Working for Clean Water An Information Program for Advisory Groups Nonpoint Source Pollution Agriculture, Forestry, and Mining Instructor Guide ------- ------- This program t.ns prepared by The Pennsylvania State University Institute of State & Regional Affairs Middletown, PA 17057 Dr. Charlea A. Cole Project Director Dr. S. Drannon Buakirk, Jr. Project Co—Director Prof. Lorna Chr. Stoltzfua Editor Thvo guide was prepared by E. Drannon Buskirk, Jr. Advisory Teccn for the Project David Elkinton, State of West Virginia Steve Frishman, private citizen Michele Frame, private citizen John Hammond, private citizen Joan Jurancich, State of California Richard Hetherington, EPA Region 10 Rosemary Henderson, EPA Region 6 George Hoessel, EPA Region 3 George Meiss, EPA Region 5 Ray Pforrner, EPA Region 2 Paul Pinault, EPA Region 1 Eariene Wilson, EPA Region 7 Dan Burrows, EPA Headquertera Ben Gryctko, EPA Headquartera Robert Hardaker, EPA Headquarters Charles Kauffman, EPA Headquarters Steve Maier, EPA Headquarters EPA Project Officer Berry H. Jordan Office of Water Programs Operations Aoknow?.edgcnente Typists Jan Russ . Tess Startoni, Ann Kirach, Janie Fuller Student Assistants Fran Costanzi, Kathy DeBatt, Michael Lapsno, Mike Matilda Terry Switzer Graphics support was provided by the Office of Public Awareness, Environmental Protection Agency. This information program was financed with federal funds from the (1.5. Environmental Protection Agency under Cooperative Agreement No. CT900980 01. The information program has been reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily refl ct the views and policies of the Environ- mental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement of recommendation for use. This project is dedicated to the memory of Susan A. Cole. ------- Nonpoint Source Pollution: Agriculture, Forestry, and Min- ing Pollution sources are either at readily discernible locations, or have diffuse origins that are difficult to pinpoint in a watershed. This latter type of source, called a nonpoint source of pollution, is a major contribution to water quality problems in both urban and rural areas. Although in the past point sources received the most attention by 201 and 208 planners, nonpoint source pollutants today often dominate the water quality decisions in both urban and rural areas. Monpoint source pollutants are generated by various kinds of acti’iities, including agriculture, construction, mining, septic systems, silviculture, and urban activities. Because of the broad scope, this unit of instruction is limited to the major rural sources — agriculture, mining, and silviculture or forestry. At the end of this presentation the participant should be able to: • Define a nonpoint source pollutant • Have a feel for the planning sequence and its problems •Know how nonpoint sources are identified and assessed ‘Know what Best Management Practices (BliPs) are and their general approaches ‘Consider technical and financial assistance opportunities .Begin identifying management agencies and regulatory programs for implementing a plan. Required Materials OSet of slides and cassette tape for the audiovisual presentation, “Rural Nonpoint Sources of Pollution” OSlide projector, screen, tape player, and related equipment OSet of flip charts with easel and/or transparencies with overhead projector for guided discussion Continued on next page ------- O cood, clear topographical map of the local area OCopy of the handbook, “Nonpoint Source Pollution: Agriculture, Forestry, and Mining” for each participant. Important Notes 1. The heart of this instructional exercise is a case study. Either the Montana study or one for the local area may be used. Mailing it to the participants in advance of the session will gain time for the guided discussion. 2. A copy of the comments sheet in the Appendix of this guide should be prepared for each participant. 3. Advance preparation is recommended if the instructor is not knowledgeable in the following areas: • Problems, programs, and trends of the local area dealing with nonpoint source pollutants or related subjects (e.g., stormwater management). Discussions with the U.S. EPA, state, and county personnel may be helpful. • Technical aspects of Best Management Practices and certain concerns and principles, such as the premises of computational procedures like the loadograph model, the Universal Soils Loss equation, and the Soils Cover Complex and Rational Methods for stormwater runoff. The instructor doesn’t have to master these techniques, but should be familiar with their makeup, benefits, and drawbacks. The selected references provide back- ground material on these procedures. The instructor may wish to have present technical experts for a backup. 4.’ If possible, a Best Management Practices field trip should follow the session. Existing problems and successful and un- successful control efforts should be featured. This option is especially feasible concerning cormwater management and erosion control. 