THE INFORMATION
BROKER
EPA Headquarters Library (PM 211 A) WSM2904 382-5922
HOFFMAN'S HIGHLIGHTS
New CD-ROM: Computer Library
We have a new CD-ROM database titled Computer Library. It provides
current and comprehensive coverage of major computer-related journals in the areas of
hardware, software, applications, company and industry analysis and procurement news.
For more information contact the Reference Desk at 382-5921.
New IRM Videotapes
"What is the NCC (National Computer Center)?"
"Video Summary of the National Environmental Information
Conference, Kansas City, November 1989."
If you are interested in borrowing either video (VMS format), contact Mary
Siegert at 382-5922.
Information Broker Survey Results
We would like to thank those who responded to the Survey which was
published in the March issue of the Information Broker. The Survey showed that readers
found the "What's Available" and "Question of the Month" sections most useful.
Approximately half of those responding were interested in seeing more information about
library services and the EPA Library Network. Additional suggestions included book
reviews, environmental education materials, more mention of audiovisual materials, and
special listings of materials by EPA authors. The Library staff will implement some of these
suggestions in future issues of the Broker.
Look for the CENTERFOLD on Lawn Care and Pesticides which
appears on the middle pages of this issue
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
WHAT'S AVAILABLE IN THE HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY
As part of our ongoing effort to collect books and journals relevant to EPA staff needs, the
following is a list of our latest acquisitions. It is organized by program area for your
convenience. Copies of all items listed here are available at the Headquarters Library
Circulation Desk.
AIR & RADIATION
Ainsworth, Susan. "Aerosol Product Innovation Fueled By Public Attitudes, Regulations."
Chemical & Engineering News. Vol. 68, No. 17, April 23, 1990. pp. 35-52.
"Atmosphere of Uncertainly." [CFC's and businesses] Scientific American. Vol. 262,
No. 4, April 1990. pp. 77-78.
Barnett, T.P. "Beware Greenhouse Confusion." Nature. Vol. 343, No. 6260,
February 1990. pp. 696-697.
Baumann, David N. "More Asbestos Regulations: Are They Doing More Harm Than
•Good?" Environmental Claims Journal. Vol. 2, No. 3, Spring 1990. pp. 357-376.
Ember, Lois. "EPA Proposes Nationwide Recycling Program for Ozone-Depleting CFC's."
Chemical & Engineering News. Vol. 68, No. 19, May 7,1990. pp. 44-45.
Ember, Lois. "House Panel's Clean Air Bill Viewed Favorably." Chemical & Engineering
News. Vol. 68, No. 17, April 23, 1990. p. 17.
Hook, Janet. "By Shifting Tactics on Clean Air, Dingell Guarded His Power."
Congressional Quarterly. Vol. 48, No. 19, May 12,1990. pp. 1453-1456.
Gergen, David. "Cleaning Up the Fouled Worker's Paradise." U.S. News & World Report.
Vol. 108, No. 17, April 30,1990. p. 27.
Nelson, Thomas P.; Wevill, Sharon L. Alternative Formulations to Reduce CFC Use in U.S.
Exempted and Excluded Aerosol Products. (Project Summary). Research Triangle Park,
NC: Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory, USEPA, February 1990.
(EPA/600/S2-89/061)
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 2
-------
Perez, Ray. "Nuclear Energy, Coal Interests Eye Global-Warming Measure."
Congresssional Quarterly. Vol. 48, No. 19, May 12,1990. p. 1476.
Stein, Jay. "Hydrogen: Clean, Safe, and Inexhaustible." The Amicus Journal. Vol. 12,
No. 2, Spring 1990. pp. 33-36.
"Too Much Hot Air." [climate change]. New Scientist. Vol. 12, No. 1713. April 21, 1990.
p. 1.
"Tree Planting Might Slow Greenhouse Effect." Environmental Management News. Vol. 4
No. 25, February 22,1990. p. 12.
"Watch Out! Here Comes the Greenhouse." Science. Vol. 248, No. 4955, May 4,1990.
p. 549.
Williams, Susan; Fenn, Scott; Clausen, Terry. "Renewing Renewable Energy." Issues in
Science and Technology. Vol. 6, No. 3, Spring 1990. pp. 64-70.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
NOTE: The Library has a special collection and database to improve access to hazardous
waste information. For more information contact the Library at 382-5922.
