ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY \ ROCKY MOUNTAIN PRAIRE REGION REGION VIII FY 77 COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENT PLAN ------- 0 (\& REGION VIII F Y '77 on 8 Lib COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY-ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENT PLAN MAY 1976 John A. Green ieqional Administrator Cooper H. Wayman, Director Office of Energy Activities David D. Emery, Director1 Management Division Region VIII U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1860 Lincoln Street, Suite 900 Denver, Colorado 80203 Revised June 10, 1976 ------- Coal Mining- Gasification Coal mining Power plants Gasification plan Geothermal Coal mining Coal mining —2 Power plants Gasification plants Oil and Gas Uranium Oiland Gas< Coal mining Power plant Uranium ;oal mining 'ower plants Coal mining Power plants Oil shale Oil shale Geothermal Coal mining- Power plants Coal mining iGeothermal Geothermal Coal mining|—-j Power p1ants-j-^~ Uranium MAJOR ENERGY ACTIVITIES, REGION VIII ------- CONTENTS Page NARRATIVE OVERVIEW Introduction 1 Fundamentals of the Program 2 The FY'77 Program 4 FY'77 Program Implementation 5 Highlights of FY'76 Accomplishments 7 OVERTARGET REQUEST 9 FY'77 FUNDING SUMMARY 10 OBJECTIVES/TASKS 11 DESCRIPTION OF FY'77 TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS PROJECTS 51 DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION 59 NEEDS INTERDIVISIONAL FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS 61 APPENDIX (Bound Separately) Part A - Organization, Office of Energy Activities Part B - AQMA-208 Planning Areas Part C - Energy Monitoring Network Part D - FY'74-175-'76 Project Summary Part E - Region VIII Energy Resources ------- NARRATIVE OVERVIEW I. Introduction Evolution of the Program: FY'77 will be the fourth year that Region VIII has mounted a formal energy- environment program as part of the Region's overall posture of preventing signifi- cant environmental impacts before they occur. In FY'74 the Region initiated a Northern Great Plains Resources Program effort which was supported by overtarget resources amounting to seven positions and $875,000. The energy program was expanded in FY'75 to address region-wide energy developmental activities and to focus priority attention on the environmental impacts from coal and oil shale activities. During FY'75, the Region VIII Northern Great Plains Resources Pro- gram effort was integrated into the Comprehensive Regional Energy Program. The FY'75 Comprehensive Energy Program received overtarget support of 14 positions and some $2.5 million. To direct implementation of the FY'75 program, the Office of Energy Activities was established as a staff office to the Regional Administrator in July 1974. The FY'76 program continued the FY'75 activities and overtarget support consisted of the 14 positions and $1.5 million. The FY'77 Accomplishment Plan is a further continuation of the FY'74, '75 and '76 Accomplish- ment Plans. Region VIII Energy Resources Activities One-half of the nation's coal reserves, forty percent of the economically recoverable uranium reserves, and all commercially feasible oil shale resources are located in Region VIII. Development of other energy sources may also have significant environmental impacts. These include oil and gas, "tight" gas, geo- thermal, tar sands, solar, and hydroelectricity. Pressures to develop these resources are accelerating due to national policies and programs aimed at achieving independence from international energy source constraints in the face of declining domestic oil and gas production and increasing energy demands. Governmental and industrial initiatives to develop these resources are occurring on a major scale. It is especially important to note that the Federal government controls the majority of the energy fuels in the Region. Thus, the practical experience of Federal planning and regulation-of energy resources development will occur in Region VIII. In order to establish the environmental data base and the management and control processes necessary for the orderly and environmentally sound development of the Region's energy resources, the Region VIII energy-environment program is aligned with the national priorities set forth by the Administration to achieve energy independence. These national priorities for increasing energy supplies include: (1) accelerated development of new technologies for production of sythetic fuels, namely gasification and liquefaction of coal and production of oil from oil shale; (2) expansion of nuclear-fueled electrical generating capacity; (_?) intensive utilization of coal for industries and utilities; (4) enhanced oil and gas recovery; (5) increased attention to solar technologies; and (6) development of geothermal resources. 1 ------- Synthetic fuels production receives major attention in the Region VIII program. Region VIII is potentially the center of commercial activity to con- vert coal to synthetic natural gas and liquids. Nearly all of the national oil shale developmental activities are in Region VIII including the Federal Proto- type Oil Shale Leasing Program and private sector operations. Mining and conversion of coal to electricity constitutes much of the major development at this time and consequently is the subject of much of the current controversy and environment-development conflict in the Region. Steam electric generating capacity in Region VIII is projected to increase from an existing level of about 7,500 megawatts to about 30,000 megawatts in 1985, a threefold increase -- primarily for export from the Region. Major efforts of the Regional energy-environment program are directed towards defining the environmental impacts of mining and conversion of coal by utilities and developing mechanisms and controls to mitigate the impacts. II. Fundamentals of the Program Goals: Three major goals provide the framework in which the Energy-Environment Program is formulated. These goals are: (1) To provide administrative, planning and technical guidance to EPA programs. (2) To have strong participation in the intergovernmental resource manage- ment processes. (3) To maximize the use of energy-environment information. Strategy In order to effectively utilize the fiscal and personnel resources available, priorities have been established to provide a focus for the Regional efforts. Primary fuels priorities are coal and oil shale. Secondary priority is placed on oil and gas, uranium, and geothermal with minimal effort towards solar. To limit the areal coverage, nine high priority energy impact areas have been identi- fied. As a key feature of the Regional strategy, AQMA and 208 plans are being . formulated for these high priority areas. The target areas have been defined as multi-county areas whose boundaries are generally consistent with the boundaries of regional planning authorities. In addition to the nine areas where 208 and AQMA planning is underway, the assessment for the need of an air quality mainten- ance plan is underway for another area which may be subjected to potential air problems if a major power generating facility is constructed. In addition to the 208 and AQMA planning activities, solid wastes, noise and drinking water considerations are being addressed as part of the total environmental planning effort. Special attention has been given to energy program-208 planning relationships. The program is structured so that these activities are complementary. The program also assesses region-wide impacts in an activity designed to tie together the nine target areas and to address broad geographical and atmospheric impacts. 2 ------- The Program has, during the past fiscal year, developed a partnership role in the Federal management of the National energy program, principally through leadership provided in the Oil Shale Prototype Program, through technical involve- ment in geothermal activities, and through development of an environmentally responsible Federal Coal Leasing Program. The Energy Program thus provides benefits to EPA that reach far beyond the geographical boundaries of Region VIII. With, in particular, the finalization of coal operating regulations, the Program is advancing to an Implementation stage where early assessment of energy initiatives will be critical to the success of the agency. Monitoring and technical investigations activities are designed to support regional planning and regulatory program needs. First priority is assigned to projects supportive of AQMA-208 plan formulation. A major thrust of the technical effort lias been to develop the information base and the regional expertise and specialization needed for evaluating the environmental considerations of energy exploration, extraction, conversion and use. As a result, Region VIII has estab- lished technical expertise in the emerging industrial technologies of oil shale processing and coal gasification. Monitoring and technical investigations are oriented to provide the data needed to describe baseline conditions of environ- mental quality, prediction of environmental impacts and evaluation of abatement and control options. Energy monies are used to supplement the State monitoring networks and after "energy stations" are established they are operated as part of the overall state-wide ambient monitoring networks. Energy-funded monitoring is expected to terminate after three to five years of data collection and stations should then be absorbed into state programs, if still needed. Most of the extramural monitoring and technical investigations needs are related to coal development as most of the oil shale needs are met by drawing on data derived from the Federal Prototype Oil Shale Leasing Program. The program continues to emphasize the Federal, State, local and Tribal partnership in environmental management. The thrust of this relationship focuses on the role of the states, regional planning agencies, communities, and Indian tribes in environmental management. The program design projects the importance of a strong EPA leadership role in intergovernmental activities. A major emphasis is on the formulation of management processes and procedures for communicating environmental concerns and information to these governmental entities and to integrate the decision-making activities of the appropriate resource managers. A second major emphasis is on the establishment of environmental management authorities on Indian Reservations that are being impacted by energy development on or adjacent to the Reservations. I Nkiximum utilization of the EPA investment in other energy activities is a fundamental part of the regional strategy. The Energy-Environment Program helps to tie together the EPA effort in Region VIII which totals nearly $20 million. Added to the four million dollars of l'Y'75 and '76 projects presently underway in Region VIII are a four and one-halt" million dollar 208 program in priority energy areas, plus some eleven million dollars of ORD-sponsored projects being conducted in the Region. Region VIII lias taken a lead in integrating research, planning, ;uid regional management activities. 3 ------- A fundamental premise of the program is that utilization of energy-environ- ment data and information by all levels of government to support policy making and implementing decisions is of the utmost importance if the full benefits of governmental energy-environment program investments are to be realized. In order to provide the decision makers with the information base necessary to review alternatives and estimate consequences of different development and management options, it is necessary to develop and implement improved mechanisms and procedures to transfer information in suitable formats to meet the wide-ranging needs of various users. A major initiative will begin with this program to inter- pret, analyze and disseminate the information gathered during the first three years of the program. Ill. The FY'77 Program The FY'77 Program will strengthen the establishment of an EPA role in the management of the region's energy resources. The FY'77 plan continues to emphasize a balanced program incorporating environmental monitoring, technical investigations, evaluation of control technologies, impact predictions, environmental planning to avoid and prevent pollution and nuturing of processes and institutional arrange- ments for environmental management (planning and regulations) of energy activities. In the ever-important Federal sector of government, the FY'77 program is designed to provide a strong EPA role with the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture in the management of the national coal resource, an increasingly meaningful and similar role in the development of uranium resources, a more active role in the geothermal exploration activities on Federal and State lands, and a strengthened role in siting energy conversion facilities. The objective of this increasing emphasis on a strong EPA presence in the management of national energy resources is protection of the environment through accurate identification of environmental problems prior to their occurrence and insured application of pollution control technologies to prevent such problems. The early involvement of EPA provides additional insurance that the Nation may meet its energy supply goals. The trend of the Energy Program has been toward a national involvement in energy development inasmuch as the program activities have direct application to energy development questions outside the geographical boundaries of an administrative region. The FY'77 Program will increase liaison with national energy programs such as those conducted by EPA's Office of Policy Planning and Analysis and thus, the Program serves as a principal source of expertise to EPA Headquarters. This trend has been complemented by the increasing emphasis on transfer of information through data interpretation and utilization. This is especially the case in the FY'77 effort where a major task will commence to accomplish this very impor- tant data management activity. Objectives Specific objectives of the FY'77 program follow: (1) To further develop a strong EPA role in the management of Federal energy resources by increased involvement in planning and overseeing development of Federally-owned energy resources. 