UNITED STATES ENVIROM1NTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Region II, New York, New York 1027S DATE: July 15, 1988 SUBJECT: Risk Assessment Review FRCM: Deputy Region a 1 Administrator Office of Regulatory Support and Scientific Assessment Attached is a copy of the Risk Assessment Review, a bimonthly publication that is a cooperative effort between the Office of Research and DeveIopment and the Regional Risk Assessment Ne twork. The Review serves as a focal point for information exchange among the EPA risk assessment coninunity on both technical and policy issues related to risk assessment. It is currently in its second year of publication, and we are pleased at the positive feedback we've received on the Review's usefulness to staff across the Agency. Thanks to all of you who continue to contribute articles and are involved with production efforts. If you have an article to contribute or any suggestions for future issues, contact one of the Coazsittee members listed on page 1 of the review. At t achment ------- June 1988 Highlights • National Conference for State Risk Assessors p. 1 • Proposed Guidelines for Male and Female Reproductive Effects p. 1 • 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin ... p. 2 • OTS Regional Risk Guidance Staff p. 3 • Public Needs Assessment and Resource Development for SARA Title III p. 3 • A Computer-Assisted, Risk-Based Screening of a Mixture of Drinking Water Chemicals . . p. 5 I. Special Feature NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR STATE RISK ASSESSORS by Morris Altschuler (FTS) 382-7667 On May 4-6, 1988, the Office of Research and Development (ORD) through its cooperative agreement with the National Governors' Association (NGA), conducted a National Conference on Risk Assessment for State Risk Assessors. ORD speakers described recent developments in risk assessment-related research including pharmacokinetic models and non- cancer endpoints and chemicals of particular concern to the states (dioxin, arsenic, chlordane and tetrachloro- ethylene). ORD presentations also covered the rationale and philosophy of the Risk Assessment Guidelines. Emphasis was placed on the fact that these are not cookbook procedures but an approach and philosophy. Topics covered in this area included complex mixtures, extrapolation from high to low concentration for cancer endpoints, use of the uncertainty factor for reference dose and multiple routes of exposure, including route- to-route extrapolation. A paper on structure-activity relationships by the Office of Toxic Substances was distributed. Also Victor Kimm, Deputy Director of the Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances, presented a paper on Risk Assessment and Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA). Two demonstrations were presented to the attendees: one on IRIS and one on Risk Assessment Tools - A Prototype Computer System for Screening Level Risk Assessment. Seven state representatives described their individual state philosophy and procedures in carrying out risk assessments to show the great variation in approaches to risk assessment at the state level. Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Missouri, New Jersey, California, New Hampshire and Texas Risk Assessors described pro- cedures that varied from rigorously quantitative to nonquantitative for a variety of actual case studies. Actual state risk assessment case studies presented included-health risk associated with recreation use of Union Lake, contaminated with arsenic (New Jersey); exposure and health risk associated with applying dioxin-contaminated paper mill sludge to agricultural (See Conference p. 2) Risk Assessment Review Committee Peter Preuss - ORD, FTS 382-7669 Sally Edwards - Region I, FTS 835-3387 Maria Pavlova - OTS, FTS 264-8672 Marian Olsen - Region II, FTS 264-5682 Susan Deihl - Region IV, FTS 257-5065 Suzanne Wuerthele - Region VII, FTS 564-1714 Dana Davoli - Region X, FTS 399-2135 II. Headquarters NEWS FROM THE RISK ASSESSMENT FORUM By Unda C. Tuxen (FTS) 475-6743 THYROID NEOPLASIA - On June 6, 1988, a notice of availability of the Risk Assessment Forum's report titled, "Thyroid Follicular Ceil Carcinogenesis: Mechanistic and Science Policy Considerations," was published in the Federal Register (53 FR 20685). The notice announces that EPA has asked for Science Advisory Board (SAB) and Science Advisory Panel (SAP) review of this report. The date, time, and place of the SAB/SAP meeting will be announced in a separate Federal Register notice. The Federai Register notice explains that a copy of this Forum document may be obtained by contacting the ORD Publications