United States Administration And EPA 205-R-96-001
Environmental Protection Resources Management March 1996
Agency (3302)
EPA Fiscal Year 1997
Justification Of Appropriation
Estimates For The Committees
On Appropriations
Recycled/Recydable
Printed on Paper that contain
at least 50% recycled paper
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' ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
1997 BUDGET ESTIMATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SUMMARY . .,......; 1-1
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT 2-1
AIR - . . 2-5
RADIATION .".2-15
WATER QUALITY 2 -19
DRINKING WATER ' 2-33
PESTICIDES ....:. . • . . , . 2-41
TOXIC SUBSTANCES 2-47
HAZARDOUS WASTE . , . 2-55'
MULTIMEDIA ' , .,,......,'. 2-S7
MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT '. . . 2-79
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION , , . . . 2-89
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 3-1
AIR TOXICS RESEARCH ......... . 3-4
CRITERIA AIR POLLUTANTS RESEARCH 3-7
INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS RESEARCH ...... . . . . . * . .3-13
GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH .....' 3-15
WASTE/SITE/RISK CHARACTERIZATION RESEARCH .....' 3-19
WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SITE REMEDIATION RESEARCH 3-21
DRINKING WATER RESEARCH '. 3-23
ECOSYSTEMS PROTECTION RESEARCH . . 3-27
HUMAN HEALTH PROTECTION RESEARCH . 3-33
SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS RESEARCH 3-37
NEW TECHNOLOGY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARCH .'........3-39
SCIENCE QUALITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH 3-43
NATIONAL VEHICLES AND FUELS EMISSIONS LABORATORY 3-47
NATIONAL RADIATION LABORATORIES 3-49
ANALYTICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES 3-51
DRINKING WATER PROGRAM LABORATORY 3-53
NATIONAL ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIONS CENTER 3-55
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION 3-57
INSPECTOR GENERAL .....-,.".... 4-1
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION 4-7
BUILDINGS & FACILITIES , 5-1
REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENT , 5-3
NEW FACILITIES .'....., 5-3
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION" 5-5
SUPERFUND 6-1
RESPONSE 6-3
ENFORCEMENT 6-9
MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT . : 6-11
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES - 6-15
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION . . . 6-17
LEAKING UNDERGROUND STORAGE TRUST ........... 7-1
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION 7-7
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TABLE OF" CONTENTS
(Continued)
OIL SPILL RESPONSE ' . . . 8-1
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATON " 8-5
STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS '..........• 9-1
CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND 9-5
DRINKING WATER STATE. REVOLVING FUND ..... 9-7
SPECIAL INFRASTRUCTURE -...'. 9-9
STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE 9-11
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION '. . 9-17
i
NON APPROPRIATED FUNDS ' 10-1
WORKING CAPITAL FUND • 11-1
USER FEES .' ..,.'... 12-1
SPECIAL ANALYSES ' 13-1
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Summary
SECTION TAB
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
1997 BUDGET ESTIMATE
TABLE :QF CONTENTS
. . Page
SUMMARY '. 1-1
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REALIGNED ACCOUNTS IN THE FISCAL YEAR 1997 BUDGET
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will operate under a new account
structure in 1997. In Conference on the 1996 Appropriation,- the House and Senate
agreed to this new structure, and several EPA accounts have been realigned to
reflect this Congressional action. While several accounts .retain their same
structure, three new accounts were created: Science and Technology; Environmental.
Programs and Management; and State and Tribal Assistance Grants. These three
accounts were created by merging the old Program and Research operations;
Abatement, Control & Compliance; Research and Development; and Water
Infrastructure/State Revolving Fund accounts. A short description of the funding
derivation for these accounts follows:
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Science and Technology (S&T) account consists of the entire former
Research and Development (R&D) account. In addition, all Abatement, Control and
Compliance (AC&C) account program office lab funding, Program and Research
Operations (PRO) account program office lab funding, and all former personnel,
compensation, benefits and .travel from the former PRO account for the Office of
Research and Development (ORD) are also funded in the'S&T account. 'Finally,
research and development activities formerly funded under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) will be
appropriated in the Hazardous Substance Superfund account, then transferred to
S&T. All funds in the Science and Technology account will be two-year funds.
BWIRONMENTALPROGRAMS AMP MANAGEMENT
The Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) account is comprised of the
remaining PRO 'account funds and funds from the former AC&C account with the
exception of program office lab funding and state grants. All funds in the
Environmental Programs and Management account will be two-year funds.
STATE AND TRIBAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
The State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) account will be comprised of
the entire former Water Infrastructure Financing (WIF) account, as well as the
state grants portion of the former AC&C account. The funds the State and Tribal
Assistance Grants account will be no-year funds.
Three former appropriations accounts were eliminated as part of this'
realignment. They are: Program and t Research ' Operations (PRO), Abatement,
Compliance & Control (AC&C) and the Research and Development (R&D) account. As
detailed .above, all portions of these accounts have been consumed into the new
account structure. The only other EPA account affected by the restructuring is
the Hazardous Substance Superfund account. Funds will be appropriated in the
same manner as in the past, however, the research function will be transferred
to the S&T account after the 1997 Bill is enacted.
All of the remaining EPA accounts: .Office- of the Inspector General,
Buildings and Facilities, Oil Spill Response, Leaking Underground Storage Tank
Trust Fund,' and Working Capital Fund remain unchanged.
A chart detailing the new account structure follows on the next page.
l-l
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NEW EPA ACCOUNT STRUCTURE
OLD NEW
PRO,
entire account \
except ORD \
PC&B and \
program wffice \ '._
lab fundiffg " \
AC&C EPM
entire account ^^^ M^M. A.WM*
except' *^*"^
program office
lab funding and
stale grants
Two Year Availability
.
OLD NEW
PRO
ORD- PC&B \
and program \
office lab \
funding \
AC&C_\
program office ^^ ^^ C3C^ M.
. lab funding J^
R&D^
entire account
Two Year Availability
OLD NEW
AC&C
state grants ^s^
STAG
WIF /
entire account
No Year Funds
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Summary of Budget Authority,
Obligations, Outlays and Workyears
By Appropriation
(dollars in millions)
Conference Levels President's
Actual with Add-Backs Request
FY 1995 FY 1996 FY 1997
Program and Research Operations
Budget Authority ..
Obligations. .........
Outlays
Total Workyears
Budget Authority . - • . .
Obligations...
Outlays ',
Environmental Program and Management
Obligations.,...
Outlays
Total Workyears
Research and Development
Budget Authority
Obligations
Outlays
Science and Technology
Budget Authority S&T Program
Budget Authority derived ftom Superfund;....
Budget Authority Appropriated in S&T
Obligations...
Outlays....
Total Workyears
Office of Inspector General
Budget Authority IG Program
Budget Authority derived frorn Superfund
Budget Authority derived from LUST.....
Budget Authority Appropriated in IG
Obligations..
Outlays
915.5
902.7
. 892.1
13,015.9
1,401.1
1,380.0
1,330.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
$334.6
322.5
303.4
$0.0
$0.0
so.o
0.0
0.0
0.0
$44.6
($15,4)
($0.7)
$28.5
26.0
26.1
0.0
0.0
59.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
1,739.3
1,798.0
1,896.5
11,186.0
$0.0
0.0
0.0
$562.0
$0.0
$562.0
584.0
512.4
2,308.7
$40.0
($11.0)
($0.5)
$28.5
28.5
22.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
1,894.3
1,894.3
1,904.3
11,110.5
$0.0
0.0
0.0
$621.2
($42.5)
$578.7
578.7
570.5
2,260.3
$42.8
($11.5)
($0.6)
$30.7
'30,7
30.1
Total Workyears...
424.3
426.3
408.4
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Summary of Budget Authority,
Obligations, Outlays and Workyears
By Appropriation
(dollars in millions)
Conference Levels President's
Actual with Add-Backs Request
FY 1995 FY 1996 FY 1997 .
Buildings and Facilities
Obligations
Outlays,. ....
Oil Spill Response
Budget Authority
Obligations...
Outlays
Total Workyears.w .. ...
Asbestos Loan Program
Obligations
Outlays
Hazardous Substance Superfuiid
Budget Authority Superfund Program.....
Budget Authority Transferred to S&T
Budget Authority Transferred to IG
Budget Authority Appropriated-in SF
Obligations......
Outlays
Total Workyears. i
L..U.S.T Trust Fund
Budget Authority LUST Program
Budget Authority Transferred to IG
Budget Authority Appropriated in LUST
Obligations... ......
Outlays... . ...
Total Wortcysars
Water Infrastructure Financing /SRF
Budget Authority... .. ..
Obligations
Outlays
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Budget Authority
Obligations...
Outlays
($39.4)
30.5
26.0
S19.9
21.7
22.4 •
94.5
0.0
8.7
$1,338.3
so.o
$15.4
$1,353.7
1,439.0
1,471.8
3,517.9
$69.2
$0.7
$69.9
71.1
72.8
86.5
1,884.6
3,222.8
2,454.9
, SO.O
0.0
0.0
$110.0
142.0
75.0
$15.0
17.7
17.7
107.1
0.0
4.0
$1,302.4
$0.0
$11.0
$1,313.4
1,527.0
1,389.4 '
3,579.3
$45.3
$0.5
$45.8
47.3
59.4
82.4 '
0.0
0.0
0.0
$2,863.0
3,341.0
2.499.4
$209.2
209.2
152.4
$15.3
15.3
15.9
104.4
0.0
2.0
$1,340.3
$42.5
$11.5
$1,394.2
1,394.2
1,377.0
3,344.9
$66.5
$0.6
$67,1
67.1
61.6
88.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
$2,852.2
2,302.0
2.579.4
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Summary of Budget Authority,
Obligations, Outlays and Workyears
By Appropriation
(dollars in millions)
Conference Levels President's
Actual with Add-Backs Request
FY1995 FY1996 FY1997
Obligations
Outlays
Total Workyeais
aarJang Capital Fund
Total Workyears
Reregistration & Expedited
EetcjsAigJB&YMsdngJLiiB-d
Obligations ......
Outlays
Total Workyears
«
Reregistration Revolving Fund (proposed)
Budget Authority
Obligations
Outlays
Asbestos in Schools Fund
Outlays....,
Reimbursements - PRO
Obligations.....
Total Workyears
BMBrfmrse
Obligations
EMm!fflJSŁn
Obligations
Total Wockyeais.,..,.,,,,
Reimbursements - R&D
Obligations
Beimhujsement?! -S&T
Obligations
Total Workyears
$2.3
(0.3)
28.0
0.0
$14.8
0.1
159.1
$0.0
0.0
0.0
$1.5
$8.8
78.9
$29.5
$0.0
0.0
$25.0
so.o
0.0
$3.0
0.0
30.0
0.0
$16.0
2.0
185.7
$0-0
0,0
0.0
$1-0
$0.0
0.0
$0.0
$103.0
88.2
$0.0
$60.0
0.0
$2.0
0.0
24.0
79.0
$16.0
2.0
179.1
$0.0
5.0
(1.0)
$0.0
$0.0
0.0
$0.0
$103.0
72.4
$0.0
$60.0
131.8
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Summary of Budget Authority,
Obligations, Outlays and Workyears
By Appropriation
(dollars in millions)
Conference Levels President's
Actual wit k Arid-Backs Request
FY1995 FY1996 FY 1997
Reimbursements - IG
Total Workyears..........
Reimbursements - Oil Spill Response
Obligations
Total Workyears
Reimbursements - Superfnnd
Obligations. .. .
Pesticides Registration Fees
(Receipts requiring Approp Action)
Budget Authority.......,.,
Outlays
TOTAL, EPA
Budget Authority
Obligations. .........
Outlays
Total Workvears
S3. 2
0.0
$3,2
0.0
$175.7
II
102.9
$0.0
0.0
$5,968.5
$7,700.7
$6,609.8
17.508.0
S2.0
0.0
$15.0
0,0
$316.0
146.0
so.o
0.0
• $6,677.0
$8,018.1
$6,539.0
18.139.7
$2.0
0.0
$15.0
0.0
$90.0
148.0
($15.0)
(15.0)
$7,026.9
$6,800,0
$6,679.0
17.951.1
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Summary of Budget Authority,
Outlays and Workyears
By Media
(dollars in millions)
• Media
President's
Request
FY1997
Air
Budget Authority.
Outlays
Total Workyears..
$624.0
465.fi
2,386.2
Rutlialimi
Budget Authority.
Outlays
Total Workyears..
$25.2
33.4
..224,2
Water Quality
Budget Authority.
Outlays
Total Workyears.,
$516.2
358,9
2,048.2
Drinking Water
Budget Authority,
Outlays ,.
Total Workyears.
$198,6
100.1
•783.5
Infrastructure
Budget Authority
'Outlays .......... •
$2,178.0
2,579.4
Budget Authority.
Outlays
Total Workyears..
$117,8
89.6
1,032.5
Toric Substances
Budget Authority..
Outlays
Total Workyears...
$106.6
123.8
679.1
Hazardous Waste
Budget Authority...
Outlays
Total Workyears.,..
$314.9
250.5
1,384.0
Multimedia
Budget Authority.
Outlays
$698.8
328.0
Total Workyears..
1-7
2,445.9
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' ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Summary of Budget Authority,
Outlays and Workyears
By Media
(dollars in millions)
Media
President's
Request \
FY 1997 1
Management and Support
.Budget Authority
Outlays,...;
Total Workyears
575,9
537.3
3,040,9
Buildings and Facilities
Budget Authority
Outlays
$209.2
152.4
Hazardous Substance Superftmd
Budget Authority
Outlays
Total Workyears.
$1,394.2
1,377.0
3,728.1
L.U.S.T.
Budget Authority.
Outlays
Total Workyears.
$61.1
61.6
94.1
Oil SpiH Respoiisi
.Budget Authority.
Outlays
Total Workyears..
$15.3
15.9
104.4
Pesticides Registration Fees
(Receipts requiring Approp Action)
Budget Authority
Outlays
($15.0)
(15.0)
TOTAL,EPA
Budget Authority.
Outlays.... ,
Total Workyears..
$7,026,9
6,458.5
.17,951.1
1-8
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Environmental
Programs and
Management
SECTION TAB
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
1997 BUDGET ESTIMATE . • ' ,•
TAB.LE . QE CONTENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS AND MANAGEMENT , ' . .' . 2-1
AIR .•......;•,.-. I . . . .' • 2-5
RADIATION 2-15
WATER QUALITY 2-19
DRINKING WATER 2-33
PESTICIDES ..;..- ' . . 2-41
TOXIC SUBSTANCES 2-47
HAZARDOUS WASTE 2-55
MULTIMEDIA 2-67
MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT '. ........ 2 -79
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION •. 2-89
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM AND MANAGEMENT ,
The -Agency requests a total of $1,894,329,200 and .11,216.0 workyears for
1997 in the Environmental Programs and Management Appropriation Account. This
appropriation funds programs that represent the backbone of EPA's standard
setting, enforcement, and direct implementation programs to ensure that our water
is pure, our air clean, and our food safe._ This appropriation also funds
programs to maintain and-promote better management of the Agency's resources.
Despite significant gains over the last 25 years, the nation continues to
face significant environmental challenges. A third of Americans still live in
areas that exceed air quality standards, and 17 percent of the population
increased risk at least once this year because drinking water -systems violated
drinking water health standards or had inadequate or no filtration treatment.
Clean water Is essential to the ecological and economic health.of the country,
and the Agency will continue to aggressively implement program to protect surface
waters, groundwater and wetlands. This appropriation will also fund programs
to ensure proper management of the more than 200 million tons of hazardous and
municipal solid wastes produced each year, and to address the highest risks posed
by the more than 20,000 pesticides products on the market and more than 2,200 new
chemicals introduced each year. The Agency will continue efforts to resolve
complex attainment issues for 33 ozone nonattainment areas and 9 carbon monoxide
nonattainment areas that do not meet health standards. This appropriation also
supports the enforcement and compliance-assurance activities needed to ensure
compliance with, the environmental statutes enacted by Congress.
The President is committed to meet the challenges necessary to protect the
environment. In this budget, the Agency fully funds EPA's portion of the
President's Climate Change Action plan. This program- creates partnerships to
produce, innovative energy conservation programs to meet our international
commitments to reduce greenhouse gases. The budget funds the Environmental
Technology Initiative which will spur the development of new technologies to
protect public health, cut costs, create new jobs and to increase exports. The
Agency supports the Everglades/South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Initiative.
SPA and other federal agencies are working to restore the Everglades ecosystem.
Finally, the budget continues to support the watershed approach in the key water
systems such as the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
In 1997, the Agency conti-nues to move forward with its Regulatory
Reinvention activities as proposed in the NAPA report, "Setting Priorities,
Getting Results: A New Direction for EPA", and the March 1995 package from the
President, Reinventing Environmental Regulation. The reinvention activities
provide businesses and community-based groups with an opportunity to join in a
partnership with the Agency and encourages them to take the initiative to protect
the environment.
The Agency's regulatory reinvention efforts will achieve results that are
cleaner for the environment, cheaper for business and taxpayers and smarter for
America's future. The Agency is using an approach that takes a look at the
environment industry-by-industry, and community-by-community to achieve the very
best environmental results at -the least cost.
The 1997 request will include 25 high-priority actions, such as Project XL,
the Common Sense Initiative (CSI) and the Sustainable Development Challenge Grant
Program. Under Project XL, companies have an opportunity to set aside current
EPA rules if they can design an alternative system that will be both cheaper for
the company and cleaner for the environment. Project XL will forge challenging
partnerships between the Agency, businesses, and communities 'who are interested
in contributing innovative strategies for smarter and better environmental
management. CSI invites a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including industry,
environmentalists, state governments, communities and labor unions to look at the
2-1
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full range of environmental regulations affecting six specific industries to
improve and simplify the permit system, identify more flexible ways of achieving
compliance, and design integrated systems for reporting environmental data. The
Sustainable Development Challenge Grant Program will be used to leverage private
investment in environmental efforts and to link environmental protection with
sustainable development and reinvention to encourage innovated approaches for
community-based environmental protection.
EPA is committed to setting priorities that allow the Agency to apply
limited resources where they will gain the most public health and environment
benefits. As we set environmental priorities, one of the most important'factors
that we use is relative risk. Examples of the use of risk-based decision making
can be found throughout the Agency's programs and environmental media.
The Drinking Water Program will use human health risk-based priorities for
setting high quality, drinking water standards based on sound science and data;
build and maintain flexible partnerships with the states and local governments
in implementing drinking water regulations; and, promote community-based source
water protection programs that prevent pollution of lakes, rives, streams, and
groundwater that serve as drinking water sources.
Water Quality activities will build upon the solid foundation of basic
programs by continuing to expand use of the place-based approach. This approach
promotes flexibility to address wide ranges of risks affectig specific
localities. Priorities in FY 1997 include improved wet-weather flow controls,
comprehensive wetlands management, and improved service delivery to clients and
stakeholders.
The Air program, in partnership with interested states, will help to
establish a market-based, cap-and-trade program to reduce emissions of NOx, a
major contributor to ozone pollution in highly-populous regions. The expanded
use of market-based approaches pioneered in the acid rain program exemplifies
work process reinvention and will provide a highly cost-effective way of reducing
risks to populations in some of the most polluted regions of the country.
The Pesticides-and Toxics programs will focus on reducing use and exposure
to toxic pesticides and chemicals and enhance 'public health for farm workers
while improving environmental protection.
The Agency continues to strengthen its role with our tribal partners. One
priority is to improve the management of solid waste on Indian lands. Work with
specific tribes' will center on identifying appropriate and practical landfill
management techniques, including alternative waste management technologies thai:
would be appropriate for small, remote communities. Resources and technical
support will also be provided to help tribes establish partnerships with
governmental and non-governmental groups in dealing with waste management issues.
In addition, the Agency will work with 'tribes to implement the underground
storage tank program as most tribes rely heavily on groundwater for their
•drinking water supply.
In the 1997 request, strong enforcement of environmental laws continues to
be a high priority. We want to ensure that polluters find a cop on the
environmental beat. EPA will target violators of key Agency geographic and
ecological initiatives. The Criminal Enforcement program will hire additional
support for criminal investigators as mandated under the Pollution Prosecution
Act. The program will target large facilities and major incidents with special
emphasis on those violations involving the greatest risk to human health or the
environment. At the same time, the Agency will pursue its dual enforcement
strategy of compliance assistance by expanding cooperative partnerships with the
regulated community and focusing assistance On small businesses.
2-2
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The budget also provides funding for the management and support activities
carried throughout the Agency. To make better use of its people, programs and
resources, the Agency is reinventing its management and administrative processes.
An example of the Agency streamlining is the Information Resources Management
Strategic plan. This initiative is an effort to consolidate the Agency's various
data collections so that • duplicative elements are . eliminated and reporting,
requirements are streamlined and clearer to the regulated'community.
2-3
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2-4
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AIR
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a-total of $304,405,300 and 1,669.7 total workyears
under the EPA appropriation "for 1997 in the A'ir media.
Air pollution continues to be a widespread problem in the United States,
contributing to human illnesses such as cancer, respiratory and reproductive
problems, and mental impairment. Air pollution also reduces visibilility,
corrodes buildings, and damages natural resources and ecosystems through toxic
accumulation and acidification of soils and lakes. By the end of 1995, 60
metropolitan areas, with a combined population of 120 million residents, were not
in attainment with air quality standards for one or more of 'the six "criteria"
pollutants for which EPA has established standards. The most difficult problem
is ozone, caused by emissions from motor vehicles, industrial plants, and other
mobile and stationary sources. Carbon monoxide, chiefly from cars and trucks,
is the second-most common problem. Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, and
particulate matter (PM-10) also continue to cause environmental and public health
challenges, although most areas of the nation now meet the standards set for
these pollutants. In addition to these six familiar pollutants, over one million
tons of hundreds of other air toxic pollutants are released annually. These
pollutants individually and interactively .threaten the environmental and economic *
health of the country.
The Clean Air Act authorizes a nationwide program to prevent and reduce air
pollution through air quality planning, regulation, compliance, enforcement, and
research. EPA now has completed a large number of rules mandated by Congress in
1990. Much remains to be done, however, if the Act's health and environmental
goals are to be achieved. Over the next few years EPA must, among other things,
issue additional rules and guidance documents, as well as complete mandated
studies and reports. At the same time, the Agency must accelerate and expand
activities to ensure that the Act is effectively implemented and enforced. In
addition, the Agency must strive to ensure that sources Subject to multiple Clean
Air Act rules or programs can comply without unnecessary burdens. Finally, EPA
must continue air research activities to strengthen the scientific basis for
policy decisions and regulatory actions. Air research activities are described
under the Science and Technology appropriation.
The air program helps carry out three major national environmental goals:
Clean Air, Safe Homes and Work Places, and Reducing Global Environmental Risks.
Under the Clean Air goal the Agency protects public health and the environment
through programs to attain clean air standards, reduce air toxics emissions, and
control acid rain. Under the Reducing Global Environmental Risks goal the Agency
seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000 and
return the stratospheric ozone layer to levels found prior to the discovery of
the Antarctic ozone hole. Finally, under the Safe Homes and Work Places goal,
the Agency attempts to ensure that the air inside buildings is as healthy as
outdoor air that meets federal clean air standards.
The Agency has established six program objectives for 1997 to help achieve
these environmental goals: 1) continue to work with states to attain National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQSs); 2) develop and implement an urban air
toxics strategy; 3) continue to carry out a market-based acid rain emissions
trading system; 4} reduce energy consumption and prevent pollution through
voluntary, profitable measures; 5) implement domestic rules and U.S.
responsibilities under the Clean Air Act and the revised Montreal Protocol for
reducing stratospheric ozone depletion; and, 6) provide technical support to
state and 'tribal indoor air programs.
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AIR
PROGRAM and 'ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
NON-ATTAINMENT PROGRAMS
The Agency requests a total of $64,024,600 and 555.0 total workyears for
1997 in the Criteria Pollutant Program.
EPA sets NAAQSs for six "criteria" pollutants: ozone, carbon monoxide,
particulate matter (PM-10), lead, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. EPA will
work with states, tribes, and multi-state organizations to reduce the number of
areas not meeting NAAQSs from 190 to-six by the year 2005. This will reduce the
number of people living in areas with unhealthy air from 148 million to 45
million. The remaining six areas will have air meeting all NAAQSs by 2010.
Nonattainment of standards is most widespread for the first three pollutants.
Today, 33 areas in the United States do not meet the national health standard for
ozone; nine areas do not meet the health standards for carbon monoxide; and over
33 areas do not meet the health standards for PM-lO. Recent research suggests
that particulate levels may cause 70,000 premature deaths each year in the United
States. In 1997 the Agency will devote $6,433,000 and 29.9 total workyears to
complete review of the ozone and PM-10 standards and propose new standards if
necessary to protect public health.
In 1997 EPA will issue seven national guidelines and standards for major
stationary sources that contribute to ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide
pollution. EPA will also carry out programs that will help meet NAAQSs for ozone
and particulate matter by reducing pollution from vehicles and fuels.
Under the Clean Air Act states must develop clean air plans to meet NAAQSs.
In 1997 EPA will provide states with national policy, guidance,.and technical
assistance for developing plans and for determining whether program requirements
and milestones are being met. EPA Regions will assist states, tribes, and local
communities in implementing pollution control strategies that provide multi-media
benefits and co-control of both toxic and criteria pollutants. The Regions will
also work extensively with states and other stakeholders to resolve complex
issues affecting attainment of NAAQSs, including 'issues involving the long-range
transport of ozone-forming compounds.
In 1997 Regions will assess whether areas have come into compliance with
NAAQSs and complete actions to redesignate them as "attainment" as quickly as
possible. Measurements of air quality for the past three years show that 65 of
the 98 areas identified as nonattainment for the ozone NAAQS in 1991 now meet
health standards; 33 of the 42 carbon monoxide nonattainment areas also now meet
health standards.
In 1997 the Agency will work on identifying previously unquantified health
benefits (such as reduced non-cancer effects from air toxics and reduced chronic
effects from ozone) and unquantified secondary benefits (such as ecosystem
benefits and benefits from exported technologies and job creation)• The Agency
also will assess the full range of human health and environmental benefits of
implementing various control strategies associated with a revised PM NAAQS in
conjunction with the development the regional haze visibility rule that will be
issued in 1997. Additionally, the Agency will provide an assessment of air
quality benefit approaches. Finally, EPA will document and communicate the
results from analyses in technical and non-technical terms so that they can be
understood by the regulatory community, industry, and the public.
Accurate air quality measurements are-essential both in developing state
plans and evaluating their effectiveness. In 1997 EPA Regions will assist state
and local agencies in improving air monitoring networks, refining quality
.assurance programs, and strengthening programs for analyzing monitoring data.
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Regions also will continue their multi-state and multi-Regional efforts to
coordinate the enhanced ozone monitoring network as well as provide analytic
support for multi-state organizations such as the Ozone Transport Commission, the
Ozone Transport Assessment Group, and the Lake Michigan Air Director's
Consortium. This work will include the allocation of $315,900 and 4.6 total
workyears under this• account for addressing air quality problems in the
U.S./Mexico border region. In addition, EPA will continue.to support states in
accurately inventorying pollutant emissions from mobile and stationary sources.
Complete, accurate, and comprehensive emission inventories are key to the
development of sound and enforceable state plane, effective regulations, and
meaningful measures of progress for achieving clean air. Such inventories also
are integral to the success of new market-based pollution control approaches.
In 1997 EPA will devote a total of $3,461,200 and 20.7 total workyears to
assist Indian tribes in developing programs to protect and improve air quality
on tribal lands.- The Clean Air Act provides tribes with the authority to
implement and administer air quality programs in essentially the same manner as
states. Funding support for states and tribes is described in detail'under the
State and Tribal Assistance Grant appropriation.
CLEAN VEHICLES AND FUELS PROGRAMS
The Agency requests a total of $14,416,200 and 148.8 total workyears for
1997 for the Clean Vehicles and Fuels Programs.
EPA's clean vehicles and fuels programs are designed to help meet NAAQSs
and reduce air toxics. Air pollution from mobile sources accounts for over half
of the nationwide emissions of ozone-forming compounds (volatile organic
compounds and nitrogen oxides) .and carbon monoxide. Because mobile source
emissions account for such a large percentage of the total air pollution problem,
reducing these emissions holds the greatest potential for cleaning our nation's
air.
In 1997 EPA will focus on maintaining and improving the credibility of the
scientific and technological basis for decisions and programs by using sound data
and scientific and .engineering principles. The Agency will seek acceptance for
.the scientific basis of Its programs by obtaining peer reviews from the technical
community. The Agency also will seek increased public acceptance of its programs
and policies through the development of partnerships with the states, industry,
and environmental organizations and stakeholders, as well as through an
institutionalized outreach and communication program. (The EPM account covers
activities focused on fuels and vehicle and emissions compliance programs;
complementary programs are described under the Science and Technology account.)
EPA and the states will work together to carry out mobile source pollution
abatement programs: vehicle inspection and maintenance, oxygenated and
reformulated fuels; clean fuel fleets; and other transportation control measures'.
The Regions will help .maintain conformity among transportation and air quality
plans and projects through working relationships with regional Federal Highway
Administration offices and state/local transportation agencies.
NATIONAL AIR TOXICS STRATEGIES, STANDARDS, AND PROGRAMS
The Agency requests a total of $44,633,500 and 219.1 total workyears for
1997 for the Air Toxics Program.
Under the clean air sub-goal for air toxics the Agency will, by the year
2005, reduce toxic air emissions from all major sources to the lowest
technically-achievable levels. By 2010 the incidence of cancer due to exposure
to pollution from vehicles will be reduced by 50 percent. .
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According to industry estimates, more than 1.8 billion pounds of toxic
pollutants were emitted 'into the atmosphere in 1992. These pollutants can cause
cancer, reproductive effects, birth defects, respiratory illnesses, and other
serious health effects. The CAAA requires EPA by the year 2000 to issue
technology based standards to control 189 hazardous air pollutants emitted by
major sources and small "area" sources.
During 1997 the Agency will continue work on Maximum Achievable Control
Technology (MACT) standards required within seven and ten years of enactment by
devoting a total of $19,341,300 and 82.7 total workyears to this effort- Timely
issuance of these standards is needed to avoid triggering requirements for states
to regulate air toxics sources on a facility-by-facility basis. To set MACT
standards EPA must gather information on toxics emissions, manufacturing
processes, pollution controls, and environmental and control Costs. As part of
the standards development the Agency will examine process changes, substitution
of feedstocks, and other pollution prevention options. To complete these
standards as efficiently as possible, EPA will form partnerships among major
stakeholders (industry, states, and the public) to leverage' their resources and
expertise. Through 1996, the Agency will have proposed 49 and promulgated 25
MACT standards. In 1997 the Agency will propose five additional MACT standards
and promulgate nineteen of those proposed in 1996.
Under the Clean Air Act EPA is required to issue a report to Congress that
identifies the methods for calculating the health risk remaining' after
application of MACT standards, describes the significance of that risk and how
it could be reduced, and recommends any legislation regarding the risk. In 1997
EPA will issue a Residual Risk Report to Congress that will describe the methods
for calculating the health risk remaining after application of .MACT and its
significance but will not contain control strategy recommendations.
In 1997 EPA will issue its urban air toxics strategy to reduce the health
risks posed by urban air toxic pollutants. Under the Clean Air Act EPA must
develop a strategy to control 90 percent of the emissions of the 30 or more air
toxics from, area sources that pose the greatest health risk in urban areas. EPA
intends to develop a. strategy that includes area sources, as well as mobile and
other sources which can contribute significantly to the overall urban air toxics
problem. In addition, EPA will identify air toxics control measures already in
effect or actions 'underway that assist in addressing the urban air toxics
problems. Those measures that are identified will be considered as meeting the
requirements of the urban area source program. Many of the actions needed to
meet the cancer and noncancer reduction goals in the urban program are already
underway. These measures include mobile source tailpipe standards,, clean fuels
programs, onboard vapor recovery devices, I/M programs and new nonroad engine
regulations. Similarly, many of the efforts already underway to address
stationary area source emissions will contribute significantly to achieving the
75 percent cancer reduction target.
The Clean Air Act requires EPA to .evaluate the deposition of hazardous air
pollutants to the Great Waters of the tf.S. In 1997 the Agency will allocate a
total of $1,506,100 and 6.9 total workyears to this effort. The evaluation and
findings are to be summarized in reports to Congress. The first report, issued
in May 1994, raised significant concerns about the effect of toxics on Great
Waters ecosystems and human health. In 1997 EPA will report to Congress for the
second time updating the state of the science provided in the first report.
Under the Act EPA is also required to determine whether the toxics provisions of
the Clean Air Act are adequate to prevent serious adverse effects to public
health and serious or widespread adverse environmental effects in the Great
Waters. EPA is also required to issue emission standards or control measures as
may -be necessary and appropriate to prevent such effects. In 1997 EPA will
continue the process to make the determination.
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EPA will provide assistance to state and local agencies in establishing and
expanding their air toxics program capabilities and in reviewing and processing
permit applications for air toxics sources. The Agency will provide information
and training to state and local agencies on the new federal rules being"issued
and hold frequent and open dialogue with state and local managers to resolve
problems encountered. Also, EPA' will support the implementation of section
112(1), which allows states to reduce emissions in ways different than prescribed
by federal rules, and section 112(g), which ensures that controls will be applied
to new and modified sources of hazardous air pollutants, before the seven and ten
year MACT standards are promulgated.
REDUCING BURDEN AND MAKING INFORMATION AVAILABLE
The Agency requests a total of $7,926,300 and 99.5 total workyears for 1997
in this program.
EPA will remove obstacles to the implementation of its air permitting
programs by providing .greater flexibility and certainties to industries and
states while maintaining the current level of environmental protection. This
will include completing the major reinvention of the new source review program,
enabling sources needing new major construction ;permits to acquire them' more
easily, more quickly, and more cheaply. In addition, the Agency will define
situations where new construction permits are no longer needed. It will include
issuing guidance on additional less burdensome approaches that sources can use
to establish that they are not major sources, thus eliminating the need for
acquiring operating permits altogether. Providing assistance to states that are
beginning to issue operating permits will be key to the success of Air Permitting
Programs, as the 35. of more new state programs, and 50 or more local programs
come on line. During 1997 these agencies will be required to receive
applications and issue permits to one third of the major sources in their
jurisdictions. Finally, EPA will continue to work with interested industry
representatives to identify flexible permit options that would enable industry
to more easily make process changes at their facilities. Regions will provide
assistance to state and local agencies in modifying their permit programs to
incorporate revisions that allow greater flexibility in the permit program.
EPA recognizes the need to further develop its information systems and
increase use of cutting edge technology (e.g., the Internet) to make its
information available to more people, more inexpensively, and in ways that are
more user-friendly. EPA Regions will provide technical support to state small
business assistance programs and facilitate training to state and local agencies
on the technical aspects of the nation's air pollution control programs. 'This
will be accomplished by use of the Agency's satellite downlinks to 12,000 to
15,000 professionals at more than 100 sites across the country.
ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING MARKET-BASED EMISSIONS TRADING SYSTEMS
The Agency requests a total of $12,369,600 and 80.3 total workyears for
1997 for market-based trading programs.
Acid rain and its precursors cause damage to lakes, forests, and man-made
structures, reduce visibility, and cause damage to human health. Under the clean
air sub-goal of controlling acid rain, the Agency seeks to reduce sulfur
deposition by a range of 25 to 40 percent in the eastern U.S. by the year 2005.
To achieve its environmental goal, EPA' will reduce sulfur dioxide (SO:)
emissions by 10 million tons from 1980 levels and reduce NOX by two million tons
from 1980 levels. The Agency will achieve the SOj emission reductions through
an innovative market-based emission allowance program that will provide affected
sources with flexibility in meeting required emission reductions. Successful
implementation of the allowance trading system will minimize compliance costs,
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maximize economic efficiency, and allow for growth. The acid rain program is
seen as a model for regulatory reform efforts here and abroad.
In partnership with interested states, EPA will help to establish a pilot
market-based, cap-and-trade program to reduce emissions of NOX'. NOX is a major
contributor to ozone pollution in highly-populous regions,, causing significant
health problems. In this market approach the Agency will leverage the knowledge
gained in developing the acid rain program. Reductions in ozone, acidification,
eutrophication, and fine particulate pollution will be achieved by reducing and
capping NOX emissions. The NOX cap will be implemented through the allocation
of NOX allowances to electric utilities and other affected sources.
-i
By using data systems nearly identical to those developed for the acid rain
program, EPA can implement a proven market-based program at a fraction of the
cost of building a program from the ground up. This approach exemplifies work
process reinvention, since the same processes developed and streamlined over time
for the acid rain program will be shared with the NOK program. The expansion of
the use of market approaches will provide a more cost-effective way of reducing
risks to populations in some of the most polluted regions of the country.
Additionally, to facilitate market-based approaches nationally EPA will
finalize a model rule in 1996 for emissions trading of smog-creating pollutants
called the open market trading rule. The rule is the first strictly voluntary
compliance option for emissions trading of ozone precursors (volatile organic
compounds and NOJ that does not require • source -specif ic revisions to SlPs or
operating permits. The rule should significantly reduce the time it takes a
state to get an open market trading program set up and running. In 1997 EPA
Regions will assist states that wish to adopt emission trading programs under
either the model rule or a modified version of it.
VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS TO PROFITABLY PREVENT AIR POLLUTION
The Agency requests a total of $82,014,200 and 119.8 total workyears for
1997 for the Climate Change Action Plan program.
Under the Agency's Reducing Global Environmental Risks goal, energy
efficient technologies will reduce energy consumption and prevent pollution while
delivering better products to the marketplace and increasing the competitiveness
of U.S. businesses. In addition to preventing the emission of air pollutants,
saving energy through energy-efficient products also reduces environmental damage
caused by the mining and transportation of fuels-(e.g. strip, mine damage, acid
mine damage, natural gas leakage, etc.) and the disposal of utility wastes (e.g.
boiler ash, scrubber waste, and spent nuclear fuel).
In enhancing free market operations for energy efficiency, the Agency will
prevent pollution through voluntary public-private partnerships rather than
regulations. Efforts will include: (1) increasing the level of energy-efficient
lighting, where profitable, through expanding marketing and implementation of the
Green 'Lights Program; (2) expanding marketing and implementation of the Energy
Star Buildings Program to encourage the profitable use of energy efficient
heating, ventilation, air conditioning and transformers; (3) marketing and
implementation of Energy Star commercial and residential technologies, including
fax machines and copiers; (4) developing residential energy efficiency programs;
(5) expanding initiatives to reduce methane emissions in a cost-effective manner;
and, (6) reducing the precursors of global warming associated with mobile
sources. Success will be measured through expanding partnerships and evaluating
the impacts of proposed protocols from other countries on U.S. economic growth,
jobs, and key industrial sectors.
EPA seeks partners who want to work with the Agency to prevent pollution,
including conventional and hazardous air pollutants and greenhouse gases, by
increasing the productivity of energy systems. Although the Agency will provide
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strong'assistance to partners to help -them decide how to accomplish their goals,
EPA will not dictate solutions or subsidize investments. The'Regions will play
a significant role in marketing the Green Lights and Energy Star programs and in
securing partnerships.
REDUCING STRATOSPHERIC OZONE DEPLETION
The Agency requests a total of $24,151,300 and 26,6 total workyears for
1997 in the Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Program,
. Restoration of the stratospheric ozone layer will reduce certain health
effects:, skin cancers, cataracts, and immune suppression. Under EPA's Reducing
Global Environmental Risks goal the Agency has the sub-goal of stopping the
decline in ozone concentrations in the stratosphere by 2005 and allowing the
recovery to levels found in the 1970s. A report released by the United Nations
Environment Program in September 1994 found that the rates of build-up in the
atmosphere of human-made compounds that deplete the ozone layer (chlorofluoro-
carbons and halons) have slowed in recent years.
In 1997 SPA will focus on four areas: 'domestic and international phase-out
of three ozone depleting chemicals: chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and
methyl chloroform; implementation of limitations on two other ozone depleters,
hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl bromide; more intensive recycling programs
in the U.S. and abroad; and earlier voluntary phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs from
developing countries.
In 1997 EPA will work with key agricultural•and commodity groups on field
and laboratory studies to evaluate alternatives to methyl bromide. This
chemical, which could account for as much as one-sixth of the depletion of the
ozone layer by the turn of the century unless efforts are successful in
restricting its use, is widely used as a fumigant for crops and .is required by
the Department of Agriculture as a quarantine fumigant for most- agricultural
goods entering the U.S.
EPA will continue to support the Montreal Protocol Multi-lateral Fund
(total request of $19,000,000 extramural). The Fund supports developing country
efforts to phaseout the use of ozone depleting substances by paying the
incremental cost of worthy projects that reduce the use of these substances. To
date, the fund has financed over 400 activities in 56 developing countries. When
fully implemented these activities will result in the annual prevention of over
30,000 tons • of ozone depleting substance emissions,
ADDRESSING INDOOR,ENVIRONMENTS
The Agency requests a total of $20",714,100 and 112.5 total workyears for
1997 in the Indoor Environments program.
Comparative risk studies performed by EPA headquarters,_regional offices,
and states consistently rank poor indoor environmental quality, including high
•radon levels, among the top five environmental risks to public health. EPA will
continue to employ voluntary approaches to improve the quality of indoor
environments by refining the science on which recommended actions for exposure
reduction are based,- raising public awareness of potential indoor risks and steps
that can be taken to reduce exposure; and by using partnerships and technology
transfer to improve the way in which all 'types of buildings are designed,
operated, and maintained to bring about healthier environments indoors.
Under the Safe Homes and Other Indoor Environments goal, EPA will seek to
ensure that all people will live, work, and learn in safe and healthy
environments. To accomplish this goal, the agency has -established several
measurable milestones and strategic targets for the year 2005, including:
decreasing the number of Americans exposed to elevated radon levels in homes;
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decreasing the proportion -of children who are regularly exposed to tobacco smoke
in the home; substantially increasing the number of schools and public buildings
implementing state-of-the-art pollution prevention guidance deve loped 'by EPA; and
establishing vpluntary agreements with industries to reduce emissions from their
products that impact on indoor air quality and public health.
In 1997 the indoor environments program will continue to implement the
activities authorized by the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA) and Title IV (the
Radon Gas and Indoor Air Quality Research Act) of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA). IRAA activities encompass a broad range of
activities including outreach, technical assistance, and financial assistance to
reduce the public health risks of radon. This includes the operation of the
State Indoor Ai'r Radon Grants program, oversight of the national radon
proficiency programs, work related to reduce elevated levels of radon in
residences and schools, promotion of model building standards, and technical
assistance to build capacities at the state and local.level to identify and fix
radon problems. As authorized under SARA, the program will continue>to address
sources and levels of other indoor air pollutants of'concern, better understand
the adverse health effects of poor indoor air quality, refine guidance on issues
such as building design, operation and maintenance, and disseminate new knowledge
to key audiences including state and local environmental health officials and
building facility managers.
The Agency is continuing to acquire and analyze building performance data
during the third year of field measurements planned for the multi-year Building
Assessment Survey and Evaluation project. In addition, the program's hotlines
and clearinghouses continue to provide information to a growing body of users,
including the general public and environmental health organizations who are
interested in reducing their constituencies' Indoor air and radon-related health
risks by providing clear messages about exposure- reduction.
Efforts to reduce the health' risk specifically from radon exposure will
focus on achieving results by tracking and setting goals for environmental
indicators that include: the number of homes and schools tested and mitigated;
the number of homes built using radon resistant features; and the number of
jurisdictions requiring radon-resistant new construction features. The indoor
environments program is working with EPA Regions and states to develop and track
similar measures of success for radon and other pollutants of concern indoors.
The program also will increase its efforts in the area of environmental equity
by working with organizations that specialize in reaching minority and low-income
populations and developing messages and using communication channels that are
effective goal to ensure safe indoor environments, ' • ' '
In 1997 EPA will continue to work with states to set and achieve measurable
gains in indoor environmental quality through effective targeting of performance
partnership grants. Regional indoor environments staff will actively work with
state officials and with other governmental and non-governmental organizations'
at the local and community level to, expand radon reduction activities to
encompass other indoor pollutants and provide leadership in galvanizing the
resources available to address them. Regions will increase their focus on
improving indoor environmental quality in schools nationwide. Other audiences
specially targeted for public awareness campaigns, literature development and
distribution, guidance document dissemination, training course delivery, and
related outreach efforts will include homebuilders and buyers, real estate
professionals, including agents and home inspectors, health professionals,
environmental and public health officials, facility owners and managers, and
providers of services delivered indoors to children and other sensitive
populations.
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WORKING CAPITAL FUND - AIR
The Agency requests a total of $11,448,700 for the Working Capital Fund for
the Air Media in 1997. '
The, resources included are for both Headquarters and Regional offices to
pay for program postage costs and for on-going data processing and
telecommunications services provide through the operations of the National Data
Processing Division (NDPD). These NDPD services are classified into five cost
centers: Enterprise Computing Services, Network Services, Desktop Services,
Technincal Consulting Services, and Scientific Computing Services. These
resources will also provide the program's share of depreciation of capital
assets, increased service costs, additional mainframe capacity, and network and
technical consulting services.
IMPLEMENTING STATIONARY SOURCE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES
• The Agency requests a total of $22,706,700 in the BPM account supported by
308.1 total workyears for 1997 in the Stationary Sources Enforcement program.
This program,manages and supports the implementation of a national air compliance
and enforcement program through operations in each of the ten Agency regional
offices.
In 1997, the Stationary Source Enforcement program will continue to support
achievement of several of the Agency goals identified as priorities in the
President's Budget request through its compliance monitoring, compliance
assistance, and enforcement activities.
The air enforcement program priorities in 1997 are: implementation of the
Title V operating permit program, the hazardous air pollutant (air toxics)
programs' under Title III and the innovative enforcement programs including new
enforcement initiatives: field citation, citizen awards, and open market
emissions trading under the Clean Air Act (CAA) . Implementation will be achieved
in a manner that minimizes the reporting and record keeping requirements on
facilities.
In 1997, the air program continues to enforce several new air toxics
standards designed to reduce the emissions of some of the most harmful air
pollutants. The standards affect dry cleaners (25,000 sources), degreasers
(50,000 sources), coke ovens, synthetic organic chemical manufacturers (300
sources) , the aerospace industry, chromium electroplaters, commercial
sterilizers, petroleum refineries and ot;her hazardous air pollutant emitters.
The Regional air program continues to provide a total of 55 workyears for
compliance assistance activities to educate the state and local permitting
authorities on the new requirements; educate and provide technical assistance to
aid industries in achieving compliance; and target enforcement actions to deter
noncompliance. The Regions will continue to implement strategies for addressing.
multi-state and multi-program violators ,of the CAA amendment requirements and for
corporate-wide patterns of non-compliance.
A total of 85 workyears and $1,000,000 extramural funding support 2,100
inspections and a total of 117.2 workyears support the initiation of an estimated
95 penalty orders, completion of 125 administrative penalty orders and completion
of 175 compliance orders'.
The Regional program will explore new measures of outputs for multimedia
enforcement and compliance activities. Regions will maintain operational data
on investigations and enforcement actions, including tracking Supplemental
Environmental Projects. 'They will also assess outputs and environmental
improvements and the impacts on human health and air quality.
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RADIATION ' . .
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $20,416,400 and 114.5 total workyears under
the EPM appropriation for 1997 in the Radiation media.
The E)?A program to protect public health and the environment from adverse
effects of radiation exposure is derived from several statutes including: the
Indoor Radon Abatement Act; • the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990; the Waste
Isolation Pilot Project Land Withdrawal Act of 1992; the Energy Policy Act of
1992; the Atomic Energy Act; the Public Health Service Act; the Uranium'Mill
Tailings Radiation Control Act; the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries
Act; and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. These Acts authorize
a wide range of regulatory, assessment, assistance, and research activities.
EPA's radiation program has four major objectives including: reducing
adverse health effects and environmental impacts from radiation exposure through
a program of standards and guidelines; assessing and quantifying existing and
emerging radiation problems and their potential impacts on public health and the
environment; responding to radiation issues of serious public concern; and,
maintaining the capability.to respond to radiological emergencies and to aid
development and testing of Federal, state, and local plans for emergency
response. •
•'To accomplish these objectives, EPA assesses and regulates sources of
airborne radionuclides; evaluates and regulates radioactive waste disposal;
provides site assessments and radiochemical analyses of environmental samples;
operates the Radon Action Program; operates the Environmental Radiation Ambient
Monitoring System; develops radiation clean-up and waste management standards;
arid responds to radiological emergencies. In 1997 the Agency will give priority
to .the areas described below.
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RADIATION
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
In October 1992 Congress enacted legislation for evaluating the Waste
Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) ,' a proposed radioactive waste disposal site operated
by the Department of- Energy (DOE) in New Mexico. The Act gives EPA oversight
responsibility for the DOE waste disposal activities at WIPP. In 1997 the Agency-
will allocate a total of $6,451,700 and 26.9 total workyears to this effort.
Carrying out this responsibility requires four major rulemakings: radioactive
waste disposal standards, compliance criteria, compliance certification, and
determinations of• continued compliance. In 1994 EPA completed the development
of final standards for the disposal of high-level and'transuranic radioactive
wastes.
In 1995 EPA completed the compliance criteria for implementing the 1994
radioactive 'waste disposal regulations. With the criteria in place EPA has begun
to prepare for the compliance certification for WIPP. • EPA will' develop methods
and guidance for. systematic review of the DOE compliance certification
application. The Agency will identify the technical areas involved (e.g.,
engineering, geology, computer modeling, chemistry, hydrology, etc.) and the
major regulatory provisions that will be implemented. The' Agency also will
develop position papers .and review guidance on issues in need of additional
explanation, EPA may have to do a rulemaking to approve any modifications to the
WIPP test plan that DOE might propose.
In addition, EPA will review on a semiannual basis the draft DOE WIPP
performance assessment. Through this,review EPA can identify the strengths and
weaknesses of WIPP and can direct DOE where to focus additional -efforts. EPA
will review DOE's finding.that the waste used in the tests is and will remain
retrievable. EPA also will provide oversight of the management of hazardous
waste at the WIPP under the terms of the "No Migration Determination" review,
check DOB's quality assurance and quality control procedures, and review DOE's
draft WIPP performance assessment.
Under the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the Agency must set standards
regulating the disposal of high level nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel rods
at the proposed repository of Yucca Mountain,. Nevada. These standards will be
multi-media in focus, addressing issues of air, land, and water surrounding
disposal at Yucca Mountain. Public participation in the development of the
standards will include local meetings, written information, and stakeholder
(e.g., DOE, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Nevada) meetings. Final standards
will be promulgated in 1997 to ensure that the Yucca Mountain disposal system
adequately controls releases of radioactive material, thereby protecting both
individuals and populations. The Yucca Mountain standard, along with the Waste
Isolation Pilot Plant responsibilities, implement the EPA's environmental goal
to ensure safe waste management protective of public health.
In 1997 EPA will continue to concentrate on establishing standards for
radioactive waste management and developing Federal guidance. ,A total - of
$10,057,800 and 62.7 total workyears will be devoted to this effort. EPA will
continue to promote transfer of implementation responsibilities for the
radionuclide National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs'}'.
to the states. Videotape training will be supplemented with direct -assistance
to deal with unique problems incurred by the states and local authorities. EPA
will provide technical assistance in determining the acceptability of alternate
compliance procedure requests. .SPA will work closely with the DOE as DOE
continues to decontaminate and decommission (D&D) buildings and facilities.
These D&D efforts provide unique challenges in assessing radionuclide emissions.
Implementation of the radionuclide NESHAPs will further EPA'-s environmental goal
to ensure clean air reducing public exposure to air toxics.
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Radioactive materials 'are used at over 20,000 sites including DOE
facilities and over 100 nuclear power reactors. Many of these sites will be
candidates for decommissioning over the next several decades. Billions of
dollars could be potentially wasted by inadequate clean-up efforts. In 1997 EPA
will continue development of clean-up criteria for sites contaminated with
radionuclides that will provide clear and consistent ground rules for clean-up.
'Working toward its environmental goal for the,restoration of contaminated
sites, during 1997 the Agency will evaluate comments received on the proposed
clean-up standards and prepare a draft rule for workgroup consideration.
Following publication of the proposed rule, EPA will conduct workgroup meetings,
public hearings, and further analyses. The Agency also will continue work on the
Federal radioactive waste management regulations. The regulations and their
implementing guidances are critical to the reduction of risk to human health and
the environment through the proper storage, treatment, and disposal of
radioactive waste; waste minimization and restricted recycle/reuse activities;
as well as the encouragement of innovative environmental technology to minimize
the volume of radioactive waste found at thousands of sites throughout the
nation.
In 1997 the Agency will provide a total of $1,497,900 and 17.0 total
workyears for its radiological emergency preparedness efforts. As part of its
emergency preparedness efforts and the Agency environmental goal for preventing
accidental releases, EPA will continue its classroom and field training programs
to maintain and improve the capabilities of the ,EPA Radiological Emergency
Response Team. The Agency will also continue working with other Federal agencies
and the international community on formal agreements dealing with communications*
coordination of response efforts, and mutual assistance for responding to
emergencies.
EPA will continue to provide coordination, oversight, and technical support
to ensure that radioactively contaminated federal facilities are cleaned up to
acceptable EPA risk levels consistent with the requirements of the federal
facility agreements. The program is composed of two primary elements: 1)
development of overall guidance that is applicable to all .federal facility sites
and 2) development of operational controls for site characterization, sampling,
handling, analysis, treatment, and disposal of mixed wastes (combinations of
radioactive waste and hazardous chemicals). The latter is of particular concern
for DOE sites with substantial amounts of mixed wastes.
The Agency requests a total of $1,872,700 for the Working Capital Fund for
the Radiation Media in 1997. The resources included are for both .Headquarters
and Regional offices to pay for program postage costs and for on-going data
processing and telecommunications services provide through the operations of the
National Data Processing Division (NDPD). These NDPD services are classified
into five cost centers: Enterprise Computing Services, Network Services, Desktop
Services, Technincal Consulting Services, and 'Scientific Computing Services.
These resources will also provide the program's share of depreciation of capital
assets, increased service costs, additional mainframe capacity, and network and
technical consulting services.
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WATER QUALITY
•OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $274,160,300 and 1,855.9 total workyears for
FY 1997 in the Water Quality media. Clean water is integral to the growth of the
nation's economy and to our quality of life. Water quality is also essential for
the health and survival of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms. Whether
it is found on the earth's surface, in the ground, or in wetlands, clean water
is essential to life and contributes billions of dollars to America's economy.
EPA's Water Quality Program faces three main challenges. First, we seek
to prevent or control pollution sources and adverse physical alteration, to
restore degraded areas, and to gain a better understanding of the condition of
our surface water resources. Second, the Agency must protect ground water from
pollution and help the public better understand the ways in which ground water
becomes polluted. Finally, EPA is seeking to continue the trend towards reduced
wetlands loss; ultimately realizing a net gain in wetland acreage through efforts
to create new wetlands and to protect, improve and better understand wetlands
conditions.
The 1997 program emphasizes common sense, place-based approaches to
improving water quality. Built on the solid foundation of basic water programs
and incorporating a', risk-based approach to decision-making, the ,1997 program
focuses on improving wet weather flow controls, encouraging comprehensive place-
based wetlands management, and. overall streamlining of our program delivery
efforts.