Bielson, Neil A. "Federal Reporting Requirements for Emergency Releases of Hazardous
Substances Under CERCLA and EPCRA." Environmental Claims Journal. Vol. 2, No. 3,
Spring 1990. pp. 301-315.
Faron, Robert S. "Gearing Pre-Acquisiton Audits to the Landowner Defense."
Environmental Claims Journal. Vol. 2, No. 3, Spring 1990. pp. 289-300.
Grube, Walter E. "Evaluation of Waste Stablized by the Solidtech SITE Technology."
Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association. Vol. 40, No. 3, March 1990.
pp. 310-316.
Hanson, David J. "Chemical Management, Communities Tussle with Hazardous Waste
Rules." Chemical & Engineering News. Vol. 68, No. 18, April 30,1990. pp. 10-15.
Kemezis, Paul. "Hazwaste Shippers Sue." Chemicalweek. Vol. 146, No. 18, May 9,
1990. pp. 12-13.
"No Safe Harbor." The Amicus Journal. Vol. 12, No. 2, Spring 1990. pp. 2-3.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
PageS
-------
Rubin, Debra K.; Kemezis, Paul. '"Land Ban' Rules Have Industry Dazed." Engineering
News-Record. Vol. 224, No. 17, April 26,1990. pp. 47-48.
"Soil Demands Careful Construction." [construction on contaminated soil] Engineering
News-Record. Vol. 224, No. 17, p. 22.
"The Valdez Principles." The Amicus Journal. Vol. 12, No. 2, Spring 1990. pp. 3-4.
INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
NOTE: To better meet the needs of EPA staff, the Library has a special collection on
Information Resources Management. For more information contact Sharon Geiger at
382-5922.
Aas, Eric; Davidoff, Peter. "Teaching Your Scanner to Read." Personal Publishing.
Vol. 6, No. 5, May 1990. pp. 28-36.
Balban, Morton. "OCR: What's Needed Next." Datamation. Vol. 36, No. 8, April 1990.
pp. 98-99.
Bender, Eric. "Notes Lives Up To Its Notices." PC World. Vol. 8, No. 6, June 1.990.
pp. 130-133.
Brandt, Richard. "Why Everyone Is Gaping At Microsoft's Windows." Business Week.
No. 3160, May 21,1990. pp. 150-151,154.
Caswell, Stephen A. "A New LAN Standard Lights the Way." Datamation. Vol. 36, No. 9,
May 1,1990. pp. 75-80.
Danca, Richard. "EPA's GIS Procurement to Set Standard." Federal Computer Week.
Vol. 4, No. 15, April 16, 1990. pp. 1,4.
King, Todd. "A Self-Referential Hypertext Engine." Dr. Dobb's Journal. No. 165.
June 1990. pp. 34-38.
Moad, Jeff. "The New Agenda For Open Systems." Datamation. Vol. 36, No. 7, April 1,
1990. pp. 22-24.
Pellerin, Cheryl. "Geographic Information Systems." Federal Computer Week. Vol 4,
No. 19, May 14,1990. pp. 21-23.
Rash, Wayne, Jr. "Do-It-Yourself CD-ROMs." Byte. Vol. 15, No. 5, May 1990.
pp. 89-90,92.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 4
-------
Schwartz, Karen. "Mies System Links EPA to a Cleaner Environment." Government
Computer News. Vol. 8, No. 10, May 14, 1990. pp. 44*48.
Simpson, David. "Where Should You Use Rewritable Optical?" Systems Integration.
Vol. 23, No. 5, May 1990. pp. 62-73.
Simpson, David. "5 Routes to Coexistence." Systems Integration. Vol. 23, No. 4,
April 1990. pp. 82,84,87.
Todd, Daniel. "Code Recycling." Information Week. Issue 270, May 14,1990. p. 50.
INTERNATIONAL
NOTE: The Headquarters Library has a collection of books, reports, laws and statistics
related to international issues. For more information contact John Butsch at 382-5917.
"Apartheid Is Devastating South African Environment: WorldWatch." Multinational
Environmental Outlook. Vol. 16, No. 10, May 15,1990. p. 78.