4 ------- (2) To characterize baseline environmental conditions in energy impact areas and establish cause-effect relationships of change. (3) To develop guidance for effluent and emissions control technology and discharge criteria and regulations. (4) To maximize the use of energy-environment research activities to support regional programs. (5) To continue formulation of environmental plans in energy impact areas. (0) To improve Headquarters-interregional liaison. (7) To assure appropriate consideration of environmental goals in energy- related environmental impact statements through identification of required analyses. (8J To identify, recommend, and implement improvements in the Federal-State administrative and regulatory processes necessary to environmental protection from energy development. (9) To provide environmental guidance and direction to interagency energy- related advisory planning and technical committees. (10) To support greater state participation in energy-environment decisions. (11) To improve EPA-Indian cooperation in energy-environment activities and to develop environmental planning and regulatory capabilities for Indian lands. (12) To track the exploration, development, transportation and use of energy resources in Region VIII. (13) To implement an Information Transfer System to improve the collection and dissemination of energy-environment information. IV. IT'77 Program Implementation Resource Requirements This Accomplishment Plan presents an overtarget request for continuation of the 14 overtarget positions and $2.95 million for in-house and extramural activi- ties. An additional four overtarget positions are requested to adequately carry out responsibilities dictated by the Federal Coal Leasing Program. Six positions and $120,000 of within-ceiling resources are budgeted for direct support of the program. In addition, there are two regional overceiling positions included as a part of the program. An additional 19 workyears of within-ceiling ongoing regional program activity are projected to support the overall program in FY'77. The total workyears shown on the output forms relate only to those specific ob- jectives and do not account for significant efforts in overall management and coordination, program planning and monitoring, intergovernmental activities, etc., and therefore, fall short of the total regional effort. The IV 77 program requires a minimum of four additional professional positions Co adequately carry out responsibilities dictated principally by the coal operating regulations (43 iT'R 3041 and 30 CFR 211) published in May, 1976. These positions will be necessary to review proposed plans, operations, and proposed abandonment of lands affected by the development of Federal coal and other Federal enerjpr resources. In order to insure that proper environmental safeguards are an integral part of national energy development, the program will work intimately with Federal and State planning and regulatory bodies in both regulation and compliance monitoring. 5 ------- Of the $2.95 million requested for FY'77, $450,000 is slated for salaries and administrative support for the presently approved positions. An additional $100,000 is requested for support of the four additional overtarget positions requested for the Federal Coal Leasing Program. The remaining funds are required to support extramural activities carried out through use of grants to state and local agencies, interagency agreements with other Federal agencies, and contracts for consultant services. Possible sources of funding support for extramural needs are identified in this report in an attempt to avoid the one- million dollar shortfall that occured in FY'76. By suggesting possible sources, it is hoped that a much broader search for funding can be carried out as it is believed that opportunities exist for extramural activities to be supported by programs other than those of the Office of Research and Development. The Energy Program requires a higher proportion of travel funds than many other programs since it is critical that we transfer information to State and local entities in a timely manner, that we understand the problems on the ground and that we obtain a comprehensive view of energy development gained through site-specific analyses and demonstrations. Thus, we must travel widely across the Region since energy development activities are occurring or are scheduled to occur in most all areas. The need to travel is compounded by the ever-increasing requirement to review specific mining plans submitted to Area Mining Supervisors, to review on-site operations for compliance, to review land planning documents and to review areas proposed for Federal actions related to leasing, mining, release from bond, conversion facilities as well as research sites. The total amount requested in support of the FY'77 program is $57,100. Without such ability to respond to travel requirements, the program will not be effective. Once again, it is requested that fiscal and personnel resources for support of the Program be established as a within-ceiling line item for FY'77. The Region VIII Energy-Environment Program is an established, continuing program, and therefore, should not be considered annually as an add-on feature of the Agency's program. Regional Management Overall direction and management of the Regional program is the responsibility of the Office of Energy Activities. Because the program is designed to achieve maximum integration of Energy-Environment Program activities into ongoing regional programs, and to avoid duplication of activities, appropriate operating divisions are involved with the administration of certain parts of the program, e.g., base- line monitoring projects are administered by the Surveillance and Analysis Division, air and water planning by the Air and Hazardous Materials and Water Divisions, respectively. This interdivisional approach provides for comprehensive, coordinated, and integrated environmental management utilizing EPA authorities, and programs for air, water (including drinking water), solid wastes, noise and radiation. Because the major part of the financial support has been derived from the Office of Research and Development, close coordination has been estab- lished with ORD organization components. Significant efforts are made to coordinate program activities with programs of State and other Federal agencies. 6 ------- Of the fourteen energy overtarget positions presently allocated to the Region; ten positions are assigned to the Office of Energy Activities; two positions are assigned to the Air and Hazardous Materials Division for technical support and air quality maintenance planning; one position is assigned to the Water Division for support of energy-related 208 planning; and one position is assigned to the Management Division for administrative support. It should be noted that this accomplishment plan identifies activities to be conducted during the FY'76-'77 transition quarter. However, all funding requests are for FY'77 only. V. Highlights of FY'76 Accomplishments A number of significant accomplishments were achieved during FY'76. These were due in part to completion of the staffing of the Office of Energy Activities which, in itself, was a major accomplishment. By bringing the staff up to the full allowance, the Office became much better prepared to respond to energy needs. Energy-environment issues continued to be highly visible during the past year as typified by such nationally prominent issues as the proposed construction of the Kaiparowits power plant, formulation of the Federal Coal Leasing regula- tions, and proposed legislation for synthetic fuels development. In part, because of the information and expertise established through the Region VIII Energy-Environment Program, the Region was able to provide expert input and major direction to the national EPA response to these issues. Region VIII also became extensively involved in international activities in FY'76 because of major energy developments in Canada along the Montana border. The proposed Cabin Creek Mining development along the North Fork of the Flathead River and construction of the Saskatchewan Power Corporation's coal-fired thermal electric plant along the East Fork of the Poplar River received national attention in both countries. Region VIII provided the primary guidance and direction to the Office of International Activities and the U.S. Department of State for analyzing environmental factors and was actively involved in bilateral United States-Canadian discussions and negotiations. Analysis of proposed Federal actions through the NEPA process continued to be a principal means of providing environmental direction to energy initiatives during the formative stages. In FY'76 the Region reviewed fifteen draft and final environmental impact statements on various energy projects such as power plants, oil shale mining and production, coal mining, uranium mining and milling, oil and gas leases and electric transmission lines. Through the EIS process and negotiations with other Federal agencies, substantial modifications in these energy projects were made to minimize environmental degradation. Region VIII has established a working relationship with Federal resource agencies to provide early technical assistance on important energy proposals. EPA, through Region VIII, continues to provide leadership on the Oil Shale Environmental Advisory Panel as a member of this Federal-State-Local group which is providing guidance and direction for the Federal Prototype Oil Shale Leasing 7 ------- Program. Although economic uncertainties exist, lessees are proceding on schedule with the preparation of detailed development plans. Some of the private sector initiatives have been delayed because of economic factors, but this delay is viewed by many as an opportunity for proper planning and environmental evaluation. Formulation of environmental plans and management arrangements is well underway as the result of FY'75 and FY'76 initiatives. Phase I AQMA analyses have been nearly completed and Phase II activities will commence in those energy impact areas identified as needing further analyses and development of air quality management strategies. AQMA analyses for energy development areas have been made possible with financial assistance obtained as part of the Energy- Environment Program. Section 208 planning is proving to be an important means of achieving strong intergovernmental coordination and participation in energy- impact planning and as a vehicle for identifying local needs and incorporating local involvement. Although timing of deliverables remains a problem, the Energy Program is developing considerable data for use in the 208 planning process to establish the information and management capability necessary to minimize environmental degradation. Related planning and management efforts are underway to develop regional solid waste plans and community noise control ordinances. In order to support the AQMA and 208 planning activities and other pro- grammatic needs, a major part of the budget has been directed to expanding the data base necessary for analyses of energy impacts. Because of the availability of "energy funds", the air quality monitoring network was expanded by 36 stations, a 46 percent increase, in the energy-area network. Similarly, the surface water quality network was expanded by 39 stations, a 30 percent increase. Twelve meteorological monitoring stations were operated to establish data necessary for modeling air quality impacts. Nineteen special studies were initiated in FY'76 to further specify environmental baseline characteristics. Ten investi- gations were begun to define effluent and emission factors and to develop pre- dictive capabilities necessary to evaluate environmental impacts. Among the foremost accomplishments is the initiation of in-house and extramural activities to commence development of management systems to improve the utilization of data generated through the Energy Program. This action, along with efforts to establish a systematic means of tracking and identifying energy development in the Region, is an integral part of the overall Regional scheme to develop a management process to integrate intragency, intergovernmental, industrial, and public decision making activities. 