5. Since storm events have an important role in nonpoint source problems of both urban and rural areas, it is strongly suggested that the instructor be familiar with the materials in the handbook, “Urban Runoff.” 6. The audiovisual presentation script and/or the slide—tape program should be previewed for items of local concern that may warrant discussion. 2 ------- Suggested Activities Introductory Comments . 5 minutes Audiovisual Presentation 15 minutes Guided Discussion 35 minutes Closing Questions and Answers 5 minutes TOTAL TIME 60 minutes Introductory C n its (5 minutes) 1. Prior to the presentation, post a large “Nonpoint Sources of Pollution” sign in a conspicuous location. 2. Open with several choice quotations or statistics about Use citizen handbook nonpoint source pollution to generate interest in the topic. or other source. 3. Briefly review the objectives of this session and use the List objectives on quotations or statistics as justification for them. transparency or fLip chart. Audiovisual Presentation (15 minutes) 1. The presentation is concerned with the rural aspects of Script is in Appendix nonpoint source pollution and therefore focuses upon in case of equipment agriculture, mining, and forestry. malfunction. 2. Advise the participants to jot down any comments or questions for later discussion. Guided Discussion (35 minutes) 1. Either respond now to the questions about the audiovisual presentation, or reserve them for an appropriate time later. 2. List several examples of point sources and of nonpoint sources of pollution. By discussing the differences and similarities of the sources of pollution, develop a working definition for nonpoint source pollution. 3. Test the definition by classifying the following as to point source (PS) or nonpoint sources (NPS) of pollution: 3 ------- Answers NPS Septic system PS Log sorting yard NPS Farm field NPS Abandoned coal mine PS Electroplating firm lagoon 4. Note that the same type of pollutant — acid — comes from the last two examples. Use this to. emphasize that it is the Important chstt .nctwn to make origin of the pollution, not the type of pollutant, that is important. The same pollutant may emanate from both point and nonpoint sources. Use chart 1 on 5. Discuss the locations and magnitude of the major types of Nonpoint Source nonpoint source problems in the local area. Compare them to Pollutants. nonpoint source problems elsewhere. Use chart 2 on 6. Briefly discuss the six—stage planning sequence. Non point Source Pollution Planning. Take time to discuss “allowable pollution load.” Back- ground information may be needed on water uses, criteria, and standards. Also, introduce the concept of “assimilative capacity,” since allowable loads are based upon the premise that streams have capacities to break down various amounts of most pollutants. 7. Discuss citizen input into the planning process in the context of a CASE STUDY and the local situation. 8. If the Montana study is used, allow the participants to read it. Briefly recap it before beginning a discussion. Use handout 1 on 9. Distribute a copy of the case study comments sheet to each Case Study Comments, participant. If the case study on Montana is not used, continue discussion with item no. 10 on page 8. 4 ------- ANALYSIS OF THE CASE STUDY ON LEWIS AND CLARK CC)U1 TI?, M)NTANA What was the water quality planning goal in Montana? Erosion and sedimentation control in the local area ? The relationships among pollutants, transport, and allowable pollution loads are technical matters largely handled by governmental agencies. These concerns, however, have a bearing upon the choice of BMPs — one of the activities of the Montana citizen advisory group. What technical assistance was available in Montana? A three-person staff Other possible technical sources? Soil Conservation Service and the Conservation District Forest Service Bureau of Land Management State ageno-ies • . . in the local area ? What was involved in identifying BMPs? Why was it done? EMPs were to be part of the ordinance. These groups also studied: information/ education and financing/cost effectiveness. BMPs were dealt with by both state and local advisory groups. What kinds of problems might be associated with the information and cost—effectiveness aspects? Source of data Inadequate data base Assessment criteria in the local area ? 5 ------- The next questions concern PLAN FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION What was the legal basis for forming and implementing a plan? PL 92-500, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. Also, in Montana the Conservation District, as approved by local referendum, can administer soil and erosion control progrcvns. in the local area ? What are the financial aspects? Cooperative governmental - private financing was necessanj in Montana. Some potential federal sources included the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service cost sharing, and the loans of the Small Business Ac2’nin- istration. Small appropriations and loans were also available from the state of Montana. At the local level, taxes are the most