United States Environmental Protection Andrew W. Breidenbach April 1990 Environmental Research Center Cincfrma&rOH Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center ------- i I The Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center- Cincinnati, houses research laborato- ries, training facilities and adminis- trative offices. The ten-story structure is located at 26 West Martin Luther King Drive. The Center is named after its first director, Dr. Andrew W. Breidenbach. From 1975 until his retire- ment in March 1978, he served as EPA's Assistant Administrator for Water and Hazardous Materials. Having a distinguished career with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its predecessor organizations, Dr. Breidenbach will be remembered as a dedicated leader in many facets of environmental protection. ------- The history of environ- mental research in Cincinnati reaches back to the turn of the century. In 1912 the first water pollution laboratory in the United States was established here, in the Kilgour Mansion, near the banks of the Ohio River. 1912 - Third and Kilgour Streets - Congress established the first water pollution laboratory. By 1966 the Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center on Columbia Parkway had established a reputation for its work in wastewater treat- ment, water supply control, air pollution, radiation, and food protection for the Public Health Service and HEW. In effect, most of the federal government's major environmental research began here. In that year water pollution control endeavors at Taft and across the country came under the management of the Department of the Interior's Federal Water Pollution Control Administration. 2948 - Robert A, Taft Sanitary Engineering Center used for research in air pollution, water pollution control, radiation and food protection by the Public Health Service and Department of Health Education and Welfare. In 1970 the Environmental Protection Agency was established, organizing activities under the areas of wastewater treatment, drinking water, solid waste, radiation, air pollution control, industrial wastes/mine pollution control, and analytical quality control. The Taft Center remained the major EPA research facility and was responsible for wastewater research. Other EPA facilities were scattered throughout the city. In 1975 the Environ- mental Research Center was constructed on a 22 acre site donated by the City of Cincin- nati. The property lies adjacent to the main campus of the Univer- sity of Cincinnati and near a major hospital/medical research complex. The building was com- pleted at a cost of 28 million dollars and was dedicated in 1975 by President Gerald R. Ford. The Center is one of two major EPA research centers in the nation. IIHIIIU t«VI«OHMtl»TAl PROTECTION AGENCY KHMCH «NTI« 1975 - Present facilt EPA. ng the cutting edge of technology research for ------- The Andrew W. Breidenbach ...enhance the quality of science which supports environmental decisions through conscientious, effective planning and conduct of experimental research... Environmental Research Center (AWBERC) is one of the U.S. EPA’S largest research and development facilities. The primary mission of the U.S. Environmentai kro- tection Agency Is to reduce the risks posed by pollutants to public health and welfare and to natural ecosystems. Within this context, the staff at AWBERC strives to provide scientific information and data for Agency decision makers to help them select cost-effective and environmentally safe means of achieving environmental results in support of the Agency’s regulatory responsibilities, and to advance the state of knowledge on environmental problems not yet well understood. The work done at EPA - Cincinnati has helped to establish the Center’s reputation as a world leader in water research, AWBERC is also emerging as a center of excellence in the field of hazardous waste management Research and development completed at the Center strives to answer these basic environmental questions: Which pollutants are dangerous and how are we un- knowingly exposed? • At what levels do they become a threat to human health and welfare? • What are the health risks of being exposed to pollution? Flow can you detect contamination in the water, air and on the land? What are the most effective ways to clean up and eliminate further pollution? How should we respond to emergency situations such as chemical spills and releases? Equally as important to finding these answers, the Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center assures that its findings are shared with other agencies and environmental professionals who are actively involved in pro- tecting the environment. The staff understands that it is every- one’s duty —federal, state and local governments as well as private citizens — to find and use innovative answers to today’s environmental challenges. 