UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
MAJOR ACTIONS AND DECISIONS
May 1983-May 1984
This is a report reviewing the major actions and decisions
during the past twelve months. The report is based on inter-
views with each of the Assistant Administrators, other EPA staff
material prepared by each of the programs and various agency
documents.
I. OVERVIEW
EPA's accomplishments during the last 12 months can be
grouped into five broad categories:
1. Strengthening Public Trust by Opening the Agency
The commitment made by the Administrator to function in
a "fishbowl" is perceived by many of the Assistant Adminis-
trators -as one of the major accomplishments. Public trust
in EPA—and in Government in general—has improved because
of this commitment to explain how decisions are made and to
be responsive to the public.
Not only does it signal a commitment to act fairly and
publicly, it has also had another effect that one of the
Assistant Administrator's describes this way: "EPA had
tended to forget the public. We had developed a habit of
dealing only with industry, environmental'.organizations,
and Congress. Now, for the first time we are dealing
directly with the public itself." That encourages EPA
to explain its methodology and rationale in a manner
that the public understands. EPA is more sensitive to
the needs and interests of various publics, e.g., high
sulfur coal miners, Caribbean citrus producers. And EPA
is talking directly with the public 'instead of communicat-
ing through emissaries.
2. Improvements in Morale and Performance
Morale throughout the Agency has improved dramatically.
There is a renewed sense of mission, a reinvigorated commitment
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to the public, a momentum to finish work that has languished, an
urge to launch new initiatives, a desire to act decisively, a
far more cooperative intra-agency attitude, and a firmer inter-
agency stance. The implementation of the recommendations of
the National Academy of Public Administration report further
strengthen the Agency. While these are largely intangible
improvements, they are widely perceived to be the fundamental
accomplishments, the bedrock upon which all other accomplish-
ments rest.
3. Strengthening of Agency Management
There is a widely-shared view that the improved planning,
priority-setting, and tracking system that is operating through-
out the Agency, and the recommendations of the various task
forces have already had a positive impact on the Agency's opera-
tions and that as they become routinized—through, for example,
the timely completion of the annual operating guidance--they
will be an enduring contribution that will stabilize the Agency
well into the future.
Increased attention paid to both the delegation of addi-
tional responsibility to the States and to more effective
oversight is setting the stage for much improved Federal-State
relations and for more effective actions.
As EPA matured and as issues became more complex, there
was a loss of direction and a diminished ability to establish
achievable priorities. EPA was tending toward an increasingly
reactive mode of operation. Old issues languished undecided;
emerging issues were sometimes ignored. Employees and the
public now have a much better idea about where the Agency is
going. Taxpayers' money can be spent far more productively
in this new ..environment. Citizens can judge our performance
based on concrete goals we set for ourselves.
4. Actions and Decisions
EPA has been at work even while renovations have been
underway. During the past year the Agency has produced numer-
ous decisions, some of which had been deferred, some of which
were decided differently than they would have been, and some
of which have set vital precedents for the future. While some
areas of weakness remain, every EPA program can justly boast
of major actions undertaken during the past year which would
probably have not otherwise occurred.
A serious analysis of the quality of decision-making is
.beyond the scope of this report. It has been noted by many
of your staff, however, that there are some obvious changes
in the manner in which decisions have been made. Among the
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changes are (1) a self-conscious desire to ensure that the
decision-making process is "transparent," i.e., that Agency
staff and the public fully understand the process and who is
involved; (2) a much more consciously deliberative and method-
ical approach to the making of a decision? (3) an expanded
search for options and a willingness to make more, complex
decisions; (4) a diligent search for a middle-ground and an
unwillingness to be forced toward extreme positions, and
(5) an increasingly effective system for incorporating the
insights and input of all the constituencies concerned about
a particular decision.
5. Commitment for the Future
Restoring an enduring, unshakable commitment to the
Agency's primary goals—the protection of the environment
and public health—has been a major goal during the past year.
Throughout the Agency, there is a growing sense that EPA's
future path is now being charted. Many inchoate feelings have
been verbalized for the first time—chief among them that
reducing risks to public health is a twin to the traditional
goal of protecting the environment.
The commitment to improving our assessment and management
of risk is another goal that is now permeating the Agency and
which will during the years ahead vastly improve public trust
and understanding as well as improve the quality of EPA's
decisions.
EPA has a far firmer and more cogent vision of the future
than it did a year ago.
II. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Agencywide
• Reestablishing credibility with the public, Congress, and
the environmental and business communities.
EPA is trusted since it is perceived that decisions and
policies are openly and rationally arrived at. Sen. Jake
Garn, chairing a budget, subcommittee hearing on March 20,
noted that it was the first hearing he had chaired in
which the Agency "has not been involved in a controversy,
real or imagined."
During the last year, the Administrator and senior staff
have made a concerted effort to meet with as many groups
as possible, to solicit advice, and to incorporate con-
stituent groups into the decision-making process. On
acid rain, for example, you have met personally with more
than 100 groups and individuals.
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• Rebuilding of Staff Morale and Talent
One of the most notable achievements is the improvement
in staff morale. EPA has always had high esprit de corps;
that has now been rebuilt. This has been achieved in many
ways including:
- You made a pledge during your confirmation hearing
that your first priority would be to recruit the best
people you could find to manage the Agency. There is
general agreement that, as you said recently in a hear-
ing, the recruitment effort has been "highly successful."
- Presidential appointees are skilled and dedicated.
- Your decision to choose professional and career employees
such as Al Aim, Howard Messner, John Martin, and talented
scientists like Bernard Goldstein and Jack Moore for key
positions sent a favorable message to employees.
- Career employees are now routinely involved in making
important decisions.
- The sense of vulnerability among Career Senior
Executive Service staff has diminished because of a
concerted effort to examine previous assignments, and
to build closer relations among career SES staff.
- More than 900 new colleagues have been hired at all
levels during the last half year.
- Through regional visits, attendance at Agency functions,
etc., EPA staff believe their interests are better
understood.
- Two new publications—EPA Times and Management Memo--keep
staff informed.
- Training programs, especially in community relations,
improve staff skills and heighten commitment.
- The new Human Resources Office will highlight EPA's con-
cern for staff and will enhance EPA's efforts to improve
working conditions.
• Stricter Adherence to Ethics Regulations
The Office of General Counsel has strengthened overall
management of the ethics program to ensure compliance; updated
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regulations incorporating changes to the 1978 Federal Act that
were long overdue; developed a better working relationship with
the Inspector General to have that office audit portions of the
OGC program, developed procedures for deputy counselors to
review financial statements that are now being'used by the
Office of Government Ethics as model for other agencies; held
the first conference for ethics counselors; issued a 30-page
publication on ethics requirements to each employee; initiated
more individual counseling; and established a recusal system
for employees with potential problems. The result is a much
greater Agencywide consciousness of the need for scrupulous
adherence to ethics regulations, including the appearance of
conflicts of interest.
• Focus on Priority Problems has Superseded a "Scatter-Shot"
Approach
To accompany its heightened sense of commitment, the Agency
has a renewed sense of direction based on (1) the successful
efforts to focus EPA efforts on a shared list of priorities,
(2) an organized search for emerging problems and, (3) real
participation in decision-making through consensus rather
than through a trickle-down approach.
The development of a formal options selection process--that
covers more than 39 key regulations this year—is providing
a more systematic early assessment of regulatory option
analysis and improving senior management control over the
timing and quality of decision.
This enables EPA to do a better job of initiating action
rather than reacting to outside pressure and court deci-
sions. There is a growing sense among career staff that
there is a consensus on operational goals and priorities
and that we are "in control" of EPA once again.
• Increased Budget
The fiscal year 1984 and prospective 1985 budget increases,
among the largest of any domestic Agency, not only allow EPA
to accomplish more through increased staff and resources, it
highlights the importance of EPA's responsibilities.
The 1984 request resulted in 1,100 workyears and $265 million
above the original 1984 request and the 1985 budget proposal
includes increases of 750 workyears and $295 million above
the 1983 level. These additions, together, amount to dollar
increases of 106 percent in the Superfund program and 27 per-
cent in our operating programs. These budgets represent an
investment in EPA's future and will allow us to address our
critical environmental needs.
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In Superfund and the regional offices, in particular,
increased resources are already having a dramatic impact on
the number of remedial cleanups and other hazardous waste
activities.
• Clear and more appropriate "firm and fair" enforcement
policy
While it has taken considerably longer than anticipated for
there to be a quantifiable improvement in enforcement and
compliance actions, results are now beginning to appear.
There is throughout EPA an understanding that enforcement
and compliance decisions must be made without regard to
real or spurious political considerations and that the
ideal enforcer is one who remains intent on enforcing the
law as written but who is also fair, realistic and innova-
tive in the use of sanctions and remedies for noncompl.iance.
• Improved Partnership with States
As EPA has delegated more program responsibility to the
States, the relationship between the two levels of
government has become complex and more prone to conflict.
A number of actions have improved relations between EPA
and the States, among them:
- Stabilization of grant programs, which were in flux,
has allowed States to plan better for the future.
- State officials have greater access to you and to
other senior officials in the regions and in Washington.
- Hazardous waste cleanup efforts, often the most con-
troversial environmental issue within a State, have been
accelerated with EPA taking greater responsibility in
Superfund priority cases.
- Regional offices are operating in a more professional
manner.
- Changes in regulations, e.g., air sanctions policy and
water quality degradation—have clarified EPA's position.
- Working to clarify respective roles and responsibilities
in areas of direct program administration, particularly
in enforcement, to improve effectiveness.
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• Enhanced Affirmative Action and Equal Employment
Opportunities
A concerted effort is being made to hire more minorities
and women to fill positions of responsibility. The Office
of Civil Rights has been strengthened and its work accorded
a higher priority. The creation of the Human Resources
Office will further enhance these efforts.
• Industry Can Anticipate Reasonable Actions
To. plan for the future, industry needs to have a reason-
able expectation of how environmental laws will be
enforced and how regulations will change. The actions
taken during the last year and the articulation of a
statement of priorities helps industry plan and encourages
compliance.
• Improved Understanding of Risk Assessment and Risk
Management
The National Academy of Sciences and Princeton University
speeches and other programs focusing on risk have encouraged
EPA and its constituents to reflect on decision-making
methods, hastened the completion of ongoing Agency efforts
in toxic integration, spawned training programs, and broad-
ened public interest and understanding of risk.
The-Inter-Agency Task Force on Risk is encouraging Federal
agencies to be more consistent in decisions on subjects
involving more than one Agency.
• Creation of the Offices of Enforcement and Compliance
Monitoring, and External Affairs
Congress approved the creation of two additional assistant
administrators. The Office of External Affairs was
established to coordinate congressional, intergovernmental,
public and Federal affairs, to improve Agency responsive-
ness, public perception, and to broaden the Agency's
constituency base.
The Office of Enforcement and Compliance monitoring was
established to be the focal point for enforcement activity
to ensure a stable, firm, and fair enforcement of the law.
• Implementation of Advanced Senior Management Planning System
To buttress EPA's basic decentralized management structure,
the Deputy Administrator .developed a strong system of
integrated planning, guidance and oversight. A new
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Strategic Planning and Management System was introduced
to set goals and priorities, provide timely guidance,
guarantee effective evaluation and oversight, and ensure
internal audit and systemwide maintenance.
Strengthening the Role of the Inspector General
Substantial gains have been made in strengthening the
independent status of the Office of Inspector General.
Organizationally, the Office of Inspector General has
been removed from the Office of the Administrator and
has been designated a national program manager. For the
first time, it independently prepares and defends its budget
within the Agency and to OMB and the Congress. A strong
memorandum of understanding was signed by the Inspector
General and the General Counsel affirming the independence
of the Office of Inspector and providing for independent
legal counsel. Initiatives were made for further actions
to strengthen the role of the Inspector General in the
coming year.
More staff has been allocated to the Inspector General's
Office of Investigations to promote the fullest possible
compliance with the Federal laws and regulations under our
jurisdiction. An effective internal audit program has been
established•to examine many critical areas which have never
been tested in EPA and to permit the correction of programs;
and make the needed corrections.
Strengthened Federal Facility Compliance
Memoranda of Understanding with the Departments of Defense
and Energy and improved coordination with the Center for
Disease Control have strengthened inter-Agency cooperation,
and helped resolve some pending issues.
Office of Water;
• Stronger Water Quality Standards for the States
After a great deal of time and controversy, EPA issued
these regulations.in November 1983 with the approval of the
Senate and previous opponents. A water quality standard
defines the water quality goals .for a particular water body
by deciding what its use will be and by setting criteria
necessary to protect that use. States adopt water quality
standards to protect health or welfare, enhance the quality
of water and serve the purposes of the Clean Water Act. The
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revised regulation increases the emphasis on State standards
on control of toxic pollutants, provides for mandatory
upgrading of uses to the goals of the Act, clarifies down-
grading provisions, and clarifies and expands the anti-
degradation policy.