8 ------- : I OVERTARGET REQUEST I. RPIO: R/A 2. Date: May 28, 1976 3. Priority 4. Ai iGv/ance Holder 08 *3 pos in R/D 2 pos in Reg. Mgt. 6. Ontarqet Plan 7. Request 8. New Plan 1 pos in A/C Air Pos. $000 Pos. $000 Pos. $000 5. Appropriation Abatement § Control 6* 120 18 2,830 24 2,950 Media Water Quality Subactivity 2RA644 State Prog., Regs, ^ Guidelines 9. Additional Outputs to be Obtained a. Type of Output b. Level of Output 10. Reason for Overtarget Request To implement the Region VIII fY ' 77 Comprehensive Energy-Environment Program at the FY176 level, plus four positions to participate in the Federal Coal Leasing Program (see narrative). * An additional 19 workyears of ongoing activities are directed to support of the Energy Program. j 1 ------- FY'77 FUNDING SUMMARY Baseline Monitoring $650,000 Surface Water - Chemical (200k) Ground Water (100k) Air (200k) Meteorology (150k) Technical Investigations $660,000 KCLA Ranking Methodology ( 55k) Supply/Demand ( 65k) Ash Pond Seepage ( 30k) Surface Mine Discharges ( 10k) Sediment Yield ( 25k) Reclamation Inventory ( 25k) Rail Transportation Impacts ( 55k) Wastewater Facilities - Energy Conservation ( 35k) Potential Visibility Prediction ( 50k) Regional Air Quality Modeling ( 50k) Wastewater Treatment Costs ( 75k) Economic Impacts of Stream Flow Reduction ( 50k) Eutroph Lcation ( 15k) Minimum Flows ( 25k) Water Quality Modeling ( 20k) Cold Water Modeling ( 20k) Hydrocarbon Characterization ( 25k) Radiological Monitoring ( 30k) Program Development and Implementation $1,090,000 Develop State Programs, Management Processes, (600k) and Institutional Structures Develop Environmental Programs, Management (100k) Processes, and Institutional Structures for Energy Impacted Indian Reservations Review Funding Options for State Assumption ( 20k) of Energy Monitoring Networks Preparation and Dissemination of Technical (120k) and Management Information Implement Energy Tracking System ( 50k) Implement Information Transfer System ( 50k) Support Solid Waste and Noise Planning and (120k) Management Activities Support Activities to Consult with DOI on ( 30k) Coal Leasing Regulations Salaries and Administration $550 000* TOTAL $2,950,000 *Includes $57,100 for travel funds, $41,100 o'f which is within regional travel ceiling. The additional $16,000 is for travel for the four additional positions requested to support the Federal Coal Leasing Program. If this is funded, the regional travel ceiling should be increased by $16,000. ------- r.iTo provide administrative,planning and technical guidance to EPA programs. OlurT"; i VE #1: To characterize baseline environmental conditions in energy impact areas and establish cause- effect relationships of change. RATIONALE: Comprehensive environmental quality information is essential for the characterization of the existing environment. This can be achieved through collection and evaluation of existing environmental baseline data as it relates to the National goal to restore, maintain and enhance environmental quality. The monitoring activities are designed principally to support AC^lA-208 plan formulation and certain inter- national activities. The monitoring program will assist in defining baseline environmental quality, evaluating trends, identifying areas of non-attainment and areas of need of corrective action* predicting environmental degradation as a result of energy development and recommending changes in environmental standards. 1 TASKS ) i FUNDING REQUIRED STAFF SUPPORT KEY MILESTONES OEA WATER A 5 MM Sf,A | F; N F 1 MGMT ; e Administer the FY'76 ambient environmental ¦j " -l ¦ - ¦ ¦ j monitoring plan ; : i-* - Surface water - chemical .01 .05 .50* work in progress i - Ground Water .05*. work in progress 1 - Air .02 .50* Grants awarded 10/76) - Meteorology .02 .05* Contract awarded 1 10/1/76 - Measure background visibility in the .05 .05* .10 Consultants inter- ; Northern Great Plains to assess pre- j . pretive report j development "baseline" air quality : June 1977 conditions. i ! i ! 1 • Summarize existing ambient baseline data j Reports: Oct 1976 i in appropriate reporting and display ! I ; ; Jan 1977 j formats to describe present regional environmental characteristics - Surface water - Ground water - Air - Meteorology chemical .02 .05 .02 .02 ,05 , 02 .10 .10* .25* .05 .25* .15 Apr 1977 July 1977 *Lead Responsibility ------- 2. GOAL: OBJECTIVE: RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 1) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES e Define site-specific or localized existing environmental quality and cause-effect relationships of change in order to establish site specific and generic environmental management needs. - Assist USF^WL to validate an instream needs cold water ecosystem model, Duchesne River, Utah. .02 * .05 .10 Interim Report- September 1976 - Determine the effects of flow changes on key ecosystem components in the Tongue River, Montana. .02 .03 .10 * Final U of MT Report October 1976 - Complete survey of aquatic- terrestrial components of the biological resource base in selected segments of the White River Basin, Colorado. .02 * .02 .05 Co-op USBR/State F§G Report- October 1976 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE //I RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 1) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A$HM S5A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Determine the impact on the regional economy of reduced flow in the Green River. - Examine trends toward eutrophication of stream systems in selected areas of North Dakota and Wyoming as a result of energy development. $ 50,000 $15,000 .01 .04* .05* .04 Develop Procurement Request - March 77 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept 1977 Develop Procurement Request - March 77 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept 1977 - Identify and assess options available to insure that surface water flows are managed to include protection of water quality $25,000 .01 .05* Develop Procurement Request - March 77 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept 1977 - Apply the energy-related surface water quality model to predict water quality impacts in a selected energy subbasin in Yellowstone Drainage. $20,000 .01 .05* Develop Procurement Request - March 77 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept 1977 - Determine minimum flows required to protect aesthetic and aquatic life values in the Yampa River, Colorado .05* .02 .10 State Fish § Game Report - December 1976 1 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE 1: RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 1) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER ASHM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Determine the impacts of Cana- dian coal mining and power plant facilities on the flow regime, water quality and ecosystem of the Poplar River, Montana. 1/ .05 * .05 . 2'5 Final draft State Health Report-July 1977 - USGS data - Julv 1977 - Tnputs to Dept. ot State FJS, 1977 - Investigate impacts on U.S. air quality from Canadian Poplar River power plant. 2/ .05* .05 .25 Air quality data-Aug, 77 Meteorological rpt. Aug. 77 Coal T.E.Analyses - Jan. 77 Visibility Rpt. Aug. 77 SO Effects Rpt. Jan 2 77 - Determine habitat requirements, fish distribution and locations of spawning and nursery areas in the East Poplar River, MT. .04 * .05 .20 ! State F§G Report - July 1977 1/ $100,000 to supplement FY'76 funded effort anticipated from Congressional actions. * Lead responsibility — $100,000 to initiate special studies anticipated from Congressional actions. ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE n RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 1) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A$HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Continue field testing and refinement of model to evaluate the effects of reduced stream flow on cold water eco- systems . $20,000 .02 .02* Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept 1977 - Identify and quantify specific hydro- carbon compounds in rural ambient air. $25,000 .01 .05* Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept 1977 - Develop, assess arid implement a regional radiological monitoring network for surface water systems and an analytical capability to measure selected radio- active pollutants originating as a result of energy development. $30,000 .01 .01 .05* Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept. 1977 - Estimate visibility degradation on a site-specific and regional basis as a result of single point sources and an accumulation of sources. $50,000 .01 .05* I Develop Procurement N Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept. 19 77 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #1 RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 1) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§ MM S§A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Predict long range transport o± pollu- tants (e.g., particulates, NOx, SO2) in areas of complex terrain. $bU,000 .01 .Ob" Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - i>ep. 1977 - Determine the impacts of coal develop- ment activities in the Tongue River Reservoir, MT. .05* .01 .10 State Health Report- July 1977 - Determine water and sediment chemistry and biology of the San Juan River and San Juan Arm of Lake Powell .05* .01 .20 Las Vegas ERL Report- July 1977 - Determine the effects of energy develop- ment on the aquatic resource on two Upper Missouri Reservoir ecosystems. .05* .01 .20 Interim F§WL Report- July 1977 - Collect water quality data for N.F. Flathead River .02* .01 .10 Submit Interim Data to 208 agency - Oct. 1976. • Examine alternative means of providing fiscal support to continue environmental monitoring programs in energy areas. $20,000 .10* .01 .02 .02 Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award Contract - September 1977 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE: RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 1) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Establish and prioritize data needs and complete design of the FY'78 monitoring plan. .05* .05 .05 ,20 FY'78 Monitoring Plan complete - June 1977 • Initiate discussion with states, USGS, etc., and follow through to complete preparation of contracts, grants, and IAGs for FY'78 monitoring plan. Administrative and technical documents complete - July 1977 - Surface water - chemical - Ground water - Air - Meteorology $200,000 $100,000 $200,000 $150,000 ,.01 .01* .01 .01 .05 .05 .05* .25* .25* • Establish quality assurance criteria for data generating contracts - Assess the quality of that data being utilized in contracts established to evaluate existing data. .01 .05* - Include for new data generating con- tracts, minimum quality assurance re- quirements and perform necessary follow-up to insure that these quality assurance procedures are implemented. .01 .05* *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: To provide administrative, planning and technical guidance to EPA programs. OBJECTIVE #2: To develop guidance for effluent and emission control technology and discharge criteria and regulations. RATIONALE: Advances in energy resource development technology are dynamic processes moving forward in many areas. Advancements in environmental control technology, however, are not directly tied to advancements in industrial technology. To support development of technically feasible and cost effective source controls, discharge criteria and regulations must be developed in a timely manner. Guidance on a technical basis is essential. This guidance can be provided by initiating technical investigations and utilizing sub- sequent information to support development of effluent and emission regulations. Investigations activi- ties are designed to support regional implementation planning and regulatory program needs. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Continue in-house evaluation of develop- ments in process and environmental con- trol technologies and stay abreast of state-of-the-art of emerging industrial technologies .50* • Initiate extramural FY'77 technical in- vestigations to identify unique impacts in need of control, to provide source terms for models and to assist in devel- opment of BACT, BMP, regulations, etc. - Develop a system to validate gross energy use rates and provide alterna- tive future supply/demand scenarios $65,000 .04* .02 .02 Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept 1977 - Assess the rate and chemical impacts of seepage for ash and other water holding ponds. $30,000 .04* .02 .02 Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept 1977 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE *. RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 2) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A5HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Assess surface water discharges from existing coal mines and develop a system to monitor changes. $10,000 .04* .01 Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept. 1977 - Assess the impacts of rail transpor- tation of coal in terms of noise, dust, coal dust, disruption and assess eco- nomic alternatives to mitigating ad- verse impacts $55,000 .04* .01 .02 Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept. 1977 - Identify economically feasible avail- able technology that can be used to achieve maximum energy efficiency in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities. $35,000 .01 .05* .01 Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept. 1977 - Perform an economic assessment of wastewater treatment in individual energy conversion processes, i.e., cost of treatment for reuse/discharge vs. total containment in water-short semi-arid west. $75,000 .01 .05* Develop Procurement .Request - March 1977 Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award - Sept 1977 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE *. RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 2) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER AfjHM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Complete FY'75 and FY176 extramural proj ects - Determine air pollutant emissions from coal gasification and oil shale con- version facilities. .05* .05 .01 Report - July 1976 - Determine impacts of surface coal mining activities on water quality at Gascoyne, ND. .02* .01 .01 USGS Report - October 1976 - Determine techniques to predict poten- tial impacts on surface-mining of coal in the northern Yellowstone and Missouri River drainages of Montana. .05 .01 .01 Well location maps- October 1976 Meeting to discuss predictive techni- ques October 1976 -Quantify the amount of flared gas and escaping pollutants from oil and gas wells in Utah and Colorado. .05* .05 .01 Consultant's report- November 1976 - Determine and assess the reclamation potential of Western surface mines. .05* USFS Report - Jan. 1977 - Develop soil loss evaluation guidelines $25,000 .05* SCS Interim Report- Jan. 1977 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE n RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 2) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM S£A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Determine the amount of trace elements in the fine particle size range that is being introduced into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels. .05* .05 .02 Consultant's Report - Jan 1977 - Quantify the particulate emissions from coal strip mining activities to assist in estimating regional and/or site- specific coal development impacts. .05* .05 .02 Consultant's Report- April 1977 - Develop a leasing, siting and opera- tions guide for geothermal resource development planned or underway within Region VIII to identify expected envir- onmental impacts, mitigating measures, and monitoring requirements. . 10* Consultant's Report- August 1977 - Develop a siting guide to aid admini- strators in decisions on the planning and regulatory procedures needed to mitigate environmental impacts from a- uranium industry. .... . .10* Consultant's report - Sept. 1977 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #2 RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 2) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A$HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Develop a mechanism to better define the reclamation potential and reclama- tion inventory for western United States surface coal mining activities. $25,000 J 0* Workbook - June 1977 Report - July 1977 - Develop predictive techniques and pre- vention control technologies for non- point sources in energy impacted areas. .05 .10* Manual - Oct. 1976 • Provide results of technical investiga- tions for development of effluent and emissions regulations to Region VIII operating divisions, NERCs, and Head- quarters . .10* • Serve on selected effluent and emissions task forces to participate in the for- mulation of EPA effluent and emissions regulations for energy facilities as task forces are formed. .20* .05 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: To provide administrative, planning and technical guidance to EPA programs OBJECTIVE 3 : To maximize the use of energy-environment research activities to support regional programs. RATIONALE: In order to maximize the use of results obtained from research and development program efforts with respect to the environmental aspects of energy development, it is necessary to undertake appropriate activities to identify and monitor ongoing research and development programs and efforts. Several specific research and development projects relating to energy development in Region VIII and other parts of the country are currently underway. A definite knowledge regarding such projects would provide valuable input to regional programs and activities and also would guide technical investi- gations and planning related activities of the OEA. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A$HM S5A ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Identify, compile, and maintain a listing of EPA and others research activities of special interest to regional programs. .25* .05 .05 Semi-annual reports o Make specific OEA staff assignments to monitor and evaluate selected research activities. .15 * 9 Transfer appropriate research findings into regional and extra-regional programs through the Regional Information Transfer System. .25 * * Lead responsibility ------- GOAL: To provide administrative and technical guidance to EPA programs. OBJECTIVE #4: Continue formulation of environmental plans and establishment of management capabilities in energy impact areas. RATIONALE: The Regional energy-environment planning program is designed to address both local and regional environ- mental impacts of energy development. Area-wide waste treatment management (208), Air Quality Maintenance Area (AQMA), solid waste, noise and drinking water plans are being developed for the nine high-priority energy impacted target areas. These plans will develop the regulatory and institutional framework for environmental management, including appropriate land use considerations. Most plans are scheduled for completion in FY'78. Collectively, these activities provide an opportunity for total environmental planning within the context of EPA authorities and programs. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM SSA ENF MGMT MILESTONES o Provide technical assistance to the Air and Hazardous Materials Division for new source and PSD reviews. - Provide new source reviews for power plants, oil shale facilities, coal gasification facilities, etc., for Utah. .15 .20* - Provide consultation on NSPS for coal gasification plants and oil shale retorts. .15 .10* - Assist in the review of PSDs. .10 .10* - Assist in development of action plans for non-attainment in AQCRs for power plants, etc. .10 .10* July 1976 • Develop AQMPs for energy impact areas that require a plan as identified from Phase I AQMA analysis. - Review Phase I analysis for energy impact designated areas. .10 .15* Final Report - June 1976 ^Leact Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE M: RATIONALE: (Continuation of Objective #4) TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA IVATER A $HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Review consultant's work plan for per- forming Phase II development. .10 .15* Work Plan - July 1976 - Provide consultation during plan devel- opment on energy sources emissions characterization. .15 .20* - Assist with the development and analy- sis of alternative control strategies for AQMAs. .15 .20* - Assist with selection of control strategy for AQMAs. .15 .15* - Complete Phase II AQMP contract for developing AQMPs. .10 .15* Consultant's Final Report - Jan. 1978 ® Develop 208 plans for nine energy impact areas. .10 - Monitor 208 planning activity. .20 1.00* -Final 208 Plans Due in FY'78. - Assure that 208 planning activities are coordinated with otfyer planning activities for the areas, i.e., USGS plans, BLM MFPs, 1IUD 701s, etc. .05 .10* *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #4: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective #4. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM S§A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Assist the Water Division to review contracts and work agreements between energy 208 planning agencies and con- sultants for consistency with OEA ob- jectives. .ZU 71 Continuing Activity - Provide 208 agencies with results of OEA initiated surface and ground water monitoring and environmental investi- gations for use in supplementing their monitoring programs. .20 .10* Continuing Activity - Provide an inventory of existing and proposed energy developments to 208 planning agencies. .10* October 1976 - Provide estimates of quantity and quality of discharges from energy facilities to 208 planning agencies. .20* .05 January 1976 - Provide consultation to 208 agencies as to definition of BMP for non-point source mining and construction ac- tivities and BACT for point discharges from mines, power plants, coal gas- ification facilities, oil shale retorts uranium mills, etc. » .50* .05 Continuing Activity *Lead Responsibility ------- RATIONALE: continuation of Objective #4. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM S5A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Review Step 1 facility plans in energy impacted areas for energy development considerations. i .05 .25* - Review alternative sub-plans for treat- ment and control for consistency with OEA objectives and assess environmental impacts of each. .10 , .05 - Provide 208 planning agencies Federal, . State, and local energy-environment legislation and regulations that may affect plan development. -.15* .05 - Review alternative environmental manage- ment plans and assess the environmental impacts of each. .10 .10* - Provide a list of specific outputs with interim and final dates for all OEA projects. .15* .05 July 1976 December 1976" ' July 1977 « Participate in the state-wide 208 planning process to assist the states to address energy problems in non-designated areas. .20 .25* , *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE U: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective #4. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM S§A ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Evaluate the capabilities and needs of water supply systems of 46 communities located in energy impact areas. .05 .10* Consultants' report- October 1976 J o Develop comprehensive community noise control ordinances in energy impacted areas. - Colorado - Montana - North Dakota - Wyoming $20,000 .02 .02 .02 .02 .05* .05* .05* .05* Model Ordinances - July 1976 Model Ordinances - July 1976 Model Ordinances - July 1976 Award Grant - Oct. 77 e Implement community noise control pro- grams in selected communities $20,000 .02 .05* • Develop regional and community solid waste management plans for energy impacted areas. *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #4: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective If4. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Montana - North Dakota - Wyoming - Colorado - Utah $20,000 $20,000 .02 .02 .02 .02 .02 .01 .01 .01 .01 .01 .02* .02* .02* .02* .02* Plan Due July 1976 Plan Due July 1976 Plan Due July 1977 Award Grant Oct. 76 Plan Due Oct. 1977 Award Grant Oct. 76 Plan Due Oct. 1977 • Develop techniques to predict water and land impacts of energy development. - Identify and calibrate a steady state water quality systems model to predict impact of energy development on the quality of surface waters of the Yellowstone River, MT. .05 .10* Model Developed - October 1976 Symposium - Oct. 1976 Application of Model to Big Horn River - January 1977 Report - July 1977 - Identify and calibrate a steady state water quality systems model to predict impacts of energy development on the quality of surface waters of the Green River, IVY. .10 .15* Model Developed - September 1977 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL : OBJECT TVE #4: RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective #4) | TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM SfjA ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Identify an air pollution model for use , in the Region VIII area through modi- } fication of existing large space-scale j air quality models. .05 .10* Report - Jan. 1977 | - Develop economic impact projection ! models for the Fort Union Coal Region to ; assist in evaluating the social and j economic effects of expanded coal i mining and conversion in the Northern j Great Plains Region. .02' .02 Model Developed and Report - July 1976 • Evaluate alternative institutional arrangements for addressing primary and secondary impacts of energy development. - Identify environmentally related health , impacts associated with living in "boom town" communities. Information to be j used by state and local government to assess impacts of "boom town" growth. .05 .05* Consultant's Report Due - Oct. 1976 - Develop an action document for rural communities which addresses the myriad of community growth and environmental management problems related to the ex- panded development of energy resources m Region. .10 .10* i Consultant's Report Due - Feb. 1977 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #4: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective #4. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER ASHM SSA ENF MGMT MILESTONES Identify the process and constraints of Federal comprehensive area-wide resource use planning. Case study is the Decker-Birney planning unit in Southeastern Montana. .10* Consultant's Report Due - Oct 1976 i *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: To provide administrative, planning 5 technical guidance to EPA programs. OBJECTIVE #5: To improve Headquarters-interregional liaison RATIONALE: Personnel and administrative support are provided for the Energy-Environment Program by the Office of Planning and Management. Present financial support for extramural projects is primarily derived from the Office of Research and Development. EneTgy program activities are not limited to the ORD functions, but support and provide meaningful input to other programs. It is important to initiate new relationships and strengthen existing ties with Headquarters and Regional personnel, i.e., Office of Federal Activities, Office of Enforcement, Office of Planning and Management, Office of Water and Hazardous Materials, Office of Air and Waste Management, Office of Research and Development and Regional Administrators, so that broader based energy program utilization and support can be achieved. TASKS FUNDING REQUIRED STAFF SUPPORT KEY OEA WATER AfjHM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Establish improved communications mechanisms and schedule personal contacts as necessary - Discuss FY'77 program w/Head- quarters and other EPA Regional Offices (Branch Chiefs) - Follow-up meetings with Head- quarters § Regions (RA § Office Director) • Establish mutually supportive relatioi ships and strong Region VIII leader- ship role - Solicit financial support for Energy-Environment Program activities. - Provide regional input to ORD Program Planning, project site selection, project monitoring, etc. including interagency pass through energy projects. i- .20 * .10 * .05 * .20 * .05 July 1976 September 1976 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE: ff 5 RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective 5) TASKS FUNDING REQUIRED STAFF SUPPORT KEY MILESTONES OEA WATER A§HM S§A ENF MGMT Provide regional input for EPA policy formulation and agency management decisions Integrate Headquarters Researcl Labs and other Region^ activit: into Region VIII program . es .15 * .15 * Continuing Activity Continuing Activity * Lead responsibility ------- GOAL: To provide administrative, planning and technical guidance to EPA programs. OBJECTIVE #6: To assure appropriate consideration of environmental goals in regulations and standards in energy- related environmental impact statements through identification of required analyses. RATIONALE: Numerous environmental statements are being prepared to evaluate the effects of Federal energy development actions on environmental quality. Such developments could have a major influence on the environmental integrity of the project area as well as the region. It is essential that energy-related impact statement adequately reflect or consider energy development policies, goals, advanced control-process technologies, applicable environmental standards and planning objectives. OEA will provide specialized assistance and expertise to assure the identification, interpretation and integration of these components into the Regional EIS review process. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A$HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES e Provide expert review of environmental im- pact statements of other Federal agencies . 75 1.6UW .L U o Participate in preparation of EISs for new source discharge permits for energy sources. .05 .20* .10 o Perform follow-up evaluations of energy- related EISs regarding the implementation of proposed mitigating measures. .15 .10* .10 e Provide guidance to USDI Regional EISs for energy impacted areas. - Review outlines, preliminary drafts, etc .10 .15* .10 9 Regional Assess- ments scheduled for completion by FY'78 e Develop guidance document for preparation of energy EISs. - Prepare guidance document for power plants. . 20* .05 .05 October 1976 - Prepare guidance document for mining plans .10* .05 .05 22 USGS mining plans scheduled for start in FY'77. *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL OBJECTIVE "5: RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective #6.) TASKS FUNDING REQUIRED STAFF SUPPORT KEY MILESTONES OEA WATER A5HM S§A ENF MGMT e Provide guidance to l)ept. o± State with preparation of EIS of U.S. impacts from Canadian Poplar River power plant. . Ub* . Ub • US *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: To have strong particiaption in the intergovernmental resource management processes. OBJECTIVE #1: To identify, recommend, and implement improvements in the Federal and State administrative and regulatory processes relative to environmental protection from energy development. RATIONALE: Title Eight of the Energy Facility Planning and Development Act of 1975 calls for steps to reduce the complexities and time requirement of the Federal energy development review process and to promote greater coordination of the regulatory processes. This objective will identify EPA and state and local environ- mental agencies'roles and recommend procedures to expedite their review processes. This also provides for a review of the effectiveness of legal requirements, administrative procedures and enforcement response. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER AfjHM SfjA ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Review and evaluate legal requirements, administrative procedures and enforce- ment response and effectiveness of Fed- eral, State and local governmental entities relative to laws, regulations, guidelines, policies, leases, permits, and licenses .20 .10 .10 . 5U* • Review with the Federal Energy Admini- stration their project to analyze the EPA administrative and regulatory processes. .05* Meet with FEA January 1977 • Develop recommendations to improve the administrative and regulatory processes of EPA and state and local environ- mental agencies. .15* .10 .10 July 1977 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: To have strong participation in the intergovernmental resource management processes. OBJECTIVE t= 2: To provide environmental guidance and direction to interagency energy-related advisory, planning and technical committees. RATIONALE number of international federal, state, and local interagency committees have been established to examine complex interdisciplinary environmental problems related to energy development initiatives. EPA needs to project a strong leadership role in these intergovernmental activities. To accomplish this, the Office of Energy Activities will provide guidance and direction to such committees relative to applicable control technologies, potential impacts, environmental standards, regulatory procedures, planning processes, and technical investigations. These objectives can be accomplished most effectively as a participant or chairman of selected regional, interregional and international committees. By participating on these groups, EPA can impact developmental planning processes with proper environmental considerations during the formative stages. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER AEjHM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES OIL SHALE • Participate on Oil Shale Environmental Advisory Panel (OSEAP) - Attend Panel Meetings - Serve on selected OSEAP workgroups .15* .10* Monthly (or as scheduled) As Assigned. Average one workgroup contin- uously. - Provide technical consultation to Oil Shale Mining Supervisor .10* .10 Continuing as needed - Review and evaluate progress and find- ings of prototype leasing program. .30* .20 .30 Quarterly progress review, detailed development plan reviews. - Review private sector oil shale research and development .05* .05 .05 Continuing as needed *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #2: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective #2 TASKS FUNDING SJAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER AfjHM S§A ENF MGMT MILESTONES GEOIHERMAL • Participate on Geothermal Environmental Advisory Panel (GEAP) - Attend Panel Meetings .05* Semi-annually - Serve on selected GEAP workgroups .05* As assigned - Evaluate progress and findings of lease program .05* .05 .05 .05 Review annual prog- ress reports WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL • Provide management direction to Yellow- stone Level B Study e Provide expert review of energy factors of Yellowstone Level B, e.g., supply- demand, environmental impacts, water requirements .03 .15 .10* .10* Review 24 ad-hoc workgroup reports Field Draft report due Aug. 1977 • Complete annual report of energy-related environmental studies in Missouri River Basin in FY'76. .05* June 1977 • Serve as member on Missouri River Basin Commission Ad Hoc Power Planning Commit- tee .10* Attend quarterly meetings *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE *2: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective #2. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA VMTER AfjHM S^A ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Review Plan of Study, Upper Missouri Level B. .05 .05* P.O.S. due Septem- ber 1977 COLORADO RIVER STORAGE PROJECT • Review Peaking Power Task Force Activi- ties . .05* .02 Attend quarterly meetings - Environ- mental Quality Plan October 1977. Final Report - Oct 1977 FEDERAL REGIONAL COUNCIL • Participate on Impacts of Energy Resource Development Committee - Chair Environmental Impacts Subcommittee .10* .05 .05 Bi-monthly meeting - Conduct conference on energy develop- ment regulatory processes .10* October 1976 DENVER FEDERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD 0 Participate on Energy § Environment Committee *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #2: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective #2. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER AfjHM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Chair Energy 5 Environment Subcommittee .10* Monthly Meetings - Develop and present a series of re- search and special study meetings directed toward energy development, use and conservation and environmental issues. .10* Semi-annually - Conduct an energy-environmental plann- ing conference. .10* Conference - Oct 1976 ORD WESTERN ENERCY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE o Attend sector meetings. .05* Semi-annually e Serve on oil shale sub-group .05* • Serve on monitoring sub-group .05* USDA SURFACE ENVIRONMENT $ MINING • Attend SEAM committee meetings .05* Quarterly • Provide input to Energy Research Infor- mation System .02* Continuing Activity *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE ff2: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective if 2. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER AGHM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES WESTERN ENERGY HYDROLOGY INFORMATION $ ADVISORY GROUP Quarterly Meeting o Coordinate and participate in group activities. .05* INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES • Continue to support IJC and State Dept. with evaluation of U.S.