viable option. Other possible financial sources at the federal level? Other federal sources include: The Soil Conservation Service, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Recla mation, Economic Development Administration, and the Rural Clean Water Program of U.S. Department of Agriculture. • • . in the state and local area ? What are the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the plan? These aspects were addressed somewhat in the consideration of BMPs, but no comprehensive effort was made to identify impacts. How was the plan implemented? The sediment control plan was administered through the Conservation District. Water quality monitoring was conducted by state water quality officials. The District Supervisors were e mpowered to impose fines or issue stop work orders for violations. 6 ------- Advisory group had a role in education and information prior to referendum. Attitudes of the public were considered important by the advisory group. Are there problems with this approach? Possible difficulties include: an inconsistency between optional (fa.r ners) and mandatory (developers) participation by various part.ies. Also) from a political perspective, the enforcement by District Supervisors may not be viable. in the local area ? Are there any other problems that apparently were not considered in Montana? The sediment control ordinance may be negated by problems across adjacent political boundaries. Also, the legal responsibility for the maintenance of BMP control structures may not have been worked out. What are the concerns in the local area ? 7 ------- 10. Discuss general approaches to Best Management Practices (BMPs). Use charts 3 4 Using flip charts or transparencies, briefly discuss and give examples of: Best Management Practz ces. • Structural, nonstructural techniques • Prevention, abatement • Regulations, incentives, education 11. If there is sufficient time, discuss the BMPs in agriculture, forestry, and/or mining that are suitable for the local area. Use slides to illustrate suitable BMPs. Slides may be extracted from the slide—tape programs described in the selected resources or they may be obtained from governmental agencies. Optional discussion Tables in the selected resources can be used to make charts of specific RMPs. or transparencies for comparing the pros and cons of the BHPs. The instructor may lead a brief discussion about which strategies are most appropriate to the local area, and what forms they should take to be most effective. Closing Questions (5 minutes) 1. Answer any remaining questions. 2. Summarize discussions pertaining to the local situation. ------- Selected Resources Amy, Gary, et. al. Water Quality Management Planning for Urban Runoff . Report Number EPA—440/9—75—004. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, December 1974. 247 pp. This manual describes procedures for quantifying nonpoint source problems in an area without extensive data available, and assists planners in preliminary evaluation of cost—effective abatement and control practices. Procedures for several levels of sophis- tication are prescribed, including the loadograph approach. This publication is available as Order Na. 0993A from the U.S. EPA Library Services, Maildrop 35, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. Porter, Harry L., Jr. Comprehensive Erosion and Sediment Control Training Program for Engineers, Architects and Planners . Sediment Control Manpower Project. Washington, DC: National Association of Conservation Districts, March 1976. 128 pp. This small book provides background on principles of erosion and sedimentation control processes, computations for predicting soil losses (Universal Soil Loss Equation), control measures, aspects of an erosion and sedimentation control plan, and implementation in Virginia. The book abounds with comparative graphs, pictures, and tables. It is available from the Nation- al Association of Conservation Districts, 1025 Vermont Avenue, Washington, DC 20005 Soil Conservation Service. Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds . Technical Release Number 55. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, January 1975. 77 pp. Technical discussion of the Soils Cover Complex approach for computing stormwater runoff, It is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, Division of Engineering, Box 2890, Room 5242, Washington, DC 20013. Wanielista, Yousef A., et. al. “Nonpoint Source Effects on Water Quality”, J. Water Pollution Control Federation . Vol. 49, No. 3, March 19.77. pp 442—443. This article is a useful source of statistics on pollutant loading rates associated with different types of land uses. Your librarian will be able to assist you in obtaining this issue. Forest Harvest, Residue Treatment, Reforestation and Protection of Water Quality . Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, April 1976. 273 pp. Order No. 2815A. Methods and Practices for Controlling Water Pollution from Agricultural Nonpoint Sources. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, October 1973. 