FEBRUARY 1975
VOL. ONE, NO. TWO
THE JOY RIDE IS OVER, BY JOHN R. QUARLES JR.
DOES THE MERIT SYSTEM HAVE A FUTURE AT EPA ?
A INTERVIEW WITH ALVIN L. ALM
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
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SALUTE TO BIKERS
Incredible as it may seem to many of us, some of our associates still
bicycle to work at EPA headquarters daily despite the bite of winter
weather.
Their willingness to battle through icy winds is all the more remark-
able when you realize the bicyclists have to thread their way through
hazardous city traffic, outwit thieves eager to steal their vehicles
and tolerate what many of them characterize as "inadequate" parking
racks and wash-up facilities at EPA headquarters.
For comments by the bike riders, see page 18.
Most of the rest of us shuffle papers, hold meetings, talk on the
phone, write memos and then drive home in a polluting car or bus.
Reflecting later on the day's events, we may occasionally have some
misgivings about whether we made any progress in protecting the envi-
ronment.
The biker at least has the comforting knowledge that he did some-
thing tangible to avoid increasing the load of pollutants in the air. In
addition, the silent bicycle has not added to the cacophony of traffic
noise.
Riding a bike may not be possible for all of us. Reasons of health or
long commuting distances may preclude biking to work.
Yet some bicyclists drive their cars to the city outskirts, park their
autos and then lift their bikes from trunk racks and pedal the rest of the
way to work.
In addition to environmental gains and the obvious health advan-
tages, bicycling offers esthetic benefits. The traveler on a bicycle sees
a different world than the auto driver or passenger.
The pace is slower and perceptions of your surroundings keener. The
scarlet sunrise over the Potomac, which was largely ignored in the car
or bus, can now be recognized as a glorious work of Nature, surpassing
any scenic painting at the National Gallery of Art. And each day Na-
ture, in her changing moods, will provide a new and stunning portrait
in the sky, free to all who will simply take the time to observe.
If winter biking is too rugged for you, remember that the days al-
ready are getting longer as we move toward Spring once again. Making
plans for what you will be doing when May buds blossom is one of the
secrets for surviving grim winter.
You might consider reading or re-reading that minor classic,
"Spring in Washington," by Louis Halle, an ardent bicyclist. It offers
vivid descriptions of the natural world which Halle often explored on a
bicycle and which we are trying to'protect through our efforts at EPA.
While we wait impatiently for Spring, our winter bike riders can
serve us all as a symbol of the old-fashioned grit and gumption that
from our earliest days as a Nation have enabled Americans to cope with
such small and large sorrows as broken plows, droughts and Indian
raids.
As the environmental movement is squeezed by mounting economic
and energy pressures, environmentalists need more than ever the self-
discipline and patient determination to master adversity which served
our forebears so well.
Meanwhile, to EPA's intrepid bikers and to bicylists everywhere we
wish, in the words of the old Irish prayer, "May the wind always be at
your back."
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United States
Environmental
Protection Agency
Russell E. Train
Administrator
Patricia L. Cahn
Director of Public Affairs
Charles D. Pierce
Editor
Staff:
Van Trumbull
Ruth Hussey
PHOTO CREDITS
Cover, Dick Swanson*
Page 2, Arthur Greenberg*
Page 3, Don Moran
Page 4, Howard Stein
Page 5, Paul Conklin*
Page 6 and 7, Don Moran
Page 13, Gene Daniels*
Page 14, Dick Swanson*
Ken Heyman*
James H. Pickerell*
Page 15, Marc St. Gil*
Leroy Woodson*
Dick Swanson*
Page 16, Don Moran
Page 18 and 19, Don Moran
*DOCUMER1CA Photos
Cover: Heavy traffic on Walt
Whitman Bridge connecting
Philadelphia and New Jersey.
Contents
Page 2
Page 6 ^
Page 8
m
Page 10 Jm^^
Page 13
Page 16 ^T
The Joy Ride Is Over
by John R. Quarles Jr.
Does The Merit System Have a
Future at EPA?
Interview with Alvin L. Aim
Honors Awards
r
Around the Nation
Photo Essay
Profile
,, , A ,*
Page 20
Page 21
Arrivals and Departures
News Briefs
'P'he EPA Journal will be published monthly, with combined issues for July-August and November-
December, for employees of the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency. It does not alter or supersede
regulations, operating procedures or manual instructions. Contributions and inquiries should be addressed to the
Editor, (A- 107) Room 209, West Tower, Waterside Mall, 401 M St., S.W. Washington. D.C. 20460. No
permission necessary to reproduce contents except copyrighted photos and other materials.
PAGE
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IVUH-. 2
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THE JOY RIDE
IS OVER
We are entering an era which will
perhaps be characterized in Charles
Dickens' phrase, "It was the best ot
times, it was the worst of times."
It may seem like harsh times now that
the long American joy ride on limitless
supplies of gasoline, other fuels, and
electricity is coming to an end. It hits us
as bad news that the economy has
slowed down and booming growth rates
in the national economy probably can
no longer be maintained.
The good news is that we have lots of
energy to save, a fundamentally strong
economy that can adapt to a more sensi-
ble rate of growth, an enlightened pub-
lic that strongly supports our environ-
mental programs and a President who
showed in his State of the Union mes-
sage that he is placing strong emphasis
on environmental protection and energy
conservation.
I think it is fair to say that the White
House has made a substantial shift to-
ward the views advocated by EPA and
is placing tremendous importance on
energy conservation. The basic
Administration position now also
clearly reflects that environmental pro-
tection is a pre-condition to energy ex-
pansion.
Despite the urging of the automobile
industry, union leaders in this industry,
and a considerable part of the Federal
establishment for a freeze on existing
automobile emission controls, the Pres-
BY JOHN R. QUARLES JR.
Deputy Administrator
United States
Environmental Protection Agency
ident decided to propose tightening the
existing standards.
Under the President's proposal the
emission levels per mile would be tight-
ened in 1977 from 1.5 grams of hy-
drocarbons to .9 and from 15 grams of
carbon monoxide to 9 grains— stand-
ards now in effect in California. This is
half the distance from the present in-
terim auto standards to the final stand-
ards provided by Congress under exist-
ing law. For nitrogen oxides, the pres-
ent Federal interim standard of 3.1
grams a mile, would be continued for
every State except California which
now has a standard of 2 grams per mile.
On strip mining, there is clear recog-
nition by the Administration that the
public will not tolerate full throttle coal
production unless adequate controls can
be set up to prevent environmental
abuse. The President supports enact-
ment of strip mining legislation. The
Administration will offer several
amendments to cure specific objections
to the strip mining bill recently vetoed,
but it will avoid opening up a vast range
of questions that were resolved by the
Congress in that bill. The Administra-
tion will work to achieve speedy enact-
ment of strip mining legislation in an
acceptable form.
The third area of conflict between
energy and environmental needs is the
expanded use of coal to generate elec-
tricity. The Administration has solidly
I'Atil- 3
-------
endorsed EPA's position that all new
power plants must meet the strict re-
quirements of our new-source stand-
ards. It has also endorsed EPA's posi-
tion that tall stacks and intermittent
control systems are not acceptable as a
permanent method of control.
The Administration will offer limited
amendments to the Clean Air Act to
provide more flexibility in allowing
power plants to convert from the use of
oil to coal and to establish more realistic
deadlines for power plants to install
scrubbers. The Administration's pro-
posals would insist, however, that pri-
mary air quality standards to protect
health must not be violated in any case.