Center, CERI-FRN, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268. Telephone: [513] 569-7562 or FTS 684-7562. Please provide your name, mailing address, and the EPA Document Number (EPA-625/3-88/014A). The document will be distrib- uted from the Cincinnati office only. PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR MALE AND FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS - The proposed male and female reproductive effects guidelines have been published in the June 30,1988, Federal Register (53 FR 24850 and 53 FR 24834, respectively). These two proposed guidelines for assessing male and female reproductive risks are intended to guide Agency analysis of data on reproductive toxicants according to appropriate scientific standards, and in line with the policies and procedures established in the statutes administered by EPA. The Science Advisory Board will review these proposed guidelines at a July 14, 1988, meeting and public comment will be accepted until August 29.1988. Comments from the public and the SAB will be reviewed and incorporated into a revised draft that will be submitted first to the Risk Assessment Forum and then to the Risk Assessment Council for review. The Risk Assessment Council will consider comments from the public, the SAB, and the Risk Assessment Forum in their recommendations on final guidelines to the EPA Administrator. (See Forum p.2) 1 ------- CONFERENCE (Continued from p.1) and silvacultural lands (Wisconsin); probable health effects associated with exposure to a variety of inorganic chemicals at the Mottolo Hazardous Waste Site (New Hampshire); methyl mercury impact associated with consumption of contaminated sport fish in northern California coastal mountain lakes (California). All of these assessments resulted in recommendations and decisions based on limited data. State procedures and approaches were well described. Papers were also presented describing ongoing activities under ORD's cooperative agreement with NGA including ORD's review of State Risk Assessments, and ORD's activities under its cooperative agreement with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. In addition to describing EPA risk assessment philosophy, the data base and means for extrapolation, and State variations in conducting risk assessments, conference objectives included information exchange, understanding state risk assessment needs and maintaining an ongoing dialogue. At the conclusion of the last session it was agreed that meetings of this type were beneficial and should be continued, perhaps with smaller groups. In addition, as was suggested, an exchange of State and EPA/ORD Risk Assessors will be conducted to train State Risk Assessors as to ORD philosophy toward better implementation of guidelines and to provide EPA personnel with a better understanding of State needs. Session Chairmen were Dr. Peter Preuss, Director of the Office of Technology Transfer and Regulatory Sup- port, who in addition to introducing new developments, described the new ORD office responsible for Technology Transfer; Or. William Farland, Acting Director of the Office of Health and Environmental Assessment who introduced the Risk Assessment Guidelines sessions and James Solyst of NGA who chaired the sessions on State Risk Assessment Case Studies. Thirty-two states were represented at the meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Morris Altschuler (FTS 382-7667). FORUM (Continued from p.1) DERMAL DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY STUDY WORKSHOP • In April, the Risk Assessment Forum sponsored a workshop to discuss the use, applicability, and interpretation of developmental toxicity studies via the dermal exposure route in risk assessments for suspected developmental toxicants. Discussion focused on maternal toxicity, pharmacokinetics, study design, and future research needs in this area. The Workshop was co-chaired by Dr. Carole Kimmel, REAG, and Dr. Elaine Francis, OTS. Invited panelists included toxicologists, dermal pathologists, and pharmacokineticists from EPA program offices, National Center for Toxicological Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, industry, contract laboratories, and academia. The report on the workshop proceedings is in preparation and will be forwarded to the Forum for review. The Forum will evaluate the report and use it to formulate an appropriate science policy statement on the issue for the Risk Assessment Council's consideration. RISK ASSESSMENT FORUM COLLOQUIUM - The Risk Assessment Forum schedules colloquia for discussion of risk assessment issues of Agency-wide interest, and to identify issues for later in-depth study by the Forum or some other Agency group. On