United States Environmental Protection Agency Administration And Resources Management (3302) EPA 245-S-95-001 February 1995 Summary Of The 1996 Budget ------- Page Intentionally Blank ------- CONTENTS PAGE Overview of the 1996 Budget 3 Operating Budget Summary 11 Air... 13 Water Quality 17 Drinking Water 21 Hazardous Waste , 23 Pesticides 27 Radiation 29 Multimedia 31 Toxic Substances 35 Management & Support 37 Oil Spills 41 Inspector General 43 Superfund...... 47 LUST 53 Water Infrastructure 59 Research And Development 63 State, Local and Tribal Grants . 71 Appendix: Budget Tables 77 Recycled/Recyclable Printed with Soy/Canola Ink on paper lhai contains at toast SO* recycled «ber ------- NOTE: The charts on the following pages include the 1995 Current Estimate and the 1996 President's Budget. Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons between 1996 and 1995 budget levels in the narrative refer to the 1995 Current Estimate and 1996 Resident's Budget. (The "Current Estimate" is the Agency's current plan for using its resources.) Beferences to workyears refer to total workyears rather than only "permanent" workyears. Additionally, some numbers may not add due to independent rounding. Cover Photos: Vera A. Ashworth, Steve Delaney, Michael Feldman ------- OVERVIEW OVERVIEW OF THE 1996 BUDGET In July of 1970, the White House and Congress worked together to establish the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to the growing public demand for cleaner water, air and land. The Agency has achieved significant pollution reduction over the past 25 years, but the challenges we face now are very different from the past. Our mission remains unchanged -- to protect human health and the environment -- but new understandings of environmental relationships require a new agenda. Today, EPA is working in partnership with states, local communities, tribal governments, industry, and environmentalists to implement the many new laws that Congress enacted to ensure a cleaner environment for our children. We are working with our partners and customers to integrate the ecological, economic, and social factors affecting our communities, and these factors are ultimately defined by those who live and work in each community. This new generation of environmental protection or community-based environmental protection is a goal-driven, rather than program-driven, approach to restoring and sustaining healthy human and ecological communities. The 1996 President's Budget for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency demonstrates the President's continued commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment within an era of limited federal resources. The Administration is working to fundamentally change the way government protects our environment and our health - with innovation, flexibility, and fairness. The Agency's budget is $7.4 billion and 18,879 workyeart an increase of $138 million (2%) from 1995. More than one-half of our budget will be transferred directly to our State, local government, tribal and other partners. The hallmark of the Agency's budget is not growth, but change. The Agency's strategic plan, The New Generation of Environmental Protection is the blueprint for this change. Accordingly, our budget incorporates the Agency's guiding strategic principals: ecosystemprotedaon, environmental justice, pollution prevention, strong science and data, partnerships, environmental accountability and reinventing EPA management. Our strategic plan, with its underlying principles, will guide the Agency's planning, resource allocation, and decision-making processes over thenextfiveyears. Change is inherently difficult and filled with uncertainty. The Agency will work with our customers and partners to learn as we go, correcting our course when necessary. Together, as a team, we will develop common sense approaches responsive to both community needs and national environmental goals. HIGHLIGHTS Focusing on Environmental Results The Agency has significantly improved our ability to focus on achieving environmental results. We have learned that, to gauge our success in addressing environmental problems, we must set goals and measure the extent to which human and ecological health are restored, protected and preserved. The Agency has taken steps to fully integrate our strategic planning and budgeting functions and to improve how Agency programs and activities are measured based on environmental results. These efforts are consistent with recent Congressional mandates including the Chief Financial Officers Act (CFO) and the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), as well as recommendations from the National Performance Review. The Agency has several activities underway to ensure effective implementation of GPRA by September 30, 1997. We have six performance pilot projects in place that embrace the spirit of integrating die budget process with measuring environmental results. The lessons we learn from these pilots will guide Agencywide implementation of GPRA over the next few years. In addition, we have several efforts underway to improve our ability to use specific indicators of environmental improvement, such as the number of stream miles opened to fish passage in the Chesapeake Bay, in addition to traditional measures of activities and outputs. ------- OVERVIEW On Earth Day 1995, the Agency will announce national environmental goals that will serve as the core of our long-term strategic plan. These measurable goals are being developed in close collaboration with other federal agencies, and state, tribal, and local governments and will be made available for public review and comment before they are considered complete. The preliminary list of goal areas includes clean air, clean waters, climate change risk reduction, stratospheric ozone layer restoration, healthy terrestrial ecosystems, safe food, safe workplaces, restoration of contaminated sites, safe waste management, preventing spills and accidents, and preventing wastes and toxic products. Streamlining The Agency is actively reinventing each process and each part of the organization to find ways to work smarter and reduce costs. Over the past year, we have established important stepping stones to reinvention in our streamlining and reinvention plan. Every office and region is now involved in the process of transforming our reinvention vision into reality, and we have already achieved significant success in two areas — enforcement and research. The Agency successfully completed a reorganization of all enforcement activities in an effort that impacted each office and region. The process used for this reorganization was a model of employee and stakeholder participation, and the new structure makes enforcement a more effective tool for promoting compliance, pollution prevention, ecosystem protection and environmental justice — all guiding principles of our strategic plan. After extensive examination of the mission and customers of our research program, we are now realigning our research and development laboratories into three national laboratories and two national centers focusing on risk assessment and risk management. This action, along with a substantial investment in long-term research, will enable Agency scientists to more effectively apply their skills to solving environmental problems. Our Agencywide streamlining plan, completed in November of 1993, outlines our commitment to achieve savings through additional streamlining efforts and then reinvest these savings in priority programs. This plan focuses primarily on flattening hierarchies, reducing the number of supervisors, and empowering our employees. Our emphasis has also expanded from streamlining to broad reinvention across the Agency. We completed a reinvention plan in June, which goes well beyond organizational flattening and sets the course for undertaking fundamental changes in the way we do business. Last July, we committed to accelerate the pace of change to ensure the Agency is more responsive to our customers and to dedicate the skills and talents of every employee toward our environmental mission — a cleaner environment. Our goal to fully implement reinvention plans has been moved ahead of the schedule for the rest of the Federal government by two years. The Agency is working to fully implement detailed reorganization plans by September of 1996. Common Sense Initiative The Common Sense Initiative (CSI) is a central aspect of EPA's efforts to improve the way we undertakes our environmental mission. The objective of CSI is to find "cleaner, cheaper, smarter* strategies for tackling the environmental problems that continue to face the nation. CSI is founded on the premise that EPA should be uncompromising regarding the accomplishment of our health and environmental objectives, but flexible in providing regulated entities many cost- effective means of meeting their environmental regulatory obligations. CSI focuses on piloting "cleaner, cheaper, smarter" approaches in six industry sectors: automobile assembly, computers and electronics, iron and steel, metal finishing, petroleum refining, and printing. Each of these pilot projects has six key building blocks or workplan elements. These include regulatory review, pollution prevention, permitting, reporting and recordkeeping, compliance and enforcement, and innovative technology. Each project, directed by a stakeholder team of industry, environmental, state and local government, as well as federal leaders, will be guided by a workplan that spells out specific projects aimed at making policy and management improvements in each of these areas. ------- OVERVIEW Performance Partnerships As EPA continues to enhance its partnerships with the states and Indian tribes, we are working to improve environmental results through increased grant flexibility. Building on pilot programs begun in 1995, the EPA Performance Partnership grants, for which the Administration will request authorization, will allow states to receive one or more consolidated grants as a substitute for several environmental categorical grants. The initiative provides states and tribes an opportunity to target resources toward their most pressing environmental priorities as long as they continue to comply with the environmental statutes and EPA program regulations and standards. The partnership approach will facilitate more coordinated and integrated pollution control and prevention activities at the state and tribal level. Performance partnerships will fulfill the twin goals of easing administrative burden and enhancing environmental protection. Specifically, this initiative will allow states and tribes to consolidate planning, monitoring, and inspection activities. It should also reduce their administrative requirements by permitting a single grant application and workplan, a single match and maintenance of effort requirements, combined reporting requirements and simplified accounting. t Local and Tribal Grants The 1996 President's Budget allocates $683 million to support state, local and tribal environmental programs as part of the Operating Programs. This Budget continues to recognize and maintain the federal government's commitment to support essential state, local and tribal environmental programs. Significant increases are requested in grants for the Public Water System Supervision Program, Toxic Substances Enforcement Program, Hazardous Waste Program, and the Indian General Assistance Program. As described earlier, through Performance Partnerships, the states and tribes will have the opportunity to receive a single grant instead of several media-specific environmental grants. New Stratef ic Direction for Research and Development The Agency will expand efforts to utilize the abilities and expertise of the academic science community through the use of peer reviewed, investigator initiated grants that address the science and research needs of the programs. This continues our commitment to implement the recommendations of the 1994 Laboratory Study, including the restructuring and streamlining of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) laboratory and headquarters operations, and the implementation of a graduate fellowship program. These efforts will create a well-managed, effective research organization that produces high quality, peer-reviewed, timely scientific and technical information in support of the Agency's mission, and ensures the integration of that information into the decision making process. Capital Fund EPA's Working Capital Fund (WCF) will be a revolving fund to finance operations where the costs for goods or services provided are charged to the users. The funds received will be available to continue operations and to replace capital equipment and software. It is essentially a reinvention of the manner in which funding and oversight will be provided for these services. The Agency embarked on this path because of the need to provide quality services in a cost-efficient manner. Until now, EPA's administrative services have been centrally funded and managed. A WCF moves away from centralized control by giving customers a strong voice in determining the amount and type of services they receive. EPA's WCF concept will ensure increased efficiency through reliance on market force mechanisms and will also increase accountability through audited statements. It is also in keeping with the provisions of the Government Management Responsibility Act. Superfund Reform Seventy-three million Americans live within four miles of the Nation's worst Superfund sites, those on the National Priorities List (NPL). That equates to one out of every four Americans. ------- OVERVIEW The Agency has made significant progress in addressing the NPL, with cleanup activities underway at 95 percent of these 1,300 sites. More importantly, the Superfund program has prevented untold amounts of future pollution as thousands of companies have radically changed the way they do business - companies that do not want to be responsible for contaminating our communities. Despite these successes, EPA estimates there may be as many as an additional 1,700 more sites that would be eligible for the NPL, With over a decade of experience and a significant future workload, the Agency has recognized that both administrative and legislative reforms are needed to improve the effectiveness of Superfund, In 1994, the Administration proposed administrative improvements and introduced legislative reforms that were considered in Congress. These reforms were primarily to overhaul the liability system and cleanup selection process. This year, Congress will continue the important debate on statutory reforms. The 1996 President's Budget for Superfund includes funding to continue the administrative reforms initiated in 1994 and to support proposed legislative changes, Water Infrastructure Financing The President is committed to working with state and local governments to improve the Nation's water quality and to ensure the safety of our drinking water. Accordingly, funding is required to construct the local infrastructure needed to meet the mandates of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Financial assistance for this local infrastructure is provided through two programs: the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, established by the Water Quality Act of 1987; and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which EPA strongly recommends be authorized by the 104th Congress. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund provides grants to capitalize state programs that provide low cost financing to municipalities for a broad range of water quality improvement projects including secondary treatment, combined sewer overflows and stormwater control. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program will provide loans for constructing needed improvements to drinking water systems to ensure compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, including the restructuring and consolidation of small drinking water systems. Another facet of our financial partnerships is our international neighbors. EPA is also committed to supporting the environmental side agreements of the North American Free Trade Agreement. To address the very serious pollution problems on both sides of the border, EPA is requesting $ 150 million for construction of needed water quality infrastructure along the U.S. - Mexico Border. Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI) The Administration's Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI) promotes the development, commercialization and use of environmental technology. It seeks to accelerate environmental protection while fostering the creation of new jobs, businesses, and expanding domestic and foreign markets. EPA, in cooperation with other federal agencies, awards ETI funding through nationwide solicitations for research, along with partnerships with state and local governments, tribes, academia and industry. These processes leverage the resources of all participants and enable compliance with federal and state regulations through cost-effective, innovative solutions to environmental problems. Ecosystem Protection EPA continues to build a fundamentally new approach to carrying out our basic mission to protect human health and the environment. Ecosystem protection projects, largely carried out by the Regional Offices, are characterized by a concentration of the Agency's authorities and resources in particular "places". Ecosystem protection is, by its very nature, geographic and community-based environmental protection. It requires that EPA work with all communities on environmental conditions and trends, we buttress our information with quality science, and we deliver information and science to local stakeholders in a form that is understandable and relevant to the place being protected. It further requires that we do this in a manner that ------- involves, rather than dictates, community decisions. Finally, community-based environmental protection means we join in partnerships with other Federal agencies, and state, local and tribal governments in strategically selecting priorities and in defining our role based on the needs of local communities. EPA's commitment to ecosystem protection is an opportunity to address the gaps in environmental protection generated by focusing on individual pollutants or individual sources. It does not signal a willingness to weaken or abandon national standards which provide basic protection of public health and vital natural resources. The 1996 President's Budget reflects our continued efforts to reorient and integrate our single media programs by applying the organizing principle of ecosystem protection. EPA believes that the performance partnerships, described earlier in this document, are an integral component in the implementation of ecosystem protection. In 1996, EPA will work in cooperation with other federal, state, and tribal agencies to provide assistance in six Presidential Ecosystem Initiatives: Anacostia River (Washington, B.C.), South Florida/Everglades, San Francisco Bay/ Delta, die Pacific North west Forests, Coral Reefs, and Pacific Northwest Salmon fisheries. Climate Change Action Plan The President's Climate Change Action Plan is a clear demonstration of the Administration's commitment to form new partnerships — the Action Plan relies almost entirely on partnerships between government and the private sector. In 1996, EPA will fully fund its responsibilities to foster programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. The U.S. approach toward reducing these emissions has many facets and involves EPA and other federal agencies such as the Departments of Energy (DOE), Agriculture (USDA), and Transportation (DOT). EPA's responsibilities under the Administration's program include facilitating voluntary programs aimed at encouraging energy efficient technologies and promoting profitable opportunities for reducing methane emissions. These partnerships will play a critical role in meeting the plan's emission reduction goals without harming the economy. In addition, the U.S. plays an important role in the international arena through the U.S. Country Studies Program which assists developing countries in preparing greenhouse gas inventories and action plans for reducing global warming emissions. EPA will significantly expand marketing and implementation of the Green Lights program, a voluntary program for installing energy-efficient lighting wherever it is profitable; expand marketing and implementation of the Energy Star Buildings program to achieve maximum profitable energy efficiency gains by program participants; continue development of residential energy efficiency programs in coordination with DOE; broaden initiatives to reduce methane emissions in a cost effective manner; continue a collaborative effort with the auto industry to develop a new generation of vehicle that achieves a three-fold increase in fuel economy; and increase efforts to promote source reduction, pollution prevention, and recycling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carrying out these programs will also bring about direct clean air benefits. Implementation of the Climate Action Plan will prevent emissions of 284,000 tons of sulfur dioxide and 140,000 tons of nitrogen oxides. Summary The 1996 President's Budget effectively carries forward the Administration's plan for environmental protection, improved human health, a robust economy, and healthy natural systems. Most Americans understand that, over the long term, human health and economic stability are tied directly to the fate of natural systems, and they expect the federal government to approach environmental protection in a manner that integrates these two concerns. The working goal for EPAi s to restore and maintain the health, sustainability, and biological diversity of ecosystems while protecting human health. Thus, goal-oriented community-based environmental protection is a fundamentally new approach to carrying out our basic mission to protect human health and the environment. ------- Page Intentionally Blank 8 ------- In 1996, The Agency's Budget T>tals $7.4 Billion Cn Operating Programs EZJ Superfund/LUST EO Water Infrastructure $6,515 M $6.459 M $5349 M S ^ $1,723 /////s $1,595 i*77_i,i $2,531 / XXXXX^ $6,030 M ^ $1,913 ] $1.677 1 $2,440 7 / $2,286 f p il,70l| |*o ^oaj S XXXXN?