In the development of the Adminis-
tration's overall program.
the EPA leadership held a
round of discussions with
representatives of Federal
agencies representing all
the interests and concerns
important to the public
welfare. In contrast to
our disagreements of a
year ago, this year we
reached genuine agree-
ment that these positions
arc in the public interest.
The approach outlined
in the President's State of
the Union message does
involve significant mod-
ification of several re-
quirements under the
Clean Air Act. More im-
portantly, however, the
President has committed
his full support to con-
tinuing the progress in
the environmental field. Despite the
agony of current economic difficulties
and the intense need for greater energy
supply, the President has declared that
this Country must continue to move
forward in the national effort for en-
vironmental protection. He placed
greater emphasis on environmental val-
ues and energy conservation than we
have seen before.
In addition to the support from the
White House anu many of the executive
agencies we have been encouraged by
the recent findings of the Joint
Economic Committee of Congress:
•'There should be no general relaxa-
tion of environmental standards for the
sake of reducing inflationary pressures
because: (I) the benefits of this invest-
ment clearly exceed the costs, (2) their
contribution to inflation has been and
will continue to be minimal, (3) delays
will only increase the ultimate cost of
environmental cleanup, and (4) the
stimulative effect of these expenditures
on employment in the near future will
be beneficial to the economy."
Reviewing the recent history of the
environmental movement, we can see
that we have made sweeping gains in
the past feu1 years. Congress has re-
sponded to the will of an aroused
American public. First came the Na-
tional Environmental Policy Act, then
the Clean Air Act and the significant
updating of the Federal Water Pollution
Act, as well as acts to control noise,
pesticides, and ocean dumping.
As a result, in many areas plagued by
our most severe pollution problems, the
air today is getting cleaner and the
water is getting cleaner.
We know that curbing pollution is
costly. We have undertaken to correct
past mistakes. We know we have to pay
now for the "free" air and water de-
spoiled in the past and to include in fu-
ture industrial and social costs the con-
trol of pollution.
This should not come as a surprise to
the people of EPA. Environmentalists
have been telling us for years — and we
have helped to spread the word—that
the American way of waste is economi-
cally profligate and ecologically peril-
ous. From Aldo Leopold in the I940's
to Barry Commoner in recent years, we
have learned that the whole earth is fi-
nite. Land, air, and water and the web
of plant and animal life were not made
to be exploited by us. We don't own the
biosphere in fee simple, but only as
joint tenants. And we hope the deed
says "with right of survival."
As workers in EPA. the leading
agency in America for restoring and
maintaining the quality of the environ-
ment, we know, better than most, how
closely environmental protection is
connected to energy uses and to the
economy. There is scarcely an EPA
program, laboratory study, or enforce-
ment action that is not af-
fected by the energy
policies of the Federal
Government and the
energy-use habits of the
public. And every EPA
program or action affects
the national economy, di-
rectly or indirectly. We
are required by law to
consider economic ef-
fects of pollution control
regulations and enforce-
ment actions, to weigh
the costs and seek the
best cost-to-benefit
ratios.
In reviewing the
economic impact of our
environmental efforts,
we must remember that
making the most econom-
ical use of our resources
is an environmental as
well as an economic goal. Pollution is
waste and when we put that waste to
productive use we are serving both
economic and environmental ends.
The need to pursue environmental
protection goals continues to be critical.
The benefits of pollution control expen-
ditures are well worth their costs.
Real progress has been made in re-
cent years in environmental protection
but now we are facing rising resistance
in achieving the legislative goals and
funding needed to continue our ad-
vance.
As the Environmental Protection
Agency enters its fifth year, we are
aware that misconceptions over
conflicts—both real and imaginary—
1'ACI 4
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among environmental goals, energy
needs, and the health of our economy
have slowed the momentum ot" the en-
vironmental movement.
But this is clearly no time to reduce
our environmental commitments. We
continue to accumulate information in-
dicating that the severity of environ-
mental problems is far greater than orig-
inally believed.
For example, recently a research
team, working as part of EPA's CHESS
Program (Community Health and En-
vironmental Surveillance System) dis-
closed evidence that exposure to par-
ticulate pollution can adversely affect
children's breathing capacity. Another
study showed that as many as 20 percent
of children in a city like
New York can develop
severe and chronic res-
piratory diseases.
Another exampie of
the severity of environ-
mental problems is the
Reserve Mining case. As
you know, we discovered
the probability that the
discharges by Reserve
Mining of iron ore wastes
into Lake Superior were
posing a threat of cancer
to the people of Duluth,
Minn., whose drinking
water comes from the
lake. While the disposi-
tion of this case is yet to
be finally decided by the
courts, the frightening
public health questions it
raises remain.
In addition to our re-
sponsibility for protecting public
health, we also have an obligation to
save the beauty of our natural world and
the resources needed to sustain life on
this planet.
Most reasonable men and women
have long arrived at the realization that
a healthy environment is as necessary
for our society as a strong economy and
sufficient energy. But where conflicts
arise among these three factors, ba-
lances must be struck and compromises
made. While most of us accept this, we
continue to hear the voices of some who
regard environmental concern and pro-
tection as frivolous. For these individu-
als, the only issues that matter are the
well-being of the economy and the res-
toration of energy without end. The en-
vironment be damned.
It would be unfortunate enough if the
cause of environmentalist!] had to con-
tend only with those who did not love
the environment enough, but the cause
is also ill served by those who love it
too much. We have all met or know of
individuals who in their zeal for a cause
or ideal do more harm than good to that
goal. Such is the case of those environ-
mentalists who, like the know-nothings
of anti- environmentalism, grant legit-
imacy and primacy only to their cause.
That man does not live by clean air and
water alone is of no concern to them.
It is my hope that both of these
groups will respond to reason, but of
one thing I am certain: our role and the
role of this Agency remain unchanged.
We will continue to work for the en-
vironmental protection that the Con-
gress has commanded and the people
deserve. Where other considerations
besides the environment must he
weighed, they will be weighed and
compromises will be made where
necessary. This should not be construed
by anyone as either a weakness or a
sell-out, for it will be neither. It will
simply be our way of meeting the new
realities that we all must face.
One of the realities that all programs
of the magnitude of environmental pro-
tection must face is cost-benefit
analysis. Recently, the Council on En-
vironmental Quality announced its
latest clean-up estimate for the decade
ending in 1983: the cost of cleaning up
the Nation's air, water, and land is now
put at nearly $195 billion, up nearly
one-third from last year's estimate.
Many have asked whether such expendi-
tures of money are justified in these
times. We feel that they are, but what
about the citizens? A decrease in illness
and death due to environmental pollu-
tion control is often difficult to ap-
preciate when the benefits are not im-
mediately visible but the bills are. En-
vironmental protection may not provide
instant satisfaction the way spending
money or pressing down the accelerator
does. But in the long run we know that
the return on environmen-
tal protection is life pres-
ervation, and that fact
alone justifies the cost.
I believe, and opinion
polls support my belief,
that this is also clear to
most Americans. It is for
this reason that environ-
mental protection must be
ranked among the most
important considerations
when the crucial deci-
sions that will shape the
future of our Nation are
made.