83 pp. Order No. 2117. ------- Methods for Identifying and Evaluating the Nature of Non— point Sources of Pollutants . Washington, DC: U.S. Environ— mental Protection Agency, October 1973. 261 pp. Order No. 0002. Water Quality Management Guidance for Mine—Related Pollution Sources (New, Current, and Abandoned) . Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, December 1977. 198 pp. These EPA publications are helpful in monitoring and evaluating noripoint sources of pollution. They give the impacts of various agricultural, silvicultural, and mining activities on water quality. Specific best management practices for control of these pollution sources are described in detail. They may be obtained from the U.S. EPA Library Services, Maildrop 35, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. Order No. 4301. Nonpoint Sources of Pollution Fact Sheets . Sheet Numbers 1—6. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, November 1978. 6 pp. These sheets are excellent handout materials for pro- viding an introduction to nonpoint source problems, pro- grams, legislation, best management practices, and citizen action. They may be obtained from the Forms and Publications Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Maildrop 41,Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. Audiovisual Materials Slide-tape presentations on nonpoint source pollution. Twelve slide trays and tapes cover the introduction to selected nonpoint sources of pollution, agriculture, con- struction, mining, silviculture, and legal/institutional aspects. Specific areas, especially BNP’s are discussed In detail. The programs are long (two or three trays of slides), but technical matters are covered. Policy consi- derations are minimal. The materials are available from either the regional or national offices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Water Planning Division). 10 ------- Appendix A. Contents of charts for use by the instructor in the suggested activities. These charts may be used to make transparencies or the contents may be copied onto flip charts. 1. Nonpoint Source Pollutants 2. Nonpoint Source Pollution Planning Steps 3. Best Management Practices B. Handouts for use by the instructor in the guided discussion. Copies will need to be made for each participant. 1. Case Study Comments C. Copy of the script for the slide—tape program, “Rural Nonpoint Sources of Pollution.” ------- NJ Nonpoint Source Pollutants Sediment Nutrients Acids and Salts Metals Toxic Chemicals Pathogens Heat ------- Nonpoint Source Pollution Planning Steps 1. Establish goals 2. Assess relationships 3. Determine pollution loads 4. Select Best Management Practices 5. Develop and implement plan 6. Monitor water quality and revise plan ------- Best Management Practices Structural Techniques Sedimentation basin Diversion barrier Holding pond Drip irrigation system Toxic chemical facility ------- Best Management Practices Nonstructural Techniques Crop rotation No-till planting Disturbed land stabilization Logging schedule Vegetation buffer I — . U i ------- CASE S1”UDY W1 EJ TS Water Quality Problems Planning Coal Technical Assistance BMPs Information Collection and Analysis Problems Planning Legal Basis Plan Financing Federal Financial Sources State/Local Financial Sources Economic, Environmental and Social Impacts Plan Implementation App roaches Implementation Problems Other Aspects 16 ------- Rural Nonpoint Sources of Pollution Slide Description Narrative 1. Cassette start slide (silence) 2. Title: Rural Nonpoint Sources of Pollution (music) 3. Picture: Discharge pipe 4. Picture: “Point Source Pollution” supered over discharge pipe 5. Picture: Farmland Many of us think of pollution primarily in terms of that which comes from a single s’ource, such as a discharge pipe. This most common type of pollution is called point source pollution . It also may originate from a broad area of land, and may be harder to identify. This nonpoint source pollution may run or wash off the ground or may seep through it. 6. Picture: Construction site Examples include: construction sites, erosion from 7. Picture: Crop rotation 8. Picture: Acid mine drainage 9. Picture: “Nonpoint Source Pollutants” supered over four picture composite 10. Picture: Man pointing at ground cover fertilizers or pesticides washed off op lands, or acids leached f.rom mines. These pollutants may be sediments, nutrients, salts, metals, toxic chemicals , and disease—causing organisms . The full impact and importance of non— point source pollution control has only recently been realized. Dr. Drannon Buskirk of the Pennsylvania State University comments: without contrr’lling nonpoint source pollution the national goals of making waters clean enough for fishing and swimming cannot be reached. Much of the problem is due to sediment such as erosion from this gully. 17 ------- —2— ii. Picture: Man pointing to stream It is so severe here that the soils have bank been cut to bedrock. More than 10 feet deep (PAUSE). Hundreds of tons of soils with adsorbed pollutants to cause problems downstream. We must reckon with nonpoint source pollution in order to gain our water quality goals in the coming years. 