
ways to reduce energy and water use, to purchase
supplies collectively in bulk, to reduce the amount of
chemicals used and disposed of by the laboratories,
and to increase the extent to which resources are shared
across multiple EPA laboratories. Generally, at least one
laboratory within our network is already implementing
each of the actions and best practices discussed in this
report, with the probability of additional laboratories
implementing them in the future. Many of these
identified practices have multiple benefits: they avoid
increased costs, are environmentally responsible, and
often free up employees' time for attention to other
matters.
EPA intends to share this collection of best practices
widely within its laboratory community, and urges
laboratory managers and employees to explore their
effectiveness. Additionally, this report identifies
some of the obstacles for implementation of these
best practices at other EPA laboratories; and in some
instances, contains recommendations for overcoming
these obstacles.
2.3 Scope of Near-Term Study
Laboratories can take many different forms.
Multiple-building facilities, individual buildings,
small temporary structures, mobile vans, planes, and
even research vessels can be used to accommodate
laboratory functions. For the purposes of this near-term
report, however, the focus is solely on fixed structural
laboratory facilities within the Agency. Chapter 3.0
describes the elements of laboratory facilities in more
detail, including the major inputs, activities, and outputs
that comprise these facilities across their life cycle.
From this life cycle perspective, virtually all of the
opportunities identified in the near-term study focus on
the operation and maintenance of existing laboratories.
The near-term study does not focus on the design,
construction, or decommissioning of EPA's laboratories
because these elements are intrinsic to the lifetime of
laboratory facilities.
-------
2.4 Organization of Report on the Near-Term Study
This report consists of five chapters and six appendices; its organization is described in Exhibit 3.
Exhibit 3. Organization of Report on the Near-Term Study
Chapter Description and Key Concepts
1.0. Executive Summary
2.0. Introduction
3.0. Laboratory Facilities,
Buildings, and Infrastructure
4.0. Opportunities to Improve
Efficiency and Effectiveness
5.0. Summary and Next Steps
Appendix 1.0: Acronyms/
Abbreviations
Appendix 2.0: Functions across
EPA's Laboratory Network
Appendix 3.0: Congressional
Statutes Related to EPA's
Mission and Responsibilities
Appendix 4.0: EPA's Laboratory
Facilities and Buildings
Appendix 5.0: Questions for
EPA Laboratories
Appendix 6.0: Laboratory
Suggestion Database
Gives a brief overview of the crucial elements of this study: purpose and justification for the
report, methodology, summary and next steps.
Introduces key background concepts for this report, including EPA laboratories and the
Agency's mission, and gives a more in-depth purpose and scope for the study.
Briefly describes fundamental attributes of the built environment that supports EPA's
laboratory network; key concepts explained in this chapter include the elements and systems
integrated in a typical laboratory facility; life-cycle management of laboratory facilities; and
recent legislation, executive orders, and partnerships that affect EPA laboratory facilities.
Describes the opportunities, actions, and best practices that improve laboratory efficiency and
effectiveness. The opportunities are divided into seven sections: energy use reduction, efficient
purchasing/strategic sourcing of equipment and supplies, chemical resource management
and waste reduction, water conservation, resource sharing, analytic procedures, and other
significant initiatives.
Highlights commonsense actions and best practices from the near-term study and
recommends "next steps" to communicate and apply information about the highest-value
opportunities.
Contains an alphabetical list of the acronyms and abbreviations used throughout the report.
Illustrates the functions of EPA's laboratory network.
Provides a chronological list of federal statutes that relate to EPA's mission and responsibilities.
Details EPA's laboratory facilities and buildings.
Presents the questions distributed to EPA laboratory employees about location-specific
efficiency and effectiveness measures.
Contains the 516 suggestions for effectiveness and efficiency improvements identified by EPA
employees.
-------
-------
3.0
Laboratory Facilities, Buildings,
and Infrastructure
The previous chapter describes the essential
contributions that EPA laboratories make to help
EPA accomplish its mission. This chapter presents
an overview of the structure and function of EPA
laboratories—including the "built environment" that
supports laboratory contributions—and presents simple
life-cycle concepts central to the design of sustainable
and efficient laboratory facilities.
3.1 EPA's Laboratory Network:
Functions, Locations, and Organization
Contributions made by laboratory scientists and
technicians create the scientific foundation for EPA
decisions, actions, and communication with the public
and stakeholders. These scientific contributions are
essential for understanding complex environmental
processes, measuring the condition of the environment,
and making decisions about standards that protect
human health and the environment. Because of
its world-class scientists and excellent laboratory
capabilities, EPA is one of only a few federal agencies
in the United States with the ability to integrate the
results of laboratory activities with risk assessment,
risk management, and the development of national
standards.
The functions performed by EPA's laboratory network
help the Agency respond to statutory requirements,
executive orders from the Office of the President, and
Presidential directives. Laboratories have been part of
EPA since its founding in 1970; their responsibilities
have expanded significantly since that time. In the
past five years alone, several Presidential directives for
homeland security and three congressional statutes (the
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness
and Response Act of 2002, the Energy Policy Act
of 2005, and the Energy Independence and Security
Act of 2007) have added significantly to laboratory
responsibilities at EPA. Appendix 2.0 lists and briefly
describes the functions performed by EPA laboratories.
EPA laboratory facilities are designed with different
objectives in mind. Regional laboratories provide
a wide variety of analytical services to support
enforcement, monitoring and other environmental
programs in their respective Regions, states, and
Tribal areas. National program laboratories implement
many of the Agency's regulatory programs, support
specific voluntary programs, and provide direct
scientific support to their respective national program
offices. Research laboratories focus primarily on core
and problem-driven research2 to provide the new
and applied knowledge needed by EPA programs
to understand complex environmental systems and
processes, to inform environmental decisions, and
to develop protective standards. It is important to
recognize that—as a result of these three different
objectives—laboratory design, systems, and functions
vary significantly across the Agency's laboratory
facilities.
EPA laboratory facilities are located in many different
states across the country (see Appendix 4.0). EPA
owns some of these facilities and leases others. The
decision to own or lease laboratory facilities has a
significant impact on the Agency's ability to operate
and maintain the facility in the most efficient manner.
For example, in leased laboratory space, improvements
in energy performance and efficiency are required to be
worked into the lease provisions, and therefore cannot
be implemented without intensive owner cooperation.
Though EPA can reduce its energy intensity at leased
facilities and see demonstrated cost savings through
reduced utility invoices, EPA does not receive any
operational or maintenance savings, nor receive any
credit for updating or improving the overall facility
value—even though the improved energy technology
or best practice may have been developed by EPA
laboratory scientists and facility managers.
3.2 Understanding the Built Environment
that Sustains Laboratory Contributions
The term built environment refers to the buildings,
facilities, and special structures that house laboratory
systems and functions. In addition to working in fixed
laboratory facilities, EPA scientists also work at field
locations where they collect environmental samples or
make in-situ measurements, and sometimes use mobile
facilities that can be taken to a site of interest.
2Building a Foundation For Sound Environmental Decisions.
National Academy of Sciences Committee on Research Op-
portunities and Priorities for EPA (NRC, 1997), pages 16-17.
-------
The built environment plays an essential role
in supporting the Agency's laboratory systems
and functions. It sustains and integrates many
elements—including information systems; systems for
conditioning, delivering, and exhausting laboratory
air; sophisticated laboratory instruments, equipment,
and technologies; laboratory chemicals, supplies, and
gases; field sampling platforms and remote sensing
instruments; electrical and mechanical systems; and
resource recovery processes.
Scientific and research laboratories are among the
most complex facilities in the United States. The
design, construction, and management challenges for
laboratory facilities are so significant that a number of
federal commissions have prepared guidance on these
issues.3 For example, laboratories frequently consume
a very large amount of energy—typically from five
to ten times more energy per square foot than office
buildings.4 This puts a premium on sustainable design
of laboratory buildings and systems to reduce energy
use and minimize energy losses. Laboratories also
have other special requirements for high purity air and
water, recovery and reuse of chemicals, and constant
temperature and humidity.
3.3 Life-Cycle Management of Laboratory
Facilities and Infrastructure
During the past 20 years, the growing importance of
laboratory facilities in the United States—coupled with
laws enacted by Congress5 and executive orders issued
by the Office of the President—stimulated laboratory
architects, engineers, and managers to adopt a life-cycle
approach when making decisions about laboratory
buildings and facilities. The term "life-cycle" refers to
the major inputs, activities, and outputs associated with
5 For example, see Laboratory Design. Construction, and Ren-
ovation: Participants. Process, and Product. National Research
Council Committee on Physical Sciences. Mathematics, and
Applications. (NRC, 2000). page 1.
4 Laboratories for the 21" Century: Program Overview. U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Energy Man-
agement Program. January 2004. page 1.
5 For example, see the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005.
P.L. 109-58, 42 U.S.C. 15801 (2005) and the Energy Inde-
pendence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, 42 U.S.C. 17001
(2007).
Exhibit 4. A Simple Life-Cycle Perspective for Sustainable and Efficient Laboratories
INPUTS
Raw Materials
Building Materials
Instruments & Technology
i ;>>
Information Technology '•-._
Laboratory Gases & Chemicals
j ~^
Strategic Sourcing
Energy. Water
Supplies for Building
Maintenance etc
Workforce & Human Capital
;- — — - •*" -^f
— ] Suggestions from EPA
LABORATORY SYSTEM BOUNDARY
Facility Design & Land Acquisition
Building, Facility. & Utility Construction
Laboratory Functions & Systems
•
Laboratory Operations & Maintenance
\ Safe & Healthy Environment
Building & Facility Maintenance
(Renovation (Laboratories, Utilities, etc.)
Facility Decommissioning & Demolition
i
I
:|
i
1
!
labs addressed these W
OUTPUTS
HVAC Exhaust
r-^
1 ,
Waterbome Waste
Indirect Emissions
Solid Waste
r ^>
Matenal Recycling
.**_
Storm Water
Recycling of Building Materials
New Knowledge. Data. Reports.
1 3>
Technical Support. Training,
Systems. & Oversight
FACILITY LIFECYCLE = 50 +YEARS
-------
a laboratory's facilities, buildings, systems, functions,
and materials across its lifetime.6 Today, these life-
cycle concepts help form the core of sustainable and
efficient facility design. Exhibit 4 presents a simple
conceptual framework that illustrates important aspects
of the life-cycle approach for sustainable laboratories.
Exhibit 4 indicates that the economic lifetime for
laboratory facilities may extend beyond 50 years. This
economic lifetime figures prominently in decisions
about sustainable design of laboratory facilities,
buildings, and systems—for example, in the selection
of building materials that will be durable over the
projected facility's lifetime.
The elements illustrated within the laboratory system
boundary in Exhibit 4 are similar to sustainable design
elements described during the past 10 years7 by
6 Life Cycle Assessment: Inventory Guidelines and Prin-
ciples. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office
of Research and Development. Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
(EPA/600/R-92/245) 1993.
Tor example, see The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable
Design, pages 3-5. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2000.
international architectural design and engineering firms
and by the American Institute of Architects Committee
on the Environment.
Most of the near-term opportunities described in our
report are based on 516 suggestions we received
from EPA employees at 27 agency laboratories. In
general, these employee suggestions do not focus on
long-term laboratory issues such as facility design,
land acquisition, and building construction. This is
because near-term opportunities to improve laboratory
efficiency necessarily focus on facility inputs, outputs,
and processes rather than on long-term capital
investment.
After reviewing the 516 suggestions from EPA
employees, we organized them into seven categories:
energy use reduction, efficient purchasing and
strategic sourcing of equipment and supplies, chemical
resource management and waste reduction, water
conservation, resource sharing, analytic procedures,
and other significant initiatives. Exhibit 5 (below).
Exhibit 5. Focus of Near-term Laboratory Study —
Seven Categories of Actions and Best Practices that Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
• Energy (4.1)
Equipment and Supplies (4.2)
Chemicals and Waste (4.3)
Water (4.4)
> Resources (4.5)
Processes
Input
LAB OPERATIONS
, & MAINTENANCE
RECYCLING & ftf USE
V '
-/ Output
Analytical Procedures (4.6) eg
• Water Extraction
• Hot Block Digestion
• Air Analyses
Other Processes (4.7)
Physical By-Products e.g..
• Solid Waste (43)
• HVAC Exhaust (4.1)
• Other Releases
-------
illustrates how these categories correspond to the
inputs, processes, and outputs involved in the life-cycle
of a laboratory facility. In this exhibit, the numbers in
parentheses (e.g., 4.1,4.2) correspond to the sections
of Chapter 4.0 that provide a more detailed discussion
about these categories.
3.4 Recent Legislation, Executive Orders,
Federal Partnerships, and Voluntary
Programs that Affect Laboratory Facilities
The suggestions identified by EPA employees are not
isolated efforts; many of them help EPA laboratories
respond to federal government-wide initiatives that aim
to reduce the environmental footprint of government
facilities. In particular, many of the best practices
documented in this report emerged from efforts to
"green the government," to establish Environmental
Management Systems (EMSs) at government facilities,
and to make strategic government purchases. EPA
laboratories have been very active participants and
leaders in these initiatives.
Under a series of executive orders, federal agencies
are required to adopt energy, water consumption, and
environmental management goals within their facilities.
For example, on January 24, 2007, Executive Order
13423 (entitled Strengthening Federal Environmental,
Energy, and Transportation Management) was issued
by the Office of the President. Extending policy
in earlier executive orders aimed at "greening the
government" and in the Energy Policy Act of 2005,
Executive Order 13423 requires federal agencies to
lead by example in advancing the nation's energy
security and environmental performance. Federal
agencies are required to achieve goals in the areas
of energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable
buildings, water conservation, fleets, toxics reductions,
acquisition, electronics stewardship, and recycling.
Specific and ambitious goals established under
Executive Order 13423 for the federal government
include:
• Reducing facility energy use per square foot by 30
percent by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2015;8
• Requiring at least half of current renewable energy
purchases to come from new, renewable sources;
• Reducing water consumption 16 percent by 2015;
• Increasing purchases of alternative fuel, hybrid,
and plug-in hybrid vehicles when commercially
available; and
• Reducing the use of chemicals and toxic materials
and purchasing lower-risk chemicals and toxic
materials.
In an effort to address environmental responsibilities
and improve organizational efficiency, EPA also
has been involved in a wide range of voluntary
activities to facilitate the adoption of EMSs over
the last several years. In October 2006, EPA issued
its Commitment to the Integration and Utilization
of Environmental Management Systems, pledging
to "integrate and utilize EMS as the framework for
enhancing its environmental performance, reducing its
environmental footprint to be sufficient to carry out the
Agency's mission, and demonstrating its leadership in
environmental stewardship."9
To date, EPA has implemented EMSs at 32 sites,
including the 10 regional laboratories, seven ORD
laboratories, two OAR laboratories, and two OPPTS
laboratories. EPA is pursuing EMS implementation
at additional sites, including three more laboratories:
the National Enforcement Investigations Center,
the Radiation and Indoor Environments National
Laboratory, and the OPPTS Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory. Fifty percent of the Agency-wide EMS
objectives for calendar years 2006 and 2007 are
laboratory-specific.'0 These include explicit targets
for laboratories to meet under the objectives of energy
management, chemical management, affirmative
procurement, vehicle use, electronic stewardship,
recycling, and sustainable design.
"Note: The 30% energy reduction requirement became law in
December 2007 under the Energy Independence and Security
Act (EISA) of 2007. 42 U.S.C. 17001 (2007).
9 Memorandum for Assistant Administrators, General Coun-
sel, Inspector General, Chief Financial Officer, Associate
Administrators, and Regional Administrators from Stephen
L. Johnson, EPA Administrator, "Commitment to the Integra-
tion and Utilization of Environmental Management Systems."
October 16, 2006.
10 Memorandum for Assistant Administrators, General
Counsel, Inspector General, Chief Financial Officer, As-
sociate Administrators, Regional Administrators, and Staff
Office Directors from Luis Luna, Assistant Administrator for
EPA's Office of Administration and Resources Management
"Agency EMS Objectives, Targets, and Metrics for CYs 06
and 07," December 21, 2006. Attachment 1 — Final SHEMD
Agencywide EMS Objectives, Targets, and Metrics.
-------
A third government initiative reflected in this report's
best practices is strategic sourcing for government
procurements. In responding to the Office of
Management and Budget's (OMB's) 2005 strategic
sourcing acquisition initiative," EPA has identified
strategic sourcing of laboratory supplies as a priority
opportunity for implementing the "green" purchasing
requirements of many federal laws, regulations, and
Executive Orders.
"Memorandum for Chief Acquisition Officers, Chief Fi-
nancial Officers, and Chief Information Officers from Clay
Johnson III, Deputy Director for Management, OMB; "Imple-
menting Strategic Sourcing." May 20, 2005. [Available at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/procurement/comp_src/
implementing_strategic_sourcing.pdf]
The EPA Office of Administration and Resources
Management (OARM) plays a central role in
facilities management, sustainable development,
and environmental compliance. Many of the actions
in this report are the result of partnerships between
OARM and the laboratories to develop programs for
acquisition, and to improve the energy efficiency of
older buildings. OARM support played an important
and often essential role in bringing about many of the
actions described in Chapter 4.0.
-------
-------
4.0
Opportunities to Improve
Efficiency and Effectiveness
This chapter describes opportunities, actions, and
best practices for improving laboratory efficiency and
effectiveness based on the 516 suggestions identified by
EPA laboratory employees. Appendix 6.0 presents a list
of these suggestions and the information received with
each.
The suggestions have been
organized into seven sections:
energy use reduction, efficient
purchasing/strategic sourcing of
equipment and supplies, chemical
resource management and waste
reduction, water conservation,
resource sharing, analytic
procedures, and other significant
initiatives. Within each of these
sections, actions or best practices
implemented from 2004 through
2007 that appear to have significant
and widespread value were
identified, as well as opportunities
planned for 2007 through 2010 that
offer similar value. As Exhibit 6
below illustrates, more than half
of the actions and best practices
described in this report have been
implemented in the 2004-2007 time
period.
Frequently, the actions or best practices described have
multiple benefits. They often avoid cost increases, are
environmentally responsible, and/or enable employees
to work more effectively or efficiently. Generally,
each of these actions or best practices has been
implemented in at least one EPA laboratory and could
be implemented at others.
A review of Appendix 6.0 indicates that the information
identified by EPA employees does not include
engineering studies or related quantitative analyses.
Qualitative indicators are included where available.
For example, some suggestions and related information
described in 4.1 Energy Use Reduction include a range
of potential reductions in energy usage and associated
cost savings. These quantitative indicators are available
Kxhihit 6. Distribution of 516 Actions and
Best Practices across Time
• Planned 2007-2010
• Implemented 2004-2007
• I
• I
Purchasing/ Chemical Water Resource Analytical Other
Strategic Resource Conservation Sharing Procedures Significant
Sourcing Management Initiatives
& Waste
Reduction
Category
-------
in part because EPA has conducted studies in response
to recent legislation (e.g., the EPAct) and executive
orders (e.g., Executive Order 13423).
The information described in 4.2 Efficient Purchasing/
Strategic Sourcing of Equipment and Supplies, refers
to efficient acquisition of selected equipment and
services. This section was not based directly on the 516
suggestions in Appendix 6.0, but rather was gathered
by the Agency's strategic sourcing team in response
to a May 20, 2005 acquisition initiative (referred to as
strategic sourcing) from the OMB.
4.1 Energy Use Reduction
4.1.1 Introduction and Key Concepts
4.1.1.1 Background
While EPA occupies more than 200 facilities around the
country, the Agency is only responsible for tracking and
reporting energy usage for 34 facilities in which EPA
has direct control over utility bills. For the remaining
facilities, the General Services Administration (GSA)
charges back EPA for its utility usage, and therefore is
responsible for tracking and reporting energy usage.
This section identifies areas where Agency investments
have been implemented or are planned to be
implemented in the area of energy reduction. Cost
avoidance and improved efficiencies are addressed
specifically as provided by the various laboratories
whenever possible. Further information may be
required since this report does not attempt to provide
a complete quantitative analysis of all energy projects
outlined in Exhibit 8 and Exhibit 9.
4.1.1.2 Impact of Legislation
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) and the
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA)
influence how we manage energy resources among
the facilities identified in this report. EPA laboratories
stand out as the most energy intensive facilities within
the Agency, and the seven highest energy-consuming
laboratories use nearly 70 percent of the energy the
Agency purchases. While great strides have been made
reducing energy use in these facilities, more must be
done to comply with the EPAct and EISA.
Executive Orders issued by the President also influence
the way we efficiently allocate energy across EPA
facilities. For example, Executive Order 13423
addresses energy efficiency at federal agencies. The
Order states'2 "improve energy efficiency and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions of the Agency, through
reduction of energy intensity by (i) 3 percent annually
through the end of fiscal year 2015, or (ii) 30 percent
by the end of fiscal year 2015, relative to the baseline
of the Agency's fiscal year 2003."
EPA's energy use in FY 2006 at reporting laboratories
was 1,213,354 MM British Thermal Units (BTUs) and
cost the Agency $21,296,580 (not including the cost of
purchased renewable energy certificates). To meet the
energy reduction goals established by the EPAct, EISA,
and Executive Order 13423, EPA must reduce energy
consumption across its facilities by an average of 3%
per year through the year 2015. This equates to a total
reduction of 30% from EPA's FY 2003 baseline.
4.1.1.3 Defining Strategic Projects and Programs
By definition, a project is considered a "strategic
project" when it reduces EPA's national energy use by
% of 1 percent. Each strategic project would save the
Agency roughly 3,033 MM BTUs, 889,034 kilowatt-
hours, or 2,942 MCF of natural gas, which translates
into approximately $54,000 in energy savings. EPA
would have to complete roughly 130 such projects of
this size to meet energy reduction objectives.13
Each individual strategic project has the potential
to generate significant reductions in energy use
for the Agency. In contrast, strategic programs
generate smaller savings as individual actions but
may cumulatively produce significant savings if
implemented across a number of EPA's laboratories.
Any energy saving action that results in less
than $50,000 of avoided costs and can be easily
implemented across EPA's laboratories to generate
greater savings is considered a "strategic program."
The goal of both strategic projects and programs is to
support the Agency in meeting mandates to cut overall
energy use by 30 percent by October 2015, and to
increase the proportion of renewable energy used to at
least 7.5 percent by October 2012.M
EPA's laboratories have engaged in a variety of
strategic projects and programs aimed at achieving
greater energy efficiency. Exhibit 6 illustrates that
the laboratories identified 235 implemented, planned,
"See section 2, paragraph (a) of Executive Order 13423 is-
sued on January 24, 2007.
"Information provided by EPA OARM Facilities, August
2007.
"See section 203, paragraph (a) of Energy Policy Act of 2005
signed on August 8, 2005.
-------
and recommended actions related to the reduction of
laboratory energy use. These projects and programs
involve a variety of aspects of laboratory facilities
and operations, as illustrated by Exhibit 7, "Diversity
of Energy Use Reduction Initiatives in Response to
Location-Specific Cost Savings Questions."
This section highlights the most important opportunities
for labs to reduce their energy consumption. The
survey responses indicate that the most significant
strategic projects involve recommissioning, retro
commissioning, and/or continuous commissioning;
converting laboratory heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems; and implementing
Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs);
while the most significant strategic programs involve
operations and maintenance best practices that can be
captured in energy management plans (EMPs). The
most illustrative examples of these types of projects and
programs are described in this section and summarized
in Exhibits 9 and 10.
4.1.2 Opportunities for ~^™
Improvement of Energy Usage
4.1.2.1 Recommissioning/Retro
Commissioning/Continuous
Commissioning and Conversion
of Heating, Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
Recommissioning, retro
commissioning and continuous
commissioning are defined in
the EPA Facilities Manual.15
Commissioning of HVAC systems
at EPA's laboratories offers
opportunities for significant cost
savings and improvements in energy
efficiency. EPA laboratories operate
with complex, energy-intensive _______
equipment requiring precise air
temperature, humidity, and flow. Air balance is also
critical for equipment and laboratories. Some EPA
laboratories use computerized building automation
systems that rely on continuously adjusting space
and equipment sensors, in some cases thousands in
a building, to maintain desired conditions. If any are
out of calibration, it can have a dramatic impact on
energy consumption and required space conditions.
Exhibit 7. Diversity of Energy L se Reduction
Initiative* in Response to Location-Specific
Cost Savin'js Questions
Lab Equipment
2%
IT Infrastructure
2%
Lighting
11%
Natural Gas System
1%
Other
9%
HVAC System
26%
Fume Hoods / Ventilation
8%
Space Utilization
6%
Uninterrupted Power Supply
2% (UPS)
Vehicle Fleet
6%
Water System
1%
Alternative Energy Sources
4%
Building & Facilities
18%
Employee Behavior
4%
(Total number of energy use reduction initiatives = 235.)
''EPA Facilities Manual. Volume 2, Architecture and Engi-
neering Guidelines." Appendix B Commissioning Guidelines,
July 2004 [hnp://vv\vw.epa.gov/greeningepaycontent/ae-guide-
lines appendixb.pdf].
-------
Recommissioning laboratories will ensure that all
buildings' HVAC systems operate at the maximum
efficiency possible and with all system capabilities fully
realized.
Recommissioning, retro commissioning and/or
continuous commissioning can be performed with
either variable air volume (VAV) or continuous air
volume (CV) HVAC systems. For VAV systems,
the recommissioning, retro commissioning and/
or continuous commissioning process involves
rebalancing supply and exhaust airflows, inspecting
all controls, valves, and sensors, and matching the
building automation system (if in place) to actual
airflows. For CV systems, the recommissioning process
often results in resetting or recalibrating fume hoods,
replacing mechanical parts, and reducing airflow (while
still meeting EPA's Safety, Health and Environmental
Management Division [SHEMD] and the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] guidelines).
Performing fume hood certifications in conjunction
with HVAC system recommissioning helps to
maximize gains. During annual certification, it is
recommended that all laboratories (especially CV)
maximize potential savings and examine the "best
management practices" when calibrating fume hoods
(e.g., consider 80-85 fpm [feet per minute] versus the
100 fpm traditionally used). EPA and OSHA guidelines
for fume hood operations are a minimum of 80 fpm
across the open hood face area.
Existing hoods in EPA laboratories have stops that
restrict opening the hood that must be used at ALL
laboratories. In labs with VAV HVAC systems,
laboratory technicians are trained to keep the hoods
closed to the maximum extent possible so that
substantial energy savings can be achieved. The
recommended approach is to design the hoods for a
maximum sash opening of 15 to 18 inches at 80 to
90 fpm. Note that this must be done in conjunction
with containment testing to ensure worker safety.
Fume hoods that are not currently in use, or may not
be needed in the near term, should be locked out and
airflow reduced or decommissioned. (Refer to Exhibit
8, item 9 at the end of this section.)
The need for recommissioning, retro commissioning
and/or continuous commissioning has been identified
at a number of EPA laboratories. Locations that
have recently undergone recommissioning have
demonstrated significant savings. If efficiency measures
are instituted during future recommissioning activities,
there are several locations where significant savings
could also be achieved. Many of these measures
are highly replicable with potential for EPA-wide
implementation. As a result, recommissioning could
produce significant cumulative savings in dollars and
BTUs for the Agency.
Opportunities also exist for laboratories to convert
their CV systems to VAV systems. This is a much more
cost-intensive process, but can potentially produce
greater savings associated with greater efficiency.
Complete system conversion requires retrofitting of
all HVAC ductwork for laboratory supply and exhaust
with control valves and electronic modulating reheat
control. Installation of fume hood sash and operator
sensors and airflow/velocity sensors is recommended.
Existing facilities would require that the certified air
balancing be confirmed for safety requirements of
fume-hood operations as well as lab climate condition
requirements.
Recommissioning, retro commissioning and/or
continuous commissioning and converting HVAC
systems offer excellent opportunities for most of EPA's
'labs to reduce energy consumption. However, both
processes are cost-intensive and require extensive
engineering analyses prior to implementation. Further
study will be necessary before either process could be
broadly applied across EPA's laboratory network.
4.1.2.2 Recommissioning VAV Systems
The Region 4 lab in Athens, Georgia has identified the
need to implement setbacks—used to automatically
reset the building temperature during times when it is
unoccupied—as a part of recommissioning its VAV
system, thereby reducing the cost and energy use
associated with heating and cooling. The Region 4
laboratory has proposed incorporating nighttime and
weekend setbacks in its energy management plan,
and has estimated that these energy saving actions
could save approximately $30,000 per year. Setbacks
are relatively simple to implement and can easily be
applied across EPA's laboratories. Payback periods are
usually only one to two years.
The Region 3 laboratory and OPPTS's Environmental
Science Center, co-located in Fort Meade, Maryland,
have proposed adjusting steam reducing-stations from
15 pounds per square inch (psi) to 5-7 psi per operation,
reducing boiler load and demand. Although the
potential savings due to retrofitting activities have not
been estimated, it is expected that the payback period
would only be one to two years.
-------
The Region 7 Science and Technology Center in
Kansas City, Kansas recently underwent an operation
and maintenance evaluation performed by contractors
from the Sustainable Facilities Practices Branch
(OARM) at Headquarters. The focus of the evaluation
was on energy use, and a strong need was identified
for recommissioning the VAV HVAC system.
Depending upon the availability of funding and the
recommendations of the resulting report, the Region
intends to pursue the implementation of operational
changes to enhance the efficiency of the HVAC system
and reduce energy consumption. These changes are
likely to involve readjusting supply and exhaust
airflows to meet laboratory needs during occupied
and unoccupied periods and matching the building
automation system with actual airflows. Region 7
anticipates that these recommissioning efforts could
increase the laboratory's energy efficiency by 20% or
more, with a payback period of only one to two years.
The National Enforcement Investigations Center
(OECA) in Denver, Colorado has also undergone
an operation and maintenance review of its energy
consuming systems in 2006. Following the review,
the Center initiated recommissioning of its HVAC
system, with total energy and cost savings estimated at
$52,000. Part of the recommissioning focused on the
Center's hot water pumps, which are programmed to
stay off until the outside air temperature drops below
35°F (or until the hot water coil valve starts to open);
freeze protection has been achieved by controlling the
hot water valves to maintain a reasonable temperature
(60°F). These modifications have reduced unoccupied
hot water flow, and the resulting pump energy savings
have been estimated at $2,290 per year or 21,900 kWh
per year.
4.1.2.3 Recommissioning Constant Volume (CV)
Systems
The Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research
Center (ORD) in Cincinnati, Ohio undertook
recommissioning of its CV HVAC system in 1998.
The major objective was to rebalance the system and
reduce fume hood exhaust air volumes down to 80
fpm when fully open, eliminating the introduction of
unconditioned, humid air and the amount of outside
air infiltration, thereby reducing the need to overcool/
reheat for dehumidification. The Center also achieved a
20% reduction in fume hood exhaust. Starting in 2007,
the Center began major renovation efforts, and many
efficiency measures are undergoing implementation
throughout the facility. This project will include the
conversion of all of the fume hoods from CV to VAV
systems. The Agency has committed funding for the
Center's renovation through 2015, with significant
energy and cost savings expected.
The Region 6 lab in Houston, Texas has proposed
recalibrating its fume hoods, currently calibrated at
over 100 fpm per the original lease requirements,
as a part of recommissioning its CV HVAC system.
EPA's Safety, Health and Environmental Management
Division and OSHA guidelines require minimum
settings between 80-120 fpm per hood. By recalibrating
the fume hoods at 85 fpm, the Region has estimated
that energy consumption could be reduced by up to
5%, amounting to savings of approximately $300 per
hood per year. Prior to recalibration, the Region would
need to ensure that all safety and health standards and
regulations could be met. Although the implementation
cost is estimated at $4,000-$5,000, the payback period
is expected to be less than one year.
4.1.2.4 Conversion of EPA Laboratories from
Constant Volume to Variable Air Volume Systems
Most of EPA's laboratories operate with CV fume hood
systems, meaning that for each standard fume hood,
whether open or closed, 1,000 to 1,200 cubic feet per
minute (CFM) of conditioned air must be supplied into
a lab to replace the air being exhausted outside through
the fume hood. In a location like Las Vegas or Houston,
it takes considerable energy to cool and/or dehumidify
such large quantities of air. Modern laboratory design
has shifted to VAV hoods, where the amount of air
exhausted through the fume hood corresponds to
the level (or "openness") of the fume hood sash. For
example, for a typical VAV fume hood, 1,000 CFM to
1,200 CFM of air is required when the fume hood is
open, whereas only 250 CFM of air is required when
closed.
This simple example demonstrates that rather than
conditioning 1,000 CFM of air 24 hours per day for
laboratory supply under a Constant Volume System,
one could reduce the need to 250 CFM of air, 22
hours of the day (assuming two hours a day with the
fume hood open to check an experiment underway),
representing a savings of more than 70% of conditioned
air. This is considered substantial energy savings for a
laboratory.
Paybacks for conversion from CV to VAV can range
from 10 to 30 years, making it best to schedule
conversions at the end of the useful life of major
infrastructure components like air handling units,
control systems, exhaust systems, or during lab
modernizations. In addition to complete conversions,
system components can be changed out over time to
-------
migrate the system towards VAV operation (replacing
constant speed exhaust fans with variable speed drive
fans, replacing air handlers with variable speed drives,
etc.).
In Duluth, Minnesota, VAV conversion should reduce
energy consumption by more than 20%, or more
than $69,000 annually at FY 2006 energy prices. The
Cincinnati Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental
Research Center infrastructure replacement project
should reduce energy use 38.5%, representing $856,000
in annual energy savings.
4.1.2.5 Energy Savings Performance Contracts
Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) are a
way to upgrade mechanical systems of EPA laboratories
without full funding from EPA building and facility
appropriations. Under an ESPC, a contractor
finances the redesign, upgrade, replacement and/or
modernization of mechanical systems, which results
in energy use reductions and energy cost savings.
The Agency pays a significant portion or all of the
energy cost savings to the ESPC contractor to finance
the project costs. EPA laboratories in Ann Arbor, MI
and Ada, OK offer examples of this approach. Under
ESPCs, both laboratories reduced energy use by
more than 40% and had substantial portions of their
infrastructure replaced.
It is important to note that completing an ESPC
may not reduce a facility's operating costs directly.
Typically, the bulk if not all of the reductions in energy
charges are paid to the ESPC contractor to finance the
mechanical system upgrades. In addition, the ESPC
contractor will control operations of the systems, and
any future modifications to the mechanical systems for
future lab changes must be negotiated with the ESPC
contractor.
Where ESPCs are most helpful regarding operational
costs is the avoided cost on future energy cost
increases. Today's volatile energy markets have
generally meant increasing fuel costs. If an ESPC saves
2,000,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year at a
particular lab, a two-cent increase in kilowatt costs
means a $40,000 savings to that EPA lab by avoiding
the use of, and thus the rising cost of, the energy.
The Ann Arbor ESPC, completed in April 2001,
involved a comprehensive reconception and design
of the laboratory's HVAC systems. The $10.5
million project replaced the laboratory's boilers and
chillers, added rooftop air handling units with indirect
evaporative cooling and heat recovery, a 200-kilowatt
natural gas fuel cell, and a new direct digital control
system.
The Ada ESPC involved the installation of a ground
source heat pump system, which uses the constant
temperature of the earth to accept or reject heat to
provide cooling and heating to the building. The Ada
project also included the conversion of Ada's fume
hoods and mechanical systems from CV to VAV
systems. The project value was $3.5 million.
The end result of both of these projects was that EPA
did not have to fund the mechanical systems out of
its limited building and facility (B&F) dollars. A
comprehensive mechanical upgrade was achieved in
both cases, and each laboratory now uses considerably
less energy and water.
All these benefits come with some constraints. OAR
signed a 25-year contract with the ESPC contractor,
NORESCO, and any significant change in operations,
building additions, or major mechanical system
changes involve contract negotiations with NORESCO.
ORD signed a similar long-term contract with its
ESPC contractor, Johnson Controls, Inc. Because the
profit potential is limited, ESPC contractors may not
be motivated to renegotiate contracts to accommodate
changes small in scope, therefore future flexibility at
each lab may be impeded.
Currently EPA is in the preliminary stages of ESPC
discussions for two projects: heat recovery in Research
Triangle Park (RTP) New Main, and mechanical and
control system upgrades at the Central Utility Plant that
serves EPA and the National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences (NIEHS) facilities in RTP.
Share-in-savings contracts are encouraged and facility
managers or laboratory directors should contact OARM
for further assistance. Seeking long-term contracts with
energy or utility companies or other business partners
to improve the efficiency of heating and cooling,
lighting, and other systems is a sound business practice.
Companies initially pay for improvements upfront,
and then keep most or all of the energy cost savings
that result from the improvements. In an August 3,
2007 memo to agency heads, Edwin Pifiero, White
House Federal Environmental Executive, says share-in-
savings contracts will help agencies meet mandates to
cut overall energy use.
-------
4.1.2.6 Operations and Maintenance Best Practices
Assessment
The Sustainable Facilities Practices Branch
has commissioned a number of Operations and
Maintenance assessments for EPA facilities. Operations
and Maintenance (O&M) assessments will identify the
best opportunities for optimizing energy-using systems
and improving O&M practices. It provides the starting
point for evaluating the present O&M program and a
basis for understanding which O&M improvements are
most cost effective to implement. Refer to Exhibit 9 for
the information contained in this section.
The goal of an assessment is to:
• Develop recommendations for optimizing building
performance to reduce energy waste.
• Develop recommendations for optimizing building
performance and equipment control to save energy
and maintain comfort.
• Evaluate Building Automation System (BAS)
capabilities and recommend ways to optimize
control strategies to improve comfort and save
energy.
• Evaluate the current computerized maintenance
management system (CMMS) for adequate
information such as equipment inventory,
attainable and realistic PM schedules and adequate
PM tasks.
• Recommend improvements to or addition of
CMMS.
• Investigate specific problem areas of the building
and/or problematic equipment.
• Recommend energy-efficient equipment upgrades
for further investigation.
• Recommend training requirements for building
staff in the assessment process to increase their
skill in tracking the results of O&M and energy-
efficient improvements.
• Conduct a cost and benefit analysis for
implementing recommended O&M improvements.
For facilities that have yet to have an O&M assessment
performed, including site-specific recommendations,
more generic actions that could be taken are as follows:
• Make sure air handling filters are clean.
• Ensure belts are properly tensioned and bearings
are lubricated.
• Turn off lighting and equipment when not in use.
• Optimize temperature set points to the extent
possible without compromising comfort.
• Utilize temperature setbacks and/or shut off air
handlers during evenings and weekends.
• Inspect steam traps for proper operation; repair
compressed air leaks.
• Upgrade to T-8 fluorescent tubes and electronic
ballasts when possible.
• Use high efficiency electric motors when
replacement is required.
• Use employee awareness programs to turn
off computers and provide assistance with
recommendations above.
One major focus of O&M evaluations of laboratories
is the functioning of laboratory fume hoods,
which is extremely energy-intensive, particularly
when the hoods are not operating properly. Fume
hood performance at EPA laboratories is checked
periodically to ensure operating parameters are met.
When correct face velocities have been achieved (80
fpm minimum), attention should be directed to external
factors such as hood location and room ventilation
as well as maximum operating efficiency (i.e., best
settings for energy usage as well as safety and health).
Fume hoods at all EPA laboratories are required to
be certified annually, as well as after any significant
maintenance has been performed on the exhaust system
or room air supply system. During annual and/or
significant maintenance of fume hoods, personnel can
yield immediate results and relatively fast paybacks by
lowering face velocity (directly impacting Air Change
per Hour [ACH] rates) when possible.
-------
4.1.3 Conclusions and Key Recommendations
Best Management Practices discussed in this section
that could be implemented with little or no cost could
include:
• Setting fume hood sash heights at all EPA
laboratories (whether CV or VAV systems);
• Standardizing fume hood calibrations to optimized
energy/safety guidelines (e.g., 85 fpm); and
• Standardized maximization of ACH rates (e.g., four
to six ACH rated).
4.1.4 Implemented and Planned Improvement Tables
All facilities are encouraged to undergo O&M
evaluations and develop site-specific in-house energy
management plans that incorporate the recommended
best practices. These plans should include goals and
targets to reduce energy use and costs to the lowest
cost-effective levels while meeting mission objectives.
In addition to the suggestions made in the previous
section, these plans should establish guidelines on the
use of personnel electrical equipment and appliances,
after-hours access and use of the facilities, and any
other location-specific guidelines as needed.
Exhibit 8. Energy Use Reduction: Laboratory Improvements Implemented, 2004-2007
Item Brief Description
Lab Name/
Location
Key Improvement and Avoided
Costs or Savings (quantification if
available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All/Some)
1
2
3
4
5
6
Manually closing the sash on
the laboratory chemical fume
hoods/ventilation
Replacement facilities
underwent construction
through the LEED Program
CRT computer monitors
replaced with high efficiency
flat screen LCD monitors
Operation of the energy-
consuming systems in the
building was reviewed and
improvement measures were
developed
Implementation of EPA's
"Top Ten Energy Savings
Operations and Maintenance
Practices"
Use of free cooling during
colder seasons, reducing
hot water loop temperatures
and increasing chilled water
temperatures
ORD/NERL7HEASD-
RTP, NC
OR D/Gulf Ecology
Division (NHEERL) -
Gulf Breeze, FL
ORD/NERL/
Environmental
Sciences Division -
Las Vegas, NV
OECA/OCEFT/
National Enforcement
Investigations Center
- Denver, CO
ORD/Ecosysterris
Research Division
(NERD-
Athens, GA
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel
Emissions Laboratory
Ann Arbor, Ml
Approx. savings of $196,200/year ($900/
fume hood). Actual savings can be up to
60% with full compliance; up to $1,800/
hood/year and $900,000 total
Savings
$25,000-$50,000/year
Flat screens use less energy and generate
less heat;
$8,000 projected total savings from 2004
-2011
20,000 kWh/year
Combined with fume hood certification,
this generally has good short term
paybacks (1-2 years) if systems are too
old to be adjusted; estimated cumulative
energy and cost savings of $52,000
Reduced energy profile 8+% in FY06;
unfortunately, due to increasing energy
costs, their actual cost of energy
increased around 5%, but this leads to an
avoided cost
Savings of approx. $180,000 in FY06;
24% reduction from FY06
Some
Some
All
All
All
Some
-------
Item Brief Description
Lab Name/
Location
Key Improvement and Avoided
Costs or Savings (quantification if
available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All/Some)
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Installed 23 fan-powered
air terminals, significantly
enhancing the heat
distribution in perimeter
offices
Replacement of old boilers,
chillers, roof top units
with new, more efficient
equipment
Chemical fume hoods not in
use have been locked out
and airflows reduced
Renovated building equipped
with a building automation
system
Installation of ground source
heat pump via ESPC
Office and laboratory lights
are shut off at the end of
each workday
Eliminated two warehouses
from Page Road Grand Slam
facility
Recommissioned VAV
Laboratories and air handling
units
Replaced computer room
air conditioners with state
of the art hot aisle/cold aisle
design that will use the
energy efficient central plant
for service
Region 1 (NERL) -
Chelmsford, MA
ORD/NERL/
Environmental
Sciences Division -
Las Vegas, NV
ORD/NERL/HEASD-
RTP, NC
OECA/OCEFT7
National Enforcement
Investigations Center
- Denver, CO
OR D/Ground Water
& Ecosystems
Restoration Division
(NRMRU-
Ada, OK
ORD/Ecosystems
Research Division
(NERD-
Athens, GA
OARM - RTP, NC
OARM - RTP, NC
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel
Emissions Laboratory
Ann Arbor, Ml
Approx. $187,000/year;
7,047 million BTUs saved in FY06 (30%
. reduction over past two fiscal years)
Savings of $160,000 from 2004 to
present; $480,000 projected total savings
from 2004-2011;
575,000 kWh electricity/year; 30,900
therms natural gas/ year
Costs went up 9.1% in FY05 and 2.6%
in FY06, while their energy use went up
9.8% in FY05 and down 10% in FY06.
Savings of $3,000/hood/year; approx. .
$10,800/year (40% reduction)
Savings of 10-15% with further additional
savings available with additional capital
investments
Contract show savings exceeding
$200,000 for both FY05 and FY06,
$270,000 in first year (similar results
second year);
44% reduction in FY 2005 (similar results
in FY 2006)
Operation controls are even cheaper than
the motion sensors typically associated
with "green" lights upgrades— infinite
payback; Could translate to $30,000-
40,000/year
Page Road utilities are $l/sq. ft; saving
20,000 sq. ft translates to $20,000/year
utility savings.
Also estimated to save approximately
$220,000 in annual lease costs.
$20,000-30,000/hood cost with $3,000/
hood savings;
34 billion BTUs (5% reduction) in FY06
Estimated savings of $12,000/year
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
-------
Item Brief Description
Lab Name/
Location
Key Improvement and Avoided
Costs or Savings (quantification if
available)
(All /Some)
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Recommissioned chilled
water, reduced single pass
cooling equipment
Deactivated refrigerators and
freezers not in use
Manually closing the sash on
the laboratory chemical fume
hoods/ventilation
Decommissioning of hoods
not in use (put in standby)
New Annex 1 office space
with a state-of-the-art,
energy efficient VAV HVAC
system
Assessment of the energy-
consuming systems was
performed and improvement
measures were implemented
Moved/consolidated
contractor space into
modern space; eliminated
energy loads in building bays
Replaced six fume hoods
with models to reduce
airflow by approximately
25%, maintaining adequate
capture and user safety
ORD/Atlantic Ecology
Division (NHEERD-
Narragansett, Rl
Office of Pesticides
Programs,
Environmental
Chemistry Laboratory
St. Louis, MS
Region 3 and OPP
- Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Office of Pesticides
Programs,
Environmental
Chemistry Laboratory
St. Louis, MS
ORD/AndrewW.
Breidenbach
Environmental
Research Center
(NRMRD-
Cincinnati, OH
OECA/OCEFT/
National Enforcement
Investigations Center
- Denver, CO
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental
Response Team,
andORD/NRMRL-
Edison, NJ
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental
Response Team,
andORD/NRMRL-
Edison, NJ
Savings of $32,000/year (payback period
less than eight years);
293,000 kWh electricity/year (20%
reduction); 1,000,000 gallons of water/
year
No quantification of savings provided
Helps in VAV laboratories;
$2,000-3,000/year/hood savings for VAV
hoods open versus closed
Great when system can reduce supply
and exhaust as hoods are hibernated;
taking a hood out of service could be up
to $5,000/year savings/hood
VAV systems for office and laboratories are
standard practice and conserve energy
Resulting in estimated cumulative energy
and cost savings of $52,000; savings of
$3,400/year;
32,600 kWh electricity/year
Savings of $13,500/year; 600 million
BTUs/year; energy savings in these areas
are offset by new loads
Savings of $19,800/year; projected
additional savings of $17,300/year, 920
million BTUs/year; projected additional
savings of 800 million BTUs/year
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
All
Some
Some
-------
Item Brief Description
Lab Name/
Location
Potential
Key Improvement and Avoided to Apply
Costs or Savings (quantification if across EPA
available) Laboratories?
(All/Some)
24
25
26
Building automation
system adjusted building
temperatures in non-
occupied areas
Replaced an existing
oversized boiler with two
smaller 2.4 BTU boilers
Replaced the existing
225-kilovolt ampere (kVA)
uninterrupted power supply
(UPS)withanew80-KVA
UPS
ORD/Atlantie Ecology
Division (NHEERL) -
Narragansett, Rl
Region 9 - Richmond,
CA
Region 9 - Richmond,
CA
Annual average savings of $14,902*;
annual average energy savings of 855
million BTUs (2.8%/year reduction)*
Projecting this project to save in the range
of 10%
Reduction of 23% in kWh usage
Some
Some
Some
"These savings are averages based on annual data for FY99-FY06.
Exhibit 9. Energy Use Reduction: Laboratory Improvements Planned, 2007-2010
Brief Description
Key Improvement and Avoided
Lab Name/Location Costs or Savings (quantification
if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All/Some)
1
2
3
4
Automatically reduced the
building's temperature
controls at night and on
weekends
Adjust steam-reducing
stations from 15psi to 5-7
psi; operation will reduce
boiler demand and load
further
Operational changes
identified in recent energy
use evaluations could
enhance the efficiency of the
HVAC system
Replace 714-T12 bulbs
(23%) within the next year
Region 4 Science &
Ecosystem Support
Division - Athens, GA
Region 3 AND OPP -
Environmental Science
Center, Fort Meade, MD
Region 7 (RSTC) -
Kansas City, KS
OR D/Ground Water &
Ecosystems Restoration
Division (NRMRD-
Ada, OK
Ensures existing system capabilities
are realized; savings of $30,000/year
or 3,037 MMBTUs
Ensures appropriate supply and
exhaust to meet occupied and
unoccupied periods and matching
BAS with actual airflows. Payback of
1-2 years.
Ensures appropriate supply and
exhaust to meet occupied and
unoccupied periods and matching
BAS with actual airflows. Paybacks
1-2 years.
Typical payback of 2 years; savings of
$l,900/year (payback period approx.
10 years);
approx. 31,000 kWh electricity/
year (approx. 1% total annual kWh
consumption of lab)
Some
Some
Some
All
-------
Brief Description
Key Improvement and Avoided
Lab Name/Location Costs or Savings (quantification
if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All /Some)
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Replace current hoods
and laboratory ventilation
systems that do not meet
current safety or energy
efficiency standards
AWBERC Infrastructure
Replacement
Project-2008-014
Retrofit existing T12 lamps
and magnetic ballasts;
replace incandescent exit
signs; and install motion
sensors to shut off lights
automatically
Recommend that fume hood
be calibrated at 85 fpm
(complying with EPA/OSHA
requirements)
Explore reducing exit
velocity out of the facility
main exhaust further and
the possibility of reducing
the number of EFs during
periods of non-occupancy
Installing some T-5
technology, and switching
to low-mercury tubes to
eliminate disposal costs
Identifying additional
instrumentation and
equipment to be shut off
during non-working periods
O&M assessment for
optimizing energy systems
by FMSD/SFPB
Radiation & Indoor
Environments National
Laboratory -
Las Vegas, NV
ORD/AndrewW.
Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center (N KM RU-
Cincinnati, OH
ORD/Ecosystems
Research Division
(NERU-
Athens, GA
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 3 and OPP -
Environmental Science
Center, Fort Meade, MD
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel
Emissions Laboratory -
Ann Arbor, Ml
Region 6 - Houston, TX
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel
Emissions Laboratory-
Ann Arbor, Ml
Replacement of these hoods offers the
opportunity to achieve energy savings
by reducing the amount of air that
needs to be conditioned depending
upon usage; no quantification of
savings provided
Entails replacing infrastructure
with state-of-the-art VAV and high
performance fume hoods;
33,526 MMBTUs saved at
completion; 134,104 MMBTUs in
FY06
Typical payback of 2 years; savings of
$5,173/year
Test repeatability, reliability,
and stability of the controls/
actuators/valves prior to pursuing
implementation;
estimate $300/hood/year savings
Changing exhaust stack velocities
saves money and energy but must
be done in conjunction with review
of disbursement study or upgrade
of control system to monitor current
wind conditions; estimated savings of
$8,000/year
No quantification of savings provided;
T-5 Technology (HQ does not have
much experience with T-5 yet)
Estimate $60,000 savings assuming
offices and labs occupied less than
50% of time and instruments actually
in use 30% of time
Savings provided, possible 1-2%
further savings, i.e., $8,000- 16,0007
year
Some
Some
All
All
Some
Some
All
Some
-------
Brief Description
Key Improvement and Avoided
Lab Name/Location Costs or Savings (quantification
if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All/Some)
13
14
Five additional fume hoods/
ventilation systems will be
replaced
1,200 40-year-old lighting
fixtures and 4,000 F40-T12
and F32-T8 lamps
scheduled to be replaced
with new high-efficiency
"green" fixtures that have
electronic ballasts
Region 2, OSWER/ERT
andORD/NRMRL-
Edison, NJ
ORD/NERL7
Environmental Sciences
Division -
Las Vegas, NV
Savings of $17,'300/year and
800 million BTUs
Projected total cost savings of
$38,400 from 2004-2011;
1 19,200 kWh electricity/year
Some
All
4.2 Efficient Purchasing/Strategic
Sourcing of Equipment and Supplies
4.2.1 Introduction and Key Concepts
On May 20, 2005, the OMB introduced a new
acquisition initiative called strategic sourcing.'6
By definition, strategic sourcing is a collaborative
and structured process of critically analyzing an
organization's spending and then making business
decisions about how to acquire selected commodities
and services more effectively and efficiently. The
intention is to help federal agencies optimize
performance, minimize price, and increase achievement
of socio-economic acquisition goals, among other
"Memorandum for Chief Acquisition Officers, Chief
Financial Officers, and Chief Information Officers from
Clay Johnson III, Deputy Director for Management, OMB;
Subject: Implementing Strategic Sourcing (May 20, 2005)
[http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/procurement/comp_src/
implementing_strategic_sourcing.pdf]
objectives. In developing strategic sourcing proposals,
agencies are encouraged to adhere to the following
strategic sourcing model:
Exhibit 10. OMB Seven Step Strategic
Sourcing Model
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Opportunity Analysis
Profile the Commodity
Detailed Spend Analysis
Detailed Market Analysis
Develop Commodity Acquisition Strategy
Implement Acquisition Strategy
Manage Performance
-------
In response to OMB's initiative, EPA created a Strategic
Sourcing Team, with representatives from the Office of
the Chief Financial Officer, the Office of Environmental
Information, and the Office of Administration and
Resources Management. This team identified three
potential commodities/services for strategic sourcing:
1) "green" office supplies, 2) recycling and disposal
services for information technology equipment, and 3)
laboratory supplies.
