United States Region 2 EPA 902-R-94-001 a
Environmental Protection Office Of Policy Management June 1994
Agency
EPA GIS Conceptual Database
Design Study
User Needs Assessment
Working Paper
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United States EPA 902-R-94-001a
Environmental Protection June 1994
Agency
Region II / Office of Policy Management
GIS Conceptual Database
Design Study
User Needs Assessment
Working Paper
This document was prepared under Contract 68-W9-0065
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment
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GIS Conceptual Database
Design Study
User Needs Assessment
Working Paper
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Background 1-1
1.2 Content of Paper 1-2
Chapter 2 Agency GIS-Related Functions
2.1 Summary 2-1
2.2 Functional Groups 2-2
2.2.1 Strategic Planning 2-3
2.2.2 Environmental Analysis 2-3
2.2.3 Program Evaluation 2-5
2.2.4 Permitting 2-6
2.2.5 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement 2-7
2.2.6 Public Information 2-8
2.2.7 Remediation 2-8
2.2.8 Emergency Response 2-9
2.2.9 Operational Support 2-10
Chapter 3 Agency GIS-Related Data Needs
3.1 Summary 3-1
3.2 Data Groups 3-2
3.3 Agency Interactions for Geographic Data Exchange 3-7
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Chapter 4 Agency Hardware/Software/Communications
Needs
4.1 Software Requirements 4-1
4.2 Hardware/Communications Requirements 4-4
4.2.1 Summary of Existing Systems 4-5
4.2.2 Hardware/Software/Communications Issues 4-8
Appendix A User Needs Assessment Interview Summary A-1
Appendix B Software Requirements B-1
Appendix C Acronyms C-1
List of Figures
3-1 Data Inventory 3-3
4-1 U.S. EPA Region H CIS Network 4-6
List of Tables
2-1 Strategic Planning Functions 2-3
2-2 Environmental Analysis Functions 2-4
2-3 Program Evaluation Functions 2-5
2-4 Permitting Functions 2-6
2-5 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Functions 2-7
2-6 Public Information Functions 2-8
2-7 Remediation Functions 2-9
2-8 Emergency Response Functions 2-10
2-9 Operational Support Functions 2-10
4-1 Application Software Requirements Summary 4-2
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Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Background
A geographic information system (GIS) is a powerful data management and
analytical tool for integrating diverse sources of information that have one common
element—they can be related to a location on the earth's surface. The basic
elements of a GIS consist of system users, data, hardware, a communications
network, software, user applications, and support staff. The United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region n is in the process of developing a
GIS to support environmental analysis and decision making by Regional staff.
The Region's GIS effort began in 1989 when its Office of Policy and Management
(OPM) began planning for GIS implementation. Since that time the Region has
made steady progress in developing its equipment, software, and communications
infrastructure; training staff; coordinating with state GIS programs; completing
specific pilot applications; and acquiring and processing certain regionwide data. A
significant amount of development work remains to be done, however, with limited
resources. This database design effort will allow the Region to maximize output
from its resources, and is intended to help ensure that the Region's GIS
• Provides a common information base for environmental management by
each division;
• Provides mechanisms to transfer information into and out of the GIS
database;
• Allows for a dynamic, rather than static, view of environmental conditions;
• Is flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of the regulatory programs
administered by the Region;
• Is compatible with state GIS databases;
• Can be accessed and used by all program staff; and
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• Becomes fully integrated into Regional operations as a routine decision-
making tool.
The Region IIGIS database design involves three steps: (1) survey and analysis of
user needs, (2) inventory and evaluation of data sources, and (3) development of a
conceptual database design. The survey and analysis of user needs provides
fundamental information for design of a shared system. It focuses on the tasks
performed by and responsibilities of the users for collection, provision, and
maintenance of geographically referenced information. The user needs analysis
helps determine the range of geographic data required to support these activities.
The inventory and evaluation of data sources is conducted to determine the
usefulness and appropriateness of data for inclusion in the GIS database. Factors
such as geo graphic extent, availability, accuracy, collection methods, and format
are used to evaluate each identified data source. The database inventory provides a
catalog or reference of geographic data used by or available to the Region. It is
used to select relevant data for incorporation into the Regional GIS.
The database design addresses factors such as the general categories of data
elements, database organization for cartographic and tabular data items, appropriate
keys for Unking related files of data, methods of collection and update, quality and
source of data, and compatibility with existing state GIS data development efforts.
The first two steps in the process will be documented in working papers and
provided for the Region's review and input, culminating in a final GIS Conceptual
Database Design Report in early 1993.
This User Needs Assessment Working Paper presents the findings of interviews
conducted with Region n staff. A preliminary survey of GIS needs was conducted
and documented by Region n OPM staff during the period of September 1991
through July 1992. The survey addressed the functions of each office or division,
types of environmental decisions made, and data requirements and sources. OPM
also compiled a Database Inventory to summarize Regional and national databases
for all media that might be used in the development of the Region's GIS.
Supplementary interviews by ESRI were conducted with Region n staff during the
two-week period of July 27 through August 7,1992. Participants included more
than 100 individuals from the divisions and offices within the Region, as well as
representatives of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy
(NJDEPE).
1.2 Content off Paper
Information presented herein represents a summary and analysis of the information
gathered during the user needs surveys. In addition to this introductory section, the
Working Paper is composed of three main sections and three appendixes.
Section 2, Agency CIS-Related Functions, describes and categorizes those
functions currently performed by divisions and offices in the Region which may be
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supported by the CIS. Section 3, Agency CIS-Related Data Needs,
summarizes and categorizes the geographic data requirements of each of the
branches to support its decision-making functions, and discusses program
initiatives and factors that are important to coordinated data sharing and CIS
implementation efforts. Section 4, Agency Hardware/Software/
Communications Needs, summarizes existing systems and addresses issues
and requirements related to CIS implementation. Appendix A provides a
summary of the user needs assessment interviews as conducted by OPM staff,
updated with information collected during the supplemental interviews conducted
during the July/August period. Appendix B presents software requirements of
potential Region n CIS applications. Appendix C provides a list of acronyms
used throughout the report.
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ESRI, ARC/INFO, and PC ARC/INFO are registered trademarks of Environmental
Systems Research Institute, Inc. The ESRI logo, ARC/INFO COGO, ARC/INFO
NETWORK, ARC/INFO TIN, ARC/INFO GRID, Map LIBRARIAN,
ARCSHELL, ARCEDIT, ARCPLOT, ARC Macro Language (AML), Simple
Macro Language (SML), DATABASE INTEGRATOR, IMAGE INTEGRATOR,
Workstation ARC/INFO, ArcView, the ArcView logo, ArcCAD, ARC News,
ArcKits, ARCware, ArcCity, PC ARCEDIT, PC ARCPLOT, PC OVERLAY,
PC NETWORK, PC DATA CONVERSION, and PC STARTER KIT are
trademarks of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. ARCMAIL, ArcData,
and Rent-a-Tech are service marks of Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
Other companies and products herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies. The information contained in any associated brochures is
subject to change without notice.
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Chapter 2
Agency GIS-Related Functions
2.1 Summary
EPA has primary responsibility under nine legal statutes (Clean Air Act, Clean
Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, etc.) and secondary responsibility under many
other federal laws for enforcing environmental laws and setting environmental
regulations. The user needs assessment identified more than 100 current functions
performed by the divisions and offices of the Region that may be supported by
GIS. These functions represent a broad range of decision-making and
communication activities, from enforcement and remediation actions to strategic
planning and risk assessment. The Region's functions and activities, which may be
supported by GIS applications, fall into the following nine functional groups:
Strategic Planning.
Environmental Analysis.
Program Evaluation.
Permitting.
Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement.
Public Information.
Remediation.
Emergency Response.
Operational Support.
Each of these functional groups represents a collection of similar types of tasks that
relate to broad GIS applications. The nine functional groups can be thought of as a
conceptual model of major environmental functions that represent the shared system
requirements among divisions. Central to the functional model is strategic planning
and management of Regional activities with the development of standards and
regulatory requirements, and the distribution of information about these activities
and the environment to the public. Some pollution sources arc currently not
regulated but require monitoring and evaluation to assess regulatory requirements.
Many sources are regulated (most through programs delegated to the states). Based
on standards and associated regulations, permits are issued by states to facilities
with the potential to adversely impact the environment Permit holders are required
to monitor and report their discharge on a regular basis. Violations may be detected
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from self-reporting forms (i.e., NPDES) or as reported by the states (i.e., FRDS,
RCRA). These facilities may be inspected and enforcement actions taken in cases
of noncompliance. In severe cases, remediation actions are required that may
include cleanup or closure of the facility. Data collected through all of these
functions may be used to analyze long-term and cumulative environmental effects of
activities at sites and over broad geographic areas, and to evaluate the effectiveness
of current programs in addressing Regional goals and priorities. This information
is also useful in responding to emergency events, and in evaluating the potential
environmental impacts of proposed activities. Analysis of long-term effects also
contributes to strategic planning, thus restarting the cycle. This information flow is
sustained by database and system operational support functions.
These functional groups apply to all environmental programs within the eight
offices and divisions of the Region. Several functions are shared across divisions,
such as public information and environmental analysis. Others are more single-
division focused, such as emergency response. Viewing the environmental
management functions of the Region in this way serves to integrate the program
areas from an information processing perspective. It provides a focus for
developing an integrated GIS database and applications capable of supporting the
offices and divisions of the Region.
Within each of these functions performed, the GIS application requirements most
frequently mentioned during recent ESRI interviews include the following:
• Need to integrate data from various EPA databases and see integrated data in
spatial form.
• Need to view and understand integrated data in relation to surrounding
environmental conditions and human activities.
• Need to query EPA-regulated facilities within a specified geographic area or
distance from a particular site.
• Need to query all types of permit conditions, status, compliance data,
enforcement, and inspection records for single and multiple sites.
• Need to query area data surrounding a site of interest (e.g., monitoring data,
environmental conditions).
• Need to provide analytical capabilities (e.g., combine with models).
2.2 Functional Groups
This section provides a description of each of the nine functional groups and how
they may be supported by GIS applications. For each functional group, a table is
provided listing functions performed by divisions/branches which comprise the
group. These listings only reflect information as reported by users in the Region's
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preliminary needs survey, and as updated in the recent interviews, and are not
intended to be an all-inclusive or exhaustive inventory of each division's
responsibilities. For example, most branches deal with FOIA requests at some
level; for some it may not have been as time- and resource-intensive as others;
hence, it was not reported during the interviews, although the task may be
periodically performed.
2.2.1 Strategic Planning
Strategic planning involves development of long-term policies and specific
objectives within the Region for achieving compliance with environmental laws and
protecting the quality of the natural environment. Strategic planning incorporates
agency themes and initiatives such as strategic implementation of statutory
mandates, pollution prevention strategies, geographic targeting on an ecosystem
basis, risk assessment (health and ecological), risk management, and development
of environmental indicators. Strategic planning involves setting goals and priorities
and defining programs and actions to meet objectives. Nine strategic planning-
related functions performed by five branches were identified in the user needs
survey, as shown in Table 2-1. CIS can support these functions by providing
data and software to allow the user to, for example, establish priority areas and
programs for compliance activities, aggregate data to produce periodic reports, and
produce summary and presentation maps and reports.
Table 2-1
Strategic Planning Functions
CIS-Related Function Div/Branch
Coordinate development of Regional strategic plan OPM/PEB
Perform studies for policy formulation OPM/PPIB
Perform pollution prevention planning OPM/PPIB
Coordinate state/EPA cross-media planning and oversight OPM/PPIB
Develop Regional groundwater policies and strategies WMD/DGWPB
Evaluate groundwater resources and prioritize groundwater protection efforts WMD/DGWPB
Develop plans for marine and estuarine waters WMD/MWPB
Determine estuarine needs and priorities and develop policies WMD/MWPB
Perform surface water quality planning and assessment WMD/SWQB
2.2.2 Environmental Analysis
Environmental analysis includes risk analysis, assessment of environmental status
and trends, environmental impact review, exposure modeling/pollutant dispersion
analysis, demographic/ environmental equity analysis, treatment technology design
and evaluation, monitoring network design, and other related activities. It also
provides data and analysis for program review and strategic planning functions. As
shown in Table 2-2, twenty-eight environmental analysis functions performed by
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eleven branches were identified in the user needs survey. GIS applications could
support environmental functions through, for example, storage, management, and
display of data for long-term trend analysis, by providing data inputs for
groundwater modeling and displaying modeling results, and through query of
background conditions for evaluation of a proposed NEPA project.
Table 2-2
Environmental Analysis Functions
GIS-Related Function Piv/Branch
Conduct technical review of new air sources affected by PSD regulations AWMD/ACB
Review air quality impacts of proposed actions AWMD/APB
Conduct special air pollution studies and risk assessments AWMD/APB
Perform air quality modeling AWMD/APB
Evaluate air quality monitoring data over lime AWMD/APB
Evaluate air pollutant emissions over time AWMD/APB
Identify and target areas for radon reduction programs AWMD/RB
Evaluate Clean Water Act Section 404 permits CFO
Assess vulnerability of drinking water supply CFO
Review/evaluate sampling/monitoring plans for quality assurance (QA) ESD/MMB
Evaluate monitoring network design ESD/MMB
Perform chemical and microbiological testing ESD/TSB
Provide teclmical assistance to state labs ESD/TSB
Conduct environmental analysis of proposed agency action OPM/EIB
Recommend alternatives to proposed action to minimize impacts OPM/EIB
Conduct environmental reviews of other federal agency action OPM/EIB
Review Environmental Impact Statements prepared by other federal agencies OPM/EIB
Assist Indian tribes in complying with environmental requirements OPM/EIB
Coordinate development of environmental indicators OPM/PEB
Analyze risks OPM/PPIB
Analyze environmental status and trends OPM/PPIB
Review and evaluate proposed dredge and fill activities that impact wetlands WMD/MWPB
Perform advance identification of estuarine systems WMD/MWPB
Perform advance identification of wetland areas WMD/MWPB
Review and evaluate ocean disposal activities WMD/MWPB
Develop, implement, and monitor water quality standards and criteria WMD/SWQB
Perform water quality modeling WMD/SWQB
Determine total maximum daily load and waste load allocations WMD/SWQB
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2.2.3 Program Evaluation
Program evaluation supports strategic planning functions through oversight and
assessment of state planning strategies and implementation programs. It also
involves monitoring and assessing progress of EPA-administered programs.
Program evaluation uses programmatic, administrative, and environmental data to
determine the effectiveness of current programs, monitor progress toward
environmental goals, and provide data and analyses to support strategic planning.
As shown in Table 2-3, twenty program evaluation functions performed by
eleven branches were identified in die user needs survey. CIS can support program
evaluation functions by providing data and software for the user to display, for
example, the status of mobile source activities under the State Implementation Plan
in relationship to existing and projected traffic flow and volume data. It can also be
used to produce maps and reports displaying non-point-source reduction targets and
progress.
Table 2-3
Program Evaluation Functions
CIS-Related Function
Oversee state mobile source program
Monitor and provide assistance in State Implementation Plan (SIP)
for air pollution
Provide technical assistance in transportation planning
Provide technical review of state solid waste management activities
Provide technical assistance to state pesticide program
Provide oversight of state ambient water quality monitoring programs
Coordinate state/EPA data management
Monitor progress in Clean Air Act (CAA) and Clean Water Act
(CWA) programs
Review, coordinate, and track performance of state groundwater program
Review and track performance of state drinking water program
Review and track performance of state Underground Injection Control
(UIC) program
Track site-specific decisions related to groundwater
Provide oversight of state wetlands program
Track estuary implementation progress and monitor long-term trends
Develop and implement multimedia initiatives in the Niagara area
Oversee state's delegated construction grants program
Provide water quality technical support to other programs and divisions
Oversee non-point-source management programs
Perform technical and management responsibilities for Lake Management
Conferences
Oversee clean lakes program
Div/Branch
AWMD/APB
AWMD/APB
AWMD/APB
AWMD/HWPB
ESD/PTSB
ESD/SMB
OPM/ISB
OPM/PPIB
WMD/DGWPB
WMD/DGWPB
WMD/DGWPB
WMD/DGWPB
WMD/MWPB
WMD/MWPB
WMD/NPO
WMD/NYNJMPB
WMD/SWQB
WMD/SWQB
WMD/SWQB
WMD/SWQB
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2.2.4 Permitting
Multimedia permitting and enforcement activities are increasingly becoming focused
and coordinated through targeting and pollution prevention strategies. GIS
provides support for these activities through integration and spatial display of
permit data.
In Region n, the authority to administer most EPA regulatory programs has been
delegated to the states. The Region's role is one of direction, oversight, and
technical assistance in state-delegated permitting programs. The states administer
the programs, conduct inspections, initiate enforcement actions, and enter state
program data into state and EPA databases.
The surroundings of a facility have the potential to lead to specific permit
conditions. Facilities for which permits are issued include stationary and mobile air
pollution sources, hazardous waste facilities, potable water suppliers, and
municipal sewage and industrial wastewater dischargers, to name a few.
Fifteen permitting functions performed by eleven branches were identified in the
user needs survey, as shown in Table 2-4. GIS can support these permitting
functions by providing data and software to help the user, for example, to locate
facilities, access data on existing conditions in the surrounding area, analyze
existing conditions in review of a permit application, maintain data on permits
issued, and query status of permits for various facilities.
Table 2-4
Permitting Functions
CIS-Related Function
Provide technical assistance and monitor states in air permit program
Issue RCRA permits
Review National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)
permits forradionuclides
Assess the effects of permit conditions on the environment
Provide assistance to industry in Toxic Release Inventory (TRI)
Identify and regulate polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) producers
Coordinate permit review process
Process/log/mainiain centralized intermedia files for permits
Maintain permit action tracking system
Provide standard reports
Issue UIC permits
Perform ocean disposal permitting activities
Oversee state's delegated municipal NPDES program
Review and evaluate waivers for advanced wastewater treatment
Oversee state-delegated NPDES permit and pretreatment programs
Div/Branch
AWMD/ACB
AWMD/HWFB
AWMD/RB
CFO
ESD/PTSB
ESD/PTSB
OPM/PAB
OPM/PAB
OPM/PAB
OPM/PAB
WMD/DGWPB
WMDMWPB
WMD/NYNJMPB
WMD/SWQB
WMD/WPCB
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2.2.5 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
The Region is responsible for overseeing the compliance monitoring and
enforcement activities of the state-delegated programs, and in some cases,
conducting its own compliance monitoring and enforcement activities. Compliance
monitoring is performed to determine if existing facilities are operating according to
permit conditions. Most permit compliance data are generated and reported by the
permit holders to the states, who in turn submit the information to EPA.
Inspections may be conducted as a result of violations of standards as reported in
self monitoring forms. Enforcement actions are taken if violations are not
remedied. Compliance, inspection, and enforcement actions are tracked in various
EPA databases.
Twenty-five compliance monitoring and enforcement functions performed by
twelve branches were identified in the user needs survey, as shown in Table 2-5.
CIS can support compliance monitoring functions by providing data and software
for the user, for example, to query for types of permits held (for multimedia
actions), manage inspection work loads, compare inspection results to permit
conditions and standards, maintain information on results, and query information
on inspection status and compliance schedules to plan for future inspections. CIS
can support enforcement functions by providing data and software for the user to,
for example, locate facilities; access permit conditions, compliance status, and
inspection data; monitor existing conditions; assemble data for enforcement action;
and query the status of enforcement actions.
Table 2-5
Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Functions
CIS-Related Function
Conduct compliance and enforcement activities for stationary air sources
Perform inspections of permitted air facilities
Perform inspection and enforcement for Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) sites
Select Underground Storage Tank (UST) sites for inspection, prioritization,
and enforcement
Evaluate conditions/need for enforcement action
Conduct compliance inspections
Conduct enforcement actions
Conduct asbestos inspections
Review and evaluate ocean dumping permits
Perform surveys to measure and evaluate National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) compliance
Perform surveys to measure and evaluate RCRA compliance
Coordinate enforcement/compliance for federal facilities
Maintain compliance screening and reporting systems
Conduct litigation activities
Div/Branch
AWMD/ACB
AWMD/ACB
AWMD/HWCB
AWMD/HWPB
CFO
CFO
CFO
ESD/PTSB
ESD/SMB
ESD/SMB
ESD/SMB
OPMMB
OPM/PAB
ORC
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Table 2-5 (continued)
Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Functions
CIS-Related Function Div/Branch
Perform Held inspections and enforcement of UICs WMD/DGWPB
Provide enforcement for Clean Water Act Section 404 noncompliance WMD/MWPB
Perform ocean disposal compliance, enforcement, and monitoring activities WMD/MWPB
Provide technical and administrative assistance in NPDES enforcement
actions WMDAVPCB
Conduct NPDES enforcement actions WMD/WPCB
Track NPDES permit compliance WMDAVPCB
WMD/NYNJMPB
Provide technical and administrative assistance in municipal NPDES
enforcement actions WMD/NYNJMPB
Conduct municipal NPDES enforcement actions WMD/NYNJMPB
2.2.6 Public Information
Region n creates and maintains a wealth of information on environmental issues. It
accesses large and diverse information sets from its own databases as well as other
state, federal, and local sources. It provides this information to the public through
response to FOIA requests, educational programs, public meetings and hearings,
hot lines, studies and reports, and in response to general public inquiries. GIS
applications can support the public information function in production of maps and
reports for communication of facts in public issues, and spatial and tabular queries
of data to provide FOIA responses. Public information functions were specifically
mentioned by seven branches in the user needs survey, as shown in Table 2-6,
although most branches interviewed periodically perform these functions.
Table 2-6
Public Information Functions
GTS-Related Function Div/Branch
Respond to requests for information AWMD/APB
Respond to FOIA requests CFO
Present information to public (meetings, briefings, etc.) EPD
Respond to requests for information ERRD/PSB
Respond to FOIA requests ESD/PTSB
Respond to FOIAs OPM/PAB
Provide public information for the Niagara area WMD/NFPO
2.2.7 Remediation
Remediation activities are typically focused on a particular site and pertain to
regulation and monitoring of cleanup and closure of facilities. Remediation
activities include compiling a site-specific inventory of environmental conditions,
such as geology, surface and groundwater conditions, soils and vegetation, air
quality, and so forth. Events are monitored throughout the cleanup process and
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evaluations made from sampling results, aerial photography, and historical records
of prior uses. Specific remediation tasks that can be supported by CIS applications
include locating the facilities, gathering information on existing conditions at the site
and surrounding area, updating data on existing conditions, maintaining cleanup
status information, monitoring cleanup events, monitoring/modeling the
contamination plume, evaluating contamination trends over time, and reporting
results in the form of presentation maps and tabular reports. Fourteen remediation
functions were reported by eight branches during the user need survey, as shown in
Table 2-7.
Table 2-7
Remediation Functions
GIS-Related Function
Determine RCRA corrective action strategies and remediation levels
Oversee state-administered RCRA programs
Implement Superfund site preliminary assessment and site investigation
programs
Review Superfund site data and conduct ranking evaluations
Provide technical support for Superfund remediation technologies
Organize the collection, entry, and tracking of Superfund site data
Develop Superfund annual work plan, budget, and progress reports
Provide contract management for Superfund sites
Provide coordination between EPA and the state or Corps of Engineers
lead remediation
Plan, contract, and evaluate Superfund site field investigation contractor
activities
Investigate air emission of CERCLA and RCRA sites
Investigate abandoned solid waste sites
Review cleanup efforts of other federal agencies at non-NPL sites
Review proposed cleanup requirements (ARARs) for surface water
dischargers
Div/Branch
AWMD/HWB
AWMD/HWFB
ERRD/PSB
ERRD/PSB
ERRD/PSB
ERRD/PSB
ERRD/PSB
ERRD/PSB
ERRD/NYCSB
ERRD/NJSB
ERRD/PSB
ERRD/NYCSB
ERRD/NJSB
ESD/SMB
ESD/SMB
ESD/SMB
OPM/EIB
WMD/SWQB
2.2.8 Emergency Response
Emergency response functions of the Region include location of potential hazards,
location of events as they occur, analyzing conditions around the event and
evaluating risks, monitoring the event and its cleanup, maintenance of data on
events by type and location, and querying data on past events and conditions. GIS
applications can be developed to support these functions, including locating
facilities with potential hazards, combining environmental and demographic
information to determine risks and sensitive populations, performing proximity
analyses to determine zones of influence, simulating and tracking movement of the
event over time, locating available response equipment, and routing of emergency
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vehicles to the site. Eight emergency response functions were reported by three
branches during the user needs survey, as shown in Table 2-8.
Table 2-8
Emergency Response Functions
CIS-Related Function Div/Branch
Perform precontingency planning, including potential source identification,
impact assessment, and response planning CFO
Identify problems that result from spills CFO
Recommend/coordinate emergency response efforts CFO
Direct and enforce removal/cleanup actions ERRD/RAB
Conduct removal site evaluations ERRD/RAB
Screening and response to notices of oil and hazardous substances releases ERRD/RPB
Conduct oil spill prevention inspections ERRD/RPB
Perform oil spill, hazardous substance, and catastrophic contingency
planning ERRD/RPB
2.2.9 Operational Support
This functional group of activities actually represents the functions necessary to
support GIS activities within the Region. GIS support activities involve assistance
to users in data acquisition and automation, development of user applications, and
procurement and maintenance of GIS hardware and software. GIS operational
support functions also include database administration, support of cross-media
focus through promotion of data integration tools, and management/coordination of
data sharing arrangements with the states. GIS support functions will continue to
grow in importance as the system is integrated over time into the daily operations of
the Region, and may become distributed to some extent throughout the branches.
As shown in Table 2-9, seven operational support functions performed by two
branches were identified in the user needs survey.
Table 2-9
Operational Support Functions
CIS-Related Function Div/Branch
Maintain paper map library/sign-out OPM/ISB
Provide automated data processing and information services support to
the Region OPM/ISB
Operate computer center OPM/ISB
Procure/maintain hardware and software OPM/ISB
Develop, design, and program applications OPM/ISB
Provide computer training OPM/ISB
Develop/establish data sharing agreements with states, local agencies,
and other organizations external to EPA OPM/PPIB
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Chapter 3
Agency CIS-Related Data
Needs
3.1 Summary
In performance of geographically related functions, the Region uses a variety of
map, tabular, and text data. Spatial data requirements include maps of terrain
features, water and air resources, biological resources, cultural features, regulated
facilities, road and utility locations, and administrative area boundaries. Overall,
the Region relies on outside sources for its spatial data needs. Aside from the
various GIS initiatives undertaken by the Region in the past few years, map data are
generally not generated by staff except on a project-specific basis.
Primary sources of tabular data are the thirty-five or more databases maintained
locally and on the National Computer Center mainframe located in Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina. These databases focus on two major types of data
sets—regulated facilities and environmental conditions. The Region maintains
tabular information about its regulatory actions and regulated facilities, much of
which is geographical in that it contains a location factor, such as latitude/longitude
or address. The Region also collects/generates data regarding the chemical and
biological conditions of air, water, and land resources in the Region; again, these
data have a location component.
A second major source of tabular and text data used in the decision-making process
are reports generated by the states and contractors which contain "processed" data.
State reports may be focused on specific programs (e.g., state-delegated water
quality programs are required to prepare biennial reports on the status of the state's
water quality [305(b) reports]), or on specific projects. Contractor reports are
generally provided in hard-copy form and are project- or site-specific.
The establishment of a commonly shared database will depend on the development
of generally accepted standards for data content, codes, scale, and accuracy; well-
defined maintenance and update responsibilities and mechanisms; rules for data
access and protection of proprietary data; established channels for communication
and coordination; and a responsive organizational support structure. Several issues
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment 3-1
January 1993
1333/t-l
-------
were raised during the survey related to these factors, and will require careful
consideration in database design and development.
• A variety of map scales are currently used, ranging from a regionwide scale
of 1:100.000, to a project scale of 1:24,000, to a site-specific scale of
1:200. There is need for site-specific data to support remedial activities.
The extent to which these data are developed and the method by which they
are incorporated into the GIS database merits consideration in the database
design process.
• The Region has data requirements beyond its boundaries (e.g., in areas of
joint study, such as the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain). The extent,
content, and source of data for these areas must be determined.
• Contractors should be required to submit data in digital format, in
accordance with regionwide data standards established.
• Concerns were expressed about the quality of data in EPA databases,
particularly about locational data quality. A methodology should be devised
to upgrade the quality of locational data, in accordance with implementation
of the agency's locational data policy, which is intended to integrate data
based on location for cross-media analysis and decision making. Also,
methods should be devised to provide users with a quality rating for both
spatial and tabular data used.
• The Region possesses a large amount of geographic data that has been
generated for specific studies. These data are currently inaccessible, in that
they require a major research effort to uncover the information for later use.
While it may not be cost effective to automate these data, consideration
should be given to cataloging and indexing the information by geographic
area for reference in the GIS. An example of data that may not warrant
automation is a large-scale site plan for a RCRA facility that contains
considerable pianimetric detail such as buildings, tanks, trees, fences, utility
poles, monitoring wells, and two-foot contours.
3.2 Data Groups
Figure 3-1 presents an inventory of geographic data used and/or generated by
division/branch, as reported during the user needs interviews. Data are categorized
by one of eight data types: administrative boundaries, cultural,
transportation/utilities, terrain features, biological resources, water resources and
water quality, air quality, and regulatory data.
Administrative Boundaries: These map data define the boundaries of various
administrative and special management areas such as governmental units, water
district service areas, zoning districts, and special project area boundaries. Tabular
USEPA Region II GtS User Needs Assessment 3-2
January 1993
1333A.1
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Figure 3-1
USEPA
Region II
Geographic
Data Inventory
Division/Branch
Lcfcod
• Data Used
O Data Generated
Data Used/Generated
Congressional Districts
Regional Boundaries
State Boundaries
County Boundaries
City Boundaries
Census Boundaries
ZIP Code Boundaries
Wilderness Areas (Fed/Slate)
Environmental Sensitivity Zones
Wellhead Protection Areas
Demographic data (Pop. Density, Distribution, etc.)
Land Parcels/Taxation/Ownership
Business/Employee Data
Employment Data
Emereency Facilities
Elderlv Facilities
Economic Data (Income Dist.. Activity Patterns, etc.)
Disease/Human Containment Data
Waste Minimization
Health Risk Assessment Data flRIS Data)
Sensitive Affricultural
Airoort Noise Contours
Water Service Areas
Water Surmlv Unes
Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs)
Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) (Private/Industrial)
Sewase Discharge Points
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO's)
* Permits Administration Branch (PAB) was in existence at the time of the interviews and document preparation.
3-3
-------
Figure 3-1 (cont.)
USEPA
Region II
Geographic
Data Inventory
Division/Branch
Legend
Data Used
O Data Generated
Data Used/Generated
Elevation Points
Land Use/Land Cover
Soil Sample Sites
Endangered Species
Wilrilifo/Scncitiw UohitnK
Wildlife rVintflinnn-nl/Diarihiirinn
oral Reef Systems
Fish Tissue Data
^rntam/I .ate Accent PninU
>. Wild/Scenic Rivera
Watershed Boundaries
Wafer Quality Classifications
Surface Water Flow/Quality Data
Surface Water Intakes
tanbient Water Quality Sites
Water Sample Sites
Contaminated Sediment Data
Water Madeline Data (Spill Models, etc.)
jroundwater Flow/Oualitv Data
Drinkine Water Wells
>erxh to Groundwaier
jroundwaier Recharee Basins
Slmcturea ntulkheark. Piers. rtc\
Coastal Bamen
3-4
-------
Figure 3-1 (cont.)
USEPA
Region U
Geographic
Data Inventory
Legend
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9 Data Used/Generated
Used/Generated
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INon Point Source PoUutants
IPoint Source Pollulants
Landfill Locations
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3-5
-------
data may include such items as jurisdiction name, district size, and population
served.
Cultural: These spatial data include boundaries of features such as census tracts,
land use, land parcels, and historical and archaeological sites. Demographic
information includes population composition, employment and income data, and
disease and activity data. Tabular data for land use include classification and
description, development, and past use. Land records include parcel size and
ownership status.
Transportation/Utilities: Transportation spatial data include roads, railroads,
and other networks that have characteristics of connectivity and direction of flow.
Transportation tabular data include various data sets about streets, intersections, and
rail route cargo. Utilities map data display the location and connectivity of network
types of facilities, such as water lines, sewer lines, and transmission lines. Utilities
tabular data may include characteristics of pipe segments as well as valves and
metering devices.
Terrain Features: Included within this category are geology, soils, land cover
features, natural hazard areas such as coastal erosion zones, and floodplains.
Associated attributes in tabular form may include descriptions of soil types and
limitations, land cover types, and geological conditions, as well as information on
the periodicity of hazard occurrences.
Biological Resources: This category includes spatial data on wetlands and
environmentally sensitive habitats, and tabular information on wetlands
classifications, wildlife habitat data, rare and endangered species, fisheries, and
macroinvertebrate data.
Water Resources and Water Quality: This category encompasses
groundwater, surface water (streams, lakes, etc.), estuary, and marine water
resources. Associated attributes in tabular form may include monitoring station
identifiers (IDs), pollutant measurements, flow rates, and so forth.
Air Quality: Included in this category are air quality related features such as
ambient monitoring stations, air attainment zones, weather patterns (wind,
precipitation, and pressure) and monitoring stations, and climate zones. Tabular
data may include, for example, station identifier (ID), precipitation measurements,
and air quality parameters measurements.