National Municipal Policy
This policy was designed to improve municipal compliance
with the Clean Water Act. The law requires all.publicly
owned treatment works (POTWs) to meet the statutory com-
pliance deadlines and to achieve the water quality objec-
tives of the Act, whether or not they receive Federal
funds. The Office of Water will focus on POTWs that pre-
viously received Federal funding assistance and are not
currently in compliance with their applicable effluent
limits, on all other major POTWs, and on minor POTWs that
are contributing significantly to impairing water quality.
Where there are extraordinary circumstances precluding
compliance of such facilities by July 1, 1988, EPA will
work with States and the affected municipal authorities
to ensure that these POTWs are on enforceable schedules
for achieving compliance as soon as possible, and are
doing all they can in the meantime to abate pollution to
the nation's water.
Final Construction Grants Regulations
These regulations implement the Municipal Grant Amendments
of -1981 and are shorter, simpler, and allow more flexi-
bility. They will speed up the construction grants process
so that municipalities can avoid costly delays.
Office of Ground-water Protection
This office is responsible for coordinating Agency ground-
water policy across program lines and overseeing the
implementation of the ground water strategy. The strategy
outlines a program of EPA assistance for State ground-
water protection programs, identifies sources of ground-
water pollution not currently regulated at the Federal
level (such as underground storage tanks), and provides
guidelines for coordinated and consistent management of
EPA programs related to groundwater.
Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection
To be established officially in the Summer of 1984, this
office will be responsible for the ocean dumping program,
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the 301(h) ocean discharge waiver program, and national
oversight of the Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes programs.
This office will also be responsible for developing a
policy on marine disposal and a more comprehensive revi-
sion of regulations to address incineration-at-sea and low
level radioactive waste.
Redefinition of Secondary Treatment
The comment period has closed and promulgation is expected
by the end of July. The regulation defines trickling
filters and waste stabilization ponds as equivalent to
secondary treatment. This is particularly useful for small
communities which cannot afford traditional secondary
treatment plants. It also allows States to use a more
accurate measurement of oxygen-demanding pollutants.
Chesapeake Bay Program Launched
The research phase was completed in 1983 and the focus
shifted to implementation. As a result of the study's
findings an implementation framework was developed, pre-
senting a series of alternative control plans for manag-
ing nutrient and toxic loadings from point and non-point
sources. These plans, defining actions, roles, and
responsibilities are the blueprint for all future control
actions.
Wetlands Protection
The Agency had been preparing a draft of new 404(b)(l)
guidelines that would have made major substantive changes
in how the nation's wetlands would be protected. On
July 26, 1983, it was decided that there would be no
changes on the guidelines unless the Administrator could
be convinced that such changes were necessary.
Pretreatment Implementation Review Task Force
When dealing with the reauthorization of the Clean Water
Act, it became apparent that pretreatment was one of the
most difficult problems. Therefore, the Agency has formed
a task force representing various interests that has met
twice and is charged with submitting an interim report
to the Administrator by June and a final report in December.
It will contain recommendations for modifying the existing
pretreatment program to make it both flexible and environ-
mentally sound.
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Office of Air and Radiation:
• Adoption of Realistic Air Sanctions Policy
EPA's more realistic policy on imposing sanctions on areas
that did not meet the mandated December 31, 1982 deadline
for attainment replaces a punitive policy with a construc-
tive alternative that focuses on the development and imple-
mentation of measures that will eventually lead to attainment
in those areas where good faith efforts are being made to
comply with Federal regulations.
• Preparation of Sound Cost-Benefit Analysis of Lead
Phase-Down
Prepared analysis of costs and benefits of a virtual phase-
out of lead in gasoline. An analysis of regulatory options
to implement a phase-out program is being conducted.
• Fuel Switching and Tampering Control Program Strengthened
EPA's enforcement program has brought a number of major
legal actions against those tampering with emission con-
trols on automobiles, selling leaded gasoline as unleaded,
and blending fuel with excessive alcohol.
• Particulate Matter Standard Improved
The March 1984 decision to change the existing particulate
matter standard for one which focuses primarily on smaller
particles that are more likely to be .inhaled marks a major
step forward in the application of improved, sophisticated
risk assessments.
e Major Actions on Toxic Pollutants
The agency has finally taken action on a number of long-
pending toxic air pollution issues, proposing actions on
benzene, toluene, polycyclic organic matter and preparing
for action on coke oven emissions, maleic anhydride,
ethylbenzene/styrene and benzene storage. In some cases,
because it has been deemed that significant risks do not
exist, E-PA has decided not to regulate. Instead of resort-
ing to "effective, nondecisionmaking" and further delay,
EPA opted to make decisions on these issues and to explain
why it was decided that regulations were unnecessary.
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Inorganic Arsenic Standard for Smelters Proposed
EPA chose to involve the public directly in the process of
soliciting opinions on this standard by asking the citizens
of Tacoma, Washington, for their views on the proposed
standard. This is the first time EPA has so fully involved
the public. From this experience has come a much better
understanding of how to involve the public in decision-
making.
Uranium Mill Tailings Protection Standard Promulgated
The standards adopted for uranium mill tailings settle a
long-pending issue and set precedents for the regulation
of other radioactive standards.
State Implementation Plan Revisions
EPA was required to approve state Clean Air Act plans to
allow additional sulfur dioxide emissions in some areas
which are in attainment.
Acid Rain Data Developed Even Though No Additional
Control Program
One of the major priorities was the development of a better
understanding of the impact of acid rain in the Northeast
and- the development of various control options utilizing
that scientific data. A number of options were developed/
based on existing information. A decision was deferred
on implementing any of these options, but major progress
has been made in developing additional research impera-
tives for which additional funding is being requested.
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
• Record Level of Funds Available
Funding for all hazardous waste management programs has
been increasing steadily. Under the Superfund program,
resources have grown from $210 million and 776 workyears
in fiscal 1983 to $460 million and 1,007 workyears in
fiscal 1984 and $640 million and 1,357 workyears in fiscal
1985. The RCRA program has grown from $118.6 million and
790 workyears in fiscal 1983 to $128.7 million and 1,015
workyears in fiscal 1984 and $143.3 million and 1,090
workyears in fiscal 1985.
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Major Increase in Permitting, Removals, Remedial
Actions, etc.
With these new resources, program activities have expanded.
Under Superfund, the number of removal actions increased
from 94 in fiscal 1983 to 170 in each of fiscal years 1984
and 1985. Remedial investigations and feasibility studies
will hold steady during the same period, but remedial designs
will increase from 11 in fiscal 1983 to 40 in fiscal 1984 and
68 in fiscal 1985. Remedial actions will increase from 6 in..
fiscal 1983 to 17 in fiscal 1984 and 46 in fiscal 1985.
Under RCRA, permitting activity will be a priority during
the coming fiscal years. By the end of fiscal 1985, the
Agency will have completed permit call-ins for all land
disposal and incineration facilities. State authorizations
will be another priority. In fiscal 1983, no States had
achieved final authorization to implement RCRA. During
fiscal 1984, EPA projects it will grant final authoriza-
tion to 11 States. By the end of fiscal 1985, 40 States
are expected to have achieved final authorization. Com-
pliance monitoring inspections also reflect growth due to
increasing resources. EPA will conduct 915 RCRA inspections
in fiscal 1984 and 1,399 in fiscal 1985. The States will
conduct 11,970 inspections in fiscal 1984 and 12,236 in
fiscal 1985.
Simplification and Enhancement of Superfund Programs
EPA eliminated the 10 percent state cost-share require-
ment that delayed many remedial planning actions, clarified
criteria under which emergency response can be undertaken
to increase the number of sites where response is possible,
and required that site analysis be conducted prior to nego-
tiating with responsible parties to shorten the negotiating
process.
Dioxin Strategy Implementation
For the first time, EPA developed an Agencywide strategy
for strengthening and coordinating action on a serious
environmental problem. The strategy establishes program
priorities and methods for identifying remedies to threats
to public health.
First Delegation of Hazardous Waste Program to State
Delaware became the first State to receive final authoriza-
tion to manage RCRA programs; 10 more States are scheduled
to receive authorization'before the end of fiscal year 1984.
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Increased Number of Superfund National Priority List Sites
The National Priority List was issued in final form listing
418 sites. At the same time, EPA proposes to list an
additional 133 sites.
Rigorous Audit System Developed
A system was devised and implemented this year to monitor
and review aggressively the integrity of laboratory data.
Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances
• EDB Suspension and Cancellation Proceedings
Rapid action was taken this year when new data became
available confirming ground-water contamination by EDB. As
a result, EDB's use as a soil fumigant was suspended in
September 1983. The'discovery of EDB residues in grain led
to a February 1984 decision to cancel its use as a grain
fumigant and to establish maximum acceptable residue levels
for grain and grain products.
• Dicofol Special Review Begun
Potential from DDT contamination in Dicofol triggered a
special review of this substance.
• DBCP Cancellation Proposed
Evidence of drinking water contamination in Hawaii from this
chemical used in pineapple fields led the Agency to propose
cancellation of this sole remaining use.
• Cancellation of All Uses of 2,4,5-T and Silvex Proposed
After four years of negotiation, Dow Chemical agreed to
withdraw its objection to EPA's proposal to cancel the major
uses of these chemicals which the Agency had deemed posed
unreasonable risks to human health. Following Dpw's with-
drawal, the Agency proposed -cancellation of all remaining
uses.
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Asbestos-in-Schools Program Launched
EPA began remedial actions to conduct surveys systematically,
provide technical assistance, and take action to reduce the
threats to public health from asbestos in schools based on
the May 1983 publication of a strategic report on control-
ling asbestos. A number of school districts have been fined
for providing false data on the presence of asbestos.
Better records on alleged health harms required
Chemical manufacturers and certain processors are now
required to keep records of "significant adverse reactions"
to exposure to workplace chemicals for 30 years under Section
8 (c) of TSCA. This will enable EPA and other agencies to
monitor more effectively health trends and take more
timely action.
Good Laboratory Practice Regulations Issued
To improve the standardization and reliability of
scientific data, final Good Laboratory Practice regula-
tions were issued under FIFRA and TSCA.
Backlog of Court-Ordered Chemical Reviews Eliminated
The backlog of 37 chemicals that EPA was under court order
to .determine whether testing was necessary was eliminated,
an encouraging sign that other backlogged reviews will also
be completed.
First Immediately Effective Rule Issued Under Toxic
Substances Control Act
For the first time, EPA issued an immediately effective
rule under Section 5(f) of TSCA that prohibits the use of a
chemical in certain circumstances prior to it entering the
marketplace.
1,3-Butadiene Priority Review Ordered
A priority review of this substance was ordered under
Section 4(f) of TSCA based on evidence of possible
carcinogenic characteristics.
First Chemical Advisory
For the first time, the Agency issued an advisory warning
on the health effects of .a chemical in this instance about
handling used motor oil.
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Office of Research and Development
• Streamlining Research and Development Planning
The 14 research committees that advise ORD in planning and
reviewing the research program were consolidated into five.
This provides high level management direction from both
headquarters and regional client offices, promotes agree-
ment on long-term research needs, and promotes effective
communication of research priorities across all programs
managed by one client Assistant Administrator. The con-
solidated committees have already achieved a significant
first milestone by fostering agreement between ORD and its
client offices on the leading strategic research issues
that will guide research program planning over the next
five years. Ultimately, this will help ensure that EPA
regulatory decisions -are backed by sound scientific evid-
ence delivered in a timely fashion.
Office of International Activities
• EPA Coordinator in Binational Mexican Agreement
EPA is the lead coordinator in implementing the binational
U.S.-Mexican program agreed to in August 1983 between
President Reagan and Mexican President de la Madrid. The
two nations are principally discussing sanitation problems
on .the border.
• Renewed Leadership in OECD
EPA is taking the lead in environmental cooperation efforts
between the U.S. and the OECD in Paris with a major focus on
developing a notification procedure for the export of banned
and severely restricted chemicals.
• EPA and Canadians Sign Phosphorus Pollution Agreement
The U.S. and Canada signed an agreement to extend coopera-
tion on controlling phosphorus pollution in the Great Lakes,
reinvigorating EPA's long-term cooperative relationship
with Canada.. The agreement was signed in October 1983 at
'a meeting chaired by Secretary of State George Shultz and
Canadian External Affairs Minister Allan J. MacEachen.