4.2.1.1 Background for EPA's Strategic Sourcing
Effort for Laboratory Supplies
Formed in early 2006, the Laboratory Supplies
Commodity Team was established to develop,
implement and assist in the management of strategic
sourcing for laboratory supplies. The Laboratory
Supplies Commodity Team is led by a tri-Chair
representing EPA's key laboratory organizations
(defined as the Office of Research and Development,
Program and Regional Laboratory organizations).
The Team includes representation from the Office
of Research and Development, the Office of Air and
Radiation, the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and
Toxic Substances, the Office of Administration and
Resources Management, the Office of Environmental
Information, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer,
the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance,
and the Regional Laboratories.
The Laboratory Supplies Commodity Team seeks
to transform the traditional acquisition approach as
it applies to selected laboratory supplies. This will
entail a collaborative and structured process whereby
acquisition decisions are made based upon improved
business intelligence. Detailed analyses of recent
spending patterns and market influences will provide
the information necessary for the change. The results
will be a more efficient and effective system that
provides greater overall value of taxpayer dollars.
In forming the group's charter, the Laboratory Supplies
Commodity Team identified the following goals:
• To reduce the total cost for selected laboratory
supplies provided by suppliers with equivalent or
better service;
• To improve the fulfillment of socio-economic
goal(s) for the selected laboratory supplies;
• To broaden the skills of EPA acquisition and
laboratory professionals in a manner that elevates
their role as business managers; and
• . To strengthen laboratory management commitment
to the strategic sourcing process so that sustained
benefits are derived from the program.
The primary responsibility of the Team is to develop,
implement and assist in the management of strategic
sourcing for selected laboratory supplies. The
Laboratory Supplies Commodity Team reports to EPA's
Strategic Sourcing Team, which is responsible for the
overall planning, implementation and logistical actions
associated with strategic sourcing throughout EPA. The
Laboratory Supplies Commodity Team provides project
status updates to EPA's Strategic Sourcing Team at
regular intervals and involves them at the appropriate
key decision points. The Strategic Sourcing Team, in
turn, reports to the EPA Strategic Sourcing Council.
The Council is comprised of the Chief Acquisition,
Financial and Information Officers. The primary
responsibilities of the Council include the overall
decision-making regarding key strategic sourcing
issues, monitoring the progress of the program, and
providing direction within EPA.
During the spring of 2006, the Laboratory Supplies
Commodity Team distributed a survey to all EPA
laboratories to collect information on purchases
during Fiscal Year 2005 for each commodity category
typically purchased to support laboratory operations.
For purposes of this exercise, the Team focused
on "disposable" commodities. Exhibit 11 provides
definitions for the surveyed laboratory commodities:
-------
Exhibit 11. Definitions of Laboratory Commodities
Category Definition
Glassware
Plasticware
Sample Containers
Personal Protective
Equipment
Disposable and
Consumable Items
Reagents and Media
Standards (including PT
Samples)
Solvents/Acids/ Bases
Gases
Other
Objects/containers/utensils made of glass used for sample preparation and analysis, including
disposable glassware
Objects/containers/utensils made of plastic, flexible polymers, and fluoropolymers, including
disposable plasticware
Containers used to store environmental samples
Equipment or articles used to provide protection to the employee during laboratory operations
Items that are disposed of immediately after use AND items that have a defined lifetime due to use
and degradation. This category does NOT include disposable glassware and plasticware (see above
categories)
Substances used in the preparation and analysis of environmental samples that are chemical or
biological in origin
Substances (liquid, solid or gas) that have a quantitative value and are used to determine the
concentration of an analyte or for the fortification of a sample use to assess quality control. The
substances can be chemical or biological in origin
A liquid substance used in the sample preparation and analysis of environmental samples, study
samples, etc., to dissolve the target analyte(s)
A gaseous substance generally used in the operation of an instrument
Any items not covered in the established categories
Over 30 EPA laboratories responded to the team's
request. Based upon the survey results, the Agency
spends over $7 million each year on laboratory supplies
(Exhibit 12), procuring these commodities from over
800 vendors." Use of government purchase cards
appears to be the preferred purchase method. Prices
paid generally have ranged from GSA schedule rates to
retail rates.
Exhibit 12. FY2005 Spending on Laboratory
Commodities
Laboratory Type Total
Regional Laboratories
ORD Laboratories
Program Laboratories
Agency Totals
$2,297,915
$4,250,468
$772,921
$7,321,305
"All data on EPA laboratory supply purchases are derived
from a 2005 EPA internal survey of its laboratories. A sum-
mary of these data can be found in the Request For Quotation
(RFQ) — Laboratory Supplies Blanket Purchase Agreement
(BPA)RFQ-OH-07-00111.
The team disaggregated the spending into finer
categories. Exhibit 13 breaks the Agency's spending
down by commodity category.
-------
The vendor analysis identified two noteworthy
conclusions: (1) suppliers of gases are unlikely to
be able to supply the other
commodities needed for '^^^^^^^
laboratory operations; and (2)
EPA laboratories procure most
of their laboratory supplies from
small businesses, several of
which are positioned to supply
materials across all of the Agency's
laboratory supply categories.
Kxhih'n 13. C'ttM DiMrihiilimi of El'i\
Lahnratiirv C'lnumixlitv Pnrclia\c'\ in FY 2HH5"1
Glassware
6%
Chemicals
6%
jmpte Containers
3%
Disposables &
Consumables
18%
Standards
4,2.1.2 Implementation Status
The team believes that strategic
sourcing will lead to general
improvements relative to the
current way of acquiring laboratory
supplies. These improvements
include cost savings, better
socioeconomic opportunity,
increased uniformity and quality
in the acquisition of supplies, and •^^•••••""••••"
improved resolution of disputes
associated with the purchase of
supplies. After much consideration of all acquisition
options, the Laboratory Supplies Commodity Team
recommended the solicitation be awarded as a Blanket
Purchase Agreement (BPA). Some EPA laboratories
have realized efficiencies in the procurement of
laboratory supplies through similar vehicles. A BPA
will provide an easier common method for (1) tracking
of spending under the program, (2) providing spending
data to the Agency's Office of Small Business, and (3)
using government purchase cards to place orders.
Based upon this strategy, the Agency issued a Request
for Quotation (RFQ) for this effort during the summer
2007. A pre-proposal conference with prospective
vendors was held in August 2007, to allow potential
vendors to ask questions prior to submitting their
proposals. A cross-agency team, representing ORD,
the regional laboratories, and the program laboratories
served as the technical review panel. Two BPAs
were awarded in March 2008 to Fox Scientific and
Government Scientific Source.
The Agency awarded the BPAs as 100 percent small
business set-asides. The BPA holders must have
access to a variety of suppliers. They have agreed to
meet stated deliverables and reporting requirements.
PPE
3%
Reagents and Media
24%
(Total dollar value of all purchases - $7,321.304 )
including meeting quality specifications, timely
delivery, and minimum performance standards. If
supplies meeting a laboratory's specifications are not
available via the BPA, laboratories may order these
through alternate suppliers.
The team sees several potential advantages being
realized as a result of the BPAs. Laboratories
may realize a 10 to 20 percent savings on supplies
purchased through the BPA when compared to the
current acquisition process. In some cases, the
discounts may be more significant. Laboratories
should anticipate lower administrative costs and an
improved ordering process.
As part of the implementation process, the Agency is
conducting a pilot study with a cross-section of the
laboratories. Through the pilot, the team anticipates
identifying process improvements and streamlining of
procedures. Full implementation of this program is
anticipated to occur during the summer of 2008.
-------
4.2.1.3 Performance Management
As the Laboratory Supplies Commodity Team moves
forward with its procurement strategy, it will be
important to keep different metrics in mind to monitor
the Agency's performance and success in moving to a
more streamlined approach to laboratory procurement.
The team has identified the following performance
measures based upon lessons learned at an individual
laboratory level as well as other agencies that have
already embarked on the strategic sourcing approach
for procurement of laboratory supplies:
• To obtain participation of > 90% of the Agency's
laboratories within the Office of Research and
Development, Program and Regional organizations
in the first year of implementation;
• To source > 20% of the total participating
laboratories' supply cost in the first year of
implementation;
• To reduce the annual total cost for selected
laboratory supplies provided by suppliers at
equivalent or better service; and
• To include socio-economic relevant businesses for
the selected laboratory supplies.
4.2.2 Opportunities for Additional Strategic
Sourcing Efforts
After successfully awarding the pending BPA for
laboratory commodities, the Laboratory Supplies
Commodity Team has expressed an interest in exploring
a separate strategic purchasing plan for laboratory
gases. A subgroup of the laboratory supplies commodity
team has already formed to develop this proposal
further. Work on this effort will continue through FY
2008.
A second opportunity to consider involves large
laboratory equipment. Individual purchases of large
laboratory equipment can easily exceed several
hundred thousand dollars per piece of equipment. Other
scientific agencies within the federal government have
begun exploring strategic sourcing as a possibility
for these pieces of equipment. Further discussion and
benchmarking with these federal partners may be
warranted to explore potential additional avoided costs
for the laboratories.
4.3 Chemical Resource Management and
Waste Reduction
4.3.1 Introduction and Key Concepts
EPA laboratories have developed, implemented and
are planning a number of cost effective best practices
to reduce chemical usage and waste at the source.
Laboratory improvements in the areas of chemical
and waste disposal management are generally more
mature than in some of the energy areas, which have
typically been more dependent on the development of
new technologies or major upgrades to HVAC systems.
By contrast, many of the potential savings in chemical
resource management and waste reduction are possible
with the adoption of best practices and little investment
in new structures or systems. As a result, these savings,
although frequently a small percentage of the overall
operating budget of the laboratory, can be readily
realized and may collectively have significant dollar
value.
These observations are supported by a bar graph
found in the Executive Summary (see Exhibit 1),
which demonstrates that future planning for waste
reduction activities is insignificant relative to other
planned projects, whereas there are still a number of
opportunities identified in the chemical management
arena.
Improvements in chemical and waste disposal
management have been incorporated as best
management practices and good environmental
stewardship, often implemented as part of
Environmental Management Systems at many facilities.
In response to E.O. 13423, the Agency added a
specific target for its laboratories for 2007 through
2009. Hoping to minimize the use of toxic chemicals
and hazardous substances, individual laboratories are
required to set quantitative targets for at least three
chemicals, from a list of 15, by the end of 2007.
The actions already taken or planned by EPA
laboratories, which are spelled out in this report, show
practical applications of how it may be possible for
laboratories to come into compliance with Executive
Order 13423, along with realizing potential cost
savings. Implementation scenarios have included
managerial review of current practices to identify
new opportunities and eliminate outdated or less
effective approaches (continuous improvement system
approach). Planning and implementation strategies for
chemical and waste disposal management must comply
with all federal, state, and local regulations.
-------
It is noteworthy that the practicality of different
laboratories to implement chemical use and waste
generation strategies as identified in this report is, in
part, a function of the type of services that a laboratory
provides. A large percentage of Regional laboratory
analyses require the use of Agency standard methods.
In many cases, these methods may specify or require
either the use of larger volumes of chemicals and/
or solvents or specify chemicals other than "green"
chemicals, whereas ORD laboratories frequently have
the option of specifying or developing methods that
minimize the total volume of chemicals used and/or
utilize "green" chemicals.
The different types of opportunities found in this
section are depicted in Exhibit 14 at right.
Inventory Management
14%
4.3.2 Opportunities for
Improvements in Chemical
Resource Management and
Waste Reduction
4.3.2.1 Solvent Recycling
In the area of solvent recycling,
laboratories in Regions 3, 4, 8,
and 9 have identified activities
resulting in cost reductions of up
to $15,000 annually. This reflects
that cost savings are most apparent
at facilities where large numbers
of routine analyses are conducted.
There may be additional Regional
laboratories where this kind
of cost savings can still be
effectively implemented. ORD
laboratories typically conduct «
research analyses that involve
smaller numbers of samples, thus
generating less volume of solvent.
Alternately, a disadvantage to solvent recycling can
be potential reduction of solvent quality such that
it is no longer usable for its original intended use.
This is particularly true when the need for very high
purity solvents for conducting ultra-low concentration
analyses is required typically making ORD labs less
amenable to solvent recycling programs. Additionally,
depending on the system used, solvent recycling can
be labor intensive unless an automated system is
purchased. These are two significant factors to be taken
into consideration when considering implementation of
solvent recycling, and in one case a decision was made
to not recycle solvents because of these concerns.
/;.v/;//)/V 14. Diversity of Chemical Resource
Management unil Haste Reduction Initiatives in
Respnn\e to Location-Specific Cast Savings Questions
IT infrastructure
4%
Resource
4%
Chemical Adoption / Donation
4%
Office Supplies
16%
Recycling Program
22%
Lab Equipment
18%
Hazardous Wastes
18%
(Total number of chemical resource management
and waste reduction initiatives = 78.)
-------
4.3.2.2 Chemical Treatment
Opportunities exist for chemical treatment of waste
streams; however careful consideration must be
made of the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA) regulations concerning waste stream
treatment. In particular, neutralization of waste is
allowable only when directly part of the chemical
measurement process.
Facilities in Region 4 and EPA's National Health &
Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)
Gulf Ecology Division have identified opportunities to
remove and thus reduce waste streams for hazardous
waste disposal through the process of neutralization.
At Region 1, the costs of shipping of hazardous wastes
has been reduced by identifying appropriate waste
streams to be neutralized before being treated at an
onsite wastewater treatment facility. At the Region 4
laboratory, significant savings have been realized (up
to $1,500 annually) through neutralization of cyanide
waste that would otherwise be sent for hazardous waste
disposal. There is potential opportunity for increased
savings throughout EPA, on a site-by-site basis, by
identifying wastes that can be neutralized directly
within the chemical measurement process, carefully
screened, and then disposed to municipal or local waste
treatment plants.
4.3.2.3 New Technology
It is anticipated that the development of new
technologies will have the potential to reduce
expenditures. Most of these new technologies have
applicability in reduction of sample and reagent
volumes needed for analysis, using alternate less toxic
chemistries (e.g., "green" chemistry), installing onsite
manufacture or centralization of needed instrument
gases, and reuse of materials. EPA laboratories have
already identified and implemented several such
technologies with savings of up to S17,000 per year.
For example, Region 10 installed a liquid nitrogen
central distribution system that replaced several
individual systems, reducing the need for space and
labor in the refilling of the individual systems. EPA's
National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL,
specifically the Microbiological and Chemical
Exposure Assessment Research Division [MCEARD])
purchased gas generators for analytical equipment with
an expected payback period of six months. Thereafter,
the investment is anticipated to avoid annual costs of
approximately $33,000, as well as additional labor and
space costs.
4.3.2.4 Giving Away and Sharing Chemicals
Giving away and sharing chemicals is a means of
cost savings that has been implemented widely across
EPA laboratories and still has additional potential for
implementation on a broad basis. This cost savings
method applies both to chemicals inventory and
chemical disposal. This method reduction is somewhat
unique. It cuts across several aspects of environmental
stewardship and scale and is the result of chemical
management, chemical procurement, and chemical
disposal for benefactors at the local scale, community
scale and across federal agencies. The implementation
of chemical inventory systems has made sharing
of chemicals across laboratories in a single facility
and across facilities possible. In some cases, it is the
result of merging two chemical inventory systems
to maximize sharing. The cost savings are a result
of reducing the amount of new chemicals orders and
ultimately in the reduction of disposal costs associated
with hazardous waste streams. Many laboratories
have become more proactive in locating chemicals
identified by EPA laboratories or other federal facilities
as being available for adoption. Chemicals retained
beyond listed shelf-life have been tested against new
material and verified as useable material, thus extending
their time for use. There are many examples of these
activities. Region 3 and OPP initiated a cooperative
program with local high schools to distribute usable
chemicals needed in the classroom. Region 9 was able
to accept cases of dichloromethane from a United
States Geological Survey (USGS) laboratory no longer
having the need for this chemical. Costs savings range
from moderate (a few hundreds of dollars per year)
to significant (thousands of dollars per year). In one
exceptional case, ORD saved over $50,000 in purchases
when the National Pesticide Standards Repository
(NPSR) provided over 600 pesticide standards for
a large research project. This practice should be
anticipated as having reduced impact over time, as
overstocked chemical supplies diminish and chemical
procurement procedures become highly efficient.
-------
4.3.3 Conclusions and Key Recommendations
As stated earlier, the activities associated with savings
in the area of chemical resource management and waste
reduction are to a large extent already incorporated
as part of EPA laboratory best management practices,
largely in response to requirements related to
Health and Safety policies and implementation of
Environmental Management Systems. Nonetheless,
collectively, significant opportunities still exist in the
following areas:
• New technologies developed for microanalyses
coupled with "green" chemistry
• Continued reductions in chemical purchasing and
waste disposal through sharing of chemical stocks
and continued development of recycling as part of
best practices.
These efforts would benefit through consolidation
of chemical inventory systems, improved means of
cross-laboratory communications, and development of
additional markets for recyclables.
4.3.4 Implemented and Planned Improvement
Tables
Laboratory improvements identified in this survey
all involved savings related to new technology
developments. The use of gas generators probably
represents an area with significant potential for
additional savings.
Exhibit 15. Chemical Resource Management and Waste Reduction: Laboratory Improvements Implemented,
2004-2007
Potential to
Brief . . ., ., .. Key Improvement and Avoided Costs APP'y across EPA
Item „ . .. Lab Name/Location ' . . .... .... .. , , , i -.hn^t-orioc?
Description or Savings (quantification if available) Laboratories:'
(All /Some)
1
2
3
4
Solvent
Recycling
Chemical
Treatment
Environmental
Friendly
Material
New
Technology
Region 3, OPPTS - Fort Meade, MD;
Region 4 - Athens, GA; Region 8-
Golden, CO; Region 9 - Richmond,
CA
Regions 1 - Chelmsford, MA; Region
4 -Athens, GA; NHEERL(GED)-
Gulf Breeze, FL
OPP-St. Louis, MO; OAR -
Montgomery, AL; OAR - Las Vegas,
NV; OAR - Anne Arbor, Ml; Region
3, OPPTS -Fort Meade, MD
Regions 5 - Chicago, IL; Region
10 - Port Orchard, WA; OAR -
Montgomery, AL; NERL(MCEARD)
- Cincinnati, OH
Solvents recycled for reuse
(methylene chloride;
dichloromethane); Automated, still
$2,000-15,000+/year savings
Use alternative treatments to
neutralize (e.g., cyanide) hazardous
wastes; use of onsite wastewater
treatments;
$l,500/year
Touchless towel dispensers; "green"
office supplies; electronic forms
and other record keeping (H&S);
paperwork reduction practices;
low Hg containing bulbs; reusable
plastic/ceramic ware
$l,000+/year
No Hg sample prep/clean up; gas
generators; redesigned liquid N
system; implemented converters to
reuse IT switches;
Upto$17,000/yearforgas
generators
Some
Some
All
(but cost savings
are not clear
and may not be
significant)
Some
-------
Potential to
Brief , ,_ „, „ .. Key Improvement and Avoided Costs APP'V across EPA
ltem Description Lab Name/Locat,on or Savings (quantification if available) Laboratories?
(All /Some)
C
D
6
7
8
Give away/
Share
Minimizing/
Miniaturization
Recycling
Maximizing/
Bulk
Regions 3, OPPTS - Fort Meade, MD;
Region 9- Richmond, CA; NERL7
OAR-RTP - RTP, NC; OAR - Anne
Arbor, Ml; NHEERL(GED)- Gulf
Breeze, FL;
Region 2, OSWER - Edison, NJ
Regions 1 - Chelmsford, MA; Region
3 - Fort Meade, MD; Region 4 -
Athens, GA; Region 5 - Chicago, IL;
OPP - St. Louis, MS; OAR - Anne
Arbor, Ml; NERL/OAR - RTP , NC
Regions 3 - Fort Meade, MD; Region
4 - Athens, GA; Region 10 - Port
Orchard, WA
OAR - Anne Arbor, Ml; Edison, NJ;
NERL/OAR - RTP, NC
Regions 2 (OSWER/NRMRL) -
Edison, NJ; Region 3 - Fort Meade,
MD; Region 6 - Houston, TX; Region
7 - Kansas City, KS; Region 10 - Port
Orchard, WA;
OAR -Anne Arbor, Ml
NERL/OAR - RTP, NC
Chemical adoption program to
distribute expiring but usable
chemicals to local schools/
universities for reuse; share
chemicals across co-located
organizations; shared storage
facilities
$l,000-50,000/year
Chemical purchasing control
procedure to reduce # chemicals
on hand; chemical sharing for
collocated organizations; purchase
instrumentation requiring fewer
solvents; reduce gas cylinder storage;
Estimated >$250/yr
Recertify standards, verify
concentrations, determine true
expiration date
<$l,000/year
Purchase in bulk; improved storage
cabinets; efficient distribution
systems
<$2,400/year
A ||/Crtrno
nil/ ouiilc
All
Some
Some
Exhibit 16. Chemical Resource Management and Waste Reduction: Laboratory Improvements Planned
for 2007-2010
Item
1
Brief Description
New Technology
Lab Name/Location
Region 10; NERL-
MCEARD
Key Improvement and Avoided Potential to Apply across
Costs or Savings (quantification EpA Laboratories?
if available) (All /Some)
Specialized distillation
system
$l,700/year
Gas generators $38K/yr
Some
-------
4.4 Water Conservation
4.4.1 Introduction and Key
Concepts
Following the Agency's creation
in 1970, one of the original
environmental programs that
formed EPA's structure and
mission was the Water Program.
Over the years, the Water
Program has matured and evolved
in its scope and focus. While
management of water resources
has always been an inherent
part of the Agency's mission,
the emphasis in this area has
been acute as we find ourselves
in the first decade of the 21!I
century. The increased interest in
conservation of natural resources
has been the result of at least two
significant factors: population
growth across the country, and
the need within the federal
government to lead by example
to promote programs intended
to benefit the nation as whole. In
response to increased awareness
and emphasis, shrinking budgets,
and the issuance of executive orders
concerning such issues, EPA has
taken a proactive approach and
implemented water management
practices within its own facilities
to conserve water, enhance
efficiencies, and reduce costs.
EPA laboratories, in particular,
have always been conscientious
about operational efficiencies
and have been active participants
in such efforts, both now and in
the past. As a group, they have
vigorously sought opportunities
that result in cost-savings and
efficiencies, specifically in the
area of water conservation.
EPA has published the following
charts (see Exhibits 17 and 18)
depicting water consumption in
a "typical" laboratory and in a
Kxhihit 17. Typical Laboratory Hater IM
Boiler Feed
4%
Sanitary
7%
Lab Process
8%
Reverse Osmosis
11%
Irrigation
13%
Cooling Tower Make-up
40%
Single-Pass Cooling
17%
i:\liihit IH. Typical Office Hater I vc'
Sanitary
41%
Kitchen
Miscellaneous
9%
Cooling Tower Make-up
26%
Single-Pass Cooling
1%
Irrigation
22%
-------
"typical" office building.18 These charts provide an
approximation of water consumption in these facilities,
but it is important to note that these percentages vary
depending on the operations carried out in individual
facilities as well as other factors such as the type of
HVAC system, age of facility and/or equipment, and
laboratory processes.
Water use in Agency laboratories involves research
activities that consist of performing analyses using wet
chemistry and/or microbiology techniques, as well as
carrying out research, testing and other developmental
projects relating to aquatic life (e.g., macroinvertebrates
and fish), groundwater, surface water (fresh, brackish
and marine), wastewater, and drinking water. In
addition to utilizing water for performing specific
analyses and procedures, water use supports and/
or meets daily laboratory operations including water
treatments (e.g., reverse osmosis, deionization, and
distillation), autoclaves, glassware washing, vacuum
pumps, and chillers and facility operations including
heating and cooling (heating, ventilation and air
conditioning or HVAC systems), humidifying, and
dehumidifying indoor air, sanitary use, and irrigation.
EPA's laboratories have made strides to reduce water
consumption and they continue to seek opportunities to
reduce water use even further. With water conservation
continuing to be a priority, EPA set a goal of reducing
total water use 15% by 2010 from an FY 2000 baseline.
One major undertaking to achieve this goal has been
the completion of comprehensive water management
assessments of individual laboratory facilities. Based
on these assessments, a water management plan was
'"Source: www.epa.gov website under the major topic heading
of Greening EPA.
developed to establish long- and short-term goals for
reducing water use. As of March 2007, plans have
been developed for water management at 18 of EPA's
laboratory facilities.
Additionally, EPA's Sustainable Facilities Practices
Branch has developed a listing of the top 10 water
management techniques that have proven helpful in
managing water use at Agency facilities. The listing
consists of the following:
• Single-pass cooling elimination
• Culture water re-use
• Reverse osmosis system operations control
• Landscape irrigation/Xeriscaping
• Air handler condensate recovery
• Sanitary fixtures replacement (faucet aerators,
waterless urinals, high-efficiency toilets)
• Cooling tower optimization
• Autoclave water control
• Rooftop rainwater recovery
• Meter/measure/manage practices
In summary, the laboratories throughout the country
are significant water users, but have, and are, actively
seeking opportunities to conserve water from both a use
and cost prospective. Unfortunately, the opportunities
that would result in the most savings are also the most
costly, because they require major refurbishing of
-------
systems, especially HVAC systems. Out of necessity.
many of these opportunities will have the implemented
on a long-term basis.
4.4.2 Opportunities for
Improvements in Water "^^^^™
Conservation
A review of the input received
from EPA laboratories across the
country, as well as available data
tracked and distributed by EPA
headquarters, yielded various
opportunities for improvement.
Some of the more innovative
approaches were low in terms
of cost but have resulted, or will
result, in water use reductions.
Other approaches were more
expensive, requiring major
renovations and/or application
of a few technologies, but had
an even greater potential for
water use reductions. Many of —™™^™i^^^^^
the approaches did not include
accurately measured results, but
all appeared to have resulted in noticeable reductions in
water consumption at individual facilities.
The majority of the water efficiency measures reported
have already been implemented based on evaluation
of the input from the laboratories. Opportunities are
classified, for the purpose of discussion, into the
following general categories: laboratory operations,
facility operations, and management practices
(note: it is not intended that these general categories
be synonymous with the Categories, Parts of the
Infrastructure or Focus of Project terminology
contained in the data tables compiling all of the
information submitted as part of this short-term study.
but are merely used for discussing the improvements in
major groupings). The laboratory operations category
includes water treatment of laboratory water, health
and safety equipment, and other laboratory-specific
equipment (e.g.. glassware washers, autoclaves,
vacuum systems). The facilities operations category
includes heating and cooling equipment, sanitary
devices and irrigation. Water management practices
include any efforts that implemented specific measures
to control, monitor or reduce water usage.
Exhibit 19. Diversity of Water Conservation Initiatives in
Response to Location-Specific Cost Savings Questions
(Tot* number of water con»*rvat>or> imt*tiv*t • 32 )
-------
4.4.2.1 Laboratory Operations
Under this category, the modification of the
preventative maintenance schedule for safety showers
and emergency eyewashes is one beneficial water
conservation opportunity. This change not only reduces
water use, but also reduces the time it takes to perform
this maintenance, as well as the amount of wastewater
discharged to the sanitary sewer. The practicality of
this procedural modification is that it does not cost
anything to implement. It is not intended to infer that
the requirements for ensuring proper safety equipment
operation should be lessened, only that the focus should
be water efficiency and ensuring satisfactory reliability
of these safety devices. Depending on the number
of these devices in a laboratory, the savings in water
consumption can be significant. The reduction in the
frequency of the performance checks and the activation
time (flushing) needed for each device to ensure proper
operation reduces the amount of water used for these
procedures.
Another improvement that has led to positive results
is in the treatment of water for use throughout the
laboratory. One laboratory reported replacing the
distillation system with a reverse osmosis (RO) system
that resulted in less water use. Another laboratory
reported reducing the operation of the RO system from
continuous 24/7 to 12 hours on/12 hours off, which
also reduced water use. A third laboratory installed a
recovery system for the rejection water from the RO
system for reuse, eliminating wastewater discharge and
providing supplemental water to a rainwater collection
system.
4.4.2.2 Facility Operations
The largest water users in this category are the HVAC
systems. There has been a variety of improvements
implemented at various laboratories to reduce water
use and improve water efficiencies. In some cases,
these improvements have required significant capital
improvements, such as replacement of cooling towers
with more efficient ones, and changing treatment
systems for the make-up water added to cooling
towers to replace water lost through processes such as
evaporation.
Another use with high water demand is landscape
irrigation. Improvements in this area have included
installation of water sensors for controlling the
operation of automatic sprinkler systems and
maximizing water conservation. Xeriscape landscaping
concepts have been initiated at least four laboratories,
which utilizes minimal or no maintenance vegetation to
eliminate or reduce the need for watering and mowing.
4.4.2.3 Water Management Practices
It has been found that implementation of leak detection
.and prevention measures are beneficial not only
from the standpoint of water conservation, but when
considering the potential cost of damage, instrument
repair or replacement and loss in productive time
resulting from a leak. Since the Agency is self-insured,
all costs resulting from incidents of broken pipes or
fittings may be borne by the affected organization. In
one specific instance, a faulty supply line to a deionizer
resulted in water damage. The total cost of remediation
for the damages was $27,277.23. While there is not a
fail-safe system to prevent every potential instance of a
leak, implementing a process of routinely checking for
water leaks, installing leak detection or minimization
measures, and/or replacing suspect piping prior to
failure certainly has merit. The cost of repairing a
pipe or fitting prior to catastrophic failure is much less
expensive than repairing the resulting damage.
4.4.3 Conclusion and Key Recommendations
4.4.3.1 Application across EPA Laboratories
Based on the review of available data and the input
provide by the various EPA laboratories, it is apparent
that the facilities that have completed the process of
developing and implementing water management plans
have been the most successful overall in reducing
water use. Based on the published summaries for FY
2006,61% of the facilities that have developed formal
water management plans showed a water use reduction
from the previous five-year average (FY 2001 through
FY 2005), whereas only about 38% of the remaining
facilities (that had not developed a water management
plan) showed a reduction in water use. The process
consists of determining current water usage, processes
and costs; identifying water processes, measurement
devices, and other facility information; assessing
emergency measures to meet minimum water needs;
comparing Best Management Practices (BMPs) against
current operations, processes and equipment; and
developing a comprehensive plan to maximize water
efficiency and/or minimize water use. The positive
trend reflected by the data supports this effort and
reveals that going through the process itself has been
beneficial by enhancing awareness, highlighting areas
-------
of potential improvement and implementing immediate
water-saving procedures. Thus, in order to achieve
the most benefit in striving to reach the ultimate water
consumption reduction goals, it is highly recommended
that an assessment of water management practices
and development of a water management plan be
accomplished at all of the remaining laboratories as
soon as possible.
Another opportunity that would likely be a result
of development of a water management plan is the
implementation of management practices focusing on
water conservation. It has been shown that changing
and/or optimizing various processes and procedures
results in reduced water use and increased water
efficiency. Although there are a variety of systems
in the laboratories, it would be helpful to establish
a mechanism to share successes as well as failures
concerning water conservation projects.
Metering of water usage is an area that should be
included in the process leading to the development of a
water-monitoring plan. Knowing where and how much
water is used is essential to the assessment of water
efficiencies and for measuring progress in reducing
water use as projects are initiated and put into practice.
This aspect of the assessments and water management
plans should not be overlooked.
Although more in the area of facility operations, the
installation of low flow devices is also an option worth
considering across the laboratories. The resulting
long-term water efficiency would likely offset initial
investment costs. A cost-benefit analysis should
be completed on each proposal when considering
availability of funds.
4.4.3.2 Potential for Application to Laboratories
after Additional Study
The consideration of opportunities for application
at any facility will depend on a number of factors.
These factors include, but may not be limited to,
implementation costs, ease of implementation,
projection of the amount of water use reduction, age of
facility and associated equipment, climate, laboratory
operations, projected payback period, and consideration
of owned versus leased facilities. Consideration of
all of these factors need to be made when looking at
potential water conservation measures at any specific
facility, because one opportunity may not be universally
applicable to all laboratory facilities.
Recovery and reuse of various water streams need
further evaluation. In many cases, discharge of water
streams to sanitary sewer occurs because the laboratory
does not have a viable use for the recovered water, or
does not have a suitable means to store the water for
reuse. A few examples provided from the laboratory
input included recovery of condensate water from
heating or cooling operations, and recovery of the
rejection water from the reverse osmosis system. With
further study, there may be other reuses of current waste
streams.
-------
4.4.3 Implemented and Planned Improvement Tables
Exhibit 20. Water Conservation: Laboratory Improvements Implemented, 2004-2007
Brief Description
Lab Name/ Key Improvement and Avoided Costs or
Location Savings (quantification if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All / Some)
1
2
3
4
5.1
5.2
5.3
Reprogrammed autoclave so
that water did not run through
the system continuously, but
only during use. Also, installed a
water-saving valve in one of the
autoclaves.
Replaced laboratory glassware
washer
Added plastic washing tubs in
the laboratory sinks for glassware
and equipment cleaning
Landscaping design includes
native grasses, wildflowers and
shrubs; maintenance program
consists of no watering, no
pesticides or fertilizers and only
cutting grass once per year
Installed a water moisture sensor
to control the automatic lawn
sprinkler system
Disconnected constant water
flow to the fish preparation
laboratory
Repaired a water system leak
that went undetected for over a
year
Region 10
Laboratory -
Manchester, WA
Ground Water
& Ecosystems
Restoration
Division NRMRL/
ORD-
Ada, OK
Environmental
Chemistry
Laboratory, OPP -
Bay St Louis, MS
Region 1, New
England Regional
Laboratory -
Chelmsford, MA
Region 4 Science
& Ecosystem
Support Division
Laboratory -
Athens, GA
Region 4 Science
& Ecosystem
Support Division
Laboratory -
Athens, GA
Region 4 Science
& Ecosystem
Support Division
Laboratory -
Athens, GA
Reduced the amount of water used. An
estimate of $1,500 per year savings was
provided. The actual amount of water use
reduction was not reported.
New washer requires 9.1 gallons of water
versus 12.6 gallons of water per fill for the
old washer. Reduced water consumption,
energy usage (for heating the water with
electrical heating elements), the amount of
detergent used for cleaning glassware, and
the amount of wastewater discharged to
sanitary sewer. A reduction in water use of
12,600 gallons per year was reported.
Reduced water usage for cleaning laboratory
glassware and equipment. There was no
estimate of water use reduction reported.
Eliminates need for irrigation watering;
reduces workers necessary for landscape
maintenance; and reduces use of fuel
for mowing. It is not possible to estimate
savings.
Reduced the amount of water used for lawn
maintenance, but an estimate of savings was
not possible.
Reduced the amount of water used since
water is only turned on when needed.
Quantification of water use reduction was
not possible.
Reduced the amount of domestic water
utilized
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
*
*
-------
Brief Description
Lab Name/
Location
Key Improvement and Avoided Costs or
Savings (quantification if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All /Some)
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Changed the frequency and
volume of water for flushing the
emergency eyewash stations in
the lab
Modified the preventative
maintenance program for fire
hydrants and fire suppression
sprinkler systems by reducing
the amount of time the systems
are flushed on a regular basis.
Fire suppression sprinkler
system is built as a dry-pipe
system
Modification of preventative
maintenance procedure for
laboratory safety showers and
emergency eyewashes
Modified preventative
maintenance checks of the
laboratory safety showers and
emergency eyewashes
Replaced water distribution
system
As a result of an event caused
by the failure of two hot water
lines, replaced pressure fittings
with treaded fittings on hot water
lines and performed preventative
maintenance on 200 laboratory
sinks
Region 10
Laboratory -
Manchester, WA
Region 2,
Environmental
Response Team
(ERD/OSWER &
NRMRL/ORD-
Edison, NJ
Region 7 Science
& Technology
Center -
Kansas City, KS
Region 2
Laboratory,
Environmental
Response Team
(ERD/OSWER &
NRMRL/ORD-
Edison, NJ
Region 7 Science
& Technology
Center -
Kansas City, KS
Region 2
Laboratory,
Environmental
Response Team
(ERD/OSWER &
NRMRLYORD-
Edison, NJ
OARM-
Research Triangle
Park, NC
Reduced the amount of water used
Reduced the flushing time from 20 minutes
for each hydrant and sprinkler system to just
opening each up fully to ensure adequacy
of flow and then immediately shutting it
down. The entire water supply system is
flushed from a single hydrant located at the
back of the facility. The savings from the
modification are approximately 500,000
gallons of water and $2,150/year.
Eliminated need for flushing the fire
suppression system, resulting in no domestic
water use unless system is activated
Reduced the amount of time for flushing
each fixture from five minutes weekly to
one minute every two weeks; reduces the
amount of water utilized for this process by
about 50,000 gallons and a cost of about
$220/year
Changed the procedure required from a five-
minute flush of each emergency eyewash
every week to approximately a minute
monthly; changed the frequency of checks
for safety.showers from monthly to semi-
annually; reduced the amount of water used
and time and resources needed to perform
the checks
Eliminated several leaks in the system,
reducing water use by an estimated 400,000
gallons and $1,700/ year
Eliminated potential catastrophic failures of
hot water lines in 33 laboratory sinks that
could have resulted in repair costs of up to
$1.5 million due to the damages
Some
Some
*
Some
QAmp
OVJI 1 1C
*
Some
-------
Brief Description
Lab Name/ Key Improvement and Avoided Costs or
Location Savings (quantification if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All / Some)
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Contractor uses reclaimed storm
water for research and testing
instead of domestic water
Rainwater collection system
was designed and built into new
facility
Replaced traditional manual
flush toilets (30) and urinals (20)
with low flow units equipped with
motion sensitive flushing valves;
and replaced traditional manual
lavatory faucets (40) with low
flow units and motion sensitive
flow controllers
Replacement of distilled water
system with reverse osmosis
(RO) deionized (Dl) water system
Reduced operations of the
reverse osmosis system from
24/7 to 12 on/12 off during
workdays
Recover condensate water
from building air-handling units
(AHUs)
Recover reject water from
reverse osmosis system that was
being discharged to the sanitary
system
UWMB
Laboratory -
NRMRL/ORD
Edison, NJ
Region 7 Science
& Technology
Center -
Kansas City, KS
Environmental
Sciences Division,
NERL/ORD-
Las Vegas, NV
Andrew W.
Breidenbach
Environmental
Research Center
(NRMRD/ORD-
Cincinnati, OH
EPA
Environmental
Science Center -
Region 3 & OPP
Laboratories -
FortMeade, MD
Region 7 Science
& Technology
Center -
Kansas City, KS
Region 7 Science
& Technology
Center -
Kansas City, KS
Eliminated the need for using domestic
water to simulate storm water on which to
perform research and testing; eliminated the
need to treat and add chemicals to domestic
water to produce an accurate replacement
for storm water; resulted in the savings of
approximately 1,040,000 gallons/ year of
domestic water and $4,500/year
Roof drains collect runoff of rainwater
that flows to a 10,000-gailon storage tank;
rainwater is used for toilet flushing and
for make-up of cooling tower water when
available, reducing the amount of domestic
water used
Reduced water usage for sanitary purposes;
reduction in water use is estimated to be
825,000 gallons per year
Produced high quality water for laboratory
use more efficiently; eliminates need for
a boiler to produce Dl water; reduction in
domestic water use to produce Dl water. The
water use reduction was significant: from 8
gallons of city water to generate 1 gallon of
distilled water to 1:1.
Reduced water usage by 500,000-750,000
gallons/year
Recovered water is collected and pumped
into the rainwater collection system,
resulting in reduction of domestic water
needed for toilet flushing; Approximately
600,000 gallons of water are recovered per
year
Recovered water is collected and pumped
into the rainwater collection system,
resulting in reduction of domestic water
needed for toilet flushing; approximately
150,000 gallons of water are recovered per
year
*
*
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
-------
Brief Description
Lab Name/
Location
Key Improvement and Avoided Costs or
Savings (quantification if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All /Some)
20
21
22
Improved water treatment
program
Instituted procedure of
continuing ,to utilize disposable
water purification cartridges
beyond their expiration date
as long as the quality of the
purified water remained within
manufacturer's specifications
Installed dry chemical feed to
water treatment systems for
boilers and chillers
Region 10
Laboratory -
Manchester, WA
Region 10
Laboratory -
Manchester, WA
EPA
Environmental
Science Center,
Region 3 & OPP
Laboratories -
Fort Meade, MD
Increased efficiency of thermal transference
and extending operational life of all water-
related mechanical systems
Estimated cost savings of $2,450/year
Reduced amount of water used; reduces
backflushing by allowing tighter water
quality conditions; allows for the introduction
of biocides to reduce the potential for
Legionella type material in the systems
Some
Some
Some
* Special situation or limited application
-------
Exhibit 21. Water Conservation: Laboratory Improvements Planned, 2007-2010
Brief Description
Lab Name/Location
Key Improvement and Avoided
Costs or Savings (quantification
if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
CAM/Some)
1
1
? 1
£. -I
2.2
3
4
5
6
Incorporating Xeriscape
landscaping into the new Secure
Emergency Response Asset
Building
Install a rain/freeze sensor and/
or soil moisture indicator on the
current 8-zoned lawn sprinkler
system
Work with building lessor to
develop additional Xeriscape
concepts that could be
implemented through the base
lease agreement
Monitor and control watering
system with greater efficiency;
system is about 17 years old
Installation of pressure regulators
and gauges on all deionized water
supply lines
Installation of low-flow water
fixtures and faucets throughout
the facilities
Recovery and reuse of condensate
water
Radiation & Indoor
Environments National
Laboratory -
Las Vegas, NV
Region 6 Laboratory -
Houston, TX
Region 6 Laboratory -
Houston, TX
Region 6 Laboratory -
(I ,— t— — TV
Houston, TX
OARM-
Research Triangle Park
NC
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center, NRMRL/ORD-
Cincinnati, OH
Region 3 and OPP -
Environmental Science
Center
FortMeade, MD
Minimizes or eliminates need to
water vegetation
Improves the efficiency of water
used for landscape irrigation
Minimizes the amount of water
needed for landscape irrigation
Could include installation of new
zone controllers and monitoring
systems/sensors to enhance
efficiency of system and reduce
water use
Minimizes or eliminates incidents
of water damage due to faulty or
leaking water supply lines; potential
cost savings of about $245,000 by
avoiding water damage remediation
due to failed water supply lines.
Reduces the amount of domestic
water used for sanitary use
Source of water is from steam
for heating in cold weather and
air handing units in hot weather.
Barriers to implementation include
uncertainty of water quality;
potential use of the recovered
water; inconsistent and periodic
nature of condensate discharge;
and the cost of changing plumbing
to facilitate the recovery and reuse
of (i.e., cost effectiveness).
Qnmp
OUI 1 1C
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
-------
Brief Description
Lab Name/Location
Key Improvement and Avoided
Costs or Savings (quantification
if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All / Some)
7
8
9
10
Reuse of reverse osmosis system
rejection water.
Replace hot water heaters with
gas tankless water heaters
Complete a comprehensive water use
study of the facility
Implement a water management plan
that consists of replacing the existing
autoclave, upgrading sanitary fixtures,
installing an air handler condensate
recovery system, and using an on-site
well for irrigation and cooling tower
makeup water
Region 3 and OPP-
Environmental Science
Center
FortMeade, MD
Region 4 Science &
Ecosystem Support
Division Athens, GA
Region 7 Science and
Technology Center -
Kansas City, KS
Ecosystems Research
Division, NERL/ORD-
Athens, GA
Source of water (potentially 1,300
gallons per day) is from the water
treatment system to provide
deionized water for laboratory use.
Barriers to implementation include
potential use of recovered water;
lack of suitable storage capacity;
and cost of necessary plumbing
changes.
Hot water is generated via two
systems: 40-gallon gas hot water
heater for two rest rooms and a
break room; and three 77-gallon
boilers for two rest rooms with
showers and 36 laboratories.
Barriers to implementation include
potential restrictions due to lease;
verification of potential installation
costs and resulting cost savings
(estimated to be 50%); and need
for a more detailed engineering
evaluation.
Evaluate trends in water usage,
verify water needs, confirm plumbing
and discharges, detect potential
vulnerabilities, and identify potential
water use projects for consideration.
Utilize results to develop comprehensive
water management plan. Barriers
to implementation include cost and
expertise needed to complete the
process.
Upon completion, will result in an
estimated savings of approximately
900,000 gallons in municipal potable
water use per year
Some
Some
All
Some
*Special situation or limited application
-------
4.5 Resource Sharing
4.5.1 Introduction and Key Concepts
Regulatory, applied, and research sciences at EPA
are performed in research and development, regional,
and program office laboratories located across the
continental U.S. Some are co-located with universities
and colleges, some with state environmental
organizations, and some with other federal agencies.
EPA scientists and technicians at these laboratories
have a broad range of expertise and provide wide-
ranging services to diverse audiences within EPA and
outside of the Agency. Over the years, the laboratories
have worked somewhat collaboratively within these
three distinct groups. EPA is now at a juncture where it
makes sense to look holistically across the laboratories
to identify opportunities to improve their efficiency and
effectiveness and to form a comprehensive laboratory
network/system that provides a framework to share
ideas and actions that may lead to improved efficiency,
reduced energy consumption, and related cost savings.
An integrated laboratory network/
system will enable EPA to produce
quality science, maintain a sound
infrastructure, and attract and
retain scientists and technicians.
An effective and efficient lab needs
to have high quality facilities,
equipment, instrumentation,
and supplies as well as high-
performance computing and
telecommunications resources
and a responsive procurement and
budgeting system. Additionally, an
effective and efficient laboratory
must have adequate expertise and
scientific procedures and protocols
in place.
Exhibit 22. Diversity of Resource Sharing Initiatives in
Response to Locution-Specific Cost Savings Questions
Centers of Excellence / "Cores"
10%
Equipment Sharing
10%
Chemical Sharing
10%
IT Infrastructure
2%
Purchasing
23%
Cooperative Lab Services
24%
This chapter explores the concept
of "resource sharing" among the
laboratories. Suggestions by EPA
employees identified a number
of ideas for resource sharing.
Appendix 6 groups these suggestions into areas called
"Focus of Project," which are listed as follows:
• Purchasing
• Cooperative Lab Services
Space Utilization
21%
(Total number of resource sharing initiatives = 42.)
Space Utilization
-------
• Chemical Sharing
• Equipment Sharing Centers of Excellence
• Information Technology Infrastructure
Across the laboratories that responded to the data call
and for the activities characterized under "resource
sharing," purchasing, cooperative lab services, space
utilization, and equipment sharing appear to have the
most applicability across EPA for potential efficiencies
and cost savings. Very few of the examples appeared
to have rigorous cost saving analyses conducted; most
will need additional analysis to understand the costs
and benefits and to determine the feasibility for future
application.
4.5.2 Opportunities for Improvements in
Resource Sharing
4.5.2.1 Purchasing Efficiencies
The laboratories have identified several different kinds
of purchasing efficiencies. These include agreements
with other organizations for analytical services; the use
of EPA contracts expertise to ensure that equipment
purchases are fully integrated; the establishment of
I AGs with other federal organizations to utilize excess
space at their facilities; and the pursuit of capital
equipment acquisition partnerships among various
EPA laboratories and divisions. Below are examples of
implemented purchasing efficiencies. Other examples
can be found in Appendix 6.0.
Two examples of implemented purchasing efficiencies
are equipment contracts and cross-departmental
partnerships. Fully integrated equipment contracts
saved $1 million in the OAR's National Vehicle and
Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) Certification Test
Sites Modernization Program. Partnering with OARM's
Cincinnati Contracts Division resulted in creative use
of thorough performance specifications, requiring
that equipment providers also ensure integration with
all existing test-site safety, facility, and operational
systems. Due to intense competition to win these
contracts, some bidders performed all of this integration
work at no cost to the government. Coupled with clear
incentives and disincentives, these contracts came in on
time and below cost.
The pursuit of cross-laboratory and -division
partnerships for capital equipment acquisitions has
also proven to be beneficial. Recent examples of such
activity include the purchase of: (1) a deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA) analyzer in 2005 for approximately
$325,000 that is used by NERL/MCEARD and the
NRMRL/Water Supply and Water Resources Division
(WSWRD); and (2) a real-time Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR) Thermocycler purchased in 2006
for approximately $90,000 that is used by NERL/
MCEARD, NRMRL/WSWRD, and the Office of
Water's Technical Support Center (OW/TSC). This
approach to leveraging acquisition of large ticket items
promotes partnerships to facilitate capital equipment
purchases that demonstrate benefit to multiple
organizations.
Additional opportunities for improvements related
to purchasing efficiencies can be found in both 4.2
Efficient Purchasing/Strategic Sourcing of Equipment
and Supplies as well as Appendix 6.0 of this report.
Comprehensive understanding of laboratory activities
and improved communication throughout the laboratory
network could greatly enhance purchasing efficiencies.
4.5.2.2 Cooperative Lab Services
Regional, ORD, and programmatic laboratories often
team together to accomplish work when a lab is unable
to fulfill a request for services without the help of
another. The following examples illustrate this notion.
The Regional laboratory network has a long history
of providing assistance if a Regional laboratory is
unable to accommodate a request within their region
due to either limited capacity or capability. In another
example, a Regional lab and ORD collaborated on
a water project that allowed for sharing a laboratory
function without having to establish duplicate
procedures; while in another case ORD and a program
lab signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
where the program lab would serve as a reference lab in
support of ORD research.
There are several examples of successfully
implemented cooperative lab services. NERL-RTP has
many instances where working with other co-located
laboratories has resulted in cost savings. An example
is apportionment work done with NRMRL. NERL had
an instrument that NRMRL needed and NRMRL had
the standards that NERL needed; the two laboratories
came together to perform the organic speciation work
and shared what they had. They also shared the cost of
a student. The estimated savings was $20,000.
A cooperative arrangement between the Region
6 laboratory and the local Texas Council on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) laboratory has been
set up to perform certain wet chemistry testing for the
Houston lab in exchange for testing equipment. Prior
to 1990, the Region 6 laboratory and the Texas (now
-------
TCEQJ-environmental laboratory resided in the same
facility. This arrangement allowed the TCEQ laboratory
to perform all classical wet chemistry parameters for
the Region 6 EPA laboratory. In 1990, even though
the Region 6 laboratory and the TCEQ laboratory
had both moved into their own separate facilities, the
relationship was worth continuing through a revocable
license agreement and the use of a hotshot delivery
service to ship samples across town. Estimated savings
are $192,400 per year to $142,600 in annual salary for
two GS-12 chemists; $28,500 in annual overhead costs
for two full-time equivalent (FTE) workers; $14,100 in
annual lease cost for lab and office space; and $7,200 in
annual utility costs.