Regulatory Information: Existing and potential regulatory sites and areas are
included in this category, such as waste disposal sites, permitted air and water
discharge points, underground storage tanks, and water supply sources.
Associated tabular data may include site characteristics, ownership, permit
conditions, compliance data, and inspection and enforcement data.
In general, branches and offices reported specific data needs in each of these
categories. Most frequently mentioned data requirements were EPA
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment 3-6
January 1993
-------
permitted/regulated facilities, hydrology/water bodies, population/demography,
land cover, wetlands, sensitive habitats, and roads. Examples of those data items
most infrequently needed include utility line locations (such as water and sewer
pipes) and detailed land use information such as zoning. This matrix provides a
preliminary indication of the high-priority data requirements of the Region (i.e.,
those which are common to the greatest number of users), as well as data
requirements which depend on outside sources of production and maintenance.
3.3 Agency Interactions for Geographic Data
Exchange
Region n interacts with numerous state, federal, and local government agencies in
the exchange of geographic data. Interactions with federal agencies occur to
support and evaluate the environmental impacts of federal agency action, as well as
to obtain data, particularly mapped data on air, land, and water resources. Federal
agency data sources most frequently mentioned during the user needs survey
included the U.S. Geological Survey, Fish and Wildlife Service, Census Bureau,
Corps of Engineers, Soil Conservation Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the National Park
Service. The Region has already acquired data from the Census Bureau and USGS
through a national agreement and has requested a complete set of USGS data
holdings for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Several other agencies have digital
mapping efforts underway and may provide data for the Region's GIS. EPA's
National Mapping Requirements Program has been set up to coordinate EPA
geographic data requirements and provide a vehicle for communication of long-term
mapping needs to the appropriate federal agency.
Most frequently mentioned interactions in the survey were interdivisional and state
agency interactions. Within the Agency, there is Regional interdivisional interaction
for data exchange, as well as coordination of program efforts with EPA
Headquarters program offices. The Region's continued participation and
coordination with the agency's National GIS Program, managed by the Office of
Information Resources Management (OIRM), is essential to ensure long-term
coordinated GIS database/system development with agency GIS implementation
efforts.
State interactions involve the state GIS efforts, oversight of state-delegated
programs, and state/EPA Data Management (SEDM) activities. The Region
oversees the state-delegated programs under the following:
• Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
• Clean Water Act (CWA).
• Clean Air Act (CAA).
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment 3-7
January 1993
1333/b-1
-------
• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA).
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
• Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Use of GIS as an integration tool and as a common information base shared
between the state and EPA can facilitate EPA oversight, direction, communication,
and technical assistance in state-delegated programs.
GIS development efforts have been underway in the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection and Energy (NJDEPE) since 1987 and in the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) since 1990. The
Region needs to continue its efforts to build partnerships with state agencies on GIS
data sharing, data development, and data integration. Efforts to date have included
negotiation of a memorandum of agreement with NJDEPE that defines procedures
for the exchange of environmental and geographic data, drafting of a similar
agreement with NYSDEC, technical support and equipment provided to the Puerto
Rico Environmental Quality Board, and cooperation on specific projects. Another
important Region U/state geographic data coordination mechanism is the SEDM
program, which promotes use of EPA information systems by the states and
sharing of environmental information across all programs. Although this program
is in jeopardy due to budget cuts, continued efforts to utilize EPA grant funds for
state GIS initiatives will be critical to maintaining long-term compatibility of state
and Regional GIS databases.
Significant interaction for data exchange, development, and analysis also occurs
with contractors and academia. The use of contractors to supplement EPA staff
levels has implications for geographic data and application development.
Contractor conformance to digital data standards established for the Region will be
an important consideration. The continued use of contractors to support
remediation efforts, pollution prevention activities, risk assessment studies, and
geographic initiatives has implications for GIS application development, in that less
development of analytical GIS applications may be required for EPA staff use, at
least initially. This will allow staff to focus on query and map production
applications to suit their immediate needs as expressed in the requirements survey.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment 3-8
January 1993
1333/b-l
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Chapter 4
Agency Hardware/Software/
Communications Needs
4.1 Software Requirements
Many of the tasks performed by the Region can be addressed directly with the tools
of GIS software. Numerous software procedures exist for the generation, storage,
editing, analysis, query, and display of spatial and attribute data. Basic tasks can
be undertaken using these tools, which in combination enable more sophisticated
applications to be built in response to specific division requirements, as in those
division/branch functions performed under the functional groups presented above.
More than 100 potential applications or uses of GIS were discussed during the
interviews; in many cases the same or a similar application was mentioned by
several branches. Common applications include
Analysis of trends in pollutants and/or environmental conditions.
Targeting or prioritizing resources or actions.
Locating features in relation to other features.
Locating features within a specific geographic area.
Producing maps for display and reporting.
Analyzing cumulative effects.
Assessing multimedia impacts.
Locating features and/or conditions within a specified distance of a site.
Displaying modeling results.
The following presents a brief summary of basic and enhanced GIS software
functionality required to support the desired or envisioned applications of GIS as
expressed by potential Region n users in the survey. General software
requirements to support each desired application mentioned by a division or branch
are presented in Appendix B, and summarized below in Table 4-1.
Data Input, Editing, and Storage: GIS software provides a variety of tools
for the entry, storage, and maintenance of geographic data. Input functions may
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment 4-1
January 1993
1333%-1
-------
include digitizing, scanning, conversion of existing digital data, and generation of
spatial layers from attribute files containing geographic coordinates. Editing
functions include the addition, deletion, or change of cartographic features (lines,
points, polygons) and associated attributes, update/reestablishment of topological
relationships between features, and edgematching and mapjoining of coverages.
Table 4-1
Application Software Requirements Summary
Input
Editing
Point/Line/Area MgL
Network Mgt.
Route Mgt.
Event Tracking
Quality Control/
Coverage Processing
Storage and MgL Analysis
Overlay
Geocoding
Modeling/Scenario Mgt.
Network Analysis
Site Evaluation
Terrain Modeling
Thematic Display
Route Calculation
Temporal Analysis
Modeling Interface
Query Management Output
Thematic Mapping
Map Composition and
Formatting
Report Composition and
Formatting
No. of
Applications
Requiring Soft-
ware Tool
*See text
*Seetext
5
125
2
2
1
1
2
14
17
159
46
8
No. of
Applications
with Optional Use
of Software Tool
*See text
*See text
15
52
39
47
46
56
48
93
27
50
50
11
90
125
160
Requests for input and editing applications were not explicitly mentioned by most
potential users, although the use of the system for improving facilities and
monitoring site coordinate data was discussed a few times. However, data input,
editing, and quality control functions are inferred in most applications. Data input
will most likely occur through conversion of existing spatial digital data and
through input of attribute data with locational fields to generate point coverages.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
133*6-1
4-2
-------
The nature and extent of data input and editing requirements will be further
addressed in the data inventory and database design tasks to follow.
CIS data storage functions provide for the integrated storage, retrieval, and
management of spatial and attribute data. For Region n, data storage implies the
integration of attribute data currently stored in major EPA databases and elsewhere.
Data integration is a key concept and the core of most application requests of the
branches.
Analysis: GIS software provides a full range of spatial analytical tools, such as
overlay, geocoding, buffering, distance and area calculations, proximity and
contiguity analysis, network analysis, terrain modeling, modeling interface and
scenario management, optimal patch selection, and time/cost/distance computation.
This suite of tools may eventually be required by many applications of the Region,
and several may be used in combination to perform more complex multimedia
applications, such as those involved in risk assessment, geographic initiatives, and
pollution prevention. In only a few cases, however, did the applications mentioned
indicate an immediate need for the more powerful analytical tools of GIS. Many
have potential for future complex analysis, but can be performed to some extent
now with more limited analytical and query management tools.
The most frequently mentioned analytical applications relate to temporal analysis
and modeling interface. The ability to analyze and display various data sets over
time to detect temporal as well as spatial trends and patterns is desired for several
applications, including ambient monitoring, land use monitoring (e.g., habitat
acreage change), and remediation effectiveness evaluation. GIS software modeling
requirements include incorporation of algorithms into GIS applications and/or the
use of GIS for input/output into the modeling process to support, for example,
groundwater modeling and flow analysis to determine risk to potable water
supplies.
Query: Query management software provides tools to browse spatial and attribute
data, select features or attributes based on specified criteria or location, and save the
data for mapping and reporting. It is the most commonly required software tool,
needed to support about 160 of the 174 applications mentioned in the survey. This
function can initially support virtually all the potential applications mentioned to
some extent, including those eventually requiring more sophisticated approaches.
An advantage offered by this powerful tool is that it can be used with minimal GIS
software training and background. By providing the user with painless hands-on
experience, query tools also provide additional benefits by showing the user which
tasks can be performed simply and which require more complex analytical
functions.
Data Output: GIS software provides tools to create thematic map products; to
compose, format, and plot maps at varying scales; and to create, display, and edit
report formats. Map production applications were mentioned specifically forty-six
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment 4-3
January 1993
-------
times by potential users, and would be an often-exercised optional component of
most of the other desired applications.
4.2 Hardware/Communications Requirements
Given the extensiveness of the Region's GIS-related functions and the numerous
sources of the data which could be used in performing these functions, the system
must be flexible and robust. Most GIS-related functions performed by the Region
require or could be improved upon through an integrated information architecture
which facilitates simultaneous access to the large number of databases used by the
Region's staff. Furthermore, the various data utilized and/or maintained within the
USEPA and other government organizations must be easily accessible by Region
staff. Generally, there is no better place to access data than on one's desk top.
Likewise, the system interface needs to be user friendly and the data provision
timely.
Computer hardware and communication equipment play an important role in the
successful implementation of GIS. Hardware configurations influence the
flexibility and robustness of systems, data accessibility, system interface, and the
timeliness by which data can be provided.
Computing technology has improved significantly in recent years, especially in
terms of the amount of processing power provided by "desktop" machines. This
increase has been most evident in the emergence of UNIX workstations. UNIX
workstations provide the considerable processing speed that is necessary for
managing large amounts of spatial data and high-resolution display—all at one's
desk top.
There are three components of a workstation approach to computing: workstations,
file servers), and a communications backbone (or network). A workstation is a
high-performance central processing unit (CPU) consisting of a processor, high-
resolution color graphics screen, keyboard, mouse, and, optionally, a local disk
drive for data storage. Each workstation is usually intended to support a single user
and can have the power equivalent of a midrange minicomputer.
A file server is a processor with large disks used to manage database resources of
workstations in the network. File servers handle communications and databases;
workstations handle processing. Workstations and file servers are connected via a
high-speed Local Area Network (LAN) for data access across the network. The
network provides the backbone of the system by providing for direct
communication between computers. This network allows the file system of one
workstation to be completely accessible by any other on the network, within
established security protocols.
Communication-based workstation technology supports the distributed approach to
geoprocessing. The primary advantage of this distributed processing approach is
that it allows more processing power to be dispersed to the people who need it,
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment 4-4
January 1993
1333Tb-1
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rather than being centrally shared as in a mainframe environment The LAN allows
individual nodes to share data in a transparent fashion, creating a single integrated
system. Thus, the workstation approach provides for easy expansion.
Workstations are added to the network as the number of users increases. Unlike
mini- or mainframe environments, where adding users means increasing demand on
the CPU, workstations bring added local computing power. As a file server
reaches its capacity in terms of the number of workstations it can support,
expansion is accomplished by adding another server.
Desktop, personal computers (PCs) can also be connected to the LAN for sharing
of resources networked to the GIS system. Although PCs provide processing
capabilities to single users at a relatively low cost, these systems lack the computing
performance of the UNIX workstations. Nevertheless, for many of the GlS-related
functions performed by Region staff, especially those that require query and display
or "viewing" of data, a PC should suffice. Furthermore, because there are so many
PCs in existence today and because people are familiar and comfortable with their
use, these systems are a valuable computing resource which cannot be ignored.
In the network approach, a strong communications backbone is necessary for data
collection, analysis, and regulatory activities carried out in state, local, national, and
other Regional government agencies. For example, the Region frequently accesses
the National Computer Center (NCC) IBM 3090 mainframe in North Carolina for
regulatory and monitoring databases (e.g., Resource Conservation and Recovery
Information System (RCRIS), Permit Compliance System (PCS), Aero-metric
Information Retrieval System (AIRS), and so forth). Effective communication is
also required with the Edison, New Jersey, and Caribbean Field offices, with state
offices, and within the Region II offices in New York.
Peripheral devices are also required to effectively support GIS activities, including
scanners and digitizers for GIS data input, plotters and printers for data output, and
Global Positioning Systems (GPSs) for accurate locational data. GPS technology
uses radio signals from a constellation of earth-orbiting satellites to compute
geographic locations on the surface of the earth. This data can be transferred to
GIS format
4.2.1 Summary of Existing Systems
During the last few years, the Region has undertaken a variety of GIS projects,
including the Niagara Frontier GIS study. To support these efforts the Region has
acquired and established a GIS Network, the configuration of which is shown in
Figure 4-1.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment 4-5
January 1993
1333/b-l
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Work
Station
Figure 4-1
US EPA Region II
GIS Network
Hub*
f
h-Q-
Work
Station
Vltalinkto
Edison NJ
o
s
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5
Work
Station
Work
Station
Work
Station
Planned Connection
rerminal
CFO
Edison
Server
Server
Hub
VHallnk
-Internet WAN Connection
4-6
-------
The following items comprise this network:
Workstations
4 Data General AViiONs (ranging from 1 to 3 GB storage)
1 Sun SPARCstation (1.2 GB storage)
File Servers
1 Data General (10 GB storage)
1 Sun Server (1.2 GB storage)
Printers
1 Data General PostScript
1 Seiko Color PostScript
1 CalComp Color
1 Tektronix Color
Plotters
1 CalComp
Terminals
1 Tektronix 4125
1 Tektronix 4211
Digitizing Tablets
1 CalComp 9500
In addition, the Region has purchased GPS equipment including two Magellan
units, six Trimble Pathfinder units, and one Trimble Community Base Station
supported by a dedicated PC. Approximately 1,000 PCs are in operation
throughout the Region, although none have yet been linked to the Region's GIS
network. Of the 1,000 machines, approximately 600 are 80286 machines,
approximately 400 are 80386 machines, and approximately five are 80486
machines. The majority of these PCs are connected to the Region's Ethernet,
Token-Ring LAN. The Region also has a Value Added Backbone (VAB) server
which enables services to be provided throughout the network. In the future, it is
intended that these PCs will be connected to the GIS network.
The Region is in the process of procuring about 100 IBM PS/2 model 90s, each
with the following specs:
• i486 CPU 25/50 MHz.
• Math coprocessor.
• 8 MB RAM.
• 160 MB hard drive.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment 4-7
January 1993
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In addition, the Region has ordered the following Data General equipment:
• Two DG AViiON 412 workstations.
• One DG AViiON 5225 server capable of supporting approximately 40 GB
of disk.
The Region is connected to the U.S. EPA's National Data Communication System
and the states via Internet links, which enables Regional staff to access other EPA
Regional offices, headquarters program offices and laboratories, national and
Regional databases, and so forth. The Edison New Jersey office is connected to
the Region by the Vitalink line.
4.2.2 Hardware/Software/Communications Issues
One issue pertaining to the timely and widespread implementation of the GIS in
Region n is the extent to which existing hardware equipment can be utilized. This
concern is not only a cost consideration, but also one based upon the premise that
the majority of the Region's staff are familiar and comfortable with PCs.
If satisfactory performance can be achieved in accessing the CIS over the LAN, the
established PC network will provide the quickest, most effective means to get GIS
technology and capability to the most users. If the existing PC network is to be
used, a communication link, or "bridge," must be established between the PCs
using MS-DOS and the Region's UNIX server.
To run GIS applications on PCs in a LAN bridged to UNIX servers, either a
Window-compatible LAN Manager and/or a Network File Server (NFS) for Novell
may be required. The Window-compatible LAN Manager will enable users to
invoke GIS applications resident in the UNIX environment and display maps,
images, and tabular data in X Window sessions side-by-side with Microsoft
Windows graphical display applications. The NFS for Novell software will enable
users to exchange data with the UNIX network by making the UNIX disk emulate
a DOS disk.
To run most GIS applications, a PC with at least 6 megabytes of memory, a 80386/
20 megahertz processor, an 80-megabyte hard drive, and VGA display quality is
required. Approximately 40 percent of the Region's PCs are 80386 machines and
thus may meet the processing requirements depending on whether they have
adequate memory. Few of the Region's PCs have local disk storage.
The capability to satisfactorily perform GIS applications from a PC via a UNIX
server will primarily depend upon the amount of network traffic or load rather than
the power of the PC. System responsiveness using this networking approach
should be similar to running applications on the existing PC LAN. If the
performance or response time of the existing PC LAN is inadequate, this is an issue
that should be further examined.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment 4-8
January 1993
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The lack of local disk storage is likely to adversely affect the amount of traffic on
the PC LAN because users do not have the ability to locally store frequently used
data. If the existing PC LAN is to be used to access the Region's CIS, the amount
of additional traffic on the LAN may require that local storage be added to the
Region's system.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment 4-9
January 1993
1333/b-l
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Appendix A
User Needs Assessment
Interview Summary
The following User Needs Assessment Interview Summary represents U.S. EPA
Region II's "Description of Region II Activities and Preliminary
Survey of CIS Needs," conducted by Region II staff during the period of
September 1991-July 1992. This document is presented in its entirety as written
by the region, with updated supplemental survey information added by ESRI, as
gathered from interviews conducted during the period of July 27-August 7,1992.
ESRI updates are shown either as
• Changes to Region II documentation (with the use of a strikcthru
symbol), or
• Additions to Region n documentation (with the use of [brackets] to
show added information).
Notice: Mention of trade names, or commercial products, does not constitute
endorsement or recommendation for use.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993,
1333TD-2
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Appendix A
User Needs Assessment
Interview Summary
Table of Contents
Introduction A-l
Office of the Regional Administrator A-5
Caribbean Field Office A-7
External Programs Division A-18
Office of Policy and Management A-25
Office of Regional Counsel A-50
Environmental Services Division A-56
Water Management Division A-75
Air and Waste Management Division A-103
Emergency and Remedial Response Division A-129
[state CIS programs
[New York State Department of Environmental Conservation A-146]
[New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy A-150]
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
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Appendix A
User Needs Assessment
Interview Summary
Acknowledgements
The Region n GIS survey was developed by the Office of Policy and
Management's Policy and Program Integration Branch and Information Systems
Branch. Staff involved in the preparation of this document are listed below by
Branch.
Policy and Program Integration Branch
Alice Jenik
Marian Olsen
Rudnell O'Neal
Steve Schoenhaus
Harvey Simon
Laura Tom
Information Systems Branch
GregAllande
Bob Eckman
Bill Hansen
BillJutis
Bob Messina
George Nossa
We also appreciate the time provided by Regional staff who participated in the
survey. A list of the survey participants is provided below. [The symbols (1), (2),
and (B) are used to indicate the surveys in which staff participated. A (1) indicates
participation in Region ITs preliminary survey only, a (2) indicates participation in
the contractor's survey only, and a (B) indicates participation in both the Region's
and contractor's surveys.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-i
January 1993
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Caribbean Field Office
Office of Policy and Management
Planning and Evaluation Branch
Permits Administration Branch
Environmental Impacts Branch
Policy and Program Integration Branch
Information Systems Branch
External Program Division
Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations Branch
Public Affairs Branch
Community Relations Branch
Jorge Martinez (1)
Pedro Modesto (1)
Carlos O'Neill (1)
Teresita Rodriguez (B)
Jose Soto (B)
Jose Font (2)
Roch Baamonde (B)
JohnWilley(2)
Denise Zvanovec (2)
Janice Dudek (B)
Donna Giannotti (1)
Laura Livingston (2)
Bob Hargrove (B)
Bill Lawler (B)
Lome Lamonica (B)
Chris Yost (1)
Grace Musumeci (2)
Marian Olsen (2)
Rudy O'Neal (2)
Steve Schoenhaus (2)
Harvey Simon (2)
Bob Messina (2)
George Nossa (2)
Bob Eckman (2)
Bill Hansen (2)
Bill Jutis (2)
Greg Allande (2)
Steve Rubin (2)
Susan Lin (2)
Peter Brandt (1)
Herman Phillips (2)
Wanda Vasquez (2)
Ann Rychlenski (2)
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January 1993
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Office of Regional Counsel
Walter Mugdan (1)
Charles Hoffman (2)
Environmental Services Division
Technical Support Branch
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch
Monitoring Management Branch
Surveillance and Monitoring Branch
Barbara Finazzo (1)
Gerry McKenna (1)
David Greenlaw (B)
Nora Lopez (1)
T. Yaegel-Souffront (2)
Ernie Regna (2)
Paula Zevin (2)
Mike Bious (2)
Guy Lavigna (B)
Bob Runyon (B)
Mike Glogower (B)
Darvene Adams (2)
Dave Dugan (2)
Regina Harrison (2)
Phil Guarraia (2)
Emergency and Remedial Response Division
New York/Caribbean Superfund Branch I/JJ
New Jersey Superfund Branch I/JJ
Program Support Branch
Removal Action Branch
Response and Prevention Branch
Alison Hess (1)
Doug Garbarini (2)
Sharon Jaffess (2)
Dennis Santella (B)
Chris Sebastian (B)
Kevin Willis (1)
Fred Luckey (B)
Marina Stefanidis (2)
Richard Salkie (1)
John Higgins (B)
Steve Touw (1)
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
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Water Management Division
Drinking and Groundwater Protection Branch
Marine and Wetlands Protection Branch
New York/New Jersey Municipal Programs Branch
Niagara Frontier Program Office
Surface Water Quality Branch
Water Permits and Compliance Branch
Air and Waste Management Division
Radiation Branch
Air Programs Branch
Air Compliance Branch
Walt Andrews (B)
Rich Bloch (B)
Frank Broch (B)
Bob Ferri (B)
Dore LaPosta (1)
Doug McKenna (B)
Dan Montella (B)
Seth Ausubel (2)
Mary Anne Thiesing (2)
Mark Tedesco (2)
Bob Nyman (2)
Bob Dieterich (2)
Dan Forger (1)
Linda Timander (B)
Charles Zafonte (2)
Felix Locicero (B)
Bob Vaughn (B)
RickBalla(2)
Xuan Mai Iran (2)
Wayne Valentine (2)
John Kushwara (2)
Philip Sweeney (2)
Patrick Durack (2)
Aristotle Harris (2)
Michael Buccigrossi (B)
Larainne Koehler (B)
Stan Stephenson (1)
Carol Beffizzi (2)
Ray Werner (2)
WUUara Baker (2)
KenEng(l)
Philip Lau (B)
Steve Riva (2)
Bob Fitzpatrick (2)
Isabel Rodrigues (2)
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
A-iv
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Air and Waste Management Division, cont.
Hazardous Waste Programs Branch
Hazardous Waste Compliance Branch
Hazardous Waste Facilities Branch
Dit Cheung (B)
Stan Siegel (1)
Bill Faggart (2)
Larry D1 Andrea (1)
Anne Kelly (1)
Phil Flax (2)
John Hansen (2)
John Gorman (2)
Greg Zaccardi (2)
Ellen Parr-Doering (1)
Pat Pechko (B)
Peter Mannino (2)
Phil Masters (2)
James Reidy (2)
Agathe Nadai (2)
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
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Introduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is comprised of a headquarters
office located in Washington, D.C.; ten Regional offices; and research facilities
throughout the country. Figure 1 shows the location of the ten Regions. The
mission of EPA is to protect public health and the environment as mandated by the
various laws that EPA enforces (e.g., Clean Air Act [CAA]; Clean Water Act
[CWA]; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
[CERCLA]; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [RCRA]; Safe Drinking
Water Act [SOWA]; Solid Waste Disposal Act [SWDA]; and the Underground
Injection Control Act [UIC]).
EPA Region n is composed of the states of New York and New Jersey; the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Region is
responsible for overseeing the administration and enforcement of all federal
environmental laws in this diverse geographic area. The Region has a full- and
part-time work force of over 950 employees. The staff primarily includes
environmental scientists and engineers, program analysts, chemists, public health
specialists, accountants, managers, and clerical staff. It is the second largest EPA
Region. Region H's facilities are located at
• 26 Federal Plaza, New York, New York.
• The Raritan Depot in Edison, New Jersey.
• The Caribbean Field Office (CFO) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The facility at 26 Federal Plaza is the location of the majority of Region ITs work
force. The Environmental Services Division (ESD) responsible for field
monitoring, quality assurance, and laboratory testing, is located in Edison, New
Jersey. The Edison facility is also the location of the Superfund Emergency
Response Team (ERT) and the Region's helicopter. The CFO is responsible for
overseeing environmental activities in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands. Figure 2 shows the overall Regional organization including
identification of the Offices and Divisions.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-1
January 1993
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Figure 1.
EPA Regional Offices
Regions
4 — Alabama 1
10 — Alaska 3
9 — Arizona
t — Arkansas 5
9 — California S
8 — Colorado 4
1 _ Connecticut 7
3 — Delaware 0
3 - D.C T
4 — Florida 9
4 — Qeorgia 1
0 — Havai. 2
10 - Mans I
8 - Illinois 2
8 — Indiana 4
7 - Iowa 8
7 — Kansas
4 — Kentucky 8
8 — Louisiana 10
Regions
Malna
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
Mew Hampshire
Me* Jersey
Mew Maileo
Mew York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
3
1
4
1
Regions
rHnnsylvania
Anode island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
M#e_ri^JMk
Wyoming
American Samoa
Ouam
Puerto Rico
Virgin (Hands
A-2
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Figure 2.
0.8 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION II
Constantino Sidamon-Eristoff
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
William J. Muszynski
DEPUTY REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
Douglas Blazey
OFFICE OF REGIONAL
COUNSEL
Carl Soderberg
CARIBBEAN FIELD
OFFICE
Richard caspe
WATER MANAGEMENT
DIVISION
Janes Marshall
EXTERNAL
PROGRAMS DIVISION
Herbert Barrack
OFFICE OF POLICY i
MANAGEMENT
Kathleen Callahan
EMERGENCY 6 REMEDIAL
RESPONSE DIVISION
Conrad Simon
AIR & WASTE
MANAGEMENT DIVISION
Barbara Metzger
ENVIRONMENTAL
SERVICES DIVISION
-------
This report summarizes the management structure of EPA Region n and the results
of a survey by OPM staff from PPIB and ISB of current and potential uses of the
geographic information system (GIS) within Region n. The remainder of this
report identifies the specific functions of each Office or Division within the Region
and the current and potential uses of GIS. These data were developed based on the
Regional Organization and Function statement available in the Human Resources
Branch (HRB). The description also includes a Section titled "Potential GIS Uses"
that was developed based on a review of GIS applications throughout the Agency.
This Section was used to aid in focusing discussions with the survey participants.
In addition to the Division and Branch descriptions the report also summarizes the
results of an interview with current and potential users of GIS. The survey was
undertaken to provide background information for the development of a Regional
database design. The database design is required to allow the Region to efficiently
store and manage data from EPA's national database systems, other federal
agencies, and state and local governments.
The survey, conducted by staff in the Policy and Program Integration and the
Information Systems Branches, was designed to provide information in the
following areas:
What types of environmental decisions are made in each Division (Branch)?
What types of information are routinely used in these decisions?
What is the source of this information?
How can GIS be used to improve environmental decisions?
What are the essential data needs?
The survey results for each Office or Division are provided immediately following
the description of the Branch's activities.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-4
January 1993
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Office of the Regional
Administrator
The Regional Administrator (RA) is responsible to EPA's Administrator for the
planning, programming, implementation, control, and direction of the technical,
legal, and administrative aspects of Region n activities of the Environmental
Protection Agency. The Regional Administrator serves as the administrator's
principal representative in the Region with federal, state, and interstate agencies,
and local, industry, and academic institutions, and other public and private groups.
The RA is responsible for accomplishing national program objectives in the Region
as established by EPA's Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Assistant and
Associate Administrators, and heads of headquarters staff offices. The RA
proposes and implements a Regional Program for comprehensive and integrated
environmental protection activities and is responsible for total resource management
in the Region within guidelines provided by headquarters. The RA is also
responsible for translation of technical program direction and evaluation provided
by various Assistant and Associate Administrators at headquarters' staff offices into
effective operating programs at the Regional level, and assuring that such programs
are executed efficiently. The RA exercises approval authority for proposed state
standards and implementation plans mandated under federal environmental laws and
provides for overall and specific evaluations of Regional Programs (both internal
agency and state activities).
The Deputy Regional Administrator (DRA) assists the Regional Administrator in the
discharge of his duties and responsibilities and serves as Acting Regional
Administrator in the absence of the Regional Administrator.
Current CIS uses include the use of facility, state, and Regional maps in
presentations to the public (e.g., public meetings on permits, facility locations, and
abandoned hazardous waste sites). CIS capabilities are also used to support
discussions with state and local government officials; state and local health and
environmental officials; congressional and state representatives; industry; and the
press. Currently, these maps are produced on an as-needed basis.
Potential GIS uses include:
• Ability to geographically locate all public water supply wells, underground
injection control wells, schools, hospitals, and other facilities within a
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-5
January 1993
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specified radius of a hazardous waste site, abandoned hazardous waste site,
etc.
• Ability to geographically locate all hazardous waste sites within a specific
geographical area (congressional district, county, state, or Region).
• Ability to geographically locate all permitted facilities (water, air hazardous
waste, and so forth) within a specific geographic area (congressional
district, county, state, or Region).
• Ability to geographically locate all Superfund, RCRA, and Publicly Owned
Treatment Works (POTWs) within a specific geographic area.
• Ability to display wetlands within a specific geographic area including a
buffer zone around the wetland.
• Ability to geographically locate all endangered species within the Region.
• Ability to quickly develop maps for press briefings, community meetings,
public hearings, etc.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-6
January 1993
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Caribbean Field Office
The Caribbean Field Office (CFO) is responsible for working with the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Territorial Government of the U.S. Virgin
Islands on matters concerning environmental problems requiring EPA action. The
CFO is responsible for communicating EPA program objectives to local
government agencies and providing scientific and technical assistance in meeting
these goals. The CFO advises the Regional Administrator on all local
environmental aspects of the Region's activities, including recommendations and
suggestions on guidance regarding relations with the press, radio, television, and
the general public.
The CFO provides support to the Regional commitments in air, pesticides and toxic
substances, surface water, water supply, hazardous waste, environmental impact
statements (EISs), and emergency and remedial response. Local environmental
problems are identified and pollution control measures are recommended.
The CFO has two Sections: (1) Water Management and (2) Air and Hazardous
Substances, as shown in Figure 3.
The Water Management Section oversees the following activities: public
drinking water supplies, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permits for municipal and industrial discharges, grants for construction
of sewers and sewage treatment plants, marine and wetland protection, nonpoint
water sources, groundwater pollution control, and underground injection control.
The Section also assists in the oversight of Regional Water Programs within the
Caribbean, advises the Office Director in technical and administrative matters and
assists in community relations functions with local government offices, the general
public, and the news media.
The Air and Hazardous Substances Section provides support to all other
environmental programs. These functions include commitments made through
various work plans to state and local health and environmental agencies (e.g.,
Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture; Puerto Rico Department of Health; Puerto
Rico Environmental Quality Board; and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of
Planning and Natural Resources) in the following programs: air pollution control,
hazardous wastes, pesticides, toxic substances, and emergency and remedial
response. The Section assists in the oversight of these programs in the Caribbean
and advises the Office Director on technical and administrative matters, and assists
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-7
January 1993
iaaa/b-2
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Figure 3.
CARIBBEAN FIELD OFFICE
Carl Soderberg
CARIBBEAN FIELD
OFFICE
>
09
Victor Trinidad
WATER MANAGEMENT
STAFF
Carlos O'Neill
AIR & HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES STAFF
-------
in the community relations functions with local government officials, the general
public, and the news media.
Potential CIS uses include:
• Maps of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to
display at public meetings, in press releases, and in meetings with state and
local health and environmental officials.
• Trend analysis of changes in habitat acreage.
• Geographic location of drinking water wells, hazardous waste sites (active
and abandoned), and sewage treatment plants.
• Maps for Regional reports and public information literature.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-9
January 1993
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CFO Survey Results
Water Management Section (WMS)
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Section?
Many of the decisions made in the Water Management Section are related to the
National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) Program. The
Section conducts compliance evaluation inspections at municipal and industrial
facilities, and makes recommendations on enforcement actions to be taken
against facilities that are not in compliance with their permit effluent limits.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
• Compliance sampling and compliance evaluation inspection results.
• Location of discharges and distances of discharges from potable drinking
water intakes.
• Information on sewage bypass occurrences (e.g., where, when, and for
what period of time).
• Ambient water quality monitoring results.
• Location of pump stations, type of equipment, and capacity.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
• Compliance sampling and compliance evaluation inspection results are
obtained from EPA's Permits Compliance System (PCS). The state
environmental agencies (the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
[PREQB], Puerto Rico Department of Health [PRDOH], and the Virgin
Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources [VIDPNR]) provide
information for those facilities they inspect CFO conducts some
inspections.