^ / $2,556 ^7% $1,858^ ^ $2.0451 r ^ / $6382 M i^ X $2,602 '////; \ $1.728 %^ [$2,552 $5,568M / $2,661 '//S/^/ $1,7631 $1,1441 > .\\X\\ / $7,229 M* $7^672^5 _/ ^ $2,959* Y///A H$1.501j '///// s s $3,362 77777, $1 640 $2,365 s > /^ 1989 1990 1991 1992 * Includes proposed rescissions 1993 1994 1995 1996 The Agency's \\brkyear Ceiling Remains Constant in 1996 I 1 Operating Programs I2J Superfund/LUST 18,879 18,879 14,444 / 11,562 '////s 2 ft SO f / / / 15,277 / 11,799 Wtt. ^ 47ft I s / / / ,/ Y 16,415 s 12,814 W//A 3,601 s / / s s S / / / / 17.010, . I7.8g9. / ^ 13,291 '///// 3,719 \ f S S / / J ^ / ^ s 13,575 */////< 3,705 \ s>sss s / / / / / 17,106 / 13,330 ¥//// 3,776 \ '////; S / / / / S 14,811 '///// \ 4.068 '///// s 4 / S 14,819 '////A 14060 / V////S / / / / 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 10 ------- THE OPERATING PROGRAMS Air Water Quality Drinking Water Hazardous Waste Pesticides Radiation Multimedia Toxic Substances Management & Support Oil Spills BUDGET SUMMABY 11 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 12 ------- AIR DOLLARS *$71.7M $636.3 M S564.6M t INCREASE 19»5 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1998 PRESIDENTS BUDGET WOMKYEARS 2.400 -2 2.398 DECREASE 190S CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET Polluted air creates harmful health and environmental risks. According to industry estimates, more than 1.8 billion pounds of toxic pollutants were emitted into the atmosphere in 1992, These emissions may result in a variety of adverse health effects including cancer, reproductive effects, birth defects, and respiratory illness. Air pollution from mobile sources such as automobiles accounts for over half of the nationwide emissions of volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and air toxics. The 1996 President's Budget provides $636.3 million and 2,338 workyearsfor the Air Program, an increase of $71.7 million and a decrease of 2 workyears from 1995. EPA's Air programs are responsible for implementing the Clean Air Act, fulfilling the U. S, obligations under the Montreal Protocol, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions set out in the President's Climate Action Plan. The program's largest challenges remain developing, implementing, and enforcing cost-effective programs to reduce air pollution and protect public health and the environment. In implementing the Clean Air Act, EPA mil use not only traditional approaches for controlling air pollution but will also strive to use the power of the marketplace, by encouraging local initiatives and emphasizing pollution prevention. HIGHLIGHTS Reduce Emissionsof Greenhouse Gases In the Climate Change Action Plan—the blueprint for the United States to meet the 1992 Earth Summit goals of stabilizing greenhouse gases — EPA promotes voluntary programs to prevent and reduce emissions of air pollution. EPA's voluntary programs account for nearly 50 percent of the reductions necessary to meet the U.S. goals. Efforts will include: (1) expanding marketing to encourage corporations and others to upgrade energy efficiency and reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) and methane emissions; (2) supporting program development for voluntary programs to assure cost effective decision making; (3) enhancing program implementation to support program partners in achieving their commitments; (4) expanding methane programs to profitably capture and use methane emissions by providing technical support, removing institutional obstacles such as property rights issues and fair pricing from utilities, and recruiting partners for these voluntary program s; and (5) working with industry to develop an affordable car with three times the fuel efficiency of today's cars. 13 ------- AIR Protect the Stratospheric Ozone Lover and Implement the Montreal Protocol Restoring the stratospheric ozone layer through reduction of ozone-depleting compounds will reduce adverse health effects such as skin cancer, cataracts, and immune suppression. Under the Clean Air Act, EPA enforces domestic compliance with the phaseout of ozone-depleting chemicals. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) will be phased-out by January I, 1996, and EPA will certify CFC substitutes and evaluate alternatives to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) and methyl bromide. Under the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. and other industrial nations are also responsible for supporting the efforts of developing nations to find alternatives to ozone-depleting chemicals, both through cooperative programs and programs supported by the Protocol's Multilateral Facilitation Fund. Attain National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) In 1996, a number of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) reviews will be in progress. Additional dollars are requested to accelerate review of the existing standards for particulate matter (PM-10). The Agency will develop national guidelines and standards for major stationary sources where emissions contribute to ozone, sulfur dioxide, PM-10, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution. The Agency will also focus on review and approval of expanded, more stringent state clean air plans. To help states revise their plans to meet the 1990 Clean Air Act requirements, EPA will expand emissions inventories, assure quality data, and develop tracking procedures. EPA will also help states upgrade and expand air quality monitoring systems, including increased grants and technical support for expansion of enhanced ozone and precursor networks in the worst ozone nonattainment areas. Establish Clean Vehicles and Fuel Programs Mobile source emissions of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxide contribute significantly to unhealthy air quality. To reduce these pollutants, EPA will assist states in implementing clean vehicles and fuels programs, such as the clean fuel fleets programs, the renewable oxygenate fuel programs, and the reformulated fuel programs. Implemented on January 1,1995, the reformulated gasoline program requires the use of cleaner gasoline in the nine worst ozone non- attainment areas of the country and allows other areas to opt into the reformulated gasoline program. The Agency will continue to provide additional flexibility to states in developing and implementing their air pollution control plans. The Agency will propose emission standards as required under court-order for several classes of non-road engines and perform over 1,200 tests for in-use vehicle assessment and compliance monitoring. Implement National Air Toxics Standards The Agency will promulgate and implement Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for 43 additional categories of toxics-emitting sources by November 1997 and 87 by November 2000. The Agency will also address air toxics sources not covered under MACT provisions but included in other Clean Air Act requirements, which represent the largest known sources of dioxin emissions in the United States. These sources include commercial and industrial solid waste incinerators and medical waste incinerators. In addition, EPA will begin implementing standards for municipal waste combustors, EPA will also continue to assess air toxics deposition in great waters bodies, address mobile source toxics emissions, and will publish a national strategy for urban air toxics. By the year 2000, the Agency anticipates that the air toxics program will reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants that are known to cause cancer or other adverse health effects by 70% from pre-Clean Air Act levels. Establish State Operating Permit and Fee Programs The Clean Air Act provides for state and local operating permit and fee programs to enhance the effectiveness of programs for reducing 14 ------- AIR acid rain, attaining NAAQS, and reducing air toxics. In 1996, EPA will approve or disapprove state operating permit programs, publish rules governing federal operating permit programs, and assist states that fail to meet the deadlines, EPA will continue outreach and training efforts to help state and local agencies implement their permitting programs. The air grant program will change in 1996 as state and local agencies begin implementing the operating permit program for major stationary sources of pollution. Through collection of permit fees, states will be able to fund some previously grant-eligible activities and make their permit programs self-supporting. As described more fully in the State, Local and Tribal section, grants in this media are eligible to be consolidated with other grants into performance partnership grants, which States and tribes will be encouraged to request. Establish a Market-Based Acid Rain Allowance Trading The acid rain provisions of the Clean Air Act will reduce acid rain causing emissions through an innovative market-based emission allowance program that will provide affected sources with flexibility in meeting emissions reductions. The acid rain program will complete certifications of continuous emissions monitoring systems for over 2,000 utility units and will review and approve state programs for issuing Phase II acid rain permits. The Agency will also be operating and upgrading the first stage of an integrated acid rain data system. EPA will track hourly emissions data from each certified source, track allowance allocations and transfers, and reconcile accounts at the end of each year. The Agency will continue to approve applications for allowances under the conservation and renewable energy reserve, and encourage energy efficiency as a compliance strategy. Indoor Air The Building Air Quality Alliance program, a voluntary partnership program established in 1995, will be expanded to further develop economic and market incentives to encourage building operators to improve indoor air quality. EPA Regional Offices will play a major role in recruiting additional building partners and in working with states and other governmental and nongovernmental organizations to identify indoor air related health risks. The indoor air program will continue the Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation (BASE) to characterize indoor air conditions in large buildings; provide guidance to schools on indoor air quality; and operate the Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse. Stronger Enforcement Efforts The Agency will enforce the Title V Operating Permits program and the air toxics program to support the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA). New air toxic standards will be in effect, which will call for significant compliance and enforcement efforts. The new air toxic requirements include standards that will affect the drycleaners, degreasers, coke ovens, synthetic organic chemical manufacturers sterilizers, and other sources. Activities will range from educating state and local permitting authorities on the new requirements to targeting and developing enforcement actions where necessary to deter noncompliance. The Agency will continue its comprehensive program to evaluate the effectiveness of compliance monitoring and inspection targeting programs to ensure more effective use of inspection resources. Air Research EPAis requesting a total of $ 106.7 million and 458 workyears for Air research in 1996, an increase of $2.5 million and decrease of 11 workyears from 1995. The Air research program supports the Agency by providing research and development-derived scientific data and information for regulatory, policy and public information needs of the Air Program. The outcomes of this research are necessary for setting air criteria and standards and for public policy decisions required for EPA to implement Clean Air Act and other air program initiatives, Included in this request are resources to address global climate, stratospheric ozone depletion, air toxics, 15 ------- AIR criteria air pollutants, pollutants from motor vehicles, and indoor air pollution. Several significantehanges are presented in the 1996 President's Budget includingincreases to study widespread ozone non-attainment problems, the health impacts of air toxics in urban areas, and to assess the risks posed by air deposition of hazardous pollutants to the great water bodies. These increases are balanced by decreases in other air media research including pollution from motor vehicles, indoor air, acid deposition, stratospheric ozone depletion and global climate mitigation. EPA will seek to utilize the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or in the private sector. 16 ------- WATER QUALITY DOLLAMS $522.4 M +13 JM $528.9 M INCREASE 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 19fl6 PRESIDENTS BUDGET WQHKYEASS 2,182 -17 1990 DECREASE 2,165 1S»5 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1900 PRESIDENTS BUDGET The Water Quality program has moved over the years from addressing source problems of discharges from industrial and municipal facilities to broader approaches. In 1995, EPA made a dramatic redirection to consider all sources of water quality pollution by looking at entire watersheds. This broader "place based" approach considers critical ecosystems affected, stakeholders involved, strong science and data available, and pollution prevention strategies in developing effective solutions. In this way, source and nonpoint source problems — such as wet weather runoff from farms, streets, lawns and construction sites -- will be addressed. This is critical since nonpoint pollution has become one of the nation's most significant remaining water quality problems. The Water Quality program is mandated by the Water Quality Act of 1987, which amended the Clean Water Act. This 1987 Act enhanced water quality management and improved the Agency's partnerships with the states. This Act also authorized the development of new standards and guidelines to prevent and control water quality pollution and authorized new approaches to deal with nonpoint sources of pollution. Other statutory mandates for this program are in the Great Lakes Critical Programs Act, Water Resources Development Act, the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act, the Shore Protection Act, and the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments. Since the 1987 Act is up for reauthorization, the Administration will seek more flexibility for the Agency and the states to develop the necessary tools to improve our nation's water quality. The 1996 President's Budget provides $525.9 million and 2,165 workyearsfor the Water Quality program. This request represents a net increase of $3.5 million and a net decrease of 17 workyears from 1995. This net change reflects increases of $32.3 millionfor high-priority programs, disinvestments of $24.3 million in lower priority areas, and realignment of $4.6 million to other areas to improve service. The increase incorporates two programs that have been transferred to the Water Quality Media from the Water Infrastructure Media (Water Quality Management Cooperative Agreements and Nonpoint Source Grants) to provide more grant flexibility to the states. The increases are for the South Florida/Everglades Restoration Initiative, a Regional Ecosystem Implementation Corps, development of environmental indicators to help assess environmental changes, and the strengthening of the Water Quality enforcement program. Decreases are primarily proposed in Water Quality research. As described more fully in the State, Local, and Tribal Grants section, several grants in the Water Quality media are eligible to be consolidated with other grants into performance partnership grants, which states and tribes will be encouraged to request. 17 ------- WATER QUALITY HIGHLIGHTS Presidential Initiatives The Water Quality Program is implementing a number of Presidential Environmental Initiatives in 1996. First, EPA will continue to support its commitment to the President's Watershed Restoration Initiative which addresses nonpoint source pollution by providing grants tostatesunder section 319 of the Clean Water Act. Through these funds, states will be able to better address some of the pervasive problems contributing to their water quality problems. Second, EPA will continue to implement the President's Wetland Plan issued in August 1993. Maintaining the focus of the interim goal of no net loss of wetlands and the long term goal to increase the quantity and quality of wetlands, EPA will continue to support market-based incentives to address wetland loss and alterations. This effort will include grants to states, tribes and territories to strengthen their wetlands protection programs. Third, EPA will participate in various Presidential Ecosystem Initiatives to accelerate restoration of certain threatened ecosystems and demonstrate better ecosystem management. These include the following four (4) major ecosystem initiatives: Anacostia River Watershed; South Florida/Everglades Restoration; Pacific Northwest Forest; and the San Francisco Bay Delta. Increases are primarily for the South Florida/Everglades Restoration Initiative to help implement the Water Quality Protection Program for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and related restoration activities in South Florida. Ecosystem Regional Implementation The key to successfully implementing the "community based* environmental protection is to develop partnerships with stakeholders living and working within a geographic area. In 1996, EPA will establish a Regional Implementation Corp of 20 workyears to work with the states and other stakeholders to help define their problems in specific ecosystems, set priorities, and implement acceptable solutions. An essential function of these teams will be to develop the necessary tools, including impact assessments and grant agreements, that provide each state the flexibility to allocate Federal resources among its unique set of priorities. In addition, the Regional Implementation Corps will coordinate with other Federal agencies to ensure the pursuit of common goals in addressing key environmental problems in particular ecosystems. Improve Technical Tools and Data To determine the nature of water quality problems, what actions to take, and evaluate the results of the actions taken, the Agency will invest in developing better scientific and technical tools and data. This effort will focus not only on specific pollutants and water quality parameters, but also tools and data linked to living resources and habitat. This investment will help remove barriers to integrate data from multiple sources, which will allow comprehensive assessments of geographical places. Assuring Compliance with Clean Water Act Permits The Water Quality Program is promoting a comprehensive approach for compliance and enforcement to ensure environmental accountability in protection of the nation's water quality. The Water Quality enforcement program will ensure compliance with permits issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters. This enforcement program will use necessary enforcement tools, such as administrative orders, administrative penalties, and civil judicial and criminal prosecution to foster compliance. Water Quality Research In 1996, the Agency is requesting a total of $21.2 million supported by 180 workyears for WaterQuality research, a decrease of $1.7 million and 8 workyears from 1995. The Water Quality research program develops and analyzes scientific data and technologies necessary for EPA to fulfill its mission to protect designated uses of our Nation's waters and related ecosystems. Water Quality research provides the data, technologies, scientific information for criteria and standards 18 ------- WATER QUALITY development and technical assistance activities toother EPA programs, states, and municipalities. Significant changes are exhibited in the 1996 Water Quality research budget. The merging of several related research activities to form the Integrated Ecosystem Protection and Restoration Research Program will be completed. The consolidated program will focus on multiple biological and chemical stresses within ecosystems. Wastewater and sludge research is reduced while continuing to support the technical review of guidance on the effectiveness of proposed sludge treatment processes. EPA will seek to utilize the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or the private sector. 