In the individual hard-
Iship of employee layoffs.
the national economic
difficulties of inflation
^^ and recession, the tieht-
lLnn.«.wa cuing squcc/c of energy
shortages, and the con-
flicts which require some
modification of our environmental
goals — in all these respects these seem
to be the worst of limes. But from a
longer view we can see that the country
is making a basic and essential transi-
tion. We are shifting from attitudes and
patterns of unlimited material growth,
consumption, and environmental abuse
toward a new national way of life that
seeks to balance the activities of man
with the resources of our natural world.
Only by finding that balance is there
hope for our future. Even though we are
now bearing the full cost and wracking
burdens of seeking that balance, we are
continuing to move ahead, and in this
sense these are the best of times.
I :
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Does EPA's leadership really support the Civil Service
system? How do you get promoted? Will there be mass
layoffs in 1975? Has the security crackdown in EPA paid
off? Mr. Aim answers these and other questions of in-
terest to employees in this interview with EPA Journal.
does the
merit system
have a future
at epa?
Q I would like to start off by asking you what is your
impression of employee morale in EPA at the present time?
A I believe that for a number of reasons employee morale at
EPA is not as high as it should be. These reasons are varied,
but include the mixture of new people with those of our pred-
ecessor agencies, an impatience by many in the progress made
in accomplishing our goals, uncertainty about budgets, reor-
ganization, and certainly the aftermath of Watergate.
The Agency's morale is of real concern to management.
Some of the actions we are taking to stabilize constant reor-
ganizations, to improve communications between top man-
agement and the employees, and to push forward on our execu-
tive development program and upward mobility program
should all lead to improvements in morale. Most important,
however, is management's commitment to fair treatment of
employees and encouragement of their further development
and advancement.
Q What are EPA's priorities in personnel management?
A Let me cover three or four items. First, executive de-
velopment is certainly a key priority. Historically, many of the
top management positions in this Agency have been filled by
outsiders. We now have a large cadre of experienced and
highly capable people within EPA, and it is very important that
our executive development program identify those with skills
and talents and assure that most of our top management posi-
tions are filled from within.
Second, we need to tighten up on personnel management in
general, and specifically position management. We have just
published an order on position management. Last month we
started evaluating all headquarters jobs. We must tighten up
and improve our personnel management operations, and I be-
lieve a great deal of progress is being made.
Third, we need to give major emphasis to our upward mobil-
ity program. I am working very closely with the Office of Ad-
ministration on this, and we hope to have some initiatives that
will greatly strengthen our upward mobility efforts in the near
future.
Fourth, our efforts to be sure that the merit system works and
that no bias occurs in filling jobs have a very high priority. We
need to assure that all EPA employees are given a fuJ! oppor-
tunity, and that includes women, our older employees, and
minority groups.
It is not only important that we put these reforms into effect,
but also that we effectively communicate to all employees that
the merit system is working and that they should take advan-
tage of the opportunities available.
Q In view of the decline in the economy and widespread un-
employment, and the retrenchment by some industries and
governmental bodies, do you foresee any employment cut-
backs or reductions in force in the corning year?
A The only reduction in force now in effect is at the Cincin-
nati National Field Investigations Center. Overall, the 1976
budget will see a small increase over the current level. Other
than the Cincinnati NFIC, 1 do not foresee any reductions in
force.
Q Will there be transfers from headquarters to the regions
and laboratories to reduce the number of people at headquar-
ters?
A Although we look toward increases in the regions and the
National Environmental Research Centers, we are not going to
make changes merely to be making changes. As new programs
develop or priorities and workloads change, activities and posi-
tions would be transferred to the regions and the NERCs from
headquarters.
But we want to move cautiously, keeping uppermost in our
PAGK 6
-------
mind the impact of any moves on EPA employees.
Q Are reductions in grade generally being proposed for the
Agency?
A No.
Q What future do you see ahead for EPA? Has it stopped
growing? Are we over the hill now in terms of employment and
promotion possibilities?
A Programmetically, EPA is merely beginning now to reach
its zenith. We have gone from enactment of very comprehen-
sive legislation through the development of most of the imple-
menting regulations. We are engaged in the very difficult job
of implementing some of the most complex and far-reaching
laws in the Nation. Because of the substantive requirements. !
do not, in any way, see the responsibilities of EPA declining. I
see them growing. As such. I see increased opportunities for
EPA employees. I believe that our ability to implement these
very complex programs in the next few years will be the real
basis for EPA's long-term contribution to our society.
Q A Washington newspaper reported that the United States
Civil Service Commission has prepared a report which
criticizes EPA for violations of the merit system. Is that true?
A The Civil Service Commission report set forth a number of
technical deficiencies and we are making concerted efforts to
correct them. The Commission report in no way criticized EPA
for political influence in its hiring practices.
Q How many Schedule C jobs are there in EPA?
A EPA has ! 7 Schedule C jobs. This represents two-tenths of
one percent of our total employment force. Each of these
Schedule C jobs has been reviewed by the Civil Service Com-
mission and is acceptable to the Commission.
Q We heard the Civil Service Commission is going to send a
team to EPA to start checking on jobs and grade levels. Is that
true'.'
A That is incorrect. As I indicated earlier, our Personnel
Management Division began a review in January. We will be
reviewing all Washington positions. About 25 percent of our
total Washington complement will be interviewed by the
EPA team.
Q Will EPA ever settle down and stop this constant reor-
ganizing?
A I think we must put a stop to constant reorganization. As
you may be aware, we have recently put out an order that
would require approval of all branch level reorganization. We
believe this action would have the effect of greatly diminishing
reorganization. However, as new programs are created or cur-
rent operations become obsolete, we must evaluate whether
reorganization is desirable. The burden of proof should be on
whether reorganization is needed for meeting program objec-
tives. If a compelling case cannot be made, we should avoid
the morale and operational problems caused by constant reor-
ganization.
Q When will all the EPA offices in the Washington area be
consolidated in Waterside Mall?
A We had originally hoped to do that by now. Unfortunately,
our original estimate was somewhat optimistic. We hope by
mid-1975 to have most of our employees in Waterside Mall
and all employees will be located there by 1976.
Q Why was the women's program office in EPA abolished'.'
A The women's program was not abolished. A task force
looked at the whole area of civil rights and urban affairs and
concluded there was a need to separate the policy functions
from the operating functions. In doing so, the previous posi-
tion of women's coordinator was kept as part of the policymak-
ing operation. The operational part of the program is handled
in the Office of Administration and we are now recruiting
someone to handle the women's programs from the operational
point of view.
Q How can blacks, Chicanos and women get higher paying
jobs in EPA?
A I think that employees should first consult with their
supervisor and with the Personnel Management Division to de-
termine what career ladders are available, what their training
needs are, and then set goals for themselves in terms of the
kinds of positions they would like to fill. 1 would urge that
headquarters employees visit our Training Center in the Mall
Continued on page 17
interview
with
alvin 1. aim
assistant administrator
for
planning and management
PAtil. 7
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The Gold Medal for Exceptional
Service is (he highest award granted by
EPA. The three Gold Medalists for
1974. together with their individual ci-
tations are:
EPA'S
DR. THOMAS W. DUKE—
Director, Gulf Breeze Environ-
mental Research Laboratory, Na-
tional Environmental Research
Center, Corvallis, Oregon.
For selfless dedication and sus-
tained outstanding performance as
an administrator, as a scientist, and
as a leader of scientists, contribut-
ing to the successful accomplish-
ment of EPA's pesticide, estuarine
and marine water quality pro-
grams.