It is possible that other opportunities exist for
efficiency improvements in resource sharing through
cooperative lab services. The Agency needs to have
a comprehensive understanding of the personnel and
physical assets across all the laboratories in order to
identify areas for efficiency improvements.
4.5.2.3 Equipment Sharing
Several laboratories have implemented principles of
centralized and shared resources to achieve efficiencies
allowing for more optimized utilization of laboratory
equipment and space with reduced investment costs.
Two examples of equipment sharing are as follows:
The Region 2 Laboratory has a main area dedicated
to the washing of laboratory glassware that is
shared by the contractor laboratory that supports the
Environmental Response Team (ERT). This shared
service allows for the savings of staff, equipment,
and space that would be required for a separate
glassware washing area. The washer, including the
water treatment system and dryer, cost approximately
$50,000 and annual operation costs are approximately
$2,500 for maintenance, and $50,000 for the personnel.
This sharing arrangement permits optimal use of the
equipment, space, and staff for both laboratories.
The Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch of the division
worked collaboratively with National Oceanic
& Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
(EMAP) coastal assessment of the west coast utilizing
NCAA's ship, the Me Arthur II. At a cost of $20,000 per
day, EPA would have had to pay nearly $250,000 for
ship time had there been no collaboration with NOAA.
While the expectation would be that each individual
lab would have a solid inventory of equipment, it is
unlikely that there is extensive sharing of inventory
information across laboratories due to the lack of a
comprehensive EPA laboratory network/system.
4.5.2.4 Space Utilization
There are many examples of effective space
utilization and space sharing. However, there appear
to be institutional barriers that make sharing or joint
occupancy difficult, particularly if the proposed
utilization involves more than just EPA. This is also a
sensitive area to explore given laboratory autonomy
issues and the sensitivity surrounding lab consolidation.
4.5.2.5 Centers of Excellence (COE)/Cores
Among the regional laboratories, the concept of
centers of applied science or centers of excellence had
significance a few years ago. Though less prevalent
today, this concept is relevant for highly specialized
analyses that involve expensive instrumentation and
highly trained personnel. An example of a center of
excellence/core is the NHEERL Toxicogenomics Core
(NTC). Though less prevalent today, this concept is
relevant for highly specialized analyses that involve
expensive instrumentation and reagents and highly
trained personnel. There is an opportunity to centralize
microarray resources within all of EPA. The NHEERL
Toxicogenomics Core (NTC) and a smaller microarray
core laboratory in NERL both process samples.
Consolidating the two core laboratories could save
in reagents and costs of equipment maintenance.
There would also be additional cost savings if only
one lab were to purchase upgrades to the standard
equipment. Estimated savings that would result from
the consolidation are approximately $10,000 per
year in reagents and $30,000 per year in equipment
maintenance agreements.
In order to better explore this concept, it would be
important to do an in-depth inventory of activities and
assets across all EPA laboratories.
-------
4.5.2.6 Chemical Sharing
There was some evidence of chemical sharing from the
data received from laboratories. This seems an area for
further study, especially for those biological/chemical/
processing agents that are extremely expensive and/or
have a limited shelf life. Two examples of efficiencies
for chemical sharing are collective bargaining and
collective purchasing of reagents.
Six of the ten regional laboratories use Promium.
Collective bargaining with the vendor, although not
yet proposed, could result in significant savings to the
Agency.
Prior to the NTC, each health division was purchasing
their own reagents for gene expression analysis. In
many cases, the investigators could not qualify for
discounted bulk orders and/or the reagents were not
used before their expiration date. The NTC now is the
sole entity (for at least the health divisions) purchasing
reagents. This allows better control over the use of
the reagents by minimizing or eliminating waste, and
allows the NTC to take advantage of cost savings
through bulk purchases. Estimated savings are $30,000
per year.
4.5.3 Conclusion and Key Recommendations
Laboratories across the Agency have implemented,
or plan to implement, improvements that increase
their efficiency. Of those opportunities identified in
resource sharing, the improvements in purchasing
efficiencies, cooperative lab services, and equipment
sharing appear to be the most applicable across the
Agency laboratories. However, the data suggest that
many EPA laboratories operate independently, or
only within the regional laboratory network or ORD
network. The Agency needs to have a comprehensive
understanding of personnel and physical assets across
all of its laboratories. A follow-up to this study would
be a comprehensive study that looks at ways to enhance
resource sharing through bulk purchasing, co-location,
and specialized equipment sharing and purchasing
as well as ways to share the broad range of technical
expertise available within EPA.
4.5.4 Implemented and Planned Improvement Tables
Exhibit 23. Resource Sharing: Planned and Implemented Laboratory Improvements, 2004-2007
Description
Lab Name/Location
Key Improvement and Avoided Costs or
Savings (quantification if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All /Som<
1
2
3
4
5
6
Purchasing
Cooperative Lab
Services
Equipment
Sharing
Space Utilization
Centers of
Excellence/Cores
Chemical
Sharing
Regional,
Programmatic, and
ORD Laboratories
Regional and ORD
Laboratories
ORD and Programmatic
Laboratories
Regional Laboratories
Regional and ORD
Laboratories
Regional and ORD
Laboratories
Across all lab types there are universal purchasing/
sharing arrangements for operations and
management, analytical expertise, and equipment
lAGs/MOUs with States, Universities, etc.
Sharing of specialized laboratory equipment
Sharing of space across programmatic areas within
regional laboratories
Allows for purchase of fewer instruments,
maintenance agreements and reagents for highly
specialized analyses
Allows for bulk purchase of specialized chemicals
or chemicals with limited shelf life
All
All
All
All
Some
Some
-------
4.6 Efficient Analytical Procedures
4.6.1 Introduction and Key Concepts
Analytical procedures form the heart of the functions
performed within EPA laboratories. They range from
research and development procedures that attempt to
establish new discovery and measurement tools for
emerging contaminants; to well-documented traditional
procedures that are used to describe the physical,
chemical and biological conditions of the environment.
Without these procedures, there would be limited
options to examine and judge the condition of air, soil,
and water.
A considerable amount of resources such as supplies,
instrumentation, space, energy, and labor are used to
perform these procedures. Individual
laboratories have explored and
adopted many ways to increase
efficiency and save resources "«"™^^^™
over the last several years. Some
were unique to a facility, while
some had application at several
laboratories.
Exhibit 24. Diversity of Analytical Procedure Initiatives
in Response to Location-Specific Cost Savings Questions
Within EPA Labs
5%
Hindrance
~
Improving efficiency spans three
areas of application: equipment,
method modification, and the
use of rapid or field analytical
procedures. Other associated
actions include the use of current
EPA and contractor staff instead
of commercial laboratories, which
may result in the reduction of
costs. The highest cost savings
are realized when contractors
operate in government-owned
laboratories.
Rapid/Field Analysis
13%
Method Modification
21%
Equipment
51%
(Total number of analytical procedure initiatives = 39 )
Some important considerations
to note when considering
efficiency in analytical procedures are the number
of samples processed in a given time and the cost
of new equipment. Often, updating equipment can
improve efficiencies and reduce costs. This should
be a consideration when evaluating overall savings.
Additionally, Environmental Management System
(EMS) requirements should be a consideration
regarding energy and chemical waste streams before
purchasing new equipment. It is worth noting that if
a procedure saves time, then a lab has the ability to
increase its capacity.
-------
The use of field or rapid screening procedures may also
improve efficiency. At times, methods and equipment
that provide data of appropriate quality reduce the
number of samples that need analytical determination in
a lab. The caveat is that the equipment and procedures
must be demonstrated to be of high-enough quality to
ensure accurate decision-making."
The following discussion shows the more significant
areas that are either being implemented or could be
implemented to help reduce costs and operate more
efficiently. All of the data were collected from a survey
of EPA labs. In many cases, before increased efficiency
can be realized, an initial expenditure is necessary.
Some actions have a direct cost saving for supplies,
while others save time, thereby accomplishing more
with the same number of scientists. Additionally, some
actions are more universally applicable than others.
4.6.2 Opportunities for Improvement in Analytical
Procedures
4.6.2.1 Equipment-Related Efficiencies
Several labs described examples of advanced
instrumental design, which helped automate and
increase analytical throughput. As with any innovative
technology, a management or engineering review
should be considered to assure that expenditures for
new equipment would result in tangible efficiencies or
environmental benefits. Described below are examples
of efficiencies related to advanced instrumental design.
A device is being used to heat liquid samples and
reagents to digest samples and make metals available
for analysis, saving reagents and reducing waste
generation and preparation time. This "hot block"
or similar equipment saves about $0.40 to $1.14 per
sample, eliminates the need for a $2,500 water bath,
and reduces waste volume by 50%. A 40 to 75%
reduction in reagents is also achieved. Analysis time
is saved by leaving the samples unattended during the
digestion period. The initial cost of the equipment may
be $3,000 to $4,000.
Extraction of water samples using liquid-liquid
extractors (LLEs) is long, tedious, and can use large
amounts of solvent. A modification of this is a micro-
scale extraction, which reduces sample volume, saving
significant transportation, analytical, and disposal
costs. In addition, depending on the application, a
reasonable substitute is Solid Phase Extraction (SPE).
This technique uses various types of solid material
that trap compounds of interest from the water matrix,
by filtering the sample through the material and then
eluting with a small amount of solvent or solvent
mixtures. This technique can be conducted manually or
with an automated system, reducing time for extraction,
solvent usage, clean-up procedures, and contamination
of the sample. Laboratories see a reduction in solvent
use and thus waste volume of 75% using manual
SPE cartridges and 50% with an automated system.
The estimated cost per water sample is $5.51. Use of
SPE resulted in avoided costs of $2,891 in one year
at a Superfund site. Although these avoided costs
may seem small when compared to the overall costs
associated with a Superfund site, the avoided costs are
real and have the potential to increase with widespread
implementation.
The accelerated one-step (AOS) continuous liquid-
liquid extractor system cuts the time used to set up and
extract water samples for organic compounds by 33%.
The reduction of the actual time needed for extraction
is 66%. In addition, there is an 80% savings in the
volume of solvent usage as compared to the traditional
method. This in turn reduces the cost of waste disposal.
The estimated savings is $8,000 per year and there is an
increased capacity for efficiency in lab operations.
Solid samples have traditionally been extracted using
Soxhlet glassware, large volumes of solvents, and long
extraction times of at least sixteen hours. Laboratories
began to use the automated solvent extraction (ASE)
system to perform the comparable and usually more
efficient extraction in about 30 minutes per sample. The
solvent and waste reduction is 50%, which amounts to
saving $7.34 per sample.
Extraction of solid samples for organic analysis can be
conducted using an automated Soxhlet extraction device
called Soxtherm. This system can extract 16 samples in
4 hours, saving 75% in time over traditional methods.
Solvents are reduced by 50% which also represents a
waste disposal saving. The estimated saving is $5,000
per year based on the number of samples processed.
At times less is more, as was found using a Midi-
distillation of water samples for determining cyanides.
The resultant savings using this equipment instead of
the traditional large-scale glassware is 90% reduction in
sample volume, waste, and reagent usage.
4.6.2.2 Method Modification
Both Agency method developers as well as method
users should examine methods with respect to
decreased chemical usage and waste. Based on the data
quality objectives required, changes in procedures or
equipment could also improve turn-around times and
-------
increase lab capacity. Of course, the analyst must be
able to demonstrate that the changes do not result in
incorrect identification or quantification of the target
analytes.
Procedural changes in gas chromatography (GC)
reduced the time of analysis for pesticides and semi-
volatile organic compounds. Analysis time was reduced
66% using high-efficiency analytical GC columns, from
30 to 10 minutes, while increasing the number of target
compounds analyzed during the same time by 40%. The
total result is an increase in analytical throughput.
Radiological determinations using improved equipment
and techniques increased sample throughput. An
automated coaxial P-type HPGe (High Purity
Germanium) detector system increased the number of
gamma isotope analysis of air filters by 30%. Gross
alpha/beta counting on air filters increased 50% using
a four detector proportional counting system. Another
P-type HPGE detector with shield rapidly measures
Plutonium on air filters and smears. Twelve single
sample liquid scintillation counters increased capacity
by 400%. The result of all of this is increased lab
capacity without an increase in personnel.
Changing to Eichrom-based methods for analyzing
soil samples and extracting Plutonium, Thorium and
Uranium from other metals present in the soil saved
time over the timed input/output automata (TIOA)
method by 60%. In addition, there was reduction in acid
consumption, as well as elimination of mixed waste for
disposal.
Two emerging methods have the potential to save
equipment and supply costs, while increasing efficiency
through reduced sample analysis time and waste
disposal. The first uses quantitative Polymerase Chain
Reaction (qPCR) as a replacement for conventional
microbiological methods. The estimated avoided
costs using this method will be 50% in process costs
per sample and may save $90,000 per year. Over the
lifetime of the instruments, total avoided costs would be
an estimated $1.3 million.
The second method, currently under development,
entails the automated analysis of organic compounds
in aqueous samples using solid phase extraction (SPE)
coupled in-line with a large volume injection GC/mass
spectrometer (GC/MS). It is expected that this method
will provide significant cost savings in labor, chemicals,
instrument purchases, and operations compared with
current methods.
4.6.2.3 Rapid/Field Analytical Procedures
Field screening and rapid methods are useful ways
to obtain the data needed to make decisions on-site.
They can minimize the need for more definitive and
often more costly lab methods. Lab supplies and
equipment time are saved, allowing the lab to analyze
more complex samples. Of course, these methods can
only be used to achieve specific data quality objectives
appropriate to the decision-making at hand. The
following are examples.
X-Ray fluorescence (XRF), hand held mercury
analyzers, and field portable GC/MS systems could
minimize some lab analysis if samples are determined
to be below an action level. Fewer samples would be
sent to a fixed lab and field mobilization time may be
shortened, saving time and money.
A rapid air method using Tedlar bags for volatile
organic compound (VOC) solvents—used with GC/
MS in a mobile lab on-site, in place of the Summa
canister collection and analysis system—would take
less time and be less expensive. However, only certain
compounds at appropriate concentration levels would
be candidates for this method. Data is generated close
to real time with an estimated savings of $240 per
sample, in addition to getting data to decision-makers
faster.
Radiological methods such as Rapid Alpha
Spectroscopy and Rapid Taping reduce the amount of
reagents and labor needed to prepare the samples, as
well as waste disposal costs.
Radiation testing of large areas using a newly
developed ScannerVan, in-situ systems and other
analytical tools relieve the need for sending teams
out to collect and bring samples to a fixed lab. These
tools have shown large savings over conventional lab
analyses.
4.6.2.4 Working within EPA Laboratories
Data users should consult with their in-house
laboratories before seeking external labs to address
their analytical needs. There is an economy of scale in
using existing lab capacity to perform analyses, which
efficiently uses time and instruments. This may result in
overall savings to the Agency.
A second validation of the method for analysis
of perchlorates conducted in-house uses liquid
chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/
MS/MS), saving about $130,000 in labor costs.
-------
Providing instrumentation to existing EPA and/or
contractor personnel instead of using a commercial lab
will reduce the turnaround time for the GC/MS analysis
of air samples using Summa canisters. With enhanced
automated systems for the instrument, data generation
will be reduced from 10 days for the commercial lab to
five days, thus increasing lab capacity.
There may be conditions that hinder the ability of a
lab to modify methods or use new technology for more
efficient user data delivery. An analysis of the data
user's needs may suggest that a performance-based
measurement approach would be more suitable to
improve the outcome of the project and improve the
efficiency of lab operations.
Regulatory methods for some analyses—such as
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), using Soxhlet
extractors for wipes and solids, and use of continuous
liquid/liquid extractors for water in the TSCA
program—is costly in both time and material. ASE and
SPE extraction procedures, accepted for analysis in
other program areas, save time and reduce the amount
of solvent and waste disposal. Providing ways to use
advanced processes would help increase efficiency in
lab operations and reduce costs. This could be achieved
by removing regulatory barriers to allow use of more
efficient and effective methods to generate data (e.g.,
employ performance-based measurements).
Investigation of new methods to prepare heavily
contaminated water samples for analysis using
automated devices would increase the ability to do
more samples in less time. The need to use traditional
methods increases costs. The Agency should investigate
new instrumentation that may be on the market to
overcome this obstacle.
4.6.3 Conclusions and Key Recommendations
Several of the initiatives mentioned have good potential
applicability across various EPA labs. They include:
Upgrades of equipment to either increase efficiency
of analyses, reduce materials required to accomplish
analytical goals, reduce amounts and/or toxicity of
waste products, and reduce personnel requirements.
Development or adoption of more acceptable analytical
procedures given environmental and time constraints
within scientific disciplines, inclusive of validation and
production of new techniques and standard operating
procedures.
Use of field instrumentation and survey equipment to
reduce numbers of samples sent for laboratory analysis.
Some actions may have potential application to
laboratories after additional study. They include:
Use of EPA personnel and/or on-site contract personnel
to provide analytical support for projects that currently
use external sources can provide financial savings and
more fully utilize equipment already owned by the
Agency. Additionally, this can provide an opportunity
to reduce turnaround time for data and more intimately
control quality assurance.
Development of procedures to evaluate new processes,
procedures, and instrumentation in order to provide
a readily accessible forum for Agency-wide use; this
process could evolve into an easily utilized product
that offers the laboratories environmentally and fiscally
responsible analytical options.
-------
4.6.4 Implemented and Planned Improvement Tables
Exhibit 25. Efficient Analytical Procedures: Laboratory Improvements Implemented, 2004-2007
Item Brief Description
Lab Name/
Location
Key Improvement and Avoided
Potential
to Apply
Costs or Savings (quantification across EPA
if available) Laboratories?
(All/Some)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Metals hot block/mod block
digester
Solid phase water-extraction
Accelerated one step water
extraction
Automated solvent extraction
(pressurized) for solids
Soxtherm for extraction of
solids
Modified GC for pesticides
and semi-volatile CPDs
P-typeHPGE detector for
radiological samples
Eichrom method for Pu, Th, U
Field: X-ray fluorescence;
mercury analyzer; GC/MS
Tedlar air sampling bags
Scanner Van, in-situ system,
etc. for radiological analysis of
large areas
In-house method validation
Microwave digestion for alpha
spectroscopy
Midi-distillation of water for
cyanides
Regions 2, 7, 10
Regions 7, 8
Region 2, 10, ORD &
OSWER - Edison, NJ
Region 7, NRML,
Ada, OK
Region 2, OSWER -
Edison, NJ
OSWER - Edison, NJ
NAREL-
Montgomery, AL
NAREL-
Montgomery, AL
Region 7, OSWER -
Edison, NJ
OSWER - Edison, NJ
RIENL- Las Vegas,
NV
NRMRL-Ada.OK
RIENL -Las Vegas,
NV
Region 2, OSWER,
NRMRL- Edison, NJ
$0.40 - 1.14/sample; 40-75% reagents;
50% waste disposal
50 - 75% solvent & waste; $5.51/
sample
$8,000/year; 66% time saved for
extraction; 80% solvent
95% time saving; 90% solvent & waste;
$7.34/sample
75% time saving; $5,000/year
66% time saving
30-50% increase in sample throughput
60% time saving
Time saving due to fewer samples sent
to fixed lab for analysis; cost saving in
fixed lab for avoiding unneeded analysis
$240. per sample
Not available
$130,000 in labor costs
Reduction in acids and alkaline
neutralizer
90% reduction in sample volume, waste
and reagents
All
All
All
All
All
All
All
All
All
All
Some
Some
Some
All
-------
Exhibit 26. Efficient Analytic Procedures: Laboratory Improvements Planned, 2007-2010
Item Brief Description
Lab Name,
Location
Key Improvement and Avoided
Costs or Savings (quantification
if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All/Some)
1
2
3
4
Quantitative PCR -
microbiological determinations
SPE in-line with large volume
injection GC/MS
Rapid alpha spectroscopy and
rapid taping method
Enhanced automated system for
air analyses
Region 2
NRMRL- Ada, OK
R 1 EN L- Las Vegas, NV
OSWER - Edison, NJ
50% per sample; $90,000 annual
estimated savings
Not available
Savings in time, reagents and waste
disposal
50% time savings
All
All
Some
All
4.7 Other Significant Initiatives
4.7.1 Introduction and Key Concepts
During the process of developing categories to organize
the suggestions described in this report, we discovered
that some suggestions do not fit easily into categories.
These miscellaneous items are described as "other
significant initiatives." On the following pages, these
significant initiatives are grouped and described across
several sub-categories: integration, restructuring,
reduction, and improvements in efficiency. In Appendix
6, these sub-categories are identified in the "Focus of
Project" column.
The majority of these items are related to Agency
programs that accomplish administrative goals, such
as increased efficiency of operations and programs,
increased consistency and standardization of intra-
Agency programs, reduction in administrative costs,
and more effective use of resources.
Integration of programs and job functions within
co-located Agency entities has proven to reduce
costs and provide equal or better services with lower
FTE requirements. Although the majority of items
presented address administrative functions such as
human resources, safety, and contract personnel, other
items such as analytical support, building/facility
maintenance, environmental programs (waste disposal
and "green" programs), and physical security were
shown to have potential for improvement.
Efforts to restructure laboratory processes using
available resources have shown great potential for
increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Process
restructuring also may be effective across the diverse
workforce in many EPA laboratories (e.g., federal
employees, visiting scientists from academia or other
agencies, and personnel from the Senior Environmental
Employee Program [SEEP]).
The ability to develop and adapt laboratory processes,
and to validate analytical and sampling procedures,
represents one of the most significant opportunities to
increase productivity, increase efficiency, and reduce
waste. In some instances, the acquisition of new and
better laboratory instruments and field screening
equipment results in increased sample throughput and
reduced costs while ensuring the continued quality of
data.
Some of the opportunities described in the next section
require initial expenditures in order to reduce costs over
a longer period. Some activities and opportunities result
in direct savings for the cost of supplies, while others
save time and/or increase capability. It is important to
note that the cost of implementing many opportunities
should be evaluated and balanced with factors such as
potential increases in throughput, increased efficiency,
reduction in energy costs, and reduction of waste
generated.
-------
4.7.2 Opportunities for
Improvements in Other
Significant Initiatives
While the opportunities
in this section do have
potential for application at
additional laboratories, both
time and flexibility will be
required to implement them.
For successful application
at additional laboratories,
employees and managers
must first (1) assess who
these recommendations could
apply to, then (2) identify
and evaluate the costs and
benefits of different options,
and (3) initiate efforts to
adapt to these changes before
they have been implemented.
After the changes have been _______________
implemented, a system to
evaluate their results should
be in place. The highlights in the following sections
provide valuable information for EPA's laboratories to
consider.
Exhibit 27. Diversity of Other Significant Initiatives in
Response to Location-Specific Cost Savings Questions
Restructuring
21%
Integration
35%
Improvements in Efficiency /
Upgrades
25%
(Total number of other significant initiatives = 75 )
4.7.2.1 Resource Sharing
Sharing of resources and services at co-located
facilities across office, program, laboratory, and
division boundaries provides an opportunity for EPA
to use resources and staff effectively and to increase
productivity.
Some facilities have accomplished, or plan to
accomplish, integration of basic services such as
communication, maintenance, and janitorial services.
Resource sharing suggestions demonstrate that
significant savings have been achieved. Facilities
continue to explore resource sharing for other services
such as safety and health, management of hazardous
waste, record keeping, and chemical inventory.
-------
Avoided costs identified in integrating facility support
functions (e.g., trash removal, recycling, help desk
call center, wide area network/local area network
(WAN/LAN) and general facility operations) were
approximately $287,000.
• Integration of administrative functions resulted in
avoided costs of $250,000 in 2007. Integration of
analytical and laboratory support services within
a Division and/or Laboratory has been found to
be beneficial to avoid costs and increase overall
throughput.
Integration of PBX services with other laboratory
services on an "in-house" basis resulted in
avoided costs of about $25,000 and integration of
telecommunication and voice services, approximately
$289,000.
Two barriers were identified by EPA laboratories that
may inhibit application of some suggestions. First, EPA
facilities co-located with non-federal governmental
entities cannot participate in mutual contracts due to
an Office of General Council interpretation of OMB
circular 1-97 (1969). Second, co-located facilities
may have different security level ratings, making
establishment of a comprehensive security contract
difficult.
4.7.2.2 Approaches to Workforce Planning and
Human Resources
A number of EPA laboratories identified opportunities
to restructure approaches to workforce planning and
human resources that may result in increased efficiency,
effectiveness, or cost-savings. Examples identified by
EPA laboratories include:
Restructuring laboratory protocols to rely significantly
on internal analytical and field capabilities.
• Including greater flexibility in work schedules has
allowed laboratories and field sampling groups
to improve support for scientific programs and to
respond flexibly to unpredictable conditions such
as weather changes.
• Implementation of successful alternative
employment programs, such as the Senior
Environmental Employee Program (SEEP) through
many parts of EPA may create a diverse workforce
and provide scientific and clerical support.
• Shared duties at co-located facilities may result
in resource savings. Savings demonstrated in one
location amounted to $40,000 per year.
• Incorporating performance-based concepts in
contracts has provided additional operations and
maintenance savings of approximately $60,000
per year. Restructuring instrument maintenance
and service contracts to cover multiple instruments
or multiple locations may result in improved
efficiency and significant savings in contract costs.
Several suggestions identified by EPA laboratories
focus on workforce planning and future hiring as areas
in which changes may result in increased efficiency or
effectiveness. Examples include increasing the number
of technicians (and the ration of technicians to principal
investigators) and expanding opportunities for career
development.
4.7.2.3 Reduction
Several suggestions indicate that establishing
management systems (such as safety, heath, and
environmental management systems) will create
more efficient and effective procedures that result in
reduction of waste (hazardous and non-hazardous),
creation of efficient protocols, and reduction of
materials and supplies. Examples provided by EPA
laboratories include:
Developing a functional acquisition strategy to manage
and oversee contracts for similar functions may result
in avoided costs; in this example the savings are about
$100,000 per year.
Identifying alternative approaches to prepare for
emergency response communication requirements
may result in avoided costs. One laboratory indicated
that it was less expensive to provide phone cards with
Internet access to essential personnel than to continue
the current system.
Use of an equipment management system to reduce
equipment maintenance plans by actively managing
equipment replacement schedules and costs resulted in
avoided costs of approximately $70,000 from FY 2004
through FY 2006.
-------
4.7.2.4 Improvements in Efficiency
Several suggestions indicate that opportunities exist
to improve efficiency on computer software and
management systems. Examples provided by EPA
laboratories include:
• Upgrades to Information Technology (IT) systems
have resulted in increased productivity, expanded
usage, and reduced costs. One laboratory described
cost-savings of approximately $15,000.
• Increased use of LAN-based systems and standard
software packages can reduce costs. At one
laboratory, the creation of a dedicated LAN (rather
than the use of a shared system) resulted in savings
of approximately $2,800 per year, while the use of
centralized software analysis and repair programs
saved approximately $90,000.
• In several locations, expanding the use of Lotus
Notes systems (to incorporate reservation
functions, procurement approvals, work requests,
leave and timesheet recording, award nominations,
and travel requests) has improved efficiency.
• Implementing a new Laboratory Information
Management System (LIMS) has reduced the need
for manual entry of data, thereby increasing the
ease and accuracy of data transfer.
• Increasing the use of Web-based training reduces
travel and training costs while providing additional
flexibility and access to courses.
• Application of indefinite quantity contracts (IDIQs)
in research activities has reduced administrative
costs.
• Use of new high speed data storage and backup
systems permits the Agency to consolidate various
individual backup systems, improving efficiency
and reducing costs.
• Purchase and incorporation of new and better
analytical instrumentation will increase
productivity, increase throughput, reduce waste,
and require less personnel.
New and more useful screening tools can minimize
the number of samples sent to laboratories for analysis,
reducing associated costs.
4.7.3 Conclusion and Key Recommendations
Collectively, the suggestions described in this section
represent a diverse assortment of proposed and
implemented activities. Despite this diversity, many
suggestions represent promising initiatives that merit
consideration by EPA laboratories.
The majority of these suggestions improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory administration
and operation; many also reduce costs. The location-
specific nature of these suggestions requires careful
analysis and planning before they are applied at
other laboratory facilities. Communication across the
Agency's laboratory network will help identify practical
lessons learned from other laboratory facilities.
-------
4.7.4 Implemented and Planned Improvement Tables
Exhibit 28. Other Significant Initiatives: Laboratory Improvements Implemented, 2004-2007
Item Brief Description
Lab Name/Location
Key Improvement
and Avoided Costs or
Savings (quantification
if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All/Some)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Integration of human
resources function
Elimination of integrated
private branch exchange
(PBX) functions
Integration of
telecommunications
Integration of PBX & voice
Integration of inorganic lab
support
Integration of facility support
contracts
Integration of trash removal &
recycling
Integration of help desk,
security cards, WAN/LAN
Integration of lab support
services
Integration of facility support
Reduction of service
agreements
Reduction of contracts
Reduction of contracts
Alternate workforce utilization
Reduction in extramural
expenses
Restructure workforce
OR D/NRMRLV Cincinnati
OAR/Office of Radiation and
Indoor Air (ORIAVRIEMLV
Las Vegas
ORD/NERL/ERD& Region 4/
Athens
ORD/NERL/ERD& Region 4/
Athens
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards (OAQPSVRTP
ORD/NERL/ERD/Athens
ORD/NERL/ERD/Athens
ORD/NERL/ESD/las Vegas
ORD/NHEERL/RTP
OARM
OSWER/ERT/Edison
Region 10/Manchester
Region 5/Chicago
OECA/OCEFT/NEIC/Denver
ORD/HEASD & OAR/OAQPS/RTP
ORD/NHEERL/WED/Corvallis
$250,000 in 2007
Reduction in costs & better
function/approximately
$25,000
Same service, less costs
Same service, better costs/
approximately $289,000
Information about any
savings is not available
Same service, better
response & costs/
approximately $100,000
Better service/approximately
$4,000
Approximately $100,000
Contracts
Triage of services/
approximately $82,640
Use of in-house resources/
approximately $65,000 to
$95,000
Use of in-house resources/
costs
Use of in-house resources/
approximately $500,000 over
2.5 years
Information about any
savings is not available
Hiring personnel to reduce
contract costs/approximately
$670,000
Increase tech ratio to LI/
approximately $800,000
All
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
Some
All
Some
All
Some
Some
All
Some
-------
Item Brief Description
Lab Name/Location
Key Improvement
and Avoided Costs or
Savings (quantification
if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All/Some)
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Labor restructure
Labor restructure
Shared labor in co-located
programs
Reduction in service contracts
Reduced number of service
contracts
Performance-based contract
for 0 & M
Reduction in project
officers by use of functional
acquisition strategy
Reduction in record support
contract
Staff reduction at
Environmental Services
Assistance Team
(ESAT)
Reduction in Iridium card
charges
Reduction in equipment
maintenance plans
Removal of data collection
system from network
Increase in use of Lotus Notes
in form approval
Region 10/Manchester
Region 3 & OPP/Fort Meade
OSWER/ERT/Edison
Region 2, OSWER/ERT, & ORD/
NRMRL/Edison
Region 5/Chicago
OAR/OTAQ/NVFEL/Ann Arbor
ORD/NRMRL/ Cincinnati
Region 4 (SESD)
Region 9/Richmond
OAR/ORIA/NAREL/Montgomery
ORD/NRMRL/ Cincinnati
OAR/OTAQ/NVEFL/ Ann Arbor
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Breeze
Utilization of alternative labor
resources; information about
any savings is not available
Use of SEEP employee to
save labor costs
Glass washing/approximately
$50,000
Use of 3rd party vendors,
single service vendor of
multiple instruments,
reduced plans of coverage,
& multi-year agreements/
approximately $40,000
Removal of older equipment
from service/($1000s)
O&M restructure/
approximately $60,000
Use of same PO for projects
with similar functions/
approximately $100,000 &
0.7 FTE
Reduction in record
management personnel/
approximately $30,607
Decrease in use of mobile
laboratory/approximately
$140,000 from 2003-2007
Support of emergency
response requirements/
savings N/A
Equipment management
system/approximately
$16,600 in FY04, $7,300 in
FY05, & $44,000 in FY06
Simplification of data
collection and storage/
approximately $200,000
e-systems automation/
approximately $160
Some
Some
Some
All
Some
Some
All
Some
Some
Some
All
Some
All
-------
Item Brief Description
Lab Name/Location
Key Improvement
and Avoided Costs or
Savings (quantification
if available)
Potential
to Apply
across EPA
Laboratories?
(All /Some)
30
31
32
33
34
35
Creation of LAN
Improvement in IT systems
Electronic transfer of data
systems
Centralized software analysis
and repair
Upgrade to use LIMS
Use of IDIQ Contracts
OAR/ORIA/RIENL7 Las Vegas
OECA/OCEFT/NEIC/Denver
Region 7/Kansas City
OAR/ORIA/NAREL/Montgomery
OSWER/ERT/Edison
OAR/OR lA/NVEFL/Ann Arbor
Reduction in contract
support costs/approximately
$2,800
Increased capabilities/
approximately $15,000
Move toward a paperless
office/costs N/A
Approximately $90,000
Information about any
savings is not available.
For gas detection system/
approximately $25,000
Some
All
Some
Some
Some
Some
Exhibit 29. Other Significant Initiatives: Laboratory Improvements Planned, 2007-2010
Potential to
,, D . . n . . .. ,. ,. Key Improvement and Avoided Costs or APP'y across EPA
Item Brief Description Lab Name/Location c • / t-c- 4- •, -, u, > i ahnntnrips?
Savings (quantification if available) Laooratonesr
(All /Some)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Combination of SACOs at location
Administrative support integration
Standardization and centralization
of IT, communication, security,
property management & HR
function
Integrated help desk support for co-
located entities
Integrated contract for records
management for co-located entities
Integrated contract facility support
and security for co-located entities
Assessment of chemical use
ORD/NERL/ESD/
Las Vegas
ORD/NERL/ESD/
Las Vegas
OAR/ORIA/RIENL/
Las Vegas
ORD/NERL/ERD&
Region 4/Athens
ORD/NERL/ERD&
Region 4/Athens
ORD/NERL/ERD&
Region 4/Athens
Region 71 Kansas
City
1 FTE Reduction, OARM oversight
savings
1 FTE Reduction, OARM oversight
savings
Reduction in FTEs and associated
costs
Reduction in costs and contract
oversight;
savings have not been determined (see
R4 submittal campus approach 3.b.)
Reduction in costs and contract
oversight;
est. savings $50,000/yr. (see R4
submittal campus approach 3.a.)
Reduction in costs and contract
oversight
Reduced quantities of chemicals on-
hand, or ordered
Some
Some
All
Some
Some
Some
All
-------
Potential to
D . , ,. . .. . , .. .. Key Improvement and Avoided Costs or APP!V across EPA
tern Brief Description Lab Name/Location • : . . .... . ., .. . . . i ahm-atm-ip^'
Savings (quantification if available) Laooratonesr
(All /Some)
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Examination of alternative chemical
analyses
National security contract
Combined custodial and guard
contract
Integrated security, mail and
custodial contract
Reduction in number of guards at R
4SESD
Upgrades to software, software
management tools and hardware
for IT
Upgrade software to better use LI MS
Reduction in number of Blackberry
PDAs
Utilization of IT contract from partner
agency
Telecommunications integration
Adoption of more flexible scheduling
for sampling analysis
Restructuring of workforce
Region 7/Kansas
City
OAR/OTAQ/NVFEL/
Ann Arbor
ORD/NHEERL/RTP
OSWER/ERT &
ORD/NRMRL/
Edison
Region 4/SESD/
Athens
OAR/OTAQ/NVFEL/
Ann Arbor
OSWER/ERT/
Edison; OAR/OR IA/
Rl EN L/Las Vegas
Region 4/SESD/
Athens
OAR/OTAQ/NVFEL/
Ann Arbor
OAR/ORIA/RIENL/
Las Vegas
OECA/OCEFT/
NEIC/Denver
Region 10/
Manchester
Reduction in chemicals used and
waste generated; increases in general
safety
Consistence in programs & reduced
costs
Reduced costs and reduction in
number of CORs and COs
Reduced costs and reduction in
number of CORs and COs
Reduced costs
Better and increased service
Improve efficiency and data storage
Reduction in costs
Costs savings ($80,000 from each
$1,000,000 spent; management cost
reduced 8%)
Contract management savings
Better efficiency time management
Utilized stay-in-school temporary
clerical personnel and innovative
staffing programs (Department of
Veterans Affairs, intern, volunteer, and
student programs) to assist EPA staff
All
All
All
All
All
All
All
All
Some
Some
Some
Some
-------
-------
5.0
Summary and
Next Steps
This chapter presents a summary of findings from
the near-term laboratory review and briefly discusses
"next steps." The near-term review would not be
an accurate account of the status of EPA laboratory
activities without recognizing the degree to which
Agency employees have taken ownership of their roles
as protectors of the environment and good stewards of
public funds. As a result of collecting and organizing
laboratory responses for this report, the significant
commitments and experience of EPA employees have
become evident. These commitments include actions
that "green the government" and reduce facility
footprints—not only for the sake of reducing costs,
but because it is the right thing to do. Those of us who
have contributed to this effort are convinced that, with
this report and further communication across Agency
laboratories, many more opportunities to improve
laboratory efficiency and effectiveness can be identified
and implemented.
5.1 Summary
The objective of the near-term study is to identify
efficiency and effectiveness opportunities at individual
EPA laboratories. With strong support and feedback
from EPA laboratories, this objective has been
accomplished.
Most of the 516 opportunities described in this report
affect the operation and maintenance of laboratory
facilities. A majority of opportunities highlighted in
Chapter 4.0 represent tangible results—that is, actions
or best practices from 2004-2007 that are being
implemented in at least one EPA laboratory—that may
be applicable to a number of other EPA laboratories.
These opportunities and results represent a short-
term snapshot of the activities underway within EPA
laboratories that is not intended to be systematic or
quantitative.
Over the course of the past ten years, requirements
to adopt energy, water consumption, environmental
management, and sustainable facility goals have
increased dramatically across the federal government.
For example, the Energy Independence and Security
Act (EISA) of 2007 and Executive Order 13423
represent the most recent additions to requirements
for federal agencies to advance the nation's energy
security and environmental performance by achieving
ambitious goals related to energy efficiency, renewable
energy, sustainable buildings, water conservation, fleets,
toxics reductions, acquisition, electronics stewardship,
and recycling. Significant long-term investments of
expertise and time, as well as capital and operating
funds, are required to achieve these requirements and
goals.
These goals and requirements are particularly important
for federal laboratory facilities because of their
complexity, cost of operation, and energy consumption.
For example, to meet the energy reduction goals
established by the EISA and by Executive Order 13423
through the end of fiscal year 2015, EPA must reduce
energy consumption across all its facilities each year by
an amount equivalent to the energy consumed by one or
two typically-sized laboratories.
Within EPA, OARM has a leadership role in facilities
management, sustainable development, environmental
management, and compliance with facilities-related
Congressional legislation and executive orders. OARM,
in partnership with EPA's laboratories and laboratories
from other federal agencies, has demonstrated
leadership in designing and operating sustainable,
efficient, and effective laboratories. This report
represents one example of the OARM partnership with
EPA laboratories—as well as a pioneering effort to
focus on 39 laboratories from among the more than 200
facilities that EPA leases, owns, and operates.
The actions and best practices described in this report
reflect a strong commitment by EPA laboratory staff
and facility managers to responsibly manage the
government's resources. The actions and best practices
highlighted in Chapter 4.0 have multiple benefits:
they often avoid cost increases, are environmentally
responsible, and enable employees to work more
effectively or efficiently. Moreover, the scale of
efficiencies described in Chapter 4.0 spans a wide
range—from avoided costs of hundreds of thousands
to a few hundred dollars. To date, some of the most
-------
significant efficiencies gained are in the area of energy
efficiency, and in the sharing of resources among
laboratory facilities. Exhibit 2 in Chapter 1.0 succinctly
highlights the key opportunities in each of the seven
categories discussed in Chapter 4.0.
A number of the opportunities described in Exhibit
2 and Chapter 4.0 can be implemented by laboratory
and facility managers with an investment of
expertise and time. For example, information in the
water conservation section (4.4) indicates that the
development of comprehensive water management
assessments at individual laboratory facilities helps
conserve and manage water use. This best practice can
be applied broadly across EPA's laboratory network.
In addition to investments of expertise and time, a
second class of opportunities described in Exhibit 2
and Chapter 4.0 would require investments of capital
and operating funds. Several examples are described in
the energy reduction section (4.1). In these examples,
monetary investments would result in significantly
decreased energy consumption. The Agency could
realize the avoided costs associated with reduced levels
of energy consumption.
5.2 Next Steps
The information in this report serves as a guide to
inform future actions in EPA's laboratories. The report
itself helps the Agency transfer knowledge about
short-term opportunities and results in a systematic
manner across EPA's laboratory network. For these
reasons, EPA plans to distribute this report widely
across its laboratory network and to urge laboratory and
facility managers to adopt these commonsense actions
and best practices wherever appropriate. Effective
distribution and communication will help laboratory
and facility managers make informed decisions about
investments of expertise, time, capital and operating
funds to achieve long-term improvements in laboratory
efficiency and effectiveness.
-------
Appendix 1.0
Acronyms/Abbreviations
ACH
AHU
AOS
ASE
AWBERC
B&F
BAS
BMP
BPA
BTU
CAA
CERCLA
CFM
CLP
CMMS
CRT
CV
CWA
Dl
DNA
EISA
EMAP
EMP
EMS
EPA
EPAct
ERT
ESAT
ESPC
FIFRA
fpm
FTE
FY
GC
GC/MS
Air change per hour
Air-handling unit
Accelerated one-step
Automated solvent extraction
Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center
Building and facility
Building Automation System
Best Management Practice
Blanket Purchase Agreement
British Thermal Unit
Clean Air Act
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
Cubic feet per minute
Contractor Laboratory Program
Computerized Maintenance Management System
Cathode Ray Tube
Continuous Air Volume
Clean Water Act
Deionized
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program
Energy Management Plan
Environmental Management System
Environmental Protection Agency
Energy Policy Act of 2005
Environmental Response Team
Environmental Services Assistance Team
Energy Savings Performance Contract
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
Feet per minute
Full-time equivalent
Fiscal Year
Gas chromatography
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometer
-------
GSA
HEASD
HPGe
HVAC
IAG
IDIQ
IT
K
kVA
LC/MS/MS
LCD
LEED
LIMS
LLE
LSCWG
MCEARD
MCF
MOU
NERL
NHEERL
NIEHS
NOAA
NPSR
NRMRL
NIC
NVFEL
O&M
OAR
OARM
OAQPS
OCEFT
OECA
OMB
OPPTS
ORD
ORIA
OSHA
OSWER
OTAQ
General Services Administration
Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division
High Purity Germanium
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Interagency Agreement
. Indefinite quantity contract
Information Technology
1,000
Kilovolt Ampere
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry
Liquid-crystal display
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Laboratory Information Management System
Liquid-liquid extractors
Location-Specific Cost Savings Workgroup
Microbiological and Chemical Exposure Assessment Research Division
1,000 cubic feet
Memorandum of Understanding
National Exposure Research Laboratory
National Health & Environmental Effects Research Lab
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Pesticide Standards Repository
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
NHEERL Toxicogenomics Core
National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory
Operations and Maintenance
Office of Air and Radiation
Office of Administration and Resource Management
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Office of Management and Budget
Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances
Office of Research and Development
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
-------
OW/TSC
PBX
PCB
PCR
PL
PMA
psi
qPCR
RCRA
RFQ
RO
RTP
SDWA
SEEP
SFPB
SHEMD
SPE
TCEQ
TIOA
TSCA
UPS
USGS
VAV
VOC
WAN/LAN
WSWRD
XRF
Office of Water's Technical Support Center
Private Branch Exchange
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Public Law
President's Management Agenda
Pounds per square inch
quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Request for Quotation
Reverse Osmosis
Research Triangle Park
Safe Drinking Water Act
Senior Environmental Employee Program
Sustainable Facilities Practices Branch
Safety, Health and Environmental Management Division
Solid Phase Extraction
Texas Council on Environmental Quality
Timed input/output automata
Toxic Substances Control Act
Uninterruptible Power Supply
United States Geological Survey
Variable air volume
Volatile Organic Compound
Wide Area Network/Local Area Network
NRMRL's Water Supply and Water Resources Division
X-ray fluorescence
-------
-------
Appendix 2.0
Functions across EPA's Laboratory Network
Establish protective standards and regulations including the laboratory science needed to establish standards; permitting,
registering, and certifying operations related to regulated entities; and implementing voluntary programs.
Provide analytical and scientific support for regulatory programs including measuring parameters mandated in environmental
statutes or regulations; and the development, testing, and verification of agency-approved methodologies.
Conduct environmental measurement and monitoring including instruments and technology for determining .environmental
conditions, changes in conditions, or the status and trends of particular environmental indicators.
Develop and apply systems for quality oversight including quality assurance, quality control, auditing, laboratory certification,
and standards for laboratory certification.
Prepare for and respond to emergencies including training, certifying, and overseeing contractors involved in emergencies
or threats; responding to emergencies; remediating problems if they do occur; investigating and recovering costs; providing
information to support public health decisions; and providing information to the public.
Prepare for, detect, and respond to threats to homeland security and to the nation's drinking water supplies—including training,
certifying, and overseeing contractors involved in threat response; remediating problems if they do occur; providing information to
support public health decisions; and providing information to the public.
Oversee and implement EPA regulations by state, local, and tribal governments including state implementation plans;
Superfund contractors and Superfund contract laboratories; Superfund and RCRA data validation activities; analytical services;
technical support for regulatory methods and method equivalency issues; and scientific and technical support to characterize
emerging environmental and human health problems on a local-to-regional scale.
Provide technical assistance, training, and technology transfer including the transfer of scientific tools, data, processes, and
technologies—across EPA; to other federal agencies; to states, tribes and local governments; to non-government organizations,
industry, and academia; internationally; and to the general public.
Provide technical support and analytical services to enforce EPA standards and regulations including monitoring and enforcing
compliance with standards; facility and discharge compliance inspections; conducting investigations for regional and national civil
and criminal prosecutions; fast-response analysis of environmental samples associated with egregious violations of environmental
regulations (at the request of U.S. attorneys); preparation of expert testimony; and providing scientific and technical support for
enforcement actions by state, local, and tribal governments.
Conduct research and development including core research to better understand complex environmental, biological, and
ecosystem processes; problem-driven research to create a scientific foundation for EPA decisions related to specific statutes;
research to develop indicators and measurements of the condition and change in condition of the environment and human
health; advice and assistance for specific clients in EPA and in state, tribal, and local governments; and collaboration with other
federal, state, and non-government organizations to address priority research topics related to EPA's strategic goals.
Communicate with the public and stakeholders including public access to the results of laboratory activities; performance,
quality systems, and accountability data; information about laboratory certification; and the data and analyses needed to assure
information quality.
-------
-------
Appendix 3.0
Congressional Statutes Related to EPA's
Mission and Responsibilities
1958
1966
1969
1970, 1977, 1990
1970
1972
1972
1972
1973
1974
1976
1976
1976
1977
1980
1982
1986
1986
1986
1988
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; 21 U.S.C. 409
Freedom of Information Act; 5 U.S.C. 552
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347
Clean Air Act (CAA); 42 U.S.C. s/s 7401 et seq.
National Environmental Policy Act; 42 U.S.C. 61 et seq. 4321-4347
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); 7 U.S.C. s/s 135 et seq.
Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments; P.L. 92-500
Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act; 33 U.S.C. 1401 et seq. P.L. 92-532
Endangered Species Act (ESA); 7 U.S.C. 136;16 U.S.C. 460 et seq.
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); 42 U.S.C. s/s 300f et seq.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); 15 U.S.C. s/s 2601 et seq.
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act of 1976; P.L. 94-475
42 U.S.C. 4361-4370
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); 42 U.S.C. s/s 321 et seq.
Clean Water Act (CWA); 33.U.S.C. ss/1251 et seq.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); 42 U.S.C. s/s
9601 et seq.
Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act; P.L. 98-377 Title II of TSCA
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA); 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.
Emergency Planning & Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA); 42 U.S.C. 11011 et seq.
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act; P.L. 99-519 Title II of TSCA
Asbestos Information Act; 42 U.S.C. 7401, 7412, 7414, 7416 (amendment to CAA)
-------
1988
1988
1988
1990
1990
1992
1993
1996
1999
2002
2005
2007
Ocean Ban Dumping Act; P.L. 100-688 (amendment to Marine Protection,
Sanctuaries Act)
Research and
Lead Contamination Control Act; P.L. 100-572 (amendment to SDWA)
Indoor Radon Abatement Act; P.L. 100-551 Title III of TSCA
Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); 42 U.S.C. 13101 and 13102, s/s et seq.
Oil Pollution Act of 1990; 33 U.S.C. 2702 to 2761
Residential Lead-Based Paint Reduction Act; P.L. 102-550 Title IV of TSCA
Government Performance and Results Act of 1993; P.L. 103-62
Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA); P.L. 104-170
Chemical Safety Information, Site Security and Fuels Regulatory Relief Act;
Section 112(r) of the CAA), 42 U.S.C. 7412
P.L. 106-40 (Amends
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2005; P.L. 107-188.
Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005; P.L. 109-58, 42 U.S.C. 15801
Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007; 42 U.S.C. 17001
-------
Appendix 4.0
EPA's Laboratory Facilities and Buildings
Office Laboratory Location Ownership Mission / Functions
Office of Air And Radiation (OAR)
OAR
OAR
OAR
National Air and Radiation
Environmental Laboratory
(NAREL)
National Vehicle and Fuel
Emissions Laboratory
Radiation and Indoor
Environments National
Laboratory
Montgomery, AL
Ann Arbor, Ml
Las Vegas, NV
EPA owned
EPA owned
Leased
Comprehensive environmental laboratory for
measuring environmental radioactivity and
evaluating its risk to the public.
Responsible for developing national
regulatory programs to reduce air pollution
from mobile sources; evaluating emission
control technology; testing vehicles, engines,
and fuels; providing states with information
on transportation and incentive-based
programs; and determining compliance
with federal emissions and fuel economy
standards.
Provides technical support for numerous
radiation protection and control activities,
conducts site investigations, radon
assessments and evaluations, health
assessment modeling, and indoor air studies.
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA)
OECA
National Enforcement
Investigations Center
Denver, CO
Leased
Provides facilities, equipment, personnel,
and expertise needed for measurement
activities, data evaluations, and investigations
conducted to support civil and criminal
environmental enforcement efforts.
Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS)
OPPTS
OPPTS
OPPTS
Analytical Chemistry
Laboratory
Microbiology Laboratory
- Environmental Science
Center
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory
FortMeade, MD
FortMeade, MD
Bay St. Louis,
MS
EPA owned
(managed by
EPA Region 3)
EPA owned
(managed by
EPA Region 3) •
Leased
Technical support and chemical analyses of
pesticides and related chemicals; new multi-
residue analytical methods development;
and operation of EPA's National Pesticide
Standard Repository.
Performance (efficacy) measurement and
testing of antimicrobial products with public
health claims, e.g., hospital disinfectants;
research on methods to measure the efficacy
of various types of antimicrobials including
sporicides; and validation of methods used to
identify genetic events and proteins for plant
incorporated protectants.
Test method evaluation for pesticides in
soil and water; quality assurance technical
support to EPA regional, federal, and state
laboratories; analytical method development;
and analytical support to national dioxin
initiatives and monitoring studies.
-------
Laboratory
Mission / Functions
ORD
National Exposure Research Lab
Provides scientific understanding,
information and assessment tools to reduce
and quantify the uncertainty in the Agency's
exposure and risk assessments for all
environmental stressors with divisions that
include:
ORD
Atmospheric Sciences
Modeling Division
RTP, NC
Page Road Bldg.
leased (managed
byOARM)
Performs much of the air pollution
meteorology research for the Agency,
conducts in-house research, and manages
numerous cooperative agreements and
contracts.