19 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 20 ------- DRINKING WATER $165,6 M DOLLARS +$18.5 M $184.2 M t 1908 INCREASE 1985 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1998 PRESIDENTS BUDGET 795 WQRKYEAMS -15 1990 DECREASE 780 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET The Drinking Water program was established to ensure that public water supplies are free of contamination that may pose unacceptable human health risks, and to protect our ground water resources. The 1993 Milwaukee drinking water crisis and further outbreaks in Washington, B.C. and New York City shook public confidence in our drinking water quality. Currently, some communities throughout the United States are struggling to deal with pollutants in their drinking water supplies. The 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) impose nationwide safeguards for drinking water and establish Federal enforcement responsibility when necessary. The Amendments buttress EPA's commitment and responsibility to ensure that safe drinking water is provided from public water supplies. For the 1996 Drinking Water Program, the President's Budget requests $184.2 million and 780 workyear§ representing an increase of $18.6 million and adecrease of 15 workyearsfrom 1995. The net increase in dollars represents an increase to Public Water Systems Supervision (PWSS) program grants, the Source Water Protection Program (SWPP), and small system viability. This net change reflects increases of $30.3 million for high priority programs, disinvestments of $14,3 million in lower priority areas and realignment of $6.5 million into Drinking Water to improve service. The net decrease in workyears reflects a decline in federal oversight in state drinking and groundwater programs, centralization of lab certification, and completion of work with the World Health Organization. HIGHLIGHTS The 1996 Drinking Water Program will ensure the protection of human health while undue regulatory burdens are relieved through system-specificflexibility and greater reliance on source waterprotectiontopreventcontamination. The Program will expand on 1995 activities in the following areas: strengtheningpartnerships with the states, supporting small drinking water systems, and improving science and assessment. Strengthening State Partnerships To assist the states in keeping pace with drinking water standards, EPA, in 1996, will provide more flexibility to the states. First, Federal oversight of Public Water Systems Supervision (PWSS) Programs will be reduced. Second, EPA will expand support for a community-based Source Water Protection Program (SWPP) to protect surface and ground water as well as broader protection areas, such as recharge areas. Third, the EPA will increase PWSS Program Grants to help match the increase in state workload for the implementation of drinking water regulations. 21 ------- DRINKING WATER Fourth, the Drinking Water Program will essentially complete the new Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) and focus attention on training states and regional offices to provide timely, accurate data on drinking water quality, compliance, and system needs. This greater flexibility and stronger support should assist states in retaining primacy for their Drinking Water Programs. As described more fully in the State, Local and Tribal Grants section, grants in this media are eligible to be consolidated with other grants into performance partnership grants, which States and tribes will be encouraged to request. Supporting Small Prinking Water Systems Support for small drinking water systems continues to be a major focus of the Drinking Water Program. The Agency is expanding its initiative focused on building or improving tie infrastructure of small disadvantaged communities. These communities are in need of technical and financial assistance to understand the alternatives and to make investments in drinking water infrastructure. EPA will also work with the states in developing programs for assessing the viability of existing and future small drinking water systems. Strenftheninj? Science and Assessment The Drinking Water Program will strengthen its scientific basis for identifying which contaminants in drinking water need to be regulated and at what level. The Agency will improve and expand the occurrence database to determine which contaminants pose significant health risks. In addition, we will support strong science and assessment by continuing to analyze treatment technologies and analytical methods. Strong Enforcement The Drinking Water Enforcement program is committed to a strong and expanded enforcement presence to ensure that water supplies meet SDWA requirements, including emergency enforcement actions where appropriate. The program will promote environmental accountability as well as protect public health through enforcement of the Underground Injection Control (UIC) and the Public Water Systems Supervision (PWSS) programs. Under the PWSS program, the priority will be enforcement of the Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) and the Lead and Copper Rule. Drinking Water Research The Agency is requesting a total of $21.7 million and 158 workyears in 1996 for Drinking Water research, a decrease of $0.5 million and no change in workyears from 1995. The Drinking Water research program provides the scientific analysis, data, and information needed to identify and regulate drinking water contaminants and assure the safety of public water supplies in cost effective ways. The Agency is requesting increased resources for critical research and scientific support for disinfection and disinfection by-products research. Nonpoint source research activities under Integrated Ecosystems Protection and Restoration have been consolidated under the Multimedia research program. The Agency continues its groundwater research to help protect underground sources of drinking water and support the new Source Water Protection Program. EPA will seek to utilize the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or the private sector. 22 ------- HAZARDOUS WASTE DOLLARS »$30.0M $324.8 M 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1998 PRESIDENTS BUDGET WORKVEARS 1,565 -40 1996 DECREASE 1.524 IMS CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET The Hazardous Waste program was established to address the prevention, management and disposal of hazardous and municipal solid wastes generated nationwide. Hazardous wastes are produced by over 180,000 large business and industries, such as chemical and manufacturing plants, and small businesses, such as dry cleaners and printing plants. Approximately 196 million tons, 4 pounds per person per day, of municipal solid wastes are produced annually. These wastes can pose short and long term health and environmental hazards unless they are properly managed and disposed. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, as revised by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) of 1984, provides the legislative mandate to ensure safe management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, minimize generation of both hazardous and solid wastes and prevent and detect leakage from underground storage tanks (UST). The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, set up a framework to address risks posed by hazardous chemicals in communities. The 1996 President's Budget provides $324.8 million and 1,524 workyearsfor the Hazardous Waste program, an increase of $30.0 million over 1995. The increase in resources includes funding for permit streamlining, environmental justice, tribal support and the Agency's Common Sense Initiative. The apparent decrease of 40 workyears reflects a shift from individual media to a new focus on industry sectors and ecosystems. HIGHLIGHTS In 1996, the Agency will ensure the Hazardous Waste program is pragmatic and effective by revising program guidance and strategies to encourage management approaches that reflect relative risk, helping state and tribal governments meet their environmental mandates, encouraging use of new technologies, and providing a national outreach and education network. Promoting Regulatory Flexibility and Innovation The 1996 President's Budget for the Hazardous Waste regulatory program is $69.2 million and 299 workyears, an increase of $11.2 million and decrease of 2 workyears from 1995. As part of the Agency's efforts to promote flexibility and innovation in environmental regulations, the Hazardous Waste program will continue to work closely with state and local-level groups to establish clearer guidelines and tailor solutions to the locality. Involvement of customers and stakeholders will be maximized in rule and policy development. As part of the Agency's Common 23 ------- WASTE Sense Initiative, EPA will work with industry, environmental groups, state/local officials and other interested parties to examine waste management approaches in the petroleum industry. This will include identifying areas of improvement within all aspects of environmental regulations and exploring ways to include new technologies in the refining process. The Agency will also enhance public participation in environmental decision-making through earlier public meetings, multilingual fact sheets and interpreters, and ensure information is accessible to those affected by agency and state actions. Additional support is also provided for waste minimization outreach to generators of all wastes — hazardous, industrial and municipal, EPA will promote successful waste reduction models which will save industry waste treatment costs while ensuring protection of communities and the environment. Other significant regulatory efforts include making improvements to the RCRA permitting process, working on the Hazardous Waste Identification Rule and incorporating findings of the Definition of Solid Waste Task Force into the RCRA framework. Through public and industry collaboration, these efforts will promote the removal of unnecessary regulatory barriers and encourage better ways of environmental management. The Agency will continue a strong technical assistance program to support state, local and tribal governments. This will include guidance and technical assistance on developing authorized programs, implementing corrective action programs and enhancing data systems. The Agency will also continue efforts to improve the demand for recyclable products, achieve economically viable local recycling programs and include state and local governments in the Wastewi$e program, a voluntary program established with industry to encourage source reduction and recycling. Championing Better Environmental Mtinafetnetit with Stakeholder Participation A total of $69.1 million and 578 workyears is provided for regional implementation, a change of $33.3 million and 142 workyears from 1995. The apparent increase includes a shift of corrective action resources from the Agency's regional enforcement under the enforcement reorganization and the movement of working capital resources (e.g., telecommunication, data processing and postage services) to the regions. EPA will encourage greater regional, state and public participation in improving hazardous waste environmental management. This includes the RCRA permit streamlining initiative recently begun by EPA As part of this initiative, the Agency will expand Regional pilots that enhance efficiency and collaborate with industry to reduce permitting barriers to new innovative treatment technologies. In the corrective action program, EPA will address the enormous challenge of cleaning up the more than 3,400 confirmed releases at treatment, storage and disposal hazardous waste facilities nationwide. The Agency will focus on securing contamination at facilities to reduce immediate risks to communities and the environment. The Agency will also continue implementation of the Hazardous Waste Minimization and Combustion Strategy, As part of this Strategy, the Agency will continue to review permits for existing incinerators, boilers and industrial furnaces and encourage earlier public involvement in the permit process. EPA will also work with owners of waste combustion facilities to reduce their hazardous wastes as part of the broader effort to minimize waste. This will include assisting Large Quantity Generators implement changes to their processes, find substitute materials and use innovative technologies. Other program priorities include providing technical assistance and training to states and tribes, helping to ensure adequate hazardous waste treatment and disposal capacity and strengtheninginformation systems to improve program monitoring and accountability. In 1996, Regional municipal solid waste program priorities include promoting markets for recyclable goods and enhancing Federal sector recyclingprograms. Focusing Enforcement Activities on Higher Risks The 1996 budget for Hazardous Waste enforcement is $34.6 million and 373 workyears, a change of $ 18.0 million and 163 workyears from 24 ------- HAZARDOUS WASTE 1995. This apparent decrease includes the movementof corrective action to EPA's hazardous waste regional implementation program and a shift in resources from a media focus to an industry-based focus. In support of the Agency's waste combustion strategy, EPA will work to ensure combustion facilities are in compliance with permit regulations. In addition, the Agency will work with states to enhance inspection and enforcement activities at these facilities. Other compliance monitoring and enforcement actions will continue against those handlers and non-notifiers presenting the greatest threat to human health and the environment. Pollution prevention provisions will be integrated into enforcement settlements and agreements. Technical assistance and training to Indian tribes and US-Mexican agencies along the Mexican Border are being increased. Resources will be provided to Indian tribes to assist in building their capability to enforce solid waste regulations. Enforcement activities along the Mexican Border are also being emphasized to address international agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Basel Convention agreement Strengthening Local-level The 1996 President's Budget provides $ 13. 1 million and 70 workyears for the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know program, an increase of $3.8 million and 11 workyears from 1995. Additional workyears are provided for reviewing state accident prevention programs, which are required under section 1 12(r) of the Clean Air Act. The Agency will work with states to draft legislation, develop regulations, and support state and local planning committees. If states are unable to implement the section 112(r) programs, then the Agency is legally obligated to implement the mandates of the program. The President's Budget also provides an additional $3.0 million and 10 workyears to enhance and improve existing chemical safety and hazard investigation activities to support requirements of section 112 of the CAA In addition, the Administration directly provides the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with $3 million to collaborate with EPA in these efforts, EPA and OSHA will jointly investigate and determine the cause and effects of significant chemical releases into the environment, provide reports to the public on their investigations and safety recommendations, and coordinate with Congress and governmental agencies to ensure safety of production, processing, handling and storage of hazardous chemicals. The Agency will assist states and local communities, including those along the Mexican Border, implementtheirTitle III emergency plans. This includes providing technical assistance and training in accident prevention techniques, publishing better information about sources of pollution in communities and improving existing databases to help communities effectively use facility reportinginformation. To help accomplish this, additional resources will be used to enhance Landview, a software system that combines and displays demographic, economic and environmental information. Eliminating Health Risks Posed bv Underground Storage Tanks A total of $7.2 million and 61 workyears is provided for the Underground Storage Tank (UST) implementation program. The Agency has adopted a decentralized approach to UST program implementation by building and supporting strong state, local and tribal programs. EPA will also work with states to develop and obtain approval for state UST programs. The Agency will work with states and local governments, who regulate approximately 1.2 million tanks at 700,000 facilities, oversee corrective actions, implement prevention programs, promote and enforce leak detection compliance, and encourage early compliance with the 1998 tank upgrading deadline. 25 ------- HAZARDOUS WASTE Enhancing State and Tribal Prof rams with Grant Fundituf The President's Budget provides $108.7 million in grant funds to support state hazardous waste and UST programs, an increase of $2.9 million from 1995. An increase of $600 thousand is targeted for building consistent, strong, Agency-approved state and tribal UST programs. UST state and Tribal grant funds provide a base level for core program activities such as tank notification, installation and technical operating standards, as well as tank upgrade, closure and financial responsibility. EPA will also assist states to form adequate statutes and regulations, develop state program approval applications, implement an enforcement program and perform outreach to the regulated community and other affected parties. RCRA grants help states in their continuing efforts to achieve and maintain consistency with the Federal hazardous waste management program. The elimination of post-closure permits and other streamlining reductions will allow the Agency to increase support for stabilizing contaminated sites. Additional resources will be targeted at pollution prevention and permit streamlining efforts. In other RCRA activities, EPA will continue working with states to permit facilities, conduct inspections and enforcement activities, and increase community outreach to disadvantaged urban areas. As described more fully in the State, Local and Tribal Grants section, grants in this media are eligible to be consolidated with other grants into performance partnership grants, which states and tribes will be encouraged to request JSmphasizine Waste Disposal Research EPA is requesting a total of $22.8 million and 144 workyears for Hazardous Waste research in 1996, a reduction of $3.9 million and 29 workyears from 1995. The Hazardous Waste research program provides scientific data and information to the Agency's national program managers which is the basis for the Agency's criteria and standards for waste disposal regulations. Hazardous waste research and technical assistance are provided to states, tribes, municipalities and private industry. In 1996, reductions in Hazardous Waste research are made in several research areas, including waste management, bioremediation, technology transfer, and environmental review of toxic chemicals, grants and centers. These reductions reflect changes in Agency priorities and the redirection of activities to focus on a more comprehensive ecosystems approach. EPA will seek to use the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or the private sector. 