USEPA Region It GIS User Needs Assessment A-10
January 1993
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• PREQB provides information on discharge locations and distances from
potable drinking water supply intakes. PRDOH provides locations of
public water supply wells and surface water intakes.
• The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) reports bypass
incidents.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
The only project that might benefit from a GIS is the PRASA filter plant
vulnerability study that CFO is conducting.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Locations of water supply intakes, pump stations, municipal, and industrial
discharges.
• Distances of discharges from drinking water intakes.
WMS Drinking/Groundwater Programs
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Section?
The Section basically provides support to the drinking and groundwater offices
in New York. A large portion of the work involves making vulnerability
assessments of drinking water supplies. The Section makes decisions on
whether to issue enforcement orders against drinking water suppliers based on
the vulnerability assessments.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
• Location of surface water intakes for drinking water.
• Location of point sources of pollution in relation to drinking water supply
intakes; location of discharges.
• Topographic maps.
• Microbiological and chemical sampling results.
• Compliance data [from discharge monitoring reports, from FRDS].
USEPA Region IIQIS User Needs Assessment A-11
January 1993
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• Information on bypass occurrences from municipal wastewater treatment
facilities that may affect drinking water intakes and/or groundwater
supplies.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
• The Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDOH), Puerto Rico
Environmental Quality Board (PREQB), Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer
Authority (PRASA), and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and
Natural Resources (VIDPNR) provide much of the data on system
violations. Determinations on whether a system is in violation are based on
the sampling results.
• In the case of Puerto Rico, PRDOH provides much of the water quality data
for public water supply wells [in manual maps and reports] and PRASA
provides information on drinking water supply intake locations. PREQB
monitors wells in selected areas mat have been contaminated with
chemicals. VIDPNR provides drinking water quality data for the Virgin
Islands.
• Bypass occurrences are reported by PREQB and VIDPNR.
• Compliance data used in our work are obtained from the Federal Reporting
Data System (FRDS). PRDOH and VIDPNR are responsible for updating
FRDS with current compliance data for their respective jurisdictions.
• Topographic maps have been obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey.
These maps are used most often when there is a disease outbreak caused by
contaminated drinking water.
In general, data are shared with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Puerto Rico
Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, and the general public.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
CFO is involved in a project to improve monitoring at the 240 plus non-PRASA
drinking water supply systems in Puerto Rico; this project is the non-PRASA
strategy. Many of the non-PRASA drinking water supply intakes are in remote
Regions of Puerto Rico and accurate locations of these intakes are not available.
In addition, no compliance sampling is conducted at these facilities. A GIS that
includes accurate locations of these intakes in relation to municipal and
industrial discharges (upstream/downstream) would aid in determining the
relative vulnerability of the drinking water supplies. An extension of this
project would be targeting systems for inspection that are in noncompliance
using information from the Federal Reporting Data System (FRDS).
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-12
January 1993
1333ft>-2
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5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
Row rates for surface and groundwater supplies.
More accurate locations of PRASA public drinking water supply intakes.
Location of municipal and industrial wastewater discharges.
Compliance data from FRDS, including compliance sampling results.
[Locations of small, privately owned systems.]
WMS Wetlands Program
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions you make in
your Section?
The Water Management Section reviews Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404
and Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 permits provided by the Army Corps of
Engineers. Based on information provided in the permit applications and
information gather from other sources, the Section is required to recommend
approval, denial, or mitigation of unapprovable portions of permit applications.
The types of assessments required include (1) impacts of the proposed project
and other potential sources of pollution in the area, and (2) value and function
assessments of the area that will be impacted by the proposed project. The
cumulative impact and value assessments may also be used in enforcement
activities.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
• Wetland acreage and type.
• Value and function assessments (e.g., fish and wildlife aquifer recharge,
flood storage).
• History of spills that have occurred in the proposed project site area.
• Number of structures (e.g., bulkheads, piers) and permitted facilities (e.g.,
marinas, wetland fills, power plants, and wastewater treatment plants) in the
proposed project site.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agendes for their decision making?
• Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service provide much of the wildlife and habitat information [in report
format; no databases available].
• The Center for Energy and Environmental Research.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-13
January 1993
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• Army Corps of Engineers [provides air photos].
• National Wetlands Inventory.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
The GIS would be helpful in developing the impact assessments. By having
the wetland acreage and type, ecological data, and the location of permitted
facilities and structures in and around navigable waters in a database system
such as GIS, it will be possible to enter information about proposed projects
from the permit applications and perform better impact assessments more
quickly and efficiently.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Wetland area and type
• [Sea grass areas and coral reef locations.]
• [Aerial photography.]
• [Corps of Engineers permit number and data files.]
• Accurate location, quantitative and qualitative data on field and Section 10
structures, organized by municipality.
• Location of piers, bulkheads, marinas, fills, and so forth, in a given bay,
for example.
• Ecological attributes, including sensitive habitats, endangered species, and
so forth.
Air and Hazardous Substances Section
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Section?
Emergency and remedial response is the major area that requires environmental
decisions by die Air and Hazardous Substances Section (AHSS). AHSS
identifies environmental problems in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
that result from spills and recommends and coordinates appropriate emergency
and remedial response efforts required under the Clean Air Act (CAA),
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA, also commonly referred to as Superfund), and the Oil Pollution Act.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-14
January 1993
1333t>-2
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In contingency planning, AHSS must also identify potential sources of
pollution, assess all possible impacts that may result from a spill, and plan
appropriate local response efforts for the various spills.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
In pre-planning and emergency response activities, AHSS uses models to
predict the potential dispersion of plumes of contaminants in water bodies and
air. This information is used to assess potential impacts to human health and
the environment In making determinations on appropriate types of remedial
and/or emergency response activities, AHSS uses the following information:
• Air, water, and soil sampling results taken to determine extent and nature of
spills, and ambient air and water quality monitoring network data.
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), air pollution
control and other permits.
• Reported releases of oil and hazardous substances (e.g., Underground
Storage Tank [UST] notifications).
• Census data (e.g., population density in affected area).
• Drinking water intake, Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), power
plant, and medical facility locations in the impacted area.
• Wetland extent and location, and wildlife and wildlife habitat (including
endangered species) location in the impacted area.
• EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) database (developed under the
Superfund Amendments and Re-authorization Act [SARA] Title HI—Right
to Know legislation) requiring industry to provide information on hazardous
substances releases to the environment.
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System (RCRIS),
which provides tracking information on events and activities related to
facilities that generate, transport, treat, store, or dispose of hazardous
waste.
• Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS), a national repository of
information on airborne pollution in the U.S.
• The Integrated Risk Information System which contains the Agency's
consensus data on health risk and EPA regulatory information for
approximately 500 chemicals.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-15
January 1993
133VD-2
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• Coast Guard Hazardous Release Information System (CHRIS) which
provides information on the chemical fate and transport of various chemicals
in different media (air, water, soil, and so forth).
• Meteorological information (e.g., wind direction).
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
• The Puerto Rico Planning Board and U.S. Census Bureau provide local
census information such as population density, street networks, [municipal
boundaries maps, tax maps], etc.
• The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) provides
information on municipal POTWs and drinking water supply intakes. The
Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (VIDPNR)
provides this information for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• The Puerto Rico Electric Power Board provides information on power plant
location, and cooling water intakes and discharges.
• The Puerto Rico Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DNR) and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provide information on important natural
resources (e.g., groundwater aquifers), wildlife distribution and population
density-, [endangered species]. VIDPNR and the Virgin Islands Department
of Fish and Wildlife provide similar information for the U.S. Virgin
Islands.
• The Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB) and VIDPNR provide
monitoring data for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, respectively.
• [USGS provides groundwater maps, and location of groundwater wells on
quads.]
• Responsible parties for the spills may provide some facility data.
• Air, water, and soil contaminant sample data are provided through the EPA
Contract Laboratory Program.
• Emergency Response Notification System (ERNS) provides information on
reported releases.
• The Weather Bureau provides meteorological data.
• The data provided by facilities to EPA under SARA Title 313 are made
available through the Toxic Release Inventory System (TRIS) available
through the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-16
January 1993
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• AHSS also uses the Computer Aided Management of Emergency
Operations (CAMEO) system to perform spill analyses and determine
appropriate response options. The information in CAMEO can include data
from a variety of sources, such as maps, U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files,
EPA chemical inventory databases, and meteorological data.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
The GIS will allow AHSS to compile and store in one location much of the
information previously identified. Much of the information we use comes from
a variety of sources in different formats and computer languages; GIS will
allow us to compile and store this information in one format and one location so
that AHSS will be able to immediately access information for use in emergency
responses.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Spill site locations and locations of other EPA regulated facilities.
• Census maps.
• Habitat, endangered species, important natural resources.
• Chemical-specific information available on the Integrated Risk Information
System.
• The Coast Guard's Chemical Hazard Release Inventory System.
• Permit Compliance database.
[Notes: The Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board is beginning to develop a
GIS. Also, GIS efforts are underway at the USGS Puerto Rico office and include
mapping of public water supply wells and intake points. The CFO has a system of
PCs that can connect to the LAN in New York. Existing software includes Lotus,
Word Perfect, and dB ASE. A GIS workstation is expected within the next three
months.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-17
January 1993
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External Programs Division
The External Programs Division (EPD) is responsible for the development,
implementation, and coordination of public affairs, congressional and
intergovernmental relations, and community relations programs in Region n.
The EPD:
• Provides public affairs assistance and guidance to all organizational
elements within Region n.
• Represents the Agency in relations with the press, radio, television, and
other information media.
• Prepares press releases for distribution to the press; provides guidance
regarding public notices, public hearings, and mass mailings.
• Manages the Regional issues tracking systems and acts as the Regional
Freedom of Information Act request control office.
• Coordinates the Regional peer review systems and manages the Regional
supply of public affairs publications.
• Prepares speeches for the Regional Administrator; writes articles for
Regional and headquarters publications; and prepares press briefing
documents, fact sheets, and other supporting materials.
• Represents the Regional Administrator in working with elected officials
(governors, congressional staff, and so forth) to coordinate federal and state
environmental statutes and programs.
• Provides oversight and coordination of all community relations activities
conducted in the Region.
• Maintains liaison with headquarters' counterpart offices and has the lead for
the Region's Environmental Education Program.
EPD is divided into three Branches: Community Relations, Congressional and
Intergovernmental Relations, and Public Affairs. An organizational chart is shown
in Figure 4.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-18
January 1993
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Figure 4.
to
Jaaws Marshall
DIRECTOR
Margaret Randol
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Jeane Roaianskf
CONGRESSIONAL t
INTERGOVERNMENTAL
RELATIONS BRANCH
Vacant
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
BRANCH
Lillian Johnson
COMMUNITY
RELATIONS
BRANCH
-------
Community Relations Branch provides oversight and coordination for all
community relations activities conducted by the Region. The Branch provides
guidance for community relations training for Superfund (the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act) and Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) technical staff. CRB is also responsible
for the development and implementation of the Superfund community relations
program; develops and oversees contractor or state agencies in preparation of
community relations plans. CRB is responsible for development and
implementation of the RCRA Community Relations Program, including plans for
expanded community relations at select sites and acts as RCRA ombudsman. CRB
maintains liaison with headquarters' counterpart offices and staffs a public
information office in Niagara Falls, New York.
Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations Branch serves as the
focal point within the Region for all matters involving congressional and
intergovernmental liaison. Represents the Regional Administrator in working with
governors, congressional staff, elected officials, multi-state coordinating bodies
(e.g., Interstate Sanitation Commission), municipalities, and other government
related groups such as the Council of State Governments and the National
Association of Counties. Works with state legislative staffs to coordinate federal
and state environmental statutes and programs. Provides periodic summaries to
Regional officials concerning pertinent federal, state, and local legislative initiatives
and regulatory developments. Maintains liaison with headquarters' counterpart
offices. Provides the Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator
with broad policy and issue-oriented analyses of intergovernmental problems.
Public Affairs Branch provides assistance and guidance to all organizational
elements with respect to Regional Programs and activities. Represents the Agency
in relations with the press, radio, television, and other information media. Prepares
press releases for distribution to the press and provides guidance regarding public
notices, public hearings, and mass mailings. Acts as the Regional Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) request control office. Coordinates the Regional peer
review system. Manages the Regional supply of public affairs publications.
Prepares speeches for the Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional
Administrator; writes articles for Regional and headquarters publications; produces
a monthly Regional newsletter; and prepares press briefing documents, fact sheets,
and other supporting documents. Maintains liaison with headquarters' counterpart
offices.
Current CIS uses include development of Superfund site maps, identification of
RCRA facility locations, and development of state maps to provide a general
indication of the spatial locations of these facilities. These maps are usually
developed by contractors at the request of EPD. Maps might be included in press
releases, news interviews, media presentations, and briefings.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-20
January 1993
133VD-2
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Potential GIS uses include:
• Maps of Region; states; specific site locations (i.e., Superfund, RCRA,
POTWs, UIC wells, air contaminants, and water contaminants), and so
forth, for display at public meetings.
• Similar outputs as above for inclusion in Regional presentations to state and
congressional leaders; other Regional Administrators and Commissioners.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-21
January 1993
1333/ta-2
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EPD Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
EPD does not make environmental decisions but rather works with the program
Divisions to communicate environmental decisions to the public (governmental
leaders, industry, press, and citizens). In communicating with these diverse
groups, EPD is required to develop communication plans that will effectively
explain the environmental issues. Communication plans include public meetings
to allow interaction between the public and EPA; distribution of background
materials; press releases for newspaper reporters; interviews with television and
radio reporters; briefing for governmental officials (members of Congress,
governors, state senators, and so forth); on-site communication during remedial
activities at Superfund sites; direct mailings; and meetings with environmental
organizations (e.g., Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the
Environmental Defense Fund).
Recently the Division has taken on a new role in environmental education. This
activity includes the development of methods and materials to instruct children
from Kindergarten to 12th grade in the importance of the environment.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
In preparing presentations EPD uses reports prepared by staff in the various
Divisions on the specific environmental problem; maps of specific geographic
areas of concern; and materials prepared by HQ on specific issues of national
importance.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, Principal Response Party
[PRP], and so forth)? Do you export these data to other agencies
for their decision making?
The data are primarily provided by the Divisions, or in some cases HQ,
requesting EPD's participation in developing press briefings, community
meetings, congressional briefings, or other activities.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-22
January 1993
1333/b-Z
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4. Based on the description of CIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
GIS would provide an excellent way to present abstract ideas in a visual display
or to summarize data from a variety of sources. Some uses of GIS for briefings
might include:
• Quick development of maps of specific activities within the Region for
display at press briefings, and so forth.
• Maps depicting trend analysis of environmental activities. For example, it
would be helpful to show the Region's wetlands and losses over a specific
period of time.
• Display of EPA regulatory activities (i.e., permits, Superfund remediation,
RCRA facilities, and so forth) within a specified geographic area (e.g.,
county, congressional district, town, state, and Region).
• Map presentations of geographic characteristics around a Superfund site
displaying attributes such as aquifer locations, other regulated facilities,
population density, locations of schools, hospitals, and so forth.
• If data were available it might be helpful to show the history of the site and
activities over time.
• It would also be helpful to show populations within specified distances
from the facilities.
• Display of groundwater, air contaminant, and spill transport.
• Use of ZIP Code information to target mailings to ensure public awareness
on specific geographic issues.
• Better maps of the helicopter route for congressional briefings—it would be
helpful to quickly update these maps to reflect changes in activities at the
sites covered during the tour.
• Electronic mail distribution services for maps.
• Ability to produce simple maps that can be easily understood by the public.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Updated population data
• Locations of EPA regulated facilities (i.e., RCRA, Air Permitted Facilities,
POTWs, and so forth).
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-23
January 1993
1333/11-2
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• Locations of existing National Priority Listing sites and those being
reviewed for listing.
• ZIP Code information.
• Congressional redistricting for Region.
• Detailed maps of attributes of the Region including lakes, streams, and so
forth.
• [Air quality attainment/nonattainment areas.]
• [High risk, high sensitivity areas.]
• [Administrative and service area boundaries—governmental, media
coverage, and so forth.]
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-24
January 1993
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Office of Policy and
Management
The Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for Policy and Management is
responsible for:
• Providing policy coordination and analytical support across Regional
Programs.
• Implementing EPA's Strategic Planning and Management System.
• Ensuring that the Agency's management, organization and decision-making
processes function efficiently.
• Providing review and coordination of state program grant submissions.
• Coordinating cross-Divisional programs such as risk assessment,
comparative risk assessment, and EPA-state agreements to prioritize and
integrate pollution control activities at all levels of government
• Conducting program reviews and analyses to determine project or program
costs, status of expenditures versus budget allocations, need for
reprqgramming of funds, and necessity to modify or terminate certain
activities or projects in the interest of efficient and effective management of
Regional resources and accomplishment of mission objectives.
• Coordinating Regional GIS management and integration activities.
Office of Policy and Management (OPM) functions include policy and program
integration; planning and evaluation; economic analysis; environmental assessment;
grants administration; financial management; data systems; personnel and
organization; equal employment opportunity; management analysis; permits
administration; facilities management; health and safety; security; and procurement
and other support services.
OPM is divided into the following Branches as shown in Figure 5: Planning and
Evaluation; Policy and Program Integration; Human Resources; Financial
Management; Facilities and Administrative Services; Information Systems;
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-25
January 1993
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Figure 5.
Herbert Barrack
ASSISTANT REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
FOR POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
Joarm Breman McKee
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Alice Jenik
POLICY AND PROGRAM
INTEGRATION BRANCH
Grace Musuneci
ASST.BRANCH CHIEF
ro
O)
John Henderson
HUMAN RESOURCES
BRANCH
Careen Negron
ASST. BRANCH CHIEF
Marilyn Quinones
EMPLOYEE t ORGANIZA-
TION DEVELOPMENT SEC
Alba Hernandez
EMPLOYMENT SECTION
Robert Messina
INFORMATION
SYSTEMS BRANCH
Jay Griffiths
NGNT ft OPERATING
SYSTEMS SECTION
George Nossa
ENVIRONMENTAL
SYSTEMS SECTION
Ronald Gherardi
FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT BRANCH
John Svec
ACCOUNTING OPERA-
TIONS SECTION
Richard J. Mama
FINANCIAL SERVICES
SECTION
Dana Uilliaas acting
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY OFFICER
Laura Livingston
PERMITS
ADMINISTRATION BRANCH
Vacant
ASST. BRANCH CHIEF
Barbara Pastalove
PLANNING AND
EVALUATION BRANCH
Roch Baanonde
ASST. BRANCH CHIEF
Joseph Clore
WATER ft HAZARDOUS
UASTE COMPLIANCE SEC
Vacant
AIR ft ENVIRONMENTAL
APPLICATIONS SECTION
Robert Hargrove
ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACTS BRANCH
Uilliaa Lauler
ENVIRONMENTAL
ANALYSIS SECTION
John Filippelli
FEDERAL ACTIVITIES
SECTION
Robert Genoveae
BUDGET ft REPORTS
SECTION
Jaaes Foley
FACILITIES ft ADMIN-
ISTRATIVE MGT BRANCH
Theodore Riverso
CONTRACTS
MANAGEMENT SECTION
Carol Equo
ADMINISTRATIVE
MANAGEMENT SECTION
Helen Beggun
GRANTS ADMINISTRATION
BRANCH
Dennis Debrouski
ASST BRANCH CHIEF
Vacant
COST ANALYSIS
SECTION
Joseph Pernice
FACILITIES
MANAGEMENT SECTION
Vacant
GRANTS OPERATIONS
SECTION
-------
Environmental Impacts; Permits Administration; and an Equal Employment
Opportunity officer.
Descriptions of those Branches that will be involved in the management of GIS and
in providing data to the system (Policy and Program Integration Branch and
Information Systems Branch) and potential future users (Planning and Evaluation
Branch, Permits Administration Branch, and Environmental Impacts Branch), are
provided on the following pages.
Policy and Program Integration Branch (PPIB) is responsible for:
• Developing the Region's analytical and policy formation capabilities by
initiating special studies, reports, and investigations.
• Coordinating the Region n risk assessment/risk management activities,
implementing the Region's Risk Training Program, and providing
assistance to the Deputy Regional Administrator in his role as a member of
EPA's Risk Assessment Council.
• Coordinating the implementation of Regional GIS capabilities.
• Coordinating the Region's management of recurrent and discretionary
program grants.
• Coordinating pollution prevention grants and public/private partnership
grants within the Region.
• Coordinating the preparation of Region II's Comparative Risk Reports,
Environmental Status Reports, and subsequent plans.
• Coordinating the Region's activities in Public Private Partnership and the
Environmental Financial Advisory Board.
• Coordinating multimedia state/EPA planning activities.
• Monitoring overall Regional progress in air (CAA-105) and water (CWA-
106) media programs.
Current GIS activities include working with the Information Systems Branch in the
overall coordination of the Region's GIS activities. Responsibilities include
coordination with the other Divisions to develop new applications for GIS;
identifying potential uses for GIS within the Region; reviewing headquarters'
documentation and implementation plans for GIS; working with the Environmental
Services Division to coordinate Regional Global Positioning Systems activities;
working with state counterparts to ensure the efficient transfer of information and
data coverages; coordinating with headquarters' office of Information Resources
Management on GIS related issues.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-27
January 1993
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Potential GIS uses include:
• Analysis of environmental status and trends.
• Risk analysis (both human health and ecological).
• Pollution prevention planning.
The Information Systems Branch (ISB) consists of the Environmental
Systems Section and the Management and Operating Systems Section. The Branch
is responsible for providing a full range of automated data processing (ADP) and
information management services including the operation of the Region II
Computer Center with the Division-specific Local Area Networks; IBM mainframe;
systems programming and telecommunications support with the EPA network;
procurement of ADP hardware, software, and services including personal
computers; hardware and software support to the Regional GIS; state/EPA Data
Management coordination; development of application systems analysis, design,
and programming support; database administration and support to national systems;
operation of the Region II Information Center, including PC training and support;
contract management responsibilities related to the facilities management and data
handling services; and operation of the Region n MAPS center.
The Branch is also responsible for defining the Agency's Information Resources
Management (IRM) Policy and ensuring that the Region's information management
activities are in accordance with this policy. The Branch manages the Regional
ADP budget, costs and usage and plans for future ADP hardware, and software
services to meet emerging program needs.
1. The Environmental Systems Section is responsible for all the major
environmental information systems, including the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Information System (RCRIS), the Permit Compliance System (PCS);
the Federal Reporting Data System (FRDS); the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS); the
Grants Information and Control System (GICS); the Aerometric Information
Retrieval System (AIRS) database; the Storage and Retrieval of Parametric Data
(STORET) and the FIFRA and TSCA Enforcement System (FATES). The
Section provides training and programming support to the Regional Divisions
that use these systems. The Section also develops Regional applications on the
IBM mainframe and microcomputer, and is responsible for the integration of
environmental information through the maintenance of the Facilities Index
System (FINDS).
The Section is also responsible for integrating GIS into the Region by providing
hardware and software support to the Regional users. Activities include
purchasing hardware and software, providing support in the use of ARC/INFO,
and coordinating with state counterparts to ensure transfer of data.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-28
January 1993
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2. The Management and Operating Systems Section provides for the operation of
all hardware and operating system software, including the Region n
Information Center. The center maintains a production schedule and provides
user support in the running and tracking of computer jobs. The Section
provides technical support in the operation and use of all computer hardware
and software located in the Region and plans for and implements required
capacity expansions. The Section is also responsible for the processing
information into the Agency's administrative management information system,
including the Financial Management System (FMS), payroll (EPAYS), and
personnel and grants systems.
Planning and Evaluation Branch (P&EB) is responsible for:
• Coordinating the development of the Region's annual operating plan.
• Distributing and managing the Region's work years.
• Conducting annual position allocations.
• Developing and maintaining work year and related financial projection
systems.
• Designing and maintaining systems for SF-52 tracking and the management
of filled and vacant positions.
• Coordinating the development of the Regional Strategic Plan, including the
development of environmental indicators.
• Coordinating target setting and the reporting of Regional data through the
Strategic Targeted Activities for Results System (STARS), the quarterly
management memo, and enforcement indicators.
• Performing program evaluations for critical areas and for productivity cost-
benefit relationships.
• Coordinating the Region's implementation of lead Region activities,
including preparing the Regional and Deputy Regional Administrators for
annual budget hearings and conducting special studies.
• Advising the Assistant Regional Administrator on Regional resource
allocation, budget development, and other programmatic/planning issues.
• Analyzing various program requirements in the framework of policy
guidance and direction provided by the Regional Administrator and Agency
Operating Guidance.
• Managing the Region's implementation of the Federal Managers' Financial
Integrity Act (FMFIA), including preparing the Annual Assurance Letter.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-29
January 1993
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• Reviewing all proposed organizational changes to ensure programmatic
needs will be met.
• Coordinating and synthesizing the Region's review of all Red-Border
Regulations.
• Participating in Total Quality Management (TQM) initiatives and assisting in
Regional TQM training.
Permits Administration Branch (PAB) consists of the Air and Environmental
Applications Section and the Water and Hazardous Waste Compliance Section. The
Branch coordinates the Prevention of Significant Deterioration/New Source (Pre-
construction) Review (PSD/NSR) permitting process; management of the AIRS
Facility Subsystem; and development of select enforcement documents. The
Branch also integrates information regarding pollution sources for the National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Pretreatment, Ocean Dumping,
Oil Spills, Section 404, Pesticides, Hazardous Waste, Underground Injection
Control, and Water Supply Programs. The Branch provides support to the Air,
Toxics, Hazardous Waste, and Water Programs. Provides quasitechnical and
administrative services to these programs consisting of permit review coordination,
processing, logging, and so forth, centralized intermedia file management;
maintenance of computerized source inventory, action tracking; and compliance
screening and reporting systems. Provides Regional Hearing Clerk services in
responding to nontechnical Freedom of Information Act requests and providing
standard reports to Regional and headquarters organizations. Coordinates with
headquarters and state and local governmental organizations to promote the
exchange of information and minimize redundant information collection efforts.
Serves as the Regional small business liaison and investigates and attempts to
resolve complaints made by the small business community.
The Environmental Impacts Branch (EIB) consists of the Environmental
Analysis Section and the Federal Activities Section. The Branch is responsible for
managing compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Federal
Facilities Compliance, Section 309 Environmental Review, and Indian Programs.
1. The Environmental Analysis Section assures that appropriate Region n
Programs are in compliance with the requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality's
regulations, and the regulations of other federal laws. It accomplishes this
primarily by conducting environmental analyses of proposed agency actions,
and determining the need for either an environmental impact statement or a
finding of no significant impact/ environmental assessment. Additionally, it
conducts reviews of other actions that are not subject to NEPA to ensure they
comply with other environmental laws. These environmental analyses typically
consist of evaluating the primary and secondary impacts of agency projects, and
if appropriate, recommending alternatives to the proposed action to minimize or
eliminate adverse environmental impacts.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-30
January 1993
1333/b-Z
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2. The Federal Activities Section is responsible for conducting environmental
reviews of other federal agency actions in accordance with the mandate of
Section 309 of the Clean Air Act. It also manages the Indian Program and the
Federal Facility Compliance Programs in Region II through the activities of the
Indian Program Coordinator and the Federal Facilities Compliance Coordinator.
The federal facilities function includes providing technical assistance,
conducting appropriate budgetary oversight, and coordinating
enforcement/compliance action to assure that federal activities are in compliance
with all federal, state, and local environmental and pollution control
requirements. The Indian Program assists federally recognized tribes in
complying with environmental requirements.
Potential CIS uses include:
• Environmental impact analysis for proposed NEPA projects.
• Geographic querying of regulatory background, environmental data, and
contacts with federal facilities, Superfund sites, and NEPA projects.
• Cumulative effects analysis.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-31
January 1993
1333%-2
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PPIB Survey Results
1. What type of environmental decisions are made in PPIB?
The functions of the Policy and Program Integration Branch fall within two
broad categories: carrying out a planned agenda of projects to meet the analytic
needs of die Regional Administrator and coordinating die oversight of state
programs through the state/EPA Planning Process.
Examples of die Branch's current analytic efforts include
• Risk Based* Decision Making—Recognizing the need to focus its resources
on the most serious environmental problems and die most promising areas
for reducing risks, EPA has taken steps to integrate the concept of risk-
based decision making to die Region's day-to-day operations and to ensure
that Regional risk assessments are consistent and of high quality.
• Comparative Risk Assessment—PPIB coordinated the Region's
comparative risk ranking project. With die assistance of a multidivisional
work group, PPIB developed a list of environmental problem areas to be
ranked and methodologies and criteria for ranking the health, ecological,
and welfare risks associated witii the problem areas. After researching and
analyzing each problem area, die work group developed rankings of die
relative risks posed by the problems dial serve as the basis for the Region's
"exception-based" strategic planning process.
• Pollution Prevention—PPIB coordinates die Region's pollution prevention
activities, and oversees implementation of the Region's pollution prevention
strategy. PPIB is the primary liaison widi HQ's Office of Pollution
Prevention and completes quarterly reports on Regional pollution prevention
activities.
• GIS—PPIB has overall responsibility for developing GIS capability in
Region n in conceit widi die Information Systems Branch. PPIB will
eventually serve as the source of expertise to help the Region's program
offices develop GIS applications. Working closely with the ISB, PPIB
developed a framework for GIS implementation.
• State/EPA Enforcement Agreements—PPIB staff coordinate the state/EPA
cross-media planning and oversight process. PPIB staff also serve as
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-32
January 1993
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project officers for CAA-Section 105 air pollution control grants to four
state and four local agencies and on Section 106 water pollution control
grants to four state agencies and one interstate agency.
Pursuant to the 1984 Policy Framework governing EPA's delegation and oversight
of environmental programs, the Regions develop enforcement agreements with each
state on the criteria and procedures for EPA oversight of and follow-up on state
compliance and enforcement activities. PPffl coordinates the process of updating
and negotiating the agreements.
2. What types of information are routinely used in these decisions?
The Branch uses a variety of information sources to develop reports supporting
environmental decisions. For example, as indicated above, the comparative risk
analysis involved the following types of data for the analysis: U.S. Census
(population), information stored in EPA national databases (i.e.t stream miles,
contaminant levels in air, water, soil), state and local health and environmental
agencies, and other federal agencies (NOAA). This information was used to
analyze the potential impacts (health, ecological, and welfare) from each
environmental problem area; this information was subsequently used to rank the
environmental problems.
Other Branch activities involve the review of work plans submitted by states
under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water ACL Other analyses involve the
review of data incorporated in risk assessments (i.e., air contaminant levels,
soil contaminant levels, groundwater contamination levels) to determine the
risks posed by these contaminants.
3. What is the source of this information?
The data are primarily provided by headquarters, in the form of Regional
guidance; state departments of health and environmental assessment;
contractors; and scientific literature.
4. How can GIS be used to improve environmental decisions in the
Branch?
The Branch has participated in the following GIS projects in collaboration with
the Information Systems Branch and the Water Management Division:
• PPIB worked on the Cortland Aquifer Protection Project, which uses GIS
as an analytical tool for aquifer protection. The project involved developing
data coverages of facilities, aquifer location, hydrography, and other
information to accurately identify potential sources of contamination. This
project also involved the use of GPS equipment.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-33
January 1993
1333/b-2
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• PPIB also worked on the Niagara River Toxics Management Project to
identify point and nonpoint source contributions to the Niagara River. The
analysis will involve the identification of potential sources, modeling of the
toxic loads to the river, use of GIS to display the modeling results and data
coverages, and demonstration of reductions of these loadings over time.
• Last summer, an intern working in PPffl developed an analysis of
population characteristics in the Region to evaluate environmental equity.
• PPIB has also worked with New Jersey's Department of Environmental
Protection and Energy on the Arthur Kill Emergency Response Planning
Pilot Project to develop a GIS system for the Arthur Kill as a model for a
harborwide emergency response planning mapping system. The project
involves six major activities: data inventory/user needs assessment,
database design, identification of data gaps, data acquisition, development
of an interactive user interface/demonstration, and documentation of
methods and results.
[PPffi has participated in the development and review of the risk assessment for
the Incineration 2000 Study coordinated by the Air and Waste Management
Division. The Incineration 2000 Project involved the ISCLT model to project
dispersion from existing and projected incineration facilities, and examining
zones of potential health impacts. PPIB also participated in the development
and review of the staten Island/New Jersey Urban Air Toxics Project
coordinated by the Air and Waste Management Division. For future risk
assessment studies, detailed demographic data are needed, as well as access to
other layers/attributes to be included in the GIS.]
In the future, PPIB sees GIS as an important tool in risk assessment in
[performing screening analyses]; identifying potentially impacted populations;
evaluating multimedia impacts; assessing trends in environmental impacts (both
on human health and the environment); pollution prevention; and developing
future comparative risk analyses.
[PPIB also sees the need to incorporate exposure models such as the Graphical
Exposure Models (GEMS) into GIS. GEMS allows the user to analyze
dispersion of specific pollutants through media (air, water, soil, and so forth).]
[For risk studies, need to determine relative ecological/human health impacts of
pollutants—want to use GIS to support this effort.]
[For potential Regional "State of the Environment" report—want to use GIS to
support this effort.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-34
January 1993
\333ltt-2
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5. What are the essential data needs?
• Post 1990 population data.
• Toxics Release Inventory data.
• Land use/land cover.
• Wetland and habitat data.
• [Wildlife contaminant/distribution data.]