ORD
Ecological Exposure
Research Division
Cincinnati, OH
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
Conducts laboratory and field studies aimed
at providing research products that enable
the Agency to conduct predictive and
retrospective exposure assessments.
ORD
Ecosystems Research
Division
Athens, GA
EPA Owned
Conducts research on organic and inorganic
chemicals, greenhouse gas biogeochemical
cycles, and land use perturbations that
create direct and indirect, chemical and non-
chemical stressor exposures and potential
risks to humans and ecosystems.
ORD
Environmental Sciences
Division
Las Vegas, NV
Leased
Conducts research, development, and
transfer programs on environmental
exposures to ecological and human
receptors. Develops methods for
characterizing chemical and physical
stressors, with special emphasis on
ecological exposure.
Human Exposure and
ORD Atmospheric Sciences
Division
RTP, NC
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
Conducts research to characterize
exposures, across the whole of the exposure
assessment paradigm from the pollutant
source to the exposed person or receptor.
Microbiological & Chemical
ORD Exposure Assessment
Research Division
Cincinnati, OH
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
Conducts research to measure, characterize
and predict the exposure of humans to
chemical and microbial hazards.
ORD
National Health & Environmental Effects Research Lab
The Agency's focal point for scientific
research on the effects of contaminants and
environmental stressors on human health
and ecosystem integrity. NHEERL divisions
include:
ORD
Environmental
Carcinogenesis Division
RTP, NC
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
Conducts mechanistically-based research
to explain the association between
environmental pollution and cancer.
ORD
Experimental Toxicology
Division
RTP, NC
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
Responsible for pharmacokinetics research;
examines pulmonary, immunological,
hepatic, cardiovascular, and renal toxicity
resulting from environmental contaminants.
-------
ORD
ORD
ORD
ORD
ORD
ORD
ORD
ORD
ORD
ORD
ORD
Human Studies Division RTP, NC
Neurotoxicology Division RTP, NC
Reproductive Toxicology
Division
RTP, NC
Leased
(managed by
OARM)
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
Leased
(managed by
OARM)
Atlantic Ecology Division Narragansett, Rl EPA owned
Gulf Ecology Division Gulf Breeze, FL EPA owned
Mid-Continent Ecology
Division
Western Ecology Division
Duluth, MN
Grosse lie, I
National Risk Management Research Lab
Air Pollution Prevention
and Control Division
Land Remediation and
Pollution Control Division
Subsurface Protection &
Remediation Division
RTP, NC
Cincinnati, OH
Ada, OK
2.4 Leased Water
Front Land EPA
owned
Corvallis, OR
Willamette, OR
Newport, OR
JSB building
leased
EPA owned
EPA owned
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
EPA owned
Conducts clinical and epidemiological
investigations to better understand human
responses to pollution.
Studies the effects of chemical and/or
physical agents on the nervous system.
Evaluates the effects of environmental
pollutants on human reproduction and
development.
Studies the effects of contaminants and
other stressors on the coastal waters and
watersheds of the Atlantic seaboard.
Assesses the condition of coastal ecosystems
(wetlands, bays, estuaries, and coral reefs)
in the Gulf of Mexico and analyzes causes of
change to ecological status.
Performs research to protect freshwater
ecosystems and wildlife and to understand
the basic processes and mechanisms
involved in aquatic toxicity.
Evaluates the effects of chemical
contaminants, land use, and global climate
change on terrestrial ecosystems and on
watershed ecology along the Pacific coast.
Advances the scientific understanding
and the development and application of
technological solutions to prevent, control,
or remediate important environmental
problems that threaten human health and
the environment. NRMRL divisions include:
This division is responsible for research,
development, and evaluation of air pollution
control technologies.
Conducts research at the basic level as
well as bench- and pilot-scale to explore
innovative solutions to current and future
land pollution problems.
Conducts research and engages in technical
assistance and technology transfer on
the chemical, physical and biological
structure and processes of the subsurface
environment, the biogeochemical interactions
in that environment and fluxes to other
environmental media.
-------
Office Laboratory Location Ownership Mission / Functions
ORD
ORD
ORD
Sustainable Technology
Division
Technology Transfer and
Support Division
Water Supply and Water
Resources Division
Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Milford, OH
Edison, NJ
FPA nwnprl
i_i r\ uvvi IGVJ
(managed by
OARMl
unrvivi f
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM}'
EPA owned
(managed by
OARM)
EPA owned
(managed by
Region 2)
Mission of this division is to advance the
scientific understanding, development and
application of technologies and methods
for prevention, removal and control of
environmental risks to human health and
ecology.
Serves as a focal point for technology transfer
activities, communication, and coordination
of information on ORD's science activities
and research programs with Agency Program
and Regional Offices, state and local
governments, universities and other federal
agencies.
Conducts research to help prepare the
primary and secondary regulations for
drinking water and to develop technologies
and strategies for controlling waterborne
contaminants.
OSWER
Office of Superfund
Remediation Technology
Innovation/Environmental
Response Team (ERT) -
Response Engineering and
Analytical Contract (REAC)
Edison, NJ
EPA owned
(managed/
operated by
REAC contractor)
Provides analytical support to the Regional
Offices and Headquarters programs,
specifically in the areas of Removal,
Remedial, Emergency Response, Oil
and Homeland Security. The laboratory.
is available 24/7 and provides a broad
spectrum of chemical and physical analyses,
analytical method development and
validation, biological studies, environmental
engineering studies, bio-remediation, and air
monitoring.
-------
Office Laboratory Location Ownership Mission / Functions
Regional Offices
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Region 8
Region 9
Region 10
New England Regional
Laboratory
Division of Environmental
Science and Assessment
Laboratory Branch
Environmental Science
Center
Analytical Support Branch
USEPA Region 5 Lab,
Central Regional Lab
Environmental Services
Branch Houston
Laboratory
Regional Science &
Technology Center
USEPA Region 8 Lab
USEPA Region 9 Lab
Manchester Environmental
Laboratory
North
Chelmsford, MA
Edison, NJ
FortMeade, MD
Athens, GA
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Kansas City, KS
Golden, CO
Richmond, CA
Port Orchard,
WA
Leased
EPA owned
EPA owned
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
EPA owned
The focus of the regional laboratories is
on the application of science policies and
methods in support of regulatory and
monitoring programs as well as special
projects. This is done through direct
implementation and through partnerships
with a variety of groups including state, local
and tribal governments, private industry, the
academic community, EPA program offices,
ORD and the public.
-------
-------
Appendix 5.0
Questions for Laboratories about
Location-Specific Cost Savings
The Location Specific Cost Savings Workgroup for
the Laboratory Infrastructure Study would like to
identify cost savings and efficiency efforts which EPA's
laboratories have implemented. This information will
help to identify potential cost savings for future Agency
budgets, and may suggest 'best practices' in one
laboratory that could be replicated elsewhere. We have
developed the format below to assist in the submittal
and categorization of the information. Savings can be
associated with your facility (such as energy, water
or space), equipment (reduction in #s of equipment
via sharing, less maintenance costs), processes or
procedures (reduction in purchase of chemicals,
reduction in hazardous waste costs), or administration
(such as budget or FTEs). We are looking for any
savings at the facility, regardless of whether it is
directly associated with the lab operation. Examples
should be approximately 1/3 to 1/2 page in length and
should include some matrix of savings such as dollar
savings or BTU reductions or some other qualitative
measure. In order to have some reasonable consistency
in measurement, please include a dollar cost savings if
at all possible.
Please provide savings in the following categories:
1. Actual cost saving measures or efficiency
gains implemented from FY 2004 to present.
2. Cost saving measures or efficiency gains
scheduled from now until FY2011.
3. Cost saving measures or efficiency gains
which could be implemented from now until
FY 2011 but are not on an official schedule.
4. Cost saving measures which you would
like to try but there is a barrier to
implementation. Please identify the barrier.
5. Any other measure which you wish to
discuss, including any measures which
you have tried and which have not been
successful. Please also include any
significant cost savings prior to 2004 that
might be implemented in other laboratory
facilities, as well.
Identify any joint projects which you are doing with
another laboratory (ORD laboratory and program
laboratory, program and regional lab, etc.) which has
resulted in cost or time savings. Include any project
where, while there might not have been joint work
products, there was significant cross discussion between
laboratories which lead to efficiencies.
Where laboratories are co-located or in close proximity,
identify any existing or potential efficiencies which can
be achieved through working together.
To the extent possible, identify how the savings or
efficiencies were reinvested or utilized. If the savings
for items paid by OARM, such as lease or utilities,
please so state.
Please provide this information to Jack Puzak, with a cc
to Elizabeth Cotsworth and Lawrence Starfield, by the
close of business Friday, March 30, 2007.
-------
EXAMPLES
The following are a couple examples of cost saving
write ups.
ENERGY USE REDUCTION THROUGH REDUCED
AIR EXCHANGES. The Regional laboratory has 23
hoods and over 70 vents. The use of these hoods and
vents results in 8 to 12 air exchanges per hour. The
hoods and vents to do not have variable controls and
retrofitting them would cost approximately $200,000.
The laboratory has a little less than 4 years remaining
on its lease and retrofitting the equipment with variable
controls will not result in a cost effective pay back. The
laboratory has conducted an aggressive assessment of
hood and vent needs to determine which hoods and
vents are no longer needed and which operations can be
consolidated in certain hoods. The laboratory is in the
process of shutting down six hbods and 10 vents. The
projected savings from this operation is XXX BTU per
year and $YYY.
SHARING SAMPLE STANDARDS BETWEEN
AGENCIES. The Region 6 laboratory is completing
optimization and quantification runs for the analysis of
explosives in soils and other matrixes. At the same time,
Customs and Border Protection Houston laboratory is
also developing their capability to test for explosives.
The two agencies have purchased one set of standards
for explosives and are using similar instruments. The
sharing of standards and joint optimization of the
method will save about X months in finalizing the
laboratories' ability to perform the analysis and save $Y
for reagents.
-------
Appendix 6.0
Suggestions about Commonsense Actions and Best Practices
Heading Definitions
Laboratory:
Category:
Part(s) of Infrastructure
Affected:
Section:
Focus of Project:
Partner(s):
Savings:
Reinvestment of Savings:
Description:
Comments:
Name and location of the laboratory taking/proposing the cost saving measure/efficiency gain
1 = cost saving measure/efficiency gain implemented from FY 2004 to present
2 = cost saving measure/efficiency gain scheduled from now until 2011
3 = possible cost saving measure/efficiency gain which could be implemented from now until 2011, but not on official schedule
4 = possible cost saving measure that could be implemented, but prevented by barriers to implementation
5 = additional cost saving measures/efficiency gains including those implemented prior to 2004 (5a), recommended measures (5b), ineffective measures (5c), and any other
measures worthy of mention (5d)
Facility (F), equipment (E), processes and procedures (P), or administration (A)
Section of short-term report that cost saving measure/efficiency gain is included under
Main focus of the cost saving action/efficiency gain (e.g. HVAC System, Hazardous Wastes, Lighting, Lab Equipment, etc.)
Total number of parties participating in cost saving measure/efficiency gain (including laboratory listed), OR name(s) of partners, depending on information provided
Description of savings resulting from action including, type of cost/energy savings and quantification in dollars, BTUs, or other appropriate units; NE listed if measure proved not
effective
Brief description of how savings were reinvested in the laboratory
Brief description of the action taken, the proposed action, and/or any foreseen barriers to action
Notes on any information missing or further explanation of calculation of costs and savings
Part(S)0AfffectfdtrUClUre Savir«s
^^^^^^^^^jjjjj^
ORD/NRMRL/G round
Water & Ecosystems
Restoration Division -
Ada, OK
Cateeory •^•^•j^KB Section Project Partner(s) 'VP6 » tnerSv ulner of Savings Description
1
X
Analytical Procedures
Equipment
1
Purchase &
Disposal
Reduction in
hazardous waste from
300 L to 4.8 L/ 1000
samples
The ASPE method has greatly
decreased the amount of the toxic
chemical methylene chloride that
was previously generated by the
traditional method (Automated
Cartridge Exchanger (ACE)). The
ASPE method generates 9.25 mL of
organic waste per sample, of which
4.5 mL is non-hazardous methanol.
The traditbnal method generates
about 300 ml of hazardous
methylene chloride. Savings result
from both reduced solvent costs
and reduced hazardous waste
disposal costs. The actual savings
will depend on the number of
samples extracted. Extraction of
1000 samples by the ASPE method
would result in approximately 4.8 L of
hazardous waste, while the traditional
method would generate 300 L of
hazardous waste.
-------
^^^^^^^^^^^1
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team - Edison.
NJ
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
KjBaBBB F E P A ^^^^^^OTffl^^^^^^^l|fiEnifinu^^^lum]iiRE|^^^^^B^^^^^^^^^^^E^^^^^^^I^^^^
i
X
X
X
I Analytical Procedures | Equipment | | Purchase, | | | Reduction in time j | Considerable emphasis is being |
Analytical Procedures
Equipment
Analysis, &
Disposal
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
AOS-$1.52/
Water Sample;
SPE- $5.56 /
Water Sample,
$2,891 /Year
savings gained
by using SPE
for analysis of
water samples
from Wyckoff
Superfund Site*
required for analyses;
Reduction in solvent
use
40% Reduction in time
required (4 versus 7
hours per set) for SPE
method as compared
to stirbar method
placed upon multiple uses
of analytical instrumentation,
judicious modification of existing
analysis procedures, utilization
of more efficient GC columns
and consideration of pollution
prevention and waste minimization
in the selection and use of sample
preparation procedures. Existing GC/
MS methods have been modified to
simultaneously perform analyses for
different compound classes, e.g. PCP
and DRO/TPH or include additional
site-specific target compounds. More
efficient and higher temperature
stability GC columns are being used
to significantly shorten analysis run
times from 31 minutes to 10 to 12
minutes while also increasing the
number of target compounds from
53 to over 90; thus, increasing
sample throughput. For SVOCs, the
purchase and usage of Soxtherm
extraction units has decreased the
sample extraction time period from
15 hours to 3 hours and reducing
solvent use from 300 ml to 150 ml/
sample. Sample throughput has
been increased while simultaneously
enhancing compliance with EPA
pollution prevention and waste
minimization initiatives
In 2006, the Region 10 Laboratory
continued to develop and use
water sample extraction methods
for organic chemical analyses that
use less methylene chloride (MeCl)
than the procedure used in the past.
This former extraction procedure
(liquid-liquid stirbar) used 0.45 L of
methylene chloride/sample. The new
methods developed for semi-volatile
organic compounds involve an
accelerated one-step (AOS) device
which uses 0.061 MeCI/sample
and a solid phase extraction (SPE)
procedure which use 0.025L MeCl/
sample. Currently, the AOS uses a
membrane at a cost of $10/sample
and the SPE uses an extraction
disk at a cost of $7/sample. The
savings per water sample take into
account the cost of purchasing
($12.75/L) and disposing of MeCl
(about $16.80/1), and membrane
and disk costs. SPE will be the
primary procedure used for water
sample extractions at the Region 10
Laboratory through 2007. The stirbar
method may still be used for water
samples that are highly colored or
that contain high solids levels.
'The Wyckoff Superfund
Site produces -520
semi-volatile organic
compound water samples
for extraction per year.
! his project is expected to
need this level of analytical
support for many years to
come. The stirbar method
which was used in the
past for this project would
have cost $6,916 per
year based on the above
assumptions. The SPE
method which will be used
thru 2007 at a projected
cost of $4,025 creates a
savings of $2,89 I/year in
terms of MeCl purchase,
disposal and material costs.
To be noted, the methods
developed in 2006 were
specific to the Wyckoff
project's needs, and as
such, the cost savings
for other projects will be
dependent on the type of
membranes, disks and
MeCl volumes needed for
these applications.
-------
^^l^^^^^^^^^l
Region 10 - Manchester.
WA
Region 7 - Kansas (My. KS
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
Region 7 - Kansas My. 45
Region 7- Kansas Cty. KS
Region 7 - Kansas City. KS
Region 8 - Golden, CO
BBaffil
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
F
E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
p
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
A
^^^^^^^^1
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
••umMMM
•arniraa»
Equipment
Equipment
Equipment
Equprrent
Equipment
Equ pment
Equipment
•gfflBffBB
^•"•••••••••^
•^^1
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
Pj-chase.
Analysis, &
Disposal
Pu-chase.
Analyse, S,
Disposal
Purchase
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
mam
$0.20-$0.40 '
/Sample,
Elm nation o;
custo* replacing
water oath se:-up
(Approx. $2,500)
•JLIJM'J
^^^^^^H
^^^^^^^H
40-75% Reduction in
reagent use
50% Red.iction in
'cagents
50% Reduction in
solvent usage
Reductio". in solvent
usage from 180 ml
to 30 ml
Reduction r- tine
required & solvent
usage
Reduction in time
required & amount of
reagents used
•ffEEffffBal
^•*m^mnM*»^m
^^^^H^^^^^^^^m
Incorporation the o a hot block
system for mercury analyses of water
samples. The quantises of Citric
acid, sul'j'iC acid, and potass\jm
permanganate used as chem-cal
reagents have been reduced as a
result, while still meeting the quality
control requirements specific in
tie EPA methods, ("addition, the
hot olock is more rugged than tne
water bath set-up which had to be
replaced every few years, at a cost of
~$2;500each,
A SEAL instrument has been
procured and its use ras resulted n
tne reduction o* reagents by half over
the older instrumentation.
For snlid sample preparation,
the ASE300 reduces solvent use
roDgnly by half versus the traditional
techniques of soxh e! or son nation.
For water sample preparation, sol d
phase extraction reduces solvent use
significantly (30 ml from 180 ml)
versus the traditional liquid/liquid
extraction technique. The Horizon
4790 is an automa ed sold phase
extraction system; its use results
in the reduction of about one-half
the amount of solvent used over
the manual solid phase extraction
orocess.
The extraction and clean up
procedures for samples being
analyzed for dioxins and furans
has been automated. While the
extraction process utilizing the
ASE300 results in the reduction in
the use of solvent, the automated
cleanup procedure does not.
The use of a new Mercury analyzer
(DMA80) eliminates the need for
any reagents which were required
oy the cold vapor technique. The
elimination of the need for reagents
is also accompanied by a decrease in
analysis time,
Modified LLE method to utilize micro
LLE setup, resulting in reduction
in required sample volume (1 liter
redjced to 40 nL) and signlicant
savings in transportation, analytical,
and disposal costs.
^^^^^^^^^^^H
^^^•MMftMHMHH^^^M
No quantisation o'r savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NtLDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of
savings. EURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
I
^^HaSUlillillllE^^^H
OAR/CRIA/NationalAr&
Radiaton Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery.
AL
ORD/NRMRL/Ground
Water & Ecosystems
Restoration Division -
Ada, OK
Region 7 -Kansas City, KS
CAR/OTAttNat'o-al
Vet-icle 4 Fuel Emssions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor. Ml
Region 7- Kansas Cty.KS
^BSHBSBIU
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
HHEUaBH
Method
Modification
Method
Modification
Method
Modification
Cther
Other
Region 1 &
Region 6
••MH^H
Purchase.
Analysis, &
Disposal
Purchase.
Analys-s, &
Disposal
Purchase.
Analysis, &
Disposal
Purchase
^^^^
Savings Not Yet
Known
^_«
Reduction in tirre
required for sample
analysis (25 FTE Hours
/ 20 Samples with
Eichrom as compared
to 65 FTE Hours/ 20
Samples with TIOA);
85% Reduction in acid
usage with Eichrom;
elimination of mixed
waste
Reduction in time
required & solvent
usage
•WiTllltflM
When analyzing soil samples for Pu,
Th, and U, the F'Cirom method has
proven to be 60% more efficient that
the previously used TIOA method.
Actnide analysis with the Eichrom
method has also reduced acid
consumption and eliminated the
production of mixed waste.
Currently GWERO, EPA Region
1, and EPA Region 6 are
jointly developing a method
for the "Automated Analys-s of
Organic Compounds 'n Aqueous
Solid Phase Extraction Coupled,
In-line, with large volume Injection
GC-WS." This method .s expected
to provide s.gniiicantcost savings
in labor, materials (standards.
chemical supphes, instrument
purchase, operation, i.e. energy, and
maintenance), and hazardous waste
disposal costs compared with the
current method which uses a liquid
extraction procedure. Preliminary
method development work has been
completed and work is continuing
to complete the development by the
end of EY 2007.
A few analytical methods are similar
enough in '.heir extraction techniques
that samples can be extracted
simultaneously for different analyses.
Ore example is the extract on
for diesel can be performed
Simultaneously with the extracton for
pesticides.
Automation of the calibrate of all
ma;or emission analytical systems at
NVFEL allowed mobilization of fi^e
new compliance test sites without
increasing quality control staff.
This has also resulted in an overall
improvement in the accuracy of
systems for two reasons: (1) Data
is no longer hand entered, and 12)
During this project, NVFEL eliminated
all working gases and replaced them
at the sites with primary standards
that were all read directly off the MIS T
Standard Reference Materials.
The preparation of samples for
metals analysis has been modified
which has resulted in the reduction
of both nitric acid and hydrochloric
acic1.
^^^BsmuuaHf^^^m
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
Type of savings no:
specif ed and no
quart kation of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
\o quantification of savings
provideo. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^^ggjjgjmgigjl^^^g
ORD/NRWRL/Grojnd
Wate- S tcosystems
Restoration Division -
Ada, OK
OAR/ORI/Wadiation &
lncoof Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas. NV
CAR/ORIA/Radiation &
InrJoor Environments
National laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OSvVER'LOvironrne'tai
Response Team - Edison,
NJ
Region 10- Manchester,
WA
mvr.ua-jfffgi
1
2
7
2
?
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
IHKl&awUQ^^H
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
•UUEU&SH
With n EPA
-30$
EqirDment
Equ pment
Eqjioreit
Fqu.pment
BiojijimiQB
ORD/NERL-
Cincmati, OH
HUiM
Analysis
Labor
Energy &
Analysis
Ene^
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
Analysis
^^m^mm
$130,000
^^^^W^^H
Potential 50-60%
reduction in sample
waste; Potential
30-50% reduction in
reagent usage
75% Reduction in time
required
yflBgBBIIgjfc^
H^^^B2£S*UIS1M|^^^^^
In 2006, GWERD performed
a second laboratory validation
o' a method for the analysis
of perforates by LC-MS-MS
developed by ORD NERL laboratory
in Cincinnati. This method val dation
saved over ? man years of labor costs
($130 K) and development tine of
over one year to develop a similar
method at GWERD.
Automated instruments purchased
for the laboratory have greatly
increased sample throughpu:
capability of the laboratory while
maintaining level FTE requirements.
R&IE has invested in modern
automated equipment to replace
manual single-sample analyzers.
Th'S new equipment -Gamma
Analyst, Gamma Matic, and l-Matic
- are ropo'jc automated sample
changers that can effectively process
urj to 50 samples in a single batch.
These new automated analyzers will
reduce the cost of manpower, reduce
the amount of energy needed, and
reduce the amount of time needed
to run arid process all of the manual
samplers.
h 2007 transition to a hot block
digestion from the standard water
bath digestion for mercury will be
implemented. Currently the water
bath temperature is difficult to
regulate under a laboratory hood and
more energy is expended to reach
the temperatures required for the
mercury analysis. Because heat
surrounds the digestion vessels in
a hot block, less electrical energy
per sample ts required. A u.i-'orm
temperatu'e across the block with
minimal heat loss results in higher
throughput of samples and less re-
work. Waste minimization will result
h a safer workplace, lows' purchase
and disposal costs, and less waste
placed into the environment.
The Region 10 Laboratory recently
purchased a Thermalcycler DMA
Engine Tetrad 4 Block unit. This new
piece of equipment will be used fo'
Microbial Source Tracking and will
essentially cut the time required to
conduct Polymerase Cham Reaction
methods by 75%. This time savings
is important given the growing
demand for molecular methods n
support of TMDL projects.
^^^USUUIlialls^^^H
Mo quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NFEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. ^URTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
i
-------
H^l^^^ffiU^^^^I
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
"eam, AND ORD/NRMRL;
UWMB - Ed.son, NJ
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
JBBffl
2
2
F
E
P
X
X
A
Hjj^^Q^^I
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
•OHIUHnH
•aBHM
Equipment
Equipment
•3BH8B
•UHMMMMSMB
IBB
Purchase,
Analys.s, &
Disposal
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Dispose!
BB
Approx, $8.000
/Year
Aoprox. Sb.OOO
.' Yoar
•mBM
^^^^^•^^B
^^Kj^^H
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H
ijiaiiKi^uiyiii
BalgBBiBJEB
^fUBSHtHU&HM
^^^^luS^ffl^^^^^H
In the implementation of the
Accelerated One-Step Continuous
L.quid-Liquid Extractors (CLLE),
glassware is easily nstalled/removeo
by one analyst. The operation is
unattended after initial set-up since
the sample extraction, concentration
and drying of the extract is performed
by the CLLE unit. Since there is no
apparatus change between extraction
and concentration, it reduces sample
handing and overall technician
t me requ red to perform the
procedure, leading to approx mately
a reduction of abou; 33% in set
up time. Pesticides extraction can
be completed in 5.5 hrs instead
of 18 hrs using the normal liquid-
liquid extraction method. Sample
extraction for semi-volatile organics
can be completed \n. a 12 hour
period versus 36 hrs using the
normal liquid-liquid extraction
method. The extraction process only
requires 100 niLs solvent instead of
500 mis, a reduction of 80% solvent
volume used to extract a 1-liter
water sample. This reduces solvent
emissions, solvent cost and solvent
disposal. Based on the Laboratory's
annual workload, ihs new procedure
should provide a sa/ngsof
approximately $8,000 per year.
The Region 2 Laboratory currently
uses a traditional Soxhlet extraction
technique to extract semi-volatile
analytes from sediment, so.l, or
solid rnatnces. The Laboratory
samples over a 16 to 18 hour period.
Recently the laboratory purchased
automated Soxhlet extractors
(Soxtherms), capable of extracting
16 samples over a 4 hour period,
allowing for the extraction of a second
set of 16 samples, or a total of 32
samples over an eight hour period.
thus doubling the daily amount of
sample extraction c£oacity. Since
the Soxiherm process uses 140 niLs
of solvent (Methylene Chlor.de) per
sample (approximately 2. 5 liters
for 16 samples) versus 250 niLs
of solvent (Methylene Chloride)
per sample using the traditional
process (approximately 51 ters
per 16 samples) solvent usage will
be reduced to approximately "alf.
Based on the Laboratory's annual
workload, this new procedure should
provide a savings ol approximately
$5,000 per year.
^^^BBBmBaml^^^B
^^^^A*4HHMBMIi^^^^H
-------
^^^^^^^^^^^1
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery.
AL
Region 2, OSWER/
tnvi 'on mental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRl/
UWMB- Edison, NJ
BnBSSa F E P A ^^^^^^^^^^^^^|Q^^9^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^|^y|^^[i^g||^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^|
2
2
X
X
X
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Method
Modification
Method
Modification
Labor
Energy &
Analysis
$90.000 / vear
•n process costs;
1,300.000 m
equipment costs
Various increases in
efficiency ol analyses
Several changes were intended to
increase throughput capacity without
increasing FTE requirements: i) 60%
rel. efficiency coaxial P-type HPGE
Cetector system with 50 sample
capacity automatic sanole changer
for 2" planchets: Increase througnpu'
capacity for gamma isotopic analysis
of smears or air filters by about
30%, from 260/day to ~340/day:
ii) 4-detector proportional counting
system with 400 ssmple capac'ty
automatic sample changer for ?"
planchets: Increase throughput
capacity lor counting smears or air
filters for gross alpha/beta by about
50%,fromlOOOto~1500/day;iii>
Low-Energy-optimized coaxial P-type
HPGE detector with shield, dewar.
and electronics: Provide a new
capability 10 inniriiy measti'p (iiy
gamma spectroscopy) smears and air
Alters for Plutonium; and iv) 12 single
sample liqu-d scintillation counters
(one unit) (allows for simultaneous
counting of 12 samples): Increase
throughput capacity by about 400%.
from the current 30/day to about
150/day for alpha and low energy
beta analysis for smears, air filters
and water.
The Region 2 Laboratory is
implementing an emerg.ng
technology, quantitative Polymerase
Chain Reaction (qPCR) as a potential
replacement for conventional
microbiological methods, which
have been in use for over 30 yea's.
Chemical impacts, energy costs and
other process costs were compa'ed
between our existing traditional
methods and implementing the
qPCR method for all analyses. The
process cost for each measurement
on an annual basis was reduced
by 50 percent, and the annual
cost of ownership will save almost
$90,000 per year. The lifetime
cost of ownership, which includes
the costs of the instrumentation,
was estimated to be a savings of
$1,300,000. Much of this savings
was in the areas of energy reduction
a-"d labor costs. The laboratory has
purchased the equipment and will
be implementing qPCR for our beach
monitoring program and microbial
source tracking. qPCRisanew
technology in the environmental field.
One limiting factor is that methods for
regulatory use are not ye! available.
:or items i, ii, and iv,
he time savings are
proportional to the
hroughput capacity
ncreases. For item 1 1. the
ime reqji'ed to produce
quantitative resultsfor
Plutonium in airoron
smears was reduced from
2da/sto?hours.
-------
^^^gyggyyuy^mi
Region 7 - Kansas Cty. KS
OAR/ORIA/Radiaticn 4
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory- Las
Vegas. NV
OAR/ORIWRadiation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory- -as
Vegas, NV
Region 7 - Kansas C'ty, KS
p»»uiiinim
2
2
?
2
X
X
X
X
X
•MfSUIiUMM
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Anatytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
•aiiiKnm
Method 1
Modification
Rapid/Field
Analysis
Rapid/Field
Analysis
Rapid/Field
Analysis
mmmiaUiu
•HIM
Purchase.
Analysis. &
Disposal
Analysis 4
Disposal
Energy &
Analysis
Analysis &
Disposal
^HHHBi
Reduction in
sarrples collected &
preservatives used
••inrnn-fa
HHHBSoiBUifUBilBHHH
The biologists in the Analytical
Section have proposed the 'evisicn
the rrethod currently used to collect
fish samples for enumeration and
identification in support of ecological
assessments of streams. The
proposal is to perform more stream-
side identification offish specimen
n the field rather than preserving
them and bringing them back to
the laboratory for processing. This
proposal would greatly reduce
:he number of fish unnecessarily
sacrificed, and would greatly reduce
or eliminate the use of formalin as
a preservative. The reduction or
elimination of use of forms bn would
also reduce or eliminate the need
'or disposal of this hazardous waste
as well.
RAIE has developed analytical
methods for rapid turnaround of
results. These methods - Rapid
Alpha Spectroscopy and Rapid
Taping Method - will reduce the
amount of reagents used :n the
analysis, reduce the manpower
nvolved in preparing the analysis,
and reduce the amount of waste thai
requires subsequent clean-up,
3&IE has developed specialized
equipment for the surveying of
arge areas for possible radiation
contam nation. Ths equipment
Scanner Van. FRGS. and In S;tu
systems - incorporates forward
hr.king about taking detection
equipment into the 'ield rathe'
har sending iP3rr,s air in rniipri
samples and transport them back
o the laboratory. These tools have
demonstrated extens ve savings
over avoided conventional laboratory
analysis.
Region 7 is leveraging significant
'esources toward using field
screening techniques for
environmental characterization «vh en
owers overall laboratory sample
landling, analytical and disposal
costs. Field screening methods
such as portable x-ray '"ucrescence
nstrurrents, hand-held mercury
analyzers and field portable GC/MS
systems allow for much more efficient
use of laboratory grade reference
measurements when screening level
hresholds are exceeded in the field.
^mmmyjgyy^^^^g
No quantification of savngs
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantif cation of savngs
provided. FURTHER
NQUIRY NEEDED.
\o quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
NQUIRY NEEDED.
^quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
NQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
OSWERInvironmental
Response learn - tdison.
NJ
Region 5 -Cmcago. IL
OAR/ORIA/Radia'.ion&
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory- Las
Vegas. NV
"""•*-*"»••
3
4
Da
X
X
X
X
X
X
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
With:n EPA
tabs
Hindrance
Equ pnent
Analysis
Purchase &
Disposal
Disposal
^^^^^
^^••H
Regional data users
will typically receve
preliminary analysis
results ^ 5 business
days versus 10
business days fo' an
oirside laboratory
Significan* EPA cost savings may
oe ob;aineo in the future by ha^ng
existing contractor personnel
xrtorrn trace level VOC ai' analyses
as opposec to having tie analyses
performed at an outside laboratory
A new GC/MS system, autosampler
and air concentration system will be
purchased for the ERT Laboratory
to allow contractor personnel to
significantly increase sample analysis
throughput for vapor intrusion
investigations. Additional SUMMA
can'sters and low flow orifices will
need to be acquired to obtain the
greatest cost saving benefit from
tne new analytical instrumentation.
The lack of space (facility/building
limitations described below} prevents
tie acquis'tion of additional GC/
iv'S ^riii air rfjnrenira'jfjn systems.
which could -no'ease trie laboratory's
a* sample analysis caoabilti and
tiroughput aid provide lurthe' EPA
cost savings for important soil vapor
investigations.
Currently regulatory methods
may not recognize new analytical
instrumentation and procedures
that would cut costs associated with
the use of less reagents and their
appendan! waste stream disposal.
For example, new automated discrete
analyzers for waste water analysis
would need extensive and expensive
validation for approval as an alternate
test procedure. Additionally, the use
of solvent and time saving equipmen'
suchasSPEandASEforTSCAPCB
sample extraction could replace
liquid/liquid and Soxhlett extractors
required in the regulator methods.
Barrier: Cost o' validation and
approval of new instrumentation and
procedures.
In the mid 90's R&IE converted
to alpha spectroscopy methods
using microwave Digestion that
reduced hydrochloric and nitric acid
consumption, as well as sodium
bicarbonate used to neutralize the
waste acid.
No qualification of sav.ngs
provided, FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification o* sav.ngs
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure ?,„,„„*
^^Affected^ ( Savi"8s
Laboratory Category ^^^^^^^^^O Section Project' Partnerts) TVPe $ Energy Other of Savings Description Comments
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRU
UWM B- Edison, NJ
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
5a
5a
5a
X
X
X
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Equipment
Equipment
Method
Modification
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
Energy &
Water
50% Reduction in
sample volume; 50%
Reduction in reagent
usage
90% Reduction in
sample volume; 90%
Reduction in reagent
usage
In 2002, the Region 2 Laboratory
instituted a new method for the
digestion of water and soil samples
for the determination of metals. The
old method used hot plates and water
baths to generate the 95C needed
to heat the aqueous or soil samples
that are mixed with acids. The hot
plates and water bath temperature
were difficult to regulate under a
laboratory hood and more energy was
expended to reach the temperatures
required for the procedure. Because
heat surrounds the digestion vessels
in a hot block, less electrical energy
per sample is required. A uniform
temperature across the block with
minimal heat loss results in higher
throughput of samples and less
re-work. In addition to the efficient
heating, smaller sample volume
was required for the vessels used
in the block digesters. This led to
an approximate 50% reduction of
sample volume on average. This
results in less corrosive sample waste
generated and a 50% reduction in
the amount of reagent used, e.g.,
acids.
In 2002, the Region 2 Laboratory
instituted a new method for the
distillation of water samples for the
determination of Cyanide. The old
method used 500 mis of sample and
50 mis of Sulfuric Acid along with
some reagents. The implementation
of the midi-distillation method
resulted in a 90% reduction of
sample volume. This results in
90% less corrosive sample waste
generated and a 90% reduction in
the amount of reagent used, e.g.,
acids.
The OPP Microbiology Laboratory
also developed data to support
large load sterilization runs. The
data supported the conclusion that
combining waste into one run cycle
was feasible. The laboratory has
integrated language into the Standard
Operating Procedures to combine
waste for autoclaves run. This effort
has resulted in a decrease in water
and energy consumption.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part!s)AflnrtStrUCtUre Savings
AlfcCIcQ
Laboratory Category ^H^^^^^^l Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 $ EnerSV Other ofnsavings" Description Comments
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Emironmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
Region 5 - Chicago, IL
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team - Edison,
NJ
5a
'
5b
5c
5d
X
X
X
X
X
Analytic! Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Analytical Procedures
Method
Modification
Equipment
Hindrance
Rapid/Field
Analysis
Energy,
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
Purchase
Analysis
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
Reduction in solvent
use
Reduction in amount
of samples analyzed
using definitive data
analytical methods
The OPP Microbiology Laboratory
streamlined the Agency's
Antimicrobial Testing Program to
gain efficiencies. The ATP initially
required testing of three lots of
products. After analyzing the data
developed by the laboratories over
several years, it was determined
that one lot of product testing
would be adequate to support
the enforcement and regulatory
programs. Moving toward one tot
testing has significantly reduced the
energy, people resources, supplies,
materials and waste generation at
the Environmental Soence Center, as
well as at the three state laboratories
who work in partnership with the EPA
on this initiative.
The use of micro-extraction
procedures has resulted in the
reduction of solvent use in extraction
processes. Alternatives to solvent
extractions and use of such solvents
as methyiene chloride result in
reduction in the amount or types
of chemicals used in sample
preparation, extraction and dean
up procedures and in the amount
of hazardous wastes generated.
RECOMMENDED
Heavily contaminated water samples
cannot be used with several
automated sample extraction
devices. Therefore older procedures
which use more reagents and take
additional time must be used. The
Agency should investigate any new
equipment that may be on the
market to overcome this limitation.
REAC chemists have provided
analytical support on numerous sites
using field-portable instrumentation
such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF);
Lumex, Jerome and Tracker mercury
monitors and GC/MS. Using real-
time measurement technologies,
preliminary characterizations of the
site, expanded site coverage than
would typically be accomplished
using traditional sampling procedures
and less mobilizations contribute to
time and cost savings and a more
focused and informative sampling
event. Preliminary results offer
an acceptable means of making
decisions in the field; thus, providing
overall project management savings.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure cauino«
^^Affected^^^ SavlnSs
Laboratory Category ^^^^^^^^Q Section Project Partner(s) TVPe $ EnerEy other ofSavings" Description Comments
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team -Edison,
NJ
ORD/NERL/HEASD & OAR/
OAQPS-RTP.NC
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division - Gull Breeze, FL
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division - Gulf Breeze, FL
5d
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Analytical Procedures
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chem>cal Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Rapid/Field
Analysis
Chemical
Adoption /
Donation
Hazardous
Wastes
Hazardous
Wastes
Hazardous
Wastes
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
$240 /Sample
($60 /Sample
analyzed with
Tedlar® bag in
field, compared
to $300 /Sample
analyzed in lab
with SUMMA®
analysis)
Approx. $500
/Year
$5,000
$4,000 /Year
Reduction in time
required (real-time
results with Tedlar®
bag analysis,
compared to 7 day
turnaround time with
SUMMA® analysis)
The ERT/REAC field analytics/TAGA
group has developed a fast Tedlar®
bag analysis method for VOCs that
can be used with MS/MS or GC/
MS systems in a mobile lab onsite.
These on-site sample analyses have
a significantly lower per-analysis
cost than their standard analytical
counterparts. The availability of
real-lime data allow unexpected
results to be addressed during
one field deployment, minimizing
the potential need for return visits
to the field for additional data
collection. Redundant mobilization
and demobilization costs, along with
the accompanying expenses of work
plan and supporting documentation
development, are eliminated. This
supports the EPA's Triad approach
of accelerating project schedules,
reducing overall project costs, and
improving project outcomes.
The ongoing chemical adoption
program diverts chemical containers
to re-use, thus reducing the volume
of hazardous waste generated.
NVFEL has an active Environmental
Management System (EMS) and
has been ISO 14001 certified
since March 2006. This provides
cost avoidance by preventing or
minimizing spills, and records are
readily available that eliminate fines
and fees. Additionally, all mercuiy
has been eliminated from NVFEL,
thereby elminating any possible
releases and hazardous material
clean-up costs.
Outdated/excess chemicals donated
to local colleges and universities for
research and/or teaching purposes.
FY 2007, GED donated 1 14 gallons
of chemicals to two universities,
saving the cost of disposal through
the hazardous waste program.
Use of alternative treatments to
neutralize or degrade hazardous
wastes, allowing for conventional
disposal rather than disposal as
hazardous wastes.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part<5) AfffenctedtrUCtUre Savings
^•^^^•••••^^•H Focus of * Reinvestment
Laboratory Category B^H^H^^U Section Project Partner(s) TyP® * Ener^ other of Savings Description Comments
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team - Edison,
NJ
Region 1 - Chelmsford, MA
1
1
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management i Waste
Reduction
Ciiernical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Hazardous
Wastes
Hazardous
Wastes
Region 2 & ORD
Facitty
Storage &
Disposal
Disposal
$350 Saved from
2004-2005
8% Reduction in
volume of samples
disposed from 2004-
2005 {Approx. 50
Gallons)
A single comprehensive hazardous
waste handing, storage and disposal
program is provided fix the ERT
Laboratory, EPA Region II Laboratory
and an ORD facility. Administrative
costs have been minimized by
temporarily storing waste from all
three parties in the same facility.
Substantial cost savings have been
obtained by having a single Icensed
vendor pickup and dispose of
hazardous waste for all three parties
on a regular scheduled basis to
maintain compliance with maximum
temporary storage time periods for all
three waste generators. To minimize
cost, a junior level chemist whose
activities are monitored by a senior
level hazardous waste coordinator
performs most day-to-day waste
handling activities.
NERL has minimized the amount of
hazardous waste shipped off site by
minimizing sample volume collected
for each analysis. NEHL has made
a conscious effort to reduce the
amount of sample requ'red to
perform analysis and in turn has
educated the personnel collecting
samples of the minimum sample
size required. For example, on
some large projects with multiple
sample sets coming to the laboratory,
the chemists have informed the
aersonnel to reduce the amount of
sample that is being collected.
No quantfication of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure 0
^^^Affected^^^ Savings
Laboratory Category ^^^^^^^^D Section Project Partners) TVPe $ Enersy other ofsavings" Description Comments
Region 1 - Chelmsford, MA
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
1
1
X
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Hazardous
Wastes
Hazardous
Wastes
OSWER/ERT &
ORO/NRMRL
Disposal
Storage &
Disposal
Approx. $1,500
in 2006
NERL has minimized the amount
of hazardous waste shipped off
site for disposal by utilizing the
onsite waslewaler treatment system
(WWTS). The laboratory uses the
WWTS to perform pH adjustment
on select hazardous waste streams
in the laboratory. The main focus
is preserved water samples and
instrument reservoirs with no
contanfnants. During 2006, NERL
treated 955 pounds or 155 gallons
of hazardous wastewater that
would have typically been shipped
off site for disposal, saving NERL
approximately $1,500 in disposal
costs in 2006. NERL conducted
sampling and analysis in late 2006
to evaluate additional hazardous
waste streams that may be treated
onsite by the WWTS. The treatment
of these additional waste streams
were implemented in the beginning
of 2007. The NERL anticipates
additkinal savings this year and will
continue to explore more uses for the
WWTS to reduce hazardous waste
disposal costs.
A single comprehensive hazardous
waste handling, storage and disposal
program is provided for the ERT
Laboratory, EPA Region 2 Laboratory
and the ORD facility. Administrative
costs have been minimized by
temporarily storing waste from all
three parties in the same facility.
Substantial cost savings have been
obtained by having a single fcensed
vendor pickup and dispose of
hazardous waste for all three parties
on a regular scheduled basis to
maintain compliance with maximum
temporary storage time periods for all
three waste generators. To minimize
cost, a junior level chemist whose
activities are monitored by a senior
level hazardous waste coordinator
performs most day-to-day waste
handling activities.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
PMS} Affected r"CtUre ^"85
Uboralory Category •^•^•^^O Section Proiect Partner(s) TVPe $ Energy Other ofSavings Description Comments
Region 3 AND OPPTV
OPP/Enviropmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade.MD
Region 4 - Athens, GA
Region 4- Athens, GA
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management i Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Hazardous
Wastes
Hazardous
Wastes
Hazardous
Wastes
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
$3,200 in CY04;
$5,020 in CY05;
$3,715 CY06
$35,637 /Year
$1,020 /Year
Although "lab packs" (a number
of small containers of different
hazardous wastes, are individually
packaged ;n!o a single traditional 5,
10, 30 or 55 gallon drums) appear
cost-effective arid eflcienl from a
safety and regulatory perspective,
since It is unsafe ana illegal to mix
different lab wastes in a single
container, they are one o' the
most expensive ways to dispose
of laboratory hazardous wastes.
Through prohibition on using empty
four-liter solvent bottles as hazardous
waste containers; and providing
reusable five-gallon DOT-Rated
closed head polyethylene drums
fitted with multi-port scalable funnels
as hazardous waste containers,
this facility has decreased it's
dependence on "lab packs" for waste
disposal For dissimilar wastes, the
five gallon drums can be shipped
directly off-site as the DOT shipping
container for a fraction of the costs
associated with lab-packing five
4-fiter bottles. For smlar wastes, the
larger accumulated waste volumes
can then be easily transferred from
the five-gallon drums directly into
larger 30 or 55 gallon bulk drums,
realizing additional disposal savings.
In Method 335.2, for total
cyanide, standards prepared for
the analysis are considered a
"P-listed" compound and thus
must be disposed of as a hazardous
compound unless treatment is
possible. Prior to 2003, the
SESD used an average of 51.35 U
yr of cyanide standard. A vendor
estimated the cost to pick-up each
liter of potassium cyanide after
generatbn was $694/L equating
to an annual cost of $35,637. By
instituting a cyanide neutralization
(using hypochlorite) procedure at
the end of the cyanide method, the
Waste Reduction disposal cost was
avoided.
Prerously, SESD purchased about 12
drums/year for disposal of hazardous
wastes at a cost of $85/drum or
$l,020/yr. By using recycled drums
furnished by the vendor at no cost for
the drums, a savings of $1,020 has
been realized.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure c,,,r,™
^^Affectec^^^ Savings
Laboratory Category ^^H^^^^^l Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 $ Energy Other ofsavings" Description Comments
Region 6 - Houston, TX
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
Region 1-Chelmsford, MA
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 4- Athens, GA
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Hazardous
Wastes
Inventory
Management
Inventory
Management
Inventory
Management
Inventory
Management
Inventory
Management
Disposal
Purchase
Storage
Purchase &
Disposal
Purchased
Disposal
Approx. $2,000
/Year
Approx. $4,000
/Year
$250-400 /Year
Savings Not Yet
Known
30% Reduction in
chemical inventory in
2005 from 2004 levels
Over pack liquid and solid hazardous
waste prior to shipment using 55
gal. drums and approved packing
material. Reuse 5 gal. SAA carboys
through over packing. Carboys initial
cost $40-$60 per unit and can be
reused indefinitely.
Chemical Hygiene Policy carefully
inventories, and verifies before any
new purchases are made.
Reduced the storage of dated and
under-used chemicals from the
chemical inventory.
NERL has minimized the amount of
off-spec chemicals shipped off-site
as hazardous waste. NERL has
implemented a sign-off procedure
for ordering of chemical supplies
to minimize excessive orders or
order-duplication by multiple
people. Under these procedures,
NERL requires that the Health &
Safety Officer review and sign off
on chemical orders, ensuring that
minimum volumes are ordered such
that the volumes will be used within
a three year period. The reduced
chemical ordering reduces the
amount of chemicals in storage at
any one time, reducing the potential
for spills, and decreases the amount
of chemicals that would go unused
and have to be disposed of as
hazardous waste.
Each ESC organization has
procedures in place to control
chemical purchases. These
procedures attempt to ensure that
chemicals are managed so that the
least amount of material is purchased
and stored at the ESC. Procedures
include an independent check of
the chemical inventory system so
that we don't overbuy, and a review
of the requested chemical to see if
a different, perhaps less hazardous
substitute can be used.
New preservation table developed
in 2005. The lab revised the
preservation guide and reduced
amount of sample needed for several
analyses. This has the potential
of saving some disposal costs for
samples that exhibit hazardous
characteristics that need to be
shipped off-site for disposal (reduced
volume).
No quantifkation of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
IPart(s) of Infrastructure _ .
^^^Affected^^^ Savings
Laboratory Category •^•^•^^D Section Protect Partner!*) Type $ Energy Other Srs^iST n«rrintinn rvimmenis
Region 4 - Athens, GA
Region 5 - Chk;ago, IL
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
Region 8 -Golden, CO
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratorv-St. Louis, MS
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management * Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management i Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 1 Waste
Reduction
Inventory
Management
Inventory
Management
IT
Infrastructure
IT
Infrastructure
Lab
Equipment
Lab
Equipment
Purchase &
Disposal
Purchase
Purchase
Cost of
Purchase &
Demurrage
Storage
<$l,000/Year
$11,000
Approx. $50,000
/Year
Reduced purchases by
5,000 Cylinders /Year
& reduced demurrage
by 100 Cylinders /Year
Standards and reagents must be
used prior to the expiration date or
discarded. Many vendors stamp an
arbitrary expiration date on chemicals
when they are shipped even though
the actual shelf life can be several
more years. The laboratory has
started a program of recertifying
standards where the concentration
cs verified and the expiration date
extended. We plan to broaden this
program.
Removal of mercury from sample
preparation/clean-up steps and
the minimization of nitrogen and
hydrogen gas cylinders. Gas
generators which deliver gases on
demand were purchased which in
turn increase safety for lab personnel
and reduces costs of purchase,
transport and cylinder rental.
Due to expansion of the networks
within NAREL, older switches were
re-used instead of purchasing new
ones. The bb had a fiber backbone
which needed to be expanded to
include the new buildings. The fiber
switches were at maximum capability
for fiber connections. We were able
to find and implement converters
which allowed a fiber line to link with
a standard cable (cat 6) switch. This
allowed us to continue using existing
hardware instead of out of cycle
replacement of the switches.
Recycling of equipment by salvaging
15 printers and supplies from
downtown.
Implementation of bulk liquid storage
tanks for both nitrogen and argon
gas supplies. Before this change,
high purity nitrogen use averaged
12 cylinders per day, with high
purity argon use in the range of one
cylinder per day.
Reduced the number of gas
cylinders stored at the lab.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure ~
Affected Savings
Laboratory Category |^H^H^^^| Section Project Partnerts) TVP6 $ Energy Other of Savings Description Comments
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center -Cincinnati, OH
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
1
1
1
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 8. Waste
Reduction
Lab
Equipment
Lab
Equipment
Lab
Equipment
Cost of Zero
Grade Air
& Liquid
Nitrogen for
LC/MS/MS
Instruments
Operations &
Maintenance
Purchase
$17,000 in first
year; Approx.
$32,800 /Year
thereon
Reduction in space
occupied; Reduction
in labor/monitoring
requirements; Useable
capacity of system
increased from 80% to
approx. 100%
MCEARD has purchased three
gas generators for three LC/MS/
MS instruments, over the last two
to three years, to replace the use of
air cylinders or liquified gas Dewars
(nitrogen). The use of gas generators
allows for unattended and overnight
usage of this equipment. This allows
for a greater number of anatyses
wltrn a given period of time, creating
improvements in efficiency. There
are also substantial cost savings.
For example, one particular type of
LC/MS/MS instrument utilizes three
separate gas streams: zero grade air,
ultra high purity nitrogen and oil free
air. Annual costs include $33,800/
year for zero grade air and $1500/
year for liquid nitrogen, tor a total of
$35,300/year. A zero air/nitrogen
gas generator was purchased for
$18241.30. At the current rate of
gas use, the cost of the generator will
be recovered in approximately 27
weeks. Savings in the first year alone
is approximately $17,000. Assuming
annual maintenance costs for the
generator of $2500 per year, savings
in subsequent years is approximately
$32,800.
Installation of a 1500 L liquid
nitrogen (LN) dewar distribution
system to meet the LN supply needs
of many of the organic chemical
analytical instruments. This system
was installed outside of laboratory
space and precluded the need for
several 180 L dewars that require
monitoring and exchanging when
empty.
