United States
      Environmental Protection
      Agency
Office of
Information Resources Management
Washington, DC 20460
      Progress Report
           1987
                     DC
     State/EPA
Data Management
      Program

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Progress Report
       1987
    Sharing Data
        for
 Environmental ResuIts
                DC
     STATE/EPA
 DATA MANAGEMENT
     PROGRAM

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/
= ^_^ u,    UN|TED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                               WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460


                                                   THE ADMINISTRATOR



    To the Reader,
          The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the States have made great
    strides toward Environmental Federalism -- a true partnership of Federal and State
    governments to achieve our shared goals of protecting human health and the
    environment. The State/EPA Data Management Program has been instrumental in
    this progress and exemplifies what can be accomplished when State and Federal
    managers work together.

          This report highlights the accomplishments of the State/EPA Data Manage-
    ment Program during 1987.  These accomplishments include immediate gains in
    efficiency and much-needed improvements in line manager access to environmental
    and management information. Over the longer term, this program is helping to build
    the infrastructure ~ the  management capacity, data resources and technology ~
    needed by EPA and the States to set priorities based on risk, and to integrate our
    activities across programs and media.

          The State/EPA Data Management Program has had the added benefit of
    demonstrating the efficacy and importance of training and technology transfer as a
    means for achieving Federal priorities.  Thus, EPA has both given and received
    technical  assistance,  and more importantly, has helped arrange  the transfer of
    technology between States.

          I look to the State/EPA Data Management Program to carry us forward into a
    new, more productive relationship with State agencies.  With this in mind, I have
    directed that this Program be extended to all States and that the underlying principles
    be adopted as EPA policy.
                                             Lee M. Thomas

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I. INTRODUCTION AND GOALS

Program Background	  	
                      EPA's capacity to identify and examine environmental trends and
                      report on its own performance and that of delegated State programs
                      — to manage for environmental results — depends directly on
                      a timely and accurate data sharing program with States. For this
                      reason, the Agency has launched the State/EPA Data Manage-
                      ment Program to build and maintain the infrastructure needed (1)
                      for effective State/EPA data management and sharing; and (2) to
                      integrate data across media and programs so EPA and State
                      managers can target their efforts on environmental results.
Program Phases
                            This program is divided into two phases. Phase I:  Data
                      Sharing and Phase II:  Data Integration.

                      The goal of Phase I is:

                             • To provide a direct communication linkto the State and to
                               the EPA data network;
                             • To have direct access to the data in the national data
                               systems;
                             •  To have a State policy statement on data integrity and
                               protocols.

                      The goal of Phase II is:

                             • To implement  data integration tools to pinpoint environ-
                              mental problems;
                             • To set priority on environmental problems on a risk-reduc-
                              tion basis;
                             • To manage activities to maximize environmental results.

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Phase I: Data Sharing
               Phase I seeks to establish a reliable flow of regulatory and compli-
               ance data between EPA and the delegated States for seven sys-
               tems.  An important objective of Phase I is to have direct data
               access into these national systems:

               National Emissions Data System (NEDS): provides air emissions
               data.

               System for the Storage and Retrieval of Aerometric Data (SA-
               ROAD):  provides ambient air quality data.

               Compliance Data System (CDS): provides air compliance data.

               Grants Information  and Control System (GICS):  provides Con-
               struction Grants and schedule information.

               Water quality data storage and Retrieval system (STORET): pro-
               vides water quality data.

               Permit Compliance System.  (PCS):  provides compliance data
               and effluent data for surface water discharges.

               Hazardous Waste Data Management System  (HWDMS):  pro-
               vides hazardous waste site information.
Phase II: Data Integration	


               Phase II focuses on assisting States and Regions in integrating
               data across programs and media. The Phase II goal is to develop
               and implement at the Regional and State levels the tools needed
               to pinpoint environmental problems, prioritize them on a risk-reduc-
               tion basis, and manage program activities to maximize environ-
               mental results. EPA Regionsare expectedto begin introducing the
               Phase II integration concepts to the Phase I States in 1988.