• Accurate locations of facilities (i.e., Superfund sites, RCRA, POTWs, UIC
wells, and so forth).
• Topography data.
• [Water quality classifications.]
• [Geology—radon exposure.]
• [Permitted sources.]
• [Hazardous waste sites.]
• [Landfills.]
• [Incinerators.]
• [Sewage treatment plants.]
• [Agricultural and pesticide usage data.]
• [Multiple-year land use and census data for trend analysis.]
• [Biological data.]
• [Disease registry data.]
• [Climate/precipitation/wind direction/wind speed data.]
• [Demographic data including age distribution, income, residence
time/mobility, age of homes.]
• [Activity patterns (e.g., beach usage, fishing licenses).]
• [Soils, contaminated sediment locations.]
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-35
January 1993
133»b-2
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[Notes: Need to require contractors to submit data in digital format. Need to
provide system for archival of historic data, for use in trend analysis. Need for
CIS to include areas outside Region n boundaries (e.g., portion of Great Lakes,
Lake Champlain, Long Island Sound).]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-36
January 1993
1333/b-2
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ISB Survey Results
1. What type of environmental decisions are made in ISB?
ISB is primarily responsible for:
• Managing information as a Regional resource to achieve high quality data,
efficient transfer of information, and productive use of the information by
the Region, states, headquarters, and the general public.
• Promoting the use of EPA information systems by the states and providing
technical assistance in the access and use of these systems to support
environmental programs.
• Prompting the use of data integration tools, specifically by providing
technical support and database administration functions for Regional CIS
activities.
• Integrating information contained in the various environmental systems to
support greater cross-media coordination between EPA and state
environmental programs and among different Regional programs.
• Coordinating all State/EPA Data Management (SEDM) activities for the
Region and manages the SEDM grant program, which promotes the use of
EPA information systems by the state and the snaring of environmental
information across all programs.
2. What types of information are routinely used in these decisions?
ISB provides a variety of data from various sources (EPA's National
Databases, other federal agencies, states, and so forth) to the program offices
for environmental decisions. A brief description of the types of data is listed
below:
• STORET (Storage and Retrieval of U.S. Waterways Parametric Data) is a
repository of waterway parametric data, including information on ambient,
intensive survey, effluent, and biological water quality of the waterways
within and contiguous to the United States.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-37
January 1993
1333Tb-2
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AIRS (Aerometric Information Retrieval System) is the national repository
for information about airborne pollution in the United States. The system
contains information on the seven criteria pollutants: PM10, carbon
monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, reactive volatile organic
compounds (VOC), and ozone.
BRS (Biennial Reporting System) provides an overview of the progress of
the RCRA Program through tracking trends in hazardous waste generation
and management BRS also assists RCRA personnel in assessing the
impact of regulatory decisions and is used by the Superfund Amendments
and Re-authorization Act Capacity Program to monitor disposal capacity.
CERCLIS (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Information System) maintains information on abandoned
hazardous waste sites, including an inventory of sites, planned and actual
site activities, and financial information.
RCRIS (Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System) is a
national system which supports the RCRA Program through the tracking of
permitting and compliance events and activities related to facilities that
generate, transport, and treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste.
TRI (Toxic Release Inventory) contains information from facilities on the
amounts of over 300 listed toxic chemicals that the facilities release directly
to air, water, or land or that are transported (transferred) off-site.
FRDS (Federal Reporting System) is a centralized repository of
information about Public Water Supplies (PWS) and their compliance with
monitoring requirements, maximum contaminant level regulations, and
other requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1986.
PCS (Permit Compliance System) is a computerized management
information system which contains facility locations, compliance history,
effluent discharges, and permit conditions for surface water emissions.
FINDS (Facility Index System) is an inventory of information on facilities
regulated/tracked by EPA Programs. It features reference information on
program systems which contain more detailed data on each facility.
GICS (Grants Information and Control System) is a national information
management system containing administrative, project, and financial data
for all EPA's grants, interagency agreements, and cooperative agreements.
GRIDS (Geographic Resources Information and Data System) is a national
system to promote data sharing and software technology transfer by
providing national access to spatial data and ARC Macro Language (AML)
routines for use in ARC/INFO GIS applications.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-38
January 1993
133V6-2
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3. What is the source of this information?
The data are provided primarily by the states. Other data are provided by EPA
headquarters and other federal agencies. The Region has established a strong
partnership with the states in managing information and developing information
systems. The Branch has assisted the states in developing their own ADP
systems as well as using EPA systems to manage their environmental
programs.
4. How can GIS be used to improve environmental decisions in the
Branch?
The Branch has participated in the following GIS projects in collaboration with
the Policy and Program Integration Branch and the Water Management
Division.
• ISB has provided data for the Cortland Aquifer Protection Project to protect
the Cortland/Homer/Preble aquifer by developing data coverages of
facilities, aquifer location, hydrography, and other information to accurately
identify potential sources of contamination.
• ISB is coordinating with WMD on the Niagara River Toxics Management
Project to identify point and nonpoint source contributions to the Niagara
River. The project has involved a joint effort between Region n and New
York State's Department of Environmental Conservation, the EPA
Environmental Photointerpretation Center, and the counties of Niagara and
Erie. The analysis will involve the identification of potential sources,
modeling of the toxic loads to the river, use of GIS to display the modeling
results and data coverages, and demonstration of reductions of these
loadings over time.
• ISB also worked on developing a user-friendly system that will allow the
display of data on all EPA regulated facilities within a specified geographic
area.
• ISB funded through the state EPA Data Management (SEDM) program the
development of a statewide coverage from over 1,000 New York State
Department of Transportation maps. The scanned maps will be used as a
background and reference map for other GIS data layers such as hazardous
waste sites, wetlands, and other environmental data. It will also provide a
convenient resource for on-screen digitizing of several data types, such as
roads, street names, wetlands, and building footprints.
ISB also maintains a map room with quad sheets for most portions of the
Region.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-39
January 1993
1333/D-2
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5. What are the essential data needs?
• Post 1990 population data.
• Toxics Release Inventory data for 1990.
• Accurate locations of facilities (i.e., Superfund sites, RCRA, POTWs, UIC
wells, and so forth).
• Topography data.
• Additional data layers for New Jersey.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-40
January 1993
1333/0-2
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P&EB Survey Results
1. What type of environmental decisions are made in P&E?
P&EB coordinates Region ITs program and position resource needs, including
Regional budget coordination, operating plan development, strategic planning,
program assessment, and reporting; programmatic overview with regard to
resource allocation, organization, and position management; and administration
of the Region's input to agency regulation development.
In FY'91 P&EB took on the responsibility for developing the FY'93 strategic
plan. At that time, P&EB created a consensus-building approach that provided
for senior management direction and encouraged cross-Divisional linkages.
The plan identified ten initiatives which the Region believes will significantly
reduce ecological and human health risks. The plan included pollution
prevention, cross-program integration, and geographic approaches. In the
future, P&EB will be working with the Divisions to develop environmental
indicators to measure progress against the initiatives and coordinating a
Regional effort to develop a four-year strategic plan.
2. What types of information are routinely used in these decisions?
The Strategic Plan was based on the Comparative Risk Analysis produced by
PPIB.
[The STARS database is used to track progress in performance commitments on
a quarterly basis. It is not geographically referenced.]
3. What is the source of this information?
Data from the Divisions within Region n were collected as part of the
Comparative Risk Analysis. The final rankings were used to develop a plan
that would address the higher risk areas in human health, ecological, and
welfare risks.
Data on the STARS commitments are provided by the Division responsible for
the commitment
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-41
January 1993
1333/b-2
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4. How can GIS be used to improve environmental decisions in the
Branch?
Three potential applications for GIS are
• Tracking of indicators for the priority areas selected under the strategic plan
to track progress in reducing risks.
• Using GIS in conjunction with the External Programs Division and the
Office of Regional Counsel's "Annual Enforcement Summary" to target
areas for enforcement action.
• Using GIS to display multimedia environmental impacts.
5. What are the essential data needs?
• Accurate locations of facilities regulated by EPA.
• Data related to environmental indicators that will allow for trend analysis.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-42
January 1993
1333/b-2
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PAB Survey Results
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions made in
your Branch?
Few environmental decisions are made in this Branch. The work is mostly
administrative and nontechnical. The Branch maintains computerized systems,
interacts heavily with the public [in response to FOIA requests], and retrieves
both hard-copy and digital information as requested by the public.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The Branch maintains official files for RCRA and NPDES permits and issues
and stores permits. Hazardous waste and air inspection data are entered by
PAB but water permitting information is entered by the states. [ZIP Codes are
used to determine an area for a FOIA response.]
[The Branch was involved in a project to obtain better locational data for
POTWs. POTWs were sent USGS quads and asked to locate facilities, whose
coordinates were then input via digitizing into PCS.]
3. What data sources are you routinely used by your Branch in
decision making?
• Permits Compliance System (PCS)—for National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permits.
• Hazardous Waste Data Management System (HWDMS)—also conversion to
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System (RCRIS).
• AIRS Facilities Subsystem (AFS)—AFS is used to track emissions and
compliance data from industrial plants.
• Facilities Index System (FINDS)—an inventory of information on facilities
regulated/tracked by EPA Programs.
• Integrated Data for Enforcement Analysis System (IDEAS)—uses FINDS
data (identification numbers, and so forth) as a basis for communicating with
other data systems.
USEPA Region II QIS User Needs Assessment A-43
January 1993
1333/b-2
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• Provisional ID System—created by ISB for tracking accidental releases and
spills. [Contains information sometimes used in response to FOIA
requests.]
[Each of these systems contain address data except for FINDS.]
4. Who provides these data (state, Region, Principal Responsible
Party [PRP], and so forth)? Do you export these data to other
agencies for their decision making?
Mostly the Region provides the data; however, the states enter the water data.
The Region enters water data for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
PAB routinely interacts with Water, Air, and Waste Management; Superfund;
and ESD. However, information is provided to the public in reports not in a
digital format.
5. What other types of data do you routinely use in your
environmental decisions (maps, reports, and so forth)?
Maps are sometimes used to locate towns where a facility is located in order to
identify local newspapers. This information is used as a resource to enter
formal public notices.
6. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
PAB currently receives between 1,500 to 2,000 Freedom of Information (FOI)
requests per year. [1992 year to date total is 2,072. This number appears to be
increasing each year.] The GIS would be helpful in responding to these
requests. For example, many of the requests are from banks evaluating
mortgage applications requesting an environmental history of an area
surrounding a specific point. The GIS would be helpful in responding to this
request since the point, a buffer zone, and permitted facilities in this area can be
graphically displayed.
PAB often receives requests for the identification of other permitted facilities
within a specified distance of the facility in question.
GIS would also be helpful in using the IDEAS system—since inspections and
enforcement actions could be carried out more efficiently when indexed by
geographical location.
[Having a GIS workstation or query station available to the public would help
in dealing with FOIA requests and responses. It would also provide the
opportunity for the public to query information stored in EPA's databases in an
easy fashion.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-44
January 1993
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7. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• PAB would like to see the improvement of locational data on all systems.
• It would also be helpful to have a multimedia coverage of an area.
• PAB also receives requests for the environmental status of a facility whose
permit data may be kept on two separate data systems. It would be helpful
to have a geographically based link that will allow the user to find the
information without accessing several data systems.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-45
January 1993
1333/6-2
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EIB Survey Results
Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
The Branch description provided by the Human Resources Branch (HRB) is
basically accurate, but Bob Hargrove indicated that it had been updated and we
should get the most recent version from HRB.
The Branch is responsible for ensuring compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act; federal facilities compliance; review of
Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) prepared by other federal agencies
under Section 309 of the Clean Air Act; and oversight and coordination of the
Region's Indian Programs. There are two Sections to EIB—the Environmental
Analysis Section (responsible for NEPA compliance) and the Federal Activities
Section (responsible for Federal Facilities Compliance, 309 Reviews and Indian
Programs).
The Branch is routinely involved in determining whether proposed actions by
EPA and other government agencies are likely to cause significant
environmental impacts. [The Branch does an estimated 3-6 EISs, 175
Superfund reviews, 30-35 EIS reviews, and 125 Environmental Assessment
reviews per year. Some 300 of the 1,800 federal facilities are tracked in the
compliance program.]
What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The primary information sources used by staff in the Branch are EISs and
environmental assessments for specific projects prepared by EPA or other
agencies. EISs can contain a wide variety of information about natural
resources, cultural and historic resources, and environmental quality at specific
sites. The Branch is responsible for coordinating public review of certain EISs
or proposed actions by EPA and maintains a dB ASE database of mailing lists
for these reviews on a Branch PC. The Branch also uses the Federal Facilities
Tracking System (FFTS), another dBASE database maintained within the
Branch on a PC. This system stores compliance data on federal facilities in
Region n. The data are downloaded from other EPA databases (e.g.,
HWDMS, AIRS, PCS and, potentially, IDEA) on a monthly basis. Water
USEPA Region II CIS User Needs Assessment A-46
January 1993
\333lb-2
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quality data for the Great Swamp Water Quality Study (part of an ongoing EIS)
are stored in EPA's STORET system.
When conducting reviews, Branch staff may utilize a variety of other
information sources, most of which comes from hard-copy maps and reports:
• State endangered species lists [FWS].
• Soil Conservation Service soil maps [soils delineations on air photos, and
map showing seven types of environmentally significant farmland].
• Floodplain Maps [FIRMs and Flood Hazard Boundary Maps from
FEMA]1.
• USGS quad maps.
• Latitude/Longitude for federal facilities, facility use.2 [GSA has a database
with latitude/longitude for center of facility, Fed. Facility ED].
• Wild and Scenic Rivers lists (hard-copy reports providing lengths and
endpoints of identified rivers—from US Fish & Wildlife Scrvico (FWS))
[National Park Service].
• National Wetlands Inventory Maps (FWS).
• Coastal Zone Maps3 [from individual states].
• NOAA Environmental Sensitivity Maps [not updated since 1980].
• National Park Service maps [statewide maps showing park locations].
• Federal and state wilderness area locations [three areas in New Jersey].
• Coastal barrier locations [FWS map books].
• [Cultural resources state maps—Historic Preservation Office.]
• [Population/demographics.]
• Sole source aquifer maps.
• Air quality designation listings.
• NPL sites.
*Hard copies of floodplain maps for Region n are maintained in HB. Interviewees indicated that they
were also available in digital form through FEMA.
2Available within the branch as hard-copy report.
3Hard-copy maps maintained within Effl.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-47
January 1993
1333/b-2
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The Branch is currently involved in developing a draft EIS for the Hackensack/
Meadowlands. As part of the project, a contractor, CDM, is doing an
environmental screening analysis using GIS. The project will involve
development of data layers for the study area for water and air quality, wetland
locations, combined sewer overflow locations, other point sources, hydrology,
land use/land cover, and transportation.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
Most of the information used by the Branch originates from EISs and
environmental evaluations prepared by or for other parts of EPA or other
agencies, and from EPA data systems. The other information sources cited
above also originate from outside sources. As indicated above, Effi is
responsible for distributing certain EISs and other documents concerning
proposed EPA actions for review.
EEB routinely provides information on environmental conditions and concerns
to other federal agencies during the scoping process that precedes the
preparation of environmental documents prepared pursuant to NEPA. Effi is
also called upon to provide extensive amounts of information on environmental
conditions and concerns when it participates as a cooperating agency in the
preparation of other agencies' NEPA documents.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
GIS could be a useful tool for the Branch in the following areas:
• Tracking/management of ongoing projects: Could store locations of all
facilities/projects the Branch is responsible for or involved in. Could be
used to geographically query such information as project status and generate
mailing lists targeted to specific areas (e.g., by ZIP Code, municipality,
congressional district borders). Could also be used to screen proposed
projects for possible environmental impacts based on proximity to
environmentally sensitive areas (this is largely dependent on availability of
relevant coverages and data in ARC/INFO format). [Could be used to store
data for long-term (10-20 year) projects.]
• Storage of monitoring data for multimedia management of federal facilities.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
To effectively utilize GIS, EB would need much of the information in the hard-
copy maps and reports cited above to be available in digital form compatible
with the Region's GIS. Another highly useful data type would be accurate
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-48
January 1993
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locations for all regulated facilities and associated monitoring and compliance
data.
Bob Hargrove strongly recommended that some type of Regional order be
developed to include requirements in contracts and work plans that maps and
data generated through EPA-sponsored projects (either by contractors or other
agencies) be provided to EPA in digital format compatible with EPA data
systems. Currently, much of this information is made available to EPA in hard-
copy form, and EPA often ends up paying more than once for the same
information.
Recognizing that other agencies generate environmental data, it is recommended
that EPA work with these agencies to foster CIS-compatibility on documents
that are submitted for EPA review or regulatory action. Two likely candidates
for such an effort would be environmental impact statements that are submitted
to EPA for review, and state implementation plans that are submitted for
rulemaking action. This would require a substantial coordination effort up
front, so a small scale pilot project involving EPA and another agency would be
necessary to work out the details of how such an arrangement would be
pursued.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-49
January 1993
133*6-2
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Office of Regional Counsel
The Office of Regional Counsel (ORC) is responsible for the development,
implementation, and coordination of all Regional legal activities. Activities include
coordinating and conducting enforcement and defensive litigation, legal aspects of
the Region's financial assistance activities (grant appeals and bid protests), review
for legal sufficiency of any Regional actions such as state delegations, permit
actions, Federal Register notices, and so forth, and various other Regional actions
and activities which raise legal questions, interpretation of agency guidance,
regulations and statutes, and coordination of legal and enforcement activities with
state and local governments. The Regional Counsel also acts as the Deputy Agency
Ethics Official.
ORC is comprised of the following Branches: Air, Waste, and Toxic Substances
Branch; New Jersey Superfund Branch; New York/Caribbean Superfund Branch;
and Water, Grants, and General Law Branch, as shown in Figure 6. A brief
description of each Branch is provided below.
The Air, Waste, and Toxic Substances Branch conducts all legal activities
arising under the Clean Air Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA); the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA); and several other related pieces of legislation. The
Branch is comprised of the following Sections:
1. The Air and Pesticides Section conducts all legal activities arising under the
CAA and FIFRA including Notices of Noncompliance and Notices of Violation
under the CAA; administrative complaints under FIFRA; negotiation of
settlements; preparation and review of administrative orders and judicial
litigation referral packages; drafting of pleadings, motions, and briefs; and
cooperation with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Attorney's
office in judicial litigation activities. The Section performs legal reviews of
State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for hazardous air pollutants revisions, state
grants, and enforcement agreements, and provides other legal services to the
Regional air pollution control and pesticides programs.
2. The Waste and Toxic Substances Section conducts all legal activities arising
under RCRA, TSCA, and related statutes. Activities include review of
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-50
January 1993
1333/b-Z
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Figure 6
Douglas Dlazey
REGIONAL COUNSEL
Walter Mugdan
DEPUTY REGIONAL COUNSEL
William sawyer
AIR, WASTE t TOXIC
SUBSTANCES BRANCH
David Stone
AIR C PESTICIDES
SECTION
Warren Llewellyn
WATER, GRANTS AND
GENERAL LAW BRANCH
Charles Hoffman
ABST BRANCH CHIEF
coles Phinisy
WASTE i TOXIC
SUBSTANCES SECTION
Erie Bcbaaf
NEW YORK/CARIBBEAN
SUPERFUND BRANCH
Thomas Lieber
NEW YORK/CARIBBEAN
SECTION ONE
Paul Simon
NEW YORK/CARIBBEAN
SECTION TWO
Delmar Karlen
- Men UCKBBX
SUPBRFOND BRANCH
James Rooney
NEW JERSEY
SECTION ONE
Joseph McVeigh
NEW JERSEY
SECTION TWO
-------
administrative complaints, negotiations of settlements, preparation and review
of administrative orders and judicial litigation referral packages, and review of
permits.
The New Jersey Superfund Branch conducts all legal activities arising under
CERCLA and Superfund-related activities arising under federal, state, and local
laws, with respect to the state of New Jersey. These include review of Notice
Letters (violations and noncompliance), negotiation of settlements, and preparation
and review of Administrative Orders and judicial litigation referral packages. The
Branch conducts administrative litigation activities arising in connection with such
actions, including drafting of pleadings, motions, and briefs. The Branch
coordinates with the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney's offices in judicial litigation
activities. The Branch cooperates with EPA and DOJ on defensive litigation
involving Regional matters arising under the Superfund Program. The Branch
performs legal reviews of proposed financial assistance agreements, other state
grants, and enforcement agreements, and provides other legal services to the
Region's Superfund Program for New Jersey.
The New York/Caribbean Superfund Branch conducts all legal activities
arising under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA) and Superfund-related activities arising under the other
federal, state, and local laws, with respect to the state of New York, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
These include review of Notice Letters (violations, and so forth), negotiation of
settlements, and preparation and review of administrative orders and judicial
litigation referral packages. The Branch coordinates with the DOJ and the U.S.
Attorney's offices in judicial litigation activities. The Branch cooperates with EPA
headquarters and DOJ on defensive litigation involving Regional matters arising
under the Superfund Program. The Branch performs legal reviews of proposed
financial assistance agreements, other state grants and enforcement agreements, and
provides other legal services to the Region's Superfund Program for New York and
the Caribbean.
The Water, Grants and General Law Branch conducts all legal activities
arising under the CWA, Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act
(MPRS A), and Safe Drinking Water Act (SOWA). Actions include review of
administrative orders, issuance of Show Cause Orders, negotiation of settlements,
preparation and review of judicial litigation referral packages, and review of
permits. Conducts administrative litigation activities arising in connection with
such actions, including drafting of pleadings, motions, and briefs; cooperates with
DOJ and U.S. Attorneys' offices. The Branch cooperates with EPA headquarters
and the DOJ in defensive litigation involving Regional matters arising in connection
with the Region's water pollution control Program. The Branch performs legal
reviews of proposed financial assistance agreements, other state grants, and
enforcement agreements and provides other legal services to the Regional Water
Pollution Control Program, as well as other Regional financial assistance activities
not directly connected with other media programs. The Branch provides nonmedia-
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-52
January 1993
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related legal assistance to the Regional Administrator and other Regional officials,
including personnel matters, contracting, and other general law questions.
Potential GIS uses include:
• Three-dimensional presentations showing impacts of contaminants on the
environment.
• Parcel and taxation maps to determine ownership of land.
• Location of wells, and so forth, for litigation.
• Tracking of enforcement actions/compliance status for regulated facilities.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-53
January 1993
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ORC Survey Results
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions you make in
your Division?
ORC does not generally make environmental decisions; ORC is a support
office.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
Environmental information may be used in making settlements, but the program
offices are usually the source.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The program Divisions primarily provide the data.
In addition, the following databases are also used:
• Facility Index System (FINDS)—an inventory of information on facilities
regulated/tracked by EPA Programs. It features reference information on
program systems which contain more detailed data on each facility.
• The DOCKET system to manage and track EPA's civil judicial caseload and
provide reports to interested parties.
• The Consent Decree Tracking System—a compilation of over 1,000 consent
judgments with related documents.
• The IDEA system developed by ISB.
Other sources of data include maps (e.g., for Department of Justice initiation,
facility layout, Superfund sites). The program offices or Permit Application
offices usually supply maps or diagrams. Overall maps may be helpful to
ORC's missions but they are not mandatory.
The Region or databases provide most data that are needed. Occasionally, a
retrieval may be exported to other agencies. For instance, the Internal Revenue
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-54
January 1993
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Service (IRS) asked for a listing of New Jersey residents who have had to pay
fines in order to make sure that they are not deducting these fines from their
taxes. Information is provided to the public through Freedom of Information
Act requests.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
GIS would help in the targeting of enforcement actions, especially multimedia,
by geographical location. The GIS would also be helpful in answering FOIA
requests from the public.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
It would be helpful to use the GIS through a FINDS number to get locations.
Other information that might be helpful to have in GIS format includes tax block
and lot descriptions, ownership, and history information, and the ability to do
title searches by location for Superfund cases.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-55
January 1993
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Environmental Services Division
The Environmental Services Division (ESD) is responsible for setting priorities and
identifying resources needed to collect environmental samples, analyze collected
samples, and evaluate the resulting data in support of Regional and National
Compliance Monitoring Programs. ESD oversees field and laboratory support for
the Region and the implementation of the Regional Quality Assurance Program Plan
(QAPP). In addition, ESD directs special studies, investigations, and surveys to
support Regional enforcement actions or define environmental quality problems.
ESD provides advice and assistance to state and local agencies and oversees state
monitoring programs, analytical testing, quality assurance, and the Regional
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). ESD also translates
headquarters' policy into a compliance-oriented Regional program for toxic
substances and a delegated pesticides program. ESD also directs the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) Compliance Program and federal portion of
FIFRA.
ESD also provides a formal liaison between Region II, the International Joint
Commission, and the Great Lakes National Program office in Chicago.
ESD is divided into the following Branches:
• Technical Support Branch.
• Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch.
• Monitoring and Management Branch.
• Surveillance and Monitoring Branch.
Figure 7 shows the organization of the Branches and Sections in ESD.
Descriptions of each Branch are provided below.
Technical Support Branch (TSB). The Technical Support Branch consists of
an Organic Chemistry Section, Inorganic Chemistry Section, and a Sanitary
Chemistry and Microbiology Section. The Branch is responsible for chemical and
microbiological testing of pollutants in support of EPA's regulatory responsibility
under CERCLA, RCRA, CWA, CAA, TSCA, FIFRA, MPRSA, and SOW A. All
analytical results are produced according to the Regional Quality Assurance
Program. The Branch also provides consultation and assistance to state, local, and
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-56
January 1993
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Figure 7
Barbara Metiger
DIRECTOR
Roland Bennett
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
>
Ot
Richard Spear
- BUKVCLiljJUHJB AIUJ
MONITORING BRANCH
—*_
Vacant
SUPERFUND SUPPORT
SECTION
Randy Braun
AMBIENT MONITORING
B EOT ION
John Ciancia
AOmtCK MONITORING
SECTION
Robert Runyoa
MONITORING
MANAGEMENT BRANCH
Marcus Kantc
AIR AND WATER
SECTION
Kevin Kubik
TOXIC i HAZARDOUS
WASTE SECTION
Ernest Regna
PESTICIDES & TOXIC
SUBSTANCES BRANCH
Fred Kosak.
PESTICIDES £
ASBESTOS SECTION
Daniel Kraft
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
SECTION
B. Flnaszo, ACTING
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
BRANCH
Barbara Finazzo
ASST. BRANCH CHIEF
Lisa Gatton
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
SECTION
John Blrrl
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
SECTION
Barbara Finalxo
SANITARY CHEMISTRY fc
MICROBIOLOGY SECTION
-------
other laboratories. All analyses are performed in support of Regional, state-
delegated, and headquarters' programs. The analyses are conducted in
conformance with laboratory-standard operating procedures, EPA protocols, and
good laboratory practices.
1. The Organic Chemistry Section performs the analysis of environmental samples
for organic contaminants, including volatile and nonvolatile compounds, PCBs,
pesticides, and herbicides. The analyses are conducted using gas
chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques.
2. The Inorganic Chemistry Section performs the analysis of environmental
samples for inorganic contaminants, including heavy and trace metals and
mercury. The analyses are performed using atomic absorption spectrometers,
inductively coupled argon plasma spectrometers, and fluorescent mercury
analyzers.
3. The Sanitary Chemistry and Microbiology Section performs the analysis of
environmental samples for conventional wet chemistry parameters (e.g.,
dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, phenols, cyanides, and solids)
and microbiological parameters (e.g., total and fecal coliforms, enterococci,
enteroviruses, and salmonella). The microbiological analyses are conducted
using conventional microbiological equipment; the chemical analyses are
conducted using autoanalyzers, ion chromatography, and conventional
chemistry equipment (Ph meters, D.O. and conductivity meters). Staff from all
three Sections provide expert testimony in enforcement cases, both criminal and
civil. Analytical support is provided for 80 percent of the criminal enforcement
cases in which the Region is involved.
The Official Sample Control and Repository (OSCAR) station is also located in
TSB. Samples when received are logged into OSCAR and into an internal
Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS). After the analyses are completed
and the data validated, entries are made into the LDMS system. Individual final
reports are generated and sent to the requesting program staff. The data are stored
in LDMS permanently.
The Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch (PTSB) consists of the
Pesticides and Asbestos Section and the Toxic Substances Section. The Branch is
responsible for the implementation of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (F1FRA); Asbestos in School Hazard Abatement Act; Asbestos
Hazard Emergency Response Act; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); and
Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
(EPCRA).
Specific activities include oversight of the FIFRA Program, which is delegated to
the states; TSCA Program enforcement effort with major emphasis on PCBs; and
Section 313 of the Title ID Program that established a computer inventory of toxic
chemical emissions from certain facilities.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-58
January 1993
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1. The Pesticides and Asbestos Section (PAS') provides technical and program
assistance to state and local agencies concerned with the use of pesticides. The
Section conducts import inspections of chemical shipments for compliance with
FIFRA regulations and collects samples as necessary to support potential
enforcement actions. PAS assists the Office of Regional Counsel in the
preparation of complaints and consent decrees, as well as participating in
settlement conferences.
The Section also provides lead personnel for conducting Good Laboratory
Practice and Data Audit Inspections at private sector laboratories, and validates
data for FIFRA and TSCA Headquarters' Programs. The Section acts as a
focal point for response to requests from the state and local agencies, industry,
and the public for information in FIFRA and selected TSCA regulations.
The Section provides supervision and direction for the Asbestos-in-Schools
Inspection Program. The staff conducts inspections, provides technical
assistance and recommends enforcement actions as appropriate for
noncompliance with these regulations.
2. The Toxic Substances Section (TSS) is responsible for surveillance and
compliance evaluation of industries required to comply with TSCA regulations
and for Section 313 of the Title m Program (Community Right to Know). The
Title m Program is responsible for providing technical assistance to industry in
completing the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) forms, for implementing the
annual reporting requirement for the TRI form, and for advising affected
communities on the provisions of the Section 313 regulations.
The Section is also responsible for regulations concerning PCBs.
Responsibilities include determining technical compliance for industries and
other facilities that manufacture, distribute, or use chemicals by examining
production processes and records, and distribution/disposal records as
necessary. Other responsibilities include issuing complaints for TSCA
violations and providing the technical support necessary for settlement
conferences.
The Monitoring Management Branch (MMB) consists of an Air and Water
Section and the Toxic and Hazardous Waste Section. The Branch conducts the
Region's quality assurance and data management programs; prepares and maintains
the Regional Quality Assurance Program Plan; and establishes requirements for all
agency monitoring and enforcement programs. The Branch plans, coordinates,
provides technical assistance, and evaluates activities with EPA, state, local, and
other federal and private laboratory and field operations. The Branch provides
assistance to the states and local agencies in the development of quality assurance
and data management programs for activities of all agency programs carried out in
the Region. The Branch carries out reviews of data quality objectives, quality
assurance project plans, and standard operating procedures. In addition, the
Branch provides management and technical system audits and evaluations of data
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-59
January 1993
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quality and operates a proficiency testing program. The Branch is the focal point
for EPA methodology requirements and quality assurance services.
The Branch also maintains an inventory of all monitoring projects in die Region,
provides data necessary for the Environmental Status Reports and reviews all state
grantee outputs for monitoring activity.
1. Air and Water Section provides quality assurance direction, assistance and
evaluation of ambient and source monitoring data collection activities related to
CWA, SDWA, MPRSA, and CAA. The Section reviews grants, cooperative
and interagency agreements, permits, contracts, study plans, protocols, quality
assurance project plans, and standard operating procedures to assure that quality
assurance requirements are met. The Section also carries out management,
technical, and performance audits of data collection systems. It provides
evaluations of air monitoring sites and air stationary sources for conformance
with criteria and performs certification inspections of drinking water
laboratories. It reviews and evaluates monitoring data, investigates special
monitoring data problems, provides training on measurements and QA/QC
procedures, and reviews state monitoring programs.
2. Toxic and Hazardous Waste Section provides quality assurance direction,
assistance, and evaluation of environmental monitoring activities related to
CERCLA, FIFRA, RCRA, and TSCA. The Section reviews grants,
cooperative and interagency agreements, consent decree orders, permits,
contracts, study plans, quality assurance project plans, hazardous waste
incinerator permit applications, and standard operating procedures to assure that
quality assurance requirements are met. It carries out management, technical,
and performance audits of data collection systems. It reviews and validates
Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) data and performs audits of data quality
and investigates special data quality problems. Also, it provides training and
assistance in measurements and QA/QC procedures.
The Surveillance and Monitoring Branch (SMB) consists of a Superfund
Support Section, an Ambient Monitoring Section, and a Source Monitoring
Section. It is responsible for the collection and evaluation of environmental data in
all agency monitoring and enforcement programs. The Branch conducts
investigations and studies of surface and groundwater and air quality, RCRA-
regulated facilities, and industrial and municipal waste site effluents. It provides
direct field activities and contractor management of waste site field investigations
and studies in support of Superfund remedial, removal, enforcement, and
emergency response activities. It provides technical assistance to municipal
treatment plans to improve operating procedures.