Redesigned liquid nitrogen (LN)
system by inserting a plug that
prevented loss of LN. Previously,
LN was allowed to exhaust from
the system, prematurely draining
the tank.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Partfslonnfrastructure Savings
Laboratory Category ^B^^^^^^^l Section Proiect Partner(s) TVP6 $ Energy Other of Savings Description Comments
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 5 - Chicago, IL
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chermcai Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chem-cai Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Lab
Equipment
lab
Equipment
Lab
Equipment
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
$2,400 / Year
$6,730
308 L methylene
chloride & 112 L
concentrated sulfuric
acid
Prior to 2004, the Region 2
Laboratory used to purchase liquid
Argon, needed for the instruments
used for metals analysis, in 240
liter tanks. The Laboratory would
generally order four of these tanks
each month. The tanks were
cumbersome to manage in the
laboratory. Many of these 240 Liter
tanks were aged and vented more
frequently due to reduced insulation,
teading to product losses. In 2004,
the Laboratory invested in a 1500
liter Bulk Argon tank. The tank is
maintained outside of the Laboratory
ana Argon delivers are made
automatically based on telemetry
readings of the level in the tank. The
cost per of liquid Argon using the
bulk tank and automatic del.very
system is approximately $0.80 per
Liter. The cost usmg the 240 Liter
tanks was approximately $1.00 per
Liter. Based on the Laboratory's
annual usage, 12,000 Liters, the cost
savings is approximately $2400.
Installation of automated and micro-
scale sample preparation equipment.
Use of ASE and SPE equipment has
resulted in reductions in solvent and
acid usage and also decreased the
cost of removal of waste materials.
The Regional Laboratory has been
procuring all of the sample containers
needed by project managers and
their contractors (as applicable) for
several years. The programs involved
provide the funding. This procedure
provides consistency in the type and
quality of the containers, eliminates
any problems relating to what
sample containers to use for what
analyses, is more cost-effective to
order sample containers in bulk
rather than piece meal, and costs
less since a contractor will normally
add a surcharge to the cost of the
containers themselves.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
HBsluifilS^^^I
OAR/ORIA/National Air &
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
OAR/ORIA/Radiation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
•HBBiBM
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
HKEaguBH
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Managements Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Managements. Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Managements, Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 81 Waste
Reduction
Office
Supplies
Office
Supplies
Office
Supplies
Office
Supplies
Office
Supplies
Office
Supplies
Office
Supplies
•IBHIiHiBM
^Hi^^H
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Disposal
Purchase
Purchase
•Him
^^Mfin
^^•^rauM^^^^H
Paper use reduced to
14 boxes in first two
quarters of FY07 (50
boxes used in FY06)
Reduction paper usage
and waste generated
•fllifcBHMjeJ
^^^^B2^uufiliSl^^^^H
Implemented a configuration on
network printers so that by default,
all documents are printed double
sided. The configuration is checked
quarterly to insure compliance. All
nelwork printers that did not have the
capability to print double sided were
replaced. Additional we reduced the
number of printers allowed on the
network. We implemented a policy
and provided training on proper
network printing and implemented a
limited number of copies that a user
was allowed to print versus copy.
It is more cost efficient to use the
industrial copiers than the network
printers for making numerous copies
of the same document. This reduced
the number of network cartridges and
maintenance costs. Additionally, the
lab was one of the first users of the
EPA electronic webforms program.
This allowed us to stop printing leave
forms and procurement forms.
Network printers are configured to
2-sided printing defaults, and the lab
makes use of e-forms and webforms
as paperless approval systems for
commonly used forms.
All printer paper is 100% post
consumer content, and all network
printers are set for duplex operation.
Touchless hand towel dispensers
were installed to compliment existing
touchless faucets.
Eliminated the use of disposable
paper ware and plastic utensils from
the lunchroom and replaced with
reusable plastic/ceramic ware and
metal utensils.
Purchase available "green" office
supplies.
In FY03, the Region 10 Laboratory
began providing clients with data
reports in PDF (electronic) format,
only producing paper reports for the
customer when requested.
I^HaaMLHllsBBH
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure Qavino*
AffartaH odVlngS
^^^^^^irt^cCffi^^^^^^^^
Laboratory Category ^^^^^^^^B Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 * Ener8y other of Savines Description Comments
Region 10 -Manchester,
WA
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 4- Athens, GA
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle 4 Fuel Emissions
laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle 4 Fuel Emissions
laboratory- Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle 4 Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Office
Supplies
Office
Supplies
Office
Supplies
Office
Supplies
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase 4
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
Costo!
Purchase 4
Disposal
$2,080 / Project
$l,225/Year
$11,000 in 2006
$13,000 /Year
$3,000 /Year
Approx. 1200 Sheets
of8.5xll, 544 Sheets
of 14x17, and 816
Sheets of 24x36
$18,262 Pounds
electronics recycled w/
zero waste in 2006
Reduced paper consumption
by limiting the number of copies
of engineering drawings and
specifications for renovation and
construction work. The Laboratory
previously received four copies of
every document (drawings, both
full sheet and half sheets, and
specifications) for a total of 12 items
at all stages of the projects (35%,
60%, 95% and 100% plans). The
Laboratory now receives one large
set of drawings, two naif sheets, and
two copies of the specifications at
each stage of the work, represenling
a 60% reduction 'n paper
consumpion.
The Region 10 Laboratory now uses
a QuickPlace site to share health and
safety, Environmental Management
Systerr, and other information with
the Washington Department of
Ecology (collocated with the Region
10 Laboratory). This approach has
reduced the need for paper reports
that had been routinely distributed to
Laboratory staff.
Use 100% post-consumer content
paper in all printers and copiers. All
network and local printers are set to
print double-sided. Recycling efforts
are described below.
The reduction of paper usage has
been aggressively pursued through
printer duplexing and encouraging
staff to minimize printing. The
savings have been significant as
seen below.
Absorbent pads are used to capture
fuels and oils. Instead of single
use media that must be disposed
of as hazardous waste, NVFEL
uses recyclable media that has oils
extracted, and returned for re-use.
All computers and electronics are
disposed of using the Recycling
Electronics and Asset Disposition
(READ) program
All paper, cardboard, and metals are
recycled, avoiding landfill fees.
Closed loop parts cleaners are used
at NVFEL. Instead of replacing
their entire volume of solvent, these
cleaners filter the existing solvent
for re-use.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^|£]^gJ3|9^^|
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS - RTP, NC
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 4 - Athens, GA
Region 4 - Athens, GA
Region 4 - Athens, GA
Region 8 - Golden, CO
nateteMtm
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
r
L
X
X
X
X
r
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
M
X
BKgagilJ^H
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management A Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Managements Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Managements Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
•tBIHiHICM
^gyjj^g
Purchase &
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
Disposal
Purchase &
Disposal
Approx. $80,000
/Year
Approx. $5,000
/Year
Approx. $300
/Year
$2,655 /Year
$95 /Year
by recycling
cartridges;
Savings from
recycling other
materials undet.
$720 /Year
$10499.48'
^MlniiM
H^HBBMIU^IHH
•B18aWiB.-a
^^^^^g^Qjgl^^^^H
Through judicious allocation of
UST compartments, fuel (gasoline
and diesel) that has been used
for testing purposes, but is still
viable as transportation fuel can be
recycled. This fuel issued in GSA
cars and the testing leaner fleet,
and the remainder is donated to
various nearby public entities. This
mitigates disposal costs, which would
be substantial, as well as reducing
additional fuel purchases.
RTP has implemented a battery
recycling program.
By implementing an aggressive
recycling program, the Region 10
Laboratory prevents large quantities
of reusable materials from ending up
in the landfill.
Several solvents are recycled for
reuse. These solvents are methanol,
acetone, and methylene chloride.
Isopropyl alcohol was recycled prior
2006 but has since been replaced
with a detergent that can be disposed
down the drain. The solvents are
recovered in a spinning side band
distillation unit that can produce
solvent clean enough to reuse in the
extraction lab. Most of the solvent
is used for cleaning glass ware. As
a result, it may be reused several
times.
Solid Waste Recycling. In 2006, an
initiative of recycling ink jet cartridges
was begun with a local office supply
store, exchanging cartridges for
reams of copy paper. Additional
recycling for 2006 included: glass -
3,500 Ibs; batteries - 108 Ibs; cans -
87lbs;andStvrofoam-328lbs.
Trash/recycling changed to new
contract, resulting in reduction in
costs of both trash pick-up and
recycling. Building owner took over
responsibility in 2006 realizing a
savings to the owner as well as EPA.
Yearly savings for EPA by eliminating
rental of a cardboard container is
$720/yr. Employees voluntarily haul
paper/plastic/glass to local recycling
pickup areas.
Methylene chloride recycling
program.
^Bmuffii^^H
'Cumulative savings
generated by this program
from 2001-2006.
-------
Part(S>AffectedrUCSUre Savir)Ss
•^•HBIH^MI Focus of -, . „., Reinvestment
Laboratory Category H^^H^^B^^B0
OAR/OTAQ/Nafonal
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
laboratory -Ann Arbor, Ml
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS-RTP.NC
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory - St. Louis, MS
1
2
2
2
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Section Project Partner(s) 'XP6 » tne«y ulner of Savings Description Comments
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
'Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Resource
Snaring
Chemical
Adoption/
Donation
Hazardous
Wastes
Inventory
Management
Inventory
Management
Across Agency
Purchase
Disposal
Disposal
Purchase,
Storage,
Disposal
Purchase
>$1,000,000/
XP Storage Vault
$8,000 /Year
resulting from
Action 1; cost
savings yet to be
determine for
Actions 2-5
The NVFEL maintains the only
Class 1 Div 1 (Exptoson Proof
or XP") sairple storage vault in
the Agency, and has traditionally
accepted flarrmabte samples
required to be.stored as evkfcnce
for the entire Agency. The shared
nature of the NVFEL facility mitigates
implementation ol additional storage
lockers across the Agency.
The ESC has just begun
implementing a cooperative program
with several local High Schools to
distribute expired but still usable
chemicals to the schools. Ths
project w.!! save disposal costs of the
chemicals.
As actions in the EPA/RTP
Environment! Management System:
(1) Reduce the amount of methylene
chloride, hexane, and acetone used
in research by 10%; (2) implement
measures identified in the federal
electronics challenge; (3) paper use
reduction and use of 100% recycled
paper; (4) require the procurement
of "green' products; and (5)
increase teleconferencing to reduce
travel costs and associated vehicle
emissions.
Implement a new chemical inventory
system to better track chemicals
and wastes.
Reduce the amount of standards
ordered to the amount needed for a
particular project.
No quantification o' savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No information was
provided regarding how this
would be achieved or what
the projected savings would
be. FURTHER INQUIRY
NEEDED.
No information was
provided regarding how this
would be achieved or what
the projected savings would
be. FURTHER INQUIRY
NEEDED.
-------
^•^•ScISi^H
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environrnental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
itfeirij.ua
2
2
2
2
r
t
X
11
X
X
X
r
rt
X
X
X
BB^u^H
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
masmm
Inventory
Management
Lab
Equipment
Office
Supplies
Resource
Sharing
•sfli.iHiaa
^HI^B
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase &
Disposal
$l,700/Year
mmm
•••raUGJMMH
^^^^^^^^^^^H
•ai&WlikH
^^^H^ggufiuHH^I
The ESC is a consolidated laboratory
facility housing R3 and OPP
laboratory operations. Though
great strides have been made in
both organizations to decrease
the amount of chemicals on-hand
through inventory management
and purchasing controls, the
facility is moving forward with
consolidating its'two distinct and
separate computerized chemical
inventory systems into one
database. Currently, onty chemical
inventory administrators from
both organizations can view the
chemical inventory of the other
organization. Plans have been
tentatively approved to consolidate
the two chemical inventory systems
into a single database, easy viewed
and searched by all personnel
from both laboratories. It is thought
that by increasing the ease in
which personnel can directly view
the chemical inventory for both
organizations, a greater sharing or
pooling of the chemical material
will result in reductions for the total
amount of chemicals purchased,
on-hand and unfortunately, disposed
of unused due to expiration.
The Region 10 Laboratory has
acquired a specialized distillation
system to create ultra pure nitric
acid for trace metals analyses. The
distillation system is expected to
be installed and tested sometime
in 2007.
Continue to purchase available
"green" office supplies.
While the chemical inventory systems
are being integrated, the EMS Team
established a cooperative program
between the OPP and Region 3 labs
to assist analysts in finding chemicals
that might be located in labs on the
other side of the building. Also,
if an analyst has chemicals that
they would like to offer up before
they reach expiration; they could
contact the ChemShare Team, who
would help them find someone who
could use it. This program will save
disposal costs for expired chemicals
that are not donated to schools va
the Chemical Donation Program.
HKSliuinitaBB
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of
Savings. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) 61 Infrastructure qavintre
Affected : Savings
•••^••••••••••1 Focus of Reinvestment
Laboratory Category •^•^•J^BB Section Project Partner(s) TXPe * Energy Other Of $3Vjngs Description Comments
OAR/OTAQ/Naiional
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory - St. Louis, MS
ORD/NERl/HEASD & OAR/
OAQPS - RTP, NC
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
3
3
3
3
5a
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
IT
Infrastructure
Lab
Equipment
Lab
Equipment
Recycling
Program
EMS
Cost of
Purchase
Purchase,
Storage, &
Disposal
Purchase &
Disposal
Energy &
Disposal
$100,000 after
$300,000
investment
Reduction in volume
of waste
Employ a tool or servce to organize
reusable content such as white
papers, presentations, spreadsheets
and the like into a central repository
so that only one copy exists on the
IT infrastructure. Access to content
would be available with an on-line
(Google like) search tool.
Purchase of high-pressure gas
cylinders and implementation gas
blending apparatus will further
reduce on-going costs associated
with gas standard purchases and
cylinder rental. The program would
replace current purchases of gas
standards with the refill of kKally
owned cylinders by the use of high
pressure, high purity compressors
and specialized blending apparatus.
Purchase instrumentation which
requires less sohrent to extract
samples, thereby reducing the
amount of solvents purchased and
waste generated.
Implement new recycled waste
stream for laboratory Tyvek materials
(lab coats, coveralls, etc.) to reduce
procurement costs and eliminate
wastes. This will not produce a
significant cost savings but reduces
the volume of waste generated and
provides resources to a recycling
market and sound environmental
stewardship practices.
The ESC has had an ISO 14001
registered EMS since 2003. The
EMS provides a framework and
systematic way to review all facility
operations and activities on a regular
oasis to determine environmental
mpacts, and has the added benefit
of identifying areas for resources
conservation and cost savings. The
ESC enjoys a vibrant and active
EMS with wide participation by
many employees. Many of our other
cost saving efforts were a result
of the EMS Team's efforts, e.g.,
the ChemShare Program, School
Chemical Donation Program, the
chemical management program.
Type of savings not
specified and no
quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED. .
-------
BMMaMiW.lttwJ^^
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
praaaffli
5a
5a
5a
5a
r
Q
X
X
X
X
r
X
X
X
M
•
^KmEi^H
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Hiam^MI
Inventory
Management
Lab
Equipment
Lab
Equipment
Recycling
Program
Hajmaama
mmmug
Disposal
Purchase
Operations &
Maintenance
Purchase &
Disposal
HBHHI
HasHaaii
•BlJJEBllHgaB
I^^^^EuailillffiiB^^HH
The NPSR has the responsibility
of maintaining an inventoiy of
all the pesticide standards and
their regulated metabolites that
are registered for use in the U.S.
While the repository has over 1300
standards, The NPSR concentrates
on only having on hand those
standards that have been requested
by our customers- State and Federal
labs that enforce FIFRA. This "just in
time" ordering procedure saves the
cost of having to dispose of standards
which have not been used before
their expiration date and reduces the
burden to the environment.
During CY 2006 the NPSR shipped
over 6100 standards. In order to
comply with shipping regulations
the packages are required to be
packed to prevent leakage during
shipment. In addition to purchasing
packing materials, the NPSR reuses
certain kinds packing material from
shipments that the ACB has received.
The reuse of shipping materials saves
both money and space in landfills.
The OPP Analytical Chemistry
Branch (ACB) has implemented a
system for supplying compressed
nitrogen to ACB's laboratories that
is more cost effective and is more
reliable than using individual tanks
or nitrogen generators. The new
system called a microbulk system
will provide a constant supply of
compressed nitrogen to our state of~
the art mass spectrometers. These
instruments require a continuous
Nitrogen supply or they may fail
resulting in down-time and repair.
The microbulk tank utilizes liquid
nitrogen and features a refill system
that will automatically, without human
intervention, contact the vendor via
computerized interface when the
supply falls below a set amount.
This system is virtually maintenance
free, unlike the nitrogen generators
we've used in the past that we found
to be very costly to maintain. This
system will also eliminate the rental
or demurrage charges for individual
tanks and save ACB a considerable
amount of money.
Redistill methylene chloride so
that is can be reused in analytical
procedures.
BiHiBIliliiblafclBHi
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
ParKs) of Infrastructure c-.,;,™
Affarfa>H o3vingS
AEIGCKJQ °
Laboratory Category ^•^•^^^D Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 $ EnergV other ^"savings" Description Comments
Region 9- Rich mond, CA
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environ menial
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 9 - Richmond, CA
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS-RTP.NC
5a
5a
5a
5b
5b
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Recycling
Program
Resource
Sharing
Storage
Chemical
Adoption /
Donation
Hazardous
Wastes
Purchase &
Disposal
Purchase
Storage
Purchase
Disposal
Purchase savings
of $15,735 4
disposal cost
savings of
$11,337 in 2006
$50,000
$800 (by
Adopting
Dichloromethane
from USGS in
2006)'
$15,000 /Year
4871
Dichloromethane
recycled with 93%
recovery rate
The Region 9 laboratory began
recycling spent dKihtoromethane in
FY 1994 and continues to see cost
savings benefits associated with this
program.
The NPSR recently collaborated with
the EPA's Office of Research and
Development (ORD) to furnish
them with over 600 pesticide
standards for a large research
project. If ORD had to purchase
these
standards from commercial sources
it would have cost approximately
$50,000.
The repository is experiencing
a problem of high humidity that
has caused some standards to
degrade and make them unusable
by our customer labs. To control
the humidity, ACB purchased a
humidity controlled cabinet for the
standards thai are stored at ambient
temperatures. This solution was tried
in place of changes to the facilities
heating cooling and air handling
changes or purchasing dehumidifiers
for the entire repository complex of
four rooms. If successful, this should
be the most cost effective solution to
a serious problem.
The Region 9 Laboratory performs
periodic assessments of the
laboratory chemical inventory
to identify excess chemicals
or chemicals remaining from
procedures no longer performed at
the bboratory. These chemicals are
made available to various university
research laboratories through a
Chemical Adoption Program saving
the laboratory disposal costs. In
addition, through a variety of
networks, the Region 9 laboratory
receives notice c' the availability of
chemicals and laboratory supplies
from other laboratones. In FY 2006,
the laboratory accepted four cases
of dichtoromelhane from a USGS
laboratory which saved about $800 in
purchase costs.
EPA/RTP implemented a laboratory
waste management bulking program
that brought common waste streams
into 35 4 55 gallon drums, rather
than disposal by individual container.
This greatly reduces disposal costs
and the volume of materials entering
the waste stream. RECOMMENDED
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
'This number represents
the savings generated from
one specific example of the
program.
-------
^^|£l33uu^^^l
Region 9 - Richmond, CA
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
Region 8 -Golden, CO
pfr|ffi!.]i'fl
• 5c
5c
5c
5d
1
1
r
X
X
X
c
X
X
X
r
X
X
M
HKEOUHI
Chemical Resource
Management 4 Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Chemical Resource
Management & Waste
Reduction
Energy Use
Energy Use
•asiEBMf ginfflffll^MllllilMBMMliKiilTlBIIIIBIi^^ In'ill ill TMil
Lab 1 1 NE NE NE NE I n FY 2C06, the Region 9 Laboratory 1
Equipment II II 1 | investigated whether there was ] |
Recycling
Program
Recycling
Program
Hazardous
Wastes
Air System
Alternative
Energy
Sources
NE
NE
Energy
Purchase
Energy
NE
NE
Approx. $55,000
/Year
NE
NE
NE
NE
Reduced purchases by
6,000 Cylinders /Year
any cost benefit associated wilh
purchasing gas tanks and having
them filled as needed by our gas
supplier versus our current practice
of renting the gas cylinders from
our gas supplier. The information
that was collected indicated that in
addition to charging a filling fee for
re-filling our tanks, the gas supplier
would also charge a fee for pick-up
of our empty cylinders and a fee for
hydro testing our cylinders. The lab
determined that it would be cheaper
to rent cylinders at the current price
of $0.30 per day per cylinder.
The Region 10 Laboratory
previously distilled used solvent but
discontinued the practice because of
the labor costs and the quality of the
resulting solvent.
Prior to 2000, the Regional
Laboratory was engaged in a glass
recycling program. The local market
for recycled glass is extremely weak;
almost non-existent. We would
like to recycle the numerous glass
containers in which we receive
samples, but there continues to be
no viable option other than throwing
them away in the dumpster at
this time.
Florescent bulbs and ballasts have
been changed throughout the NAREL
facility to low mercury containing
materials. This reduces our impact
on the environment and disposal
costs for broken bulbs and ballasts.
Implementation of a hospital grade
clean air system, coupled with high
purity air generation devices, high
purity reference air ("Zero Air") for
the entire laboratory.
Installation of passive solar panels in
2001 to augment heating Hazardous
Materials Storage Facility during
winter months. Solar wall was
down sized from original design and
approximately 60% of the original
wall is available for installation.
Design and installation funds are
needed to utilize the remaining solar
wall parts. Completion of the project
could further demonstrate more
efficient solar heating of the space.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of
savings. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part Affected rUCtUre Sa™8s
Laboratory Category ^^^^^^^^9 Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 , $ Enersy otnef . oFsavingt" Description Comments :
OAR/ORIA/Radiation 4
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
ORD/NERL4NRMRI7
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORO/NERL & NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL/Eccsystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Building &
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
Building*
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
Building &
Facilifes
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
33,436 kWh
Electricity
30,818
BTUs (FY06
compared to
FY 05); 8.38
% Reductai
Cost saving benefits that are
expected From the new Secure
ER Assel Building (scheduled for
occupancy in 2007: i) reduced toad
on mobile lab A/C units (previously
operated outdoors in extreme
temperatures); ii) reduced repairs to
mobile lab AC units; iii) extended life
of vehicle tires (previously destroyed
by UV exposure/ozone from outdoor
exposure); and iv) elmination of theft
replacement costs.
The ECL reduced electric KWH
consumption from 3501% to
316760, a savings of 33436 KWH.
Annex 1-2005. The new Annex 1
was designed as office space with a
state-of-the-art, energy efficient, VAV
(Variable Air Volume) HVAC system.
Annex II - Gold LEEO Certification.
The Annex II has been designed as
office space consisting of 2 wings
totaling approximately 45,000 gsf.
The following are some of the "state-
of-the-art" energy efficient and green
building measures that have been
incorporated into the design to make
this a Gold LEED certified building:
High Efficiency Lighting; Day lighting
and controls to dim indoor lighting
during daylight hours; occupancy
sensors; high efficiency glazing;
energy efficient VAV recirculated air
handling system; energy efficient
under floor air distribution system;
variable speed motor drives on all
air handlers; variable hot water
heating pumps; green roof; storm
water retention basin; diversion of
construction waste from landfills; use
of recycled construction materials;
use of white "lighl reflective" surface
concrete; and use of FSC certified
wood.
Bio-Safety Lab Level 111-2007. As
part of a complete renovation to this
lab, energy eftoncy gains are being
achieved through the installation of
new energy efficient air handling
units and exhaust fans.
Implementation of EPA's "Top
Ten Energy Savings Operations &
Maintenance Practices." This EPA-
wide initiative resulted in a utility
savings of approximately 8 percent
inFYOG.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No information was
provided regarding
low these savings were
obtained. Also, it is not
clear if these are annual
or cumulative savings.
FURTHER INQUIRY
NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provkied. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^H^^^y^^H
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division - Gull Breeze, FL
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division -Gulf Breeze, FL
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division -Gulf Breeze, FL
Region 1 - Chelmsford, MA
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
JiBBl
1
1
1
1
F E P A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
H^K^^QII
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
li^mmmmmssa^^mEs^msmma^Mk^m
Building &
Facilities
Building?.
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
Buildings
Facilities
Buildings,
Facilities
••'• mlnMlr»n»
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
$20,000440,000
/Year*
$25,000450,000
/Year
$6,000412,000
/Year
Approx. $187,000
/Year'
-^•—™
10-20%
Reduction
7,047
Million BTUs
saved in
FY06(30%
reduction
over past two
fiscal years)
"—»""•••"•••'•"••«
.HMMMKM.
^^^^^^^^u^uJHHH!
Additions to research labs including:
i) A polarized lubricant to all HVAC
systems which greatly reduces
friction and improves performance,
ii) A 4-state chiller to the Marine
Toxicology and Chemistry Laboratory
which will require less energy
consumption during the mild months
and provide a more desirable
environment for conducting research,
iii) A heat recovery system to the
Microbiology Lab and Warehouse
(fume fans were reduced from 15
to 2 fans to reduce energy usage
and maintenance costs), and iv) An
energy efficient sealer to all flat roofs
and roll-up doors which reduces the
thermal transfer and improves energy
efficiency.
Demolition of six energy inefficient
buildings. Replacement space
under construction through the LEED
program (Gold Standard Building) to
ensure maximum energy efficiency.
Construction should be complete
by 2008.
Installation of modern insulation
and double-pane windows in five
buildings older than 70 years,
reducing drafts, improving the
working environment, and increasing
energy efficiency.
Over the last two years, the facility
manager has worked closely with
the property manager to modify
the operation of the building in
energy-saving ways, including: i)
The installation of 23 fan-powered
air terminals, which significantly
enhanced the heat distribution in
perimeter offices; ii) expanding night/
weekend hours when lab and office
temperatures and air volumes are
moderated in order to save heating
and cooling; iii) identifying analytical
equipment and processes which
can be shut down when not in use
and / or batch processed when
constant operation is not necessary;
iv) manually adjusting chiller / heat
supply temperature and humidity
controls relative to the demand due
to seasonal ambient temperature
and humidity loads; v) reducing
illumination levels in common areas
by utilizing emergency and natural
lighting only in building hallways;
and vi) conducting daily "end of day"
laboratory and office walk-throughs
manually closing hoods and shutting
lights.
Facility renovations have included a
variable speed air handler, air volume
supply and exhaust flows.
imggQ^y]^^^g
'Cumulative savings
generated by all four
measures described.
'The laboratory has
reduced its energy
consumption from 25,154
million British thermal
units (mmBtu) in 2004 to
18,107 mmBtu in 2006,
for a total reduction of
30%. Using an average
mmBtu cost of $26.60, the
cost sayings from these
reductions were $187,451
in fiscal year 2006
alone. Thus, $187,000
is an approximation of
the savings that can be
expected to come from
all of these measures in
the future.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure (^uinix
Affected Savings
m Focus of -^ * ,- ~., Reinvestment
Region 10 -Manchester,
WA
ORD/NERL/Ecosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
ORD/NERL/Ecosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
ORD/NERL/HEASD & OAR/
OAQPS-RTP,NC
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
jH^^^Hjjjl
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Project Partner(s) 'VP6 * tnersy ulner of Savings Description Comments
Buildings
Facilities
Employee
Behavkir
Employee
Behavior
Employee
Behavior
Employee
Behavior
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Savings Not Yet
Known
Savings Not Yet
Known
Approx. $196,200
/Year ($900 /
Fume Hood)
40%
Reduction
Optimization of the Building
Automation System (BAS) continues.
HVAC system controls have been
reviewed; air supply terminal unit
operation and ak flow balance
have been corrected. Air handler
operation has been modified to
prevent concurrent heating and
cooTrg. Reset schedules have been
included in heating and cooling loop
operation.
ERD will assure that laboratory doors
are not propped open. Keeping
them closed minimizes the draw of
processed air through the laboratory.
ERD will assure that office and
laboratory lights are shut off at the
end of each workday
All laboratory personnel have been
trained on the need to implement
energy reduction features designed
into the laboratories at the RTP new
facility. Specifically, by manually
closing the sash on the laboratory
chemical Fume Hoods / Ventilation
and tunvng out the lights, as well as
equipment, can produce up to a 40%
energy reduction can be achieved
during off hours. Employees
are typically at over 90 percent
compliance on any given dav.
The Region 10 Laboratory is
complying with EPA's 'Top 10 Energy
Savings Practices' by: i) lowering the
temperature of tap water throughout
the facility so as to not exceed the
needs of the staff, and reminding
staff to use hot water only when
necessary; ii) reminding staff to keep
variable air volume fume hood sashes
closed when hoods are not in use;
i:i) installing PVC strips in walk-in
freezer and one constant temperature
room to reduce the energy demands
associated with temperature
fluctuations during use; iv) resetting
thermostats throughout the facility,
where practicable, to a 6 degree span
of operation; 68F heating and 74F
cooling; v) reminding staff to keep
doors closed as much as possible
toconfne heated and conditioned
air; vi) installing more efficient
1 ghting equipment (electronic
ballasts, T8 tubes, 5 Watt LED exit
tghts, occupancy sensors, photo
cell controlled fluorescent fixtures);
and vii) setting up boilers for staged
operation, minimizing start-up events
and keeping parallel operation to a
minimum.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^HUSUlslElsU^^H
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
mniaKnaivm
I
1
1
X
X
X
X"
X
m^gggygm^p
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•aciitsM^
Employee
Behavior
Employee
Behavior
Energy
Savings
Performance
Contract
misULEUuB
Energy
Energy
Energy &
Water
•niBBi
$1,000-$2,000
/Year
$3,000-$5,000
/Year (based
on number
of personal
appliances/
electrical
equipment
removed from
government
leased space)
^^^U^^^H
50%
Reduction
78% Reduction in
water consumption
•««aimuBi«
^^^^HSHaalulliSlUHIHH
Regular scheduled shutdown of
various equipment (i.e., drying ovens,
duplicate instrumentation, unused
equipment, etc.} in the building with
proper Laboratory management and
building maintenance coordination.
The Laboratory EMS program
requires personnel to turn off
lights and electrical equipment
prior to departure in the evenings
and anytime when not in use. The
Laboratory EMS program requires
personnel to be energy conscious at
all times while at work.
The Regional Laboratory provides
and equips a kitchenette/break
area so that these appliances may
be congregated in those areas for
the general well being of all. It is
a matter of appearance as well as
correctness that we do not allow
personal electrical equipment use
in government leased space unless
there exists a legitimate health
issue(s) (i.e. nursing mothers who
may request private refrigeration,
medication, etc.). Policy
implemented 6 Feb 2007.
Energy Savings Performance Contract
Signed in 1998.
•••jHBIMIIBMHe^^BI
-------
Part(S)AfSdmCtJre Sa™Ss
^B^HHHHHPi^^B^B Focus of Reinvestment
Laboratory Category ••••••^•1 Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 $ Enerev other of Savings Description Comments
OARM - RTP, NC
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis. MS
ORD/NERL/Ecosystems
Research Divisron -
Athens, GA
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS - RTP, NC
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Fume Hoods /
Ventilation
Fume Hoods /
Ventilation
Fume Hoods/
Ventilation
Fume Hoods/
Ventilation
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Savings Not Yet
Known
Approx. $10,800
/Year (40%
Reduction)
34 Billion
BTUs (5%
reduction) in
FY06
The Laboratory Controls Optimization
Project (LCOP) and Vivarium
Controls Optimization Project
(VCOP) were imp'emented to
challenge the operaton cf a sample
of laboratory fume hoods and
optimize their airflows. The projects
^.ave determined (he performance
envelope of the ventilation systems
and provided informatk>n to assess
the feasibility of modifying system
operation lo reduce energy use
without jeopardizing safety of the
laboratory personnel. Once these
desred se!-pc:nts were established,
ttiey were incorporated throughout
our main campus laboratories. A
Statfc Pressure Op'imization and
Reduction Test (SPORT) was also
implemented by conducting a series
of tests to empirically determine
and implement the nvmmum
static pressure set points for the
supply and exhaust systems to
meet flow requirements during
occupied and unoccupied modes.
After implementing the minimum
acceptable system static pressures,
a series of tests were conducted to
determine the oplimum sequence
of exhaust fan and air handle-
operations. This has resulted in the
reduction of air-handlers used on a
daily basis.
Decommissioning of hoods not in use
(put in standby).
ERD has 23 hoods at the main
aboratory and one at Bailey Street.
ERD management will work with
jie scientific staff to minimize the
amount of time hoods are left open,
creating a demand for processed air.
The target is to have all hoods closed
(within one Inch from completely
closed) during non work hours and
when hoods are not in use.
Whenever possible, laboratory
chemical fume hoods that are
not in use have been locked out
and ai- flows reduced to provide
approximately 40 % savings in
heating / air conditioning to the
effected laboratories with an annual
estimated savings of $10,800.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
PfirlCs) of Infrastructure - ... c-,,,jnt- - - • •- „•>
-'-..- ••• Affected Savln8s :
-- MMMMMtaH«_p^^^«| Focus of Reinvestment
nBEHnEw^H
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
KAtma
1
1
1- t r A
X
X
•
Section Project Partner(s) '»* • . * tnerSf uffler • of Savings Description
Energy Use
Energy Use
Fume Hoods /
Ventilation
HVAC System
Energy
Energy &
Water
$19,800 /
Year; Potential
additional savings
of $17,300 /Year
920 Million
BTUs/Year;
Potential
additional
savings of
800 Million
BTUs/Year
The Region 2 Laboratory has
replaced six fume hoods with models
that reduce air flow by approximately
25%, while maintaining adequate
capture and user safety. As
laboratories are renovated, hoods are
replaced with the reduced air flow
units. Replacement of these hoods
has reduced air exhausted from the
laboratory by approximately 800
CFM. The estimated energy savings
based on the use of these hoods,
mostly from the energy needed to
condition the replacement air, is
approximately 920 MBTU per year
and $19,800 per year in energy
costs. An additional five fume hoods
will be replaced under this program
over the next two years, with an
additional projected savings of 800
MBTU per year and $17,300 per
jear in energyj:osts.
HVAC contractors realigned the
temperature settings for each chiller
and adjusted the lead/lag on the
older chiller. The pump out- put and
the recirculation of the chilled water
was also adjusted so both chillers
would start/stop when needed. The
controls for each chiller and these
pumps were adjusted to allow
this equipment to operate at peak
performance. This modification of
the pumps, chillers and controls has
made for a more comfortable lab and
not nearly the temperature variance
that we had prior to this work. This
modification has caused a savings
of energy for the cooling system.
Having the chillers and pumps only
operating when needed provides
energy savings for this repair.
H^^^^^^Q^pm
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure c«,,in™
^^^Affectecl^ Savings
Laboratory Category ^•^•^•^9 Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 $ EnS!S/ Other ofSavinRs" Description Comments
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
OAR/ORIA/Radation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OAR/ORIA/Radiation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle 4 Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center -Denver, CO
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
Energy &
Water
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Approx. $180,000
$2,290 /Year
FY2006
24%
Reduction
fromFY
2005
21,900kWh
/Year
1,000's Gallons of
Water /Month
75% Savings over
refrigeration A/C
The NAREL HVAC system uses
a cooling tower that cools the
HVAC return water prior to the
ch'lers cooling the water to the
f:nal temperature for use by the
air handling units. When ambient
temperatures are mild the additional
cooling provided by the cooling tower
is not required. When the return
water is below a set temperature,
typically during mild or cold weather,
the cooling tower can be bypassed
since the added cool'ng is not
needed. A valve thai performs this
bypass feature was not working as
required due to problems associated
with incompatible control systems
and a lack of understanding of how
the system works by tbe maintenance
contractor. During an operation and
maintenance assessment conducted
by OARM contractors and follow-up
discussions with the maintenance
contractor the valve and cortrol
system were repaired and the cooling
tower bypass is now operating
correctly.
Evaporative Coolers installed in
new Secure ER Asset Building.
Scheduled for occupancy in 2007.
Use of programmable thermostats.
Maximizing the use of free cooling
during shoulder seasons, reducing
hot water loop temperatures
and increasing chilled water
temperatures, and actively promoting
energy conservation by turning of test
cell air handlers when not in use.
Hot water coil pumps were
programmed to stay off until the
outside air temperature drops below
35"F or until the hot water coil valve
starts to open. In addition, adequate
freeze protection can be achieved
by contrail ng the hot water valves to
maintain a reasonable temperature,
such as 60°F. The reduced
unoccupied hot water flow will also
result in pump energy savings.
Not clear whether percent
savings refers lo amount
of energy consumed or
cost. FURTHER INQUIRY
NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
Part of the
recommissioning of energy
using systems in EPA's
portion oi Building 25 on
the Denver Federal Center,
undertaken in 2006, in an
effort to improve operation
and efficiency. Operation
of the energy consuming
systems of the building was
reviewed and improvement
measures were developed,
resulting in estimated
cumulative energy and cost
savings of $52,000
-------
IIHElSuslOBi
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center - Denver, CO
OECWOCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center -Denver, CO
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breiden bach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL/Ecosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
ORD/NERL/Ecosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
BSSUffl
i
i
i
i
i
r
X '
X
X
X
X
L
r
' "X
A
•K9BBH
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•SKribHM
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
•8iimHllfe>B
maoism
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy, Water
BBJBB1
$3,400 /Year
$36,720 /Year
Savings Not Yet
Known
Savings Not Yet
Known
gg|g|2H
32,600 kWh
Electricity/
Year
60,500 kWh
/Year of
electricity
used for
cooling;
2,800 Million
BTUsofgas
HHMHMl^^H
•JljbhWlbkB
BBBs^uJwHuHBI
Non-laboratory Air Handling Units
(AHUs) were shut down at the end of
the occupied period (7 AM to 5PM,
weekdays) and typically restarted 2
hours prior to occupancy the next
day. By delaying restart until 1 hour
prior to occupancy, operation of
each AHU fan was reduced by 350
hours per year saving 36,000 kWh
and $3,760. The dock AHU ran
continuously. These units are now
shut down for 6,236 hours per year
for fan energy savings of 32,600 kWh
and $3,400.
Rebalancing of laboratory airflows
and removal of unnecessary
exhausts.
New Cooling Towers-2005. The
original five cooling towers serving
the facility were replaced with five
new energy and water efficient
cooling towers.
ERD has staff housed in six buildings.
ERDwill install programmable
thermostats wherever feasible, and
mandate temperature controls (target
70 F- 72 F) for all non-lab areas,
where current ERD HVAC technology
and work requirements permit.
Increased Cooling Tower Efficiency.
ERD replaced one cooling tower and
upgraded another to increase cooling
efficiency and reduce make-up
water usage.
BB^^^^u^BBI
Part of the
recommissioning of energy
using systems in EPA's
portion of Building 25 on
the Denver Federal Center,
undertaken in 2006, in an
effort to improve operation
and efficiency. Operation
of the energy consuming
systems of the building was
reviewed and improvement
measures were developed,
resulting in estimated
cumulative energy and cost
savings of $52,000.
Part of the
recommissioning of energy
using systems in EPA's
portion of Building 25 on
the Denver Federal Center,
undertaken in 2006, in an
effort to improve operation
and efficiency. Operation
of the energy consuming
systems of the building was
reviewed and improvement
measures were developed,
resulting in estimated
cumulative energy and cost
savings of $52,000.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Pa rt(s) of Infrastructure <;=,,ino«
Affected Savings
•^•••••i^^BH Focus of - - _.. Reinvestment
Laboratory Category
ORD/NERL/Environmental
Sciences Division - Las
Vegas, NV
ORD/NHEERL/Atlantic
Ecology Division -
Narragansett, Rl
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
1
1
1
1
••••••BiB Section Proiect Partner(s) lvPe » tnergy umer of Savings Description Comments
X
X
X
X
X
-
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
$160,000 from
2004 to present;
$480,000
Projected total
savings from
2004-2011
Annual Average
$14,902'
Savings Not Yet
Known
575,000 kWh
Electricity/
Year; 30,900
Therms
Natural Gas
/Year
Annual
average 855
million BTUs
(2.8% /Year
reduction)*
Several steps have been taken to
increase the energy efficiency of the
HVAC system by replacing outdated
equipment. These steps include
replacing: i) twenty-five outdated
rooftop package HVAC units with
units that have a Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 10 or
higher; ii) a 15 ton, 25 year old
chiller, rooftop aT handler, and
cooling tower with a 12 SEER rooftop
7.5 ton heat pump; iii) a 40 year ok),
270 ton centrifugal chiller with a new
high efficiency 270 ton reciprocal
chiller; and iv) three, 40 year old,
2.4 mil BTU holers with 3 new high
efficiency 2.0 mil Btu bolters.
We have set our building automation
system to accommodate for
adjusting the non-occupied building
temperatures from 6:00 PM to 6:00
AM. Heating and cooling are set
at the Presidential standard of 68
degrees in the winter and 78 degrees
in summer.
The Region 10 Laboratory no longer
continuously runs the recirculation
chiller for its ICP-MS. The vacuum
pump on this instrument is not water-
cooled, therefore, the chiller is now
onfy turned on when the instrument
is in use.
Many of the building-specific cost
saving and efficiency gain efforts
predate FY04. The actual dollars
saved or BTU reduced has not
been quantified. Among the efforts
employed were to: Rescale boiler
operations to run on low fire settings
during spring and fall shoulder
seasons. Lowered delivered steam
pressure from designed lOOpsi to
50-60psi depending on the facility
need.
'These savings are
averages based on annual
data for FY99-FY06.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
BHS^OH^^H
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 7- Kansas City, KS
Region 8 -Golden, CO
Region 9- Richmond, CA
nuisiia
i
i
i
i
r
X
X
X
X
c.
r
X
n
HB^BOIB
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•asima
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
IMHfliai
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
BBUBI
$4,00045,000
/Year
B2U313M
3.2 Million
BTUs (23%
Efficiency
Gain / Boiler)
mmmmn
•iifcfemim.-a
^^^H^muS^S^H^I
Facility operations and maintenance
have implemented allowable
temperature adjustments of
equipment intended to reduce
energy consumption without
severely impacting space or comfort
temperature. Some of these
include: manual adjustment of HVAC
thermostats to the lower settings of
the winter building standard space
temperature range, and upper
settings of the summer range (i.e.:
69 deg.F. for the winter 68.5-74.5
range, and 77 for the 72.5 to 78
deg. F. range, give or take a degree
or two); lower domestic hot water
heater from 140 deg.F. to 123 deg.
F., turning off equipment earlier
where beneficial, reducing chiller
equipment settings where possible.
The building was designed and built
to be energy efficient. The use of
variable air volume (VAV) technology
in the heating, cooling and ventilation
(HVAC) system and fumes hoods
with operable sashes has resulted
in significant energy efficiency over
older constant flow systems. The
extensive use of centrifugal fans and
variable frequency drives also yields
energy efficiencies. Additionally,
the building is equipped with a heat
recovery system which provides for
the recovery of exhaust air heat as
well as preheating of intake air as
needed.
Laboratory thermostats adjusted
down in winter and up in the
summer.
In FY 2005, the Region 9 Laboratory
replaced an existing one 8 million
BTU oversized boiler with two smaller
2.4 BTU boilers. The oversized
boiler has an operating efficiency
of 60% while the two replacement
boilers have an overall efficiency
of 83%. The new boilers provide
additional hot water for building heat
when the cogeneration waste heat is
not sufficient.
•BgesJTiliiUliRBflgg
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of
savings. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure n&
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OEC/VOCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center -Denver, CO
ORD/NHEERL/Atlantic
Ecology Division -
Narragansett, Rl
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
IT
Infrastructure
IT
Infrastructure
IT
Infrastructure
Lab
Equipment
Lab
Equipment
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Energy 4
Purchase
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
$1,000 /Year
$1,500 from
2004 to present;
$8,000 Projected
total savings from
2004-2011
$l,180/Year
$1,800 /Year
20,000 kWh
Electricity/
Year
ll,300kWh
Electricity/
Year
12,700 kWh
/Year
20,780 Lbs C02
Emissions /Year
Several steps have been taken
to reduced increase the energy
efficiency of computer equipment,
including: i) reviewing all IT hardware
purchases for "greening" and
requiring energy star compliance, at
minimum; ii) replacing old CRTs with
new energy star or better compliant
monitors and recycling old CRTs; iii)
reviewing the needs of actual users
within the lab and replacing multiple
computers with one computer
(laptop! that can have multiple
functions; and iv) us:ng virtual
computer software to enable users
to have one physical computer that
can access both tab networks. These
measured have saved space, utility
costs, and the expense of purchasing
an additional 45 computers.
NEIC was able to replace about 70%
of the CRT monitors w;th the more
energy efficient LCD monitors. The
rest o' the CRT montos will be
replaced as soon as possible.
Eighty-five CRT computer monitors
were replaced with Ivgh efficiency flat
screen LCD monitors.
Deactivated refngerator and
freezers which were not fully in use;
and reconsolidated materials for
relriserated storage.
Instruments that are not actively used
on projects are put in standby mode.
Use of Motbn Detector Lighting
switches in La Plaza Facility.
The EPA's atrium is adequately lit
with natural light for most daylight
hours. Much of the electric lighting in
the area was turned off on a seasonal
schedule or in response to a light
level sensor.
Reducing our lighting load both
internally and externally has saved
12,700 kw per year, 20,780 Its of
C02 emissions, and a cost saving
of $1.800.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provkied. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
Part of the
recommissioning of energy
using systems in EPA's
portion of Building 25 on
the Denver Federal Center,
undertaken in 2006, in an
effort to improve operation
and efficiency. Operation
of the energy consuming
systems of the building was
reviewed and improvement
measures were developed,
resulting in estimated
cumulative energy and cost
savings of $52,000.
-------
"•"" . ' ParUsronnfraslruclurb ' .-,.-... 'c-yino- ' - . - -
Affected oavings
HHsKuSufl^l
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
Region 8 - Golden, CO
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center - Denver, CO
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
Category, •••••••• Section Project .Paitnerts). 'yP6 * tnerS/ .. , .,- >•"» ofSavings Description Comments •:>
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Metering
Natural Gas
System
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
$180 /Year:
Potential
additional savings
of $324 /Year
1500 kWh
Electricity
/Year;
Potential
additional
savings of
2,700 kWh
Electricity /
Year
420.34 MCF
Gas
The Region 2 Laboratory has
replaced lighting in areas that have
been renovated with high efficiency
ighting that provides light at a
dwer, but appropriate, level at the
bench top. The lighting energy
demand for renovated laboratories
is approximately 30% less than the
laboratories they replaced. The
estimated savings for lights replaced
to date is approximately 1500 kWh
per year and $180. An additional
three areas will be renovated under
this program over the next two years,
with an additional projected savings
of 2,700 kWh per year and $324.
The lighting in the building uses
low energy use fixtures to the
maximum extent. The lighting
system is centrally controlled to turn
off non-essential lighting either on
a timed or light-sensor basis and
numerous areas are controlled by
motion sensors. This central control
system is utilized to maximize energy
efficiency.
Lights turned off in hallways and
laboratories when natural lighting is
sufficient or spaces are unoccupied.
To accurately measure overtime
hour utilities usage and to ensure
accurate billings, meters for electrical
and chilled/hot water energy usage
were installed. Because EPA
shares space in Building 25 with
other government agencies, GSA
was billing on an estimated ratio,
based on square footage, and billing
overtime at a 100% to EPA. Meters
now monitor electrical usage for
the north switchgear to determine
EPA's usage. Chilled water usage is
monitored by separate BTU meters
on piping serving EPA space. The
building's automation system collects
meter data for monthly processing.
The meters have served to accurately
calculate monthly billings for EPA.
The ECL reduced Gas MCF from
1958.34 to 1538, a savings of
420.34 MCF.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of
savings. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No information was
provided regarding
how these savings were
obtained. Also, it is not
clear if these are annual
or cumulative savings.
FURTHER INQUIRY
NEEDED.
-------
^""''Affected'"0'""6 Sa™8s
^H^I^I^^^^MMMB Focus of Reinvestment
Laboratory Category •^•^•^•9 Section Project Partner(s) TVP6 $ Ener8y Olher of Savings Description Comments
Region 9- Richmond, CA
ORD/NERL&NRMRU
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
Region 9- Rich mond.CA
OARM - RTP, NC
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemisfry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Natural Gas
System
Power Factor
Correction
Refrigeration
Units
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
Energy
Energy
Energy
Space
Space
Energy
Savings Not Yet
Known
Savings Not Yet
Known
$220,000 in
annual lease
costs
$5,000
$8,500 /Year
Approx. 150
Million BTUs
/Month
In FY 2005. a natural gas fred
cogeneration unit was installed at
the Region 9 Laboratory to produce
electricity and hot water on site. An
expected electrical reduction o' 60kW
(about 150 million BTU/month) is
currently being achieved. Due to
problems with the unit that caused
6 to be off more often than it was on
in the first year of operatjon, the data
necessary to determine cost savings
is not yet available. It is now working
correctly and cost savings data will
become available in the future.
Power Factor Correction-2005.
Capacitor banks were installed at the
T&E Facility to raise the power factor
above 90% to avoid a penalty on the
electric bill.
The Region 9 Laboratory has 4
walk-in coolers for sample storage.
The refrigeration units for the coolers
were replaced with more energy
efficient units. Cost savings have not
been tracked.
We eliminated two back warehouses
from our Page Road Grand Slam
facility m 2007. The move reduced
our overall warehouse square footage
from 38,000 sq ft to roughly 18,000
sq ft. The move is estimated to save
the EPA approximately $220,000 in
annual lease costs.
The ECL reduced occupancy charges
from$170Kto$165K,asavings
of$5K.
The NRMRL/UWMB Laboratory
contractor has been moved
from various inefficient trailers to
consolidated modern space in 2005.
This move has eliminated the energy
toads from six inefficient trailers.
Energy savings from the elimination
of the trailers is offset by the new
loads in the modular building and
modern laboratory trailer complex
that reptod them. The new
buildings represent a significant
expansion in the capabilities and
amenities offered to the occupants.
The observed savings from this
program is $8,500 per year in energy
costs.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No information was
provided regarding
how these savings were
obtained. Also, it is not
clear if these are annual
or cumulative savings.
FURTHER INQUIRY
NEEDED.
-------
^HS^S^^^B
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 9- Richmond, CA
OAR/ORIA/Radiation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory -Ann Arbor, Ml
PH'Sagi
1
1
1
1
1
F
X" '
X
X
E
X
X
P
A
MEuBBHI
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
wfftSHn^t
aamsam
Space
Utilization
Uninterrupted
Power Supply
(UPS)
Uninterrupted
Power Supply
(UPS)
Vehicle Fleet
Vehicle Fleet
BaBBEBM
Energy
Energy
Energy
Fuel
Fuel&
Maintenance
M^
$13,500 /Year
Approx. $5,450.
67 /Year
600 Million
BTUs/Year
23%
Reduction in
kWh Usage
^HS^B
^^^^^^^^^^^^^H
BalBaaffigal
HlHww^^^^^^B
The OSWER training contractor has
been moved from various locations
on the facility to consolidated
modern space in 2005. This work
has eliminated energy loads in
Bay F of Building 209 and Bays
C and D of Building 205. Energy
savings in these areas are offset by
new loads in Building 238. The
design and construction of Building
238 incorporated energy efficient
design strategies including use of
natural light, insulated ceiling deck,
variable volume HVAC systems and
efficient boilers and chillers. The
estimated savings from Oiiswork is
approximately 600 MBTU per year
and $13,500.
MGE Galaxy PW electronic/solid
state "static transfer" system virtually
operates with a very minimal load
in comparison to the old Powerbloc
motor/generator (M/G) UPS system
installed at R6 lab. The old system
would consume between 60 to 70
continuous amps of 3 phase voltage
to run the M/G. New system of latest
technology.
In FY 2007, the Region 9 Laboratory
replaced the existing 225- KVA
Uninterrupted Power Suppfy (UPS)
withanewSO-KVAUPS. It was
estimated that the new UPS system
would use 50% less power than the
existing UPS. The first month after
installation showed a 23% percent
reduction in kWh usage.