The Agency will continue orienting water quality programs to protect
"places." Drawing on the experience arid successes of the Great Lakes, Chesapeake
Bay, and Gulf of Mexico Program Offices and the National Estuary Programs (NEP),
EPA will help States, local communities, and Tribes use scientific tools to
address their environmental problems. The Agency will facilitate cross-program
support for implementing estuarine management plans and use the experience of the
NEP to encourage other coastal watershed protection efforts. We will disseminate
new and revised user-friendly computer models that integrate geographic location
data to facilitate effluent trading among point and nonpoint sources. The Agency
will coordinate with other environmental programs to address complex multi-media
problems (such as air deposition of pollutants in U.S. waters). EPA will issue
an Advance•Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to conduct a watershed- and multimedia-
oriented review of the criteria and standards program and a water quality
Criteria Development Plan to explain the future directions of that program.
In 1997, the Agency will better communicate water program actions and
policies to assure that stakeholders understand . and participate in Agency
decision-making. We will help States use environmental indicators to measure
progress against watershed goals. The Agency will annually communicate the
results of program activities to the general public and stakeholders and will
extensively use new electronic technologies to communicate with other federal,
State, Tribal, and local water programs and to distribute information to
interested parties. EPA will continue working with States and other agencies to
link national water quality databases through the Interagency Task Force on
Monitoring.
'The Agency will 'focus on two priority water quality programs in 1997:
improving wet weather flow controls and encouraging comprehensive place-based
wetlands management. EPA will work with the urban wet weather advisory group
to address both technical and policy issues for controlling urban runoff, storm
water, sanitary sewer overflows, and combined sewer overflows. The Agency will
also • streamline monitoring and storm water permitting requirements to reduce
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existing and potential burdens. Working with stakeholders, EPA will issue
national guidance to help upgrade existing state Nonpoint Source (UPS) programs,
encourage greater focus on priority watersheds and environmental results, and
eliminate the competitive grants application process. .Finally, the Agency will
use- pollution prevention, incentive-based volunteer efforts, and outreach to
address traditionally unregulated nonpoint sources.
In 1997, the Agency will support projects to reinvent environmental
regulation, including Project XL pilots and the Agency's Common Sense Initiative.
The Agency will'continue to reinvent the ocean dumping program by focusing on
long-term disposal site planning and management in advance of individual permit
applications. We will encourage effluent trading in watersheds and promote the
creation of wetland mitigation banks. EPA will continue working with
stakeholders to reinvent the NPD1S program (i.e., reduce permittee monitoring
requirements, streamline application data requirements, and expand the use of
general permits) . The Agency will identify reporting burdens that can be reduced
or eliminated. EPA will implement the Environmental Technology Initiative by
developing technology verification protocols to test the viability and
performance of new water pollution prevention and control technologies and
methods.
In 1997, the Agency will continue to enhance wetlands protection, making
wetlands regulation more cost-effective and flexible. EPA will encourage States
and Tribes to develop and implement Wetlands Conservation Plans and promote State
and Tribal assumption of regulatory authority and other mechanisms that rely on
local decision-making. We -will increase the use of wetlands mitigation banking
and support landowners interested in voluntary wetlands stewardship. Through
stakeholder partnerships, the Agency will pursue voluntary and incentive-based
measures throughout the Mississippi River watershed to address excessive nutrient
run-off that contributes to hypoxia problems 'in coastal Louisiana and Texas,
• The 1997 Water Quality Enforcement program will promote a comprehensive.
approach for compliance and enforcement to ensure environmental accountability
in protection of the nation's waterways. The program will concentrate activities
in targeted high risk sectors, ecosystems, and populations. All instances of
significant noncompliance will be responded to on a timely manner.
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WATER QUALITY
PROGRAM AND.ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE
The Agency requests $9,500,000 in 1997 for the Environmental Technology
Initiative, in the water programs. EPA will use these resources to assist our
partners in making 'wise investment decisions about cutting-edge wastewater
treatment technologies. In 1997,. we will make special efforts to implement
small-community technology verification protocols, which are 'EPA procedures to
test the performance and viability of treatment technologies. These procedures
will be shared with independent testing facilities to establish responsibility
for technology testing in the private sector.
REINVENTING AND REDUCING WATER REGULATIONS ' . . .
In 1997, the Agency is requesting $5,952,300 and 69.4 total workyears to
continue to improve the regulatory structure of the NPDES program. The'efforts
started in 1995 require completion of a number of rules including those that
reduce permit application paperwork for NPDES, sludge and stormwater and focus
pretreatment programs on environmental results. We anticipate, that these
improvements will yield, beginning in early 1996, a'25% reduction in monitoring
and reporting requirements for permittees, without any loss in ability to detect
violations.
The Agency requests a total of $834,000 and 1.0 total workyears in 1997 for
Effluent Trading. In support of President Clinton's Reinventing Environmental
Regulation (March 1995), EPA is promoting effluent trading to achieve water
quality objectives and standards, EPA will work cooperatively with key
stakeholders to find sensible, innovative ways to meet water quality standards
faster and at less overall cost than "traditional" approaches. EPA will assure
that effluent trades are implemented responsibly so that environmental progress
is enhanced, not hindered.
EPA activities associated with effluent trading have included the release
of the Policy Statement (January 25, 1996) and Trading Framework (late March
1996). Substantial public outreach efforts are planned to obtain stakeholders'
recommendations and insights on the draft framework prior to implementation. In
1997 EPA plans to provide technical assistance for implementing trading.
PROTECTING WETLANDS
The Agency requests a total of $15,041,800 and 153.6 total workyears for
1997 for the Wetlands- protection in the Water Quality Program. In 1997, the
Agency will continue to develop and implement reforms, in accordance with the
'Clinton Administration's Wetlands Plan, to make wetlands regulations more fair,
flexible, and cost-effective. We will develop tools and guidance for wetlands
and watershed management, and work with other agencies and stakeholders to put
watershed techniques into practice as an alternative to traditional project-by-
project decision making. Since considerable regulatory policy and guidance
development had already been completed under the Administration Plan, additional
attention will be directed toward implementation issues, such as interagency
training, State primacy, supplemental guidance on specific' issues, and
consistency in field application. In addition, more regulatory emphasis will be
placed on sector-specific issues and problems, such as forestry, homebuilders,
site developers, and the recreation industry.
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EPA will increase its dialogue with those we regulate to resolve"areas of
ongoing difficulties. The Agency will continue to assist States, Tribes, and
local governments to take more active roles in wetlands planning, protection, and
regulation. EPA will emphasize the development and dissemination of technical
information and outreach materials to assist other partners to assume more
responsibility for wetlands protection and to communicate effectively on
controversial issues with stakeholders and the public. Disinvestment will occur
through more reliance on other federal and State agencies to make wetlands
jUrisdictional determinations, conduct wetland and impact evaluations, establish
requirements for compensatory mitigation, and make permitting decisions.
The Agency requests $1,842,300 and 27.0 total workyears in its Water
Quality Program for Wetlands Protection enforcement. Compliance and enforcement
tools will be used to support the environmental protection of wetlands by
ensuring there is no net loss of wetlands resulting from discharges of dredged
and fill materials. The program will establish strong partnerships with federal,
State and local agencies in addressing wetlands protection through compliance
assurance activities. This program will focus on improving interagency
relationships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of
Agriculture, the Fish and Wildlife service, and other stakeholders, through joint"
enforcement workshops and training efforts. The Agency's compliance assistance
activities will promote innovative', comprehensive approaches to environmental
compliance by the regulated community.
In 1997, the program will continue to develop a systematic approach to
addressing barriers to wetlands protection through an effective enforcement
program. The Regions will work closely with headquarters in: 1) publishing a
Section 404 Enforcement Compendium; 2) developing a litigation report with
guidance specific to Section 404 issues; 3) developing enforcement response
guidance; 4) establishing significant noncompliance guidance; 5) revising penalty
policies; 6) developing national and regional case selection criteria; and 7)
drafting a media communication strategy. The Agency will develop a regionally
based Compliance Outreach Strategy targeted at State, Local, and Tribal planning
agencies to promote, wetlands protection and.restoration under Section 404.
The program will focus on ecosystem protection through targeted section 404
enforcement actions in high priority watersheds. EPA will use all of its
enforcement tools, such as administrative orders, administrative penalty orders,
civil judicial and criminal prosecution against violators of wetlands protection.
Where feasible, Regions will track and report lass or gain of wetlands acreage,
biodiversity, and floral and faunal composition.
PLACE-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The Agency requests a total of $3,323,400 and 7.0 total workyears for X997
for South Florida. In support of the Vice President's initiative to prepare and
implement an Everglades Restoration Plan, the Agency will continue its support
for planning and restoration activities". This' will be done in conjunction with
the multi-Agency South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, and will include
preparation of a Water Quality Management Plan that will continue the work that
is underway by several agencies. The plan will ensure that the major water
movements expected in the restored System of canals and levies will not degrade
the fragile ecosystem and will incorporate all major projects now underway.
These projects include implementation of the Water Quality Protection Plan for
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and,,the preparation of a Comprehensive
Wetlands Conservation, Mitigation and Permitting Strategy.
The Agency requests a total of $793,600 and 5.5 total workyears in 1997 for
the Northwest Forest program. The Agency will continue efforts to implement the
President's Forest Plan, participating in and providing technical assistance to
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interagency and intergovernmental teams tasked" with protecting and restoring
watersheds in the northwest forests of the United States.
COMMON- SENSE INITIATIVE
In 1997, the Agency requests $1,553,584 and 5,0 total workyears for the
Common Sense Initiative. The water programs will continue efforts to find
"cheaper, cleaner and .smarter" ways of protecting the environment through
continuing participation in the Agency's Common Sense Initiative (CSI) . As eo-
'ehair of the iron and steel sector initiative, 1PA will support six to- eight
cnulti-media pilot projects that the sector is pursuing to test new ideas;
coordinate and facilitate the participation of representatives from the iron and
steel industry, environmental and community groups, labor organizations, and
state and local regulators as they develop consensus-based recommendations;
coordinate sector activities with all media programs; and manage the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (FACA) requirements associated with the effort. Areas of
focus include improving the permitting process, reducing reporting burdens,
promoting awareness of innovative, pollution-reducing technology, and developing
the mechanisms to enable the redevelopment of abandoned iron and steel
manufacturing sites (Brownfields).
WATERSHED TARGETING/TMDLs
The Agency requests a total 'of $4,698,300 and 39.4 total workyears for 1997
in the Watershed Program. We will begin implementing the reinvented CWA Section1
303 (d) total maximum daily load (TMDL) program developed by a State-EPA workgroup
in 1996, including issuing updated guidance and integrating 303(d) lists into
five-year consolidated assessments. .EPA will continue providing technical and
market-based tools and training to empower interested watershed partnerships to
develop 'and implement community-based watershed strategies, "including- help
implementing the effluent trading policy and holding the Watershed Academy across
the U.S.
DREDGED MATERIAL MANAGEMENT/OTHER OCEAN DISPOSAL
The Agency requests a total of $7,287,300 and 48.0 total workyears for 1997
to reinvent the ocean dumping program. We intend to shift its-focus to long term
disposal site planning and management in advance of individual permit
applications, and increase the use of risk-based approaches in decision-making.
The implementation of site management plans, in concert with'development of long
term management strategies, will provide an opportunity to manage ocean disposal
of dredged material on ' a place-by-place, rather than permit-by-permit., basis.
The Agency will develop revised regulations for the ocean disposal of dredged
materials, and continue its partnership with the Corps of Engineers (COB) and
other members of the National Dredging Team to develop long-term management plans
for dredged material. The focus of long term planning actions will be assistance
and participation in the development of community-based plans 'at key cities that
address dredged material disposal, as we'll as pollution prevention, to eliminate
contamination in future dredged material. The Agency will work with the COE to
improve technical guidance for sampling, analysis, and data interpretation.
NPDES WATERSHED PROTECTION "
The Agency requests a total of $22,131,000 and 251.1 total workyears for
its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System {NPDES) permit, pretreatment
and sludge programs. we intend to further focus them toward a community-based
approach (rather than individual sources of pollution) and to ensure the
protection of ecosystems and the 'attainment of clean surface waters. So far,
about half the States are issuing permits on a, watershed basis or developing a
framework to do so. EPA will implement effluent trading where the Agency issues
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permits, which will have a potential cost savings to the permittees in the
hundreds of millions of dollars.
In its partnerships with regions, States, Tribes, 'localities and other
" stakeholders, EPA will continue to simplify and tailor these relationships, with
a focus on measures of success, watershed protection, and clear delineation of
the roles of EPA, States and municipalities. New approaches such as tailored
oversight practices, new performance measures, more flexible use of grants, and
simplified delegation procedures will reduce both Federal costs and 'reduce the
burden on authorized States. The number of authorized State programs is expected
to increase by two in 1997, for a total of 45 States*
EPA and States will continue to work with their local stakeholders in
developing basin management plans, establishing priorities and developing
environmental indicators that clearly demonstrate progress toward attainment of
water quality goals. The Agency will continue to work with -states to synchronize
permit issuance and reissue major and minor permits consistent with basin
management plans. EPA will provide technical assistance to build Tribal capacity
for administering authorized water and sludge management programs.
Through the Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency (WAVE),and Municipal
Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) programs, EPA will heighten awareness of the
'benefits of preventing water pollution and reducing energy and water use. The
WAVE program offers companies .an opportunity to participate in one of the
Agency's primary voluntary programs. Recognition and technical support through
the WAVE program provide strong incentives to conserve water in the hotel/motel
industry; in 1997, EPA will expand the program into other 'commercial sectors,
such .as office buildings.
NQNPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
The Agency requests a total of $10,407,300 and 104.5 total workyears for
1997 in the Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Program. Since States report that
nonpoint sources are their most significant water quality problems, the Agency
will continue to bolster ongoing NPS programs to achieve better community-based
watershed management. Based on the 1996 State-EPA workgroup strategy to reinvent
NPS management under Section 319, we will make program improvements in 1997:
issuing better evaluation criteria for upgraded state programs; reducing
reporting requirements; and revising the Section 319 funds allocation formula.
As coastal States have submitted and EPA has acted on their coastal NPS programs
.under Section 6217 of Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments, we will
substantially reduce our technical assistance that helped States develop these
programs. We will work with States to upgrade their NPS management programs,
addressing weaknesses identified during our 1996 program review.
EPA will continue working with private sector grass-roots groups to promote
an increase in voluntary adoption of NpS management practices and controls by
reaching private land owners and managers. We will support voluntary compliance
by developing self-assessment procedures. The Agency will continue ongoing broad
public outreach efforts, including internet access, to increase awareness of NPS
pollution and watershed protection and to encourage voluntary public actions to
reduce watershed pollution.
WATER QUALITY MONITORING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
.The Agency requests a total of $11,511,800 and 64.1 total workyears in 1997
for water quality monitoring and information systems. The Agency will continue
to identify and characterize impaired/threatened waters and to increase the use
of environmental indicators to measure progress against watershed goals.
Headquarters and the Regions will help the- States begin the transition to the
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reinvented five-year cycle for CWA Section 305Cb) reports and consolidated
assessments. EPA will help States implement comprehensive monitoring strategies
and subsequent reporting on water quality" conditions using agreed-upon
environmental indicators. Headquarters will begin full implementation of the
modernized STORET/BIOS/ODIS national'water quality data system and a point/click
capability for displaying local watershed conditions and problems based on
information incorporated from a wide range of existing computer data systems.
We will provide training to stakeholders on GIS/INTERNET and STORET as tools to
use indicators and related data. We will continue to provide monitoring tools
to stakeholders, including assistance on biological and volunteer, monitoring.
COASTAL WATERSHED PROTECTION/NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM
The Agency requests $20,168,400 million and 80.6 total workyears in 1997
to promote coastal watershed protection through targeted support to critical
estuaries and other coastal and marine areas. Emphasis will be placed on
transferring lessons learned from the estuaries in the National Estuary Program
(NEP) to other coastal watershed communities. Specific activities in support of
coastal watershed protection will include: continuing support for the 28 National
Estuary Programs; providing technical assistance, training and support to coastal
resource managers; examining the adverse impacts of atmospheric pollution on
coastal waters, with an emphasis on estuarine waters and development of
management strategies; implementing ecologically-based water quality controls for
marine point source dischargers; using existing technical guidance on ecological
decision criteria to assess whether marine ' dischargers are meeting ocean
discharge criteria (CWA section 403 (c)) ,- developing low-cost, practical watershed
protection tools for protecting coral reefs; developing and encouraging beach
cleanups and the use of control mechanisms for marine debris; and developing
standards for pollution impacts from vessel discharges.
Grant funding for post-Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan
(CCMP) activities at NEP estuaries will demonstrate innovative techniques that
are potentially applicable to other estuaries. As such, these activities will be
funded under our existing CWA section 104 (b) (3) or a new CWA reauthorization for
section 320. Grant funding for post-CCMP activities is not intended to support
activities to monitor the progress or the effectiveness of CCMP implementation.
CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM
The Agency requests a total of $20,022,900 and 16.8 total workyears in 1997
for Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) . The CBP is responsible for developing and
'implementing a program which protects and restores the overall environmental
health of the Chesapeake Bay. .
The basinwide Nutrient Reduction Strategy for the Chesapeake Bay will
undergo a formal reevaluation in 1997 including an assessment of the progress
made by the four participating jurisdictions {Virginia, District of Columbia,
Maryland, and Pennsylvania) under the1 tributary specific nutrient reduction
strategies. Additional actions needed to be taken to close the gap on achieving
the 40 nutrient reduction goal by the year 2000 will be determined through
additional modeling, monitoring and assessments and integrating air deposition
control with water quality agreements 'negotiated with the various stakeholders.
The Environmental Indicators program will be continually maintained and expanded
to incorporate newly developed measures for sustainable development, local
government participation, and other localized measures of progress.
Implementation of the 1994 Basinwide Toxics Reduction and Prevention
Strategy will continue. This will include: determining whether additional areas
of the Bay shall be designated as Regions of Concern; publishing a
characterization of all Bay and tidal tributary habitat status with regard to
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chemical pollution; updating and expanding the Basinwide Toxics Loading and
Release Inventory; , securing agreement on loading reduction targets for urban
stormwater run-off, atmospheric deposition, and acid mine drainage, to .be-achieved
over the next decade.
EPA staff will continue to manage attainment of goals for fisheries
recovery and habitat restoration, including: underwater grasses and aquatic reef
restoration; implementation of"an amended Blue Crab Management Plan for the Bay;
and taking actions necessary to ensure the 1998 goal of opening 582 streams to
fish passage will be achieved.
Implementation of the Forest Buffer Policy as adopted by the Executive
Council'in 1996 will begin, as will implementation of the recommendations of the
local Government Partnership Task Force, including the establishment of a Local
Government Tool Box and expanded use of environmental data bases at a local level
via the internet. These two efforts, working together, will result in a program
focus on small watersheds and the restoration of natural systems.
GREAT LAKES
The Agency requests a total of $13,451,900 and 46.2 total workyears in 1997
for Great Lakes National Program (GLNPO). GLNPO will- interpret and report
information from the first-ever integrated, cooperative, and science-based
intensive monitoring of Lake Michigan air, water, sediments, and biota. This
effort supports the Great Waters provisions of section 112(m) of the Clean Air
Act and section 118 of the CWA. EPA's integrated Great Lakes information system,
developed by GLNPO . and its State and Federal partners, will 'deliver
scientifically sound, easily accessible environmental information to decision
makers and the public by traditional means and via the internet; ' GLNPO will
complete its $1,000,000 contribution to a State/Federal cleanup of contaminated
sediments at a competitively chosen Great Lakes location. In addition, GLNPO
will do field work and fund contaminant modeling or remediation design for State
and local groups at seven Areas of Concern (having provided this assistance at
25 out of the 31 United States Areas of Concern). GLNPO will commence up to ten
habitat restorations to impact between 5,000 and 6,000 acres of Great Lakes
habitat identified as important in The Nature Conservancy's Biodiversity Report.
GLNPO and Environment Canada will address binational environmental priorities of
the Great Lakes, especially those resulting from the Binational virtual
Elimination Strategy.
In additipn, resources in the Coastal Watershed Protection Program'
($7,017,200 and 10.0 total workyears) support the Great Lakes program. These
resources enable EPA to continue implementing Lakewide Management Plans (LaMPs)
for Lakes Erie, Michigan, Ontario and Superior.. EPA has identified stressors
which are adversely impacting, or have the potential to impact, beneficial uses
in the Great Lakes and ' is implementing appropriate -management actions in
partnerships with other stakeholders. EPA will continue to support and encourage
broad public participation throughout the LaMP programs.
GULF. OF MEXICO PROGRAM -
The Agency requests a total of $4,728,300 and 13.8 total workyears for 1997
for the Gulf of Mexico Program Office (GMPO). GMPO will support State and local
community-based programs that protect human health and critical Gulf ecosystem
resources. The GMPO., through its broad consortium of Federal, State, and non-
governmental partners, will channel extensive scientific assessment, information,
technical assistance and financial support to address the critical ecosystem
issues. Specific attention will be given to the issues of coastal hypoxia,
shellfish contamination, and critical fishery nursery habitat losses that
threaten public health and the economic sustainability of the multi-billion
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dollar Gulf fisheries. The GMPO will provide in-the-field financial assistance,
on a competitive basis, to the Gulf's State and local programs involved in
implementing unique and effective approaches that address those three priority
issues.
The GMPO will work to establish a,model national partnership with State,
.federal, local, and private interests throughout the Region to design and
implement voluntary and incentive-based approaches to mitigate wasteful run-off
nutrients to the watershed- The GMPO will conduct specific field work with State
and local programs in targeted estuaries throughout the five-State region to
transform contaminated shellfish-growing waters to safe harvest standards. The
GMPO will continue to expand the.capabilities of the Gulf Information Network,
to provide integrated, extensive environmental information access and retrieval
to all county and parish communities in the Gulf region. The GMPO will continue
to enhance its partnerships with organized regional businesses and environmental
and industrial sectors involved in the application and advancement of
ecologically beneficial sustainable development programs.
Efforts to improve water quality enhancement in the Gulf of Mexico will be
enhanced through continued support of National Estuary Program {NEP) activities
in the Gulf watershed. Specific NEP activities that will compliment and support
GMPO efforts .include continued development of Comprehensive Conservation and
Management Plans (CCMPs) for the newly-designated Charlotte Harbor, Florida, and
Mobile Bay, Alabama, estuaries.
AIR DEPOSITION .
The Agency requests a total of $1,134,809 and 1.5 total workyears for 1997
in the Community-Based - Environmental Protection program for investigating the
adverse'effects of atmospheric pollution on the Nation's water quality. The
Agency is investing in this area in order to assure that we achieve several
environmental goals, including those addressing healthy and diverse aquatic life,
stable or increasing populations of threatened or endangered aquatic species,
edible fish and shellfish harvests, and safe recreational waters.
EPA has concluded that " atmospheric deposition -can significantly
contribute to the distribution, deposition, and subsequent loading to surface
waters of various metals (e.g., mercury), pesticidesr and organic chemical
contaminants (e.g., PCBs). Monitoring and'modeling information indicates that
air emissions from stationary and mobile sources represent a significant portion
of the total loading of nitrogen into waters of the eastern United States and.
contributes to the eutrophication of estuarine and coastal waters along the
Atlantic coast. The environmental and human health protection goals of the Clean
Water and Clean Air Acts can be better achieved through multimedia-based control
and prevention actions.
In 1997, the Agency will further quantify the adverse impacts of
atmospheric pollution on the Nation's Water quality, begin to incorporate its
findings in five environmental models, and provide technical assistance to 20
local watershed partnerships that are developing scientifically defensible
loading information.
The Agency's strategy for accomplishing these plans is to develop and
refine relative loadings, cost-effectiveness information, and modeling techniques
to coincide with existing water quality models,for the Chesapeake Bay by focusing
on the nitrogen load to the Bay from inflow at the Bay's mouth and expand, the
atmospheric deposition model of the Bay's 350,000 square mile airshed and its
64,000' square mile watershed. EPA will then distribute the information and
modeling techniques to States and Tribes so they can develop cost-effective
multi-media strategies for nutrient management from point and nonpoint sources.
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The Agency will use data collected on the amount of nitrogen compounds that are
deposited directly to Atlantic coastal waters to define the nutrient source
components causing eutrophication in coastal estuaries in four additional regions
of the Atlantic Coast. Based upon the values derived, States and local agencies
will be able to'define cost-effective nutrient management strategies and "may
realize significant local cost savings in the control of major contributing
sources.
WET WEATHER FLOWS
The Agency requests a total of $9,127,900 and 78.5 total workyears to
combat pollution caused by wet weather events, one of the greatest problems
threatening our public health and aquatic ecosystems. In 1997, by shifting $1.1
million of its resources from guidance issuance and technical assistance to
support permitting, the Agency will better address wet weather pollution
problems, such as combined sewer overflows (CSOs), sanitary sewer overflows and
stormwater. To control these remaining sources, the Agency has already tripled
the number of permittees from 70,000 to 200,000, and will increase this figure
even more when Phase II of the stormwater program is implemented.
The Agency will assist local communities with holistic planning and
implementation•on an urban watershed basis. By January 1, 1997, all CSO cities
will have nine minimum"control measures in place. EPA expects to reissue 78
general stormwater permits in 1997. EPA will'also reissue 220 CSO permits with
Long Term Control Plans that will have expired. The Agency will ensure issuance'
of all NPDES permits required for municipal separate storm sewer systems serving
populations over 100,000 in 1997, and will complete guidance on confined•animal
feeding operations, a major source of wet weather pollution.
The Agency will implement the recommendations of the Urban Wet Weather
Flows (UWWF) Advisory Committee on wet weather issues. The guidance, policies,
incentives and technical assistance to be implemented in this program are now
being developed by over 50 stakeholders participating in the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (FACA) chartered effort. They advise the Agency on major
improvements to the existing stormwater program, help design and target
discharges for the next phase of the stormwater program, develop a cost-effective
approach to dealing with sanitary sewer overflows, and look at issues that cut
across all urban wet weather problems. EPA expects to extend the stormwater
program to some municipalities and industrial/commercial sources, but only to
those facilities where a water quality problem exists. This will exempt
thousands of sites (nearly 80% of the universe now subject to regulation) without
any significant impact on water quality.
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT
The Agency requests $20,948,500 and 174.4 total workyears for 1997 for
water infrastructure management. EPA continues to manage and ensure the fiscal
integrity of several financing programs" devoted to improving the Nation's water
infrastructure. With over $17 billion (including Federal investments, state
matching funds, bond proceeds, and repayments) available for loans to provide for
water quality infrastructure improvements in all 50 States and Puerto Rico, the
Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) supports approximately 3400 projects
nationally, and is responsible for supporting 28,000 jobs annually and over
280,000 jobs since its inception. One of the Agency's premier tools for building
our partners' financial capacity, the CWSRF program fosters EPA's .goals of
ecosystem protection by promoting a more comprehensive, priority-based approach
to selecting point or non-point source control projects. In 1997, EPA will
develop guidance' encouraging states to 'fund priority projects in targeted
watersheds at risk, and will promote environmental justice by better enabling
states to provide loans to small or disadvantaged communities.
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EPA plans to complete the 1996 Clean Water Nee.ds Survey in 1997, which
identifies wastewater and related infrastructure investment requirements across
the U.S. EPA will also continue a modernization to upgrade the Needs Survey
database. We also will allocate resources to develop and administer the new
Drinking Water ,SRF program, once authorizing legislation is enacted. The
Administration is proposing that, when Drinking Water SRF'legislation is enacted,
the Administrator could award -to a State, from funds available for State
revolving funds, a. single capitalization grant to support both wastewater and
drinking water revolving funds. This would allow the Governor of a State to
transfer funds between the State's wastewater and drinking water revolving funds
to address high priority needs, subject to terms and conditions as the
Administrator would establish.
Progress towards closeout of the construction grants program will continue
in 1997. Through 1996, EPA estimates that approximately 40,000 projects will
have been closed out, leaving approximately 226 projects remaining to be
administratively completed and 934 to be closed out at the beginning of 19-97
(this figure includes grants awarded after 1991). EPA will continue to assist
the States with administrative completions and closeouts, resolve audit problems,
and oversee activities of the Corps of Engineers in its completion/closeout
efforts.
More than 50 infrastructure projects have been funded out of almost $2
billion in grants that EPA has made to coastal and special needs communities from
funds appropriated after 1991. Next year the Agency will devote significant
management attention to those projects, many of which will be in the early stages
of construction. Finally, through its Municipal Operations & Maintenance
program, EPA promotes compliance, addresses pollution prevention opportunities,
and supports other priorities in targeted watersheds.
EFFLUENT GUIDELINES
The Agency requests a total of $22,485,516 and 84.0 total workyears for
1997 in the Effluent Guidelines program. In 1997, the Agency plans to issue final
effluent standards for the Pulp and Paper industry and propose effluent standards
for three additional industries.
For the effluent standards scheduled to be proposed, we are involving the
regulated community and other stakeholders in the regulatory development process.
We anticipate that the effluent standards in these three industrial sectors will
apply to nearly 5,000 facilities. When promulgated, we estimate that these
regulations will ultimately result in substantial pollutant removals, health
benefits, and water .quality improvements. The scope of these proposed
regulations includes reducing (or eliminating) discharges of human health
toxicants, aquatic life toxicants, and volatile compounds,
The effluent guidelines program will continue to support the Common Sense
Initiative, 'with a particular emphasis on those sectors being affected by planned
guidelines. As part of the Administration's regulatory reinvention efforts, we
will propose to reformat existing effluent limitations guidelines. Although
these changes will not be substantive, they will make the regulations easier to
read and understand, and will reduce the overall size of the' Code of Federal
Regulations, saving the government money in terms of printing and reproduction
costs.
The effluent guidelines program will finalize test procedures for the
analysis of dioxins and furans in wastewater in 1997 . These methods will assist
in the determination of compliance with new effluent guidelines. We will also
finalize test procedures for the analysis of oil, grease and petroleum
hydrocarbons in 1997. This method was developed in response to the Montreal
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Protocol phase-out of freon, which is used in existing methods. We will also
propose test procedures for the analysis of trace metals and cyanide.
STANDARDS AND CRITERIA
The Agency requests a total of $7,100,203 and 46.9 total workyears for 1997
to reinvent the Water Quality Standards and Criteria program and promote
effective watershed management. .
'In 1997, this 'program will continue to reinvent administrative and
management tools to improve program delivery as well as to find and use
innovative ways to assist States, communities, and Tribes in achieving their own
environmental goals. In 1997, EPA will issue an-Advance Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking to effect'a watershed- and multimedia-oriented review of the'criteria
and standards program and will issue a water quality-Criteria Development Plan
to focus the future direction of that program. EPA will revise existing human
health and aquatic life criteria and methodologies to help States, local
communities, and Tribes select and use scientifically-based tools to achieve
their goals and address environmental problems in a place-based context. EPA
will revise four criteria and the human health and aquatic life criteria,
methodologies in 1997. The Agency will work with stakeholders to develop Total
Maximum Daily Loads, Wasteload Allocations, and Load Allocations for priority
water quality watersheds and waterbodies, including developing and disseminating
three new or revised user-friendly computer models that integrate GIS .information
to facilitate effluent trading among point and nonpoint sources. The Agency will
provide this information through a variety of methods, including three Water
Quality Academies and three multi-regional workshops/ nine support documents and
users' guides, and various public information documents.
BIOACCOMULATIVE POLLUTANTS
The Agency requests a total of $4,076,719 and 12.9 total workyears for 1997
in the Water Quality Standards and . Criteria program to examine highly
bioaccumulative pollutants. Accomplishments in this.program area will contribute
to attainment of all water quality-related environmental goals.
Activities in this area promote States' and Tribes' ability to address
environmental issues in a place-based context that recognizes the complex
relationships in individual ecosystems and watersheds. The Agency will publish
a national study of existing data on contamination of bioaccumulative pollutants,
particularly mercury, in fish. -In 1997, the Agency will also develop and
"distribute two guidance documents to address State concerns with issuing fish
consumption advisories. . To support these activities, the Agency will collect and
analyze State/federal measurements of mercury and other contaminants. To provide
greater assistance to State/Tribal programs, EPA will update the national
database of fish advisories .and will provide training and technical assistance
to 20 States and Tribes in managing their fish advisory programs. Finally, the
Agency will coordinate and contribute, to the State/Federal Forum on fish
advisories.
In 1997, the Agency will publish the first biennial Report to Congress on
the National Inventory of Contaminated Sites and sources of contamination. EPA
will make available to the public, the national sediment inventory database that
identifies the extent, severity, and ecosystem impacts of sediment contamination
in specific watersheds. EPA will develop , the first national human health
criterion for mercury accounting for the concentration of mercury in sediments
in 1997. We will also make available two improved standard sediment toxicity
assessment methods, five sediment quality criteria, and guidance on metals. The
Agency will continue to broaden the integrated approach to the fate, transport,
and assessment of chemicals, particularly metals, in sediments, water columns,
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and aquatic tissues. Results of investigations in these areas will include two
guidance documents, and improvements to two existing water quality models to
better support states and tribes in addressing their environmental problems.
MULTIPLE STRESSORS IN ECOSYSTEMS-
The Agency requests a total of $9,613,968 and 56.0 total workyears for 19,97
in the Water Quality Standards and Criteria program to address multiple stressors
in ecosystems. Accomplishments in this program area will contribute to
successful attainment of all water quality-related environmental goals.
In response to requests from States, the Agency will pursue a number of
activities designed to - provide a, sound scientific basis for assessing, the
cumulative impacts of habitat degradation and pollutants on ecological
communities. The Agency'will develop an ecological risk assessment methodology
designed to improve watershed-based environmental decision-making and priority-
setting based on multiple stressors. EPA is requesting $1,000,000 to complete
work begun in 1996 and to provide the methodology to States and Tribes. Using
these scientific methods, EPA's partners will better address those stressors
impairing the ecology of specific watersheds and to guide urban and rural wet
weather programs. The scientific framework will be supported with water quality,
sediment, biological criteria and technical assistance and training. Together,
these tools will improve program assessments based on environmental indicators.
The Agency will assess the monetary values of the ecological and health
benefits of pollution prevention and treatment. The Agency will add to existing
information on the economic values of human health and the environment,'on non-
cancer health risks, and On ecological impacts. Better information will allow the
Agency to improve its evaluation of proposed regulatory actions and to enact
regulations that protect human health and the environment while minimizing costs
to the regulated community. This effort will include the establishment of a
Benefits Transfer Database for use Agency-wide, contingent valuation surveys of
non-use water quality values and recreation benefits, a health benefits valuation
study, and human health and ecological benefits dose-response studies. As a,
result of this effort, EPA, States, communities, and Tribes will be in a position
to more fully assess the success or failure of their programs by comparing the
cost of pollution prevention and control programs against their resulting social
and economic benefits. This investment will enable the environmental regulators
to identify those areas where efforts will have the greatest environmental
benefit and achieve environmental goals at the lowest possible cost.
Finally, the Agency will continue to address issues related with the Round
I sewage sludge rulemaking.
WATER QUALITY ENFORCEMENT
The Agency requests a total of $21,593,700 and 333.3 total workyears in
1997 for the Water Quality Enforcement program. A total of 23 workyears are to
provide direction on compliance to the regulated community through comprehensive
guidelines and technical and compliance assistance.
In 1997, the program will continue with the new place-based targeting
approach developed by the Agency and implemented in 1996. Regions will work with
state, local, and tribal partners in identifying stressed and threatened
ecosystems in high-risk sectors and geographic areas and select the most
appropriate enforcement response (i.e. administrative, civil, judicial) to
address any given violation.
The Water Quality Enforcement program will continue to -implement the Posted
Stream Segments Enforcement Initiative. This initiative gives prominent
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attention to environmental justice issues'based on targeted data analysis of
communities exposed to multiple environmental risks. In 1997, attention will
continue to be given to the Native American populations that live near polluted
water segments. While- these segments are no longer safe for public fishing
and/or swimming,, some are continuing to be used for subsistence fishing. • This
initiative will reduce human health risks and reduce toxic exposure due to
consumption of fish. .
Another program emphasis continuing into 1997 will be to sources with wet
weather problems, 'such' as • Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), storm water,
agricultural run off from feedlots, and overflows from separate sanitary sewers.
All instances of significant noncompliance will be responded to on a timely
basis.
PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIP GRANTS
In 1997, EPA will actively participate in the Performance Partnership Grant
(PPG) program. The Water Quality Program will continue to provide leadership for
1) evaluating the PPG program,- 2) resolving PPG related issues identified by
Regions, National Program Managers, and States; and 3) revising the PPG guidance
if needed. EOA will support the efforts of the Office of Administration and
Resources Management to develop a rule for PPGs and to revise . the . grant
requirements in 40 CFR Part 35 Subpart A. OW will also support the Office of
Regional Operations and State/Local Relations in its role of coordinating cross -
cutting issues.
In 1997, the Agency requests authority from Congress to award Performance
Partnership Grants (PPGs) and will encourage states and Tribes to use PPGs.
Through PPGs, recipients will have greater flexibility to target grant resources
to high priority problems and'implement multi-media solutions within a watershed.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
The Agency requests. $5,646,600 'and 35.0 total workyears for 1997 for
continued support of our Environmental Justice activities. Financial and
technical support will .be offered to improve or establish wastewater and
drinking water services in smaller, poorer communities. Technical tools will
continue to be improved to reduce health risks associated with harmful drinking
water contaminants and chemically-contaminated fisheries. Public access to
water data and information will be improved through development of data
•management tools and by increasing our presence on the internet.
EPA is committed to improving environmental and human health conditions
along the U.S. Mexico Border. By supporting the planning, design, and
construction of wastewater treatment facilities and other projects we will reduce
the incidence of water-borne diseases along the Border and in disadvantaged U.S...
"colonias." EPA will support two Border offices and assist the Border
Environment Cooperation Commission.
The Agency will also administer its several grant programs to attend to
di sadvaritaged communities including programs for Indian tribes and Alaskan Native
Villages. We will also provide grant funds for rural water technical assistance
to small and disadvantaged communities. The American Indian Environmental Office
(funded through multi-media) will continue to support native Americans in their
efforts to address environmental issues.
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DRINKING WATER
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $69,786,000 and 576.0 total workyears for
1997 in the Drinking Water media.
Violations of drinking water health standards have increased since -the
implementation of major new regulations under the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act
Amendments. In 1994, 23 million people were provided water that violated
drinking water health standards at least once during the year. An additional 23
million people were placed at increased risk because they were served by systems
that had inadequate or no filtration treatment.
. Based in part on these violations, the overall goal of the Drinking Water
Program, is to ensure that every public water system will provide water that is
consistently safe to drink. To meet this goal, two challenges must be met.
First,- EPA, in partnership with the states, must ensure that people already
receiving high-quality drinking water continue to do so. Second, EPA and the
states must • continue to reduce the percentage of the population receiving
drinking water from public water systems that are in violation of EPA standards
and state health requirements.' The milestones that EPA has proposed to meet
these challenges include, setting a target for reducing the number of people
receiving potentially contaminated drinking water from public'water systems and
increasing the number of people receiving drinking water from systems that have •
implemented source water protection programs. •
For the past year, EPA has been conducting an extensive reassessment of its
drinking wat&r protection program in response- to the need to focus on highest
risk reduction activities, implement stakeholder requested improvements, and be
better prepared to deal with serious public health concerns' caused by
contaminated drinking water. The Agency held a series of public meetings,
attended by over 500 stakeholders to discuss EPA's approach to this
reinvention/redirection effort. Three of the four primary objectives of this
effort (i.e., risk-based priorities for setting high quality standards, standards
based on sound science and data, and strong, flexible partnerships with states
and local governments in implementation) are included in the Administration's
Environmental Reinvention initiative. The fourth objective, community-based
effective source water protection, is a major priority for the water program.
EPA will continue to implement the drinking water regulatory reinvention
initiative, presented in the Administration's report, "Reinventing Environmental
Regulations," on March 16, 1995. The primary focus of this effort is to target
safety standards, research, and resources at drinking water contaminants that
pose the greatest threats to human health. This initiative includes standard
setting activities and the preparation of scientifically defensible microbial and
chemical risk characterizations and guidance documents that provide technical and
health information on drinking water contaminants. ..
Most of the contaminants are being addressed in the Agency's Microbial-
Disinfection-By-Products (M-DBP) rule cluster, a Court-supervised rule
identified by stakeholders as their highest priority for EPA. This rule cluster,
which encompasses six complex rules, will address health risk assessment, cost,
treatment technologies, and risk analysis. EPA will also focus on other
critical, high-risk threats to drinking water safety that are currently not being
adequately addressed (e.g., arsenic and total triazines).
The Agency will continue support for drinking water program implementation,
especially with small systems. EPA will support the activities of rural water
organizations to deliver assistance in rural areas.
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. The development of the five core modules for the new Safe Drinking Water
Information System (SDWIS) will be completed in 1997, and the installation of
in up to 15 states is expected. ' ' .
In. 1997, 'EPA will continue to implement the Source Water Protection (SWP)
program. SWP is a community- based approach to protecting ground and surface water
sources of drinking water from contamination. SWP offers a pollution prevention
approach to ensure safe drinking water.
EPA will continue regulation and management of Class I, II, III underground
injection wells and will promulgate the Underground Injection Control (DIC) rule
on Class V shallow injection wells.
' The Drinking Water Enforcement program will support the achievement of the
Agency's guiding principles of ecosystem protection, pollution prevention,
environmental justice, and environmental accountability. The Drinking Water
Enforcement program will prevent the 'endangerment of human health by contaminants
in drinking water through a variety of compliance assistance activities !and the
enforcement of the National Primary Drinking 'Water Regulations (NPDWRs) and
through increased attention to . source protection activities.
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DRINKING WATER
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
DRINKING WATER REINVENTION INITIATIVE
The Agency requests a total of $23,130,600 and 130,5 total workyears in
1997 to address Presidential and Administration priorities identified in the
March 16, 1995 "Reinventing Environmental Regulations" Report-. This Report
directed the focusing of drinking water treatment requirement$ on the highest
risk.- In 1997, EPA will continue to implement the Administration's regulatory
reinvention initiative that targets safety standards, research, and resources at
contaminants that pose the greatest threats to human health. This initiative
includes both standard setting activities and the preparation of scientifically
defensible microbial and chemical risk characterizations and guidance documents
which provide technical and health information on drinking water contaminants.
Supported by the written guidance and recommendations of the Science
Advisory Board (SAB), EPA will concentrate a,major portion of its resources on
developing safety standards for microbiological contaminants (e.g., bacteria,
protozoa, viruses), especially cryptosporidium, and the. risks created from the
treatment of microbial contaminants. These risks are being addressed in the
Agency' s Microbial-Disinfection-By-Products (M-DBP) rule cluster, one of the most
comprehensive and complex set of rules under development in the Agency. The M~
DBF rule cluster is a statutorily-required and Court-supervised effort that is
the product of a successful regulatory negotiation effort. It has been
identified by drinking water stakeholders, during meetings held in 1995, as their
highest drinking water priority for EPA. This rule cluster, which encompasses
six complex rules dealing with 14 interrelated drinking water contaminants, will
include health risk assessment, cost, treatment technologies, and risk/risk
analysis. The scientific, technical, and policy issues of this- cluster
necessitate innovative approaches to occurrence assessments, data management,
analytical methods, and impact assessment. Work is also necessary for updated
methodologies on cost assessments, dealing with risk/risk tradeoffs, and
approaches for sensitive subpopulations. The resources devoted to these public
health standards and related priority activities account for a total of
$11,741,400 and 67.9 total workyears in 1997.
The Information Collection Rule (ICR) , one of the rules in the M-DBP
cluster, will be issued in Spring 1996, and a total of $2,100,000 of 1997
resources requested within the Administration1s priority will be directed to its
implementation. The investment funds the Federal government's role in the
collection and analysis of $130 million worth of occurrence and treatment data
by local public utilities. The large amounts of ICR occurrence and treatment
data for disinfectants, disinfection byproducts, and microorganisms required
development of a special component of the Safe Drinking Water Information System
(SDWIS) to ensure timely and effective processing and analysis. Public water
systems will use this data base to simplify submission of treatment data and
characterization information. EPA will provide extensive technical assistance
and training to up to 700 drinking water treatment plants on this data system,
including quality assurance/quality control issues, and will prepare materials
to be disseminated by water utilities' organizations,' like the American Water
Works Association. Technical assistance will also be directed to the development
of sample plans for these 700 drinking water plants which will be submitting
plans to EPA for approval in 1997 k The relationship between the ICR data system
and the development of these sample plans is crucial to the successful
implementation of the ICR. Laboratories that test and assess drinking water
samples also play an important role in the ICR. In 1997, EPA, through the
Drinking Water Program Laboratory in the Science and Technology Appropriation
Account, will work with about 400 laboratories, particularly on microbial and DBP
analyses. EPA plans to monitor laboratory performance in 1997 and will use both
the Performance Evaluations studies, including 360 microbial sample sets and
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1,400 DBP sample sets, and laboratory Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC)
to ensure that ICR data quality objectives are being met.
In addition to the contaminants addressed in the M-DBP rule cluster, there
are other critical, high-risk threats to drinking water safety that are currently
not'being adequately addressed (e.g., arsenic and total triazines). With a total
of $940,000 and 4.0 total workyears for 1997, EPA will initiate development of
safety standards for these contaminants. EPA will develop information and
conduct technical analyses related to occurrence, treatment effectiveness, and
analytical methods issues for these chemical contaminants. Work will also
address the important and precedent-setting policy issues (e.g., additive effects
and whether and how to discount treatable cancers).
The Agency's 1997 .request includes a total of $4,639,200 arid 15.6 total
workyears that will be directed to the development of he-alth assessments to
support regulations. Work includes six risk characterizations for M-DBPs, and
two micro methods for indicator species. Other important work focuses on
arsenic and total triazines. In addition, EPA will issue 10-12 health advisories
providing guidance for unregulated contaminants to address future regulatory
concerns.. Special attention will be given to non-cancer health effects (e.g,
immunologic and reproductive) of microbiological contaminants.
Improving risk targeting, sound data and science, and the benefits from
non-regulatory initiatives will continue to be a focus in 1997. EPA's-request
for these Administration priorities includes a total of $2,900,500 and 35.0 total
workyears for 1997. Agency efforts to provide core tools and training for
Federal/drinking water stakeholder partnerships will produce significant risk
reduction benefits. One such collaborative effort underway is the Safe Drinking
Water Partnership, a voluntary initiative through which public water utilities
pledge to reduce microbial contaminants beyond regulatory requirements through
a series of good engineering practices. It is expected that by the end of 1997
over 500 water utilities across the nation will have joined with EPA and major
water associations in this Partnership. This effort involves a. four-phased,
self-assessment and peer-review process by which water suppliers examine their
water operations, maintenance, and management practices to determine where
improvements can be made. Other activities include improvements to ensure well-
documented and focused contaminant selection that maximizes subsequent research
and standard setting expenditures. Revision of the Drinking Water Priority List
will assure greater involvement of stakeholders and more consensus on regulatory
efforts. Likewise, .work on appropriate and cost-effective small systems
technology will address the needs of small municipalities and accelerate public
health improvements.
Another component of the drinking water reinvention- initiative addresses
stakeholders' concerns that drinking water monitoring requirements are both
inflexible and costly. There have been strong recommendations to allow states
to target their monitoring efforts to where they are needed to protect public
health. As a first step in this area, EPA is working .on the simplification of
monitoring requirements for chemical '• contaminants in drinking water. The
chemical monitoring rule will provide flexibility to state and local governments
in setting sampling frequencies based on the vulnerability of the drinking water
system. The resources within the 1997 Agency request for the Administration's
priority dedicated to this activity are a total of $809,500 and 8.0 total
workyears. EPA will be reviewing comments and developing the necessary
occurrence data, including associated statistical analysis, and technical
guidance documents to support rulemaking. These materials must be completed
prior to the rule's promulgation, in part to support timely implementation of the
final rule.
IMPLEMENTATION OF'DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS/SMALL SYSTEMS.
The Agency requests a total of $14,030,000 and 82.9 total workyears for
1997. EPA will be assisting the states in theit implementation of drinking water
regulations for the number of additio.nal3Łequirements that have taken effect over
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the last several years. For example, drinking water systems will be taking
actions to meet monitoring requirements under the Lead and Copper rule and will
need rule interpretation guidance and technical assistance. Also, the Agency
supports the Drinking Water Hotline, a nationwide service to public water
systems, state and local officials, and the general public. The Hotline answers
over 5,000 calls per month and disseminates a wide variety of drinking water
related materials, based on the information requested.
In 1997, the Agency will continue to focus on support for small drinking
water systems. EPA will support the states in ensuring that small drinking water
systems (i.e., those that serve 3,300 or fewer people) have the capability to
attain and maintain compliance over the long term. EPA is working with states
and small systems to provide additional flexibility for small systems wherever
possible, including monitoring waivers, special best available technology, and
prevention approaches to streamline and tailor implementation.
EPA will continue its partnership with rural water organizations to deliver
assistance to some 175,000 community public water systems, regulated under the
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), in rural areas. These organizations will provide
technical assistance to small communities in such .areas as system management,
financing, rate .setting, budgeting, accounting, operations and maintenance,
regulatory compliance, and owner responsibilities. This technical assistance is
directed to system owners, operators, and community leaders. Priority is given
to systems identified by a state drinking-water primacy agency as needing
assistance to stay in compliance with SDWA requirements. Furthermore, these
organizations promote pollution prevention efforts by assisting many rural
communities in developing and implementing wellhead protection programs.
SAFE DRINKING WATER INFORMATION SYSTEM
The Agency requests a total of $6,343,400 and 46.0 total workyears for
1997. The development of the five core modules (i.e., inventory, sampling,
compliance scheduling, compliance determination, and enforcement) for the new
Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) will be completed in 1997 and the
installation of SDWIS in approximately 15 states is ^expected. EPA will provide
hands-on training to state and Regional staff. To be successful, the system must
have complete and timely data. Furthermore, state acceptance and use are
critical to that success. The Agency will improve the Quality Assurance/Quality
Control (QA/QC) of data used to evaluate the .drinking water and ground water
environmental indicators. There are many existing sources of information by
which the drinking water and ground water programs can determine how well they
are achieving environmental results. The Agency will focus significant attention
on this effort to ensure that the accurately collected data assess how well the
drinking water and ground water programs are meeting both program and Agency
goals, as stated in the Agency's "Environmental Goals, Milestones, and
Strategies," report.
SOURCE WATER PROTECTION
The Agency requests a total of $19,740,900 and 214.5 total workyears for
1997. In 1997, EPA will continue to emphasize the implementation of "community-
based" programs 'to protect the source waters -- both surface and ground-- that
supply the drinking water for some 60,000 community public water systems. The
Source Water Protection {SWP) program is a common-sense approach to preventing
pollution of lakes, rivers, streams, and ground water that serve as drinking
water supplies. SWP is an important barrier t;o contamination. It serves as both
an "insurance" policy for a community (i.e., risks to the health of citizens of
a community are reduced from drinking water contamination) and also a "wise
investment" (i.e., communities with high quality,'well-protected source waters
may be able to avoid costly treatment without compromising public health
protection and may reduce the need for some types of monitoring). SWP expands
upon the Wellhead Protection (WHP) program, which 45 states and territories will
be implementing in 1997, not only by focusing on both surface and ground water
but also by including broader protectaaprs^reas (e.g., recharge areas) . EPA will
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work with primary stakeholders to develop education and outreach materials that
will be used by states and related organizations to. assist communities in
implementing, WHP activities and to initiate SWP efforts if the community relies
on both surface and. ground water for their drinking water supplies. In addition,
EPA will implement a multi-partner effort in 20 states to assist an estimated
total of 1,250-1,800 communities in establishing citizen-led SWP programs*
County and local government organizations will work with non-profit, senior
citizen organizations to recruit retired volunteers who are trained in activities
that will assist communities in their SWP endeavors. These volunteers will be
trained by the state's source water protection manager who will also serve as a
mentor to the volunteers for more difficult technical issues that communities may
face.
included within the 1997 Agency request for SWP is a total of $475,000 and
126.0 total workyears for Underground Injection Control (UIC) efforts. EPA will
continue regulation and management of Class I, II, III underground injection
wells. ' Only 36 states and territories have primary enforcement authority
(primacy) to implement and maintain UIC programs, ' Consequently, EPA has direct
implementation responsibilities in IS states and on 66 tribal lands. Six other
states share primacy with EPA. The final UIC rule on Class V shallow injection
wells will be promulgated in 1997. This rule will restrict the use of Class V
injection wells for an estimated 120,000 industrial waste disposal concerns.
Principal outreach and education efforts for the Class V rule will be focuse'd on
the owners/operators of these shallow, industrial disposal wells to encourage
voluntary compliance with the rule and persuade local government officials to
include Class V well management as part of their SWP programs. The total number
of Class V wells nationwide has been estimated as high as over one million.
Consequently, EPA will also develop and issue education and .outreach materials
on other Class V subsets, particularly agricultural drainage and stormwater wells
in SWP areas. '
DRINKING WATER ENFORCEMENT
The Agency requests .a total of $6,541,100 and 102.1 total workyears for
1997 in the Drinking Water Enforcement program. The Regions will maximize
compliance and return violators to compliance as quickly as possible by using a
total of 43.8 workyears and a variety" of.enforcement tools: administrative,
civil, and criminal. A total of 13.1 workyears are devoted to targeted outreach,
compliance activities and technical assistance while a total of 24.8 workyears
will perform compliance monitoring activities and respond aggressively to
noncompliance in order to encourage the regulated community to meet their
obligations.
In the Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) program in 1997, priority
will be given to increased enforcement of the Surface Water Treatment Rule
(SWTR), total coliform, and Lead and Copper regulations. Enforcement actions
will be taken against,systems that missed the 1993 deadline tp install filtration
and to upgrade their filtration and disinfectant treatment to meet new
performance requirements. The Regions will also take action on the Lead and
Copper Rule, against systems which are not implementing their corrosion control
plans. EPA will take enforcement actions in cases where primacy states do not
act or have requested assistance and/or where EPA is the primary agent,
In August 1995, the Agency awarded four grants to launch a pilot 'Compliance
assurance project called ^Partners in Healthy Drinking Water^. The purpose of
this project is to assist small public water systems to better comply with the
microbiological monitoring requirements for drinking water. The project teams
public water systems that have excellent compliance records with systems that are
regularly or intermittently not in compliance. The Agency will be working with
the grantees, to assess the effectiveness of this project in achieving
compliance.
The Underground Injection Control (UIC) enforcement program will enforce
Part C of the Safe Drinking Water Act feSQ^A) and implement regulations to prevent
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adverse affects to health and the environment and to protect the integrity of the
nation's ground water. In 1996, the Agency will be directly implementing the
program in 15 states without primacy for the Old program, and on Indian lands,
and will share responsibility with six states.
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PESTICIDES
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $82,052,900 and 683,2 total workyears in
1997 for the Pesticides media. An additional 179.1 total workyears will be
supported by the F1FRA Revolving Fund.
Pesticides, are used in a remarkably diverse array of products, 'from insect
repellents to crop weed killers to household disinfectants to swimming pool
chemicals. They are often intentionally applied in the environment, rather than
occurring as a byproduct of industry of other human activity. They are found .and
used in nearly every home and business in the United States.
EPA'g Pesticides Program was established pursuant to the Federal
Insecticide, '.Fungicide and'Rodenticide Act (FIFR&) to protect public health and
the environment from pesticides. The law requires the Agency to balance public
health and environmental concerns with the expected economic benefits derived
from pesticides. The Agency's decision whether or not to register new pesticides
and reregister existing pesticides reflect the balance between risks to public
health and the environment and economic benefits to manufacturers and users.
