TiSSI NEWS FOR AND ABOUT EPA EMPLOYEES INSIDE: ~ Bonds Are Back ~ Testimony Training ~ Running Rewarded VOLUME 2 NUMBER 12 April 10, 1985 Watching Over the Earth by Margherita Pryor Frank Wolle well remem- bers listening to the news broadcast one night in October of 1982. "I was working in Key West, inter- preting aerial photos of Cuba," Wolle recalls. "We hadn't any idea how the pictures were going to be used. Then we heard that Adlai Stevenson had shown them to the United Nations as proof of the presence of Soviet missiles only 90 miles off U.S. shores." Some 20 years later, Wol- le (pronounced "Wally") is still analyzing photographs, but he's no longer looking for weaponry. Instead, Wol- le is deputy director of EPIC, the Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center which EPA operates in Warrenton, Va. EPIC's mission is to use aerial photography and other imaging processes to discover and document threats to our environment. The Center is small, but it draws on many diverse skills. Its staff of 50 in- cludes biologists, geog- raphers, and foresters as well as photo analysts and cartographers. Their joint expertise can provide an- alyses ranging from surveys of entire states to detailed descriptions of specific ground conditions, down to and including the number of drums on a given site. By comparing past and recent photographs of par- ticular sites (a technique called historical analysis), they can even identify dump sites hidden for dec- ades or disguised by more recent development. Vern Webb, EPIC's director, re- calls receiving a series of photos of the Buffalo, N.Y., area which had been taken on the suspicion that other sites like Love Canal might be hidden in the area. When the photos were com- pared to archival photos of Buffalo, Webb says, hun- dreds of possible dump sites were found within 5 miles of the city limits. The specialists at EPIC are sometimes called upon to acquire information rapidly about large areas. Using U-2 planes— originally designed for mili- tary reconnaissance at over 60,000 feet—they once photographed the entire State of Pennsylvania (48,000 square miles) in only 8 hours of flying time. From that "day's work," they identified about 3500 landfills and dumps and several times as many im- poundments. For lower-altitude work, EPIC uses an Enviro-Pod camera system which can be mounted beneath small aircraft and adapted for still, television, or thermal imaging. Television cameras have proven invaluable in responding to spills of hazardous chemicals. The view from above allows emergency response teams to monitor the flow of the substance and direct abate- ment actions more safely and accurately. Thermal scanning can pinpoint potentially dangerous "hot spots" in a landscape of drums. According to Steve Novick of Region 1, EPIC's pictures have been ex- tremely useful. "They've been particularly effective at large oil terminals, in- cluding port facilities," he says. The photographs en- able an inspector to study a facility so that he won't be led around to non- representative areas during site inspections. Yet, the EPIC staff feels that their talents could be used more often. According to Wolle, aerial photog- raphy is still considered the "icing on the cake." "So often," he laments, "people say 'Gee, why didn't we think of you guys before.'" ~ ------- People Richard Brenner, a professional engineer with the Water Engineering Research Laboratory, was presented the Feder- al Engineer of the Year Award by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Mr. Brenner directed money-saving research that corrected deficiencies in a type of wastewater treatment unit that had been experiencing structural and process failure. Richard Brenner Letters ... a means for Agency employees to communicate to other employees whatever messages of criticism, praise, opinion, or explanation they so de- sire. Brevity and constructive suggestions are encouraged; obscenity and rudeness are disallowed. Letters will be published as space a/iows and may be edited for clarity and conciseness. No attempt is made by the editor to confirm any data presented by correspondents and the opinions expressed should not be taken to represent Agency positions, unJess signed by the head of the appropriate office. All letters must be signed and accompanied by submitter's office location and telephone number. Dear Editor: I read with much interest Peter Kelly's letter in the Jan- uary 23 issue of The EPA Times. I share the same curiosity with respect to "Budgeted amounts available for awards." Specifically, my interests lie in GS employee cash awards. As a supervisor of GS employees, I have had to accept rea- sons for a cash award being denied like "no budget for awards," "the awards budget is already depleted," or "the awards budget has been shanghaied by a PC&B shortage. If these reasons are valid, the Agency should reexamine the cash awards system and/or audit the system to