453N89008 NATIONAL AIR TOXICS INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE NEWSLETTER CDA Office of Air Qual'ty Planning and Standards September 1989 \7trM Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 I State and Territorial Air Pollution Program Administrators Association of Local Air Pollution Control Officials IN THIS ISSUE... NCC ANNOUNCES NEW PASSWORD PROCEDURES, NATICH READIES TRIS ACCESS 1 STATE/LOCAL AGENCY SPOTLIGHT* NEBRASKA SURVEYS INDUSTRY, REQUIRES BACT IN REGULATIONS 2 PRESIDENT BUSH PROPOSES NEW SECTION 112 3 NEW YORK REQUIRES SIGNIFICANT METHYLENE CHLORIDE EMISSIONS REDUCTION 4 IACP STUDIES WIND FLOW AND PLUME DISPERSION IN BOISE 5 NORTH CAROLINA MAKES POLLUTION PREVENTION PAY 6 THE REGIONAL AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY SHARES ITS INDOOR AIR PROGRAM 7 THE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CENTER HAS IMPROVED RESPONSE THROUGH COMPUTERS AND MODELS 9 OAQPS PUBLISHES REPORTS ON EMISSIONS ESTIMATES, URBAN AIR TOXICS 9 RISK ASSESSMENT GLOSSARY AND DIRECTORY NOW AVAILABLE 10 EPA'S SECTION 313 RISK SCREENING GUIDE AVAILABLE 10 CALL IRM MANAGERS FOR HELP WITH MAINFRAME, PC USE 11 NCC ANNOUNCES NEW PASSWORD PROCEDURES, NATICH READIES TRIS ACCESS Changes to User ID and Password Procedures Outlined To strengthen IBM mainframe security at the Na- tional Computer Center (NCC) where the Clearinghouse is maintained, the NCC has modified the user ID and password procedures. These changes went into effect on September 5,1989. For user IDs the following rules apply: - At logon, any user ID that has not been used to access the system within 99 days preceding the attempt will be disabled. To enable a user ID, contact EPA User Support at (800) 334-2405 (FTS 629-7862). - A user ID will be purged from the system if it has not been used within one year. Once a user ID has been purged, the State or local agency, or EPA user will be required to obtain a new user ID by contacting his Region's Information Resources Manager (see listing in this issue). Other users will be required to contact the National Technical Information Service at (703) 487-4807. For passwords changed after the effective date, the following rules apply: - The new password must be at least six charac- ters long instead of the current four characters. - The new password must contain at least one alpha and one numeric character. If it does not, the system will issue a Password Syntax Error notice and request an acceptable password. - The new password cannot be the same as any of the 10 passwords previously used for the user ID. - The maximum number of failed logon attempts will be reduced from 10 to 4. The user ID will be revoked upon the fifth unsuccessful attempt. To reactivate a revoked user ID, contact EPA User Support at the above number. OCT G1989 ------- NATICH Offers Gateway to the Toxic Release Inventory System Users of the NATICH on-line data base will have ac- cess this fall to the Toxic Release Inventory System (TRIS). (See related article in May 1988 issue, pp 1-2.) TRIS contains information that was submitted to EPA by facilities reporting under Section 313 of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 on emis- sions of over 300 chemicals and groups of chemicals. For releases to the air this includes estimates of stack emissions and fugitive releases. Over 70,000 facilities nationwide provided information for the 1987 reporting year, with additional facilities expected to report in 1988. (The 1988 data are expected to be available this winter.) Both the TRIS data and the NATICH data base are stored at the National Computer Center; the same data base management system is used on both. This enables EPA to link the two data bases, permitting easy access to much more information than is contained in either system alone. In addition, NATICH users can use com- puter programs developed by both the EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards to address the needs of air quality control programs, and those developed by the EPA Office of Toxic Substances to view the TRIS data. For additional information regarding the NATICH gateway to the TRIS data or to suggest reporting pro- grams that State and local air programs would like to have developed, call John Vandenberg, U.S. EPA, OAQPS, (919) 541-5352 or (FTS) 629-5352. Clearinghouse Reports Now Available Several Clearinghouse reports have recently been published and distributed. These include updates to the Bibliography, Ongoing Research, and associated index, and the "NATICH Data Base Report on State, Local and EPA Air Toxics Activities." These documents are distributed free of charge to governmental and nonprofit organizations. To be includ- ed on the mailing list and to receive these and other documents, call Nancy Riley at the Clearinghouse number. The private sector may obtain copies from Radian Corporation by sending a written request and advance payment to Barbara Maxey, Radian Corporation, Post Office Box 201088, Austin, Texas 78720-1088. Docu- ment prices are listed below. The reports will also be available through the National Technical Information Service later this fall. RECENT NATIONAL AIR TOXICS INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE REPORTS Report Title Price Ongoing Research and Regulatory Development Projects (EPA-450/3-89-26, July 1989) $21.55 Bibliography of Selected Reports and Federal Register Notices Related to Air Toxics - Volume 3: Citations - 1989 (EPA-450/3-89-25, July 1989) $15.15 Bibliography of Selected Reports and Federal Register Notices Related to Air Toxics - Index 1989 (EPA-450/3-89-25a, July 1989) $42.75 NATICH Data Base Report on State, Local and EPA Air Toxics Activities (EPA-450/3-89-29, July 1989) $60.75 STATE/LOCAL AGENCY SP< NEBRASKA SURVEYS INDl REQUIRES BACT IN REGUL by Gene Robinson, Chief of Air Programs, and G Nebraska Air Quality Division As a part of its Multiyear Development Plan for FY88, Nebraska adopted regulations on emissions of toxic air pollutants. The regulations, which became ef- fective in 1988, apply to the permitting of new, modified, or reconstructed sources with the potential to emit 2.5 tons per year or more of any toxic air pollutant and re- quire the use of Best Available Control Technology (BACT). The list of toxic air pollutants included is the same as the SARA Title III Section 313 Toxic Chemicals List. The