-Canadian alter- natives for apportionment of Poplar River .15* .02 .02 .05 Additional items identified in moni- toring and EIS tasks. • Continue to support IJC, State Dept. and State of Montana with evaluation of air and water quality impacts from Canadian Poplar River Power Generating Project. .15* .02 .05 .10 Additional items identified in moni- toring and EIS tasks. • Provide technical review of proposals for Flathead River energy development (i.e, Cabin Creek Mine) to determine acceptable levels of control to protect U.S. air and water quality. .10* .02 .02 .10 Additional items identified in moni- toring and EIS tasks. *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE n: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective #2. TASKS FUNDING REQUIRED STAFF SUPPORT KEY MILESTONES OEA WATER A§HM SfjA ENF MGMT • Administer Polish Grants and integrate findings into Regional Program. .25* Visits to Poland in Sept 76 and May 77. U.S. Visits by Pol- ish Scientists in June 77. Project # 5-534-1 Complete - Sept 77 Project # 5-534-2 Complete - Sept 77 * Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: To have strong participation iri the intergovernmental resource management processes. OBJECTIVE *3-' To support greater state participation in energy-environment decisions. RATIONALE: The Nation is looking to the Region VIII States where vast quantities of energy minerals are located, to play a greater role in meeting energy needs. The States desire to play a greater rcle in the formul- ation and development of national and regional policies relative to energy production arid environmental protection. Most of EPA's programs are such that States have the basic responsibility for the setting of environmental standards and pollution abatement requirements. In order to more effectively integrate environmental considerations into resource management decisions, the States should improve interdepartmenta: institutional arrangements and management processes. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA VJATER AHjHM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES e Visit states to review FY'77 Regional Energy Program and to identify interfaces for energy matters. .05* January 1977 • Participate in mid-year review of state program plans to see that energy-environ- ment issues have been properly addressed. .01* .02 .02 March 1977 • Participate in annual program planning review to see that energy-environment activities are included in the FY'78 program plan. , 03* .02 .02 June 1977 i • Review state continuing planning pro- cesses to ensure that energy-environment issues will be addressed. . 05* .01 June 1977 e Solicit needs of states for monitoring and technical assistance and information utilization .05* .01 .01 .05 Users/User needs reports due Sept. 1976 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #3: RATIONALE: Continuation of Objective #3. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER AfjHM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Support establishment of state energy- environment programs, management pro- cesses and institutional structures to prioritize and examine energy-environment issues, formulate policies and plans, and coordinate state interdepartmental activities and decisions. $600,000 .10* .02 .01 Grants to States - January 1977 o Continue liaison with Western Governor's Regional Energy Policy Office. .05* • Improve liaison with Federation of Rocky Mountain States .01* • Improve communications and technical assistance with the North Dakota Regional Environmental Assessment Program. .05* .01 .01 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: To have strong participation in the intergovernmental resource management processes. OBJECTIVE #4: To further develop a strong EPA role in the management of Federal energy resources by increased involvement in planning and overseeing development of Federally-owned energy resources. RAIIOnALE: Department of Interior has promulgated regulations to control strip mining of Federal coal under the Federal Coal Leasing Program. Existing regulations set forth specific control measures and provide qualitative environmental criteria for ensuring that reclamation can be attained. Another concern is that coal leases comply fully with State air and water quality standards. The regulations provide for DOI consultation with EPA through leasing and operations. Participation in the Leasing Program will allow EPA to impact the process with environmental considerations during pre-mining and operational and abandonment stages. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT J KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A5HM SfjA ENF MGMT MILESTONES e Participate in integrative assessment of Federal coal lease areas - Assist in process of designating lands unsuitable for mining. Review MFPs** for areas offered for leasing. Partic- ipate in EMARS*** and EMRIA**** 1.00* .01 .01 Contract - Aug. 76 Preliminary ranking methodology - Assist in ranking KCLAs.***** $50,000 0.10* .01 .01 Develop methodology to comparatively rank KCLAs***** o Implement an EPA role in planning and regulating coal mining activities. - Support activities to consult with DOI at the time of coal mining plan approv- al and release of bonds for reclamation, $30,000 .40* .01 .01 Develop proposal - December 1976 Submit to Headquar- ters - Jan. 1977 - Review mining plans; inspect proposed sites; consult with states regarding compliance. 2.00* .02 .02 Continuing Activity - Inspect coal mine sites for compliance with environmental protection require- ments . .60* .02 .02 swwv * Management Framework Plan *** jiergy Minerals Activity Energy Minerals Reclamation Inventory and Assessment ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #4: RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective #4) FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY TASKS REQUIRED OEA WATER A$HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES - Review required performance standards . 20* .01 .01 e Review coal leasing planning and regula- tory mechanisms, i.e., EMARS, MFPs, EMRIA, National legislation, EPA Coal Leasing Task Force. - Evaluate impacts of environmental protection requirements: .50* .05 .05 Alluvial valley floors Surface drainage Sedimentation Water quality *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: To have strong participation in the intergovernmental resource management processes. OBJECTIVE ^5: To improve EPA-Indian cooperation in energy-environment activities and to develop environmental planning and regulatory capabilities for Indian lands. RATIONAL)., Tribes in the Region VIII area are owners of a substantial amount of natural resources. These tribes, as any other governmental entity that manages lands, are actively involved in making resource management decisions designed to utilize their land, water, and mineral holdings in an environmentally sound manner. This objective is -supportive of the national EPA Indian Action Plan which is designed to facilitate Indian access to EPA offices and to increase awareness within EPA of the issues involved with implementation of environmental protection requirements on Indian lands. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A § MM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES o Implement information exchange identified as part of the information transfer systen design. .03* October 1976 • Sponsor a Regional conference for appro- priate energy impact Tribal leaders to ex- change identified responsibilities for regulation and management of the environ- ment . .03* .05 .05 .02 December 1976 6 Visit selected Indian Reservations impact- ed by energy development to identify an appropriate Region VIII response to Indian needs (Selected regional officials). .07* .02 .02 .02 3 - Jan 1977 3 - Apr 1977 3 - Jul 1977 • Provide technical assistance with estab- lishment of monitoring networks and eval- uation of impacts through AQMA-208 plan- ning processes and other regional programs 1 .07* .05 .05 .10 *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: OBJECTIVE #5: RATIONALE: (continuation of Objective #5) TASKS FUNDING REQUIRED STAFF SUPPORT KEY MILESTONES OEA WATER A§HM S$A ENF MGMT o Support establishment of energy-environ- ment programs, management processes and institutional structures for energy impacted Indian Reservations to examine and prioritize energy-environment issues and formulate policies and plans. $100,000 .10* .05 .05 .03 Contracts and grants to Reser- vations . *Lead Responsibility ------- GOAL: T0 maximize the use of energy-environment information OBJECTIVE, jf i To track the exploration, development, transportation and use of energy resources in Region VIII. RATIONALE: Throughout the Region VIII area, numerous plans for the exploration, extraction, conversion, trans- portation, and use of energy resources are being formulated. A "Tracking System", designed to track development of these resources by monitoring the regulatory process, was completed in FY'76. Imple- mentation and operation of the "tracking system" in FY'77 will assist in identifying energy develop- ment activities underway and the optimum points in the regulatory process for EPA involvement. TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A5HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES e Complete construction of energy .20 * October 1976 development activity inventory • Establish Federal and State liaison .15 * November 1976 necessary to implement system. Purchase of Software « Implement tracking system 40 ,000 .05 * Implement - Nov. 1976 • Monitor energy development activities .10 * Continuing • Disseminate energy development status 10,000 .10 * January,April and June, 1977 • Complete energy development activity maps for states and reservations .15 * .05 March 1977 * Lead responsibility ------- GOAL: To maximize the use of energy-environment information OBJECTIVE # 2 : To implement an Information Transfer System to improve the collection and dissemination of energy-environment information. RATIONALE: . Utilization of energy-environment information and data by decision makers in the governmental, industrial and educational sectors will assist in efforts to bring about better coordination in energy-environment planning, administration and regulatory decision making processes. A request for proposals to design an information transfer system was issued in F)M76. This system will provide EPA Region VIII with an improved systematic procedure for handling inquiries and obtaining and disseminating energy-environment data and information to these desicion makers. o TASKS FUNDING STAFF SUPPORT KEY REQUIRED OEA WATER A§HM S$A ENF MGMT MILESTONES • Complete Phase I, Information Transfer System. Identification of users and users needs - State Agencies - Energy 208s - Industry - Energy impacted communities - Energy impacted Indian Reserva- tions .05 * .05 * .05 * .05 * .05 * .05 Reports _ October 1976 • Award Phase II, Information Transfer System contract design .05* October 1976 e Complete preliminary design of system .25* July 1977 # Initiate system testing . 25* .05 .05 .05 August 1977 ® Complete final design and implement system - Provide compilation, analysis and pre sentation of energy data through manual and computer-assisted analyt- ical techniques $50,000 $120,000 .30* .05* .02 .02 September 1977 Develop Procurement Request - March 1977 : Submit to Headquar- ters - May 1977 Award Contract-Sep 77 *Lead Responsibility ------- DESCRIPTION OF FY*77 TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS PROJECTS Regional energy-environment technical investigations are designed to support regional implementation planning and regulatory program needs. First priority is assigned to activities supportive of AQMA-208 plan formulation. These investigations also assist in developing the regional expertise and specialization needed to investigate the environmental considerations of energy exploration, extraction, conversion and use. Previous investigations have attempted to establish regional expertise in coal-fired electric generating facilities, uranium milling and processing and in the emerging industrial technologies of oil shale retorting, coal gasification and geothermal development. Our FY'77 technical investigations program is designed to refine our expertise in the above areas and to initiate investigations relating to supply/demand, environ- mental impacts of energy transportation systems and the economics of environ- mental control. The technical investigations are arranged into three priority groupings. High priority projects are those activities that are essential to the contin- uation and success of the regional energy-environment program. The medium and low priority projects are important, but may be undertaken by other Agency program units or deferred for later consideration. High Priority 1. Supply/Demand $65,000 Energy demand and supply analysis of selected supply and use options pertinent to western energy fuels to,enable tracking demands for those fuels as functions of varying economic and other constraints and pro- motional opportunities. Provide system to validate gross energy use rates and to provide alternative future demand/supply scenarios. Possible funding source - Office of Planning and Management, Policy Planning Division. This project will aid the Regional Office in the review of EISs and in commenting upon the need for energy resource development initiatives. 