ALFRED C. SMITH—District Oil and
Hazardous Materials Coordinator, EPA
Region V , Chicago, Illinois.
For outstanding and heroic service to Re-
gion V communities and State govern-
ments in implementing an effective
emergency response program to cope with
the problems of oil and hazardous mate-
rials spills.
SEYMOUR D. GREENSTONE—
Director, Management and Organization
Division. Office of Administration.
In recognition of his unique and outstand-
ing contributions to the organizational and
procedural design of critical components
and systems within EPA.
T
J-hr
-hree officials were awarded the
Gold Medal for Exceptional Service
and nine others the Silver Medal for
Superior Service in EPA's Fourth
Honor Awards Ceremony Jan. 9.
In making these awards for superior
achievement and dedicated service
during the past year. Administrator
Train said, "The employees honored
here today are truly representative of
all of us. They reflect the highest
standards and goals to which we all are
pledged. The record of achievement of
these men and women in serving the
high purpose of confronting and
resolving the environmental problems
of our Nation is testimony to their de-
dication and commitment."
Annually, EPA gives special rec-
ognition to those employees under 3 I
years of age who have made excep-
tional contributions to the Agency's
mission. This year Awards for Out-
standing Youth Achievement went to
Fred T. Arnold, Office of Pesticides
Programs; Oddvar K. Aurdul. Re-
t'.Uil S
-------
x^"~X-
The individual
recipients of the
Silver Medal for
Superior Service
are:
FOURTH /JVARDS CEREMONY
Dr. Kenneth Brid-
bord. Research Medieal
Officer. National En-
vironmental Research
Center, N.C.
Dale S. Bryson, Dep-
uty Director. Enforce-
ment Division, Region
V. Chicago
Rebecca Ward
Hanmer. Assistant Di-
rector, Resource De-
velopment Liaison Staff,
Office of Federal Ac-
tivities
£- I
- f
Victor J. Kimm. As-
sociate Deputy Assistant
Administrator for Plan-
nine and Evaluation
Ray E. McDevitt,
Attorney-Advisor, Water
Quality Division. Office
of Deputy General Coun-
sel
Albert C. Print/, Jr..
Director. Field Opera-
tions, Office of Water
Enforcement
Jean J. Schueneman,
Director. Control Pro-
grams Development Di-
vision. Office of Air
Quality Planning and
Standards
Sarah M. Thomas,
Chief. Library Systems
Branch. Office of Ad-
ministration
Richard D. Wilson.
Director. Stationary
Source Enforcement Di-
vision. Office of General
Enforcement
gion X, Seattle; Theodore R. Breton.
Office of Noise Abatement and Con-
trol; Timothy Fields. Office of Solid
Waste Management Programs; Deb-
orah J. Humphrey, Region X, Seat-
tle; Dr. Michael J. Prival, Office of
Toxic Substances; Doris J. Ruopp.
Office of Toxic Substances; Deanna
Wieman, Region IX, San Francisco;
and Beverly Sharon Williams, Office
of Water Enforcement.
Roger D. Lee, a commissioned
Public Health Service Officer and
chief. Surveillance and Technical
Assistance Section, Office of Water
Program Operations, received the
PHS Meritorious Service Medal in
recognition of his leadership in water
supply programs at home and
abroad.
A Special Commendation was
awarded to William H. Mansfield
111, a Department of State Foreign
Service Officer on detail to this
Agency, in recognition of his out-
standing contributions as Director of
Bilateral Programs, Office of Inter-
national Activities.
In addition. Group AuauK
of the Silver Medal were
made to the Minority Institutions
Research Program. Office
of Research and Development;
and the F-ffluent Guidelines
Division. Office of
Water and Hazardous Materials;
and the Effluent Guidelines
Economic Task Force,
Office of Planning
and Management.
PAGE 9
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dirty pictures
More than 500 "dirty pictures" were
submitted in the "Dirty Picture Pro-
gram." The program was sponsored re-
cently by Region I Public Affairs for
amateur photographers in New England.
Its purpose was to document on film
ecological eyesores in the region, to
stimulate improvements to the environ-
ment, and to demonstrate the need for
continuing programs of environmental
protection.
The entries were reviewed by a panel
of judges made up of EPA staff members
from the Air, Water, Solid Waste, and
Enforcement Branches, the Management
Division and Public Affairs Division.
Most of the photographers focused on
solid waste, although a number of air
and water pollution photos were submit-
ted.
The judges selected 29 pictures for
first prizes and 18 for honorable men-
tion. Plaques will be sent to first prize
winners and certificates for honorable
mention.
poetry and posters
Region I has begun its third annual
Elementary Education Ecology Poem
and Poster Program. Offered to all stu-
dents in grades K-6 in New England, the
program encourages young people to
examine various aspects of pollution and
the environment. The students submit
poems or posters for review by a panel of
judges appointed by EPA Public Affairs.
The panel is made up of representatives
from civic, educational, and environ-
mental groups in the metropolitan Bos-
ton area. Plaques and certificates will be
presented to winners in April. Approxi-
mately 100,000 students participated in
the program in both 1973 and 1974 and
even more entries are expected this year
environmental stamp
For the last two years, the Region I
Office has issued an environmental
stamp designed by its Graphics Office.
Preparations are now under way for the
third annual stamp. As in previous years,
the stamp will read "For a Cleaner New
England" and will depict in three colors
a rural scene and the EPA logo.
A total of 300,000 copies of the stamp
will be printed and sent in April to en-
vironmental, civic, educational, and
government groups in the six states, as
well as to all employees in the Regional
Office.
The environmental stamp is a remin-
der that people must continue to work for
a cleaner and healthier environment in
New England. The stamps' widespread
use in 1973 and 1974 demonstrated an
increasing support and concern "for a
cleaner New England."
awareness week
Region 2 has offered to act as an in-
formation exchange point in its area for
environmental groups that are planning
activities for National Environmental
Awareness Week, April 19-26. The re-
gional office has suggested that these
events could be used to highlight how far
the various governmental jurisdictions
have progressed in meeting the goals of
the 1970 Clean Air Act, the 1972 Water
Pollution Control Act and other en-
vironmental laws.
PHILADELPHIA
on-land disposal
• Follow-up interest has been high after
the Middle Atlantic Region's sym-
posium Nov. 20-21 on land application
of waste water. Many citizen groups,
some from outside of the region, have
expressed an interest in getting their
communities to use spray irrigation or
other land application techniques as part
of their municipal waste water treatment
systems. They are especially attracted by
the lower treatment costs of land applica-
tion as opposed to more conventional
advanced waste treatment methods.
Copies of the symposium proceedings
will be available soon from the Region
II] Public Affairs Division.
PAGE 10
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ATLANTA
water quality
The National Water Quality Commis-
sion has begun a study of water quality
in the Southeast which is expected to
continue into the Fall and may culminate
in a full-fledged public hearing in Atlan-
ta. The study is focused on the Chat-
tahoochee River, one of some 11 river
basins in the Nation under survey by the
Commission. The Chattahoochee begins
as a mountain brook in North Georgia
and flows into the Gulf of Mexico, divid-
ing the states of Georgia and Alabama in
route. The river is the source of Atlanta's
drinking water.
tva resists order
EPA and the Tennessee Valley Au-
thority, after months of efforts at
negotiating legal and operative com-
plexities of the Clean Air Act as it
applies to TVA, were officially dead-
locked as EPA Journal went to press.