BACT requirement gives the Department of En- vironmental Control some flexibility: it may regulate toxic JTLIGHTb ISTRY, ATIONS lenn Dlvely, Air Quality Engineer, air pollutant emissions, while keeping emission limits in balance with such considerations as energy, public health, environmental and economic impacts. The Nebraska regulations also address existing sources. Although not required to implement BACT, sources with the potential to emit 2.5 tons per year of tox- ic air pollutants are required to report air emissions annually. To establish the current status of industrially generated toxic air pollutants in Nebraska, the Air Quality Division of the Department of Environmental Control 2 ------- sent a survey in 1987 to 95 of the State's larger facilities requesting information on their use of 40 chemicals (Table 1) and resulting emissions. All but six facilities responded; however, most of the data were specific to use rather than emissions. The Division divided responses into three areas of the State for analysis: Omaha, Lincoln and "outstate" that included the rest of the State. Omaha and Lincoln both have local Air Quality Divisions; and therefore, could make use of the location- specific information for their own activities. Omaha has a number of surface coating industries, the largest of which is estimated to emit 1450 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) per year. Solvents reported by the facility included xylene, toluene, methyl benzenes, hexane, and cyclohexane. Some progress toward emission control had been made by the facility in response to past opacity violations and odor complaints. The primary concern in the Lincoln area is a rub- ber belts and hoses manufacturer. Not only is it a large VOC source, emitting approximately 1200 tons per year of toluene, hexane and 1,1,1-trichloroethane, but it is located near a residential area. Two other significant sources, a surface coater and a soybean processor, are also in close proximity to the residential area. Therefore, the Division plans to collect additional data from the companies to perform dispersion modeling for the sur- rounding area. In the outstate area, the highest emission sources identified are two ammonia manufacturers releasing an estimated 3300 tons per year of ammonia. The Division is proposing to determine the impact on neighboring populations. A third source that is significant from a tox- icity standpoint is an ethylene oxide sterilizer. Follow-up by the Division revealed that the company is in the pro- cess of replacing the operation with an alternate technique. To help industry adjust to the new regulations, the Division sent forms to 80 facilities Statewide that meet the facility reporting requirements. The form emphasizes reporting emissions information and modeling parameter data. The Division will use the data to perform dispersion modeling on "hot spots" identified in the in- ventory and to make decisions on monitoring. To date only five responses are outstanding. Preliminary analysis indicates results similar to those of the 1987 survey, despite the longer list of chemicals for which data were to be supplied. One dif- ference is the reduction in emissions from the surface coater in Omaha as control implementation continues. Three other sources, two surface coaters and one facility that has several degreasers, are now higher sources. Once the data are complete, the Division will compare the responses to SARA 313 data submittals and to resolve any inconsistencies. Finally, the Division will ad- dress any larger emitters to determine air quality impacts and to assess the need to implement controls. For further information, contact Gene Robinson at (402) 471-2189. TABLE 1. TOXIC POLLUTANTS INVENTORIED IN 1989" Industrial Gases Ammonia (18) Butadiene (0) Chlorine (5) Ethylene oxide (1) Formaldehyde (9) Acids Chromic acid (20) Hydrochloric acid (32) Hydrogen fluoride (6) Nitric acid (18) Sulfuric acid (40) Miscellaneous Chemicals Carbon disulfide (1) Chloroform (5) Hydrogen cyanide (2) Pentachlorophenol (0) Metals Cadmium (4) Chromium (6) Nickel (11) Zinc/zinc oxide (25) Solvents Acetone (21) Acetonitrile (2) Aniline (0) Benzene (1) Chlorinated benzenes (0) Chlorinated ethanol (0) Cresylic acid (0) Cyclohexane (1) Ethylene dichloride (1) Hexane (7) Methanol (24) Naphtha, VM & P (8) o-Cresol (0) Pentachloroethane (0) Phenol (3) Tetrachloroethane (0) Tetrachloroethylene (6) Toluene (36) 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (23) Trichloroethylene (5) Trimethyl benzenes (2) Xylene (33) " Number in parentheses is the number of facilities reporting use of the chemical. PRESIDENT BUSH PROPOSES NEW SECTION 112 On June 12, President Bush proposed comprehen- sive revisions to the Clean Air Act, the first an Administra- tion has put forward since 1977. On July 21, the Presi- dent submitted to the Congress a bill implementing the revisions. Title III of this bill, entitled "Hazardous Air Pollutants," would replace the current Section 112. Ti- tle III calls for accelerating progress in controlling major sources of toxic air pollutants by requiring stan- dards based on the use of best control technologies to be developed on a set schedule. Title ill would list 191 toxic air pollutants under Sec- tion 112. Within 12 months of the bill's passage, EPA would publish a list of major source categories. A major source is defined as a plant that emits 10 tons per year 3 ------- or more of any one listed pollutant or 25 tons or more per year of any combination of listed pollutants. Categories of smaller sources such as degreasers and dry cleaners may also be listed if, due to their large numbers, they pose significant risk in the aggregate. The bill sets forth two phases for regulating toxic air emissions. In the first phase, standards based on maximum achievable con- trol technology (MACT) would be developed for these source categories. The MACT is defined for new sources as the best emissions control achieved in practice by a similar source. For existing sources, MACT would be at least as stringent as emissions control achieved in prac- tice by the best performing similar sources. The bill requires that EPA regulate the list of major source categories on the following schedule: - 10 categories within 2 years; - 25 percent of the categories within 4 years; - 50 percent of the categories