2. Ash Pond Seepage $30,000 Assessment of the rate and chemical impacts of seepage for ash and other water holding ponds, associated by coal conversion plants, and uranium mills in terms of both the unsaturated and saturated zones. Possible funding source - OEMI. Performance of this project will allow decisions to be made relative to the potential impact of ash ponds upon community drinking water supplies if groundwater is the source. 51 ------- 3. Surface Mine Discharges $10,000 Compile and assess surface water discharges from existing coal mines. Develop system to monitor changes identified. Assess control guidelines for adequacy. Possible funding source - OEMI. This project will aid us in the determination of existing data to be used for development of future mining regulations 4. Sediment Yield $25,000 Application of the results of an existing IAG with the SCS to potential mining areas. Estimates of soil loss and subsequent stream sedimentation for proposed mining activities may be made as a result of the methodology developed. Review of EISs and mining plans will be more meaningful and quantitative. 5. Reclamation Inventory $25,000 Application of an existing effort to assess the reclamation potential of disturbed lands will be attempted. The project will allow the definition and assessment of potential reclamation success. 6. Rail Transportation Impacts $55,000 Assess the impacts of rail transportation of coal through region in terms of noise, dust, coal dust, disruption of normal activities, and assess economic alternatives to mitigating adverse impacts. Possible funding source - OEMI. Because communities separate from the energy areas are being impacted by energy development and the mere point that they are in the area does not allow easy evaluation of impacts. This project will solve that problem. 7. Wastewater Facilities - Energy Conservation Potential $35,000 Identify what available technology, which is economically feasible, can be used to achieve maximum energy efficiency in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment facilities. Are energy alternatives being addressed? - Mow can energy conversion practices be incorporated into EPA con- struction grant program? - Uliat new technology/research is needed to improve the energy efficiency of wastewater treatment facilities? - Gas production from micro-algae at a municipal wastewater treatment facility? Reasonable assumptions based on available technology indicate that 51 to 10% of a community's natural gas needs may be produced through one-pass fermentation of all available organic wastes such as sewage, refuse and animal manures. Possible funding source - Office of Water 52 ------- 7. Wastewater Facilities - Energy Conservation Potential (Cont'd) and Hazardous Materials. This reconnaissance effort will provide the ;igency with information which may be coupled with its construction grants program which will allow the potential savings of energy resources. 8. Visibility Prediction $50,000 Estimates of visibility degradation will be made on a site-specific and regional basis as a result of single point sources and an accumulation of sources. Consideration of relative importance of fine particles, gases, gas to particle conversions, and meteorological factors in visibility degradation will be emphasized. Possible funding source - OEMI. 'I"his program will use and apply the results of a current program to proposed facilities in order to predict visibility degradation. 9. Regional Air Quality Modeling $50,000 Predictions of long distance (1,000 km) transport of non-reactive pollu- tants (e.g., particulates, NOx, and SO2) in areas of complex terrain will be made. This effort plus reliance upon past efforts will be utilized to map areas of concentrations for comparison against PSD increments. A second phase will look at reactive pollutants. Possible funding source - OEMI, Office of Air and Waste Management. 10. Wastewater Treatment Costs $75,000 Economic assessment of wastewater treatment in individual energy conver- sion processes necessary to comply with existing or proposed regulations and water quality standards. Attention to cost of treatment as required for reuse/ discharge as compared to total containment in the water-short semi-arid west. Possible funding source - Office of Water and Hazardous Materials. 11. Economic Impact of Stream Flow Reduction $50,000 Determine the impact on the regional economy (input-output) of reduced flows in the Green River between Fontenelle and Flaming Gorge Dams. Will use existing economic models and biological and fishery data obtained from IT'75 and FY'76 technical investigations in the area. This project will provide the Regional Office ant! the 208 agency with a tool to assess the economic impacts of larger-scale transbasin diversion? of water for energy development from the Green River to eastern Wyoming. Possible funding source - OBII. 12. Eutrophication Examination of trends toward eutrophication of stream systems in selected areas of North Dakota and Wyoming as a result of energy develop- ment. Possible funding source - OEMI. Potential mitigating measures such 53 ------- 12. F.utrophication (cont' d) as flow augmentation may need to be defined in order to mitigate against impacts from low flows. 13. Minimum Flows for Water Quality $20,000 Identify and assess options available to insure that surface water flows are managed to include protection of water quality. Possible funding source - OEMI. Development of the legal constraints will aid the preservation of existing aquatic ecosystems. 14. Water Quality Modeling $20,000 Application of energy-related surface water quality model to predict water quality impacts in a selected energy-impacted subbasin in the Yellow- stone drainage (follow-up to existing contract). Possible funding source - OEMI. This project will allow the Regional Office and the 208 agency to assess the potential water quality degradation from energy resource development or a tributary of the Yellowstone and to promulgate mitigating measures. 15. Cold Water Modeling $20,000 Continuation of field testing model refinement phase of model to evalu- ate the effects of reduced stream flows on cold water ecosystems. Possible funding source - OEMI. Development of the cold water fisheries model will allow the evaluation of a minimim stream flow required to maintain a viable fishery. 16. Hydrocarbon Characterization $25,000 Specific hydrocarbon compounds will be identified and quantified in rural ambient air. High levels of HC concentrations have been measured. Sources will be speculated. Possible funding source - OEMI. Culmination of this program will provide insight and guidance to the Regional Office on evalution and review of proposed facilities being built in areas currently recording high hydrocarbon levels. 17. Radiological Monitoring $30,000 Develop, assess, and implement a regional radiological monitoring net- work for surface water systems and an analytical capability to measure selected radioactive pollutants originating as a result of energy development including uranium, geothermal, coal, oil and gas. Possible funding source - OEMI. 18. Ranking $50,000 Provide methodology to comparatively rank coal resource areas in terms of ability to mine where reclamation is attainable and assured and where other impacts are appropriate. 54 ------- Medium Priority 1. Organic Analyses $15,000 Identify complex organic compounds resulting from energy development and impacts of fates thereof in the hydrologic systems. Water quality degradation and impacts upon the ecosystem will be defined. 2. Environmental Quality Impacts of Gas to Particle Conversion $40,000 Estimates of the mechanism and impacts involved in gaseous emissions effects on soils, vegetation, and water. Reaction kinetics and translocation studies will serve as major input. This project will define for us the extent of visibility degradation from gaseous emissions and could provide guidance for a regulatory policy. 3. Oil and Gas $35,000 Amounts of gas flared in Region VIII will be quantified. Quality will be estimated. Economics of field gathering of gas will be investigated. Specific fields such as Rangely, Altamont-Bluebell, Williston, Wattenburg, and Casper area will be focused on. Information developed will be used to allow policy decisions to be made on requiring capture of flared gas and upon the air quality improvement from such policy. 4. NCRI Study $25,000 Support for North Central Reservoir Investigations Team (USFWS) in con- ducting studies to characterize biological, chemical and physical conditions in energy impact areas in Fort Peck and Garrison Reservoirs (continuation of existing program). The effects of proposed energy development initiatives upon the aquatic ecosystem will be defined in order that the proper control measures may be required. 5. Drainage $25,000 Evaluation of fluvial mechanisms extant in the coal and uranium resources regions of the Interior Western United States and determination of the state- of-the-art in drainage restoration across surface-mined areas. - Describe geohydrologic and biologic interdependencies - Identify "modeling" methods - mathematical - that describe systems (hydraulic, erosion) pre- and post-mining - Identify control technologies, if any - Investigate Belle Ayr South, Wyodak, Big Horn, Decker North, and Decker East Use of this information will aid the Regional Office in the review of EISs and mining plans as well as providing a data base upon which to develop best management practices for mining. 55 ------- 6. Erosion $50,000 Evaluate erosion processes in mined areas in terms of achieving long-term stability. - Field sites - establish through State Reclamation Division and Water Quality entities. Erosion pin transects (Jack Schmidt, MT). Performance of this long-term monitoring effort will provide the information required to assess the stability or instability of reclaimed areas and hence the actual and potential soil loss and stream sediment yield. 7. Post-Mining Hydrologic System $25,000 USGS Started - Assess the post-mining hydrologic system of the Eastern Powder River (Belle Fourche) Basin under complete surface mining scenarios varied only to evaluate various options for control of drainage. Investi- gate various alternatives to maintain water requirements identified. - Keefer, et.al., (USGS) - topography, precipitation, water balance - Assess the political, economic, and legal feasibilities of developing a regional mining plan. 8. PSD Scenarios $25,000 Develop PSD reclassification scenarios for energy impacted areas. The attitude of State and local people will be surveyed as to their preference for reclassification. An assessment of the economic and social impacts from such reclassifications will be made. 9. Lake Powell $25,000 Effects of energy development initiatives on the biological integrity of the Escalante Arm of Lake Powell and greater Lake Powell ecosystems. Perfor- mance of this program will characterize the baseline aquatic conditions in the Escalante Arm and indicate critical indicator species to be used in assessing the impact of water withdrawals and runoff upon the aquatic ecosystem. Definition will allow development of mitigating measures. 10. Coal Spoils $15,000 Investigate leachate from old coal spoils. Indications of Colstrip and Edna mines do not show decreasing concentrations with time as might be suspected. Impacts upon ground water may be more accurately assessed as a result of this project. 11. Water Quality Model Application $20,000 Apply simple water quality model analyses to proposed coal mine sites. In conjunction with BIM and USGS. This project presents the opportunity for the application of a simple technique to evaluate water quality degradation from coal mining activities. 56 ------- 12. Minimum Flows $25,000 Comparative evaluation, using field testing procedures, of various minimum stream flow methodologies for (1) a selected cold water ecosystem and (2) a selected warm water ecosystem. Use of this project will aid in the assessment of the widespread (Region-wide) applicability of the minimum flow models being developed. 