The disagreement stemmed from a De-
cember order by Region IV Adminis-
trator Jack E. Ravan directing TVA to
clean up stack emissions of particulate
matter at 10 of its coal-fired electric
plants in Alabama, Tennessee, and Ken-
tucky. TVA contends it is not subject to
enforcement action under the Clean Air
Act.
However, the Authority did not im-
mediately come up with a formal reply.
If TVA does not submit certain informa-
tion on its intent, it would be in violation
of the order and subject to criminal pro-
visions of the Clean Air Act, contends
EPA. Region IV enforcement says TVA
is lagging behind most private utilities in
its clean-up efforts. It also is contended
that precipitators installed by TVA do
not meet state emission regulations.
EPA has taken the position that TVA,
although a corporate agency of the Fed-
eral Government, is subject to the same
pollution-control rules as private utilities
and industry. Earlier, the U.S. Circuit
Court of Appeals in New Orleans upheld
a suit brought by the State of Alabama
against TVA. The State also argued that
TVA must obtain the same air pollution
permits as private utilities and industry.
TVA, under the Ravan order, is directed
to install air pollution control according
to a timetable extending over the next
three years.
shopping centers
The International Council of Shop-
ping Centers Environmental Action
Committee is sponsoring a series of
workshops for its members in Region
V, beginning in late March or early
April, to orient them to EPA's re-
quirements for indirect sources of air
pollution. Called "Indirect Source Re-
view Workshops," the sessions will be
designed to clarify application proce-
dures and regulations, to answer ques-
tions on the Federal review time
schedule, and to review criteria. The
workshops will be held by and for
ICSC members with EPA personnel
participating. In states where indirect
source regulations are being proposed,
the workshops will be supplemented
with explanations of state review
criteria by state officials.
construction grants
Region VI has been holding a series
of meetings with representatives from
organizations and industries involved
in EPA's construction grants program.
Purpose of the meetings is to discuss
problems involving the program for
construction of municipal wastewater
treatment plants and to help speed
these projects.
Comments received from meetings
held in Dallas and elsewhere in the re-
gion are being studied to determine
procedures for eliminating existing
problems.
newspaper tour
The Deputy Regional Administrator
Charles V. Wright and Randall Jessee,
director, Division of Public Affairs,
recently completed a four-day tour of
major regional newspapers as well as
State Offices to discuss the economic
impact of environmental controls.
A question and answer pamphlet was
prepared by the Regional Office and
was distributed during the tour. Sev-
eral constructive stories resulted from
the meetings with editors and environ-
mental writers. A positive case for the
development of en v iron men a 1 controls
was presented to the news officials.
pesticides conference
On Feb. 25-26 pesticide producers
and state regulatory agencies will meet
with EPA Pesticide officials, including
authors of the new pesticide regula-
tions, in a two-day seminar at the Con-
tinental Hotel in Kansas City, Mis-
souri.
Jerome Svore, Regional Adminis-
trator, said that in view of the registra-
tion requirements and stepped-up ac-
tivities in the pesticide distribution
control field, it was felt that such a
meeting would enable registrants to
better understand the new law as well
as enable EPA officials to coordinate
their activities in controlling toxic pes-
[icides.
PAGE 1!
-------
gasps in Utah
News of reported increased respira-
tory illness in some parts of Utah be-
cause of exposure to high levels of sul-
fur oxide and sulfates in the air has
stirred wide interest in that State and
requests for more information.
The inquiries stemmed from release
of EPA research results which showed
that communities closest to the Ken-
necott copper smelter near Magna,
Utah, suffered the highest incidence of
such problems as bronchitis, croup and
acute lower respiratory illness.
Most significant increases were
noted after people had lived in the ex-
posure area for two years or more, ac-
cording to the report "Health Con-
sequences of Sulfur Oxide." The re-
port pointed out that cigarette smokers
who live in the high and moderate ex-
posure communities subject them-
selves and their families to even higher
likelihood of respiratory problems
when effects of smoking and sulfur
pollution are combined.
SAN FRANCISCO
suit against smelter
A court decision is expected shortly
in a case brought by Region IX against
the Phelps Dodge Corporation for al-
legedly discharging, without a permit,
industrial wastes and domestic sewage
from its Douglas, Arizona, copper
smelting facility.
This plant, located one mile above
the Mexican border, discharges ap-
proximately 500,000 gallons of
wastewater a day into the Whitewater
Draw which flows across the interna-
tional boundary into Mexico.
The action, charging Phelps Dodge
with violation of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, was taken by
the United States attorney, on behalf of
EPA, in the U.S. District Court for the
District of Arizona, on Dec. 13, 1974.
Since September, 1973, Phelps
Dodge has twice been requested by
EPA to file an application for a permit
to discharge. As EPA Journal went to
press, the company had not filed an
application.
pesticide disposal
Disposal of pesticide containers,
identified as the number one hazardous
waste problem in Region X, will be a
topic of discussion at a meeting in
Seattle Feb. 25-26 of representatives
of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and
Washington.
Purpose of the meeting, to be hosted
by the Hazardous Wastes Section at re-
gional headquarters, is to develop
cooperative approaches to solving
hazardous waste disposal problems in
all four states.
Battelle Northwest, a private re-
search firm, will present a status report
on its study of the management of all
hazardous waste in Region X. Battelle
Northwest is currently under contract
to EPA to identify state by state, and
industry by industry, business firms
that generate hazardous waste in order
that EPA and State governments can
implement environmentally sound
waste disposal practices.
Representatives from the Hazardous
Waste Management Division in EPA
headquarters will also make presenta-
tions at the meeting.
PAGE 12
-------
THE REAL COST OF POLLUTION
k
\
Rusting cans litter Anza-Barego State Park, Calif.
Mounting pressures to slow down
the environmental movement may
be caused, at least in part, by the
mistaken belief that concern for
the environment is a fad and not
nearly as important as bolstering
the economy or obtaining
adequate supplies of energy.
These quotations and photographs
remind us that the environmental
cause is fundamental
to our survival and well-being.
PAGE
-------
A refuse pile in Philadelphia.
- x *
Little girl playing in trash in Puerto Rico slum.
"Environmental degradation may not
be the apocalypse that will destroy
the ecosphere but it may soon reach
a level dangerous for the quality of
human life."
Rene Dubos. excerpt from "Who Speaks for
Earth?" (W.W. Norton, Inc., 1973)
Dead menhaden floating in Chesapeake Bay north of the Bay Bridge.
PAG!-: 14
-------
Sea gull lies dead in polluted area on Gulf Coast.
Railroad switching yard in Philadelphia, Pa.
"Doomsday is possible—even
probable—if we continue on our
present course, but it is not inevita-
ble. It is possible to opt for a future of
unparalleled promise and opportunity
for the human species. But this future
can come about only if we make a
radical change in our present
course."
Maurice Strong, secretary-general of the U.N.
Conference on the Human Environment,
Saturday Review/World, Dec. 14, 1974
"America the beautiful is the land of
the disposable beer can and the dis-
posable city. The American dream is
of unlimited growth and profligate
consumption. But the throwaway so-
ciety isn't working anymore; it has
backfired environmentally. With
scarcity of money and resources
added to a litany of familiar ills, it is
now necessary to save, reuse, recy-
cle and make do to help American
cities survive."