               Phase II is now being piloted in Region IV and Georgia.  The pilot
               will help define the  Phase II Program more precisely.

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                                                           401  M ST., S.W., TS-793
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                       Federal responsibility and  support for the  program is  shared
                       among the Regions, Office of Information Resources Manage-
                       ment (OIRM), the National Data Processing Division (NDPD), and
                       the Program Offices.

                       The Regional role is critical; the senior IRM official i n each Region
                       must drive this program at the Regional level and secure State par-
                       ticipation.  As the National Program Manager, OIRM with assis-
                       tance from NDPD, is responsible for program policy, coordinating
                       Program Office support, connecting States to EPA's data commu-
                       nication network, introducing and supporting data integration and
                       other new technologies, and assisting Regions and  States during
                       implementation.  Continued  Program  Offices support for the
                       State-Regional Initiatives is vital to achieve complete, timely, and
                       accurate national data systems.
Benefits to the Agency and States	


                       The four specific benefits envisioned for the State/EPA Data Man-
                       agement Program are:

                             Efficiencies in data collection which will result in signifi-
                             cant gains in data handling and routine program operations;

                             Enhanced data quality—accurate, timely and reliable —
                             to guide  programmatic decisions  and support program
                             oversight;

                             Improved data integration to more effectively target regu-
                             latory and compliance activities on risk reduction, and to en-
                             hance the capability to manage for environmental results;

                             A more productive working relationship between EPA
                             and the States to focus on environmental management and
                             minimize data disputes.

                       This program is of strategic importance to EPA's overall efforts to
                       enhance vital data resources and move toward more productive
                       Federal and State roles in environmental protection.

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Georgia —The Pilot State
                       The data management Pilot began with a joint effort between Geor-
                       gia and the Atlanta Regional Office, to  meet State information
                       needs and satisfy EPA reporting requirements. This Pilot estab-
                       lished a protocol for resolving data disputes, upgraded State com-
                       puting capacity, and established a high-speed data link between
                       EPA and the State.  Results are very positive:  complete, timely
                       and accurate data in EPA's data bases; a reduction in both contrac-
                       tor workyears for handling the  Regions' data activities  and in
                       Georgia's annual computing costs; and virtual elimination of dis-
                       putes over compliance data and status.
                                        6

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II. Review of 1987 Progress

Summary
                      Substantial progress was made in 1987. Accomplishments include
                      all ten Regions:

                            Implemented Phase I in at least one State; Regions II and
                            IV worked with two States.

                            Completed installation of a high-speed data link and
                            necessary software to tie the State capitals into the data
                            network.  These States now have the capability to directly
                            enter and access the data they report to EPA.

                            Created a more constructive  Regional-State  attitude
                            toward improving the flow of State reported data.

                            Achieved numerous and concrete improvements in the
                            flow and use of data: efficiencies in handling data, timeli-
                            ness of reported data, and greater use of EPA systems to
                            support State program operations.

                            Initiated actions to develop protocols for resolving dis-
                            agreements over State reported data.

                      Nine Regions completed joint State-Regional implementation plans
                      specifying actions to be taken in1988-89 to accomplish Phase I
                      objectives and selected Phase II data integration initiatives.  Addi-
                      tional training is being provided to enhance and expand the States'
                      use of EPA systems in managing operations.

                      Looking ahead, Regions have selected additional States to include
                      in the Program for 1988.