within 7 years; and - All remaining categories as determined necessary by the EPA Administrator within 10 years of enactment. In the second phase, 7 years after issuance of the requirements for MACT the EPA Administrator will evaluate the risks to public health that remain after ap- plying MACT. If the Administrator finds that the residual risk from a given source category poses an "unreasonable risk" to public health, he must then pro- mulgate a standard within 2 years to further control that source category. NEW YORK REQUIRES SIGI CHLORIDE EMISSION REDl by Matthew J. Rels, Senior Sanitary Engineer, Olvl of Environmental Conservation The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) recently completed negotia- tions that will result in a 70 percent reduction of methylene chloride or dichloromethane (DCM) emis- sions from the Eastman Kodak facility in Rochester. Eastman Kodak is one of the world's largest users of this solvent. In February 1987, New York State reduced the ac- ceptable ambient level (AAL) for DCM from 1167 ug/m3, a value derived from occupational health guidelines (TLV), to 0.37 ug/m3, a concentration based on risk assessment. Dispersion modeling and limited ambient sampling conducted for the Eastman Kodak Company had indicated that the 1167 ug/m3 AAL would not be ex- ceeded. However, ambient levels were expected to be higher than the new lower value. Early in 1988, Kodak indicated that they would soon apply for a permit to construct an additional film produc- tion line. This expansion would add an estimated 75 tons per year (TRY) to existing DCM emissions of 4600 TPY in an area where an exceedance of the AAL was already predicted. Therefore, Kodak agreed to conduct a Best Available Control Technology (BACT) evaluation and risk assessment for all DCM sources operating at their facili- ty. The emissions and health impacts of other con- taminants associated with film manufacture were also to be considered. These analyses were incorporated into a State-required Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by Kodak. The NYSDEC contacted EPA's Control Technology Center (CTC) for technical information to apply in assess- ing Kodak's BACT evaluation. The CTC responded by re- taining a contractor to visit the site, categorize the MIFICANT METHYLENE JCTIONS slon of Air Resources, New York State Department emission sources, recommend potential control strategies, and compare their conclusions to the BACT measures recommended by Kodak. The types of DCM sources in operation at the Eastman Kodak facility vary widely. Exhaust flows from some processes are of short duration, low volume, and high concentration, primarily from storage tanks and batch mixers. Other emissions occur continuously under high flow and low concentration conditions. BACT assessment incorporated the considerations of technical feasibility, cost (on a total capital and dollar per ton basis) and air quality benefit. Approximately 180 sources were evaluated. BACT for many sources was determined to be the installation of controls such as carbon adsorption. Several were already fitted with controls, and requiring additional emission reduction measures would not yield sufficient environmental benefit to justify further controls. In these cases, existing equipment was determined to be BACT. A few were able to reduce emissions by modi- fying process controls. For most of the smallest sources, BACT was determined to be no control. New York State's regulations require that either 99 percent or greater control, or BACT, be installed on sources emitting contaminants placed in the highest en- vironmental rating category. This was the case for DCM emissions at this facility. Kodak submitted a proposal by which the recovery rate of DCM entering the film mak- ing processes associated with the three largest sources would be increased from 97 percent to at least 99 per- cent. This action was determined to have met New York's statutory requirements. Assessment of the toxicity of DCM during the 4 ------- course of the EIS review culminated in an additional change in the AAL for DCM. Acceptance of estimates yielded by pharmacokinetic modeling by the NYSDEC and NYS Department of Health resulted in the increase of the AAL from 0.37 ug/m3 to 27 ug/m3. As a result of these efforts, a program was negotiated that is expected to reduce emissions by 3200 TPY that includes: - recovery of at least 99 percent of the DCM entering the film making process, - application of BACT to sources not attaining 99 percent reductions, - construction of "Good Engineering Practice" height stacks for the most significant DCM sources, - implementation of a fugitive emissions reduc- tion program, - hiring of an on-site environmental monitor to oversee air pollution control activities, - development and implementation of an ambient air quality monitoring program for DCM and several other contaminants, and - development of an emergency preparedness plan for hazardous materials handling. After all emission reduction steps have been taken, concentrations measured through ambient monitoring and/or projected by dispersion modeling will be com- pared to the AAL. If control measures have not reduced impacts to this level, further health studies may be re- quired to assess their effects. Additional reductions could be mandated if unacceptable health risks are predicted. All parties involved in this project, including the public, have viewed this agreement favorably. It resulted from a comprehensive assessment of all feasible con- trol technologies potentially applicable to air toxic sources at this facility. Both point and fugitive emissions were considered in a permitting approach that includes the installation of controls, fugitive emissions reduction, ambient monitoring, and risk assessment. The NYSDEC anticipates following similar courses of action for other sources of toxic air contaminants. For further information, call Matthew Reis at (518) 457-7688. IACP STUDIES WIND FLOW PLUME DISPERSION IN BO by Robert E. Eskrldge, Atmospheric Research am U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Integrated Air Cancer Project (IACP) is a long-term research program of three EPA research laboratories located at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The goals of the IACP are: first, to identify the principal car- cinogens in the urban/suburban