New York Times editorial Dec. 27, 1974
"Pollution kills. It is as simple as that.
We are not talking about esoteric val-
ues or abstruse aesthetics. We are
talking about the lives of people—and
whether they live at all. We are talking
about people in hospitals, people dy-
ing, people home from work sick,
people coughing—gasping for
breath, people with cancer, em-
physema, bronchitis, heart and lung
disorders, or any of a score of other
deadly or debilitating diseases."
John R. Quarles, speech before Philadelphia
Bar Association Dec. 2, 1974
Lung patient receiving treatment
in Birmingham, Ala.
"... how ironic it would be if the
primeval Promethean sin should turn
out to be, not man's theft of fire from
heaven, but his theft of fire from
earth—his profligate use and abuse
of the earth's energy and other re-
sources without regard for the needs
of future generations and without re-
spect for the laws and limits of the
natural world."
Russell E. Train, Year End Report to EPA
Employees, Dec. 31, 1974
PAGH 15
-------
f
i
EPA's research team can be "the good
guys" in the battles to protect and enhance
the environment, Dr. Wilson K. Talley,
the Agency's new Assistant Administrator
for Research and Development, believes.
"Research can find out which conta-
minants are pollutants and help find ways
to allow industry to pollute less while still
providing the goods and services neces-
sary to the lifestyles and aspirations of our
people," Dr. Talley suid in an interview.
The slim 40-year-old scientist from
Oakland, Calif., said that in his new post
he would like to "see us make use of all
the fruits of environmental research by
other governmental organizations as well
as HPA and by the private sector,
acadernia as well as industry."
At the same time, the former University
of California assistant vice president and
professor said, "We cannot rely on others
to do our work; I would not tike to see any
shorting of the resources and people
needed within EPA to discharge the
Agency's responsibilities."
Asked what would be his top priority,
Talley said, "One of my top priorities will
be a reaffirrnation of the mission of the re-
search arm in a regulatory agency—
serving the needs of the program offices
and regions, as they perceive them. But
we would also like to find resources suffi-
cient to head off problems of the future. If
our research efforts focus too much on the
immediate problems of the Agency, I am
afraid that the urgent will drive out the
important."
He also indicated that he will be on
guard against excessive compartmentali-
zation of research efforts that ignores the
intermedia nature of pollution.
"Obviously," he said, "we do not
want to remove a pollutant from the air
only to put it in the water where it may be
a greater hazard."
Asked why he was willing to accept
KPA's top research post. Dr. Talley said
that he regards "EPA as the cutting edge
of the conservation movement in this
country. If the Office of Research and De-
velopment performs its functions correct-
ly, we can help serve the mission of the
Agency—to protect and enhance the qual-
ity of the environment—and yet maintain
a viable national economy as we meet the
needs for new resources—including ener-
gy-"
Dr. Talley has been associated with
EPA since it began, as he served on the
"Ash Council" that put EPA together. He
has also served for three years on EPA's
Hazardous Materials Advisory Commit-
tee.
On the subject of recent criticisms of
EPA's research organization. Dr. Talley
said, "I have read thoroughly the critique
made by the National Academy of Sci-
ences, the Senate subcommittee report and
some of the internal critiques. My belief is
that while there is value to some of the
critiques, we should not lose sight of the
fact that at the working level we have—
and have had—the competence and dedi-
cation needed for an efficient and effec-
tive research operation. I concur in the
finding of almost all the reports that what
is needed are planning and management
strategies that will allow fuller utilization
of the talents and resources of ORD."
Regarding possible reorganization of
the research office, Dr. Talley would say
only that "our research program is a col-
lection of missions and people—a
dynamic, organic structure that has been
changing and will continue to change. I
view reorganization as nothing but a
DR-WILSON K.JALLEY
bench mark—external evidence of internal
changes that have and will occur continu-
ally.
"After having met the people I've
talked to in ORD in the last few months, I
am optimistic about the future of the pro-
grams. "
He said that while serving as a full-time
EPA consultant during the past few
months, he visited 22 of EPA's 24
laboratories and research field sites, plus a
half dozen regional offices and other field
installations.
Queried on whether he plans to bring in
new people to help lead EPA's research
effort. Dr. Talley said, "A very limited
number, and most of them are already
here. I would like to utilize the talents al-
ready in the Agency."
On hobbies. Dr. Talley said he has
two—skiing and flying "I hope to com-
plete my instrument rating as a pilot this
spring," he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Talley has taken up
residence "right across the street from
Waterside Mall, so 1 won't lose any time
commuting."
Dr. Talley's most recent post prior to
his EPA position was Study Director of
the Commission on Critical Choices for
Americans.
From 1971 to 1974 he had served as as-
sistant vice president for academic plan-
ning and program review in the Office of
the President of the University of Califor-
nia.
In 1969 he was named special assistant
to the Secretary of Health, Education and
Welfare, serving until 1970. He then
served as a consultant to the University of
California Lawrence Livermore Labora-
tory until he became leader of the Labora-
tory's Theoretical Physics Division in
1971. From 1963 to 1969 he held posi-
tions as assistant professor, associate pro-
fessor and professor in the Department of
Applied Science at the University of
California, Davis; he served as vice
chairman and acting chairman of the De-
partment during 1966-1969.
Born on January 27, 1935, in St. Louis,
Missouri, Dr. Talley received his
Bachelor of Science in physics from the
University of California in 1956. He was
awarded his master's degree in 1957 from
the University of Chicago and his doctor-
ate in nuclear engineering from the Uni-
versity of California in 1963.
PAGK 16
-------
Continued from page 7
area to gain a better idea of training opportunities available.
One aspect of providing more jobs for minorities is obviously
our upward mobility program. And, as I indicated, we are
going to give major attention to the upward mobility program
and 1 believe we will have some strong initiatives in the near
future.
Q Is there any special advice you can offer to a young, am-
bitious EPA employee of how he or she can climb the bureau-
cratic ladder?
A Again, I think that employees need to set very concrete
goals for themselves. They should talk to their supervisor and
to the personnel people, and should evaluate training oppor-
tunities. I think clearly the executive development program
and upward mobility program will provide training and voca-
tional assignments that have not been available heretofore.
These mechanisms, coupled with the inititative of the
employee, provide an excellent opportunity for advancement
within EPA.
Q What about the older worker at EPA, the man or woman in
the fifty-and-up age bracket, for example. Are they really
wanted by EPA? Are they still eligible for promotions?
A They certainly are. There has been some confusion or
sterotyping of older employees. EPA has the kind of program
that has attracted a large number of young people. We have
had literally thousands of applications and many young people
have been hired throughout the Agency. That fact should in no
way obscure the contributions of our older employees.
^ We have older people represented in all parts of the Agency
and at all grade levels. The Agency clearly needs the experi-
ence, the wisdom and the talent of all of its employees. We
simply cannot afford age discrimination, just as we cannot af-
ford other forms of discrimination.
Q How many consultants does EPA use? And is this number
going to be reduced?
A EPA currently has 275 consultants at its disposal. A large
number of these are on special boards and commissions. We
continually review the level of consultants. As you may be
aware, we require that the Assistant Administrator or office
director sign off on the need for all consultants. It is an area
that we need to watch very closely.