1. The Superfund Support Section manages the Field Investigation Team (FIT)
contractor, which supports the Superfund remedial, removal, enforcement, and
emergency response actions of the Region. Activities include overall technical
direction and oversight for a wide range of highly scientific studies and
management tasks. Responsibilities include planning, contracting, and
U5EPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-60
January 1993
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evaluating the activity of a large number of contractor-supported activities. The
Section is responsible for interfacing FIT activity with the other national
contractor programs such as the Contract Laboratory Program, Remedial
Contractor Program, Technical Assistance Team, and the Environmental
Photographic Interpretation Center (EPIC). The Regional Sample Control
Center in this Section is responsible for coordinating laboratory analyses
activity with data validation and report generation. It conducts investigations
and studies of air emissions in connection with CERCLA and RCRA sites.
2. The Ambient Monitoring Section is responsible for all Regional ambient
monitoring, including monitoring programs in the New York Blight. The
Section has the capability to conduct stream rapid bioassessments. Bioassays
are also conducted in support of the NPDES Program for permit compliance.
The Section also oversees all water monitoring activities carried out by the
states. Additionally, the Section is involved in planning and monitoring with
the Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) and the International Joint
Commission (UC), as well as the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Program (EMAP) and its Regional component (REMAP).
3. The Source Monitoring Section performs studies, evaluations, and surveys to
detect, identify, and measure pollutants and toxic substances present in the
ground, surface water, and ground wastes due to discharges from NPDES-
permitted industrial plants, municipal sewage treatment facilities, and RCRA-
regulated facilities. The surveys may be performed for purposes of NPDES
compliance, surveillance, enforcement, operational evaluation, and/or technical
assistance to other program elements or state and interstate agencies. The
RCRA field activities include solid waste permit compliance inspections and
new site investigations at abandoned solid waste sites. The Section also
provides extensive coordination with program offices in both the Region and
state agencies as required.
Potential CIS uses include:
• QA/QC of GPS data and serving as the base station for New Jersey.
• Coordination with EPIC in the photointerpretation and entry of data into the
GIS system.
• Use of photointerpreted data to identify potential abandoned hazardous
waste sites (provided by the EPIC).
• Interpretation and location of hazardous waste releases using the Toxic
Release Inventory data.
• Location of facilities for inspections (Asbestos in Schools; RCRA,
laboratories, and so forth).
• Analysis of data trends in the temporal domain.
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January 1993
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Spatial and geographic interpretation of QA/QC data, storage, display, and
analysis of proposed and existing monitoring networks; display and
analysis of monitoring data.
USEPA Region II CIS User Needs Assessment A-62
January 1993
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TSB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
TSB is responsible for chemical and microbiological testing of pollutants in
support of EPA'sregulatory responsibility (i.e., CERCLA, RCRA, CWA,
CAA, TSCA, FIFRA, MPRSA, and SOW A). The Branch also provides
technical assistance to state, local, and other laboratories. All analyses are
performed in support of Regional, state-delegated, and HQ Programs. TSB
does not make environmental decisions; rather it provides data for
environmental decisions made by the programs within the Agency.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
TSB provides consultation to Division staff in determining appropriate places
for sampling; the develop of Quality Assurance Project Plans to collect samples,
and the appropriate methods to be used in sample collection.
The Branch also works with the Office of Criminal Investigations in the Region
on criminal cases. In some cases, the Branch also coordinates with the National
Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC) and the Emergency and Remedial
Response Division when a specific expertise not available in the Region is
required.
The data developed from all Branch activities are stored in the Laboratory Data
Management System.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The samples are collected in accordance with the Quality Assurance Project Plan
as requested by staff in the Divisions. The results of the microbiological and
chemical analyses are then stored in the Laboratory Data Management System
maintained by the Region.
USEPA Region IIQIS User Needs Assessment A-63
January 1993
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4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
Essentially the lab performs a "number crunching" of the data and uses
appropriate methods and books on analytical techniques.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
The GIS would be useful in independent studies to help identify appropriate
locations for sampling. Background information on facilities with accurate
locations, street networks, and so forth, would be helpful for this effort.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-64
January 1993
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PTSB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
PTSB is responsible for the implementation of F1FRA, Asbestos in Schools,
and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act; TSCA; and Section 313 of
the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
The Branch oversees the state-delegated FIFRA Program by providing technical
support to state and local agencies. The Branch is responsible for import
inspections of chemical shipments for compliance with FIFRA. As necessary,
the Branch will collect samples necessary to support potential enforcement
actions and assist the Office of Regional Counsel actions where appropriate.
FIFRA activities also include conducting Good Lab Practice and Data Audit
Inspections for private sector labs. The Branch also responds to requests for
information in FIFRA and selected TSCA regulations.
Under the Asbestos in Schools Program, staff conduct inspections, and. where
appropriate, recommend enforcement actions for noncompliance. Technical
assistance is provided where appropriate.
The Branch is also responsible for ensuring industries within Region II comply
with TSCA regulations and the Community Right-to-Know Program.
Technical assistance is provided to industry in preparing Toxic Release
Inventory (TRI) forms which identify the estimated quantities of specific
chemicals released per year. Under the Superfund Amendments and Re-
authorization Act of 1986 Title 313, EPA is required to establish a national
inventory of toxic emissions from certain facilities (i.e., those with more than
ten full-time employees, have SIC codes from twenty to thirty-nine
[manufacturing facilities], and that manufacture [including importing], process,
or otherwise have a listed toxic chemical in excess of specified threshold
quantities). There are over 300 chemicals and 20 chemical categories on these
lists.
The Branch is also responsible for regulations concerning Polychlprinated
Biphenyls (PCBs). Activities include determining technical compliance for
industries and other facilities that manufacture, distribute, or use chemicals by
examining production processes and records, and distribute records where
appropriate. [The PADS database of HQ is used in this effort.] The Branch
USEPA Region II QIS User Needs Assessment A-65
January 1993
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also issues complaints for TSCA violations and provides technical support for
settlement conferences.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
A variety of data is used to make environmental decisions. A list of the
different types of information is provided below:
• Toxic Release Inventory data.
• Inspection data for PCB facilities.
• Meteorological data.
• Permit data.
• Dunn and Bradstreet facility information.
• Toxicity data from IRIS, Toxnet, and other databases.
• Facility Index System (FINDS).
• [FIFRA/TSCA Tracking System (FTTS).]
• Pesticides in groundwater.
• Data on asbestos in schools.
• Facility location data.
• Pesticide usage data.
• Data provided by states.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The data are provided by a variety of sources including:
• Industries required to report under TRI.
• Manufacturing data.
• States.
• EPA headquarters.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-66
January 1993
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• Permit data stored on national systems.
• Water compliance data.
• Releases from POTWs.
• EPCRA data.
• Comprehensive Assessment Information Rule (CAIR).
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
There are a wide variety of applications where GIS would be helpful, including
• Analysis of TRI data to determine trends in chemical contaminant reductions
or increases.
• Census data to identify schools for asbestos inspections.
• Use of Dunn and Bradstreet data to identify facilities and verify TRI facility
addresses, and so forth.
• Population data.
• Distribution of pesticides.
• Population zones.
• Location of facilities with PCBs.
• Display of facilities under TSCA and FIFRA.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Accurate facility locations in EPA's national database systems.
• Population data.
• Baseraaps for geographic location of TRI facilities.
• Dunn and Bradstreet location information on facilities.
• Locations of schools.
• Land and crop coverages.
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January 1993
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• Pesticide usage data.
• Improvements in the Facility Index System.
• [Groundwater.]
• [Recharge areas.]
• [Watersheds.]
• [Meteorological data.]
• [Endangered species and sensitive environments.]
• Mapping of TRI air, water, and land releases.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-68
January 1993
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MMB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
The description of MMB functions provided by Human Resources is fairly up-
to-date and accurate. MMB's primary responsibility is to maintain Region ITs
Quality Assurance (QA) Program and establish QA requirements for all agency
monitoring and enforcement programs. This includes establishing SOPs for
laboratory analysis and sampling programs; tracking and evaluating all EPA,
EPA grantee, and EPA contractor's QA activities; and providing technical
assistance and training. There are two Sections to MMB—the Air and Water
Section, and the Toxic and Hazardous Waste Section.
The types of decisions commonly made in the Branch involve evaluating
whether monitoring programs are adequately designed or implemented and
determining whether institutional mechanisms for assuring data quality are in
place. MMB has a critical role in ensuring that environmental decisions are
made with appropriate data that are of known and sufficient quality.
Although the Branch currently does not have any GIS capability, it will
eventually be the GIS lead for the Environmental Services Division (ESD).
Although respective Branch roles in GIS and global positioning system (GPS)
implementation need to evolve, MMB will most likely handle QA for
geographic data collected by or for the Region, and will evaluate data quality
objectives for monitoring data used or collected for GIS applications.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The Branch uses QTRAK (a program developed within the Branch in dB ASE)
to track and catalog monitoring projects and associated QA activities. MMB
also uses two databases to track laboratory analytical results for EPA (LDMS)
and contract laboratories (CARD). Both databases are probably not generally
useful sources of information for GIS, except where lab results can be related to
sampling locations.
MMB staff utilize and evaluate data stored in most EPA data systems used for
storing monitoring and/or compliance data (e.g., STORET, WBS, PCS,
AIRS).
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-69
January 1993
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3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
For the most pan MMB is not a producer of data, but either checks the quality
of data collected by or for EPA, or ensures that state programs or contract
laboratories have adequate procedures in place for ensuring that data that they
collect is of adequate quality. MMB maintains the QTRAK database. Most
other data utilized by the Branch are produced by other Branches or Divisions
of EPA, state/interstate agencies, and/or contractors.
4. What other types of data do you routinely use in your
environmental decisions (maps, reports, and so forth)?
MMB staff routinely evaluate quality assurance project plans (QAPjPs)
submitted by EPA programs, state/interstate agencies, and contractors. These
describe proposed monitoring projects, their sampling network design,
parameters to be sampled, and SOPs to be used for sampling and analysis.
QAPjPs can often include locations of sampling sites either by geographic
coordinates or notations on maps or charts. MMB also reviews QA Program
Plans (QAPP), which provide overall descriptions of an organization's
infrastructure for quality assurance, and a list of required QA activities for a
given year (e.g., preparation of QAPjPs).
5. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
In the future, MMB will most likely be involved in QA for geographic data,
including locational information collected by GPS. MMB will probably also be
involved in reviewing/approving QAPjPs and data quality objectives for GIS
projects developed by the Region and by Region n contractors. GIS will be a
useful tool for MMB staff to evaluate the design of monitoring networks.
6. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• High quality locational information for all Region n points sources.
• Aquifer boundaries.
• Hydrology.
• Land use/land cover.
• Delineation of nonattainment areas for criteria air pollutants.
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January 1993
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• Incorporation of state 305(b) data into GIS4—[withdrawals from private
wells, surface and groundwater diversions, stream classifications].
• [Geology.]
• [Point sources.]
• [Impervious surfaces.]
• [Aerial photography.]
• [STORET monitoring stations.]
• [Gaging stations/flow data.]
• [PWS wells.]
• [State wetland delineations.]
• [QTRAC data tied to Reach file.]
• [Environmentally sensitive habitats.]
4305(b) reports are state water quality assessments. They include classification of water bodies by use
attainment goals and by degree of impairment.
USEPA Region II QIS User Needs Assessment A-71
January 1993
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SMB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
Most environmental decisions are made by the states of New York and New
Jersey. The main function of the Branch is to collect and evaluate
environmental data in all agency monitoring and enforcement programs. SMB
provides a service rather than making environmental decisions. The function in
SMB is more of data gathering rather than decision making.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
Geology, hydrology, regulatory statutes, topography, soils, wetlands
inventory, water bodies, and pathways. Permit numbers are related to facilities,
the LORAN navigation system is used in the helicopter, NPDES and EPA-ID
numbers also are used.
Where available, maps are also used to help locate facilities that will be
investigated.
[Where available, air photos are used for historic analysis of Superfund sites.]
Currently, SMB is developing plans for the implementation of GPS within the
Region, including the potential for using Edison as the base station.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
Data from the following sources is used by
• Lab Data Management System (LDMS)—maintained by Technical Support
Branch.
• Permit Compliance System (PCS)—has the highest use. PCS is a
computerized management information system, which contains data on the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit-holding
facilities. PCS keeps extensive records on more than 65,000 active water-
discharge permits on sites located throughout the nation.
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January 1993
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• Internal tracking database—the Branch uses this dBASE program to keep
track of yearly inspection summaries. Further information is available from
Dick Coleates on NPDES issues and Dave Dugan on RCRA.
• Enforcement system (John Kushwara in Water)—a system to relate
multimedia violations used by ORC (Mike uses it occasionally but would
like to more often).
• EPIC—another important source of data is from the aerial photography
from EPA's EPIC. The Region's helicopter is also used to gather
information, mostly for Superfund activities.
• [USGS Quads.]
• [STORET.]
Usually the data are provided by EPA, both Regionally and nationally. There is
some cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC), but little with the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection and Energy's Office of Science and Research.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
• Facilitate location of outfalls and dump sites.
• Optimize inspection and regulatory activity routing.
• Verify nonregulated discharge points, locations of lagoons, and monitoring
wells.
• Ascertain information about water flow gradient from geologic information
to prioritize well cleanup and remediation.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife's [and state] Wetlands Inventory.
• Site locations by latitude/longitude coordinates with associated
environmental information attributes and nearby waterway and waterbody
locations.
• [All information contained in the Hazard Ranking System.]
• [Groundwater.]
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• [Geology.]
• [Facility site layout.]
• [USGS quad data.]
• [Soils.]
• [Vegetation.]
• [Coastal water bodies.]
• [Bathymetry.]
• [CSOs.]
• [Chemicals used at facilities.]
• [Fisheries resources.]
• [Outfalls.]
• [Landfills.]
• [EPA regulated facilities.]
• [Critical habitats.]
• [Storm sewer discharges.]
• [Meteorological data.]
• [Aerial photography.]
USEPA Region IIQIS User Needs Assessment A-74
January 1993
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Water Management Division
The Water Management Division (WMD) is responsible for all Regional water
pollution control, water quality management, and the safe drinking water program
activities. The Division assists states and localities in developing comprehensive
pollution control programs, especially through the mechanisms of state/EPA
agreements to prioritize and integrate pollution control, pollution prevention, and
risk reduction efforts at all levels of government. Staff review state program plans
and recommend grant awards. The Division is also responsible for the technical
preparation and enforcement of all National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) municipal and industrial permits, and review and analysis of Section 301
(h) waiver requests. The Division develops control strategies for Section 316
thermal discharges and for nonpoint source discharges; evaluates and monitors
compliance for ocean dumping permit applications; evaluates Section 10 and 404
permits for environmental acceptability and the protection of marine and wetland
ecosystems; and supervises the overall construction grant program. The Division
also negotiates and implements the Corps of Engineers/EPA agreement for Step 3
construction grant projects; is responsible for the Regional Technology Transfer
Program and for implementation of the Minority Business Enterprise Program
within the Water Management Division; and implements the requirements for the
Safe Drinking Water Act.
The Division is divided into six Branches and the Niagara Frontier Program office
as shown in Figure 8: Drinking/Groundwater Protection Branch; Marine and
Wetlands Protection Branch; New York/New Jersey Municipal Programs Branch;
Caribbean Municipal Programs Branch; Water Permits and Compliance Branch; and
Surface Water Quality Branch. Brief descriptions of the Branch activities are
provided below.
The Deputy Director for Water Planning develops the overall Regional strategy for
the achievement of water quality objectives and conducts selected in-depth, large-
scale water planning efforts. The Deputy Director also serves as the Region n
Niagara Frontier Program Manager.
The Deputy Director for Operations translates detailed strategic plans into tangible
Regional accomplishments through the organization and deployment of resources
and the direction of appropriate actions, to ensure program and project
USEPA Region It CIS User Needs Assessment A-75
January 1993
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Figure 8
Richard Caspe
01HECTOR
Kevin Iricke
Paul Nolinari
DEPUTY DIRECTORS
Charles Zafonte
HIAGAM FRONTIER
PROGRAM OFFICE
Bruce Kiselica
CARIBBEAN MUNICIPAL
PROGRAMS MtAHCN
Demit Durack
ASST. BRANCH CHIEF
>
o>
waiter Andrews
DRINKING/GROUND
IMTER PROTECTION
Robert Uilliaa*
PUBLIC UATER
SUPPLY SECTION
Frarik Brock
INJECTION CONTROL
SECTION
I Do
U GR
T
Dore LaPosta
GROUMDUATER
RENT
Mario DeLVicario
MARINE i UETLANDS
PROTECTION BRANCH
Janice Rollwagen
ESTUARIES
SECTION
Daniel Nontella
UETLANDS
PROTECT101
SECTION
Daniel Forger
OCEAN PROGRAMS
SECTION
Patrick Harvey
HY/NJ MUNICIPAL
PROGRAMS BRANCH
JohnMello
NEW JERSET
SECTION
Henry Nazzucca
HEU YORK
SECTION
Patrick Ourack
IMTER PERMITS i
COMPLIANCE BRANCH
John
COMPLIANCE
SECTION
Philip Sweeney
PERMITS
MANAGEMENT SECTION
Robert Vaujrfm
SURFACE UATER
QUALITY BRANCH
Felix Locicero
TECHNICAL
EVALUATION SECTION
Richard Balls
UAIER QUALITY
MANAGEMENT SECTION
Robert Gill
CONSTRUCTION
GRAMTS/SRF
POLICY SECTION
-------
commitments are met. The Deputy Director also influences national water guidance
and ensures the effective implementation of national water policies within
Region II.
The Drinking/Groundwater Protection Branch (DGWPB) is responsible
for assuring an adequate and safe supply of drinking water and for regulating
underground injection practices in the Region. The Branch directs the EPA Region
n Public Water Supply, Underground Injection Control, Wellhead Protection, and
Sole Source Aquifer Programs within the broad guidelines and policy established
by EPA headquarters and the Regional Division Director of Water Management.
The Branch serves as the Regional focal point for all matters relating to the safety of
drinking water, reliability of water supply systems, underground injection
practices, and implementation of the drinking water and underground injection
control provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The Branch is
composed of the Groundwater Management Section, Public Water Supply Section,
and the Underground Injection Control Section.
1. The Groundwater Management (GWM) Section is responsible for managing the
Wellhead Protection Program, the Sole Source Aquifer Designation Program,
and the Sole Source Aquifer Demonstration Program under the SDWA
amendments. The Section also supports the Regional Groundwater Steering
Committee, which is composed of Division Directors from each program area.
The Groundwater Management Section, with the assistance of the Regional
Groundwater Working Group, aids in the development of Regional
groundwater policies and strategies, including proposed priorities for
groundwater issues to ensure consistency among programs that impact water.
The Section tracks site-specific decisions to evaluate consistency of programs
and ensure integration and standardization. The Section also maintains a liaison
with the Office of Groundwater Protection in headquarters and comments on
national work plans and operating guidance which relate to groundwater. The
Section also coordinates with Regional Program areas providing program
support to states to ensure consistency and integration. The Section reviews,
coordinates, and tracks performances of state groundwater work plans.
The Section was involved in a GIS-based aquifer protection project in Cortland
County, New York. The pilot project served as the basis for aquifer protection
projects in the Region, and involves coordination among the various Divisions
to geoposition the various locations of public drinking water supply wells,
underground injection control wells, and their potential impacts on the aquifer.
The Section is currently involved with aquifer protection projects in Chemung,
Steuben, and Broome Counties, New York.
2. The Public Water Supply Section is responsible for assuring the safety of
drinking water provided by public water systems in Region Q. Principal
responsibilities include oversight of delegated state Public Water Systems
Supervision (PWSS) Programs, administration of annual PWSS Program
grants, and direct implementation of the Federal PWSS Program on Indian
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-77
January 1993
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Lands. Specific responsibilities include conducting technical/administrative
reviews of delegated state PWSS Programs, administering state program
grants, providing technical/administrative assistance to states in support of their
delegation responsibilities, conducting mid-year and end-of-year formal
evaluations of each state program, and negotiating with state officials on annual
performance-based program commitments. Responsibilities also include
implementing the Federal Drinking Water Program, implementing the PWSS
Program on Indian lands, administration, and oversight of tribal program
grants, investigation of emergency situations involving water supplies, initiating
federal enforcement where states have been unsuccessful in achieving
compliance, certifying water supply systems, providing potable water to
common carriers operating in interstate commerce, data verification of state
compliance data, and providing technical assistance on water supply problems.
3. The Underground Injection Control (UTC) Section is responsible for
implementing the UIC Program authorized by the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SOWA), which provides for the protection of current and potential drinking
water aquifers from contamination. Typical Section functions include
encouraging and assisting each state to assume and maintain primary
enforcement responsibility for Underground Injection Control (UIC),
performing field inspections of facilities employing underground injection
practices, and ensuring compliance and issuing UIC permits where states have
chosen to leave all supervision and enforcement responsibility with EPA.
Potential GIS uses include:
• Prioritizing UIC wells for enforcement/inspections based on threats to
groundwater resources.
• S torage and display of monitoring data, water supplies, and well locations.
• Geographic display of aquifer maps.
The Marine and Wetlands Protection Branch (MWPB) is responsible for
the technical review and evaluation of environmental impacts to marine, estuarine,
and wetland areas. The Branch has direct responsibility for all ocean disposal
activities, advanced identification initiatives, and near coastal water studies within
the Region. The Branch has oversight responsibilities for all dredge and fill
activities, and oversees the state of New Jersey's assumption of the Freshwater
Wetlands Regulatory Program. The Branch is also responsible for initiating
enforcement activities pursuant to violations of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act,
the ocean dumping provisions of the Marine Research, Protection and Sanctuaries
Act, and the Ocean Dumping Ban Act of 1988. These responsibilities are
performed by the Estuaries Section, the Wetlands Protection Section, and the Ocean
Programs Section as described below.
1. The Estuaries Section (ES) is responsible for all activities that directly or
indirectly impact marine or estuarine areas within the Region. Planning
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-78
January 1993
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initiatives include multiyear studies of estuaries of national concern and the New
York Blight. It is also responsible for advance identification of estuarine
systems. The Section is also responsible for developing plans for marine and
estuarine waters including, but not limited to, the New York Blight, Long
Island Sound, New York/New Jersey Harbor, and the Delaware Estuary. The
Section is responsible for the Hudson River Advanced Identification study. As
part of the Delaware Estuary Program, a feasibility study is being performed to
evaluate a possible "Regional Information Management Service," which would
facilitate access to existing databases across state and jurisdictional boundaries
within the Delaware basin.
In conjunction with the above-mentioned activities, the Section develops,
fosters, and maintains cooperative relations with federal, state, and other public
officials, agencies, environmental groups, and citizens. The Section prepares
complex technical reports, and documents, and works with headquarters
through work groups/task forces to ensure that the estuarine policies developed
reflect Regional needs and priorities. The Section has worked with the state of
Connecticut on a GIS-related project to map data from Long Island Sound.
2. The Ocean Programs Section (OPS) is responsible for implementation of the
Ocean Dumping Ban Act and ocean dumping provisions of MPRSA. The
Section has direct responsibility for all ocean disposal activities. The Section is
also responsible for the technical review and evaluation of environmental
impacts associated with the disposal of dredge materials, municipal wastes, and
industrial wastes. The Section reviews, evaluates, and advises the Division
Director on the environmental acceptability of specific materials for disposal in
the ocean environment. The Section is the Regional focus for all ocean disposal
permitting, compliance, enforcement, negotiation and court orders, site
designations, site de-designation, and site monitoring activities, including the
policy program monitoring and reporting.
3. The Wetlands Protection Section (WPS) is responsible for all dredge and fill
activities that directly or indirectly impact wetlands within the Region.
Specifically, the Section reviews, evaluates and advises the Division Director on
all dredge-and-fill activities, including permit reviews, EIS reviews, Superfund
reviews, and enforcement activities in wetlands that are considered to be waters
of the United States. The Section is responsible for reviewing other
governmental agencies' dredge and fill permits and approving the applications
to determine compliance with the Clean Water Act and initiating Section 404(c)
proceedings if compliance is not achieved. The Section has oversight
responsibility in the transfer of the freshwater regulatory program in New
Jersey from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection and Energy. The Section is also responsible for
conducting advanced identification initiatives for wetland areas within the
Region.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-79
January 1993
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Potential GIS uses include:
• Inventory and display of wetland permit actions/locations, display of
scanned and digitized wetland maps.
• Advanced identification of sensitive wetlands and estuaries.
• Storage and display of monitoring and modeling results for the estuary and
ocean programs.
The New York/New Jersey Municipal Programs Branch (NY/NJMPB)
manages the Construction Grants Program and the State Revolving Fund (SRF)
Program in the states of New York and New Jersey authorized by Title n and Title
VI of the Clean Water Act The Branch is also responsible for the management of
POTW specific permit/compliance/enforcement actions as authorized under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) of the Clean Water Act
The coordinated management of Publicly Owned Treatment Work (POTW)
construction grants/regulatory activity to expedite compliance with secondary
treatment and water quality standards requirements, as outlined in the EPA National
Municipal Policy, is a central Branch responsibility.
The Branch is divided into three Sections: Construction Grants/SRF Policy
Section, New Jersey Section, and New York Section. The Sections are responsible
for assuring that the construction grants and SRF Programs management objectives
of the states meet EPA requirements; maintaining and updating delegation
agreements and adherence to state workplace in support of Clean Water Act Section
205 (g) funding; reviewing and overseeing implementation of priority systems and
lists to ensure attainment of Regional and national objectives in improving
compliance and water quality. The Sections also work closely with staff from the
Corps of Engineers and oversee the state delegated municipal NPDES permits. The
Sections also develop, implement, and overview state program plans for municipal
permits. In'the event of violations of the NPDES or noncompliance for state
POTWs the Section ensures the development of technical aspects of all
administrative or judicial actions.
The Caribbean Municipal Programs Branch (CMPB) performs functions
for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which parallel
those described for the New York Section of the New York/New Jersey Municipal
Program Branch. Due to the lesser degree of program delegation, and the need for
more technical assistance and advisory support to public utilities and state agencies,
the Branch is more involved in direct program management. (See Survey Results
for NY/NJMP.)
The Water Permits and Compliance Branch (WPCB) oversees state-
delegated NPDES permit and pretreatment programs; tracks compliance with
NPDES permit requirements; oversees the state enforcement programs and initiates
federal enforcement actions as necessary; provides technical expertise on
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-80
January 1993
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enforcement actions; and determines control strategies in NPDES permits for
Section 316 Thermal Discharges and Section 311 Hazardous Discharges.
The Branch is the Regional focus for the municipal NPDES
permit/compliance/enforcement programs, including policy, program uniformity,
and reporting. The Branch closely coordinates with the Municipal Program
Branches on municipal NPDES matters (POTW-specific NPDES
permit/compliance/enforcement activities are carried out by the Municipal Programs
Branch).
The Permits Management Coordinator develops and evaluates immediate and long-
range forecasting evaluations on permits, compliance rates, orders, enforcement
actions, and so forth.
The Branch is divided into two Sections: Compliance and Permits Management.
I. The Compliance Section is responsible for evaluating instances of
noncompliance and ensuring the development of all technical aspects of all
administrative or judicial enforcement actions initiated by the Branch. The
Section is also responsible for enforcing the national POTW pretreatment
toxicant control program. This includes developing state enforcement programs
and enforcing the pretreatment program prior to state delegation. The Section
provides the Branch with analytical data regarding compliance and maintains
files to ensure adequate document control and file completeness. The Section
also reviews Section 106 grant proposals and state program plans to ensure
adequacy of state compliance monitoring and enforcement programs.
2. The Permits Management Section is responsible for the Regional management
and overview of state-delegated NPDES permits. The Section develops,
implements, and oversees the states' permit program plans. The Section also
participates in the development and/or review of national and Regional
regulations, policies, and guidelines. The Section is the Regional coordinator
for developing and monitoring the national POTW pretreatment program. This
includes working with the delegated states and POTWs to ensure the inclusion
of pretreatment limits, compliance schedules, and so forth, in applicable
permits. Enforcement of such limits is performed by the Compliance Section.
The Permits Management Section is involved in both assistance to delegated
states in the drafting of NPDES permits and direct issuance of NPDES permits
in nondelegated states.
The Niagara Frontier Program Office (NFPO) is responsible for
overseeing and coordinating aU EPA programs and planning, developing, and
managing a variety of comprehensive multimedia environmental initiatives
involving EPA, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and
counterpart environmental agencies in Canada, related to the Niagara River and
Lake Ontario. The Office represents the Agency in sensitive negotiations and policy
conferences concerning the development and implementation of binational programs
related to toxic chemicals in the Niagara frontier and Lake Ontario areas, is
USEPA Region II QIS User Needs Assessment A-81
January 1993
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responsible for overall agency performance in the implementation of the Niagara
River and Lake Ontario Toxics Management Plans, and develops EPA-specific
initiatives and actions to support these binational agreements.
The Office maintains issue-specific status information on all major projects being
undertaken by EPA in the Niagara frontier area and conducts periodic assessments
of these projects in conjunction with appropriate Regional and headquarters'
program managers. The Office also acts as a principal point of contact for
information and assistance to government officials, the press, and the public on the
many significant environmental problems that involve EPA Region n on the
Niagara frontier and Lake Ontario.
Currently, the Niagara Frontier Program Office is conducting a GIS project to
identify point and nonpoint source loadings to the Niagara River and to determine
deposition rates in the lake. This project will also be used to show a reduction of
toxic loadings to the river and lake by fiscal year 1996.
The Surface Water Quality Branch (SWQB) develops and implements the
programs authorized under Section 106,208. 2050). Title in, and Title IV of the
Clean Water Act. The Branch is also responsible for Section 301(h) and 403(c)
technical evaluations and for the nonpoint source program. The principal objective
of the Branch is to ensure the protection of public health and aquatic life threatened
by the uncontrolled discharge of pollutants to navigable waters from point and
nonpoint sources. The Branch is responsible for EPA's management and technical
participation in the Onondaga Lake Management Conference and the Lake
Champlain Management Conference. The Branch is also responsible for
developing and recommending Regional strategy, protection and implementation
procedures, and for providing technical evaluations, as related to all issues of
surface water quality within the Region.
1. The Technical Evaluation Section (TES) is responsible for the technical review
and evaluation of water quality impacts of pollutant discharges to navigable
waters from point and nonpoint sources. The Section is responsible for water
quality technical support evaluation and management for programs authorized
under Titles n, m, and IV of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Specifically, the
Section is responsible for the following programs and functions: state water
quality standards and criteria; water quality modeling, TMDL/WLA; Section
304(1) Program; advanced treatment reviews; and water quality technical
support to permitting, Superfund, and other program areas. The Section is
responsible for the following special water quality initiatives: Puerto Rico water
quality standards; toxics in New York Harbor; and antidegradation policy for
the Great Lakes. The Section is also responsible for the following programs:
Section 301(h) marine discharge waivers: Section 316(a) thermal discharge
waivers, and Section 316(b) intake requirements; and Section 403(c) ocean
discharge criteria. Finally, the Section provides technical evaluation support as
related to all issues of surface water quality within the Region.
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January 1993
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2. The Water Quality Management Section rWOMS) is responsible for developing,
managing, and implementing water quality management programs under Titles
n, HI, and VI of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Specifically, the Section is
responsible for the following programs and functions: all programmatic grants
(Sections 106, 205(j)(l), 205(j)(5), 314, 319, 604(b), ACC funds, and special
EPA budget authorizations). The Section maintains the Region's expertise with
respect to surface water quality planning and assures that state WQM Programs
are consistent with federal statutes, regulations, guidance, and Regional
priorities. The Section is also responsible for both EPA's management and
technical responsibilities for both the Onondaga Lake Management Conference
and the Lake Champlain Management Conference. In addition, the Section is
responsible for the Region's nonpoint source program, including overall
program management, 319 grant management, technical assistance, and
coordination with other federal, state, and local agencies. The Section also
manages and directs the Region's Clean Lakes Program; it also maintains WMD
liaison with the Environmental Services Division regarding surface water
quality monitoring issues.
Potential CIS uses include:
• Assessment of management alternatives for Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario,
and other water bodies.
• Display and analysis of water quality modeling results.
• Establishing pollution prevention priorities for Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands based on threats to sensitive aquatic habitats.
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January 1993
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DGWPB Survey Results
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions you make in
the Branch?
The Branch description provided by Human Resources Branch (HRB) is
basically accurate. The Branch is responsible for implementing EPA Programs
for protection of drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA),
and for protection of groundwater under the Clean Water Act (CWA), SDWA,
and other federal statutes (i.e.. Underground Injection Control [UIC], Sole
Source Aquifer, and Wellhead Protection Programs).
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The PWS Section is responsible for Branch public water supply protection
activities, which involve the review and oversight of delegated state programs
for water supply protection. This entails reviewing information related to
program management provided by grantees (i.e., water supply compliance rates
with maximum contaminant levels, water supply certifications, sanitary survey
results, and enforcement actions). Compliance data for water supply systems
are maintained on the FRDS5 database. Data for this system are collected at the
county level, which provides it to the state for entry into FRDS. The data are
used by DOPE to evaluate whether delegated programs are operating effectively
and to prioritize federal enforcement actions when state actions are not effective.
About 100-300 EPA enforcement actions are done per year.
The UIC Program involves protection of groundwater against five classes of
injection wells:
• Class I: Deep hazardous and nonhazardous waste injected below an
underground source of drinking water.
• Class II: Oil and gas recovery wells.