Over the last several years, the
Lab has been moving to more
fuel efficient vehicles. Hybrid
Ford Escape replaced full size
pickup truck / large van based
truck. Chrysler flexible fuel minivan
replaced full size van. Employees are
encouraged to limit trips, combine
errands and use the most fuel
efficient vehicles available at that
time for trips.
Reduction in GSA fleet from 4 to 3
vehicles. This current fleet includes
a Toyota Prius, an E-85 minivan, and
an E-85 compact sedan.
^^^^^^^^9Bi
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure 0 . „
Affected Savln8s
H^MHBHJ^^MI Focus of ^ * _.. Reinvestment
Laboratory Category •^•^•^•il
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 8 -Golden, CO
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center -Denver, CO
ORD/NHEERl/Atlantic
Ecology Division -
Narragansett, Rl
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle 4 Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
1
1
1
1
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Section Project Partner(s) 'VP6 * hner8V umer of Savings Description Comments
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Vehicle Fleet
Vehicle Fleet
Water System
Water System
Alternative
Energy
Sources
DOE, UL
Co-operative
Program
Fuel&
Maintenance
Fuel
Energy
Energy, Water,
& Cost of
Utilities
Fuel
$4373. 52 /Year'
$3,200 /Year
(Due to control
modifications
to secondary
condenser
pumps & cooling
towers); $1,430
/Year (Due to
controlling pump
to operate only
when condenser
system active)
$32,000 /Year
(payback period
<8 years)
$250,000 over
next year
30,600 kWh
Electricity /
Year (Due
to control
modifications
to secondary
condenser
pumps &
cooling
towers);
13,700 kWh
Electricity/
Year (Due to
controSng
pump to
operate
only when
condenser
system
active)
293,000 kWh
Electricity/
Year (20%
reduction)
1,000,000 Gallons of
Water /Year
One of two leased government owned
vehicles (GOVs) was returned to the
Government Services Administration
since both were rarely used at the
same time. If there is a need for a
second GOV at the Laboratory on any
given day, arrangements w.ll be made
with the Office of Environmental
Assessment or the Office of Policy
and Management to obtain an
additional GOV to meet that need.
Utilization of E85 and hybrid
vehicles.
To achieve more efficien: coding
tower operation, the multiple fans
operating in parallel were modulated
in speed to achieve the required
condenser water set point. Additional
modifications were made to the
bypass valve allowing fan modulation
down to mjvmum speed and cycling
them off as necessary. Savings for
these control modifications to the
secondary condenser water pumps
and the cooling towers are predicted
to total 30,600 kWh and $3,200 per
year. Controlling the pump lo operate
only when the condenser water
system is active will save EPA an
estimated 13,700 kWh and $1,430
annually. Other modifications to the
chillers allowing shutdown sooner will
provide some modest energy savings.
In Narragansett, we re-commissioned
our chilled water plant in 2004 at a
cost of $250,000. The projected pay
back period is less than 8 years with
a realized annual cost reduction of
$32,000 (293,000 kw). When the
chilled water plant is in operation, it
is 20% more efficient than when it
was originally installed in 2001. With
the chiller re-commissioning, we save
400,000 gallons of potable water per
year. Couple that with the reduction
of single pass cooling equipment this
past summer, we reduced our annual
potable water consumption by a total
o! 1,000,000 gallons per year.
NVFEl is beginning an E-85
dispenser-testing program intended
to facilitate the introduction of E-85 in
the marketplace. This program was
originally intended for implementation
at the Oak Ridge Laboratory, but the
necessary safety equipment was
unavailable in that location.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
Part of the
recom missioning of energy
using systems in EPA's
portion of Balding 25 on
the Denver Federal Center,
undertaken in 2006, in an
effort to improve operatkjn
and efficiency. Operation
of the energy consuming
systems of the building was
reviewed and improvement
measures were developed,
resulting in estimated
cumulative energy and cost
savings of $52,000.
-------
^^Qgygjg^^^m
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle S, Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OARM-RTP, NC
OARM - RTF, NC
waimam
2
2
2
r
X
X
X
c.
r
•
A
m^^^ii^m
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•aanaMi
Buildings,
Facilities
Building*,
Facilities
Buildings,
Facilities
H8ITOEBQM
National Institute
of Environmental
Health Services
EKJIW^I
Energy
Energy
Energy
^•m
ggjfitifl
HHMKtiKl^^^^M
"""•^^^^^^M
•aKfcaiifefea
^^^^BS^UllSaral^^HHI
Facilities Management Services
Division's Sustainable Facilities
Practices Branch (SFPB) will be
sending a building controls expert
to look at the programming at the
NVFEL, to provide improvement in
operation and reduction in energy
use.
RTP energy projects. The following
projects are either in process or
schedule through the B&F process
for future years: i) Human Studies
AHU 2 (2007) 1.4M; ii) Human
Studies AHU1 (2008) 1.2M; iii)
controls master plan (phase 3/4
- 2008/2009) 550K each year; iv)
OCRA (phase 2 -2008) 550k; v)
High Bay commissioning (2009)
250k; vi) sub metering (main
campus- 2008) 400k; vii) sub
metering (HBB- 20081138k; viii)
install PV laminate panels on Child
Care Center roof (2008) 750k-
1.3M;ix)VAV valve upgrade (bldg
B,HBB) 600k/1.5M;x) HBB rain
water harvesting at HBB & CUP
(2009) 120k; xi) water reclamation
(design 2009) 100k; and xii) water
reclamation (construction 2010)
1.7M.
RTP shares a utility plant with the
National Institute of Environmental
Health Services (NIEHS). This plant
provides both agencies with the
chilled water, high temperature hot
water, gas, and electric to operate
our facilities form day to day. We
have identified the following 8&F
projects in support of the CUP
over the next few years: i) CUP
Chilled Water System Optimization
(design - 2007) 50k estimate; ii) CUP
Chilled Water System Optimization
(construction phase 1-2008) 250k
estimate; iii} Main Campus water-side
commissioning (2008) 150k; iv)
CUP improvements (2009) 500k;
and v) CUP Chilled Water System
Optimization (phase 2-2009) 250k
estimate; vi) CUP improvements
(2010) 500k.
^^BJQyQjgQ^^^H
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure Savings
n^^^^^^^^^i
ORD/NERL&NRMRU
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Cente' - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NHEERL/Ailantic
Ecology Division -
Narragansett, Rl
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division -Gull Breeze, FL
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 5 - Chicago, IL
Category ^^^^^^^^^Q Section Project Partnerts) ^VP6 $ Energy Other of Savings Description Comments
2
2
2
2
2
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Building &
Facilities
Building &
FadiSes
Building &
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
Buildings,
Facilities
Buldingi
Facilities
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
$17,300/Year
25%
Reduction
800 Million
BTUs
AWBERC Infrastructure Replacement
Project-2008-2014. The AWBERC
IRPwil result in numerous energy
efficiency gains for the facility this
include: variable flow heating hot
water pumps; air side & water
side economizers; supply air static
Dressure reset glycol run around
;nergy recovery system; improved
neatirg/'cocJ ng setback capabilities;
heating supply air temp, reset;
variabte ftow air supply fans; variable
flow lab exhaust air system; high
effk:iency Fume Hoods / Ventilation;
and automatic fume hood sash
Dosition'ng system. These features
will permit the entire AWBERC lab
to operate at much more efficient
energy levels.
The Narragansett Lab's Chemistry
Wing is slated for a major mechanical
and lab systems overhaul from 2008
-2012. The utility cost-savings are
calculated to approach 25% through
improved efficiencies in motors,
air handlers and Fume Hoods/
Ventilation.
New CIS/IT Su.lding under
construction under the LEED
Program (Gold Standard). Once
completed, two adjacent, less
efficient^ buildings will be removed.
PVC strips will be installed in the
other three constant temperature
rooms to reduce the energy demands
associated with temperature
fluctuations during use. Energy use
before and after PVC strip installation
is currentfy being measured in the
first constant temperature room.
The Region 2 Laboratory renovation
project is ongoing. In the next
;hree years, an additional five Fume
Hoods / Ventilation will be replaced
with hoods that reduce air flow by
approximately 25% while maintaining
adequate chemical capture and user
safety. Lighting will also be renovated
with energy efficient fixtures that
provide a lower level of artificial
light and take advantage of natural
lighting. Over the next three years
there will be an additional projected
savings o! 800 MBTU per year and
$17.300 per year in energy costs.
Increase in usable space in organic
and metals labs (for same rent) and
reduction of electricity usage for
lighting, Fume Hoods /Ventilation,
and HVAC as part of next phase of
tab renovations.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^H£J2B]jgI21£mH
Region 5 - Chicago, IL
ORD/NRMRL/G round
Water & Ecosystems
Restoration Division -
Ada, OK
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center - Denver, CO
•BaceoiM
2
2
2
2
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
"
X
IB^gggygimi
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•amsaM
Building &
Facilities .
Employee
Behavior
Employee
Behavior
Employee
Behavior
EMS
•anmaiBiM
••HMJHH
Contractor
Space
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
^^HBB
$66,000 /Year
Savings Not Yet
Known
Savings Not Yet
Known
$3,00045,000
/Year
^^•MjaB
2,200 sq. feet
BgUsiUi&i&fl
^^^B2ggjgi|*]gjQ^^^^B
Reduction of office space square
footage for ESAT contractor staff as
Dart of next phase of lab renovations.
The Director will initiate a policy for
all employees at the facility to turn
off lights when not in use, shut down
personal computers at the end of
the day and on days off, and shut
down all instrumentation that can
operate under shut down/start up
conditions at the end of the work day
or on days when not in use. It is not
known the exact amount of power
savings this will accomplish, but it is
expected to be significant and will be
monitored for the first six months of
its operation.
Currently Lab Management and
Team Leaders are examining which,
if any, additional instrumentation
and equipment may be shut off
during non working periods. Once
equipment is identified a cost
reduction eslimate will be completed.
Shutdown of various constant
volume Fume Hoods /Ventilation,
air exchangers, and exhaust
fans in the building with proper
Laboratory management and building
maintenance coordination. Ongoing
effort to identify and coordinate
non mission essential/critical HVAC
systems until more efficient system
replacements are installed.
NEIC has developed an EMS that will
be implemented over the next several
years and more fully developed in
subsequent years. NEIC'sEMS
has initially set objectives and
targets for three selected significant
environmental aspects (SEA): paper
consumption, energy consumption
and waste generation. Based on a
conservative goal of a 5% reduction
for these SEAs compared to 2006
baselines, there should be significant
cost savings and efficiency gains to
NEIC. 2006 baselines are presently
being compiled, which will allow
for the estimation of cost savings.
Further savings through FY 2010 will
be determined through an evaluation
of progress made during 2007, and
through the use of this data, based
on projections for the future. As
opportunities arise, new SEAs will be
identified and objectives and targets
set which will result in additional cost
savings and efficiency sains.
^^UgHI]y£y]g^^H
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure c^/mnc
Affected Savlngs
•••HHK^HMi Focus of T , _ „,. Reinvestment
Uboratory Category |^B^B^BB Section Proiect Partnerts) 'VP6 * Ener6y Other 0( savings Description Comments
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB- Edison, NJ
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/ORIA/Radiation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory -Las
Vegas, NV
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Envi ran mental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
2
2
2
2
2
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
EMS
EPActof2005
Fume Hoods /
Ventilatkm
Fume Hoods/
Ventilation
Fume Hoods /
Ventilation
Fume Hoods /
Ventilation
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
$2,200 / Year
10%
Reduction
The Region 2 Laboratory is in the
process o* replacing over 20 old
laboratory refrigerators with EPA
Energy Star rated refrigerators.
Based on data collected by the
Laboratory, the current energy use for
the refrigerators, on an annual basis,
is approximately 50,000 kW-hrs.
This translates into a cost of $6000
per year. By purchasing Energy
Star rated units, the Laboratory
anticipates averaging only 32,000
Kw-hrs per year, for a cost savings of
approximately $2200 per yea' using
current energy costs. In addition,
the streamlined design of the 24 new
refrigerators will be reducing the total
refrigerator footprint by 10%; and
since the new units will be purchased
w.th casters, facility contractor staff
will have easier access for refrigerator
martenance.
Aggressively pursuing additional
energy reductions outlined in the
Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005.
As part of planned R&IE analyccal
lab replacement projecl, R&IEwill
replace current hoods and laboratory
ventilation systems that do not meet
current safety or energy efficiency
standards. Replacement o! these
hoods offer the opportunity to
achieve energy savings by reducing
the amount of air that needs to be
conditioned depending upon usage.
Install variable flow Fume Hoods /
Ventilation in an area that is being
modified as a sample preparation
laboratory.
The Laboratory will continue
to replace its older hoods with
variable air volume models during
renovations. Laboratory staff is also
working vrth EPA's Safety. Health and
Environmental Management Division
and the building automation system
contractor to investigate reducing
the number o' air exchanges/hour in
unoccupsd laboratories from eight
to four (e.g., during weekends and
evenings) to reduce energy demand.
Laboratory Control Optimization
Project (LCOP). The project to
tighten controls of laboratory
functions to reduce air demands in
the labs when they are unoccupied.
Install room sensors to determine
whether room is occupied and to
reduce air exchanges to minimum
levels even during periods that would
normally considered occupied.
Tighten supply and exhaust controls
to modulate room conditions.
No quantification o* savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^Uy^^^^^^l
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
HfeKJsMiU
2
2
2
2
2
r
X
X
X
X
X
[1
r
M
•KaiHBBI
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
BBOTPppB
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
•sEBBiaaa
— ^— ^^— — ^^—
_^_
Energy, Water,
& Cost of
Utilities
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
^•^B
Savings Not Yet
Known
$1,400
•slgJ^H
800 CCF
Natural Gas
HH^HoMNiHHHi
^^^^^B^^^^^^^B
••IfcUMiMg
HHHI^muni^^^H
OARM has initiated a project to
replace and upgrade the chillers,
cooling tower and associated control
systems at WAR EL. This project
will save energy, water and provide
a more consistent HVAC system for
the facility. At the same time a new
Emergency Response Warehouse
will be constructed at NAREL
during FY07. During the design
stage of both of these projects it
was determined the projects could
be coordinated and the chilled and
boiler water from the main facility
could be used to heat and cool the
new warehouse. This coordination
eliminates the need for chillers
and boilers in the new warehouse
with minimal cost to connect to the
main lab. •
During computer room expansion
and renovation, the outdated and
inefficient air conditioners will be
replaced witb state of the art hot
aisle/cold aisle design that will use
the energy efficient central plant
for service.
The two boilers of Building 209,
which houses the Region 2
Laboratory and office space, are
scheduled for replacement before the
2007/8 heating season. The boilers
to be installed will be more efficient
and will allow one boiler to be shut
down in most operating conditions.
This process is in design, so final
consumption figures are not available
at this time. Estimated savings from
this program are 800 ccf of Natural
Gas at a cost of $1,400.
Adjust steam reducing stations
from 15 psi to 5-7 psi operation. A
lower steam pressure needed by
equipment reduces boiler demand
and load further.
Currently the cooling tower fans are
two speed motors which react to the
condenser water temp. By placing
the units on VFDs we expect to
reduce motor electrical demands to
an appropriate level. As a temporary
fix to the two speed motor problem,
we operate multiple fans at low speed
in the manual mode. The original
design had one cooling tower per
chiller. Thus in the past if extra
cooling was'required, an additional
chiller would come on in order to
turn on another tower. Now we
have multiple towers come on for
one chiller.
^^B^jjiuBU^^^H
^^^^^^•^^••^"^^^^"i
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure Sawinoc
Affected bavirlgs
I^IQ^^^^BI
Region 4 - Athens, 6A
Region 6 - Houston, TX
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
Region 4 - Athens, GA
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
ORD/NERL/Ecosyslems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
ORD/NERL/Environmental
Sciences Division • Las
Vegas, NV
Category ^^^^^^^^9 Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 $ EnerSy other ofsavines" Description Comments
2
2
2
2 .
2
2
2
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
HVAC System
HVAC System
IT
Infrastructure
Lab
Equipment
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Energy
Energy
Purchase &
Maintenance
Operations &
Maintenance
Energy
Energy
Energy
$30,000 / Year
$136,000 in
hardware every
three years
and $25,000
in Software &
Services / Year
$12,000
$5173 /Year
$38,400
Projected total
cost savings from
2004-2011
1 19,200 kWh
flectrfcity/
Year
An energy management plan has
been proposed to automatically
reset the temperature o' the building
back at night and weekends. Other
efffciencies are proposed and
under consideration. SESD and HQ
are working on implementing the
plan. It has been estimated that the
proposed energy saving actions could
save approxmately $30,000/yr in
energy costs.
Establish a PO/contractfor an
"Engineerings Operational
Methodology Study" (Engineering
& HVAC Specialist) through the
Regional Facilities Branch. The study
would exarrvne the feasibility, return
on investment, and safely and health
impact of HVAC modification and
other cost reduction items outlined in
this memo. Staff input on the targets
identified :n this memo as well as
additronal ideas are encouraged from
all building occupants. Estimated one
time cost $2,500.
Us'ng docking stations, IT users that
now have both desktop and laptop
computers will receive one integrated
laptop solution.
Mercury Analyzer. A business
model was used to evaluate the
cost/benefits, both economic and
environmental, of acquiring a new
mercury analyzer. The results were
significant, with estimated savings in
operational costs ot $12.000.
Installation of a completely new
exterior lighting system using state of
the art, energy efficient technology.
Reducing the total number of fixtures
while providing more light with less
enerev.
ERD plans to retrofit existing T12
temps and magnetic ballasts to T8
temps and electronic ballasts; replace
existing incandescent exit signs with
LEO exit signs; and install motion
sensors in offices and laboratories
to automatically shut off lights when
room is unoccupied.
There are 1200, 40-year-dd lighting
fixtures and 4000 F40-T12 and
F32-T8 lamps scheduled to be
replaced with new high effoency
"green" fixtures that have electronic
ballasts.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
9HlaEaQQuHH
ORD/NRMRL/G round
Water & Ecosystems
Restoration Division -
Ada, OK
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory -Ann Arbor, Ml
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
OAR/ORIA/Radiation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
HfflgSffl
2
2
2
2
2
r
X
X
X
X
[L
X
X
r
n
•
•EcaOlBi
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•agliaaM
Lighting
Metering
Operations &
Maintenance
Power Sags
Space
Utilization
asEtiBEnoB
^Kiam
Energy
Energy
Energy
Operations &
Maintenance
Purchase 8,
Labor
HHH1
$240 /Year
(payback period
approx. 10 Years)
Approx. $2,800
Parts & Labor
/Sag
$30,000 in
equipment
purchases;
$50,000 in
auditing costs
KJigS
3,900 kWh
Electricity/
Year
H^HHM«8HH1
•3»gnmia.-a
^HJHi^^ul^^^^^^H
RSKERC plans to execute a pilot
project to install motion sensing light
switches in selected areas throughout
the lab starting with offices where
direct line of sight sensors are
effective. Phase 1 will install 28
sensors at an estimated cost of
$2300. Annual energy savings
is estimated at 3900 KWH. The
annual cost savings of the project
is estimated to be $240, giving a
payback period of approximately
10 years.
Using facility sub metering to be
installed by SFPB as required in the
Energy Policy Ad, NVFEL will better
understand where all energy is used
in the facility, and how it may be
reduced.
An evaluation of the operation and
maintenance of the RSTC was
completed recently by contractors
from the Sustainability Branch
(OARM) in EPA HQs. The focus of
the evaluation was on energy use and
we anticipate that the resulting report
will be beneficial in identifying further
changes that will reduce energy use
in the facility. Dependent upon the
availability of funding, we will pursue
the implementation of operational
changes to enhance the efficiency of
the HVAC system and reduce energy
consumption.
The Laboratory installed software to
investigate power sags at the facility.
With this information, Laboratory
management held a meeting with the
utility company. As a result of this
meeting, the utility is now addressing
the chronic power sag issues.
R&IE will be acquiring a trailer
formerty used by Region 7 in
conducting Performance Evaluation
Program audits and Through the
Probe audits. TheR&IETAMS
Center will configure this to perform
audits on tribal lands as well as being
used as a training platform for tribal
air monitoring staff. This trailer will
enable the tribes to cross-audit rather
than using external contractors.
IMMJMiilnBHHaliBB
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure d,,;™?
Affected Savlr>8s
H9^MBH!^^M Focus of -r a- r />iu Reinvestment
Laboratory Category •^•^K^BM Section Project Partner(s) 'VP6 * Ener«y other of Savings Description
ORD/NHEERL/Western
Ecobgy Division - Corvallis,
OR
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRU
UWMB - Edison, NJ
2
2
2
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
Contractor
Space
Energy
Energy
$750 /Year
$80,000 /Year
In 2011, the Jefferson Street Building
(JSB) lease is due to expire. This
lease is paid from EPA-HQ, OARM, at
an annual cos: of $400K. Under the
current master plan, it is the intention
of the Agency to reduce reliance
upon leased holdings. In order to
nrtigate any potential cost Increases
due to contractors who are housed
in JSB, the Division has opted to
retain two trailers that had previously
been scheduled for demolition. This
will allow the division to retain the
flexibility of continuing to provide
space to the on-site contractors, thus
keeping the overall costs lower for
contract services.
The Region 10 Laboratory campus
comprises a number of buildings,
one of which is an old house trailer
used as office space for three field
employees. This trailer could be
closed and the occupants moved to
another building which houses ESAT
contract staff. Because of the drop
in the number of ESAT contract staff
over the years, this larger building
las room to accommodate more
staff. These field staff do not work
with the ESAT contractors, and there
would be no conflict of interest.
Estimated cost savings presented
by no longer heating, cooing and
lighting the 300 square foot trailer
equate to $750 per year.
The office function of OSWER/ERT
contractor is currently housed in a
complex of 40 trailers. It is proposed
to relocate ttiis (unction to space in
Building 205 Bay C, along with the
ERT office functions. The proposed
space will incorporate energy efficient
features, including Green Lights,
the use of natural light, improved
insulation, and energy efficient
variable volume HVAC systems.
Estimated energy savings from
this relocation are expected to be
$80,000 a vear.
^^VSMHNMn^^^
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
This i!em describes moving
the office locations of three
EPA staff field employee?
from their current location
to the ESAT (contractor)
office building. It turns
out that there isn't enough
room in the ESAT building
for this staff as more
contractors have moved
into it recently. There are
also issues with the lack of
having enough separation
from the contractor staff
offices in concern of
EPA sensitive materials
and communications
involved with these field
employees who perform
criminal investigations and
inspections. As a result,
this suggestion is no longer
being pursued.
-------
^HsuUum^^l
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
OAR/ORIWNationalAirJ,
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
ORD/NHEERL/Atlantic
Ecology Dwision -
Narragansett, Rl
ORD/NERUEcosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
Bi^m
2
2
2
3
3
1
X
X
X
l_
X
X
r
r\
H^BagguSOiMi
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•ag!EH«
Space
Utilization
Steam
Generation
Vehicle Fleet
Alternative
Energy
Sources
Buildings,
' Facilities
•SEHBHIQM
^^^^^^^^^^^
^•tlJUH
Energy
Energy
Fuel&
Maintenance
Energy
Energy
^•^B
$3,000 /Year
pgmgng
120 Million
BTUs
^^^HHaBMlHIHi
•aisBiiiijfea
<
^^^^K^^ijgjQi^^^^H
The office functions of OSWER ERT
are housed in Building 18. Building
18 is inefficient, with inadequate
insulation, electric resistive heating
and window-box air conditioners. It
is proposed to relocate this function
to space in Building 205 Bay C,
along with the ERT contractor office
functions. Estimated savings from
this program are 120 MBTU per year
and $3,000.
Clean steam generator monitoring
switch to turn generator on or off
automatically when there is or is not
a need for humidity in the facility.
Currently, the setting requires a
manual turn off and thus this small
unit gets overlooked when the
demand is not needed.
Currently we have four GSA vehicles
at NAREL Three (Olds Alero,
Chevy Van and Chevy Suburban}
are used for employee official travel
and Emergency Response activities.
The fourth is a Chevy S-10 pickup
used by NAREL maintenance
and can be used for Emergency
Response activities. The S-10
pickup is a E-85 vehicle. The Olds
Alero will be replaced later this
year by GSA. We have requested
an E-85 sedan as a replacement
for the Alero. When more E-85
fuel locations are built in Alabama,
these vehicles will save money for
EPA and valuable petroleum for the
nation. The suburban is scheduled
for replacement in FY 2008. We
will review the list of E-85 vehicles
offered in this vehicle category prior
to making our replacement request
for FY 2008.
Our coastal location could be
compatible with wind power
generation, and this is something
we would like to consider as a pilot
program if funds were available.
FY10— Master Plan Phase 2B.
Renovate existing offices and replace
existing HVAC with VAV System, and
Replace windows: This project will
provide improved energy use for
heating and cooling, and will provide
energy efficient windows.
^HsuilUuilsi^H
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure Savings
M^HHHI^^^^NB Focus of T ~ r .-.., Reinvestment
Laboratory Category •••^•^^KH Section Project Partnerls) '»Pe * tnergy umer of Savings Description Comments
ORWNERL/Ecosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
ORD/NHEERL-RTP.NC
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division - Gulf Breeze, FL
3
3
3
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Bdding &
Facilities
Buildings,
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
Energy,
Equipment,
Maintenance,
Contract
Space
Energy
$147,000 /
Year (projected
maximum savings
dependent on
option exercised)
Potential savings
to include cost
c' RTP lease
($1.7M), utilities
(>$0.7M), and
security costs
($0.2M)
Lifespan Daycare Center. Consider
options for cost-sharing/savings of
operation and maintenance and
other costs. ERD provides the
following costs per year for operation
of the daycare center: utilities
$11,000, supplies and equipment
$4,000, operation and maintenance
{approximately 10% of the contract
cost) $100,000, SEE support of the
contract $1,000, Contract Officer
Representative's time overseeing
the contract, $6,000 , repairs and
improvements, $25,000. Total
expenditure - $147,000. Options
include:
i) continue to operate daycare as
is; ii) have the Athens Montessori
pay O&M costs, utilities, R&l, and
for S&E; iii) have the user federal
agencies pay for all or a major part
of the daycare operating costs
starting in FY08; iv) transfer daycare
operations to USDA the largest user
of the facility; v) use as R4/SESD
Field Equipment Center ; vi) close
daycare facility; and vii) combinations
of the previous options.
The Reproductive Toxicology Facility
(RTF) is a GSA leased facility which
contains research laboratories,
animal care facilities and offices.
The RTF is separated from the EPA
RTP main campus by approximately
two miles, and the main tenant is
NHEERL's Reproductive Toxicology
Division (RTD). There is a potential
substantial savings if the RTF
operations can be moved to the main
campus. The RTF has a very high
energy consumption, due largely to
the one-pass air ventilation system
for the entire building. All of the
projected savings would be in items
pakJ for by OARM. The present lease
expires in November 2014.
Window tinting can conserve energy
for cooling buildings by reducing the
quality and quantity of light entering
through the windows. Windows to
receive tinting as time and finances
allow.
OARM has recently
initiated the development
of an RTP Master Plan.
One of the issues for
this plan to consider, is
options to consolidate
the RTF operatbns to the
main campus. Wh.le the
feasibility of consolidation
has not been determined,
it seems reasonable to
believe that it could not
occur without modifications
and perhaps construction
on the main campus.
The extent of these
modifications is unknown,
but the one-time cost
would offset some of
the savings of the tease
termination.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
liHH rnnfir^B
ORD/NHEERl/Western
Ecology Division - Corvallis,
OR
Region 1 - Chelmsford, MA
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 4 AND ORD/NERU
Ecosystems Research
Division - Athens, GA
Region 6 - Houston, TX
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
[tjil(j!l
-------
Part{s) of Infrastructure
-------
^BslaaCliEifi^H
ORD/NRMRL/Ground
Water & Ecosystems
Restoration Division -
Ada, OK
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Emironmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
ORD/NHEERL/Atlantic
Ecology Division -
Narragansett, Rl
Region 9 - Richmond, CA
OAR/ORI/VNational Air 8
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
OAR/ORIA/Radiation&
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
ORD/NERL/Ecosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
^gftHsEawJ
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
p^gggtmmmi
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•aBKSM
Lighting
Lighting
Natural Gas
System
Pressurization
& Flow Audit
Vehicle Fleet
Vehicle Fleet
Vehicle Fleet
Vehicle Fleet
Hgftfifiia«a»
^^^•^^••••^H
^ItlS^H
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
FuelS,
Maintenance
Fuel
Fuel
Fuel&
Maintenance
$1900 /Year
(payback period
approx. 10 years)
Savings Not Yet
Known
$3700 /Year
Approx.
31,000 kWh
Electricity/
Year (approx.
1% total
annual kWh
consumption
of lab)
^^^^^^^^^^^m
••l«cftanp*:»
^^^^^^^"^^
^^^^BSggmiSUBU^^^^H
A Green Lights project completed
in 1993 replaced 77% of the T12
lights. RSKERC plans to replace
the remaining 714 T12 bulbs (23%)
within the next year. Total project cost
is estimated at $19,000, resulting in
an approximate^ 10-year payback.
Daylight sensors to turn on/off hall
lights to reduce energy demand for
common areas.
We have recently had our natural gas
delivery line upgraded to handle an
increase in pressure. This increase
could support a "Cogeneration Plant"
of heaLelectricity and cooling.
The Region 9 Laboratory could
perform a laboratory pressurization
and flow audit to develop optimum
flow specifications for the lab. Data
from such an audit may identify
opportunities to reduce flow which
may result in energy cost savings.
Need to perform cost benefit
analyses of purchasing vehicles to
replace the GSA Van, Suburban,
and Oldsmobile to determine cost
savings and recovery period for either
gas and/or hybrid vehicles. Utilize
GSA lease and purchase schedules
and NAREL vehicle use records to
perform cost benefit analysis based
on NAREL needs and requirements.
Additional steps could be lake to
Improve vehicle fleet efficiency
and reduce overall fleet size and
emissions including, i) reducing the
number vehicles (relative to mission
requirements); ii) replacing existing
fleet vehicles with more energy
efficient models as they reach their
GSA replacement schedule; and iii)
installing diesel retrofit technology on
applicable vehicles.
Replace the current GSA vehicle
with an GSA E85 capable vehicle to
take advantage of the alternative fuel
available on this NASA facility.
Reduce GOV fleet by one field
vehicle. There are currently three
field vehicles. A survey is being
conducted to determine if ERD could
efficiently operate its field study
programs with two field vehicles.
^mgmmgm^^B
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^B^^^^^^^l
Region 4- Athens, GA
Region 4 AND ORD/NERL/
Ecosystems Research
Division - Athens, GA
OAR/ORlA/Radiation*
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - las
Vegas, NV
ORD/NERL 4 NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
^^^^^^Aueuie^^^^^^
Category ^•^•^•^9 Section Project Partner(s) "^P6 • $ Energy °{her ofsavings" Description Comments
3
3
• 4
4
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Vehicle Fleet
Vehicle Fleet
Alternative
Energy
Sources
Alternative
Energy
Sources
Fuel&
Maintenance
Labor
Energy
Energy
$3,975
$4,680 /Year
Reducing the transportation
fleet. Savings could be realized
by eliminating under-used field
vehicles. EPA 760 (step van)
transferred from ILS. Reason for
Surplus: Has not been used (or
field work in over 1 year. Needs
repairs. Old model 1987. It
would cost approximately $975 to
make this GOV roadworthy. It should
besurplused. EPA 1327 (drill rig)
transferred from ORD. Reason for
Surplus: Not used in SESD field
activities. Some parts may have
been removed, but vehicle does not
go out as a working unit. Ensure EPA
862 (drill rig) transferred from Region
7 is donated as planned. Vehicle
has been weighed and evaluated for
shipment. The two drill rigs (EPA
1327 and 862) should be surplused,
there are no plans to take them to
the field. If it was planned to use
them it would cost approximately
$1500 each.
Presently, the R4/SESD and ORD/
ERD fleet of vehicles are managed
separately by two GS-9 EPA fleet
managers. The SESD fleet consists
of 41 vehicles (26 GSA leased and
15 EPA owned). The ERD fleet
consists of 7 vehicles (6 GSA leased
and 1 EPA owned). Combining
these fleets would require working
through a number of procedural
issues, including billing costs,
combined reservation system,
priority of reservations, etc. There
is a substantial amount of data
input required in the management
of these vehicles (estimated 260
hrs/yr). The cost of this data input
is about $6,760/yr. By utilizing an
existing SEE employee at ERD. this
cost of data input would be reduced
to $2,080/yr, realizing an annual
savings of $4,680/yr.
Consistent with Executive Order
13148, the laboratory has developed
a proposal and plan to install
photo-voltaic (solar electric) cells on
government vehicle parking canopies
to generate electricity to offset the
energy usage on our newly built
secure ER facility -providing funding
is made available. Barrier: OARM /
FMSD Funding.
Installation of Solar Panels (T&E,
Center Hill Facilities). The idea of
installation solar panels at these two
facilities to generate power for hot
water & lighting has been discussed.
Barrier: at this point in time the
payback period does not make this
cost effective.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^B^^^^^^^H
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 7 -Kansas City, KS
Region 9 - Richmond, CA
OAR/ORIA/National Air &
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
ORD/NHEERL/Atlantic
Ecology Division -
Narragansett, Rl
ORD/NHEERL/Western
Ecology Division - Corvallis,
OR
pacBBIBI
4
4
4
4
4
4
F E P A
X
X
X
X
X
X
J^gggygjm
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
iHJ^j^HxBI^BQS^ll^B^^HE&^H^wiS^^lMisilEiil
Alternative
Energy
Sources
Alternative
Energy
Sources
Alternative
Energy
Sources
Building*,
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
— — — —
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
—^—— —
$38,072 for thirty
years (payback
period approx. 16
years)
Savings Not Yet
Known
—•.-.—.
ln..-l..l.,l —
^^^^^^^QQgQgymi
Solar panels for backup electrical
needs, auxiliary lighting, parking
lot lights, and assisting hot water
production. Barrier: Payback period
for a system is cost prohibitive.
Survey paid by OARM.
Consideration of feasible alternatives
to traditional energy sources
including on-site alternatives such
as wind generation. Barriers: Cost,
esthetics, lease restrictions and
local ordinances may be barriers
to actually being able to pursue
alternative sources of energy.
Wareham Development, Inc.,
landlord for the Region 9 Laboratory
facility has preliminary explored the
possibility of installing a photovoltaic
system on the roof of the Region 9
Laboratory. One quote obtained by
Wareham estimated the cost of a
1 18 kW system at $887,059 before
application of state rebates (which
could be as much as $254,240
in the first year.) The financial
analysis associated with the quote
estimated an average energy cost
savings of $38,072 annually for
thirty years. The payback period
would be approximately 16 years.
Barrier: There are not 16 years left
on the lease.
NAREL has included in the B&F
request for the facility roof to be
replaced in FY2010 with a light
reflecting roofing membrane. This
reflecting roof will reduce the heat
load generated by the sun, thus
reducing the costs to cool the facility.
Barrier: OARM funding.
We have been asked to go from a
2% utility reduction per year to a
new standard signed in January of
2007 to a 3% reduction. Also, the
Agency is required to install local
power generation at 50% of EPA's
facilities. Barrier: These mandates
require funding, although our budget
provides no increase in funding to
modify or add infrastructure to meet
these goals.
New more efficient building and
facilities per WED Master Plan.
Barrier: B&F funding limitations
toORD.
i^^^^^^^^^^^^m
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure ca,,™«
Affected Savings
Laboratory Category ^•^•^•^9 Section Project Partner(s) TVPe $ £rte<8t Other . ^savings' Description Comments
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team - Edison,
NJ
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 6 - Houston, TX
OAR/ORIA/National A!r &
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
4
4
4
4
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Building &
Facilities
Building*,
Facilities
Energy
Deregulation
Fume Hoods/
Ventilation
Energy, & Cost
of Utilities
Energy
Energy
Energy
Up to $100,000
/Year
The ERT Laboratory is housed
in a dozen 15+ years (rate
having a total area of more lhan
10,000 square feet rather than in
a convenient single building. The
trailers are not energy efficient or
conducive to optimal equipment and
instrumentation operation and use for
trace level environmental analyses.
Due to their age and condition, it is
not feasible or economical to upgrade
the heating and air conditioning,
electrical, fume hood, lighting and
electrical systems of the trailers.
EPA facilities personnel will not albw
the purchase of additional trailers
for laboratory use. It has been
proposed to relocate REAC office
and laboratory functions/activities to
currently available space in Build ng
205 Bay C along with ERT office
functions.
Many opportunities exist to reduce
energy use during renovations.
Barrier: There has been a general
reluctance by OARM and its
architectural and engineering
contractor to thorough^ investigate
and aggressively pursue these
options (e.g., solar power, natural
day-lighting techniques to reduce
dependency on electric lighting, etc.).
Identify opportunities through
energy deregulation to lower annual
energy costs at the facility. Regional
Facilities are requesting approval
from GSA to seek an annual contract
through a deregulated energy
provider. Compare various energy
providers to obtain least expensive
kWh unit cost. Obtain GSA approval
to secure one, two, or three year fixed
rate contract. Barrier: Having GSA
letter of approval (Houston Lab has
attempted to use deregulated energy
for the past 3-years and GSA has not
provided permission).
NAREl has included in the B&F
request for 10 existing Fume Hoods
/ Ventilation to be replaced with
variable volume Fume Hoods/
Ventilation In FY2011. The hoods
are used in performing radiochemical
analyses on environmental samples.
Concentrated acids are used in
the procedures and while we have
m'nimized the amount of acids
used the Fume Hoods / Ventilation
deteriorate over time. The variable
volume hoods will allow for reduced
exhaust of conditioned air when the
hoods are not in use reducing energy
costs. Barrier: OARM funding.
No quantification of
savings. Barriers to
•mplementation not
specified. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Partis) of InRaslrticurra Savino* ' ' '
Affected, savings
laboratory Cateaorv
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division - Gulf Breeze, FL
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 9 - Richmond, CA
Region 6 - Houston, TX
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
4
4
4
4
4
4
F E P A
X "
X
X
X
X
X
^|g^Q^g^|
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
I^^PRiRiSHQISHKl^KSHKmlHiiiuli
Fume Hoods/
Ventilation'
Fume Hoods /
Ventilation
Fume Hoods/
Ventilation
Fume Hoods/
Ventilation
Generators
&Heat
Exchangers
HVAC System
«_^^^^__
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
________^
Up to $100,000
/ Year (payback
period 1-2 years)
10-20%
Reduction
-— — ^— ^^
^— ^— ~^~
^^^^^^^^^^^^m
Conversion to Variable Air Volume
Fume Hoods / Ventilation in the
Marine Toxicology and Chemistry
Laboratory, the Microbiological
Laboratory and Warehouse, and the
Marine Environmental Assessment
Laboratory would reduce the energy
consumption. Barrier: The cost
of replacing conventional hoods is
prohibitive at this time.
Conversion of constant air volume
laboratory hood exhaust to 2-position
laboratory hood exhaust. Installation
of controls and 2-position exhaust
air valves to reduce conditioned
room exhaust and required make
up during occupied (4-8 ACH) and
non occupied hours (2-6 ACH).
ROI 5+ years. Estimated cost
S500K+. Barriers: Funding, funding
program(s) or incentives. Possible
unwillingness to fund energy
conserving projects unless the ROI
payback period is within 1 or 2 years.
Install automatic power shut off
of fume hoods on weekends and
holidays. Barrier: Due to Die current
HVAC/Constant volume hood
design this would invoke extensive
modification to the current lab
systems.
The Region 9 Laboratory explored the
possibility of ganging the fume hoods
in order to install variable air volume
fume hoods. The conservative
payback was calculated to be
approximately 14 years. Barrier:
There are not 14 years left on the
lease. It the option to renew (for 10
years) were exercised now instead
of later, the retrofit could be done,
payback achieved and a future cost
saving realized for several years.
Installation of Centralized heat and
power (CHP) micro turbine single
air bearing systems. Installation
of 6-8 capstone micro turbine
generators with heat exchangers.
ROI 5-6 years. Initial investment
of$500K-K Barriers: Funding,
funding program(s) or incentives.
Possible unwillingness to fund energy
conserving projects unless the ROI
payback period is within 1 or 2 years.
NAREL has included in the B&F
request for the facility control
systems to be replaced in FY2007
with up to date controls that will
allow for more efficient control of
the facility air handling units. This
upgrade to the control systems will
provide cost saving by decreasing
energy consumption. Barrier:
OARM funding.
HPUpjffllflillfflP^^B
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure £„,;„„?
Affected Savings
•^••MIBI^^MB Focus of ~ * ~.. Reinvestment
Laboratory Category
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Enwonmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 8 -Golden, CO
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
4
4
4
4
4
4
•••••i^BlB Section Project . . Partner(s) ^P6 » tnergy ymer of Savings Description Comments
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
Lighting
Lighting
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
$1,100 /Year
Approx.
106,676 kWh
Electricity /
Year
<1%
Reduction
Reduce office and laboratory
temperatures in the winter and raise
them in the summer by 2-3 degrees
more than currently being employed.
Affects worker productivity and
comfort.
Installation of a new condenser water
pump and new chilled water pump
with associated piping modifications.
Implementation cost between $7-
9K. ROI less than 8 years. Barriers:
Funding, funding program(s) or
incentives.
Installation of VFD drive for the air
handing units and pumps. ROI
5-years. Possible unwillingness to
fund energy conserving projects
unless the ROI payback period
is within lor 2 years. Barriers:
Funding, funding program(s) or
incentives.
Updating the lab's chiller to increase
energy efficiency. During the
transitional seasons (spring and fall),
a number of days are required for
the chiller unit to be operated. The
chiller has a 270 hp electric motor
without option to modulate to slower
speeds. It only runs at 64%-100%
even during low demand periods.
Barrier: The facility is leased and no
budget exists for capital expenditures
that would facilitate innovative
improvements by replacing
inefficient, low-bid technology.
Installation of hardware and software
to achieve various upgrades of the
Lighting retrofit. Implementation
cost between $4-5K. ROI less than
10 years. Barriers: Funding, funding
program(s) or incentives. Possible
unwillingness to fund energy
conserving projects with longer return
on investment.
Motion sensors are being utilized in
most office spaces to turn off lighting
while they are not occupied. All
of the lab areas, bathrooms, and
hallways could also beoutfrtted with
motion sensors to turn off lighting
in those additional areas when not
in use. Barriers: It is not known
how much time would be required
for.payoff, and it may be a concern
with lease renewal coming up in a
short time.
No quantification of
savings. Barriers to
implementation not
specified. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
Region 8 included in
their response a list of
nine possible methods for
increasing chiller energy
efficiency. However,
potential efficiency
increases were not
quantified. Region 8 also
provided an 80+ page
"Central Plant Study,"
which further discusses
this method. More
information is needed on
which method/combination
of methods would be the
preferred approach and
what the projected cost
savings/efficiency gains
would be. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^HEEScM^^H
Region 7 -Kansas City, KS
Region 9- Richmond, CA
Region 4 AND ORD/NERL/
Ecosystems Research
Division - Athens, GA
|*fflFpfflfj|
4
4
4
r
X
X
X
c.
r
X
n
X
mESailimB
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•tgillBM
Operations &
Maintenance
Return to
Conventional
Energy
Sources
Space
Utilization
•gnmaiea
HKjiiB
Energy
Energy
Space & Fuel
^RM
$25,000/Year
Option 1 -
$297,500 /Year;
Option 2 - Not
yet determined;
Option 3 -Not yet
determined
IBiirpHI
••••WUHgn^^H
•Bgaviik.-a
^^^Bi^ailSB^^^H
Increase direct influence on the
operation and maintenance of the
facility. Meeting targets and goals
such as energy and water use
reductions can be extremely difficult
to achieve if there ineffective means
to enforce leasers to meet or exceed
operational requirements. Barriers:
Limilations in lease agreement.
The purchase of 100% green power
increased the Region 9 Laboratory's
rate for electricity purchase by 17%
per year. Going back to conventional
energy could save the Agency more
than twenty-five thousand dollars
per year at the Region 9 Laboratory
alone. Barrier: Purchasing green
power is "the right thing to do" and
an objectwe in the Agency's EMS.
Move Field Equipment Center (FEC)
to more convenient EPA owned
space/land. The R4 SESD leases
10,200 sq. ft. of warehouse space for
storing, cleaning, decontaminating
and loading of field equipment and
supplies. TheFECi$161,600/yr s
located 10 miles from the R4/SESD
laboratory and leased for $104,445/
yr. The annual cost of traveling to
and from the FEC is estimated at
$161,600/yr. Option 1. Convert
existing Lifespan Daycare Center to
FEC. (Barriers: Cost of retrofitting
the building, determining if there is
adequate space to house the FEC
equipment and operations, assessing
the impact of discontinuing the
Lifespan Daycare Center operation,
and the possible use of the Lifespan
Daycare Center for other ORD/
ERD needs.) Option 2. Construct
a FEC on EPA property. (Barriers:
Cost and feasibility.) Options.
Construct a FEC on existing SESD
leased property. (Barriers: Cost and
feasibility.)
^HSuuuEu^^H
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure £,„!,,„,.
Affected Sa™Ss
j^Hjj^HIH^BHIHMH Focus of .- n., Reinvestment
Laboratory . Category •^•^•^^^B Section Project Partner(s) TVP6 $
Regkm 4 - Athens, GA
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRl/
UWMB - Edison, Nj
Region 4 - Athens, GA
4
4
4
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Steam
Generation
Uninterrupted
Power Supply
(UPS)
Vehicle Fleet
Energy
Operations &
Maintenance
Fuel
$11,780 /Year
{does not include
the purchase and
installation costs)
Savings Not Vet
Known
Approx. $19,854
/Year
umer of Savings Description Comments
Steam Generation. Steam is
generated by two 127 HP Kewanee
tow pressure boilers, which provide
steam for the constant temperature
regulation of the building. These
boilers are operating at approximately
72% fuel to sleam efficiency. By
replacing these with a more efficient
boiler, a savings of 15% could be
expected, or an estimated $1 1,780/
yr. The project cost for boilers
and installation is estimated to be
$223,000. Barriers: Installation costs
of approximately $223,000. The
SESD facil'ty is leased, and approval
would be required from building
owner. A more detailed evaluation
will be reqirred before implementing.
The Region 2 Laboratory's current
UPS provides coverage to our
critical instrumentation for electrical
outages lasting between five and ten
minutes. The Laboratory reviewed
options for a replacement system
which included a replacement with
a new a battery-based system and
an alternative approach using a
Microturbine system. The system
is estimated to provide a fairly
significant savings in electricity usage
and overall energy cost to the facility.
It is estimated that the building would
require six Microturbine units at a
cost of 100,000 per unit. Based
on the estimated annual electric
and energy use reduction, this cost
could be recouped in approximately
five years of using the new system.
Barrier: Total cost of approximately
$500,000. Currently, obtaining B&F
funds for this project is very unlikely
due to other priority projects for the
facility as well as the high cost of
this project.
Improve GOV Gas Mileage. An
inexpensive (less than $10) part
inserted into the vehicle air inlet
hose can improve gas mileage by
generating a vortex of air, allowing
the vehicle engine to operate more
efficiently, and thereby improving fuel
economy. Barriers: Approval to place
these units on GOVs and testing of
actual performance achieved.
The estimated savings
use the "Whirlwind Vortex
Generator" and assume
a 3 mpg increase in fuel
economy.
-------
EmufiTipB'"^™
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, M!
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center -Denver, CO
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
BfeMHai
5a
5a
5a
r
X
X
ti
X "
r
rt
•BSSiBB
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
MffffliT'lr^
Building &
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
Building?,
Facilities
•Haaaiaai
™™™«"""^™"™«
mmm
Energy
Energy
Energy
HjjJlfllTiflli
t"*™*1*^^^*
mHM&aiyiiySffll
'iin^iiun niiiii i.iiuHi'.iuiui.riii
•raiaMfjEga
HHBHwg^jgJ^^^^^HI
In addition to the ESPC, NVFEL
replaced all existing T-12 fluorescent
ightingwith T-8, electronic ballast
technology in 1996. We are currently
installing some T-5 technology, and
have switched to low mercury tubes
to eliminate disposal costs of spent
tubes. A look at air exchanges
rates, room pressurization, and
chilled water temperatures would be
useful for any facility. It may also be
worthwhile to consider the use of an
existing transportation natural gas
contract to reduce cost, and GSA
contracts for electricity.
In 2003 NEIC moved into a newly
renovated building. The old building
had been expanded piecemeal over
30 years and the final laboratory
and office layout was extremely
inefficient. The laboratory space
was intermingled with office space,
such that hazardous chemicals,
including gases, standards, solvents
and samples, were regularly being
transferred through office areas. The
temperature controls were so poorly
designed and electrical supply so
underpowered that highly sensitive
instruments were regularly out of
order when needed for anarysis.
The new building is equipped with a
Building Automation System (BAS)
which controls with great precision
the heating, cooling, and air flows
using servo-mechanical devices
optimized to provide ideal laboratory
conditions, office comfort, and
energy efficiency. The new building
also allows the total separation
of the offices and laboratory
space, analytical areas grouped
by functionality and laid out in a
logical sequence, and energy saving
set-backs controlled by laboratory
lighting and the positioning of hood
sashes.
Center Hill Office Wing Facility
Renovations -2000. Three phase
project, each with significant
energy-conservation aspects: new,
energy-efficient HVAC units, thermal
insulation, and replacement windows.
MSBaBniiBiliHroli
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of infrastructure o^inac
Affartati OaVlngS
rvlSClCU - .
Laboratory Category ^^H^^^^^l Section Protect Partnerts) ^P6 $ Ener8X Other oTsavings1 Description Comments
ORD/NRMRL/Ground
Water 4 Ecosystems
Restoration Division -
Ada, OK
Region 1 - Chelmsford, MA
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmenlal
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
OAR/ORIA/Radiation 8,
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Us
Vegas, NV
ORD/NERL&NRMRU
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
6a
5a
5a
5a
5a
5a
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Building &
Facilities
Building &
Facilities
Fume Hoods /
Ventilation
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
$270,000 in
first year (similar
results second
year]
40%
Reduction
in first year
(similar
results
second year)
RSKERC completely renovated
its heating, ventilaton, and air
conditioning (HVAC) system through
an Energy Savings Performance
Contract (ESPC). The project
involved replacement of the laxity's
existng HVAC equipment with a
vertkaliore ground source heat
pump (GSHP) system that uses both
water-to-air and water-to-water heat
pumps. The system also includes a
chiller to supplement the heat pumps
during peak cooling conditions, and
an a;r-to-air heat pipe heat exchanger
to pre-coc-l or pre-heat inlet air using
exhaust air. A direct digital control
(DDC) buying automation system
was installed as well So monitor and
control ths operation of the new
equipment. Variable Air Velocity
(VAV) controllers were implemented
in all existing hoods which previously
operated in a constant volume mode.
The performance period of the ESPC
contract is 24 years. Construction
of the project was completed in
November 2004, and EPA accepted
the equipment in June 2005.
When opened in 2001, EPA New
England's laboratory received a LEED
Gold Rating for its green design, in
recognition of its energy efficient
design, its active and passive solar
power, its use of recycled materials in
construction, and its environmentally-
'riendly landscaping. However, the
Laboratory has continued to work on
improving its energy performance.
Employ a positive feedback system
on Ihe hoods that are open after
730pm. By informing Ihe managers
ihat hoods are being left open after
hours, we have reduced the average
percent of open hoods from 10-20%
to 1-2% per niaht.
A heat recovery ventilation unit was
installed during the 2000 Lab office
renovation to reduce Ihe amount of
energy needed to condition (heating
and coohe) indoor yt.
AWBERC 800 Ton Chiller
lnstallation-1999. Installed to replace
absorption chiller thereby eliminatkm
the need to run a boiler in off hours
to produce steam for absorption
chiller cool'ne.
AWBERC Boilers #14*2
Refurbishing- 2003. The
refurbishment of the two original
AWBERC boilers installed in 1974
was designed to restore safety,
reliability and energy efficiency to the
equipment.