May 19, the Risk Assessment Forum sponsored an all-day colloquium, chaired by Dr. Donald Barnes of the Science Advisory Board, on less-than-lifetime exposure. The purpose of the colloquium was to assist in determining whether approaches and issues for estimating immediate or delayed health risk from non- lifetime continuous exposures should be formally considered by the Forum. Several recommendations, including convening of a panel of risk assessment experts to design a research approach for less-than- lifetime exposures, will be forwarded to the Forum for its consideration. AVAILABLE TECHNICAL INFORMATION By Marie C. Pfaff (FTS) 382-7345 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-p-DIOXIN (2,3,7,8-TCDD) Draft documents entitled, "A Cancer Risk-Specific Dose Estimate for 2,3,7,8-TCDD" (EPA/600/6- 88/007Aa) and "Estimating Exposures to 2,3,7,8- TCDD" (EPA/600/6-88/005A) are being made available for public review and comment. The cancer document re-examines the scientific basis and methods used by EPA for estimating cancer potency of 2,3,7,8-TCDD. An ad hoc interoffice workgroup prepared the report and recommendations, and scientists outside of the workgroup provided useful analysis, review, and comment. The objective of the report is to determine if EPA's 1985 cancer risk assessment for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins should be modified in light of recent data, alternative risk assessment methods, or alternative interpretations of data on this chemical. The exposure document provides the most recent exposure and risk estimation methodology for application of 2,3,7,8-TCDD contaminated sites. Also, other issues were reviewed and are briefly discussed in Appendices A through F (EPA/600/6-88/007Ab) of the cancer document. The Federal Register notice announcing the availability of the 2,3,7,8-TCDD documents provides the dates of the public comment period (July 6 through October 5, 1988) and other pertinent information such as the EPA address where comments should be submitted. At a later date, also to be announced in the Federal Register, the draft documents will be reviewed by the EPA Science Advisory Board in a public meeting. 2 ------- SELECTION CRITERIA FOR MATHEMATICAL MODELS USED IN EXPOSURE ASSESSMENTS: GROUND-WATER MODELS This document (EPA/600/8-88/075F) is one of several documents addressing selection criteria for mathematical models used in exposure assessments. It serves as a technical support document to the EPA Guidelines for Estimating Exposures published in 1986. The document presents criteria which provide a means for selecting the most appropriate mathematical model(s) for conducting an exposure assessment related to ground-water contamination. Single copies of each document also will be available from the Office of Research and Development at the following address: ORD Publications Office Center for Environmental Research Information U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 TEL: 513/569-7562 or FTS/684-7562 Please provide your name, mailing address, and the EPA Document Number when requesting these documents. Copies of the documents will also be distributed to Agency offices and libraries. OTS CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT DESK By Terry O'Bryan (FTS) 382-3483 The Chemical Assessment Desk (CAD), which was established two years ago, continues to provide technical support and consultation to Regional Offices, ORD and the other Agency Program Offices. The CAD utilizes OTS technical expertise, risk assessments on both the New and Existing Chemical Programs, as well as technical evaluations, contractor reports and industry-submitted data to answer risk-related questions and coordinate multimedia responses when necessary. In many instances, the CAD uses its network of intra- and inter-Agency contacts to refer inquiries elsewhere for answers. The CAD will also be available to provide technical support to Regional staff on SARA 313-related questions. Most recently the CAD has responded to inquiries on the toxicity of methylene chloride, chlorofluorocarbon exemptions under TSCA, acute toxicity thresholds for gasoline and diesel fuel, assistance in developing unit risk numbers for boron trichloride, the toxicity of p- chlorotoluene and 1-chloro-4-methylbenzene, the regulatory status and toxicity of polychlorinated terphenyls, the toxicity and environmental fate of acetophenone, the toxicity of platinum, the evaluation of new toxicity data on dimethylformamide, health effects associated with arsenic-contaminated soil, structure- activity evaluations of digitoxin and phenylhydrazine, dioxin tolerances in food products, and the association between