The major goal of the Pesticides Program is to ensure the safety of the
nation's food supply. This goal is accomplished by registering new pesticides
for use, bringing the registrations of older pesticides up to date, and by
setting tolerances for safe levels of pesticide residues in food. At levels in
excess of the EPA tolerance, these residues can cause serious acute effects,
including death, as well as chronic health problems such as cancer and genetic
damage. Although pesticides may pose health risks, they can be safely managed.
The Agency reviews and analyzes scientific studies submitted by pesticide
registrants as the basis for determining risks to public health and the
environment. The registration and reregistration decisions'specify permissible
uses, product concentrations, methods of and/or conditions for application, and
similar measures designed to ensure the safe use of the pesticide. Under the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Agency establishes tolerances for
pesticide residues in raw and processed foods. These tolerances are issued based
on scientific criteria similar to the .criteria used for .registration and
reregistration.
The guiding principles of the Pesticides Program are to reduce risks from
pesticides in food, .the workplace, and other exposure pathways and to prevent
pollution by encouraging the use of new, safer pesticides and biologicals.
Implementing the recommendations of the- National Academy of Sciences (HAS)
Pesticides in the Diets of Children Study remains a priority, along with
implementation of the Worker Protection Standards.
The Pesticides Enforcement program will emphasize implementation of
priorities relating to food safety, antimicrobials, worker protection surface
water, and groundwater through its continued management and oversight of the
state pesticide enforcement cooperative agreement program.
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PESTICIDES
PROGRAM AND ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
REGISTRATION
The Agency is requesting a total of $14,018,000 and 155.5 total workyears
in 1997 for the pesticide registration program. This prograin supports, the
Agency's food safety goal.
FIFRA requires that, before anyone can sell or distribute any pesticide in
the United States, they must obtain a registration, or license, from EPA. When
making a pesticide registration decision, the Agency ensures that the pesticide,
when used in accordance with label directions, will not cause adverse effects to
human health or the environment.
Registration'decisions are based primarily on the Agency's evaluation of
test data provided by applicants. The Agency has established a number of
requirements, such as the Good Laboratory Standards, that apply to both
registrants and testing facilities to ensure the quality and integrity of the
pesticide data.
Depending on the type of pesticide, the Agency can require more than 100
different scientific tests. Testing is needed to determine whether a pesticide
has the potential to cause adverse effects to humans, wildlife, fish, or plants.
Potential human risks include acute toxic reactions (such as poisoning and skin
and eye irritation) as well as long term effects (such as cancer, birth defects,
and reproductive disorders.) Data on the fate of pesticides in the environment
supports the EPA's clean water goal by allowing the Agency to assess threats to
ground and surface water and other environmental risks.
In 1997, the Agency anticipates that approximately 40 pesticide
registrations will be issued as a result of the Agency's efforts to accelerate
the registration ' process for , reduced risk pesticides. • Many of these new
registrations will be reduced risk pesticides or biopesticides. Biopesticides
include "microbial pesticides" (bacteria, -viruses, or other microorganisms used
to control pests) and biochemical pesticides such as pheromones (insect mating
attractants) , insect or plant growth regulators, and hormones used as pesticides.
Biopesticides generally pose less risk to human health and the environment than
conventional chemical pesticides and the Agency places a priority on processing
these registrations.
The Pesticide Registration program will continue to analyze new uses of
currently registered products, and will process requests received from
agricultural states for emergency exemptions. Industry requests for experimental
use permits' will be processed by the program, as well as amendments to existing
pesticide registrations.
REREGISTRATION
The Agency requests a total of $18,015,100 and 137.2 total workyears in
1997 for the Pesticide Reregistration Program. An additional 179.1 total
workyears will be supported by the FIFRA Revolving Fund. These resources will
support the Agency's food safety goal.
Many chemicals which currently exist have not been tested and evaluated
using current scientific technology and knowledge. The Pesticides Program was
therefdre required by the 1988 Amendments to FIFRA to perform .a thorough review
and evaluation of pesticide products. The review was to include all existing
pesticides that contain active ingredients initially registered before November
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1, 1984. The goal is to update labeling and use requirements and reduce
potential risks associated with older pesticide active ingredients - those first
registered when the standards for government approval were less stringent than
they are today. The reregistrat.ion program ' encompasses over 400 active
ingredients and 22,000 pesticide products. This comprehensive reevaluation of
pesticides under current scientific standards is critical to protecting human
health and the environment. "
Th.e Agency examines the health and environmental effects of pesticides and
employs measures to mitigate risks most effectively. This evaluation and risk
mitigation process is complete when the Agency is satisfied that the active
ingredient in a pesticide, used in accordance with approved labeling, will not
pose unreasonable, risks to human health or the environment. The Agency's
regulatory conclusions about a pesticide or a related group of pesticides are
presented in a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document. Later, once
product-specific data and revised labeling are submitted and approved, the .Agency
registers products containing the eligible pesticide(s) . A. product is not
reregistered) however, until all of its active ingredients are eligible for
reregistration. In 1997, the Agency anticipates that 40 REDs will be issued.
.The reregistration of a pesticide is supported by an' average of 100
scientific studies. These studies provide data on the pesticide's human
toxicology and ecotoxicology. ' Each of these studies must be analyzed and
reviewed by Agency scientific staff before a RED can be prepared. In 1997, this
program will reduce the backlog of scientific studies in the program, currently
estimated at 7,800 studies.
Aa data gathered through the reregistration process continues through
review, the Agency expects that some pesticides will be found to meet the
triggers for special reviews, meaning that there is a particular risk identified
in reregistration which will require a more intensive investigation of risks and
benefits. The Agency requests a total of $10,242,000 and 91.6 total workyears
in 1997 for special review activities. In 1997, the program will intensify
negotiations with pesticide registrants on risk reduction measures. Special
reviews which present higher risk to human health will take priority.
FOOD SAFETY/TOLERANCES
The Agency requests a total of $2,376,100 and 2.0 total workyears in 1997
for food safety activities. In response to the 1993 NAS report identifying and
recommending significant improvements in the scientific methodology underlying
the government' s food safety programs, especially to protect children, the Agency
is continuing its efforts in the reinvention of the tolerance setting system.
Cooperative efforts with the United States Department of Agriculture IOSDA), the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and EPA will continue in this area to carry
out improvements .and to meet EPA's goals for continued improvement in the safety
of our food supply. These include: funding'basic toxicological research on age-
related differences in response to chemical exposure; creation of a national
residue monitoring database; and generation of significantly improved data on
human consumption of food, The Agency anticipates that the development of the
Pesticide Handler Exposure Database (PHED)-like databases to characterize non-
dietary exposures in indoor and outdoor residential situations will be completed
in 1997 to address, among other concerns, exposures from lawn care compounds.
The Agency requests $5,397,400 and 67.3 total workyears in 1997 for
tolerance activities. The Agency will continue to ensure that tolerances reflect
the most current regulatory status of each active ingredient. The Agency
continues to cooperate and, consult with the USDA, FDA, and states by sharing
information and working together to monitor pesticide use and pesticide residues
in food and feed. International activities include the exchange of information
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between the U.S. and foreign countries and the harmonization of U.-S. and
international standards.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO PESTICIDE DATA
The Agency requests a total of $800,000 to improve public access to
pesticide databases. These activities support the Agency's goal of improved
public awareness and understanding of the environment. The Pesticides Program
collects and reviews enormous volumes of health and safety studies, but there is
currently no easy access to the databases by the public and regulatory partners.
In 1997, efforts to increase access to this data include:
General Public Access.to Pesticide Information - This proposal will create
public access in economically disadvantaged areas to Agency information
that answers questions asked by average citizens about pesticides. The
development of this project includes three steps: (1) installation of a
library turnkey system, (2) preparation of pesticide information for
public access, and (3) acceleration of electronic 'dissemination efforts.
Automated Data Collection System - An Automated Data Collection System
will be developed in coordination with the DSDA's Survey Systems/Food
Consumption Laboratory. The system will permit direct computer entry of
survey responses, thereby expediting public access to food consumption
survey data. This system will also allow computerized translation of the
food consumption survey data to the raw agricultural commodity level for
use in dietary risk.assessments. This will reduce delays in conducting
risk assessments and allow more up-to-date estimates of risk ' from
pesticides in food. This, in turn, will allow better access to the public
and better assessment of the success of state and Federal food programs.
DESIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT FOR FARMERS
The Agency requests a total of $885,400 and 2.0 total workyears in 1997 fjor
activities in the Design'for the Environment for Farmers project. This project
supports the Agency' s goal of improved public awareness and understanding of the
environment and provides for implementation of a community-based environmental
protection (CBEP) program. By 1997, a completed catalogue of existing tools for
CBEP and a survey of potential users of such tools will be available.
Additionally, an assessment of the needs of organizations actually conducting
community-based environmental protection will be available, providing us with a
better understanding of customer needs. Tools will be developed to meet these
needs, including: (If information on pesticides and toxic substances in an
easily accessible, user friendly delivery system; (2) staff expertise to support
community-based projects; (3) flexible regulatory approaches to meet the needs
of Communities; and {4} technical guidance and analytical tools which will help
communities evaluate their environmental problems. The Agency will increase
direct participation in community-based projects and cooperate with other program
offices to provide multimedia, holistic support to community-based protection.
TRIBAL INITIATIVES
The Agency, requests a total of $1,08,0,500 and 2.5 total workyears in 1997
for tribal initiatives. The tribal initiatives support the Agency's healthy
terrestrial ecosystems goal. These initiatives include development of a
pesticide course for indian colleges; studies of pesticide use, exposure and risk
assessment on indian basket weavers, medicine men arid food .gatherers;
contribution to Indian Tribal Lands Scholarship Program; seminars for tribes on
Pesticide Programs; Pesticide Program participation in studies of pesticide•
contamination of fish (a staple in indian diets); preparation of a manual on
indian use of plants for food, medicine and' religious rituals; participation in
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the Indian Summer Intern Program; sponsorship of a work-study program at Sinte
Gleske University, the only Indian college in the American Indian Higher
Education Consortium that awards graduate' degrees;' development of an
environmental laboratory technician training program for tribes; and a tribal
pesticide needs assessment study. These activities will result in improved
communications with tribal communities and a better understanding of the impact
of- pesticide use in the affected communities.
WORKER PROTECTION
The Agency requests a total of $2,807,000 and 35.0 total workyears in 1997
for the worker protection program. This program supports the Agency's safe
workplaces goal. Implementation of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) will
continue through . a we'll-targeted, high quality communications 'program,
Development and distribution of support materials, training, and follow-up is
critical to its success. Implementation of the WPS requires substantial
coordination with all affected parties including the states, growers, grower
organizations, local governments, and farm workers. This rule affects three to
four million handlers, as well as over one million agricultural establishments.
In 1997, states will continue to develop, reproduce, and distribute training
materials. Training and outreach efforts will be pursued aggressively. Regional
technical assistance to states, coordination with affected agencies, assistance
in ensuring training, development and use of public information materials
explaining the new regulations, and distribution of these materials are also a
vital part of this program.
COMMUNITY ECOSYSTEMS .
A key initiative in 1997 will be a series of multimedia pilot projects to
support community ecosystems, involving both toxic substances and pesticide
components. These projects support the Agency's goal of toxic free communities
through preventing waste. The pesticides portion of this initiative will be
funded with a total of $668,000 and 2.5 total workyears and will be conducted in
the Regional offices. The Regions will provide technical assistance to the
states, public, industry ajad other stakeholders. The programmatic and financial
assistance that the Regions deliver are crucial to the. development and
implementation of the Pesticides Program by states and local communities. They
are'also important outreach and education sources for the public and others on
pesticides. Key to the success of the pilot projects is the development of
partnerships in the communities and tribes to keep EPA firmly grounded in the
issues of concern to these communities. EPA will provide states and tribes with
the capacity to identify significant environmental problems, prioritize those
problems, and identify barriers to resolving them.
PESTICIDE ENFORCEMENT
The Agency requests a total of $4,,145, 200 and 6.0.5 total workyears in 1997
for the pesticides enforcement program. The program will emphasize
implementation of priorities relating to urban pesticide misuse, ineffective
hospital disinfectants, food safety, and worker protection, surface water.-
Approximately 19 workyears will be used to develop and issue enforcement cases
for FIFRA violations posing high risks for which the states do not have delegated
authority under the statutes, or do not have the data necessary to handle the
case.
In the laboratory data integrity program, three Regions will support
Headquarters by conducting inspections to monitor compliance with the Good
Laboratory Practices regulations at laboratories engaged in testing in response
to the FIFRA data requirements. •
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The Pesticides Enforcement 'program will also promote environmental
accountability through enforcement programs designed to build the capacity of
states and tribes to enhance public health and safety. The program will continue
to manage and oversee the state pesticide enforcement cooperative agreement
program 'and will continue to encourage participation of the state and indian
tribes not currently involved in the program. The program will provide
enforcement training and policy guidance to the states and will work with
Headquarters in the development of national enforcement guidance. The program
will ensure the availability of inspector training so that the statute is
properly enforced and cases are developed soundly'. The program will also
continue to devote 10 workyears to conduct inspections in states without
cooperative agreements. These inspections will include import/export inspections
to address the "circle of poison" concerns.
The program will provide 8.6 workyears for compliance assistance activities
to the regulated Community. These include: seminars, guidance documents,
brochures, and other forms of communications to assure knowledge of and
compliance with environmental rules. The program will work with the states to
involve them in national enforcement initiatives. The program will place
emphasis on providing assistance to.the states in developing enforcement cases
based on the revised Worker Protection Standard which took effect in 1995 and in
addressing urban pesticide misuse problems which involve improper applications
made by commercial pesticide applicators in the homes of the general public.
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TOXIC SUBSTANCES
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $81,780,000 and 589.7 total workyears for
1997 in the Toxic Substances media.
Human beings and the environment are exposed each year to a large number
of chemical substances and mixtures. Among the many chemical substances and
mixtures which are constantly "being developed and produced, there are some whose
manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal may present
an unreasonable risk to health or the environment.
EPA's Pollution Prevention and Toxics Program was established to protect
the public and -the environment from unreasonable risks associated with the
manufacture, use and disposal of toxic chemicals. EPA relies on legislative
authority under the Toxic Substances Control Act {TSCA), Asbestos School Hazard
Abatement Act, Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, Emergency Preparedness and
Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) , Pollution Prevention Act, and Title X of the
Residential Lead-based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (Title X). These laws focus
on the prevention or elimination of unreasonable risks to public health and the
environment from exposures to toxic chemicals. Inherent in the implementation
of these statutes is the dissemination of information to the public, which is
specifically provided for under EPCRA. The guiding principles p.f the toxics
program are to prevent or • eliminate unreasonable risk to public health and
environment; reduce unnecessary exposures; promote pollution prevention; and
encourage safer chemicals and use patterns. EPA is shifting its program emphasis
from command and control regulations to partnerships, voluntary participation,
market incentives, empowerment at the state -and local .levels .and common sense
solutions.
Improving the public's understanding of the environment is key to
protecting human health and the environment. It is critical that an informed
public participate in making environmental decisions. EPA will provide .more
effective, accurate and efficient information to a wide variety of audiences to
assist them in comparing the severity of environmental risks, understanding the
opportunities for pollution prevention, and being aware of uncertainties that
underlie environmental decisions. EPA will provide better access to information
on individual facilities, and better information on toxic chemical releases into
the environment. Electronic access to environmental information will be
improved, and an increased amount of information will be made available
electronically.
EPA expects to see industry modify existing processes and design new
processes'that create less waste and improve worker safety. Over the next 10
years, 'EPA expects that virtually every product and service will be redesigned
at least once, so the opportunity to produce and purchase new environmentally
preferable products is immense. Industrial facilities are among the greatest
sources of toxic chemicals released into the environment. The introduction of
toxic chemicals into waste streams also represents an inefficient use of natural
resources. Reducing toxic releases will improve the efficient use of natural
resources and contribute significantly to the goal of toxic-free communities.
The Toxic Substances Enforcement program will conduct inspections
addressing Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) sections 5, 6, and 8, with
particular emphasis on worker protection, pre-manufacturing, substantial risk
notification, and environmental effects of reporting requirements. The EPCRA
Enforcement program will conduct compliance inspections and to provide compliance
outreach to chemical facilities that use, manufacture or -process potentially
harmful chemicals and are required to report under EPCRA.
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TOXIC SUBSTANCES ' •
PROGRAM AMD ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
LEAD ABATEMENT PROGRAM
• 'The Agency requests a total of $17,755,900 and 96,4 total workyears in 1997
for the lead abatement program. The Agency's lead activities support the
Agency's.safe indoor environments goal, ' -
A major goal of EPA's lead program, authorized under Title X, is to empower
citizens with accurate information, and to have in place state, local and private
delivery systems to allow them to protect their children and themselves from
health risks associated with-exposure to lead. The Agency will work with states
to develop programs to (1) ensure that individuals involved in lead-based paint
abatement activities are trained, that training programs are accredited and that
contractors are certified, (2) set standards for doing abatement activities, and
(3) develop, a model state program for compliance with the training and
accreditation requirements. EPA will 'ensure 'that sellers' and lessors of
residential property disclose known lead-based paint hazards to purchasers or
renters. Lead exposure has been shown to affect subgroups of the general
population disproportionately. Children, particularly minorities and the poor
in urban areas, have the highest incidence of lead poisoning and elevated blood
lead levels. EPA's lead environmental justice' program provides grant resources
to minority and 'low-income communities to help bring pollution prevention-
strategies and activities to bear on local environmental problems. An important
part of the lead program is communicating the risks of lead to the general
population, health professionals, lead-based paint abatement workers, and state
and local governments. EPA operates a lead hotline and lead clearinghouse. The
National Lead Laboratory Accreditation Program recognizes laboratories on a
nationwide basis that can analyze lead in paint chips, dust and soil samples.
EPA coordinates its efforts with the Department 'of Housing and Urban Development
and other Federal agencies on an Interagency Lead Task Force.
The Regions play a key role in the Agency's lead abatement program
activities. Regions work with the states to reduce human and environmental
exposure to lead. SPA's Regional toxics strategy includes developing and setting
up methods to identify geographic "hot spots," developing and transferring cost-
effective abatement technology, promoting environmentally and economically sound
pollution prevention and recycling, and outreach to people affected by the
dangers of toxic chemicals. The Regional toxics program in 1997 will continue
to nourish .states' efforts as they carry out comprehensive lead abatement and
lead risk reduction programs.
PCB DISPOSAL PROGRAM - REGULATORY REINVENTION PROJECT
The Agency requests "a total of $61,7,500 and 7.7 total workyears in 1997 for
the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) program. This program supports the Agency's
goal of safe waste management.
EPA has banned PCBs from manufacture, processing and distribution in
commerce. In addition, EPA established disposal and spill cleanup programs that
reduce the harmful effects of spills, leaks, uncontrolled discharges, and
abandoned waste sites contaminated by PCBs, Although no longer produced in large
quantities, exposure hazards persist from the more than 1.55 billion pounds of
PCBs manufactured in the United States. EPA issues permits to facilities for the
storage and disposal of existing PCB wastes. EPA is proposing a change in the
management of the PCB waste disposal permitting program. While recognizing the
severe hazards that PCBs still pose, EPA will devolve the permitting
responsibilities to the states. States are. closer to the PCB problems and issues
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and therefore better positioned to carry out PCB disposal permitting., This move
is consistent with the larger Federal effort to streamline Federal functions and
to empower states to decide environmental matters.
EPA conducted a comprehensive review of the PCB program and proposed an
amendment to the PCB disposal rule to provide more flexibility in disposing of
PCB wastes. It simplified the process for the approval or use of certain types
of non-liquid PCBs. The amendment reduces duplicative requirements by
recognizing Federal or state permits and other administrative actions.
EMERGENCY PLANKING AND COMMONITY RIGHT TO KNOW
The Agency requests a total of $25,697,500 and 111.6 total workyears in
1977 for the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) program.
This'program supports the Agency's goal of increasing the public's awareness and
understanding of the environment.
EPCRA section 313 requires businesses to report annually to EPA and state
officials on the amounts of chemicals their facilities release into the
environment. The information, the Agency receives through this reporting
requirement is known Collectively as the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). EPCRA
requires EPA to make TRI information publicly accessible. The Pollution
Prevention Act of 1990 expanded TRI reporting requirements to include information
on source reduction and recycling efforts at reporting facilities. The pollution
prevention information that is collected measures the nation's progress toward
meeting overall Agency pollution prevention goals and, at the same time,
supplements TRI data to identify the greatest opportunities for risk reduction.
In 1997, EPA will, continue 'its administration of EPCRA by collecting,
processing and disseminating TRI data. The Agency will concentrate on data
management, data quality, public data access, and use of TRI data by state and
local governments, other EPA offices, industry and the public. The annual
national report on toxic emissions will be published. EPA will develop tools to
facilitate public, access to chemical information and the public's ability to use
that information effectively. Technological changes will be implemented to
assist industry in submitting TRI reports. EPA will also continue to implement
Executive Order 12856, requiring Federal facilities to report Under TRI and to
develop goals to reduce releases and transfers of toxic chemicals by 50% by 1999.
EPA offers technical assistance and training to other Federal agencies, as well
as information on toxicity, regulatory status, energy .demand, etc., of the
materials they procure. This assists them in making environmentally preferable
choices.
EPA will continue to pursue a number of activities to expand the public's
right-to-know. EPA will implement Executive Order 12969, which requires
companies to make TRI reports in order to be considered for award of Federal
contracts. Additionally, under the terms of a Presidential directive issued to
EPA in August 1995, the Agency will consider expanding the number and types of
facilities that are required to submit TRI data. The directive also requires EPA
to explore expansion of the types of data required to be reported under TRI,
including chemical use data. In this context, EPA will continue development and
implementation of a chemical use inventory (GUI). The CUI will provide data on
chemical use patterns that, combined with hazard and exposure information,
screens chemicals to identify those of greatest potential concern. EPA will make
CUI information available to the public to identify prevention and risk reduction
opportunities and to help identify exposures and risks not currently available
through TRI data.
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CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
The Agency requests a.total of $28,952,000 and 254.1 total workyears in
1997 for the Chemical Assessment and Management program. The Chemical Assessment
and Management program element includes the chemical testing knowledge base
program, new chemicals/biotechnology review, and the existing chemicals risk
management program. • These programs form the core of the Agency's TSCA regulatory
program, arid they support the Agency's goal of toxic-free communities through
preventing wastes.
In 1997, the chemical testing program will concentrate on (1) chemicals
designated by the TSCA Interagency Testing Committee, (2) chemicals for which
other EPA program' offices'and other Federal agencies have identified specific
data needs, and (3) U.S. nigh production/importation volume chemicals for .which
testing needs are identified by EPA screening analyses. Development, will
continue on multi-chemical testing actions utilizing a mix of TSCA section 4 test
rules, 'enforceable consent agreements, and voluntary testing agreements, some
with accompanying Memoranda of Understanding for voluntary product stewardship
programs that include risk reduction actions. These testing actions are expected
to result in an increased number, of chemicals being tested and to bring about a
variety of industry actions to reduce and/or eliminate health and environmental
risks. EPA will continue to revise and publicize its Master Testing List to
reflect both the agenda and priorities of the chemical testing program. 'Finally,
EPA will continue to lead the ongoing U.S. efforts in the Organization for
Economic Development Screening Information Data Set testing program for
international- high production volume chemicals, the vast majority of which are
also domestically produced or imported in high volumes.
The new chemicals/biotechnology review program will review new chemical
substances and new biotechnology products for human health and environmental
concerns. Manufacturers must submit a premanufacture notice (PMN) to the Agency
for review before the chemical or biotechnology product may be manufactured for
commerce. In 1997,- EPA anticipates receiving approximately 2,200 PMNs-, of which
about 2(50 are expected to result in voluntary or formal control actions. Most
PMNs are subject to user fees, which generate annual revenues of approximately
$3,000,000. Implementation of the new chemical follow-up rule enables the new
chemical review program to include more new chemicals under Significant New Use
Rules, thereby helping to establish regulatory equity throughout industry. Other
recent regulatory changes, including expanding exemptions sfor polymers, low
volume production, and low release/low exposure, will reduce the regulatory
burden on industry. These changes will also enable EPA to concentrate its new
chemical review resources on substances having the greatest potential for human
health or environmental risk. EPA will implement the requirements of the
biotechnology rule, which formalizes the PMN review requirements for producers
of new genetically engineered organisms. Biotechnology reviews broaden our'
understanding of the potential risks in the use and/or release of biotechnology
products. The movement of these microorganisms into the environment and their
accompanying environmental impacts are a primary focus of the Agency's
biotechnology review efforts.
The existing chemicals program identifies risks, assesses alternatives, and
identifies pollution prevention opportunities through the screening of existing
chemicals, chemical clusters, processes, and use patterns. To mitigate risks,
the program focuses on both voluntary agreements with industry and-regulatory
approaches. The program stresses information collection and dissemination,
taking advantage of the wealth of information EPA holds on toxic chemicals,
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DESIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THS COMMON SENSE INITIATIVE
A key component of the President's Environmental Technology Initiative is
the Design for the Environment (DfE) program, which promotes pollution prevention
in the private sector. The DfE program supports the Agency's goal of improved
understanding of the environment. The DfE program harnesses EPA's scientific and
chemical expertise and leadership to facilitate information exchange and research
on risk reduction and pollution prevention efforts, DfE works with companies
of all .sizes on a voluntary basis. Generally, projects include changing business
practices to incorporate environmental concerns, working with specific industries
to evaluate the risks, performance and costs of alternative chemicals, processes
and technologies; and helping individual'businesses undertake new environmental
design efforts that prevent or reduce pollution.
In 1997 EPA will work with the nation's 20,000 graphic art screen printing
shops to reduce the use of toxic screen reclamation chemicals. The DfE program.
will focus on the lithography and flexography sectors of the printing industry
under three distinct project areas: technical studies, implementation, and
outreach. .EPA will share case' study information" relating to environmentally
preferable emerging,technologies in the printing industry. The DfE program will
conduct industry and user cluster profiles, particularly of the textile industry,
a newly emerging partner in. the DfS program.
The DfE program will reduce dangerous toxic emissions released by over
3,000 metal finishing facilities nationwide. Similarly, DfE will work with the
nation's 35,000 dry-cleaners to reduce exposure to perchloroethylenes, a chemical
solvent used by most dry-cleaners which poses potential health and environmental
concerns. In partnering with the metal finishing and dry-cleaning.industries,
DfE will continue to generate and disseminate information on viable pollution
prevention alternatives. This'information will likely include cleaner technology
substitute assessments, life-cycle assessment tools, data on chemical design, .and
will collaborate on new accounting tools which incorporate environmental costs
and benefits into managerial and capital budgeting.
The. Agency's Common Sense Initiative will achieve greater environmental
protection at less cost by addressing pollution on an industry-by-industry basis,
rather than by a pollutant-by-pollutant approach. EPA selected six industrial
sectors to serve as pilots for the Common Sense approach to environmental
protection. The six sectors are: auto manufacturing, computers and electronics,
iron and steel, metal finishing and plating, petroleum refining, and printing.
By examining the impact of environmental regulations on industry, team's from
private industry, environmental groups, environmental justice groups, local
governments, labor unions, and Federal agencies will identify opportunities for
greater reductions in pollution through a coordinated, flexible, and innovative
environmental approach. Program staff will work with the printed wiring board
industry in the electronics sector to evaluate and implement alternative
materials, processes, and technologies .that reduce both environmental risks and
production costs.
The Green Chemistry program promotes the development of products and
processes' that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of toxic substances
associated with the design, manufacture, and use of chemicals. The Green
Chemistry program was established to recognize and promote fundamental
breakthroughs in chemistry that accomplish pollution prevention in a cost
effective manner. The program seeks to support research in the area ,of
environmentally benign chemistry, promote partnerships with industry in
developing green chemistry technologies, and work with other Federal agencies in
building green chemistry principles into their operations.
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Expected accomplishments for 1997 -include the review of 300 new chemicals
to identify more environmentally benign alternative chemicals. Case studies will
be developed to provide examples of how green chemistry principles can be used
in industrial operations. The Agency will support a variety of efforts to speed
the incorporation of pollution prevention into the training of professional
chemists in industry and the education of students in academia. The Green
Chemistry Challenge will continue to provide non-monetary awards and public
recognition to scientists and companies that are outstanding'practitioners and
developers of green chemistry.
POLLUTION PREVENTION
Pollution prevention is a guiding principle at EPA and is the Agency's
option of first choice in environmental protection. The Pollution Prevention Act
of 1990 required EPA to develop and implement a strategy to promote source
reduction. within the Agency, the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances is the major focal point for pollution prevention and source reduction
programs and activities. Resources associated with pollution prevention
activities are found in the Multi-Media narrative. • Project descriptions are
provided here as these programs are closely linked to project activities in the
toxics program.
In 1997, the Agency's Pollution Prevention program will support the
Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse and other information sources for
the public. Other activities for 1997 will help Federal agencies identify and
procure environmentally preferable products, and assist businesses in adopting
environmental accounting to help them identify how pollution prevention pays off,
financially. The Agency will fund a broad array of innovative environmental
justice projects, including grants to states and community groups to support
neighborhood pollution prevention activities. Other environmental justice
projects will reduce lead exposures, especially from paints, continue the
geographical targeting of toxic chemical emissions using the Agency's Toxic
Release Inventory, -and continue to reduce chemical exposures and risks from
ambient sources and personal use practices.
EPA manages the Source Reduction Review Project, which seeks to integrate
pollution prevention options into key air, water, and solid waste rulemakings.
EPA also engages in outreach activities which encourage use of information as a
means of promoting voluntary pollution prevention by industry where pollution
prevention may offer cost-saving incentives. At the regional level, pollution
prevention project funds support environmental education, pollution prevention
demonstration projects, technical assistance to small business, assistance to
state and local governments, and promotion of pollution prevention tnrough
existing regulatory programs. The projects combat releases in various
environmental media, and promote prevention approaches in energy, agriculture,
the Federal sector and the consumer sector.
In 1997, the Agency will build community self-reliance by sharing chemical
information and environmental evaluation tools with the public. This project
encompasses two components: one addresses expanded distribution of chemical
information, and the second focuses on enhanced capabilities of, and .access to,
environmental tools. The first component will include the development and public
accessibility of a broad range of information products, which will be integrated
to enhance their utility. This project will make use of secondary providers,
such as libraries and public interest groups,.to make information available to
the public. A variety of electronic methods will also be used to enhance public
access. The second component involves development of a comprehensive software
package'of chemical and economic assessment, exposure modeling and priority-
setting tools already in use at EPA for use by state and local governments and
others in assessing chemical risks. The second component will be particularly
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useful to .state and local governments as more responsibility for environmental
matters devolves to them.
Also in 1997, EPA will conduct a voluntary industrial toxics reduction
program that will encourage reductions in the production, emission and use of
toxic .chemicals, building on the success of the 33/50 Program. The 33/50 Program
has been very successful in achieving rapid environmental improvements through
voluntary efforts outside the traditional regulatory framework and has been cited
by industry as a model example of the .Federal government's role in environmental
protection programs. This enthusiasm has resulted in a voluntary reductions
program' for 1997 that maintains the concept of the original 33/50 Program, using
that program as its model.
TOXIC SUBSTANCES ENFORCEMENT
The Agency requests a total of $6,111,200 and 86.8 total.workyears in 1997
for the Toxics Enforcement program. The program has identified prevention of
waste and chemical releases as its major goal "for 1997 and will continue to
provide support for TSCA compliance monitoring by devoting 22 workyears to
conduct over 600 inspections and 27 workyears for enforcement actions. The
program will conduct inspections addressing TSCA sections 5 and 8, with
particular emphasis on worker protection and pre-manufacturing notification. In
those states without cooperative enforcement agreements-, the program will
continue to conduct risk-based compliance .inspections for TSCA, including
inspections for the high-risk PCB and asbestos in public/commercial buildings
programs (section 6).
The program will, continue to manage and oversee the state cooperative
enforcement agreements for asbestos and PCBs (combined total of 36 agreements
nationwide), and the emerging lead-based paint; enforcement program of Title IV.
The Agency will be responsible for enforcing the new lead based paint abatement
requirements and training requirements in any state that does not assume the
-program by October 1997. The program will provide state capacity building
support and state cooperative enforcement agreement oversight, assist states with
compliance monitoring: and enforcement guidance, and conduct compliance monitoring
and enforcement activities in any states without cooperative enforcement
agreements.
Based on state and Regional compliance monitoring results, the program will
issue and resolve enforcement actions, including notices of noncompliance, civil,
administrative, and judicial complaints, and provide assistance in criminal cases
as appropriate. The Regions will assist headquarters in the development of
national policy and guidance, and provide technical and litigation support in the
prosecution of cases. The Agency, will place significant emphasis on issuing
enforcement actions in follow-up to TSCA violations posing potential high risk.
The Agency will continue to provide compliance assistance to firms that are
either seeking to comply voluntarily or who wish to take remedial actions to
achieve' compliance. During settlement negotiations, the program will work with
companies to incorporate pollution prevention projects into settlement
agreements.
EPCRA ENFORCEMENT • l '
The Agency requests a total of $1,437,8-00 and 20.9 total workyears in 1997
for"the EPCRA Enforcement program. The program will conduct approximately 700
compliance inspections of, and increase compliance assistance outreach to,
chemical facilities that use, manufacture or process potentially harmful
chemicals that are required to report under EPCRA, The data submitted informs
the public and the Agency of the presence of toxic chemicals at the manufacturing
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facility and documents the release of toxic chemicals into the community. The
Agency will continue to utilize this information to develop the Toxic Release
Inventory. The * use of TRI.data by Federal, state and local governments, is an
important pollution prevention and risk reduction tool. With this information,
the Agency will be able•to determine appropriate pollution prevention measures
to incorporate into case settlements, and local authorities will be able to
prepare more effective emergency response plans, , training programs .and
notification procedures to protect health-and the environment. Overall, TRI data
is .used to target opportunities for reducing risks to public health and the
environment.
The EPCRA Enforcement program will support the Agency's ecological
protection goal identified in the 1997 budget request. In 1997, the program will
target inspections and enforcement actions at companies with data quality and
data reporting violations, particularly in light of the expansion in chemicals
covered under TRI. The program will also conduct compliance inspections to
detect companies that have failed to report toxic chemical emissions. Most of
these inspections will be conducted by contract employees working under a grant
with the National Council of Senior Citizens.
Other high priority areas for EPCRA Enforcement involve accidental
releases. Without prompt notification of an accidental release, the government
bodies set up to respond to chemical emergencies cannot assess the risk and
prevent harm to the community following the release. The program will expand
EPCRA Enforcement activities under sections 302, 303, 311, and 312, against
companies that fail to submit to the Local Emergency Planning Commission and the
State Emergency Response Commission information, necessary for an emergency plan
to be used in the event of an accidental release.
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'HAZARDOUS WASTE
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $135,705,900 million and 1,327.1 wbrkyears
to meet the environmental goals of the Hazardous Waste program. The major
direction for the hazardous waste program will be to focus private and public
resources on efforts that address the greatest environmental risk including
corrective action stabilizations and permits'. For RCRA regulatory reinvention"
activities, the Agency will work to implement waste management standards based
on levels of risk rather than the one-size-fit-all approach. EPA will help"
tribal governments establish integrated waste management programs, including the
safe management of solid waste, hazardous waste and underground storage tanks.
Resources will also fund a comprehensive state and federal review of'current
information systems in order to streamline reporting, enhance measures of
environmental results and complement the Agency's One Stop Reporting initiative.
Hazardous and municipal solid wastes are an unavoidable part of modern
life. Hazardous wastes are produced by over ISO,000 large business and
industries, such as chemical and manufacturing plants, and small businesses, such
as dry cleaners and printing plants. Approximately 209 million tons, 4 pounds per
person per day, of municipal solid wastes are produced annually. Improperly
.managed > these wastes can lead to fires, explosions, -and contamination of the
air, soil, surface water and underground drinking water supplies, and can cause
harm to the health of workers and communities. The Hazardous Waste program was
established to meet the overall goal of prevention, proper management .and
disposal of hazardous and municipal solid wastes generated nationwide.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as revised by
the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (HWSA) , 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) , Under the RCRA program, EPA' has
worked with our partners to establish regulations and national policies and
provide guidance for regulated entities, including those who generate, treat,
store, or dispose of waste. 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.
As' corporate America began to equate environmental pollution with economic
waste, opportunities for recycling, reuse, and other improvements in waste
management have increased. Through the RCRA program, the Agency has worked to
greatly improve the way hazardous and solid wastes and underground storage tanks
are'managed over the last decade and half. There are fewer fires'and explosions,
and fewer toxic releases to air, land, and water. On-site workers and the public
are exposed to fewer toxic•constituents, reducing risk for cancer and serious
health effects such as birth defects and nervous system damage. In addition,
fewer sites become contaminated and require cleanup-
The Agency's strategy is to ensure adequate and safe treatment of hazardous
waste through the management of storing, treating and disposal. Minimizing the
volume and toxicity of wastes is one of the most effective means of protecting
public health and the environment from exposure to hazardous waste. The priority
in 1997 will be to increase flexibility by using a common sense approach to
revising, implementing and enforcing regulations and standards. The Agency will
focus resources on addressing immediate risks and taking action to control the
further spread of contamination, helping to ensure maximum protection of human
health and the' environment. In addition, the Agency will continue ongoing
initiatives to speed up and simplify the cleanup, permitting and state
authorization processes . In particular, the Hazardous Waste Identification Media
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and Process Rules and revisions to the'Subpart S rule, will yield significant
savings for industry as well as states and the Agency. In combination with
increased attention, to1 the use of, state and other cleanup authorities, these
measures will continue the momentum toward environmental results rather than a
process-driven program.
EPA will also continue to build strong cooperative -partnerships among
industry, government, and the public to communicate clearly and persuasively the
risks and hazards of spills and accidents. More than 5,000 chemical accidents
are reported each year to the National Response Center .and EPA's Regional
offices. Many of these accidents have killed or injured workers and .emergency
responders, disrupted lives through injury and evacuation, and destroyed billions
of dollars of property in communities across the country. To reach the goal of
reducing accidental releases, the agency will strengthen outreach efforts with
industry and community leaders to prevent, prepare for, and respond to incidents.
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HAZARDOUS WASTE
PROGRAM AND ACTIVITYHIGHLIGHTS
WASTE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
The Agency requests $137,279.300 and 827.8 FTE to support the hazardous
waste management regulations/ guidelines and policies program.
The RCRA program will seek to increase the flexibility granted to industry
for safe waste management, to avoid unnecessary costs incurred when prescriptive
regulations preclude other, more.efficient but equally protective 'methods of
handling wastes. A primary objective will be to manage wastes based on the level
of risk, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. The net effect of these
changes will be to match the waste management with the wastes' risks, neither
over- nor under-regulating, and thus saving industry, state and federal
resources.
The Regions are critical players in the Agency's effort to make the RCRA
program more efficient as well as to meet the program's environmental goals. It
is through the Regions' vital link to the states, tribes, industry and the public
at large, that RCRA can become more flexible, effective, efficient and responsive
at the local and facility level. Federal leadership extends beyond policy to
public outreach and involvement, to ensuring access to practical information as
well as compliance with regulations. The existing partnerships to manage
hazardous and solid wastes among the Agency, states, tribes, industry and local
governments will be emphasized and strengthened through closer coordination and.
cooperative activities and form the basis for much of the Agency's efforts to
attain RCRA's environmental goals for waste minimization, the safe management of
wastes and the clean-up of contaminated sites. Technical assistance, training
and partnering with states, tribal governments, industry and local organizations
will provide the foundation for locally tailored programs that meet these goals.
The Agency is requesting $8,788,800 and 39-.3 workyears for the
comprehensive regulatory reinvention program. Reinvention efforts in RCRA
encompass regulatory, procedural and outreach activities. 'One regulatory
approach under exploration is the greater use of contingent management standards,
which takes into account the type of unit in which wastes are managed, its
location, and other factors which affect the hazards that the wastes pose when
setting treatment, storage and disposal requirements. Similarly, self-
implementation provisions will enable industry and states to begin using more
flexible or less costly methods without delays caused by permit modification or
authorization procedures. The EPA Regions' commitment to effective outreach and
technical assistance will be critical to the early adoption of these reinvented
regulations and management approaches by industry and the states. For example,
in 1997 RCRA Regional offices will proceed with several pilots under the Agency's.
project XL initiative,; which encourages industry to use innovative and less
costly or restrictive management standards while attaining the same level of
environmental protection afforded by the current systems.
Ensuring protective regulation while avoiding over-regulation is also the
objective of several ongoing program priorities which will be implemented in
1997. Increasingly, regulatory and management guidelines are tailored to the
level of risk posed by the contaminant - how hazardous is it in this particular
situation? One example is the Hazardous Was.te Identification Rule for Process
Waste, which considers contingent management as a possible approach to offering
relief for low-risk wastes from stringent management requirements. Work will
also proceed in implementing the definition of solid waste recommendations, which
form the basis for efforts to resolve jurisdictional issues over secondary
materials and to reduce the disincentives to the recycling of hazardous waste.
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Cost benefit analysis and risk assessment tools and methods will be improved,
aiding the general effort • to incorporate efficient and effective risk-based
decision making into RCRA regulatory development. Other regulatory reinvention
efforts will involve outreach and coordination with other agencies as well as
with industry. A small business review will work to "demystify RCRA" - and to
increase responsiveness' - by recodifyirig parts of RCRA rules, and developing
pertinent outreach and training materials. The review will also, seek to address
inconsistencies and .overlap with other EPA and Department of Transportation
regulations that cause inefficiencies for small businesses. Another joint effort
with the Department of Transportation examines the possibility of using
electronic transfer of hazardous waste shipment information in lieu of paper
manifest forms. Elimination of this requirement alone could result in a burden
reduction of millions of hours annually for industry.
The Agency requests $1,5,32,500 and 9.1 workyears to support the Common
Sense Initiative which will support OSWER's co-lead for the petroleum sector as
well as Headquarters and'Regional participation on other sector teams'. Our work
will encompass regulatory, implementation and management improvements. Some
examples of projects under consideration are alternative, sector-specific
regulatory strategies, such as industry-sector inventories of regulatory
thresholds for permitting. Life cycle management systems examine the potential
for source reduction and the use of recycled materials at every stage of
production, as well as eventual recycling of the used item.
The Agency requests $15,548,300 and 64,0 workyears to augment efficiency
while maintaining effectiveness in the base regulatory program. Implementation
of the Agency's Waste Minimization and Combustion Strategy for combustion
facilities will proceed, moving in 1997 to the development of improved technical
standards for Boiler and Industrial Furnaces. The Agency will .continue to
develop and refine innovative approaches for entry to and exit from the RCRA
hazardous waste management system, strengthening the focus on truly toxic waste
streams under the listings program. EPA Regions were recently provided the
authority to grant or deny hazardous waste delistings, allowing faster processing
of delisting petitions and local decision-making on these site-specific actions.
Regulatory reinvention strategies will be integrated into all aspects of
rulemaking. For example, in 1997 a contingent management approach will be
evaluated as a possible alternative to regulation of cement kiln dust as a
hazardous waste. Under this approach, cement kiln dust would be exempt from
hazardous waste regulation either when the states have EPA-approved programs that
stipulate safe management of cement kiln dust, or when the facility complies
directly with specifically tailored management standards.
The Agency requests $2,917,000 and 19.7 workyears for the Corrective Action
program to finalize the Hazardous Waste Identifical Rule, which will establish
a regulatory framework for cleanup waste that better addresses the risks posed
by those wastes'and relieves many of the disincentives for cleanups that are
encountered under the current,system. It will establish a less stringent, more
common'sense process for handling the contaminated media to be removed or treated
as part of a cleanup. The Agency also will propose the Subpart S Rule, intended
to significantly streamline corrective action procedures, reducing industry,
state and federal administrative costs.
The Agency requests $23,668,000 and 127.8 workyears in Corrective Action
implementation to conduct performance based stabilization and remediation, while
working to maintain effectiveness without- losing sight of the need for
efficiency. By focusing on the highest priority facilities, the Agency will
continue to ensure that those individuals with the greatest risk of exposure are
protected. As many as 3,500 facilities will need some type of remediation. Many
cleanup projects involve minimizing exposures long before the site is actually
cleaned up, and in 1997 the Agency will continue to focus on these'stabilization
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actions rather than long term remediations to leverage corrective action
resources. To date, stabilization actions have been implemented at more than 350
facilities, and an additional 35 stabilization efforts will be initiated in 1997.
The Agency has placed a priority on'community-based environmental projects that
.empower and'equip a community to participate in environmental decision-making.
Corrective action activities, with their integral importance to local
communities,'figure strongly in the RCRA program's work in this area.
The Agency requests $2,705,100 and 7,4 workyears for waste minimization
activities. A reduction in both the volume and toxicity of wastes lower all
risks; and saves industry significant amounts in materials and disposal costs.
Working directly with generators to identify opportunities to reduce wastes will
help build momentum in this key component of sustainable environmental
protection.
The Agency requests $16,560,200 and 154.3 workyears to support permit
assistance. The Agency will continue to emphasize waste minimization and
maintaining protective hazardous waste disposal capacity through permitting, in
tandem with our State partners. HSWA permitting assistance will include base
permits, closure plans, and permit modifications. Tn 1997, over 70% of disposal
and combustion facilities will have received permits. Activities will continue
to focus on high risk facilities, including combustion facilities. Approximately
220 new permits will be issued during 1997. Regional offices will provide
guidance and site-specific technical assistance to our partners for implementing
new regulations and standards to ensure the permit serves as an effective
reference point for the facility on proper site specific hazardous waste
"management activities. The Agency will work with tribal governments on hazardous
waste issues such as infrastructure, technical capacity and implementation as
well.
In 1997, another major task will be to implement the recommendations of the
permits improvements team, as the Agency works to make the permitting process
.more flexible and efficient. The Agency is providing $1,935,600 .and 3.3
workyears to support this activity, RCRA permits typically include a variety
of site-specific conditions for the safe design, operations and performance of
the facility. Regional offices will continue to design and coordinate pilots and
innovative techniques for improving-the permit process. For example, the Agency
is looking at the feasibility of issuing general permits in some, cases, which
could substantially reduce the time and resources required by industry, states
and the Agency for permitting. In 1997 in conjunction with the states of Texas
and California, the Agency will continue to pilot the use of general permits for
lower risk facilities.
The Agency is requesting $7,231,100 and 92,7 workyears to support ongoing
actions to streamline the state authorization process, thereby reducing the
legislative and administrative burdens of the procedures. The Agency will also
provide incentives and technical assistance for states to move to full
authorization. For example, expanded training modules and technical guidance for
problems associated with corrective action at contaminated waste sites wil.l
assist states that are -making the transition to full implementation.
The Agency is requesting $2,733,600 and 11.5 workyears to support certain
regionally focused initiatives to implement our responsibilities with respect to
the Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) and the permitting of-facilities for the
chemical demilitarization of expired weapons stock. The Regions will continue to
support expanded permitting efforts and corrective action activities in-an effort
to reduce environmental risk around the Gulf of Mexico and along the Mexican
border. Groundwater contamination and the movement of waste along the Mexican
border are areas of particular concern.
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The Agency requests $2,487,-200 and 15.9 workyears to support activities in
the solid waste area. The Wastewi$e program will promote source reduction with
industry, Government, and the public, demonstrating that pollution prevention and
economic efficiency form a powerful incentive for environmental protection. In
1997, over 1000 industry participants will work to achieve their selected
Wastewi$e goals in three areas: preventing waste, collecting recyclables and
increasing the purchase or manufacture of recycled products. Waste prevention
and recycling yield significant reductions in global warming gases.
The Agency requests $4,757,700 and 32.2 workyears to support ongoing
recycling outreach and awareness projects, educating consumers and businesses in
methods to optimize recycling programs as well as in the selection of recycled
content products. The Agency will proceed with the next component of the
President's Executive Order 12873, which establishes Comprehensive Procurement
Guidelines for the Federal government, setting preferences for various categories
of items with recycled content. The Guidelines help create markets for local
recycling programs and .stimulate business investment in plants and equipment that
utilize collected recyclables as raw material. Another facet of expanding the
markets for recycled and recovered materials is the Agehcy'-s partnership with the
Chicago Board of Trade, facilitating an electronic market which allows traders
to broadcast their interests in buying and selling^ recovered materials.
The Agency requests $3,281,100 and 5.8 workyears to support the Jobs
Through Recycling .Program. Under this program, the Agency is applying community-
based environmental protection principles to foster economic development through
recycling. Early successes demonstrate that Jobs Through recycling projects can
decrease disposal costs and create jobs. It is estimated that in the first year
alone, the projects were instrumental in creating 290 jobs, over $40 million in
capital investments in recycling, and 4 million tons of recycling capacity. The
Agency will continue to stimulate the development of recycling and reuse
businesses and encourage innovative approaches to recycling processing,
transporting and remanufacturing.
The Agency requests $2,378,100 and 22.3 workyears to support the municipal
solid waste program. The program will continue to implement greater state/tribal
flexibility for municipal landfill permits, to afford the best balance between
national environmental protection standards and .local solutions that are
reasonable and cost-effective. Another priority will be the development of
national measurement guidelines for municipal solid waste goals such as
reductions in per capita waste generation, and an increase in recycling rates.
The Agency requests $2,743,900 and 4.8 workyears to increase the focus of
the RCRA program on tribal issues, providing more direct assistance and guidance-
Improving solid waste management is a priority for many tribes. Work with"
specific tribal governments will center on identifying viable and affordable
landfill management techniques, including alternative waste management
technologies that would be appropriate,for small, remote communities such as
Alaskan Native Villages and indian tribes. In addition, resources and technical
support will be provided to bring together interested tribes, Native Alaskan
Villages and other governmental and non-governmental entities, to analyze the
potential benefits from developing and implementing partnerships to improve
tribal waste management.
The Agency requests $2,322,400 and 9.8 workyears to coordinate closely with
our State partners and with industry in encouraging safe, effective and efficient
mining, and industrial solid waste management. Program activities will continue
to address the need for environmentally protective production of minerals by
assisting in state and tribal efforts' to develop environmental
guidelines (including groundwater protection measures) for-mining operations.
The development of voluntary, industry-specific techniques .for safe, cost-
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effective management is the focus of ongoing stakeholder meetings concerning
industrial solid waste.
The Agency requests $2,038,800 and 9.1 workyears for information systems
improvementa. Timely, accurate and flexible information systems are integral to
streamlining program management while maintaining effective measurement capacity
for evaluating progress toward environmental goals. Working with its partners,
the Agency has launched a comprehensive state and federal review of its waste
information needs and technologies in order to streamline reporting, enhance
measures of environmental results, and increase public access. This effort will
improve both efficiency and effectiveness as the Agency seeks to attain the best
possible measurement with the least possible reporting burden. Combined with
efforts to condense, clarify and tailor regulations and outreach, automated
access will increase the efficiency,and the responsiveness of the program.,
The Agency requests $3,854,300 and 10.1 workyears for public access which
is another vital part of increasing responsiveness. Using the Internet, targeted
publications and fact sheets, the Agency will keep the general public and
industry informed of environmental decisions that affect them, and offer them
easier .access to relevant data, explanations tailored to their situation, and
contacts for further assistance. Better access helps ensure community-based
environmental decision making,' comprehensible regulations, and better
environmental policy through more participation.
The Agency requests $4,483,100 and one workyear to continue work on its
Innovative Environmental Technology program in support of- the President's
technology initiative. The Agency will continue to build partnerships leveraging
public and private resources to promote the development, commercialization and
use of "environmental technologies.
UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
The Agency requests a total of $7,318,900 and 58.5 total workyears for 1997
in the Underground Storage Tanks program.
The Agency requests a total of $2,377,815 and 15.0 total work years in 1997
to promote early compliance with the 1998 deadline in an effort to reduce the
risk from leaking underground storage tanks (USTs). These resources will enable
EPA to accelerate its work with the states to implement and enforce the 1998 tank
deadline for upgrading, replacing or closing tanks. Approximately 700,000 of the '
1.1 million active tanks will still need to be upgraded or replaced. The Agency
will work with state and local governments to explore options for financial
assistance programs to help small 'business owners/operators upgrade, replace or
close their tanks. The Agency will use outreach efforts to directly reach owners
and operators and in a new public education campaign. A joint strategy between
the Regions and states for follow-up enforcement with the 1998 deadline will be
developed. Compliance 'with the 1998 "deadline will prevent the creation of
another generation of leaking UST systems by ensuring that upgrading is done
properly and that new tanks and piping comply with applicable regulations. EPA
estimates that 75-80% of the total universe of active tanks will be in compliance
by the end of 1997.
The Agency requests a total of $1,152,738 and 7.4 total workyears to
continue efforts to build and support "state-, local and'tribal programs that
prevent, detect and correct leaks from USTs. Regional strategic overviews
evaluate the status of state programs and outline plans for implementing
improvement strategies. State improvement projects include training UST
owners/operators on the operational, technical and regulatory requirements of
USTs to improve the management of USTs by owners/operators. State improvement
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projects also include improving enforcement efforts in the states and providing
corrosion science training to state UST staff to qualify them as cathodic
protection testers. , Resources will support state efforts to track
notification/registration of regulated tanks; compliance/non-compliance of tanks
in meeting the 1998 deadline for upgrading, replacing or closing tanks; tracking
the number of tanks inspected and corrective actions taken, if any; and managing
tank registration fees.
The Agency requests a total of $700,831 and 5.3 total workyears to continue
to support partnerships with tribal governments by .building their capacity to
implement the program. The Agency's goal is to increase compliance activities
for USTs on tribal lands.. The Agency will provide technical assistance for
Indian tribes by developing national outreach materials, providing a mechanism
for tribal program approvals, and providing guidance on and options for
alternative funding mechanisms for upgrading tanks and managing tribal UST
programs. These resources are focused to ensure safe UST management and provide
limited funds for corrective action for. leaking underground storage tanks for
tribal lands. This investment is critical, as tribes rely heavily on groundwater
for their drinking water supply. Developing tribal program capacity and training
for tank inspections will lay the groundwork for effective programs protecting
human health as well as sensitive ecosystems. The Agency anticipates providing
support to approximately 150 tribes.
The Agency requests a total of $1,071,103 and 7.3 total workyears to
develop private sector incentives to ensure good tank management. Specifically
this will involve working with the banking, real estate and insurance industry
sectors to incorporate UST management principles into their business decisions,
and in piloting third .party service provider programs such as licensed site
professional programs. The Agency will develop new pilots in states for third
party programs, .exploring options and sharing states' experiences in moving from
State funds to private insurance coverage, and establish state and local forums
for regulators to interact with their local bankers and real estate and insurance
interests. This will serve to educate, the private sector on tank issues and
provide a mechanism to resolve problems and work together. EPA estimates that
a privatization pilot will be initiated for each of the three industry sectors
(banking, real estate and insurance).
The Agency requests a total of $1,264,307 and 12.0 total workyears to
coordinate and assist states in applying for state program approval through
technical, regulatory, and policy support. To date, 22 states have approved UST
programs. State program approval is achieved through states' efforts to develop
authorities, develop an application for state program approval, and apply for the
approval. The Agency will continue to work to resolve state specific issues,
EPA's role in state program approval includes reviewing and approving state
applications. Upon EPA approval, states have the authority to operate the state
program in lieu of the Federal program. Some states may then delegate the.
program to local governments. EPA estimates that 32 states will have approved
UST State programs by the end of 1997.