Ember, Lois R. "Pollution Chokes East-Bloc Nations." Chemical & Engineering News.
Vol. 68, No. 16, April 16, 1990. pp. 7-16.
"Europeans Attack Tone of White House Global Change Conference." Multinational
Environmental Outlook. Vol. 16, No. 9, May 1,1990. p. 67.
"Global Marshall Plan Urged For Environment." Multinational Environmental Outlook.
Vol. 16, No. 10, May 15, 1990. p. 74.
Hoogart, J.C.; Posthumus, C.W.S., eds. Hydro-ecological Relations in the Delta Waters of
the South-West Netherlands, (technical meeting). The Hague, Netherlands: TNO
Committee on Hydrological Research, 1989.
Pearse, Fred. 'The Green Missonaries of Africa." [native nomads and the national parks].
New Scientist. Vol. 126, No. 1713, April 21,1990. pp. 64-65.
Stancell, John. "A Mediterranean Holiday From Pollution." New Scientist. Vol. 126,
No. 1715, May 5,1990. pp. 28-29.
"U.S. Opposes International CFC Fund, Position Chided at Geneva Meeting."
Multinational Environmental Outlook. Vol. 16, No. 10, May 15,1990. p. 75.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 5
-------
MANAGEMENT
NOTE: The Library has a special collection of management books, journals, audiotapes
and videotapes. For more information contact Mary Siegert at 382-5922.
Crosby, Philip. Leading, the Art of Becoming an Executive. New York, N.Y: McGraw Hill,
1990. HD57.7C755
Cunningham, J. Barton; Eberle, Ted. "A Guide to Job Enrichment And Design." Personnel.
Vol. 67, No. 2 .February 1990. pp. 56-61.
Glen, Robert M. "Performance Appraisal: An Unnerving Yet Useful Process." Public
Personnel Management. Vol. 19, No. 1, Spring 1990. pp. 1-10.
Hedrick, Terry E. "New Challenges for Government Managers." The Bureaucrat. Vol. 19,
No. 1, Spring 1990. pp. 17-20.
Higgs, Joe G. "A Prescription for the 1990's." [management style] The Bureaucrat
Vol. 19, No. I," Spring 1990. pp. 74-77.
Myers, Lucretia F. "How to Get the Job Done." The Bureaucrat. Vol. 19, No. 1,
Spring 1990. pp. 78-79.
Spann, Jeri. "Dealing Effectively with Sexual Harassment: Some Practical Lessons From
One City's Experience." Public Personnel Management. Vol. 19, No. 1, Spring 1990.
pp. 53-69.
Weaver, Richard L, II. "Motivation." Vital Speeches. Vol. 56, No. 8, February 1,1990.
pp. 249-252.
White, Harvey L "The SELF Method of Mentoring." The Bureaucrat. Vol. 19, No. 1,
Spring 1990. pp. 45-48.
PESTICIDES & TOXIC SUBSTANCES
"Alternative Agriculture." Environment. Vol. 32, No. 3, April 1990. pp. 25-28.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
PageG
-------
Brookes, Warren T. "The Wasteful Pursuit of Zero Risk." Forbes. Vol. 145, No. 9,
April 30,1990. pp. 161-172.
Coberly, Robert; McAloon, Edward; Regelman, Emil. Catalog of Pesticide Chemical
Names and Their Synonyms. [2nd ed.] Arlington, VA: Health Effects Division, Office of
Pesticide Programs, USEPA, January 1,1990. EPAX 9005-0011
Flam, Faye. "EPA Says No to EBDC Residue." Chemicalweek. Vol. 146, No. 20, May
23,1990. p. 10.
Hunter, David. "Life After the Alar Fallout." Chemicalweek. Vol. 146, No. 20, May 23,
1990. p. 24.
Lawn Care Pesticides: Risks Remain While Prohibited Safety Claims Continue.
Washington D.C: General Accounting Office, March 1990. TP 248 P47 U54
McDermott, Jeanne. "Some Heartland Farmers Just Say No to Chemicals." Smithsonian.
Vol. 21, No. I.April 1990. pp. 114-127.
Salholz, Eloise, et al. "Defense: A Chemical Reaction." [DOD demands vs company
ethics] Newsweek. Vol. 115, No. 17, April 25,1990. p. 25.