• U.S.-China Environmental Contacts Restored
Face-to-face discussions between Chinese environmental
officials and EPA were restored late last year when EPA
sponsored a major visit to the U.S. by senior Chinese
environment officials.
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Task Forces
Dioxin
Objective:
Status:
Develop a national strategy for identifying,
investigating, and cleaning up sites contami-
nated by this hazardous chemical.
Developed a plan of action (December 15, 1983)
that will enable EPA to direct the investiga-
tion of sites which seem to pose the most
serious threat to human health, conduct sampling
studies at a cross-section of other sites to
assess potential or emerging problems and inte-
grate research and regulatory action to improve
our understanding and control over the short
term.
Non-Point Source Pollution
Objective: Assess current programs, options, and costs,
and develop a balanced policy on the roles and
responsibilities of Federal, State, and local
governments so they can address this intractable
problem.
Status: First meeting of this intergovernmental group,
with representation from the Departments of
Interior, Agriculture, and others, was held in
April. A final report will go to the Administrator
in December.
Ground Water
Objective: Identify the inconsistencies among Federal
programs and develop guidelines to improve
coordination; assess the need for greater pro-
gram coordination within EPA; and assess the
need for control of currently unregulated
sources of groundwater contaminants and out-
line a program of EPA assistance to help
States to protect groundwater resources and
solve the problem as they define it.
Status: Draft strategy document has been circulated
among States and interested groups for comment.
It recognizes that the States have an important
role in groundwater protection. EPA's current^
role is to pr'ovide technical assistance and
research support. An Office of Groundwater has
been established to spearhead implementation
of this strategy.
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Compliance and Enforcement
Objective:
Status:
Develop statute-specific strategies to enable
EPA to improve compliance in conjunction with
its State partners.
On January 18, 1984, produced formal strategies
enabling both EPA, State programs, and field
staff to work from a common framework toward
mutual compliance and enforcement goals.
Toxics Integration
Objective:
Status:
Monitoring
Objective:
Status:
Evaluate problems related to control of toxic
substances; risk assessment, risk management,
management of chemical crises and interagency
coordination.
Have initiated several immediate, practical
steps, such as development of risk assessment
guidelines in six different areas, a standard
reporting format for information on risks and
costs, and a process for assigning respon-
sibility for management. The final report was
revised April 2.
Develop (1) an Agencywide monitoring policy,
(2) guidance for programs' development of
monitoring strategies, and (3) recommend man-
agement approaches to coordinate and integrate
monitoring activities.
Agencywide monitoring policy was issued
December 23, 1983 and the guidance was issued
January 16, 1984. A draft final report, which
discusses options to improve the management of
monitoring and recommendations for institution-
alizing oversight of monitoring activities was
presented March 29, 1984.
• Headquarters/Regional Relationship and"
Internal EPA Delegation of Authority
Objective:
To examine four specific areas—policy for decen-
tralized Agency management; guidance, account-
ability, and support for the policy; Regional
involvement in planning and budgeting; and the
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Regional organization structure—to assess
appropriate roles and make recommendations to
realign where necessary.
Status: The Task Force presented a final report
September 1983. It resulted in a:
in
Policy framework for decentralized manage-
ment; a revised delegations of authority to
implement this policy will be completed in
the Spring of 1984.
Recognition of need for program offices
to conduct strong, consistent oversight
activities.
Set of actions to strengthen regional
participation in planning and budgeting.
These are being pursued.
- Conclusion that no organizational changes
were needed to enable decentralized
decision-making.
Acid Deposition Task Force
Objective: Assess current knowledge and develop policy
options for addressing the acid deposition
problem.
Status
Produced final report August 1, 1983. The
report addressed five fundamental questions:
Should emissions and their potential effects
be further controlled?
- When should they be controlled?
- How should they be controlled?
- Where should they be controlled?
- To what extent should they be controlled?
A series of policy options was developed based
on the report and presented to the Cabinet
Council and the President, who selected a no .
control/additional research option. EPA is
continuing to participate in the interagency
research effort.
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• State/Federal Roles
Objective: Examine the appropriate division of roles and
functions between EPA and the States.
Status: The task force presented its final report on
November 7, 1983. The report defined a new
conceptual framework for how EPA and the
States must work together in a partnership
to achieve the nation's environmental goals,
and assigned to each party roles and respon-
siblities appropriate to its unique placement
and strengths. To implement the new framework,
the Administrator directed the development of
two policies, (1) Delegation and (2) Oversight,
both of which were signed on March 27, 1984.
• Analytic Resources
Objective: Describe resources and practices applied to
economic analysis in support of regulatory
decision-making.
Status: Work was finished in September 1983. The
Task Force completed four regulatory case
studies, an inventory of economic staff
resources and an accompanying analysis. The
task force prepared an implementation plan
for the Deputy Administrator's use in promot-
ing better integration of economic analysis
within the regulatory development process,
and the Deputy Administrator is pursuing
this plan with each Assistant Administrator.
As of April, OAR, OPTS, and OW are in line
with the implementation plan.
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ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
DURING THE NEXT SIX MONTHS
Office of Water
o Effluent Guideline — Foundries
EPA is promulgating effluent limitations for the aluminum
casting, copper casting, iron and steel casting, magnesium
casting, lead casting, and zinc casting subcategories.
Pollutants of concern include: zinc, copper, lead, and phenolic
compounds. Final promulgation of the guideline is expected
in late July.
o Effluent Guideline — Inorganic Chemicals (Phase II)
EPA is proposing effluent limitations for the ten product-
process subcategories of the inorganic chemicals industry.
Final promulgation of the guideline is expected in late July.
o Effluent Guideline — Nonferrous Metals (Phase II)
EPA is promulgating effluent limitations for the production and
refining of metals from ore for several metals not covered by
the final Phase I nonferrous regulation. Principal pollutants
considered are toxic metals. A proposed guideline was published
in February 1984; the final guideline is expected to be
ready for the Administrator's signature in late October
and to be promulgated in November.
o Effluent Guideline — Plastics Molding and Forming
EPA is promulgating effluent limitations for the processes
that blend, mold, or otherwise form plastic materials into
intermediate or final plastic products. The pollutants of
concern are biochemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon,
total phenols, and some organic and metal toxic pollutants.
The final guideline is expected by late September.
o Effluent Guideline — Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms
EPA is reproposing effluent limitations for NSPS and BAT,.
proposing BAT, and amending portions of BPT. A proposed
guideline is expected by late September.
o Effluent Guideline — Ore Mining and Dressing (Gold Mining)
EPA is proposing BAT and NSPS effluent limitations for mines
and mills that produce gold ores by ground separation
methods, including mining of placer deposits, dredge mining,
and hydrologic mining. The proposed guideline is expected
by late October.
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o Effluent Guideline - Nonferrous Metals Forming
EPA is promulgating effluent limitations for the forming of
nonferrous metals other than copper and aluminum. The pollutants
of concern include: cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc, and
toxic organics. The final guideline is expected in late October.
o Effluent Guideline — Pulp, Paper, Paperboard
EPA is promulgating effluent limitations for BCT, the control
for the pollutant PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls), and the
BOD limitations for the acitite grade production in the
dissolving sulfite pulp subcategory. The final guidelines are
expected in late July.
o NPDES Regulation Revision (Litigation Package)
This regulation implements the NPDES issues from the June 1982,
settlement agreement in NRDC v. EPA. The issues involve
requirements for water discharge permits in the NPDES program.
Promulgation is planned for late spring of 1984.
o General Pretreatment Regulations (Removal Credits)
. At the request of the President's Task Force on Regulatory
Relief, and based on an Agency review of the Pretreatment
Program, EPA proposed revisions to the removal credits portion of
the pretreatment regulation to clarify the provision and provide
municipalities added flexibility in pretreatment program
implementation. Promulgation of the regulation is planned
during the summer of 1984.
o NPDES Regulations -- Reporting Requirements Revision (QNCR)
This regulation will revise program requirements for quarterly
noncompliance reports on major discharges which are prepared by
the EPA Regions and NPDES States. The proposal will establish
a consistent basis for reporting and thereby produce a more
accurate and meaningful assessment of permit noncompliance.
The regulations will be proposed in May 1984, and promulgated
by the end of the calendar year.
o Volatile Organic Chemicals Regulation
EPA i.s considering several proposed approaches to reducing
exposure to volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). VOCs are
most frequently found in drinking water drawn from ground water.
Compounds of concern include trichlorethylene, tetrachloroethylene,
and vinyl chloride. A notice of proposed rulemaking containing
recommended maximum contaminant levels is scheduled to be
published this fall.
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o Fluoride Regulation
EPA is assessing the maximum contaminant level for fluoride
to determine if it appropriately reflects potential
health effects. EPA will publish a notice of proposed.
rulemaking and a recommended maximum contaminant level by
the fall of 1984.
o Drinking Water Standards Revision
The Office of Water will review the monitoring requirements and
maximum contaminant levels for inorganic and organic compounds,
microbiological contaminants and turbidity, and radionuclides
in the National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
Assessments of exposure, analytic methods, potential health
effects, and the performance and costs of treatment technologies
will be conducted. Recommended maximum contaminant levels
will be promulgated in the fall.
o • Underground Injection Control Regulation
By October, the Agency will have either approved a State program
or promulgated a state-specific federal UIC program in all 57
States or jurisdictions. These programs are designed to prevent
contamination of underground sources of drinking water through .
improper well injection. The regulations specifically ban
any injection of hazardous waste into or above underground sources
of drinking water.
o Incineration-at-Sea Regulation
EPA will develop regulations containing performance criteria
for destruction efficiency of hazardous wastes and other
monitoring and operating requirements. The regulations will
form a basis for consideration of permits for incineration-
, at-sea. Regulations will be proposed in August; final
regulations will be promulgated in early 1985.
o Minor Revisions of Ocean Dumping Regulation
Ocean dumping regulations which respond to the New York City
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Court decision on ocean dumping of sewage sludge and other
statutory changes will be prepared in draft form and
circulated for interagency review in July.
o Ocean Dumping Site Designations
EPA's final decisions approving the 106 mile dump site and the
mud dump site and a proposal to deny approval of the 12 mile
site in the New York Bight Apex were announced in April.
Public hearings on the tentative denial of the 12 mile site
are scheduled for June.
o Ground Water Protection Strategy
The Agency Ground Water Protection Strategy will be published
in mid-May. The strategy contains four key objectives: 1)
assist States in development of ground-water programs; 2)
assess the need to control unregulated sources of contamination,
such as underground storage tanks and surface impoundments; 3)
establish ground-water guidelines to provide increased consistency
to EPA programs; and 4) establish an Office of Ground-Water
Protection within the Office of Water, with counterpart
offices in each region, to create an institutional focus for
ground-water activities. States and interest groups reviewed
and commented on the strategy.
o- Water Monitoring Strategy
The.Office of Water will publish a final Water Monitoring
Strategy in mid-June. The strategy will include sections
addressing coastal and inland waters, ocean waters, and drinking
waters. Central themes of the strategy are modernization of
monitoring techniques and reporting methods. The Office of
Water will also publish an issue paper concerning ground water
monitoring in late May. The issue paper will be the basis
for a more detailed ground-water monitoring strategy, to be
published in the fall.
o Sludge Policy
EPA will issue a Policy on Municipal Sludge Management, in May.
The policy will announce a new direction in EPA's regulatory
program to provide for the beneficial uses of sludge while
implementing new or revised technical controls on how use
or disposal should be conducted. Regulations establishing
the program are being drafted and will be subject to public
discussion during the summer.
o Construction Grant Guidance (CG-84)
The Office of Water will publish a major, comprehensive
guidance document concerning management of grants for
construction of municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
The guidance will be published in July and will be distributed
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widely to States, municipalities, and contractors.
o Construction Grant Task Force — Draft Report
The Office of Water has established an intergovernmental Task
Force on the Federal Role in the Municipal Construction Grants
Programs. The Task Force is studying the funding of municipal
wastewater treatment works after the expiration of the
authorization of the construction grants program in 1985. A
draft report of the Task Force is to be completed in September;
legislative proposals are to be developed by early 1985.
o Nonpqint Source Task Force — Policy and Report
The Agency has established an intergovernmental Task Force on
Nonpoint Sources of pollution which will develop recommend-
ations to the Administrator on Federal/State nonpoint policy
and a Federal implementation strategy that addresses single
agency and interagency issues and recommends management
vehicles, e.g. legislation, interagency memoranda of under-
standing, etc. The Task Force will prepare a draft policy
and supporting report by October.
o PIRT Task Force — Interim Report
• •
The Pretreatment Implementation Task Force is chartered under the
Federal Advisory Committee Act and is comprised of representatives
from" industry, municipalities, States, and environmental
groups. The Administrator has asked the group to address
technical concerns and implementation problems associated with
the pretreatment program and present recommendations to address
these concerns. An interim report is due in late May.
o NPDES Regional Evaluations
During the spring and summer of 1984, the Office of Water
Enforcement and Permits will be conducting an evaluation of
regional offices' and approved States' progress in achieving
NPDES program objectives. This evaluation will include an
assessment of the use and quality of existing Enforcement
Management System procedures in each Region.
o National Statistical Assessment of Rural Water Conditions
This survey examines the quality of drinking water and
characteristics of water supply systems for rural households.