HAZARDOUS WASTE ENFORCEMENT
The Agency requests a total of $33,575,200 and 364.4 total workyears for
1997 in the Hazardous Waste Enforcement program,
The Agency's goal in the Hazardous Waste Enforcement Program is to prevent
improper handling of wastes arid toxic products and to ensure safe waste
management. The Agency will continue to conduct compliance monitoring activities
including inspections and to bring enforcement actions to remove violations,
recover economic benefits and obtain injunctive relief, and-return facilities to
compliance. EPA will work with state and tribal partners to develop voluntary
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compliance programs and will help them develop monitoring systems to determine
if these systems are effective in preventing, accidental releases,
In 1997, the Agency will support 900 inspections and "an estimated
300 enforcement actions. Federal, state, and local facilities that store, treat,
and/or dispose of hazardous waste will continue to be inspected either by
authorized states or the Agency. The program will devote 29.8 workyears to
provide compliance assistance through mechanisms such as responding to requests
for clarification on requirements by the regulated community, participating in
seminars and workshops, or developing manuals for specific industry sectors.
Federal compliance monitoring and assistance as well as enforcement
activities will be used to enhance and complement state efforts as the states
continue to assume the responsibility for the bulk of the mandated inspection and
enforcement work. The Agency will direct its compliance monitoring, compliance
assistance, and"enforcement activities toward sectors of industry identified as
higher risks, such as dry cleaners, petroleum refiners, and primary non-ferrous
metals. The Agency will also focus on environmental or non-compliance problems
associated with particular communities or places including ecosystems,
watersheds, air sheds, and other natural resources that are threatened with
environmental hazards. Inspections will be conducted as appropriate with states
to assist with technical assistance and training on new rules to improve state
program capability. Monitoring of state progress will continue through program
evaluation.
The program wj.ll provide $1,200,000 to assist-tribes in building their own
capability to monitor Subtitle D facilities on indian lands. The Agency will use
its imminent hazardous authority to address serious solid waste problems on
Indian lands.
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT
AND CLEAN AIR ACT -- ACCIDENTAL RELEASE PROVISIONS
The Agency requests a total of $14,853,000 and 69.0 total workyears for
1997 to-establish a chemical accident release prevention program,
The Agency requests a total of $5,329,540 and 22.5 total workyears in 1997
for State implementation of the chemical accidental release prevention program.
With the risk management plan (RMP) rule due to be completed in 1996, there is
a narrow window to get states on board to operate an accident prevention program
before facilities begin submitting their HMPs. We anticipate the first of more
than 100,000 facilities covered under the law may have to register within one
year of the rule being published. With this in mind, it is crucial that the
program work closely with states to provide the tools they need to build their
prevention program infrastructure.
In 1997 we will target states that are at greatest risk for a chemical
accident. In 1997 the program will concentrate on states that are interested in
assuming delegation of the program, as well as those that have shown interest but
are not at this point committed. This modest investment of resources will avert
the need for a large Federal program if states elect not to manage their own
program. As a result of this early investment, we anticipate that as many as 10
states will seek authority to implement the RMP program. To assist the states
preparation for program implementation, the Agency will develop guidance and
provide technical assistance and training to help States develop legislation,
establish funding mechanisms, develop accident prevention techniques and
structure a system to register and audit facility management plans.
The Agency will develop additional technical guidance to assist industry
and states in furthering their understanding of accident prevention issues such
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as worst case, chemical properties, and other factors that contribute to
accidents,.' We will also begin to develop training on this guidance which will
be delivered by the Regions. In addition, EPA will' begin to develop an
electronic system to assist states in receiving,* reviewing and tracking RMPs.
The development of an electronic system for managing' information required to be
made available under this program is consistent with the President's directive,
under the Paperwork -Reduction Act that agencies should, if possible, use
electronic means for reporting and making information available to the'public.
In an effort to meet the requirements of the-Government Performance and
Results Act, the Agency will undertake an initiative to measure progress in
implementing the accidental release prevention program. The Agency will conduct"
a baseline study of selected facilities required to report under the RMP rule.
The study will.identify, facility risks by examining the safe management programs
and processes facilities currently have in place and track any modifications
after incorporating HMP requirements into their programs. The Agency will also
use this information to tailor the accident prevention program to deal with the
risks posed by small-to-medium sized facilities.
The Agency requests a total of $2,897,214 and 11.0 total workyears for 1997
to conduct chemical accident investigations. In conjunction with the Occupation
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , EPA will conduct investigations of major
facility chemical' accidents to determine probable root cause and make
recommendations to enhance chemical safety. EPA activities will include
developing new and refining existing criteria with OSHA for selection of
accidents for joint investigation or independent investigation by the lead
agencies', enhancing investigation techniques of significant chemical accidents,
and improving training to EPA, OSHA and other parties on .accident investigations
techniques. To assist these operations, EPA and OSHA will support an external
expert panel to review accident investigation reports and make recommendations
for further prevention and safety.
The Agency requests a total of $4,211,850 and 25 total workyears for 1997
to improve public safety from chemical accidents in communities under the
Emergency Planning and.Community Right-to-Know program. In 1997 the program will
continue to implement the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) effectiveness
strategy. Initiated in 1996 to strengthen chemical emergency programs at the»
state and local level, the strategy is central to achieving a highly effective
state and local network that promotes community safety and environmental
protection. Toward that goal, program effort will concentrate on promoting
public access to community right-to-know (CRTK) information and assisting local
communities in integrating chemical accident preparedness and prevention
programs. CRTK activities will focus on helping LEPCs to become better known in
the community as a source for information on hazardous materials and chemical
safety. The Agency will provide guidance, technical assistance, training and
electronic access to information to promote public awareness of LEPCs. The
Agency will develop guidance to assist LEPCs in- identifying and'working with
different population segments in the community and provide training and technical
assistance in developing outreach strategies tailored to meet individual
community needs.
Key elements of the LEPC effectiveness strategy will be incorporated into
the criteria for awarding Title III state program grants. While the grant
program will continue to concentrate on populations at greatest risk for a
chemical -accident, EPA will encourage projects .that promote Community Right-to-
Know and integration of accident prevention programs. Another key area for
improving access to information is the development of electronic systems that
allow facilities to transmit.reporting information. Under the grant program,
States/LBPCs will be encouraged to submit projects that establish such systems
in their communities',
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In 1997 the Agency will undertake tribal initiative to reduce the risk of
chemical accidents and integrate waste management programs. The Agency will'work
with tribes to conduct hazard assessments and develop comprehensive tribal
emergency plans. In concert with this effort, EPA will coordinate reservation -
.wide assessments of potential Superfund and other hazardous waste _sites.
The Agency requests a total of $1,060,977 and 10.5 total workyears for 1997
to conduct enforcement and compliance activities under the EPCRA program.
Enforcement, activities will focus on facilities riot immediately notifying
Federal, state and local entities of releases as required under CERCLA Section
103 and EPCRA Section 304, Regions will be able to use the General Duty Clause
under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act to .foster chemical accident prevention
and to minimize the consequences of releases when they occur.
With the risk management plan (RMP) regulatory framework in place in 1997,
Regions will be able to use the former Chemical Safety Audit program, a non-
enforcement audit program to encourage facilities to practice accident
prevention, to conduct non-enforcement RMP audits. These audits will help
prepare facilities for the actual .RMP audits and help the implementing agencies
to flush out needed changes and interpretation of the risk management program rule
and guidance.
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MULTIMEDIA
OVERVIEW .
The Agency-requests a total of $331,771.9 and 1,749.0 total workyears for
1997 in the Multimedia media. The .Multimedia media develops and uses tools which
address environmental problems not specific to a media, span two or more distinct
media, or reflect a shift in the Agency's approach to centralized, integrated
innovative programs. Multimedia programs and initiatives include Enforcement
and Compliance Assurance, activities related to our Tribal partners, Sustainable
Development Challenge Grants and Project XL,
Multimedia resources will support the environmental education program,
Regional operations, state and local relations, and sustainable development
challenge grants. The American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO) will receive
funds' to support and .address environmental issues in Indian Country. EPA will
continue to expand and improve public health and environmental protection in
Indian Country, where most tribes still lack basic environmental programs.
The Multimedia Policy Development program will analyze the economic and
environmental effects of regulations, policies, programs, and legislation. The
program will work to ensure that environmental hazards and risks are consistently
managed across Agency programs and the Federal government by employing a
multimedia approach.
The Multimedia Policy Development program will also continue 'to lead the
cross-Agency implementation of Project XL, a cooperative venture between EPA and
the state environmental agencies that seeks to end one-size-fits-all government
regulation. The program is also the Agency lead for the Environmental Technology
Initiative which aims to strengthen the" environmental security and economic
standing of the United States in the world marketplace.
The Pollution Prevention program will encourage more businesses to identify
and benefit from pollution prevention practices through efforts such as providing
businesses with information about substitute, chemicals that are safer than
• chemicals they currently use. . - ;
The General Counsel serves as the primary legal advisor to the
Administrator, focusing on Federal and international environmental law and
governmental law that furthers environmental programs.
The Enforcement and Compliance Assurance program will continue to place a
priority on ensuring compliance with environmental statutes enacted by Congress.
The program will preserve the strong enforcement program that has been essential
to the environmental and public health improvements of the past 25 years and
which must remain in placeif EPA is to fulfill its mandate to bring safe air,.
water and food to all Americans. This request fully funds EPA's front line work
force of environmental inspectors and enforcers. Keeping the environmental cop
on the beat means that the vast majority of businesses which seek to comply with-
the law will be rewarded with a level playing field, that bad actors will not
'gain from violating the law, and that every American will have equal' access to
a clean environment in which to live and work.
At the same time, this budget supports the Agency's compliance assistance
efforts. EPA will redirect additional resources from addressing single media,
single industry compliance problems to multimedia compliance assistance. The
program will expand our cooperative efforts with key industry sectors and small
businesses to encourage their partnership and assist them in complying with the
nation's environmental regulations.
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• The Executive Steering Committee for Information Resources Management (ESC)
will act as the Agency's senior level, decision-making body for the supervision
of information management resources and oversees implementation of the Agency's
Information Resources Management Strategic Plan,
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MULTIMEDIA
PROGRAM AND ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
AMERICAN INDIAN ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICE
The Agency requests a total of $3,679,900 and 41.3 total workyears for the
American Indian Environmental Office (AIEO) to continue building multi-media
tribal public health and environmental programs to address the lack of basic
environmental programs in much of Indian Country.
The AIEO will assist tribes in addressing multi-media environmental issues
through the following activities: Issuing grants to tribes under the Indian
Environmental General Assistance Program Act to develop tribal capability, to
administer multi-media environmental programs; Developing Tribal/EPA
Environmental Agreements to prioritize tribal environmental problems and identify
specific programs and activities for,tribal capacity building and direct EPA
implementation; Promoting the use of comprehensive watershed management
frameworks, geographic information tools and tribal environmental policy acts to
support tribal environmental management; Strengthening tribal programs by
ensuring that EPA Regions and Headquarters Offices provide sufficient staff and
senior management involvement for their Indian programs; Enhancing communication
with tribal governments to ensure appropriate tribal input to SPA decision-
making; Providing training to Agency staff on how to work more effectively with
tribal governments; and Promoting grant flexibility through the development of
Performance Partnership Grants with tribes.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE GRANTS AND MULTI-MEDIA INITIATIVES
The Agency requests $38,727,000 and 28.9 workyears to support multimedia
functions including the Environmental Education program. Authorized by the
National Environmental Education Act, this program will continue to focus on two
broad areas: improving basic science literacy as the core of environmental
education for students 'in grades K-12 and colleges, and informing the general
public about the environmental consequences of their individual and collective
actions.
The 'Sustainable Development Challenge Grants program will be launched in
1997 with $10,000,000 and 5.0 workyears. This program will fund projects that
leverage private investment in environmental efforts as well as link
environmental protection with sustainable development and revitalization. In
1997, multimedia funding will also address: 1) the Regional Environmental
Services Divisions and their funding for capital equipment; .and 2) Regional
multimedia projects- that provide funding for local projects identified by the
Regions as being significant and critical to Regional, state and local
1 jurisdictions environmental programs. ,This multimedia program also provides
staffing for the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and
Technology whose goal is improved environmental pollution prevention, increased
leverage of public and private resources and assistance with the development of
needed new technologies.
MDLTIMEDIA POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMICS
The Agency requests a total of $70,540,200 and 172.9 total workyears in
1997 for Multimedia Policy Development and Economics. In 1997, this program will
continue or initiate: -the Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI), Climate
Change Activities, the Common Sense Initiative, Project XL,- Sectors,
Transportation, and Economic Analysis.
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The Multimedia Policy Development and Economics program will continue to
catalyze and coordinate the Agency*.? technology innovation activities. In 1997,
this program will devote $13,300,000 and 25.6 workyears and serve as a trustee
for the President's Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI) and advance its
primary goal of adapting EPA's regulatory framework to promote technology
innovation. Building on the existing program, ETI will emphasize innovative
technology performance, cost validation, policy reforms and flexibility for
better environmental solutions by: expanding the technology verification
program; reducing regulatory, permitting and enforcement barriers and providing
incentives for the approval of' innovative technologies at all stages in the
regulatory process; diffusing information about innovative technological
solutions to regulators and users; and working with program "offices, states and
other stakeholders to encourage the use of improved monitoring technologies. The
program will coordinate and integrate Agency efforts with the White House, other
Federal agencies and external stakeholders on national and international
technology policy issues. Follow-up activities, such as tracking and evaluating
the success of technology verification programs, will also be performed.
In 1997, the program will continue to contribute to the President's Climate
Change Action Plan (CCAP) and its goal of bringing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
back to 1990 levels by the year 2000, To meet this commitment, this program
requests $30,900,000 and 30.5 workyears to carry out six components of the United
States CCAP: (1) Waste Source Reduction, Pollution Prevention and Recycling;
(2) Transportation Efficiency; (3) Climate Wise; (4) State Sk 'Local
Partnerships; (.5) the U. S". Initiative on Joint Implementation (OSIJI); and (6)
the Country Studies Program. With requested levels of funding, these programs,
with hundreds of partners in the private sector, NGOs and state and local
governments, are expected to reduce "GHG by 109 million metric tons (MMT) of
carbon-equivalent by the year 2000, or about 17.5% of what the CCAP is projected
to achieve. •
The Multimedia Policy Development and Economics program will assess the
environmental and economic risks of climate change, options to mitigate it, and
the costs and benefits of alternative policies. The program will communicate the
results to policy makers and the public/ and will assist in negotiations of a new
international agreement due in 1398 under the Framework Convention on Climate
Change (FCCC). The program will work in partnership with affected stakeholders
to evaluate, communicate, and address the risks posed by climate change to public-
health (including the potential spread of infectious diseases in the U.S.), the
• environment (including impacts on forests and agriculture, water resources,
coastal zones, and unique ecosystems like the Everglades), and the economy
'(including financial losses to the U.S. property insurance industry-and other
businesses, and distributional effects of climate change across different
segments of society). The program will identify and quantify greenhouse gas
mitigation policies' that also have multiple non-climate" environmental and
economic benefits. The program will also evaluate and recommend actions that
other countries should take, and assist developing and transition countries to
meet their commitments through the interagency Country Studies Program.
The Multimedia Policy Development and Economics program requests $1, 825, 000
and 12,5 workyears to provide leadership and core staffing for the Common Sense
Initiative's (CSI) Metal Finishing Industry sector. CSI is the centerpiece of
the Administrator's reinvention initiatives. In 1997, the program will move the
metal finishing sector from a project design and analysis phase to a policy
recommendation and implementation phase. This will build upon current work in
many areas of reinvention including {but not limited to) flexible1 regulatory
design, performance-based environmental management, paperwork reduction and
electronic data interchange. The program will perform-analysis and implement
change on selected issues in other CSI sectors. The program will also develop
criteria and approaches for expanding the CSI sector model by working with
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stakeholder groups in our Sustainable Industries projects. This will provide
opportunities to expand the reinvention program to the chemical, plastics, and
photographic industries sectors and lay the foundation for future CSI and related
programs. All of these projects implement the core goals and principles of the
President's program for "Reinventing Environmental Regulation." These projects
are designed to overcome the problems that many groups (e.g., NAPA, PCSD)
identified under the current system for regulating and managing industrial
pollution.
The Multimedia Policy Development and Economics program will continue to
lead the EPA's implementation of Project XL, coordinate EPA policy and pilot
project selection processes, create tools necessary for implementing projects at
the state and regional level, and evaluate pilot projects and the program for
broader implementation. For this effort, we will devote $1,000,000 and 10.0
workyears in 1997. Project XL is a flagship of the Administration's Reinventing
Environmental Regulation activities (actions 19 - 22) , The Project XL pilot will
provide .a limited number of regulated companies,- communities, and .federal
facilities with the opportunity to replace existing environmental rules with
alternative -strategies of their own design that achieve superior environmental
performance. Designed in the context of an open and inclusive local stakeholder
process, these alternatives will be building blocks for environmental management
in the 21st century. ' .
In 1997, the program will develop alternative management strategies in five
broad sectors of the economy: Energy, Natural Resource Management, Urban
Development, Financial and Transportation Sectors. The-program will continue
efforts to analyze alternative policy options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
in the energy sector. The program will continue analysis and mitigation of the
environmental impacts of electricity deregulation. This involves the use of
large scale models of both the domestic and international economy and the
analysis of specific policy mechanisms for reducing emissions as raised in the
context of international negotiations. Efforts in Natural Resource Management
will focus on analyzing alternatives for the sustainable development of forest
products, environmentally sound livestock management 'and fostering strong ties
between environmental quality/ tourism and the balance of trade. The Multimedia
Policy Development and Economics program will influence major economic and
industrial sectors-or activities (e.g., architecture, development, construction,
demolition, brownfields redevelopment, mortgage lending, building materials
manufacturing) that affect regional growth and economic development. The
program's Financial Sector activities will aim to strengthen relationships
between environmental regulators and the various segments of the financial
community including institutional investors, banks, insurers^ accountants and
investment analysts. In the transportation sector, the program will lead a new
initiative which will include a cross-Agency team to develop opportunities for
greater integration of transportation and policy and environmental decision-
making .
In 1997, the Multimedia Policy "Development and Economics program will
expand the Agency's ability to characterize and quantify benefits for all EPA
programs. An Economic Studies Center with $1,000,000 and 18.9 workyears will
serve as a resource that augments the capacity of the EPA program offices to
perform economic analyses. The Center would not" assume any of the
responsibilities now carried out by the program offices, including preparation
of program specific economic analyses but instead focus-on applied research,
information provision, and technical assistance that can be provided more
efficiently by a central group. Creation of a Center will achieve economies of
scale in pooling and managing some part of EPA's resources devoted to economic
analysis, thereby avoiding duplication of 'effort, and promoting greater
consistency and reliability of measurement techniques. The Center will also
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support improved distribution'of data bases and software used in the development
of regulatory options and economic analyses.
The Multimedia Policy Development and Economics program will continue to
conduct empirical analyses 'of the benefits of regulatory programs, and support
advancements, in economic benefit and cost assessment methods across the Agency.
This includes: conducting research on benefit-cost techniques; producing
training and guidance materials on economic analysis methods; coordinating the
identification and funding of research and analysis of critical information gaps
for categories of economic benefits; and preparing analyses on the benefits and
costs on cumulative numbers of proposed and established regulations arising from
environmental legislation. The office will also support economic analyses on the
effects of environmental regulations on the size, structure, and performance of
domestic and international economic markets.
REGULATORY MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY BASED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The Agency requests a total of $10,399,600 and 63.0 total workyears in 1997
for Regulatory Management and Community Based Environmental Protection,. This
program consists of: the National Service Program, Regulatory Management, Project
XL for Communities and Community Based Environmental Protection.
In 1997, the .program will continue the President's National Service Program
(NSP), working with EPA programs and Regions, as well as with community groups
around the country, to put National Service volunteers to work in support of the
environment. Because more and more environmental problems are proving resistant
to traditional regulatory approaches, EPA needs a means,to target significant
national problems that require concerted action at the local level. With the
support of $1,000,000 and 2.0 workyears, EPA will supplement State and local
projects receiving support from the Corporation for National Service and other
providers. These projects will direct Americorps, VISTA, RSVP, and other
volunteers at the local level to correct, environmental problems that require
innovative, site-specific solutions, such as stream restoration, lead abatement,
radon detection, 'and solid waste management in Native American communities.
The program will administer the Agency's rulemaking process to promote
compliance with the requirements of Executive Order 12866 that adequate risk and
benefit/cost analysis lie behind the Agency's most significant actions. OPPE
will continue to provide strategic advice to all six CSI subcommittees, and
supervise and coordinate contract facilitator support to four of the six. The
program will incorporate learning from the CSI and Project XL to minimize or
eliminate regulatory burden where possible. The program will continue to oversee
the day-to-day management of the Agency's rulemaking system, including
administration of the Tiering exercises, and expansion of the system to provide
streamlined review and approval of Reports to Congress. To support this work,
the program will complete implementation of an Agency-wide regulatory information
system (RIS) system for developing, managing and reporting on EPA regulations.
The program will manage submission to OMB of the Regulatory Plan and Agenda, with
special emphasis on regulatory reinvention. This plan will be developed and
transmitted electronically through the new RIS.
In 1997,' the program will seek to reduce EPA1 s information burden on the
public through development and promotion of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI),
and through the analysis and evaluation of EPA's information gathering
activities. EDI is a system of standards that allows the elimination of paper
forms, and their attendant burden and errors, from the public's duty to report
to EPA. In 1997, the program will bring the results of several pilots into
mainstream production, allowing industry to report electronically to EPA and the
states. In addition, building on the current effort to reduce EPA's existing
report burden by 25%, the program will evaluate EPA's requests .for information
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to eliminate unnecessary burden and otherwise minimize information requirements
that prove essential to environmental protection.
With $2,058,300 and 32.7 workyears in 1997, this program will assist EPA
programs and Regions, state and local governments in implementing Community-Based
Environmental Protection (CBEP) activities. EPA's goal is to protect ecological
integrity while -supporting human communities and their economic base. The
program will develop alliances and partnerships with other organizations to pilot
innovative programs and to foster wider implementation of CBEP. Project XL for
communities will be a centerpiece of this effort. The program will identify and
disseminate or develop and disseminate ecological, economic and social science
tools needed by community-based environmental practitioners. The program will
work with Regional partners to develop a core set of goals and indicators that
link national goals'to goals for -geographically-delineated places. The program
will manage a clearinghouse for community-based environmental practitioners that
will provide integrated access to ecological, economic and social data and tools,
and to foster transfer of knowledge 'among community-based practitioners.
POLLUTION PREVENTION
The Agency requests a total of $23,362,200 and 64,5 total workyears for the
multimedia Pollution Prevention program. The Pollution Prevention program's
multimedia'mission includes the development of multimedia-pollution'prevention
strategies and their use through national, Regional, and state environmental
programs. This program coordinates the Agency's activities to implement the
requirements of the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 and contains activities in
the toxic substances media as well.
In 1997, the multimedia pollution prevention program will target it efforts
to areas where prevention offers•the greatest opportunity to reduce threats to
the environment and public health. Because EPA believes that pollution
prevention can benefit both the environment and the economy, the Agency's policy.
is designed to maximize private sector initiatives by challenging industry to
achieve ambitious prevention goals. This approach encourages more businesses to
identify and profit from opportunities for prevention, which in turn yield
significant public dividends in the form of increased environmental protection.
BORDER XXI PROGRAM
The Agency requests a total of $2,651,600 and 12.6 total workyears for this
program in the Office of International Activities. In 1997, this program will
continue to implement the La Paz Agreement and maintain the lead Agency
responsible for implementation of the environmental side agreement to the North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Our major focus in 1997 continues to be
in programs addressing the major health and environmental issues facing our
citizens along the U.S.-Mexico border, which remains one of the fastest growing
and poorest regions in the U.S. These efforts are supported through the
operation of two Border offices (El Paso, Texas and San Diego, California) which
serve as a .mechanism for coordinating public input into the Border XXI Plan (a
plan negotiated between the U.S. and Mexico to address common, problems). These
offices provide citizens along the border access to information related to EPA' s
domestic programs; serves as a communications hub for OIA, and Regions VI and IX
on bilateral issues; and as an outreach office for BPA. The Border xxi Program
aims to protect human health and the environment while promoting sustainable
development in the border region. The program emphasizes public participation,
local empowerment and decentralization of government decision-making and
interagency cooperation. The Border XXI Program also funds community grants,
improves the management of solid and hazardous waste, strengthens binational
enforcement and compliance, promotes pollution prevention and addresses critical
air and water pollution problems.
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GENERAL COUNSEL
The Agency requests a total of $26,517,800 and 279.7 total workyears for'
the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and the Office of Regional Counsels (ORCs).
Priority activities include defense of the Agency in litigation, support of the
Agency's promulgation of rules, establishment of policy and preparation of
guidance documents for the implementation of. the Agency's programs, review of
enforcement litigation-, and legal advice to program managers. OGC handles all
litigation activities in which EPA is a defendant, in conjunction with the
Department of 'Justice. OGC also provides grants and contracts management and
administrative law support in the areas of information law, claims, personnel and
property issues. Additionally, ORC's assist state agencies on the legal
requirements of delegable environmental protection programs.
In 1997, OGC and ORCs will continue to strongly embrace EPA's new ways of
doing business. These program areas include the Common Sense Initiative,
regulatory reform, and Community Based Environmental Programs.' OGC and ORCs will
work with their customers to ensure that they provide top quality legal support
to these initiatives, as well as to continue to address traditional client needs.
OGC will provide a focal point for addressing legal issues that cut across
all of EPA's programs.1 The Cross Cutting Division is designed to complement and
draw upon the expertise of OGC's other divisions in a manner that will enable it
to more quickly respond to'increased demands for'sector or place-based approaches
and other efforts to unify, or generally improve the Agency's diverse
environmental protection programs. It will provide a forum for further
developing OGC's existing cross-cutting expertise.
OGC will identify and analyze emerging legal trends relevant to the
•Agency's mission and coordinate its involvement in an effort to improve Federal
Register publications, reporting and tracking of court-ordered deadlines- and
Executive Orders, work on the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered
Species Act, Ecosystem Management/Community Environmental Management, Native
.American issues, Environmental Justice, the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, cross-cutting
legislation and initiatives, changes to 'the state authorization/delegation
process, regulatory reform and reinvention, and non-regulatory approaches.
ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE
The Agency requests a total of $126,0,64.2 and 1,078.7 total workyears for
the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance program in the Multimedia media.
STRONG ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
The multimedia portion of the enforcement program covers Headquarters and
Field civil and criminal enforcement, resources plus Regional multimedia
activiteis. Single media enforcement .and compliance assistance resources are
contained in the enforcement components of the air, drinking water, pesticides,
toxic substances and hazardous waste media descriptions.
In 1997, the Regulatory Enforcement program will enforce key provisions of
the 'Clean Air Act to reduce toxic air emissions and work to prevent accidental
releases. The program will improve and centralize permitting through the
Operating Permits program. The program will implement a nationally-managed
enforcement program to address Clean Air Act violations of the reformulated
gasoline, diesel fuel and volatility requirements. The program is also
responsible for enforcing"provisions designed to protect people in hospitals,
child care centers and other institutions from ineffective disinfectants, and for
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enforcing reporting of adverse health effects by chemical manufacturers,
processors or distributors under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
The Regulatory Enforcement program will also provide direction to, and sets
goals and priorities for, the national civil and criminal enforcement program
which is largely implemented by the Regions. Tn 1997, the program will develop
and implement policies which call for equitable, risk-based and .nationally
consistent application of our environmental laws. Examples of such policies
include the small business policy, economic benefit policy,' definition of
significant non-compliance, and the voluntary self-disclosure policy. The
program also provides the Regional offices with expert advice and legal counsel
on nationally significant enforcement litigation. The program will also initiate
investigations against violators operating nationally.
The Regulatory Enforcement program will reduce public exposure to lead in
paint under provisions of the Toxic Substances Control Act; take enforcement
actions in priority watersheds to protect communities* drinking water supplies;
protect the health of workers who handle pesticides; eliminate household risks
to children -from pesticides; and, enforce reporting violations of hazardous
chemical releases and community right-to-know requirements. The program will
also focus on high priority hazardous ' waste generators under • the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act.
The program will continue to develop inspection guidelines and sector
specific multi-media inspector training programs. For example, in 1997 we will
develop a lead compliance monitoring strategy and train lead inspectors.
Regional Counsels provide Regional legal support to the Agency's civil
judicial, administrative, criminal and Federal facilities programs. In addition
to the priority areas outlined above, the counsels support multimedia enforcement
initiatives designed to protect sensitive ecosystems and at-risk communities.
Their work addresses the disproportionate impacts of hazardous waste and other
sources of environmental risk on minority and low-income communities.
In' 1997 Regional Counsel will focus on administrative and civil judicial
enforcement to maximize compliance with the environmental statutes. They will
increasingly rely on the use of integrated, multimedia data to effectively target
enforcement actions on an industry-wide or geographic basis.
The Agency's 1997 request will fully fund the criminal investigators
mandated by the Pollution Prosecution Act and provide administrative, legal and
technical support for the investigation of environmental crimes.
The Criminal Enforcement program deploys criminal investigators or special
agents in 32 field locations nationwide. A Headquarters-based staff provides
administrative support. Headquarters attorneys provide legal policy and direct
case support, and Regional attorneys .support investigations, referrals and
prosecutions. The National Enforcement Investigations Center (see Science and
Technology Appropriation) provides forensic technical support to the criminal
program.
In 1997, the Criminal Enforcement program will enforce the criminal
provisions of all the environmental laws administered by EPA. The program will
particularly focus on illegal imports and exports of hazardous and toxic
substances (e.g., maguiladora industries located on the Mexican side of the U.S.
border) , illegal hazardous waste disposal cases and violations of the Clean Air
and Water Acts.
Criminal investigators' will concentrate on pursuing those criminal
violations which pose the greatest risk to people or the "environment. The
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positive publicity and public reaction generated by'criminal cases creates a
ripple effect of voluntary compliance. Recent cases have sent a clear message
that prison sentences and heavy fines are the penalty for criminal violations.
Thus, an investment in the criminal program pays off in both tangible and
intangible ways in protecting public health and environmental resources.
COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE
While a strong enforcement program is fundamental to ensuring compliance
with our environmental laws, EPA recognizes that most businesses and regulated
facilities want to comply with the law. Often, however, they need help with
understanding environmental 'requirements and coming into compliance with them.
This is particularly true of small businesses.
In 1997, the multimedia Compliance Assistance program will work with the
media program offices to identify targets for compliance initiatives and to
assess how well this program is succeeding in meeting national compliance goals.
The program will expand the development of compliance assistance tools including
outreach programs, plain English guides to environmental rules, information on
ways to minimize waste and prevent pollution, and inspector/operator training
programs. The Federal Facilities program will conduct on-site environmental
management reviews in all 10 EPA Regions with emphasis on assisting facilities
of smaller Federal agencies.
By early 1997 the Agency will have established six environmental Small'
Business Compliance Assistance Centers. During 1997 the Compliance assistance
program will start two additional compliance assistance centers. These centers
will provide one-stop shopping for regulatory and technical assistance, pollution
prevention assistance, and other information tailored to the particular sector,-
The information available at these centers will also be made widely available to
the public through the World Wide- Web. The program will also develop
environmental curriculum modules for use at community and technical colleges.
An innovative product of the multimedia Compliance Assistance program is
the sector notebook tailored to a specific industry. The program has published
18 notebooks 'which profile information on industry demographics, processes,
pollution outputs, compliance history, pollution prevention and regulatory
requirements. During 1996-1997 the program will develop notebooks from among the
following industries: power generation, transportation, wood preserving,
foundries, Pharmaceuticals, food, animal feedlots, and Federal facilities.-
COMMON SENSE INITIATIVE ' ' .
The Enforcement and Compliance program will support all six sectors
participating in the Common Sense Initiative and has the lead for the printing
sector. In 1997, the program will promote pollution prevention activities,
encourage the use of innovative technologies, and undertake innovative compliance
assistance and enforcement initiatives in the sectors.
REGULATORY REINVENTION
The multimedia Enforcement and Compliance'Assistance program is developing
' and implementing performance-based strategies for facilities, industrial sectors,
communities and Federal agencies. Through new policies and demonstration
programs, the program will provide environmental managers the flexibility to
employ technological innovation to achieve environmental goals beyond what the
law requires, while requiring accountability for performance.
In 1997, the "enforcement and compliance program will implement policies to
facilitate small'businesses1 and small communities' compliance with environmental
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laws. The Policy on Compliance Incentives for Small Businesses- gives small
businesses incentives to participate in compliance assistance programs, to
conduct audits and disclose violations, and to correct 'violations promptly. The
Policy on Flexible State Enforcement Responses to Small Community Violations
supports compliance assistance to small communities .and enables 'States and
communities to tackle their most critical environmental compliance problems
first.
The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) will move from the pilot phase
to full-scale, implementation in 1997. This budget request increases the
program's investment in ELP to expand our efforts to encourage facilities to
develop innovative compliance and auditing programs. As participating industries
take -greater responsibility for self-monitoring and third party audits, the
payoff will be increased compliance, pollution prevention and environmental
protection. Benefits will also extend to non-participating companies because EPA
will use ELP to identify and promote outstanding environmental and compliance
management programs. ELP will .also enable OECA to direct enforcement resources
away from companie.3 that are complying with or exceeding requirements toward bad
actors and those needing compliance assistance.
In 1997, the program will implement its policy Incentives for Self-
Pol.igi.nct..;Discovery, Disclosure/ Correction, and Prevention of Violations., which
encourages businesses to voluntarily conduct audits or establish procedures to
discover environmental violations, disclose and correct them, in exchange for
penalty mitigation. In 1997, the program will market this policy on a sector
basis and develop measures of success for determining its effectiveness.
A final Regulatory Reinvention effort OECA will spearhead in 1997 is Risk-
based Targeting of Enforcement Actions. Through more focused targeting of our
enforcement efforts, OECA will ensure we are concentrating on the environmental
violations which present the most serious threats to public health and the
environment. The targeting effort will use risk models that consider
concentrations of pollutants and demographics. In 1997 OECA will expand the
risk-based evaluation of water bodies by adding information on pesticide use and
community right-to-know laws. The improved targeting techniques combined with
OECA's multimedia, whole facility approach to compliance monitoring and
enforcement will result in greater environmental benefits at lower cost. They
will also allow OECA to better evaluate the disproportionate risks faced by
minorities and low income groups and to revise our targeting efforts accordingly.
BUILDING STATE AND TRIBAL PARTNERSHIPS
The Agency will work with delegated State enforcement programs through new
performance partnership arrangements. EPA expects that a high percentage of
States will be under PPA's by 1997. Through these new agreements, the program
will emphasize evaluating State performance by measuring environmental results..
The program will continue to sponsor Łhe Senior Environmental and Compliance
Forum, which is composed of senior enforcement officials from the Federal, State
and tribal levels. This forum identifies opportunities for new ways of doing
business and improving partnerships.
IMPROVING PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION
In 1997, the improving Public Access to Information will establish Internet
access to allow the public to request multimedia compliance and enforcement
information for facilities in their community. The Agency will also develop a
Key Identifier for each regulated facility so as to be able to link various media
databases and provide the public with a clearer picture of facilities' impacts.
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The program will' improve the communication of enforcement and compliance
goals, expectations and accomplishments to all of EPA's constituencies in 1997.
We will also expand the public's and industry's access to enforcement and
compliance guidance documents.
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
The Environmental Review and Coordination (ERC) program will handle EPA's
responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act to ensure that major
Federal actions do not adversely affect the environment. This program will
review major actions taken by other federal agencies and by EPA. It will provide
public notice of -federal Environmental .Impact Statements (EIS's). ' The ERC
provides international enforcement technical assistance and training.
In 1997, the ERC program will review approximately 500 EIS's and over 1,000
Environmental Assessments. The program targets those Federal projects with the
greatest environmental-' impact, ' including those affecting the South Florida
Everglades and Northwest Forests. Projects are reviewed for compliance with EPA-
administered statutes as well as other Federal environmental laws.
EXECUTIVE STEERING COMMITTEE FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
The Agency requests a total of $29,829,400 and 7.4 total workyears for the
Executive Steering Committee for Information Resources Management (ESC) . In 1997
the ESC will focus on three key area: Reinventing Environmental Regulations,
Community-Based Environmental Protection, and Work Process Reinvention. The
Reinventing Environmental Regulations effort will substantially reduce reporting
burdens for the regulated community, integrate reporting requirements, and make
environmental information more acceptable to the public. The Community-Based
Environmental Protection effort will provide easy access to environmental
information for state and local governments to allow them to act on local issues
and protect ecosystems. The Work Process Reinvention initiative will automate
reporting by industry and states through the use of Electronic Data Interchange.
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
The Agency requests a total of 3.4 millon and 11.4 workyears for the Agency
Environmental Justice program. The Agency program will continue to support
Regional and Headquarters organizations on environmental justice issues. The
program will support the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council which
advises the Administrator on environmental problems in low'income and minority
communities. The program will also fund grants to community groups and
universities to address environmental justice issues.
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- MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $534,250,500 and 2,650.9 total workyears in
1997 for management and support .activities in the Environmental Program
Management (EPM) account. The Management and Support media provides executive
leadership and guidance for Agency policy and programs including high priority
initiatives such as the President's Climate Change Action Plan, the Environmental
Technology Initiative, the National Service Program, the Common Sense Initiative,
Project XL, and Community Based Environmental Protection. Primary activities of
the Management and Support, function include planning and budgeting, program
evaluation, financial management, economic analysis, audit follow-up,
intergovernmental and international relations, public/private partnerships,
information and human resources management, and property maintenance and
security. These activities are primarily carried out through the efforts* of the
Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation (OPPE), the Office of International
Activities (OIA) , the Office of Administration and Resources Management (OARM) ,
the Office of- the General Counsel (OGC), and the Office of the .Administrator
(OA) .
The Agency is reinventing its management and administrative process to
ensure the most effective use of its people, programs, and resources in achieving
the nation's environmental goals. Specifically, EPA's management objectives are
to: ' , •
• Reinvent, streamline and automate the Agency's administrative processes to
reduce costs, better support .EPA's environmental mission and meet customer
needs. In 1997, the Agency will focus on automation and process
improvement. This effort will include broad-scale automation efforts aimed
at reengineering our human resources function including the development of
an automated personnel process, streamlining the process for applying and
managing grants to provide better information and reduce "processing times,
and implementing electronic .improvements in time and attendance, travel,
and payroll functions that will provide EPA. financial services in a more
efficient, businesslike manner,
« Develop and put in place an integrated approach, to Agencywide strategic
planning, budgeting, financial management, and program evaluation that
will guide the Agency's program and investment decisions and meets the
mandates of the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act, the Federal Managers'
Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA), and the Government Performance and
Results Act (GPRA) . The Agency will orchestrate the changes in the
management process, organizational culture, and budget structure necessary
to meet the 1997 deadlines for implementing the GPRA. Specifically, this
will include incorporating National Environmental Goals into the Agency-
wide Strategic Plan, continuing tg restructure the Agency budget according
to environmental outcomes, incorporating program performance measures into
the Agency budget requests, and ensuring_ accountability through the
measurement and reporting of program performance.
» . Establish a Working Capital Fund (WCP) to provide more appropriate and
efficient administrative services, better identify the cost of running
programs, and logically plan for and purchase capital equipment. The WCF
moves away from the historically centralized control of services to a more
efficient approach in which the costs of goods and services are provided
on a businesslike competitive basis. In 1997, the SPA proposes to charge
Agency Offices for their use of centralized computer services (provided by
the Agency's Data Center at RTP, North Carolina)and postage.
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Ensure greater involvement of state, tribal, and local governments in
development of management strategies early in the process. In 1997, our
investments will allow us to develop a framework under which performance
partnership grants (PP<3s) would be awarded. Specifically, the investments
will enable the Agency to develop guidance that will define the practical,
logistical, administrative, and reporting requirements that would govern
this new approach to grant making.
Provide all Agency employees with a quality work environment that is safe,
healthy and secure.' The Agency'is also committed to designing workplaces!
that incorporate the latest energy conservation technologies and improved
access for the handicapped- Our 1997 Request includes funds for
additional building security and guard services to ensure the -safety of
the public and EPA employees as required by the President's Executive
Order regarding upgrading security at federal facilities.
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MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
PROGRAM AND ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
MANAGEMENT
Executive Guidance and Leadership: The Agency requests a total of $18,413,400 'and
204.7 total workyears in 1997 for the Administrator, the Deputy Administrator,
the Regional Administrators and their immediate staff to provide overall
direction of the Agency- Policy positions and program priorities are provided
by the 'Immediate Office of the Administrator and shared with' the Regional
Administrators and other senior managers who translate Agency policy for their
specific programs or geographical area of the country. Additional support and
leadership at Regional, State and local levels is provided by the Office of the
Associate Administrator for Regional Operations and State/Local Relations.
Maintaining positive partnerships with small communities remains a priority of
this office. In addition, OA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business
Utilization (OSBDU) is responsible for development of the Agency's small business
regulatory strategy as well as national policy for the Agency's socioeconomic
programs as they relate to both direct and indirect procurement. The Associate
Administrator for Congressional and Legislative Affairs advises senior Agency
officials, members of Congress, Committee staff and external organizations on
legislative activities.
Judicial. Scientific and Technical Analvsis and Support: The Agency requests, a
total of $6,095,800 and 64.3 total workyears in 1997 for judicial, scientific and
technical analysis and support. Administrative decisions and judicial review of
Agency decisions are the responsibility of the Administrative L*aw Judges and
Environmental Appeals Board. The Science Advisory Board provides expert
independent advice to the Administrator and the Agency on scientific and
technical issues facing EPA.
Communications/Outreach/Liaison: In 1997, the Agency requests a total of
$18,560,000 and 197.7 total workyears for necessary executive support services
at, Headquarters and within the Regions. These include executive correspondence
control;- Freedom of Information Act management and control; equal employment
opportunity and external civil rights compliance under Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act; coordination within the Agency for communications activities related
to major Agency actions; and long range planning of public information activities
in coordination with major EPA program offices and Regional' offices.
National Program Direction: A total of $3,586,000 and 21.0 total workyears in
1997 is requested by the Agency for national program direction. The Associate
Administrator for Regional Operations and State/Local Relations is the principal
'national contact for the Agency's Regional Environmental Services Divisions and
is the national program manager for , the multi-media regional geographical
initiatives as well as the manager of" the EPA'a new Sustainable Development
Challenge Grants program. The Associate Administrator for Communications,
Education, and Public Affairs is the national manager for the Agency's multi-
media environmental education program which focuses on improved basic science
literacy and informing the general public of the environmental consequences of
individual and collective actions. This includes a request of 51,000,000 to
support the Vice President's GLOBE Program which is an international science and
environmental education partnership with students, teachers and the scientific
community.
Re sour c_e s___Manage.me.nt: The Agency requests" a total of $29,884,800 and 332.3 total
workyears for 1997 for financial and resources management services to support
Agency-wide fiscal management and control functions including current year and
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outyear budget development, budget utilization, and accounting and fiscal
operations. .These resources also support the development of Agency-wide policies
and national guidance, audit management, environmental finance, and technical.
assistance to the Agency's management integrity process. Support for budget
processes includes designing and overseeing the outyear- budget process,
providing budget analyses and reports to Agency program offices, and maintaining
fiscal allocation controls, and review systems for all workyear and financial
resources. Accounting and fiscal operations support includes the Financial
Management Centers in Headquarters, field locations, and Regions that provide
payroll and travel processing; contract and grants payments, interagency
agreements; development of financial policy; financial reporting and analysis;
operation and maintenance of the integrated financial management system (IFMS);
quality assurance; and customer service.
While most activities in 1997 will 'be devoted to providing continued core
resource management services to the Agency, efforts will also focus on continued
improvements' to the integration of Agency-wide' planning, budgeting and
accountability processes. In addition, resources will be used to provide Agency
leadership for the development of performance-based management tools consistent
with the National Performance Review, Government Performance and Results Act, and
the Chief Financial Officers Act. Further, resources will be devoted to EPA's
own streamlining and administrative reform initiatives; including automation and
efficiency improvements to financial reporting, payroll processing, grants
payment processing, and information management.
Contracts and Grants Management: The Agency requests a total of $29,700,700 and
410.2 total workyears for 1997 for contracts .and grants management. These
resources will be used to process and award new contracts, assistance agreements
and purchase orders; cqntinue the liaison group initiative; and process
procurement actions and awards. In addition the Integrated Contracts Management
System will be expanded to the Regions, Labs, and Program Offices.
In support of the President's order to implement an electronic commerce
system, these resources will enable EPA to continue the implementation of a
modern electronic commerce system using an electronic data interchange system.
The system will provide significant labor and price savings, as well as a
significant reduction in purchasing lead time.
In 'the grants area, resources will allow the Agency to simplify and
streamline assistance regulations and policy and procedural guidance for new and
existing Agency-wide assistance programs; to award and administer Headquarters
and Regional grants, cooperative and interagency agreements; and, to develop a
fully automated, PC-based award management system in support of the Agency's
Administrative Reduction Initiative. In addition, resources will also be used
to maintain a suspension and debarment effort to combat waste, fraud, and abuse
in Federal assistance programs.
Facilities. Health and Environmental Management: The Agency requests a total of
$28,100,000 and 404.9 total workyears for 1997 for OARM's facilities, health and
environmental management programs. Resources will be used to administer
Nationwide Support,- Headquarters Support, and Building and Facilities, provide
operational support and housekeeping services, and continue to monitor and direct
support contracts and efforts to improve working conditions at the Waterside Mall
Complex, RTF and the Cincinnati Laboratory. The Agency will continue to
coordinate the planning, design, construction,and relocation processes for a new
consolidated Agency headquarters; and to develop and implement internal safety,
health, and environmental management policies, program models, and support
systems;' provide technical assistance and high-technology-based training to EPA
laboratories and ensure that EPA meets its statutory and regulatory mandates.
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Human Resources Management: The Agency requests a total of $20,785,900 and 285.7
total workyears for 1997 for OARM's human resources management program which will
support the development of policies, procedures, and implementation of the full
range of human resources customer services for Headquarters, Regional and Field
.employees. In 1997, ••resources will be used to automate processes and systems
including the Office of Personnel Management/Microcomputer-Assisted Rating System
which will be expanded across the Agency, the Automated/Simplified Official
Personnel File, and other 0PM led Federal efforts. Resources will also support
the Labor Management Partnerships that provide a forum for the extensive
involvement of unions in reinvention initiatives to reduce costs, improve
efficiency, and enhance the Agency's ability to meet mission objectives.
Information Systems and Services: The Agency requests a total of $17,271,600 and
205.4 total workyears for 1997 for OARM's information systems and services
program which will provide the personnel to manage the Agency's central and
distributed computing and data transmission network, major administrative and
programmatic data system's, and library services. In addition, these services
will permit the Agency to continue to strengthen the information infrastructure
needed for Integrated Environmental Management, including Agency LAN services and
Data Integration provisions. Technical support is provided for the Regional
geographic information systems effort and emphasis is placed on improving data
sharing and integration with state environmental agencies. In the Regions,
development of state data management plans to ensure efficient and reliable
methods of State/EPA data sharing will receive priority attention as well as
assisting the public to access environmental data systems.
Working Capital Fund: The Agency requests a total of $15,610,600 for 1997 for
OARM's portion of the Agency's Working Capital Fund (WCF). This is an internal
fee for service effort designed to help better identify true costs and to improve
both the efficiency and effectiveness of our management services. Under the WCF,
the cost of services provided by the Enterprise Technology Services Division for
computer and telecommunication services and by the Office of Administration for
postage costs will be charged back to the Agency offices which use those
services. 'The requested resources will enable the Agency to maintain current
centrally administered computer and telecommunication services and postage
services in support of EPA programs.
Government Performance and Results Act: The Agency requests a total of
§1,715,000 in extramural resources and 20.3 total workyears in 1997 for OPPE's
efforts to implement the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), which is
intended to improve the performance of.government programs through a set of
integrated activities: strategic planning, setting annual performance targets,
measuring progress made toward reaching those targets, and reporting on results.
Recommendations proceeding from recent Agency efforts to assess the current
planning, budgeting,, and accountability system are consistent with the managing-
for-results system envisioned by GPRA, and are intended to foster effective and
efficient implementation. OPPE will work with the other offices to update the
Agency-'wide strategic plan, developing" EPA environmental, programmatic and
management goals consistent with the directions set by the national environmental
goals project. Further, OPPE will work with others to develop the framework and
process for preparing annual performance plans, reflecting the general goals
included in the long-term strategic plan. Finally, OPPE will play a key role in
the development .of an outcome-driven Agency accountability system, needed to
assess accomplishments relative to long-term goals and commitments made in annual
performance plans. .,'...
Comparative Risk initiatives: The Agency requests a total of $1,8.88,000 in
extramural resources and 18.0 total workyears in 1997 to' expand the use of
comparative risk for priority setting, planning, allocating resources and
'implementation at the .national and .state level,. EPA will continue to work with
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Alaska, Iowa, Minnesota-, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, and New Jersey and
will offer assistance to five additional states. OPPE will complete comparative
risk projects in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Ohio,
Texas, and Utah. Having already completed work in seven states and territories,
the Agency will have increased the comparative risk capabilities in-approximately
5.6% of the states in the U.S. As more and more states move into the National
Environmental Performance Partnership System, they will benefit from comparative
risk capabilities as they determine their priorities, set environmental goals,
and develop measures of environmental progress. OPPE will also complete
community-based efforts, in Allegheny County (PA) , Charlott'esville (VA) ,
Cleveland(OH) , Columbus(OH) ,' the Elizabeth River Watershed (VA), Hamilton
County (OH) , and Houston (TX) . OPPE will continue work with' the Pine Ridge Oglala
Sioux and the Southern Ute tribes to share comparative risk tools as appropriate
to their needs.
Center for Environmental Information and Statistics: The President's Report on
Reinventing Environmental Regulation calls for EPA to .establish a Center for
Environmental .Information and Statistics (CEIS) . In 1997, OPPE will devote over
half of the $1,015,000 in extramural resources and 21.3 workyears dedicated to
statistical work to create a formal organizational entity called the CEIS. The
Center will be responsible for the development of Environmental Indicator
Bulletins, an Environmental Information and Acquisition Plan, establishment of
an Agency "Official Statistics" Information Base linked to highly sophisticated
data management and analysis software, development 'of state environmental
indicators and making them available on the Internet as more states move into the
National Environmental Performance Partnership System. The CEIS will provide EPA
with the organizational focus to "harmonize the collection and management of
EPA1 s environmental data and to provide for public access to quality-assured
environmental .statistics and information.^
Futures Activities; A priority activity for the Futures Group in the Office of
Policy, Planning and Evaluation is to promote ^futures^ analysis-- a capability
to routinely and systematically study the range of possible environmental futures
ahead-- as a vehicle for anticipating future environmental problems. By
developing a ^futures^ capability, the Agency would be in a better position to
advise the nation on possible actions to take in the present to reduce these
problems or to avoid them entirely. In 1997, this will be done by developing
methods for futures analysis (i.e., compile a geographically referenced set of
drivers and forecasting data); and 2) establishing cooperative futures-related
projects with Programs and Regions, including the creation of an Environmental
Futures Homepage. The Environmental Futures Staff will provide support to the
Science Advisory Board (SAB) Lookout Panel, follow-up SAB Subcommittees'
recommendations on futures activities and analysis of overarching problem areas
and forces of change as put forward in the report ^Beyond the Horizon.^
U.S. -Mexico Border/Commission:. The Agency requests a total of $5,800,000 in
extramural resources and 8.0 total workyears in 1997 for OIA's efforts with the
D.S.-Mexico'Border/Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) program. Of
this amount, #3,000,000 is for the CEC. Through the CEC, the U.S., Canada and
Mexico will develop and implement adequate environmental enforcement policies,
protect natural resources and habitats through sound environmental management,
monitor the state of the North American environment, and promote the sound
management of chemicals.
In cooperation with Mexico, EPA will undertake efforts to reduce pollution
by meeting environmental infrastructure needs and the adoption of pollution
prevention practices. Specific activities will leverage funds to build water and
wastewater treatment plants .and municipal•landfills; expand efforts such as
those currently in California to conduct truck inspections-along the border to
control illegal disposal of hazardous wastes; provide information to border
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residents on environmental conditions in their communities; enhance enforcement,
and support border community grants to address high priority community needs.
EPA will work with authorities in Mexico and with state and local officials in
the U.S. to determine the levels of toxic pollutants in the lower Colorado River
and.the New River as part of an effort to improve the quality of water, - improve
water and wastewater treatment services and thus protect public health in the
border communities of California and Arizona, EPA will train local customs
officials on regulatory and safety concerns surrounding transboundary movements
of hazardous wastes ensuring the safe transportation of .such wastes through the
U.S. IPA will also help implement a new air quality management basin agreement
for the El" Paso/Juarez area.
Promoting U.S.Environmental Technologies Overseas: The Agency requests a total
•of $4,300,000 in extramural resources arid 5.0 total workyears in 1997 for OIA to
promote U.S. environmental technologies overseas. The United States is a world
leader in environmental technologies and expertise. Enlisting greater
participation of American companies in meeting the global demand for
environmental technologies and services --a market currently estimated at more
than $400 billion a year -- will -help solve pressing global, regional and local
environmental problems abroad while fueling economic growth and creating high-
paying jobs in the United States.
Emphasizing pollution prevention, energy efficiency and renewables, and
other "sectors in which U.S. industry has a competitive advantage, OIA will
strengthen the U.S. Technology for International Environmental Solutions (U.S.
TIES) Program. The U.S. TIES Program is the international component to the
President's Environmental Technology Initiative. For example, OIA will use the
vehicles of international technical assistance and training, information exchange
and technology demonstrations to match environmental problems overseas with the
suppliers of.proven and cost-effective technologies in the U.S. OIA will train
foreign officials in U.S. environmental management techniques, disseminate
information on the performance and costs of environmental technologies and
provide technical assistance in solving specific environmental problems, OIA
will target Mexico, Poland, and other countries that have been identified for
priority attention by the U.S. government.
International ToxicsRisk Reduction Program: The Agency .requests a total of
$650,000 in extramural resources in 1997 for OIA to support an international
toxics risk reduction program since a number of organic pollutants, heavy metals
and radionuclides are transported long distances to and from U.S. territory.
These toxins have been associated with serious health effects, such as cancer,
immune system suppression, and/or endocrine system disruption.
OIA, with other EPA offices and Federal agencies, will participate in
several international initiatives to identify and adopt cost-effective ways to
reduce risks from persistent organic pollutants and certain, heavy metals.
Expected outcomes include the development of North American action plans for'
PCBs,.DDT, chlordane and mercury; and completion of international protocols on
persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals. OIA will also continue
its cooperative programs to phase out leaded gasoline in selected regions and
.countries,, including Latin America, Eastern Europe, Russia, China, and Egypt.