Sternberg, Ken. "Audits in California?" [mandatory reduction of chemicals in
manufacturing]C/7em/ca/wee/c. Vol. 146, No. 17, p. 14.
POLLUTION PREVENTION
Annis, Clark. "From Treatment Plant to Farm Fields." BioCycle. Vol. 31, No. 4,
April 1990. pp. 50-51.
Delmage, Mitch. "Building Compost Markets in the Public Sector." BioCycle. Vol. 31,
No. 4, April 1990. pp. 48-49.
Ewel, Dexter; Shaw, Frank C. "Risk Allocation in a Changing MRF Industry." BioCycle.
Vol. 31, No. 4, April 1990. pp. 64-67.
Ferguson, Kelly H. "Tighter Environmental Regulations Will Alter Mill Processes, Permits."
Pulp & Paper. Vol. 64, No. 4, April 1990. pp. 59-66.
Garcia, Debra A.; Mies, Willard E. "Cascades is Positioned for Recycling Trend — Plans to
Improve Existing Mills." Pulp & Paper. Vol. 64, No. 5, May 1990. pp. 120-123.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page?
-------
FOCUS ON - LAWN CARE AND PESTICIDES
To spray or not to spray?
In the Idealized American suburb, streets are tree-lined
and the well-manicured grass is green. Your neighbors'
grass may be greener, but then it always is. Every home
owner wants a healthy, pest- and weed-free lawn. How
your lawn gets green and stays that way is up to you.
Common problems encountered in establishing and
maintaining a good lawn are weeds, destructive insects
and lawn diseases. The judicious use of pesticides can
help to control these problems.
Pesticides are a diverse group of chem ical agents which
are subdivided into three categories. Herbicides are
used to control and eliminate weeds. Insecticides are
used to destroy or repel insects. Fungicides are used to
combat and control diseases.
Control, eliminate, destroy, repel, combat? Using
pesticides sounds a lot like chemical warfare. Still, it is
difficult to argue with success, or Is it? There are no
completely safe or benign chemicals, but there are sound
alternatives to pesticide use.
To Spray
Lawn care products are generally available in garden
centers or hardware stores. Most are sold as soluble or
wettable powders or emulsifiable concentrates which are
mixed with water, stirred and sprayed. Although most
lawn care products are relatively low in toxicity, all should
be used with caution. Remember, no pesticide is
completely safe; all are designed to kill something.
Home owners treating their own lawns should first
identify their particular lawn care problem and then
purchase a product designed to take care of that specific
problem. Label instructions should be read and followed
carefully, and only recommended amounts of the
pesticide should be applied. With most pesticides, more
is not better and may pose health risks or damage the
lawn. Be sure to keep children and pets away from
treated lawns for the time period specified on the label.
Home owners electing to employ the services of a lawn
care company should assure themselves that the
company will adhere to the same guidelines they would
follow if they were treating their lawns themselves. The
company should be licensed and of good repute. It is
best to use a company that treats lawns only when
necessary. Even intensively managed lawns typically
receive no more than five pesticide applications per
year. Before engaging a lawn care service, home
owners should discuss their problem with the company
and agree upon a maintenance program. They should
alsodetermine what chemicals will be used and in what
amount.
Or Not to Spray
While proper application of pesticides to lawns can help
control pest problems, there is growing concern among
the public regarding the health and environmental
effects of pesticide use. In addition, weeds, insects and
diseases insist on mutating and evolving, and they are
becoming increasingly resistant to pesticides. How
then, are healthy, attractive lawns to be maintained?
Most com mon lawn care problems can be prevented by
careful monitoring and knowledgeable lawn
maintenance. There is a natural balance of nutrients,
water and organisms that is disturbed by pesticide use.
Though it may take a couple of years, it is possible to
make the transition from chemical treatment of a lawn to
natural control.
Understanding and maintaining this natural balance
requires learning to identify beneficial insects and other
animals that eat lawn pests. Developing healthy soil and
a strong root system will take time, but will also help to
FOCUS ON - LAWN CARE AND PESTICIDES
was jointly developed by the Headquarters library and
the Office of Pesticide Programs.
-------
control weeds and diseases. There are several do's and
donts of lawn care that can help to reduce the need for
pesticides and which promote the growth of a healthy,
natural lawn.