The study will be released this spring.
o Drinking Water Additives Evaluation — Federal Register Notice
The Office of Water published this spring a Federal Register
Notice requesting comments on the design and operation of
a private, nonprofit program for evaluation of additives to
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drinking water. The independent additives evaluation process
would replace an existing program within the Agency.
o Establish an Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection
The Office of Water will establish an Office of Marine and
Estuarine Protection (OMEP) in the summer of 1984. The
OMEP will be responsible for development and implementation of
policies and strategies and the implementation of a program to
protect the marine and estuarine environments.
Office of Air and Radiation
o Nonferrous Smelter Orders
Regulations will be promulgated in September 1984 that establish
minimum required contents of primary nonferrous smelter orders
(NSOs) issued under Section 119 of the Clean Air Act.
o Issue Final Standards for Arsenic Emissions
After reviewing the results of an extensive effort to solicit
public comment and involvement on the proposed standards, final
standards for industrial sources of arsenic will be issued
' sometime in the fall of 1984. One set of standards will be
applicable to high arsenic feedstock for copper smelters. The
"low" arsenic standards will apply to industrial categories
such as glass furnaces, and low arsenic copper smelters.
o Issue Final Hazardous Air Pollution Standards for Benzene
The final standards controlling benzene emissions from equipment
leaks and coke oven by-product processes will be issued this
summer. In addition, proposed standards for maleic anhydride
and ethylbenzene/styrene will be withdrawn.
o Complete Listing Decisions for Six Potentially Hazardous Air
Pollutants
During the next six months, determinations will be made on
whether to list six chemicals as hazardous air pollutants. This
means that health effects studies and exposure analyses will be
completed and a final listing decision by the Administrator will
be published in the Federal Register. The six chemicals that
are under consideration are: toluene, POM, emissions from coke
ovens, acrylonitrile, carbon tetrachloride, and manganese.
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o Proposed One and Promulgate Four National Emission Standards
for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs)
Before the end of fiscal year, final emission standards will be
established for new and existing sources of hazardous air pollu-
tants. These standards will limit the emissions of benzene,
arsenic and radionuclides. In addition, a proposal will be
made to establish standards for an additional benzene source
category.
o Propose Four and Promulgate Nine New Source Performance Standards
Between Now and November 1984
These standards implement requirements of the Clean Air Act and
are being established for all new major stationary source
categories. Many of the standards promulgated or under develop-
ment will limit emissions of particulates, volatile organic
compounds, and nitrogen oxides.
The source categories for which standards are scheduled to be
promulgated are petroleum dry cleaners, vinyl film, rubber tire
manufacturers, and petroleum refinery equipment leaks.
o Propose a Lead Control Plan for Shoshone County, Idaho
States must develop plans to meet National Ambient Air Quality
Standards for lead. The plans must be developed in accordance
with--a schedule set by court order. Idaho did not submit a plan
and, as a result, EPA must develop a federal plan. EPA will
propose the plan in June 1984. The plan affects primarily the
Bunker Hill Smelter in Shoshone County. The smelter is now shut
down.
o Solicit Public Comment on Alternatives for Control of Emissions
From Gasoline Marketing
A staff-prepared analysis -of. alternatives for controlling the
emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that emanate
from refueling cars and trucks at gasoline stations will be
distributed to the public for their comments.
o Prevention of Significant Deterioration
PSD Task Force
This effort, at the Administrator's request, will examine
the PSD program from the ground up. It will assess the
program in terms of its legislative objectives, how well
they have been met, how appropriate they are and will offer
policy recommendations.
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o Issue Final Standards for Four Source Categories of Radio-
nuclide Emissions
Standards will be promulgated under Section 112 of the
Clean Air Act to control emissions of radionuclides from
uranium mines, elemental phosphorus plants, Department of
Energy facilities, and activities operating under licenses
granted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.•
o Issue Final Standards for Disposal of High Level Radioactive
Waste
Standards will be promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act
to regulate the disposal of transuranic and high level radio-
active wastes. The standards include both numerical limitations
and qualitative assurance requirements to provide confidence
that the numerical standards are met. Implementation of the
standards will be the responsibility of the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission and the Department of Energy.
o Propose Federal Guidance for Radiofrequency Radiation
Federal Guidance will be proposed to control the exposure
of the public to nonionizing radiation in the radiofrequency
radiation (10kHz to lOOGHz) range. These will be the first
Federal guidelines involving nonionizing radiation in the
environment.
o Issue Final Federal Guidance for Occupational Exposure
Under the Agency's Federal Guidance authority defined in
the Atomic Energy Act, guidance will be issued to limit
exposure to ionizing radiation in the workplace. Federal
agencies with radiation-related responsibilities will
incorporate this guidance in their operating requirements.
o Inspection/Maintenance Actions
This summer, four more states will be starting I/M programs:
Pennsylvania, Texas, Idaho, and Indiana. Within the next few
months sanctions could be levied against Chicago and East
St. Louis, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; Nashville, Tennessee
(already under construction ban); Albuquerque, New Mexico;
and Medford, Oregon for failure to implement I/M. Some areas
are seen to be making progress, however. In addition,
Cincinnati, and Cleveland are required to move forward with I/M,
and could face sanctions if no progress is made (Kenton and
Campbell Counties of Kentucky are already under sanction).
o Heavy-Duty NOx/Particulate
Late this summer, regulations establishing NOx and
particulate standards for trucks will be proposed. This will
be the first real increment of NOx and particulate control
from heavy-duty engines.
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o Lead Phasedown
Within the next two months, EPA will propose regulatory
action on the phaseout of lead from gasoline. ' OPPE has
already issued an analysis showing the benefits of removing
lead from gasoline outweighing the costs, and because of
misfueling the expected reduction of lead usage has not
taken place. Drastically reducing lead usage in gasoline
also has the benefit of reducing EDB use in gasoline.
o CAFE Adjustment
This fall, finalized regulations to provide an adjustment
factor to manufacturers in calculating corporate average
fuel economy are expected. The factor is to account
for test changes made since 1975, as required by the Motor
Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act.
o Methanol
Continued work will take place on a proposed rule for certi-
fication of methahol vehicles, although the proposal itself
will not be ready until early next year. Workshops will be
held to discuss issues involved in testing neat-methanol-fueled
vehicles.
o Evaluation of Accelerated Acid Rain Research Program
The continued review of the accelerated acid rain research
effort announced by the President in his State of the Union
Message will be a primary focus of activities. The goal of
this review is to make sure that this research effort appro-
priately addresses the questions most central to further
policy development and evaluation. The result will be a
more sharply focused 1985-1986 research program. Forthcoming
also will be the 1985 assessment of the state of the science
of acid rain.
o Acid Rain Implementation Issues
An important element of the Administration's Acid Rain
Policy is the exploration and analysis of implementation
issues which would be associated with the operation of
any acid rain control program, should one be adopted in
the future. An acid rain implementation issues task force
will be set up to carry out this portion of the Administra-
tion's program. The task force will help identify the
critical implementation issues and prepare and evaluate
options for addressing those issues.
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By the end of September, a draft report will be prepared
on the implementation issues including proposals for
evaluating the various options for dealing with the issues.
This report will recommend the analysis to be conducted
in FY 1985.
o Tampering/Misfueling
In summer 1984 an intensified anti-tampering and anti-
misfueling campaign is expected. In particular, emphasis
will be placed on greater public awareness campaigns, on
getting retail stations to institute preventative actions,
and on increasing the number of active state and local programs.
o Recalls
One or two motor vehicle recalls can be anticipated within
the next .few months.
o Petrocoal Waiver
Within the next few months, expected finalized action on
the proposed revocation of the fuels waiver for petrocoal,
a high-percentage methanol/gasoline blend. EPA proposed to
revoke the waiver in March because of indications of signifi-
cant emission problems with the blend.
Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response
o Published Final Reportable Quantity Regulations
Final rule specifying reporting requirements for spills
of hazardous substances. CERCLA requires that persons in
charge of vessels or facilities from which hazardous substances
have been released in quantities equal to or greater than
these reportable quantities must immediately notify the National
Response Center. Rules should be published in final form
in the Spring of 1984.
o Update of National Priority List (NPL)
The NPL is a nationwide listing of the sites deemed to
pose the greatest threats to public health and the environment.
The next update will, for the first time, include Federal
facilities.
o Final Listing of Dioxin Wastes
The Agency is scheduled to publish a final listing of
dioxin wastes as hazardous wastes for purposes of RCRA
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regulation. In addition, the Agency will issue an expanded
final report on alternative treatment for waste containing
dioxin by September 30, 1984.
o Final Authorization of State RCRA Programs
Nine States are targeted to receive final authorization
of the hazardous waste programs by the end of Fiscal Year 1984,
These States include Georgia, Mississippi, Colorado, Montana,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Nevada, and Oregon.
o Final Report on Hazardous Waste Management
EPA will issue a final report on findings from its
regulatory impact analysis mail survey by May 1, 1984. The
survey is designed to obtain accurate information on the
types and quantities of regulated hazardous waste being
generated and managed throughout the country.
6 RCRA Civil Penalty Policy
This policy defines the Agency's approach to assessing
administrative penalties under RCRA. The purpose of the
policy is to ensure that RCRA civil penalties are assessed in
a fair and consistent manner; that penalties are appropriate
for the gravity of the violation committed; that economic
incentives for non-compliance with RCRA are eliminated; that
persons are deterred from committing RCRA violations; and
that-compliance is achieved.
o RCRA Compliance/Enforcement Manual
The purpose of the manual is to provide guidance to
RCRA regulatory and compliance/enforcement personnel on the
substantive and procedural requirements necessary for ensuring
compliance with preparing enforcement cases under RCRA.
o RCRA Ground Water Enforcement Guidance
This guidance will prepare the Regions and States to
take enforcement actions at RCRA interim status land disposal
facilities. It will contain two separate documents which
correspond, to two types of ground-water monitoring conducted
at these facilities:- detection.monitoring guidance to be
completed in June 1984, and assessment monitoring guidance
to be completed in late summer 1984.
o Cost Recovery
Complete implementation of Superfund Section 107
strategy, including: (1) providing, documentation for all
outstanding cost recovery cases to permit filing to the
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Department of Justice and the courts; (2) reviewing, and as
necessary, refining the Agency system for tracking and
accounting for Superfund expenditures; and (3) developing
and implementing policies to expedite cost recovery under
Superfund.
Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances;
o Decision on Test Rule for 1,1,1-trichoroethane (TCEA)
A final Section 4 test rule requiring manufacturers and
processors of 1,1,1-trichoroethane to test for teratogenic
effects will be issued in August 1984. This will be EPA's
first final test rule to be promulgated under Section 4.
o General Exemption Policy for Test Rules
This regulation will establish policies and procedures
that EPA will use to grant exemptions from testing under
Section 4(c) of TSCA. Section 4(c) requires EPA to exempt
applicants from testing if the chemical they manufacture or
process is equivalent to one which is already being tested or
if testing by applicants for exemptions would duplicate data
already submitted to EPA. Final rule is expected in September
of 1984.
o Regulatory Investigation of 1,3-butadiene
l,3-*butadiene will be the subject of an Agency
investigation to determine whether regulating under TSCA is
warranted to control its use. 1,3-butadiene is an animal
carcinogen and the investigation will assess the risk from
exposure. This chemical is the subject of a 180-day priority
review under Section 4(f) of TSCA. An ANPR is to be signed
on May 7, 1984.
o Decision on Test Rules for Twelfth ITC Priority List
These Section 4 actions on the twelfth ITC list of chemicals
will either require testing of specific chemicals, announce
negotiated testing with industry, or provide adequate reasons for
not requiring testing. The chemicals on this list include calcium
naphthenate, cobalt naphthenate, lead naphthenate, methylolurea,
and" 2-phenoxyethenol. Proposed decisions are expected in
May 1984.