12. Picture: Composite of framland Nonpoint source pollution presents very and valley special planning problems because the climate, the land characteristics, and the different types of pollution vary throughout the countryside. 13. Graphic: Nonpoint Source Pollution For these and other reasons, it is Planning, 6 step sequence extremely important that agreement is reached on dealing with nonpoint source pollution. A six step planning sequence is suggested. 14. Graphic: Nonpoint Source Pollution In the first step, water quality goals and Planning, 6 step sequence standards are set. These efforts form a step 1 highlighted basis for analysis and decision making. 15. Graphic: Nonpoirit Source Pollution In the second step, we assess relation— Planning, 6 step sequence ships between different kinds of pollu— step 2 highlighted tants and how they are introduced into the environment. 16. Graphic: Nonpoint Soutce Pollution Next, allowable pollution loads are deter— Planning, 6 step sequence mined by examining water use and the step 3 highlighted capacity of surface waters to break down wastes. With this information as background 17. Graphic: Nonpoirit Source Pollution Steo four becomes a most important step —— Planning, 6 step sequence the identification of what is called Best step 4 highlighted Management Practices or (BMPs). Here, the most suitable ways for preventing or controlling nonpoint source pollution are identified. 18. Graphic: Nonpoint Source Pollution Next, a plan is developed which considers Planning, 6 step sequence rules and regulations, technical matters, step 5 highlighted environmental impacts, and financial and administrative aspects such as coordina- tion of different agencies. Once a plan is made, the process is not over. Circumstances change. ------- —3— 19. Graphic: Nonpoint Source Pollution In the sixth step, ongoing water quality Planning, 6 step sequence planning continues. step 6 highlighted 20. Picture: Marsh land Music 21. Picture: Muddy clay field Music 22. Picture: Forest scene Successful planning for nonpoint source pollution requires a good data base. 23. Picture: Composite of lab analysis The quality of ground and surface waters, and field sampling land and soil characteristics, climate variations, and many other kinds of information are necessary. 24. Graphic: Nonpoint Source Pollution This data is important to all planning Planning, Step 2 and 3 steps, especially in the analysis stages. highlighted 25. Graphic: Advisory group concerns The collection and analysis of data thus are at the very heart of the planning process. Throughout these activities, citizen advisory groups should ask: What will the analyses cost in money and time? • Are existing agencies capable of the studies? • Are they relevant to the local situation? • What are the assumptions of the study approaches. These analysis greatly influence the plans. Different methods give different answers. Which, in turn, can result in vastly different costs. 26. Graphic: Nonpoint Source Pollution Ways of preventing or stopping nonpoirit Planning, Step 4 high— source pollution are called best manage— lighted ment practices. Advisory groups can help in identifying the appropriate BMP for each situation. Advisory groups should be acutely aware of what is best suited to the local area. 19 ------- —4— 27. Graphic: Words, Structural vs. We classify the BMPs into two types: Nonstructural Structural and Nonstructural. 28. Picture: Composite photo ot Structural approaches use techniques sediment basins and such as sediment basins and containment containment ponds ponds. 29. Picture: Water scene These devices will delay, block, or trap the pollutants. 30. Picture: Composite of nonstruc— Nonstructural practices include non— tural techniques of physical options such as zoning controlling pollution ordinances, and activity schedules to keep pollutants away from water courses. 31., Picture: Large field Although the most cost—effective BMPs are sought, innovative approaches are encouraged, and often are necessary under certain conditions. 32. Picture: Nonpoint source pollu— Music tion control 33. Picture: Stream Music 34. Graphic: Words, Many laws, agencies, regulations, and Incentives, Regulations, programs already exists for dealing with Laws, Agencies, Programs source pollution. 35. Graphic: Nonpoint Source Pollution Advisory groups can help identify these Planning, Step 5 opportunities and attempt to coordinate highlighted them in order to make your planning effective. 36. Graphic: Land use controls These opportunities include land use controls such as zoning, building codes, subdivision regulations, ordinances, and water and sewer permits. 37. Picture: Composite of site Other methods, especially at the local inspection and stream level, Include inspection of construction monitor sites, maintenance schedules, and water quality monitoring. 