4 ------- Because the environment is such an important issue today, many people have come to rely on the U.S. EPA for information and assistance. Many groups such as other federal agencies, state and local governments, and even private Industries need to work closely with the EPA to help them improve our water, air and land resources. The Office of the Senior Official for Research and Development (OSORD) functions as the official spokesperson for EPA in Cincinnati. It is through this office that EPA in Cincinnati communicates with other organiza- tions across the nation and around the world. The OSORD initiates and directs AWBERC’a re- sponse to the Federal Technology Transfer Act, fostering a cooperative working relationship between the Center and other government agencies, academic institutions and the private sector with respect to research, development and demonstration opportunities. In addition to overall support for all research labora- tories at EPA-Cincinnati, OSORD evaluates the effectiveness Who speaks for the of AWBERC’s compliance with federal, state and local regula- EPA tory requirements (RCRA, TSCA, SARA Title III, etc.) that relate to the operation of Agency facilities associated with AWBERC programs. The office oversees the activities of the AWBERC Compliance Council in the identification and review of health, safety and regulatory requirements and rec- ommendation of appropriate actions. The Support and Public Affairs Office, within the OSORD, has the lead responsibility for planning and coordi- nation of outreach programs at the AWBERC Including local Congressional affairs, public information and community relations, academia and training, media relations, the Speak- ers Bureau, international and domestic visitors, intergovern- mental relations, support services, and related programs. OSORD is committed to increasing public awareness of environmental concerns and provides local leadership in the formulation, direction and implementation of the EPA Institute Program at AWBERC of other technical and scientific framing of agency employees for State and other personnel. The OSORD oversees the operation of facilities such as the Electron Microscope Facility, the Media Preparation Facility and the Pathogenic Suite. In these laborato- ries, professionals from EPA and other organizations collaborate to produce results that seldom are achieved by working separately. 5 ------- How do you test for pollutants? Are some tests better than others? Are the laboratories which test our water and wastewater meeting federal standards? The Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL) oversees the EPA’s quality assurance program for water and wastewater analysis. EMSL is charged with developing and standardizing chemical and biological tests which will be used by the EPA nationwide. Through years of experience, EPA realized the necessity of having laboratories use similar tests and specifica- tions when analyzing water and wastewater. Water analyzed in California should be subjected to the same battery of tests as the water in Maine. These tests must clearly detect and ac- curately measure viruses, chemicals, and biological/microbio- logical contaminants. It is EMSL’s responsibility to stipulate which tests must be used and revise the tests to reflect new regulations. Other agencies, private industry, or academic institutions may present new methods of testing or instruments to the EPA for consideration. EMSL evaluates them for accuracy, suggests im- provements, develops prototypes and produces working models. Currently, EMSL scientists are evaluating the use of “biomarkers” - a new method which uses actual exposed tissue from living organisms to measure contamination levels. The Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory in Cincinnati is the only EPA labora- tory that certifies regional laboratories. They train laboratory personnel and monitor the labs for accuracy and conformity to certification standards. In addition, EMSL produces manuals and hand- books for laboratories, chemists, engineers and others who need to know about current testing methods. A Particle-Beam Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry System is used in the development of methods far the determination of toxic organic environmental pollutants in situations where gas chromatography is not possible. Purple sea urchins such as this, from the west coast will be used by EMSL scientists to study toxic effects of surface water on reproduction. 6 ------- The principal objective of the Office of Drinking Water is to assert national leadership to assure that public drinking water is of sufficient quality to protect the public health. Consistent with this objective, the Technical Support Division (TSD), also located at the AWBERC, assists In the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. of 1986, by supporting the development and implementa- tion of drinking water regulations. Additionally, technical assistance is provided to EPA regions, states, and to local entities. The TSD is composed of the Water Supply Technol- ogy Branch (WSTB) and the Drinking Water Quality Assess- ment Branch (DWQAB). The WSTB develops data and provides engineering services through national surveys, treatment technology studies, and technical assistance. As the requirements for compliance with drinking water regulations become more numerous and more complex, WSTB is focusing on the development and delivery of