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o PCB Transformers in Buildings
A Section 6 proposed rule is expected in October 1984,
which would seek to reduce the risk from future fires in
PCB transformers located in buildings. 'This regulation
would prevent environmental contamination by toxic chemicals
that are created in transformer fires.
o PCBs: Exemptions from the Ban in Manufacturing, Processing
and Distribution
EPA will promulgate a final Section 6 rule to respond to 120
or so pending petitions for exemption from the ban.on
manufacture, processing.and distribution in commerce of
polychlorinated byphenyls (PCBs). Section 6(e)(3)(B) of
the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) allows the Administrator
to grant exemptions from these prohibitions for not more
than one year. A final rule is expected in July 1984.
o PCBs Use in Microscopy and Research and Development (Revision)
EPA is proposing to amend the May 31, 1979, PCB rule by:
(1) authorizing indefinitely the use of PCBs as a mounting medium
in art and historic conservation and (2) authorizing indefinitely
the use of small quantities of PCBs for use in research and
development. EPA has determined that these uses of PCBs do not
pose--unreasonable risks to publi'c health or the environment. A
final Section 6 rule is expected in June 1984.
o Inadvertent generation of PCBs (Revision)
In response to a decision by the D.C. Circuit Court, EPA will
issue a final rule addressing the incidental uses of PCBs.
A proposed Section 6 rule is expected in July 1984 which
will encompass control of waste stream products and air and water
releases with measurable quantities of PGBs.
o Chlorinated Naphthalene, Submission of Notice of Manufacture or
Importation - Final Rule
This Section 8(a) rule will require that EPA be notified
of any manufacture or importation of chlorinated naphthalenes,
a category of chemicals recommended for testing by the Inter-
agency Testing Committee. Small businesses are exempt from this
reporting requirement. The purpose of this reporting requirement
is to alert the Agency when the chemical will be manufactured in
or imported into the United States and to ensure that EPA has the
opportunity to investigate the health and environmental impacts
of such activity. A final rule is expected in August 1984.
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o Implementation of Section 5(b)(4) List
Section 5(b)(4) of TSCA allows the Administrator to compile
and keep current a list of chemical substances which in any
phase (manufacture, use, etc.) present an unreasonable risk
to health or environment. OTS has identified a number of
categories of chemicals for consideration for listing under
Section :5{b)(4). An ANPR is expected in September 1984.
The following OTS actions apply to chemicals whose exposure
most frequently occur in the workplace. As a result, the ulti-
mate responsibility for issuing regulations in these areas may
fall to OSHA. In the course of the investigation, we will
determine whether TSCA, OSHA, or a combination of both, pro-
vides the most appropriate authority to control exposures.
A policy, decision is expected within the next month.
o Proposed Rulemaking - 4, 4'-Methylenedianiline (MDA)
The purpose of this action is to develop a proposed
Section 6 rule to control unreasonable risks posed by
4,4'-Methylenedianiline. A recent study has shown MDA
to be strongly oncogenic, and there is evidence of
potential respiratory and dermal exposure risk. The pro-
posed rule is expected to be issued in October 1984.
o .Proposed Rulemaking on Methylene Bis(2-Chloroaniline) (MBOCA)
The Agency is developing a proposed Section 6 rule to
control unreasonable risks posed by the use of methylene
bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA). MBOCA is a curing agent used
in the manufacture of polyurethane elastomers and surface
coatings, and has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory
animals. A proposed rule is expected to be issued in October.
o Section 4(f) Criteria
EPA plans to issue a policy notice in the Federal Register
in July regarding the criteria to be used .in the designation of
chemicals under Section 4(f). Section 4(f) calls for EPA to
initiate action within 180 days after receiving test data or
other information which indicate that a chemical substance or
mixture presents or will present a significant risk of .cancer,
gene mutation, or birth defects.
o Biotechnology Federal Register Notice
OTS is planning to issue a Federal Register notice in
September, that will present the proposed policy on TSCA
applicability to biotechnology. Since biotechnology is a new
developing area accompanied by considerable industry and
trade organization interest, the necessity for establishment
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of such a policy is great.
o Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) - Chemical Advisory
and ANPR
Recent discoveries of groundwater contamination caused
by gasoline and gasoline components near gasoline service
stations and other facilities .have prompted scattered
investigations into the integrity of existing underground
storage tanks and pipelines. By July 1984, EPA will issue
a chemical advisory on underground storage tanks that will
\ alert all tank owners and operators to the problem of
groundwater contamination caused in part by motor fuels,
advise of their potential liability concerning leaking
underground storage tanks (LUST). An ANPR is expected in
September 1984, announcing our intent to begin rulemaking
to require tank owners and operators to monitor and inspect
tanks and report leaks to EPA.
o Formaldehyde
EPA is currently in the process of reviewing public
comments regarding its November 18, 1983, Federal Register
notice in which it rescinded its February 1982, decision
not to apply Section 4(f) to formaldehyde. OTS is preparing
to issue a Section 4(f) decision by May 18, 1984. Additional
action will be taken by EPA on formaldehyde no later than
July-9, 1984.
o Rules Restricting the Commercial and Industrial Use of
Asbestos Fibers
The Agency is evaluating methods for controlling risks
of the commercial and industrial use of asbestos. The Agency
plans to propose Section 6 regulations which will bar several
asbestos products and phasedown use of asbestos over a period
of several years. EPA will coordinate its asbestos activities
with other agencies through the Federal Asbestos Task Force.
The proposed asbestos product ban is scheduled for July 1984,
and the phasedown rule is scheduled for October 1984.
o Pesticide Registration Data Requirements, Part 158
EPA will publish a final rule this summer specifying the
kinds of data and information that must be submitted to the
Agency to support the registration of each pesticide under
FIFRA. Part 158 will provide pesticides registrants with ex-
plicit Instructions concerning data requirements and therefore
will facilitate more efficient pesticide development and
registration.
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o Labelling Regulations
EPA will propose new regulations this summer revising the
Agency's requirements for the warning and cautions that must
appear on pesticide labels in order to protect users from
accidental injury, to ensure that pesticides will not present
unreasonable risks to other persons and non-target organisms
in general, and to help prevent the contamination of environ-
mental resources such as groundwater.
o ANPRM on Farmworker Protection
The Agency will publish in early summer an Advance Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking to better protect farmworkers, who by
reason of their work location are highly susceptible to
exposure to pesticide chemicals. The proposed rules will
help ensure that such exposures are prevented to the maximum
extent possible.
o Increase in Tolerance Fees
New EPA regulations will be proposed to raise the fees
that must be paid by petitioners for the establishment of
pesticide tolerances, which are the maximum legal pesticide
residues permitted to occur on food or feed marketed in
• the U.S. Petitions for the establishment of tolerances
must be submitted along with all applications for the
registration of the use of a pesticide on a food or feed
crop. The additional funds will help offset EPA's costs
of organizing and evaluating the scientific data used to
set tolerance levels.
o Fees Imposed on Registration Applications
Regulations will be proposed by EPA next winter to set fees
for the processing of registration applications. Under the
pesticide statute, all pesticide products must be registered
on the basis of an Agency review of extensive and complex
scientific data, conducted to ensure that the products use
will not cause unreasonable adverse effects. These fees will
help place the financial burden for this process on the
persons who stand to gain in the pesticide's marketing.
o Data Compensation Rules
EPA will propose rules to clarify how and whether companies
may rely on data generated by other companies in supporting
their applications for pesticide registrations. The Agency
intended that companies would generally be able to use
others' data if they offered fair compensation, but a recent
court ruling has barred EPA from using any company's data
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without their express permission. These rules will help the
industry sort out equitable compensation for the use of data.
o Progress in Re-registration
The Agency's Registration Standards and Data Call-in
programs, designed to accomplish the re-registration of old
pesticides in order to bring their data bases up to speed
with current requirements, will make considerable progress
in the next six months. Registration Standards to be completed
in the period will total 14 (bringing the total to 86), and
approximately 35 Data Call-in letters will be issued to give
advance notice that data will be needed for upcoming Standards.
o Special Reviews to Begin
During the next six months, EPA will probably issue separate
notices initiating Special Risk/Benefit Reviews for six chemicals
suspected of causing unreasonable adverse effects. These notices
will describe the data presently available to the Agency on the
chemicals' suspected risks, and will solicit comments on the
risk data, as well as benefits information, from the public.
o Wood Preservatives Special Review to Conclude
• The Agency will complete, probably in June 1984, its
analysis of the risk and benefits of the major wood
preservative chemicals: coal tar and creosote, which are
suspected of being oncogenic and mutagenic; pentachlorophenol,
which may cause birth defects and fetal injury; and the
inorganic arsenicals, which are suspected of oncogenicity,
mutagenicity, reproductive and fetatoxic effects, delayed
neurotoxicity, and being hazardous to wildlife. These
chemicals are very widely used in all parts of the country to
protect wood and lumber from damage by microorganisms.
Office of the Inspector General
o Combatting Fraud, Waste and Mismanagement
The Agency's newly established Committee on Fraud,
Waste, and Mismanagement under the leadership of the Inspector
General will hold its first meeting in May and will establish
an agenda for future actions. The OIG will assist Agency
managers in carrying out their responsibilities under the use
of the Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act to ensure 'that
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adequate internal controls are established and operate
effectively in each program area. Emphasis will be placed on
internal and management audits of critical areas and the
reduction of backlog of construction grant audits. Investigative
efforts will be expanded into areas of bid-rigging in the
wastewater treatment program and fraudulent claims submitted
under sewer rehabilitation contracts. Significant convictions
have been made in these areas during the past years.
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring
o Improving SPMS Commitments for Compliance and Enforcement
By October, we expect to have firm, well-planned commit-
ments from Headquarters and Regional Offices on compliance
and enforcement efforts for FY-85. We expect to refine the
SPMS measures we are using to focus more on results (compliance
levels, significant violators returned to compliance) than on
activity levels. We will continue to track some activity
counts (particularly numbers of judicial referrals) to make
sure those numbers remain at levels necessary to maintain a
credible enforcement program.
o Integrating State Compliance Enforcement Efforts into our
National Programs
. On April 18 our office chaired the first meeting of a
steering committee on federal/state relationships in
enforcement. The committee is comprised of representatives
from "Headquarters, Regional and state offices. The
committee will help guide Headquarters offices in developing
by June 30 program-specific guidance on how EPA/state
agreements covering FY-85 should address enforcement matters.
o Implementing National Compliance/Enforcement Strategies
We will be working with the national program offices.
to implement specific, high-priority areas identified in
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the program-specific strategies developed last fall by the
Compliance/Enforcement Strategy Task Group. Examples
include: developing an enforcement strategy for pretreatment
requirements under the Clean Water Act, conducting priority
litigation to establish an important legal precedence under
CERCLA, and supporting enforcement actions for asbestos
in school violations.
o Improving EPA's Use of Civil Penalties to Deter Non-compliance
As a follow-up to the uniform EPA civil penalty policy
which we issued in February, my office has obtained commitments
from the EPA program office to revise or refine program-
specific policies as appropriate by October. OPPE also will
begin consideration of performance measures EPA could apply
through SPMS to ensure EPA's assessing appropriate penalties
which, for example, are at least as large as any significant
economic benefit occurring as a result of the violation.
o Piloting New Approaches to Enforcement
As follow-through on our 1983 proposal, we will begin
implementing a pilot program which focuses enforcement,
coordinated across all media, on a specific geographic region,
with the hopes of obtaining clear identifiable environmental
results. We expect to initiate such an effort in conjunction
• with the Office of Water and Region III as part of the
Chesapeake Bay program. As another example, by July we
expect to analyze how our present pilot program on direct
referrals on enforcement cases to the Department of Justice
is working, and to develop some recommendations regarding
how that program might be continued or expanded.
Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation
o Long Run Statutory Review
One of the major initiatives is to commission a long run
review of EPA's enabling statutes to identify problems of
inconsistency, inefficiency, ineffectiveness and rigidity.
This review narrowed its focus to five areas where it appeared
that by careful fact-finding and analytic work we might lay
the groundwork for meaningful reform. By the end of the
year, we(will have the results of our work on the new source
bias, citizen suits, cross-media effects, risk management
information, and integrated enforcement projects, and will
present recommendations to the Administrator, where
appropriate, for statutory or administrative change.
o Completion of Pulp and Paper and Petroleum Refining Studies
These two integrated industry studies will be finished
in May. The pulp and paper study will analyze cost effective
controls in two U.S. areas, the Pacific Northwest and the
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middle South. It will also be the first major test of our
ecological scoring model, whose purpose is to incorporate
ecological values, in quantitative terms, into the regulatory
decision process. The petroleum refining study analyzes cost
effectiveness of controls on the West Coast.
o Characterization of Air Toxics Exposures Nationwide
Using the data base and air modelling approaches developed
for the geographic methodology, we are conducting a study for
the Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) on
pollution exposure to priority air toxic pollutants nationwide.