No quantification of
savings attributed to
the construction of this
new facility. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
|^B£luIcl£19H
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
BaSsSBM
5a
5a
5a
5a
5a
5a
r
"x" '
X
X
X
X
IL
r
n
HKuaiiaBM
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
massEsim
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
•Knirenna
^^^^^^^^^^^
^mj^H
Energy, Water,
& Cost of
Utilities
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
•"fflyiHB
KSujyzfl
"« •
20% Reduction in
fume hood exhaust
•il«fcffltl!jfcM
^^H^B^BW_H^
^^^H!££3u2!Ej^^^B
AWBERC Cooling Tower Water
Treatment-1990/1998. Magnetic
treatment of cooling tower water
for the rooftop units requires no
chemicals and less water.
AWBERC HVAC Control System
(Metasys) Expansion-2000. Add
control of additional equipment to
Ihe existing Johnson Metasys system.
This will allow for more efficient
operation of equipment, and remote
monitoring and control of equipment
at outlying facilities. (For example,
the boiler operator at AWBERC can
adjust temperatures, shut down
equipment and implement nightly
set back of the Air Handler units at
outlying facilities via the Metasys
system).
AWBERC HVAC Control
System-1995. A Johnson Metasys
control system was installed to
replace the original (early 1970's)
Honeywell system. This system
monitors and controls the operation
of all mechanical systems in the
AWBERC facility. Some of the energy
conservation features of this system
include the capability to program
night set-back of the HVAC system.
AWBERC HVAC Rebalance-1998.
The HVAC system at AWBERC was
rebalanced, to reduce the fume hood
exhaust air volumes back down to
80 fpm full open (a 20% reduction
in fume hood exhaust). This project
also eliminated the introduction of
unconditioned, humid air, and the
amount of outside air infiltration,
thereby reducing the need to
overcool/reheat for dehumidification.
AWBERC Rooftop Cooling
Towers-1998. Two rooftop cooling
towers were installed to provide
recirculating condensing water for the
computer room and environmental
chambers, eliminating the need
to use once-through city water
[Completed 19901. A third cooling
tower, 150 tons, added to serve
over 45 packaged AC units, located
throughout the facility.
AWBERC Summer Boiler-2001.
New energy-efficient small capacity
packaged boiler for summer steam
requirements (autoclaves, domestic
hot water).
^^ISaUIIlBlIEi^H
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
imo^^^m
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL & NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
^^^^^^BKSl£E£
-------
BMEBBBSIBB^MI
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Erwironmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environrnental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmenta!
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
m®$wi
5a
5a
5a
5a
r
x '
X
X
X
Q
r
A
HHaaSi&mH
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
•afflBBM
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
mmafimaim
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
vsmmm
HUB
m^gmgauamBBK
tmsmamiasam
msmmrn
H^^H^^ilflj^^^H^ffi
nstalled a pony boiler (summer
Doiler) to reduce the demand on
the oversized building boilers for*
summer operation. The project was
funded by OARM. The use of the
pony boiler reduced our summer
natural gas demand and reduced the
wear of the larger boilers who could
not turn down sufficiently enough
to be economically cost effective.
The summer boiler operates longer,
cycles less but uses less natural gas
than the equivalent full sized boiler
would operate.
Raised temperature on chill water
from 45°F to 48°F. In conjunction
with the reduced fan speed in
manual operation, we changed the
condenser water to 70°F from the
74WF setting for the 2 speed
motor. By reducing (he condenser
water temp we reduced the head
pressure on the chiller and thus
reduced the amp demand by the
chiller. Overall this maximized the
efficiency on the chiller and reduced
the electrical demand on the facility
during normally high electrical
demand periods.
Raised the temperature at which
point the chillers come on. The
design called for the chillers to come
on at 55oF. That temperature was
raised to 62oF and was coupled
with outside enthalpy (humidity
monitoring) to use outside free
cooling as much as possible during
the shoulder seasons. The original
design had one cooling tower (and
it fan) associated with one chiller for
operation. Thus when the facility
required more cooling, the first option
would be to turn on another chiller
(high electrical demand) rather
than increasing the number of fans
(modest electrical demand).
Reduced static air pressure settings
for the AHU units for unoccupied
periods. Office and utility space
static pressure was changed from
1.5" to 0.5", while laboratory space
was changed from 2.0" to 1.5". We
plan to look at the exhaust fan static
pressure as well. However, this
pressure change for unoccupied
periods would have to be in concert
with exit velocity settings.
•ffiHgaBtiiTaiiiaBBa
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure c,,,i™r
Affected SavinSs
MlHIHBHf^^M Focus of T * ~... Reinvestment
Uboratory Category •••^•^•uB Section Project Partnerts) W6 » Energy Other of Savings Description Comments
Regk>n3ANDOPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Sc'ence Center, Fort
Meade, MO
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MO
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
OAR/ORIA/Radatton *
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
5a
5a
5a
5a
f
5a
5a
5a
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
HVAC System
Lab
Equipment
Lab
Equipment
Lighting
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy &
Water
Energy
Energy
Energy
Reprogrammed the AHUs from
operating under full operating
conditions 24/7 to be adjusted
based on occupancy. Reduced
overall air changes for the facility
with significant cost savings on the
order of hundreds of thousands of
dollars per year. This effort was
the majof recommissioning effort
ESC undertook within 2 years of
occupancy. The recommissioning
waspa.dlorbyOARM.
Reprogrammed the air handling
units (AHU) to reduce air flows
(sequence of operatkin) and to
maximize one unit prior to bringing
another full AHU on tine. Raised the
AHU discharge temperature from
5Sf to60f. The original system
was designed to make the air much
colder to wring out moisture from the
air and then reheat it back up in the
space. This required more heat load
from the boilers. The air temperature
adjustment in the summer reduced
the demand on the chiller and the
boiler while no! adversely affecting
the humidity control for most of the
building.
Shut unneeded exhaust fans
off when not required during
unoccupied periods. Plan to add
bathroom exhaust fans to scheduler
that will allow for turning off those
fans during unoccupied jeriods.
Water is collected for cooling towers
at R6 lab to reduce overall water
usage. This concept could be
expanded to include irrigation needs
if payback was short enough for lease
consideration. Houston has a very
high annual rainfall rate.
The Microbiology Laboratory
recently determined that the internal
mechanism for operating the
Bictogical Safety cabinets coukl be
shut down when not in use without
compromising employee safety in
the laboratory. This action results
in lower energy usage for this
equipment.
The Microbiology Laboratory recently
purchased and installed smaller,
more energy efficient incubators.
These incubators replace large, less
efficient elder units.
Green Lighting systems were
specified and 'nstalled in the
Laboratory Office renovation
completed in 2000.
No quantification o! savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification o! savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification o' savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
HH£U21CU!li;^^
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center -Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
BHasiami
5a
5a
5a
5a
5a
5a
5a
5a
5a
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
BKHufiuMB
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
mvssmm
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Lighting
Power Factor
Correction
msfiTincircaaa
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
$25,500 /Year
Unknown
BaiBBiBl
1,020 Million
BTUs/Year
2,690,892 Lbs Air
Pollution /Year
HBMSBHfllE^
^^^^BgggglfigjBli^^BH
AWBERC Green Lights-1996. Entire
AWBERC facility (interior and
exterior) retrofit with energy efficient
lighting. Occupancy sensors added to
many single offices. Timers installed
on corridor lights.
AWBERC Parking Lot Lighting-2003.
New more energy efficient exterior
lighting installed in the parking lot
and plazas.
Green Lights-2002. Center Hill
Facility retrofitted with energy
efficient lighting. Occupancy sensors
added to single offices. Timers
installed on corridor lights.
All lighting in all buildings was
replaced with Green Lighting prior
to 2003. This work was carried out
over several years under several
contracts. Estimated savings from
this program are 1020 MBTU per
year and $25,500.
Installed manual light switches for
hallway lights. Previously, all hall
lights were on all the time.
Installed Photocells for parking lot
lights. Previously, time clocks were
employed and the lights were never
on when they were needed.
All offices in the R6 Laboratory have
motion sensors that shut off lights
when unoccupied. Unknown exact
cost savings. These sensors are
currently not available in laboratory,
bathrooms, or hallway areas.
Low energy fluorescent light bulbs
and ballasts were installed in the
R6 lab in order to reduce energy
consumption. It is unknown how
much in energy cost savings have
been realized from this project.
AWBERC Power Factor
Correction-1997. Capacitor banks
were installed at AWBERC to raise
the power factor above 90% and
to avoid a penalty on the electric
bill (thus saving dollars, rather than
actual electricity). Low power factor
is caused by inductive motors,
which require electricity to induce a
magnetic current.
^^»MlllllRlllC«B3i5
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(5)f[LnIg?ltructure Savings
Aliened wuv.. ,&J
•••HIMBIMI Focus of » - , , Reinvestment
Laboratory Category •^•^•^KB
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRU
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 3 AND OPPTS
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
RegtonSANDOPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
ORD/NERL&NRMRU
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division - Gulf Breeze, FL
ORD/NHEERL/Gulf Ecology
Division - Gulf Breeze, FL
5a
5a
5a
5a
5b
5b
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Section Project Partner(s) We * tnefgy "mer
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Space
Utilization
Uninterrupted
Power Supply
(UPS)
Vehicle Fleet
Water System
Buildingi
Facilities
HVAC System
Energy
Operations 4
Maintenance
Fuel
Water
Energy
Cost of
Operation
$40,000 /Year
20% Reduction in
water usage
The OSWER ERT contractor
eliminated five trailers in 1999 in
order to provide a fire break between
two sides of their tra ler complex
and to reduce energy consumption.
These trailers were approximately
20 years old and consumed more
a significant share of energy and
maintenance expenses. The
trailers were not replaced, and the
functions housed in these trailers
were accommodated in other
trailers through more efficient space
utilization. The estimated savings
from this program is $40,000 per
year in energy costs.
The ACB recently connected its
Mass Spectromelric instrumentation
to the ESC facility uninterrupted
power supply (UPS) and back-up
generator. The laboratory currently
has seven mass spectrometers worth
over $2 million, and had suffered
main electrical board damages and
instrument failures due to power
outages, resulting in major repair
costs of several thousands of dollars.
The laboratory is now able to produce
more reliable and accurate data,
since the power supply is steady
and un-interrupted, as any power
fluctuations would have caused
differences in signal background
and sensitivity. This also reduces
the need for chemists to travel to
laboratory on nights and week ends
to check on the instrumentation
running overnight samples. In
addition to increasing the efficiency
of the laboratory operation, this
reduces travel, gasoline use and
emissions.
GSA vehicles: As the vehicles in
our fleet are returned to GSA, we
are securing either hybrid vehicles
or E-85 vehicles to save money on
gasoline.
Char-Pure (Chardon Chemical) Unit-
2003. Installed to treat main cooling
tower, eliminated the use of chemical
treatment and projected to save 20%
in water usage
Use of insulating paints on fiat roofs
and large metal doors significantly
reduces the transmission of solar
leat into the building. The same is
probably true for sides of buildings.
RECOMMENDED
Use of polarized lubricants in
HVAC compressors significantly
reduces friction and reduces the
energy to operate this equipment
RECOMMENDED
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^HElracIsI^^H
ORD/NER [/Environmental
Sciences Division - Las
Vegas, NV
ORD/NERL/HEASD & OAR/
OAQPS • RTF, NC
ORD/NERL/Envirenmental
Sciences Division - Us
Vegas, NV
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB- Edison, NJ
BaBgBBl
5b
5b
5b
5c
r
' X
X
X
X
Q
r
rt
^^gggigyigym
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
HifBMB
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
HVAC System
•KiiirencM
^^^^^^^^^
^fyjS^B
Space &
Labor
Space
Space
NE
^K^B
$82,380 /Year
(current lease
value); $50,000
/ Year (cost of 1
contractor)
$173,246 /Year
(current lease
value); $692,983
Projected total
cost savings from
present to 2011
NE
BnBEH
NE
•^•••••M^H^H
•OHHOBBBBBOHHI
NE
•eUJhBaH-a
^^^^Uggyjgglyiaffmfl
ESD is presently working to optimize
space efficiency and is considering
an option that could include closing
our leased warehouse. Presently,
OAR occupies 13,551 sq. ft. of space
including 4,900 sq. ft of laboratory
space within ORD leased facilities.
OAR is leasing another unoccupied
building awaiting conversion to
laboratory space by OARM. When
the conversion is complete, OAR
intends to vacate the facilities leased
by ORD. The Agency will continue to
lease the space previously inhabited
by OAR with a current value of
$383,000 annually. It seems that
considerable cost savings could be
realized through a thorough analysis
of space efficiency in Las Vegas for
ORD as well as the other allocated
M-ships.
In an effort to maximize the use of
laboratories, NERL/HEASD branch
chiefs are analyzing laboratory use
and re-assigning spaces by needs
and projects instead just branches.
The focus is the research areas. This
represents effective use of space by
the division.
ORD currently holds a lease for an
aerial photographic archive in the La
Plaza Center. Should OAR vacate
ORD space as planned, ORD is
considering terminating Ihe La Plaza
Center lease and moving the archive
to the space vacated by OAR. It
seems that considerable cost savings
could be realized through a thorough
analysis of space efficiency in Las
Vegas for ORD as well as the other
colocated M-ships.
A heat recovery desiccant cooling
system was installed in the
Region 2 Gas Chromatography
Laboratory in 1998. This use
of this system purported energy
savings of approximately 50%
when compared to a conventional
humidity controlled air conditioning
system. Unfortunately, the system
proved to be unreliable due to the
delamination of the desiccant wheel
and the tendency of the desiccant to
concentrate hazardous constituents
of the fume hood exhaust over time
(which would be suddenly released
back into the laboratory when the
system failed). After approximately
two years of troubleshooting and
redesigns, the system was replaced
with a conventional gas-fired/DX
package unit.
^^HgrauilluUfiBHBB
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^HQ^^^^^^I
ORD/NHEERL/Atbntic
Ecology Division -
Narragansett, Rl
Region 6- Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Regbn 6 - Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
PeuaSS
5c
5d
5d
5d
5d
5d
^^^Attectsd^^^ -~""s-
^^^^^^^^9 Section Project Partner(s) "^P6 $ Ener8V Oiher cTsavingf Description Comments
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Energy Use
Return to
Conventional
Energy
Sources
Alternative
Energy
Sources
Alternative
Energy
Sources
Employee
Behavior
HVAC System
HVAC System
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
Energy
NE
Savings Not Yet
Known
NE
NE
We burned B-20 bio-diesel in our
boilers (300,000 gallons) over a
three year period. The cost of the
blended fuel was on average 50%
more expensive than standard
home heating oil. On a local cost it
was prohibitive, and on an energy
calculation you had to add in the
transportation/shipment of the
bio-diesel product from New Haven,
Connecticut vs. purchasing local
home heating oil from Providence
Rl. We have since returned to
burning natural gas as our primary
heating fuel.
Add natural daylight offset to artificial
lighting with solar fiber optic light
tubes. Solar, wind geothermal,
and/or natural gas energy power
generation. New technologies in
geothermal (in the Southeastern
Texas Area) and solar energy
should be explored, especially as
emerging technologies become
more established and benchmarking
versus current energy providers is
possible.
Install solar panels on roof or
investigate geothermal energy
sources to tap alternate energy
resource. Equipment is identified,
and cost reduction estimate will be
completed.
Monitor whether computers and
instruments are being shut down
when not in use (evenings and
weekends). Currently offices and
laboratories are periodically checked
to ensure that occupants are
properly powering off equipment
in accordance with EMS energy
conservation guidelines. Suggest
implementation of more vigorous
approach/enforcement (e.g., using
cleaning crews to power off select
(non lab) equipment nightly.
6EN energy study using camera, as
part of ongoing energy study request
use of 6EN - FUR camera to identify
heat/cold loss.
Shut down HVAC on weekends
and holidays. This would be a very
inexpensive implementation only
requiring approximately 30 minutes
per shutdown/start up cycle with
significant cost savings to the R6
lab. Would require cooperation from
Lessor.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
j^BHBHBHH
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
Region 6 - Houston, TX
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory -Ann Arbor, Ml
OARM - RTF, NC
ORD/NERL& NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
BaSHl
5d
5d
L
1
1
F E P A |^J|fy|jfflj)J|Jjffl|||iff}fpjjjpjJfj^^i)j|^fl|||||fifflg|jjBHB^BH^
X "
X
X
X
X
X
X
Energy Use
Energy Use
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Lighting
Vehicle Fleet
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
,-..-..-. ....r,
Unnamed
Agency
Energy
Fuel
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
-—"""•""
$80,000 saved
per $1,000,000
spent for
next 5 years
(management
costs reduced
from 10% to 2%)
$7,053.35 /
Month (19.5%
reduction);
Potential annual
savings of
$84,640.20.
Approx. $250,000
(3FTEs)in2007
— — —
— — —
™— — —
Sensors installed to turn room lights
on and off have been installed
throughout the NAREL facility. The
sensors turn the lights off in an
unoccupied space reducing energy
costs to light the facility.
ALL EPA personnel are requested
to use the least expensive and most
energy efficient means possible when
traveling. Employees traveling to the
same location should ride in one
vehicle so that costs can be reduced
and energy be saved.
Utilization of an IT contract from a
partner agency.
Triage of all service calls before
submittal to the contractor for
action (starting June 2006). An
EPA employee may contact the
Contractor for minor repairs requiring
24 hours of time or less in labor and/
or $1,000.00 or less in materials.
Unless it is an emergency (anything
related to safety and security), the
service call work request is submitted
to the Project Officer for approval
before the work is initiated. Where
as in the past all routine service
calls were stamped approved and
sent downstairs, -now a Service Call
Manager will investigate whether
current ongoing maintenance work
would resolve the issue; whether
the service call had already been
submitted; if the service call should
be deemed urgent and immediately
sent downstairs or held pending fund
consideration. The triage of service
calls eliminated a substantial number
of redundant calls, as well as,
improved scheduling by eliminating
dispatching two people to fix the
same problem.
NRMRL devoted over 6 FTEs to
manager the Lab's HR responsibilities
prior to 2006. A human resource
representative was located in each
division. When 2 HR representatives
retired, NRMRL consolidated the
HR support function to four FTEs
on a central staff. An additional
retirement in February of 2006
reduced the support staff to 3 FTEs.
The majority of the managers being
served indicate the consolidated
services are as good or better.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure Savins
^^^Affecteo^^^ bavings
.Laboratory Category ^^^^^^^^^9 Section Project Partnerts) ^P6 $ Energy Other ofSavings Description Comments 0 •
ORD/NERL/Ecosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
ORD/NERL/Ecosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
ORD/NHEERL-RTP, NC
ORD/NHEERL-RTP.NC
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRU
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 4 AND ORO/NERL/
Ecosystems Research
Division - Athens, GA
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Sgnificant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
OSWER/ERT &
ORD/NRMRL
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
$100,000 /Year
$4,000 /Year
Consolidation of Facility Support
Contracts. In FY06, ERD consolidated
four facility support functions
(Operation and Maintenance,
Janitorial Services, Security, and
Grounds Maintenance) into one
8a five-year contract. This action
eliminated the need for about a
dozen smaller facility support related
contracts, minimizing time spent
issuing contracts. ERD estimates a
real cost savings of approximately
10% per year ($100,000) based
on efficiencies of operation (lower
overhead costs, for example).
In 2006, ERD consolidated trash
removal and recycling with a new
vendor, resulting in an annual savings
of $4k, while at the same time
resulting in more services.
Consolation of three contracts
for Epidemiology studies being
conducted by our Human Studies
Division located in Chapel Hill, NC
into one contract with one statement
of work.
NHEERL-ORD has consolidated
the Histopathology contract which
provides histopathology services to
our Environmental Carcinogenesis
Division located in RTF, NC and
our Mid-continent Ecology Division
located in Duluth, MN. Consolidation
of these contracts has reduced
overall costs since the contract is
awarded to one contractor using
one statement of work, reduces
the number of work assignments,
reduced the number of COR's from
four to two and reduced the number
of CS's (contract specialist) from
2 to 1 which results in cost savings
in hours.
The Region 2 Edison, New Jersey
Facility has one facility contractor to
manage the security, mail delivery
and janitorial services. In addition to
Region 2, the facility houses ERT and
ORD and their contractors. The use
of one group for security, mail, and
janitorial services is the most efficient
means of providing and overseeing
these services.
ORD/ERD and R4/SESD currently
share one full time position for
telecommunications contract
support. ORD/ERD is paying
$60,000 and R4/SESD is paying
$40,000. By using one contract
savings are realized in overhead.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^BSSliKllittSi^B^BI
Region 4 AND ORD/NERL/
Ecosystems Research
Division - Athens, GA
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
BBjimsym
1
1
X
X
^^^BQjjHUWI^^^H
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
•UUiHKUH
Consolidation
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
BiBUmamH
^•Urt^
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
I^HiMHH
$289,800 +
Approx. $25,000
/Year
^^MMIM
^•^•Bl^^^^HI
HHKQulIsBH
^••^^^~*^™
^^^^^^•^ranmiPIUfll^^^^^^^H
ORD/ERD and R4/SESD share PBX
and Voice mail, WAN lines and
routers. This is a cost savings, since
it does not require the purchase of
two systems, cost of duplicate Tl
lines and doesn't require personnel
to operate two systems. If R4/SESD
were required to purchase their own
hardware for telecommunications:
PBX and Voice Mail system
replacement cost today would be
approximately $250,000. The cost
for R4/SESO to purchase routers
would be approximately $35,000.
Other costs: Tl line paid by R4/SESD
would be approximately $4800/
annually.
The NVFEL has traditionally
maintained a toxic gas detection
system that mitigated the risk
associated with the measurement of
carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides
required for evaluation of vehicle
and engine compliance or regulatory
development programs. The overall
system currently employs nearly
230 sensors for CO, NOx, Oxygen
concentration, Freon, Ammonia,
and Flammabiliry. In 2006, an IDIQ
for (he management of this system
was implemented. This was the
first openly competed IDIQ at the
NVFEL, and is expected to improve
the operation of the system while
saving costs when compared to the
cost of individually contracted system
expansions and scheduled sensor.
replacements.
^^^^ggmmmig^^^i
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure ^^,;nnr
^^^Affected^^^ Savings
Laboratory Category ^•^•^•^9 Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 $ Ener«y otner oTSavifST Description Comments
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center- Denver, CO
ORD/NHEERL/Gull Ecology
Division -Gulf Breeze, FL
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team -Edison,
NJ
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
Other Significant
Iniiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Othe' S.gn;ficari!
Initiatives
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Purchase
Labor
Labor
$15,000
$160/Year
>$300,000/Year
Approx.2.5MY/Year
staff time
NEIC has purchased licenses of
Adobe Acrobat for the majority of
the field staff to enable efficient
conversion of standard Word files to
PDF for easy electronic distribution.
This has greatly facilitated distribution
of f les and reports associated with
ali aspects of branch administrative,
management and project work.
Additionally, a pilot report project has
been completed in which a proposed
template for electronic reports and
attachments has been approved as
a basis for further training. Several
of the FY 2007 civil and criminal
reports have been prepared in a
linked electronic format and supplied
to clients on disk. This has greatly
decreased tirne and resource
expenditure (i.e. paper and staff
time) in preparing, copying, and
distributing reports which commonly
contain hundreds of pages per single
copy. Additionally, investigative
photos are now largely stored and
distributed electronically, greatly
decreasing the tradittonal cost of
photo development for multiple
copies of each report. This has
results in a large saving of time for
high level staff.
Functions automated using Lotus
Notes, including: i) reservations
(such as conference rooms, boats,
vehicles, portable computers,
cameras, conference equipment),
ii) visitor requests/approval, iii)
procurement requests/approval, iv)
travel request/approval, v) facilities
work requests, vi) leave request/
approval, vii) award nominations, and
viii) security requests.
Major emphasis has been placed
upon cross training so that
laboratory chemists can maintain,
operate, troubleshoot and perform
rrmor repair for multiple analytical
instruments and perform multiple
sample analyses. The primary
pesticide/PCB analyst also performs
SVOC analyses for soil/sediment,
water and tissue samples and VOC
and PAH analyses of air samples
collected using sorbent media.
Effective cross training has minimized
the need to replace analytical
chemists who voluntarily terminate
ERT/REAC Laboratory employment.
The benefits of cross
training were illustrated
by the Hurricane Katrina
Response during which
approximately 4,000
fast turnaround sample
analyses were efficiently
performed for ambient
air samples with minimal
negative impact upon other
laboratory operations.
-------
^•BBBBaelB^^B
Region 4- Athens, GA
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory -Ann Arbor, Ml
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center -Cincinnati, OH
naBJsm
i
i
i
i
i
r
c
X
X
X
r
" "X
X
rt
X
X
^^R^Jmi^^H
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiates
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
•8BSIEBM
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Reduction
Reduction
Reduction
Bifiiifinnag
,_^^B^IHIIHB(
•HiUM
^^a^^^^m
Analysis
Purchase
Purchase
Maintenance
Maintenance
^B^B
Savings Not Yet
Known
$200,000 /Year
$16,600 FY04;
$7,300 FY05;
$44,000 FY06
mtlSFrm
^•^^•^^H
•HH^^^UHBH|
H^nOUUBSBMH
•aKfeaikHjH
^^^^I^^^JyJ^^^^^B
Explore wiser use of lab resources.
Many people that request analytical
services are not aware that if they
specify exact needs, it saves time
and money. If we could ensure
that all analyses that are requested
are actually needed, a savings in
reagents and time could be realized.
The Regional Laboratory has
implemented the electronic
transmittal of analytical results to
project managers as a matter of
routine. This process allows the
project managers to receive the
results more promptly than when the
results were transmitted only in hard
copy. Additionally, the electronic
format allows the project managers
to be able to input the data into other
databases as needed.
In support of emergency response
requirements, we were able to reduce
iridium phone annual card charges.
We provided staff the capability for
not just phone calls but internet
access at less cost than the annual
renewal of the minutes required for
the iridium SIM cards. Wewere
able to negotiate a rate that enables
us to surge should a need arise that
was less than purchasing additional
minutes for the iridium phones.
Disconnection of the laboratory
instrumentation data system
from the Internet reduced the
required maintenance of the
system dramatically, since the
security patches and network traffic
associated with Internet connection
were no longer required.
A cost-savings strategic plan was
implemented during FY 2004. The
product resulted in a critical process
that enabled MCEARD to reduce
the number of existing equipment
maintenance agreements. Prior
to purchase of a maintenance
agreement, a thorough analysis
determined whether adding
another agreement was practical.
Comprehensive information used as
a guideline for existing equipment is
as follows: age and life expectancy;
beneficial rationale for continuation
with annual cost of the maintenance
agreement; vendor parts availability;
and a cost comparison to replace
and/or repair the equipment if a
maintenance agreement was not
established.
IHESuBBs^Hi
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure K*,;,*™
Aftertort Savings
fttteciea °
••••••!••• Focus of ,- f r ,-,,1- Reinvestment
Laboratory Category ••HHB^^H Section Project Partner(s) «* * Ene'E/ Ote ofSavines Description Comments
ORO/NERLi NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS - RTP, NC
1
1
X
X
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Reduction
Reduction
Labor
Labor
Reduction
of costs by
$100,000 /FY
$300,000 /Year
(since 2004)
due to plan;
$220,000 /Year
due to hiring
receptor modeler;
$170,000 /Year
(since FY07) due
to hiring organics
lab lech.
0.7 FTEs
NRMRL has employed a strategy to
reduce the need for multiple Project
Officers for similar agreements by
employing a functional acquisition
strategy. NRMRL manages the
Senior Environmental Employment
Agreement for Cincinnati (ORD,
OARM and OW), and the NRC post
doc agreement for all o' ORD. The
NRMRL field support contract
(STREAMS) and the Technology
Transfer contract support multiple
EPA program offices in addition to
ORD. We estimate the collective
savings for the SEE and NRC
agreement to be approximately .25
FTEs; the estimated savings for the
two contracts is approximately .7
FTE. The majority of the savings are
evident in the consolidation of the
pre-award effort. Accordingly, for
each fiscal year, we have reduced
Project Officer management PCSB
costs by approximately $100,000.
We are working with the other
Laboratories, Centers and Offices
in ORD to prepare a consolidated
functional contract strategy which
could identify significant Project
Officer management reductrons in
the future.
An analysis comparing in-house
workforce cost versus contracting
support resulted in a workforce hiring
plan that reduces the Division's
overall extramural expenses.
Through this workforce plan, the
division hired an SEM/XRF operator.
The instrument was previously run
by contractors. The estimated
cost savings on extramural dollars
equals $3COK per year (since 2004).
Following the plan, a receptor
modeler/mathematician was hired in
FY07 and the contract for that service
canceled. The estimated savings are
$220K per year. Following the plan,
an organics laboratory technician
was also hired saving $ 170K per
year (since FY07). For each hiring
decision, an analysis on how cost
effective hiring would be versus
contracting the function is done.
The analysis includes Ihe grade level
considerations and overheads.
-------
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS-RTP, NC
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team - Edison,
NJ
Region 4 - Athens, GA
Region 5 - Chicago, IL
Region 9- Richmond, CA
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
•
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure eai,;««c
Affai-to*H oavlngS
AilcClcO °
Uboratory Category ^•^^^D^9 Section Protect Partnerts) tyP6 $ Ener8y Other ofsaving!" Description Comments
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Lab -Ann Arbor, Ml
ORD/NHEERL/Western
Ecology Division - Corvallis,
OR
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team -Edison,
NJ
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
Other S^ni'icant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Signifkant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Restructuring
Restructuring
Restructuring
Restructuring
Restructuring
Region 2
Contracts
Management
Labor
Labor
Contracts
Management
$60,000 / Year
$700,000 in
Category C
allocation (when
FY07 compared
toFYM);
$100,000 in
PC&B expenses
(when FY06
compared to
FY04)*
$50,000 /Year
New performance-based operations
and maintenance contract awarded
with broader scope and reduced
costs.
In 2004 the division undertook
a business plan approach to
restructure the workforce, increasing
the ratio of federal technical support
to Pi's towards an ultimate goal of
1:1. This plan will be implemented
over time, through attrition, and w,ll
not only tower overall PC&B costs,
but will also reduce the division's
reliance upon Category C-l.l
Technical Support of extramural
allocations. In order to jump start
the program, the division received
permissron to "float" 6 FTE's over
ceiling in 2005.
A single person provides glassware-
washing support 'or both ERT and
Region II laboratory activities.
The Region 10 Laboratory has
pursued a variety of low cost options
to assist with analytical chemistry,
microbiology, and facility support
functions. These include utilizing
three trainees under the Department
of Veterans Affairs Non-Paid
Work Experience Program, taking
advantage of the EPA Greater
Research Opportunities Summer
Intern Program, taking advantage
of the Unh/ersity of Washington's
Capstone Student Program, and
bringing in student volunteers
interested in gaining experience in
environmental sample analyses.
The Regional Laboratory is also
utilizing its own resources rather
than automatically issuing a contract
modification for minor (i.e., <
$85,000) work that comes up in the
course of renovations. For example,
the Laboratory took its own paint
samples for lead analyses from the
area to be renovated, saving EPA
money.
"The savings in PC&B
expenses is due to attrition
of higher grade level Pi's
retiring and being replaced
with lower grade level
federal technical support,
and at the same time, .
adding 6 federal technical
support positions with the
authorized "float."
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^HslBlS^^H
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRU
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 4- Athens, GA
Region 5 - Chicago, IL
OAR/ORIA/Radiation 8,
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Us
Vegas, NV
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
•ffieBBiigl
1
1
1
2
2
r
L
X
r
X
X
A
X
X
X
X
^^^^Q^B
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
BmaraSM
Restructuring
Restructuring
Restructuring
Consolidation
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
BtoiimaitQM
HHiHH
Maintenance
Labor
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Fuel & Travel
mmmm
$40,000 in 2004
compared to
2005
$33,037 /Year
$500,000 over
2.5 Years
Hataiaaa
HMMMHMHHI^I
•Jhstasngfea
Pul sayings
towards
additional site
investigations
and reviews
each year.
^^m^^jyj^^^^^B
The Region 2 Laboratory has a policy
to provide service agreements on
all mission critical instrumentation
and equipment. Due to the general
increase in coverage due to inflation
each year and reduced annual
budgets, the Laboratory focused
its effort on reducing the cost of
providing maintenance agreements
for its critical instruments and
equipment. Through alternative
approaches for coverage such
as the use of 1) third party
vendors, 2) one service vendor for
multiple instrument/equipment
manufacturers, 3) reduced plans
for coverage, and 4) multi-year
agreements, the Laboratory was able
to reduce the cost by $40,000 in the
2005 maintenance year (compared
to the 2004 maintenance year)
without sacrificing basic coverage
for all critical instrumentation and
equipment.
Administrative SEE Position
(Receptionist) discontinued.
Reduced RCRA program costs by
having analyses performed in-house
rather than by field contractor.
The lab is consolidating agreements
with providers of phone, satellite,
and related communications service
providers to simplify management
and oversight.
NAREL utilized web-based
technologies to participate in
the ORIA Leadership Series and
ITRC seminars. In addition, staff
participated in discipline specific
(IT, QA) training and/or discussions
through the web-based training.
^^•JB»mil-J«UM|0j||
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure c:^,\nf,c
AffarteH savings
^^^^^^/\ue^ffi^^^^^^^^ "
Laboratory Category ^•^^^^^^1 Section F"roilc° Partner(s) ^P6 $ Enerev O1"6' ofsavings" Description Comments
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team - Edson,
NJ
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team - Edison,
NJ
2
2
X
X
Othe' Sign'icant
InSiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Improvements
in Efficiency/
Upgrades
Improvements
in Efficiency/
Upgrades
Labor
In 2007, hardware/software
upgrades will be purchased and
implemented for the ERT Laboratory
to upgrade existing GC, GC/MS
and ICP instrumentation to ensure
compatibility with the LIMS. All
instrumentation being interfaced
to the new LIMS will have Windows
XP Professional-based OS so users
will experience less functionality
as with older operating systems.
Software/hardware upgrades will
allow for efficient, effective and
responsive analysis, processing
and storage of air, soil/sediment,
sludge, water and tissue samples
'or VOCs, SVOCs, PAHs, petroleum
hydrocarbons (oil fingerprinting)
and other organic hazardous
materials such as nerve agents
(chemical warfare agents) for routine
3rc;ects and/or during time critical
emergency response situations
0' actions. Since connecting the '
LIMS with other computer systems
can be difficult with proprietary
systems, all appropriate hardware
will be acquired from the instrument
manufacturer.
In 2007, the ERT Laboratory
will purchase and implement a
Laboratory Information Management
System (LIMS) to improve user
productivity and increase Informatton
Technology (IT) productivity. Tangible
improvements include simplification
and automation for reporting,
barcoding for sample tracking,
automating calculations and data
checking, search queries, elimination
of transcription errors and better
project/sample planning/scheduling.
Implementing the LIMS will improve
the quality and security of data, help
maintain complance with laboratory
accreditation programs, enhance
operating efficiency using instrument
interfaces to capture data, increase
sample throughput with the same
staffing level and reduce client risk.
Processes such as sample login,
sample extraction/digestion, standard
preparation, sample batching,
reporting, control charting and data
export facilitate better analytical data
necessary to make decisions that
may affect the health and welfare of
communities and improves overall
laboratory information process
quality.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
Type of savings not
specified and no
quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
:Part(S'A!f'SfICtUrCi S™"g5 *:
IH^^^^^^^H
Region 7 -Kansas City, KS
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center -Denver, CO
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
ORD/NHEERL/Western
Ecology Division • Corvallis,
OR
ORD/NERL/Environmenlal
Sciences Division - Las
Vegas, IW
BaHBI
2
2
2
2
3
BDDBI Section 'p'ro'ilcf ,Partner!s) Type $ Energy Other "of&virTgl"'
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Reduction
Restructuring
Restructuring
Consolidation
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
Labor
Energy, Cost
of Travel
Labor &
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
$10,000 Every
Four Years
Up to
$10,000,000
Potential tenfold
reduction in solvent
usage
$1,000 /Month
minimum; $36,000
Projected minimum
total cost savings from
2008-2011*
^^^^l^^^^^^HH^I
Analysts will continue to explore
alternatives to traditional analytical
methods and procedures. One
example is the reported possibility
of an upcoming study at the ORD
laboratory in Ada, OK, which will
evaluate the solvent usage of Method
8270. They are apparently going
to evaluate the use of solid phase
extraction for water analyses. The
current extraction procedure for this
method uses 360 mL of solvent,
whereas, the solid phase extraction
process could result in the reduction
in the amount of solvent used tenfold.
If this study proves that this would be
a feasible alternative, the Analytical
Section would plan to implement the
change here in this laboratory.
NEIC has been working with our
accrediting agency to move to a four
year external audit cycle from the
current two year cycle. This would
greatly reduce the time and effort
required to prepare for the audits,
thereby increasing efficiency and
generating savings in direct costs.
Depending on the cost difference,
NAREL staff may utilize the
Birmingham, AL or the Atlanta, GA •
airports (approximately 2 hours
away) for travel rather than the
Montgomery, AL airport. The cost of
GOV and time in route is considered
in making this decision.
The division will continue to
implement the business plan of
restructuring the workforce. Potential
savings over the course of the plan
could reach a cumulative savings of
$10M, including reductions to PC&B,
and Extramural Category Cl.l.
ORD has efforts underway to replace
the Private Branch Exchange
(PBX) with Voice over IP (VoIP). A
potential cost saving project for the
future would be the replacement of
both PBX units and all phones in all
colocated EPA organizations in Las
Vegas with a single EPA Las Vegas
VoIP solution. The cost estimate for
the ORD/NERL Las Vegas upgrade
is about $300K. The cost savings
with one VoIP solution supporting all
EPA-LV staff would be dependant on
the monthly local carrier cost. Until
four years ago, there was a single
PBX supporting all colocated entities
at EPA-Las Vegas.
^^^^^^^^^^^|
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
•Assuming VoIP installation
completed within FY07.
-------
Part Affected rUCtUre Sa™§s
IHf^^HflJlH^HIMH Focus of Reinvestment
Laboratory Category H^H^Hj^Bjfl Section Project Partner(s) TVP6 * EnergV otner of Savings Description
ORD/NERL/HEASO & OAR/
OAQPS - RTP, NC
ORD/NHEERt-RTP, NC
Region 4 AND ORD/NERL/
Ecosystems Research
Division - Athens, GA
Region 4 AND ORD/NERL/
Ecosystems Research
Division - Athens, GA
OAR/ORIA/NationalA:r&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
3
3
3
3
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ot^er S:gr'fcant
Initiatves
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiates
Othe' Sga'ican!
Initiatives
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Fuel& Travel
Savings Not Yet
Known
$50,000 /Year
NERL/HEASD is consolidating its
inorganic laboratory capabilities by
collocating equipment when possible
and planning hires that would
support the work to be performed
and not a specific branch.
Looking to the future, NHEERL
plans to consolidate Custodial
and Guard Serv'ces which are
currently awarded unde' separate
contracts into the Division's 0 4
M cor.tract. if possible, when the
current contract expires. NHEERL
anticipates the first consolation of
such at the Atlantic Ecology Division
in Narragansett, Rl. The benefrts
derived from consolidation will be
reduced contract costs; reduction in
the number of CORs and Contract
Specialists (CS); reduction will allow
CORs who are scientists to devote
more time to research and science;
possibly gain 1/2 FTE based on
COR working 25% of their time on
COR responsibilities; reduction in
the number of work assignments;
reduction in the number of CSs.
Presently IT Help Desk support is
provided by contractors a! the ORD/
ERD facility and by FTE at the R4/
SESD facility. R4/SESD and ORO/
ERD already share the use of the ITS-
ACT contract for telecommunications.
R4/SESD could possibly expand the
ITS-ACT contract for IT services after
verifying that the ITS-ACT scope
of work has the range of services
needed. This proposal will require
additional evaluation.
Presently R4/SESD is paying $58,000
and ORD/ERD is payng $58,000
a year (total $1 16,000) for records
contractor support (each 32 hrs/
week), both utilizing the national
ASRC contract. A full-time position
shared between ORD/ERD and R4/
SESD would cost $66,000 ($33,000
each). The total annual shared
savings to the Agency would be
$50,000. The proposal would be for
the records contractor to work four
hours a day at each facility.
Need to continue to utilize web-
based seminars for training and as
appropriate working meetings.
^^^^^^^^^^|^|
Type of savings not
specified and no
quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
I^HSuS^^^^I
OAR/OTAQ/Natioral
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle 4 Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/OTAQ/Nalional
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
Region 4 - Athens, GA '
casiaa
3
3
3
3
3
r
X
L
X
X
X
r
X
X
X
tt
X
X
^KSxEIi^H
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
•astaaM
mprovements
in Efficiency/
Upgrades
Improvements
in Efficiency/
Upgrades
Improvements
in Efficiency/
Upgrades
Improvements
in Efficiency/
Upgrades
Reduction
•gfiiiiaiQM
^Kljj^B
Purchase
Labor
Software
Licenses
Labor
Purchase
^B^
$90,000 (one
FTE)
$60,000 /Year
when fully
implemented in
2008
Savings Not Yet
Known
Kssaafl
••^^rauyfl^^H
•iltfiL'/li!v.-»
^^HM^HKUI^
^^^^HU^i^jgQ^^imi
Replace existing copper lines with
a high speed, secure wireless
infrastructure. Replacing this
copper infrastructure is expected
to cost $200k-$500k. Half of this
cost can be saved with a migration
to a wireless infrastructure. Initial
investment is $175k.
Through Ihe use of enterprise
desktop software tools and policies,
manage all desktops remotely from a
central location with little to no call-
to-repair. The majority of all current
call-to-repair work can be replaced
with a tool that allows desktop
diagnosis, software repairs, and
updates from a centralized location.
Initial Investment = $25K.
Use software management tools
to measure, track, and manage
the lease of software licenses to
staff. Today, licenses cannot be
dynamically assigned to staff (they
are committed to the desktop) so
any new need requires the purchase
of an additional license. With a
management tool that allows software
licenses to be dynamically assigned,
thousands of dollars will be saved on
software licenses. Initial investment
is $30k.
Utilizing next-generation storage
solutions (high-speed disk storage)
centralize the backup of all Servers
and desktop folders. Utilizing a next-
generation high-speed centralized
backup system will reduce the need
for contractor staff and reverse the
proliferation of ad hoc individual
backup solutions. Other benefits
include reduction in security
and virus response activities and
improved protection of EPA data.
Initial Investment = $125K.
Reduce number of Blackberry PDA's.
Presently 15 PDA's are assigned to
SESD managers and supervisors at
an annual cost of $14,275 ($951
each). Requesting, on a voluntary
basis, those who do not regularly use
these PDA's lo turn them in could
achieve a substantial savings.
HK^^u^^^^l
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) o( infrastructure c,uirl™
^^^Affecteo^^^ Savings
Uboratory Category ^•^•^•^1 Section Project Partnerts) TH* $ Ener8y other ofnsavingsn Description Comments
Region 4- Athens, 6A
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center -Denver, CO
3
3
3
X
X
X
X
03ier Sigr ficant
Nii'jatives
Other Significant
Initatives
Othe' Significant
Initiatives
Reduction
Reduction
Restructuring
Contracts
Management
Purchase &
Disposal
labor &
Contracts
Management
Option 1 -
$29,640 /Year;
Option 2-
$59,280 /Year
Security. Currently, there is one
armed guard stationed 24/7 in
the lobby of the SESD laboratory
and one additional armed guard
12 hrs/5 days at the guard house
controlling entry to the SESD
property. Considering the low risk for
the facility, possibly reducing guard
coverage could achieve a savings
without compromising employee
safety. Option 1. If the guardhouse
was staffed only 6 hrstaorkday, an
annual savings of approximately
$29,540 could be realized. Option
2. Reducing guard coverage to
only one guard 24/7 stationed in
the laboratory lobby would eliminate
security checks at the guard house
of visitors and delivery trucks during
the workday.
Continued consideration of reduction
of chemical use in the analysis of
samples. A detailed assessment
of where, how much and what
chemicals are used needs to be
completed as a first step in the
process. Once completed, the
results of this assessment will
provide essential information for use
in considering alternatives and/or
changes in operational procedures
to reduce the amount of chemicals
used and, thereby, potentially reduce
the amount of hazardous wastes that
would need to be disposed of.
NEIC has received great benefit
from the use of students, interns.
and volunteers in the past. In the
future NEIC will look to increase their
contributions and examine the use of
post-doctoral appointments.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
J^^^^S^IH
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
OAR/ORIA/Radiation&
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory -las
Vegas, NV
BJS8I
3
4
^^^ AffecJsd^^^ "
^^•^•^^D Section Protect Partner(s) TyPe . ..-,5 E"erSY ^ . °Jhef .. of Savings Description Comments
X
X
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Restructuring
Consolidation
Labor
Contracts
Management
~^™-~i^^™""^"™™
KHH«^— •«•—
^^^^^^^^^—
~™~^^^^-a—
The Region 10 Laboratory's long-
:erm Staffing Plan calls for reducing
the number of GS-14s, utilizing
career development paths rather
:han hiring at the full performance
evel, workload redistribution to
ncrease effectiveness (e.g., utilizing
ower graded positions for routine
extractions, glassware washing, etc.),
and identifying unnecessary work.
-
There is potential for efficiency,
improved consistency and service.
and potential cost savings through
centralized support of several support
functions. These improvements
go well beyond the Agency's
laboratories, and extend to all
EPA Facilities. These could be
standardized on a National basis,
and managed at a local level by
one organization. Potential Areas
for consolidated service include:
i) information technology; ii)
communication's; iii) physical facility
security; iv) property management;
and v) human resources. Barrier:
Agency philosophy, personnel, and
funding.
Upon review of the
circumstances surrounding
this suggestion, the entry
was found to be inaccurate.
The expertise at the
Region 10 Laboratory is
heavily relied upon by EPA
programs and the public
to perform a large variety
of complex analyses on
difficult matrices such as
tissues, provide technical
support toward project
planning, develop new
analytical capabilities,
provide oversight of
state drinking water
programs, and provide
expert testimony during
legal proceedings. The
anatyses often involve
method development and
research. Scientists with a
great depth of knowledge
and experience are
needed to provide such
support. The amount of
work for the Region 10
Laboratory needing senior
level staff is not expected
to decrease anytime soon
and is likely to increase.
The recent selection of
the Region 10 Laboratory
by the Department of
Homeland Security to be
a chemical warfare agent
pilot testing facility will
require highly skilled and
dedicated staff to meet the
analytical demands during
an incident of national
significance.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(S> Affected mCtUre Savin«s
•••^•••••^^^••i Focus of T * c n.u Reinvestment
Laboratory Category |^H^HJ^KB Section Project Partner(s) ^'P6 * tnergy Other of Savings Description Comments
ORD/NERL/Ecosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 4 AND ORD/NERL/
Ecosystems Research
Division - Athens, GA
Region 4 AND ORD/NERL/
Ecosystems Research
Division - Athens, GA
OAR/ORIA/Radiationi
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory -Las
Vegas, NV .
4
4
4
4
4
X
X
X
X
X
Other Sigri'san'
Infeatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Sigrv'icant
Initiatives
Other Secant
Initiatives
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Contracts
Management
Labor
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Labor
Savings Not Yet
Known
Savings Not Yet
Known
Savings Not Yet
Known
Combine faciLties support (O&M,
pnitonal. security, grounds
maintenance) with ORO/ERD and
R4/SESD. Barrier: R4/SESD costs are
included with the GSA property lease.
ERD has a separate 8a contract.
In past years, the Region 10
Laboratory, which is collocated
w:th the Washington Department
of Ecology Laboratory, was able to
recover some of the salary costs for
those EPA staff providing facility-wide
services (e.g., facility maintenance,
health and safety program oversight,
construction management, etc.).
Barrier: A new OGC interpretation
of OMB Circular 1-97 (1969) now
precludes the Region from accepting
this funding because the services
provided by EPA staff are not
deemed 'specialized or technical
services'. The Laboratory continues
to seek an approach that will allow
the State to compensate EPA for the
facility-wide services it provides.
CombineORD/ERDandR4/SESD
Facilities Support. Currently, ERD and
SESD accomplish facilities support
{O&M, janitorial, security, grounds
maintenance) through separate
contracts. Possible savings could
be realized by combining facilities
support for the two laboratories.
Barrier: R4/SESD costs are included
with the GSA property lease. ORD/
ERD has a separate 8a contract.
Coordinate Security Services. Barrier:
Two separate security contracts,
leased versus EPA owned facilities,
armed versus unarmed guards,
determination of actual level of risk
at laboratory facilities, complicate
quantifying alternatives. A campus
approach to physical security is
underway, and more cost efficient
options wli be evaluated.
A modern LIMS system, integrated
with automated instrumentation,
offers great potential for labor savings
in reduced oversight and manual
data entry. This is in addition to
technical benefits in improved speed,
quality, and ability lo communicate
data electronically in a standard
format. Barrier: Availability of
adequate S&T funding.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantifcation of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
:Part(S'^ffi™° ' Savings •-
^HSuuu^^^B
Region 4 - Athens, GA
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center - Denver, CO
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
jjBpffiS
4
4
4
4
DJKMUlD Section Project Partnerfel.,. TyPe .. ? . . ..Energy. /Other oFsavirigs1 Description , Comments...;
X
X
X
X
X
X
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Improvements
in Efficiency/
Upgrades
Restructuring
Restructuring
Restructuring
Travel
Contracts
Management
Labor
$53,169
SESD staff and managers, located
in Athens, GA, routinely attend
meetings held at the R4 Regional
Office (RO) in Atlanta. The costs
in lost time traveling the 150 miles
round trip Athens to Atlanta, gas
used, and GOV costs are significant.
Video conferencing capability exists
at both the SESD laboratory in Athens
and the RO. Barriers: Regional
meetings held when ever possible
using video conferencing.
Since 9/11, security guard costs have
become a significant expense to the
programs. NVFEL uses the Federal
Protective Services contract for guard
services. This cost has escalated
by double digits each of the last
two years. If EPA could provide a
national contact with standardized
requirements for use by all regions
that reduces the multiple layers
of management currently in use,
considerable cost savings are likely.
Barrier: A national EPA contract .
for security guard services does
not exist.
In a laboratory it is important that
the analysts be allowed to vary their
work hours. For instance, when it
has taken several hours to calibrate
an instrument it might make sense
to stay an extra few hours and finish
work on a batch of samples rather
than shutting down a procedure for
the night and redoing the calibration
in the morning. Often this is a
real time decision that does not
allow for completion and sign-off of
paperwork in a timely manner. A
more institutionalized approach to
the different Flexitime options could
greatry increase the efficiency of the
laboratory. Barrier: Intra-agency
policy.
Currently, high graded technical
personnel spend a significant amount
of time on administrative duties
(e.g., completion of PeoplePlus,
Travel Manager, etc.). Unlike the
administrative staff that formerly
performed these functions,
technical staff is not as familiar with
timekeeping and travel regulations,
nor are they as proficient at these
tasks because they are not performed
frequently and are not a significant
part of their jobs. As a result,
technical staff takes far more time
to complete this work than would
clerical staff, who could accomplish
the tasks at a much lower wage rate.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
Type of savings not
specified and no
quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of
savings provided. Barriers
to implementation not
specified. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure cauinn*
^^^Aifectea^^^ Savings
Laboratory Category ^^^^^^^^Q Section Protect Partner(s) TVf6 $ Energy other ofsavirSs" Description Comments
OAR/ORIA/Radiationi
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory -Las
Vegas, NV
OAR/ORI/VRadiation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
5a
5a
5a
•
5a
X
X
X
X
Other S:gr''icant
initatives
Other S'gnifican!
Initiatives
Othe-Sign'fican!
Initiatives
Othe' Significant
Initiatives
Consolidation
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Improvements
in Efficiency /
Upgrades
Restructuring
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Contracts
Management
Labor
Reduction in
PBX costs from
$35,000 in 1997
to $10,000 in
2007
Reduction in
contract support
costs from
$10,200 /Person
in 1997 to $7,400
/ Person in 2007
2 FTEs (replaced with
SEEs)
WMe the concept ol consolidating
functions to improve efficiency
and reduce costs should always be
considered, R&IE has reduced costs
and improved service by assuming
functions in house, by forming new
partnerships, and by elinrnating
services. For example, phone/PBX
costs have dropped from 35K in
1997 to 10K in 2007. Service has
improved and we have a new PBX,
conference bridge, and desktop
handsets.