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Region-By-Region  Review
                                          DC
  LEGEND: 1987 Selected States
         1988 Selected States
  1987 Selected States
      • Maine
      • New Jersey
      • New York
      • Virginia
      • Tennessee
      • Indiana
      • Arkansas
      • Missouri
      •Utah
      • California
      • Oregon
1988 Selected States
   • New Hampshire
   • Puerto Rico
   • West Virginia
   • Delaware
   • Florida
   • Illinois
   • Michigan
   • Minnesota
   • Ohio
   • Wisconsin
   • Texas
   • Nebraska
   • Iowa
   • Kansas
   • Colorado
   • Hawaii
   • Nevada
   • Washington
   • Idaho
                      8

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 LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
         1988 Selected State
 Region:                   Region I, Boston

 State:                    Maine

 Program Phase:           Phase I

 Key Regional Participants:   Hartey Laing, Director, Planning and Management
                          Mike MacDougall

 State Contacts:            Ron Dolan

 Data Bases Involved:       NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GICS, STORET, & HWDMS


 Major Accomplishments in 1987:

   (1) Installed high speed data link to connect Augusta to EPA network.
   (2) Identified data management problem areas and prepared workplan for Regional and
      State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
   (3) Began work on data integrity protocols for the national data bases.
   (4) Identified several  PCS-related  enhancements  desired by Maine which would expand
      PCS capabilities for supporting program operations.
   (5) Established the analytic capability to conduct data integration activities and procured
      hardware and software to support that effort.
   (6) Previewed the new AIRS system which will be adopted by Maine.
   (7) Provided training and support to Maine as a direct user of the CDS and GICS systems.


Next Steps for Maine in 1988:

   (1) Receive training in use of EPA systems.
   (2) Complete tasks in workplan to facilitate timely and accurate data flows.
   (3) Work with Region in developing PCS-related enhancements.

Next State in Program:   New Hampshire

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LEGEND: 1987 Selected States
        1988 Selected State
Region:

States:

Program Phase:
Region II, New York

New Jersey, New York

Phase I
Key Regional Participants:   Herb Barrack, ARA for Policy and Management
                         Bob Messina, John Baglivi

State Contacts:            NJ:  Nancy Power, NY: Tom Donovan

Data Bases Involved:       NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, and HWDMS

Major Accomplishments in 1987:

    (1) High speed data links established in 1985 and 1986 connecting Albany and Trenton
       to EPA network. Enhancements to New Jersey's telecommunications network com-
       pleted.
    (2) Both States now enter data directly into EPA data bases, except for HWDMS.
    (3) Reviewed data  bases,  identified data management problem areas, prepared
       workplan for Regional and  State participants to accomplish Phase I objectives for
       HWDMS.
    (4) Began work with New York to directly enter data into HWDMS.
    (5) Began work with New Jersey to implement electronic transfer of State data to
       HWDMS.


Next Steps for New Jersey and New York in 1988:

    (1) Complete tasks which will enable each State to electronically provide data to
       HWDMS.
    (2) Evaluate Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System (RCRIS) for im-
       plementation by New Jersey and New York.

Next State in Program: Puerto Rico
                                       10

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LEGEND:  1987 Selected State  ]
         1988 Selected States I
 Region:

 State:

 Program Phase:
Region III, Philadelphia

Virginia

Phase I
Key Regional Participants:  Bill Wisniewski, ARA for Policy and Management
                         Joe Hamilton, Wendy Bartel
State Contacts:
Data Bases Involved:
Jane Beckett-Camarata, Asst. Director for Administration

NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, AIRS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, FRDS, &
HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:

     (1) Installed high speed data link to connect Richmond to EPA network.
     (2) Reviewed data bases, identified data management problem areas, prepared
        system-by-system workplan for Regional and State actions to accomplish Phase I
        objectives.
     (3) Completed data integrity policy and program.
     (4) Developed user support  and  training program addressing the needs of each
       system.
     (5) Implemented direct access to all data bases except NEDS and HWDMS.
     (6) Established the analytic capability to conduct data integration activities and procured
        hardware and software to support that effort.
Next Steps for Virginia in 1988:

     (1) Receive training to enhance use of EPA systems in supporting program operations.
     (2) Carry out multi-year approach toward becoming a direct user of PCS.