Selecting the proper grass type is the first step. Native
grasses, adapted to local dimate and light conditions,
are naturally more resistant to local pests and diseases.
The lawn should be mowed with sharp blades and should
not be mowed too short.
A dean cut will stimulateheatthygrowthwhiledull blades
will cut the grass irregularly. The jagged tips will allow
moisture loss and delay recovery. If the grass is mowed
too short a large portion of the food-producing blades is
removed. Grass that is cut too short also provides the
necessary light for weed growth, restricts root
development and makes the lawn more susceptible to
disease, heat, drought and compaction.
Overwatering and overfertilization are also to be avoided.
Overwatering can cause the grass to develop a shallow
root system and stress the lawn, making it susceptible to
disease. Overfertilization promotes the development of
thatch, which is the dense brown layer of grass stems
underlying the lawn. Too much thatch can lead to pest
infestation and disease. Overfertilization can also
induce fungal growth. Avoid watering the lawn during
strong sun or heat as the sun's reflection off the
water-laden blades can bum the grass. Fertilizer,
generally, needs only to be applied in the early fall and
again in early spring.
Healthy soil is another promoter of lush lawns.
Microscopic organisms in the soil break down organic
matter and make nutrients available to the grass.
Earthworms, which can be killed or repelled by
pesticides, are vital soil aerators. They ingest soil and
create castings, allowing air and water to reach the soil
and roots. Soilcompaction, which promotes weed growth,
can be controlled by a well aerated lawn. The lawn may
be aerated with a tool designed for this purpose two to
three times per year, or as needed. Earthworms and
microbes which are present in healthy soil, also help to
break down thatch.
A properly maintained lawn can be lush, green and
healthy without the use of pesticides. If the lawn has
beenaerated,dethatched (when thethatch layer is more
than one-half inch thick), watered, fertilized and mowed
property, then there is usually no need for chemical
treatment It may take more work than quick-fix
pestictdeapplications, but a chemical-free, natural lawn
is certainly attainable.
Further Reading
Citizen's Guide to Pesticides. Washington, US EPA
Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, 1987.
Environmental Fact Sheet: Lawn Care. Washington,
US EPA Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances.
Fact Sheet: Lawn Care for Your Home. Chicago, US
EPA Region 5 Office of Public Affairs.
The Green Way to a Green Lawn. Consumer Reports.
vol. 55, no. 6, D399-402, June, 1990.
Integrated Pest management for Turfgrass and
Ornamentals, editors Anne R. Leslie and Robert L
Metcalf. Washington, US EPA Office of Pesticide
Programs, 1989.
Questions and Answers on Lawn Pesticides.
Washington, US EPA Office of Pesticides and Toxic
Substances, 1989.
For further information please contact
JimRoelofs (703)557-7102
Office of Pesticide Programs
-------
Gleckman, Howard; Cahan, Vicky. "Will Eco-Tax Fervor Sweep Congress Off Its Feet?"
BusinessWeek. No. 3157, April 30,1990. p. 28.
Glenn, Jim. The State of Garbarge in America." Part II. BioCycle. Vol. 31, No. 4,
April 1990. pp. 34-41.
Harrison, Andy. "Recycling Express." Pulp & Paper. Vol. 64, No. 5. p. 45.
Heller, Karen. "Know-How Cleans Up." Chemicalweek. Vol. 146, No. 17, May 2,1990.
pp. 26,28,30.
"How Much Unregulated Waste?" BioCycle. Vol. 31, No. 4, April 1990. p. 47.
Mcllvaine. "Air and Waste Management Markets in a New Decade." Journal of the Air &
Waste Management Association. Vol. 40, No. 3, March 1990. pp. 305-309.
Morelli, John. "Landfill Reuse Strategies." Part II. BioCycle. Vol. 31, No. 4, April 1990.
pp. 60-61.
t
Smith, Wayne H. "Organic Waste Management in Florida." BioCycle. Vol. 31, No. 4,
April 1990. pp. 52-55.
Wastepaper Recycling: Programs of Civil Agencies Waned During the 1980's. Washington
DC: General Accounting Office, December 1989. TD 749.5 U54
WATER
NOTE: The Library has a special collection of water-related books, reports and journals.
For more information, contact Stephen Mitchell at 475-8670.
