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Vol. 6. IMos. 8 & 9
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
August & September 1977
EPA's Fuels Analysis Staff
Studies Gasoline Products
Visiting retail outlets and grocery stores to buy
gasoline additives is all part of the normal work
carried out by the Source Fuels and Molecular Chemistry
Branch, headed by Robert H. Jungers. Crystal Rogers,
physical scientist, Jack Hein, physical science tech-
nician, and Needman Boodie, Duke University stay-in-
school student, are part of a comprehensive fuels
analysis team which identifies specific ingredients
in gasoline products.
Jungers1 Branch is part of the Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory which operates EPA's
two-part fuel program. One part of the program requires
all gasoline and additive manufacturers in the country
to register their fuel and fuel additives with EPA. The
second part of the program focuses on the ingredients
in the fuels such as the manganese, sulfur, lead, and
phosphorous content along with a variety of trace
metals such as zinc, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic.
Recently, analysis for toxic substances such as benzene,
toluene, benzo-a-pyrene (BaP) were added to the list of
ingredients to be studied.
Jungers pointed out that Congress recognized the
potential health hazard associated with combustion
products from motor vehicles when they amended the
Clean Air Act in 1970 to require gasoline and additive
manufacturers to register their products with EPA.
"Emissions from motor vehicles are generally of respir-
able size and can penetrate into the lung area,"
Jungers explained, "and because they are at ground
level and have toxic properties, we have potential
health problems."
The fuels used in the testing program are. motor
vehicle gasoline, motor vehicle diesel fuel oil, motor
lubricating oil, off-the-shelf fuel and lubricant
additives, and heating oil for the home and industry.
(Continued on page 10)
The MacQueens Go To
The White House
Arcn MacQueen, MDAD/OAQPS, and ms wife, Kathleen,
never dreamed that their battle against strip mining
would eventually take them to the White House. But the
Cary residents found themselves in the Rose Garden
August 3rd, not as antagonists, but as quests at the
signing of a bill which will require strip miners to re-
seed and restore strip-mined sites as close to the
original contour of the land as possible. For them, it
was the culmination of years of lobbying for tough strip
mining regulations.
Arch MacQueen worked witn strip mining abolition
groups in West Virginia, nis native state, and lobbied
in wasmngton with a coalition from the Environmental
Policies Center a year and a half ago. He brought his
concern about strip mining to Nortn Carolina when the
family moved to Cary six years ago.
To convince Tarheel congressmen and senators that
strip mining is detrimental to North Carolina's economy,
MacQueen and two others recently prepared a study which
was submitted to legislators. In tne report, MacQueen
argued that electric utility companies pay more for coal
produced througn strip mining than for deep-mined coal.
Tnat cost is passed on to consumers, he said. He con-
tended that power companies have become dependent on
strip-mined coal which can be produced more cheaply than
deep-mined coal because deep mining requires a bigger
investment.
"Then when there's some economic demand on coal,
immediately witn open market (strip-mined) coal, the
price skyrockets because they sell to the nighest bidder,'
MacQueen said.
CPSL and Duke Power were paying as high as $55 a ton
for coal tnat was selling normally at S10 to $12 per ton
(during the energy crisis). In late 1974 and early 1975
tne average price for strip-mined coal was over 540 a
(Continued on page 10)
1
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Co-Op Students Involved in Cyclonic Flow Test Method Development
We interviewed Peter West!in, an environmental
engineer, ESED/OAQPS, at EPA's IRL facility to find
out more about a vertical stack which is under con-
struction at that facility. To our surprise we
learned that two co-op students assigned to the Test
Support Section of the Emission Measurement Branch
have combined their efforts over the last nine months
in developing a special test method for air pollution
stack sampling. Mark Minday and Walter Pelletier,
students in engineering at uorth Carolina State Uni-
versity, are alternating work sessions at EPA's IRL
facility. Peter said, "One of the major projects to
which both have contributed significantly is the
development of a particulate sampling method for
stacks with cyclonic gas flow--an area that is not
covered by the present standard EPA sampling method."
The project began in September 1976 when Mark
designed and fabricated a modification of the Method 5
equipment for field work under the direction of the
Test Support Section staff. An EPA test crew, inclu-
ding Mark, went to a sugar beet factory in Nebraska
last November to test the new method and compare
results with those of the standard EPA method. The
exhaust stack of the sugar beet plant allows emission
sampling in both straight gas flow and cyclonic gas
flow. The results of this test program were encour-
aging, but because of difficulties with the exhaust
stack flow patterns the test results were not conclu-
sive.
A second phase of the test method development pro-
gram under more controlled conditions was proposed.
Walt Pelletier undertook the design and execution of a
laboratory test program using the facilities in the
G-high bay area at the Tech Center. Modifications
were made to the source simulator that allowed simul-
taneous standard method testing and cyclonic flow
I
Walt Pelletier
and Tom Logan.
method testing. However, the results of these tests
showed that the horizontal duct of the source simula-
tor, among other problems, affected the test results.
The third phase of the program has begun at the
IRL facility. Mark, under the guidance of the engi-
neering staff, has nearly completed construction of a
vertical stack that would allow simultaneous sampling
with the cyclonic flow test method under relatively
well-controlled conditions. This project has required
construction of a two-level sampling platform and
vertical stack. In addition, a particle generator
must be installed to provide a source for dust concen-
trations in the stack gas. Preliminary tests indicate
that acceptable flow conditions can be developed and
work will continue on the construction.