electromagnetic radiation and leukemia. To obtain copies of any of these responses, please contact Terry O'Bryan at (FTS) 382-3483 (E-Mail EPA7487), Elaine Suriano at (FTS) 382-6902 (E-Mail EPA 7591), or Jacqueline Favilla at (FTS) 475-8823 (E-Mail EPA7497). Please utilize the Chemical Assessment Desk, but also note that the CAD is intended for Agency staff use only. Please refrain from referring outside callers, including State Agency staff, directly to the CAD. In addition, each Regional Office has designated one or more staff as focal points for contacting the CAD. These contacts were established through the Regional Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch Chiefs to channel your requests to the CAD. The Chemical Assessment Desk has recently become a part of the new Regional Risk Guidance Staff. (See next article). OTS REGIONAL RISK GUIDANCE STAFF By David Klauder (FTS) 382-3628 The Office of Toxic Substances (OTS) has just established a Regional Risk Guidance Staff (RRGS)^ to serve as the OTS focal point for risk-related technical support to the Regions. The primary function of this newly created entity is to concentrate OTS multimedia risk assessment support to the Regions, especially that related to SARA Section 313, in a single center. The Chemical Assessment Desk (CAD) is now a part of the RRGS. In addition, RRGS will provide service to include support to the Regions on resolution of risk-related policy and research issues through appropriate Agency science policy and research committees. Share your Section 313 risk-related questions and needs with David Klauder (FTS 382-3628), Director of the RRGS, or Terry O'Bryan (FTS 382-3483) or Elaine Suriano (FTS 382-6902), both of the CAD. There are currently four vacancies in RRGS. Regional staff with risk assessment experience are encouraged to express their interest in either a detail or a permanent position on RRGS to David Klauder. PUBUC NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT FOR SARA TITLE III By Marts Pavlova (FTS) 264-8672 In preparation for the release of information from the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) Title III (Section 313), the Office of Toxic Substances, EPA, and the Institute for Health Policy Analysis, Georgetown University, are studying public awareness, interests, and concerns regarding the potential release of toxic substances into their communities. The study will produce recommendations and strategies for use by EPA and others preparing information for the public. The project methodology includes an inventory and assessment of available public education materials, focus groups with the public, interviews with professionals, an analysis of current public opinion data, preparation of recommendations for EPA and a com- munications manual. 3 ------- Educational materials that relate to the need for information generated by the new data being made available through the Community Right-to-Know process are available from a variety of sources, including federal and state government, industry, and independent organizations. Materials include those on chemical concepts, legal and regulatory requirements, and the assessment and interpretation of health risks. A selected bibliography of the most relevant materials which have been evaluated for technical accuracy and ability to communicate to various target audiences will offer some alternatives for risk communication programs. Based on a review of existing public opinion data, the general public is concerned about environmental issues but many do not feel personally affected. In preliminary focus groups, participants have expressed surprise that toxic chemicals are being released in their communities. Subsequent groups will provide more insights into the flow of information within the community and the reaction of local citizens. Local authorities and the media appear to be the most frequent source of information on toxic chemicals. Ways to enhance the flow of information through these channels are being explored. The existing and potential roles of collateral information channels such as health professionals, environmental groups and industry are also being discussed. The project will be completed in the summer of 1988. Reports currently available include: • A Bibliography of Public Education Materials Related to Toxic Chemicals, • An analysis of Public Opinion Polling Data Related to Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Hazards, and • A Summary of Findings from Six Public Focus Groups. Additional reports are forthcoming. For copies of any of the above reports or other information, contact: Or. Maria Pavlova, Emergency and Remedial Response Division, Room 737, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region II, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, New York 10278. WORKSHOP ON EVALUATION AND EFFECTIVE RISK COMMUNICATION By Maria Pavlova (FTS) 264-8672 Approximately 150 communicators from around the country met in Washington, DC, on June 2 and 3 to discuss methods of evaluating environmental and health risk communication programs. The Workshop Co- Chairpersons, Vincent Covello (Health Effects Institute), Ann Fisher (EPA Office of Policy Analysis), and Rose Mary Romano (National Cancer Institute), along with the planning committee chaired by Maria Pavlova (EPA Region II), structured the agenda to facilitate interactions among speakers and attendees. The Workshop was held under the auspices of the Interagency Group on Public Education and Communication, a subcommittee of the Task Force on Environmental Cancer and Heart and Lung Disease. On the first day, Milton Russell, former EPA Assistant Administrator for Policy. Planning, and Evaluation, in his keynote address, raised a central issue in risk communication - the importance of public trust and confidence in society's institutions. Dr. Russell asked attendees to consider whether risk communication can serve to restore trust or whether that trust, once lost, can ever be fully restored. Health communications consultant Elaine Bratic Arkin defined risk communication and its goals and facilitated a panel discussion on how evaluation can show that risk communication programs are working. Panelists pre- sented case studies of successful risk communication, but with the mention of problems encountered, from Federal, State and private perspectives. Peter Rossi of the University of Massachusetts provided the theoretical context for evaluation methodology, and panelists des- cribed the use of evaluation in specific risk com- munication programs. Attendees were then asked to select among 11 small workshop sessions on the topics of Developing the Message, Tracking Progress, and Measuring Accom- plishments. Workshop leaders were given wide latitude in how to conduct their sessions but all were encouraged to engage attendees in dialogue and provide the opportunity for open discussion. The first day ended with a problem-solving session in which attendees were able to discuss their own particular communication and evaluation problems with experts. Both days of the Workshop featured luncheon speakers. William Novelli of Porter/Novelli discussed the role of marketing research in evaluation. John Ahearne, Chair- man of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Risk Perception and Communication, challenged attendees to ensure that risk communication does make a difference in today's society. Before breaking into small groups again on the second day, attendees heard from Roger Kasperson of Clark University about the maturation of risk communication in terms of theory, methodology, and practice. He suggested that the most important characteristic of risk communication is that it be humane, because its ultimate goal must be to anticipate harm that may be inflicted and reduce human suffering. Attendees then participated in two of nine workshops on topics dealing with evaluation, such as obstacles to evaluation, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) procedures, quick and easy evaluation techniques, use of evaluation results, deciding on the extent of evaluation, and matching needs with evaluators' capabilities. A poster session enabled attendees to present details on case studies on risk communication and evaluation and gave market research vendors an opportunity to discuss their services. The concluding session of the Workshop involved all attendees in identifying problems and recommending research and other measures to improve the practice of risk communication. Although it was agreed that much 4 ------- progress has been made in a relatively short time, attendees recognized the continuing gap between the theory and practice of risk communication. It was suggested that narrowing the gap would require the commitment of agencies and institutions to make risk communication a matter of political will rather than simply a science. In conclusion, attendees reiterated the importance of sharing their experiences and knowledge and building and expanding risk communication networks. The full proceedings of the Workshop will be prepared for publication along with appropriate case studies. The draft discussion papers, prepared by Peter Rossi (A Guide to Evaluation Research Theory and Practice) and Elaine Bratic Arkin (Evaluation for Risk Communication), are available upon request to Maria Pavlova (FTS) 264-8672 