assure that it is being properly managed. Any insight into how Offices' budget for cash awards and how funding is distributed would be appreciated. The "Where's the Cash?" article in the March 6 issue was informative on how awards were distributed in FY 1983. Unfortunately, it didn't address how much is avail- able for awards (preferably by office). Steve Hitte Office of Air and Radiation We'll see what we can do. The EPA Times is published 24 times per year to provide news and information for and about EPA employees. Readers are encouraged to submit news of themselves and of fellow employees, letters of opinion, questions, comments, and suggestions to: Miles Allen, Editor, The EPA Times, Office of Public Affairs (A-107). Telephone 382-4359. Information selected for publication will be edited as necessary in keeping with space available. Quality Step Increases awarded to: LeAnne Boisvert, Office of the Administrator . . . Elliott Laws, Enforceme^ and Compliance Monitoring . . . Doris Dyson, Pamela Yowell, Justine Schaeffer, Jacqualine Donaldson, Jasbir Sarna, Maime Younger, and Sarsha McLean, Pesticides and Toxic Substances . . . Lynett Thomas, Solid Waste and Emergency Response . . . Portia Perry, Research and De- velopment . . . Mel Kollander and John Warren, Policy, Planning and Evaluation. Special Act Awards presented to: Lynn Schoolfield, Office of the Administrator . . . Joan Kuchkuda, Sandra Lee, Eleanor Merrick, Ronald Wilhelm. James Walters, Judy Kosovich, Donna Thomas, and Jane Lane, Pesticides and Toxic Substances . . . Donna Baldwin, Michael Del- larco, and Rizwannul Haque, Research and Development . . . Mary Lyon-Allen, Policy, Planning and Evaluation. Sustained Superior Performance Awards presented to: Dorothy Woodward, Maria Whiting, Shirley Smith, Helen Handon, Bessie Hammiel, Carolyn Osborne, and Patricia Dear Editor: Gordon Robeck, who is nationally and internationally known for his work in public water supply and related public health research, has retired from the Environmental Protection Agency. Distinguishing himself among his peers as a research A gineer and scientist, Robeck is an effective research man™ ger, a first-class communicator, a sought-after participant in international conferences, and an ardent supporter of the principles fostered by the American Water Works Association. In large measure because of Robeck's personal contribu- tions, the national drinking water research program, con- ducted in Cincinnati, enjoys a Mecca-like status that was established worldwide among researchers during the days of the Public Health Service, which preceded the creation of EPA. Robeck has been recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as the winner of its Huber Research Prize and has been nominated as an honorary member. The American Water Works Association has presented him with 10 awards and an honorary membership. He earned the U.S. Public Health Service Meritorious Service Medal, the EPA Gold Medal for Exceptional Service and, in 1980, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering (an honor no other EPA employee enjoys). At a time when successive administrations question the worth of federal employees and managers, and the Heri- tage Foundation urges federal political appointees to keep career managers in the dark about public policy, Robeck's example serves to contradict the negative attitudes that these actions imply. He epitomizes the career federal man- ager who understands the prerogatives of the political process and the necessity for career managers to offer counsel on new policy directions and to pursue es- tablished goals responsibly. Francis T. Mayo Director, Water Engineering Research Laboratory ------- Around EPA Howard, Office of the Administrator . . . Samuel Sasnett, ^fcta Schmidt, JoAnne Folks, Alice Watson, Kathleen ^ffinedy, Juanita Herman, David Brooks, Lorraine Ran- decker, Marion May, Milwina Slappey, Donald Rodier, Annett Nold, Tammy Boulware, Karen Hammerston, Kia Williams, Betti Sterling, Sherrell Sterling, Karen Hoffman, Vincent Giordano, Phyllis Bennett, Mary Miller, Paul Hayes, Lawrence Culleen, Ruth Woodruff, Valerie Bael, Raymond Landolt, Anna Coutlakis, Robert Jones, Diane Hayden, Richard Blackman, Roberta Ward, Paul Bickart, Amy Moll, Hollis Call, Denise Keehner, Catherine Turner, Leo Schweer, Marcia Humbaugh, Evelyn Altston, and Lia Seales, Pesticides and Toxic Substances . . . George Ames, John Smith, S.C. Huang, John Maxted, Joseph Gormely, Dennis Athayde, Cassandra Holmes, Helen Cammarota, Peggy Michell, and Sheila Frace, Water . . . Margaret Pfeiffer, Jane Mika, Brenda Mason, Mary Beard, Sheila Hall, and Barbara Gudger, Administration and Resources Management . . . Richard Westlund, Karen Shafer, Kath- leen Bundy, Judith Greenwald, and Joel Smith, Policy, Planning and Evaluation. Brenda T. Bell, of the Office of Civil Rights, has re- ceived a Tribute of Appreciation for her planning and arranging