5See database summary sheet for additional information. FRDS contains latitude/longitude information
for water supplies, as well as fields for county code, ZIP Code, address, Public Water Supply ID. and
surface water intake location. The two fields for latitude/longitude are not required to be valued. New
York and New Jersey provide locational information, but it is of unknown accuracy. Public Water
Supply monitoring data are maintained at a local level and are not included in FRDS.
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January 1993
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• Class III: Solution mining.
• Class IV: Dry wells, commercial septic tanks, drainage fields.
* Class V: Wells that cannot be classified under I-IV.
DGWPB is responsible for overseeing state-delegated state programs and
directly implementing UIC permitting and enforcement programs where the
states have not assumed responsibility for the program [New York and the
Virgin Islands). [From several hundred to over 1,000 inspections are
performed per year.} The UIC Section currently uses fwe [a] PC-based
databases to store enforcement data and regulatory status of wells. The first is
written in [A mainframe] FOCUS database and [which] includes information on
location (street or mailing address), well type, mechanical integrity test results,
enforcement action, enforcement history, and permit status [was used as a
template for creation of a PC CLIPPER database]. The ether system will be
written in DBASE and is used to track information about Class V wells and
generate mailing lists to send out letters on regulatory requirements. The
system will include information on location (address), regulatory status,
sampling data (contents of the well), and groundwater samples.
The UIC Section is currently working with staff from Cortland County to
obtain accurate well locations for wells within the Cortland/Homer/Preble
primary aquifer using GPS units (see description of Cortland aquifer protection
project below).
The GWM Section is responsible for working with the states in implementing
groundwater management programs. Most of the data currently used by the
Branch for evaluating groundwater resources and prioritizing groundwater
protection efforts originates from state water quality assessments (305(b)
reports). The Section also uses some modeling results from an EPA wellhead
protection model (WHPACO) [and USGS's Modflow], GWP Section
personnel indicated that good groundwater data were frequently hard to come
by, and were trying to obtain better data on a project-by-project basis. One
such project is the Cortland Aquifer Protection Project. The GWP Section is
working with Cortland County and an EPA contractor to develop a GIS
database to facilitate aquifer protection efforts for the Cortland/Homer/Preble
primary aquifer in New York State. The project is intended to serve as a model
for other aquifer protection projects in the Region (a GIS demo has already been
completed for the project and is in use by Region n and Cortland County staff).
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3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
Most of the data cited above are provided by state or local agencies or EPA
contractors, with the exception of UIC compliance data for New York State
(direct implementation by EPA). UIC provides the data after compliance issues
are resolved.
4. What other types of data do you routinely use in your
environmental decisions (maps, reports, and so forth)?
• Primary aquifer maps6.
• USGS quad maps.
• Hagstrom maps
• [TRI, CERCLIS, RCRIS, FRDS, UST, STORET, PCS databases.]
5. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
• Use GIS for multimedia analysis of pollution sources to develop
groundwater management/pollution prevention priorities for well head
protection. The Cortland project will be a model for this type of activity,
with similar projects sponsored for other primary aquifers in the future.
• Use GIS to prioritize UIC inspections.
• [Prioritize/target enforcement activities—risk based enforcement.]
6. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
An analysis of data needs for aquifer protection was completed as part of the
Cortland project. The project work plan should be referred to for a complete
description of data needs. Information directly mentioned during the interview
included
• Digital versions of primary aquifer maps for New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and
the Virgin Islands.
• Location of drinking water wells.
6Mapping for New York has been completed by New York Slate, is available as an ARC/INFO coverage
that has been provided to the region. New Jersey has not completed its aquifer mapping. USGS is
completing aquifer maps for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-86
January 1993
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• Census data [population density].
• Sewer [service area boundaries]locations.
• Delineation of nonsewered areas.
• Public water supply locations and related compliance data.
• NPDES permitting data (stored in PCS).
• Groundwater flow data.
• [Surface water intakes.]
• [Water service area boundaries.]
• [Point sources.]
• [Nonpoint sources.]
• [Watershed boundaries.]
• [Land use.]
• [Wellhead protection areas.]
• [Roads and railroads.]
• [Business by SIC code.]
• [Administrative/Governmental unit boundaries.]
• [Surface water flow/quality data.]
• [Wetlands.]
• [Storm sewer discharge points.]
• [Recharge basins.]
• [Depth to ground water.]
• [Data 2-10 miles beyond Region H's boundaries.]
• [Soils.]
• [Topography.]
USEPA Region II CIS User Needs Assessment A-87
January 1993
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[EP/VState regulated facilities.]
[Chemical bulk storage.]
Remotely sensed images of sites,
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January 1993
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MWPB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Division?
The Branch description provided by Human Resources Branch (HRB) is
basically accurate. The Branch is involved in a broad range of activities related
to impacts on wetlands and on marine and estuarine waters. The Branch is split
into the following three Sections:
• Wetlands Section: Responsible for reviewing all dredge-and-fill
activities/permit applications under CWA Section 404, Superfund and EIS
reviews, and enforcement activities related to wetlands.
• Estuaries Section: Responsible for multiyear planning studies for estuaries
of national concern (Long Island Sound, NY/NJ Harbor, Delaware), and
other activities related to estuarine pollution.
• Ocean Programs Section: Responsible for control of ocean disposal
including dredged materials, municipal waste, and industrial wastes.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The Wetlands Section uses information provided in CWA Section 404 permit
applications submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers (COE), wetland maps
(N.W.I., USGS quad sheets, and state maps), inspection results (wetland
delineations), and data from a COE computer tracking system which tracks
permit applications. The Section also reviews Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility Study (RtfFS) documents and Records of Decision
(RODs) under Superfund that potentially affect wetlands.
The Estuaries Section uses a wide variety of information collected by many
different agencies and academia in evaluating management options for estuaries
of national concern. Information sources include monitoring studies,
compliance data, estuarine modeling results, biological measurements, and
assessments of point and nonpoint pollution sources. The Section is also
involved in proposed or ongoing GIS-related mapping projects for
N. Y. Harbor, Long Island Sound, and Delaware Bay. As part of the New
York Harbor Program, the Section paid for a contractor to develop maps of
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January 1993
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shoreline habitat classification in ARC/INFO (coverages are currently stored in
the Region's GIS).
The Estuary and Wetlands Sections have funded a joint project to update
National Wetlands Inventory maps and other data layers for Cape May County
in New Jersey in ARC/INFO format. The Wetlands Section uses information
provided in CWA 404 permit applications, along with any other available
information about the area that is proposed to be filled to evaluate the impact of
the proposed action. [A PC-based permit tracking system is under development
to track conditions, mitigation plan, monitoring requirements, and reviewer.]
The Ocean Programs Section reviews testing data for sediments to be dredged
and water quality to evaluate whether dredging for channel maintenance should
be allowed, and for establishing the conditions/procedures that should be used
for disposal of dredged materials. Also reviews data on environmental impacts
of ocean disposal of sewage sludge and other materials.
3. Are there any other sources that you routinely use in decision
making?
Marine/Wetlands Protection Branch staff also refer to a variety of hard-copy
maps and other information types, including:
• USGS quad sheets.
• SCS soil maps.
• County maps.
• NWI maps.
• Aerial photographs.
4. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
Estuaries Section: Data for estuary programs originate from variety of sources,
including federal, state, and local agencies, academia, nonprofit groups, and
consultants.
Ocean Programs Section: Data used by Section originate from permit
applicants, COE, and monitoring studies conducted by EPA and other agencies.
Wetlands Section: Data originate from CWA 404 permit applications, field
assessments by EPA, and/or COE and a variety of other federal, state, and local
sources.
USEPA Region II GfS User Needs Assessment A-90
January 1993
1333/b-J
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[Would like access to New York's fisheries database, to the Corps' 404
databases, to the National Heritage database on rare and endangered species,
and to the New Jersey GIS.]
5. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
Several potential GIS uses for the Estuary and Wetlands Programs were
discussed:
• Estuaries Section: GIS could be used for each multiyear estuary project for
[site characterization], storage, display and interpretation of monitoring
data, development of estuary management plans, tracking of progress in
implementing the plans, [and long-term trend monitoring]. On a national
level, estuary programs have been encouraged to use the Ocean Data
Evaluation System (ODES)1, a PC-based GIS, for this purpose. Region II
has not used ODES extensively to date [has begun entering data into ODES
for archival purposes]. ODES has an ARC/INFO exchange capability and
should be compatible with the Regional GIS.
• Wetlands Section: Several applications were discussed including a
Regionwide wetland information system that would store locations of sites
for permit applications or existing applications and related data, possibly
including scanned photographs, wetland delineation maps, and documents
related to the site. [About 300 of the 1,000 permit actions issued annually
would require detailed data and long-term tracking.] The system could be
used for permit tracking, computerized file management7, digital update and
storage of wetland delineations, and storage/analysis of wetland issues
related to Superfund cleanups. Wetland applications for specific geographic
areas were also identified including OSWEGO County, Niagara/Erie
County (digital mapping is currently being done for the area), Cape May,
and advanced identification (AVID) for the Hackensack Meadowlands8.
6. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Locations of issued CWA 404 permits, pending permit applications, and
related data, including enforcement information.
• NWI maps.
• State wetland maps.
7Cuncntly management and filing of documents, maps, photographs and data related to permits are
problematic. For example, the branch currently has no central storage space for maintaining its wetland
maps. Storage on GIS could simplify the process of identifying available information and generating
prompt responses to public information requests.
8Also discussed under Environmental Impacts Branch.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-91
January 1993
1333/W
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• Wetland delineations.
• USGS quad maps.
• SCS soil maps.
• Land use/land cover.
• Shoreline classifications.
• Estuary monitoring sites and related data.
• Point and nonpoint source locations and related data.
• [Data beyond Region II's boundaries.]
• [Sea grass beds.]
• [Significant coastal habitats.]
• [Fisheries data.]
• [Endangered species.]
• [Hydrology and USGS gaging stations.]
• [Latitude/Longitude of headwaters.]
• [Hazardous waste sites.]
• [Contaminated sediment.]
• [Benthic species.]
• [Bathymetry.]
• [Contaminated sediment.]
• [Watershed boundaries.]
• [Wildlife sensitive habitats.]
• [Wildlife contamination.]
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-92
January 1993
13J1&-2
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NY/NJMPB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
The Branch is responsible for die coordinated management of Publicly Owned
Treatment Works and construction grants/regulatory activity to expedite
compliance with secondary treatment and water quality standards. The
requirements are outlined in the EPA National Municipal Policy.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The Branch uses data from the Permit Compliance System (PCS) to manage the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. The
Branch regulates municipal facilities in New York and New Jersey. The
Branch uses the data to evaluate compliance with effluent limits and compliance
schedules for possible enforcement action, and to estimate annual work load
requirements for permit issuance and inspection activities.
PCS maintains mailing and location addresses, and latitude and longitude
coordinates for each facility and its outfalls. WENDB contains the essential
data elements of PCS.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The data are provided by permit holders, Regions, and states.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
• GIS could be used for mapping the locations of facilities in PCS to
determine the accuracy of the data.
• GIS could also be used to analyze effluent releases, discharge points for the
multitude of permit holders.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-93
January 1993
133*0-2
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5. What type of data would you like to have in a CIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Accurate PCS permit holder locations.
• Accurate locations of POTWs.
• Geographic locations of rivers, streams, and so forth, to which permit
holders discharge.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-94
January 1993
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[WPCB Survey Results]
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
The Branch is the Regional focus for the NPDES Program. The Branch is
responsible for overseeing the state-delegated NPDES permit and pretreatment
programs, tracking compliance with NPDES permit requirements, and
providing oversight and technical expertise on enforcement actions.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The Branch uses data from the Permit Compliance System (PCS) to manage the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. It
recently completed an upgrade of the locational data in PCS for facilities and
outfall locations. The upgrade was done by asking treatment plant operators to
locate facilities on a USGS topographic map. The latitude/longitude coordinates
were then entered into PCS. The Branch also uses IDEA for coordination of
multimedia enforcement actions; EDSS, a statistical/mapping package for PCS;
NIMS. a DMR data entry application for PCS; and DOCKET, which contains
information on the status of judicial enforcement actions.
The Branch would like to link PCS with Reach File 3 to use its hydrologic unit
basin codes rather than the STORET codes currendy used.
PCS maintains mailing and location addresses, and latitude and longitude
coordinates for each facility and its outfalls. WENDB contains the essential
data elements of PCS. PCS is currently near 100 percent capacity, with
slowing response time. An additional 10,000 facilities are anticipated to be
added to PCS for stormwater dischargers.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The data are provided by permit holders, Regions, and states.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-95
January 1993
13KVD-2
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4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
• GIS could be used for mapping the locations of facilities in PCS to
determine the accuracy of the data.
• GIS could also be used to analyze effluent releases, discharge points for the
multitude of permit holders.
• GIS could be used for developing waste load allocations.
• GIS could be used for multimedia enforcement, targeting geographic areas,
and pollution prevention activities.
• GIS could be used to present and explain environmental issues to the public
in an understandable way.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Accurate PCS permit holder locations.
• Accurate locations of POTWs.
• Geographic locations of rivers, streams, and so forth, to which permit
holders discharge.
• Outfall locations.
• Coastal zones.
• Drainage basins.
• Ambient water quality data.
• Stream water quality standards.
• Waste load allocations.
• Coastal zones.
• CSO locations.
• Sanitary and storm sewer line locations.
• [Municipal and county boundaries.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-96
January 1993
1333* b-Z
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NFPO Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
NFPO is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all EPA Programs in the
Niagara area and planning, developing, and managing a variety of
comprehensive multimedia environmental initiatives involving EPA, the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and
counterpart environmental agencies in Canada. The Office represents the
Agency in negotiations and policy conferences concerning the development and
implementation of binational programs related to toxic chemicals in the Niagara
and Lake Ontario areas.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
NFPO uses a variety of information, including
• Chemical/Parametric information.
• Groundwater models (currently being developed by U.S. Geologic
Survey).
• Toxic loadings on an annual basis.
• Toxic loadings data (chemical concentrations, flow, and so forth).
• Fish tissue concentrations of selected pollutants.
• Water quality stations (ambient monitoring data).
• Hydrography data.
• Hydrogeology.
USEPA Region II Gis User Needs Assessment A-97
January 1993
1333/b-2
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3. Who provides these data (state, Region, principle responsible
party, and so forth)? Do you export these data to other agencies
for their decision making?
The chemical and parametric data are taken from STORET (Storage and
Retrieval of U.S. Waterways Parametric Data), Permits Compliance System
(PCS), and Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). Location information can be taken
from TRI, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act Information System (CERCLIS), Resource Conservation and
Recovery Information System (RCRIS), PCS, and other national EPA
databases. Information for the calculation of toxic loadings to the Niagara River
from hazardous waste sites comes from hard-copy reports as well as some data
in digital form, from Superfund, RCRA, and the NYSDEC. Hydrography data
come from the EPA's Reach File 3 system. Information on the hydrogeology
of the study area is in digital form from the USGS, as well as hard-copy reports
from Superfund, RCRA, and NYSDEC.
Data have been and will be shared with other agencies.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
The NFPO already uses GIS as part of a toxics management project in the
Niagara frontier area to reduce toxic loadings to the river by 50 percent by fiscal
year 1996. The GIS project has involved staff in Region II, EPIC, NYSDEC,
and the counties. The goal of the Niagara River GIS is to assist in the
identification of dominant sources of pollution to the Niagara River so that
remediation efforts can be emphasized where they arc most needed. This is
being achieved through the development of a database that facilitates the
comparison of ambient data to source data (point sources, and nonpoint
sources, including hazardous waste sites, sediment, groundwater
contamination, surface water runoff, air deposition, and so forth). Over the
years, as the database is maintained, trends will be computed to assess the
progress of remediation.
The Niagara Frontier Program Office has commitments to report to the public
on the progress of remediation of the river through the hazardous waste site
report and the 50 percent reduction report. The GIS assists in the
communication and display of data for these reports.
In the future we see a continuing use for GIS to produce maps for the NFPO's
reporting requirements. Development of the GIS will continue progress toward
a fully integrated database that will account for all sources of toxic loadings to
the Niagara River, pathways, and ambient levels of toxics in the river.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-98
January 1993
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5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Soil data.
• Land use.
• Contaminated sediment data.
• Surface water runoff modeling data.
• Fish tissue concentration data.
• Other models, such as surface water runoff models and sediment models.
• Data for the remaining thirty-four quads in the project
• Expansion of the database to the Lake Ontario basin.
• [Point and nonpoint sources.]
• [RCRA and Superfund sites.]
• [Groundwater flow and quality data.]
• (Storm and sanitary sewer lines.]
• [Ambient water quality—flow and concentration data.]
• [CSOs.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-99
January 1993
1333/D-2
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SWQB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
The Branch description provided by the Human Resources Branch (HRB) is
basically accurate, but doesn't reflect the recent renaming of the Branch (from
Water, Standards, and Planning to Surface Water Quality) and its split into two
Sections (Technical Evaluation and Water Quality Management).9 SWQ is
basically responsible for implementing Region II Clean Water Act Programs for
water quality assessment, management, planning, and standard setting;
development of effluent limitations; and for overseeing delegated state water
quality management programs.
The Branch uses information on water quality, toxicity, and biota to identify
water quality problems, assess alternatives/management strategies to improve
water quality, establish waste load allocations, conduct use attainability
analyses, evaluate applications for waivers of secondary treatment requirements
(301 (h) Program), and administers the Clean Lakes (314) Program. The
Branch also supports the Superfund Program in reviewing proposed cleanup
standards (ARARs)10 related to water quality around Superfund sites.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The Branch utilizes information from the following data systems in its technical
analyses:
• STORET and its subsystems (e.g., WBS)1.
• PCS and Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) available through PCS1.
• ODES (used infrequently if at all)1.
• COASTNET1.
. [Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).]
9Except for the CIS activities that we added in. I suggest we substitute the possible CIS applications for
the branches that are identified below.
^Applicable, relevant, and appropriate requirements.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-100
January 1993
1333/6-2
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[A continuing issue in the use of these databases is the quality of the data. If
these databases are to be used with GIS, data quality must be known and
published.] Branch staff also utilize a variety of standard stream models
(e.g., WASP), and utilize water quality modeling results prepared by
contractors (e.g.. Long Island Sound modeling done by Hydroqual. Inc.) in
developing waste load allocations. They also routinely use data from reports
such as state water quality assessments (305(b) reports), 301(h) applications,
and other technical documents.
SWQ staff also refer to a variety of hard-copy maps, including NOAA nautical
charts and USGS quad maps. [The follow data categories are also used if they
can be located during an evaluation: coastal zones, marine structures, coastal
barriers, bathymetry and bottom sediment type, outfall location, and permit data
(PCS).]
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
SWQ primarily uses data collected by other parts of EPA, the states, or
contractors to conduct its analyses. SWQ works closely with Region II state
agencies and routinely exchanges information with them.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
SWQ staff are involved in several estuary programs (Long Island Sound,
NY/NJ Harbor), Lake Management Programs (Lake Champlain, Lake
Onondaga), and other management studies that could utilize GIS as a
multimedia data management tool. Although some GIS work has been done by
different organizations for most of these projects11, Lake Champlain is the only
one that currently provides for developing a comprehensive GIS for the project.
Development of that GIS is still in the work plan stage.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Digitized versions of the maps mentioned above.
• Land use/land cover.
• Topography.
• Climatology.
1 'For example, the Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services used GIS as a land use tool for the Peconic
Bay Brown Tide Study.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-101
January 1993
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« Distinctive/Sensitive habitats.
• Monitoring stations and related data.
• Point source locations, facility information, and effluent data.
• [Bathymetry.]
• [Stream water quality classifications.]
• [Wetlands.]
• [Critical habitat—sea grass, coral reefs, mangrove lagoons.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-102
January 1993
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Air and Waste Management
Division
The Air and Waste Management Division (AWM) is responsible for the
development, implementation, and coordination of the air, solid and hazardous
waste, and radiation programs in the Region.
The Division Director assists states in developing comprehensive environmental
programs in these areas and supplies the appropriate technical assistance. The
director actively participates in the negotiation and implementation of state work
plans, cooperative agreements, and state/EPA agreements to prioritize and integrate
pollution control and pollution prevention activities at all levels of government. The
director also manages the Regional Hazardous Waste Management Program
mandated by the amended Solid Waste Disposal Act (SDWA).
The Deputy Director participates fully with the director in the control and
management of the Division and acts as Division Director in the absence of the
director.
The Assistant Director for Solid Waste Management conducts independent policy
analysis and technical research on best management practices for all aspects of
integrated solid waste management, including source reduction, recycling,
incineration, and sanitary landfilling. The Assistant Director represents EPA at both
national and Regional office levels at conferences, seminars, and meetings with
state and local elected officials and Solid Waste Program Directors, representatives
of business and industry environmental groups, and members of the public. The
Assistant Director directs federal interagency Regional initiatives to demonstrate
model-integrated solid waste management practices and serves as senior advisor on
critical solid waste policy and technical matters.
The Division includes six Branches: Radiation Branch, Air Programs Branch, Air
Compliance Branch, Hazardous and Solid Waste Programs Branch, Hazardous
Waste Facilities Branch, and Hazardous Waste Compliance Branch. Figure 9
shows the Branches and Sections within the Division. The specific activities of the
Branches are summarized below.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-103
January 1993
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Figure 9
Conrad Sinan
DIRECTOR
Helen Begun
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Michael DeBonis
ASST. DIRECTOR fOR
SOLtO UASTE NGMT
>
1
o
Uillia* Baker
AIR PROGRAMS
BRANCH
Eduard Linfcy
STATE PROGRAMS
SECTION
Rudolph Kapichak
TECHNICAL
EVALUATION SECTION
Raymond Uerner
STATE IMPLEMENTA-
TION SECTION
Kenneth tng
AIR COMPLIANCE
BRANCH
Karl Mangels
NEU YORK COMPLIANCE
SECTION
Paul Giardina
Radiation BRANCH
Michael Buccigrossi
ASST. BR. CHIEF
Stanley Siegel
HAZARDOUS ft SOLID
UASTE PROGRAMS BR.
Pit Fai Cheung
ASST BRANCH CHIEF
Jehuda Mencxel
NEU JERSEY/CARIBBEAN
COMPLIANCE SECTION
Steven Riva
PERMITTING/TOXICS
SUPPORT SECTION
George Meyer
HAZARDOUS UASTE
COMPLIANCE BRANCH
John Goraan
NEU YORK
COMPLIANCE SECTION
Joel GoliBbek
NJ/CARIBBEAH
COMPLIANCE SECTION
Philip Flax
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SECTION
Robert Fiupatrick
ASBESTOS
COMPLIANCE SECTION
Andrew Bellina
HAZARDOUS UASTE
FACILITIES BRANCH
Ellen Parr Doer ing
HEU YORK
PERMIT SECTION
Michael Poetinch
NJ/CARIBBEAN
PERMIT SECTION
Janes Reidy
NEU YORK CORRECTIVE
ACTION SECTION
Barry Tornick
NJ/CA CORRECTIVE
ACTION SECI10N
-------
The Radiation Branch (RB) is responsible for supplying technical and
program assistance to federal, state, and local agencies engaged in developing
management and technical assistance programs in indoor air, indoor radon
mitigation, the regulation of radionuclide and radiological emergency planning. The
Branch assists the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in conducting
emergency evacuation drills. The Branch also coordinates and evaluates existing
and proposed environmental monitoring and surveillance activities in accordance
with EPA Monitoring and Surveillance Guides and EPA Environmental Radiation
Standards. RB reviews current and proposed radiological emergency plans at
existing and proposed nuclear power plants and comments on radiation aspects of
Environmental Impact statements (EIS) of other agencies submitted for review.
The principal duties of the staff include:
• Public outreach to encourage sampling of homes for radon.
• Identifying geographic areas to emphasize building codes to reduce radon in
homes.
• Reviewing state data to identify hot spots for further evaluation and public
outreach.
• Reviewing geologic data to identify areas for further analysis.
• Reviewing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
(NESHAP) permits for radionuclides. Currently six facilities are reviewed but,
depending on the implementation of the new Clean Air Act, it is anticipated that
1,000 to 2,000 facilities may be implemented.
» Reviewing radiation related documents from other Divisions and providing
comments for enforcement actions, and so forth.
The Air Programs Branch (APB) consists of a state Programs Branch, a state
Implementation Section, and a Technical Evaluation Section. The Branch supplies
technical and program assistance to federal, state, and local agencies engaged in air
pollution control and transportation planning activities. The Branch also assists
state and local governments in developing and carrying out state Implementation
Plans (SIPs) for hazardous air pollutants (e.g., ozone and carbon monoxide). The
Branch also reviews and assists in the preparation and revisions to SIPs, and
assists state and local governments and private industry in complying with air
quality impact assessment and air quality data management requirements.
The Branch monitors and audits state program management performance. It also
integrates air quality considerations into environmental decisions in other media and
ensures mitigation of secondary air impacts in Section 201 wastewater treatment
facility construction. In addition, the Branch provides comments on air quality
aspects of EISs of pther agencies submitted for review pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Branch also comments on air quality
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-105
January 1993
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aspects of transportation plans prepared to meet the U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) and other agency requirements and submitted to EPA for
review.
I. The State Programs Section (SPS) is responsible for the coordination of state
work plan development and grants coordination. SPS coordinates the
monitoring and auditing of state program implementation and oversees the
establishment and review of monitoring site location and data quality. The
Section also promotes, tracks, and assists states in the development of program
delegation applications and coordinates Regional office activities related to
global warming and energy use.
2. The State Implementation Plan Section (SIPS') is responsible for technical and
program assistance to states and local governments in developing and carrying
out State Implementation Plans (SIPS). SIPS coordinates the review and
processing of state SIP submittals and performs air quality simulation analyses
to assess the effect of air pollution sources and control plans. The Section also
assures that state emission inventories meet EPA requirements, assists states in
developing air pollution control regulations, and coordinates the development of
Federal Implementation Plans when appropriate.
3. The Technical Evaluation Section (TES) is responsible for assistance, direction,
and oversight of Region n states in the development and implementation of Air
Pollution Control Programs relating to mobile sources, including motor vehicle
inspection and maintenance requirements. It provides technical and program
assistance to state and local air pollution control and transportation planning
agencies. The Section provides comments on EIS and transportation plans, and
conducts and coordinates special studies and risk assessments.
The Air Compliance Branch (ACB) consists of a New Jersey/Caribbean
Compliance Section, a New York Compliance Section, a Permitting/Toxics Support
Section, and an Asbestos Compliance Section. The Branch provides technical
review and consultation to state air pollution control agencies in carrying out those
portions of approved implementation plans for hazardous air pollutants pertaining to
point sources. The Branch implements Regional efforts to assure compliance with
the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) and
New Source Performance Standards, Air Toxics, and Permitting requirements of
the Clean Air Act The Branch conducts engineering field investigations and
provides technical backup for air enforcement actions; provides technical assistance
for determining the air compliance status of federal facilities; conducts technical
reviews of new sources affected by Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)
regulations; and monitors state permit and inspection programs. The two
geographic Sections perform the full scope of Branch activities in their respective
jurisdictions.
1. The New York Compliance Section is responsible for implementation of the
stationary source compliance/enforcement program under the Clean Air Act in
the state of New York. The Section carries out inspections of federally
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-106
January 1993
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regulated facilities and performs oversight of state compliance and enforcement
activities and responds to violations by seeking voluntary compliance through
direct contact with regulated facilities, issuing notices of noncompliance, notices
of violation, compliance orders, and Section 112 information request letters or
by referring documented violations to ORC for initiation of a federal response.
The Section is also responsible for initiating federal enforcement response
where states fail to take timely and appropriate action. The Section also
organizes and develops technical portions of the case development plans;
provides affidavits and obtains technical expertise from outside the Division
when necessary.
2. The New Jersey/Caribbean Compliance Section (NJ/CCS) is responsible for
implementation of the stationary source compliance/enforcement program under
the Clean Air Act in its geographical jurisdictions. The Section activities parallel
those described for the New York Compliance Section.
3. The Permitting/Toxics Support Section (PTSS) is responsible for implementing
the federal Air Toxics Management Program and the federal responsibilities for
stationary source permitting under the Clean Air Act The Section provides
technical assistance to the state in the development and implementation of state
Air Toxics and Permitting Programs. The Section also supplies technical
review and oversight of state-issued permits and conducts reviews of the air
emissions and control characteristics of Superfund and RCRA facilities. The
Section also provides technical review and oversight of new sources subject to
Prevention of Significant Deterioration regulations and takes the initiative in
encouraging industrial sources to participate voluntarily in agency pollution
prevention and Early Reduction Programs.
4. The Asbestos Compliance Unit is responsible for implementation of the
compliance/ enforcement program as it relates to asbestos demolition and
renovation. The unit monitors and tracks compliance with notification
requirements and carries out inspections of federally regulated sites and
performs oversight of state compliance and enforcement activities. The unit
responds to violations by seeking voluntary compliance through direct contact
with regulated facilities, sites, and operators issuing notices of noncompliance,
notices of violation, compliance orders, and Section 114 information request
letters or by referring violations to ORC for initiation of a federal response. The
unit is also responsible for initiating the appropriate federal response when
states fail to take timely and appropriate actions, and organizes and develops
technical Sections of the case development plans, provides affidavits, and
obtains technical expertise from outside the Division when necessary.
The Hazardous and Solid Waste Programs Branch (HSWPB) provides
technical and program assistance to state and local agencies engaged in solid and
hazardous waste management and disposal. The Branch assists state and local
governments in developing and carrying out state Solid and Hazardous Waste
Management Programs. The Branch assists states in the preparation of applications
for state program authorization review and recommends approval of state
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-107
January 1993
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applications for program authorization. The Branch also negotiates terms,
conditions, and activities for state RCRA Subtitle C grants and monitors their
performance; reviews and approves solid waste grants to governments and
nonprofit organizations for demonstration, planning, and training projects; and
implements programs and state program grants for underground storage tanks;
reviews and interprets agency regulations and program guidance for Regional and
state applications; coordinates oversight and audit of state hazardous waste
management programs; and coordinates management reporting activities for the
solid and hazardous waste program.
The Hazardous Waste Facilities Branch (HWFB) consists of a New York
Permit Section, a New Jersey/Caribbean Permit Section, New York Corrective
Action Section, and a New Jersey/Caribbean Corrective Action Section. The
Branch is responsible for implementing the facility management planning activities
of the Hazardous Waste Program by issuing permits and corrective action orders.
The Branch is responsible for the development and implementation of the hazardous
waste permit strategy and oversees the implementation of the RCRA Pen t and
Corrective Action Program. It also reviews state hazardous waste permits for
adequacy in the states of New York and New Jersey, which have been delegated
the base RCRA Program. HWFB develops and issues hazardous waste permits in
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Branch also makes PCB
authorization determinations under the Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Each Section is responsible for implementing RCRA permit or corrective action
activities in its geographical jurisdiction. The Section is responsible for undertaking
the development and implementation of the Hazardous Waste Permit Program as
mandated by RCRA; issuing RCRA permits, including corrective action
requirements, and reviewing authorized state permit determinations; developing the
Regional RCRA permitting and corrective action strategy; and providing assistance,
guidance, and direction to authorized state permit programs. Sections review and
approve work plans, reports, and data submitted by facilities pursuant to die Permit
or Corrective Action Remedial Program. Sections also provide advice and guidance
on technology; provide oversight of state permit programs; review state permit
programs and permits for adequacy; recommend action on permit issuance
conditions; review information submitted by permit applicants, permit holders, state
officials, and others; and make referrals and provide technical justification for
enforcement action on permits lo the Comp\iance fctarvc\\.
The Hazardous Waste Compliance Branch (HWCB) consists of the New
York Compliance Section and the New Jersey/Caribbean Section and the Technical
Support Section. It is responsible for compliance and enforcement activities under
the Solid Waste Disposal Act and the Medical Waste Tracking Act The Branch
investigates complaints associated with poor hazardous waste and medical waste
management and initiates enforcement actions where appropriate, especially in
situations which pose an imminent hazard to the public.
1. The New York Compliance Section (NYCS) implements the
Compliance/Enforcement Program under the Solid Waste Disposal Act in the
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-108
January 1993
133*0-2
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state of New York. The Section carries out inspections of interim status
facilities, permitted facilities, and generators of hazardous waste for compliance
inspections, inspections in the development of an enforcement action, and for
oversight in authorized states. The Section also responds to interim status and
permit violations by seeking compliance through direct contact with permit
holders or with authorized states, issuing Section 3013 compliance orders,
issuing Section 3008 compliance and corrective action orders, notices of
violation. Section 3007 letters, or referring documented violations with specific
recommendations for litigation to the Office of Regional Counsel. It is also
responsible for initiating federal enforcement response where states fail to take
timely and appropriate action; coordinating federal facilities activities related to
RCRA; and for providing technical assistance for determining the compliance of
federal facilities with RCRA. It organizes and develops technical aspects of
hazardous waste enforcement cases, including development of the technical
Sections of the case development plan; provides affidavits; obtains technical
experts from outside the Division when necessary; and oversees the compliance
and enforcement actions of authorized states.
2. The New Jersey/Caribbean Compliance Section implements the
Compliance/Enforcement Program under RCRA in its geographical
jurisdictions. The Section activities parallel those described above for the New
York Compliance Section.