26 ------- PESTICIDES DOLLARS +$13.8 M $109.0 M 1995 CUBBENT ESTIMATE PRESIDENTS BUDGET 1,049 WORKfEARS -13 1996 DECREASE 1.036 1996 CUBBENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET The use of pesticides in the United States contributes to increased agricultural production and improves public health through the control of disease-carrying pests. However, acute and chronic human health and environmental risks can be associated with the use of many of these chemicals. EPA is responsible for balancing the risks to the nation's health and environment posed by pesticides with the benefits from the use of pesticides. EPA's authority to regulate pesticides is set forth in two statutes. First, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) requires EPA to license (or "register") all pesticide products. The 1988 Amendments to FIFRA emphasize the reregistration of pesticides based on current scientific data and methodologies. The second statute, sections 408 and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requires EPA to regulate the level of pesticide residues found in raw and processed agricultural commodities. In 1996, EPA is requesting a total of $109.0 million and 1,036 workyears for the Pesticides program. This reflects an increase of $13,8 million and a decrease of 13 workyears. Resources have been redirected toward: (1) reassessing and revising pesticide tolerances; (2) implementing the Worker Protection Standards; (3) supporting safer pesticides and improving pesticide product labeling; (4) expanding efforts to reduce the use of pesticides; and (5) enhancing pesticide databases. The net decrease in workyears reflects redirections from lower- priority activities and the redirection of pesticides research resources to the Multimedia research program. As described more fully in the State, Local and Tribal Grants section, grants in this media are eligible to be consolidated with other grants into performance partnership grants, which states and tribes will be encouraged to request. HIGHLIGHTS $afer Food Through Tolerance Reassessment and Improved Labeling The Administration will improve the safety of America's food supply by reassessing pesticide residues in food. EPA, in cooperation with USDAand FDA, has identified new scientific work that is needed to carry out various food safety improvements recommended by the National Academy of Science. In 1996, these improvements will include reassessments and revisions of the tolerance-setting process. EPA will continue to ensure that tolerances reflect the mostcurrent scientific information available. EPA will also continue to cooperate and consult with USD A, FDA, and Hie states by sharing information and working together to improve the monitoring of pesticides and residues in food and animal feed. Increased emphasis will be placed on reviewing current pesticide labels, negotiating improvements to labels on currently-registered pesticide products, and developing prototype 27 ------- PESTICIDES labels on which industry can model their own labels. Improvements in the information content of pesticide product labels will empower pesticide users to make more informed choices about the pesticides they use. Worker Protection Standards Implemented 1996 will be the second year of implementation of the Worker Protection Standards (WPS), which are designed to ensure adequate and effective protection of farm workers and pesticide handlers. Development and distribution of support materials, training, and follow-up are critical elements of this program. In 1996, implementation of the WPS will be expanded through a targeted communications program. Additional workyears in the Regions will provide liaison and technical assistance to the states, coordination with other Federal agencies, and assistance in the development, use and distribution of public information materials to farm workers and pesticide handlers. ReducedUse of Pesticides Encouragetj EPA supports reduction of risks to human health and the environment by encouraging the reduced use of pesticides. In 1996, the Agency will engage in specific projects designed to encourage reduction of both urban and agricultural pesticide use. New commodity- specific strategies will be developed in conjunction with commodity groups. These strategies will examine the cultivation and handling of specific commodities, current pesticide uses, pesticides of concern, and alternatives that could reduce pesticide use or encourage the use of safer pesticides. EPA will also investigate development of use reduction strategies for non-agricultural uses, especially those related to uses in and around the home. For reregistration of pesticide products, appropriated funds will be supplemented by fee revenues in 1996. These total resources will enable EPA to issue 43 pesticide reregistration decisions in 1996. These decisions will contribute to the safety of the Nation's food supply by ensuring that pesticides used on food and/or animal feed have undergone rigorous scientific review and analysis. Pesticide Database Access Encouraged Enhancements to the pesticides information system will provide public access to pesticide databases and will provide information on the status, key facts about particular pesticides, regulatory positions, bibliographies, and other information. Access to this information will assist citizens in making more informed decisions so they can better influence behaviors in their communities. Pesticides Enforcement The Pesticides Enforcement program continues to manage and oversee the state and Federal pesticide enforcement cooperative agreement program. This program will provide enforcement training and policy guidance to the states. The program continues to work with the states in folio wing up on any pesticide suspension/ cancellation actions through state compliance monitoring and enforcement programs. The states will continue to receive $16.1 million in state pesticide enforcement grant funding, which is included in the Multimedia program. Pesticides Research EPA is requesting a total of $13.6 million and 88 workyears in 1996, a decrease of $0.2 million and 22 workyears from 1995. These resources have been reallocated to the Multimedia research program to be consistent with the Agency's move to address environmental problems on a more comprehensive ecosystem basis. Pesticides research continues its focus on reducing risks from pesticides to human health and the environment. The Pesticides research program provides to the Agency's national program managers the scientific data and information needed to determine the safety and efficacy of pesticides. EPA will seek to use the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, otherfederal agencies, or the private sector. 28 ------- RADIATION DOLLARS +$11.9 M $43.8 M $55.2 M 1 1996 INCREASE 190S CUBBENT ESTIMATE 1990 PRESIDENTS BUDGET 328 WORKYEARS +5 333 1998 INCREASE 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1896 PRESIDENTS BUDGET Radioactive materials are used or stored at thousands of federal facilities, over 100 nuclear reactors, and many thousands of other locations, EPA guidance and standards for the cleanup and management of radioactive materials will ensure that the federal government does not spend billions of dollars in unnecessary cleanup costs. EPA programs will also address risks from human exposure to radon, a radioactive gas that occurs naturally throughout the country, and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (after smoking). Another key radiation program component is EPA's oversight of the Department of Energy's (DOE) operation of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), a potential radioactive waste disposal site. The 1996 President's Budget provides $55.2 million and 333 workyearsfor radiation programs, an increase of $11,9 million and five workyears from 1995. The Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA) is responsible for protecting human health and the environment from exposure to radiation pollutants and radon. ORIAdevelops protection criteria, provides technical assistance to states and other agencies, directs environmental monitoring programs, responds to radiological emergencies, and evaluates the overall risk and impact of radiation on human health. The Office of Research and Development (ORD), under a reimbursable agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE), is responsible for a radiation safety monitoring program at DOE's Nevada Nuclear Test site. HIGHLIGHTS Continuing the Innovative. Non-Regulatory The greatest exposure to radon comes when radon diffuses through the soil and becomes trapped inside homes and other buildings at dangerously high levels of concentration. The radon program will continue to implement the activities authorized by the Indoor Radon Abatement Act including: the State Indoor Radon Grant Program, the National Radon Proficiency Programs, the Regional Radon Training Centers, promotion of model radon- resistant construction standards and techniques, and technical assistance to states and localities. The radon program will continue targeting areas with the potential of high radon levels and will focus on achieving results by tracking and setting goals for environmental indicators including the percentage of homes and schools tested and mitigated, and homes built using radon-resistant features. As part of the Agency's focus on environmental justice, the radon program will increase its work with organizations that specialize in reaching minority and low-income populations. The radon program also provides state grants which states use to develop and implement radon assessment, control, and mitigation programs. Distribution of these grants will be based on risk targeting and include consideration 29 ------- RADIATION of each state's adoption of radon model construction standards and use of previously awarded grants. Activities to be supported include: alerting the public to health risks from radon; consumer protection through the testingprogram; and helping to identify and remedy problems. Overseeinf DOE Waste Disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Prafect In 1996, EPA will complete a variety of tasks associated with the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), a disposal site in New Mexico for high-level waste from the production of nuclear weapons. Under the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act of 1992, EPA is responsible for establishing disposal standards, developing regulations to establish compliance criteria, and certifying Departmentof Energy's (DOE) compliance, DOE, which operates WIPP, plans to submit its application for this certification in December 1996. EPA must approve or disapprove this application within one year after receipt. Hish l&vel Nuclear'Waste Standards for Yucca Mountain Under the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the Agency must set standards regulating the disposal of spent nuclear fuel at the proposed repository in Yucca Mountain, Nevada. In 1996, EPA is requesting additional funds to ensure that the Yucca Mountain disposal system adequately controls releases of radioactive material, thereby protecting public health and the environment. Implementing Existing Standards and New Requirements EPA will continue to establish standards for the cleanup of radioactive contamination and waste management, and promote the transfer of implementation responsibilities for the radionuclide National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) to the states. The Agency will emphasize enhancements to its radiological emergency preparedness capabilities to ensure a state of readiness for nuclear accidents, including participation in field exercises, and providing training to the states. Continuing Radiation Research To support the Department of Energy (DOE) offsite radiation monitoring program, the Agency is receiving funding for a total of 64 reimbursable workyears, an increase of five reimbursable workyears from 1995. These scientific support staff provide information needed by DOE policy makers on the control of exposure of the public to radioactive materials resulting from testing and manufacture of nuclear materials. These activities are associated with the DOE Nevada Test Site and include operation of monitoring networks and lab analysis to monitor releases and migration of radioactive materials. 30 ------- MULTIMEDIA DOLLARS +$147.2M $590.1 M $442.9 M 1900 INCREASE 1905 CURRENT ESTIMATE 100* PRESIDENTS BUDGET WORmEARS +184 1,650 1,834 1008 INCREASE 190S CURRENT ESTIMATE 1908 PRESIDENTS BUDGET EPA's effective response to environmental problems today requires a comprehensive cross-media approach. Environmental problems are complex by nature and require a broad base of scientific knowledge to understand them and design effective solutions. Multimedia program activities promote an integrated approach to environmental protection and provide cross-media support to Agency media programs. As described more fully in the State, Local and Tribal Grants section, some of the grants in this media are eligible to be consolidated with other grants into performance partnership grants, which States and tribes will be encouraged to request Research and development is the largest component of the Multimedia program and includes integrated ecosystem protection and restoration research, exploratory grants and centers, and innovative technologies. EPA's reorganized enforcement and compliance assurance effort provides legal support for enforcement actions, civil and criminal investigations, and compliance and enforcement relating to Federal facilities. This multimedia enforcement approach is a consolidated enforcement function that targets action, makes full use of all available statutory authorities and establishes a clear and consistent approach. Other major Multimedia activities include: pollution prevention, U.S. Mexico Border Activities, and Environmental Education. In 1996, EPA requests a total of $690.1 million and 1,834 workyeargfor Multimedia programs. This represents an increase of $147.2 million and 184 workyears from 1995. Of the increase, approximately $60 million are related to realignments made as part of the Agency's continued streamlining and emphasis on integrating activities across media. HIGHLIGHTS Environmental Issues in Tribal In 1996, EPA will continue to expand and improve its program delivery to tribal governments and to develop government- to-government relations with tribes infulfillment of its trust responsibilities. The American Indian Environmental Office (MEO), which was created to assist tribes in addressing multimedia environmental issues and to implement and coordinate the Agency's environmental policies, will continue to support tribal governments in building capacity through technical assistance and general assistance grants. AIEO will also continue development of a national tribal environmental strategy; develop and operate a clearinghouse for tribal environmental information; coordinate interagency cooperation for the improvement of environmental conditions in tribal lands; and support the Agency's Tribal Operations Committee. 31 ------- MULTIMEDIA IncreaigiJM£0llution Prevention Preventing pollution is advocated by EPA as a cost-effective approach to protecting human health and the environment. Since the enactment of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, EPA has emphasized the development of multimedia pollution prevention strategies to prevent or reduce pollution at the source, whenever possible. In 1996, EPA is requesting a total of $30.0 million and 62 workyears for multimedia pollution prevention activities. This level represents an increase of $13.4 million and 41 workyears from 1995. The increases reflect the transfer of resources from the Toxic Substances media as a result of a realignment of the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics budget structure, a new program initiative on environmentally preferable products, and continued support for the Environmental Justice and Environmental Technology Initiatives. The environmentally preferable products initiative will implement Executive Order 12873, which requires EPA to issue guidance that recommends "environmentally preferable products* criteria that Executive agencies should use in making procurement decisions. Grant resources will remain at the 1995 level. EPA will continue to provide $6.0 million in pollution prevention and technical assistance program grants. These funds will support state and local integration of pollution prevention approaches in state regulatory programs and adopt non-regulatory pollution prevention approaches to control hazardous chemicals. EPA will also continue to disseminate technical information on new and innovative methods of remedial technologies and will assist states and local communities in developing the capability to manage effective response programs. Emphasize Stronger Environmental Enforcement The Agency's reorganized enforcement programs continue to move towards a multimedia enforcement approach. Multimedia enforcement includes multimedia inspections, enforcement and compliance activities with the Agency's civil and criminal enforcement resources. An emphasis is placed on federal facility support, fully funding the criminal investigators in the Pollution Prosecution Act (PPA) staffing levels and environmental justice. The 1996 request for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance is $150.4 million and 1,109 workyears, an increase of $26.4 million and 46 workyears from 1995. The 1996 budget provides for continued development of a strong national criminal investigation and enforcement program mandated under PPA. This investment will allow EPA to continue to fulfill the criminal investigator requirements of the Pollution Prosecution Act and pursue civil and criminal cases against corporations and individuals who violate environmental laws. The Common Sense Initiative supports both sector-based enforcement strategies, and continued development and utilization of integrated compliance information systems, which allow strategic targeting of compliance activities. Core program investments promote strategic use of enforcement and compliance tools to target ecosystems and industries with particularly poor compliance records which pose the greatest risk. Additionally, the Agency will be investing more resources in multimedia sector compliance activities, lead enforcement efforts, enforcement of the Clean Air Act Amendments, and EPCRA enforcement. EPA Supports President's Commitment of Environmental Compliance by Federal Agencies The Agency's Federal Facilities Program will ensure Federal agencies comply with environmental requirements at their facilities and administer negotiated Federal Facility Compliance Agreements. EPA continues to promote greater multimedia and pollution prevention approaches for environmental compliance at Federal facilities, including implementation of Executive Order 12856. 32 ------- MULTIMEDIA Multimedia The Agency is requesting a total of $357,2 million and 592 workyears in 1996, an increase of $96.5 million and 85 workyears. This increase in workyears and funding above the 1995 level reflects investments in the Administration's Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI), and redirection of resources for environmental hormone research, risk assessment, and funding associated with implementation of laboratory study recommendations, including the graduate fellowship program. Also included is part of the Agency-wide investment in the Common Sense Initiative, dedicated to finding "cleaner, cheaper, smarter* strategies to address environmental problems. Additionally, 1996isthefirstyearthat Working Capital Fund resources will be transferred into the Office of Eesearch and Development to permit direct program expense management and accountability. There is an increase in workyears for Ecosystems Protection and Restoration activities, the result of a realignment of ecosystems-related work previously funded under the Pesticides, ToxicSubstances, Drinking Water and Hazardous Waste research medias. Workyears have been added for the Improved Science Capability program designed to promote regular scientific interchange between the Agency and post-doctoral investigators and visiting scientists from industry and academia. EPA will seek to utilize the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or the private sector. Tackling Environmental Challenges Along the U.S.-Me^cfn Border Attention to the environmental side agreements associated with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will continue in 1996 through EPA's Mexican Border Offices (located in El Paso, Texas and in San Diego, California) which will launch a new approach to community outreach along the U.S.-Mexican border. Resources redirected in 1995 will be complemented with additional workyears to help guarantee that EPA works closely with local governments to resolve the complex, multimedia environmental problems facing communities along the U.S.-Mexiean border. Both Offices will also play important roles in coordinating EPA activities with the International Boundary & Water Commission, the Pan American Health Organization, the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission, and the North American Development Bank. Commitment to Future Generations Evident Through Environmental Education and Regional Multimedia Initiatives EPA's environmental education program will receive additional resources in 1996 to expand the grant programs authorized under the National Environmental Education Act, These grant programs are responsible for promoting and instilling an environmental ethic in the Nation's youth, educators, community activists, and public decision-makers with the aim of increased environmental protection. In addition, the 1996 budget includes resources for the Regional Multimedia program which is designed to fund projects that are high risk and/or geographically unique to a particular region of the country. This investment represents the Administration's commitment to help local governments and public citizens resolve environmental problems in their communities. 