"By the end of August," Peter said, "the test work
on the development of the cyclonic flow test method
should be completed. The resulting method will become
the recommended procedure for sampling for particulate
concentrations in stacks with cyclonic gas flow."
Walt Pelletier adjusting equipment for sampling
at stack exit.
Tom Logan adjusting gas velocity for the
sampling program.
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Fluorocarbon Ban Proposed By
Three Federal Agencies
Three federal agencies have joined to propose a ban
on nonessential uses of f1uorocarbon-containing pro-
pellants by October 15, 1978. The U.S. EPA, the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Consumer
Product Safety Commission have banned the manufacture
of fluorocarbons because, according to the FDA Commis-
sioner, the "fluorocarbons destroy ozone in the upper
atmosphere. In so doing, they subject all of us to
an increased risk of environmental change that might
include altered climate and adverse crop conditions."
Concern over fluorocarbon use began in 1974 after
two scientists published research that showed that
fluorocarbons may be causing an indirect increase in
the incidence of skin cancer by converting ozone (0-j)
in the upper atmosphere into oxygen.
The ozone in the upper atmosphere exists in a thick
layer about 25 kilometers above ground and acts as a
shield to prevent much of the sun's ultraviolet (UV)
light from reaching the earth. What UV light does
get through the ozone layer is sufficient to cause
sunburns. Too much exposure to UV light irritates the
skin and can lead to skin cancer.
Fluorocarbons which travel into the upper atmosphere
are reacting chemically with the ozone and converting
it into oxygen faster than the ozone can be replaced.
Current mathematical models predict that 7 to 16 percent
of the ozone layer will be depleted in the next decade.
(Continued on page 8)
The Threat to Ozone
OZONE UNDER ATTACK
-^S>nd animal dung ~
products nitrogen compounds
which eventually seep into the
stratosphere and reduce ozone.
THE EFFECTS OF OZONE DESTRUCTION
Depleted ozone layer absorbs less of
sun's ultra viokt light allowing more to
\\lll : reach the earth's surfa>
Chaitfts of the . Destruction of Efficitncy of : Reduced crop , Skin cancer
earth's climate, cells and earth's natural •••-'•'- —• • .--—~*
micro-organisffls! water
yields and i increased
possible genetic . Possible DMA
in animals purification changes in ' damage causing
I and plants
is reduced.
j plants
mutations and
birth defects.
Photosynthesis
reduced in
plankton - the
basis of the
ocean's food
.and While You're Away -
Did you ever wonder what burglars do in the daytime?
They could be scouting your neighborhood for an easy
target. A stack of mail stuffed in the mailbox, grass
that's too high - both are signs that you're away and
have been for some time.
It's those same scenes that can cause you to return
from your vacation to find your house in a shambles
and your valuables gone. To avoid that, follow these
suggestions from the Police Department.
Lock all doors and windows, using double
cylinder locks on back doors in particular.
- Arrange lamps and radios/TV in various parts
of your home connected to automatic timers
for use at customary hours to create a
lived-in look.
- Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.
- Make sure all deliveries - milk, mail, news-
papers, etc. - are stopped in your absence.
- Arrange to have the lawn mowed while you're
away.
- Close the garage door - if you have one -
because a garage can have a particularly
abandoned look.
- Alert the Police Department and a trusted
neighbor to watch for unusual activity
while you're gone.
- Arrange automatically-timed outdoor lighting
for burglar prevention.
- Don't notify the newspapers of your plans.
They can report your trip when you return.
Even if you're only going to be out for the evening,
it would be wise to follow some of these tips. Burglars
spend lots of their evening hours searching for dark
houses or houses where the same lights are left on too
long. Don't let your house be one of them.
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Person-to-Person
A sign attached to a tricycle was found in an
EPA office whicn bore the following inscription: "EPA
is not to be outdone by NASA. While NASA has its LEM
(Lunar Lxcursion Module), EPA has its CTV (Contractor
Transportation Vehicle).
Avis S. Purvis, EMSL/RTP, is planning a fall wed-
ding. She and her future husband, James Boyce Mines,
will be carried September 10 at Cox Memorial Church in
Durham.
Linda Porter, EMEL/RTP, is taking art lessons and
she never realized she could draw so well. She's
doing great!
Mary Lib Parrish, ESRL/RTP, fell and broke her hip
recently. We all wish her a speedy recovery.
Solar energy consultant George Winders has been
helping Kingswood sixth-graders build a solar energy
panel, working on the project are Dan Jaworski (Dr.
Norbert Jaworski's son), Keith Brooks, Jeffrey Huney-
cutt (Mai Huneycutt's son), Simon Verghese and Craig
Wi11iamson.
Congratulations to Jack Greene, Administrative
Officer, IERL, for his hole-in-one at Keith Hills Golf
Course, Buies Creek on July 30, 1977. Jack hit an
8 iron on the 137 yard, par 3, #8 hole for his first
hole-in-one. Witnesses included his brother, Finley
Greene, Red Faultner, and Dennis Martin.
Dr. Thomas R. Hauser has been named Director,
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
effective August 8. He succeeds Dr. David Shearer
who is now with the Office of Planning and Management
in Washington, D.C.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The telephone number has changed for the automatic
telephone answering device with a recorded message to
provide current information about positions announced
through the Merit Promotion Plan and any other special
recruitment efforts, at the Environmental Protection
Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
The new number locally is 541-3129; FTS 629-3129;
and commercially (919) 541-3129.