Additionally, OIA will continue to- protect U.S. coastal waters and national
security interests through its cooperation with other agencies and with Russia
and Norway to design and construct an expanded and upgraded' low-level liquid
radioactive waste (LLW) processing facility in Murmansk, Russia. Completion of
the Murmansk facility should prompt Russia's formal adherence to the amended
London Convention and accelerate Russia's nuclear submarine decommissioning
dperations. ' ,
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International Partnerships for.lPollutipn_Prevention: The Agency requests a total
.of $500,000 in extramural resources in 1997 for OIA to support several
international partnerships for pollution prevention. These funds will allow EPA
to deliver on key Administration commitments to support environmental cooperation
in the Americas (e.g. through the Partnership for Pollution Prevention, the
Pacific Basin (e.g. through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum), and via
important bilateral activities with China/ Egypt, India, and South Africa.
Specific activities will include technical, and policy information exchange,
training,, a short term technical assistance, and institutional capacity building.
SUPPORT
The Agency requests a total of $271,351,800 and 14.3 total workyears in
1997 for Support Services to the Agency's'Operating Programs. These resources
include investments to maintain'essential Agency infrastructure including rent;
security upgrades to comply with the new standards recommended by the Justice
Department as a result of the Oklahoma City bombing; support to major
administrative systems; and rate increases for utilities and operational
contracts including security, mail services and facilities maintenance.
The major components of the Support account include Nationwide Support,
Headquarters Support, and Regional Support,
Nationwide Support: The Agency requests a total of $152,549,000 for 1997 for this
program. These resources will pay for standard Agency-wide support costs
including space rental, national security. Code of Federal Regulations
typesetting, unemployment compensati.on, workers' compensation, Agency-wide
safety, health, and environmental management program, the Integrated Financial
Management System (IFMS) , the Integrated Contracts .Management System (ICMS) , the
Integrated Grants Management System (IGMS), National Agency Check and Inquiry
(NACI), and the EPA Awards program.
Headquarters Support: The Agency requests a total of $64,681,700 for 1997 for
this program. These resources will provide Headquarters Support services at
Washington, RTF, and Cincinnati including facilities operation and maintenance,
utilities, security, janitorial services, telephones, ADP technical support,
motorpool/shuttle buses, transit subsidy, printing and copying, and the health
units. These resources also fund additional building security and guard services
to ensure the safety of EPA employees as required by the June 28, 1995
Presidential Executive Order regarding upgrading security at federal facilities.
The Agency is carrying, out a coordinated program of administrative staff
reductions through consolidation of functions, process streamlining, automation,
outsourcing, and disinvestment of lower priorities. To complete this program,
the Agency will make investments to automate several administrative processes,
including consolidating LAN administration in Headquarters, automating various
office forms, developing an automated financial management system for the
Agency's senior management, and implementing a national correspondence tracking
system to network correspondence control points Agencywide.
Regional Support: The Agency requests a total of $52, 510,,.30Q and 14.3 total
workyears for 1997 for this program. These resources will provide the ten
Regional Offices with basic support services including printing and copying, LAN
operations and ADP technical support, security, utilities, mail, telephone,
library operations, general training, off ice'and laboratory facility maintenance,
and technical support as well as regional moves. Also, all extramural workforce
expenses for Regional employees are accounted for in this program. Extramural
workforce expenses are items required by employees to conduct day to day business
Agency business. Workforce expenses includes all regional office and
administrative supplies, forms, letterhead and miscellaneous support items such
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as photography supplies, supplies for hazardous waste disposal, etc. These
resources also support facility and guard service improvements to meet required
post-Oklahoma City security standards. The 14.3 workyears support the Regional
Stay in School program.
2-87
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2-88
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
FY 1997 PRESIDENTS BUDGET
(dollars in thousands)
PROGRAM ELEMENT
EMIS STDS&TECH ASMT
ST PRG GDLNS® DE
AIR QDAL MGT IMPLEM
AMBIENT AIR Q MNTRG
AQ&EMIS DATA ANALYS
MOBILE SRC PROG IMPL
STRAT PROTECT PROGRAM
STAT SRCE ENF
TEST-, TECHSeADMI SU
1MMISS & FUEL ECON
TRIBAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENT,
WCF - AIR
ACID RAIN PROGRAM
' INDOOR AIR PROGRAM
GLOBAL CHANGE PROGRAM
AIR .
RAD CRIT,STDS&GDLNS
WASTE ISOLATION PILOT
RAD PROG IMPLMNTION
RAD ENV IMPACT ASM
WCF - RADIATION
RADIATION
GREAT LAKES PROGRAM
CHESAPEAKE BAY PROG
ENGINEERING & ANAL.
"OCEAN DISPOSAL PERM
WTR Q CRIT STD &. AP
ASSESS WATERSHED PROT
WATER QUAL ENFORCEMENT
WETLANDS PROTECTION
COASTAL ENVIRON MGT
WASTE WATER MGMT. TECH.
WATER QUALITY FIN. ASSIT.
WCF - WATER QUALITY
WETLAND PROTECTION ENF.
WATER QUALITY '
CRIT, STDS & GDLNS
SPEC STUDYS & DEMO
DRINKING WATER INFO
GROUNDWATER PROTECTION
DRINKING WATER IMPLEM ,
WCF - DRINKING WATER
DOLLARS
35, 614.2
17,918.8
26,361,3
6,179.5 '
36', 670.9
4,100,5
24,151.3
22,706.7
3,319.2
6,996.5
3,337.3,
1,951.2
12,369.6
20,714.1
82,014.2
304 ,40.5 ,3
11,657.0
6,451.7
884.7
1,349.6
73.4
20,416.4
13,451.9
20,022.9
23', 538.0
7,441.2
22,009.2
36,777.4
21,593,7
15,463.8
35,588.3
47,205.7
2€,704.2
2,406..6
1,957.4
274,160.3
4,639.2
6,312.0
6,541.1
20,202.9
31,366.4
724.4
FTE
154.7
116.5
384.2
88.1
110 .4
60.4
26.6
308.1
24.0
64.4
19.7
0.0
80.3
112.5
119.8
1,669.7
61.6
26.9
12.9
13 .1
0.0
114.5
46.2
16.8
85.5
48,6 '
117.4
306.9
333.3
153.6
106.9
401 .4
212.3
0.0
27.0
1,855.9 .
15.6
0.0
102 .1
217,6
240.7
0,0
DRINKING WATER
69,786.0
576.0
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
FY 1997 PRESIDENTS BUDGET
(dollars in thousands)
PROGRAM ELEMENT
REGIS, SPEC REGIS, AND TO
PESTICIDES ENFORCEM
GENERIC CHEM REV
'PEST PROG IMPLEMENT.
WCF • - PESTICIDES
PESTICIDES
TOX SOB ENFRCMENT
OPTS - EPCRA
OPTS - EPCRA - ENF
CHEMICAL ASSESS •& MGT.
NATIONAL PROGRAM CHEMICAL
WCF - TOXIC SUBSTANCES
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
HW MGT REG STRAT IM
HAZ WST ENF - OSWER
REGS GDLNS & POL HW
RCRA REG. PROG-OW
UST - REGULATION, GUIDELI
EMERG PLAN/COMM RIGHT TO
WCF - HAZARDOUS WASTE
HAZARDOUS WASTE•
DOLLARS
27,490.7
4,145.2
39,420.4
10,711.2
285.4
82,052.9
6,111.2
25,697.5
1,437.8
28,952.0
19,289.3
292.2
81,780,0
FTE
247.8
60.5
280.6'
94.3
0.0
683.2
86.8
111.6
20.9
254.1
116.3
0.0
589.7
65,783.7
33,575.2
71,495.6
517.2
7,318.9
14,853.0
2,162.3
547.2
364.4
280.6
7.4
58.5
69.0
0.0
195,705.9
1,327 .1
REGIONAL COUNSEL
GENERAL COUNSEL
ANAL. ENV. SERVICES
POLICY DEVLP & ECONOMICS
REGS DEVLP & CBEP
REGIONAL MULTI-MEDIA PROG
AGENCY ENV. JUSTICE
ENF POLICY & OPRNS
ENV. REV.& COORD.
ENV. BORDER ACTIVITIES
CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT PROG
ENV. EDUCATION PROGRAM
REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT
SECTOR & MULTIMEDIA
HAZ WASTE - SITE REM~ ENF
OS, AND CAPACITY OUTREACH
OFF OF CO-OP ENV. MGT.
POLLUTION PREVENTION
OFFICE OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS
WCF - MULTIMEDIA
EXEC. STEERING COMMITTEE
FEDERAL FACILITY ENFORCE
MULTIMEDIA
PROGRAM MGT -
PROGRAM MGT -
8,455.7
18,062.1
2,666.3
70,540.2
10,399.6
26,174.8
3,434.0
22,124.9
10,738.7
2,651.6
22,453.0 '
8,150.4
21,631.4
33,787.0
777.5
5,391.0
1,735.5
23,362.2
3,679.9
610.1
29,829.4
5,116.6
107.8
171.9
0.0
172.9
63.0
5.0
. 11.4
296.4
108.4
12.6
239.5
14.7
144.0
213.9
5.5
22.5
9.2
64.5
41.3
0.0
7.4
37.1
OAR
OW
331,771.9
5,0-93.4
5,764 .1
1,749.0
49.3
50.3
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
FY 1997 PRESIDENTS BUDGET
(dollars in thousands)
PROGRAM ELEMENT
PROGRAM
PROGRAM
PROGRAM
MISSION
PROGRAM
MISSION
DOLLARS
MGT
MGT
MGT
AND
MGT
- OPTS
- OE
- OSWER
POLICY - OPPE
- OGC
4
6
2
3
& POLICY MGMT
,061,
,476,
,922,
,687,
936,
550,
.6 '
.5
.5
.0
.2
.0
FTE
'40
30
26
23
10
8
.8
.5
.7
.9
.5
.0
MISSION AND POLICY
IMMED OFC OF ADMIN
ADMINR'S REP FUND
INTERNTL ACTIVITIES
CIVIL RIGHTS
SCIENCE ADVISORY BO
ADMIN LAW JUDGES
ORG. & HEALTH SERV. .
CONTRACTS GROTS MGMT
FAC & MGT SERVICES
INFO SYS &. SERVICES
ENVIR ED, FOUNDATION
OFF OF SMALL & DISA
PROGRAM MGT - OARM
STRATEGIC PLAN. & DATA
CONG. & LEGIS. AFFAIRS
COMM., ED. & PUB. AFFAIRS
EXECUTIVE SUPPORT
REG. OPER. STATE/LOCAL
OFC OF HUMAN RESOURCES AN
OFC OF EXEC. SEC. (OEX)
COMM. ON ENVIR. COOP.
RESOURCE MGT - HQ
RESOURCE MGT - REGIONS
AGENCY MGT. REIMBMTS
AGENCY MANAGEMENT
REGIONAL MANAGEMENT
PLAN. EVAL. & ANALYSIS
HUMAN RESOURCES MGT-REGIO
ADMIN MGMT-REGIONS
WCF - REGIONAL "MANAGEMENT
CONTRACTS & GRTS MGMT-RT
REGIONAL MGT REIMBU
REGIONAL MANAGEMENT
PROFESSIONAL TRAINI
NATIONWIDE SUPP SERV
HDQRS SUPPORT SERV
REG SUPPORT SERVIC
ADP SUPPORT COSTS
SUPPORT COSTS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM & MANAG
29,491.3
174,699.6
21,271.1
7,413.6
5,774.9
13,847.0
1,680.6
8,720.6
0.0
58,707.8
1,249.8
152,549.0
64,681.7
52,510.3
361.0
271,351.8
1,894,329.2
240,6
•4,016
6
16,428
2,717
2,308
2,7,87
1,982
20,980
12,270
32,882
780
1,136
4,246
9,779
3,130
5,583
1,526
2,735
15,011
1,506
3,000
23,387
6,497
0
.5
.0
.1
.7
.3
.5
.9
-1 '
.1
.2
.0
.9
.0
.9
.2
.2
.2
.6
.0
.4
.0
.2
.6
.0
41.9
0.0
'56,5
28.7
22.7
29.6
24 . 2
267.8
154.6
205.4
0,0
8.9
20.4
59.9
. 39.8
• 47.9
17.4
24.8
191.4
19.1
0.0
226.2
10S.1
1.5
1,604.8
226.2
101.8
94.3
226.1
0.0
142.4
1.0
791.8
0.0
0,0
0.0
14.3
0.0
14.3
11,216.0
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EMISSION STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATOR? FRAMEWORK
The provisions of Title I, Nonattainment, and Title III, Hazardous Air
Pollutants, of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 provide the statutory
framework for this program element. Title III directed the Administrator to
publish a schedule for the issuing of maximum achievable control technology
(MAC?) standards for all sources categories of major sources listed under Section
112 of the CAA. Title I directed the development of control technique guidelines
(CTGs) for volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions for at least 13 new
sources. Additionally, the CAA Amendments of 1977 directed the,-Administrator to
publish a list of all major source categories not covered by new source
.performance standards (NSPSs) and to promulgate new NSPSs within five years.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
.The major focus of the air toxics program will be the development of MACT
standards to control emissions of 189 air toxics from 174 source categories as
required under section 112 of CAAA and other regulatory authorities. Within
eight years after the issuance of MACT standards, additional standards must be
promulgated to further reduce risk to public health and the environment, if
warranted. The Agency's strategies for air pollution control incorporate a
strong regulatory role for State and local agencies in implementing the national
standards'and for problems that are not of broad national concern. This program
element supports several non-regulatory activities aimed at providing State and
local agencies the technical skills and assistance (risk/exposure assessment,
control technology) needed to address local environmental problems for air toxics
and criteria pollutants and the information needed to provide technical and
compliance assistance to small businesses. Primary mechanisms for delivering
this support are the Control Technology Center (CTC), Air Risk Information
Support Center (AirRlSC) , the MACT database, and the RACT/BACT/LAER Clear-
inghouse .
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals and objectives of this program are: (l) developing policies and
regulations for controlling air toxics under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act
(CAA) and other regulatory authorities; (,2) setting and periodically reviewing
and revising new source performance standards (NSPSs} under Section 111 of the
CAA for major air pollution sources; (3) setting and periodically reviewing and
revising CTQrs for major sources of VOC emissions, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and
particulate matter emissions; (4) performing studies on specific air pollution
issues such as the deposition of air toxics into selected U.S. waters and VOC
emissions from the use of consumer products, conducting risk analyses to
determine whether the residual risk remaining after the application of MACT is
sufficient to warrant regulation: and ,(5) providing technical assistance on air
pollution control, technologies and specific small business compliance and control
requirements to State and local air pollution agencies, and performing studies
on specific air pollution issues such as the deposition of air toxics into
selected U.S. waters and VOC emissions from the use of consumer products. The
program also responds to litigation of NSPSs and National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) and to technical issues in implementing air
standards under these and other CAA programs.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
STATE PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND AIR STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES' / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ;
Most activities focus on implementing the Clean Air Act (CAA) provisions dealing
with nohattainment in Title I and operating permits in Title V.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program is responsible for implementing the air quality management
provisions of the CAA (Titles I and V";) . This includes setting; new and revised
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and providing guidance and
assistance to Regions 'and States to develop State Implementation Plans (SIPS) to
attain the NAAQS by the statutory deadlines established in the CAA. The program
also provides guidance and .assistance for the New Source Review Program and in
developing operating permit programs under Title V and ensures State programs are
adequately implemented. ' '
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this program element are to implement the Clean Air Act {CAA}
requirements to: (1) review, revise, and set new national ambient air quality
standards .[NAAQS), (2) develop policies, guidelines and regulations for air
pollution control programs [principally State implementation plans (SIP's)], (3)
develop and manage operating permit programs, (4) assist and audit the
development and implementation of air pollution control programs to facilitate
national consistency at the Regional, State, and local levels, and (5) manage a
training program for air pollution professionals funded under section 105. The
SIP's provide for attainment and maintenance of the NAAQS and establish programs
to review new sources, prevent significant deterioration {PSDJ of air quality in
clean air areas, and protect visibility in national parks and wilderness areas.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of'Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 provide the statutory basis for this program
element. The program's focus i's the implementation of the requirements
established by the 199Q Amendments principally those requirements contained in
Titles I, II, III, IV, and V. Additionally, the program performs, where
necessary, certain direct Federal regulatory activities where States have not
developed an approvable regulatory program or accepted delegation.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION - '
This program element provides supports for the operation of an air quality
management program within each of the Agency's ten Regional Offices. The
Regional program provides policy guidance and technical support to states in the
development of control strategies, emission inventories, regulatory programs for
the attainment and maintenance .of National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQSs), operating permits, and acid deposition. .The Regional program also
provides support,to those states assuming delegable responsibilities for national
strategies and requirements, including strategies for air toxics. The Regions
assist states- in developing approvable strategies and regulatory programs;
provide programmatic input into the air grants process and play a principal role
in negotiating air quality program grants to state and local control agencies;
and audit individual state regulatory programs .to assess the adequacy of
capabilities and procedures and to ensure consistency in the implementation of
'the Clean Air Act. The Regions also conduct the 'necessary regulatory review and
•coordination for approval in the Federal Register of individual strategies and
regulations in state implementation plans (SIPs) submitted to EPA, "The program
performs, where necessary, certain direct Federal regulatory activities where
states have not developed an appro'vable regulatory program or, accepted
delegation.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The major objectives of this program are : (1) provide technical assistance and
guidance to States for the development and implementation of strategies and
regulatory programs for the attainment and maintenance of national ambient air
quality standards (NAAQS); (2) provide guidance and assistance regarding the
operating permit program, air toxic redaction program and the small business
technical assistance program; (3) perform' activities necesssary to implement the
regulations issued under Section 112 that have not completed the delegation
process to states; (4) provide, assistance to those States delegated
responsibilities for certain national strategies and requirements, including the
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD)and the New Source Review {NSR).
programs; (5) the review and formulation of appropriate approval actions for
State developed strategies and regulatory programs; {6) the timely negotiation,
award and oversight of the air program grants;, and (7) review individual State
regulatory programs to assess the adequacy of capabilities and procedures and to
ensure consistency in the implementation of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING
National Program Manager: Office of Air and Radiation
.STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The activities of this program focus on implementing the 1990 Clean Air Act
Amendments and the implementation of air monitoring strategies as delineated in
40 CFR 58. • '
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program supports the operation of an ambient air quality monitoring program
in each of the ten EPA Regional Offices. Through the program, EPA manages and
oversees state ambient air quality monitoring networks, associated laboratory and
field quality assurance activities and implementation of air monitoring
strategies described in EPA air monitoring regulations. Additionally, EPA
provides technical support to and the coordination of Regional and state field
investigation activities for collecting ambient air quality samples, and
coordinates, validates, and stores state emission data repo.rted to EPA.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of this program are: (1) the management and provide technical support
for the State ambient air quality monitoring networks, associated laboratory and
field quality assurance activities; and the implementation of air monitoring
strategies as delineated in 40 CFR 58; (2) to provide technical support to and
the coordination pf Regional and State field investigation 'activities for
collecting ambient air quality samples for subsequent analysis and related
quality control; and (3) the management and coordination of State arrangements
for storing ambient and emission data in the Environmental .Protection Agency's
(EPA) Aerometric Information Retrieval Systems.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROQRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
AIR QUALITY & EMISSION DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS
National Program Manager: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
All major programs will be continued and directed at implementation of the Clean"
Air Act (CAA). Primary support will be directed at Title I programs to monitor
and attain National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Title III efforts
included emission test support and modeling to develop emission standards.' Title
V efforts will focus on developing and operating systems for storing, retrieving
and tracking operating permits data.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program provides scientific and technical guidance and support to other EPA
Headquarters Offices, Regional Offices, _and state and local agencies in .the
following areas: ambient air quality monitoring and modeling, emission factors
and inventories, control strategy demonstrations, and emissions, measurement
through source tests, In addition, this program provides, for the issuance o.f new
and revised regulatory requirements and related technical guidance; development
and operation of information management systems for storing, retrieving, and
.analyzing ambient air quality and emission data at the state and national level;
and preparation of trends analyses and related air quality and emission progress
assessments for program evaluation and development as 'well as for public
information needs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The major objectives of this program are: (1) providing scientific and technical
guidance and quality assurance* support to other Environmental Protection Agency
Headquarters Offices, Regional Offices (R0''s) and State and local agencies air
quality monitoring and modeling, emission factors and inventories, control
strategy demonstrations, emissions measurement, and development.of ambient and
emission, standards; (2) developing and operating national data systems which
address the major needs of Headquarters, . RO and State/local users for air
quality, operating permits, emissions and compliance data; (3) measure and track
progress in reducing emissions and improving air quality nationwide.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MOBILE SOURCE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: . Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORYAUTHORITIES/ REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Clean Air Act requires that EPA address significant environmental problems
related to motor vehicle emissions — ozone/carbon monoxide (CO) non-attainment
and air toxics. The Amendments to'the Clean Air Act require that EPA reassess
much of the work that has been done over the last 20 years, revise motor vehicle
and fuel standards that are already in place, and develop completely new and
innovative programs to address persistent air quality problems which have not
responded to traditional controls.
•In addition to this broad statutory authority, this program operates within the
regulatory framework governing the establishment of state and local
Inspection/Maintenance programs {I/M} and, more broadly, State Implementation
Plans (SIPs).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program supports the operation of mobile source-related programs within each
of the Agency's ten Regional Offices. The Regional program provides 'policy
guidance and technical support to states developing and implementing motor
vehicle emission control programs, including I/M programs, and clean vehicle and
fuels programs as part of their SIPs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to ensure that all motor vehicle and fuel emission
control strategies adopted at the state and local level, including market-based
incentives and other innovative approaches to emission control, are designed and
implemented to achieve the emission reductions necessary to attain the national
ambient air quality standards for criteria pollutants. Vehicle emissions from
the tailpipe and fuel evaporation from the engine and fuel tank account
nationwide for 50 percent of all (EC) hydrogen emissions—the main contributor
to ozone; 9'0 percent of all CO emissions; and 30 percent of all (NOx) nitrogen
oxide emissions. Approximately half of toxic emissions are related to mobile
sources. These toxic 'emissions from motor vehicles contribute to approximately
700 fatal cancers annually and are associated with respiratory disease and birth
defects.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
STRATOSPHERIC OZONE PROGRAM
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY FRAMEWORK / REGUItATORY AUTHORITIES
Title VI of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 provide the statutory authority
to protect the stratosphere. In addition, the .United States has signed the
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
PROGRftM DESCRIPTION
The Stratospheric Protection Program is responsible for policy analysis,
regulatory development and implementation, and assessment of alternatives
regarding the effect that chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting compounds
have on the stratospheric ozone layer. This includes developing and analyzing
the costs and benefits of different .options for rulemakings, responding to
potential litigation, and developing-and implementing final rules associated with
Title VI of the CAAA. The program is also responsible for analyzing and helping
develop U.-S. negotiating positions at meetings of the international parties to
the Montreal Protocol. In addition, through the Montreal Protocol, the program
helps transfer ozone-friendly technologies to developing countries. In addition
to creating the regulatory program needed to phase out and find adequate
substitutes for ozone depleting substances, the program is also working to create.
educat-ion and prevention initiatives so that the incidence of skin cancer due to
ozone depletion can be minimized. Finally, the program is responsible for policy
analysis of research on ozone depleting substances and their effects on human
health and the environment.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The program seeks to phase-out ozone-depleting substances by early next decade.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
STATIONARY SOURCE COMPLIANCE
OFFICE: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/ REGULATORY FRRMEWORK
This program implements the Clean Air Act with a primary focus on the 1990
amendments (PL 105-459 of November 15, 1990). The applicable provisions are
Title I, Nonattainment; Title III, Hazardous Air Pollutants; Title IV, Acid
Deposition Control, Title V, Operating Permits; Title VI, Stratospheric Ozone
Protection; and Title VII Enforcement.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program manages and supports the implementation of a national air compliance
and enforcement program primarily through operations in each of the ten EPA
Regional Offices. The program ensures1 attainment and maintenance of ambient
standards for Clean Air Act {CAA) criteria and toxic pollutants and ensures the
reduction of hazardous air emissions. Regional Offices assure high compliance
with requirements applicable to stationary sources of air pollution established
under state implementation plans (SIPs), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS), Acid
Deposition Control and Stratospheric Ozone Protection. Compliance monitoring and
enforcement efforts are focused on major1 stationary sources in nonattainment
areas, on new sources, and on problem sources in attainment areas to ensure that
a high compliance rate is maintained. The regional air compliance program is
designed to support and supplement the efforts of state and .local air pollution
control agencies by ensuring effective inspection programs, providing assistance
in developing enforcement response plans, and providing appropriate enforcement
followup. Regional compliance and enforcement efforts will continue to assure
the phase out of acid rain precursors and chemical emissions harmful to the
stratospheric ozone layer and on improving data quality from sources applying for
permits.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of this program are to ensure attainment and maintenance of ambient
standards for Clean Air Act (CAA) criteria pollutants, to ensure the reduction
of air toxic emissions, to ensure compliance with the recycling provisions of the
stratospheric ozone program to advance the operating permits program, and to
monitor the implementation of the-acid rain requirements. To address these
goals, program objectives include ensuring high compliance with requirements
applicable to stationary sources of air pollution established under section 110
State Implementation-Plans (SIPs),' section 111 New Source Performance Standards
(NSPSs), section 112 National Emission'" Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants
(NESHAPs) and section 608 of the CAA. Compliance monitoring and enforcement
efforts are focused on stationary sources, on NSPS sources, and on NESHAPs
sources. The regional air compliance program is designed to support and
supplement the efforts of State and local air pollution control agencies by
ensuring effective inspection programs, providing technical, workshops and
support, and providing appropriate enforcement followup.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGSNCI
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
TESTING, TECHNICAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK.'
The Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA). of 1990 require that' EPA address the
significant environmental problems related to motor vehicle emissions
ozone/carbon monoxide (CO) non-attainment and air toxics. Other programs and
activities are carried out in accordance with the mandates of the Motor Vehicle
Information and Cost Savings Act and the Alternative Motor Fuels Act of- 1988.
In addition to these statutory authorities, the program operates within the
framework of a number of regulations relating to motor vehicle certification,
light-duty and heavy-duty recall, light-duty and heavy-duty selective enforcement
audits, a full array of regulations governing the quality of fuel, and
requirements.to develop emission factors for all mobile sources.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ' ' .
This program element provides testing, technical and administrative management
support to the operating programs of the Office of Mobile Sources and EPA
National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL). Programs supported
include Recall, ' Tampering/Fuel. Switching, Standard Setting, Emissions
Characterization, Technology Assessment, Clean Fuels/Vehicles, Fuel Economy,
In-Use Vehicle Emissions Assessment, Certification, and Inspection/Maintenance,
described under program elements HTA2B and HVA2B. The support provided includes
automated data processing (ADP) timesharing services (providing over 95 percent
of time-share services separately from the National Computing Center) , laboratory
data acquisition, and computer operations; fuel sample analysis and'testing of
motor vehicles to measure emissions and fuel economy; quality control and
correlation services, for EPA and industry testing programs; maintenance and
engineering design of emission testing equipment; personnel, procurement, general
administration, safety, facilities support services, and environmental
compliance; and management of the assurance activities.
Testing activities supported at the NVFEL range from performing standard, well
established engineering tests to the development and performance of new test
procedures to accommodate new program needs or changing technology. Testing
supports the recall surveillance, tampezing/fuel switching programs, development
of emission factors, and the assessment of the effectiveness of new emissions
control technology in maintaining the emission standards in Use. The facility
services function is fully administered by EPA since the February 1991 purchase
of the NVFEL by the Federal government. A high level of occupational safety and
health is maintained, as well as full compliance with EPA, State of Michigan, and
City of Ann Arbor environmental compliance requirements.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The mobile source support programs are an integral element of the overall
programs aimed at implementing the CAAA and controlling and reducing ozone, CO,
and air toxics. Vehicle emissions from the tailpipe and fuel evaporation from
the engine and fuel tank account nationwide for 50 percent of all {HO
hydrocarbon emissions-—the main contributor to ozone; 90 percent of all CO
emissions; and 30 percent of all (NOx) nitrogen oxide emissions.
These toxic emissions from motor vehicles contribute to approximately 700 fatal
cancers annually and are associated with respiratory disease and birth defects,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EMISSIONS AND FUEL ECONO&S COMPLIANCE
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation .
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRMJEWOKK
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires that EPA address the significant environmental
problems related to motor vehicle emissions —- ozone/carbon monoxide (CO)
non-attainment and air toxics. Fuel economy and other activities are carried out
in accordance with the mandates of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings
Act and the Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988 (AMFA).
This program functions within"a broad-regulatory framework dealing with motor
vehicle emissions, including motor vehicle certification, light-duty and heavy-
duty recall, light-duty and heavy-duty selective enforcement audits, the
importation . of non-conforming motor vehicles, a full array of regulations
governing the quality 'of fuel, Tier I standards adopted as a result of the CAA
amendments of 1990, cold temperature CO standards, on-board diagnostics,
durability, and inspection/maintenance (I/M) short test procedures -. with
increased emphasis on using innovative approaches and market-based incentives to
achieve the goals,
PROGRAM DlSCRIfTION
This program element provides for mobile sources emissions and fuel economy
compliance activities. The program assures that new motor vehicles offered for
sale- in the U.S. are in compliance with the emission standards prescribed by
model year and class of vehicle. The programs also: (1) assure that new
production vehicles meet emission standards (through the Selective Enforcement
Audit (SEA) program}; (2} assure that vehicles meet emission standards in-use
(the recall program is directed at assuring that manufacturers fulfill their
responsibility to produce vehicles which comply with these'standards) ; (3) assure
that vehicles incapable of meeting emission standards are not imported into the
country; (4) provide support to states opting for California emission standards
under Section 177 and process California emissions waivers; (5) assure that fuels
and fuel additive requirements are implemented (e.g., through regulations); and
(6) implement banking and trading and non-compliance penalty programs. In
addition, the program works with the Department of Energy to provide accurate
fuel economy information to the consumer. The program oversees Corporate Average
Fuel Economy (CAFE) activities and provides audit followup,
GOALSAND,OBJECTIVES
Vehicle emissions from the tailpipe and fuel evaporation from the engine and fuel
tank account nationwide for 50 percent of all (HC) hydrogen emissions'—the main
contributor to ozone; 90 percent of all CO emissions; and 30 percent of all. (NOx)
nitrogen oxide emissions. Approximately half of toxic emissions are related to
mobile sources. These emissions from motor vehicles contribute to approximately
700 fatal cancers annually and are associated with respiratory disease and birth
defects.
Specific objectives include the development and implementation of programs to
ensure that current mandated vehicle emissions standards are met, that accurate
fuel economy information is made available to the consumer* (through the MPG
values published in the Gas Mileage Guide), and that EPA's responsibilities are
met under the CAFE compliance program, including changes made by the AMFA.
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UNITED STATES 1ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
TRIBAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
NATIONAL 'PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation "
STATUTORY AUTHORITY\REGULATORY FRAMEWORK '
Activities focus on implementation of the Clean Air Act (CAA), section 301 (d).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION .
This program element provides regional support to Federally recognized Indian
Tribes for the prevention and control of air pollution on Indian reservations.'
Assistance will be provided to Indian Tribes to help develop and implement
strategies and regulatory programs to protect tribal air quality and meet 'the
requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA). These programs may include air quality
monitoring, emissions inventories, attainment and maintenance o,f National Air
Quality Standards (NAAQSs), operating permits, acid deposition and air toxics.
The regional support provided under this program element will go toward tribal
activities that assess tribal air quality; develop tribal implementation plans
.(TIPs) for the attainment and maintenance of the NAAQSs as specified in Title I;
enforce source emission regulations and requirements contained within the TIPs;
review and permit new and existing sources; monitor ambient air quality in order
to assess environmental quality and progress; and develop data bases necessary
to protect tribal air quality. In addition, the regional support will help
promote the assumption and implementation of other CAA responsibilities,
including • those for the protection of visibility, the implementation of New
Source Performance Standards (NSPSs), and implementation of National Emission
Standards for the Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), Assistance will also be
provided to Indian Tribes in air pollution control training.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .
The major objectives of this program are to provide technical assistance to
Federally recognized Indian Tribes to: (1) ensure that tribal health and welfare,
including reservation ecosystems, are adequately protected under the CAA; and,
(2) assist Tribes in developing comprehensive and effective air quality
management programs to ensure that tribal air quality management programs will
be implemented to the extent necessary on Indian reservations.
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UNITED -STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGIONAL WORKINS CAPITAL FOND—AIR
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: ' Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / RSStJLATORY FRAMEWORK
None.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION •
This program element contains resources for the Regional Working Capital
Fund for the Air Media.' The resources include the base resources to pay for
program postage costs that provide all routine, day-to-day U.S. Postal Services
and includes regular First, Third and Fourth Class mail, 'Post Office Express
Mail, two-day priority mail, registered and certified mail " and pouch mail/-
Federal Expres.s overnight mail and United Parcel Service shipments. The increase
will provide for annualization of the February, 1995 postal rate increase of
10.3%, For NDPD operations, the base dollars provide an on-going data processing
and telecommunication services for this Program. These services are classified
into five cost centers: Enterprise Computing Services, Network Services, Desktop
Services, Technical Consulting Services and Scientific Computing 'Services.
Investment resources will provide the Program's share of Depreciation of Capital
Assets, Increased Service Costs, Additional Mainframe Capacity, Investments in
Network Services and Investments in Technical Consulting Services.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ACID RAIN PROGRAM
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The acid rain program is responsible for the development and implementation of
all EPA acid rain program activities under Title .IV. of the Clean Air Act
Amendments of 1990 (CAAA). The acid rain program also supports development of
market-based initiatives under Title I of the CAAA.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element includes the development of strategic policy, regulations,
and technical and procedural. guidance to assure the effective management of
national activities designed to control sulfur dioxide (SQ2) and nitrogen oxides
(NOJ, the principal precursors of acidic deposition. In addition, the program
is responsible for directly implementing the allowance trading system, the cer-
tification of emissions monitors at .all affected facilities, the tracking of all
allowances and emissions, and the permitting of all Phase I sources and any Phase
II sources for which state programs have* not been established. As the Agency
lead on acid rain issues, the program recommends research'activities, assesses
program progress and impacts, conducts outreach activities, and supports
international agreements. Finally, the program provides support to other Agency
regulatory reinvention efforts, such as the application of market-based
approaches to address ozone and particulate matter nonattainment problems.
GOALS AMP OBJECTIVES
The acid rain program goals and objectives are to achieve a 10 million ton
reduction of emissions of sulfur dioxide and a 2 million ton reduction of
nitrogen oxides and to demonstrate the efficacy of market-based approaches for
addressing environmental problems. By 2010 the compliance costs associated with
the SO, control effort are now expected to be $2.0 to $2.5 billion per year—half
the level expected when the law was enacted in 1990. The public health benefits
of sulfate reduction are expected to reach $12 to $40 billion per year and
improvements to visibility from sulfate reduction have been valued at $3.5
billion per year. The emissions reductions of S02 and NOX are expected to: 1)
prevent more lakes and streams from becoming acidic and result in the eventual
recovery of most lakes and streams currently experiencing acidic damage 'to
aquatic life; 2) decrease damage to forests; 3) reduce the rate of deterioration
of buildings and monuments occurring due to acidic deposition.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS PROGRAM
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ' "
The indoor environments program is responsible for implementation of the policy
and non-research components of Title IV of .the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) and the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA).
PROSRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element supports the analysis, development, and review of indoor
environments programs and activities necessary for coordination and oversight by
the National Program Manager, The Indoor Environments Program implements the
provisions of the Indoor Radon Abatement Act operation of the State Indoor Radon
Grants Program, oversight of the national radon proficiency programs, work to
reduce elevated levels of radon in schools, promotion of. model building
standards, and technical assistance to build capabilities at the state and local
level to identify and fix radon problems. As authorized under SARA, the program
will continue to address sources and levels of othex indoor air pollutants of
concern, better 'understand the adverse health effects of poor indoor air quality,
refine guidance on issues such as building design, operation and maintenance, and
disseminate new knowledge to key • audiences including state and local
environmental health officials and building facility managers,
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The indoor environments program goals and objectives are to reduce, to the
greatest extent practicable, human exposure to the entire range of indoor air
pollutants including radon, VOCs, biocontaminants carbon monoxide and
environmental tobacco smoke that are known to cause significant excess mortality
and which range in their effects from cancer to non cancer-endpoints including
mild irritation to acute toxicity and chronic organ damage.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GLOBAL CHANGE PROGRAM
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY FRAMEWORK / REGULATORY AUTHORITIES ' . ' ' '
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 provide the statutory authority to protect
the stratosphere. This responsibility includes climate change related to
stratospheric and tropospheric alterations, and all effects and emissions
associated with upper atmospheric change.
The Pollution Prevention Act.provides for reducing pollution through pollution
prevention mechanisms. The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Program supports key
voluntary programs to profitably reduce pollution-. , These programs involve
diverse' technologies including lighting, heating, air conditioning, thermal
systems, and motors. These voluntary programs form the core of the U.S.
commitment to the Rio Treaty .on climate change.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Program is responsible for implementing
voluntary programs as a means to reduce global warming and fulfil- U.S.
commitments under the Rio'Treaty and the subsequent U.S. Climate Change Action
Plan. This Plan seeks to 'return greenhouse ga.s emissions in the United States
to 1990 levels by the year 2000. Through demonstrating the pollution prevention
benefits of energy efficiency, the program educates manufacturers, building
owners, equipment and service providers, designers and consumers on the purchase,
installation, and use of energy efficient products (e.g., lighting, heating, air
conditioning, ventilation, computers and other energy using equipment). Further,
the program is responsible for managing the reduction of methane emissions into
the atmosphere from each of the major methane sources through an additional set
of strategically designed voluntary outreach programs. The program works to
attain this goal by identifying, developing and promoting profitable options for
reducing methane emissions, overcoming technical, legal and other barriers and
supporting this technology with industry and members of the international
community devoted to effective methane source control measures. The program-also
works with key indus-tries to cost-effectively reduce emissions of other highly
potent greenhouse gases such as HFCs and PFCs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Program goals and objectives include
providing about 50% of the reductions iri emissions of greenhouse gases expected
from the Climate Change Action Plan (which has the overall goal of reducing
emissions in the year 2000 to 1990 levels). The Program provides 25% of the
reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, over 50% of the reductions in methane-
emissions, 50% of the reductions in HFC emissions, and 100% of the reductions in
PFC emissions expected under the Plan.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM EIiEMENT DESCRIPTION
GREAT LAKES PROGRAM
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORYAUTHORITIES/ REGOLATORY FRAMEWORK
The Great Lakes National Program Office {GLNPO) has various responsibilities
for meeting the expanded Great Lakes toxics and nutrient monitoring and control
requirements under Section 118 of the Clean Water Act, as' amended, including
responsibilities specified in the Great-Lakes Critical Programs Act of 1990 and
United States commitments under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA)
of- 1978, as amended; and responsibilities under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act
Amendments.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION "
EPA's Great Lakes Program utilizes a multimedia approach to ecosystem
management. Hallmarks of the program are geographically targeted, risk-based
prioritization, pollution prevention, and coordinated cooperative efforts' on the
parts of states, other' Federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and
Canada. GLNPO supports state and Regional implementation via demonstration
projects for contaminated sediment remediation and critical 'habitat restoration;
toxics and nutrients monitoring; assistance in remedial action planning for Great
Lakes areas of concern'and in lakewide management planning; environmental data
management; and public education and outreach.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal o-f the Agency's Great Lakes Program is to restore and maintain the
chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem.
GLNPO, in concert with Regions 2, 3, and ,5, is leading the development and
utilization of a consortium of programs, agencies, and public and private
institutions to reduce the level of toxic substances in the Great Lakes; to
protect and restore vital habitats; to restore and maintain stable, diverse, and
self-sustaining populations; and to protect human health. These joint objectives
were established in the Great Lakes Five Year Strategy (developed by EPA in
conjunction with other Federal, state, and Tribal agencies) to achieve an
ultimate goal of restoring the chemical, physical, and biological-integrity of
the waters of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, The Strategy, built on the
foundation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement between the US and Canada,
guides coordination and implementation of ecosystem protection and restoration
in the Great Lakes by participating agencies.
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UNITED -STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
CHESAPEAKE BAI PROGRAM
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/ REGULATORY FRAMEWORK.
Section 117 of the clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the Chesapeake Bay Program
within EPA, authorizes scientific investigations and dissemination of public
information about the health of the Bay, and the implementation of inter-state
management measures to address key problems including provisions of financial
assistance to states.. The program has no regulatory authority on its own, but
builds on and targets regulatory programs as well as non-regulatory efforts of
the Federal, state and local governments. Inter-state management measures,
contained in multiple party agreements, strategies, and plans, provide the
framework for action. The Chesapeake Bay Agreement of 1987 as amended prescribes
a joint restoration effort conducted by the Federal government (led by EPA) ,
the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, • the District of Columbia, and
the Chesapeake Bay Commission (a body of state legislators from Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Virginia),
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The program is dedicated to the restoration and protection of Chesapeake Bay and
is a comprehensive effort to deal with point and nonpoint sources of water
pollution; air deposition to the Bay directly and through its watershed;
management of the agricultural, urban, and suburban landscapes; tidal and non-
tidal habitats; fisheries-, waterfowl, and other living resources of the Bay.
Approximately half of the funds are provided to the states and the District of
Columbia as implementation grants; much of this is expended on cost sharing
projects, to reduce* agricultural s.ources of pollution. Other funds go to
modeling, monitoring, information management analysis, education and public
outreach, living resource management, and management of air and water toxics.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement, as amended in 1992, establishes the overall
goal for restoration of water quality and living resources of the Bay and its
tributaries. Specific goals are provided in the Agreement and subsequent
directives .of the Executive Council and include; a 40% reduction in nutrient
loads from point and nonpoint sources between 1985-2000; achievement of a
"toxic-free" Bay through a series of specific pollution prevention and control
objectives; an interim goal of restoration of 114,000 acres of Bay grasses by the
year 2005; opening over 1300 stream miles of -fish spawning habitat through the
provision of fish passage; a short-term "no net loss" of wetlands and a long-term
gain; fisheries management targets ajid- numeric goals for the restoration of a
.variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. Through linked airshed/watershed
models, the relative contributions to the total nitrogen loadings, from
atmospheric deposition of nitrogen to the Chesapeake Bay will be quantified in
1997.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ENGINEERINS AND ANALYSIS
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATOTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK .
The Agency develops and promulgates effluent standards and guidelines under
Sections 301, 304, 306, 307 and 501 of the Clean Water Act {CWA} based on Best
Available Technology Economically Achievable; Best Conventional Technology; Best
Practicable Control Technology; New Source Performance Standards; Pretreatment
Standards for Existing Sources; and Pretreatment Standards for New Sources. This
EPA program is supported by detailed engineering, economic and statistical
analyses, including the development of analytical ''methods for toxics and
hazardous pollutants. Further, effluent standards and guidelines are developed
under the Consent Decree with the Natural Resources Defense Council and as
required in the plan developed pursuant to Section 304 (m) of the CWA, The
Agency, under Section 104, conducts studies relating to the extent o-f water
pollution,
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The technology-based effluent guidelines program addresses multimedia risks
by developing, rules in coordination with other Agency programs. Emphasis is
directed toward: {!) establishing effluent limitations for industries that
discharge toxic chemicals directly into' waterways and indirectly through the
discharge of toxic chemicals into Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs); (2)
reviewing and identifying new and previously regulated industrial categories to
determine candidates for promulgation of new standards or revision to existing
standards; (3) providing economic, statistical, and wastewater sampling and
analysis as well as engineering, technological and analytical methods to support
the effluent guidelines program; and (4) encouraging/requiring pollution
prevention as part of the program's recommended technology.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
To prevent water pollution, the Agency develops effluent guidelines for
industries that present the most significant risk to public health and the
environment,. These effluent guideline regulations annually prevent the direct
release of more than 500 million pounds of toxic chemicals .into the water from
51 types of industries, including iron and steel, organic chemical, and metal
finishing plants.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCZ
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
OCEAN DISPOSAL PERMITS
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Agency's Ocean Disposal Programs are authorized by the Marine
Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the
Ocean Dumping Ban Act of 1988 fQDBA) , the S'hore Protection Act (SPA) of 1988, and
the Marine Plastic Pollution, Research and Control Act (MPPRCA) of 1987, and are
consistent with the mandatory provisions of the London Dumping Convention and
Marpol, Annex V. Resources in this program can be used to fund grants under the
authority of Clean Water Act Section 104(b)(3).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Agency develops, coordinates and implements policy, regulations, and
guidance for the Agency's Ocean -Disposal Programs. EPA* has statutory
responsibility 'for issuing permits for'any materials -to be dumped in ocean waters
except for dredged materials, for which EPA has review and concurrence authority.
EPA also has statutory responsibility for designation, monitoring, and management
of all ocean dumping sites, including those for dredged material. While ocean
dumping of sewage sludge and industrial waste has ceased under QDBA, there is a
continuing need under ODBA to provide "oversight, technical assistance and
monitoring assessments after dumping has ceased. Amendments to the MPRSA made
by the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 have increased BPA's role in site
management and permit review and set deadlines for ocean dumping site
designations. MPPRCA requires EPA to establish and conduct beach monitoring fp'r
marine debris and to promote public awareness of causes, effects, and controls
for marine debris through public education programs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to manage the disposal of materials into ocean
waters, primarily dredged materials, such that the disposal action does not
degrade the environment or endanger human health. Management actions can include
site designation,permitting/ monitoring, and enforcement actions. In addition,
the goals of the marine debris program are to encourage pollution prevention, to
control floatable materials before they reach the marine environment and to
ensure that floatable materials {e.g., plastics) are disposed in the most
environmentally sound manner.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCI
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HATER QUALITY CRITERIA, STANDARDS ASD APPLICATIONS
OFFICE: OFFICE OF WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Agency publishes-water quality standards under Section 304 of the Clean Water
Act (CWA), and develops regulations and guidance to assist states in adopting and
implementing water quality standards required by Section 303. EPA also publishes
regulations for the beneficial use and disposal of sewage sludge as required by
Section 405(d). Under Section 104, the Agency makes available information
through technical support publications to assist states in their work under the
water quality standards program,
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Agency provides scientific support and technical assistance to states in
meeting their CWA mandate to adopt and implement water quality criteria and
standards.
Specifically, the Agency develops national water quality criteria and is
increasing its efforts to instill watershed based approaches .to allow States to
tailor designation of water uses and criteria to meet their unique, . local
requirements; e.g., criteria for arid ecosystems. In support of its water
related regulations, environmental assessments are conducted and Total Maximum
Daily Load guidance is developed to assess and manage the risks from contaminated
water, sediment and fish. Structured training is provided to States and Indian
tribes in the development and implementation of. these programs. EPA also
approves or disapproves state standards and promulgates Federal standards if
state programs fail to meet the CWA requirements. Through this program, EPA
promotes those municipal sludge management practices that provide for the
beneficial use and disposal of sludge while improving the environment and public
health.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Agency controls unaddressed ecological and human health risks by establishing
and implementing environmentally sound and scientifically-based water quality
criteria and standards and sewage sludge regulations. These activities serve to
protect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of surface waters.
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STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ASENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ASSESSMENT AND WATERSHED PROTECTION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER:
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / RBSOTATORY FRAMEWORK
EPA's assessment and watershed protection activities and requirements are
authorized by Sections 104, 106, 205, 303, 304, 305, 307, 314, 319, and 604 of
the Clean Water Act and by Section 6217 of the 1990 Coastal Zone Act
Reauthorization Amendments . Resources in this program can be used to fund grants
under the authority of Clean Water Act Section 104 (b) (3) .
PROGRftM DESCRIPTION '
Through this program EPA manages .and conducts the identification and
targeting of specific -water bodies for watershed protection and management, the
diagnosis of causes of water quality problems, and the determination o.f cost
effective levels of control required to meet local water quality objectives. EPA
develops national policy, guidance and- regulations, and "serves as primary
implementors of the Federal program, by providing policy and assistance to state
and local agencie.s for biological, chemical, and physical monitoring methods and
water quality techniques. Major components of watershed protection and
management are the nonpoint source (NFS) control program requirements mandated
by Section 319 of the Clean Water Act and by Section 6217 of the 1990 Coastal
Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments,
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ' •
The goal of this program is to ensure that Federal, state, and local. agencies
identify, assess, and develop control of water quality problems (including NFS
problems), particularly on a watershed basis.
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UNITED 'STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WATER QUALITY ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The 'statutory authorities the National 'Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System {NPDES) program, including the National Pretreatment and Sludge programs,
appear in Sections 318, 402 and 405 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) . Specific
enforcement authorities are found in Sections 307, 308 and 309 of the'Act. The
regulations implementing these Sectioiis appear at 40 CFR Parts 122-125; 40 CFR
Part 403; and 40 CFR 501. The activities in this program element are supported
by demonstration grants authorized under Section 104 {b}(3).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program; 1) tracks and evaluates compliance of municipal and non-
municipal permittees with NPDES permits; 2) ensures that municipalities, federal
facilities, and industrial users discharging to municipal treatment plants, fully
comply with their pretreatment requirements; 3} operates an EPA/State compliance
inspection program; 4) initiates enforcement for unpermitted and unauthorized
discharges into the nation's waterways; 5} initiates administrative enforcement
or technical case support for civil/criminal judicial actions against
noncomplying facilities and-'6) identifies geographic area watersheds where
noncomplying facilities cause water quality problems and takes action as
appropriate.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Regions will promote a multi-media perspective in compliance monitoring,
targeting and enforcement operations, including sector based inspections,
geographic selection of enforcement cases, and sector based design of remedies
for noncompliance. Together with Headquarters, Regions will ensure the integrity
of data provided by permittees which is used for assessing compliance by
conducting-an effective inspection program, as well as by implementing a'quality
assurance p-rogram for Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs). Regions will maintain
data in the Permit Compliance System (PCS) to ensure compliance with laws and
regulations. .
As the water quality enforcement and compliance program moves into a watershed
approach, Regions will initiate enforcement actions in priority watersheds and
use risk-based targeting for compliance promotion and enforcement in "areas
outside priority watersheds in order ,',to reduce risk to the health of the
community and the environment. Enforcement actions undertaken by the Regions
will promote the equitable application of environmental regulation across all
communities at risk from water quality problems. Regions will also ensure that
a balance of compliance assurance and enforcement activity and the quality of
actions both promote compliance and ensure deterrence in the regulated community
and provide justice for the individual violator.
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UNITED. STATES ENVIRONMENT*!. PROTECTION AGENCt
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WETLANDS PROTECTION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/ REGULATORYFRAMEWORK
Through this program EPA implements responsibilities under: Sections 104,
308, 309", 401, and , 404 of the Clean Water Act t'CWA) ; the Coastal Wetlands
Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act of 1990; and the North American
Wetlands Conservation Act. This, ensures that discharges of dredged and fill
material are done* in a manner that adequately protects wetlands and other waters
of the United States, and that other measures are taken to protect and restore
wetlands. Resources in this program can be used to fund grants under the
authority of Clean Water Act Section 104(b)(3).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
EPA's Wetlands Protection Program relies on partnerships with other programs
within EPA, other Federal agencies, state, tribal and local governments, private
landowners, and the general public, to improve protection of our nation's
valuable wetlands resources. Working with other Federal agencies and directly
with states, tribes, and local programs, EPA ensures a sound and consistent
approach to wetlands protection. Major activities include administration of
EPA's .role in the Section 404 program; development and dissemination of rules,
guidance, informational materials, and scientific tools to improve management and
public understanding of wetlands programs and legal requirements; and managing
financial assistance to states and 'tribes to support development of strong
wetlands protection programs. The Agency emphasizes an ecosystem approach in its
wetlands program. EPA assists states, tribes and regional/local governments in
incorporating wetlands into watershed management planning, including advance
identification and multi-objective natural resource management planning.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of.this program are consistent with the Administration's goal of
no overall net loss of wetlands and an increase in the quality and quantity of
wetlands. This includes development of state, tribal and. local programs to
protect wetlands and coordination of public and private programs affecting
wetlands to improve levels of protection for environmentally important functions.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
COASTAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT
'NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGUIATORY FRftMBHORK.
Activities in this program are authorized under Clean Water Act Sections
104, 118, 312, 301 (h), 319, 320, and 403-. The program, provides scientific and
technical support for state and local management .of co.astal watersheds .in
response to human health and aquatic life risks due to pollution and loss of
habitat. This program uses funds for grants under Sections 104(b}(3), 319 and
320.
The Gulf of Mexico Program is commissioned by the Administrator under the
authorities of Section 102(a) of the Clean Water Act (CWA) . Grant assistance
activities of the Program are authorized under Section 104(b)(3) of the CWA. The
Program is operating in" response "to Gulf-wide community concerns for enhanced
coordination and facilitation of measures to protect, enhance, and restore the
ecological health and economic sustainability of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.
PROGRAM.DESCRIPTION . - ,
The Water Program provides national assistance and coordination of the
.Agency's coastal and marine activities. Working with other EPA programs and
other Federal agencies, the Water Program develops and disseminates policy and
technical guidance. The program works directly with state and local agencies,
the regulated community, and the public to implement the national coastal and
marine protection program. This program integrated Agency coastal and marine
activities conducted under the Clean Water "Act (CWA), including .the National
Estuary Program (N'EP), Point Source Program for Discharges to Marine Maters and
the "Great Water Bodies" (Chesapeake Bay, Great takes, and Gulf .of Mexico), The
objectives of these programs include: (1) NEP projects to develop and implement
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs); (2) Cooperative efforts
between Non-Point Source Programs (i.e.-, CWA Section 319) and other programs to
develop and implement Regional coastal ecosystem protection/enhancement
strategies, including" enhancement/integration of ongoing water programs; .(3)
water quality controls for point source dischargers, including, {a} development
of regulations and technical guidance for marine discharge waiver
applicants/recipients and permit reissuance and (b) development of ocean disposal
criteria -and technical guidance for marine discharge permittees addressing
ecological risk protection criteria; and (4) support for the "Great Water Body
Programs".
The Gulf of Mexico Program is a community-based multi-jurisdictional program
designed to address the myriad of complex environmental issues threatening the
Gulf ecosystem and its unique resources.and cultures. The Program is comprised
of an extensive partnership of state, Federal, public, and.private stakeholders
involved in the development, and implementation of collaborative projects and
actions to address the critical issues that threaten the ecosystem. Specific
priorities include: the identification and coordination of voluntary incentive-
based actions to mitigate excessive loadings of nitrogen and phosphorus currently
threatening the near coastal Gulf fisheries; delivery of community-based
technical assistance to address human-pathogen contamination and closure of vital
shellfish growing waters Gulf-wide; development and coordination of state,
Federal, and local partnerships to maintain and improve critical Gulf-habitats;
and, cooperation and assistance in implementing the Gulf's National Estuary
Management Programs.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
COASTAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES . ' ' .
The goals of this program are to: restore the physical, chemical; and
biological integrity of the nation's -estuarie'3 and coastal ecosystems by
protecting and enhancing water quality and the living resources; ensure the
protection of the marine ecosystems through adequate controls on point source
discharges; through the watershed protection approach, highlight coastal waters
in need of attention and encourage environmental managers to use .existing
regulatory authority and resources more effectively to solve environmental
problems.