or (212) 264-8672. INFORMATION RESOURCES DIRECTORY By Bruce McCaffrey (701) 841-5506 The Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM) is developing a directory that will identify all risk-related information resources available to the Agency. Known as the Information Resources Directory (IRD), it will include an EPA Contacts List, appropriate data bases housed at EPA and elsewhere, other Federal Environmental Contacts, a list of publications focused on environmental issues and a synopsis of EPA Library facilities and resources. The IRD is one of the first products of OIRM's work on the Comprehensive Risk Information Structure Project (CRISP). The directory should be available sometime later this year. III. Around the Regions REGION III A COMPUTER-ASSISTED, RISK-BASED SCREENING OF A MIXTURE OF DRINKING WATER CHEMICALS During 1987, EPA Region III sampled raw and treated drinking water at ten locations in Virginia and Pennsylvania to estimate risks to human health associated with water use. This work was performed as part of the Region's Measurable Environmental Results Initiatives (MERIT) process. Composite samples were taken from water supply intakes in the Roanoke River basin and the lower Susquehanna River at three hydrologically distinct times. Samples were analyzed for 187 contaminants, including metals, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, and polynuclear aromatic compounds. One hundred three substances were detected in at least one water sample. Upper bound lifetime carcinogenic risk and systemic hazard index were calculated for each chemical in each sample. Chemical-specific carcinogenic risks and hazard indexes were summed to estimate total risk and hazard index for each sample. Sample sums were averaged for each location. Mean upper bound lifetime cancer risk ranged from 8 x 10-5 to 2 x 10*4; total systemic hazard index ranged from 0.1 to 0.5. No contaminants other than trihalo- methanes contributed significantly to total cancer risk or hazard index. Additional exposure from inhaling trihalomethanes which volatilize from tap water in homes may increase exposure and risk by a factor of approximately 2. Acetone, which potentiates trihalomethane-induced liver and kidney damage in animals, occurred with trihalomethanes at most locations. This suggests the total hazard index may have been higher than the sum of individual chemical hazard indexes. A combination of micro and mainframe computers assisted with each phase of the data analysis. The microcomputer wrote program statements which were executed by the mainframe computer, for the following purposes: (1) storage of the raw data in the STORET data base, (2) retrieval of the stored data in a form readable by the SAS statistics package, (3) manage- ment of the SAS data set, (4) all risk calculations, and (5) production of summary tables of the results. The microcomputer was able to quickly produce error-free mainframe programs in excess of 10,000 lines. This process saved a substantial amount of time compared to the usual manual entry/debugging method of programming. This work is presently undergoing EPA internal review prior to intended publication. Contact: Roy L. Smith (FTS 597-9857) REGION X SEMINAR ON QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN RISK ASSESSMENT On June 16, Herbert (Pepe) Lacayo, a statistician from the Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation in Headquarters, presented a workshop on statistical procedures used in dose-response modeling for car- cinogens. The workshop focused upon the calculation of the potency factor, q*. using the multi-stage model with an emphasis on the derivation of maximum likelihood estimates and upper confidence limits. The Global computer program for the multistage model was also demonstrated. This was the second in a series of workshops designed for technical risk assessment staff from Region X, state and local agencies, and local universities. Contact: Dana Davoli (FTS 399-2135) IV. Announcements COMPUTER SOFTWARE Drs. Jeanne Appling, June Fessenden-Raden and Carole Bisogni of Cornell University's Institute for Comparative and Environmental Toxicology have developed a self-paced instructional computer software package called "Toxicology and Public Health: Understanding Chemical Exposure." The program is designed to help users, with no prior computer experience, who must consider the implications of toxic chemicals in their work. The program explains the basics of toxicology and the sources of uncertainty about the risks posed by chemicals in the context of 5 ------- current issues. All fundamental concepts are covered, using well over 200 chemicals as examples of: • common