This will be completed by the end of May.
o Sludge/Pretreatment
This project is building an integrated model of municipal
POTW's that will evaluate the cost and impacts of sludge
disposal. The first version of the model will consider sludge
quality, cost of disposal options, and health and ecological
impacts of disposed sludge under typical environmental
conditions. An initial analysis of national level impacts of
potential sludge regulations will be completed by June..
o Lead in Gasoline
In March, OPPE released a major draft report, "Costs and
and Benefits of Reducing Lead in Gasoline." The analysis in
this report is expected to provide the major basis for rule-
making on the lead content of gasoline. OPPE staff in the
Economic Analysis Division are now analyzing the impacts of
regulatory options and, if a regulation is proposed, will be
responsible for the regulatory impact analysis and other
supporting documents. Separately, OPPE is also conducting
original analysis of the health effects of lead that are
being considered for inclusion in the criteria document for
the lead ambient standard.
o Benefits of New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)
The Benefits Branch is now developing estimates of the
benefits per ton of controlling volatile organic compounds
and nitrogen oxides. These estimates are designed to aid senior
Agency officials in reaching decisions about NSPS regulations
by placing the cost effectiveness estimates in perspective.
In a related action, the Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards (OAQPS) is preparing benefits estimates for control
of NPSP controlling particulate matter. Estimates for the
three pollutants will help determine where control efforts
can best be allocated to achieve health and other environmental
goals.
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o Forest Industry Conference on CC>2
The strategic studies staff has been analyzing the potential
effect of long-term climate changes due to rising concentrations
of C02« The major thrust of that analysis has been the
advantages of adaptive planning. The staff has worked with
many private and public agencies on this issue, including the
National Forest Products Association, the Society of American
Foresters, and the Conservation Foundation. In June, these
organizations will hold a conference on "Rising CC"2 and
Changing Climate: Forest Risks and Opportunities," which
will bring together scientists and decision-makers from both
private and public sectors.
o Water Quality Impacts and Benefits of POTW Funding
As part of a major study of funding alternatives for
reauthorization of the construction program, the Office of
Policy Analysis is analyzing water quality impacts and the
benefits associated with Federal funding of sewage treatment
facilities.
o LUST: The Economics of Gasoline Storage Tank Early Replacement
Groundwater protection is an emerging priority, and the
Agency is publicly committed to consider regulations to
control contamination from leaking underground storage tanks
(LUST). The principal focus of LUST are tanks used
' to store gasoline at filling stations. Therefore, the cost
of potential regulations demand a stricter quality control
and replacement schedules for such tanks is of central concern
to the Agency. This.study will identify significant factors
and estimate the costs that determine private tank replacement
decisions (i.e., owners replacing tanks before their absolute
useful life is reached). We are investigating the probability
distributions over time of voluntary tank replacement and of
tank failure in order to determine the extent to which tank
owners may be self-regulating. This study will determine the
net cost (and impacts) of potential regulatory policies that
would require tank replacement prior to the expected voluntary
date.
o Waste End Tax Proposal
EPA is developing and analyzing the feasibility of an
incentives-based tax on hazardous waste disposal to cause
firms to seek better methods of waste management. This tax
could supplement the current Superfund feedstock tax and would
promote the general public desire to reduce unsafe disposal
of hazardous wastes.
o Incineration Study
This study is a comparative analysis of land-based and
ocean incineration of liquid hazardous waste. The purpose of
the study is to pull together existing analysis and conduct
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additional analysis to provide a baseline document to support
EPA regulatory decisions on liquid hazardous waste. The study
includes an analysis of the liquid hazardous waste market and
a comparison of capabilities of the two technologies, the
regulatory requirements on them, their risks and public
acceptance of them. It also includes a review of emerging
technologies which might compete with incineration. The
study represents the first Agency-wide attempt to compare
two hazardous waste disposal techniques.
o Final Emissions Trading Policy
Emissions trading—bubbles, offsets, netting, and
banking—lets managers substitute inexpensive emission
reductions for costly required ones, so long as equal air
quality is obtained. EPA authorized trading in a 1982 interim
policy that has produced nearly $1 billion in savings through
bubbles alone, and was projected by GAO to make possible
savings in the billions per year upon full implementation.
The final policy should resolve major issues raised by ex-
piration of the Clean Air Act's 1982 deadlines for attain-
ment, provide greater certainty to stages and sources,
and expand use of trades to meet environmental goals.
o NSPS Compliance Bubbles
This reform will extend bubble flexibility to new sources
by allowing two or more facilities to meet an NSPS in the
aggregate instead of through point-by-point compliance with
uniform requirements. This year EPA expects to approve the
first ever compliance bubble, allowing two large two new
large utility boilers to meet requirements of 0.6 and 1.8
pounds of S02/mm BTU instead of a uniform 1.2 pound require-
ment. The bubble will save $20 million per year, produce
greater reductions in the traditional NSPS and create several
hundred local mining jobs in southern Illinois. The Agency
also expects to allow case-by-case applications for similar
bubbles under other NSPS, starting with the final NSPS for
rubber tire manufacturers scheduled for issuance this summer.
o Water Innovations Project
This OW/OPPE project has been analyzing the economic,
water quality and enforcement effects of making 7 more
cost-effective types of NPDES permits generally available
to meet water quality standards, where BAT or other technology-
based controls are insufficient.
o Environmental Auditing
Environmental Auditing reviews private sector systems to
find and promptly correct potential problems through procedures
to monitor and verify plant level compliance over time
with environmental laws, regulations and company policies.
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This year, EPA's Office of Policy and Office of Enforcement
and Compliance Monitoring expect to issue a policy statement
detailing the environmental benefits of EA, addressing its
use in compliance strategies and consent decrees, and
removing disincentives to broader adoption of EA by Federal
facilities and small businesses as well as large firms.
Office of External Affairs
o Environmental Education and Community Involvement
The Office of Public Affairs plans to undertake a series
of activities aimed at fostering environmental education and
community involvement on a nationwide scale. These include
finalization of the "Blueprint" for an agency-wide Community
Involvement Program (May); in-house training for technical
field personnel on interacting with the press and public
(first course in Region II in May); and establishment of a
Clearinghouse to initiate and facilitate information exchange
with Regional offices (beginning in May). A multi-purpose
mobile exhibit unit and slide show will also be developed
(October). In addition, various new publications will be
developed—within certain OMB constraints—to supplement the
educational purposes of the regularly published Management Memo,
. EPA Times, and EPA Journal.
o Risk "Communication
The Office of External Affairs, in cooperation with other
EPA offices, plans a program of communications with the press
and public that focuses on risk-related issues. Present plans
call for a number of activities, including cooperating with
OPPE in managing a risk assessment/risk management seminar in
July for the press corps and assisting in planning a larger
agency-sponsored risk assessment conference in September.
o Wetlands Protection
The Office of Federal Activities will continue to work
with the Corps of Engineers to coordinate the management of
the §404 program. Efforts will be made to develop a joint
definition of "fill material" for §404 purposes, to develop
a coordinated approach to bottomland hardwoods, and, more
generally, to implement the Administrator's priority of
wetlands protection.
o State Assumption of §404 Program
The proposed State Dredge and Fill Permit Program Assumption
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Regulations will be published in June. This revised regulation
will simplify the procedural requirements States must meet to
assume the dredge and fill program. The state of Michigan
has already submitted its application to take on the program;
if approved, Michigan will be the first state to assume the
program when this occurs in August.
o Federal Agency Liaison
The Office of External Affairs will continue to work
to enhance and expand Federal agency liaison. For example,
in conjunction with the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response, OEA will be meeting with key agencies to discuss' their
hazardous waste responsibilities in an effort to improve Federal
facilities compliance with those responsibilities.
o Communication Strategies
In May, the Office of External Affairs will issue guidance
to each Assistant Administrator and Regional Administrator
for developing comprehensive communication strategy plans for
every major agency action. The process will be explained and
roles and responsibilities identified. Additional guidance
will be given to plan coordinators that will stress the need
for thoughtful development of a plan, proper execution of it,
and the need for feedback from and follow-up with interested
constituencies.
o Indian Policy
This Policy will provide direction to Agency managers for
extending the coverage of our delegable programs to American
Indian Reservations. It will involve Tribal Governments in
EPA programs that are capable of being adapted to function
effectively in the unique legal and political context of
Indian Reservations.
o Chesapeake Bay Project
The Office of Intergovernmental Liaison is coordinating
the State and local community relations aspects of the
Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts. The timeframe for this
project spans years. The next six months will focus oh
establishing, in concert with State and community groups,
a mutually agreed-upon workplan that will include objectives,
benchmarks, and community-level activities that will pay off
in a real clean-up effort.
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Office of International Activities
o International Actions to Protect the Atmosphere
The Administrator will lead the U.S. delegation to the
ministerial-level Multilateral Conference on the Causes
and Prevention of Damage to Forests and Water Through
Air Pollution in Europe which will be held in Munich,
June 24-27.
o International Approaches to Managing Hazardous Waste
EPA will participate in (a) developing guidelines on
safe and effective transboundary movement of hazardous
wastes within the framework of the United Nations Environ-
ment Program during the summer and fall, and (b) establishing
means for implementing the guidelines on tracing and
regulating the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes
within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) in the spring and fall.
o International Measures to Relate Industry/Economics and
the Environment
The Administrator will lead the U.S. delegation to the
Conference on Environment and Economics sponsored by the
OECD in Paris, June 18-21. The Conference will seek to
outline new emphases and directions member countries
shou-ld take in the economic environmental field.
The Administrator will head the U.S. participation in the
World Industry Conference on Environmental Management in
Paris in November. The conference will shape a broad agenda
for industry-government cooperation.
o Expanded Cooperation with Other Countries
EPA will maintain the momentum of expanded cooperation with
the People's Republic of China under the U.S.-P.R.C. Environ-
mental protection protocol with a meeting of the Joint
Working Group in Beijing -in November.
The Administrator plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding
for formalizing expanded cooperation with France in mid-June
in Paris.
EPA will continue its leadership responsibility through
regular contacts (a) under the U.S.-Mexico Border Environ-
mental Agreement, including water sanitation problems in
Tijuana/San Diego and Mexicali/Calexico, and (b) the Great
Lakes Water Quality and other bilateral arrangements with
Canada.