Prior to 1998, ADP support was
consolidated for EPA Las Vegas,
and R&IE had no LAN. As part of
a 1998 renovation, R&IE developed
a separate LAN to meet staff and
mission needs. Although we have
developed extensive new capabilities
during this time, our contracted
support costs for LAN and Help Desk
functions have dropped, including
support provided to EPA's HR office
in Las Vegas. This includes costs
associated win establishing and
operating a second, independent
Tribal Training Center LAN.
Much of the system gains have
come because we have a rigorous
preventative maintenance program
for the building automation system
(DDC/BAS). There are weekly
checks of valves settings, actuator
strokes, filters and equipment
operation by the DDC vendor has
prevented equipment from running
needlessly cut of setpoint conditions.
National Pesticide Standards
Repository (NPSR): The ACB
has saved FTE positions, salary,
and benefit costs by hiring Senior
Environmental Employees (SEE) for
two positions in the NPSR. The two
SEE employees work on a part time
basis as contractors rather than as
full time government employees.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^gfyiQgJg^^^l
ORD/NERL/Environmental
Sciences Division - Las
Vegas, NV
ORD/NERIYEnwonmental
Sciences Division - Las
Vegas, NV
ORD/NERL/Environmental
Sciences Division - Las
Vegas, NV
|«fl!%5IBI
5b
5b
5b
r
i_
X
r
rv
X
X
BBg^mgl^H
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
Other Significant
Initiatives
masmim
Consolidation
Consolidation
Consolidation
^MJ^^M
Contracts
Management
Maintenance
Contacts
Management
mm^m
$100,000 /Year
minimum from
reduction of
support staff
$2,000,000 ORD-
wide in first year
of consolidation
•aiaiaM
^Hi^KSmiEl^^^^H
^^mtaem^m
1 FTE; OARM
oversight costs
•gjiSBBIiEa
^^^^u^glJg^JI^^^B
All ORD help desk call centers have
been consolidated into a single
ORD call center. Additionally, all
remote locations have consolidated
server rooms. Voice, e-mail, and the
issuance and control of EPA access/
ID cards, as well as limited Wide Area
Network/Local Area Network (WAN/
LAN) support for all EPA-Las Vegas
colocated staff in Las Vegas, NV is
already provided by ORD/NERL-
Las Vegas. An additional savings
could be realized by continued
consolidation of IT support services.
The ORD contractors are teamed
and managed in IT specialty areas
that support all locations across
ORD. This provides a great deal of
technical expertise that can be made
available to every location without
additional cost to ORD. In Las Vegas,
colocated AA-ships operate two
separate help desks, two incident .
ticket systems, and two sets of IT
support contracts. IftheEPA-LV
colocated units migrated to share
the ORD Consolidated Call Center,
both of the redundant call centers
in Las Vegas could be eliminated.
Additional consolidation and sharing
of ORD resources could eliminate the
need for additional support staff.
Currently, EPA is moving to a single
standard desktop PC configuration
and image. Migrating to Active
Directory (AD) and eliminating
Novell could lead to an additional
cost savings that could be realized
by all EPA locations. PC desktop
standardization greatly reduces
the cost of software and hardware
maintenance, allowing routine
processes to be administered
remotely and concurrently across all
servers and desktops.
Currently, ORD and OAR each have
individual Simplified Acquisition
Contracting Officers (SACOs) which
could easily be combined to eliminate
the need for one FTE and reduce
OARM oversight costs. Additionally,
only one SACO audit would need to
be performed in Las Vegas.
^^tmiilii.JlkllWB
V
-------
Pari(s) of Infrastructure c=.,ino<,
Affected ba/ings
Laboratory Category
ORD/NERL/Environmental
Sciences Division - Las
Vegas, NV
OAR/ORIWRadiation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OECWOCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center -Denver, CO
OECA/OCEFT/National
Enforcement Investigations
Center -Denver, CO
5b
1
1
1
2
ElulQRfl Section Protect Partner(s) "^P6 $ Enersy other oirSavifSs" Description Comments
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Other S;gr''icant
IrSatives
Purchasing /Strategic
Sourcing
Purchasing /Strategic
Sourcing
Purchasing /Strategic
Sourcing
Purchasing /Strategic
Sourcing
Consolidation
Equipment
Procurement
Equipment
Procurement
Equipment
Procurement
Equipment
Procurement
Cincinnati
Procurement
Operations
Divisbn
Contracts
Management
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
$30,000 /Year
by negotiating
new BPAs;
$36,000 /Year
by renegotiating
gas BPA
1 FfE; OARM
oversight costs
Tme for new
requiremenl
The colocated EPA entities in
Las Vegas could benefit from
consolidating administrative support
services. For example, ORD, OAR,
and OSWER each have separate
safety, health, and environmental
management programs. These
services could be consolidated,
eliminating the need for one FTE
and reducing OARM oversight costs.
Other administrative functions which
could potentially be leveraged for
Agency cost savings are records
management, general clerka!, and
quality assurance.
The lab uses R&IE specific, local,
and national level BPAs for purchase
of supplies, equipment and services.
These save time in administration
and oversight, as well as negotiating
favorable pricing. Examples
include: Ludlum Instruments -
radiation instrument calibration;
GovConnection - computer hardware;
bottled gases and liquid nitrogen;
Oracle - software; and Corporate
Express - green office supplies.
Partnering with the Cincinnati
Procurement Operations Division,
NVFEL was able to pre-approve
multiple vendors for use in an
Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity
(IDIQ) contract. This tool significantly
reduces the costs and time for
individual procurement actions, and
streaml;nes the timefne for a new
requirement.
NEIC put several blanket purchase
agreements (BPAs) into affect which
(1) reduced processing costs by
reducing the number of individual
Durchases and (2) resulted in a
10% discount from the distributor.
The estimated cost savings is about
$30,000 annually. NEIC also rebid
an existing BPA with an industrial
gas supplier which resulted in a 5%
cost of reduction for an approximated
savings of $36,000 annually.
The Laboratory Supply Workgroup
of the Agency's Strategic Sourcing
Initiative is planning to develop
national BPAs to provide high quality
aboratory supplies at less expense.
NEIC has been participating in this
development effort and hopes to
achieve cost savings for laboratory
supplies.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
-pafflsjonfttrast'ruaure ' '
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure c<,,,i™<,
Affected SavinSs
Laboratory Category
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB- Edison, NJ
Region 3 AND OPPTS/
OPP/Environmental
Science Center, Fort
Meade, MD
Region 5- Chicago, IL
2
2
2
^•^^^D^3 Section Project Partner(s) TXPe $ Enersy other of Savings Description Comments
X
X
X
X
X
X
Purchasing / Strategic
Sourcing
Purchasing /Strategic
Sourcing
Purchasing / Strategic
Sourcing
Equipment
Procurement
Equipment
Procurement
Equipment
Procurement
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
In response to OMB's initiative, the
Agency created a Strategy Sourcing
Team, with representatives from
the Office of the Chief Financial
Officer, the Office of Environmental
Information, and the Office of
Administration and Resources
Management. In FY'06, this team
kfentified laboratory supplies as one
of the commodities/services that the
Agency coulo strategically source.
The Laboratory Supply Commodity
Team is currently working on the
contracting strategy. After much
consideration of all acquisition
options, the Team recommended the
solicitation be awarded as a Blanket
Purchase Agreement (BPA). The
BPA would cover a five year period
for the procurement of approx;matery
$5 million of laboratory supplies each
year. It is expected the use of this
process will result in approximately
$1 million o' savings each year.
Laboratory Supply Purchasing
Contract Under the Federal Strategic
Sourcing program. EPA is currently
pursuing an initiative to develop
Agency-wide contract mechanisms
to procure lab supplies. The
purpose of the Strategic Sourcing
initiative is to 'buy smarter" and
ultimately save money. About a
year ago a workgroup was formed
of representatives from all Agency
organizations that have labs. This
workgroup has (1) defined lab
supplies for purposes of this effort
(2) studied how lab supplies have
historically been purchased in EPA
(3) conducted market research
as to who has and can continue
to provide these supplies, and (4)
conceived an acquisition strategy
that will lead to more efficient buying
in the future. Currently, this effort
is in the acquisitk>n stage and hope
to have one (or multiple) contract
mechanisms awarded by the end of
this fiscal year.
Strategic Sourcing of appropriate
lab supplies and consolidation
of chemical, glassware, and
consumable items purchases to go
into effect October 2008.
No quantification o* savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
H^^^^^SBn^BIJ^HHH^^H^^^^HKIH^Hi^Hi^^^^HJII^^^HHHHH
^i^^^^^lfl
OAR/OR lA/National Air &
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
OAR/ORIWRadiation &
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
OAR/ORIA/Radiation 4
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory - Las
Vegas, NV
BaiiBi
3
3
5d
5d
F E P A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
i^ggQm
Purchasing /Strategic
Sourdng
Purchasing / Strategic
Sourcing
Purchasing / Strategic
Sourcing
Purchasing /Strategic
Sourcing
Purchasing / Strategic
Sourcing
Focus of ' , T . en-™, n« a. Reinvestment
Proiect . - Partners) W8 $ LnerSy Q"ier of Savings Description Commenls
Equipment
Procurement
Equipment
Procurement
Equipment
Procurement
Equipment
Procurement
Equipment
Procurement
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
$30,000
Additional BPAs could be developed
for supplies and services routinely
purchased from the same supplier(s).
Time savings for getting bids, and
delay purchase orders could be
substantial. Examples include:
Radiation standards, chemicals,
laboratory supplies, and portable
equipment calibration services.
Under the Federal Strategic
Sourcing program, EPA is currently
pursuing an initiative to develop
Agency-wide contract mechanisms
to procure lab supplies. About a
year ago a workgroup was formed
of representatwes from all Agency
organizations that have labs. This
workgroup has (1) defined lab
supplies for purposes of Ihis effort
(2) studied how lab supplies have
historically been purchased in EPA
(3) conducted market research
as to who has and can continue
to provide these supplies, and (4)
conceived an acquisition strategy
that will lead to more efficient buying
in the future. Currently, Ihis effort
is in the acquisition stage and hope
to have one (or multiple) contract
mechanisms awarded by the end of
this fecal year. There are two OAR
reps on this workgroup.
Additional BPAs could be developed
for supplies and services routinely
purchased from the same supplier(s)
by the ORIA Radiation laboratories.
Time savings for receiving bids,
and delayed purchase orders could
be substantial. Examples include
radiation standards and radiation
equipment.
Develop RERT standardization
when possible with sister lab,
FRMAC, National Buy purchases,
and Superfund. Time and cost
savings, by standardizing equipment
and leveraging buying in volume
and through National Buy BPAs.
Standardizing equipment and
operational readiness capabilities
to increases "seamless" abilities of
responders within the special teams
and within the ORIA RERT).
The laboratory has saved money
by acquiring used equipment
(generators and trailers) from DOD.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure QayirK)<.
AffartoH odvingS
MlicCteQ **
Laboratory Category ^^^^^|^^^| Section Project Partner(s) tyP6 $ Energy Other of Savings Description Comments
ORD/NHEERL-RTP, NC
ORD/NERL & NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS-RTP, NC
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Chemical
Sharing
Cooperative
Lab Services
Cooperative
Lab Services
ORD/NERL
Purchase
Analysis
Purchase
Up to $30,000
/Year
Prior to the NHEERL Toxicogenomics
Core (NTC) each health division was
purchasing their own reagents for
pie expression analysis. In many
cases the investigators could not
qualify for discounts througti bulk
orders and/or the reagents were
net used before the'r expiration
date. The NTC now is the sole entity
(for at feast the health divisions) in
purchasing reagents from Affymetrix.
This allows better control over the
use of the reagents minimizing
or eliminating waste and allowing
[he NTC to take advantage of cost
savings through bulk purchases.
NERL has had joint projects with
NRMRL in which NERL scientists
developed methodology which
supported NRMRL research (e.g.,
pipe loop studies to determine
organotin leaching and arsenic
mobility studies in distribution
systems). This type of research
collaboration likely improved
efficiency due to the joint location
of the laboratories (enhanced
communication) and the ability to
directly work with each other (as
opposed to other vehicles used to get
this work done).
NERL/HEASD has established
several Cooperative Research &
Development Agreements (CRADAs).
One agreement was developed with
Waters Corporation and provided
EPA with a LC/MS/MS system
(Waters Corporation Seed Equipment
(Sep-Pak® Concentrator, ACQUITY
UPLC™ System, Quattra Premier™
XE, MassLynx™ Software)). The total
value of the equipment provided to
EPA for research under the CRADA
is $420K. Another agreement was
signed with Wako Pure Chemical
Industries, Ltd. The cooperator is
providing supples, lab expenses and
some project related travel for the
total amount of $155 K.
The NTC was structured
and implemented as a way
to centralize toxicogenomic
reeds wittvn NHEERL.
The NTC accepts samples
from scientists within
NHEERL health divisions
and ecology labs, analyzes
gene expression on gene
chips and returns to
the investigator the raw
data or analyzed data,
depending on the needs of
the investigator. The core
consists o' 4 scientists who
carry out different aspects
of the work and equipment
for performing different
genomic assays. The NTC
was launched in October,
2006 and has carrKd out
a number of projects for
4 health divisions and two
ecology labs.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
HBslSaH^^^^B
ORD/NHEERL-RTP, NC
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
isnasa
i
i
r
n
r
X
X
A
X
•eaarauBH
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
mwAlilAU
Cooperative
Lab Services
Cooperative
Lab Services
•saiBaiaa
^•••BMVH^V
ORD/NRMRL
HufciH
Analysis
Services
^m^m
Approx. $400
/ Sample or
$200,000 /Year
over EA; Approx.
$15,000/Year
(annual cost
of contractor
Gene Expression
Analysis)
$80,000
•njjUHH
^^^^••^H
^H^MIMH^^H
^^^^H^^^^^^^^H
•JassmmsBM
B^m^^aJffi^^lHH
A number of NHEERL investigators
previously used Expression Analysis
(EA) for processing gene chips. EA
typically charged -$1000/sample
which included the costs of the chips
and reagents. The NIC charges
only for trie cost of the chips and
reagents (-$600). In addition
EA only gives the investigator the
unprocessed data (or marginally
analyzed data) whereas the NHEERL
Toxicogenomics Core INTO will give
the investigator up to a complete
analysis appropriate for a manuscript.
The Region 2 Laboratory provided
ongoing analytical support to Office
of research and Development (ORD)
on several research projects requiring
enumeration of Cryptosporidium
and Giardia. The collaboration
began with the analysis of combined
sewage overflows from multiple
sites throughout the eastern United
States. The effort required method
development that the Office of Water
is proposing as an EPA standard
method. The project success led
to examining storm water runoff for
these same parasites. More recently,
the laboratories teamed in evaluating
blending operations at wastewater
treatment plants. This cooperation
has proved valuable to ORD who
lack this analytical capability in
their Edison Laboratory. Sharing
the laboratory function provides the
necessary analytical quality control
without establishing duplicate
laboratory function. ORD estimates
the cost to contract Ihe analyses
of 142 samples and associated
QA samples to be about $80,000
Sharing (his capacity across
organizations will increase equipment
utilization, prevent purchasing
duplicate equipmenl, and allow
targeting of extramural resources.
m^QQijgQgim
The NTC was structured
and implemented as a way
to centralize toxicogenomic
needs within NHEERL
The NTC accepts samples
from scientists within
NHEERL health divisions
and ecology labs, analyzes
gene expression on gene
chips and returns to
the investigator the raw
data or analyzed data,
depending on the needs of
the investigator. The core
consists of 4 scientists who
carry out different aspects
of the work and equipment
for performing different
genomic assays. The NTC
was launched in October,
2006 and has carried out
a number of projects for
4 health divisions and two
ecology labs.
-------
^^^^^•^^•^^^^^•••••••••^^^^^•^•^^^••••••••^^^^^^^^^^^^•i
Laboratorv Cateeorv •^H^H^^O Section Praiecl Partner(s) ^Ps $ Ener8y °>her oFsavinss"
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS - RTP, NC
ORO/NHEERL/Western
Ecology Division - Corvallis,
OR
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Equipment
Sharing
Equipment
Sharing
Equipment
Sharing
Equipment
Sharing
Office of Ground
Water 4 Drinking
Water
ORD/NRMRL &
ORD/NHEERL
NOM
OSWER/ERT
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase
Purchase &
Space
^^— ^^^^
$250,000
$50,000 in
equipment;
$2,500 in
maintenance;
$50,000 in labor
^^^^^~
™^*^^~^^^^
^^_^_^
^^^ll^^^^^Q^^^I
Both OGWDW/TSC and NERL/
MCEARD have shared equipment
to develop analytical methods to
support OGWDW's drinking water
research needs. One project resulted
in the development of a joint method
for the measurement of perchlorate
in drinking water (i.e., NERL
scientists developed the method on
equipment provided by OGWDW).
An ongoing project by OGWDW is
utilizing NERL equipment to improve
methodology for haloacetic acids in
drinking water.
Field and laboratory equipment
is shared. Researchers burrow
equipment not in use from other
labs/locations (e.g. NRMRL-
Cincinnati provided some equipment
to RTP for its bioavailability research).
Currently, NERL shares some of its
instrument capabilities with NRMRL
and NHEERL which in return
share their unique equipment and
resources.
The Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch
of the division worked collaboratively
with NOAA in the EMAP Coastal
assessment of the west coast,
utilizing NOAA's ship, the McArthur
II. At a cost of $20,000 per day, the
EPA would have had to pay nearly
$250,000 for ship time had there
been no collaboration with NOAA.
The Region 2 Laboratory has a
main area that is dedicated to the
washing of laboratory glassware.
This glassware washing room is also
used by the contractor laboratory
that supports the Environmental
Response Team (ERT). The shared
service allows for the savings of the
staff, equipment and space that
would be required for a separate
glassware washing area for ERT. The
washer, including the water treatment
system, and dryer cost approximately
$50,000 and approximately
$2500 annually to maintain. The
personnel to operate the room cost
approximately $50,000 per year.
The sharing of the function permits
optimal use of the equipment, space
and staff for both laboratories.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^|
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
I^^^^^^^^^B
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory - Ann Arbor, Ml
OAR/OTAQ/National
Vehicle & Fuel Emissions
Laboratory -Ann Arbor, Ml
EHSHH
i
i
i
•HHSKiil&sSsliBHBi
F E P A
X
X
X
X
X
X
^i^^^^^n
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Focus of _ f , • „,. Reinvestment
Project Paitper(s) we . *, Energ¥ ..Other of Savings Description Comments
IT
Infrastructure
Purchasing
Purchasing
1
Defense Energy
Support Center,
GSA.4VA
Medical Centers
OARM-
Cincinnati
Contracts
Division
Operations &
Maintenance
Purchase
Contracts
Management
Approx. $25,000-
$100,000 /Year
$1,000,000
The close proximity of the RSTC
to the Regional Office has had
significant advantages in terms of
IT operations and support. While
a significant cost, at the time, the
two buildings are connected via
fiber optic cable. This arrangement
makes it practical to provide remote
IT operations and support from the
Regional Office eliminating the need
for additional resources located in
the RSTC to provide comparable
services. Thus the administration
of the Laboratory Information
Management System (LIMS) resides
in the RSTC.
Follow on contract is currently
being developed by the Defense
Energy Support Center (DESC)
for natural gas. NVFEL has been
using this contract mechanism to
purchase natural gas since 1996.
By combining our requirements
with GSA and VA Medical Centers in
Detroit and Saginaw, DESC is able
to maximize volume discounts not
available individually.
Fully integrated equipment contracts
saved $1M in the NVFEL Certification
Test Sites Modernization Program
that would have cost $14M,
Partnering with OARM's Cincinnati
Contracts Division resulted in creative
use of thorough performance
specifications that required the
equipment providers also ensure
integration to all existing test site
safety, facility and operational
systems. Due to intense competition
to win these contracts, some bidders
performed all the integration work
at no cost to the government.
Coupled with clear incentives and
disincentives, these contracts came
in on time and below cost.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure €-,„!„,,.
Affected Savings
Laboratory Category ^^^^^I^^I^Oj Section
ORD/NERLSNRMRL/
Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
ORD/NHEERL/Western
Ecology Division - Corvallis,
OR
ORD/NHEERL/Western
Ecology Division - Corvallis,
OR
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
Region 8 -Golden, CO
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Project Partner(s) TVPe * Enerey Other of Savings Description Comments
Purchasing
Purchasing
Purchasing
Purchasing
Purchasing
ORD/NERL
DOE
uses
Washington State
Department of
Ecology
19
Purchase
Operations &
Maintenance
Operations 4
Maintenance
Analysis
Purchase
$165,700 from
2005-2008
(Including
Refurbishment
Costs)
$60,000 /Year
$59,000 /Year
1 he pursuit of cross-laboratory and
-division partnerships for capital
equipment acquisitions. Recent
examples o! such action include the
purchase of; (1) a DNA Analyzer
in 2005 for approximately $325K
that is used by NERL/MCEARD and
NRMRL/WSWRD-, and (2) a Real-
Time PCR Thermocycler purchased
in 2006 for approximately $90K that
is used by NERL/MCEARD, NRMRL/
WSWRD, and OW/TSC. This efficient
approach to acquiring large ticket
items is promoted by giving h!gh
priority to caplal equipment requests
that demonstrate they would benefit
multiple organizations. This "best
practice" will continue to be utilized
by the ORD capital equipment
committee.
The division currently has an IAG
with DOE to utilize the terracosm
facilities at the Corvallis main campus
not currently needed for research
by the division. In this IAG, besides
recuperating operational costs,
the division obtained one-time
recovery of refurbishment costs of
the terracosms (which had been
moth-balled).
The division currently has an IAG
with USGS to utilize facilities at the
Willamette Research Station not
currently needed for use by the
division. In this IAG, we recuperate
the operational costs of the facility,
includ:ng maintenance, landscaping,
utilities, etc.
The Region 10 Laboratory is
collocated with the Washington
State Department of Ecology. This
arrangement is implemented through
an Inter-agency agreement that
allows the Region to utilize the skills
of some of the Department of Ecology
staff with specific analytical expertise
(e.g. the State asbestos technician
is able to provide peer review of the
sole EPA asbestos analyst's data).
Vertere Chemical Inventory Group
Purchase- annual technical support
agreement providing benefits such
as group web based training and
development of Agency reports.
Although prices paid are
given, no quantification
of the actual savings is
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification o! savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^Bffl^wuME&SoH!
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
Region 7 • Kansas City, KS
Region 7 • Kansas City, KS
Esgnsa
i
i
i
i
r
X
X
X
X
n
r
A
•KSaSBI
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
HaaHaMI
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
•ifliiiTjioa
Customs &
Border Protection
Ambient Air
Monitoring Team
OECA
Ambient Water
Monitoring
Team & Water
Compliance
Team
i^Uiiifll
Energy &
Space
Space
Space
Space
m^H
Approx. $80,000
/ Year due to
sharing of facility
expenses
mourn
^•BHMMH^H^I
^^^Bnjl'UII.H.III^^^^H
•atAl'iliHH
^^^m^g^i^g^^^^^i
CBP's Scientific Services Laboratory
was located in New Orleans.
Hurricane Katrina forced the
relocation of their operations
to Houston. Through a MOU
agreement, CBP is utilizing laboratory
space at the Region 6 Laboratory
while going through the process
of building a new facility. During
this time facility expenses are
being supplemented based on
square footage usage by CBP. Also
during this time, CBP chemists are
collaborating with R6 chemists and
sharing equipment and reagents
where possible. CBP will share
space with the Region 6 Laboratory
at least two years. It is expected
that the collaboration aspect of
this relationship will continue after
CBP moves into its new facility in
the greater Houston area. Their
association with the Department
of Homeland Security could make
them a valuable asset to the Region .
6 Laboratory for any development of
capabilities in this area.
A laboratory which is approximately
569 square feet is utilized by the
Ambient Air Monitoring Team located
in the Environmental Services
Division. This team uses the space
for setting up and operating reference
instrumentation for checking air
monitoring equipment for the entities
operating the local area networks
throughout the region. Also, the area
is used for storage of equipment as
well as providing a clean area for
working on air monitoring equipment
and instrumentation.
Agriculture Information Center,
OECA. This unit which consists of 2
permanent EPA FTEs, 3-5 part-time
EPA employees and one contractor,
occupies an area of about 1500
square feet. The space consists
of two private offices, 4 open area
cubicles, and a large room. The
operations are administrative support
in nature.
Approximately 550 square feet
is used by the Ambient Water
Monitoring Team and Water
Compliance Team, both of which are
also in the Environmental Services
Division, and also serves as area for
preparing for field investigations and
inspections as well.
^•PwiiUIJill-BBlia!
"••^^^^^^""•^""•"••a*
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^^^^MllttClfl^^^^^^
^^l^^^^^^^l
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team,ANDORD/NRMRL/
UWMB , Edison, NJ
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS-RTP, NC
•Klra^JH r t r A
I
2
3
X
X
X
X
^Hslsulu^H
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
•aifflESI^^lgiiniaiH^^^BHa^B
Space
Utilization
Space
Utilization
Centers of
Excellence/
"Cores"
ASPECT Team,
National Decon
Team
ORD/NRMRL&
ORD/NHEERL
Space
Energy
Purchase &
Maintenance
mmmm
$1,000 /Year
tnergy umer of Savings Description Comments
40 Million
BTUs
ASPECT Team, National Decon
Team. This team consists of 2
EPA REs and 2 contractors. They
occupy an area of approximately
300 square feet consisting of 4 open
area cubicles. They also have the
need for laboratory space for certain
operations have been provided a
small laboratory consisting of about
220 square feet.
Various on-site groups currently
maintain records storage rooms
at several locations on site. It is
proposed to construct a central
records management and storage
room that will accommodate all
of these functions. The proposed
room would include secured high-
density filing systems, space for a
records management contractor, and
facilities for controlled public access
and photocopying. Consolidating
this function would eliminate 4 to
6 contractor positions and free up
approximately 1000 square feet of
space. Estimated energy savings
from this project are 40 MBTU per
year and $1,000.
As part of the Analytical Chemistry
Center of Excellence, NERUHEASD is
planning a pilot to increase the ability
to share analytical capabilities in RTP
with NHEERL, NRMRL, and NHSRC.
So far local contacts for each
organization have been identified and
conversations on how to implement
the measure have started. The
measure will be formalized through
a memorandum of understanding.
To get the laboratories started, a
B & F request for a centralized
lab glassware washing facility has
been submitted. The facility will
support NERL, NHEERL, NRMRL
and NHSRC.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
|||BH8fr|i||^{ij^jHyMi
ORD/NHEERL-RTP,NC
ORD/NHEERL-RTP, NC
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS - RTF, NC
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
mmm
3
3
3
3
r
c
X
X
r
"Y"
X
M
X
X
^HBiSBB
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
amreaag
Centers of
Excellence/
"Cores"
Centers of
Excellence /
"Cores"
Chemical
Sharing
Purchasing
^^jffiiplffliU
National Institute
of Environmental
Health Sciences
US Navy Fuel
Depots, US
National Marine
Fisheries Service
main
Purchase,
Operations &
Maintenance
Purchase,
Operations &
Maintenance
Purchase
Purchase
& Contracts
Management
I^MMK
Approx. $10,000
/ Year in reagents;
Approx. $30,000 /
Year in equipment
.maintenance
agreements.
$3,000 /Year
msmfM
R^^HyUlEUHMl
•MHHiiMiymiiffli
HjBBBBBBtaB
^^^^^iBSSuJJg^^^^^
NHEERL Toxicogenomics Core
(NIC). There is an opportunity
for having centralized microarray
resources within all of EPA. There
is a smaller microarray core lab that
also processes samples in NERL
Consolidating the cores could save
in reagents and costs of equipment
maintenance. There will be
additional cost savings if only one lab
purchases upgrades to the standard
equipment.
NHEERL-ORD Analytical Chemical
Core. An RTF workgroup within
OR D's National Health and
Environmental Research Laboratory
looking at analytical chemistry
support found that there was a
persistent shortage of scientists
available to meet the analytical
chemistry needs of the laboratory
and that specialized equipment
was underused. The workgroup
recommended that a consolidated
analytical chemistry facility would
increase analytical chemistry
capabilities, be more efficient and
make sure that NHEERL's resources
and FTE are focused on the highest
priority work. The target date for
implementation is May 2007.
Collaboration with the National
Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences (NIEHS) to identify
opportunities to utilize solvents
distilled at NIEHS.
There may be some cost savings
that could be realized by partnering
on common purchases, contracts,
etc., with the U.S. Navy Fuel Depot
and U.S. National Marine Fisheries
Service, both of which are located
near the Laboratory.
^•BifflBiHiiEMBi
The NTC was structured
and implemented as a way
to centralize toxicogenomic
needs within NHEERL.
The NTC accepts samples
from scientists within
NHEERL health divisions
and ecology labs, analyzes
gene expression on gene
chips and returns to
the investigator the raw
data or analyzed data,
depending on the needs of
the investigator. The core
consists of 4 scientists who
carry out different aspects
of the work and equipment
for performing different
genomic assays. The NTC
was launched in October,
2006 and has carried out
a number of projects for
4 health divisions and two
ecology labs.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure oavin«:
AffArt»H odVlngS
^^^^^^/\(IcCl6^^^^^^^^
Laboratory Category ^^^^^^^^^B Section Project Partner(s) ^P6 * Energy Other of Savings Description Comments
Region 5- Chicago, IL
Region 8 -Golden, CO
ORD/NERL/HEASD & OAR/
OAQPS-RTP, NC
Regk>r,8-Golden,CO
Region 6- Houston, TX
3
4
4
4
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Space
Utilization
Chemical
Sharing
Cooperative
Lab Services
Purchasing
Space
Utilization
DHS Water
Quality Division
6
Customs &
Border Protection
Purchase 4
Space
Purchase
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Space
Purchase
Energy &
Space
Potential 10-20%
reduction in rent
& utilities
Satellite lab in Cleveland Office was
closed in 2006. Glassware and some
chemicals were transferred to the
regional lab. Transforming the lab
space to office space will reduce the
rental cost for the office each yea'
since office space is less costly than
lab space. It w.ll provide more usable
work space for that facility.
Homeland Security/Water Quality
Division is proposing a group
purchase/distribution of ultra-dilute
standards and Proficiency Evaluation
samples for some analytical tests
relevant to Homeland Security.
Barriers exist for purchasing and
managing this procurement and for
commitment to Homeland Security
support.
It was suggested that the creation
of interdisciplinary teams would
increase efficiencies across the
different laboratories. It would be
helpful to develop a corporate view
of ORD or EPA where labs A centers
see each other as complimentary
and not competitors. It was also
suggested that roles for positions
should be clearly defined and
revised sporadically. If the role is
obsolete, the function would be
revised and personnel assigned to
updated roles. Barriers: Current
organizational structure and the
particular operational cultures ol
each laboratory.
Six of ten regional labs use Premium
ELEMENT. There may be some
coltective bargaining that could take
place with this vendor with significant
savings to the agency. Barrier: An
agency representative to setup this
purchase has not been proposed.
Opportunities to build a joint
laboratory facility with CBP has been
hampered by the lack of authority
to make official efforts to procure
new facility space. Barriers: The
window of opportunity has been
small, and the lack of ability trj make
a commitment to this project has
caused it to fall out of the realm of
possibilities. Potential cost savings
could have been significant through
sharing cost of common space (such
as, conference room, reception,
storage, mechanical/electrical rooms,
HVAC use, etc). Other efficiencies
would have been even more
signi'icant in energy savings for a
new facility.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of
savings provided. Barriers
to implementation not
specified. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^IfJggElffl^^^l
Region 6- Houston, TX
Region 6 - Houston, TX
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
^psna
4
5a
5b
r
X
u
r
X
X
X
^B£ggiQjmi
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
•8B1EBM
Space
Utilization
Cooperative
Lab Services
Centers of
Excellence /
"Cores"
|ggy
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure c,./.™.
^^^Affecteo^^^ Savings
Laboratory Category ^^H^^^^^l Section Prefect Partner(s) TyP6 $ Ener«y other ofSavines" Description Comments
ORD/NERL/HEASD & OAR/
OAQPS - RTP, NC
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS - RTP, NC
ORD/NERL/HEASD&OAR/
OAQPS- RTP, NC
OAR/ORIA/NationalAir&
Radiation Environmental
Laboratory - Montgomery,
AL
5b
5b
5b
5d
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Resource Sharhg
Resource Sharhg
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Chemical
Sharing
Cooperative
Lab Services
Purchasing
Cooperative
Lab Servfces
NIST, DRI, &
the University of
Wisconsin
NRMRL
ORD/ORIA, ORD/
NHSRC, & OEM
Purchase
Analysis
Analysis
$45,000-$50,COO
/Year
$20,000
EPA-NERUHEASD, NIST, DRI, and
the University of Wisconsin came
together due to a common need:
organic speciatton standards. Each
participant invested a minimal
amount or resources ($20K) to
develop the needed standards.
Once the standards were developed
each organization was able to
obtain the standards without cost.
The knowledge gained from this
process is considered invaluable
RECOMMENDED
NERL-RTP has several examples
where working with other collocated
labs has resulted in cost savings.
An example is apportionment work
done with NRMRL. NERL had an
instrument that NRMRL needed.
NRMRL had the standards, that
NERL needed. The two labs came
together to perform the organic
speciatbn work and shared what they
had. They also shared the cost of a
student. NERL saved $ 20K in the
process o( performing this research.
RECOMMENDED
There is an agreement with GL
Sciences that is estimated to
provide the agency with estimated
$ 71K in-kind cortnbutions for a
perfluorinated compounds project.
An agreement with R. J. Lee Group is
also in place for microscopy research
and is estimated that the in-kind
contribution would be $ 100K.
RECOMMENDED
ORD-ORIA,OEMandORD's
National Homeland Security
Research Center (NHSRC) signed
an MOU in which NAREl serves as a
Radiological Reference Laboratory for
fixed radiological laboratory activities
and issues in support of NHSRC .
We are currently developing rapid
methods for select radionuclides
primarily to support the Agency's
incident response capabilities
Type of savings not
specified and no
quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
^^^^wedet^^^^ 6
laboratory Category- j^^^^^^^^^S Section Project , Partner(s) !yPe ..' $ Energy ...,.Plh,at .. of Savings Description Comments
OSWER/Environmental
Response Team -Edison,
NJ
Region 9 - Richmond, CA
OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory -St. Louis, MS
5d
5d
1
X
X
X
X
X
Resource Sharing
Resource Sharing
Water Conservation
Cooperative
Lab Services
Cooperative
Lab Services
Lab
Equipment
ORD/NHSRC,
ODD, & DHS
Analysis
Purchase,
Analysis, &
Disposal
Water
REAC chemists, in conjunction with
EPA, OOD and DHS, conducted
real-time ambient air perimeter
monitoring around several buildings
to accurately measure any fugitive
emissions from the chlorine dioxide
fumigation systems used to treat
Bacillus species spores. With EPA
ORD and the Decontamination and
Management Division of the NHSRC,
REAC analytical personnel provided a
means to transport sorbent tubes in
and out of Canada, provide analytical
subcontracting of TO-17 and TO-11
analyses, validate critical data and
assist with the preparation of the
Quality Assurance Project Plan for a
decontamination exercise of building
material coupons inside of a trailer.
Prior to mobile air monitoring, REAC
chemists developed and validated
methodologies using MS/MS to
accurately measure in real-time
any potential emissions that may
pose a risk to. human health or the
environment. Cost savings and
efficiency were improved through
cooperation and consultation with
multiple agency resources and
focusing on a goal-oriented effort.
The Regional Laboratory network has
a long history of providing assistance
if a Regional Laboratory is unable
to accommodate a request within
their region due to either capacity or
capability limitations. Among other
things, this cooperative relationship
means that when it is not feasible for
a regional laboratory to develop its
own analytical capability, it can rely
on the network to provide analyses
when needed. In FY 2006, the
Region 9 Laboratory provided TPH
analyses for samples from Region
5. In turn, the Region 5 Laboratory
provided anatysis for semi-volatiles
by Method 625 for samples from
Region 9. In the past, the Region
9 Laboratory has also made
arrangements with the Region 7
Laboratory to perform analysis of air
samples for dioxin and has received
analytical assistance from the Region
[Laboratory when the ICP-MS at
the Region 9 Laboratory was down
for repairs.
Added plastic washing tubs into the
laboratory sinks to reduce the volume
of water used in the cleaning of
laboratory glassware and equipment.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED. .
-------
Part(S)AffettedrUC'Ure Savin6s
Uboratory Category ^H^9^^H9 Section Project Partnerts) ^P6 $ Energ/ Other o^SavinRS11 Description Comments
OR OVNRMRL/Groind Water
& Ecosystems Restoration
Division -Ada, OK
Region 10 -Manchester,
WA
OAR/ORIA/Radia6on&
Indoor Environments
National Laboratory -Las
Vegas, NV
Region 1-Chelmsford, MA
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Lab
Equipment
Lab
Equipment
Landscaping
Landscaping
Energy*
Water
Energy &
Water
Energy 4
Water
Energy
$l,500/Year
Not Possible to
Estimate
12,600 Galtois of
Water /Year
The GWERD laboratory glassware
washsr was replaced in 2004.
Speci'ications for the new glassware
washer included the requirement that
"Each water fill must not exceed 9.25
gallons." The purchased system uses
9.1 gallons of water per fill. The old
washers use 12.6 gallons per water fill.
In a wash routine utilizing 5 fife, this
di'ference translates into 17.5 gallons
each time the washer is used. If the
washer is used 15 times a week for 48
weeks, this would translate to savings
of 12,600 gallons of water per year.
Low water consumption also means
reduction in electrical cost to heat me
water, less detergent needed for each
cycte, and kwer sewage costs.
Reprogrammed the autoclaves so that
they do not run water through the
systems cont;nuously but only during
use. Installation of a water-saving valve
in one of the autoclaves has further
reduced water use.
Desert xeriscape landscaping
incorporated into new Secure ER Asset
Building. Scheduled for occupancy
in 2007.
NERL's landscaping design and
maintenance program follows water
conservation and environmental
protection principles, which do
translate into cost savings. The
Laboratory's lawn is a natural system
with mostly native grasses, wild
flowers, and shrubs. The landscaping
is adapted to the local climate, with
fcttte additional water, minimal cutting,
and no fertilizer or pesticides. This
program o* no watering, no chemicals
and only cutt'ng the grass yearly clearly
reduces pollution {e.g., air pollution
and pesBckie runoff) and helps create
habitat for wildlife. It also helps save
money, by reducing the manpower,
gasoline, chemicals and water
needed to maintain the landscape.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible
to estimate the cost savings.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
•••••jj^^^^ffl^l^ijgga^^BBiMBBBi^^^H^^^^^HBBEHHBBMii^M^^^^^^^BBB^^^B^^^^K
I^^^^S^^^HH
Region 4- Athens, GA
OARM - RTP, NC
OARM-RTP, NC
BBBB F E P A
1
1
1
X
X
X
^^^^^^^^1
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Focus of - T ., _ .... Reinvestment
Proiect .Partnerfc), ..Type 5 Energy ^ Other of Savings Description Comments .
'
Landscaping
Maintenance
/ Repair
Maintenance
/ Repair
«___
_— ^_
Water
Water &
Maintenance
Water&
Maintenance
Savings Not Yet
Known
$24,5495.07 in
potential water
damage repair
" costs
$1,500,000 in
potential water
damage repair
costs
1
• '—'—'-—
^^_^__~—
A water moisture sensor was installed
in September 2006 which controls
when the automatic lawn sprinklers are
activated. In addition, the constant
flow of water supplied to the fish
preparations lab was disconnected,
and is now turned on only when it is
necessary for use. At the same time
these water management initiatives .
were being evaluated, a leak was
discovered that had been active for
over a year. Consequently, savings
attributable to the water management
improvements cannot be quantified,
since they are overshadowed by
correction of the leak.
On 18 March 2007 we had the
unfortunate experience of having
a faulty supply line to the Oracor
De-lonization System (01) fail in
Area E
-------
' •'"''Affected'"0"''6 Sa™6s
^•^•HIIM^^W Focus of T * - -.. Reinvestment
Laboratory Category •^•^•j^BB Section Proiect Partner(s) We »
BIBIiBmiB
WA
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team,ANDORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRU
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Maintenance
/ Repair
Maintenance
/Repair
Maintenance
/ Repair
Maintenance
/ Repair
Maintenance
/ Repair
Operations &
Maintenance
Water
Water
Water
Water
$300 /Year
$2, 150 /Year
$220 /Year
Reduction in
time required for
maintenance
500,000 Gallons of
Water /Year
50,000 Gallons of
Water /Year
•nliCTRnnfM
^^^^KVMVanv^^^^^
By determining that maintenance staff
was flushing eye wash stations at a
greater frequency and volume than
necessary, the Laboratory was able to
change this procedure.
In 2004 the preventive maintenance
program for fire hydrants and fire
sprinkler systems was modified to
reduce the amount of time that the
systems were flushed on a regular
basis. The previous program called
for each hydrant and sprinkler system
to be flushed for 20 minutes. The
new program calls for each hydrant
and sprinkler main drain to be opened
up fully and immediately shut down.
The water supply system is then
flushed from a single hydrant at the
back of the facility. The savings from
this modification are approximately
500,000 gallons per year and $2,150.
The preventive maintenance program
for showers and eyewashes was
modified to decrease the amount
of time each fixture is flushed. The
previous program called for each
fixture to be flushed for 5 minutes
every week. The new program calls
for verification of the operation of
each fixture flushing for one minute
every 2 weeks. The savings from this
modification are approximately 50,000
gallons per year and $220.
The fire sprinkler system for the
building is not charged, therefore,
eliminating the need for flashing
the system periodically. The system
does not become charged with water
until two detectors are activated
simultaneously.
The procedures for checking the
operation of eye washes and safety
showers was modified from requiring
a 5 minute flush of each fixture to
an operational check to verify proper
operation and ftow rates. This has
significantly reduced the use of water
for these tests.
^^KSMI^OT^H^H
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
HB^Baamfilfiiimj^^^H
Region 2, OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team, AND ORD/NRMRL/
UWMB - Edison, NJ
Region 7 -Kansas City, KS
ORD/NERUEnvironmental
Sciences Division - Las
Vegas, NV
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
Region 7 - Kansas City, KS
Region 10 - Manchester,
WA
HH*n-««-j»'j«
1
1
1
1
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
noistuan
Rainwater
Recovery
Rainwater
Recovery
Reduced-
Flow Fixtures
System Water
Recovery
System Water
Recovery
Water
Treatment
^KXsluUau2^B
HBH^H_MIIIBB
BBHMBi
Water
Water
Water
Water
Water
Purchase
^•MH
$4,500 /Year
$4, 100 from
2004 to present;
$9,600 Projected
total savings from
2004-2011
$2,450/Year
mamsam
1,040,000 Gallons
Water /Year
825,000 Gallons of
Water /Year
Approx. 600,000
Gallons of Water /Year
Approx. 150,000
Gallons of Water /Year
BulKUUUIiSB
^^^^^^^^gggimjjm^^^^^^g
The NRMRL/UWMB Laboratory
contractor uses reclaimed storm water
(or research and development instead
of using water from the facility water
supply system. The purpose of this
laboratory is to research storm water
in the urban environment, so the
reclaimed storm water is well suited for
this purpose. If reclaimed storm water
was not used il would be necessary to
use treated tap water that had various
chemical and filtering treatments
applied to make it an accurate
analytical replacement for storm
water. The estimated savings from this
program is approximately 1,040,000
gallons per year and $4500.
The RSTC was built with a rainwater
collection system. The system consists
of collecting the runoff from the roof
drains in an underground 10,000
gallon storage tank. The water from
this recovery system is used for toilet
flushing and for supplementing the
make-up water for the cooling towers.
Several steps have been taken
to reduce the water usage of the
laboratory. These steps include
replacing: i) thirty water closets and
their flush valves with low flow motion
sensitive units; ii) twenty urinals
and their flush valves with low flow
motion sensitive units; and iii) forty
lavatory faucets with low flow motion
sensitive units.
Recovery of condensate water from the
building air handling units during the
cooling season. The project consisted
of re-piping the condertsate water to
a small holding tank from which the
condensate water was pumped into the
rainwater collection system.
Recovery of water from the reverse
osmosis system. This project consisted
of re-piping the flow of the backflow
water from the reverse osmosis system
to allow it to be pumped into the
rainwater collection system.
The Region 10 Laboratory has a
number of water polishing units. The
cartridges for these units have an
expiration date of one year; however,
the Laboratory continues to use them
after this expiration date, provided
water quality results comply with
the manufacturer's specifications on
performance. This cost saving equates
to $2450/year (assuming an additional
year of use for the seven cartridges).
•••aa!aimain.j«uiua
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Part(s) of Infrastructure cavino*
A(f«i-t«H OdvingS
MilcCKJQ
Laboratory Category ^^^H^^^^^^S Section Project Partner(s) Type $ Energy Other of Savings Description Comments
Regjon 10 - Manchester,
WA
ORD/NERUEcosystems
Research Division -
Athens, GA
Region 6 - Houston, TX
ORD/NERL&NRMRL/
Andrew W. BrekJenbach
Environmental Research
Center -Cincinnati, OH
Region 7 -Kansas City, KS
1
2
3
3
3
X
X
X
X
X
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water
Treatment
Water Use
Management
Landscaping
Reduced-
Flow Fixtures
Water Use
Management
Energy
Water
Water
Water
Water
Savings Not Yet
Known
<$100/Year
The Region 10 Laboratory's water
treatment program has been improved,
increasing the efficiency of thermal
transference and extending operational
life of all water-related mechanical
systems.
Implement ERD's Water Management
Plan - - Within the next two years ERD
plans to implement recommendations
in the plan which will save
approximately 900,000 gallons of
municipally supplied water per year.
These actions include: i) replacing
the existing autoclave; ii) upgrading
sarvtary fixtures; ii) installing air
handler condensate recovery system;
and tv) using on-site well for irrigation
and cooing tower makeup.
Install a rain/freeze sensor and/or
sc-l moisture indicator for the current
8-zoned lawn sprinkler system.
Continue to practice water conservation
practices. Continue to work with
Lessor to develop additional xeriscape
concepts (i.e., tes! beds front entrance}
through current base lease agreement.
Initial cost estimate $500.00.
Installation of water savings faucets/
fixtures throughout the EPA
Cincinnati facilities would save water
consumption.
Continued exploration of additional
options for reducing water usage. In
order to proceed, a detaled water use
study should be completed to verify
water needs, to evaluate trends in
water usage, and to ascertain water
discharges throughout the facility. The
results of such a study would provide
critical information for evaluating
potential water use reduction projects
for consideration.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
ni^^^^^^^^H
Region 3 AND OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Science
Center, Fort Meade, MD
Region 3 AND OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Science
Center, Fort Meade.MD
jBa8J8HI
4
4
F
X
X
E
P
A
HBSi^HI
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
•aHBKSM
System Water
Recovery
System Water
Recovery
•gUBHlSa
^^BIB^IBBBaaa^
BuB
Water
Water
BRB
^•ujglfM
i^^^^^^^^^DKI
•PflA&flli&ll
^^^^B^^g^^^^^^l
Reuse of Condensate Water. One of
the condensates we have is water as a
result of the steam we use to heat the
building. Another condensate is the
water that comes off the air handling
units in the summer. Barriers:
Unfortunately, the quality of the water
is an unknown. It's not treated and
it is potentially laden with any mold,
bacteria, dirt and grime that it picks
up along the way. It also may be
considerably acidic depending on the
air quality conditions outside. If we
could treat it, the problem is storage
capacity. The toilets would be a logical
use for gray water. Unfortunately, the
plumbing system changes to allow for
gray water in the urinals and toilets
isn't a quick and easy fix (i.e., the
cost of the change is more costly than
disposing of the water.) The discharge
from any of the condensate systems is
all inconsistent and periodic. Planning
and managing them to be reused is not
always cost efficient.
Reuse of Deionized (Dl) Water. When
we run the system there is about 2
gallons/minute of water that is used to
flush the reverse osmosis part of the
system so that we can continuously
deliver 17 MO water. Up to roughly
1,300 gallons per day could be
generated, but we are not sure how we
can reuse the water that is used for the
Dl. Barriers: It can't be added to our
domestic water supply, and il can't be
used for our other closed loop systems.
We don't have a large storage capacity
for this water, and we'd have to invest
in some type of plumbing to move it to
where it would be used in the building.
Not a cheap option. We may be able
to engineer a return of some of the
water to the basement systems.
I^^^^^^^^^^H
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Paft(s) of Infrastructure c, •„„
Affected Savings
^^^^^QJ^^^^H
Region 4- Athens, GA
Regon2,OSWER/
Environmental Response
Team. AND ORD/NRMRU
UWMB - Edison, NJ
ORD/NERLSNRMRU
Andrew W. BreMenbach
Environmental Research
Center - Cincinnati, OH
Region 3 AND OPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Science
Center, Fort Meade, MO
Reg«l3ANDOPPTS/OPP/
Environmental Sconce
Center, Fort Meade, MD
IBuSBnM
4
5a
5a
5a
5a
F E P A
X
X
X
X
X
Focus of T , ,. -.. Reinvestment
Section Proiect Partner(s) W6 * EnergV otner of Savings Description Comments
Water Conservation
Water Con servation
Water Conservatioi
Water Conservation
Water Conservation
Water Heating
Maintenance
/ Repair
Reverse
Osmosis/
Deionizatiofi
System
Reverse
Osmosis /
Deionizafon
System
Water
Treatment
Energy
Water
Energy &
Water
Water
Water
$1,000 /Year
$1,700 /Year
400,000 Gallons of
Water /Year
Reduction in ratio of
city waiendistiHed water
from 8:1 to 1:1
500,000-750,000
Gallons of Water /Year
Hot water in the SESO facility is
generated differently between two
water systems. (1) one system consists
of a men's and women's restroom
and a break room . A 40-ga!ton gas
hot water heater is used to generate
hot water. (2) a second system
provides hot water to two men's and
two women's restrooms, with showers,
and 36 laboratories. Hot water is
provided by three 77 gallon boilers.
The estimated hot water generation
costis$2,000i/yr. Replacing these with
gas tankless hoi water heaters could
achieve an estimated 50% savings or
$l,000/yr. Barriers: Installation costs
are estimated to be approximately
$14,500. The SESD facility is leased,
and approval would be required from
the balding owner. A more detailed
evaluation would be required before
implementing.
The water distribution system for the
facility was replaced in 1996. This
work eliminated several leaks that
accounted for over half of the water
consumed by the facility. Estimated
savings from this work is approximately
400,000 gallons per year and $1,700.
Lab Water RO/Dl System.
Replacement of the original distilled
water system with reverse osmosis,
deionized water system. New system
produces high quality lab water more
efficiently, and eliminates the need to
run a large boiler after hours solely to
produce lab distilled water. This project
resulted in significant water savings.
Prior to installation 8 gallons of city
water was required make one gallon
of distilled. Since the installation the
ration is now 1:1.
Revisited lab deionization water system
with a constant reverse osmosis
operation requiring back flush water.
The reduced operations of the 01
unit from 24/7 to 12 on 12 off and off
during weekends saved approximately
0.5-0.75 mtiion gallons per year.
Installed dry chemical feed to water
treatment system for bo'lers and
chillers. The previous wei chemical
method used too much water. The
new system reduced backflushing
by allowing for tighter water quality
conditions and allows for the
introduction of biocides to reduce the
poten^al for Leglonefla type material
into the systems.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
-------
Region 6-Houston, TX
Landscaping
Monitor and control outside watering
system with greater efficiency. This
could include installation of new
zone controllers and monitoring
systems/sensors. Current system is
approximately 17 years old.
No quantification of savings
provided. FURTHER
INQUIRY NEEDED.
------- |