terms • routes of entry • dose response • properties that affect toxicity • pharmacokinetics • variation in response to chemicals • defense mechanisms • regulation of toxic chemicals • health effects • carcinogens • reproductive poisons, and • risk assessment and management. The program includes: simple commands, plentiful art, animation, user-selected examples, simulations, interactive exercises, informative quizzes, crossword puzzle, a cocktail party, and glossary of more than 160 terms. The program offers the freedom to learn what you want, when you want to. The software runs on an IBM PC/XT or true compatible with enhanced graphics. IBM color graphics may be substituted but quality will be compromised; the program will take about 1 megabyte of space. The system is available at a not-for-profit rate of $120.00. For further information on ordering the system contact: Media Services Distribution Center, Cornell University, 8 Research Park, Ithaca, New York 14850; Attn: Richard Gray, (607-255-2091). WORKSHOP ON RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF DRINKING WATER CONTAMINATION The next Workshop on Risk Assessment and Management of Drinking Water Contamination is scheduled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 22, 23 and 24. 1988. The three-day workshop is offered three to four times per year. The course is primarily geared towards regional and state staffs and includes a combination of lecture and case study to teach how to assess drinking water contamination. For further information contact: Marlene Regelski at FTS 382-3639 and Bill Hartley at FTS 382-7588. STORMWATER AND WATER QUALITY MODEL USER GROUP MEETING The Stormwater and Water Quality Model User's Group meeting is scheduled for October 3-4, 1988, in Denver, Colorado. The registration fee is $50.00 payable to the conference coordinator. Preregistrations will be appreciated. Abstracts of presentations on all aspects of Stormwater and Water Quality Modeling are invited to be submitted to the conference coordinator by August 1, 1988. Authors will be notified of acceptance by August 15, 1988. Papers will be due at the meeting. The conference will be held at the Executive Tower Inn in Denver, Colorado (800-525-6651 or 303-571- 0300). A block of rooms has been reserved at the conference rate of $45.00 single or double. Deadline for the conference rate is September 20. The Urban Stormwater Modeling Conference should be mentioned when making reservations. For further information contact: Dr. James C. Y. Guo, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Colorado at Denver, Campus Box 113, 1200 Larimer Street, Denver, Colorado 80204-5300. MODELING WORKSHOPS MODEL ON EXPOSURE AND BIOACCUMULATION OF TOXICANTS IN SURFACE WATERS The Office of Research and Development's Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling, U.S. EPA, Environ- mental Research Laboratory in Athens, Georgian is sponsoring two Workshops on the Model on Exposure and Bioaccumuiation of Toxicants in Surface Waters. The first Workshop is scheduled for July 25-28 at the Omni Georgetown Hotel at 2121 "P" Street in Washington, DC 20037. The second workshop is scheduled for August 15-18, 1988, at the Clarion Harvest House, 1345 Twenty-Eighth Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302. The Exposure and Bioaccumuiation of Toxicants in Surface Waters Training Course will cover a variety of environmental models designed to aid scientists and engineers in the management of pollution control to achieve water quality goals. The purpose of the course is to provide participants with the knowledge and the tools to evaluate problems associated with toxicants in surface waters. Lectures will address the theory and principles that control chemical transport, transformation fate, and biological impact of pollutants in surface waters. The course will also provide experience in the actual application and operation of models through the "hands on" modeling of simple systems. The following models will be discussed: SARAH: A steady state hazardous waste mixing zone model. EXAMSII: A steady state and quasi-dynamic model for rapid evaluation of the behavior of synthetic organic chemicals in surface waters. WASP4: A dynamic model for site-specific evaluation of transport, transformation and fate of contaminants in surface waters. THE FOOD CHAIN MODEL: A WASP4 associated program that predicts uptake and distribution throughout a user described aquatic food chain. FGETS: A toxicokinetic model that simulates bioaccumuiation of non-polar organic chemicals by fish. 6 ------- Robert Ambrose, Jr., of EPA's Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling at Athens, Georgia; Or. John