atmosphere; second, to determine which emission sources are the major con- tributors of atmospheric carcinogens; and finally, to im- prove the capability for estimating human exposure and human cancer risk arising from exposure to airborne carcinogens. The third goal requires a knowledge of how pol- lutants are transported and dispersed in the nighttime urban/suburban environment. In order to better under- stand the transport and dispersion of wood smoke in Boise, a series of meteorological and tracer experiments were conducted in December 1986. The purpose of these measurements was to document the wind flow and turbulence conditions in the surface boundary layer and to investigate plume dispersion under wintertime, night- time conditions in an urban valley. The tracer data were also used to determine the relative impact of nearby and distant sources upon air quality monitoring sites. Dispersion of wood smoke plumes released during stable nighttime conditions in Boise was anticipated to be quite different from daytime dispersion because of drainage flows from the mountains. A 30-meter tower AND ISE d Exposure Assessment Laboratory, was equipped at two levels with two three-dimensional sonic anemometers and two propeller bivanes to measure wind speed and direction. A AT-temperature system was used to determine atmospheric stability in the drainage flows. A tethersonde was operated during the tracer experiments yielding vertical profiles of temperature, wind speed, and direction, and a monostatic acoustic sounder provided information on the temperature structure of the lower atmosphere. Dispersion patterns were mapped by releasing tracer gases from woodstove or fireplace chimneys. Release sites were located 100 to 3000 meters from the primary residential sampling site (Elm Grove Park). Arrays of automatic bag syringe samplers were deployed down- wind of the release points and the primary sampling site. Six tracer experiments were conducted during a three- week period in December 1986. The tracer tests were conducted at night in a stable atmosphere with a shallow drainage flow down the Boise River valley. Mathematical analysis of the velocity time series showed that the velocity components are dominated by an oscillation with a period of approximate- ly 1000 seconds or a wave length of between 500 to 1000 meters. Analysis of the time series showed that there were other wave-like oscillations of shorter duration. It should be noted that turbulence does not contain wave- like features. The mathematical analysis of the velocity 5 ------- data is supported by the tracer sampling data. A con- tinuous SF6 analyzer, which was mounted in a truck, showed narrow "instantaneous" plumes, while data from the time-averaged sampling array showed that the plume widened rapidly initially and then increased very slowly further downwind. This plume behavior is in keep- ing with the idea that a wave-like oscillation is the cause of the observed plume dispersion. The observed tracer distribution is primarily due to meander associated with the 1000 second wave and very little turbulent diffusion was observed other than the initial mixing in the wake of the source house. For the very light wind, stable conditions during these tests, the hourly averaged horizontal dispersion rate was considerably larger than even unstable rural dispersion rates. However, estimates of plume dispersion from horizontal velocity data were in reasonably good agreement with the measured plume dispersion rate. Comparison of short-term plume widths obtained from the mobile analyzer with the long-term plume widths derived from the fixed samplers showed that the instan- taneous plume was quite narrow. In turn, the movement of the instantaneous plume centerline coupled with the evidence for strong wave-like motion in the velocity record indicate that the broad long-term plume widths were the result of large plume meander across the neighborhood. Actual plume diffusion about the plume centerline was quite small. The results of the multiple tracer tests provided data for estimating the relative impact of various sources upon the central air quality monitoring site used in the study. Wood smoke emissions from an upwind tributary to the main Boise valley are carried across the neighborhood. The tracer data from one test indicate that the contribution of these upwind sources is approx- imately 10 percent of that from houses in the local neighborhood. For one house located approximately 200 meters upwind of a second house, the tracer data show that emissions from the first house can contribute be- tween 15 percent to 30 percent of the concentration caused by emissions from the downwind house aver- aged over the highest ten nearby receptors. In conclusion, this study found that dispersion was dominated by wave-like oscillation in the wind, and that the sampling sites collected chemical samples that were representative of the whole neighborhood. For further information on the Integrated Air Cancer Program, call Barbara Andon, (919) 541-7532, (FTS) 629-7532. NORTH CAROLINA MAKES POLLUTION PREVENTION Pollution prevention is preferable to dealing with waste after the fact. Environmentalists realize that, once waste is generated, treatment often merely moves it to a different place in the environment. Industrialists have learned that increasing regulation, higher waste treat- ment costs, and increased liabilities have made pollu- tion prevention an attractive alternative. On the Federal level, EPA has established the Pollu- tant Prevention Office; on the State level at least 35 States have, or plan to have, programs in this field. While most of the States focus primarily on hazardous waste, the program in North Carolina is multi-media in coverage, and includes a strong emphasis on the reduc- tion or elimination of air toxics. The North Carolina Pollution Prevention Program, instituted in 1983, is nonregulatory in nature and is in- tended as an effective and attractive alternative to the negative incentives of government regulation, which often place the regulators and the regulated in an adver- sarial relationship. The purpose of this program is to work toward environmental quality without imposing ma- jor economic impacts. With an annual budget of $650,000 and a professional staff of three, the program offers technical assistance to industry, research