specific information and techniques to assist states and utilities in implementing these requirements. The DWQAB provides information in the areas of monitoring and analytical methods. It has fully operational chemistry and microbiological laboratories, capable of investigating a broad range of problems dealing with drink- ing water contamination. This branch is developing monitor- ing strategies to assess whether water utilities are in compli- ance with existing regulations. Also, it is managing the national laboratory certification implementation program and Is Involved in developing analytical methods training pro- grams. The VG High Resolution Mass Spectrometer is used to detect and identify extremely low con cent rations of corn pounds in drinking water. Once pollutants are identified, and effective methods for detecting and treating them are established, how can states and smaller communities begin to conform to safe water standards? Are the regulations being implemented? Is it working? 9 TSD Engineers and staff review corn prthensive performance etul uat ion results from a community water system. 7 ------- What can realistically be The Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) is responsible for the planning, Implementation, and manage- ment of research to provide an authoritative, defensible engineering basis in support of the policies, programs, and regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency with respect to drinking water, wastewater, pesticides, toxic substances, pollution prevention, solid and hazardous wastes, and Superfund-related activities. RREL research provides Invaluable Information to states and cities regarding drinking water. The staff com- pares treatment systems for effectiveness and cost. They provide information which helps municipalities produce safe drinking water. Disinfectants, which are essential to safe treat- ment of drinking water, also produce by-products which remain in the water. RREL studies ways to control the by- products. RREL searches for cost effective ways to treat and manage wastewater, including sludge, urban runoff and in- dustrial discharges. At the Center, the RREL developed a relatively inexpensive and rapid procedure for states to use to determine which discharges are toxic. They also develop and evaluate new technologies to treat wastewater. RREL investi- gates methods for preventing pollution, thereby reducing wastewater treatment needs. For many yea disposal of wastes Into the ground were not controlled. No one thought about the long term effects this would have on the land and under- ground water supplies. Leaks into the land, water and air were posing serious threats to the environment. Later, as we became concerned about resource conservation, some regulations were enacted. Approximately 27,000 hazard- ous waste sites have been identified and the Congress has enacted “Superfund” leg- islation to respond to the need to clean up these dangers. done to protect and restore our environment? I Underground Storage Tank test ap ratus, Edison, New Jersey. Rotating biological contactor designed to utilize white rot fungus to treat synthetic and actual woodtreating wastes. 8 ------- What can be done about Land and cleanup is a major focus of AWBERC’s RREL staff. They are developing new disposal technologies to meet government standards. They are investigating innova- tive concepts such as the use of safe, natural organisms to breakdown harmful pollutants. These methods could provide the solution to many land pollution challenges. At the Center Hill Facility, RREL conducts tests on contaminated soil to determine if it can be treated and what treatment would be most effective. RREL oversees the operation of the Incineration Research Facility in Jefferson, Arkansas where scientists are looking for safe ways to burn hazardous wastes, organic chemicals and metals and prevent their release into the air. old landfills that contain harmful wastes which are threatening the land and underground water supplies? What will we do to prevent further damage to the land? What can we do in case of emergencies such as chemical spills and hazardous releases? RREL supports Superfund activities by develop- ing ways to prevent and contain hazardous releases. They develop methods for regions and states to use to evaluate sites. Their research reveals ways to manage uncontrolled waste sites. The RREL manages the Super- fund innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program which is designed to make it easier to devise and use new treatment methods and monitoring techniques. The S1TE program explores alternative disposal and cleanup methods (38 new technologies in the first 4 years alone!). The SiTE Program is instrumental In encouraging the private sector to take advantage of the commercial oppor- tunities of providing hazardous waste cleanup at Super- fund sites. RREL’s Superfund Technical Assistance Re- sponse Team (START) provides on-call assistance for Superfund activities. The findings of their treatability studies are used to help decide which toxins can be treated and how best to do it. They support RREL’s Superfund cleanup activities by conducting research which involves producing, storing and treating hazardous wastes. To protect workers at hazardous waste sites RREL evaluates and chooses protective clothing and res- pirators. They have conducted research with robots to eliminate exposure of humans to potential danger. These findings have benefited other organizations whose personnel face threats of contamination. Center Hill researcher examines hazardous waste soil sample. 