Facts Worth Printing
by Betty G. Abramson
Mae M. Walterhouse has been selected by EPA head-
quarters as the Director of the Federal Women's Pro-
gram. She brings to her new position the know-how in
planning and managing a national organization. Present-
ly she is national President of Federally Employed
Women, Inc. (FEW).
In July, EPA's FWP Representatives attended several
workshops given by the U.S. Civil Service Commission
and the National Federally Employed Women's Training
Program, Inc., which were very informative. These
workshops provided the representatives with ideas and
material to present to EPA personnel.
Plans are underway for the Annual FWP Women's Week
Program which will be of interest to all EPA employees.
Please arrange with your supervisor to attend when you
receive the announcements.
The Second RTP FWPC meeting is scheduled for Monday,
September 12, 8:30-12:00 noon, at ERC, RTP, Classroom
#1. The subject: "How to Perform Effectively as the
Federal Women's Program Coordinator."
Last minute announcement--Mae is planning a trip to
RTP in either September or October.
Tennis, Anyone?
Recently the editors of the Cleaner Times sent out
a memo inquiring about EPA employees who play tennis.
We never realized we had so many budding Jimmy Conners
and Chris Everts at EPA. It seems we have two real
champions in our midst, Carole Sawicki and Harold
Sauls.
Carole played on the Raleigh Racquet Club Tennis
Team which won the Spring title of the Eastern Caro-
lina Tennis League Division I. She won the singles
tournament in Wake County in the North Carolina Heart
Association competition and the doubles tournament in
that same competition with her partner Dottie DuBose.
They defeated the 41 seeded team which has been
ranked by the U.S. Tennis Association as the #1 wom-
en's doubles team in North Carolina. Carole also won
the doubles tournament in Region 7 and at the Raleigh
Racquet Club with partners Dottie DuBose and Mary Lou
Axberg. She won the singles tournament at the Raleigh
Racquet Club by defeating the #1 seed. She and
partner, f'ary Lou Axberg, also won the doubles con-
test in the Raleigh, B tennis tournament. In all
Carole has won seven tournaments this summer. She's
going to need an addition to her house to hold all
her trophies.
Harold was a semifinalist in the singles competi-
tion in the Greensboro Senior Invitational this past
April and a runner-up in the singles competition in
the Pinehurst Senior Invitational in May. He served
as captain of the N.C. team in the annual N.C. vs.
Virginia Senior Men's match in Greensboro which North
Carolina won. He won the 45 years and over doubles
in the Raleigh Tennis Foundation Tournament in June.
In September Harold plans to play in the State
Seniors Championships in Winston-Salem and Charlotte.
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Personnel Corner —
Most Asked Questions
Norman Eubanks, Career Development Counselor in the
Personnel Management Division, lists questions that are
asked repeatedly:
Q. To whom does my personnel file belong?
A. Your official personnel folder belongs to the U.S.
Civil Service Commission, not EPA, nor to the employee.
Q. Can I ask for a desk audit?
A. Yes you can, whenever you feel that your position
description is outdated or your job performance is
different than your position description. It should
be noted that an audit can result in a downgrade as
well as upgrade.
Q. When may I review my personnel folder?
A. Anytime you want during normal duty hours with
proper identification and an appointment.
Q. Can I read information about my job series and
grade in the various personnel manuals?
A. Yes, during normal duty hours with an appointment.
Q. How can I be reclasslfied?
A. Classification is a joint effort between the
supervisor, the employee, and your Personnel Manage-
ment Specialist. Classification should first be dis-
cussed between supervisor and employee.
Q. Mow can I find out what jobs are open at EPA/RTP?
A. By calling 541-3129.
Q. How can a technician become a professional?
A. Different occupational fields require different
specified training and/or college curriculum. For
your specific questions, contact your Personnel
Management Specialist or your Personnel Staffing
Specialist.
Q. Who can I call about career development?
A. Call 541-3014 and arrange for an appointment with
Norman Eubanks, Career Development Counselor.
Speaking Engagements
Arthur Coleman, ESRL/RTP, will chair a session on
Monitoring and Photochemistry of Halogenated Air
Pollutants at the American Chemical Society Meeting,
August 30-September 1, in Chicago, Illinois.
Robert Stevens, ESRL/RTP, will attend an Inter-
national Symposium on Sulfur in the Atmosphere,
September 7-14, in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. Mr. Stevens
will present a paper entitled, "Sampling and Analysis
of Atmospheric Sulfates and Related Species.
Charles W. Lewis, ESRL/RTP, will present a paper
at the 10th Aerosol Technology Meeting, September 25-
29, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Ed Vincent. ESED/OAQPS, will be the luncheon speaker
for the Flat Line Board Finishing Workshop sponsored
by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Tuesday,
September 20, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Charlotte,
N.C. He will discuss "Regional Air Quality Control
Regulations - Current and Proposed."
Dr. Thomas Wagner, HERL/RTP, will give an overview
of EPA/N.C. to the Chapel Hill Civltan Club, October 4,
at the Country Squire, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Dr. Ronald Bradow, ESRL/RTP, will address the Durham
Civitan Club September 15 at the Downtowner Motor Inn.
His subject is the effects of auto emissions on public
health.
On November 17 William Rhodes, IERL/RTP, will attend
the 70th annual AIChE meeting in New York and will
discuss Solid Wastes from Synthetic Fuels from Coal
Technologies.