and education, and matching financial grants. The technical assistance aspect of the program 1 PAY includes an information clearinghouse containing more than 2500 references on waste reduction methods. Customized computer searches of literature data bases are available as well. The clearinghouse also has access to a network of universities, trade associations, in- dustries, research laboratories, and government agen- cies that can provide additional information. The results of research projects and workshops on waste reduction are also available. The staff responds to a monthly average of 200 telephone and letter requests for infor- mation and assistance. On-site technical assistance and preparation of industry-specific reports are also available. During an on- site visit, program staff collect information, consult with plant personnel, and identify management options in- cluding the potential for waste reduction and the pro- jected economics of these options. Industry-specific reports are based on telephone in- terviews and literature reviews specific to the waste pro- blem. Since 1984, this level of assistance has been pro- vided to approximately 350 clients. In addition, the staff offers presentations to technical groups, industrial workshops, and professional organizations on various aspects of pollution prevention and the State resources available. A second aspect of the program is research and 6 ------- education. Research projects have included in-plant demonstration projects; applied research on new technologies for such varied industries as wood preser- ving, chemicals, electroplating, textiles, food processing and fiberglass molding; workshops on pollution preven- tion techniques for specific industries; and the develop- ment of a pollution prevention curriculum suitable for engineering and industrial technology programs. Recently, the program sponsored a 2-day conference on waste reduction options for industrial air toxic emissions. An engineering intern program places graduate level engineering students with individual firms to help develop waste reduction programs. Financial assistance is the third aspect of the pro- gram. Matching grants provide funds for the cost of per- sonnel, materials, or consultants needed to undertake pollution prevention programs. Since 1984 this program has funded 68 such projects at a total cost to the State of $370,000 with another $620,000 supplied by the private sector. In the reduction of air toxics, the program has em- phasized the reduction of the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in such industries as furniture finishing, metal parts cleaning, textile processing, graphic arts, and fiberglass and plastics molding. Pro- cess modifications have included the substitution of water-based systems, the adoption of newer, more effi- cient process equipment, and improvements in opera- tion and maintenance of the production process. Where aqueous systems cannot be used, methods of recovering and reusing VOCs not only reduce toxic air emissions but also reduce the quantity of these materials required. This has frequently led to actual net cost savings, providing a rapid payback of investment and a continuing reduction in manufacturing costs while reducing worker exposure as well as emissions of air pollutants to the environment. Two new initiatives are the result of a grant from EPA and recent State legislation. The Multi-Media Waste Reduction Data Assessment Project involves the use of existing data reporting formats for air and water permits and hazardous waste reports to assess waste reduction efforts. The legislature has passed the Hazardous Waste Management Bill, which, among other provisions, re- quires annual reports of current and projected waste reduction for all water and air permit holders and generators of hazardous waste. For further information, please contact Roger Schecter or Gary Hunt, North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Post Of- fice Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687, telephone: (919) 733-7015. THE REGIONAL AIR POLLl CONTROL AGENCY SHARE INDOOR AIR PROGRAM by Andy Llndstrom, Regional Air Pollution Cont The Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) of Dayton, Ohio, has been responding to inquiries about indoor air pollution since its inception in 1970. Since then, RAPCA has received an ever-increasing number of questions about indoor air quality. In response to the large volume of inquiries in recent years, RAPCA has developed procedures for effective agency response. The following article outlines these procedures which other agencies may be able to adapt for their own needs. The overall goal of RAPCA's program is to protect public health by minimizing exposures to harmful air pollutants found inside buildings. RAPCA feels that it can accomplish this goal by serving as a clearinghouse for indoor air quality information and by conducting indoor air quality investigations. To date, most inquiries from private citizens have involved formaldehyde, radon, chlordane and other pesticides, and woodstoves and unvented combustion appliances. The majority of institu- tional concerns (e.g., businesses, schools) relate to sick building syndrome (SBS). The complaints center on in- adequate ventilation, passive smoking, or inappropriate use of solvents or cleaning compounds. The agency JTION S ITS rol Agency, Dayton, Ohio currently receives about four requests for indoor air assistance per day; of these, three are radon-related and the fourth is most often a private residence or an SBS question. Public Information Is Important to Community All citizens' inquiries concerning indoor air pollution are recorded in the Agency's Indoor Air Log on a stan- dard form developed for indoor air cases. After the in- quirer's name, address, and telephone are recorded, in- formation concerning symptoms, number of people in- volved, period of exposure, and related medical condi- tions is noted. The form summarizes each case and facilitates tracking of the number and types of calls it receives. After this preliminary information is obtained, RAPCA refers the caller to an agency specializing in the particular subject of the complaint. For example, in- quiries about formaldehyde testing are forwarded to the Ohio Department of Health, questions about pesticide application are directed to