3. The Technical Support Section (TSS) is responsible for providing technical
assistance and support to their Regional units and the states in support of
compliance/enforcement initiatives under the Solid Waste Disposal Act This
includes development and implementation of a Hazardous Waste
Imports/Exports Surveillance Program, the hazardous wastes off-site policy,
special criminal investigations, multimedia strategic initiatives, and so forth.
The Section is responsible for the implementation of medical waste compliance
and enforcement activities. It is also responsible for coordinating federal
facilities activities related to hazardous waste management and for providing
technical assistance to federal facilities for the purpose of complying with
requirements of the Solid Waste Disposal ACL
Current and future GIS uses include:
• Geographic presentation of data from models (air, water, and hazardous
waste) to determine fate and transport of contaminants.
• Location of hazardous waste facilities in relation to other hazardous waste or
Superfund facilities.
• Display and storage of air point source locations and emissions data.
• Location of groundwater in areas around RCRA facilities (groundwater
flow directions and rates, aerial photographs, and so forth).
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-109
January 1993
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Geographic locations of monitoring stations.
Analysis of potential health impacts from existing and proposed incinerators
were presented in ARC/INFO to aid in decision making (Incineration 2000
analysis).
Location of public drinking wells potentially impacted by RCRA facilities.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-110
January 1993
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RB Survey Results
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions you make in
your Branch?
The Radiation Branch is responsible for supplying technical and program
assistance to federal, state, and local agencies engaged in radiological
emergency planning. The Branch is involved in targeting radon information to
help reduce risks.
The Branch is also involved in reviewing EIS submitted by other agencies for
review purposes. The Branch also reviews permits for radionuclide NESHAPS
and provides support to the Emergency and Remedial Response Division
(ERRD) in addressing radiation hazards. The Branch also coordinates with
FEMA to review nuclear power plants and emergency response for power
plants.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
A variety of data is routinely used, including
• Maps showing radon data.
• National and Regional maps of geologic formations provided by the USGS
to identify where radon levels might be higher.
• Construction codes proposed for adoption by towns and counties
• Information from headquarters.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
• Air-dose data for NESHAPS.
• Data from states.
State averages of radon data in New York and New Jersey.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-111
January 1993
13XVb-2
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• Testing data reported by ZIP Codes by state and local firms.
• Information on calls to the hotline for further information on radon.
• Ad Council data to target employees that might receive radon data.
• Data from Dunn and Brads tree t to identify employees for radon data.
The data are provided by states, parcel maps, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
• Mapping of geologic deposits.
• Mapping of radon data by ZIP Code.
• Mapping of soil data and radon levels.
• NURI data for states.
• Priority maps for training and education projects.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Soil data.
• Geologic data.
• DLG data.
• ZIP Code maps.
• Data on radon levels from the states.
• [Demographic data.]
• [Municipal boundaries.]
• [Cigarette sales data.]
• [Business and employment data.]
• [LION and TIGER street files for address matching.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-112
January 1993
133*0-2
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APB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
APB provides technical assistance to federal, state, and local agencies engaged
in air pollution control and transportation planning activities. The Branch also
assists state and local governments in developing, carrying out, and revising
SIPS for hazardous air pollutants. The Branch also assists state and local
governments and private industry in complying with air quality impact
assessment and air quality data management requirements.
The Branch also monitors and audits state program management performance
under CAA Sections 105 and 201 (wastewater treatment facility construction).
The Branch also reviews proposed EISs of other agencies submitted for review
under NEPA and comments on air quality aspects of transportation plans
prepared to meet DOT and other agency requirements.
For the past five years the Branch has coordinated the staten Island/New Jersey
Urban Air Toxics Management Project to assess air toxics within this area. The
project involved intensive sampling for forty air toxicants, a micro inventory of
sources of air pollution, risk assessment, and data quality. The project involved
staff from Region II, Research Triangle Park; the states of New York and New
Jersey; and universities.
The Branch is also coordinating with New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation to identify potential health risks from exposure to
incinerators within a 65 km by 60 km area of metropolitan New York and New
Jersey. The project involved a significant GIS component to display the results
from the analysis and to identify potential "hot spots." [Results of this effort
led to identification of additional mapping and display requirements for GIS,
including need for black/white shade patterns for easier identification of areas
using keys; need to be able to control level of detail in map; need to be able to
show UTM coordinates, grid on map; need to avoid time-consuming hand entry
of data; and need to provide capability to print maps quickly and easily.]
USEPA Region I! QIS User Needs Assessment A-113
January 1993
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2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The Branch reviews a variety of data including:
• Ambient air concentrations from sampling.
• Meteorological data.
• Permits.
• Data in AIRS.
• Superfund analyses of air contaminants at sites.
• Work plans for state programs.
• Monitoring data.
• Emissions inventory data.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The data are provided from a variety of sources, including:
• State environmental agencies.
• Other governmental agencies, universities, and industry.
Much of the data are stored in, or uploaded to, the AIRS database system; it is
then available for downloading.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
GIS would be useful [for analysis and presentation/display] in the following
projects:
• Performing air pollution risk assessments.
• Evaluating air pollution control strategies.
• Depicting the locations of the ambient monitors.
• Locating new areas for ambient monitors.
* Showing data from micro inventories, and specialized ambient monitoring.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-114
January 1993
1333/M
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• Analysis of trends in ambient air concentrations.
• Evaluation of impacts from multiple contaminants.
• Evaluation of transportation plans.
• Display of air modeling results.
• Tracking display of emissions information.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a CIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Population/[Demographic] data.
• Locations of monitors and air pollution information over time.
• Graphical display of major and minor sources based on TRI data.
• Facility information (location, general information, emissions information,
compliance information, and permit information).
• Transportation information (roadways, traffic/vehicle information, airports,
and seaports).
• Employment data.
• Land use data (vegetation type, and so forth).
• Emissions inventory data.
• [Zoning data.]
• [Administrative boundaries.]
• [Meteorological data.]
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-115
January 1993
1333/b-2
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ACB Survey Results
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions you make in
your Branch?
ACB provides technical review to state air pollution control agencies in carrying
out those portions of approved implementation plans for hazardous air
pollutants pertaining to point sources. The Branch works to assure compliance
with National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants and New
Source Performance Standards; conducts engineering field investigations and
provides technical backup for air enforcement actions; provides technical
assistance for determining the air compliance status of federal facilities;
conducts technical reviews of new sources affected by PSD regulations; and
monitors State Permit and Inspection Programs.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
The Branch reviews a variety of data including:
• Ambient air concentrations from sampling.
• Meteorological data.
• Permits.
• Data in AIRS. [Locational information in AIRS is not provided by
latitude/longitude, but address, which may be a mailing address, not site
address.]
• Work plans for state programs.
• Monitoring data.
• Permit applications for new sources.
• Review of impacts for EIS.
USEPA Region II CIS User Needs Assessment A-116
January 1993
133*6-2
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3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The data are provided from a variety of sources, including:
• State environmental agencies.
• Industry.
• Other federal agencies.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
GIS would be useful in the following projects:
• Depicting the locations of facilities.
• Locating new areas for ambient monitors.
• Showing permitted facilities.
• Analysis of trends in ambient air concentrations.
• Evaluation of impacts from multiple contaminants.
• Display of air modeling results.
• Geographic selection of facilities for inspections.
5 . What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Population data.
• Locations of monitors.
• Graphical display of major and minor sources based on TRI data to evaluate
pollution prevention opportunities.
• [Attainment/nonattainment areas.]
• Location of sources.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-117
January 1993
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HSWPB Survey Results
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions you make in
your Division?
In handling Underground Storage Tanks (USTs), the Branch's role is mainly
selecting candidate sites for inspections, prioritizing enforcement and corrective
action. Large numbers of sites, [170,000 known tanks in the Region], mostly
petrochemical, are involved.
In the Solid Waste area the programs are primarily delegated to the states. The
Branch is responsible for administration, supplying resources, and providing
support to the state's regulatory activities. For example, one activity is the
review and approval of solid waste grants and contracts to nonprofit
organizations and local governments. EPA enforcement actions in solid waste
landfills may be a new area of activity. Based on a new law, state regulations
can now be made to comply with EPA standards. EPA rarely oversees
corrective actions; this is the state's responsibility.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
Information includes:
• Hydrogeological information.
• Notification history.
• Environmental history and uses of neighboring sites.
• Public Water Supply (PWS) well sources and history.
• Designation of aquifer as sole source.
3. We have identified the following sources of data that your
Division routinely uses (list from the preliminary survey).
We plan to use RCRIS eventually. RCRIS is the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Information System, which supports the RCRA Program by tracking
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-118
January 1993
1333TD-2
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events and activities related to facilities which generate, transport, and treat,
store, or dispose of hazardous waste.
Occasionally we use Water Management Division's (WMD) data resources, but
we primarily glean data from reports.
[No Branch database currently exists for USTs or solid waste. The states have
mainframe and/or micro-based systems with notification history, number of
tanks, age, construction, pit lining, spill overflow protection, and so forth.] A
Branch-specific database is currently being conceptualized to track inspection
and enforcement actions. It is currently unnamed, but we anticipate it will be
written in dBASE. [The Branch receives routine updates of New York City's
UST database written in Paradox. The Caribbean uses UST DMS, a
Revelation-based database management system for USTs. New Jersey is using
Maplnfo to address match for approximate locations of tanks.]
4. Are there any other sources that you routinely used in decision
making?
The states provide information on ownership of facilities.
5. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The Branch primarily coordinates with the states. Reports rather than raw data
are usually exchanged. Within EPA, WMD data are most often used. There is
little export of data to other agencies.
6 What other types of data do you routinely use in your
environmental decisions (maps, reports, and so forth)?
Queries are made from state-generated reports. Maps may be used in briefings,
but this does not occur often. The base is usually a 1:24,000 USGS Topo
Quad with an overlay of pertinent information.
7. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
Solid Waste Management needs to know more about landfill locations and
related attribute information even though actual decisions are not made. The
Branch needs to periodically present this information to the public, congress,
and senior EPA management. The same can be said for UST, but there is more
decision making built in.
Other uses might be in prioritizing UST inspections and multimedia actions
involving UST. A GIS would give better support to the states and assure
efficient communication.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-119
January 1993
1333/b-Z
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8. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
The GIS should be designed to help the states to improve decision making and
provide EPA with better reports. Data should include geographic locations of
landfills, capacity (total and remaining), closure history, locations of aquifers.
Public Water Supply wells, hydrogeology, and so forth. The states already
have much of this information, but instead of accessing it through reports, the
GIS could be used to either download the information. Some type of network
computer access would also be helpful.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-120
January 1993
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HWFB Survey Results
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions you make in
your Division?
For regulated units and solid waste management units under corrective action,
the Branch makes decisions on waste soil, surface water sediment,
groundwater, and air quality. Decisions on remediation levels for these media
are based on risk. HWFB evaluates analytical data from water and
contaminated media to determine whether a regulated unit is clean closed,
whether to proceed with corrective action, or what remedial technology should
be chosen. Data are evaluated in terms of existing laws, regulations, and
evidence. Infractions of a permit by a permitted facility are referred to
enforcement If a facility that had been denied a permit violates the law, it will
be referred to Hazardous Waste Compliance for appropriate action.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
• Soils data—require chemical concentrations and depth.
• Groundwater concentration data from wells.
• Site characterization data (topography, surface water locations, general
geology, stratigraphy, potentials and gradients, and so forth.)
• [Zoning.]
• [Wildlife/sensitive habitats.]
• [Aquifers.]
• [Depth to groundwater.]
• [Meteorological data.]
• [Landfill locations.]
• [Spill locations.]
• [Chemical storage data.]
USEPA Region II CIS User Needs Assessment A-121
January 1993
1333/M
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3. We have identified the following sources of data that your
Division routinely uses (list from the preliminary survey).
The Biennial Reporting System (BRS) is used in waste minimization efforts.
BRS provides an overview of the progress of the RCRA Program through
tracking trends in hazardous waste generation and management.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Information System (RCRIS)
provides for the tracking of events and activities related to facilities which
generate, transport, and treat, store, and dispose of hazardous waste. The
system also tracks and reports corrective action administrative data.
4. Are there any other sources that you routinely used in decision
making?
Primarily, the environmental data which are actually used in decision making
come from reports facilities submission, which are not generally computerized.
5. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The data for reports are usually supplied by the permit holders' contractors.
Information is shared with the states, but not other EPA Divisions on a routine
basis, except in a multimedia project such as Cortland or Niagara.
6. What other types of data do you routinely use in your
environmental decisions (maps, reports, and so forth)?
Enforcement data, aerial photos, floodplain data, waste minimization data,
landfill leachate concentrations, incinerator releases, and so forth.
7. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
Future uses of GIS include:
• [Determining impacts of RCRA activities on surrounding air, water, and
land.]
• Enhancement of multimedia analyses.
• Risk assessment information.
• Graphically depicting groundwater model results.
• Graphically depicted waste minimization efforts and results.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-122
January 1993
13346-2
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If Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) geography and attributes can be
better linked together, then prioritization of corrective action and multimedia
enforcement can be greatly enhanced. SWMU's data are not in computer form,
thus a question, such as what percentage of SWMUs are a problem, cannot be
easily answered. Also for inventorying point sources of fugitive emissions, an
overlap with TRI data to identify air emissions sources would be helpful.
[HWFB is developing RCRA Environmental Indicators. RCRA Environmental
Indicators are measures of the effectiveness of the Corrective Action Program
and the technologies utilized, which can be evaluated by assessing the extent of
contamination of aquifers on a statewide basis. Therefore, large-scale
hydrogeolpgic maps are needed to examine aquifer classification and
vulnerability and integrate plume contaminant data. Similarly, surface maps for
soil contamination are needed. GIS can be used to help develop these
indicators.]
[HWFB is also interested in:
(1) Using Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Study (RI/FS) data to develop
site-specific surface and subsurface maps, which show the environmental
setting of a facility with the extent of plumes and contaminated soil.
These maps can be used to track progress and guide corrective action.
(2) Using stabilization and corrective action data to produce maps showing
the effectiveness of implementation measures.
(3) Developing maps which extend beyond facility borders.]
[HWFB needs to access the GIS database to determine the availability of
existing data from other programs, such as water and wetlands, to determine if
adjacent receptors are being or might be impacted by activities at RCRA sites.]
8. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
Would like the GIS to access site- and unit-specific data from New York and
New Jersey since they are the source of data for certain types of sites.
Information on the geographic locations of sites would be helpful. This would
allow the determination of proximity of sites to each other.
Suggest making sure that GIS is designed so that RCRA, air and water, and
Superfund data are compatible and can be cross referenced, and that will enable
interactions between air release and TRI data
[Need soils, remotely sensed data (5-meter resolution), topographic data,
drinking water intakes, population, air emissions sources, administrative
boundaries, zoning, wildlife/sensitive habitats, aquifers, depth to groundwater,
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-123
January 1993
-------
meteorological data, landfill locations, spill locations, and chemical storage
data.]
USEPA Region II QIS User Needs Assessment A-124
January 1993
13315-2
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HWCB Survey Results
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions you make in
your Division?
Under RCRA, the Branch determines whether the groundwater monitoring at a
site is adequate, whether corrective action or monitoring is necessary, and so
forth. The Branch also investigates sites for illegal disposal. [The Branch is
responsible for conducting/ overseeing about 2,500 inspections per year.]
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
Branch activities include:
• Determining distances from a facility to a PWS well or wellhead.
• Determining groundwater flow direction, recharge/discharge areas; often
these data are not readily available.
• Determining reference data such as chemical degradation schemes,
topography, surface/subsurface geology and hydrology, structural geology,
chemical analysis of waste material, and hydrographic features.
• Population information for corrective action, and available information on
types of businesses and commercial establishments in the area are also
necessary.
3. We have identified the following sources of data that your
Division routinely uses (list from the preliminary survey).
Biennial Reporting System—Used for retrieval of data only; not used often.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System (RCRIS) is well
used; will be entering and retrieving data. [Needs a field to flag those facilities
with pollution prevention agreements.]
RCRA Facilities Hazard Ranking Model—Not used now, but will be used in
the future.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-125
January 1993
133*6-2
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Corrective Action Priority System—Based on CERCLA Priority Hazard
Ranking System, but designed for RCRA sites. The system is used only for
those sites that require EPA corrective action. It is currently being developed.
NoName—Homemade version of EPITS kept by Rich Krauser on Word
Perfect Office Notebook. EPITS is the Environmental Priorities Initiative
Tracking System.
4. Are there any other sources that you routinely use in decision
making?
RCRA Notifier reports, paper maps (site and Regional, sometimes topographic,
often generated within Branch for supplemental reports, and so forth). PAB
and HWF have permit information. [Would like link to state manifest
databases. Can now dial into New York's. Use Dunn and Bradstreet database
to do targeting by SIC code.]
5. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
The bulk of data is in the RCRIS and BRS databases. The majority of data is
entered into RCRIS by EPA, but the bulk of the data is provided to EPA by the
regulated community (per regulations) and by the states. In addition, New
York and Puerto Rico are also currently directly entering data into RCRIS. In
the case of BRS, data are provided by the regulated community to the states,
and the states enter the data into BRS.
Occasionally (on a special request basis), data are provided in
expcrted/electronic form to EPA officials/staff, EPA contractors, and other
governmental entities. Responses made to FOLA requests are in paper copy
form only.
6. What other types of data do you routinely use in your
environmental decisions (maps, reports, and so forth)?
Aerial photography when available. [Using AutoCAD and Maplnfo to support
facility site inspections. Are requiring contractors to submit data in digital
format (dBASE, Paradox, AutoCAD, or Maplnfo).]
7. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
[Want to use GIS for inspection/enforcement targeting, focusing on sensitive
areas, sensitive chemicals, and disease susceptibility.]
Inspection—For presentation-quality maps, usually very large scale. There
may be a use for a Computer Assisted Drawing (CAD) system for prioritizing
and conducting inspections by location and other attributes, analyses of other
USEPA Region I! GIS User Needs Assessment A-126
January 1993
1333/b-2
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entities near site of focus, to ascertain compliance history in other programs by
location.
Enforcement needs large-scale information, incorporating information from
air photos and other sources (i.e., contaminated sites), delineating corrective
action, and, importantly, using the GIS to interact with various models.
8. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Groundwater data, flow and chemical analyses, rainfall, surface drainage,
and watershed.
• Listing of facilities by geographical location.
• Would like to see activities of other Branches at a facility or geographic
location more accessible in the database, not just by word of mouth.
• Would like to see an on-line listing of local agencies with contacts to find
out about local actions, and so forth.
• Under RCRA Section 7003, need to incorporate population density around
a facility when instituting corrective action.
• Would also want locations of schools and businesses relative to an RCRA
facility for legal actions and informational requests.
• [Roads.]
• [Soils.]
• [Wetlands.]
• [Recharge areas.]
• [Zoning.]
• [RCRA facilities.]
• [Topography.]
• [Stratigraphy.]
• [Demographic data/sensitive populations.]
• [Environmentally sensitive areas.]
• [Well locations.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-127
January 1993
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• [UICs.]
• [USTs.]
• [Air quality data.]
• [Meteorological data.)
• [Municipal boundaries.]
• [Dunn & Bradstreet data by SIC code.]
• [Access to local public safety/emergency response agency listing.]
• [Floodplains.]
• [Access to New York's industrial chemical survey database.]
• [Aerial photography for trend analysis.]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-128
January 1993
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Emergency and Remedial
Response Division
The Emergency and Remedial Response Division (ERRD) is responsible for the
development, implementation, and coordination of Regional activities under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) and the Superfund Amendments and Re-authorization Act (SARA) of
1986. The Division manages a comprehensive program for site evaluation,
expedited response actions, immediate removals, and long-term remedial actions
including cost recovery activities. The Division also serves as the focal point for all
emergency response and emergency contingency planning activities and is
responsible for a spill control and monitoring program under Section 313 of the
Clean Water Act
The Division is comprised of the following Branches: Program Support Branch,
New York/Caribbean Superfund Branches; New Jersey Superfund Branches;
Response and Prevention Branch located in Edison, New Jersey; and the Removal
Action Branch located in Edison, New Jersey. Figure 10 shows the
organizational structure of the Division. Descriptions of each Branch are provided
in the following Section.
The Program Support Branch (PSB) consists of the Technical and
Preremedial Support; Federal Facilities; Contract Management; and Planning and
Information Management Sections. The Branch is responsible for managing
contract awards, evaluation and use, maintenance of a variety of Regional and
agency databases, broad enforcement support, and policy coordination. The
Branch manages the Superfund site assessment and investigation programs, dioxin
sites, and activities to de-list sites from the National Priority List (NPL). The
Branch provides Regional and Divisional expertise in several technical subject areas
(i.e., risk assessment) and fosters inter- and intra-Division coordination in the
Superfund Program.
1. The Technical and Preremedial Support Section provides program
implementation and policy assistance to state and Regional Superfund units and
serves as liaison with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(ATSDR) and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA). The Section provides technical expertise and review by experts on
USEPA Region II QIS User Needs Assessment A-129
January 1993
1113/b-S
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Figure 10
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ACTION
BRANCH
N. Pane
REMOVAL
SECTION A
J. RotoU
REMOVAL
SECTION •
J. WittaAki
TECHNICAL
- SUPPORT
SECTION
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technical documents for other Branches; provides expertise in on-site
remediation technologies and hydrogeology. Coordinates the Quality
Assurance/Quality Control Program for the Division and works with the
Environmental Services Division to ensure the accuracy and reliability of
scientific data. The Section also implements the national dioxin strategy for
Region II.
The Section also implements the site discovery investigation and ranking
aspects for the Superfund Program, including the Preliminary Assessment and
Site Investigation (PA/SI) Programs, maintenance of databases related to site
assessments and ranking; and Hazard Ranking Systems (HRS) files. The
Section reviews site information and conducts HRS evaluations, prepares
public dockets for the National Priority List (NPL) candidates, and coordinates
Regional efforts to delete sites from the NPL.
2. The Federal Facilities Section is responsible for overviewing all preremedial and
remedial activities associated with federal facilities in Region n, including
maintaining the federal facilities docket, assuring Preliminary Assessment/Site
Investigations at all docket sites, and evaluating all sites for hazard ranking.
This involves overseeing other federal agencies implementing remedial activities
at their facilities in accordance with SARA and agency policy. While other
federal agencies direct their own study efforts, this Section assures that all
CERCLA/SARA policies and procedures are followed so that final remedy will
be consistent with other CERCLA sites. The Section provides liaison between
preremedial, remedial action programs, the Regional Federal Facilities
Coordinator, and headquarters office of federal activities. It reviews the
implementation of the Department of Defense Installation Restoration Program
and the formerly utilized Facilities Program; provides input to the A-106
Review Process; ensures that appropriate federal facilities are considered for
inclusion on the National Priority List; coordinates the deletion process for
federal facilities; and advises the Response and Prevention Branch of releases,
which are potentially imminent endangerment to the public health or the
environment, and coordinates with state agencies.
3 • The Contract Management Section is responsible for programmatic management
and oversight of Superfund contracts. These activities include the development
of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), proposal reviews, and recommendations for
contractor selection for the Alternative Remedial Contracting Strategy (ARCS)
and other Regional Superfund support contracts. The Section tracks and
monitors contract budgets and develops work plans. The Section makes
recommendations to the Regional Performance Review Board on contractor
performance and communicates to the contractor the problems and what is
needed to implement program requirements and performance improvement
The Section is also responsible for coordinating for the Superfund Program all
design and construction activities.
4- The Planning and Information Management Section is responsible for planning,
designing, and implementing new program initiatives directed by SARA,
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January 1993
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headquarters, and Regional management; organizing and coordinating the
collection, verification, entry and tracking of hazardous waste site data,
Strategic Planning and Management commitments and the Superfund
Comprehensive Accomplishments Plan; the development of the Division's
annual work plan and budget proposals; regulatory progress reports for
management; working with the Information Systems Branch and headquarters
to implement and maintain computerized systems, such as CERCLIS, local area
networks, coordinating headquarters program reviews, establishing and
maintaining a comprehensive consolidated filing system to document
information on Superfund sites in the inventory, and responding to Freedom of
Information Requests (FOIRs).
This Section will also provide consolidated enforcement contract, case
management, and program support, such as potentially responsible party (PRP)
searches, civil investigations related to PRP searches, preparation of
administrative records oversight and monitoring of the case management
budget, coordinating the development of cost recovery case referrals and
ongoing litigation support needs, and issuing information request letters, notice
letters, and evaluation responses.
The New York/Caribbean Superfund Branches (NY/CSB) perform a full
range of activities in the Superfund Program including, for example, federally
funded activities, enforcement activities to complete potentially responsible party
cleanups, and cost recovery activities.
The Branch conducts hazard assessment and manages cooperative agreements for
hazardous waste sites in New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The
Branch monitors nonbinding allocations of responsibility (NEAR); negotiates
settlements and de minimis settlements as appropriate; manages CERCLA technical
enforcement activities and drafts administrative orders; follows up on compliance
with orders and with negotiated settlements; develops cost recovery cases; and
conducts negotiations with responsible parties. The Branch also provides overview
for state/territory enforcement activities and provides technical support to attorneys
on litigation. The Branch also prepares and updates the Regional program plan
within the Superfund Comprehensive Accomplishments Plan (SCAP) process and
carries out Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies (RI/FS) responsibilities.
The Branch performs or oversees remedial design activities; manages EPA remedial
contractor activities; serves as on-site coordinator, as needed; oversees construction;
serves as liaison with the Corps of Engineers for design and construction projects;
and manages EPA responsibilities for operation and maintenance of facilities
constructed at NPL sites. The Branch also supports cost recovery actions and
participates in establishing raultiyear site cleanup schedules, and reviews
monitoring plans and data. The Branch focuses its efforts within the state and
coordinates all activities with state officials, as appropriate.
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January 1993
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New Jersey Superfund Branches (NJSB) carry out the same activities as the
New York/Caribbean Superfund Branches in Northern, Central, and Southern New
Jersey.
The Response and Prevention Branch (RPB) in Edison, New Jersey,
consists of three Sections whose staff screen incoming notifications of oil and
hazardous substance releases; manage the Regional Emergency Response Program.
including contingency planning; manage the Oil Spill Prevention Program; conduct
short-term removal actions as defined under the National Contingency Plan (NCP);
and are responsible for managing the implementation of the Emergency Planning
and Community Right-to-Know Act for the Region.
The Branch is divided into three Sections: Response Sections A and B and the
Preparedness Section.
1 . Response Sections A and B screen incoming notifications of oil and hazardous
substances releases, respond to significant environmental episodes, conduct Oil
spill prevention inspections, and undertake short-term removal-type mitigation
activities (or responsible party oversight). The Section also provides the
Regional project officers) for mitigation and technical assistance team
contractors managed by the Branch. Response Section A will be responsible
for managing the notification system, including the database of oil spills and
hazardous substance releases and Emergency Response Program.
2 . The Preparedness Section implements the provisions of the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act Activities include overseeing
state implementation of the act, and deli vering agency technical and training
support to state and local governments, as appropriate. This group will also be
responsible for enforcing the notification requirements of the CWA, CERCLA.
and SARA Tide HI, implementing the Chemical Safety Program and managing
the two Regional response teams, and performing oil spill and hazardous
substance contingency planning and catastrophic contingency planning
for the Region.
The Removal Action Branch (RAB) in Edison, New Jersey, consists of
Sections whose staff manage removal actions for emergency, time-critical and n°n
time-critical actions for both NPL and non-NPL sites. The Branch performs
removal assessments; undertakes enforcement activities to encourage potentially
responsible parties to conduct removal actions; directs contractor activities at
removal sites; manages activities for hazardous waste disposal; and coordinates
with all involved federal, state, and local agencies; the interested public; and the
Regional Response Team to ensure that removal sites are properly addressed in
conformance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies, within the
criteria of other involved agencies and in full support of the public welfare.
1 . Removal Sections A and B functions include cleanup of releases, or potential
releases, of hazardous substances at both NPL and non-NPL sites; monitoring
the longer term removal activities for responsible parties; undertaking susta^
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and short-term time-critical and non-time-critical federally funded removal
actions; providing technical field support and coordinating the administrative
and investigative aspects of enforcement associated with removal actions;
managing and administering TAT, FRCS, and site-specific contracting
mechanisms; conducting assessments of sites to determine potential for removal
actions; and coordinating Regional interaction with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and Regional participation in federally declared
disasters.
2. TJie Technical Support Section functions include conducting removal site
evaluations to determine their removal eligibility, enforcement activities as
needed, and review and assessment for "site safety" as required by the 90-day
study. The Section also includes a safety expert who provides safety support
and training to the Branch. Technical and regulatory expertise in material
disposal, including RCRA requirements, is provided to the Region.
Potential CIS uses include:
• Overlaying site and property maps to identify responsible parties.
• Analysis of hydrology, topography, and soil information to design
sampling for environmental contaminants.
• Location of hospitals, schools, senior citizen facilities, and natural resources
within a given area in the event of an accidental oil spill.
• Location of fire house and emergency facilities to aid in a response.
• Plotting of spill models to determine potential health and environmental
impacts.
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January 1993
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PSB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Branch?
PSB is responsible for the preliminary assessment of potential Superfund sites;
site investigations to determine potential health and ecological impacts;
compiling data from a variety of sources to rank sites for potential listing on the
National Priority List (NPL); and determining those sites that require no further
action.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
Data from a variety of sources are used in environmental decisions in the
ranking of sites for cleanup, including:
• Air, water, and soil samples.
• Population distribution (within specified distances from the site—i.e., 1/4,
1/2, 1, 2, and 4 miles).
• Locations of wetlands and other critical habitats.
• Land use characterization.
• Data on fishers and fish consumption.
• Locations of endangered species.
• Aerial photographs interpreted by EPIC.
• Literature searches to identify site history.
• Facility data.
• Other regulatory actions at the facility.
• Ownership of the facility.
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• Source contamination (physical state and quantity).
• Locations of drinking water and underground injection control wells.
• Latitude/Longitude for the site.
• Uses of groundwater in the site area.
• Geology, geohydrology, and soil types.
• Surface water contamination.
• Topography.
• [Modeling data.]
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
• Site investigation reports developed by the contractor.
• Historical data on the site (permits, and so forth).
• Aerial photographs.
• Tax maps.
• States.
• Other federal agencies, such as Fish and Wildlife, NOAA, ATSDR, and so
forth.
• Data from responsible parties.
• Sampling data.
• Maps of the area.
• Well locations.
• Census data on population, street networks, and so forth.
• Air, water, and soil contaminant sample data from the Contract Laboratory
Program.
• National databases such as STORET, AIRS, and so forth.
• CERCLIS database.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment A-136
January 1993
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The data are primarily provided by the states on state lead sites, the Principal
Responsible Party, and the Field Investigation Team analysis.
The data are stored in CERCLIS and the Contract Laboratory Program
Analytical Results Database (CARD). The CERCLIS data are available under
FOI and are provided as requested by the public. [The CARD database is
considered to contain fairly high quality data, but only a portion of the analytical
data collected are entered into this database. The Branch also uses its own PC
database for tracking the decision-making process for sites.]
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
The GIS would allow the possibility of automating much of the data used to
rank hazardous waste sites. It will also allow for the following activities:
• Buffer zones around sites to identify critical habitats, population density,
aquifer locations, well locations, and locations of other permitted facilities.
• Analysis of multiple types of data on a single map.
• Development and easy modification of maps for public meetings and
briefings that will allow graphical display of the site information.
• Analysis of the impacts of multiple sites on aquifers and other water bodies.
• Location of other facilities near Superfund sites.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
• Population maps.
• Accurate locations of current sites (both NPL and non-NPL).
• Accurate location data of other EPA regulated facilities.
• Soil coverages for large geographic areas.
• Ecological attributes (including habitat, endangered species).
• Historical data on sites.
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January 1993
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NY/CSB Survey Results
1. Briefly describe the types of environmental decisions made by
Remedial Project Managers.
Remedial Project Managers (RPMs) are responsible for overseeing all activities
at potential and existing Superfund sites from the time of initial identification
through remediation or cleanup. The site undergoes a multiphase process
described below.
1. The site is first identified as a facility requiring action under Superfund.
Information on a potential site might come from a variety of sources,
including the public who might report a facility within their neighborhood, a
former employee who might report past practices at the facility, or the state
who might identify problems at a specific facility.
2. Following the identification of the site as a potential problem, a Preliminary
Assessment/Site Investigation (PA/SI) is begun to develop information to
rank the site using the Hazard Ranking System (HRS). The HRS requires a
variety of information (i.e., site location, information on media [air, ground
or surface water, soil] contaminated), information on concentration and
constituents making up the contamination (i.e., what chemicals and at what
levels), routes of exposure (i.e., dermal, inhalation, and ingestion), number
of people potentially exposed within specified distances from the facility,
and information on any contaminants mat are affecting the ecology of the
area. This information is combined and analyzed using a computer package
tided HRS. With the exception of a few sites that satisfy special criteria,
only those sites with a HRS score of 28.5 or more are listed on the National
Priority List (NPL). The site is first proposed for listing on the NPL; and
following public comment is given final listing status. A site which is listed
on the NPL is further characterized using Steps 3 through 7, outlined
below.
3. Depending on the site, the responsibility for the following steps might be
the responsibility of the state (state led) or the federal government (EPA
led). In some cases the Principal Responsible Party (PRP) who originally
abandoned the facility might be assigned the lead with EPA oversight.