33 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 34 ------- Toxic DOLLARS WQRKYEABS $126.2 M 49.7M $116,5 M 866 & Info DECREASE •75 IBM DECREASE 780 IMS CURRENT ESTIMATE 19W PRESIDENTS BUDGET 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET Today the United States chemical industry manufactures or imports more than 50,000 commercial chemicals. Each year approximately 2,500 new chemicals are developed and added to this list of existing chemicals. EPA is responsible for protecting the public and the environment from the risks associated with the manufacture, use, and disposal of all commercial toxic chemicals. The Toxic Substances program isgovemed by a number of major statutes which emphasize the risks associated with toxic chemicals and the promotion of pollution prevention. The first statute enacted into law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requires EPA to protect human health and the environment from risks associated with the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, and disposal of chemicals. The Residential Lead-based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (commonly known as Title X) requires that a national approach be developed to deal with lead-based paint in the nation's housing stock. The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 requires EPA to develop and carry out a strategy to advance pollution prevention and source reduction. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires facilities that emit toxic materials to report those emissions and requires EPA to collect and provide the data to the public. In 1996, the President requests $116.5 million and 780 workyears for the Toxic Substances program, a decrease of $9.7 million and 75 workyears from 1995. Most of the decrease reflects a reorganization of the budget structure in which activities and resources previously found in the Toxic Substances media were shifted to the Multimedia media. Other disinvestments reflect streamlining efficiencies, completed work, and the redirection of resources to higher priority Agency activities. Within the program, resources are being shifted to focus on "green chemistry" and environmentally preferred products initiatives, expansion of the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), assistance to states for lead abatement activities, and the reassessment of the chemical dioxin. As described more fully in the State, Local and Tribal Grants section, grants in this media are eligible to be consolidated with other grants into Performance Partnership grants, which states and tribes will be encouraged to request. HIGHLIGHTS Dioxin Reassessment Initiated In 1995, EPA initiated a broad scientific study of the highly toxic chemical dioxin, which has been found in beef, dairy, pork and poultry products, which are Americans' main sources of dioxin exposure. In 1996, EPA will continue to evaluate the effects that dioxin may have on human health and the environment and conduct studies. The dioxin exposure initiative will be managed across EPA programs and will be coordinated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, 35 ------- Toxic Green Chemistrv/Preferc&le Products Expanded In 1996, a new "green chemistry" initiative will encourage industry to change the way in which chemicals are designed, manufactured and used. This will catalyze the scientific community in industry, academia, and Federal and state governments to develop and implement fundamental pollution prevention techniques. Green chemistry principles should help the chemical industry become more competitive and efficient. The Agency will begin to identify environmentally preferable products to guide procurementdecisions in the Federal government. This initiative carries out Executive Order 12873, which requires EPA to identify preferred chemical products and provide guidance to other Federal agencies. Lead State Grants Continued EPA supports the states in carrying out lead abatement and lead risk reduction programs. EPA's activities directly address critical lead exposure problems and provide a state lead grant program. In 1996, states will use grant funds to train and certify state and local employees, increase public education and technical assistance, and develop and distribute guidance to renovators and remodelers. This will create new employment opportunities in lead abatement. Toxic Release Inventory Information Expanded EPA's strategy for the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know and Pollution Prevention programs recognizes the right of citizens to be aware of the emission of chemicals to which they may be exposed. EPA consequently emphasizes the importance of making information about significant chemical emissions publicly available, to allow informed public participation in discussions of potential risks that may result from such emissions. The Agency proposes to increase the number of facilities that report under TRI and the number of chemicals for which significant emissions are reported. This will greatly increase the amount of valuable information on potential chemical risks that is available to the public. Enforcement Strengthened The Toxic Substances Enforcement grant program, which is included in the multimedia program, continues to emphasize compliance monitoring of chemical control rules, particularly for polychlorinated biphenyls and asbestos. In 1996, states will continue to implement the lead enforcement program under Title IV. States will continue developing legislation to enhance TSCA enforcement. In addition, inspector training in cross-media issues will be continued. Toxic S\ibstancea Research EPA is requesting $15.5 million and 149 workyears in 1996, a decrease of $2.7 million and 19 workyears from 1995. These decreases reflect changes in Agency priorities and the shift to a more comprehensive ecosystems-based approach to research. The Toxic Substances research program provides scientific support to EPA's national program managers on toxic substances issues and effects. Toxic substances research provides the scientific data and information needed to validate and refine test methods for protocols and guidelines used by industry for submitting data to EPA to meet the requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Funding for biotechnology has been phased down as a result of the need to support emerging Agency research priorities. Resources for ecosystems protection are being consolidated under the Multimedia program element, reflecting a shift in emphasis away from single stressor, individual toxic substance research and toward a multi-stressor, holistic approach to ecosystems protection. EPA will seek to utilize the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or the private sector. 36 ------- & SUPPORT DOLLARS +$96.9 M $768.6 M $666.7 M 10M INCREASE WORKYEARS 8,547 -18 3.529 1906 DECREASE 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET 199S CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET As our understanding of complex environmental problems improves, there is a growing demand for sophisticated technology, analytical expertise, comprehensive matrix management and efficient support services. The Management and Support program ensures that executive direction, policy oversight, and a broad spectrum of administrative support services are provided to all Agency programs and facilities across the nation. These activities are carried out through the efforts of the Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation; the Office of International Activities; the Office of Administration and Resources Management; the Office of the General Counsel; and the Office of the Administrator. Primary activities include planning and budgeting, program evaluation, financial management, economic analysis, audit follow- up, legal counsel, intergovernmental and international relations, information and human resources management, and property maintenance and security. Key statutes being addressed in 1996 include the Government Performance and Results Act, the Chief Financial Officers Act, the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act and Executive Orders on Customer Service, Environmental Justice, and Labor- Management Partnerships. The 1996 budget provides $763.6 million and 3,529 workyearsfor the Management and Support/Buildings & Facilities program. This represents an increase of $96.9 million and a decrease of 18 workyears from 1995, The increase of $96.9 million reflects the net result of increases that have been provided to cover new facilities needs and mandatory support increases such as rent and utilities; increases to high priority programs such as the Environmental Technology Initiative, Global Climate Change, and information resources access; disinvestment in discretionary support services such as copier services and management oversight; and a realignment of funds to improve services through establishment of a Working Capital Fund. HIGHLIGHTS A New Generation of Environmental leadership Guides The 1996 budget provides $56.1 million and 547 workyears for the Office of the Administrator (OA) which provides essential executive policy and administrative functions on behalf of the Administrator, the ten Regional Administrators and other senior managers. This reflects an increase of $2.9 million and a decrease of 11 workyears from 1995. In support of the President's commitment to reinvent government, OA is streamlining current ways of work to allow for investments in priority areas such as environmental justice, environmental education, compliance under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the Administrative Law Judges office. For instance, the placement of ten additional workyears in the Regions for environmental justice and environmental 37 ------- MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT education activities will advance this Administration's commitment to empower and educate local citizens regarding environmental issues; and thereby help ensure a cadre of diverse and representative environmental leaders for the future. Likewise, OA's investments in Title VI compliance and in expanding the number of Administrative Law Judges is designed to address long standing deficiencies. The 1996 budget includes additional workyears to resolve and settle the growing backlog of disputed administrative enforcement cases; and additional workyears to address complaints filed against the Agency under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The 1996 budget also includes support for the President's Council on Sustainable Development and for EPA's continued support of the Vice President's GLOBE program. Policyf Planning, and Evaluation Efforts Focus on Key Agency Initiatives The Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation (OPPE) requests a funding level of $98,4 million and 427 workyears in 1996. This represents a $26.1 million and 23 workyear increase over 1995, As the Agency lead for the Environmental Technology Initiative, OPPE will invest additional resources aimed at leveraging public and private resources to promote the development, commercialization and use of environmental technologies. OPPE will also devote resources to expedite the development of a verification program to approve new technologies. OPPE will also increase resources supporting the President's Climate Change Action Plan in 1996. OPPE has undertaken an extensive review of its activities over the past year and resources have been reoriented to support activities which reflect Agency priorities. Guiding OPPE in this effort are the principles of sector- based regulatory development, community-based environmental protection, and environmental goals and performance measurements. In 1996, OPPE will support the Agency's implementation of the Common Sense Initiative (CSI). Through this initiative EPA will bring together Federal, State and local government representatives, environmental leaders and industry executives to examine the full range of environmental requirements impacting six pilot industries. OPPE will lead the effort with the metal plating and finishing industry, and be actively engaged in each of the other five CSI sectors. Another example of OPPE's re-orientation is their request to support the Agency's commitment to community-based environmental protection. OPPE will play an important role in the Agency's efforts to implement the Edgewater Consensus, which seeks to address human health and ecological concerns within an economic, social and geographic context. OPPE will also implement an environmentally-focused component of the National and Community Service Trust Act, which reflects the President's commitment to provide meaningful public service opportunities for college-bound students. In support of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), OPPE will continue to lead the Agency in the development and implementation of national measurable environmental goals. Working with OARM and other parts of the Agency, OPPE will strengthen the Agency's data management systems to promote reporting of progress on the basis of environmental results. ffye Demand for International Partnerships Confirms U.S. Leadership in Global Environmental Protection The 1996 budget provides $19,9 million and 73 workyears for the Office of International Activities (OIA), an increase of $3.9 million and no change in workyears over 1995. OIA is the Agency's lead for international negotiations and intergovernmental technical assistance and, as such, supports numerous environmental programs. OIA has redirected base resources to support priority activities such as the Gore- Chernomyrdin Environment Committee and the Administration's Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI) with Latin America; which will capitalize on the current wave of favorable trade agreements in the Western Hemisphere and help 38 ------- MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT secure the U.S. position in the global marketplace. The 1996 budget includes resources to support the United State's commitment to the Commission on Environmental Cooperation. Leaal Support Service? Redirected to Complex and Unique Environmental Issues The 1996 budget for the Office of General Counsel (OGC) includes $24.6 million and 278 workyears to provide legal advice and assistance to both Headquarters and Regional managers. This represents an increase of $2.5 million and three workyears over 1995, In 1996, OGC will focus new resources on employment law and ethics in light of the Administration's streamlining and reinvention efforts; especially as they relate to the new labor-management partnerships established under Executive Order 12871. In addition, OGC proposes to redirect and invest workyears to accelerate the issuance of Clean Air Act rules and standards. Finally, OGC will redirect existing workyears in support of the Agency's increased attention to tribal law issues, environmental justice, community-based environmental protection and endangered species. Streamlining and Re-enpineering Is A Top. Agency Priority The 1996 budget provides $157.7 million and 1,791 workyears for the Headquarters and Regional management components of the Office of Administration and Resources Management (OARM). This represents an increase of $23.8 million and a decrease of 24 workyears from 1995. OARM manages the systems and processes that provide the people, money, and information needed by the Agency and, in many cases, its Federal, State, tribal and local partners. In 1996, OARM will reexamine its organizational structures and processes across the board and test alternative ways of doing business with the goal of improving its performance and customer satisfaction. OARM has realigned resources in the management functions to improve the effectiveness of their processes and meet the needs of their customers. For example, in the human resources area OARM will move staff and resources from performing the transactional services of staffing and classification to helping managers in developing self-managed work teams, labor-management partnerships and workforce development. In the information management area, additional resources will support the work of the Agency's Executive Steering Committee on Information Resources Management to promote policies, tools and technologies that improve public access to, and integration of, EPA information. Under this effort, OARM will develop information partnerships with States, localities, and others and support Agency efforts to integrate environmental data in order to achieve the Agency's goals of ecological protection, pollution prevention, and a multimedia focus. OARM will also make investments to strengthen the stewardship of the Agency's resources through an integrated approach to Agencywide strategic planning, budgeting, financial management and program evaluation that will guide the Agency's program and investment decisions, and meet the mandates of the Chief Financial Officers Act, the Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act and the Government Performance and Results Act. Finally, resources will be invested to support the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council that advises the Administrator on environmental justice issues. This investment reflects the Agency's commitment to the education and empowerment of affected communities, community organizations, government at all levels, academic institutions and business, and to the creation of partnerships to achieve environmental justice. Ensuring the Health and Safety The 1996 budget contains a request of $258.7 million for Support services to the Agency's Operating Programs. This represents a decrease of $38.5 million from 1995. The 1996 request includes significant investments to maintain essential Agency infrastructure support. These resources will address mandatory rate increases for rent paid to the General Services Administration and direct leases associated with over 19,000 employees in 87 buildings at 45 39 ------- & SUPPORT different locations in 30 states. It also provides for anticipated rate increases in utilities costs and in support contracts including security, mail delivery and facilities maintenance. A reduction in the Support Services account reflects the transfer of resources to program offices as part of the Agency's implementation of a Working Capital Fund, which is discussed in more detail later in this chapter. Investing in EPA'a Building Infrastructure The 1996 budget of $112.8 million for Buildings and Facilities (B&F) makes a substantial investment in improving and renovating EPA laboratories and office space. This represents an increase of $69.2 million over 1995. The investment in B&F will dramatically influence the Agency's ability to address the complex environmental issues of the 1990*s and beyond. The Agency is requesting $50 million for the construction of a consolidated laboratory and office complex at Research Triangle Park, NC. This funding will be used for the initial infrastructure phase of the project and will include site development, including roads and utility/ water lines; and expansion of the central utility plant, including installation ofboilers and chillers. This is the first of four construction phases to complete this $232 million project. The Agency is also requesting $13 million in 1996 for the build- out of EPA's new Headquarters facility, which will incorporate adequate power and lighting efficiency to ensure consistency with EPA's lighting efficiency initiative, and HVAC/air distribution to ensure adequate indoor air quality in the Federal Triangle, Custom and ICC buildings. The 1996 request also contains $33 million to complete construction of the Region 3 Central Regional Laboratory (CRL) phase of the Environmental Science Center at Fort Meade, MD. The CRL is presently located in Annapolis, MD and requires replacement due to inadequate heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, water supply and sewage systems, environmental compliance program and changes in the mission of the facility. These deficiencies present serious health, safety and operation problems. Finally, the Agency requests $17 million to continue the repair and improvement program at existing Agency laboratories and offices to ensure the health and safety of employees and fund energy conservation initiatives in EPA-owned buildings. Implementing A Working Capital Fund Will Beein in 1996 An example of the Agency's new way of doing business is the Working Capital Fund. EPA's Working Capital Fund (WCF) will be a revolving fund to finance operations where the costs for goods or services provided are charged to the users. Until now EPA's administrative services have been centrally funded and managed. A WCF moves away from centralized control by giving customers a strong voice in determining the amount and type of services they receive. EPA's WCF concept will ensure increased efficiency of resource utilization through reliance on market force mechanisms and will also increase accountability through audited statements. The Agency will provide two services in 1996 under the WCF; computer and telecommunication services at the National Data Processing Division (NDPD), Research Triangle Park, NC, and postage services. These services are provided to all EPA offices. The services which may be brought on in future years include such activities as payroll, training, facilities management and publication distribution. Strengthening Executive Direction through Matrix Management of Kev Initiatives The 1996 budget contains $33.7 million and 378 workyears for the mission and policy management function of the following Offices: Air and Radiation (OAR), International Activities (OIA), Water (OW), Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA), Research and Development (ORD), General Counsel (OGC), Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER), and Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS). These resources will ensure that the senior leadership team is fully staffed to provide the necessary executive direction, policy development and oversight, and a broad range of administrative guidance to the Agency workforce. This represents an increase of $5,2 million and a decrease of seven workyears from 1995. 