Next States in Program: West Virginia and Delaware
                                       11

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LEGEND:  1987 Selected State
         1988 Selected State
 Region:                  Region IV, Atlanta

 State:                    Tennessee

 Program Phase:           Phase I

 Key Regional Participants:  Joe Franzmathes, ARA for Policy & Management
                         Jack Sweeney

 State Contacts:           John Booker, Tenn. Dept. of Health and Environment

 Data Bases Involved:      NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GICS, STORET, and HWDMS


 Major Accomplishments in 1987:

    (1) Installed high speed data link to connect Nashville to EPA network.
    (2) Reviewed data bases, identified data management problem areas, prepared
       workplan for Regional and State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
    (3) Developed data integrity policies and programs for each of the national data bases.
    (4) Developed user support  and training program addressing the needs of each system.
    (5) Implemented direct access to all data bases.
    (6) Established the analytic capability to conduct data integration activities and procured
       hardware and software to support that effort.


Next Steps for Tennessee in 1988:

    (1) Develop grant proposals which include data management considerations for 1988 and
       1989.
    (2) Establish  high speed internal network within Tennessee Department of Health and
       Environment.
    (3) Implement Tennessee Department of Health and Environment Prime 2755 mini-
       computer to support State and EPA programs.
    (4) Receive training to enhance use of EPA systems in supporting program operations.

Next State in Program:      Florida
                                       12

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 LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
         1988 Selected States
 Next State in Program:
 Region:

 State:

 Program Phase:
Florida
Region V, Chicago

Indiana

Phase I
 Key Regional Participants:   Robert Springer, ARA for Planning & Mgmt.
                          Michael Bland, Dan Werbie, Steve Goranson
 State Contacts:
 Data Bases Involved:
William Estabrook, Director of Management Services, IDEM
Fred Alvarey, MIS Director

NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, and  HWDMS
 Major Accomplishments in 1987:

     (1) Installed high speed data link and software  to connect Indianapolis to EPA network.
     (2) Reviewed data bases, prepared workplan for Regional and State actions to accom-
        plish Phase I objectives.
     (3) Established an IRM Steering Committee. Defined policy on major IRM issues which
        provides a framework for implementing Phase I and II in Indiana and future States.
     (4) Indiana inputs data to EPA directly and has begun implementing AIRS. Region  is as-
        sisting  Indiana in the development of an automated financial management system.
     (5) Region and Indiana are developing a Cost Allocation Plan which combines re-
        sources to implement Phase I and II, and also upgrade computer equipment in the
        State.

Next Steps for Indiana in 1988:

     (1) Implement the  Cost Allocation Plan which  will allow a more integrated approach in
        the planning and implementation of Phase II.
     (2) Further development of FINDS to allow for greater data integration.
     (3) Indiana would like to make more use of CDS, with the added capability to track
        State defined elements.

Next States in Program:    Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
                                         13

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LEGEND:  1987 Selected State
         1988 Selected State
Region:

State:

Program Phase:

Key Regional Participants:


State Contact:

Data Bases Involved:
Region VI, Dallas

Arkansas

Phase I.

John Fleeter, ARA for Management
Jim Sims, Jane Moore, Lynda Carroll

Robert Gage, Arkansas Department of Pollution and Ecology

NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, STORET, GIGS and HWDMS
Major Accomplishments in 1987:

     (1) Improved existing high speed data link from Little Rock to EPA network.
     (2) Arkansas enters data directly into EPA data bases.
     (3) Began work on data integrity protocols for each of the national data bases.
     (4) Resolved  several data handling issues which will improve current data processing.
     (5) Region provided technology and resources to enhance State's computing and tele-
       communications capabilities.
     (6) Accelerated implementation schedule for AIRS.
Next Steps for Arkansas in 1988:

     (1) Receive training in EPA systems to support program operations.
     (2) Proceed  with the development of State integrated enforcement and compliance
       tracking system.
     (3) Monitor AIRS development and facilitate State implementation of the system.