Robert Hall, IERL/RTP, will present the Application
of Staged Combustion and FGR to Industrial Boilers at
the 1977 ASME Winter Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia,
November 29.
Dennis Drehmel, IERL/RTP, will Chair the 2nd
Symposium on Fabric Filters for Paniculate Control
in Tucson, Arizona, December 6-7.
Max Samfield, IERL/RTP, is the co-author of
"Application of High Temperature Hyperfiltration to
Unit Textile Processes for Direct Recycle." He will
present at the Conference on Membrane Desalination and
Waste Water Treatment in Israel on December 18-22.
The CLEANER TIMES is published monthly by Public Affairs, Office of Administration.
US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Liz Martin . . .. .. . Editor
Dorothy Rose .. Assistant Editor
Elaine Hyman . . Reporter
Produced with the assistance of the Word Processing Center, Graphics, Composition,
Printing Sections, and Forms and Publiations Center, GSD
Information on Solar Energy
Another toll free number if you are seeking answers
to questions on solar energy. Call the National Solar
Heating and Cooling Information Center at (800)
523-2929.
-------
What Will Life in Energy-Short
United States Be Like?
By Mike Shanahan
Associated Press
Americans could find themselves bathing in form-
fitting bathtubs in the near future as the nation seeks
ways to conserve its dwindling energy supply, three
energy experts say.
Supermarkets and throw-away packages may disappear.
Houses and cars will be smaller, the experts say.
These were some of the ideas three energy conserva-
tionists predicted for the future as the nation becomes
energy conscious.
When the changes will occur and whether they will
be voluntary or by government decree, is less clear,
they said in interviews.
"There are three things that Americans do to waste
more energy than any other people on earth," said
Dr. Bruce Hannon of the University of Illinois. "They
eat big steaks, drive big cars, and live in big houses.
All of that must change."
Hannon, University of Illinois researcher Seichi
Konzo, and John G. Muller of the Federal Energy Admin-
istration said insulation of homes probably will be
the first major step to save energy.
Standard attic insulation may be 12 inches thick
instead of six. Windows may have three panes of glass
instead of one or two, holding more heat inside the
house.
New houses will likely be smaller, they say. Each
room will have its own thermostat. Older houses may
be divided into multi-family dwellings.
Supermarkets may be abolished, replaced by computer-
ized food warehouses. Consumers would telephone orders
to a clerk and deliveries would be made door-to-door
by a regularly scheduled truck eliminating the need
to drive to a supermarket. "The end of the supermar-
ket would also mean an end to impulse buying and that
in itself is an energy saver," said Hannon.
Americans may be forced to eat locally produced
products which can be delivered inexpensively.
Nonperishable foods may come in standardized
returnable glass containers. "Your cookies will
probably come in a returnable jar," said Muller.
To save energy used to heat water, the experts
say, bathtubs would be designed to the approximate
contour of the body to help reduce waste. Hot
water for washing clothes would be forbidden, or at
least frowned upon. "The new cold water detergents
are already better," said Muller.
Power boat and auto racing may be forbidden on
grounds the activities waste fuel.
Regarding family life, Hannon said, "The long
run solution is pretty predictable. The society
will be spread out into small communities. There
will be people under the same roof who are not of
the same immediate family."
(Continued on page 8)
Your Life and Your Health
Astounding as it may sound, many people show more
concern for their automobiles than they do for their
own health!
When have YOU had a checkup? That regular health
checkup can identify apparent or potential health
problems.
A simple test, like many offered in our Federal
Health Unit, could provide that margin between life
and...'
A full-time nurse, Mildred Scott, and Or. Woodall
Stopford are on duty in our local health unit to help
you.
They handle on-the-job-illness--assisting management
to evaluate the individuals' physical and emotional
health problems in relation to efficient work perform-
ance. They also act as a referral service to assure
adequate medical care and rehabilitation of the
occupationally ill and injured.
In practical terms, this means that Federal employee
occupational health units provide screening programs
for such conditions as diabetes, glaucoma, hypertension,
cancer, etc.; immunizations against such health threats
as influenza; health counseling and referral to private
physician or dentist as needed; and, in many cases,
complete physical examinations—all on a voluntary
basis.
The most comprehensive physical examination is the
Employee Health Maintenance Examination (EHME). This
exam is offered periodically to employees at age 40
and over. Each exam routinely includes the following:
1) Tonometry for the detection of glaucoma; 2) pelvic
examination and pap test for all women; 3) procto-
sigmoidoscopy, 4) EKG; 5) chest X-ray; 6) urinalysis;
and 7) blood tests.
Any positive findings in the course of the EHME are
presented to the employee in a conference with the
medical officer in charge of the health unit. If the
employee wishes, the results of the examination may be
forwarded to the family physician.
The confidentiality of the patient-physician rela-
tionship, sacred to the practice of all medicine, is
respected in the health unit. Files on any patient
are strictly confidential.
None of us are so busy that we can afford to gamble
with our lives. A check up in time has saved several
co-workers. What about YOU? Ms. Scott is just a phone
call away, extension 2101, Room B-100 in the ERC
facility.
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Energy Conservation
In keeping with the President's stated policy in a
nationwide broadcast on energy conservation, we asked
the following questions: Are you in agreement with
the President's policy? What are your ideas for con-
serving energy? Here are some of the answers.