of activities during Black History Month 1985 at EPA. ~ Training Opportunities fie following courses ivili be held in the Headquarters Training Center. r further information contact the Program Assessment and Support Branch at 382-2997 The EPA Witness—Your Day In Court, April 16, 18, or 19 (your choice of dates): This 6-hour seminar was de- veloped by an EPA attorney to familiarize employees with the litigation process. Executive Secretarial Seminar, April 17-18: Designed for senior level secretaries, providing simple steps you can take to keep operations flowing smoothly—even when the boss isn't around. Secretarial Development Institute, May 12: Appropriate) for secretaries GS-4 through GS-6. A highly interactive program, densely packed with information on such topics as time management, interpersonal/written/telephone com- munication, and performance and career development. Retirement Planning Seminar, May 15-17: Designed to help participants shape their future, rather than be victims of it. Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, May 14 or 30: To familiarize the manager/supervisor with his/her responsi- bility to take remedial action when the use of alcoholic be- verages and/or drugs impair an employee's performance, attendance, or conduct. Time Management for Professionals, May 28: Learn powerful strategies that will give you specific insights into how you can get better results through using your time feire effectively. (Apply by May 3.) ^Congressional Briefing Conference for EPA Pro- fessionals, June 3-5: Gain in-depth knowledge about Con- gressional operations, organization, functions, and pro- cedures and better understanding of the role Congress plays in the activities of the Executive Branch. (Apply by May 6.) ~ Larry Gardner has been appointed Deputy Director of the Personnel Management Division. He will direct the di- vision's ongoing operations. The Director, Clarence Hardy, will focus new attention on expanding the division's role in meeting the Agency's personnel management needs. ~ Agency Activities An indictment for criminal violation of the Clean Water Act was handed down by a New Hampshire grand jury against KW Thompson Tool, Inc. The company, a gun manufacturer, has filed a countersuit against former Ad- ministrator Ruckelshaus and former Deputy Administrator Aim alleging that their personal support of handgun con- trol and desire to put gun manufacturers out of business was the purpose behind initiating this case. Final standards announced to cut the amount of lead used in gasoline by 90 percent as of January 1, 1986. The new standard will limit the lead content of gasoline to 0.10 grams per gallon. The current standard allows 1.10 grams per leaded gallon. Adverse health effects from ele- vated levels of lead in blood range from behavior disorders and anemia to mental retardation and permanent nerve damage. EPA estimates that between 1985 and 1992 the new standards will result in almost one million fewer in- cidences of elevated blood levels. Standards issued to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions from light- and heavy-duty trucks, as well as urban buses effective with the 1988 model year. This action should result in a 50,000 tons-per- year (46 percent) decrease in urban diesel particulate emis- sions by the year 2000, as compared to no further controls. An estimated 175,000 businesses that produce small quantities of hazardous waste will be subject to new re- quirements under federal law. Beginning August 5, 1985, businesses that produce between 220 lbs. and 2200 lbs. per month of hazardous waste will be required to use a hazardous waste manifest form to ensure that their waste is cont to an EPA or state approved waste facility. The first of a series of grants to states has been announced for exploring solutions to problems they expect to face should a national acid-rain control program be adopted. Awards totalling $590,000 have been made to Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and an organization of northeastern states. The Wyckoff Company, a Seattle wood treatment firm, pled guilty to charges they violated the Resource Con- servation Recovery Act and the Clean Water Act by dis- charging wastes into the Duwamish Waterway. The com- pany has agreed to pay a $150,000 cash penalty and con- tribute another $850,000 to a trust fund to help clean up Puget Sound. Moving to protect ground water supplies on Indian lands in Osage County, Oklahoma, the Agency has issued the first permit to regulate an underground injection well used in oil production on the Osage Mineral Reserve. The permit incorporates stringent groundwater protection re- quirements from the Agency's new Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. ~ ------- Seif to Head Region 3 The Benefits of Bonds James M. Seif has been named the Agency's Region 3 Administrator. The re- gion, which has its head- quarters in Philadelphia, in- cludes