13. Underground Injection $50,000 To identify the specific types of energy development activities that could lead to ground water pollution, the activities that regulations should be developed to control underground injection and necessary control measures. Low Priority 1. Bacteriological Impacts $20,000 The magnitude, identity and pathogen nature of bacterial contamination of a aquifer(s) in a selected coal development area of North Dakota. The impacts of mining upon the bacteria and the subsequent impact upon water quality will be determined. 2. Oil and Gas/Water $20,000 Assess the impacts and implications of water used or to be used to stimulate or enhance oil and gas recovery to include large-scale hydro- fracturing. Assess potential impacts of secondary, tertiary and stimulated recovery of oil and gas from existing investigations. Recommendations for environmental control measures will be developed. 3. Integrative Assessment $25,000 Continue examination of comprehensive assessment (of impacts) techniques and apply to representative area. Application of ranking methodology will be made in order to assess total environmental impacts from energy resource development. 4. Rail Transportation Economics $20,000 Develop methodology- to determine relative economics of rail transport of coal including analysis of competition for rail and cars. An environ- mental assessment while reviewing EISs will be possible for the advantages and disadvantages of alternative modes of transportation. 5. Trace Element Efforts $40,000 Effects of trace elements upon the ecosystem via air deposition and surface runoff will be studied. Metal uptake rates would be established. Use of these data will allow the determination of the need for trace element regulations. 57 ------- 6. Trace Metals $20,000 Conduct a trace metal study in mining area of the Upper Clarks Fork Basin. Potential mitigating measures in terms of NPDES permits or BMP will result. 58 ------- DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION NEEDS Program development and implementation needs activities are designed to achieve maximum integration of all program activities into a coordinated l;ederal-State-local-Tribal management partnership program to support policy making and implementation at all levels of government. The program provides for greater State and Indian involvement in energy-environment issues and encourages an increased coordinated, interdepartmental effort on the part of State govern- ments, not only to meet environmental goals, but to assure effective expenditure of the monies that states will be receiving through severance taxes and bonus royalties. 1. Develop State Programs, Management Processes, and Institutional Structures $600,000 The states of the Region would each receive $100,000 to formulate and implement state energy-environment management processes. Elements of a state management process which would be addressed include establishment of a focal point for coordinating energy-environment activities, improved management of environmental aspects of energy resource management, coordination and integration of all executive department activities on energy-environment issues, develop- ment of a model mechanism or procedure to coordinate planning activities of individual state agencies. 2. Develop Programs, Management Processes, and Institutional Structures for Energy Tmpacted Indian Reservations $100,000 Tndian Tribes in the Region have a tremendous stake in the issues of energy development in and adjacent to the Indian Reservations. In the Northern Great Plains, Indian ownership of coal reserves probably amounts to tens of billions of tons. The preservation of the Reservation setting In which Indians live is of utmost concern to Indian Tribal members. They demand that their quality of life be retained with regard to air, land, social setting, and property rights. On March 6, 1975, Administrator Train approved an action plan for bettering EPA-Indian cooperation. This plan becomes even more important since Reservations make up a substantial percentage of the land area in the Region and State programs do not adequately involve the Reservations. Funds would be used to perform an extensive review of existing environmental quality on Reservations and existing environmental problems, to implement an educational program and information system to familiarize the Tribes with their rights and responsibilities insofar as environmental protection on Indian lands, to provide funds for planning and tecluiical assistance, and to develop institutional structures to assure compliance with environmental standards. The question arising from Indian water rights, energy resources on Indian lands, Tribal boundaries and Indian sovereignity assures that dealing with the Tribes is going to be an area of continuing regional and national concern. Region VIII can assume a lead role in developing expertise in dealing with environmental concerns on Indian lands. 59 ------- 3. Preparation and Dissemination of technical and Management Information $120,000 Utilization of energy-environment data and information by all levels of government to support policy making aiid implementation decisions is of utmost importance if the full benefits of governmental energy-environment program investments are to be maximized. These funds would provide for compilation, analysis and presentation of energy data generated by the Regional Energy Program through use of manual and computer-assisted analytical techniques. 4. Implement Energy Tracking System $50,000 An energy development monitoring system designed to track the development of energy fuels in Region VIII will be completed in August 1976. The project was funded by OEMI with FY'75 funds. Funds are needed to implement the system, primarily to purchase hardware/software equipment and to develop the data base. 5. Implement Information Transfer System $50,000 A major effort for FY'77 is to develop a Regional Energy-Environment Infor- mation Transfer System. Some $150,000 was committed to this effort. A pre- liminary design is scheduled for completion in August 1977. Funds are needed for the purchase of hardware/software equipment to initiate testing and imple- mentation of the system. 6. Support Solid Waste and Noise Planning $120,000 Solid waste and noise control planning are an important part of the com- prehensive energy-environment program to develop total environmental plans for energy impacted areas. Grants were provided to Montana and Wyoming in FY'76 to develop regional and local solid waste plans for energy impacted areas. Funds are needed to develop plans for impacted areas of Colorado and Utah. It is important that funds be provided this fiscal year if these plans are to be integrated with the 208 and AQMA planning efforts which are scheduled for completion in FY'78. FY'75 funds were provided to Colorado, Montana, and North Dakota to develop comprehensive community noise control programs in communities impacted by energy development. Additional funds are needed to implement these programs. In addition, funds are needed to initiate a program for Wyoming. 7. Support Activities to Consult with DOI on Coal Leasing Regulations $50,000 Provide for specialized measuring equipment, maps and specialized consulting services to participate in the DOI Coal Leasing Program. 60 ------- INTERDIVISIONAL FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS FOR REGION VIII ENERGY PROGRAM Organizational Unit Function Office of Energy Activities Regional focal point and clearing house for energy activities. Principal Advisor to Regional Administrator on energy matters. Coordinates and integrates Regional energy-related program activities. Develops and maintains inventory of present and projected energy developmental activities. With operating divisions identifies monitoring, technological, planning, legislative and regulatory needs. Formulates Regional comprehensive energy-environment program. Develops detailed work plans and monitors progress for the Regional energy program. Evaluates energy demand, supply and development considerations. Coordinates socio-economic analyses and projections for energy impact areas. Provides basic data to 201, 208, 303(e), AQMA, noise, drinking water and solid wastes planning. Coordinates Regional environmental planning and monitoring activities for energy impact areas. Provides professional planning staff assistance to Colorado West Area COG. Integrates activities of Headquarters, research labs, and other regions into Regional program. ------- INTERDIVISIONAL FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS FOR REGION VIII ENERGY PROGRAM Organizational Unit Function Office of Energy Activities Represents Region on Oil Shale Environmental Advisory Panel and provides advice to (cont'd) Area Oil Shale Mining Supervisor. Coordinates review of reports relating to oil shale lease tract development. Participates on energy-related interagency advisory committees. Review, prepare and disseminate information and data on energy activities, impacts, and management technology. Supports and coordinates energy-related technical investigations. Investigates impacts of energy exploration, extraction, and conversion technology and recommends control measures. Provide expert review of energy-related EISs. Provides technical review of NSPS for energy industries. Identifies energy research needs and pursues ORD support therefor. Coordinates energy R&D activities among NERCs and other Federal agencies. Water Division Regional lead for 208 planning activities in program target areas. Serves as Project Officers on selected water contracts. Regional lead for Water Resource Council Level B planning activities in energy areas. ------- INTERDIVISIONAL FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS FOR REGION VIII ENERGY PROGRAM Organizational Unit Function Water Division Evaluates basin-wide salinity impacts and effects on downstream users. (cont'd) Predicts effects of development on water quality through modeling techniques. With Energy Office and S&A Division, identifies water monitoring needs and evaluates monitoring data. Coordinates energy-related EIS reviews. ^ Coordinates Regional support for EIS preparation. Reviews adequacy of drinking water supplies for impacted communities. Surveillance & Analysis Division With Energy Office and Operating Divisions, evaluates data and develops monitoring plans. Prepares interagency agreements, grants documents, and other administrative mechanisms to implement monitoring program. Administers the water data collection program including biological investigations. Administers the air quality and meteorological data gathering and monitoring activities. Provides review, advice, information and assistance in establishing and implementing quality assurance provisions in data generating contracts and/or other monitoring efforts. Provides technical assistance to State and Federal agencies for design and imple- mentation of monitoring systems. ------- INTERDIVISIONAL FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS FOR REGION VIII ENERGY PROGRAM Organizational Unit Function Surveillance & Analysis Div. Designs and conducts special field surveys and investigations. (cont'd) Responsible for data storage and retrieval operations. Provides graphical and statistical data displays and reports. Air & Hazardous Materials Div. Conducts attainment/maintenance analyses of designated potential problem areas and advises and assists the State agencies in developing the necessary SIP revisions. Regional lead for AQMA planning. Regional lead for compliance with significant deterioration regulations. Regional lead for indirect source regulations. With Energy Office and S&A Division identifies air monitoring needs and evaluates data. Provides technical assistance to State and Federal agencies for design of air monitoring systems. Coordinates collection and reduction of meteorological data from monitoring systems. Estimates ambient concentrations of airborne pollutants through the use of diffusion models. Coordinates energy-related reviews of compatibility with all applicable ambient and emissions limitations. ------- INTERDIVISIONAL FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS FOR REGION VIII ENERGY PROGRAM Organizational Unit Function Air & Hazardous Materials Div. (cont'd) Evaluates radiological considerations of energy development. Assists states and local governments with development of solid waste management plans for impact areas. Evaluates and develops programs for noise control in impact areas. Reviews energy EISs. Enforcement Division o\ un Assures compliance of industrial and municipal permits in energy areas. Assists in developing BAT for oil shale and coal gasification and associated industries. Coordinates the NSPS and NESHAP effort. ------- |