Q There have been rumors that some present EPA programs
are to be disbanded and may revert to other Federal agencies,
such as Interior or Commerce. Is there any foundation to these
reports?
Q No. The only program within EPA that has been trans-
ferred is the Advanced Automotive Power Systems Program,
which was transferred to the Energy Research and Develop-
ment Administration. That transfer was contemplated for some
period of time. Clearly, ERDA will have a number of respon-
sibilities that are somewhat overlapping with those of EPA, but
this will not in any way diminish EPA's strong role in the en-
vironmental aspects of energy research and development.
Aside from these areas, I am not aware of any plan to transfer
or shift EPA's functions to other agencies.
Q Well, a recent congressional committee report was critical
of our research and development program and questioned
whether it was being effectively managed. Do you have any
comments on this?
A There was a concern within EPA itself, including within
the research program, that our research activities were not fully
responsive to program needs. Because of these concerns, the
Administrator asked the National Academy of Sciences to con-
duct a review. While that report was critical of some aspects of
the program, it indicated very clearly that the criticisms in no
way reflected on the many competent and dedicated ORD staff
members.
The agency has recognized the shortcomings as well as the
strengths of its research program. A task force was set up under
the leadership of Andy Breidenbach to develop recommenda-
tions for the ORD planning and management system.
I believe it is important that EPA initiated the Academy study
and has taken action to change its way of doing business. I am
convinced the most viable organizations are those that are will-
ing to have others evaluate their operations, and, based on such
evaluation, take corrective actions.
Q Is the Breidenbach report complete now?
A It is complete.
Q We are starting to hear a lot about the executive develop-
ment program. Would you explain briefly what is the objective
of this program and whether the minorities are adequately rep-
resented?
A The purpose of the program is obviously to identify
employees with high potential for increased responsibility, to
give these employees the training, rotational assignments, etc.,
to prepare them for higher level jobs, and to assure that they
are considered for top management positions within EPA.
We are making a concerted effort to insure that the high-
potential employees represent all facets of the EPA employ-
ment force: minorities, women, and older people. The funda-
mental purpose of the program is to open opportunity for a
broad spectrum of EPA employees to achieve higher levels of
responsibility.
Q Has the new and tighter security system for employees en-
tering and leaving Waterside Mall proved effective in reducing
the number of thefts from the buildings? It is really worth the
trouble?
The strength of this agency is clearly
in its career civil servants."
A Restricting access to Waterside Mall has effectively cut
down our losses and I believe it has been worth every bit of the
efforts. For example, during September and October of last
year, we had Government losses totalling over $3,500 in ac-
quisition costs. During November, after the controls, and up to
December 14, we had a Government loss totalling $120.00. 1
might add that the cooperative response of EPA personnel has
been splendid and very encouraging to the Security and Inspec-
tions Staff charged with planning and carrying out these con-
trols.
Q I think that completes my list of questions. If you have
anything else that you would especially like to respond to, I
would be happy to ask the questions.
A 1 certainly appreciated having this opportunity to discuss
some of the concerns that EPA employees have. I am a relative
newcomer to EPA, although I have known many of the people
in EPA and its predecessor agencies over a number of years.
I am impressed with the very high quality of the EPA staff
and its tremendous dedication. I think that EPA's accomplish-
ments are second to none in the Government. The strength of
this Agency is clearly in its career civil servants. The experi-
ence, skill and dedication that they bring to their jobs has re-
sulted in the Agency's program accomplishments. I know of
no other agency that has been under greater pressure to imple-
ment far-reaching legislation with extremely stringent dead-
lines, and has accomplished so much under these conditions. I
think we can be very proud of these accomplishments.
PAGE 17
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WINTER RIDER
Dressed in what her friends
jokingly call her "Evel
Knievel" outfit, Nina
Dougherty dismounts from her
hike after pedaling through the
chill of winter to EPA head-
quarters. Nina is one of a small
band of EPA employees who
commute by bicycle year
round, carrying out their own
transportation control plan to
protect the environment and
setting positive examples in
development of simpler life-
styles. For those of you who
may be considering the pos-
sibilities of biking to work,
EPA Journal asked some of
these bikers:
What are your
biggest problems
in riding a bike
to work at EPA ?
Nina Dougherty, Research
and Development: "I ride
seven miles to and from work
and while I enjoy it there are
some hassles involved caused
mostly by lack of bike lanes.
Some of the other problems are
no available shower facilities at
EPA and inadequate bike
racks. Bicycles have been stol-
en from the racks at EPA and
this could be prevented by get-
ting good but relatively inex-
pensive racks which are theft-
proof."
"... the very rough
street surface
conditions.'
William Frietsch, Research
and Development: "I am one
of approximately 50 people
who live in outlying areas and
commute daily by train to
Washington's Union Station
and then bike to and from
work. The two greatest prob-
lems are the very rough street
surface conditions which pre-
sent a safety hazard as well as a
bumpy ride and the engine
exhaust fumes resulting from
cars, trucks and buses which
present a potential health
hazard. I'm optimistic the lat-
ter condition will improve as
more and more vehicles with
emission control equipment are
placed into service. All things
considered 1 enjoy using the
bicycle as a fast dependable
mode of transportation between
Union Station and EPA."
PAGI-: is
-------
"... n'
-------
ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
Peter L.Cashman
I';,n ii in I,. Cahn
Patricia L. Cahn has assumed the
leadership of EPA's Public Affairs Of-
fice.
For the lust three years, Mrs. Cahn had
been Assistant Commissioner for Public
Affairs in the U.S. Office of Education,
Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare. During nine years of service
with that Office, she filled several execu-
tive and advisory posts and for five years
was editor of the Office's monthly
magazine, "American Education."
Announcing her appointment as Public-
Affairs Director, effective Jan. 6, Ad-
ministrator Russell Train said, "Mrs.
("aim's distinguished career in govern-
ment service will add a wealth of experi-
ence and professionalism to our public
affairs programs. Public understanding
of environmental objectives and regula-
tory actions is extremely important as the
Nation examines its economic and social
priorities. We are very fortunate to have-
Pat Cahn join us."
She is married to Robert Cahn, report-
er, author, and former member of the
Council on Environmental Quality. Mr.
Cahn's articles in The Christian Science
Monitor on the environmental problems
of national parks won him a Pulitzer
Prize in 1969.
Mrs. Cahn was born in Los Angeles in
PAGE 20
Arthur W. Busch
<,uilfi.nl F. Thornton
1927. Before joining the Federal service
she was a free lance writer of magazine
and newspaper articles, was an assistant
to television producer Stan Freberg, and
worked in the publicity office of Samuel
Goldwyn Productions.
She succeeds Ann L. Dore, who re-
signed Nov. 15 to join the Washington
Office of Union Carbide Corporation.
Peter L. Cashnian, former
lieutenant governor of Connecticut, has
joined EPA as Director of the new Office
of Regional and Intergovernmental Oper-
ations.
"Mr. Cashman will be responsible for
establishing an Agency program of
liaison with the Nation's governors,
mayors, and local officials," Adminis-
trator Russell Train said. "He will act as
my spokesman with them and will also
direct the Agency's regional liaison
staff."
Mr. Cashman, 38, had served as
lieutenant governor of Connecticut since
June, 1973, presiding over the State Sen-
ate and heading the State Council on
Human Services, which coordinates the
work of nine State agencies. Before that
he had twice been elected to the State
Senate, where he was instrumental in
enacting environmental legislation, in-
cluding the so-called Cashman Bill pro-
viding for increased efforts to preserve
the lower Connecticut River.