'The specific goals of the Gulf of Mexico Program are to restore the
ecosystem's physical, chemical, and biological integrity by protecting and
enhancing water quality, habitat health and diversity, and sustainability of its
natural resources in ways that are consistent and supportive of the economic
well-being of the region. The Program will accomplish these goals through the
use of collaborative state, Federal, local and private partnerships dedicated to:
developing and implementing community or place-based habitat management
approaches; working as partners with the region's business and industrial
sectors, the environmental community and other interested groups to institute
common sense approaches to reaching environmental goals in the earliest possible
time frames and in the most cost effective manner; enhancing the delivery of
technical assistance programs at the community level; empowering communities with
access to environmental information as a critical building block of their local
programs.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORYAUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Clean Water Act (CWA) , as amended, provides for the establishment of
national programs for the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution of
the nation's surface.waters. Section 402 prohibits the discharge of pollutants
into waters of the. United States by point sources unless in compliance with
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (N.PD'ES) permits conforming with
the regulations published pursuant to that legislation (40 CFR 122, 123, 124, and
125} . Pollution control activities relating to industrial wastewater discharges
to Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) (pretreatment program) are authorized
by Sections 307 and 402 of the CWA, and requirements pursuant'to that section are
published in 40 CFR 403 and 405-471. Activities relating to the disposal of
sewage sludge resulting from the operation of treatment works are authorized by
Section 405 of the CWA, and requirements pursuant to that section are published
in 40 CFR 122-124, 501, 503. Where a state has been authorized to administer the
NPDES program, it is responsible for NPDES permit issuance. EPA reviews certain
permits and related program activities for approved states, and issues .NPDES
permits in the remaining jurisdictions. Section 104 provides for EPA to assist
POTWs by supporting the development, dissemination and. review of the latest
technologies for the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution.
Cooperative agreements for the Environmental Technology Initiative are also
authorized under section 104 of the Clean Water Act.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The wastewater management and technology program administers regulatory
policy, guidance and implementation of NPDES and sludge programs which address
the interdependence between human and ecosystem health; establish effective
partnerships with states, tribes and local governments; and promote new and
innovative wastewater management programs and technology development. This
includes the development of regulations for the NPDES, pretreatment, and sludge
permit programs and 'supports responses to legal challenges of promulgated
regulations. The program as.sists in the development, review, and approval of
State (and Indian tribe) NPDES programs and modifications, encourages States to
obtain federal facility, pretreatment, sludge permitting, and general permitting
authority and strives to achieve consistent implementation of these programs
across all watersheds. The program provides guidance, training, and assistance
to states to support water quality-based permitting (emphasizing the control of
pollution from toxic substances), sludge permitting, storm water permitting,
pretreatment program implementation, industrial ' effluent guidelines
implementation, and sediment toxicity control. EPA is responsible for
issuing/reissuing NPDES permits where the state(s) have not obtained permitting
authority, overseeing State performance through review of permits and performance
of program audits, assisting states in obtaining and modifying state program
authority, and providing training and technical assistance to states.to address
watershed issues and improve' performance. EPA also defends challenges to
specific permit decisions through the appeals process-. EPA is responsible for
issuing sludge permits until states have authorized programs, and provides
information to the public about the beneficial use of biosolids.
EPA promotes pollution prevention through its support of the Municipal Water
Pollution Prevention (MWPP) and Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency (WAVE)
programs, which heighten awareness of the merits of preventing water pollution
and reducing energy and water use. This program includes -technology transfer
guidance and policy development, which provides ongoing technology assessments
and assists others in making wise investment decisions about conventional and
cutting-edge wastewater treatment technologies (including constructed wetlands)
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Con't
while fostering partnerships with academic institutions, businesses, and the
public. The program also provides information to officials in small communities
to help them in managing their wastewater infrastructure. Through its
Environmental Technology Initiative, EPA promotes incentives for the creation and
adoption of .the next generation of innovative technologies by our stakeholders.
GOALS AND OgJECTIVE 3
The goal of.the Wastewater Management and Technology program is to protect
the Nation's watersheds from pollution by implementing programs to improve water
quality and assure an effective, place-based ecosystem approach. This ecosystem
approach addresses municipal, industrial, and non-traditional (storm water) point
source discharges to waters of the U.S. and achieves environmental and economic
benefits through the reduction of conventional and toxic 'pollution to promote
healthy, balanced ecosystems and foster better environmental results at less
cost.
To support improvements to the Nation's vast network of municipal pollution
control infrastructure, EPA provides a wide array of assistance programs to
.address the needs of municipalities, including small .and disadvantaged
communities and Indian Tribes. The Municipal Water Pollution Prevention program
seeks to establish state capacity to identify and correct significant wastewater
problems.before they occur, and supports municipal capacity to operate source
reduction programs to reduce levels of pollutants before they reach the treatment
facility. The program improves public awareness about water efficiency and
reuse, and .fosters the values of pollution prevention.
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UNITED- STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WATER QUALITY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WAT1R
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK.
The Clean'Water Act,'as amended, provides for the establishment of national
programs"for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution. Included
in this Act is authority for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund under Title VI,
Construction Grants under Title II, and other grants and programs under Title I
'{Sections 104, 106 and 109) and Section 510. Regulations governing
implementation of the Clean Water SRF and construction grants programs are found
at 40 CFR part 35.3100 et. seq. and 40 CRF part 35.2000 et. seq., respectively.
Regulations appear at 40 CFR Parts 130 and 35, Subparts I, J, .and K. The Clean
Water Needs Survey Report to Congress is required by sections 205(a) and
516(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION , .
The Water Quality Financial Assistance program includes resources for the
support and administration of wastewater infrastructure (and related financial and
grant assistance activities. The program seeks to provide leadership to the
.states and municipalities to control municipal sources of pollution, including
wastewater, stormwater, combined sewer overflows, urban runoff, and other
significant sources. This program directs and " provides guidance for the
establishment and long-term-viability of the Clean Water State. Revolving Funds
(CWSRF) in each state and Puerto, Rico. The program also conducts a biennial
national survey, the Clean Water Needs Survey Report to Congress, which
identifies wastewater and other SRF-eligible- needs. The Needs Survey informs
decision makers at EPA and elsewhere about wastewater and related pollution
control infrastructure investment needs, and helps to quantify the need for
environmental investment in the U.S. The program continues to manage the
completion and close-out of the Construction Grants program and manages the
ongoing grant programs for the Territories, District of Columbia, and coastal and
special needs cities. Further, EPA manages financial assistance programs to
address the significant human health and environmental threats along the
U.S./Mexican' Border, and gives support for the administration of wastewater
infrastructure grants-to Indian tribes and Alaskan Native Villages. The Operator
Training program provides technical assistance to small communities which may
lack the expertise o'r resources to operate treatment facilities effectively and
efficiently. The program includes resources for .the management of grant programs
for water quality cooperative agreements, as well as the Section 106 grants
program, which assists all fifty states, six' interstate and 'territorial agencies
and qualified Indian tribes in the development and implementation of water
pollution control programs. The Water Quality Financial Assistance program will
also assist in the development and administration of the new Drinking Water SRF
program once authorizing legislation is enacted. Funds will be made available
to make grants to the Rural Community Assistance Program and to West ..Virginia
University for the Small Flows Clearinghouse for rural water technical assistance
activities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
One of the main objectives of this program is to establish and maintain
effective State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs that will remain viable financing
mechanisms for the foreseeable future and to ensure that limited resources are
targeted to the most significant problems in the highest priority watersheds. The
program will assist in the development and administration o-f the new Drinking
Water SRF program .once authorizing legislation is enacted. The Water Quality
Financial Assistance, program continues the successful completion and closeout of
construction grant projects and resolution of audit problems with major emphasis
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT! DESCRIPTION
WATER QUALITY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES con't
on -maintaining the technical, environmental and financial integrity of the
program, and has responsibility for management of the ongoing grant programs to
the'" Territories, District of Columbia, and coastal and special needs cities.
Resources are provided to administer grants targeted toward Indian Tribes and
Native Alaskan Villages. Under the Operator Training program, financial and
technical assistance is provided to small communities which may lack the
expertise or resources to operate treatment facilities effectively and
efficiently. In support of the La Paz Agreement, the North American Free 'Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) and other international agreements, this program manages
financial assistance programs to help address the very significant human health
problems that exist along the U.S./Mexican Border. This program supports
administration of the Section 106 grants program, and promotes administrative
streamlining to enhance the management of state water pollution control programs;
resources are also included for management of water quality cooperative
agreements, which provide funds to states., local governments, Indian Tribes, and
nonprofit•organizations to stimulate the creation of innovative approaches to
addressing water pollution problems. EPA will also provide financial assistance
to promote Improved water .and wastewater technical assistance for rural
communities.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WORKING CAPITAL FUND-Water Quality
OFFICE: OW
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRRMEWORK ,
The Agency will propose legislation in FY 1995 to establish the working capital
fund. • •
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ' ' .
This program element provides base resources for postage costs and on-going data
processing and telecommunication services for Water Quality activities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of this program element is to provide essential postage, data
processing, and telecommunication services for the- Program Office,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WETLANDS PROTECTION ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGOIATORY FRAMEWORK
The Agency implements responsibilities under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(CWAJ to promote compliance and enforcement to ensure that there is no net loss
of wetlands as a result of discharges of dredged and fill material. The Agency
conducts compliance and enforcement activities in cooperation with Corps of
Engineers, Soil Conservation Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
Department of Agriculture to protect wetlands and restore wetlands.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Regions work directly with States and other Federal agencies to implement a
sound .and consistent approach to wetlands, protection through compliance
assistance activities and targeted enforcement actions. The Regions support
strong partnerships with federal, state, and tribal programs through coordination
of compliance assistance .and targeted enforcement actions in high priority
watersheds.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Activities of this program are consistent with the goal of no overall net loss
of wetlands and an increase in the quality and quantity of wetlands through
increased compliance and enforcement activities. The Agency will improve
environmental accountability through strong compliance and enforcement activities
with federal, state, tribal and local partnerships to improve protection of
wetlands.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCX
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
DRINKING WATER CRITERIA
OFFICE: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
As mandated by Section 1412 -of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Agency sets
•Maximum Contaminant Level-Goals in support of National Primary Drinking Water
Regulations, as well as health advisories for contaminants known, or anticipated
•to occur in public water systems. In addition, EPA addresses drinking water
protection responsibilities enacted under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and
Rodenticide Act Amendments of 1988.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Through-' this program, EPA sets health goals and acceptable standards for
contaminants in public water systems which may have an adverse effect on human
health. To do so, the Agency identifies contaminants that present human health
risks, and develops sound and scientifically based risk as-sessment methods to
assess those risks. EPA develops health advisories for unregulated drinking
water -contaminants for use by state and local authorities in setting site
specific standards.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVE S
The Agency seeks to identify risks and establish criteria for contaminants that
present human health risks in drinking water. This entails assessing the
exposure to known or anticipated drinking water contaminants and developing human
health criteria using up-to-date scientific'methodologies for contaminants which
are to be regulated.
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UNITED- STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
SPECIAL STUDIES AND DEMONSTRATIONS
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES /REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Section 1442 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as amended, provides for
broad grant authority 'in the areas of research, technical assistance, and
training of personnel. Section 1442 (b)(3)(C) provides the authority to give
grants or enter into contracts with a wide range of organizations to develop or
expand the .capabilities of s.tate and municipal programs with a specific exclusion
for the ongoing Public.Water Supply Supervision (PWSS) and Underground Injection
Control (UIC) state grants. The relevant regulatory provisions are 40 CFR Parts
141 through 149.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Under this authority, emphasis is placed on supporting projects that provide
technical assistance to small public water systems to enable such systems to
achieve and maintain compliance with. National Drinking^Water Regulations.
Of' the some 200,000 community public water systems regulated under the SDWA,
87 percent fall into the category of small systems, i,e., those that serve 3,300
or fewer people, primarily in rural areas. Many of these small, rural systems
lack both the technical and financial capacity to meet•the requirements of the
SDWA and, therefore, face serious non-compliance problems. This program supports
efforts to provide technical assistance and training to small, rural water
systems, including such specific topics as system management, financing, rate
setting, budgeting, accounting, operations and maintenance, regulatory
compliance, and owner/operator responsibilities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Special Studies and Demonstrations program is to enable rural
water systems to achieve and maintain compliance with the National Primary
Drinking Water Regulations and to assist in resolving actual or potential public
health problems for this group of consumers. The objectives a're to use technical
assistance and training to meet the priority needs of these systems.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
DRINKING WATER ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE; OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITY/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA), as amended, mandates federal enforcement of
drinking water (section 1414) and underground injection control (UIC) {Section
1423) regulations in the absence of timely and appropriate State action or in
• States that do not have primary enforcement authority. EPA also has authority
•in cases where a contaminant present in or likely to enter a Public Water Supply
(PWS).or an Underground Source of Drinking Water (USDW) may present an imminent
and substantial endangerment to public health (Section 1431) . The relevant
regulatory provisions are 40 CFR Parts 141 through 148.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program supports Regional enforcement actions under the Safe Drinking Water
Act. EPA enforcement action is required in two cases: first, when a State with
primary enforcement responsibility has not. taken' ah appropriate enforcement
action after being notified of a violation; and second, where EPA is directly
implementing either the Public Water Supply Supervision {PWSS) or the UIC program
requirements. EPA focuses, on systems that are Significant Non-compliers (SNC)
as defined by the relative risk posed by the violation. In States where EPA is
directly implementing the program, EPA uses a variety of informal methods as a
first step in returning a system or facility to compliance. The formal process
includes Notices of Violation, Administrative Orders and, for the PWSS program,
complaints for penalty. Where appropriate, EPA-pursues either criminal or civil
actions through referral to the Department of Justice,
Regions review and strengthen State enforcement programs and assist in improving
the quality of the inventory, violation, and enforcement data. This activity
involves auditing State and Federal data, conducting data verifications, and
following up on recommendations made in earlier data verifications. Regions also
provide enforcement support or assistance when requested by the State.
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES •
The goal of this program is to prevent endangerment of human health from harmful
contamination of (1) PWSs through enforcing the National Primary Drinking Water
Regulations and (2) USDWs through enforcement of regulato.ry controls on
underground injection. The objectives are to maximize compliance by PWSs and UIC
facilities and to return violators, particularly SNCs, to compliance as quickly
as possible using a variety,of informal, administrative, civil, and criminal
methods and authorities. !
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GROUND WATER PROTECTION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) , as amended, mandates: the protection of
underground sources of drinking water from contamination by unsafe injection
practices (Sections 1421 through 1426); the protection of critical aquifer
protection'areas for sole or principal source aquifers {Section 1427); and .the
creation of state programs to establish wellhead protection areas (Section 1428).
Projects 'that demonstrate protecting ground water resources that serve as
drinking water supplies as well as support research, technical assistance or
training of personnel on protecting ground water resources that serve as drinking
water supplies (Section 1442).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
EPA provides technical support to state and local governments- for the protection
of high priority ground water resources, including the wellhead protection areas
of public water systems and sole source aquifer protection areas. EPA provides
technical guidance and support for the implementation of comprehensive, ground
water protection by the states including focusing on integrating grant funding
for Agency ground water-related programs, including Section 106 and 319(h) grants
under the Clean Water Act {CWA) . Building on existing cross-program ground water
protection initiatives and the CWA watershed program, the Agency is promoting
pollution prevention by working with states and drinking water systems to
institute Source Water Protection programs for protecting ground and surface
water sources of drinking water. EPA also promotes data sharing and the transfer
of information management technology among Federal, state and local programs.
The Agency promulgates Underground Injection Control (UIC) regulations and
ensures the implementation of these regulations through oversight of primacy
state programs and by directly implementing program requirements in non-primacy
states. The UIC program complements the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) activities through consistency of regulations on hazardous waste disposal.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goals of the program are; to provide national leadership and
assistance to states and EPA Regions in their efforts to protect ground and
surface water sources of drinking water from contamination; to protect
underground sources-of drinking water from unsafe injection practices, including
shallow wells and to provide a consistent policy framework for comprehensively
protecting the Nation's ground water•resources. The objectives are to prevent
contamination of sources of drinking water through state and local Source Water
Protection programs, Wellhead Protection programs and Underground Injection
Control programs and to implement the Agency's Ground Water Protection Strategy
through comprehensive state programs for protecting ground water.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
DRINKING WATER IMPLEMENTATION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER; WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ' '
Parts B and E of the Safe -Drinking Water Act (SDWA) , as amended, mandate the
promulgation of,National Primary Drinking'Water Regulations (NPDWR) and provide
for national implementation through approved state programs. Part F of SDWA
delineates additional,requirements to regulate lead in drinking water coolers and
in school drinking water. -The specific program requirements are set forth in 40
CFR Parts 141 through 143. Various grant authorities which further the purposes
of this Act are specified in Sections 1442 and 1444.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program evaluates engineering and scientific data (including treatment
technologies, monitoring approaches and analytical methods) to -develop
regulations that insure the safety of drinking water. These regulations
guarantee that exposure to contaminants in' .finished drinking water is reduced
below the level established by human health risk assessments developed in
drinking water criteria. For each contaminant, EPA-identifies either the Best
Available Treatment (BAT) for Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL)' or a treatment
technology to ensure the requisite 'level of contaminant control. Contaminants
include microbiological/ organic and inorganic chemicals, and radionuclides,
In addition, the program provides national policy and direction for the
Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) program. This program includes
responsibility for: setting national priorities and developing national guidance;
encouraging and assisting in state capacity building efforts; providing technical
assistance to states; reviewing/approving state primacy revisions for new
regulations; maintaining and improving a national data system,; monitoring
state/Regional adherence' to programmatic requirements: representing and
advocating the program to those outside of the Agency; promoting and transferring
innovative approaches; and providing technical assistance for implementing SDWA.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to reduce health risks from contamination of.
drinking water and underground sources-of drinking water by: 1} setting NPDWRs
for contaminants known or anticipated to occur in public water systems that may
have any adverse effect on the health of persons and 2} assuring aggressive
implementation of the regulatory requirements by the states and EPA Regions, The
objectives are to develop and analyze scientific and risk data to ensure
regulation of the most significant contaminants and to ensure that Regions,
states and public water systems have the training, expertise and capability to
effectively implement these-requirements.
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UNITED STATES ENvIROtMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WORKING CAPITAL FUND-Drinking Water
.OFFICE: OFFICE OF WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGUIATORY FRAMEWORK
The Agency will propose legislation in FY 1995 to establish the working capital
fund.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element provides base resources for postage costs and on-going data
processing and telecommunication services for Drinking Water activities,
GOALS AND OBJECTIĄES '
The primary goal of this program element is to provide essential postage, data
processing, and telecommunication services for the Program Office.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
EROSRRM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT REGULATORY STRATEGIC IMPLMENTATION
OFFICE: OSWER "
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/ REGUIATORX FRftMEHORK
This program implements the provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCPA) of 1976 and the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) of 1984,
and implementing regulations (40 CFR 240-272),
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
EPA's Regional offices work directly with the States, and Tribes where
appropriate, "on all aspects of the hazardous and solid waste program. The
Regions jointly process permits and oversee corrective action with the States
until the States are authorized for HSWA provisions, and EPA implements the
hazardous waste program directly in States that are not authorized for the base
RCRA program. The Regions assist the States and Tribes in developing hazardous
waste management programs equivalent to the Federal program by providing guidance
and"technical assistance for building program capabilities. The Regions work
with State programs to ensure that"the implementation of RCRA is carried out-in
a nationally consistent manner and that minimum RCRA. standards are maintained.
Regions also provide support and technical assistance to the States and Tribes
in municipal solid waste management. In fiscal year 1996, the corrective action
program shifts to this program element as a result of the Agency's reorganization
of enforcement activities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Permitting efforts focus on continuing processing of environmentally significant -
storage, treatment and incinerator facility permits, and on issuing permits to
land disposal facilities. The program seeks to ensure safe, adequate waste
disposal capacity and effective waste minimization programs through its
permitting efforts. In addition, the program seeks to ensure that closing
facilities, do so in a manner that is protective of human health and the
environment. The corrective action program emphasizes -stabilizations as a.
preferred option over longer term-remediations. On-going remedy selection and
clean-up for,high priority facilities is supported where stabilization is not
viable. In the solid waste area, the Regional offices are working with the
States and local communities to implement a national program to minimize the
generation of solid waste and to promote recycling. The program seeks to foster
pollution prevention in both its solid, waste and permitting activities. - The
ultimate objective of this program is to develop State and Tribal capabilities
so that the States and Tribes operate and maintain independent programs.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HAZARDOUS WASTE ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE: OECA
•STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Hazardous Waste Enforcement program draws its authority - to protect human
life and the environment from the risks of .improper management of hazardous and
solid wastes - from the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of ,1976 (RCRA) ,
the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (HSWA) , and the Federal
Facilities Compliance Act of 1992.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this program is to ensure facility compliance with the s-tatutory
and regulatory requirements. Compliance monitoring and enforcement actions, are
conducted at handlers and non-notifiers on the basis of threat to human health
and the environment and deterrent impact. Significant non-compilers are
addressed by administrative or judicial enforcement actions. Compliance
monitoring inspections are focussed throughout the regulated community, with
special emphasis on non-notifiers, combustion facilities, federal facilities, and
facilities that receive off-site Superfund waste. In addition, compliance
assistance and outreach activities are targeted in a holistic, multi-media
approach to specific industrial sectors of the regulated community. Through
technical enforcement support and State program evaluations, the Agency evaluates
the ability of the States to take timely and appropriate enforcement actions and,
should the States be unwilling or unable, initiates enforcement actions. When
States are not authorized, the Agency brings enforcement actions for violations
of HSWA provisions. Regions and States bring enforcement actions in concert with
targeted national initiatives. The Agency incorporates pollution prevention
measures in settlements when appropriate. Special attention is given to densely
populated urban areas with an aim towards increased environmental equity.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives of ' this program are to:. 1) provide guidance and
technical support to the States in their compliance and enforcement' efforts,
support and encourage their HSWA authorization and evaluate their programs; 2)
focus efforts to ensure that facilities posing the worst environmental threats
are comprehensively addressed by the Agency and the States; 3) monitor and
evaluate the compliance of active and closed hazardous waste management
facilities and hazardous waste generators, transporters, and non-notifiers, 4}
encourage and promote compliance by ..all hazardous waste handlers through
compliance assistance activities and through appropriate use of administrative,
civil, and criminal enforcement activities and; 5) to assist Indian Tribes' in
developing the capacity to manage their own, solid waste management.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENGI
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES AND POLICIES - HAZARDOUS WASTE
OFFICE: OSWER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK '
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, as revised by the
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) of 1984, provides the statutory
authority for this program area which is responsible for providing' national
direction for the hazardous and municipal waste management programs. Regulations
implementing these programs are found in (40 CFR 240-272).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The headquarters, program promulgates and refines regulations for the
identification, tracking, management and disposal of hazardous and solid wastes.
It provides national oversight and guidance for implementing consistent.State and
Regional hazardous waste permitting programs. In addition, the program conducts
technical studi-es, regulatory impact analyses and risk assessments in support of
its regulatory and guidance efforts. The'program also assesses control options
and technologies necessary for regulatory -decision making. In the municipal
waste area, the program provides" technical assistance and support for source
reduction and recycling efforts as well as municipal solid waste management.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this program are to reduce risks posed by wastes by: 1)
developing policies and regulations which provide incentives for reducing the
generation of hazardous wastes and which establish a regulatory framework for
managing these wastes from generation through disposal; 2) providing national
models, standards and guidance for the management of municipal solid waste, 3)
addressing problems associated with the management of special wastes; 4}
developing a program to address releases at regulated facilities, and solid waste
management units; 5) establishing and maintaining strong Federal, State and
Tribal partnerships for implementing those rules and guidelines necessary to
manage wastes, and 6) ensuring equitable involvement of all stakeholders in
environmental decision-making.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND POLICIES - WATER
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Control of underground injection of hazardous waste is covered by Section
3004 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Underground Injection
Control (UIC) program provisions found in Sections 1421 through 1426 of the Safe
Drinking Water Act, as amended, also apply. The RCRA specific requirements and
restrictions are found in 40 CFR Part 148; the general DIG provisions are found
in Parts 144 through 147.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION -
In order for UIC wells to inject hazardous waste, they must meet the
appropriate requirements of both RCRA and SDWA. Specifically, under the RCRA
Land Ban restriction, to inject hazardous waste, the owner or operator of-a Class
I injection well must demonstrate that the waste will not migrate from the
injection zone for as long as the waste remains hazardous and, for any well with
a prior release, there must be a RCRA corrective action plan. The well must
also be permitted under SDWA. The Land Ban is being implemented on a staggered
schedule by groups of wastes to facilitate processing the required petitions that•
allow continued injection of the waste. Using computer simulations of the
injection of hazardous waste into certain kinds of geological formations, the'
petitions attempt to dempnstrate that the wastes will not migrate from the
injection zone for as long as the waste is hazardous. Successful demonstrations
form the basis for the exemption from the RCRA Land Ban prohibition.
The Agency makes petition determinations, processes petition modifications
and provides technical support to defend challenges to prior determinations. In
the event of prior release or suspected migration of the waste, the Agency
investigates the problem and then supervises the development and execution of a
corrective action plan.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to protect underground water, particularly
underground sources of drinking water, and the public health by restricting and -
controlling the disposal of hazardous waste by injection. The objective is to
control all aspects of the injection of wastes including the siting,
construction, operation, closure and post-closure practices of these injection
wells so that there is no migration out of the injection zone for as long as the
waste remains hazardous; in the event of a release or waste migration, the
objective is to ensure the development and implementation of a corrective action
plan. ;
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UNITED STATES,ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
, REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES & POLICIES—UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS
OFFICE: OSWER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The statutory mandate for this-program is Subtitle I of the Hazardous and Solid
Waste Amendments of 1984 to- the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The
regulatory authority for the program,is 40 CFR Parts 280 and 281. The regulated
substances are liquid petroleum products and substances defined as hazardous
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986,
but not regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as
amended. ,
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
EPA has adopted a decentralized approach to UST program implementation by-
building and supporting strong state, local and tribal programs. The UST'program
regulates approximately 1.1 million active tanks at approximately 500,000
facilities. State and local governments carry out program activities, including
those associated with state program approval, leak 'detection compliance, and
promotion bf early compliance with the 1998 tank upgrading deadline. Regions
implement the program on Tribal lands and work with tribal governments to educate
and build tribal capability through technical assistance and grants. The EPA
Headquarters role is to provide strategic direction,.leadership, financial and
technical .support, expertise and assistance to the Regions, Tribes, States and
local governments through strategic planning, outreach materials, techncial
guidance and policy documents, as well as training and targeted assistance'in the
areas of leak detection, upgrading, and state program approval. Headquarters
provides oversight to regional implementation of the program on Tribal Lands,
while Regional UST offices negotiate and provide oversight for state and tribal
grants.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this _ program is to prevent, detect, 'and correct leaks -from
underground storage tanks (USTs) containing petroleum and hazardous substances.
The objectives are to stimulate development and implementation of a .comprehensive
regulatory program with standards at the State and local level that are at least
as stringent as the Federal standards; to improve implementation and enforcement
performance; and to provide ongoing technical information, assistance, and
training. These objectives directly support the Agency's guiding principle of
partnerships through building strong regional, state, local and tribal UST
programs. , •
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STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCX
PROQRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RIQHT-TQ-KHOW
OFFICE: OSWER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK.
The statutory mandate for this program is the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act, Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorizaticn Act
(SARA) of 1986. Title III established' the overall regulatory and enforcement
requirements enabling EPA, States, and Localities to identify hazardous chemicals
present in their communities, to receive and use information on chemical hazards,
and to develop plans to inform and protect the public in the event of chemical
emergencies.
The statutory mandate also includes the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. The
Accidental Releases provisions established regulatory requirements enabling EPA
and owners and operators of facilities to prevent, detect and resp'ond to
accidental releases of hazardous pollutants into the air.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Headquarters provides program direction, regulations and technical guidance for
the national emergency planning and community right~to-know program. National
program direction has changed from development to implementation and enforcement
as final planning, reporting and notification compliance deadlines have occurred.
The Agency is focusing on building the infrastructure of State and local
governments with emphasis on high risk areas to assist them in implementing the
Title III program. The Agency is updating and providing additional guidance to
the Regions to support the increasing implementation, responsibilities of the
States and communities.
The Regional program is aimed at improving the capabilities of the States and
communities to implement the Title III program through technical assistance and
training in conducting emergency planning and community right-to-know activities.
The Regions assist the State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs) and Local
Emergency Planning Committees jLEPCs) in developing mandatory emergency response
plans and in managing and effectively using community right-to-know information.
Regions provide technical assistance and guidance to SERCs and LEPCs in
developing and implementing local enforcement programs. Regions also develop
enforcement cases for Title III violations and provide enforcement assistance on
cases referred by States. Regional Response Teams (RRT) review local emergency
plans as requested.
Headquarters is transitioning from the regulatory development • process to
implementing the accidental release provisions of the Clean Air Act. Efforts
are focused on implementing six major areas: 1) Assisting States in the develop-
ment and implementation of accidental release prevention program; 2) Reviewing
State programs submitted to EPA under Title V and 40 CFR part 63-Subpart E;
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EMERGENCY PLANNING AND CO&MUNITX RlGfiT-TQ-KNOW
OFFICE: OSWER
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION (aont'd)
3) Developing guidance and assisting industry in understanding the accidental
-release prevention program and meeting "the 1996 Risk Management program deadline;
4) Providing support and establishing liaison with the independent Chemical
Safety and Hazard Investigation Board; 5) Beginning to implement the recom-
mendations of reports -to Congress (Hydrofluoric Acid Study, "and Presidential
Review); and 6) Reviewing petitions submitted to EPA for adding and deleting'
substances to the list of Chemicals under section 112r.
As the Clean Air Act Accidental Release Program moves toward implementation the
Regional program is focusing on: 1) Providing technical assistance to States in
developing their prevention programs; 2) Establishing procedures for reviewing
State programs; 3) 'Providing information to facilities about the accidental
release prevention program and how to meet its requirements; and. 4) Supporting
and. providing liaison with the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
when accidents occur in the Region.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to reduce the risk of chemical hazards by ensuring
that communities are prepared to respond to chemical emergencies. The objectives
are to: 1) assist States and communities in development and implementation of
emergency plans and community right-to-know requirements; 2) develop regulations
and guidance for program implementation; 3) assist States in utilizing
information on hazardous .'chemicals in their communities to promote risk
reduction; 4) report' environmental and health hazards; 5) track and report
accidental releases of hazardous substances; and 6) increase compliance with
Title III reporting requirements.
The goal of the accidental release prevention program is to reduce the risk of
chemical hazards by assisting owners and operators of facilities in their efforts
to prevent, detect and respond to chemical releases into the air. The objectives
of the program are to: 1) assist States in the development of Accidental Release
Prevention {ARP} programs; 2) review and approve State programs; 3) develop
programmatic infrastructure at the Regional level to implement the ARP program
for those States not implementing the full program; 4) assist industry in
understanding their ARP obligations and achieving compliance; 5) support the
independent Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board's investigative
function; and 6) implement the recommendations of the Presidential Review and
Hydrofluoric Acid Reports, ,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WORKING CAPITAL FUND-Hazardous Wast*
OFFICE: OSWER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRflMEWORK.
The Agency will propose legislation in FY 1995 to establish the working capital
fund.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element provides base resources for postage costs and on-going data
processing and telecommunication services for Hazardous Waste activities.
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of this program element is to provide essential postage, data
processing, and telecommunication -services for the- Program Office,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGISTRATION, SPECIAL REGISTRATION, AND TOLERANCES
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The activities of Registration, Special Registration, and Tolerances are
authorized by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodent!cide Act (FIFRA) and
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). FIFRA governs the licensing
or registration of pesticide products while Sections 408 and 409 of FFDCA
regulate the level of pesticide residues in raw and processed food and animal
feed.
Under FIFRA, all pesticides must be registered with EPA before they may be sold
or distributed in the United States. EPA operates under an overall risk/benefit
standard for pesticide registration. Pesticides must' perform their intended
function when used according to label directions, without posing unreasonable
risks of adverse effects on human health or the environment. In making pesticide
registration decisions, EPA is required to take into account the economic,
social, and environmental costs and benefits of pesticide use. This is a task
of enormous scope and complexity. OPP regulates approximately 800 active
ingredients included in approximately 20,000 registered products, which account
for approximately three billion pounds of pesticide active'ingredient use each
year. "
FIFRA section 5 regulates experimental use of pesticides. Section L8 provides
the Administrator with authority to exempt Federal and state agencies from
provisions of the Act if an-emergency warrants it, and section 24 (c) grants the
states authority to register additional uses for a Federally registered pesticide
for use in that state, provided registration has not been previously denied or
canceled by EPA. •
Under the FFDCA, EPA sets tolerances, or maximum legal limits,' for pesticide
residues on food and animal feed marketed in the U.S. Before a pesticide can be
registered under FIFRA for use on a food or feed crop, EPA must either establish
a tolerance or, if appropriate, grant an exemption from the tolerance
requirement.
The FIFRA amendments of 1988 require EPA to give expedited consideration to
applications for initial or amended registrations of products which are similar
to pesticides already registered (i.e., certain Old Chemical and Amended
Registration Reviews).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
To prevent circumvention of section 3 registration requirements, stringent
criteria for granting section 18 Emergency Exemptions, such as consideration of
progress toward permanent registration and clarification of "emergency" and
"sig-nifleant economic loss", will continue to be applied. Headquarters continues
to work closely with the Regions and states to monitor Emergency Exemptions and
Special Local Needs registrations by states.
EPA has worked with FDA on the use of Maximum, Legal Residues for enforcement of
import commodities bearing pesticide residues. Inerts of toxicological concern
will be listed on pesticide product labels and will undergo data call-ins.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGISTRATION, SPECIAL REGISTRATION, AND TOLERANCES
OFFICE: OPPTS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Con't
The Agency will continue to implement the 1987 'antimicrobial strategy,. Among the
objectives, -identified in this strategy are the revision or update of efficacy
test methodology and performance standards to assure reproducible efficacy tests.
Emphasis is ongoing with regard to consideration of the regulatory implications
of biological pesticides and, where appropriate, on accelerating the experimental
use and registration .of these pesticides, which are the fastest growing segment
of new product registrations. Special emphasis continues to be placed on the
regulatory implications of new biological pesticides. There has been a
significant increase in notifications/ experimental use permit applications and
registrations related to microbial and biochemical pesticides. These biological
pesticides are generally safer than chemical pesticides, and EPA will place a
priority on'processing applications for them.
Policies continue to ensure that tolerances reflect the most current regulatory
status of each active ingredient. The Agency continues to cooperate and consult
with USpA and FDA by sharing information and working together to improve .the
monitoring of pesticide incidents and residues. International activities include
the exchange of information between the U.S. and foreign countries and the
harmonization of U.S. and international standards. Additionally, reduction of'
pesticide use is an emerging priority in the program. Efforts will be escalated
in this -area, in coordination with other Federal and state agencies and in
cooperation with grower organizations, food processors and food distributors to
encourage voluntary use reduction programs, focusing in the areas that present
the greatest opportunity for use reduction.
Prevention of Ground-water contamination, including registrant monitoring, more
extensive use of environmental fate,test data, geographical restrictions, and
restricted use classifications will continue to be emphasized. This will help
prevent future environmental clean-up problems. Information on product labels
•will continue to be improved.
Improvement in regional liaison will be accomplished through close coordination
with the regional pesticide experts and other regional staff to improve regional
and state understanding of national regulatory activities. Regions will be more
routinely involved in consultations on policies affecting' their mission,
facilitating enforcement, enhancing public understanding and compliance with, EPA
policies, and improving oversight of section 18 and section 24(c) programs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ' ' '
The goal of the Registration, Special Registration, and Tolerances program is to
protect public health and the environment from unwarranted exposure to pesticides
while obtaining the benefits of pesticide use. This program is a major
contributor to the Agency's pollution prevention program by emphasizing source
reduction, and actively supporting international efforts to ensure sharing of
pesticide risk and residue data reviews.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ASENC1T
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGISTRATION, SPECIAL RE0ISTRATION, AND TOLERANCES
OFFICE: OPPTS
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Con't
An ongoing objective of the program is to conduct pre-market registrationof human
and environmental risks associated with the introduction or expanded use of
pesticides in the market place and to encourage safer pesticide substitutes,
including biological and biotechnology products. A second objective of this
program is to regulate the special registration of pesticides, including
experimental use, emergency use, and state registration of pesticides. These
functions are required by sections 5, 18, and 24(c) of FIFRA. A third objective
of the program is^ to protect the public health by establishing safe pesticide
residue levels (tolerances) on food and feed as required by the FFDCA, This is
achieved by establishing tolerance levels for residues of both active, and inert
pesticide ingredients (or exemptions from the requirements of a tolerance) in or
on raw agricultural commodities and processed foods, establishing temporary
tolerances for products marketed following the application of experimental use
pesticides, and ensuring,, through' the testing of analytical methods, that
established tolerances can be adequately enforced.
The Agency is actively working to reduce risks to human health and the
environment by expediting processing of potentially safer new chemicals and new
uses which may replace hazardous chemicals that remain in use because no
alternatives exist. Computer systems and processes have been changed to expedite
the processing of these applications. Registration reviews will continue to
emphasize the impact on food safety, 'ground water, worker protection, and
endangered species.
Continued special attention is being given to biochemical and microbial pest
control agents. For example, the Agency requires notification of intended small-
scale field testing of certain genetically engineered, microbial pesticides. The
Agency is revising the section 5 experimental use permit regulations to reflect
this policy and to. provide sufficient oversight of the early testing of
genetically altered microbial pesticides, while not creating an unnecessary
burden on the 'development of these new, potentially safer pesticides. For
experimental use permits, emphasis is being placed on the products of
biotechnology. . These involve special skills and expedited review not required
of more conventional pesticides.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE: QPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The 1988 amendments to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA '88) contain provisions for a greatly accelerated five-phase
reregistration program, expedited processing of certain types of registration
applications, a complex new system for collecting and administering fees, and
significant revisions to the indemnification and disposal program for pesticides
suspended and canceled after FIFRA '88. Fees mandated by FIFRA '88 supplement
appropriated funds to carry out reregistration and expedited processing.
The reregistration. provisions of FIFRA '88 establish mandatory timeframes and
duties for reregistration of pesticides. The law now requires EPA to complete,
over approximately a nine-year period, the reregistration review of each
registered product containing any active ingredient registered before November
1, 1984. Congress directed EPA to carry out reregistration in five phases.
During Phase I, the Agency developed four lists {A, B, C, and D) of chemicals,
focusing on those' chemicals with the highest potential for exposure. List A
chemicals are those for which EPA had issued Registration Standards prior to
December 24, 1988. These are primarily food use chemicals and represent
approximately 85-90 percent of the total volume of agricultural pesticides
currently used in the United States. Because the List A pesticides are those to
which people and the environment are most exposed they are the Agency's highest
priority for reregistration review.
List B, C, and D chemicals contain a mix of many types of pesticides
(insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, disinfectantst wood preservatives, etc.)
used in a variety of settings. Each list consists of pesticides with less
potential for broad' scale human exposure than those on the preceding list. Most
of the registered microbial and.biochemical pesticides are included on List D.
The reregistration of List B, C, and D chemicals proceeds through additional
phases.. During Phase II, the registrants declared whether they intended to seek
reregistration of their products. If so, they had to notify the Agency, identify
applicable data requirements and missing studies, commit to submitting or
replacing inadequate studies and pay the first installment of the reregistiration
fee. Phase II activities were completed in 1990.
During Phase ill, the registrants submitted, reformatted and .s.ummarized studies,
flagged studies that indicated adverse effects, and paid the final installment
of the reregistration fee. Phase III activities were completed in October, 1990.
During Phase IV, the Agency must review all Phase II and III submissions and
determine independently whether all applicable data requirements are actually
satisfied, and if not, require registrants to complete any unfulfilled data
requirements. Phase IV was completed for all but two chemicals by September
1993.
In Phase V, the Agency must conduct a comprehensive review of all the studies
submitted in support of -an active ingredient;'decide whether pesticide products
containing the active ingredient are eligible for reregistration and if so, under
what conditions; decide whether product studies are needed, and if so obtain
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE: OPFTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REStrLATORY FRAMEWORK Con' t
these studies; and reregister products by issuing a Reregistration Eligibility
Document (RED) or taking appropriate regulatory action.
The Lab Support program provides analytical and environmental chemistry services
in order for the Office of Pesticide Pr.ograms to fulfill its mandated mission.
It provides support to the registration and reregistration food tolerance
programs, the Office of the General Counsel, and the Agency's regional
enforcement program.
The. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) also places
requirements on OPP to maintain a"pesticide analytical chemistry capability in
order to validate'food tolerance enforcement methods. These methods are tested
at EPA's labs and represent a large percentage of the work performed at our labs .-
This, work is important to the* Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well because
these methods are needed for special food surveys when existing multi-residue
methods are not available for specific analytes. Residue tolerances of
pesticides on food crops are set by EPA, the analytical chemistry methodology is
evaluated at the Beltsville laboratory, and the final approved method is given
to the FDA for Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act enforcement.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
FIFRA* '88 requires a massive increase in the number of registrant submissions.
The.collection of maintenance fees and reregistration fees to provide staff and
contract support continues to support this requirement.
Activities associated with production of REDs include identifying candidates,
reviewing databases, and writing REDs. Identification of tier requirements,
review of toxicology CORT studies and section 6(a)(2) requirements will continue
to be a priority in the study reviews. . Science reviews of studies and fo.llow-up
to Data Call-Ins will be conducted and summaries will be produced. After the .RED
.is issued, reregistration reviews and decisions will continue at the product
level within each reregistration case.
Special Reviews are major risk reduction vehicles, and'will be increasingly
generated from data reviewed during the reregistration process. The program
reflects actual exposure and risk in its review criteria,-and emphasises concern
for ground-water protection, worker .protection standards,.- and accelerated
decision making.
The Agency has continuing disposal responsibility for pesticides suspended and
canceled prior to 1988. Ethylene dibromide disposal was completed in 1990.
Dinoseb disposal began in 1990 and was completed in December 1992. As of that
date, 99 percent of dinoseb stocks had been disposed of. Disposal of any
remaining stocks is now the responsibility of the holder. The disposal of 2,4,5-
T/Silvex stocks previously stored at Dyers Warehouse was completed in February,
1992. The disposal of the remaining stocks of 2,4,5-T/Silvex was completed on
May 27, 1994. . '
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UNITED STATES,ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE: OPPTS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Can't
Section 19 of FIFRA '88 mandates that the Agency promulgate regulations for the
storage and disposal of pesticides. Proposed regulations will be issued in three
phases. Phase I, procedural rules for suspended/canceled/recalled pesticides was
proposed in FY 1993 and will be finalized in FY 1995. Phase II, standards for
pesticide containers and containment, was published in February 1994. Issuance
of Phase III, standards for storage, mixing/loading, transportation and disposal
of pesticides, began in December 1993.
Section 6(a)(2) of FIFRA requires that "if any time' after the registration of a
pesticide the registrant has additional factual information regarding
unreasonable adverse effects.6n the environment of the pesticide, he'shall submit
such information to the Administrator." This requirement covers a wide range of
information and may include interim test results, raw test data, and, .other
information from on-going, full or incomplete studies as well as incident
reports. This wide range of data makes it essential for the Agency to screen the
information and quickly determine whether further review is warranted. The
Pesticides program has taken significant steps to improve the handling of section
6(a)(2) information. These include improved tracking, development of tools to
analyze incident data, efforts in resolving policy and procedural issues," and
clarification of guidance to registrants. A proposed rule has been developed and
was published in FY'1993. The final rule is undergoing review and is expected
to be final in FY 1995.
An Indian strategy is under implementation to enable Indian tribes to become
involved in all areas of the pesticide program. Currently tribes are eligible
for funds for the initiation of worker protection, ground water, and endangered
species programs. The Agency is continuing development of training materials for
conducting environmental protection awareness training for tribal personnel,
conducting needs surveys on Indian lands, conducting Pilot Pesticide Programs on
Indian lands and beginning a scholarship-work study program.
Food safety remains a priority and reregistration .is a vital component of this
initiative'. This initiative includes .developing better , scientific data on
special tolerance and residue issues, conveying scientific information on risks
to the public in understandable terms, and using improved risk information in
regulatory decisions. This initiative strengthens the Agency's ability to make-
pesticide deci-sions based on scientific risk assessments, and educate the public
on the reasons for these decisions. ,
The Agency's Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP), which features a
revised method of consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on
potential endangered species which are in jeopardy, generic product, labeling
coupled with county bulletins and maps of endangered species habitats, and use
limitations to protect endangered species has been initiated on a voluntary
basis,. The program will be finalized in FY 1995 and begin implementation in FY
1996. The nation-wide ESPP may be supplemented by state endangered species
protection plans suitable for local conditions. Worker Protection Standards for
Agricultural Pesticides {40 CFR 170), governing pesticide-treated field reentry
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE; OPPTS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Con't
intervals, protective clothing, and label warnings were published as a final
regulation in August 1992. Aggressive implementation of the worker .protection
standards will continue.
In response to the Delaney court decision, EPA will continue collaborating with
USDA and FDA to develop legislation which will allow the continued application
of "negligible risk" to the tolerance setting activities. The Agency is also
reviewing its tolerance structure.
The Agency will continue to implement the recommendations made by the National
Academy of Science "Kids Study" and continue expansion of an aggressive program
encouraging reduced use of pesticides through projects designed ,tp reduce or
eliminate urban and agricultural pesticide use and to foster risk reduction and
pollution prevention.
The Agency will continue efforts in international coordination to ensure
consistency of decisions and science data with CODEX, the General Agreement on
Tariff and Trade, and import/export policies. This initiative includes
coordination with the European Community on its reregistration efforts, and
expanded technical assistance th-rough the Food and Agriculture Organization and
the Peace Corps and supports Agency implementation of the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Rio/Agenda 21 initiatives.
Resources are also required for the laboratories in order to validate food,
product and environmental chemistry methods for new and old pesticides. These
methods are needed by other .Federal and state agencies for enforcement and
monitoring activities. The workload associated with the reregistration process
will increase' as the number of active ingredients requiring methods validation
increases. These labs evaluate pesticide products for extremely dangerous
impurities, such as dioxins, furans, and PCBs. They also determine if
registrants have complied with the Agency's section 3(c)(2)(b) dioxin data call-
in notice. OPP labs provide the regional enforcement programs with highly
specialized pesticide chemistry services to support misuse and other kinds of
enforcement cases, especially' for newly registered pesticides, or the more
difficult to analyze older pesticides. High priority lab services are provided
to the Office of General Counsel for hearings, and to the Office of Research and
Development for the Dioxin Reassessment and National Exploratory Studies. They
.also provide high level support to the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic
Substances (OPPTS) Dioxin/Furan Panel that screens new dioxin and furan.
analytical methods for pesticides and toxic substances.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Pesticide risks are among the' highest overall risks regulated by E'PA.
Approximately 20,000 pesticide products containing approximately 800 active
ingredients are .currently regulated by EPA. Almost everyone uses or is exposed
to the use of a pesticide product. Pesticides are also contributors to ground-
water pollution and agricultural runoff to surface water. The Agency's priority
objectives for pesticides are: (1) encourage safer pesticides, (2) ensure food
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE: OPPTS
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Con't
safety, C3> maximize productivity, (4) reduce exposure and environmental burden,
and (5) prevent pollution. In order to manage the risks pesticides pose to
public health and the environment, EPA must expeditiously review the effects of
previously registered pesticides, many of which were registered before the full
range of scientific data now necessary to register new active ingredients was
required.
The registrations of the majority of existing pesticide chemicals are supported
by data bases which the Agency has found insufficient by today's scientific
standards, to "support the required determination of "no- unreasonable adverse
effects." The Generic Chemical Review program 'is designed to remedy this problem
by requiring the upgrading of the scientific data base supporting registrations,
reviewing available data about each chemical, and formulating scientifically
based regulatory positions to guide the modification, cancellation, or
reregistration of existing products and the registration of new products,
Ensuring the safety of the food supply is one of the primary purposes of the
FIFRA '88 reregistration program. Special Reviews, in which pesticides suspected
of causing unreasonable adverse effects undergo an intensive risk/benefit
analysis to further regulate the terms and conditions of their u-se, are closely
linked to the reregistration program and further guarantee food safety.
Reregistration and 'Special reviews also have emphasized reduced human exposure
and decreased environmental burdens due to pesticides.
This program includes a number of other activities related to risk management and
pollution prevention for previously registered pesticides, including the
Endangered Species Protection Program, development and implementation of'worker
protection standards, and addressing,ground-water contamination concerns in
registration and reregistration actions. Also, for pesticides emergency
suspended and canceled prior to the FIFRA. '8.8 amendments, EPA has a continuing
responsibility to bear the costs of accepting and disposing of the stocks.
The program reduces pollution in the agricultural sector by emphasizing source
reduction, such as restricting the uses of hazardous pesticides, identifying
potential problems through review of toxicity and environmental fate data,
fostering substitution of safer chemicals, regulating container design, and
encouraging changes in disposal and recycling habits through technical assistance
and outreach activities. QPPTS is assuming a leadership role in developing and
transferring Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies. IPM will further
pollution prevention efforts, and address food safety as well by stressing
biologically based alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides. The program
also emphasizes reduced pesticide use through the development of a comprehensive
program to disco'urage reliance on large volumes of synthetic organic chemicals
and pesticides for pest control and encourage safer alternatives. To improve the
Government's ability to evaluate risks posed through diet, estimates of the types
and amounts of various foods people are likely to eat must be made. These
exposure evaluations are conducted with the,use of the Agency's Dietary .Risk
Evaluation System, a computer-based tool which estimates dietary exposure to a
pesticide.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE: OPPTS
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Con ' t
In the international arena, the program is increasing its focus on international
cooperation to reduce environmental risk and pollution prevention. A number of
projects are planned over the next two years to meet .these goals. The program
also actively supports international coordination on pesticide issues by sharing
risk and residue information through the World Health Organization's
International Program on Chemical Safety. Agency implementation of the NAFTA and
Rio initiatives will result in increased technical assistance, information
dissemination, and training activities to assist developing countries effectively
manage pesticides.
The program also provides resources to the Office of Pesticide Programs
laboratories located in Beltsville, Maryland and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, .in
order to provide scientific support to the registration, reregistration, and food
tolerance programs by evaluating analytical methods submitted by the pesticide
registrants .to determine if they meet the requirements of the Agency's food
residue, product and environmental chemistry guidelines. The laboratories have
more recently provided support to the newly emerging environmental chemistry
methods (ECM) testing program. This program will evaluate ECMs sent to the
Agency to support exposure, environmental fate and ecological effects studies.
These methods are used to generate data for exposure, environmental fate and
ecological effects studies which are used to determine whether a pesticide should
be registered. The laboratories also evaluate older pesticide analytical methods
that are being resubmitte'd by registrants to satisfy the reregistration data
requirements. Both the environmental and product chemistry programs will
increase in importance and workload as the number of reregistration actions
increase. Laboratory chemists are also involved in screening new pesticide
analytical methods that are submitted to the Agency as part of the-expedited
registration program. They also support the Agency's regional enforcement
programs and the Office of General Counsel by analyzing and monitoring pesticides
found in the environment.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
PESTICIDE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The regulatory requirements of this program are set forth in the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) . Under FIFRA, all pesticides
must be registered with EPA before they may be sold.or distributed in the United
States. FIFRA requires EPA to use an overall risk/benefit standard for pesticide
registration. Pesticides must perform their intended function when used
according to label directions, without posing unreasonable risks of adverse
effects on human health or the environment. In making pesticide registration
decisions, EPA is required to take into account the economic, social, and
environmental costs and benefits of pesticide use. This is a task of enormous
scope and complexity.
Section 3(d) of FIFRA gives EPA the authority to- restrict uses of certain
pesticides to application by or under the supervision of a certified applicator
or subject to other regulatory requirements that the Agency may prescribe (such
as State Management Plans). Section 11 of FIFRA authorizes EPA or approved
states to conduct a program for the certification of applicators of restricted
use pesticides. Section 23 of FIFRA authorizes the Agency to enter into
cooperative-agreements with states/Indian tribes and territories to (1) enforce
the provisions of FIFRA, (2) support -the certification of applicators, and (3)
contract with Federal or state/Indian tribal agencies for the purpose of
encouraging the training of certified applicators. Furthermore, FIFRA requires
EPA, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to use the services of the
State Cooperative Extension Services to inform and educate pesticide users.
PROGRftM DESCRIPTION
Under this program, EPA is continuing to promote the correct uses of pesticides.
Headquarters staff will continue to provide national leadership and coordination
of the initiative to- build state/local/tribal capabilities in the areas of
ground-water, worker protection, and endangered species. In this regard,
Headquarters will develop guidance packages and training and educational
.materials, organize national meetings and workshops, and provide technical
assistance. Headquarters staff will continue to coordinate the initiative with
other Federal agencies, especially the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), whose programs, resources, and field operations ace 'necessary to the
success of building regional/state capacity.
In addition to the ongoing Certification and Training (C&T) programs/ the Agency
has implemented a major program to build regional/state capabilities to respond
to increasing public concerns about ground-water contamination by pesticides,
protection of endangered species from pesticides, and safety of workers exposed
to pesticides.
EPA has cooperative agreements with State Lead Agencies to certify applicators
to use Restricted Use Pesticides. . EPA provides grants to the states to support
this activity. With the publication of Part 171 in FY 1994, regional offices
will continue to encourage states to implement Part 171 within the framework of
their state laws and regulations. .
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
PESTICIDE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
OFFICE: OPPTS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Con't
In the ground-water program, regional offices are disseminating final management
plan guidance, overseeing the development and implementation of both generic and
chemical-specific state management plans, resolving inter-agency organizational
roles, reviewing and sharing successful state management practices, and providing
public information materials to users and the public.
In the Endangered Species Program, Regions are initiating or continuing voluntary
programs, including pilot programs, assisting states in developing .customized
state-initiated plans, providing educational materials to users and the public,
coordinating with Federal and state lead agencies, coordinating the review of
habitat maps, and distributing other informational materials,
In the Worker Protection Program, the Worker Protection Rule was published as a
final rule in August 1992. Regions are overseeing the development of program
implementation strategies, assisting states in disseminating information.on the
new regulations, promoting coordination with affected state and other Federal
agencies at the state and regional level, assisting in making trainers available
to conduct training, developing and using public information materials explaining
'the new regulations, and providing training programs and materials to states.
regional review staff includes senior level pesticide experts in the regional
offices. This staff will continue to provide technical expertise on pesticide
issues such as C&T, application techniques, toxicity, pesticide disposal,
restricted use pesticides, and pesticides. EPA provides grants to the states.to
support activities for the Pesticide Programs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The major goal of this program is to strengthen regional and state capabilities
to respond to increasing public concerns about pesticide threats to g-roundwater,
endangered species, and farmworkers occupationally exposed to pesticides. The
Agency provides national leadership and coordination to the-pesticide, programs
in the Regions and states. While most of the pesticide program is national in
scope and regulatory in approach, this program encompasses diverse,, non- .
regulatory activities addressing pesticide issues, initiated by or dependent on
the Regions and states. The program contributes significantly to the Agency's
goal of building regional/state capacity.
EPA's operating objectives for this program are to: 1) administer cooperative
agreements with states' fo'r conducting certification programs; 2) carry out an
interagency agreement with the USDA to provide training to pesticide applicators
'for certification purposes; 3) strengthen regional, state, and Indian tribal
capabilities in high priority program areas; 4) administer cooperative
agreements with states for the protection 'of workers, ground-water, and
endangered spe.cies; 5) strengthen efforts to provide technical assistance to
Indian tribes. In its .leadership role, Headquarters provides overall guidance
to Regions and States, coordinates regional activities, establishes working
relationships with other concerned EPA and Federal agencies at the national
level, and promotes, coordination and cooperation by the Regions, states and
Indian tribes with the corresponding levels of other affected government
agencies.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WORKING CAPITAL FUND-P«sticid«S
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Agency will propose legislation in FY 1995 to establish the working capital
fund.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This'program element provides base resources for postage costs and on-going data
processing and telecommunication services for Pesticide activities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of this program element is to provide essential postage, data
processing, and telecommunication services for the Program Office.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
RADIATION CRITERIA, STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation ,.