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MAJOR NATIONAL EPA ACTIONS AND DECISIONS
May 1983 - March 1984
MAY 1983
May 18, 1983
May 18, 1983
May 18, 1983
May 19, 1983
May 23, 1983
May 26, 1983
May 31, 1983
May 1983
Ruckelshaus confirmed as fifth
Administrator
Single largest Clean Water Act pulp
and paper fine to date; Crown Simpson
agrees to pay $750,000
Settlement of case against Olin Chemical
Corporation entered in the Northern
District of Alabama. Olin agreed to a
$24 million clean up of its DDT con-
taminated site and established a $5
million primary health care program for
local residents
Ruckelshaus takes steps to improve flow
of Agency information: operate in a
"fishbowl" •
After a hearing on the Government's
motion to enforce a 1981 Clean Air Act
consent decree applicable to National
Steel Corporation's Great Lakes Steel
Division, the U.S. District Court
orders the company to comply with the
decree and assesses stipulated penal-
ties of $2,547,500 for past violations
and continuing daily penalties until
compliance is achieved—estimated at
an additional $3.5 million
First limited production of shale oil
approved under TSCA
Adjustment in fuel economy figures to
narrow gap between estimated and actual
mileage proposed
"Guidance for Controlling Friable
Asbestos-Containing Materials in
Buildings" published
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May 1983
May 1983
May 1983
Community relations policy for
Superfund activities, recognizing
the role of citizens in affected
communities, issued
Final rule establishing premanufactur-
ing notification procedures and report-
ing requirements for new chemicals
published
ANPR announces regulatory investigation
of methylene bis (2-chloroaniline)
(MBOCA)
JUNE 1983
June 1, 1983
June 8, 1983
June 13, 1983
June 14, 1983
June 20, 1983
$100,000 grant awarded to Association
of State Territorial and Solid Waste
Management officials to develop States'
ability to management the procurement
and funding aspects of cleanup of
Superfund sites
Fuel switching penalties totalling
$5,925,000 against three companies
proposed
President forwards Administrator's
increased budget request for addi-
tional 1984 resources to Congress;
1,100 workyears and $265 million
above original 1984 budget request
Administrator testifies on continua-
tion of Clean Water Act before Senate
Environment and Public Works
Subcommittee
Ten Task Forces established:
Analytic Resources
Acid Rain Strategy
Compliance Strategy
Groundwater Operations Strategy
Toxics Integration
- Dioxins
- , Federal/State Partnership
Delegation of Internal Decision-making
Headquarters/Regional Relationships
Budget/Personnel Systems
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June 22, 1983
June 23, 1983
June 28, 1983
June 29, 1983
June 29, 1983
June 29, 1983
June 27, 1983
Ruckelshaus calls for Government-wide
process for improving assessment and
management of risk; Administrator's
speech before National Academy of
Sciences
Policy on air sanctions announced
EPA issues enforcement guidance for
the National Emission Standard for
Vinyl Chloride, a hazardous air
pollutant
Crop Grouping Pesticide Tolerance
final rule published
Administrator testifies on Groundwater
Policy Issues and RCRA Compliance
before the House Government Operations
Subcommittee on Environment, Energy,
and Natural Resources
Final reimbursement policy for chemical
testing
Ferriamicide use on fire ants denied
JULY 1983
July 1, 1983
July 6, 1983
July 11, 1983
July 11, 1983
Sixth Circuit Court upholds EPA posi-
tion on "interstate transport" of air
pollution
Mobil Oil settles with EPA for $100,000
in fuel violations. EPA found lead
contamination levels in unleaded fuel
exceeded amounts allowed under Clean
Air Act
Report released on Industrial Bio-Test
(IBT) lab studies; warns of suspension
action against pesticide registrants
whose products are supported by IBT
invalid health data
Three Federal agencies establish Task
Force on Asbestos: EPA, CPSC, and OSHA
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July 12, 1983
July 13, 1983
July 15, 1983
July 15, 1983
July 20, 1983
July 20, 1983
July 21, 1983
July 21, 1983
July 26, 1983
July 27, 1983
July 29, 1983
Congress approves EPA's 1984
Appropriations Bill, including
Administrator's full request
NSPS proposal for asbestos revision -
work practices
U.S. amends existing Clean Air Act
consent decree applicable to Wheeling-
Pittsburgh Steel Corporation reflect-
ing extensions of compliance and
corresponding commitments for plant
modernization under the Steel Industry
Compliance Extension Act. The amend-
ment affected 10 steel-making facili-
ties and required the expenditure of
$23.170 million
Metal finishing/electroplating effluent
guideline promulgated
Ruckelshaus meets with National Academy
of Sciences Roundtable on acid rain
NESHAP for inorganic arsenic proposed
Eleven States needing auto emissions
program named
Suit settled at Taylor Road Landfill
in Florida for $2 million to prevent
further groundwater contamination;
settlement is largest to date with a
municipality on the cleanup of a
public landfill
Conditional Pesticide Registration
final rule published
California plan for Stringfellow cleanup
approved
First pre-manufacture notification
enforcement actions taken by EPA
pursuant to §5(a) and §15 of TSCA are
settled. El Paso Products, Chemical
Dynamics, and Albany International
agree to pay $139,000 in settlement,
to develop a corporate model manage-
ment to develop for the chemical
industry a presentation outlining
industry's obligations to comply with
the requirements of TSCA
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AUGUST 1983
August 3, 1983
August 12, 1983
August 14, 1983
August 15, 1983
August 17, 1983
August 17, 1983
August 18, 1983
August 19, 1983
August 22, 1983
August 23, 1983
August 25, 1983
Mobil Oil settles with EPA for $620,000
for 62 days of violation of the Clean
Watet Act. Mobil had drilled explora-
tory and gas wells off the Alaskan
coast without a permit
Agreement clarifying responsibilities
between EPA and the Department of
Defense for cleanup of releases of
hazardous substances from DOD.facili-
ties signed by EPA and DOD under
Superfund
Negotiation and signing by Presidents
Reagan and de la Madrid of Agreement on
Border Environmental Cooperation,
appointment of the EPA as U.S. coordina-
tor for the Agreement and initiation of
implementation discussions on the border
Copper forming effluent guideline
promulgated
NSPS proposals for electric arc
furnaces - steel revision
CEQ creates panel to review acid rain
research
NSPS promulgation for bulk gasoline
terminals
Seventh Circuit Court upholds EPA
position on "interstate transport"
of pollutants
Chemical manufacturers to hold records
of allegations that their products
harmed human health for 30 years.
Requirement under TSCA Section 8(c)
published; effective November 2, 1983
Reorganization plan creating two addi- .
tional Assistant Administrators passed
by Congress
National Academy of Public Administration
study of ways to increase EPA personnel
and budgetary efficiency initiated
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-6-
August 25, 1983
August 25, 1983
August 26, 1983
August 31, 1983
August 31, 1983
NSPS for beverage cans promulgated
Amendment proposed to revise authoriza-
tion of State Hazardous Waste Programs
requiring that: (1) States do not have
to revise applications to incorporate
Federal regulatory changes while being
processed, and (2) authorized States
have one year from effective date of
amended Federal regulations to make
revisions in their own programs
D.C. Circuit Court orders EPA to treat
surface mines as "major sources" of
air pollution under the Clean Air Act
NSPS for nonmetallic minerals proposed
Mosquito use of pesticide EPN cancelled;
other uses of EPN restricted
SEPTEMBER 1983
September 1, 1983
September 6, 1983
September 8, 1983
September 9, 1983
September 16, 1983
Land disposal treatment alternatives
programs initiated to identify and
evaluate alternative methods for
handling wastes banned from land
disposal
Louisiana-Pacific agrees to pay
$750,000 fine for Clean Water Act
violations involving pulp and paper
industrial facility
Final NPL, containing 406 sites,
issued; 133 additional sites proposed
to be added to this initial listing
To facilitate the RCRA permitting
process, the Agency issued guidance
on appropriate enforcement actions
against owners/operators of TSD
facilities who submit late and/or
incomplete permit applications
Office of Enforcement and Compliance
Monitoring established
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«. "7 —
September 16, 1983
September 20, 1983
September 21, 1983
September 26, 1983
September 29, 1983
September 30, 1983
September 30, 1983
September 30, 1983
September 30, 1983
Office of External Affairs established
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
concerning risks posed by exposure to
MDA (4,4-methylenedianiline) published
Settlement with 246 companies.to clean
up Enviro-Chem site in Indiana; largest
number of companies ever to agree to
such a settlement
Chesapeake Bay Study with proposals
on how to address the Bay's problems
completed
Intentions for responding to problem
of PCB's in the Hudson River stated
Immediate emergency suspension of
EDB pesticide as a soil fumigant for
agricultural crops ordered; notice
of intent to cancel all major uses
issued
Standards issued for radiation from
active uranium mills and to require
safe long-term disposal of uranium
mill tailings
Restrictions announced on use of
strychnine for animal control
Cancel use of lindane in indoor smoke
fumigation devices and for dog dips
to control pests other than mites;
prohibit aerial and aquatic applica-
tion for other uses
OCTOBER 1983
October 1, 1983
October 4 & 14, 1983
Strategic Planning and Management
System implementation initiated
D.C.-Circuit Court largely upholds
EPA regulations on motor vehicle
tests and warranties under the Clean
Air Act
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-8-
October 5, 1983
October 6, 1983
October 7, 1983
October 7, 1983
October 11, 1983
October 14, 1983
October 16, 1983
October 18, 1983
October 18, 1983
October 20, 1983
Revision of drinking water standards
initiated; advance notice of proposed
rulemaking; second phase of revised
regulations that will become the
permanent drinking water standards
for all public water systems
Administrator testifies on proposed
Standards on Radon Releases and
Section 112 of the Clean Air Act
before the House Armed Services
Subcommittee on Nuclear Systems
Action Tracking System initiated
Union Carbide settles with EPA for
$30,000 in a landmark vinyl chloride
enforcement action under the Clean
Water Act
D.C. Circuit Court remands for revision
"stack height" regulations under the
Clean Air Act
Dow Chemical Company withdraws its
objection to EPA's proposed cancella-
tion of 2,4,5-T and silvex products;
Agency issues notice of intent to
cancel all remaining, non-suspended
registrations
Agreement signed by Ruckelshaus
extending cooperative efforts to deal
with phosphorus pollution in the Great
Lakes with Secretary of State George
Shultz, Canadian Minister of External
Affairs Allan J. MacEachan, and
Environment Minister Charles Caccia
NSPS for pressure sensitive tapes and
labels promulgated
NSPS for Synthetic Organic Chemical
Manufacturing Industry equipment leaks
(fugitives) promulgated
GM Recall of 112,000 1979 Chevettes
exceeding CO emission standards
ordered
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-9-
October 20, 1983
October 21, 1983
October 21, 1983
October 21, 1983
October 21, 1983
October 24, 1983
October 24, 1983
October~~25, 1983
October 25, 1983
October 27, 1983
October 28, 1983
October 29, 1983
October 31, 1983
October 1983
Formal policy on Clean Air Act sanc-
tions issued; how and when economic
sanctions might be applied to area's
not meeting air quality standards
NSPS for fossil fuel fired steam
generators proposed
Special permits for incineration at
sea proposed
NSPS for Synthetic Organic Chemical
Manufacturing Industry air oxidation
proposed
Proposed rule for PCB manufacturing,
processing, and distribution exemptions
approved
$250,000 research contracts awarded to
small firms; Small Business Innovative
Research Program (SBIR)
Aluminum forming effluent guideline
promulgated
Inorganic chemicals (Phase II) effluent
guideline proposed
Standards set for heavy duty trucks
that will reduce tailpipe emissions of
hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by up
to 90 percent
Pharmaceuticals effluent guideline
promulgated
EPA issues guidance to develop lists of
and track actions against significant
violators
EPA and Department of Justice agree to
direct referral of certain categories
of civil judicial referrals from EPA
Regional Office to Department of Justice
Decision permits EPA to consider, limited
use of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) to
control predators
Proposed rule for restricted use
classification of fumigants published
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-10-
NOVEMBER 1983
November 2, 1983
November 2, 1983
November 4, 1983
November 7, 1983
November 8, 1983
November 8, 1983
November 14, 1983
November 15, 1983
November 16, 1983
November 16, 1983
November 17, 1983
Administrator testifies on Implementa-
tion of Pesticide Regulations before
House Agriculture Subcommittee on
Departmental Operations, Research and
Foreign Agriculture '
NSPS for glass revision proposed
Construction ban lifted on most of
California; ban remains in Fresno
Administrator testifies on continua-
tion of Program to Improve EPA's-
Implementation of Section 112 of the
Clean Air Act before the House Energy
and Commerce Subcommittee
Risk/benefit report issued on termite
pesticide for public comment
Revised rules issued governing water
quality standards that will strengthen
the protection of streams, rivers, a-nd
lakes. The standards, established by
the States and approved by EPA, set
water quality goals for specific bodies
of water .
Over 150 removals under Superfund
completed
Administrator testifies on continuation
of Clean Water Act Reauthorization before
House Public Works and Transportation
Committee
Administrator keynotes U.S.-Canada
International Joint Commission Meeting
New rules proposed for secondary treat-
ment of wastewater that will make it
easier for smaller communities to meet
CWA requirements while assuring that
water quality will not be adversely
affected
•
Previous decision on formaldehyde
rescinded; Agency to reassess status
under TSCA (public comments sought)
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-11-
November 17, 1983
November 22, 1983
November 23, 1983
November 23, 1983
November 27 -
December 12, 1983
November 28, 1983
November 29, 1983
November 30 -
December 1, 1983
November 30 -
December 1, 1983
November 1983
Can making effluent guidelines
promulgated
Clean up of PCB's at Neal's Landfill
and Neal's Dump in Indiana to be
initiated by Westinghouse
Philadelphia cited for Clean Air
Act violations involving tampering
with emission control devices on 131
city police vehicles
Fuel switching violation notice issued
to Greenville County, South Carolina
Face-to-face policy level contacts
restored with the Chinese environmental
officials and major visit to the United
States by Chinese experts sponsored by
EPA
In order to improve the frequency,
visibility, and forcefulness of enforce-
ment actions, the Agency issued guidance
on EPA action in unauthorized States
Standards set for FIFRA, TSCA lab tests
("good lab practices")
Initiative to review and expand exchanges
with the Federal Republic of Germany
pursued to develop an exchange of
expert visits on acid rain research
Toxics Integration Task Force submitted
their findings and recommendations to
the Deputy Administrator
U.S. delegation to NATO's Committee on
the Challenges of Modern Society led
by EPA
. DECEMBER 1983
December 1, 1982
December 8, 1983
Proposed rule for PCB Exclusions,
Exemptions, and Use Authorizations
Interagency Committee on Indoor Air
Quality conducts preview of research
plans
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-12-
December 9, 1983
December 14, 1983
December 14, 1983
December 14, 1983
December 15, 1983
December 15, 1983
December 15, 1983
December 15, 1983
December 19, 1983
December 20, 1983
December 21, 1983
Recovery of Love Canal costs sought
from Occidental Chemical Corporation
of nearly $45 million
Electrical and electronic components
effluent guideline (Phase II)
promulgated
EPA issues guidance for enforcement
of the Prevention of Significant
Deterioration requirements of the
Clean Air Act
Delaware first State to receive final
authorization to conduct hazardous
waste program
Clean up of Petro Processors in
Louisiana with 10 companies for an
estimated $50 to $60 million agreed
to
National Dioxin Strategy issued for
investigating, identifying, and.clean
ing up sites contaminated by dioxin.