the Department of Agriculture, and problems with hazardous waste are turned over to 7 ------- Ohio EPA's Emergency Response Hotline. As a result of this referral process, RAPCA has been able to establish many contacts with local, State, and national sources of important indoor air pollution information. When a citizen is interested in written information, guidance or published reports, RAPCA sends material from its library. Detailed up-to-date information is available on the following topics: Allergies Asbestos Carbon monoxide Chlordane and other termiticides Fiberglass insulation Formaldehyde Groundwater as a source of indoor air pollution Hazardous waste disposal High voltage power lines Insecticides Kerosene heaters Molds Nitrogen oxides Pesticides Pollen Radon detection, health effects, and mitigation Sick building syndrome Tobacco smoke Ventilation Woodstoves No citizen is turned away without help. If the infor- mation requested is not at hand, RAPCA will search for reports or for appropriate referral agencies and report back to the caller when the information is found. How Investigations Are Handled If it is determined that a specific situation requires an on-site investigation, the agency follows this inspec- tion procedure: - All relevant information on the complaint is recorded in the Indoor Air Log. - If time allows, the complainant is sent a building evaluation form and a set of personnel evaluation questionnaires developed from NIOSH guidelines. - When the questionnaires are returned, they are evaluated and hypotheses about the situation are developed. - Finally, a full-scale site inspection is performed. RAPCA believes that a good site investigation should contain the following five elements: 1. A pre-inspection discussion with the highest available ranking member of the organization (e.g., company president, school principal, unit supervisor). It is important that this person understand what will be done during the in- spection so he will be able to work with the in- vestigator and help coordinate the entire visit. 2. Interviews with those who have experienced problems in the building. Questions that have arisen during the review of personnel question- naires can be answered and other individuals who did not fill out questionnaires will have the opportunity to relate their problems during the interviews. 3. A discussion of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) with the service person responsible. A detailed description of the building's HVAC system is crucial because both NIOSH and RAPCA personnel have observed that the majority of all indoor air com- plaints are related to inadequate or faulty ven- tilation. Dirty air filters, blocked or sealed fresh air intakes, or inoperative ventilation equipment contribute to most buildings' problems. Conse- quently, many of the agency's investigations have concluded that a ventilation-related prob- lem needs to be addressed before a more ex- tensive analysis is attempted. Citizens are ad- vised that HVAC systems should conform to guidelines established by the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). 4. A post-inspection discussion with the highest ranking person available. This allows the in- vestigator to share any conclusions, recommen- dations, or referrals that can be made. A more complete description of the situation is given in the final written report. 5. A final report on the investigation, including sections concerning data analysis, health ef- fects, and suggested mitigation strategies. The report may also include a list of appropriate referral agencies if another agency could help solve the problem. The Agency Outlines Its Current Capabilities and Needs RAPCA now frequently uses the Directory of State Indoor Air Contacts (September 1988) to obtain expert information about specific indoor air-related problems. The agency looks forward to continued State and Federal program development in this important area of public concern, expecting that the number of indoor air inquiries will increase as public awareness of indoor air pollution grows. RAPCA believes an indoor air program provides a vital service that is best implemented at the local air pollution control agency level. While the program helps many people within the community, it is clear that much more can be done in this critical area. Due to lack of funding, RAPCA's current testing capabilities are limited to a set of simple gas detection tubes and a continuous radon monitor. The agency plans to buy monitors for carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, asbestos, pollen and mold, and combustibles if funding becomes available. 8 ------- At present, when a situation is encountered where sophisticated monitors are crucial to an investigation, other agencies with known testing capabilities are con- tacted and asked to participate in the investigation. Although the agency has been able to develop good working relationships with the Ohio Department of Health, the Industrial Commission of Ohio, NIOSH, and OSHA, these agencies are often unable to respond to the agency's requests for monitoring due to their own backlog of cases. For more information on RAPCA's indoor air pro- gram, call Jeff Cooper at (513) 225-4898. THE CONTROL TECHNOLO IMPROVED RESPONSE THI COMPUTERS AND MODEL! In conjunction with the Control Technology Center (CTC), EPA's Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory's Air Toxics Research Division has assem- bled state-of-the-art air pollution control computer models in a central location called the Situation Room (SR). The SR has a variety of personal computer hard- ware, as well as access to VAX and IBM mainframe com- puters. The SR includes on-site model capabilities which EPA staff can access from their desks to respond to CTC requests for assistance. The capabilities provided by the SR will continue to expand as existing models are updated and new ones are added. The SR currently has more than 15 models, including electrostatic precipitator (ESP) models for determining electrical conditions and removal efficien- cies for ESPs, and the Control of Air Toxics (CAT) Ad- visory System for evaluation of alternate control tech- niques by regulatory agencies when considering permit applications. >GY CENTER HAS lOUGH I The CTC will issue a technical guidance document entitled "Procedures for Estimating Air