Next State in Program:  Texas
                                        14

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LEGEND:  1987 Selected State
         1988 Selected States

 Region:                   Region VII, Kansas City

 State:                    Missouri

 Program Phase:           Phase I

 Key Regional Participants:  Susan Gordon, ARA for Policy and Management
                          Gene Ramsey, Dan Vallero

 State Contacts:            Bill Ford, Director, Department of Environmental Quality,
                          Stan Nessing

 Data Bases Involved:       NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GICS, FRDS, STORET and
                          HWDMS

 Major Accomplishments in 1987:

     (1) Installed high speed data link and software to connect Jefferson City to EPA network.
     (2) Identified data management problem areas and prepared workplan for Regional and
        State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
     (3) Resolved some impediments to timely and accurate data processing (e.g., reporting
        of  HWDMS  data) and increased efficiency in handling data (e.g., reporting FRDS
        data).
     (4) Began work on data integrity protocols for each of the national data bases.
     (5) Established joint State-Regional Data Management Steering  Committee to direct
        and manage the implementation effort in 1988-89.
     (6) Reviewed with Missouri their efforts to move ahead with the development of en-
        hanced data integration capabilities for Phase II.
     (7) Implemented direct access to all data bases.
     (8) Region procured computer technology to initiate data integration activities.
     (9) Established the analytic capability to conduct data integration activities and procured
        hardware and software to support that effort.

 Next Steps for Missouri in 1988:

     (1) Complete linkage to  PCS and GICS.
     (2) Network PC-based  systems supporting hazardous waste program to use RCRIS.
     (3) Improve data reporting from State District Offices to Jefferson City.
     (4) Move ahead with State initiative to enhance data integration capabilities.
     (5) Review FRDS and determine how to proceed with State's use of FRDS.
     (6) Facilitate use of new technologies such as expert systems and geographic information
       systems.

Next States in Program: Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas


                                        15   ~~

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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
        1988 Selected State
Region:                  Region VIII, Denver

State:                    Utah

Program Phase:           Phase I

Key Regional Participants:  Kerrigan Clough, ARA for Policy and Management
                         Carl Worster

State Contacts:            Robert Shipman, Data Sharing Coordinator

Data Bases Involved:      NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, and HWDMS

Major Accomplishments in 1987:

     (1) Installed high speed data link and software to connect Salt Lake City to EPA network.
     (2) Reviewed data bases, identified  data management problem areas, prepared
        workplan for Regional and State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
     (3) Installed a PRIME computer in the State which consolidates and standardizes access
        to EPA national data bases.
     (4) Utah is co-funding a software development effort with Georgia to develop a data
        management system to enhance data integration.


Next Steps for Utah in 1988:

     (1) Expand use of EPA systems, focusing on AIRS.
     (2) Provide assistance to Utah to help meet new requirements for the State Revolving
        Fund in the Consruction Grants program.
     (3) Utah to begin working with geographical analysis and information techniques.

Next State in Program:  Colorado
                                        16

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 LEGEND: 1987 Selected State
         1988 Selected States


 Region:                   Region IX, San Francisco

 State:                    California

 Program Phase:           Phase I                                              _

 Key Regional Participants:  Charles Murray, ARA for Policy and Management
                          David Jones, Chief, IRM Task Force

 State Contacts:            Phil Daniels,  Archie Matthews and Don Anderson.State Water
                          Resources Control Board, Steve Hanna, Department of Health
                          Services

 Data Bases Involved:       PCS, GIGS, STORET, HWDMS and AIRS


 Major Accomplishments in 1987:

     (1) Established high  speed data link to Sacramento (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation) to
        serve as node connecting State systems to EPA network.
     (2) Conducted  preliminary requirements analysis for data communications and ADP
        equipment requirements to allow for direct, high-speed, on-line connectivity to indi-
        vidual program operations.
     (3) Documented data flows for each  system; undertaking program to resolve impedi-
        ments to timely and accurate data.
     (4) Prepared plans to address training needs for each system.
     (5) Prepared draft integrity  protocols  for each system.