Ankley, Gerald; Katko, Albert; Arthur, John W. "Identification of Ammonia as an Important
Sediment-Associated Toxicant in the Lower Fox River and Green Bay, Wisconsin."
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Vol. 9, No. 3. March 1990. pp. 313-322.
Benjes, Henry, Jr. Capital and O&M Cost Estimates for Attached Growth Biological
Wastewater Treatment Processes. (Project Summary) Cincinnati, OH: Risk Reduction
Engineering Laboratory, USEPA, February 1990. (EPA/600/S2-89/003)
Cherfas, Jeremy. "The Fringe of the Ocean — Under Seige from the Land." Science.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 10
-------
Vol. 248, No. 4952. April 13, 1990. pp. 163-165.
Conniff, Richard. "The Transformation of a River —From 'Sewer' to Suburbs in 20 Years."
Smithsonian. Vol. 21, No. I.April 1990. pp. 70-85.
Draft Chesapeake Bay Wetlands Policy Implementation Plan. Annapolis, MD:
[Chesapeake Bay Program, USEPA], March 1990. EPAX 8812-0030
Edzwald, James H.; Malley, James P., Jr. Removal of Humic Substances and Algae by
Dissolved Air Flotation. (Project Summary) Cincinnati, OH: Risk Reduction Engineering
Laboratory, USEPA, February 1990. (EPA/600/S2-89/032)
EPA's Policy Promoting the Beneficial Use of Sewage Sludge and The New Proposed
Technical Sludge Regulations. Washington D.C: Office of Water, USEPA, June 1989.
EPAX 9004-0011
Kantrud, Harold A. Sago Pondweed (potamogeton pectinatus L):A Literature Review.
Washington D.C: United States Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 1990.
S 914 A3
Millemann, Beth. "The Dirty Deeps." [nation's waterways are pollution sinks]. Sierra.
Vol. 75, No. 3, May/June 1990. pp. 30-32.
Pfaff, John; Brockhoff, Carol. "Determing Inorganic Disinfection By-products by Ion
Chromatography." Journal of the American Water works Association. Vol. 82, No. 4,
April 1990. pp. 192-195.
Repavich, Wyatt M., et al. "Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) in Wisconsin Waters: Acute
and Chronic Toxicity." Water Reserve. Vol. 24, No. 2, February 1990. pp. 225-231.
Sater, Rachel. "EPA's Pesticides-in-Groundwater Strategy: Agency Action in the Face of
Congressional Inaction." Ecology Law Quarterly. Vol. 17, No. 1, April 1990.
pp. 143-177.
Shotts, Emmett B., Jr.; Wooley, Richard E. Protozoan Sources of Spontaneous Coliform
Occurance in Chlorinated Drinking Water. (Project Summary) Cincinnati OH: Risk
Reduction Engineering Laboratory, USEPA, March 1990. ( EPA/600/S2-89/019)
Stewart, Doug. "Nothing Goes to Waste in Arcata's Teeming Marshes." Smithsonian.
Vol. 21, No. I.April 1990. pp. 175-179.
Valo, Risto, et al. "Bioremediation of Chlorophenol Containing Simulated Ground Water by
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 11
-------
Immobilized Bacteria." Water Research. Vol. 24, No. 2, February 1990. pp. 253-258.
Water Pollution: Serious Problems Confront Emerging Municipal Sludge Management
Program. Washington D.C: General Accounting Office, March 1990. TD 730 U55
Yates, Marilynn V. The Use of Models for Granting Variances from Mandatory Disinfection
of Ground Water Used as a Public Water Supply. Ada, OK: Robert S. Kerr Environmental
Research Laboratory, USEPA, March 1990. EPAX 9005-0038
GENERAL
Baum, Rudy. "Californians to Vote on Environmental Initiative." Chemical & Engineering
News. Vol. 68, No. 19, May 7, 1990. p. 5.
Clough, Kerrigan; Wann, David. "A Burning Issue." [government/private companies
partnership] The Bureaucrat. Vol. 19, No. 1, Spring 1990. pp. 25-29.
Dance, Betsy. "The Strife of Reilly." Environmental Action. Vol. 20, No. 6, May/June
1990. pp. 6-7.