Emissions from Surface Impoundments" and an associated computer- based program later this fall. These are expected to be of greatest use to State and local air pollution agencies in estimating volatile organic compound and air toxic emissions from surface impoundments. Three estima- tion methodologies will be available depending on the degree of given site-specific data. For example, when limited information is available on a source, equations and default parameters may be substituted to arrive at an emission estimate. These and many other resources are available to regulatory agencies through the Hotline, which may be reached by calling (919) 541-0800 or (FTS) 629-0800. Bob Blaszczak, the Hotline contact, will initiate an ap- propriate response depending on the degree of assistance required. OAQPS PUBLISHES REPOff EMISSIONS ESTIMATES, UR Five Documents Cover Point and Area Sources The EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Stan- dards (OAQPS) has recently published five reports that provide information on estimating emissions of air tox- ics from selected sources. These reports are: "Estimating Air Toxics Emissions from Coal and Oil Combustion Sources" (EPA-450/2-90-001), "Locating and Estimating Air Toxics Emissions from Municipal Waste Combustors" (EPA-450/2-89-006), "Locating and Estimating Air Emissions from Sources of Chromium, Supplement" (EPA-450/2-89-002), "Locating and Estimating Air Emissions from Sources of Perchloroethylene and Trichloroethylene" (EPA-450/2-89-013), and "Procedures for Estimating and Allocating Area Source Emissions of Air Toxics, Work- ing Draft" (EPA Contract No. 68-02-4254, Work Assign- ment No. 105). The purpose of these reports is to assist air pollution control agencies and others who are in- terested in locating potential sources of air toxics and TS ON BAN AIR TOXICS making preliminary estimates of the emissions resulting from these sources. The first four reports contain available process descriptions for the sources, information on the pollutants typically emitted from the sources, and emis- sions data including emission factor estimates that in- dicate the potential for air toxic compounds to be re- leased from operations within the sources described in each of the reports. Overviews of procedures for source sampling and analysis of air toxic emissions from these sources are also provided. The chromium report updates technical information presented in a previous EPA document entitled "Locating and Estimating Air Emissions from Sources of Chromium," EPA-450/4/84-007g. The supplement presents new emission data upon which emission fac- tors are based for chromium emissions from cooling towers and chromium electroplating operations. The document for perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene 9 ------- gives new degreasing emission factors that EPA has developed. The Area Source document presents methodolo- gies, techniques, procedures, and emission factors for estimating and allocating area source emissions of tox- ic air pollutants in a given area. This document is being distributed as a working draft document and will be up- dated as new procedures become available. In order to update and expand this document, comments from the users are welcomed and encouraged. For a listing of other air toxics emissions reports, order the brochure "Tools for Estimating Emissions of Air Toxics." This brochure provides an overview of the EPA's air toxics emissions estimating tools and can be obtained by writing the Pollutant Characterization Sec- tion, NPPB, MD-15, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. Single copies of the five reports are available by writing the EPA library at MD-35, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 or by calling (919) 541-2777 or (FTS) 629-2777. The process to make the reports available through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS) for a fee has been initiated, but NTIS order numbers have not yet been assigned. For further information on the Municipal Waste Combustion report, contact Bill Kuykendal, EPA, OAQPS, Noncriteria Pollutant Programs Branch (NPPB), MD-15, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. For more in- formation on the coal and oil combustion, chromium, and area source reports, contact Dallas Safreit, EPA, OAQPS, NPPB, MD-15, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. Urban Air Toxics Document Focuses on Cancer Risk The Pollutant Characterization Section of NPPB recently released a report, "Assessing Multiple Pollutant Multiple Source Cancer Risks from Urban Air Toxics." The report is a summary of approaches and insights from completed and ongoing urban air toxics assess- ment studies undertaken over the past several years. The similarities and differences in methods and ap- proaches of the various studies are explored with some indications of the effect of these procedures on the results. This 237-page report will soon be available from NTIS and can be ordered in limited number by State and local agencies by writing Tom Lahre, U.S. EPA, AQMD, MD-15, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711. RISK ASSESSMENT GLOSSA DIRECTORY NOW AVAILAE The Air Risk Information Support Center (Air RISC) announces the availability of two new resource documents designed to aid in the development of risk assessments. The reports "Glossary of Terms Related to Health, Exposure, and Risk Assessment" (EPA 450/3-88-016) and "Directory of Information Resources Related to Health, Exposure, and Risk Assessment of Air Toxics" (EPA 450/3-88-015) were prepared by the Air RISC in order to assist State and local air pollution con- trol personnel and EPA Regional Office personnel in their work in health, exposure, and risk assessment of air toxics. The Glossary contains definitions of terms that are commonly used in risk assessment and more detailed comparative discussions of related terms. For example, the definitions of the following terms are compared: benign and malignant, exposure and dose, and epidemiology and toxicology. A list of key references that iRY AND iLE includes general texts in toxicology and risk assessment and selected U.S. EPA documents relating to health, ex- posure, and risk assessment is also provided. The Directory helps to identify useful sources of in- formation related to health, exposure, and risk assess- ment of air