His previous experience included three
years as vice president of an industrial
market research company and administra-
tive and teaching positions at a Connec-
ticut preparatory school.
Guilford F. Thornton, former
Tennessee commissioner of agriculture,
was recently appointed EPA's consultant
for agricultural affairs by Administrator
Russell Train.
"EPA's programs and policies often
affect farming," Mr. Train said. "Mr.
Thornton's varied agricultural experience
should be of great benefit to us in those
areas of EPA responsibility of concern to
farmers."
Mr. Thornton, 44, is a Tennessee na-
tive and started farming in Haywood
County in 1955. For four years he was a
farm management specialist with the
University of Tennessee Extension Serv-
ice in Tipton County. In 1965 he founded
the Thornton Spray Company, a dis-
tributor of agricultural chemical equip-
ment, which in 1966 became Harnden-
Thornton and Co. He served as a com-
pany partner through 1970.
In 1971 he was appointed commis-
sioner of agriculture by Gov. Winfield
Dunn. Mr. Thornton has been president
of the Southern Association of State De-
partments of Agriculture, chairman of the
Tennessee Pesticides Council, and a di-
rector of the Tennessee Water Quality
Control and the Obion-Forked River
Basin Authorities.
He is married to the former Ann Dil-
lard and is the father of three children.
Arthur W. Busch resigned as re-
gional administrator for Region VI, Dal-
las, effective Jan. 31.
In his resignation letter, Mr. Busch
cited his intention, stated at his appoint-
ment to the regional post in January,
1972, to serve only three years. He had
taken a leave of absence from Rice Uni-
versity, Houston, where he was professor
of environmental engineering, to join
EPA.
Mr. Busch is a registered professional
engineer in Texas, author of a book and
many technical papers, and has been
chairman of the Southwest Federal Re-
gional Council. The Environmental Divi-
sion of the American Institute of Chemi-
cal Engineers gave him its annual award
in 1973.
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news "briefs
NEW APPOINTMENTS TO REPLACE KIRK
Administrator Russell E. Train intends to name Richard H. Johnson
as Acting Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Robert
V. Zener as General Counsel. The two vacancies developed because
Alan Kirk, who was both Assistant Administrator for Enforcement
and General Counsel, resigned to accept a position as general
counsel for Potomac Electric Power Co. Mr. Train has signed an
order which creates a separate Office of General Counsel for the
first time in EPA's history.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN
EPA's Third Annual Conference on Women will be held in
Washington March 10-14. Delegates from Regional Offices and
NERC's will participate in workshops and seminars designed to
emphasize career advancement for women. Dr. Estelle Ramey of
Georgetown University's School of Medicine and Administrator
Russell E. Train will be speakers at the plenary session.
AIR GETTING CLEANER
The Nation's air quality is improving, according to a recent EPA
report on trends through 1973. Pollution reductions, especially
in particulates, sulfur oxides, and carbon monoxide, are both
"encouraging and challenging," Administrator Russell Train said,
although it is likely that not all of the ambient air standards
will be met everywhere in the country by mid-1975, as called
for in the Clean Air Act.
U.S. STEEL SHUTDOWN DEPLORED
U.S. Steel's year-end shutdown of its No. 4 Open Hearth furnaces
at Gary, Ind., was deplored by Administrator Russell Train in a
recent letter to Sen. Birch Bayh. Starting in 1965, the company
had made various agreements with City and State to replace these
polluting furnaces with the cleaner basic oxygen process, Mr.
Train said. EPA had twice granted six-month extensions of the
December, 1973, deadline. When the firm sought an additional
extension -- because the basic oxygen equipment was not yet
operating at capacity -- the court imposed a daily fine of
$2,300. U.S. Steel chose to shut down rather than pay the
penalty, which Mr. Train pointed out would be less than what
the firm would pay in benefits to laid-off workers.
PAGK 21
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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS (A 107)
WASHINGTON. D.C 20460
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
EPA-33S
THIRD CLASS BULK RATE
DECISION DUE
MARCH 3 IN
AUTO HEARING
A decision will be made March 3
on a request by automobile com-
panies for a one-year suspension of
1977 hydrocarbon and carbon
monoxide emission standards. EPA
Administrator Russell E. Train and
other top EPA officials have been
holding hearings on the suspension
request and related matters such as
the auto industry's ability to achieve
a 40 percent fuel economy im-
provement by 1980.
GAS DEALERS
COMPLYING WITH
UNLEADED GAS
RULES
Practically all gasoline stations
required to supply unleaded gas for
the new catalyst-equipped au-
tomobiles are complying with the
law, according to Norman D. Shut-
ler, director of the Mobile Source
Enforcement Division. About
180,000 retail gasoline dealers are
involved.
Field inspections by EPA per-
sonnel in all regions have found
only about 5 percent of the stations
visited failing to have the unleaded
gas available, 9 percent in violation
of nozzle regulations, and 12 per-
cent having improper labels and
signs.
Nearly 2,000 inspections were
made in the first four months after
the unleaded gas rules went into ef-
fect last July 1, said James
Sakolosky, chief of the Division's
Fuels Section. Altogether about 50
EPA people have been performing
inspections throughout the country,
sometimes on rotating assignments.
After checking the station's
signs, labels, and pumps, the in-
spectors take samples to insure that
the gas meets the Federal standard
of less than .05 grams of lead per
gallon.
About one percent of the samples
taken failed to pass lead contamina-
tion tests made in regional
laboratories. This is a better record
than Sakolosky had expected, since
errors by distributors and dealers
can result in leaded gas getting into
the wrong underground tank at the
service station.
"We think the industry in gen-
eral is trying very hard to comply
with the law," he said.
HEADQUARTERS
COPY CENTERS
MANNED BY
THE HANDICAPPED
Nine persons hired under a selec-
tive placement program for the
handicapped are increasing the pro-
ductivity of EPA's document copy-
ing centers in Washington and at
the same time supporting them-
selves in a world that often over-
looks the handicapped.
They are working full time as
"key operators" at the copying
. centers, handling all kinds of du-
plicating assignments and keeping
the machines in good running or-
der. All have been trained in this
work by the Xerox Company and
are doing a first-rate job, according
to Henry Washington, chief of
EPA's Printing Management
Branch.
"We had been having a lot of
trouble with our Xerox copiers,"
Mr. Washington said, "when any-
one and everyone could walk in and
use the machines."
"Last summer we decided to try
full-time operators at our larger
copying centers, and we asked var-
ious vocational rehabilitation in-
stitutions in the Washington area to
recommend people. The first
operator was hired in June, and he
worked out so well that now we
have nine.
"Anyone who wants to make his
own copies can still go to self-
service machines placed throughout
the offices."
In hiring the key operators,
Henry Washington worked with
Robert FitzSimon, Personnel Man-
agement, and Janice Williams, re-
habilitation counselor for the Dis-
trict of Columbia. Mr. Washington
supervises their work, and the
operators also receive follow-up
counseling from the Xerox Com-
pany and the D. C. Bureau of Re-
habilitation Service.
"Placement of these people and
their success on the job," Mr.
Washington said, "show that EPA
provides employment opportunity
on the basis of ability to do the job
and that a handicap will not prevent
an individual from achieving EPA
employment."
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