9 ------- What happens to all of the EPA’S research findings? The Center for Environmental Research Information (CERI) bridges the gap between research and implementation. CERI’s Technology Transfer and Technical Informa- tion staff oversee a vigorous program with the goal of collect- ing research findings, reviewing documents for scientific in- tegrity, and making the most important information available. EPA regions, other federal agencies, state and local govern- ments, and private industry make use of this information. CERI publishes brochures, capsule and summary reports, handbooks, newsletters, project reports and manuals. The organization conducts regional workshops and seminars, con- ferences and video teleconferences to share EPA data. CERI continually seeks new ways to Improve information delivery and utility. “Expert systems” are com- puterized systems that bring considered knowledge of technical experts to engineers who are responsible for design- ing or correcting deficiencies in pollution control facilities. Presently an expert system that will run on a personal computer is being developed for municipal wastewater treatment plants. By using the system, plant engineers can evaluate and correct problems found in their facilities. The same type of program will also be developed for drinking water plants and solid waste disposal centers. CERI is making full use of all com- munication capabilities. An electronic bulletin board quickly and inexpensively distributes information. Optical disk tech- nology will soon allow a library of informa- tion to be shared rapidly and efficiently. 10 ------- The Health Effects Laboratory (HERL) studies the effects of Research at the Center contaminants in drinking water on human health. A large number of substances have been found in water: asbestos, inorganic and organic chemicals, bacteria, viruses as well as by-products of the chemicals (e.g. chlorine) used to disinfect the waters. HERL studies the link between the level of contaminants in water and the incidences of conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, re- production problems and birth defects. They also conduct research directed to the setting of quality standards for recreational water. HERL research examines how we treat and dispose of wastewater and sludge. The re-use of treated wastewater and exposure to sludge must be carefully studied. Airborne pollutants from cars, buses and other forms of transportation as well as stationary sources such as factories, can also affect human health. HERL studies these effects and investigates the potential benefits of using fuel alternatives, fuel additives and emission filters and “scrubbers.” 7. ,- . / -- Flow Cytometer is capable of high speed quantitative suspension, and of sorting specific precancerous cells. r What are the risks to human beings associated with exposure to water pollutants? What level of each pollutant can be Triple Stage Quadru pole Gas Chroraalographf Mass Spectrometer is used to identify and measure organic chemical contaminants and disinfection by-products in drinking water. term or permanent? considered safe? At what level are they dangerous? Are the results short 11 ------- What are acceptable levels for the various contaminants found in the water, air and land for the protection of human health? Who sets the standards? The Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office has the responsibility for preparing human health-based criteria and assessment documents for contaminants in the environment. When a specific contaminant Is identified by the Agency as a possible hazard, all available Information is obtained by using data base searches of both national and international literature. This information is then evaluated and summarized. Documents are then prepared assessing the health hazards of exposure. All assessments are subjected to a peer review process and, when finalized, are utilized by the Agency as supporting documentation for regulation and enforcement. ECAO also develops new methods for assessing risks and uses gathered information to plan future research strategies. At the Center, ECAO developed a method for deriving the human health criteria for ambient water (e.g., lakes, rivers). This method was applied to 129 priority pollutants and is being used as a basis for setting standards across the nation. ECAO plays a key role In prloritizlngSupe,fund sites using estab- lished criteria for pollutants. ECAO’s Superfund Technical Support Center acts as a focal point of information for Superfund sites, supplying data and information necessary to those involved in the cleanup. ECAO also determines levels at which the accidental release or spiii of hazardous waste must be reported. ECAO is the lead office in the Agency/or the devel- opment and maintenance of the Integrated Information System (IRIS) data base. This data base describes acceptable levels of exposure to specific environmental contaminants, both carcinogens and noncarcinogens. These levels have been agreed upon by Agency-wide work groups, and as such, are the concensus of the Agency. Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) is an on-line data base developed for EPA staff in response to a growing demand for consistent risk information representing Agency consensus opinions on chemical substances for use in decision-making and regulatory activities. Although designed for EPA staff, it is also accessible to other government agencies, the public, state, local and international commun ities. For additional information contact IRIS User Support at (513)569-7254. 12 ------- The Environmental Response Team (ERT), Operations Support Section, provides technical assistance, when an urgent response is required to contain spill areas and prevent downstream effects. OSS/ERT, serves as a technical support group for EPA regional offices regarding cleanup. The ERT trains federal, state, municipal agencies and private industries to deal with environmental emergencies. This organization develops and distributes EPA’s QO1 manual covering health and safety issues of chemical exposure. The ERT/Operations Support Section, provides technical assistance, when an urgent response is required to contain spills or other chemical releases. OSS assists Super- fund personnel to stabilize spill areas and prevent down- stream effects, and serves as a technical support group for EPA regional offices regarding cleanups. ERT conducts continuous Emei ency Response Training at their River Road Testing Station. :13 ------- AWBERC’s Library houses the largest collection in EPA library network including over 17,000 books, 200,000 technical reports, and an advanced CD literary search capability. Administration of these diverse programs covering so many aspects of environmental control and preservation is a monumental task. Like any large organization, there are many administrative responsibilities such as property man- agement, computer services, accounting, personnel develop- ment, and labor relations to name only a few. The Office of Administration and Resources Management (OARM) provides this administrative support for AWBERC and many other EPA facilities across the United States. With their expert services, the task of research, development and im- plementation of environmental regulations is done more efficiently. The library at the Andrew W. Breldenbach Environ- mental Research Center is a composite of the holdings, dating from 1950, of the Public Health Service and the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration. The facility was established in 1971 and at one time served as the scientific and technical focal point for all EPA libraries. It was moved to its present location at the Center in 1976. H The Facilities Management and Services Division serves the Center and other facilities by overseeing construc- tion, major repair, communications, property and supply management, shipping and receiving, transportation, safety and security services. The Contracts Management Division controls contracts for research and development in the Center and others throughout the nation. The library is open to the public and contractors for reference use only. Library hours are 8a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. AWBERC Computer Center serves as the Nat ional Disaster Recovery Site for the Agency mainframe computer systems and is the secondary national site JbT the Agency statistical analysis system. It houses the major telecommunications node for the Agency and serves as the A WBERC Information Center. 14 ------- Personnel matters are handled by the Human Re- sources Management Division. This office supervises a comprehensive management program for approximately 900 employees. They oversee employee benefits, retirement counseling, career development, recruitment, labor relations, performance evaluations, and help plan and formulate personnel policy. The Information Resources Management Division provides invaluable services to support work being done at AWBERC and to every other EPA facility. Information support services are managed from this office. Their state-of- the-art program provides one central source of information covering all aspects of EPA research and development. They operate the Computer Center which manages the Center’s library, houses the major telecommunications node for the EPA and operates the A WBERC’s Information Center. In essence, they facilitate smooth exchange of information throughout the entire EPA organization. The Center’s Computer Center, under the manage- ment of OARM, is responsible for support services for mainframe and microcomputers, technical and management consultation, library management with major database access for literature searches, technical assistance, needs analysis, training, and the Center’s telephone system. j i I i I hj, Like all federal government agencies, the Andrew W. Breldenbach Environmental Research Center Is committed to promoting equal employment opportunities for people of all races, ages, creeds and physical disabilities. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) advises and assists personnel at the Center and its off-site facilities regarding civil rights issues. They are responsible for alerting young people to career opportunities in the environmental field. Clerical 14% Technical 12% Administrative 7% To accomplish this important task OCR facilitates the Minority Apprenticeship Program, Black Employment Program and Hispanic Employment Program as well as other programs for recruiting and career development of women. OCR prepares the Center’s Affirmative Action Program Plans. Composition of workforce: Professional 63% Others 4%” ,‘,i’, OFFICF OF A [ *IINIS’TRAILON & KFSOURCFS MANACJEMF:NI .1 , 15 ------- The A.W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center, a 10-story, 200,000 square foot building, contains some of the most sophisticated equipment and expert staff to research, develop and support environmental activities. The Center currently has a 1610 square foot Employee Weliness Center on the premises and plans are underway for a Child Care Center on the grounds. Its laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments such as one of the most powerful electron microscopes in existence. The Electron Microscope Facility is currently used to detect lead in drink- ing water and to analyze results of exposure to asbestos. Hazardous wastes are tested and treated in the newly completed Research Containment Facility for hazard- ous waste. This facility is a self-contained, freestanding facility that has an overall research area of 7,500 square feet. It contains unparalleled safety features designed to protect its employees and community. The PaThogenic Suite is the center for research to detect and identify microorganisms in drinking water. Here standardized methods for pathogen analysis (sources of disease) are developed. The Center also maintains and operates six mobile treatment units which are able to be sent to areas of contamination. They are used to study treatment of industrial wastewaters, sludges, sediments and certain liquid wastes. The Center also operates Drinking Water Pilot Plants which evaluate such drinking water treatment alternatives as chlorination, activated carbon, filtration, diffused air aeration, packed column air stripping and ozonation. The Center also oversees several offsite laboratories: The Test and Evaluation Facility adjacent to a municipal wastewater treatment plant in the community provides the EPA with the ability to study wastewater treatment needs and to test new treatment methods. This facility houses compo- nents of the RREL and is available for Agency wide use for studying wastewater treatment. Here the EPA works with both private and public agencies to find usable and innovative answers to wastewater problems. The Electron Microscope can detect asbestos fibei-s with its capability of 250,000 X magnification. Full Containment Facil ity for Hazardous Wastes. In 1989 EPA Cincinnati corn pletr4 construction of a special ized facility for evaluating methods to test and treat hazardous wastes. This state-of-the-art facility, unique in the nation, includes maximum safety features to preclude ex esure of employees or the surrounding environment to hazardous chemicals. 16 ------- The Center Hill Research Facility nearby is the site of research and development activities on landfills, contami- nated soil and ground water remediation, expert systems and the disposal of ash from municipal waste incinerators. Here the RREL conducts tests on stabilization of hazardous waste and on-site treatment processes. The Fish Toxicology Research Facility in Newtown, Ohio conducts and supports research on living aquatic organisms that have been exposed to pollutants. EMSL uses this facility in the evaluation of aquatic testing procedures. The Incineration Research Facility in Jefferson, Arkansas is responsible for finding techniques to improve waste burning methods for eliminating hazardous wastes, organic chemical mixtures and metals. The Releases Control Branch (RCB) in Edison, New Jersey develops equipment and methods to clean up hazard- ous wastes and chemicals which have been released into the soil, air and water. Work here resulted in the first mobile in- cineration unit in the United States which has safely elimi- nated twelve million pounds of dioxin-containing wastes at eight Superfund sites. The RCB, a component of RREL, also provides technical assistance to EPA emergency response teams throughout the country. 17 ------- In dcx Dedication .2 Genesis 3 Mission 4 - — r r Office of the Senior Official f Research hd Development 5 Environmental Mo,i 4 toring Syst ns Laboratory 6 0 Technical Support Division 7 Risk Reduction E ineering ta Oratory 8 Center for Environ ntal Research Informati 10 Health Effects Research Laboratory ...C ’ 11 Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office 12 Environmental Response Team 13 Office of Administration and Resources Management 14 Office of Civil Rights 15 Unique Facilities 16 18 ------- ------- |