STATUTORYJfrUTJORITIES/RgSULATORY FRAMEWORK
The statutory authorities for this program are: the Atomic Energy Act, the Clean
Air Act (CAA), the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) and.other
legislation,
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION '
EPA develops,, promulgates, and implement5 radiation environmental standards and
guidelines under this subactivity. These standards and guidelines protect the
public health and the environment .by minimizing risk of radiation exposures from
nuclear energy applications, naturally occurring radioactive materials, and
medical and occupational radiation exposures. -
GOALS ANDOBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to provide protection from avoidable exposure to
radiation through standards, regulations and guidelines issued under the Atomic
Energy Act, CAA, UMTRCA and other legislation. The Agency is a major participant
in the federal program that oversees the disposal of.radioactive wastes. Under
Federal Guidance authority, EPA recommends to the President guidance for federal
agencies limiting exposure to radiation. This'entire regulatory framework is
supported by the Office of Radiation 'Programs' internal risk assessment
expertise.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WIPP IMPLEMENTATION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER; Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGUIATORY FRAMEWORK
On October 30, 1992, the President signed into law the Waste Isolation Pilot
Plant (WIPP) Land Withdrawal Act • (Public Law 102-579) . The Act provides an
extensive role for EPA in overseeing DOE's activities at the WIPP and in ensuring
that such activities- comply with environmental laws and regulations.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
EPA will be responsible for overseeing many of DOE's activities at the WIPP,
beginning with a test phase and continuing throughout its operation and
decommissioning, if EPA determines that those phases should be allowed. The Act
requires EPA to issue final radioactive waste disposal standards and develop
criteria for certifying DOE compliance with those standards, EPA must also
review and approve DOE's .plan for testing the WIPP's'suitability as a permanent
disposal facility and for removing waste if necessary. In addition, EPA must
determine on' an ongoing basis whether DOE is complying with all environmental
laws, rsgulations, and permit requirements that are applicable to WIPP.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this activity is to finalize radioactive waste disposal standards and
oversee DOE radioactive waste disposal activities at the WIPP in New Mexico to.
ensure environmental compliance. The ultimate goal of this, activity is to
provide a safe disposal site for radioactive wastes generated by DOE's weapons
development activities.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
RADIATION PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK •
The statutory authorities for this program are: the Atomic Energy Act, the Clean
Air Act (CAA), th'e Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) and other
legislation.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program supports activities of EPA15 Regional offices and includes
participation in the implementation of standards for airborne radionuclides from
regulated source categories and in the review and testing of state radiological
emergency response plans. - .
Other activities include reviewing environmental impact statements; providing the
public with technical information; providing direct"assistance to state and local
governments with special radiation problems of a short-term nature; and,
providing the radiological expertise needed by the Regions to address
radiological problems under the Agency's- drinking water and hazardous waste
programs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program element is to implement the Agency's radiation program
at the regional level. The Regional radiations staff are instrumental to the
successful implementation of the Agency's radiation priorities. Primary regional
responsibilities include: implementing the radionuclide National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; reviewing and coordinating state and
local nuclear emergency response plans and exercises; assisting the states in
responding to other radiation problems or concerns; and providing Headquarter's
national- programs early warning of new problems and direct feedback and
evaluation of ongoing and proposed activities.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
RADIATION ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: . Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The statutory authorities for this program are: the Atomic Energy Act, the Clean
Air Act (CAA), the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRGA) and other
legislation.
PRQGRAM DESCRIPTION
Activities in this program element provide the information necessary to identify
and analyze radiological problems having potential public health impacts. This
includes support of the development of standards and- guidelines, as well as
monitoring, of environmental radiation, conduct ~of laboratory analysis and
technology assessments, and maintenance of an emergency preparedness capability.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ' .
The major objectives of this program are.: to develop and maintain an emergency
preparedness program which will avert excessive exposure to radiation from
nuclear accidents; to provide field, laboratory, and technical support to EPA's
radiation regulatory development and implementation activities through the
collection and analysis of environmental samples; to monitor environmental
radiation levels and assess the effects of radiation exposure to the general
public from ambient radiation; to characterize and evaluate special radiation
problems; to provide,analytical support to other parts of EPA for assessing
radiation risks; and to provide training and support to other federal .and state
agencies and to Indian nations.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGIONAL WORKING CAPITAL FUND—RADIATION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation . . '
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGUIiATORY FRAMEWORK
None. •
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program elemetit contains resources for the Regional Working-Capital Fund for
the Radiation Media. The resources pay for'program postage costs that provide
all routine, day-to-day U.S. Postal Services and includes regular1 First, Third
and Fourth Class mail, Post Office Express Mail, two^day priority ' mail,
registered and certified mail and pouch mail;- Federal Express overnight mail and
United Parcel Service shipments. The increase will provide for .annualization of
the February, 1995 postal rate increase of 10.31. For NDP.D operations, the base
dollars provide an on-going data processing and telecommunication services for
this Program. These services are classified into five cost centers: Enterprise
Computing Services, Network Services, Desktop Services, 'Technical Consulting
Services and Scientific Computing Services. Investment resources will provide
the Program',s share of .Depreciation of Capital Assets, Increased Service Costs,
Additional Mainframe Capacity, Investments in Network Services and investments
in Technical Consulting Services. , ,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGIONAL COUNSEL
OFFICE: OGC
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATOR* FRAMEWORK
The Offices of Regional Counsel (ORCs) are responsible for legal services
for all 'statutes relevant to the operation of the Agency, including the Clean
Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Ocean Dumping Act, Solid
Waste Disposal Act-, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Toxic Substances
Control Act, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, and other
environmental statutes, as well as statutes- relating to internal administration
of Federal agencies..
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The ORCs participate in litigation related to defense of regional program
actions. Several hundred such cases are anticipated annually. Formal
administrative proceedings involve resolution of procurement, contracts
administration issues, grant disputes and assistance appeals, suspensions and
debarment, and personnel related proceedings. The ORCs also provide attorneys
to preside over an ever-increasing number of administrative enforcement actions
in lieu of Administrative Law Judges, as well as hearing clerks,who must docket'
all administrative pleadings. State program work, relating to delegations and
authorizations .includes review of State legislation and regulations, assistance
to States in developing and implementing authorized programs, and oversight of
States' implementation. ORCs also review many Freedom of Information Act
requests and make business confidentiality determinations. Legal counselling
services consist of providing timely legal advice to the regional programs on
both envirnonmental media-specific and administrative matters (e.g., employment
law, ethics, conflicts of interest).
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The major goals of the ORCs in this program element are to: (1) provide
legal services and advice to the Regional Administrator and Regional program
managers; (2) represent the Regions in civil litigation' filed against the
Agency; (3) .represent the Agency in formal administrative proceedings regarding
contract actions • and personnel disputes; (4) assist the States in obtaining
adequate legal authorities to undertake program delegation; and (5) review
Regional decisions for legal defensibility.
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OTTITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERAL COUNSEL
OFFICE:OGC
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) is responsible for legal services for
all statutes relevant to the operation of the Agency, including the Clean Air
Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Ocean Dumping Act, Solid Waste
Disposal Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Toxic Substances Control
environmental statutes, as well as statutes relating to the internal
administration of Federal agencies.
PROGRflM DESCRIPTION
EPA's OGC serves as the primary legal advisor to the Administrator. The
office also provides legal services to all organizational elements of .the Agency
with respect to all Agency programs and activities and also provides legal
opinions, legal counsel, and litigation support; and assists in the formation and
administration of the Agency's policies and programs' as legal advisor.
Priority activities are the defense of the Agency in litigation, support
to the Agency's promulgation of rules, establishment of policy, and preparation
of guidance documents for the implementation of the Agency's programs, review of
enforcement litigation, the provision of support on administrative law issues,
and the provision of legal advice to program managers. .OGC provides legal
support for the development and defense of regulations, policies, and other
program decisions, and review of enforcement litigation. OGC handles all
litigation activities in which EPA is a defendant. OGC works in conjunction'with
the Department of Justice, and Offices*of Regional Counsel (where relevant) in
the conduct of litigation. National oversight and support is provided to the
ORCs. Grant, contract, and administrative law support' is provided to the
Agency's programs, providing legal assistance in the areas of regulation, policy,
and guidance document development; project review; contract review information
and property law, claims, and personnel matters.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The OGC defends the Agency in litigation filed against it, provides legal
advice and counselling to the Agency in rulemakings, adjudicatory activities,
policy development, extramural funding agreements, procurements, ethics issues,
and employment law to avoid time-consuming and costly legal errors in
implementing Agendy programs an operations.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ANALYTICAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGUIATORY FRAMEWORK
Regional offices require technical support to implement the environmental
statutes mandated by the Congress and the President. These statutes currently
consist of the Clean Water Act (CWA) ; Clean Air Act (CAA).; Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodent.icide Act (FIFRA); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA);.and the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) . The Regional Analytical Environmental Services program is coordinated
in the Office of Regional Operations and State/Local Relations, which provides
the Regions with Headquarters policy guidance, oversight, and management support.
PROGRftM DESCRIPTION
The Regional Analytical Environmental Services program provides a wide range of
activities and services that affect every part of the Agency's responsibilities,
including support for the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (E-
MAP). They also conduct training and multi-media inspections; develop and test
environmental indicators; work with compliance data; expand the utilization of
TRI data; engage in Regional laboratory activities and increase cooperation with
States and local governments.
GOALS ANP OBJECTIVES , .
The major objective,of the Regional Analytical Environmental Services Program is
to provide the' required analytical and technical expertise to the Regional
Administrators (RAs) . The RAs need to have credible information on the
environmental specifics of their regions when working with their state, tribal,
and local governments, or when pursuing enforcement actions. The information is
critical in court actions in enforcing Agency statutes such as the Clean Air Act
Amendments. Equipment used in the Regional laboratories is essential to
guaranteeing quality information to the Federal government on a timely basis, and
to maintaining an adequate technical expertise over inherently governmental
•functions. Whereas, strengthening -the ..science base of EPA is critical to
effective environmental decision making, the maintenance of a strong
Environmental Services laboratory system is a key ingredient in "this effort.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MULTIMEDIA POLICX DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMICS
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OPPE
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation (OPPE) participates in cross-
office, multi-media Policy Development and Economic activities which suppo.rt
Federal statutes under EPA purview, including (but not limited to): the Global
Climate Protection Act of 1987, the Climate Change Research and Development Act
of 1990, the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990, the Clean Water Act, the Economy
Act of 1932, the National Environmental Policy act, the Safe Drinking Water Act,
the Food, Agriculture Conservation Trade Act of 1990, the Toxic Substances
Control Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as
well as Congressional authorization. Among other things, activities 'Support the
President's Environmental Technology Initiative, the President's Climate Change
Action Plan, regulatory reinvention through Project XL, and the Common Sense
Initiative.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
OPPE: (1) leads cross-Agency implementation of Project XL, the flagship of
EPA's effoxts to. create the building blocks for 2lst .Century environmental
management, and a real world test of alternative compliance concepts; ,(2)
leads and provides core staffing for the metal finishing, sector of the
Administrator's Common Sense Initiative (CSI), undertakes projects which address
industrial sector eco-efficiency issues on an industry-specific basis and works
with other CSI sector teams to develop cross-media policy initiatives; -(3)
develops, analyzes and evaluates alternative policy approaches used to achieve
the Agency's strategic objectives in ways consistent with long run economic and
environmental trends; (4) works to ensure that environmental hazards and
cumulative risks are managed effectively, efficiently and equitably and
prioritized by employing a cross-media approach that is either sector-based,
place-based or both; (5) .analyzes the economic, environmental and equity
effects of policies, programs and legislation across broad sectors of the economy
including energy, urban development, finance, transportation and the management
of renewable natural resources; (6) reports on the potential physical and
socioeconomic impacts of climate change, both domestically and internationally,
and the benefits of actions; (7) represents the Agency and presents finding$ on
.impacts and adaptation at key interagency and international meetings;' (8) in
partnership with affected constituencies, works with them to communicate what we
have learned about climate change, to conduct more detailed, place-based analyses
of potential climate change impacts to augment national analyses, and to use pc-
based decision-support' systems which incorporate climate change 'considerations;
(9) performs assessments of multiple (ancillary) environmental and economic
benefits associated.with both climate and non-climate policies and programs;
.(10) provides integrated assessment capabilities to program offices in EPA, other
Federal agencies, and state and local governments so that integrated assessments
o.f other environmental issues can be performed-; (11) uses EPA's assessments of
human activities on climate change to develop appropriate economic, technological
and institutional strategies to mitigate the,risks of atmospheric change; (12)
identifies and evaluates options for mitigating the risks of .climate change in
the U.S. and internationally, particularly for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and enhancing sinks; (13) provides technical support to the Agency on scientific
theories and empirical analyses that characterize, relationships between the
performance of the economy and the quality of the environment; (14) conducts in-
depth analyses of economic and policy issues relating to economic costs and
benefits of EPA regulatory programs, policies and guidance; (15) fosters
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MULTIMEDIA POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMICS
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OPPE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION eon't
collaborative working relationships with other EPA program offices in an
effort to increase the capabilities of other EPA offices to perform
scientifically sound'economic analyses; (16) perform economic and policy
analyses of the economic impacts of EPA programs for which multiple
regulations or programs are involved; (17) coordinates support systems for
technology-related programs, in particular the President's Environmental
Technology Initiative (ETI); (18) identifies regulations/ policies-and
procedures that'inhibit technology development and deployment,; working with
other Agency offices, .Federal and state agencies, and other customers, and
makes recommendations regarding the mitigation of these barriers; (19) plans,
coordinates- and implements activities needed to achieve the goals and
recommendations on the Administration's Environmental Technology Exports
Strategy; (20) conducts outreach activities with stakeholders, including
states, environmental technology developers, technology users, and other
public and private entities; and (21) studies trade competitiveness effects of
environmental regulations, analyzing the environmental effects of trade
agreements and supporting the development of institutional mechanisms for
addressing trade and environment issues.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
OPPE promotes EPA's guiding principles and supports goals of the Agency's Five
Year Strategic Plan, including, Improved Understanding of the Environment and
Climate Change Risk Reduction. OPPE is engaged in implementing many of the
recommendations contained in the National Academy of Public Administration
report, Setting.Priorities, Getting Results A New Direction at EPA (1995),
including those that address Risk, Partnerships and Alternative Environmental
Management Strategies. .OPPE provides policy advice and analysis on
legislative and other environmental issues for the Administrator, Deputy
Administrator, the Regions, and Program Offices. Its major objectives are to
shape Federal decisions and initiatives to reflect relative risks within and
across media; integrate environmental and economic priorities within and
across broad sectors of the economy;' develop both sector-based and placed-
based initiatives to promote sustainable development and pollution prevention;
promote environmental protection and economic well-being using an
interdisciplinary approach that informs policy makers on an ongoing basis
about climate, non-climate, and cross-cutting climate/non-climate issues;
provide approaches which stimulate economic development and which achieve
multiple environmental and social objectives along with the objective of the
Framework Convention on Climate Change; identify scientifically sound
principles .and data that can be used to communicate a complete view of the
relationships that exist between economic and environmental systems; and
coordinate development and implementation of technology policy within the
Agency.
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UNITEB STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGULATORY DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OPPE . .
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Through, its Regulatory Development and Community-Based Environmental Protection
(CBEP) programs, the Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation (OPPE) operates
under all laws for which EPA .has the lead responsibility and fosters the
implementation of integrated geographic approaches to environmental protection.
OPPE oversees the Agency's regulatory development process which supports the
preparation and issuance under the Administrative Procedure Act of regulations
written under several environmental protection statutes for which EPA has the
lead responsibility. OPPE manages EPA programs under the Negotiated Rulemaking
Act and the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
OPPE: (1) administers and directs the internal regulation development review
and analysis process; reviews regulatory and policy documents for compliance with
all applicable requirements; develops the Administration's Regulatory Plan'
required by E.O. 12866; and publishes the semi-annual Agenda of Regulations; (2)
promotes negotiation as an alternative to traditional rulemaking and policy
setting, and fosters the application of consensus-building techniques in dispute
resolution; (3) manages EPA's liaison with the Office of the Federal Register to
ensure appropriate paper and electronic publication of all Agency proposals and
actions; (4) provides analytic and policy leadership to reduce EPA's paperwork
burden imposed on the public; provides policy support and analytic review of EPA
information and reporting systems; provides quality control and pre-clearance
review for all EPA Information Collection Requests under the Paperwork Reduction
Act, and prepares the annual Information Collection Budget; (5) develops
standards and protocols to enable electronic data interchange to replace paper
transactions as the basis for environmental reporting; (6) coordinates EPA's
support and participation with local voluntary service organizations seeking to
provide essential, non-regulatory environmental protection at the community
level; • (7) identifies, develops and disseminates tools and information needed
by environmental professionals and others interested in implementing the CBEP
approach, with special emphasis on economic, ecological and social scienc.e tools;
(8) develops alliances and partnerships with other organizations to pilot
innovative programs and to foster wider implementation of CBEP; (9) leads Project
XL for Communities, a flagship Reinvention project; and (10) conducts analysis
and other activities to assist Regional Office and Headquarters Office program
managers in overcoming institutional barriers to CBEP.
GOALS ANDOBJECTIVES
OPPE strives to provide EPA with a well-managed regulation development, review,
and analysis process; improves the quality and reduces the burden associated with
EPA regulations and data collection; advances technical innovation in
en-vironmental information exchange; integrates appropriate scientific, economic,
and risk reduction policies in Agency decisionmaking; and assists Agency managers
in solving implementation problems and in finding innovative means'of achieving
environmental goals. OPPE also fosters the implementation of CBEP within EPA
and with the Agency's partners at the Federal, state, and local levels. CBEP
efforts complement the Agency efforts to implement the Common Sense Initiative.
Together, they are the main tenets, of the Agency's strategy for "reinventing" its
approach to environmental protection by addressing environmental problems
holistically. CBEP is a multi-media approach (sometimes called a "place-based"
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGULATORY DEVELOPMENT AMD COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES con't
or "ecosystem-based" approach) that is a way to identify environmental
problems, set priorities and forge solutions through an open, inclusive
process driven by places and the people who live in them. It integrates
environmental protection with human needs, considers long-term ecosystem
health, and fosters linkages between prosperity and environmental well-being.
It encourages communities to create their vision of environmental health and
quality of life and to encourage human activity compatible with that vision.
OPPE objectives are consistent with the recommendations of the National
Academy of Public Administration's report, Setting Priorities, Getting
Results; AMew Direction for EPA (1995), on ecosystem protection and the
recommendations made in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and' . •
Development's 1996 Environmental Performance Review of the United States to
protect ecosystems. OPPE's work also is consistent with EPA's five-year
strategic plan, The New Generation of Environmental Protection (1994), in the
areas of improved understanding of the environment and ecosystem protection.
Some of OPPE's activities also aim at implementing the recommendations of
EPA's Science Advisory Board's pivotal report on ReducingRisk;Setting
Priorities and Strategies for Environmental Protection (1990), such as placing
more emphasison ecological risksand developing better methods for valuing
ecological resources.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGIONAL MULTI MEDIA PROGRAMS
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF • '
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Regional Multimedia program provides funding for'local projects identified
by the Regions through their strategic planning and budgeting processes as being
significant and critical to the regional, State, and local jurisdictions'
environmental programs. Projects in all media areas, as well as environmental
education and pollution prevention, allow the Regions to support a broad range
of environmental goals.- Statutory authority-comes from all media areas within
the Agency and also expands a broad authority given to EPA under the National
Environmental Policy Act and Section 309 of the Clean Air Act.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION '' '
Specific projects are initiated to address environmental problems in the Agency's
ten Regional offices which are considered for funding during the development of
Regional strategic plans and budgets. These initiatives, which address
environmental problems identified as being of high risk to human health;
ecosystems, or both, are developed under the direction of-" the Regional
Administrators with broad oversight from-the Office of Regional Operations and
State/Local Relations within the Headquarters Office of the Administrator. All
projects funded are of immediate concern to individual 'Regions and support
innovative efforts to define and resolve complicated, multi-media environmental
problems confronting Tribal, local, State and regional jurisdictions. By funding
these initiatives, such as lead contamination in the northeast or mining waste
in the west, each Region can target critical environmental problems that present
the greatest risk to local environments even when the risk presented to the
entire country is significantly lower than the local risk.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES '
While the Regions" comparative risk evaluations revealed .many similarities in the
risks across the country, there are frequently distinct differences that reflect
•the environmental diversity of our Nation. Even where risks are similar, the
causes of risk sometimes differ, necessitating unique solutions within each
Region to achieve the greatest risk reduction for our environmental protection
dollar.
This program provides the needed flexibility for the Regional offices to handle
risk-based priorities that are geographically unique to the regions, and are not
adequately addressed by the Agency's national programs. With the exception of
the funds in this program, Regional offices receive a relatively small portion
of the Agency's extramural resources. This program attempts to further Agency
management goals by making program funds available to those levels of management
that have the most direct responsibility for carrying out the Agency's mission.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ENFORCEMENT POLICY & OPERATIONS
OFFICE: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Enforcement Policy and Operations program is responsible for providing
legal support for the following environmental statutes: Resource Conservation
Recovery .Act (RCRA); Clean Air Act (CAA); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA);
Clean Water Act (CWA); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Roderiticide Act
(FIFRA); Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to~Know Act (EPCRA); Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA), Oil Pollution Act (OPA), Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), Medical Waste Tracking Act (MWTA), and
the Federal Facilities Compliance Act (FFCA). OECA is also responsible for
implementing the Pollution Prosecution Act (PPA) requirements.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The OECA Regional 'legal enforcement program supports the Agency media offices
in meeting the statutory requirements by providing:
1) support to administrative enforcement in the preparation and. review of
complaints, development of"model"language for routine use/ and management of
administrative actions up to and including hearings before an Administrative
Law Judge or hearing officer.
2) support to civil enforcement in the initiation of new civil judicial
actions, ongoing case support for discovery, depositions, and resolution of
ongoing cases (ease closure) through trial or settlement, and follow through
to ensure compliance with settlement provisions,
3) support to criminal enforcement in case screening; legal advice with
potential criminal investigations;assistance to Department of Justice
prosecutors in grand jury investigations, pre-trial preparation, trials, plea
agreement and/or sentencing process; assistance with search warrants and
supporting affidavits; participating in multi-agency criminal enforcement task
force's; and maintaining expertise in parallel proceedings issues.
4) support for Agency priorities, such as NAFTA, Mexican Border, and
International, ecosystem and sector targeting, and environmental equity.
5) support 'for Federal Facilities Compliance^ Agreements and administrative
order with"Federal agencies to conduct environmental restoration and
compliance activities at Federally owned sites and facilities.
6) support to permit activities, including appeals and evidentiary hearings
under* the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA.) , and Underground Injection Control
Programs.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The environmental justice program activities are executed in support of
Executive Order 12898, "Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in
Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.".
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Agency Environmental Justice program, works closely with each EPA Regional
and headquarters offices in a catalytic, coordinated, advocacy and policy
development role to: (1) assure that environmental justice issues are integrated
into the Agency's inspection, enforcement and compliance assurance efforts, (2)
assure that environmental justice needs are a priority in Agency resource
allocation decisions; ' (3) establish short-term and 'long-range objectives for
Agency environmental policies addressing all individual citizens concerns; .. (4)
develop appropriate'monitoring systems to ensure that these objectives are met;
(5) encourage cooperative and collaborative efforts among EPA offices to address
specific environmental .justice needs; and (6) encourage -and initiate the
development and use of innovative approaches for decreasing the gap in status
among varying populations. The program serves as the lead for the Interagency
Working Group on Environmental Justice overseeing the implementation .of the
executive order on environmental justice at EPA as well as at the eleven Federal
agencies named in the executive order. The program also serves as the Agency's
focus for receiving advice on environmental issues from stakeholder groups
through the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council, a Federal advisory
committee.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .
The goal of the Agency Environmental Justice program is to facilitate agency-
wide initiatives to create a cross-media, risk reduction approach in making
environmental information more accessible to EPA's constituency groups,
including state, local and tribal governments," academia, industry, government,
non-government and environmental organizations, with special emphasis on
community organizations in low income and culturally diverse communities. The
program will promote community-based self-help programs such as
economic/environmental development, establishing clearinghouses for information
and providing financial and technical assistance'through the.award of grants to
community organizations and academia. ,The program will place special emphasis
on encouraging communities to engage," education and ultimately empower the
citizens to become involved in environmental decision-making at the local level.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ENFORCEMENT POLICY & OPERATIONS
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Enforcement Policy and Operations program is .responsible for providing legal
support for the following environmental statutes: Resource Conservation Recovery
Act (RCRA); Clean Air Act (CM); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); Clean Water Act
(CWA); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Emergency
Planning and Coramunity-Right-to-Know Act (EPC.RA); Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA), Oil Pollution Act (OPA), Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries
Act (MPRSA), Medical Waste Tracking Act (MWTA), and the Federal Facilities
Compliance Act (FFCA)', OECA is also responsible for implementing the Pollution
Prosecution Act (PPA) requirements.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The OECA Regional legal enforcement program supports the Agency media offices
in meeting the statutory requirements by providing: 1) support to
administrative enforcement in the preparation and review of complaints,•
development of "model" language for routine, use, and management of
administrative actions up to and including hearings before an Administrative, Law
Judge or hearing officer; "2) support to civil enforcement in the initiation
of new civil judicial actions, ongoing case support for discovery, depositions,
and resolution of ongoing cases (case closure) through trial or settlement, and
follow through to ensure compliance with settlement provisions; 3) • support to
criminal enforcement in case screening; legal advice with potential criminal
investigations; assistance to Department of Justice prosecutors in grand jury
investigations, pre-trial preparation, trials, plea agreement and/or sentencing
process; assistance with search warrants and supporting affidavits;
participating in multi-agency criminal enforcement task forces; and maintaining
expertise in parallel proceedings issues; 4) support for Agency priorities, such
as NAFTA, Mexican Border, and International, ecosystem and sector targeting, and
environmental justice; 5) support for Federal Facilities Compliance Agreements
and administrative order with Federal agencies to conduct environmental
restoration and compliance activities at Federally owned -sites and facilities;
and 6) support to permit activities, including appeals and evidentiary hearings
under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (.NPDES) , .Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Underground Injection Control (UIC)
Programs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to effectively enforce our environmental statutes
to. protect against risks to human' health and the environment. Regional
resources are used 'to translate Agency priorities into a credible enforcement
presence, tailored to Regional characteristics, and designed to maintain
statutory compliance in ^the most cost-effective manner. Objectives to this
program include: providing legal support for Regional enforcement actions and
resolution of compliance problems to address environmental concerns of the
greatest risk, including ecosystem concerns; maximizing Region-specific
compliance assurance and enforcement strategies; achieving equitable resolution
of enforcement matters and the rapid return of violators to compliance; and,
utilizing pollution prevention mechanisms in case settlements.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND COORDINATION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRflMEWORK
The Environmental Review and Coordination (ER&C) program, reviews major
federal actions significantly affecting the environment, as required under the
§309 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) ; ensures that EPA programs and activities comply with environmental laws
and regulations, including NEPA, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) , the National
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) , and Executive Orders (EOs) -on environmental
justice, and the protection of floodplain, wetlands and agricultural lands; and
manages the official filing activity for all federal environmental impact
statements (EISs) in accordance with a memorandum.of agreement with the Council
on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA.
'OFA's international activities are carried out under _the legislation
implementing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other U.S.
treaty obligations, under other international agreements and diplomatic
commitments, and under the environmental statutes that EPA implements.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The ER&C program: 1) reviews over 500 major federal actions significantly
affecting the environment and 1200-rlSOO environmental assessments of smaller
federal projects with potential environmental impacts', as required under §309
of the CAA, NEPA and -the EO on Environmental Justice, identifies potential
problems, and ensures incorporation of needed environmental improvements; 2)
develops pplicy and technical guidance on issues related to NEPA, the ESA, the
NHPA,, and relevant EOs; 3) ensures that EPA programs and activities comply with
NEPA and the other environmental laws, regulations and EOs; 4} manages the
official filing activity for all federal EISs; 5) assists in EPA participation
in the development of international impact assessment procedures and project
reviews with specific emphasis on the Mexican Border to provide instruction on
implementing environmental' impact assessment (E.IA) principles and technical
assistance; 6) coordinates OECA strategy and budget for international activities
and serves as OECA's principal point of contact with the Office of International
Activities; 7) provides environmental impact assessment (EIA) support through
coordination with the State Department, Agency for International Development
(AID), multi-lateral development 'banks, and other relevant entities 'on
international issues concerning EIA and infrastructure development in developing
countries; 8) provides focused enforcement and compliance activities to protect
against air, water, and land pollution along U.S. borders with Mexico and
Canada; and', 9} directs cooperative enforcement and compliance assurance efforts
and provides technical assistance and training to enhance environmental
enforcement and compliance in the Western Hemisphere and in selected countries
elsewhere. ,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND COORDINATION
NATIONAL PROGRftM MANAGER: OECA
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES "
The goal of the ER&C program is to. work with other federal agencies to
ensure that they carry out their activities in an environmentally sound manner;
ensure that EPA complies with the requirements.of NEPA, functional equivalency,
and other applicable statutes and EOs; and promote environmental protection by
other nations and fair international trade. These international goals-have the
effects of. reducing the cost of environmental protection within the U.S. and
expanding the demand for U.S. exports. The ER&C program's objectives are: 1)
close coordination with federal agencies whose programs may affect the
environment; 2) the prevention of significant air and water degradation from
proposed major federal projects, particularly land management, power generation,
and transportation projects impacting sensitive, ecological resources; 3}
assurance that EPA develops a solid program of compliance with NEPA, other
applicable statutes {e.g., the ESA, NHPAJ, and EOs for-the Agency's laboratories,
facilities' construction and alterations, new source National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit issuance, and remaining construction grant
.activity; 4) targeting high impact federal program areas (e.g., water resources
and energy related projects) through interagency working groups to better
integrate EPA's pollution prevention efforts and ecological risk assessment with
an emphasis on ecosystem protection', and the development of sound data and
methodologies to assess environmental impact and ecological risks; 5) cooperating
with other federal agencies on project design-studies that identify significant
adverse effects, focusing on specific targeted areas under the Geographic
Initiative theme: Ecosystem Assessment and Protection, the Gulf of Mexico, the
South Florida Everglades, Northwest Forests, Wetlands, Non-point Sources, and the
Mexican Border; 6) providing focused enforcement and compliance activities to
protect against air, water, and land pollution along U.S. borders with Mexico and
Canada; and 7} directing cooperative enforcement and compliance assurance efforts
and providing technical assistance and training to enhance environmental
enforcement and compliance in the Western Hemisphere and in selected countries
elsewhere in accordance with U.S. treaty obligations, other international
commitments, and foreign policy objectives.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
BORDER ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES
OFFICE: Office of International Activities
3TATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of International Activities (QIAJ- exercises lead responsibility for
the Agency in addressing environmental problems along the U.S.-Mexico Border.
OIA exercises this responsibility-in cooperation with EPA Regions VI and IX, as
well as relevant program offices.. OIA programs are authorized under multiple
acts for which EPA has the lead responsibility. These acts include: Glean Air-
Act, Section 103; Clean Water Act, Section 104; Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, Section 8001; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act,
Section 20; Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10; - Marine Protection,
Research, and Sanctuaries Act, Section 203; Safe .Drinking Water Act, Section 1442
(b); the National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2) (F).
PROGRAM DE SCRIPTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mexico's Secretariat for
Social Development (SEDESOL) engaged in a set of cooperative activities to
improve environmental conditions along the border and to assure that future
growth is environmentally sustainable. Currently, there are six bi-national work
groups that have been formed to address water, air, hazardous waste, contingency
planning, enforcement, and pollution prevention issues. During the coming year,
a new Border Action Plan will be developed in cooperation with other Federal
agencies to guide the long-term programs recognizing the need to expand current
programs to include environmental health and conservation efforts in an
integrated program to protect the border environment.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals and objectives of this bi-lateral effort are to address the serious
environmental problems along the U.S.-Mexico border and reduce the risk to both
the population living in this region, as well as critical ecosystems in danger
from pollution and toxic spills and releases.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Criminal Enforcement program is responsible for 'fulfilling the requirements
of the Pollution Prosecution Aqt of 1990 (PPA) and enforcing the criminal
provisions of the following environmental statutes: Resource Conservation
Recovery Act (RCRA); Clean Air Act (CAA); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); Clean
Water Act (CWA) ; .Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA);
Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) ; Medical Waste Tracking Act (MWTA); and Marine Protection,
Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA). Having full law enforcement authority,
the special agents are expected to respond to violations of the Federal Criminal
Code. •
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION • '
The Criminal Enforcement Program has four distinct elements: 1) special agents
(or criminal investigators), who are stationed primarily in field offices
nationwide; 2} attorneys, who provide policy and direct case support; 3) Regional
attorneys, who provide legal support for investigations, development of
referrals, and support for prosecutions (supported in the Regional Counsel
program element}; and 4(laboratory and technical support staff at the Agency's
National Enforcement Investigations Center, who provide operational field
support, scientific expertise, evidence sampling, data targeting and evidence
audit support.
The Criminal Enforcement program investigative staff performs the following major'
functions: 1} develops national investigative procedures to ensure uniform, fair
and appropriate enforcement responses to violations of environmental statutes;
2} screens all investigative leads and pursues the most egregious criminal
offenders which provides a deterrence to others who would willfully violate the
environmental laws; 3)pursues joint investigations with other Federal, state and
local law enforcement agencies, or refers appropriate leads • to other law
enforcement agencies when circumstances 'Warrant? 4} coordinates with foreign
governments to reduce environmental and health risks created by transboundary
shipment of chemicals, pesticides, wastes and hazard substances; 5) supports
training of Federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement personnel and
regulatory agencies in the investigation of environmental crimes to increase the
presence of Law enforcement and build state capacity.
The Criminal Enforcement program attorneys perform the following major functions:
1) develop and implement national criminal, enforcement policies to ensure a
consistent and appropriate application of environmental statutes; 2} provide
legal advice during the criminal investigations and case development, including
legal review of criminal case referrals to the Department of Justice; 3} provide
legal advice and support to the prosecuting attorneys during prosecution or plea
negotiations; 4) analyze proposed legislation/ regulations and takes the lead in
the legislation reauthorization process to ensure enforceability and consistency
with criminal procedural requirements; 5)support the Agency Program Offices to
ensure appropriate use of criminal investigative and enforcement tools; 6)
coordinate with Program .Offices to secure necessary scientific, technical and
other expert support for criminal investigations and prosecutions; and 7) assist
in course development and training EPA Special Agents; and other Federal, state,
local and tribal Enforcement and technical personnel in the prosecution of
environmental statutes.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Criminal Enforcement program is to investigate and present for
prosecution criminal violations of environmental laws and deter such violations
in the future, by demonstrating to the regulated community that intentional
disregard of the law will be met with harsh sanctions in terms of both fines and
jail sentences. The Agency has responded to the Congressional emphasis on
criminal enforcement, brought about by the passage of enhanced.criminal sanctions
within the reauthorized environmental statutes. The deterrent effect of these
criminal sanctions is significant — misdemeanors have become felonies, potential
fines have been increased/ and maximum jail sentences have been lengthened.
Criminal investigations and enforcement constitute a highly visible and effective
force in the Agency's enforcement strategy. As environmental statutes , are
reauthorized with new or enhanced criminal authorities, the Criminal Enforcement
program becomes a more integral and effective part of EPA's enforcement effort.
Criminal Investigators will continue to pursue significant lead's of potential'
violations of environmental statutes, concentrating on those violations
involving the greatest risk to human health or the environment. EPA's increased
emphasis on the Criminal Enforcement program over the past four years, coupled
with the implementation of the Pollution Prosecution Act, has "significantly
raised the profile of criminal enforcement both within EPA and in the regulated
community. .
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES '/ REGULATORY FRftMEWORK
The Environmental Education Program (EEP)is authorized by the National
Environmental Education Act of 1990 and is located in the Office of
Communication, Education, and Public Affairs.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The environmental education program focuses on two broad areas: improving basic
science literacy as the core of environmental education for students in grades
K-12 and colleges; and informing the general public about the environmental
consequences of their individual and collective actions. This approach is firmly
directed toward the goal of pollution prevention, the foundation of long range
environmental protection, which may prove longer lasting and more effective than
traditional command and control activities.
To accomplish this goal, the EEP supports projects to design,- demonstrate, or
disseminate practices, methods, or techniques related to environmental education.
The program also provides national leadership in promoting environmental literacy
in our youth and increasing the public's awareness of environmental problems and
solutions.
The EEP develops and supports programs and related efforts, in consultation and
coordination with other Federal agencies, to improve understanding of the natural
and built environment, and the relationships between humans and their
environment, including the global aspects of environmental problems. Supports
development and broad dissemination of model curricula, educational materials,
and training programs for elementary and secondary students and other interested
.groups. Manages Federal grant assistance provided under Section 6 of the NEEA.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
To advance and support national and international environmental education efforts
to develop an environmentally conscious and responsible public, and to inspire
in all individuals a sense of personal responsibility for the care of the
environment.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Regulatory Enforcement program has enforcement authority under the following
environmental statutes: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Clean Air
Act (CAA); Safe Drinking .Water Act (SDWA); Clean Water Act (CWA); Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Toxic'Substances Control Act
(TSCA), including lead exposure reduction under Title IV; Asbestos Hazard
Emergency Response Act (AHERA); Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know.
Act (EPCRA); and Oil Pollution Act (OPA).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Regulatory Enforcement program develops ' national policy for the
implementation of enforcement programs under the above statutes and participates
in regulation development to ensure enforceability of new and existing rules.
The program is responsible for civil and administrative enforcement cases,
including national investigation, review, development, issuance, referral,
litigation, settlement and appellate work. The program determines the
appropriate enforcement responses to violations of environmental laws and
implements enforcement case initiatives to advance Agency priorities.
The Regulatory Enforcement program serves as liaison on enforcement issues
with the Regions and states, the Department of Justice, the Congress and other
Agency offices and provides legal and technical assistance to the Regions. The
program provides national direction, leadership and consistency in case
selection, development, resolution and appeal of civil judicial and
administrative enforcement actions pursuant to its statutory authorities. The
program also develops settlement policies encouraging pollution prevention,
technological innovation, environmental auditing and environmental justice.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
•The goal of the Regulatory Enforcement program is to enforce our environmental
statutes to protect against risks to human health and the environment.
Objectives of this program include: ensuring clear and enforceable regulations/-
nationally consistent enforcement policies; targeting enforcement actions to
address environmental concerns of the greatest risk; providing enforcement
actions which protect all segments of the population equally; and utilizing
pollution prevention mechanisms in 'case settlements,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
SECTOR AND MULTI-MEDIA COMPLIANCE
OFFICE: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Compliance program is responsible for providing multi-media cross-sector
compliance assurance support under the following environmental statutes: Resource
Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA); Clean Air Act (CAA); Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA); Clean Water Act (CWA) ; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA); Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); and
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and for implementing the Pollution
Prosecution Act (PPA) requirements.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Compliance program serves as a poi-nt of focus and coordination for all
aspects of compliance monitoring and compliance assurance, and for the broad
strategic planning, data management, and program accountability concerns -of the
Agency's multi-media compliance effort. The program's major functions include
policy and regulation development; program oversight; program analyses and
evaluations; developing Regional and State capabilities to ensure facility
compliance with mandated requirements; and maintaining the import/export waste
tracking system to monitor the transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
Strong emphasis is pla'ced compliance assurance aimed at using innovative
techniques to enhance compliance, maximize deterrence and minimize non-
compliance. The Office of Compliance (OC) is involved in implementing the
Administrator's Themes and Initiatives; such as Multi-media Enforcement;
Geographic enforcement initiatives; State and Local Capacity Building; Data
targeting; and the Common Sense Initiative. •
The Compliance Assistance program employs a sector-based approach to serve as a
point of focus and coordination for multi-media compliance and for the strategic
planning of the Agency's industry specific compliance assistance efforts.
Through a system of National Compliance Assistance Centers for specific small
business sectors the Agency will supply industry-specific outreach to the
regulated community by providing sector-based materials and services to improve
industry's regulatory and technical knowledge and awareness, promote adoption of
innovative technologies (including pollution prevention and waste minimization),
and increase regulatory compliance thus reducing Overall environmental risk.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Compliance program is to assure that both the private and Federal
sectors are in full compliance with environmental laws to achieve protection of
the environment and elimination of human health risks and to promote overall
cross-media compliance with environmental laws. On an industry by industry basis
the Agency will prepare, consolidate, and disseminate compliance information and
provide technical and compliance assistance.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION .
SECTOR AND MULTI-MEDIA COMPLIANCE
OFFICE: OECA
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Con't
The major objectives of the program are to: 1) provide national program guidance
to the Regions and States; 2) develop national compliance policies and
strategies; 3') coordinate national enforcement initiatives; 4) .develop and
participate in the design of comprehensive and enforceable regulations; 5)
conduct oversight and evaluation for measuring and directing program efforts; 6)
work with industry to promote voluntary'compliance; 7) direct the Regions and
support,the States in expanding States' enforcement capabilities and efforts; and
'8) coordinate with other offices to develop an effective Agency compliance
program. '
The objectives in shifting emphasis to sector-based approach are to:- 1) address
noncomplying sectors more effectively; 2) allow for whole facility approaches to
enforcement; 3) measure With greater precision the rates of compliance and the
effectiveness of the enforcement strategies; 4) augment enforcement strategies
with appropriate compliance enhancement activities; and 5) develop sector
expertise.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY •
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HAZARDOUS WASTE ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REggLATORY FRAMEWORK
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (TRCRA) corrective action program
functions under the authority provided by the RCRA of 1976 as amended by,the
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY AND OUTREACH
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Enforcement Capacity and Outreach program is responsible for promoting
improvement in strata, tribal and local, enforcement and compliance efforts
through a program of communication, coordination and training under the
authority of the following statutes: the Clean Air Act(CAA); -the Clean Water
Act (CWA); the Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); the Pollution
Prosecution Act
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
COOPERATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATOR? FRAMEWORK
The National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology
(NACEPT), staffed by the Office of Cooperative Environmental Management
(OCEM), serves as the policy advisory body to the Administrator and is
authorized under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. It is composed of senior
officials representing business and industry, government, academia, and non
government organizations.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Council and its five standing committees address priority.trade and
pollution prevention implementation issues related to professional and public
education, state/local programs, technology innovation, measurement and
reporting. The Council considers key cultural, institutional,, regulatory,
technology transfer, and economic issues affecting North-South and East-West
trade and environmental relationships.
Office staff work with the Administrator's office and EPA program officials to
help interpret Council reports and to"assist implementation of accepted
recommendations. The Office staff also provides essential support to the
substantive and administrative operation of NACEPT and its standing
committees. This includes working with the Administrator and with EPA program
offices to define annual priorities, develop agendas, plan and coordinate
meetings, identify and obtain assistance from subject matter experts, manage
contractor and grantee activities, and prepare Council reports and
.recommendations for submittal to the Administrator.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of OCEM and .NACEPT are to help the Agency achieve improved
environmental pollution prevention and control results; increase leveraging of
other -public and private resources; and assist development of 'needed new
technologies and institutional arrangements both domestically and
internationally.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
^ PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
POLLUTION PREVENTION
OFFICE: OPPTS .
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGtTLATORY FRAMEWORK
The Pollution-Prevention Act of 1990 established a national policy that pollution
should be prevented or reduced at the source wherever possible. The Pollution
Prevention Act requires the establishment of an office to carry out the functions
of the Administrator under that Act, and the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and
toxic Substances has the Agency lead for implementing these responsibilities.
Regional pollution prevention project funds support the effort to make pollution
prevention the guiding principle .for all regional EPA programs.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Pollution Prevention program element is the catalyst.for other parts-of the
Agency and. outs-ide organizations to develop and implement pollution prevention
strategies, policies, and regulations, it leverage's available data, scientific
expertise, and analytical tools to applications across the Agency and to- other
Federal, state and private organizations.
Program activities are focused on institutionalizing pollution prevention in
federal and state programs and policies, implementing targeted prevention
initiatives and developing the tools, incentives and technical assistance to
assure and- measure success. . Specific pollution prevention activities include
managing the state grants and the pollution prevention clearinghouse, integrating
prevention into the development and implementation of regulations and policies,
engaging in collaborative efforts with industry to reduce toxic chemical
pollution (the 33/50 Program), promoting more environmentally benign choices
among chemicals, products and technologies {the Design for the Environment
program) , and providing advice and assistance to other federal agencies in
implementing E.O. 12856 and E.G. 12873.
Additionally, regional pollution prevention project funds provide EPA regional
offices with the ability to address high-risk environmental problems through
implementing pollution prevention solutions. Regional activities include
environmental education, pollution prevention research and demonstration,
technical assistance to small businesses, interaction with state and local
governments, and promoting prevention through existing regulatory and enforcement
programs. The projects involve working to reduce multi-media industrial
pollution and promoting pollution prevention approaches in energy, agriculture,
the federal sector and the consumer sectar.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRftM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
POLLUTION PREVENTION
OFFICE: OPPTS
SOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Pollution Prevention program element is to develop and integrate
multi-media pollution prevention approaches in national, regional, and state
environmental programs through both regulatory approaches and the encouragement
of voluntary actions by industry. In addition, this program element focuses on
addressing high-priority environmental problems through regional efforts.
Regional offices are best .situated to identify multi-media approaches involving
innovative and non-regulatory approaches that cut across traditional program and
jurisdictional boundaries.
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UNITED' STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
AMERICAN INDIAN ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICE
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The American Indian Environmental Office develops policy and coordinates EPA
programs for assisting tribal governments in building capacity through general
assistance agreements and developing environmental programs under Federal
environmental statutes. The American Indian Environmental Office operates under
the following statutory authorities: The Indian Environmental General Assistance
Program Act of. 1992, as amended, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FlFRA}-(7 U.S.C.A.); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)-(.15 U.S.C.A. Sec.
2601 to 2692); Clean Water Act-(33 U.S.C.A. Sec.1251 to 1387); Safe Drinking'
Water Act-(42. U.S.C.A. Sec. 300f to 300J-26) ; National Environmental Policy Act-
(42 U.S.C.A. Sec. 4321 to 4370d); Solid Waste Disposal Act-(42 U.S.C.A. Sec. 6901
to 6992k), .Clean Air- Act-(42 U.S.C.A. Sec. 7401 to 7671g); Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act-(42 U.S.C.A. Sec. 9601
to 9675); Emergency Planning'and Community Right-To-Know Act-(42 U.S.C.A. Sec.
11001 to 11050); and the Pollution Prevention Act-(42 U.S.C.A. Sec. 13101 to
13109) .
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
EPA will continue to work with Indian tribes on a government-to-government basis
to address the lack of basic pub-lie health and''environmental programs across much
of Indian Country. Most of the American Indian Environmental Office's (AIEO)
workforce resources administer the General Assistance Program grants and direct
program and technical assistance to tribes.
The American Indian Environmental Office provides a focal point in the Agency for
the development of government-to-government relationships with, tribes and the
development, coordination and implementation of Indian policy and environmental
programs throughout the Agency and with other Federal entities. The Office of
Water supports the AIEO which is the point of contact for all Agency Indian
program activities. .AI.ED oversees the Indian Environmental General Assistance
Program Act of 1992, which provides tribal governments and intertribal consortia
with general assistance grants, and technical assistance for the purpose of
planning, developing and establishing the capability to implement programs
administered by the Agency.
GOALS ANDOBJECTIVES ...
The Office goals are: 1) Developing comprehensive Tribal Environmental Agreements
with tribes, through the General Assistance Program, to prioritize tribal
environmental problems and to identify specific EPA programs tribes wish to
assume. 2} Promoting the use of the watershed management frameworks and
methodologies as a tool for tribes to identify and manage tribal environmental
priorities; 3) Strengthening tribal programs by ensuring that EPA provides
sufficient staff and direct senior management involvement to their Indian
programs, 4) Enhancing communication with tribal governments to ensure
appropriate tribal input to EPA decision-making, including support for the Tribal
Operations Committee, 5) Providing training to Agency staff, on how to more
effectively work with tribal governments, and 6) Promoting grant flexibility
through the development of Performance Partnership Grants with tribes.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WORKING CAPITAL FUND-Multi Media
OFFICE: OA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Agency will propose legislation in FY 1995 to establish the working capital
fund.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element provides base resources for postage costs and on-going data
processing and telecommunication services for Multimedia activities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of, this program element is to provide essential postage, data
processing, and telecommunication services for the Program office.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EXECUTIVE STEERING COMMITTEE FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
.NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: / OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Activities in this program element are authorized by the Information Technology
Management Reform Act, the Paperwork.Reduction Act, and supported by the annual
Appropriations Bill.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ' . .
The activities funded under the auspices of the Executive Steering Committee
(ESC), for Information Resources Management (IRM) support the Agency's multi-media
approaches for enterprise-level information management. The ESC for IRM has
Agency-wide, senior management membership and, with broad stakeholder input,
provides for the development and implementation of Information management
initiatives. The ESC for IRM supports those information management activities
which require an Agency-level approach to successfully accomplish the Agency's
mission.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of this program is to provide for Agency-level, not program-
level, information management to support the Agency's multi-media approaches.
Objectives of the program include:" providing sound information resources
management investment practices at the Agency-level, including stakeholder
requirements in Agency-level initiatives; and ensuring effective and efficient
information resources management support for the Agency's mission.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
FEDERAL FACILITIES ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Federal government currently manages or operates over 387,000 buildings,
27,000 installations, 729 million acres, and over 10,000 environmental projects,
and must meet the Same environmental standards as private entities. Executive
Order 12088 requires that each Executive agency be responsible for all necessary
actions for the prevention, control, and abatement of environmental pollution.
Executive Order 12856, signed by President Clinton August 3, 1993, requires
Federal agencies to develop comprehensive pollution prevention strategies
(including facility-specific plans) and seek to reduce by 50% their emissions of
toxic chemicals or toxic pollutants by 1999. Because of the various operations
conducted by the Federal government', its facilities generally fall under multiple
environmental statutes and regulations. Their environmental activities are
governed by the Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Clean Air Act
(CAA); Clean Water Act (CWA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); the Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA) ; Emergency .Planning and Community Right-to—Know Act
(EPCRA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
(CERCLA), as amended by Super fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) ; and
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act-(FIPRA). These authorities
require Federal facilities to assume responsibility for the prevention and
control of air, water or soil contamination at Facilities or-on lands they
control. The Federal Facilities Compliance Act (FFCA) of 1992 clarifies Federal
facilities obligation to comply with hazardous waste laws, requires annual EPA
inspections of all Federal treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) facilities and
strengthens EPA/state enforcement and penalty authorities at Federal facilities.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ,
To address the myriad of applicable statutes and regulations at Federal facility
operations, the Office o.f Enforcement and Compliance Assurance has developed a
multimedia compliance and enforcement strategy. FFEO's multi-media enforcement
strategy contains five components: 1) a national program to improve compliance
through training, technical.assistance on regulatory matters, and development of
a long term strategy for compliance promotion, technology innovation, and
pollution prevention; 2) nationally coordinated Federal Facility. Tracking System
(FFTS) to manage information on EPA and state inspection, enforcement, and
compliance activities; 3) an improved E.O. 12088 budgeting and planning process
in conjunction with Federal agencies and OMB; 4) coordinated planning with state
and local enforcement and regulatory agencies to ensure consistency with national
priorities; and 5) prioritized enforcement through .comprehensive multimedia
inspections emphasizing pollution prevention solutions to compliance problems.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES •
The Federal Facilities Enforcement program in cooperation with
the Defense Department, is participating in Project XL/ENVEST, which is part of
the Agency's Regulatory Reinvention initiative. This initiative emphasizes
eliminating or reducing less'significant regulatory requirements, thus allowing
facilities to focus on more significant areas to achieve compliance.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
FEDERAL FACILITIES ENFORCEMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (cont'd)
As part of the Agency's Common Sense Initiative, the Federal Facilities
Enforcement program has begun to emphasize compliance assistance to Federal
agencies through on-site environmental management reviews ('EMRs) , with emphasis
on assistance to ..smaller civilian agencies. EMRs emphasize the need to review
all operational and management practices at a facility to improve environmental
performance. FFEO will continue to expand the use of EMRs as a tool for
environmental compliance in all ten Regions.
In 1993 the President signed Executive Order 12856, "Federal Compliance with
Right-To-Know Laws and Pollution Prevention Requirements", which covers
approximately 2,500 Federal facilities. This Executive Order (EO) requires
Federal agencies to develop comprehensive pollution prevention strategies and to
reduce by 50% their emissions of toxic chemicals or toxic pollutants by 1999.
In addition, Federal facilities are now required to comply with all provisions
.of Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution
Prevention Act (PPA), including Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting
requirements. EPA will work with the other Federal agencies and oversee
implementation of facility-specific pollution prevention plans required for 2000+
Federal facilities covered by EO 12856. OECA will also continue implementation
of the Federal Government Environmental Challenge Program, including the Code of
Environmental Management Principles and the Model Facility Program, as required
by EO 12856.
The Federal Facilities Compliance Act (FFCA) expanded EPA's ability to conduct
hazardous waste inspections and exercise enforcement/penalty authority at Federal
facilities, resulting-in significantly more' inspections and related enforcement
actions. The FFCA requires annual inspections of all Federal treatment, storage
and disposal (TSD) facilities {approximately 330), which are conducted by EPA
Regional offices or authorized States. Interagency Agreements signed with the
Defense Department for cost reimbursement require EPA to complete FFCA inspection
reports within 120 days from the date of inspection, which places additional
resource burdens on EPA and State RCRA programs. The Federal Facilities
Enforcement Office (FFEO), within EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance
Assurance (OECA) , manages a national program and works with the states to ensure
that Federal Facilities and government-owned-contractor-operated (GOCO)
facilities conduct their activities in an environmentally sound manner and comply'
with all applicable environmental statutes and regulations. EPA's program is
responsible for ensuring that Federal Facilities take mitigative actions where
their operations could endanger the environment and human health.
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UNITED- STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
FEDERAL FACILITIES ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE: OECA
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Con't
The Program's goals are to ensure that the Federal government, including EPA,
is accountable to the public for its environmental management decisions; to
use the full range of enforcement authorities to ensure that the Federal
government complies with all environmental laws; and to marshal public and
private technical and scientific resources and expertise in order to reduce
risk, prevent pollution, optimize efficiency, and promote environmental
justice. EPA strives to achieve these goals by utilizing an appropriate mix
of the pollution prevention, compliance, enforcement, and technical assistance
tools available to the Agency.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
TOXIC SUBSTANCES ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE: ' OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Regions administer the state cooperative enforcement .agreements which are
•issued under TSCA section 28. Under this provision, the states perform
compliance inspections in support of TSCA section 6 existing chemicals .rules
controlling asbestos under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
.and PCBs. The Regions are implementing programs for lead exposure reduction
under Title IV of TSCA. Due to statutory restrictions in TSCA with respect to
state operations, states without TSCA-like authorities are not permitted to
initiate enforcement actions and can only conduct inspections in support of
Federal regulations issued under TSCA section 6. Additional activities
include monitoring and technical assistance for TSCA import/export controls.