Flam, Faye D. "At the Supermarket: A Confusion of Green." Chemicalweek. Vol. 146,
No. 16, April 25,1990. pp. 13,16.
Handbook for Preparing Office of Research and Development Reports. Cincinnati, OH:
Center for Environmental Research Information, USEPA, Rev. 1989. EPAX 9004-0059
Ivey, Mark; Grover, Ron; Therrien, Lois. "The Greening of Corporate America."
BusinessWeek. No. 3156, April 23, 1990. pp. 96-99.
Kosowaltz, John J. "A Bureaucrat Who Likes His Job." [Don R. Clay] Engineering
News-Record. Vol. 224, No. 17, April 26,1990. p. 52.
Nonhazardous Waste : Environmental Safeguards for Industrial Facilities Need to Be
Developed. Washington DC: General Accounting Office, April 1990. TD 897.5 U544
Schaum, John. Exposure Factors Handbook. (Project Summary). Washington D.C:
Office of Health and Environmental Assessment, USEPA, April 1990.
(EPA/600/S8-89/043)
Young, Stephen. "Twilight of the Frogs." Science. Vol. 126, No. 1713, April 21,1990.
p. 27.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 12
-------
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
QUESTION: What authority does EPA have in relation to pesticides?
ANSWER: EPA has important regulatory powers over pesticides, including the balancing of
risks and benefits for human health and environmental protection with agricultural and pest
control needs. EPA has a several-stage pesticide evaluation process for decision-making,
including scientific and economic analysis, open meetings with EPA's scientific advisory
panel, and public comment sessions. This process was described by Lee M. Thomas, a
former EPA Administrator, in the May 1987 issue of the EPA Journal.
EPA is responsible under FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) for
registering new pesticides to ensure that, when used according to label directions, they will
present no unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. The law requires that
the Agency take into account economic, social and environmental costs and benefits when
making decisions. Under FFDCA (Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act), EPA sets
maximum legal limits, known as tolerances, for pesticide residues on all foods, domestic
and foreign, marketed in the United States. It is important to note that the tolerances are
enforced by two other Federal agencies, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The importance of this enforcement is illustrated by the fact that traces of chemicals can be
found in the food chain for years. DDT was banned in 1972, yet traces of this toxic can still
be detected today. Heptachlor, a cousin of DDT which was banned in 1978 (except for use
on grain seeds and pineapples and for termite control) was detected in breast milk in the
mid '80s. Between 1982 and 1985, FDA detected pesticide residues in 48 percent of the
types of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed most frequently.
EPA is developing better methods for determining the effects of pesticides on entire
ecosystems as well as on individual organisms. The Agency's pesticide agenda includes
the implementation of an agricultural chemicals and ground-water strategy, development of
improved methods for ensuring food safety, determination of exposure to home and garden
pesticides, and the development of safe practice guidelines for pesticide handling by farm
workers and others.
For Further Reading:
"Pesticides and the Consumer." EPA Journal, Vol. 13. No. 4, May 1987.
"Pesticides: Human Health Concerns." pp. 134-136; "Pesticides: Fish and Wildlife
Concerns." pp. 134-136. Environmental Progress and Challenges: EPA's Update. August
1988. EPA/230-07-88-033.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 13
-------
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Following is a selection of conferences on a wide range of environmental topics. The
Headquarters Library maintains a collection of conference notices. For more information
on these conferences contact the Library at 382-5922.
Municipal Solid Waste; Managing in the 90's. Vancouver, BC, Canada. August 20-24,
1990. Presented by Governmental Refuse Collection and Disposal Association, The
Association for Solid Waste Management Professionals. GRCDA's 28th annual
international solid waste exposition provides the opportunity to examine a wide variety of
solid waste management equipment, processes, and systems, plus attend informative
technical sessions. For more information contact: GRCDA, P.O. Box 7219, Silver Spring,
MD 20910 or call (301) 585-2898.
Science & Technology For A New Decade. Washington, DC. September 26-28,1990.
Sponsored by The Marine Technology Society. Co-Participants are The American Society
of Mechanical Engineers, The Oceanography Society and The Society For Underwater
Technology. Topics will include global change, coastal issues, role of space systems,
marine resources, and offshore structures. For more information contact: MTS '90
Conference Registration Office, 4400 Fair Lakes Court, Fairfax, VA. 22033 or The Marine
Technology Society, 1825 K St. NW, Suite 218, Washington, DC 20006.