40 ------- OIL SPILLS DOLLARS +$3.1 M $23.0 M $19.9 M 1908 INCREASE 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET 121 WORXXEARS 118 1996 DECREASE 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET The Oil Pollution Act (OPA) was passed in 1990 to respond to and prevent the frequency of accidental releases of oil into the environment, such as the Exxon-Valdez spill. From 1990 to 1994, EPA cleaned up 164 oil spills using OPA funds. In addition, EPA has monitored 771 responsible party lead cleanups during that same period of time. OPA has proven to be an effective organized response mechanism for oil spill prevention and remediation for EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard (USGS). Under OPA, the Agency is lead for overseeing or conducting all inland response actions that exceed state or local response capabilities. The USCG leads response actions in thecoastal zone and the Great Lakes. In addition, the Agency regulates the prevention of Oil Spills at certain on-shore facilities that range from hospitals to large tank farms. The Agency's Oil Spills program is implemented through section 311 of the Clean Water Act, as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The U.S. Coast Guard manages the Oil Spills Liability Trust Fund, which is financed through a five cents per barrel tax on domestic crude and imported oil. EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard work in partnership through interagency agreements to respond to many environmental emergencies, including releases of oil into the environment. The 1996 President's Budget provides $23.0 million and 118 workyearsfor die Oil Spills Program, an increase of $3.1 million and a decrease of three workyears from the 1995 level. The increase of resources in 1996 supports implementation of the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Program and the recommendations of the Above Ground Storage Tank Workgroup. The Agency has received approximately 4,500 facility response plans and over 2,000 of these plans are under review by EPA. This review includes document reviews, site visits, and correspondence with facilities. OPA requires Agency approval of these facility response plans by 1995. While the review process is ongoing, the Regions continue to conduct Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures plan reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with pollution prevention regulations. HIGHLIGHTS The Agency continues to respond to harmful releases of oil and petroleum products, providing nationwide capability for containment and removal of releases that occur, and minimizing the environmental damage resulting from oil spills. In 1996, EPA will begin mandated periodic review of OPA Facility Response Plans. The Agency, along with the state and local governments, is developing Area Contingency Plans for the entire nation. An Area Contingency Plan details the responsibilities of those involved in a response, describes geographical features of thearea covered, and identifies available response equipment. 41 ------- OIL SPILLS Responding to Releases OPA significantly increased the Agency's authority to protect public health, welfare, and the environment from damage due to oil spills. The 1996 President's Budget provides an increase in response support and provides resources for the Environmental Response Plan, which specifies required oversight or response to the cleanup of releases. The Agency is working with response teams at the interageney and Regional level on the bioremediation strategy and the use of chemical dispersants in combating oil spills. The Agency is also available to assist the U.S. Coast Guard on oil spills outside of EPA's jurisdiction through the Agency's Environmental Response Team. The Agency's Environmental Response Team is a group of scientists and engineers that are available to provide technical expertise 24 hours a day to On-Scene Coordinators, Remedial Project Managers, State and local responders, and foreign countries in times of environmental crisis. Each of the Agency's ten regions have On-Scene Coordinators who determine the Agency's response actions and monitor responsible party cleanup in the event of a release. In addition, the Agency develops program guidance and policies necessary to ensure technically adequate, cost-effective responses. Ensuring Facilities ar? Prepared to Respond The Agency is responsible for reviewing facility response plans for facilities with potential for a release that creates substantial harm to the environment. The 1996 President's Budget supports the required follow-up review of these facility response plans. Prevention and Response Planning are also supported through the Agency's Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Program. Through its SPCC inspection program, the Agency will ensure that oil storage facilities comply with spill prevention and contingency planning requirements. Action Apainst Non-complying Facilities The 1996 President's Budget provides a total of $2.0 million and 18 workyears for Oil Spills enforcement. This is an increase of $1.2 million and 14 workyears over 1995. The increase reflects a transfer from the Environment Emergency Response and Prevention Program to the Oil Spill Enforcement Program as part of the continuing resolution of the enforcement reorganization, and growth from contractor conversion. In 1996, the Agency's primary oil spills enforcement focus will be on petroleum storage facilities that fail to submit spill response plans. The Agency will issue removal orders to facilities to clean up discharges and take criminal, civil, and administrative penalty actions against violators. Encouraging Innovative Oil Spills Research The 1996 President's Budget request includes a total of $2.1 million supported by one workyear for Oil Spills Liability Trust Fund research, an increase of $310 thousand over 1995. Studies will be conducted to analyze the composition of oil with respect to its toxicity to organisms in the environment. This research will include test systems to simulate oil spill conditions in the environment and modify analytic methodologies to effectively monitor bioremediation success. EPA will seek to utilize the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or the private sector. 42 ------- OFFICE OF THE' INSPECTOR GENERAL 43 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 44 ------- OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL $44.5 M DOLLARS +$3.3 M $47.8 M 1986 INCREASE IMS CURRENT ESTIMATE IBM PRESIDENTS BUDGET 447 WORKYEARS -2 1996 DECREASE 445 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET The Office of the Inspector General (DIG) is responsible for conducting audits and investigations of EPA's programs, administrative, and financial activities to ensure that the Agency's programs are delivered in an effective, efficient, and economical manner and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. OIG audits and investigations assist the Agency in identifying areas of potential risk and necessary improvements that can significantly contribute to EPA fulfilling its complex mission. The total 1996budgetfortheOlGis$47.8 million and 445 workyears an increase of $3.3 million and a decrease of two workyears from 1995. The increase is to fully fund the OIG workforce and additional Agency support costs. A portion of this funding ($4.5 million) is assigned to the Office of Administration and Resources Management to provide appropriate support services. Operations of the OIG are funded through three appropriation accounts: Inspector General; Hazardous Substance Superfund; and Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST). The Inspector General account is appropriated from General Revenue funds and covers the activities of the Agency's operating and construction grants programs. The Superfund and LUST portions are appropriated from the Hazardous Substance and LUST trust funds, and are for OIG activities related specifically to those programs. HIGHLIGHTS Inspector In 1996, the general revenue fund request for the Inspector General is $33.0 million and 322 workyears. This represents an increase of $4.5 million and an increase of 24 workyears over 1995. For 1996, the increase in workyears results from a request to redirect 24 workyears from the Hazardous Substance - OIG account to the OIG appropriation. In addition, the OIG will internally realign workyears away from areas of administration, management and lower productivity to areas that are in better relative proportion to the Agency's risks and provide greater performance results to the Agency. In 1996, the OIG will expand its audits and investigations in procurement and contracts management to include grants, cooperative, and interagency agreements, and subcontractors and small contractors where the Agency is highly vulnerable. The OIG will also increase its financial audit work supporting the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Act of 1990 to ensure that the accounting systems and financial reports are accurate and reliable. The OIG will continue to provide a balanced and sustained audit presence in conducting performance audits in all major programs, strengthening internal controls, improving operational efficiency and effectiveness, and ensuring the integrity of Agency procurement to achieve the maximum environmental benefit 45 ------- OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL with available resources. More audits and investigation s of procurement and contract grant management will help ensure that EPA's contract dollars are used most effectively and efficiently. The OIG will expand audits of EPA's construction grants to help the Agency close out the program. In addition, the OIG will focus its resources on improving the integrity of scientific data, research, and analysis crucial to EPA. The OIG will emphasize investigations of procurement fraud and continue aggressively pursuing fraud in Agency funded research. The Office will also continue its efforts in fraud prevention by publicizing its activities, helping EPA employees identify areas sensitive to fraud, and developing new fraud detection tools and methods. In response to the recommendations to the National Performance Review, the OIG will provide more consultative services to assist EPA managers improve operations. Superfund In 1996, the Hazardous Substance Superfund request for the OIG is $14.1 million and 116 workyears. This is a decrease of $1.3 million and 26 workyears from 1995. The adjustment in 1996 is primarily due to the aforementioned redirection of 24 workyears from the Superfund - OIG account to the OIG appropriation. The OIG will continue to focus its resources on financial and performance audits and investigations of the Superfund program, particularly in the area of procurement and acquisition management, including contracts, grants, and cooperative and interagency agreements. The OIG will also comply with the audit requirements of the CFO Act and the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act to ensure that Superfund programs are operated as efficiently as possible and that risk of financial loss is minimized. akinff I Jnrlf rprnu.ru. ksfLUST) In 1996, the LUST request for the OIG is $710 thousand and eight workyears. This represents an increase of $41 thousand and no change in workyears from 1995. These resources will support continued performance audits, contract and grant audits (covering financial and performance aspects), and financial audits with specific emphasis on the Agency's process for awarding LUST cooperative agreements and grants. Pursuant to the CFO Act, the OIG will also focus its resources on financial and internal control areas and audit the LUST trust fund financial statements. 46 ------- SUPERFUND 47 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 48 ------- SUPERFUND DOLLARS WORKYEARS $1.431.8 M +$131.7 M $1,562.9 M F=l INCREASE IMS CURRENT ESTIMATE PRESIDENTS BUDGET 3 , rs / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / 3.958 1098 DECREASE L995 CURRENT ESTIMATE PRESIDENTS BUDGET The Superfund program was established in response to the public outcry over abandoned hazardous waste sites posing serious risks to human health and valuable natural resources. Today, one in four Americans lives within four miles of a National Priority List (NPL) site~the Nation's worst Superfund sites, The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund, was enacted in 1980. CEBCLA was amended in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and reauthorized in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. The Superfund Trust Fund was established to pay for the cleanup of Superfund sites. The money comes mainly from taxes on the chemical and petroleum industries and a corporate environmental tax. The statute also provides funding authority from general revenues and the recovery of Superfund expenditures from those responsible for the pollution. The Trust Fund is used for cleanups primarily when those companies or individuals responsible for contamination at Superfund sites cannot be found, or cannot perform or pay for the cleanup work. Since its inception, the Superfund program has reduced immediate health threats to the public by responding to thousands of hazardous spills and by responding to the most serious Superfund sites identified on the NPL. Through over 3,100 completed removal actions at more than 2,500 sites, the Superfund program has protected communities from the harmful effects of toxic wastes. The 1996 President's Budget provides $1,562.9 million and 3,958 workyears an increase of $131.7 million and a decrease of eight workyears from the 1995 level. The resource increase is primarily due to legislative reforms. The 1996 President's Budget separately requests an additional $200 million for mandatory funding of costs allocated to identifiable, but financially nonviable parties (known as the orphan share), and certain other categories of costs at cleanup sites. Funding orphan shares will increase fairness when settling with Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) and improve the Agency's enforcement capability. Totals in this document reflect discretionary funds only; therefore, orphan share funding is not included in program and agency totals. HIGHLIGHTS The President's 1996 Superfund budget funds administrative and legislative reforms to improve the effectiveness of the program. Legislation to reform CERCLA is designed to increase the program's fairness, reduce the cost of cleanups, and increase community participation in cleanup decisions. These reforms will also emphasize eliminating economic barriers 49 ------- SUPERFUND preventing redevelopment of abandoned hazardous waste sites. The President's Budget also increases resources to perform quick response and early action activities resulting in more immediate risk reducti on at the worst sites. The budget supports increased community relations activities such as bilingual fact sheets that will help the public participate in the cleanup decision making process at sites in their communities. The President's Budget increases resources for cooperative agreements with the States and Tribes to enable them to address many of the sites that might otherwise be delayed as the Agency focuses on cleaning up higher risk NPL sites. Reforming Response - Communities The 1996 President's Budget provides $995.9 million and 1,772 workyears for the Besponse program, an increase of $104. 1 million. The resource increase is primarily due to an increase for Superfund reform initiatives, A shift of resources and workyears from enforcement to response for Federal Facility and private party oversight cleanups accounts for the apparent increase in workyears. Cleanup at uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites has been completed at 278 NPL sites through 1994, keeping the Agency on track to achieve 650 completed cleanups at NPL sites by the year 2000. The Superfund program also prevents untold amounts of future pollution by encouraging waste handlers to comply with disposal and treatment regulations in order to diminish possible future Superfund liability. In 1996, the Agency's response program will focus on economic redevelopment, immediate risk reduction, community involvement, and remedy reform. The Agency is encouraging economic redevelopment of remediated hazardous waste sites by directing resources towards voluntary cleanup, core cooperative agreements with States and Tribes, and urban renewal. Voluntary cleanup programs will promote economic redevelopment by enabling private parties to clean up low to medium risk sites and return the land to productive use. Core Cooperative Agreements build partnerships wi tit States and Tribes and leads to the development of their own Superfund programs, which will ultimately make sites available for economic development sooner. The Agency is also encouraging the redevelopment of abandoned and unused urban sites—called the Brownfields initiative. The Brownfields redevelopment initiative is an organized commitment to help communities revitalize idled or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where redevelopment is complicated by environmental contamination. To ensure that the sites with the highest risks are addressed first, the Agency will (1) implement remedy reform measures to expand removal authorities through legislative reforms and (2) perform more early actions at the worst sites. Other remedy reform initiatives include establishing newer, more flexible cleanup standards to suit various land use needs, developing risk protocols which give standard response guidance based on risk categories, and developing generic cleanup standards for types of sites such as landfills and wood preserving facilities. The Agency is putting communities first in the Superfund program through the enhancement of information outreach and access that will ultimately empower communities to influence site response plans and actions. In 1996, the Agency will establish Community Work Groups (CWGs) that will assist in distributing information to the public. The Agency will also put an increased emphasis on using existing technical assistance grant (TAG) authorities to provide communities the means to hire technical experts to assist in their participation in decisions related to site cleanup. The Agency is continuing to assist the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) with the cleanup and restoration of federally owned facilities and bases. EPA is working to accelerate cleanup at military bases, prior to their use by communities, pursuant to The Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990. Funding to support 100 workyears is provided through a reimbursable agreement with the Department of Defense. 