Next Steps for California in 1988:

     (1) Connect all major systems to the central Sacramento node.
     (2) Implement training and user support program.
     (3) Formalize and implement data integrity agreements for each system.
     (4) Evaluate preliminary PCS project (currently limited to State Water Resources Control
       Board and two Regional Water Quality Control Boards) and expand to all Regional
       Boards.
     (5) Complete workplan actions to provide California Air Resources Board with retrieval
       access to AIRS.

Next States in Program: Hawaii and Nevada
                                        17

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LEGEND: 1987 Selected State ••
        1988 Selected States


Region:                  Region X, Seattle

State:                    Oregon

Program Phase:           Phase I

Key Regional Participants:  Nora McGee, Director, Management Division
                         Jim Peterson

State Contacts:           Dennis Kirk
                         Lydia Taylor

Data Bases Involved:      NEDS, SAROAD, CDS, PCS, GIGS, STORET, FRDS, and
                         HWDMS

Major Accomplishments in 1987:

     (1) Installed high speed data link and software to connect Portland to EPA network.
     (2) Reviewed data bases, identified data management problem areas, prepared
        workplan for Regional and State actions to accomplish Phase I objectives.
     (3) For STORET and GICS, the Region developed and implemented new data entry
        software packages; for PCS, Oregon was given access and training; for CDS and
        SAROAD, Oregon is transferring data electronically.
     (4) Oregon and Region  analyzed and developed a PC-based drinking water system for
        the transfer of data from Oregon to EPA.
     (5) Oregon finalized their statewide telecommunications network, providing high-speed
        access for remote users to State and EPA systems.


Next Steps for Oregon in 1988:

     (1) Region and Oregon  will  evaluate the State CDS system, and work together toward
        a system which better fulfills State and Regional needs.
     (2) Oregon to  complete implementation of statewide telecommunications network.
     (3) Oregon will begin working  with geographical analysis and  information techniques.
     (4) Region and Oregon are developing a joint policy standard for the transfer of State data
        to EPA systems.

Next States in Program: Washington and Idaho
                                        18

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111.  Next Steps
                      In September, 1987, the Administrator directed that the State/
                      EPA Data Management program be expanded to all States by
                      the end of 1989. In response, the EPA Regions are adding more
                      than 20 states during 1988 and will reach the balance during 1989.

                      The Agency has also announced plans to implement and expand
                      Phase II of the Program. The Phase II: Data Integration program
                      has three components:
                            Regional Data Integration Capacity - The Agency is
                            providing a standard "geographical information system"
                            (GIS) to each EPA Region that establishes a multi-discipli-
                            nary analytic staff to do geo-based analysis. Four (4) EPA
                            Regions established this capacity in 1987, at least three
                            more are planned in 1988, and the balance will be com-
                            pleted in 1989.

                            Technology and Data Management - OIRM and NDPD
                            are procuring  GIS technology, issuing policies and stan-
                            dards to assure that EPA data and technologies support
                            cross-media integration, and will be providing technology
                            and user support for data integration  work  in the  EPA
                            Regions and laboratories.

                            Technology Transfer - EPA's Environmental Monitoring
                            Systems Laboratory in Las Vegas (EMSL/LV) is the focal
                            point for a technology transfer program to assist the EPA
                            Regions, and through them, the States, in planning and staff
                            development,  and in pursuing specific, in-depth applica-
                            tions of geo-based analyses and technology.
                      The State/EPA Data Management Program has shown that both
                      EPA and States gain significant benefits in effectiveness and
                      efficiency from cooperative, integrated data management. Equally
                      important, the experience to date makes clear the need for a
                      consistent, long term effort to institutionalize the ability and rela-
                      tionships that are essential to effective State/EPA data manage-
                      ment. EPA is committed to this effort.
                                      19

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State/EPA Data Management Program
     1987 Starts
I 988 Starts
1989 Starts

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