4. The next step involves the Remedial Investigation (RI) where additional
samples of the contamination are collected to better characterize the site.
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January 1993
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The RI evaluates the "No Further Action," or NFA, alternative. The NFA
evaluates what will happen if no remediation or cleanup is taken at the site.
To evaluate the NFA alternative, a risk assessment (RA) is performed to
identify the risks associated with the site. The RA allows the comparison of
risks from exposure through various pathways (i.e., inhalation, ingestion,
or dermal contact). Only EPA or its contractors are allowed to develop the
risk assessment. Under the National Contingency Plan (NCP) a risk range
of 10~4 to 10'6 range is used to determine if further action is required.
Risks greater than 10~4 require continuation of the process to evaluate
potential alternatives for cleanup.
Both a human health and an ecological risk assessment are performed.
However, numerical criteria are not currently available to evaluate ecological
risks and a qualitative assessment is performed.
5. The FS evaluates alternatives to cleanup with the ultimate goal to select the
remedy for the site. Based on the risks (both human health and ecology) a
number of remedies or cleanup alternatives are evaluated for the site.
The selection of the remediation is based on the following criteria:
• Protectiveness of human health and the environment.
• ARAR criteria,
• Long-term effectiveness and permanence.
• Reduction of toxicity mobility or volume.
• Short-term effectiveness.
• Ability to be implemented.
• Cost.
• State acceptance.
• Community acceptance.
A proposed plan detailing the Agency's proposed alternative for site cleanup
and the rationale for that preference is developed and distributed to the
public for review and comment.
6. Based on the comments on the proposed plan, a Record of Decision (ROD)
is released that summarizes the significant findings throughout the process,
selects the remedy for site cleanup, and identifies remedial action cleanup
goals and objectives. Where viable PRPs are present, EPA will afford the
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January 1993
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PRP the opportunity to conduct the design and implementation of the
remedy, or may order the PRPs to perform the work. If the work is not
performed by the PRPs, EPA utilizes federal funds for remediation.
Depending on the site there can be a number of PRPs responsible for paying
for the cleanup.
7. The RPM oversees the remediation phase of the project, including remedial
design and remedial action. The Corps of Engineers is also often involved
in "fund" led remedial designs and remedial actions. Types of remediation
might include pumping and treating groundwater contamination, soil
extraction, soil excavation, and air stripping to remove Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs). The RPM will oversee all remediation at the site until
the contamination is removed or reduced to levels identified in the ROD.
During this RI/FS process the RPM will oversee either state, federal, or
PRP contractors responsible for evaluating the site. Types of information
that will be evaluated include geology, hydrology, groundwater table
information, sampling results from air sampling, location of drinking water
wells, location of residential wells, aerial photographs, water and soil
contamination, and historical records on the site (i.e., location, prior uses of
the facility, soil types, and manufacturing processes).
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decisions?
A number of potential sources of information were identified in the previous
Section. Other types of data routinely used include:
• Air quality data.
• Water quality data,
*
• Soil contaminant data.
• Groundwater discharge points to identify potential discharge points for
water after it is treated.
• Groundwater use in the area (i.e., location of public wells and residential
wells).
• Location and size of the plume.
• Risks from the various pathways of exposure.
• Populations potentially exposed.
• Location of schools, homes, and other residential populations.
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January 1993
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• Site maps including aerial photography interpreted by EPA's Environmental
Photointerpretation Investigation Center (EPIC).
• Visit to the site to evaluate current conditions.
• Toxicological information is evaluated by the risk assessors.
• Data on ecological characteristics of the site such as locations of wetlands or
sensitive ecological areas.
• [Databases used include CERCLIS, RP2M, RODS, and the NPL update
book. RP2M is used instead of WASTELAN.]
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, RPM)? Are these data
provided to other agencies for decision making?
Depending on the type of site (i.e., EPA, state, or PRP led), data might be
provided by:
• Potentially responsible parties.
• State Departments of Environmental Protection or Health.
• EPA (historical data on permits, lexicological data, aerial photography, and
so forth).
• Contractors to either the state, EPA, or PRP.
4. How might GIS be used in your decision making?
GTS would provide an excellent mechanism for displaying the myriad of data
available on the site to aid in making better decisions. For example, the GIS
would be extremely useful in developing site maps to identify the spatial
location of the site to schools, hospitals, and other areas.
The GIS would also be helpful in showing the location and size of the
contaminated plume. The GIS could be used to generate maps showing the
locations of the aquifer, water table, sampling well locations including
contaminant levels, location of the public water supply wells, and the size of
plume. Next, depending on the availability of historical data, it would be
helpful to display the location and action of the plume over time, including
modeling of the potential impacts of the plume. It would also be useful in
evaluating multiple-source plumes and the potential impacts of several
proximate hazardous waste sites on groundwater quality. A similar analysis
might also be carried out for soil and air samples, including modeling where
appropriate.
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January 1993
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The GIS might also be helpful in summarizing various data from sampling in
different media allowing the mapping of hot spots of contamination. The GIS
would also enable the evaluation of contaminant trends in various media over
time.
Site maps might also be helpful in developing sampling strategies to more
clearly define the extent of die contaminant plume.
Visual displays of the contaminant data on maps would be essential in briefing
senior managers and the public on the site and proposed remediation
alternatives.
5. What types of data would you like to have in GIS format to help
make better decisions?
Essentially, as much data as possible would be helpful in carrying out the RI/FS
process. Specific types of data might include:
• Locations of residential groundwater wells.
• Location of water supply lines and drinking water wells.
• Location of Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs), including sewage
lines and treatment lines, to determine whether the water from pump and
treatment can be accepted by the POTW.
• Outfalls to surface water in case this is the preferred method for discharge of
treated water.
• Background information on groundwater and surface water quality
information (e.g., what are the background levels of arsenic and other
naturally occurring chemicals).
• Surface water elevations and groundwater elevations, especially U.S.
Geological Survey Surface Water Monitoring Networks.
• Depth to bedrock or bedrock elevations.
• Thickness of overburden material above bedrock.
• Water table elevations.
• Location of groundwater networks.
• Location of other Superfund sites in relation to site under investigation.
• Location of other EPA permitted facilities.
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• Street networks.
• Physical display of contaminant plumes already identified in the area.
• Aerial photographs including interpretation.
• Location of samples (both spatially and temporally).
• QA/QC data display over time.
• USGS standard water quality parameters and changes over time.
• Locations of schools, homes, and so forth, within specified distances
(i.e., 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 4 miles) of the site.
• Locations of wetlands and endangered species habitats.
• Locations of ecologically sensitive areas.
• Meteorological conditions for the area.
• Ability to display results from modeling of groundwater, air, surface water.
and so forth.
• Ability to track progress over time of the contamination or the cleanup of the
site.
• [Location of business/industries by SIC code.]
• [Demographic data.]
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January 1993
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RPB/RAB Survey Results
1. Would you briefly describe the types of environmental decisions
you make in your Division?
The Branch description provided by HRB is basically accurate. Branch
functions are split between emergency response and response planning, as
follows:
Emergency Response Sections A and B: The Branch's two emergency
response Sections maintain a spill hot-line to receive reports on incidents. Most
calls are referred to the state for action. The magnitude and proximity of the
spill to people and environmentally sensitive areas generally dictate whether
EPA responds directly.
Preparedness Section: SARA preparedness planning activities for oil spills and
large chemical incidents have primarily been administrative (i.e., the
identification of lead and participating agencies involved in emergency response
by area). Emergency response planning under the Oil Pollution Act will be
more facility specific.
2. What types of information do you routinely use in environmental
decision making?
A variety of information sources are used by the Branch for emergency
response and planning, including aerial photographs, facility blueprints, USGS
topographic maps, and Hagstrom street maps. The Branch maintains the
Emergency Response Notification System12 (ERNS), which is a PC-based
dBASE system used to store information on reported releases of oil and
hazardous substances. ERNS includes information on the nature and location
of the release, but is limited to the information that is initially reported, and may
not be updated after response is completed. The Branch also uses the Computer
Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) System. CAMEO is
also a PC-based system and has tools for analyzing spills and response options.
It can display facility and transportation maps and model chemical exposures,
and includes chemical and population databases. At the time of the interview,
maps were unavailable for Region n facilities and the system was primarily
used for its chemical files and air model. The Section plans to utilize TIGER
files for basemaps for the system in the future. The Spill Prevention, Control
12See database summary sheets for more information.
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January 1993
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arid Counter-measures (SPCC) System is a PC-based dBASE system maintained
by Response Section A to store information from inspections of oil storage
facilities.
3. Who provides these data (state, Region, PRP, and so forth)? Do
you export these data to other agencies for their decision making?
Data entered into ERNS are provided by whoever reports the spill. Reports are
documented by EPA and state agencies for entry into the system. CAMEO can
include data from a variety of sources (i.e., facility maps, Census Bureau
TTGER and population files, meteorological data, EPA chemical information,
[NJ CRTK chemical database], and so forth). Information entered into SPCC
are from EPA inspections, but New York State maintains a similar system for
state inspections.
4. Based on the description of GIS can you envision any potential
uses for GIS in your work?
Potential uses for GIS include planning for different spill scenarios, including
identification of best escape routes and mapping of sensitive environments, and
population subgroups.
5. What type of data would you like to have in a GIS format to help
you make better decisions?
The following information was identified as being potentially useful as GIS data
layers:
• Accurate facility locations and related data on chemical storage.
• Facility maps.
•• TIGER and population files from CENSUS.
• USGS quad maps.
• Sensitive habitats.
• [Access points to rivers and lakes.]
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January 1993
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[New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation Survey Results]
[ 1. What is the status of CIS activities in the department?
Division of Water: The Division is completing a 1:100,000 hydrology
coverage (in ARC/INFO for New York State). Because of the scale of the data,
complete coverage of hydrology does not exist. Thus, the Division is using
scanned images to identify and add line data to the coverage, state Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) sites are also being added, and their
locational accuracy improved though use of GPS, in cooperation with EPA.
The next step in the process will be to incorporate flow data from USGS.
In a pilot effort for one basin, the Division has designated water quality
problems using Clean Water Act Section 305b data (e.g., type of problems,
reasons for use impairment). This effort is pointing out the need for
information to better locate and identify facilities.
Groundwater resources have been mapped and the eighteen priority aquifers
have been digitized. The Division is also involved with EPA in a Wellhead
Protection Program, and has generated a coverage of Public Water Supplies.
Division of Air: GIS efforts within the Division are just beginning, with the
installation of one workstation. The Division is starting the initiatives identified
two years ago, including using the 1990 emission inventory for point source
emissions to identify hot spots.
Division of Land and Forestry: Most (tabular) databases of the Division
are available, but need to be manipulated for using with GIS. The Division is
working on a GIS database for mile-wide river corridors and is 80 percent
complete now.
Division of Management Planning and Information Systems
Division: Two significant efforts that have been concluded since the 1991
conceptual design study include (1) demonstration of the utility of scanned
maps as background coverage for (a) use in adding detail to other coverages,
and (b) use in supplying background detail and perspective when viewing and
displaying other coverages; (2) demonstration of a multimedia project—use of
GIS as front-end query and display of top 400 air emitters and parametric data.
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2. Response to questions raised by Region II staff during the
interviews about the status and availability of state data.
Could the Region have direct on-line access to air quality telemetry data? Air
quality telemetry data are uploaded to AIRS on a quarterly basis and are
accessible to EPA on that basis. The state's Source Emissions Management
System database will be rewritten to support the new CAA amendments. The
state will be adding toxics and acid deposition data to its database.
What state data are available in GIS for RCRA sites? The department has a
"snapshot" GIS database for inactive RCRA sites.
Does the state have databases for solid waste and USTs? For solid waste, the
state has only paper records and area maps. For USTs the state has a database
for construction grants, Spill Response Program, chemical bulk storage, and
industrial chemical survey. The accuracy of locational data is not good,
however, and there are no current plans to improve the locational accuracy.
Does the state have a biosurvey database? Yes, it is probably available through
Fisheries—contact Jerry Rassraussen at 783-5733.
What is the status and availability of state wetlands mapping? The state
regulatory wetlands map is expected to be complete in digital format by
March 1993.
Does the state have a radium uranium inventory map? We don't know. Check
with the Department of Education—Robert Fakunding.
Does the state have a hazardous waste manifest database that EPA may access?
The state is beginning document imaging of hazardous waste manifest data.
Does the state maintain its own TRI database? Yes, TRI data reside in a
database written in FoxPro. TRI data have been linked to an ARC/INFO
coverage of the 400 top pollution sources in the state and is available in this
format.
Is the state developing a database for its Wellhead Protection Program? An
inventory of source contaminants is underway, but the information has not yet
been entered into a database.
Does the state have a cultural resources map? The Parks and Recreation
Division is digitizing historic sites now.
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3. What are the department's CIS needs and what directions and
strategies have been identified to meet these needs in the long and
short term?
Division of Water: Would like a soils coverage (1:15,840 scale). There is a
need to find and map CSOs. The Division would like to work with EPA
toward using Reach File3 data in CIS. The Division would like improvement
in point data level of accuracy. 1:24,000 detail is needed for hydrology, along
with river reaches and watershed index number. Will be working to use
STORET data with GIS.
Division of Land and Forestry: Needs GPS for state land ownership.
A recurrent theme in the state's GIS efforts thus far is the need for high-quality
digital data. DEC will be testing its GIS conceptual database design by
developing 1:24,000 data for a four-quad area.
The multimedia projects now underway are shifting focus to data
architecture/standards issues and emphasizing the need for a data clearinghouse
function.
There is a need for a federal/state coordinated data development effort, with
sufficient commitment and funding provided to support it through completion.
The state would like to see federal agencies take the lead in collection of spatial
data. There is also a need to compile a catalog of geodata.
In GIS development efforts, DEC would like to see implementation of a "stable
of experts" concept, for easy access to contractors with the required expertise.
Improvements in communication with EPA are needed regarding data
availability.
With the distributed processing approach to GIS comes the need for Divisional
expertise in data development
With GIS applications initiatives, the state would like to focus on environmental
issues of concern to business/economic development within the state (e.g., pre-
spill planning, damage assessment, and restoration monitoring).
The state would like to move more toward approaching environmental issues as
applied research and involve the pool of resources available at the universities in
the effort
USEPA Region II CIS User Needs Assessment A-148
January 1993
1333/6-2
-------
From conference call, August 4, 1992, with
Tom Donovan
Larry Albers
Fred Van Alstyne
Gordon Howe
Curt Schwartz]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-149
January 1993
-------
[New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection and Energy Survey Results]
[ 1. What is the status of GIS activities in the department?
Since the needs assessment and purchase of a system in 1987, the department's
organizational structure has changed, from media-specific departments to its
current structure by functional group (i.e., permitting, enforcement, and so
forth). This places more focus on GIS as a media integration tool. The
Division of Science and Research was the first to use GIS within the department
and now acts as a coordinator, overseeing system administration and providing
training.
Through the development of the Department Integrated Facility (DEF) file, the
department is attempting to integrate six permitting systems: the National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Community Right to Know,
APEDS (the state's Air Pollution permitting and monitoring database), UST,
and two hazardous waste databases. The goal is to have one file per facility for
each of the 96,000 facilities in the state. DEPE is starting a GPS Program to
improve locational data in file.
In terms of spatial data, the department has 1986 orthophotos at 1:24,000 and
1:12,000 for the entire state. Currently, 1991's are being completed and will be
available in black/white 1:24,000 digital imagery.
The 1:12,000 orthophotography is being used to digitize a freshwater wetlands
layer, which is about 70 percent complete.
All coverages are now in NAD 27; will be converting to NAD 83, as well as
migrating from a Prime to a Sun hardware platform.
The Geologic Survey of DEPE is developing aquifer recharge maps for the state
using GIS, The process will be done in a series of steps, first developing
potential recharge values for each polygon derived through modeling hydrologic
and meteorological factors, then examining groundwater flow to develop a
geologic permeability layer, and finally conducting modeling with the derived
data to develop the recharge layers. Completion of the aquifer recharge and
wellhead protection coverages depend on completion of the ITUM coverage for
the state.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-150
January 1993
-------
(A data dictionary of the current GIS database was provided.)
What are the department's GIS needs and what directions and
strategies have been identified to meet these needs in the long and
short term?
New Jersey's approach to GIS is to look to well-accepted standards and
national databases, and use these where available and appropriate. Where the
state's needs are different, standards are modified and data developed to suit
those needs. DEPE's long-term approach to GIS development also involves
encouragement and guidance of county and local GIS development efforts for
state compatibility and data sharing. Of the twenty-one counties in the state,
seven have GIS and five more will have it this year. Grants awarded to county
health departments allow them to purchase hardware and software, and the state
provides available data which the counties can update using state data standards.
State legislation requires a Discharge Prevention and Control Countermeasure
Plan be developed for 1,200 facilities in the state, requiring mapping of
environmentally sensitive areas within a fifteen-mile radius of the site. State
GIS data will be made available to help in this effort.
The New Jersey Sewer Infrastructure Improvement Act requires mapping of
coastal storm and sanitary sewer outfalls. DEPE was involved in specifying the
basemap requirements for this effort.
The state has a mapping advisory committee, chaired by DEPE, which is open
to public and private interests with the goal of coordinating the effort. A soon-
to-be-released product of the committee is a GIS Resource Guide of GIS data
availability for the state.
From interview conducted on August 6,1992, with
Pat Cummens
Larry Thornton
Gail Carter]
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment A-151
January 1993
-------
Appendix B
Software Requirements
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
-------
Appendix B
Software Requirements
Input
Data Input: Ability to interactively digitize, scan, use COGO programs, and
convert from CAD and other digital file formats.
Edit
Point/Line/Area Management: Ability to flexibly display and edit geographic
point, line, and area information, including associated attribute information.
Network Management: Ability to flexibly display and edit linked geographic
point and line information, including associated attribute information.
Route Management: Ability to flexibly display and edit route and event
attributes linked to geographic line information.
Event Tracking: Ability to log events of all types for historic tracking, status
query, and activity reports.
Quality Control/Coverage Processing: Ability to perform cartographic data
editing and update.
Correction of errors through interactive editing.
Interactive addition/modification of existing cartographic features/attributes.
Ability to automatically generate topological relationships.
Ability to transform from one coordinate system to another.
Ability to edgematch and mapjoin coverages.
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment B-i
January 1993
133VO-3
-------
Storage/Management
Storage/Management: Ability to store, manage, and retrieve map features and
the attributes associated with them as an integrated unit.
Analysis
Overlay: Ability to perform point-, line-, and area-in-area analysis. Ability to
perform geographic area aggregation and disaggregation.
Geocoding: Ability to geolocate databases through relationships to other
databases that contain the needed primary geographic identifiers. Ability to perform
address matching, in which an address may be matched to the address range on a
street segment based on the relationship of a specific address to address ranges.
The address match should result in establishment of an interpolated point to which
is assigned coordinate values.
Modeling and Scenario Management: Ability to create models based upon
real data and then accept or reject, from one or more scenarios, models for
incorporation into the real data set.
Network Analysis: Ability to simulate flows or movement through a network
and ability to tie districting results to network features. Works with defined routes
and events.
Site Evaluation: Ability to determine an area site using selection criteria.
Includes the ability to buffer selected points, b'nes, or areas as part of the set
selection process.
Terrain Modeling: Ability to perform surface analyses including calculation of
elevation, area, volume, slope, and aspect; measurement of surface distances;
analysis of proximity and visibility; generation of contours; and generation of
profile graphs.
Thematic Display: Ability to create thematic displays, including automatic
statistical selections, histograms, and cartographic legends.
Route Calculation: Ability to generate optimum routes for selection criteria,
balancing stop times, loading, and schedules. Provides map itinerary and travel
instructions.
Temporal Analysis: Ability to perform time change analysis on time-stamped
and/or historic data sets, to display rate of change patterns, and to provide step-wise
progression through data sets simulating an animation effect.
USEPA Region IIQIS User Needs Assessment B-ii
January 1993
-------
Modeling Interface: Ability to provide GIS-generated data as model parameters
to run models, to add modeling results to the GIS database, and to display results in
relation to other GIS data layers.
Query
Query Management: Ability to create, name, save, and restore combinations of
spatial and tabular queries. Ability to extract, display, and browse spatial data and
associated attributes based on pointing to a map feature or by user-defined
windows, such as a circle or box. Ability to select data items using values of
specific attributes, defined by arithmetic, relational, or logical expressions. The end
result of the query process is a selection set that can be used to compose maps and
reports.
Output
Thematic Mapping: Ability to create descriptive map products that include
business graphics, such as a pie chart, as well as symbology related to locational
statistics.
Map Composition and Formatting: Ability to compose and plot a map sheet
from predefined map formats, maintaining flexibility between page size and
drawing scales. Includes composition of map layers, features, and symbology.
Ability to create, display, and edit map formats, including layouts, logos, title
block, legend area, scale bar, North arrow, and so forth.
Report Composition and Formatting: Ability to create, display, and edit
report formats. Includes ability to define header, body, and footer areas of a report;
select fields; determine summary and calculated fields; and define columns and
widths. Also includes ability to create mailing label formats and specialized output
formats such as character delimited files.
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment B-iii
January 1993
-------
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11 li I I I Ir IR lo lo lo |o |o |o |o |o |o |o |R |o |o |o
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produce maps showing :he effectiveness of stabilization and corrective action measures
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display and query landfill and USt data
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develop priority maps for training and education projects
li li I I I U IR I I I I I I lo I I I IR lo
display NURI data for states
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display soil data and radon levels
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locate and display geologic deposits
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locate and display radon data by zip code
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analyze trends of changes in habitat acreage
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assess impacts of proposed projects/permit applications
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compile and store geographic data for immediate access to aid in emergency response
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develop maps for regional reports and public information literature
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locate drinking water wells, hazardous waste sites (active and abandoned), and sewage treatment plants
Z2 li h I I I li IR I I I I IR I
locate non-PRASA drinking water supply intakes relative to discharges for vulnerability analysis
Fo li I: I I I li IR I I I I I I I I I I IH I
target water supply systems that are in non-compliance using information from FROS
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evaluate contaminant trends in various media over time
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locate schools, hospitals, and other areas near sites
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analyze impacts of multiple sites on aquifers and other waterbodiei
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analyze multiple types of data on a single map
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develop and easily modify maps of site information for public meetings and briefings
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locate critical habitats, pop density, aquifer f well locations, and other permitted facilities around sites
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locate other facilities near Superfund sites
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locate fire house and emergency facilities to aid in an emergency response
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locate hospitals, schools, elderly f«cilici«s, and natural resources in proximity of an oil spill (actual/hypi
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prioritize UIC wells for enforcement/inspections based on threats to groundwater resources
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prioritize/target enforcement activities — risk based enforcement
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store and display monitoring data, water supplies, and well locations
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computerized file management of wetlands permit data
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iitr«d Functionality B_10
-------
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-------
Appendix C
Acronyms
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
I3XVM
-------
Appendix C
Acronyms
Appendix C provides a list of acronyms used within the inventory.
ACB
ADP
AFS
AIRS
AML
AMSS
AO
APB
AQS
ARA
ARC/INFO
ATSDR
AVID
AWM
BIOS
BRS
CAA
CAAA
CAD
CADRE
CAIR
CAMEO
Air Compliance Branch in the Air and Waste
Management Division
Automated Data Processing
Air Facilities Subsystem (subsystem of AIRS)
Aerometric Information Retrieval System
ARC Macro Language
Area/Mobile Source Subsystem (subsystem of
AIRS)
Administrative Orders
Air Programs Branch in the Air and Waste
Management Division
Air Quality Subsystem (subsystem of AIRS)
Assistant Regional Administrator
Computer software package developed by
Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.,
in Redlands, California, for geographic analysis
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Advanced Identification
Air and Waste Management Division
Drinking Water, Gage, Biological Data System
(subsystem of STORED
Biennial Reporting System
Clean Air Act
Clean Air Act Amendments
Computer Aided Design
Computer Assisted Data Review and Evaluation
Comprehensive Assessment Information Rule
Computer Aided Management of Emergency
Operations
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
C-1
-------
CARD
CARS
CAS
CAS#
CDS
CERCLA
CERCLIS
CFO
CFR
CGP
CGSPS
CICS
CLP
CME
CO
C02
COE
CPRS
CRTN
CSC
CWA
DEM
DPS
DGWPB
DIGIT
DIME
DLG
DMR
DOCKET
DOE
DOJ
DOT
DRA
DUNS
EDSS
Effi
EIS
EMAP
Contract Laboratory Program Analytical Results
Database
Corrective Action Reporting System (now called
RCRIS)
Chemical Abstract Service
Chemical Abstract Service Number
Compliance Data System
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Information System
Caribbean Field Office
Code of Federal Regulations
Construction Grants Program
Construction Grants/SRF Policy Section in the Water
Management Division
Chemicals in Commerce Information System
Contract Laboratory Program
Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement
(subsystem of HWDMS)
Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Corps of Engineers
Coastal Profile Reporting System
Community Right To Know
Computer Sciences Corporation
Clean Water Act
Digital Elevation Model
Daily Row System (subsystem of STOREp
Drinking/Ground Water Protection Branch in the
Water Management Division
Latitude/Longitude Digitizing Program
Dual Independent Map Encoding Files
Digital Line Graph
Discharge Monitoring Reporting
Enforcement Docket System
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Transportation
Deputy Regional Administrator
Dun and Bradstreet Identification Number
Effluent Data Statistics System
Environmental Impacts Branch in the Office of
Policy and Management
Environmental Impact Statement
Environmental Mapping System
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
C-2
-------
EPA
EPCRA
EPD
EPIC
ERNS
ERRD
ESD
ETS
FACTS
FAT
FATES
FEMA
FFIS
FFTS
FIFRA
FINDS
FIPS
FIT
FK
FMB
FOIA
FRDS
FWS
GAB
GCS
GEMS
GICS
GIS
GLNPO
GNIS
GPS
GRASS
GRIDS
GS
GWMS
HAP
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know
Act
External Programs Division
Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center
Emergency Response Notification System
Emergency and Remedial Response Division
Environmental Services Division
Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know
Section 313 Targeting System
Federal Activities Computerized Tracking System
Feature Attribute Table (ARC/INFO)
FIFRA and TSCA Enforcement System (now known
as Section Seven Tracking System)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Facilities Information Systems
Federal Facility Tracking System
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
Facilities Index System
Federal Information Processing Standards
Field Investigation Team
Parameter, City, County and Fish Kills (subsystem
of STORET)
Financial and Administrative Management Branch in
the Office of Policy and Management
Freedom of Information Act
Federal Reporting Data System
Fish and Wildlife Service
Grants Administrative Branch in the Office of Policy
and Management
Gee-Common Subsystem (subsystem of AIRS)
Geographical Exposure Modeling System (also PC
version)
Grants Information Control System
Information Systems
Great Lakes National Program Office
Geographic Names Information System (U. S.
Geological Survey)
Global Positioning System
Geographic Resource Analysis Support System
Geographic Resources Information and Data System
U. S. Geological Survey
Groundwater Management Section in the Water
Management Division
Hazardous Air Pollutant
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
C-3
-------
HRB
HRS
HSWA
HWCB
HWDMS
HWFB
IAMS
IDEAS
IFD
IMSL
IRM
ISB
ISC
ITUM
LAT/LONG
LDMS
LUST
MLRA
MMB
MOU
MWPB
NAMS
NATICH
NCC
NCDB
NCDC
NCP
NCSS
NDPD
NEDS
NEEDS
NEIC
NEPA
NFA
NFPO
NIMS
Human Resources Branch
Hazard Ranking System
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments
Hazardous Waste Compliance Branch in the Air and
Waste Management Division
Hazardous Waste Data Management System
Hazardous Waste Facilities Branch in the Air and
Waste Management Division
Interagency Agreement Management System
Integrated Data for Enforcement Analysis System
Industrial Facility Discharge File (subsystem of
STORET)
International Mathematical and Statistical Library
Information Resources Management
Information Systems Branch in the Office of Policy
and Management
Interstate Sanitation Commission
Integrated Terrain Unit Map
Latitude/Longitude
Laboratory Data Management System
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Major Land Resource Area
Monitoring and Management Branch in the
Environmental Services Division
Memorandum of Understanding
Marine and Wetlands Protection Branch in the Water
Management Division
National Ambient Monitoring Systems
National Air Toxics Information Clearinghouse
National Computer Center (Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina)
National Compliance Data Base
National Climatic Data Center
National Contingency Plan
National Cooperative Soil Survey
National Data Processing Division (Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina)
National Emissions Data System
Needs Survey
National Enforcement Investigations Center
National Environmental Protection Act
No Further Action
Niagara Frontier Program Office
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Information Management System
USEPA Region IIGIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
C-4
-------
NJDEPE
NMAS
NOAA
NOS
NPDES
NPL
NFS
NTIS
NWIS
NY/NJMPB
NYS
NYSDEC
NYSDOH
OAQPS
OAR
OARM
ODES
OIRM
OPM
ORC
OSC
OSCAR
P&EB
PA
PAB
PC
PCB
PCS
POTW
PPIB
PRASA
PRDOH
PREQB
PRP
PSB
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
and Energy
National Map Accuracy Standards
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Service
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
National Priority List
Nonpoint Source
National Technical Information System (703)
487-4650
National Water Information System
New York/New Jersey Municipal Program Branch in
the Water Management Division
New York Section in the Water Management
Division
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation
New York State Department of Health
Office of Air Quality, Planning and Standards
Office of Air and Radiation
Office of Administration and Resources Management
Ocean Data Evaluation System
Office of Information and Resources Management
Office of Policy and Management
Office of Regional Counsel
On-Scene Coordinators
Official Sample Control and Repository
Planning and Evaluation Branch in the Office of
Policy and Management
Preliminary Assessment
Permits Administration Branch in the Office of
Policy and Management
Personal Computer
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Permits Compliance System
Paniculate matter less than 10 microns in size
Publicly Owned Wastewater Treatment Works
Policy and Program Integration Branch in the Office
of Policy and Management
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority
Puerto Rico Department of Health
Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board
Principal Responsible Party
Program Support Branch in the Emergency and
Remedial Response Division
USEPA Region II GIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
C-5
-------
PSD/NSR
PTSB
PWS
QA/QC
QAPP
QAPjPs
QTRACK
RA
RAB
RAD
RCRA
RCRIS
RF3
RFP
RI/FS
ROD
RODS
RPB
RPM
RSDB
RUQUS
SARA
SAS
SCS
SDWA
SEDM
SESS
SIC
SIP
SLAMS
SLS
SMB
SMWU
SNAP
SO2
SPCC
SPDES
SQL
Prevention of Significant Deterioration/New Source
Review
Pesticides and Toxics Substances Branch in the
Environmental Services Division
Public Water System Supplies
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Quality Action Program Plan
Quality Assurance Project Plans
Quality Assurance Tracking Database
Regional Administrator
Removal Action Branch in the Emergency and
Remedial Response Division
Radiation Branch in the Air and Waste Management
Division
Resources Conservation and Recovery Act
Resources Conservation and Recovery Act
Information System
Reach File 3
Request for Proposal
Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies
Record of Decision (under CERCLA)
Record of Decision Database System
Response and Prevention Branch in the Emergency
and Remedial Response Division
Remedial Project Manager
Radiation Sites Database
Review, Update, and Query System
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
Statistical Analysis System
Soil Conservation Service
Safe Drinking Water Act
State EPA/Data Management
Superfund Enforcement Support System
Standard Industrial Classification Code
State Implementation Plans
State/Local Air Monitoring System
Superfund Litigation System
Surveillance and Monitoring Branch in the
Environmental Services Branch
Solid Waste Management Unit
Significant Non-Compliance Action Program
Sulfur dioxide
Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
State Pollution Discharge Elimination System
Standard Query Language
USEPA Region IIQIS User Needs Assessment
January 1993
C-6
-------
SRF
SSURGO
STARS
STATSGO
STORET
SWDA
SWQB
TIGER
TIN
TOXNET
TRI
TRIS
TSB
TSCA
TSD
TSO
UIC
UIC
UICS
UST
UTM
VIDPNR
VOCs
WBS
WMD
WPCB
WPS
WQAS
WRD
WSVAGS
State Revolving Fund (information available through
the Grants Information Control System)
Soil Survey Geographic Database
Strategic Targeting Activities Reporting System
State Soil Geographic Data Base
Storage and Retrieval of U. S. Waterways
Parametric Data
Solid Waste Disposal Act
Surface Water Quality Branch in the Water
Management Division
Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and
Referencing System
Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN)
National Library of Medicine's Toxicology Network
Toxic Release Inventory
Toxic Release Inventory System
Technical Support Branch in the Emergency and
Remedial Response Division
Toxic Substances Control Act
Treatment, Storage, Disposal
Time Sharing Option
Underground Injection Control
Underground Injection Control Section in the Water
Management Division
Underground Injection Control System
Underground Storage Tank
Universal Transverse Mercator
Virgin Islands' Department of Planning and Natural
Resources
Volatile Organic Compounds
Waterbody System
Water Management Division
Water Permits and Compliance Branch in the Water
Management Division
Wetlands Protection Section in the Water
Management Division
Water Quality Analysis System (subsystem of
STORET)
Water Resources Division of USGS
Water Supply Violation Assessment Graphics
System
USEPA Region I
January 1993
GIS User Needs Assessment
C-7
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