Represents a coordinated comprehensive
approach to the assessment of dioxin-
related risk
Standards announced for benzene emis-
sions from petroleum refineries and
chemical manufacturing plants and to
propose standards for controlling
benzene emissions from coke byproduct
recovery plants
First meeting of Interagency Risk
Management Council, including chiefs
of EPA, OSHA, CPSC, and FDA
Cleveland Wrecking Co. settles with
EPA for $7,500 in a landmark asbestos
enforcement action under the Clean Air
Act
EPA issues guidance on tracking com-
pliance with requirements in active
consent decrees by defendants
Complete reorganization of Office of
Public Affairs announced to improve
service to public
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-13-
December 23, 1983
December 28, 1983
December 30, 1983
December 1983
December 1983
Backlog under Section 4 of TSCA
eliminated. EPA analyzed all 37 back-
log chemicals and responded in accord-
ance with the court order
NSPS for Claus Sulfur Recovery Review
promulgated
NSPS for distillation operation -
Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing
Industry proposed
EPA Journal resumes 10 times a year
publication
Deutch acid rain report released
JANUARY 1984
January 5, 1984
January - 5, 1984
January 5, 1984
January 6, 1984
January 10, 1984
January 11, 1984
Study of EDB contamination of agri-
cultural products intensified; Agency
considers new steps to deal with raw
and processed agricultural products
contaminated with EDB
Priority review initiated under
Section 4(f) of TSCA for 1,3-butadiene
EPA plans to either initiate rulemaking
or publish decision that the risk posed
is not unreasonable by May 7, 1984
Remaining uses of soil fumigant DBCP
on pineapple fields in Hawaiian Islands
to be banned after information showing
groundwater contamination by the
pesticide
Action taken against 17 companies for
fuel blending violations in Michigan
for alcohol in gasoline
Agreement reached on $30 million clean
up of S-Area Landfill in Niagara Falls
with Occidental Chemical Corporation
Supreme Court on procedural grounds
upholds a lower court opinion barring
the use of contractors to perform
compliance inspections under the Clean
Air Act •
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-14-
January 13, 1984
January 13, 1984
January 17, 1984
January 17, 1984
January 17, 1984
January 18, 1984
January 19, 1984
January 19, 1984
January 20, 1984
January 20, 1984
January 30, 1984
January 23, 1984
Groundwater policy actions on waste
ponds as a result of National Surface
Impoundment Assessment Report published
Data sought from States on EDB
pesticide. Ruckelshaus sent letters
to all 50 States requesting any data
concerning food products contaminated
with EDB
More stringent standards postponed
for 2 years for diesel particulate
emissions from passenger cars and
light duty trucks
NSPS for petroleum refineries/ FCC
regenerators proposed
Six aquifers approved as sole sources
of drinking water
Compliance Strategy Task Force issues
final, program-specific Compliance/
Enforcement strategies and statement
of working principles underlying •
national compliance and enforcement
programs
NSPS revision for Kraft Pulp Mills
proposed
Sanctions announced for Fresno County,
California
NSPS for onshore production, VOC and
SC>2 proposed
Suit filed by EPA, DOJ to clean up
dioxin sites in Missouri
EPA announces National Municipal Policy
to protect water quality
First TSCA Section 5(f): immediately
effective rule to control risk of
cancer resulting from nitrosamine
formation during use of a new chemical
substance
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-15-
January 26, 1984
January 24-25, 1984
January 1984
January 1984
January 1984
January 1984
January 1984
After trial on the Government's com-
plaint, Kaiser Steel Corporation is
assessed a civil penalty of $825,000
for violations of the Clean Air Act
at its Fontana, California, steel-
making facility
EPA holds National Compliance and
Enforcement Conference
Management review results in Asbestos-in-
Schools Study containing recommendation
for further action; additional resources
provided for enforcement of asbestos-in-
schools rule
Office of Groundwater Protection
established
Task Force established to study and
recommend future of the construction
grants program
Non-point Source Pollution Report to
Congress
Draft groundwater protection strategy
sent to State officials, business and
industry, environmentalists, and State
associations for comments
FEBRUARY 1984
February 1, 1984
February 2, 1984
February 2, 1984
February 3, 1984
Reagan's proposed 1985 funding increase
for EPA among largest proposed percentage
increase in Domestic Federal Budget
including increases of 750 workyears
and $295 million above 1984 level
Administrator testifies on Acid Rain
Policy Development before the Senate
Environment and Public Works
Subaru volunteers to remedy emissions
problem on certain 1979 cars
The.Administrator signed the charter
and established the Pretreatment Review
Task Force to provide advice to EPA on
improving implementation of the National
Pretreatment Program
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-16-
February 3, 1984
February 3, 1984
February 6-8, 1984
February 7, 1984
February 7, 1984
February 8, 1984
February 14, 1984
February 15, 1984
February 16, 1984
February 16-17, 1984
Toxics Control Policy to assess and
control toxic chemicals in rivers and
lakes. Policy encourages biological
as well as chemical testing methods
in controlling toxics and will enable
EPA and States to address problems that
were previously not detectable
Immediate emergency suspension of the
pesticide EDB announced for use as
a grain fumigant; recommended residue
levels issued for grain and grain-
related products
Administrator led U.S. delegation to
Japan for the Eighth Joint Meeting
under environmental bilateral agree-
ment, which consists of 14 cooperative
projects
NSPS for fiberglass proposed
Generic list of 25 hazardous chlorinated
aliphatic hydrocarbon contaminated
waste streams, via a single regulatory
action. By regulating as a generic
class the Agency was able to speed up
rulemaking, thereby improving protec-
tion afforded to public health and the
environment
Water quality improvements and problems
noted before Congress
Proposal made not to regulate polycyclic
organic matter (POM) as a general class
under Clean Air Act
Plastics molding and forming effluent
guidelines proposed
EPA issues new Uniform Civil Penalty
Policy
Renewed leadership role pursued by EPA
in environmental cooperation with the
Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development (OECD) in developing
an agreed OECD notification procedure
for the export of banned and severely
restricted chemicals
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-17-
February 17, 1984
February 17, 1984
February 18, 1984
February 21, 1984
February 21, 1984
February 22, 1984
February 26 -
March 6, 1984
February 1984
February 1984
EPA grants Service Employee
International Union (SEIU) petition
to investigate need for further reg-
ulation of asbestos in schools and
public buildings
National air standard for nitrogen
dioxide (N02> retained
Ruckelshaus makes major speech at
Princeton University, "Risks in a Free
Society"
NSPS for metallic minerals promulgated
Revised construction grants regulations
issued; they are shorter, simpler, and
provide more flexibility to the States
in construction of wastewater treatment
facilities
Arrangements were approved for coopera-
tion on the St. John River between U.S.
and Canada
Transboundary movement of hazardous
waste guidelines were established in
cooperation with OECD and EPA
First chemical advisory issued by OTS
under TSCA covering use of used motor
oil
Administrator announces intent to
pursue further steps to reduce the
lead content of gasoline
MARCH 1984
March 1, 1984
March 2, 1984
Extensions of six basic EPA laws
submitted to Congress
Administrator testifies on EPA Budget
before the Senate Environment and
Public Works
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-18-
March 5, 1984
March 6, 1984
March 6, 1984
March 6-7-8, 1984
March 8, 1984
March 9, 1984
March 9, 1984
March 12, 1984
March 14, 1984
March 14, 1984
March 15, 1984
Administrator testifies on EDB decision
before the House Government Operations
Subcommittee
EPA proposes tolerance levels for EDB
residues in citrus fruits and papayas
that will eliminate all EDB in fruit
for U.S. consumption by September 1
NSPS Proposal for Benzene (withdrawal
of Maleic Anhydride, Ethylbenzene/
Styrene, and Benzene storage)
Administrator testifies on
Appropriations before the House
Appropriations Subcommittee
Nonferrous metals (Phase I) effluent
guideline promulgated
Battery manufacturing effluent
guideline promulgated
Particulate matter 10, decision to
improve standard, changing the focus
from larger total particles to
smaller, inhalable particles that
are more damaging to human health
In the first administrative civil
complaint issued under EPA's school
asbestos rule, EPA assesses a
$24,000 penalty against.New Hampshire
Administrative Unit No. 19 for viola-
tion at three schools
Administrator testifies on R&D
Overview before the House Science
and Technology
Uniform manifest document for tracking
the interstate transportation of hazardous
wastes jointly issued by DOT/EPA
Administrator testifies on Future of
Superfund before the House Energy and
Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce,
Transportation, and Tourism
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-19-
March 16, 1984
March 15, 1984
March 16, 1984
March 19, 1984
March 20, 1984
March 20, 1984
March 2Q_, 1984
March 21, 1984
March 21, 1984
March 23, 1984
March 23, 1984
3(c)(2)(b) letters requesting addi-
tional data issued for alternatives
of EDB
Six State Implementation Plans approved
as required under Clean Air Act, which
calls for total actual increase of
approximately 16,000 tons of sulfur
dioxide (S02)
Risks to human health by PCB transformer
fires is being assessed by EPA in an
Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
186,000 1980 model year GM cars were
ordered recalled by EPA because they
exceed Federal emission standards for
hydrocarbons
The Deputy Administrator issues a
policy that provides a framework for
RCRA enforcement activities
Charter signed to establish
Administrator's Pesticide Advisory
Committee (APAC)
Administrator testifies on
Appropriations before the Senate
Appropriations Subcommittee
Special review of the pesticide dicofol
initiated after determining that con-
tinued use may cause unreasonable risks
to wildlife populations
10 corporations announced an agreement
with EPA and Frank Kelly, Attorney
General of Michigan, for voluntary
clean up of portions of the Berlin
and Farro hazardous waste site
Second meeting of Interagency Risk
Management Council
EPA and Department of Justice announce
a $34 million settlement with LTV Corp.,
that includes a record $4 million
penalty for violations of the Clean Air
Act
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-20-
March 27, 1984
March 28, 1984
March 28, 1984
March 29, 1984
March 1984
March 1984
Non-point Source Pollution Task
Force formed
According to a new report prepared
by the Association of State and
Interstate Water Pollution Control
Administrators, the nation's water
is cleaner than it was 10 years ago
.Dow agrees to provide under the Clean
Water Act information on internal waste-
streams at Midland, Michigan, plant as
embodied in filed consent decree
Administrator testifies on Clean Water
Act Reauthorization before the House
Energy and Commerce Subcommittee
Underground injection control direct
implementation regulations promulgated
Oversight/delegation policy announced
April 1984
April 2, 1984
April 5, 1984
April 5, 1984
April 6, 1984
April 9, 1984
April 9, 1984
April 12, 1984
April 17, 1984
Final report on Toxics Integration
Task Force issued
EPA Enforces Unleaded Fuel
Regulations
EPA to Revise Vehicle Mileage Figures
EPA Considers Emission Standards for
Methanol Autos
Administrator Establishes Pesticide
Advisory Committee
EPA Amends Hazardous Air Pollutant
Regulations for Asbestos
EPA Creates Office of Ground Water
EPA Announces Settlement on Water
Pollution Rules for Petroleum
Refining Industry
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-21-
April 20, 1984
April 23, 1984
April 24, 1984
April 26, 1984
April 26, 1984
April 27, 1984
April 27, 1984
May 1, 1984
May 2, 1984
May 7, 1984
May 7, 1984
EPA Places Restrictions on
Pesticide Ethylene Oxide
EPA Makes Public Recommendations
on Ocean Incineration Permits
EPA Issues Final EDB Residue
Levels on Grain
EPA Designates Disposal Sites
106 Miles off Atlantic Coast
EPA Proposes Conditional Registration
of Larvadex Pesticide
EPA Defines New Private-Party Role
in Cleanup of Superfund Sites
EPA Releases New Estimate on Amount
of Hazardous Waste Now Regulated
EPA Establishes New Human Resources
Office
EPA Proposes Revised Water Pollution
Rules for Coal Industry
Ruckelshaus Cites Vehicle Emissions
as Major Air Pollution Problem
1,3 Butadiene ANPR Signed
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