toxics. It lists various resources including sup- port centers, clearinghouses, hotlines, and data bases. Contacts, addresses, and/or telephone numbers are pro- vided along with a description of the information or ser- vices provided. Key U.S. EPA offices are listed with a short description of the office's function, address, and telephone number. Contacts at EPA Regional Offices are also listed for several programs. State and local agency and EPA Regional Office staff may obtain copies of these documents by calling the Air RISC Hotline at (919) 541-0888. The documents are also available through the National Technical Infor- mation Service, (703) 487-4807. EPA'S SECTION 313 RISK SCREENING GUIDE AVAIL/ In July, EPA published a guidance manual, "Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Risk Screening Guide (Ver- sion 1.0)." This document describes some of the challenges raised by the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data and suggests ways of addressing them (see the UBLE September 1988 issue, pages 7-8 for details). The Guide suggests ways to tackle two key issues: - setting risk-based priorities for follow-up in- vestigation of TRI facilities and chemicals within geographic areas of interest, and 10 ------- - identifying data needs and approaches for col- lecting information necessary to respond to health and environmental questions from the public. The Guide should be useful to those involved in in- terpreting and explaining environmental pollution, ex- posures, and health risks to the general public, especial- ly at the local or sub-State level. Even those already well versed in evaluating risk and/or in helping the public understand toxic chemicals should find this document useful. For further information on the Guide, write Jim Darr, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (TS-778), 401 M Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460, or call (202) 382-3628, (FTS) 382-3628. CALL IRM MANAGERS FOfl WITH MAINFRAME, PC US The Information Resources Management (IRM) managers* in the 10 EPA Regional Offices are respon- sible for the planning, implementation, and operation of Regional information processing and services. As managers with a good grasp of how the software and hardware systems work across all the Regions, these in- dividuals are initial contacts for State and local agencies with questions or problems concerning mainframe or PC use, word processing, or data base access. IRM managers can answer questions using nontechnical terms or make referrals if necessary. IRM managers are also responsible for supporting the processing and sharing of information between Regional EPA and State offices. The IRM services in- clude libraries, records centers, computer centers, infor- mation/PC support centers, systems development, and voice and data communication. Following is a list of IRM managers by Region. This list updates the Newsletter's previous lists. *Formerly called Automated Data Processing (ADP) Coordinators 1 HELP E Region I Michael MacDougall (617) 565-3377 (FTS) 835-3377 Region II Robert Messina (212) 264-9850 (FTS) 264-9850 Region III Joseph Hamilton (215) 597-8046 (FTS) 597-8046 Region IV Jack Sweeney (404) 347-2316 (FTS) 257-2316 Region V Stephen Goranson (312) 886-3445 (FTS) 886-3445 Region VI Fred Woods (214) 655-6540 (FTS) 255-6540 Region VII David Flora (816) 774-2827 (FTS) 757-2827 Region VIII Alfred R. Vigil (303) 293-1423 (FTS) 564-1423 Region IX Dave Henderson (415) 974-7414 (FTS) 454-7414 Region X James Peterson (206) 442-1580 (FTS) 399-1580 NEED HELP? If your agency needs help in finding information on a specific air toxics question, you can announce that need in the National Air Toxics Information Clear- inghouse Newsletter. Your colleagues from other State or local agencies who have such information will be able to contact you with assistance. In addition, the Clear- inghouse staff would like to receive your ideas for future Newsletter articles. To list an information need in the next issue or to submit an article or a suggestion for a future Newsletter article, please call either Scott Voorhees of the Clearinghouse staff, (919) 541-0850, (FTS) 629-0850, or Susan Buchanan, Radian Corporation (919) 541-9100. HELPFUL NUMBERS Air Risk Information Support Center (Air RISC Hotllne|: (919/ 541-0088 /FTSJ 629-0888 Control Technology Center (Hotline): ££ 25 (FTSJ 629-0800 NATICH Clearinghouse Staff: JJ 11 ------- The National Air Toxics Information Clearinghouse Newsletter is published six times a year by the National Air Toxics Information Cfcraringhouse to assist State and local agencies mak- ing decisions on noncriteria pollutant emissions. The first issue appeared in December 1983. The Clearinghouse is being implem^tted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Emis- sion Standards Division, Pollutant Assessment Branch as part of a joint effort with the State and Local Air Pollution Control Officials (ALAPCO). The National Air Toxics Information Clear- inghouse Newsletter is prepared by Radian Corporation under EPA Contract Number 68-D8-0065, Work Assignment 6. The EPA Project Officer is Scott Voorhees, EPA Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, Telephone: (919)541-5348. The Radian Project Director is Susan Buchanan, P. O. Box 13000, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, (919)541-9100. The Newsletter is prepared primarily for State and local air pollution control agencies and is distributed free of charge. Those wishing to report address changes may do so by writing Meredith Haley, Radian Corporation, P. O. Box 13000, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709. Please contact the Project Officer either with any comments you might have pertaining to this newsletter or with suggestions for future newsletters. Articles in the newsletter are writ- ten by Radian Corporation or EPA staff unless otherwise indicated. The views expressed in the National Air Toxics Information Clearinghouse Newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency. Men- tion of trade names or commercial products does not constitute any endorsement or recom- mendation for use by EPA. Scott Voorhees Pollutant Assessment Branch U.S. Environmental Protection Agency MD-13 Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 FIRST CLASS MAIL U.S. Postage Paid E.P.A. Permit No. G-35 ------- |