50 ------- SUPERFUND Making Polluters Pay While Emphasizing Fairness The 1996 President's Budget provides $192.7 million and 1,307 workyears for the Enforcement program. This represents an increase of $15.4 million over the 1995 level. The apparent workforce reduction of 238 workyears is due to the shifting of Federal Facilities and private party oversight to the response program. The priority for the Superfund Enforcement program is to continue to maximize cleanup financing by those responsible for polluting. Currently, over 70% of new cleanups are financed by responsible parties. The Agency will place special emphasis on monitoring existing settlements for compliance and in reaching fair settlements with small volume contributors at Superfund sites. Where negotiations to reach cleanup agreements fail, the Agency will take enforcement actions to compel responsible party cleanups. In all cases, the Agency will aggressively pursue the recovery of go vernment costs to conduct and oversee cleanups, and assess penalties where appropriate. The Agency's cost recovery program will continue to pursue responsible parties to recover government expenditures at Superfund sites. Since 1986, the Agency has collected $934 million in cost recoveries. The Agency's administrative improvements are designed to enhance fairness and reduce litigation costs. This will be accomplished by employinggreater use of existing allocation tools to promote early and equitable settlements between the Agency and PRPs during the process of allocating liability at Superfund sites. The Agency will continue to foster fair settlements with small volume waste contributors in order to reduce the time and expense these contributors spend on resolving their liability concerns. To enhance fairness, EPA will give owners of Superfund sites notice and an opportunity for comment before undertaking a Federal lien on their property under CERCLA, Resolving Problems Through Research EPA is requesting a total of $58.2 million and 142 workyears for Hazardous Substances Research in 1996, a reduction of $7.7 million and three workyears from 1995. This reduction in resources is associated primarily with the completion of Congressionally directed research in 1995. Hazardous Substances research provides the Superfund program with the basis for effective site cleanup. Scientific and technical information are developed to resolve technical problems that inhibit the effective implementation of removal and remedial actions at Superfund sites. Superfund research funding supports ecological and health risk assessment, human exposure, surface cleanup, groundwater, innovative technology evaluation and hazardous waste research center grants. EPA will seek to use the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or the private sector. Providing Support Services to Superfund The 1996 budget provides $150.2 million and 738 workyears for management and support services essential to the operation and integrity of the trust fund. This represents an increase of $22.7 million and a decrease of 26 workyears from 1995. The workyear decrease is due primarily to a redirection from the Office of the Inspector General's Superfund account to its operating programs. The majority of the increase in resources represents Superfund's portion of the mandatory support increases associated with rent, utilities, security, and telecommunication costs. The remaining amount funds a wide range of critical administrative, analytical, financial, and legal services for the Superfund program. The 1996 budget provides additional workyears for continued improvements in regional management of Superfund contracts and grants. The Agency's Superfund management and support budget includes $12.6 million and 116 workyears for the Office of the Inspector General that are described in the OIG section of this document. 51 ------- SUPERFUND Fostering Partnerships with Other The Agency integrates the expertise of other Federal agencies to support two functions within the Superfund program: specific site or spill response actions and ongoing activities that are not incident-specific. The 1996 President's Budget provides $165.8 million to other Federal Agencies. The Department of Health and Human Services, which receives 74% of Superfund resources to Other Federal Agencies, contributes to the program's activities through the work of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (N1EHS). ATSDR conducts health risk assessments, maintains toxicology data bases for chemicals found at sites, and provides health consultations for emergency responses, NIEHS continues a grant research program to solve environmental and human health problems related to toxic waste. Through grant funds, NIEHS also maintains a worker safety training program for workers who are engaged in hazardous waste containment or response activities. The Department of Justice continues to provide legal support to EPA cost recovery efforts, and defend the Agency against citizen suits, pre-enforcement review cases, reimbursement claims, and challenges to EPA administrative civil penalty decisions. Other Federal agencies receiving a Superfund allocation or reimbursement from EPA include, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Interior, th« Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 52 ------- LEAK u s ING NDERGROUND TORAGE TANKS 53 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 54 ------- LUST $70.0 M DOLLARS +$7.3 M $77.3 M 1998 INCREASE 19S5 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET 102 WORKYEARS 0 102 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET Approximately 1.2 million underground storage tanks fall within EPA's regulated universe. An estimated 270,500 of these tanks have leaked petroleum products, which can be dangerous to human health and the environment, cause fires or explosions, and potentially contaminate the public's groundwater supplies. Underground storage tanks arefound at gas and service stations, convenience stores and other locations such as bus depots and governmentfacilities. The Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) program supports states in overseeing the large number of active cleanups of leaking underground storage tanks containing petroleum. The LUST program operates under the authority of Subtitle I of the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, as amended by the Superftind Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. The LUST Trust Fund, financed by a one-tenth of one cent per gallon tax on motor fuels, was reauthorized by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, Approximately 85% of LUST Trust Fund resources are provided directly to the states through state cooperative agreements to address the growing universe of tank releases. The Agency's strategy is to encourage the development of state programs by promoting maximum flexibility of state and local administrative and oversight processes, alternative treatment technologies and information exchange between the states, local governments, tribal governments, and the private sector. The 1996 President's Budget provides $773 million and 102 workyearsfor the LUST program, an increase of $7,3 million from the 1995 level. The increase in dollars will support the establishment of strong corrective action programs on Indian land and in the states, continuation of corrective action streamlining projects such as a Nebraska effort to reduce reporting requirements, promote demonstration projects of innovative technologies, and implement risk-based decision making into corrective action processes. The Agency's LUST Budget includes $710 thousand and 8 workyears for the Office of the Inspector General's activities, described in the Inspector General section. HIGHLIGHTS For 1996, the LUST program will continue to be a part of the Agency's pilot program for performance measures under the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, In addition, the Agency continues to assist states in examining and improving their oversight process. The highest priority of the Agency is to ensure that all state and local governments have an effective oversight process in place so that responsible parties will be predisposed to quickly initiate site cleanup, especially at sites posing the highest health and environmental risks. The Agency will also continue to assist states in streamlining their corrective action programs and promoting innovative site investigation and cleanup technologies in 1996. 55 ------- LUST Responding to Releases With There are approximately 1,000 new releases of petroleum from underground storage tanks reported each week to the states. In managing such a large universe of reported releases nationwide, the Agency has adopted a decentralized model that enhances state and local ability and flexibility to respond. The Agency will ensure that regulations and technical documents are concise and clear to owners/operators and vendors. EPA, states and local governments are also working together to promote the implementation of improved technologies for site assessment and remediation through the continued use of demonstration projects. EPA and the states are working with stakeholders to explore alternative treatment technologies and expedited site assessment and field measurement technologies to facilitate prompt site cleanup, Exandin States The Agency's goal is to continue to build state capacity to address the growing number of underground tanks requiring response action. Of the 49 States that have technical regulations for underground storage tanks, EPA has delegated program authority to 14 States, granting them authority to regulate in lieu of EPA, The funding level for 1996 supports state and territory efforts to develop and implement comprehensive LUST programs by providing Federal assistance through cooperative agreements. The 1996 President's Budget provides $65.4 million for state cooperative agreements to support the establlshmentof strong corrective action programs in states and on Indian lands. Building Partnerships with Indian Nations Approximately 98% of tanks on Indian lands are concentrated in 27 states. Through grants to Federally recognized Indian tribes, the Agency will continue to focus on additional educational and communication activities to promote voluntary compliance by responsible parties who have leaking underground tanks on Indian lands. In addition, EPA will provide compliance assistance to tank owners and operators and continuing outreach to tribal leaders through the development of tribal ordinances and Regional technical assistance. In addition, resources were redirected from Headquarters to Regions to support tribal activities. Grants to Indian tribes will help provide resources to tribes such as the Navajo, which have more underground storage tanks than any other tribal nation in the country. Encouraging Voluntary Compliance ThroughEnfofeeineni In 1996, the LUST enforcement program will continue to target responsible parties to finance or conduct corrective actions. LUST regional program and legal staff will provide assistance to state personnel to enhance voluntary compliance with corrective actions and financial responsibility requirements. Formal enforcement actions will be taken to compel response actions by recalcitrant owners and operators. The 1996 President's Budget provides $493 thousand and 6 workyears for LUST legal enforcement, an increase of $88 thousand from the 1995 level. Focusing Research on Detection and Remediation In 1996, the Agency is requesting a total of $774 thousand, supported by two workyears for Leaking Underground Storage Tanks research, an increase of $5 thousand over 1995. Research will focus on the detection and remediation of subsurface contamination caused by leaking underground storage tanks. Continued emphasis will be placed on technical support of regional and state underground storage tank programs, and the development of inexpensive site contamination assessment and evaluation techniques. EPA will seek to utilize the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or the private sector. 56 ------- LUST rovidin Fundamental Support The 1996 President's Budget provides $3.4 million to provide essential administrative and support services. These services include legal support for administration of the fund, including development of cooperative agreements between EPA and States; financial services including contract and grants management and payroll processing; health and safety audits; and other support services including space rental, employee security services, and utilities costs. 57 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 58 ------- WATER INFRASTRUCTUR 59 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 60 ------- WATER INFRASTRUCTURE $2,769.3 M 4404 JM S $1,235.2 Clean Water SRP 700.0 Drinking Water SRF 149.8.0 Mexican Border 684.3 Hardship Communities X S f A 0 19M DECREASE $2365.0 M s s $1,600.0 Clean Water SRP 500.0 Drinking Water SRF 150.0 Mexican Border 115.0 Needy Communities / IMS 1996 CUBBENT PBESnJENFS ESTIMATE BUDGET Municipal discharges affect one-sixth of the remaining water body impairments in rivers and lakes and one-half in our estuaries. Small, economically disadvantaged, and rural communities need innovative solutions for their wastewater and drinking water treatment systems. EPA's Water Infrastructure programs have financed many of the improvements in water quality by helping construct modern wastewater treatment facilities. These projects have helped prevent our rivers, lakes, and coastal areas from much degradation caused by untreated sewage. Today, the Nation's network of over 15,000 wastewater treatment facilities (secondary treatment or better) serves approximately 159 million people and removes billions of tons of pollutants from our waterways. While our investments have paid off in terms of improved water quality, human health, and quality of life, a significant portion of our wastewater infrastructure is aging and will need to be restored or replaced over the next several years. The Water Infrastructure programs provide financial assistance to states and localities to protect the nation's water resources and to assist communities in meeting the requirements of the Clean Water and the Safe Drinking Water Acts. EPA funding for water infrastructure is provided through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program, the U.S. - Mexico Integrated Border Environmental Plan, and grants for needy communities facing extraordinarily high water infrastructure costs or extraordinary sanitation problems. For 1996, the Administration requests $2,365 million. One major increase is requested for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Two decreases are proposed affecting; (1) the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund; and (2) specially earmarked local water projects funded in 1995. In addition, three grant programs have been transferred from the Water Infrastructure media to the Water Quality and Drinking Water media, which are in the 1995 WIF appropriation: Nonpoint Source Grants, Water Quality Cooperative Management Agreements, and the Public WaterSupervision System (PWSS) Grants. HIGHLIGHTS Clean Water State Revolving Fund As part of the President's environmental initiatives, the Administration will continue capitalization of Clean Water State Revolving Funds, which are in place in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. In 1996 EPA is requesting $1.6 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, an increase of $365 million over 1995. At the end of 1994, investments in the Clean Water State 61 ------- WATER INFRASTRUCTURE Revolving Fund program (including state matching funds, additional contributions, and bond proceeds) had made $15.2 billion available for low-cost loans to local governments and local government agencies. Of this amount, the Federal investment has totaled approximately $11.0 billion. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program is a true partnership between the states, localities, and the Federal government. The Federal government provides financial and technical assistance for wastewater and other projects, including nonpoint sources, estuaries, stonnwater, and combined sewer overflows, while the states have primary implementation and enforcement responsibility for Clean Water Act permit programs. Environmental infrastructure projects such as these contribute to direct ecosystem improvements through reduced loadings of conventional and toxic pollutants in all types of surface waters. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund In 1996, EPA is requesting $500 million for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, a decrease of $200 million from 1995. EPA will work with the states to obtain die regulatory and statutory revisions needed at the state level for the creation of new Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. Concurrently, EPA will work with Congress to obtain the authority to capitalize these programs with Federal DW-SRF grants, by a reauthorized Safe Drinking Water Act. These funds will provide loans for constructing needed improvements to drinking water systems and for restructuring small systems (including consolidation) to improve compliance. The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds will be self-sustaining in the long run and will directly help to offset the rising costs of Safe Drinking Water Act requirements and assist small communities in meeting these mandates. U.S. • Mexico Border In 1996, the Administration is requesting a total of $150 million to support the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the U.S. - Mexico Integrated Border Environmental Plan for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatmentprojects along the U.S. Border area. Wastewater and drinking water infrastructure in these areas is inadequate or nonexistent. Because many of the rivers in this area flow north, or in the case of the Rio Grande forms the International Border, untreated domestic and industrial wastes contaminate both sides of the border and cause significant human health problems. To address serious human health and environmental problems caused by inadequate sewage treatment in the colonias in Texas, EPA will allocate $50 million of the U.STMexico Border request to help provide wastewater treatment to these disadvantaged communities. Funds will be matched by an equal amount of state funds. Communities The President's Budget includes $100 million for the construction of secondary treatment for one or more cities with high secondary treatment needs and high user charges. Strict eligibility criteria has been established for this funding. Alaskan NatitffVillages The President's Budget includes a $15 million request for Alaskan native villages to help diem construct wastewater facilities to address very serious sanitation problems. EPA will continue to work with the Indian Health Service, the State of Alaska, and the local communities to provide needed financial and technical assistance. 