Judith Valentine, IERL
"I agree with the President's determination that
there is a world-wide energy crisis - now. And, I re-
cognize that in a crisis one individual must serve an
organizing/motivating function. Major networks and
environmental experts have been talking 'energy crisis'
for almost ten years, and only this year has our coun-
try decided to do something. I doubt that all the
President's initiatives will prove appropriate, but he
is taking action. At the very least, he will trigger
some realistic thought about whether we Americans will
opt for our individual comforts, or adjust our goals
toward ensuring the survival of future generations.
"What can we do to conserve energy? I think our
convenience-oriented way of life has reached its apex.
We will need to give up many creature comforts (house-
hold gadgets and the like) and return to expending more
physical effort. Our bodies were muscled to work, and
few of us are using those muscles to their capacity.
I think our society will need to slow its pell-mell
rush toward 'progress1 and discard the Gross National
Product as a measure of what we're accomplishing. We
need to return to a more stable way of life in which
families stop 'globe-hopping' for career progression,
and in which needed services can be found locally in-
stead of being widely sought. I don't see the above
as negative goals. I believe we would all benefit
from a return to a more manageable pace. Perhaps the
ultimate benefit to be gained from a sensible energy
conservation policy might be to relieve us all of the
burden of being a nation of uptight, neurotic clock
watchers."
Bobby Daniel. IERL
"Like most Americans I agree with the President
that a national energy conservation policy should be
adopted. Also like most Americans I don't have any
simple solution to this complex problem. In my opin-
ion one area would be in developing a mass transporta-
tion system in and around our larger cities. This
system would have to be efficient, convenient, cost
competitive, and pollution free. During a recent
visit to Disneyworld I rode on the 'people mover* and
it appeared to me that this type of conveyance would
be a major step in the right direction."
Eddie Kantor. HERL
"President Carter's energy conservation plan,
though a step in the right direction, falls very short
in what is really needed if the energy situation is as
serious as he has stated. We need mandatory gas ra-
tioning to prevent rapid depletion of our oil reserves
and to cut back on importing 51% of our petroleum. We
need a crash program in production of plutonium breeder
reactors. Carter's decision to stop their development
will be regarded as a tragic, short sighted, mistake,
and will hasten an impending energy catastrophe in the
latter part of the century. We need strong leadership
capable of making unpopular energy conservation de-
cisions."
Peter Gabele. ESRL
"With regard to the President's energy policy, I
agree with him that action over a fairly broad front
is required, and I appreciate the initiative which he
has taken. Although many aspects of his proposed
policy are subject to debate and alteration, there
appears to exist the basics from which a comprehensive
plan can evolve. The only aspect of his policy I
wish to comment on is the so called 'gas guzzler' tax
provision. Setting uniform fuel economy standards
applicable to all vehicles would be more consistent
with the idea of conserving—rather than taxing ener-
gy use. Futhermore, it would clearly shift the pro-
blem from the politician to the engineer who is in a
better position to solve it."
Betty Abramson. MDAD
"In my opinion, President Carter's energy conser-
vation policy is inadequate. As one alternative I
would set a policy stating that all passenger cars
sold in the USA would meet an EPA miles per gallon
minimum standard. I would actively try to change
the behavioral pattern of most Americans which in
the past has been to take our natural resources for
granted. Our new concept would be 'waste not, want
not.' We would rediscover an ancient, seldom used
form of energy called shoe leather. Also with this
trend in mind, we would ask ourselves each time we
touched our thermostats, 'Is this click really
necessary7"'
Shirley Tabler, OAQPS
"I am in complete agreement with Mr. Carter's pro-
gram for energy conservation. I think if the American
people are fully aware of the seriousness of the situa-
tion that we will seriously begin to take measures at
home and at work to save energy and money. I think
Mr. Carter's ideas for conserving energy are good. I
cannot really add anything, except that I plan to use
less air conditioning this summer and cut down on the
use of my auto."
Vincent Uhl. IERL
"I concur in Mr. Carter's apprehension of our
limited, cheap, available, safe energy resources.
The energy conservation measures which he recommends
are much too mild to cope with this long range prob-
lem, but they are politically expedient.
"Our cheap energy has been a curse in disguise.
It has led us to comforts, many trivial, others
physically debilitating. It has encouraged urban
sprawl which is now being recognized as creating
serious problems with public services, land abuse,
water supply. It is the basis for an industrial
civilization that requires economic growth for its
prosperity. In my mind this is the critical issue--
how to maintain the well-being of our society along
with economic regression which I believe will inevi-
tably result from more costly and dwindling energy
resources.
"Our energy resources have been a gift which our
society has been squandering. They are not replace-
able. Science and technology cannot just create more.
Solar sources are limited by high investment and
inconvenience, and nuclear sources may prove too
risky.
"Conservation of energy requires radical changes
in our way of living. What will most likely happen
is that we will accommodate abruptly after fossil
energy is used up. In any case it will inevitably
require a return to some practices that were familiar
to our grandparents. It is encouraging to see nation-
al leadership with some comprehension of the issue—a
definite policy and recommended measures.
"Ordinarily I am an optimist:"
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EPA Employee Awarded PHS Plaque
Conferences
Walter Barber (left) and Chuck Mann (right).
Walter Barber, Director, OAQPS, presented a Public
Health Service Plaque to Charles 0. (Chuck) Mann in
an informal ceremony July 6. Chuck was awarded the
plaque in recognition of outstanding performance,
personal dedication, and broad understanding of the
policies and scientific knowledge required to manage
EPA's National Emissions Data System (NEDS).