Managing Management Time (TM). Washington DC. September 10-11,1990 and
December 5-6, 1990. This seminar helps managers to decide what must be done, see that
it is done, and take responsibility for what is done. For more information contact: Daniel
Management Center, College of Business Administration, The University of South Carolina,
Columbia, SC 29208 or call (803) 777-2231.
Conserve 90, The National Conference and Exposition Offering Water Supply Solutions
for the 1990's. Phoenix, AZ, August 12-16, 1990. Sponsored by The American Society of
Civil Engineers, American Water Resources Association and The National Water Well
Asociation. Presentations will focus on water supply issues such as reuse, drought
management, watershed management, planning, water transfer, and water resource
management. For more information contact: CONSERVE 90, 6375 Riverside Dr., Dublin,
OH 43017 or call (614) 761 -1711.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 14
-------
Compliance Status. Hilton Head, SC., August 15-16,1990; Washington DC. November
15-16,1990. Sponsored by Government Institutes, Inc. Special emphasis on complying
with the new RCRA Toxicity Characteristic and TCLP rules. For more information contact:
Government Institutes, Inc., 966 Hungerford Drive, #24, Rockville, MD 20850 or call (301)
251-9250.
Great Lakes 90. Cleveland, OH. September 26-28,1990. Sponsored by Hazardous
Materials Control Research Institute. The conference will address problems and solutions
in the area of hazardous materials control within the geographic area of the states and
provinces (Canada) that are contiguous to the Great Lakes. For more information contact:
Hazardous Materials Control, 9300 Columbia Blvd., Silver Spring MD 20910 or call (301)
587-9390.
Groundwater Pollution and Hydrology. Princeton, NJ. July 9-13,1990; San Francisco,
CA. July 23-27,1990. Presented by Groundwater Associates of Princeton and Omni
Environmental Corporation. The one week course covers all aspects of groundwater
pollution and hydrology from theory to practice. For more information contact:
Groundwater Associates of Princeton, The Princeton Corporate Center, Three
Independence Way, Princeton, NJ 08540 or call (609) 243-9399.
Hands-on Local Area Networks. San Jose, CA. July 30-August 1,1990; Washington DC.
August 6-8,1990; Los Angles CA. August 13-15,1990. Course will cover selecting,
installing, maintaining, and managing a Local Area Network. For more information call
(800) 345-8016 or (212) 826-1260.
Water Quality Management of Landfills. Chicago, IL. July 15-19,1990. Sponsored by
the Water Pollution Control Federation. The conference will include aspects of solid and
hazardous waste and water quality issues with emphasis on the impact to groundwater and
surface water from landfills, and related water treatment and management issues. For more
information contact WPCF Specialty Conferences, 601 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA.
The Status of Municipal Sludge Management for the 1990's. New Orleans, LA.
December 2-5,1990. Sponsored by the Water Pollution Control Federation. The
conference will analyze regulations on sludge disposal proposed by the EPA in 1989,
provide a forum for the latest results from a national sludge monitoring program launched
by the EPA, and look at changing standards for sludge treatment, disposal, and reuse. It
will also look at innovative developments in the treatment od sludges. For more information
contact WPCF Specialty Conferences, 601 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA.
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 15
-------
HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY STAFF
Head Librarian/Coordinator
Head Reference Librarian
Reference'Librarian
Reference Librarian/HW
Reference Librarian/Water
IRM Collection Librarian
Head Technical Services Librarian
Interlibrary Loan Librarian
Cataloging Librarian
Head Librarian/INFOTERRA
Reference Librarian /INFOTERRA
Mary Hoffman
Anne Twitchell
Sigrid N. Smith
Liliana Puzick
Stephen Mitchell
Sharon Geiger
Melissa Skorupka
Leida Torres
Gretl Cox
John Butsch
Mary Stevanus
For a Library tour (Wednesday 9:00-9:30) and database information call 382-5922
or send an E-Mail inquiry to EPA3738.
Call 475-7751 for information about th^'Public Information Center (PIC).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS ARE WORLDWIDE
THE INFORMATION BROKER JUNE 1990
Page 16
------- |