Connolly of Manhattan College in New York; Scarlett Vandergrift of EPA's Athens Laboratory, Athens, Georgia: and Timothy Wool of the Computer Science Corporation in Athens, Georgia, will make presentations at ttiis course. For further information and registration contact: Trisha Hasch, ERG Corporation, 6 Whittlemore Street, Arlington, Massachusetts 02174, at (617) 648-7803. METALS EQUILIBRIUM SPECIATION WORKSHOP The Office of Research and Development's Athen's Laboratory is sponsoring a Workshop on a Model for Metals Equilibrium Speciatior (MINTEQA1) on August 23 through the 25, 1988, at the Clarion Harvest House, 1345 Twenty-Eighth Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302. The training course is designed for engineers, scientists, and managers who perform and manage water quality monitoring activities. MINTEQA1 is a geochemical model that is capable of calculating equilibrium aqueous speciation, adsorption, gas phase partitioning, solid phase saturation states, and precip- itation-dissolution of metals. Included in MINETEQA1 is an extensive thermodynamic data base that is ade- quate for solving many problems without need for additional user-supplied thermodynamic data. Seven sorption models are available in MINTEQA1 depending on the quality ard type of metal sorption data available for specific problems. The purpose of the training course is to provide participants with the knowledge and experience to apply the MINTEQA1 model to a variety of environmental exposure assessment problems for metals and to provide an understanding of chemical and mathematical speciation equilibria in order to eliminate "black box" interpretations of MINTEQA1 outputs. Specific objec- tives of the course will be to demonstrate how to relate environmental problems to MINTEQA1, how to enter MINTEQA1 problems into the computer and how to interpret MINTEGA1 outputs. Lectures will address solution and redox chemistries, solids equilibria, and advanced theory. The course will also cover case studies, including problems pre- submitted by the participants. (Pre-submitted prob- lems must be received at least one month in advance of the course starting date. Upon receipt of your registration a confirmation letter will be sent, including a problem submission form). In addition, actual experience in applications of MINTEQA1 model will be provided through "hands on" modeling of simple systems. Lecturers at the course will be: Dr. David Brown of EPA's Athens Laboratory, Athens, Georgia; Dr. John Westall of Oregon State University, CorvaJlis, Oregon; and Dr. Allen Medine, Water Science Corporation, Boulder, Colorado. The following prerequisite is strongly suggested but is not mandatory; experience with solution chemistry equilibria or experience with an IBM-PC or compatible computer. For additional information on the workshop, contact: Trisha Hasch, ERG Corporation, 6 Whittiemore Street, Arlington, Massachusetts 02174. SCHEDULE FOR RISK AND DECISION- MAKING COURSES The following is the schedule for the Risk and Oecision-Making Courses through September: Region III Headquarters Region V Headquarters Region II Headquarters Region IV Tentative Schedule: Headquarters Headquarters Headquarters Headquarters Headquarters Headquarters July 6 - July 13 ¦ July 13 ¦ July 20 ¦ July 26 • July 27 • 14 15 21 28 28 August 23-25 August 10-11 August 17-18 August 24 • 25 September 14-15 September 21 - 22 September 28 - 29 Contact: Pam Stirling (FTS 382-2747) Contacts: Jerome Puskin Linda Tuxen Dick Hill Don Barnes \ Dean Hill Marian Olsen Roy Smith Elmer Akin Dave Dolan Jill Lyons Bob Fenemore Arnold Den Dana DavoS OAR-Rad. ORD-RAF OPTS SAB NEIC Region II Region III Region IV Region V Region VI Region VII Region IX Region X FTS FTS FTS FTS FTS FTS FTS FTS FTS FTS FTS FTS FTS 475-9640 475-6743 382-2897 382-4126 776-8138 264-5682 597-9857 347-3454 886-6195 255-7208 757-2970 454-0906 399-2135 If you would like to receive additional copies of this and subsequent Reviews or to be added to the mailing list, contact; CERI Distribution 26 W. Martin Luther King Drive Cincinnati, OH 45268 Afeed Help? If your office needs help in finding information or assistance on a specific risk assessment problem, you can announce that need on the Risk Assessment/Risk Management Bulletin Board now available on E-Mail. Your colleagues from other offices who have information or advice will be able to contact you with ass/stance. For assistance in posting announcements or reading entries on the Bulletin Board, contact Electronic Mail User's Support at FTS 362-5639. Your colleagues from other offices who have information or advice will be able to contact you with assistance. 7 ------- |