Chuck, an environmental engineer, NADB/MDAD, and
a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health
Service, has been involved with NEDS since 1975 when
a massive program to enforce the system was deemed
essential by EPA management. He was assigned the
responsibility of managing this complex program and
coordinating the concurrent activities of contractors,
engineers, computer specialists, and program analysts.
Chuck accepted this difficult task and quickly
grasped the complexities of the assignment, displaying
outstanding ability in successfully accomplishing all
milestone objectives. He worked closely with upper
management and Agency personnel where his in-depth
knowledge of the NEDS system and of EPA's data needs
were invaluable.
A native of Missoula, Montana, Chuck now resides
in Raleigh, N.C. He has been employed by EPA since
1971.
(What Will Life...cent'd from page 6)
"And there will certainly be less travel," he
said. Besides using more buses and other forms of
mass transport, Americans will drive small, effi-
cient diesel-powered autos or electrically-powered
vehicles.
Asked if all these changes are practical, Muller
replied, "If the situation gets bad enough, and it
will, everything is practical."
The 29th annual Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical
Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy will convene during
the week of February 27 to March 3, 1978, at the
Cleveland Convention Center, Cleveland, Ohio. A call
for papers has been announced. Final date for sub-
mission of abstracts is August 29, 1977. Contact:
Robert W. Baudoux, United States Steel Corporation,
Research Laboratory, MS 57, Monroeville, Pa. 15146.
The Institute of Environmental Sciences will hold
its 24th Annual Technical Meeting and Equipment
Exposition at the Sheraton Hotel, Fort Worth, Texas,
April 17-20, 1978. High technology sessions include:
Environmental Pollution and Environmental Impact
Statements; Combined Environment and Reliability
Testing; Noise; IES/EPA; and Energy Availability—Use
and Control. Deadline for submission of abstracts is
September 16, 1977.
This is the first announcement and call for papers
of the 4th International Symposium on Contamination
Control which will be held at the Capital Hilton Hotel,
Washington, D.C., September 10-14, 1978. Abstracts are
due by November 1, 1977.
The Environmental Protection Agency in cooperation
with the U.S. Department of Commerce, state manufac-
turing associations, and Chambers of Commerce, is
sponsoring a conference on Industrial Initiatives in
Pollution Control, September 8-9, at the DuPont Plaza,
Dallas, Texas. This unique conference will bring
together members of Congress, executives from leading
corporations and top federal, state and local govern-
ment officials to discuss a variety of new and impor-
tant pollution control issues and technologies.
The Interagercy Motor Equipment Advisory Committee
of the Southeast will hold its Annual Conference,
October 26-28, at the Sheraton Inn, Mobile, Alabama.
The program will feature presentations by experts in
energy use and conservation and the management and
operation of motor vehicle fleets.
QUALITY INCREASES - JULY 1977
Susan F. Sharpe - IERL
Kenneth T. Knapp - ESRL
John E. Frazer - EMSL
Herschel W. Rorex - OAQPS
Walter M. Kozel - HERL
Merritt D. Long - HERL
Dempsey B. Ray, Jr. - EMSL Fisher A. Fair - OA/CMD
CONTINUED SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE
Belinda Y. Lee - OAQPS
(Fluorocarbon...cont'd from page 3)
A 5 percent decrease in ozone would mean an extra 16.5
cases of skin cancer per 100,000 people.
Both FDA and EPA regulations on nonessential fluor-
ocarbon use now are open for public comment, and EPA
will hold public hearings in August. The proposed
regulations would end about 60 percent of fluorocarbon
emissions in the U.S. The remaining 40 percent is
used in closed systems such as refrigerators and in
"essential" uses such as inhalation devices used by
asthma sufferers.
8
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Public's Environmental Pulse -
Slower But Steady
Although public concern about the seriousness of
pollution appears to be decreasing, a new poll by
Opinion Research Corporation shows that most people
will accept nothing less than "an environment that is
healthful and aesthetically pleasing."
Slightly more than one half of those surveyed be-
lieve air pollution to be "serious," while nearly
two-thirds regard water pollution as a continuing
threat.
However, the study shows that since 1970, the level
of concern has dropped from 69 to 51 percent for air
pollution and from 74 to 59 percent for water pollu-
tion. Additionally, the decrease in concern comes
from those who originally appraised air and water
pollution as "very serious."
Those persons Interviewed In urban areas and the
northeastern United States show a significantly higher
concern on both issues. In the West, the emphasis is
strongly on the nondeterioration of areas where air
quality surpasses federal standards.
Across the country, 53 percent of those surveyed
favored strict rules to prevent deterioration.
The public sees industry as having done a great
deal to combat air and water pollution, but still
regards it as the chief polluter. Some 64 percent saw
industry as making a "great deal or fair amount" of
progress over the past five years in air pollution,
and 58 percent saw it the same way for water pollution.
Of 13 industries listed as possible pollution
sources, steel, chemical, oil and rubber were named
most often.
Exhaust from autos, municipal incinerators and
electric power plants received less blame for air pol-
lution. But, people are beginning to look to municipal
sewerages and to themselves as sources of water pollu-
tion.
Cost is seen as the dominant factor influencing im-
plementation of environmental control, as opposed to
technological difficulties.
But, two-thirds appeared willing to bear the in-
crease for a cleaner environment. This trend has in-
creased over the past two years despite economic
problems.
Regardless of their desire for environmental con-
trols, people favor a certain flexibility in enforce-
ment. Fifty-eight percent support setting standards
on a case-by-case basis rather than applying blanket
regulations on all industries and communities.