62 ------- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 63 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 64 ------- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DOLLARS +$83.8 M $620.4 M $545.6 M 1996 INCREASE 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET WORKYEARS 2,142 lilfMi DECREASE 2.137 1905 CURRENT ESTIMATE 1996 PRESIDENT'S BUDGET Due to the complex nature and broad scale of environmental issues, research and development plays an essential role in improving the understanding of the causes and effects of pollution, the risks posed to human health and the environment, and innovative solutions required to address these risks. In 1996, EPA requests a total of $629.4 million and 2,137 workyears for its Office of Research and Development (ORD) program. This represents an increase of $83.8 million and a decrease of five workyears from 1995. EPA conducts research and development for two primary purposes: 1) to support the needs of the various Agency program offices in implementing the statutory and regulatory responsibilities of protecting human health and the environment, and 2) to advance the level of knowledge in environmental sciences to better understand and address current and emerging environmental issues. The restructuring and streamlining of ORD laboratory and headquarters operations continues in 1996. This action addresses the recommendations of the 1994 Laboratory Study concerning the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of scientific support to the Agency mission. The research and development program will focus its efforts on the key areas of exposure assessment, risk assessment and reduction, peer review, and extramural research. As part of this effort, EPA will expand its investigator-initiated grants program as well as its graduate fellowship program in order to take advantage of partnerships with the Nation's academic community to utilize tiie expertise and creative resources available in this community. EPA will seek to utilize the best available science, whether in its own laboratories, academic institutions, other federal agencies, or the private sector. Funding for the research and development program derives from six appropriation accounts and supports all twelve of the Agency's media programs. The funding tables on the following page di splay the 1996 President's budget for EPA's Office of Research and Development, the first by appropriation, the second by media. AirReaearch EPAis requesting a total of $ 106.7 million and 458 workyears for Air research in 1996, an increase of $2.5 million and decrease of 11 workyears from 1995. The Air research program supports the Agency by providing research and development-derived scientific data and information for regulatory, policy and public information needs of the Air Program. The outcomes of this research are necessary for setting air criteria and standards and for public policy decisions required for EPA to implement Clean 65 ------- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AnoroDriation Account PRESIDENTS 1896 BUDGET by Appropriation (Dollars in Millions) Total Dollars Program and Research Operations Research & Development Superfund Trust Fund Abatement, Control and Compliance LUST Trust Fund Oil Spills Response Total $140.1 426.6 59.8 0.0 0.8 Change from 1995 +$14.1 +77.4 -7.3 -0.7 0.0 $629.4 +$83.8 PRESIDENTS 1996 BUDGET by Media (Dollars in Millions) Research Media Program Air Radiation Water Quality Drinking Water Pesticides Toxic Substances Hazardous Waste Multimedia Superfund LUST Oil Spills Management & Support Total Total Dollars $106.7 * 21.2 21.7 13.6 15.5 22.8 357.2 59.8 0.8 2.1 JJI $629.4 Change + 2.5 0.0 -1.7 -0.5 -0.2 -2.7 -3.9 +96.5 -7.3 0.0 0.3 + 0.8 +83.8 * The Agency Radiation Research Program will continue its interagency agreement to provide off-site monitoring support to DOE at the Nevada Test Site. 66 ------- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Air Actand other air program initiatives. Included in this request are resources to address Global Climate, Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, Air Toxics, Criteria Air Pollutants, Pollutants from Motor Vehicles, and Indoor Air Pollution. Several significant changes are presented in the 1996 President's Budget including increases to study widespread tropospheric non-attainment problems, examine the health impacts of air toxics in urban areas, and to assess the risks posed by air deposition of hazardous pollutants to the great water bodies. These increases are balanced by decreases in other air media research including pollution from motor vehicles, indoor air, acid deposition, stratospheric ozone depletion and global climate mitigation. Water Quality Research In 1996, the Agency is requesting a total of $21.2 million supported by 180 workyears for Water Quality research, a decrease of $1.7 million and eight workyears from 1995. The Water Quality research program develops and analyzes scientific data and technologies necessary for EPA to fulfill its mission to protect designated uses of our Nation's waters and related ecosystems. Water Quality research provides the data, technologies, scientific information for criteria and standards development and technical assistance activities to other EPA programs, states, and municipalities Significant changes are exhibited in the 1996 Water Quality research budget. The merging of several related research activities to form the Integrated Ecosystem Protection and Restoration Research Program will be completed. The consolidated program will focus on multiple biological and chemical stresses with ecosystems, Wastewater and sludge research is reduced while continuing to support the technical review of guidance on the effectiveness of proposed sludge treatment processes. Ifofer Research The Agency is requesting a total of $21.7 million and 158 workyears in 1996 for Drinking Water research, a decrease of $0.5 million and no change in workyears from 1995. The Drinking Water research program provides the scientific analysis, data, and information needed to identify and regulate drinking water contaminants and assure the safety of public water supplies in cost effective ways. The Agency is requesting increased resources for critical research and scientific support for disinfection and disinfection by-products research. Nonpoint source research activities under Integrated Ecosystems Protection and Restoration have been consolidated under the Multimedia research program. The Agency continues its groundwater research to help protect underground sources of drinking water and support the new source water protection program. Hazardous Waste Research EPA is requesting a total of $22.8 million and 144 workyears for Hazardous Waste research in 1996, a reduction of $3.9 million and 29 workyears from 1995. The Hazardous Waste research program provides scientific data and information to the Agency's national program managers which is the basis for the Agency's criteria and standards for waste disposal regulations. Hazardous waste research outcomes and technical assistance are provided to states, tribes, municipalities and private industry. In 1996, reductions in Hazardous Waste research are made in several research issues, including waste management, bioremediation, technology transfer, environmental review of toxic chemicals, grants and centers. These reductions reflect changes in Agency priorities and the redirection of activities to focus on a more comprehensive ecosystems approach. Pesticides Research EPA is requesting a total of $13.6 million and 88 workyears in 1996, a decrease of $0.2 million and 22 workyears from 1995. These resources have been reallocated to the Multimedia research program to be consistent with the Agency's move to address environmental problems on a more comprehensive ecosystem basis. Pesticides research continues its focus on reducing risks from pesticides to human health and the environment. 67 ------- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT The Pesticides research program provides to the Agency's national program managers the scientific data and information needed to determine the safety and efficacy of pesticides. The Agency is requesting resources to conduct research that will characterize the exposure of infants and children to pesticides. Radiation Research To support the Department of Energy (DOE) offsite radiation monitoring program, the Agency is receiving funding for a total of 64 reimbursable workyears, an increase of five reimbursable workyears from 1995. These scientific support staffprovide information needed by DOE policymakers on the control of exposure of the public to radioactive materials resulting from testing and manufacture of nuclear materials. These activities are associated with the DOE Nevada Test Site and include operation of monitoring networks and lab analysis to monitor releases and migration of radioactive materials. Multimedia Research The Agency is requesting a total of $357.2 million and 592 workyears in 1996, an increase of $96.5 million and 85 workyears. This increase in workyears and funding above the 1995 level reflects investments in the Administration's Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI), and redirection of resources for environmental hormone research, risk assessment, and funding associated with implementation of laboratory study recommendations, including the graduate fellowship program. Also included is part of the Agencywide investment in the Common Sense Initiative, dedicated to finding "cleaner, cheaper, smarter" strategies to address environmental problems. Additionally, 1996 is the first year that Working Capital Fund resources will be transferred into the Office of Research and Development to permit direct program expense management and accountability. There is an increase in workyears for Ecosystems Protection and Restoration activities, the result of a realignment of ecosystems-related work previously funded under the Pesticides, Toxic Substances, Drinking Water and Hazardous Waste research medias. Workyears have been added for the Improved Science Capability program designed to promote regular scientific interchange between the Agency and post-doctoral investigators and visiting scientists from industry and academia. Toxic Substances Research EPA is requesting $15.5 million and 149 workyears in 1996, a decrease of $2.7 million and 19 workyears from 1995. These decreases reflect changes in Agency priorities and the shift to a more comprehensive ecosystems-based approach to research. The Toxic Substances research program provides scientific support to EPA's national program managers on toxic substances issues and effects. Toxic substances research provides the scientific data and information needed to validate and refine test methods for protocols and guidelines used by industry for submitting data to EPA to meet the requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Funding for biotechnology has been phased down as a result of the need to support emerging Agency research priorities. Resources for ecosystems protection are being consolidated under the Multimedia program element, reflecting a shift in emphasis away from single stressor, individual toxic substance research and toward a multi-stressor, holistic approach to ecosystems protection. Oil Soill Research In 1996, the Agency is requesting a total of $2.1 million supported by one workyear for Oil Spill y ability Trust Fund research, an increase of $310 thousand over 1995. Studies will be conducted to analyze the composition of oil with respect to its toxicity to organisms in the environment. This research will include test systems to simulate oil spill conditions in the environment and modify analytic methodologies to effectively monitor bioremediation success. 68 ------- RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Superfund EPA is requesting a total of $59.9 million and 143 workyears for Hazardous Substances Research in 1996, a reduction of $7.3 million and three workyears from 1995. This reduction in resources is associated primarily with the completion of Congressionally directed research in 1995. Hazardous Substances research provides the Superfund program with the basisfor effective site cleanup, Scientific and technical information are developed to resolve technical problems that inhibit the effective implementation of removal and remedial actions at Superfund sites. Superfund research funding supports ecological and health risk assessment, human exposure, surface cleanup, groundwater, innovative technology evaluation and hazardous waste research center grants. LUST Research In 1996, the Agency is requesting a total of $774 thousand, supported by two workyears for Leaking Underground Storage Tanks research, an increase of $5 thousand over 1995. Research will focus on the detection and remediation of subsurface contamination caused by leaking underground storage tanks. Continued emphasis will be placed on technical support of regional and state underground storage tank programs, and the development of inexpensive site contamination assessment and evaluation techniques. 69 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 70 ------- STATE AND LOCAL GRANTS 71 ------- Page Intentionally Blank 72 ------- STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL GRANTS $843M $683 M $548 M $491 M $376 M $315 M $468 M 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 The 1996 President's Budget allocates $683 million to support state, local and tribal local environmental programs as part of the Operating Programs, an increase of $18.6 million from the 1995GurrentEstimate. The 1996 Budget recognizes and maintains the commitment for essential environmental state, local and tribal grant programs, while satisfying Federal fiscal constraints and offering more flexibility to the states. HIGHLIGHTS Performance Partnerships with Statef Local and Tribal Governments EPA proposes to offer state, local and tribal governments one or more Performance Partnership grants, which could be used to address multimedia or single media environmental activities. The EPA Performance Partnership grants, for which the Administration will seek authorization, will allow states and tribes to receive consolidated grants as a substitute for multiple environmental grants. Those grants eligible for. consolidation are: Air, Water (Sec. 106, Nonpoint Source, Water Quality Cooperative Agreements), Drinking Water (PWSS, Underground Injection Control), Hazardous Waste, Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Radon, Pesticides Program Implementation, Pesticides Enforcement, and Lead. In addition, tribes may include their General Assistance grants in a Performance Partnership grant. While we are offeringthe states and tribes a way to target their resources toward their most pressing environmental problems, Performance Partnership grant activities may not compromise basic national objectives or legislative requirements. Accordingly, EPA will work with interested states and tribes to develop the terms of these new grants. Grantees should be able to consolidate administrative procedures and tailor grant funding to their own organizational structures. Performance measures and incentives, which could include performance-based funding and other means, will be emphasized to encourage states and tribes to accept delegation of EPA programs and improve environmental results. Air In 1996, state and local programs will continue to play a primary role in protecting public health and the environment through implementing the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA). EPA will support their efforts through grants awarded under the CAAA. In 1996, funding is requested for state and local air programs, as well as establishment of a new assistance program for Indian tribes. The air grant program will change in 1996 as state and local agencies implement the operating permit 73 ------- STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL GRANTS program mandated by the CAAA for major stationary sources of pollution. Through collection of permit fees, states will be able to fund some previously grant-eligible activities to make their permit programs more self-supporting. High priority programs for the states in 1996 will include increased investment in measuring air quality pollutant emissions to provide improved information for risk-based policy and regulatory decision. Water Quality Grants will be provided to the states and tribes for a variety of purposes authorized by the Clean Water Act, Prominent among these will be programs to address nonpoint sources of pollution and efforts to identify valuable wetlands and develop state wetland programs. In addition, the Agency is requesting resources to assist states, interagencies, and qualified Indian tribes in developing and continuing implementation of their water pollution control programs, including groundwater protection efforts. With these funds, states will continue development of watershed protection strategies, statewide basin management plans, and the targeting of high priority watersheds on a risk basis. Drinking Water State and tribal efforts to implement the mandates of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) will be supported by increased FWSS grants. In 1996, grant funds will assist state and tribal governments in implementing drinking water rules, including lead and copper, surface water treatment, and total coliform. Moreover, these funds will increase the state and tribal capacity to: ensure that systems comply with the SDWA regulations; conduct monitoring waiver reviews; increase the number of laboratory certifications on parametric procedures; and carry out compliance assessment and sanitary surveys. States will also use these funds to work with small drinking water systems to provide additional flexibility wherever possible, including monitoring waivers, small system Beit Available Technology, and prevention approaches to streamline implementation. Hazardous Waste The President's Budget requests resources to support state Hazardous Waste and Underground UST programs. Both state grant programs support the development of strong, Agency-approved programs consistent with Federal programs, EPA will help states develop adequate statutes and regulations, implement enforcement activities and perform outreach to the regulated community. Hazardous Waste program grants will provide funding to permit environmentally-sound new facilities (highest priority continues to be incinerators and boiler and industrial furnaces), remediation of contaminated sites and reduction of hazardous wastes. EPA will also provide, through UST state and tribal grants, a base level for core program activities such as tank notification, installation and closure responsibilities. Pesticides and Toxic Substances Pesticide Program Implementation grants will continue to emphasize worker protection, protection of water resources (ground and surface), certification and training, and endangered species in die states. In 1996, states will continue the lead enforcement program under the Residential Lead- based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. Radiation The Agency will assist the states in developing and implementingprograms to assess, mitigate and prevent radon problems. Activities to be supported include alerting the public to health risks from radon, providing consumer protection through the testing program, and helping to identify and remedy problems. Multimedia In the Multimedia area, the pollution prevention grants will help state environmental programs cany out pollution prevention strategies developed by the Agency, The states will continue 74 ------- STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL GRANTS to receive grants for pesticide enforcement activities. Thirty-five states and one Indian tribe participate in the Toxic Substances Enforcement grant program through cooperative agreements with EPA. States will continue to enhance toxic substances enforcement. General Assistance grants will help tribal environmental programs build the capacity to implement Federal environmental statutes and address multimedia environmental programs. The chart on the following page shows state, local and tribal grants by program area. 75 ------- ^^^B STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL GRANTS ••• (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) AJJS STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE TRIBAL ASSISTANCE WATER QUALITY SECTION 106 CLEAN LAKES NONPQINT SOURCE WETLANDS PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION WATER QUALITY COOPERATIVE AGRMTS DmNKIN, Q WATER PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM SUPERVISION GRANTS UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL PROGRAM SPECIAL STUDIES HAZARDOUS WASTE H.W. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS PESTICIDES PESTICIDES PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION RADIATION RADON STATE GRANTS POLLUTION PREVENTION PESTICIDES ENFORCEMENT TOXIC SUBST. ENFORCEMENT TRIBAL GENERAL ASSISTANCE TOXIC SUBSTANCES 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE* $180,709.3 0.0 79,534,0 3,200.0 100,000.0 15,000.0 22,500.0 70,000.0 9,923.3 6,708.0 96,220.3 9,581.7 14,947.0 8,158.0 7,100.0 16,135.8 4,150.0 8,500.0 1996 PRESIDENTS BUDGET $169,189.9 5,882.2 80,700.0 0.0 100,000.0 15,000.0 22,500.0 90,000.0 10,500.0 0.0 98,298.2 10,394.7 16,723.9 8,158.0 5,999.5 16,133.6 6,486.2 15,000.0 1996*1993 DIFFERENCE -$11,519.4 +5,882.2 +1,166.0 -3,200.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 +20,000.0 +576.7 -6,708.0 +2,077.9 +813.0 -1,776.9 0.0 -1,100.5 -2.2 +2,336.2 +6,500.0 LEAD GRANTS 12,500.0 12,500.0 0.0 TOTAL $664367.4 $683,466.2 * Current Estimate does not include 1994 carryover resources. 76 + $18,598.8 ------- APPENDIX: BUDGET TABLES 11 ------- ENVIKONMENmL PROTECTION AGENCY SUMMARY OF AGENCY RESOURCES BY MEDIA (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) PROGRAM Air Water Quality Drinking Water Hazardous Waste Pesticides Radiation Multimedia Toxic Substances New Facilities/Repairs & Improvements Support Management Subtotal Management & Support Oil Spills Office of the Inspector General (OIG) SUBTOTAL OPERATING PROGRAMS 1993 CURRENT KSTIMATK $564,535.4 522,412,8 168,640.6 294,788.5 95,221.8 43,299.8 442,907,5 126,262,5 [43,609.0] [297,227.5] [325,928.i] 666,765.1 19,953.0 28,523.0 1990 PRESIDENTS BUDGET $636,263.4 525,929.6 184,1573 324,794.7 109,028.4 55,152.6 590,110.1 116,526.1 [112,820.0] [258,714.8] [392,105.0] 763,639.8 23,047.0 33,050.0 1996-1995 DIFFERENCE TOTAL noi.ijVTis +$71,728.0 +3,516.8 +18,516.7 +30,008,2 +13,806.6 +11,852.8 +147,202.6 -9,736.4 [+69,211.0] [-38,512.7] [+66,176.4] +96,874.7 +3,094.0 +4,527.0 $2,970,308.0 $3,361,699.0 +$391,391.0 Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund (Superfund) OIG Superfand SUBTOTAL SUPERFUND $1,415,901.0 15,384.0 $1,431,285.0 $1,548,858.6 14,078.4 $1,562,937.0 +$132,957.6 -1,305.6 +$131,652.0 Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund (LUST) OIG LUST SUBTOTAL LUST $69,320.0 $76,562.9 669.0 710.1 $69,989.0 $77,273.0 +$7,242.9 +41.1 +$7,284.0 Water Infrastructure $2,769,305.0 $2,365,000.0 4404,305.0 Proposed Rescissions GRAND TOTAL -11,641.8 0.0 $7,229,245.2 $7,366,909.0 78 11,641.8 +$137,663.8 ------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY SUMMARY OF AGENCY RESOURCES BY MEDIA (WORKYEARS) PRQGRAI\f Air Water Quality Drinking Water Hazardous Waste Pesticides Radiation Multimedia Toxic Substances Management & Support Oil Spills Office of the Inspector General (OIG) SUBTOTAL OPERATING PROGEAMS 1995 CURRENT ESTIMATE 2,400 2,182 795 1,566 1,049 328 1,650 855 3,547 121 298 14,811 1996 BUDGET ESTIMATE 2,398 2,165 780 1,524 1,036 333 1,834 780 3,529 118 322 14,819 1908-1995 DIFFERENCE TOTAL WORKYEARS -2 -17 -15 -40 -13 +5 +184 -75 48 -3 +24 +8 Hazardous Substance Response Trust Pond (Superfand) OIG Superfund SUBTOTAL SUPERFUND Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund (LUST) OIG LUST SUBTOTAL LUST 3,824 142 3,966 94 8 102 3,842 116 3,958 94 8 102 + 18 -26 -8 0 0 0 GRAND TOTAL 18,879 18,879 79 ------- Page Intentionally Blank ------- Page Intentionally Blank ------- t ------- |