38. Graphic: Interraction between Sometimes, to get the job done, individual federal and local municipalities operate together under government conservation districts, code enforcement agencies, councils of government, or joint watershed authorities. 20 ------- —5— 39. Picture: “Nonregulation” supered In agriculture, the primary control is over agriculture slide through nonregulatory means. Agencies such as the Conservation District, the Agricultural Extension Service, the Soil Conservaiion Service 40. Picture: Federal officials and other agencies offer educational, financial, and technical assistance. 41. Picture: Agriculture They can and are being used more effectively in nonpoint source pollution programs. The federal go ernment and many states also operate regulatory programs for non— point source pollution. 42. Picture: “Regulation” supered In contrast to agriculture, nonpoint over composite of mining source pollution from mines and forests and silviculture is mainly dealt with through regulations. Current trends are towards increased regu- lations in nearly all sectors. 43. Picture: Composite of federal However, more regulations may not be agency and local necessary. Better use and coordination advisory group of existing regulatory programs may suffice. Advisory groups can help sort out the federal, state and local programs that work with nonpoint source pollution. 44. Graphic: Nonpoint Source Pollution Once a plan is formulated, the need for Planning, Step 6 water quality management planning is not highlighted over. Situations change. Plans need revisions. Advisory groups can play an important role in ongoing, cont.inuing planning. 45. Graphic: Advisory group role in Advisory groups can help push plans continuing planning towards implementation by encouraging cooperation among the various parties. Advisory groups also can monitor and evaluate plans —— making sure that plans are being carried out, and problems are being taken care of. Much of the continuing planning for nonpoint source pollution has been accom- plished by areawide planning bodies. As federal grants for these activities wind down, the nature and responsibility of ongoing planning is changing. The emphasis is towards applied problem—solving planning, rather than the more comprehensive planning of the past. In the absence of federal monies, advisory groups also can help develop financial self—sufficiency for planning at the local level. 21 ------- —6— 46. Picture: Split screen shot of An important benefit of this local control advisory group and NPS is that nonpoint source planning will planning sequence become a part of the general overall plan- ning process rather than programs with their special grants and organization. 47. Picture: Soil erosion Music 48. Picture: Composite of agriculture Music and silviculture 49. Picture: Composite of agriculture, Although nonpoint source pollution control silviculture and advisory is complex and difficult, Best Management group Practices (BliPs) and implementation means exist for most types of pollution. Through cooperation and coordination in both the planning and implementation, it is possible to prevent and abate nonpoint source pollution. 50. Picture: Advisory group member Advisory groups are in a very special position to facilitate this cooperation and coordination. 51. Credit slide Music 52. Credit slide Music 22 9 OOV!fl9 T PflWTWO flCEi 1990 341-09 V h S ------- Working for Clean Water is a program designed to help advisory groups improve decision making in water quality planning. It aims at helping people focus on essential issues and questions, by providing trained instructors and materials suitable for persons with non—technical backgrounds. These materials include s citizen handbook on important principles and considerations about topics in water quality planning 3 an audiovisual presentation , and in- structor guide for elaborating points, providing additional infor- mation, and engaging in problem—solving exercises. This program consists of 18 informational units on various aspects of water quality planning: Role of Advisory Groups Innovative and Alternative technologies Public Participation Industrial Pretreatment Nonpoint Source Pollution: Agriculture, Forestry, and Land treatment Mining Water Conservation and • Urban Stormwager Runoff Reuse • Groundwater Contamination Multiple Use • Facility Planning in the Environmental Aasessment Construction Grants Program Coat—Effectiveness Analysis • Municipal Wastewater Processes: Overview • Waatewater Facilities Operation and Maintenance • Municipal Wastewatar Processes: Detaila • Fioancial Management • Small Systems The units are not designed to make technical experts out of citizens and local officials. Each unit contains essential facts, key ques- tions, advice on how to deal with the issues, and clearly—written technical backgrounds. In short, each unit provides the information that citizen advisors need to better fulfill their role. This program is available through public participation coordinators at the regional offices of the United States Environmental Protection Agency. ------- |