In response to a straight tradeoff between indus-
trial growth and reducing pollution, more people
favored growth—by about one and one-half to one.
But not, the survey maintains, in formerly unpolluted
areas.
A majority of people believe that a high level of
environmental quality must be accomplished regardless
of cost. At the same time, most people do not consider
a completely pollution-free environment necessary.
(Reprinted from Chemecology)
Ponder and Jones
Are Expert Witnesses
Recently Wade Ponder and Julian Jones, IERL/RTP,
appeared as expert witnesses in the case of the United
States of America vs. Public Service of Indiana (PSI)
in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis.
PSI has constructed a 650MW coal-fired power plant
with no provision for SOo emission control. When (and
if) the plant starts up in January 1978, it will vio-
late new source performance standards by a factor of
5! CPA brought suit to prevent start-up, and Wade and
Julian were called to testify. Wade's testimony was to
establish the availability/viability of flue gas desul-
furization for S(L emission control and Julian's was
concerning sludge disposal practices.
Court's decision is expected October 1st.
Credit Corner
by Jerry C. Husketh
Have you been by the Credit Union office lately
only to find four mad ladies trying to outsmart a type-
writer' Actually it's an on-line computer terminal that
is supposed to give ultra-accurate, super-quick ser-
vice to customers, but the operators call it something
else. Bear with them though, anyone that can balance
an income statement can master a machine.
Some new goodies, besides improved service, are on
the way. Second quarter shares dividend will once
again be 6.255S. That is five quarters In a row, so
give our credit union staff another hand for making us
money and keeping down expenses.
Second mortgage loans are now available for those
homeowners who qualify and want to make major improve-
ments to their property. Stop by today for more infor-
mation and pick up a new booklet while you are there.
*J6N UP FOR
6IVE YOUR DKEAM* A CHAME
-------
(EPA's Fuels...cont'd from page 1)
Jungers explained that one of the major items in
the fuels program, which is regulated by law, is to
analyze unleaded gasoline for lead and phosphorous
content. "Since lead and phosphorous in unleaded
gasoline destroys the effectiveness of the catalytic
converter, it is essential that federal limits are not
exceeded."
"Gasoline samples are collected at your local ser-
vice station by EPA's Regional Office staff located
in ten areas scattered around the country," Jungers
continued. "The lead content is analyzed in each
Region; however, 10 percent of the samples are sent
back to our Branch as a quality control check on the
lead analysis procedure."
Jungers explained that in the early days of the
unleaded gasoline program, the Source Fuels Branch
was instrumental in training field inspectors in the
sampling and analysis of unleaded gasoline. "We also
contributed to the development of a simple and accurate
test for detecting lead in the field," Jungers related.
"This test was important so that field inspectors
could accurately and safely analyze the gasoline at the
service station."
Jungers emphasized the importance of the quality
control aspect of the fuel test program since this
information is used to implement enforcement activities
by EPA's Washington Mobile Source Enforcement Division.
Since 1974 approximately 100,000 samples of gasoline
have been analyzed. The program has been successful
so far since lead and phosphorous free gasoline is
widely available and few violations have occurred. In
the event gasoline samples were found to contain higher
levels of lead or phosphorous, then a wider surveil-
lance of gas stations would be necessary. The program
is also important since detection of trace metals,
toxic substances and other pollutants, such as sulfur,
assists scientists when it comes to studying the actual
emissions from cars and trucks along with pinpointing
possible adverse health effects from these emissions.
Lead alkyls in gasoline increase the octane number
which, in turn, decreases engine spark knock. With
the lead phase-down, gasoline manufacturers have con-
sidered and, in some cases, have added aromatic hydro-
carbons as an octane improver. Aromatic hydrocarbons
are potential carcinogens, so constant surveillance is
an important part of the program.
Jungers went on to explain that EMSL is the only
EPA laboratory in the country which has the ability to
analyze the phosphorous in fuels. "Consequently, we
test upward of 20' of the samples." The laboratory
analyzes over 1,000 samples every year and runs about
five to six tests on each sample.
"Over 100 billion gallons of gasoline are used
annually, so analysis of fuels and fuel additives is
an important part of EPA's program to alert scientists
for potentially dangerous emissions which in turn can
have possible adverse health effects," concluded
Jungers.
Attention
Bowlers!
The Bowling season is almost here. The EPA After
Hours League will begin bowling at Fair Lanes (in Gary)
the first week in September. If you have a team you
would like to enter into the league or if you would
like to join a team, call Kay Williams at 541-2775 or
Bill Barnard at 541-3123.
The Research Triangle Federal Employees Association
(RTFEA) Bowling League met August 31 at Fairlanes on
the Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard to form teams. The
first night of bowling will be September 7, at 6:30
p.m. For further information, contact: Jim Mont-
gomery, ext. 2515, Frank Sims, 682-5012, or Lucy
Flagler, ext. 2341.
(MacQueens...cont'd from page 1)
ton, about 100 percent higher than for deep-mined coal,
MacQueen said. "It's now a little more stable," he said,
"But it's still subject to tnat situation because tne
deep mines tney (utility companies) could contract with
for long term delivery are not in place."
Although Mrs. HacQueen considers the bill which was
passed to be a "watered-down version," she feels the
enactment is a beginning.
As for their White House visit: "When I got the letter,
the return address said the White House, I thought some-
one was pulling my leg," sne said.