Virginia, West Vir- ginia, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania. Seif, 39, comes to EPA from the American Tele- phone and Telegraph Com- pany where he was Region- al Manager of Government Relations. From 1979 to 1983, he was the Administrative Assistant for Governor Dick Thornburgh of Pennsyl- vania. As Administrative Assistant, Seif managed leg- islative and policy issues, news media relations and the general counsel's office. Between 1975 and 1977, Seif served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General in the U.S. Depart- ment of Justice's Criminal Division. From 1973 to 1975 he was Chief of the Legal Branch of EPA's Re- gion 3 office, where he su- pervised the development of cases in all of EPA's pro- grams and developed enforcement guidelines and procedures. He was also an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1971 to 1973. ~ by Juelee Street Getting into the habit of saving money isn't easy, no matter how hard you try. There is, however, an easy, convenient method of sav- ing regularly that offers tax advantages and near-market interest on small sums of money. That's the Payroll Savings Plan for U.S. Sav- ings Bonds. When you join the plan, you select an amount to be set aside from each paycheck to buy bonds. The rest is automatic. You save payday after payday, with- out interruption. It's smarter than ever to join. Bonds held at least 5 years earn 85 percent of the average return on 5-year Treasury securities. If 5- year marketable rates are 10 percent, for example, ings bonds earn 8.5 pt^^ht interest. If market rates are higher, bonds earn more. Should market rates drop sharply, bonds held at least 5 years cannot earn less than 7.5 percent. That's guaranteed. Other attractive benefits of buying bonds include ex- emption from state and lo- cal income taxes; federal tax deferral; and free replacement of bonds that are lost, stolen, or de- stroyed. Consider how bonds can help you achieve your savings goals. Sign up for the Payroll Savings plan during the 1985 Savings Bonds Campaign April 15 through May 15. ~ Environmental News A selection of noteworthy lines chosen from the 300-400 newspaper and magazine articles on environmental matters which we receive every two weeks. "The British naturalist David Attenborough, whose television series 'The Living Planet' has won critical acclaim, said that global planning for using land was needed to prevent the rapid extinction of plant and animal species. 'The real problem is not the loss of particular kinds of environments,' Mr. Attenborough said in an inter- view . . . 'We are only putting Band-Aids on until we rec- ognize we need to be protecting environments, not just en- dangered species.'"—New York Times, 3/14. "A coalition of environmental, public health, labor and religious groups launched a nationwide petition campaign aimed at forcing President Reagan to accept a toxic waste cleanup program costing $13.5 billion, nearly three times more than the administration wants. The group, whose membership includes the Sierra Club, the National Au- dubon Society, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the United Steel Workers, and the United Church of Christ, said the current Superfund waste cleanup program 'can barely make a dent' in the nation's toxic waste crisis."— The Oregonian, 2/8. "New York State's 60-day emergency ban on the use of chlordane and two other chemicals to kill termites has pleased health officials, but some exterminators and en- tomologists say the homeowner will be the loser if the ban prevails. This season's first swarms of flying termites seek- ing new nesting places have already been sighted on Long Island, where the misapplication of the banned pesticides in recent years has led to the demolition of at least two homes found unsafe by health officials."—New York Times, 3/14. "Beverly Davis, 52 years old, looks nice and sweet innocent. But once a month she crosses the state line from her home in Madison, Indiana, to this town of 800 people. She buys a container of powder and then drives back across the Ohio River to her home where she uses it to wash clothes. Her score? A box of Cheer laundry detergent containing outlawed phosphate. Mrs. Davis is a phosphate junkie. She can't cop the stuff in Indiana but it is sold le- gally in Milton. Milton store-keepers have opened their doors to the cross-border trade, even flaunting the pow- der's attributes. Mrs. Davis said: 'Colors come out better.'"—Wall Street Journal, 2/26. ~ « Administrator Lee Thomas and Captain Moody (USMC, Quantico) congratulate EPA's top finishers in the Marine Marathon, November 4, 1985. (1. to r.—Mike Cook, Vernon Iwlf Lee Thomas (holding team award). Capt. Moody, Ken ShusterJ. The runners are wearing their individual award medals. EPA took third place out of twelve teams in the Civilian Governmental Agencies category. This marathon is the second largest in the U.S. aPO 914-092 s, ------- |