The rlacQueens snook hands with President Carter and
rubbed siioulders with people as diverse as entertainer
Artnur Godfrey, lawmakers Morris Udall and Frank Church
and West Virginia Governor Jay Rockefeller.
Wiiat was Jimmy Carter like? "Charming," Mrs. Mac-
Queen answered. "He is very warm, ne comes across in
person, just like he does on TV. It was a great thrill
for us." Reprinted from the Cary News.
10
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Air Pollution Literature is
Accessible - So Let's Use It!
A librarian in the mid-west wants to know how much
salt is in oceanslde air.
A man from Corning, New York, noticed there was less
noise pollution when there were jet contrails in the
sky and wondered why.
Do burping cattle contribute to the air pollution
problem?
Who gets these requests and questions' The Tech
Center's library. And answers are often provided
through use of a computerized search of the Air Pollu-
tion Technical Information Center (APTIC) biblio-
graphic file. The APTIC file may now be searched
quickly by the library, using a terminal connected
to Lockheed's international bibliographic search
system. Many other bibliographic files can be
searched as well.
Pete Hal pin, of the Manpower and Technical Infor-
mation Branch, OAQPS, who is in charge of building
and maintaining the APTIC file on-line recalls that
the file was started in 1966 and continues to be the
file to search for information about air pollution.
It is a unique air pollution data base—the most com-
plete in the world--a truly international system.
By 1971, the APTIC file was growing at the rate of
1,000 selected entries a month. There are now over
80,000 citations and abstracts recorded in the system.
However, over the years other systems became economical
and OAQPS recently revised its technical information
services to avoid duplication. Currently the APTIC
file is updated with 200 to 350 selected items each
month.
The APTIC file has the most comprehensive inventory
of air pollution information in the country according to
John Knight, Information Specialist. "It includes an un-
usually good inventory of literature from Japan along
with conferences and preprints of articles in advance
of their more formal entry into the literature," John
reports.
So, you have a burning question. How do you get the
answer? That's where your indispensable library force
comes to the fore. "It depends on the questions you ask
which data bases we go to," says John. "Usually a
search of from three to five on-line bibliographic files
will turn up the answers," he continued. The Library
relies primarily on such basic sources as Chem Abstracts,
Biological Abstracts, Engineering Index, and, of course,
APTIC.
The library serves EPA Personnel and other govern-
mental agencies—state, local and foreign—along with
current contractors and non-profit environmental groups
and citizen groups, all serviced without charge. Other
requestors are referred to the Lockheed Information
Service where the APTIC file is housed and to other
relevant information systems. So, if you have a ques-
tion or you wonder what information there is in the
literature on a subject you're pondering, call the
library at extension 2777.
How were the cows and contrails questions answered'
A literature search turned up several articles about
hydrocarbon emissions originating in cattle rumen, EPA
documents on mechanical saltwater cooling devices an-
swered the librarian's question; and a referral to a
meteorologist turned up the information that the type
of airplane and the particular meteorological conditions
would make variations in noise levels.
The world of science revolves around trying to de-
fine uncertainties, and, in the meantime, the library
continues fielding questions like the one from a busi-
nessman who wanted emission regulations established for
Bar-B-Q pits, or the environmental consultant who
wanted to know the health hazards associated with lead
emissions in indoor firing ranges, or
(Editor's note. Our thanks to Alberta Smith, former
Air Pollution Information Service Supervisor, for the
list of questions. She reports that most requests
are for documents and people are usually surprised
and grateful for the assistance.)
JIJMIJMMMM) 00 0 01)1)898888811 JLUJ-l
Attention Donors!
-i ^UU
good neighbor
The summer brings sun, fun, and relaxation for many
of us but it can create problems in meeting monthly
blood quotas when so many are on vacation. While
vacations are important, so are saving lives. Since
vacations are planned ahead, why not plan ahead to
give blood on one of the dates listed:
August 26, 1977
September 9, 1977
September 30, 1977
October 7, 1977
October 21, 1977
Thanks in advance. Elaine Hyman, your local blood
recruiter.
11
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THE CLEANER TIMES READERSHIP SURVEY
SOUND OFF1 Here's your chance to make THE CLEANER TIMES a better publication. What changes would you make if
you were the editor'
1. How much of each issue of "The Cleaner Times" do you read?
all of it when time permits
a story here and there
none of it
2. Do you think "The Cleaner Times" should cover
more employee news
less employee news
stay the same
don't know
3. The quality of writing is
easy to understand
usually easy to understand although some of the more technical subjects lose me
difficult to understand
4. Do you like the appearance of "The Cleaner Times?"
yes
no opinion
no, and here's why
5. Which of the following features do you read regularly7
person-to-person
other stories about employees
personnel corner
stories about research and EPA programs
profiles
conferences
speaking engagements
other (please specify)
6. Check the following subjects you would like to see covered in future issues.
important research developments
new equipment
safety and health
employee benefits (retirement, insurance, etc.)
national legislation affecting EPA and the environment
important news about EPA Divisions, regions, research centers
training opportunities
other (please give suggestions)
7. Please check where you work.
OA OAQPS HERL EMSL IERL ESRL Other
8. Sex: male female
9. Age: Under 20 31-41
21-31 over 40
10. Years with EPA:
11. Education: years completed
12. Do you have subjects or story ideas that you would like to have covered in "The Cleaner Times?" If so,
please write them down in the space below.
Please return to Public Affairs, MD-31, and THANK YOU!
12
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