The Regions also ensure that facilities comply with regulations regarding
disposal of PCBs, collection of valid information on chemicals under sections
4, 5, and 8, verify reporting and certification .requirements under sections 12
and 13, .and monitor compliance with asbestos controls in the nation's schools.
PROGRAM DE 3CRTPTION '
Major responsibilities' of the Regions include: conducting compliance
inspections in support of existing TSCA regulations, developing and initiating
.enforcement actions when violations are detected, overseeing compliance orders
and agreements for federal facilities, and managing and .overseeing the
contract NCSC inspectors and state compliance inspection programs.
Implementation of lead exposure reduction activities under Title IV of TSCA
will require new compliance and enforcement activities.by EPA Headquarters,
Regions and the states. Traditional base program inspections for asbestos and
PCBs will diminish as resources are diverted to address these new
responsibilities.
Currently there are 36 cooperative enforcement agreements with the states and
an Indian tribe. Because most states do not have expanded authorities,
Regions prepare and initiate enforcement actions in response to inspection
reports issued by the states. Other Regional responsibilities related to the
cooperative enforcement agreement program include negotiation, review and
processing of applications for cooperative agreements, facilitating training
of state inspection.and analytical staff, reviewing state programs.and
outputs, and providing guidance and technical assistance-to the states.
• Enforcement activities in support of TSCA section 4 are carried out by the
laboratory data integrity program. Three Regions support'Headquarters by
conducting inspections to monitor compliance with Good Laboratory Practices
fGLP) regulations at laboratories engaged in testing response to TSCA
requirements.
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0NITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
TOXIC SUBSTANCES ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE: OECA
PROG3RAM DESCRIPTION con't
The Regions provide compliance and technical assistance to the regulated
community and the public. -This includes reviewing Headquarters policy and
guidance proposals for Regional implications, and supporting an Asbestos
coordinator•in"each Region. - •
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES . ' ' •
The goal of this program is to enforce the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
through responding to situations involving substantial threats to public
health or the environment from toxic substances regulated under TSCA;
conducting inspections in support of existing chemical, hazard assessment, and
information collection rules; managing and overseeing state compliance
monitoring activities under the state/Federal toxic substances cooperative
enforcement agreement program; developing enforcement actions when violations
are detected, whether through Federal, State, or.-contract inspections;
permitting PCB disposal sites; and providing technical and compliance
assistance to the regulated community, the public, and the states.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EPCRA
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGUIATORY FRAMEWORK ' , '
Section 313 of the Emergency. Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EP.CRA),
commonly known as Title III of the Superfun-d Amendments and Reauthorization
Act (SARA), requires owners and operators of certain classes of facilities
that manufacture, import, process, or otherwise use certain chemicals to
report' their annual environmental releases of those chemicals. The Pollution
Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA) resulted in new reporting" requirements for
facilities reporting under section 313. The chemical accident prevention
provisions 'of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments complement EPCRA in emergency
preparedness activities.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
SARA section 313 and the PPA require certain businesses annually to report to
EPA and state officials on the amounts of chemicals their facilities release
into the environment, and on source reduction and recycling efforts. The
database created through this reporting ' requirement is known as the Toxic
Release Inventory (TRI). Maintaining this database involves all facets of
data management from records management,' data input, data processing, and
auditing to information dissemination to the public by computer
telecommunications and other'means, as required by the law. The Agency
maintains the list of toxic chemicals subject to TRI reporting requirements
and revises it periodically based on petitions and the application of
statutory criteria. The program also publishes reports on the analysis of TRI
data to assist the public in identifying risk reduction opportunities.
Another important element is providing assistance t& Regions and states to
ensure TRI and PPA data requirements are understood, building the field
presence necessary to take the pollution prevention message to individual
facilities, and other activities deemed necessary.
The regional EPCRA program serves as an important component of the overall
national EPCRA program in the Regions and states. Major activities include
promoting full reporting by all covered facilities; informing the regulated
public about changes in TRI reporting requirements; encouraging and supporting
TRI data use within the regional offices and in the states; supporting the
public's use of TRI data through general access and technical assistance;
conducting industry outreach and training; and conducting multi-media
environmental audits of selected TRI facilities.
The emergency planning, preparedness, arid prevention program involves
providing guidance to local communities and industry on evaluating the
potential for chemical accidents and actions to prevent them. The program
establishes 'by rules lists of chemicals for which plans are required.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EPCRA
OFFICE: OPPTS '
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES • '
The purpose of the EPCRA program element is to inform government officials and
the public about releases of toxic chemicals in the environment. To do so/
the Agency works with affected industries to ensure that they fully understand
the reporting requirements and provide complete and accurate emissions data.
This -information provides a previously unavailable opportunity to establish
program priorities for health and environmental risk reduction based on cross1-
media understanding of the environmental releases of over 300 different
chemicals.
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UNITED" STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EPCRA ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE: OECA
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act •(.EPCRA) requires that
users, manufacturers, and processors of potentially harmful chemicals inform
Lpcal officials or authorities, commissions or committees established by each
state and the public of the presence of such chemicals within localities, as
well as inform EPA and the state of releases of such substances into the
environment. With the information, local authorities can prepare emergency
response'plans, training programs, and notification procedures to protect
health and the environment locally.
This program is responsible for enforcing sections 302, 303, 311, and 31,2 of
EPCRA which require reporting based on thresholds and chemical substances as
well as section 313 which requires facilities to annually submit .toxic
chemical release forms to EPA and the state. Such forms, known as the Toxics
Release Inventory (TRI) , list amounts of chemicals released into the
environment during the preceding year.
PROGRAM 'DESCRIPTION
At the Regional level, compliance inspections to detect companies that have
failed to make section 313 reports are high-priority activities. Most of
these inspections are conducted by contract employees working under a grant
with the National Council of Senior Citizens (NCSC). In addition, Regions are
increasing priority for inspections and enforcement actions directed toward
data quality violations and late reporters. The Regional offices are also
responsible for developing enforcement actions taken under EPCRA. EPA staff
provide compliance assistance and guidance to the regulated community as
necessary. Beginning in 1995 Federal Facilities are required to participate
in TRI reporting based upon Executive Order 12856.
The non-reporter compliance program involves identifying and taking action
against those industry and federal facilities that are required to report
under section 313 but which fail to do so. Inspections to identify non-
reporters help to. define the regulated universe, enabling Regions to become
increasingly efficient in targeting inspections with each new section 313
reporting cycle. Regional inspection targeting efforts are enhanced by
information from the Headquarters targeting system.
Regions target enforcement efforts toward facilities which have violated other
environmental statutes, are located in sensitive ecosystems or near population
centers, or might otherwise be appropriate enforcement targets- Regional FTE
continue to conduct case development and settlement negotiations.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EPCRA ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE: OECA
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION con't .
Under sections 302, 303, 311, and 312 of EPCRA, pursuing enforcement actions
against companies that failed to submit to the Local Emergency Planning
Commission (LEPC) information necessary for an emergency plan, the name of an
emergency coordinator, or failure to notify the LEPC of facility changes are
high priority. Other high priority areas for enforcement include the failure
to submit notification of a release to the State Emergency Response Commission
(SERC) and LEPC, and the failure to submit information to the LEPC, SERC or
fire department.
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to enforce EPCRA.. Under sections 302, 303, 311,
and 312 of EPCRA, the compliance/enforcement program"attempts to enhance the
emergency planning, emergency release notification, and community right-to-
know reporting requirements present in the statute. Ensuring the information
available is accurate, allows communities to better assess potential chemical
emergencies.
The compliance/enforcement program under section 313 of EPCRA is designed to
ensure collection of accurate and timely information on chemical emissions.
The Agency, state and local governments, industry, federal facilities and
private citizens use this data, known as the TRI, to assess potential chemical
risks and to develop necessary risk reduction responses.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Several statutory authorities constitute the legal basis to regulate toxic
chemicals that present risks to human health and the environment. The Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) provides EPA with broad authorities to eliminate
or reduce risks caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. Section 4 of TSCA
authorizes EPA to require by rule that chemical manufacturers and processors
test their products to develop health and/or environmental data. TSCA section
5 requires any person who intends to manufacture or import a new chemical
substance to provide-EPA with all available data on the chemical structure,
production, use, release, exposure, and health and environmental effects- of
the substance. TSCA section 6 authorizes EPA to regulate chemicals already in
.commerce, while TSCA section 8 permits EPA to collect a variety of data to
inform and support regulatory decision-making. The TSCA regulatory framework
is also supported by data collected under Title III of the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act — the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act. In addition, the Pollution Prevention Act authorizes the
Agency to work with private and public sectors to•prevent pollution of toxic
chemicals through multi-media source reduction.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Chemical Assessment and Management program element is comprised-of three
.complementary functions: chemical testing activities, new chemical review, and
existing chemical risk management. Under the chemical testing program,
testing candidates are designated or recommended by the Interagency Testing
Committee, a committee authorized by TSCA to review available data on
chemicals in commerce. EPA must respond within one year to each designation
by initiating rulemaking to require testing or by providing reasons for not
doing so. EPA also uses negotiated consent orders in lieu of rulemaking where
feasible in order to expedite the initiation of testing. In addition to.
Interagency Testing Committee testing, the chemical testing program also
focuses on obtaining test data for chemicals identified by other federal
agencies, other EPA programs, .and international organizations. The testing
."required under section 4 may be comprehensive or selective depending on gaps
in existing information. EPA may require industry to provide health effects.
testing, environmental effects testing, chemical fate testing, physical -
chemical property testing, or exposure testing. EPA's testing priorities are
communicated to the public through a periodically updated Master Testing List.
The new chemical review program is one '-of EPA's most powerful pollution
prevention programs. Before a new chemical or a new genetically engineered
microorganism enters commerce, a company must notify the Agency. EPA
determines whether proposed controls are appropriate-, whether additional data
are needed, and whether production and use should be restricted or prohibited.
This is also
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: OPP'TS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION eon't
the Agency's first opportunity to establish pollution prevention practices for
new substances. The new chemical review program examines approximately 2,500
new chemical substances a year. . Additionally, in 1986 EPA issued a policy on
biotechnology that provided for review of certain new genetically-engineered
microorganisms under TSCA. Rules to implement this policy are still under
development. ' • • .
Of the thousands of existing chemicals in commerce in this country, many may
be toxic and potentially pose unreasonable risks to human health and/or the
environment. The existing chemical review program'relies upon an array of
analytical tools and techniques to identify and assess risks and to implement•
risk management approaches to reducing unreasonable risk. TSCA's authorities
are unique within the Agency, because they are based upon a multi-media life
cycle approach to toxic chemical risk assessment and risk management. The
program emphasizes use of innovative non-regulatory or voluntary approaches
that serve to reduce risk from exposure to toxic chemicals without imposing
strict regulatory requirements upon industry or incurring long delays before
risk management actions can be implemented. The program also, enables the
public to initiate or promote risk management practices through dissemination
of information on chemical hazards.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Chemical Assessment and Management program element directly supports risk
reduction by (1) generating scientific test data necessary for sound decision-
making, (2) identifying and preventing unreasonable risks and exposure to
human health and the environment by prohibiting or restricting manufacture of
new chemicals that would pose unreasonable risks, (3) making information
concerning chemical risks and remedies available to the public, and (4>
reducing risks posed by chemicals currently in production or use through
screening, risk assessment and risk management. In addition the program is
particularly well suited tp support the Agency's pollution prevention goals
since it.provides a direct opportunity to ban or alter the production, use or
disposal of toxic chemicals based on a multi-media assessment of risks and
alternatives.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
NATIONAL PROGRAM CHEMICALS
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORyFRAMEWORK
The National Program Chemicals program element uses several statutory
authorities to support its functions, which involve risk management of
existing chemicals of nation-wide significance. The Toxic Substances Control
Act (TSCA) provides broad authority to eliminate or reduce risks to human
health and the environment posed by exposure to toxic chemicals. The
Pollution Prevention Act authorizes EPA to work with the private .and public
sectors to prevent pollution from toxic chemicals 'through multi-media source .
reduction. Title III of the Superfund Amendments' and Reauthorization Act —
the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act — provides data on
environmental releases of toxic or hazardous chemicals to inform and support
TSCA regulatory decision-making. The Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard
Reduction Act of 1992 (which is designated as Title IV of TSCA) requires EPA
to provide a comprehensive national approach to dealing with lead-based paint
in the nation's housing stock. .The Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act
(ASHAA), the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, and the Asbestos
Information Act comprise the legislative bases for regulation of asbestos, one
of the specific chemicals that is the responsibility of the National Program
Chemicals program element.
PROGRAMDESCRIPTION
The activities found within the National Program Chemical program element,
which has both headquarters and regional components, focus on the risk
management of toxic chemicals of national import. As of 1996 these chemicals
include lead, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxin.
Chemicals may be added in this program as new chemical risk concerns surface,
and chemicals may be deleted as risk management programs directed at
alleviating hazards come to an end. This program element relies on an array
of analytical tools to identify and assess risks and to implement risk
management approaches to controlling the dangers.posed by these chemicals.
Where possible this program emphasizes innovative non-regulatory or voluntary
approaches to reduce exposure without imposing "strict regulatory requirements
upon industry or incurring long delays before risk management actions can
begin. This program also empowers the public through dissemination of
information on chemical hazards to start risk management activities.
The regional component of this program element provides support for the
building of state infrastructure and capabilities to address risks posed by
PCBs, asbestos, lead and other toxic po'llutants. The Regions support new and
expanding state ris'k management projects and a variety o'f related outreach and
technical assistance activities. Lead resources support the states in
implementing thŁ Agency's lead strategy. The national goal for asbestos
continues to be reducing exposure of the public to asbestos in the nation's
schools through ASHAA project monitoring and developing a risk-based program
to address asbestos in public and
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
NATIONAL PROGRAM CHEMICALS
OFFICE: QPPTS-
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION con't
commercial buildings, with particular emphasis on enhancing state asbestos
accreditation programs. Two key regional PCB activities are ensuring
technical integrity of- PCB disposal facilities and promoting remedial programs
at contaminated sites.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .
Activities under the National Program Chemicals program element decrease risks
to human health and the environment posed by exposure to dangerous chemicals
through risk assessment and risk management activities. The program provides
direct pollution prevention opportunities to ban or alter the production, use
or disposal of hazardous chemicals using a multi-media assessment of risks and
alternatives.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WORKING CAPITAL FUND-ToxiC Substances
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Agency will propose legislation in FY 1995 to establish the working capital
fund.
PROGRflM DESCRIPTION ' ' • .
This program element provides base resources for postage costs and on-going data
processing and telecommunication'services for Toxic Substances activities.
SOAIiS AND OBJECTIVES ' . ' '
The primary.goal of this program element is to provide essential postage, data
processing, and telecommunication services for the Program.Office.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT ANALYSIS
MISSION AND POLICY - OFFICE OF AIR AND RADIATION
National Program Manager: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The statutory authorities under this program element are the Clean Air Act
Amendments of 1990; the Indoor Radon Abatement Act; the Resource Conservation .and
Recovery Act; the Atomic Energy Act; the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control
Act and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
At the. Assistant Administrator's level, this program develops national policy for
air and radiation programs, and directs the implementation of national regulatory
and non-regulatory programs to reduce health and environmental risks from air
pollution and radiation. These activities are done primarily through in-house
efforts that provide; advice and counsel to the Administrator on the air and
radiation programs; effective policy, program, and management guidance to the
Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) program, staff, and regional offices; and,
analysis", planning, budgeting' and management capability to assure analytic
support to regional programs for which the Assistant Administrator is National.
Program Manager,
At the Office Director level, the program assists in the development of program
specific guidance for air quality planning and standards, mobile sources air
pollution control, air enforcement, atmospheric programs, indoor environments and
radiation exposure reductions. The resources also support management of the
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, the Office of Mobile Sources, the
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air and the Office of Atmospheric Programs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this program are to develop national policy for and to direct
other federal implementation of national programs to reduce health and
environmental risks from air pollution and radiation; to provide for coordination
of these programs with agencies, and state and local governments; and to provide
•for development of program specific guidance for air quality- planning and
standards, mobile source air pollution control, atmospheric protection, indoor
environments and radiation exposure reductions.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MISSION AND POLICY MANAGEMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: WATER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES /REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Statutory authorities include the Clean Water Act (CWA); Safe Drinking
Water Act (SDWA),; Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA)'; the
Marine Plastic Pollution Research Control Act (MPPRCA) ; the Ocean Dumping Ban Act
(ODBA) ; the Great Lakes Critical Programs Act; the Coastal Zone Act and its
Reauthorization Amendments; and the North American Free Trade Agreement.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION '
This program supports development of national policy and implementation of
the national regulatory programs for the Office of Water. (OW) authorizing
statutes. •• Specifically, these resources are used to: review and analyze
legislative initiatives and program policies; provide management direction to
organizations performing OW functions; and manage national strategic planning for
water programs. The staff leads reinvention efforts within OW, including
reinvention/re-engineering of regulations,' other program activities, and internal
management controls. The staff performs liaison with other Executive and outside
agencies; manages the OW Regional Management Agreement System (including regional
evaluations); develops OW program plans and budgets for implementation of Agency
policies and programs; and tracks budget expenditures. In addition, -staff
provides, quality control of regulations produced by the OW; provides
administrative support to the'program offices, Great Water Body programs, and
Regions; monitors and evaluates program performance; and manages human resources
within OW. ' The staff also develops communications strategies and a'variety of
outreach activities related to Water Quality and Drinking Water issues.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES '
The primary goal of this program is to provide overall program direction/
develop national policy, and provide management and administrative support within
the. Office of Water (OW) . The resources in this program are directed 'toward
planning and overseeing the national programs designed to ensure that the goals
of the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Safe Drinking Water Act and other statutory
requirements are met. Major activities include'continued implementation.of the'
CWA and SDWA as currently amended, and support for reauthorization of these
statutes. •
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCX
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT-PESTICIDES AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
This program supports senior-level management of the 'immediate office of the
Assistant Administrator, the Office of Pesticide Programs, and the Office of
Pollution Prevention and Toxics •.. This program provides for the planning and
oversight of EPA activities under the Toxic Substances Control Act, Title X of
the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, the Pollution
Prevention Act of 1990, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, the Asbestos
School Hazard Abatement Act, section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FlFRA) as amended in 1988, and a portion of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act, •• •
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
To increase productivity and better integrate activities within the Office of
Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) and with.other offices, this
program supports critical review of program documents and activities and makes
recommendations -to the Assistant Administrator on science and policy issues.
Activities include specific projects oix cross-program issues such as agricultural
chemicals in ground-water, risk assessment policy, dioxins, chlorofluorocarbons,
asbestos, implementation of the 1988 amendments to FIFRA, and implementation of
the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, This program supports OPPTS budget
formulation, execution and control; manages the OPPTS Information Collection
Budget; 'and provides oversight and guidance to OPPTS programs on various Agency
systems and reports, such as the Strategic Planning and Management System, the
Action Tracking System, the annual Operating Guidance, and the Four-Year
Strategic Plan. The staff provides guidance, direction and oversight on
statutory and regulatory actions. We continue to stress developing risk
assessment guidelines, including guidelines for ecological effects, and
communication of risk assessment, risk management, and risk reduction information
to state and local governments, the Regions, and other Federal agencies. OPPTS
provides administrative support for the Biotechnology Science Advisory Committee,
chartered in 1987, to'provide the Administrator" with expert advice on the risks
and effects of applied biotechnology.
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES
The major goal is to ensure that OPPTS carries out its statutory responsibilities
taking into account the intent of" the laws, guidance provided by the
Administrator, and the public interest. Specific program management objectives
include: 1} providing policy guidance and monitoring program activities; 2)
ensuring quality'scientific judgments for the basis of regulatory decisions; 3)
increasing productivity; i.e., reducing the time and resources required for
decision.making on applications, petitions and other requests; 4) documenting and
monitoring utilization of resources; 5) increasing environmental results; 6)
inter-office coordination with other Assistant Administrators on toxic chemical
and pesticide-related issues; and 7) proper liaison with regional and state
officials on policy issues.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MISSION AND POLICY MANAGEMENT - ENFORCEMENT
OFFICE: . 'OECA . • ,
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance is responsible for providing
legal and technical support for the following environmental statutes: Resource
Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA); Clean Air Act' (CAA); Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA); Clean Water Act (CWA); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA); Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); Marine
Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) and, Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA). OECA is also responsible for implementing the Pollution Prosecution Act
(PPA) requirements. '
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program provides executive direction and management support in the areas' of
program planning, administrative and personnel operations, budgeting and
financial management, information management, communications', and/or office
automation for all OECA components.
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES
This program identifies resources for program planning, direction, and management
support for the Office of Enforcement Compliance Assurance (OECA) . These
resources contribute to the overall executive leadership, program management,
personnel and administrative services, budget . formulation and execution,
financial management, funds control and information management support functions
for all OECA components. Budget coordination and limited support is provided to
the program management staff at the National Enforcement Investigations Center
(NEIC) in Denver Colorado. In addition, management support is provided for the
Offices of Regional Counsel (ORC), Office of Regulatory Enforcement (ORE), Office
of Criminal Enforcement (OCE), Office of Federal Activities' (OFA), the Federal
Facilities Enforcement Office (FFEO), Office of Site Remediation (OSRE), the
Office of Enforcement Capacity and Outreach (OECO), and the Office of Compliance
(OC) . Additional support is provided to regional enforcement components
addressing water quality, wetlands, safe drinking water, to.xic substances, FIFRA,
EPCRA, hazardous waste and clean "air compliance.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MISSION AND POLICY - OFFICE OF SOLID WASTE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
OFFICE: OSWER
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
This account supports the implementation of the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as amended, by the Hazardous and Solid Waste
Amendments of 1984
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
. PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MISSION AND POLICY MANAGEMENT - POLICY, PLANNING AND EVALUATION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OPPE
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATpRY raAMEWORK
Under the Reorganization Plan of 1970 {5 USC Appendix), the Office of Policy,
Planning and Evaluation (OPPE) directs the Agency's regulation development
process, formulates Agency, policy, manages the Agency's strategic planning
process, leads Agency efforts in climate change, environmental statistics,
performs economic impact and benefit cost analysis, and manages the President's
Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI). OPPE works under all laws for which
EPA .has the lead responsibility as well as in the implementation of other
statutory authorities relating to the environment under the purview of other
Federal agencies. In addition, OPPE ensures Agency compliance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1980; Executive Orders 12291, 12498, 12612, and 12866; and. the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
PROGRAM PE SCRIPTION
OPPE works to ensure that environmental hazards and risks are effectively managed
across Agency programs and the Federal government by employing a cross-media
approach that is either sector-based, placed-based (e.g., ecosystems), or both.
More specifically, OPPE: . *
o Manages the Agency's regulation development process to ensure that top
management is adequately informed on the principal issues, policy, alternatives,
and major implications of significant regulations.
o Ensures that EPA policy decisions reflect thorough consideration of economic,
environmental, and other costs, benefits, and impacts.
o Improves quality of statistical, economic, technical, and environmental
analysis supporting EPA policies.
o Leads Agency efforts in emerging issues and strategic analyses, such as global
climate change, trade and the environment, energy and transportation.
o Establishes and maintains a framework for defining Agency goals and the means
of achieving them.
o Directs longer-term strategic planning for the Agency, combining analyses of
existing programs and regulations with development of more cost-effective
approaches for environmental protection.
'o Develops those planning, evaluation, accountability, management, and
forecasting systems necessary to improve overall Agency program and management
effectiveness and indicators to 'measure performance and_ the international
statistical community.
o Plays a leading role in oversight and implementation of Environmental
Technology Initiative within the Agency.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The principal goals of OPPE are to provide the Administrator with credible
information for improved decisionmaking and to provide Agency leadership or major
programmatic support oh critical cross-media issues. OPPE's priorities are
reflected in its strategic plan and guided by the EPA's .seven principles.
Although OPPE contributes in some way to all.of EPA's goals, OPPE's priorities
most directly serve the multi-medial goals of Climate Change Risk Reduction,
Ecological Protection, Improved Understanding of the Environment, and Management.
Activities also aim at implementing the recommendations of the Science Advisory
Board's report on Reducing Risk, especially working with Congress, other Federal
agencies and industry to integrate risk reduction considerations into the broader
aspects of public policy and promoting a better public understanding of the true
nature of relative, risks.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MISSION AND POLICY MANAGEMENT - GENERAL COUNSEL
OFFICE: OGC
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
As the program element containing resources for the Office of General
Counsel's (OGC) senior managers and administrative staff, this program is
authorized by the Reorganization Plan of 1970, 5 U.S.C. Appendix.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element provides senior program direction, regional
coordination, and management support resources for the OGC. These activities
include the planning management, budgeting, financial management, personnel and'
administrative services to the OGC, and.budgeting, planning, and other services
to the counselling function in the Offices of the Regional Counsel.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This program .element seeks to provide the resources for the overall
supervision of OGC's legal operations and to provide the appropriate
administrative operations necessary for the office to meet its legal services
mission.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MISSION AND POLICY MANAGEMENT .
ADMINISTRATION AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRflMEWORK
This authorizing statue for activities in this program element is the annual
Appropriation Bill. . . •
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION '
The Office of Administration and Resources Management (OARM) provides overall
policy guidance and management support services enabling operating .units across
•the Agency to function effectively and efficiently. The Support provided.by OARM
includes but is not limited to — resources management and personnel services;
facilities management and "maintenance; occupational health .and safety;
administrative services; organizational and management analysis and systems
development; information management and automated'data processing systems; and
procurement through contracts and grants. The resources in this program element
provide for long-term and strategy development, policy development, budget
development and execution, human resource coordination resource monitoring, and
administrative management oversight for Agency-wide activities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
o Provide overall'policy direction and guidance to the Agency's management
programs;
o Direct and manage the development and execution of the OARM budget, including
resource management and program analysis for the current year, the operating
year, and the budget year;
o Conduct special analyses requested by the Assistant Administrator (AA) and
Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA), related to the OARM budget and/or to the
efficient operation of OARM;
o Provide "management tools" such as Action Tracking and Strategic Targeted
Activities for Results System (STARS), coordinate internal control reporting,
coordinate, OARM compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), serve
as OARM's Senior Information Resources Management Official (IRMO), ensure
appropriate OARM follow-up on audits conducted by this.office of the Inspector
General and the General Accounting Office;
o Monitor OARM personnel issue, including Human -Resource Management
coordination, coordination of OARM's compliance with the Performance Management
and Recognitions "Systems (PMRS); and
o Serve as a resource for developing and implementing management effectiveness
strategies within OARM and for the Agency.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCX
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF * "
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Administrator and Deputy Administrator and their immediate staffs provide
overall foreign and domestic environmental policy direction and human resources,
financial and management integrity guidance to the Agency. The• Pollution
Prevention Policy Staff is responsible for developing policies to guide, direct
and mediate all pollution prevention activities .throughout the Agency.
The staff of, the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) is responsible for issuing
final Agency decisions and administrative enforcement proceedings under the
Clean Air Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act; Marine
Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act; Solid Waste Disposal Act; Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act; Safe Drinking Water Act and Equal Access to
Justice Act. The EAB is also responsible for issuing final Agency decisions
regarding reimbursements under CERCLA section 106(b).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program provides necessary support to the Administrator and the Deputy
Administrator including clerical support, speech writers," trip planners,
confidential special assistants, along with the Environmental Appeals Board
Judges and staff and the Pollution•Prevention Policy Staff. General guidance
and support also provided to ensure implementation of the recommendations of the
Agency Executive Steering Committee for Information Resources Management.
The Agency -Executive steering Committee (ESC) for Information Resources
Management (IRM) provides overall Agency guidance to the management of EPA's
information resources under a,charter established by the Administrator. The ESC
develops, selects, or recommends the Agency IRM vision, goals, and implementing
projects. The ESC provides recommendations on policy, acquisition strategies,
and major systems developments.
Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) serves as the Agency's administrative
appellate authority in the consideration and resolution of appeals or other
requests for a decision in adjudicatory matters required by statute to be made
by the Administrator, and in any other matters- of a quasi-judicial nature which
require an appellate decision by the Administrator and arise out of EPA's
regulatory programs. The EAB is also
available to decide or make recommendations on other issues for which an
independent, objective analysis is required.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAl. PROTECTION AGENCX
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
IMMEDIATE OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONcog't ' '
The Pollution Prevention Policy Staff is responsible for working closely with
the Pollution Prevention Division 'under the direction of the Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics; and developing Agency policies in this area. The
Pollution Prevention Policy Staff provides necessary staff support to the Senior
Policy Council chaired by the Deputy Administrator, including scheduling of
meetings and development of agenda items for review.
The Immediate Office also houses the President's National Service Program for
the EPA. This is an' initiative to involve citizens o'f all ages in community
service to help solve some of the country's most critical problems in the ares
of the environment, education, human services, and public safety.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The information resource activities will provide a Agency wide focus on improved
public access to EPA information, reduced reporting burdens for industry, better
information for implementation of GPRA, and improved partnerships with State and
Local' governments, and other stakeholders.
The-major focus of activity is to'continue to put special emphasis on better
internal management, improve international leadership in new and emerging global
air and water pollution issues, pursue delegation of programs to State and-local
governments, support enhanced science as a basis of decision-making, and improve
the Agency' s" methodologies for managing risk. The Administrator and Deputy
Administrator continue to provide .policy direction and guidance for Agency
programs.
EPA has responded to the Presidents national Service Program by proposing to
conduct projects that would address the environmental needs of disadvantaged
communities.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL .PROTECTION ASENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPRESENTATION FUND
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATOR? FRAMEWORK
Resources cover the expenses of official receptions and other functions for
visiting dignitaries and officials.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Funding is required to enable the Administrator to host receptions, meetings,
and affairs for visiting dignitaries and'officials. •
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Representation Fund is to enable the Administrator to host
official receptions, meetings, and affairs for visiting dignitaries and
officials.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCX
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
OFFICE: • Office of International Activities
STATUTORY AUTHORIflES/REgUIiATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of International Activities (OIA) exercises lead responsibility for
the international activities of the Agency by formulating and implementing
Agency and U.S. policies on a bilateral and multilateral basis, OIA programs
are authorized under multiple acts for which EPA has the lead responsibility.
These acts include: East European Democracy Act, Section 502; Clean Air Act,
Section 103; Clean Water Act, Section .104; Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act, Section 8001; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section
20; Toxic Substances Control Act, Section 10; Marine Protection, Research, and
-Sanctuaries Act, Section 203; Safe Drinking" Water Act, Section 1442 (b) ; the
National Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2) (F).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
OIA draws on the expertise of every EPA. o'ffice and region, other Federal
agencies such as the Departments of State, Commerce, Treasury; non-governmental
organizations, and the private sector in developing and implementing U.S. policy
and programs on international environmental issues. OIA emphasizes regional and
multilateral approaches and focuses resources on key countries and international
organizations.
OIA manages EPA programs designed to restore, improve, and protect the
environment along U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico. OIA is responsible for
implementing the environmental side agreement to the North American Free Trade
Agreement, as well as the Integrated Environmental Plan for the U.S.-Mexico
Border Area. OIA manages EPA agreements with Canada related to Great Lakes
water quality, acid rain, and hazardous waste. In the Caribbean, OIA promotes
regional cooperation in preventing ocean pollution and protecting critical
marine habitats.
OIA manages comprehensive technical assistance programs in Russia and the Newly
Independent States, Central and Eastern Europe, Asia, and the rest of the
developing world. OIA also implements the U.S. Technology for International
Environmental Solutions (U.S. TIES) program under the President's Environmental
Technology Initiative.
OIA addresses regional and global policy issues related to biodiversity,
forests, marine pollution, environment and trade, environmental health, and
polar issues. OIA also manages EPA programs with the World Bank, the United
Nations Environment Program, the United Nations Development Program, the
Organization for Economic Cooperation '-and Development, and other multilateral
organizations.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Serving as a focal point and catalyst, the Office of International Activities
{OIA) manages the Agency's international programs, providing leadership,,
direction, and coordination on behalf of the Administrator and initiating new
programs where appropriate. 'Its broad, long-term goals, directed at achieving
the broad concept of sustainable development worldwide, include: (!) protection
of the global atmosphere; (2) protection of marine and polar environments; (3)
conservation of species, habitats, and ecosystems; and (4)_ protection of human
and environmental health worldwide. The primary means to achieve these goals
include international technical assistance and capacity-building and
international environmental policy and program cooperation.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AQENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
OFFICE OF CIVIL EIGHTS
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ' t .
The Office of civil Rights, under 'the supervision of the Director, serves as the
principal adviser to the Administrator with respect to EPA's civil .rights.
programs. The .office develops policies, procedures and regulations to implement
the Agency's civil rights responsibilities and to provide direction to regional
a.nd field activities. These civil rights responsibilities encompass four
distinct program areas: •• affirmative employment, special emphasis,
discrimination complaints and external compliance, mandated by titles VI and VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; sections 501 -and 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
of 1967; the Equal Pay Act, title XI of the Education Amendments of 1972; the
Age Discrimination Act of 19,75; and section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution
Act Amendments of 1972. The programs pertaining to equal employment opportunity
are governed by regulations and management directives issued 'by the Equal
Employment -Opportunity Commission. The external compliance program is
administered pursuant to Agency regulations at 40 CFR Parts 7 and 12 and
guidance and regulations from the Department of Justice. In addition, there are
a number of other significant Executive Orders, regulations, directives and
guidance documents which are part of the regulatory framework for these
programs.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Office of Civil Rights manages a national equal employment opportunity (EEC)
and external compliance program. The affirmative employment program provides
a blueprint of planned initiatives designed to achieve full representation of
minorities, women, and people with disabilities in the Agency's work force and
to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices and policies that serve as
barriers to full equal employment opportunity. The' special emphasis programs
are designed to improve the employment status of women, African Americans,
Hispanics, Asian Americans, .American Indians and people with disabilities.
These programs support the implementation of the affirmative employment program,
advocate for furthering career opportunities for their constituent groups,
highlight the benefits of a culturally diverse work force, publically recognize
the contributions of employees, and oversee the minority academic institutions
program for the Agency. The discrimination complaint program provides for the
prompt, fair and impartial processing and investigation of employment
discrimination complaints against the Agency. It promotes the resolution of
complaints at the earliest possible stage by requiring EEO counseling before a
formal complaint can be filed and by encouraging the development of an
alternative dispute resolution program. The external compliance program
utilizes assurances of compliance, pre-and post-award compliance reviews, the
"processing of discrimination complaints against the recipients of Federal
financial assistance, and technical advice and assistance to the program
offices,, regions, recipients and beneficiaries to achieve the goal of
nondiscrimination and environmental justice ip programs and activities receiving-
assistance from EPA.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
OFFICE OF CIVIL .RIGHTS
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
i
(3OALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Office of Civil Rights are to provide technical guidance
and direction for the Agency'.s civil, rights efforts; to eliminate
underrepresentation of women, minorities and people with disabilities in the
AgencyVs work force and make equal employment opportunity a reality at EPA by
monitoring and implementing the affirmative employment program; to strengthen
and improve a results oriented special emphasis and employment participation
program; to establish an effective and comprehensive A'gency-wide minority
academic institutions program which will increase the level of financial support
to these institutions; to expand and improve the pre.compla.int counseling program
which will increase the rate of informal resolutions; to have a fair, impartial,
efficient-and timely discrimination complaint processing system; and improve the
implementation of the Agency regulations regarding nondiscrimination in
federally assisted programs in the areas of complaint processing against
recipients, pre-and post-award compliance reviews and technical assistance to
programs, regions, recipients and beneficiaries.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PRQ0RAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Science Advisory Board (SAB) provides those functions that are required by
the Research and Development Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA) of 1978,
Section 109 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977, the 1986 Amendments to the
Safe Drinking Water Act, and Title IV of SARA.
PROQRftM DESCRIPTION
SAB provides expert, independent advice to the Administrator and the Agency on
scientific and technical issues facing'EPA. The SAB continues its work on
Agency initiatives to protect health and the ecosystems by conducting meetings
for the review of approximately 55 issues including: 6 drinking water issues;
1 awards issue; 5 air issues; 6 health issues; 5 ecology issues; 2 indoqr-air
issues; 3 intermedia issues; 2 ORD program issues; 6 radiation issues; 6
research in progress issues; 3 research strategies meetings; and 4 risk
assessment guidelines.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
SAB is. called upon to review both the quality of research planning and the
scientific basis of selected criteria, regulations, and standards.
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UNITED' STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORYFRAMEWORK
Judges from this Office preside over and conduct formal administrative hearings
required by the Administrative Procedures Act, including cases under the Clean
Air Act (Sec. 120, Sec. 207, Sec. 211); Clean Water Act (NPDES civil penalty);
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (civil penalty,
cancellation/suspension and data call-in); Toxic Substances Control Act (civil
penalty); and Resource 'Conservation and Recovery Act (Sec. 3008); the Safe
Drinking Water Act (Sec. 1414 (g) (3) (B)); the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-To-Know Act (Sec. 11045); and the Marine Protection, Research and
Sanctuaries Act (Sec. 105 (a))-.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION '
The Administrative Law Judges preside over approximately 1700 new cases related
to suspension, cancellation, licensing, and enforcement actions initiated by the
Agency on an annual basis. Of this caseload, approximately 400 cases are under
the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), 300 are under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA), and 250 are under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) . In addition, this Office handles approximately 150
cases under the Clean Air Act (CAA) , 250 under the Emergency Planning and
Community'Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) , 275 under the Clean Water Act (CWA) , and
approximately 35 cases under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), as well as
NPDES permit cases and FIFRA cancellation/suspension cases.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES • '
The goal of the Office of the Administrator is to provide timely and accurate
review and judgment on all administrative procedures cases before Administrative
Law Judges or appeals before the Environmental Appeals Board.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ORGANIZATION Ł HEALTH SERVICES
OFFICE: OABM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The regulatory and legal authorities- under which Management and Organization
(M&O) executes its' activities include the Federal Records Act, the
Administration Act, the Federal Information Resources Management Regulations
(FIRMR), the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), and Executive Order 12479-
"Management Reform in the Federal Government." The Safety, Health and
Environmental Management Division (SHEMD)- designs its programs to support the
mission and program needs of the Agency and to assure that EPA's programs are
carried out in compliance with Federal and statutory mandates, regulations,
guidelines, and standards'.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Resources are provided for the Office of Administration's Immediate Office of
the Director, MSO,. SHEMD, and the New Headquarters Project. The Immediate
Office of Administration directs management activities and support services for
its divisions as well as the New Headquarters Project. Together, these
divisions provide high quality services in many centralized administrative areas
such as health and safety, environmental compliance, facilities, planning and
management, and management analysis, and organizational development. M&O
conducts management and organizational- analytical studies, manages the
development and review of Agency-wide delegations of authority, provides advice
to management on organizational issues, manages the EPA Directives System,
oversees the Agency's chartered Federal Advisory 'Committees, provides historical
analyses, and maintains the Agency's historical archives. SCHEMD is responsible
for leading, planning, organization developing, implementing, and evaluating the
environmental compliance, occupational health, medical, fitness/wellness, and
safety, and environmental management functions of EPA. The New Headquarters
Project ensures coordination in the planning, construction, interior design, and
relocation efforts for a new consolidated EPA Headquarters. This includes work
in a variety of structures including the newly constructed Federal Triangle
Building and the renovated Ariel Rios, Customs, and ICC Buildings.
gOALSAND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of M&O is to provide quality organization analytical services
and management for Headquarters, Regions, and Field Offices. M&O's objective
is to serve as the Agency's primary in-house management, organization and
history consultant. The SHEMD goal is to help, managers comply with statutory
and regulatory statutes and create a model for leading, planning, organizing,
developing, implementing, and evaluating health, safety, and environmental
programs throughout EPA. SHEMD's
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PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ORGANIZATION & HEALTH SERVICES
OFFICE: OARM
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES con't
objective is to have, in place a comprehensive program that is credible
throughout EPA • and is considered the best in the Federal Government. The goal
of the New Headquarters Project is to provide timely and efficient planning,
construction, interior design, and relocation for a new consolidated EPA
Headquarters.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
CONTRACTS AND GRANTS MANAGEMENT - HEADQUARTERS
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing statute for this program element is the annual Appropriation
Bill. Activities are also governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
and contract law.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element supports the contracts, 'grants, . and suspension and
debarment management activities at Headquarters, the Regions, Research Triangle
Park, and Cincinnati. EPA contracting activities focus on meeting the specific
contracting objectives of each program office serviced. It is also the Office
of Acquisition Management's (0AM) responsibility to ensure that contract funds
are spent in a prudent manner and that costs associated with the contracting
function are accounted for to preserve the integrity of the process as well as
assert the authority of the Federal government in financial oversight. All of
0AM's efforts, including policy, quality assurance, training, oversight of
contractor property, and the development of an Integrated Contracts Management
System serve to maintain a high level of integrity in the management of the
contracts in place.
The Office of Grants and Debarment (OGD) continuously reviews and develops new
policies and procedures required to administer grants, cooperative 'and
interagency agreements. This is a programmatic effort to streamline the
procedures and to reduce the information burden imposed upon the client
population. The Office provides "cradle-to-grave" business administration for,
all Headquarters grants programs, and it fosters relationships with State and
local governments to support the implementation of environmental programs.
The Suspension-and Debarment Division of OGD protects the integrity ,of EPA's
assistance and procurement activities against waste, fraud, and abuse by
suspending or debarring persons engaged in such activities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The major goal of 0AM is to provide efficient and effective contracting services
to support the Agency's mission.
In the OGD, the goals are twofold: to ensure that grant administration policies
and procedures effectively support the qhanging requirements of all the Agency's
assistance programs; and to ensure the integrity of contract and assistance
awards by producing a strong suspension and'debarment program in the assistance
community. , ,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORlTlES/REGUIATQRY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing statute for activities in this program element is 'the annual
Appropriation Bill, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, 41 CFR and the D.C.
Recycling Act' of 1988.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element provides a full range of on-going facilities management
services to Headquarters, Research Triangle Park (RTF), and Cincinnati. These
include the management of facilities maintenance and operations, shipping and
receiving, security, property management, printing and reproduction, mail
management, and transportation se-rvices in these locations. This program
element also provides workyears to manage the centralized, nationwide function
involved in the acquisition of space, the management of repairs, and
improvements and new construction•programs, and establishment of Agency-wide
policy and procedures required for the property accounting, mail, and security
systems'.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES , ' .
The overall goals of the Facilities Divisions in Headquarters, RTF and
Cincinnati is to provide timely, high quality, and cost effective support
services for EPA programs located in Agency facilities. These support services
and assistance are in the areas relating to property management, security
services, space utilization, leasing, repairs and improvements, and new
facilities.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
INFOBMATION SYSTEMS AND SERVICES
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGUIATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing statutes for activities in this program element is the annual
Appropriation Bill,
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Activities under this program focus on establishing agency information resources
management '(IRM) policies including: data and technology standards; developing
and operating the Agency's central information services, including the library
network and central data base services; Agency-wide resources management;
administrative systems; and telecommunications. This program also oversees and
assists Agency program and administrative offices, Regions and laboratories in
the development and operation of information systems including software
applications, records management systems, LAN activities,- data base services,
public access programs, and international data activities. Oversight is also
conducted on the planning, development, acquisition and delivery of both
standard and advanced information technology and services, including EPA's
agency-wide timeshare service, scientific computing network and ADP service, and
support'contracts.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This activity has two primary goals: to assure effective management of EPA's
investment in information resources and .technology; and to assure the
efficiency, accessibility and utility of information and information technology
that support EPA and state environmental programs. Resources support EPA's
central IRM policy, planning, and service activities performed by the Office of
Information Resources Management, Cincinnati and RTF to provide leadership in
managing and delivering information resources and services to further the
Agency's mission.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGUIATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business. Utilization (OSBDU) receives its
statutory from P.L. 95-507, Executive Order (E.G.) 11625 (Minority Business),
E,0. 12138 (Women's Business), E.O. 12432 (Minority Business Development) the
Clean Air Act of 1990, EPA's grant procurement regulations, P.L. 96-354
(Regulatory Flexibility Act) , and E.0. 12291.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ,
The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSBDU) develops
national policy for the Agency's socioeconomic programs as they relate to both
direct and indirect procurement. The Office is also responsible fo.r the
development and implementation of a viable small business regulatory strategy.
Direct procurement policy is monitored closely and technical assistance is
provided to Headquarters and regional program offices to assure achievement of
preferential procurement goals. The "fair share" concept which requires the
utilization of affirmative action steps set forth in EPA regulations is
encouraged under financial assistance programs.
Small, minority and women's businesses receive technical/managerial assistance
from b'oth Regional staff and OSDBU. Additional technical assistance is provided
by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) under a Memorandum of
Understanding, and these services are coordinated by OSDBU. Through the
Agency's Small Business Ombudsman, OSDBU provides regulatory compliance
assistance to small firms by operating a nationwide toll-free "hotline" which
provides both direct and indirect technical assistance. The Ombudsman also
serves as an advocate on small business issues within the Agency and promotes
voluntary compliance with EPA regulations.
The Office responds to "hotline" calls and performs detailed and complete
casework and follow-up on over 14,000 small business inquiries; performs
regulatory review 'as to small business implications; conducts- outreach
educational programs that promote and further enhance voluntary compliance with
Agency policy and regulations. In addition, the Office continues to monitor and
provide advice on new regulations that promote voluntary compliance by the
several hundred thousand "mainstreet-type" businesses.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of the^ Of fice of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (O.SDBU)
are to: (a) assist small and disadvantaged firms in receiving direct
procurement contracts with EPA ; (b) assist small, minority, and women's
businesses in receiving a "fair share" of procurement dollars, under EPA's
financial assistance programs; and (c) monitor and attempt to' revise
environmental regulatory policy when it adversely impacts small business to
bring about a higher level of voluntary compliance.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MISSION AND POLICY MANAGEMENT
ADMINISTRATION AND RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIE S/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
This authorizing statue for activities in this program element is the annual
Appropriation Bill,
PROGRAM DE SCRIPTION ,
The Office of Administration and Resources Management (OARM) provides overall
policy guidance and management support services enabling operating units across
the Agency to function effectively and efficiently. The' Support provided by OARM
includes but Is not limited to — resources management and personnel services;
facilities management and maintenance; occupational health and safety;
administrative services; organizational and management analysis and systems
development; information management and automated data processing systems; and
procurement through contracts and grants. The resources in this program element
provide for long-term and strategy development, policy development, budget
development and execution, human resource coordination resource monitoring, and
administrative management oversight for Agency-wide activities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
o Provide overall policy direction and guidance to the Agency's management
programs;
o- Direct and manage the development and execution of the OARM budget, including
resource management and program analysis for the current year, the operating
year, and the budget year;
o Conduct special analyses requested by the Assistant Administrator (AA) and
Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA), related, to the OARM budget and/or to the
efficient operation of OARM;
o Provide "management tools" such as Action Tracking and Strategic Targeted
Activities for Results System (STARS), coordinate internal control reporting,
coordinate OARM compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), serve
as ,,OARM's Senior Information Resources Management Official (IRMO), ensure
appropriate OARM follow-up on audits conducted by this office of the Inspector
General and the General Accounting Office;
o Monitor OARM personnel issue^ including Human Resource Management
coordination, coordination of OARM's compliance with the Performance Management
and Recognitions Systems (PMRS); and
o Serve as a resource fqr developing and implementing management effectiveness
strategies within OARM and for the Agency.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIE S/REGUIATORY FRAMEWORK
The services and operations of this program fulfill the regulatory requirements
prescribed by: the Prompt Payment Act of 1982 as amended October 1988; Section
115 of the Budget and Accounting Procedures Act of 1950; Congressional Budget
Act of 1974; Debt Collection Act of 1982; Federal Managers' Financial Integrity
Act of 1982; the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984; the Chief Financial'Officers Act
of 1990; the .Government Performance and Results Act of 1993; and the various
circulares, regulations and initiatives issued and proposed by OMB, GAO,
Treasury, and GSA.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ' '
This program provides all accounting and fiscal services'.for the Agency. This
includes financial reporting, development and implementation of fiscal policies
and procedures, financial management systems, and technical assistance for the'
Working Capital Fund. This program maintains a Quality Assurance program 'to
ensure good data interpretation, reliable financial systems, accurate reports,
and an aggressive Agency-wide Cash Management' Program. The Headquarters,
Cincinnati, and Las Vegas offices perform the basic financial, accounting, and
fiscal services for their site locations, and also for Research and Development
and program office laboratories across the country. In addition,. Headquarters
provides payroll services for the entire Agency. Cincinnati serves, as the
Agency's focal point for coordination, collection, and payment of all Inter-
agency Agreements between EPA and other government agencies. Las Vegas serves
as the National Accounting and Payment Center for program grants and the Letter
of Credit payment process.
GOALS ANDOBJECTIVES
This program element provides resources, for Agency-wide financial management
activities as well as financial and accounting services performed by the
Agency's financial management offices . which are located in Cincinnati, Las
Vegas, Headquarters, and RTP. The primary goal of this program is to provide
quality financial management services' to EPA managers and employees by:
developing sound fiscal policies and procedures; developing, implementing, and
maintaining financial information systems; providing reliable payroll services;
directing Agency-wide financial reporting operations; maintaining the Agency's'
grant obligations and financial transactions; providing Agency-wide accounting
and fiscal services; maintaining a Quality Assurance program which provides
Agency management with reliable financial systems and reports; and conducting
cash management reviews.
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UNITED- STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
NATIONAL PROGRAM OFFICE: 'OPPE
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Through its Strategic P 1'anning and Environmental Data programs, the Office of
Policy, Planning and Evaluation (OPPE) manages the Agency's strategic planning
and management systems and develops environmental indicators and "state o.f the
environment" reports to inform Agency management decisions, operating under all
laws for which EPA has the lead responsibility. OPPE will play a key role with
the Office of Administration and Resources Management (OARM) in determining how
the Agency will respond to the recently enacted Government Performance .and
Results Act (GPRA).
PROGRAM DE SCRIPTION
OPPE: (1) manages and develops the Agency-wide strategic planning process; (2)
leads the Agency-wide effort to develop environmental goals and the appropriate
environmental indicators to track progress toward those goals; (3) evaluates the
relationship between specific environmental strategies and their impact on
environmental results; (4) incorporates into Regional planning and grant
processes the environmental priorities growing out of state comparative risk
projects; (5) integrates the" national and Regional assessment of relative risks
into the planning process and establishes risk-based priorities for the'Agency
budget•process; (6) .analyzes long-term environmental problems; (7) directs
statistical efforts towards developing sound, quality-assured techniques and
methods to assess the quality of Agency environmental data sets as well as data
from other sources; (8) develops the environmental information architecture for
identifying Agency resources, the information needs in public policy decision-
making; ,(9) works closely wi'th other Federal agencies to harmonize collection of
data and to promote general standards for the integration of disparate data sets;
(10) focuses on improving the collection, organization, .and analysis '.of
environmental data and statistics to provide EPA with credible, information for
improved decisionmaking; and (11) develops and publishes environmental statistics
reports and directories for public use and access to environmental information.
/
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES
OPPE's primary goals are to improve risk-based and environmental decisionmaking
in the areas of planning, management and budget, and enhance Agency capabilities
to utilize environmental data to assess the state of the environment and the
effectiveness of environmental programs. A major effort will focus on setting
measurable goals for problems being addressed and bringing long-term strategies
and program implementation in line with the goals that are being set. OPPE's
work promotes all of EPA's guiding principles, and several goals in EPA's
strategic plan, especially Improved Understanding of the Environment .and
Management. OPPE continues 'to support "geographic targeting of ecological
resources and building state/local/tribal capacity. OPPE activities also aim at
implementing the recommendations of the Science Advisory Board's report on
Re duelng Ri3k, such as setting priorities for future actions to achieve greatest
risk'~reHuctTon, reflecting priorities in the Agency's strategic planning and
budgeting process, and improving the data and analytical methodologies and
presentation and use of environmental information in the decision process.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
CONGRESSIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs serves as the principal
contact point and is responsible for the Agency's relationship with Congress and
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on all Congressional and legislative
matters.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Office integrates and is responsible for the Agency's Congressional Liaison
as well as Legislative Analysis functions. The Division of Congressional
Liaison develops support for, and advocates, the Administration's legislative
initiatives and advises senior Agency officials and staff, members of Congress-,
Committee staff, and external organizations on environmental legislation and
Agency activities. Also, the Division is responsible for hearing preparations
and follow-up with Agency witnesses, technical assistance on legislation, timely
and appropriate responses to• Congressional inquiries • and monitoring of
Congressional activity. In conjunction, the Division of Legislative Analysis
assists in 'the development of legislative initiatives with Agency officials,
drafts legislative proposals and obtains clearance of those proposals through
OMB, and ensures that Agency actions are taken in accordance with OMB Circular
A-19, The Division prepares, or directs the preparation of, all testimony
presented by the Administrator and other key Agency officials and obtains and
negotiates clearance with -OMB. In addition, the Division prepares Agency
reports and recommendations on pending and enacted legislation. The Office also
, manages Agency Congressional correspondence as well as the Legislative Reference
Library which provides comprehensive legislative research services, with
computerized tracking systems, to the Agency, Congress, and external
organizations.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Office is to respond to and service the needs of Congress, the
Agency, and Administration officials as related to proposed and enacted
environmental legislation.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCX
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office serves as the focal point for ensuring that communications and
education planning occurs on .all Agency issues. Additionally, the Office
implements the requirements of the National Environmental Education Act (NEEA)
of 1990 which authorized a variety of environmental educational, grant, and
award programs.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Office assures that the Agency informs the public in all key issues;
educates private citizens and responds to their concerns regarding environmental
issues. It establishes and maintains relations and communications with citizen
and consumer groups; maintains liaison with the White House and the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB! on public education and voluntary participation in
environmental control; and manages the EPA Speakers Bureau. The Office manages
the Agency's relationships-with the media, provides audio-visual support, and
develops non-technical publications on major EPA programs for dissemination to
the general public.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES , '
The Office works with the news media and provides informational materials for
the general public. The Office also emphasizes '(15 improving coordination
within the Agency of communication activities related to major Agency actions,
and (2) strengthening long-range planning of public information activities in
coordination with major EPA program offices and the Regional offices.
The Office provides national leadership in promoting environmental literacy in
our youth and increasing the public's awareness of environmental problems and
solutions. The focus is on two broad area's: improving basic science literacy
as the core of environmental education for students in grades K-12 and colleges/-
and informing the general public about the environmental consequences of their
individual and collective actions. This is accomplished, in part, by building
upon .ongoing work of public, non-profit, and private sector groups already
involved in environmental education.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAPI"
STATUTORYAUTHORITIES / REGUIATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of Executive Secretariat is the focal point for processing and
monitoring Agency executive correspondence and .Freedom of Information requests.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Office handles, processes, and tracks approximately 100,000 pieces of
correspondence for the Administrator/Deputy Administrator and 9,200 Headquarters
pieces of FOI Correspondence each year.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of the' Office of Executive Secretariat are to provide •-policy
development and
Freedom of Info
correspondence.
development and coordination, program oversight and guidance for the Agency's
Freedom of Information (FOI) activities; and to manage the Agency's executive
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGIONAL OPERATIONS AND STATE/LOCAL RELATIONS
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of Regional Operations and State/Local Relations (ORQS/LR) serves as
the primary link between the Administrator, the Deputy Administrator and the
Regional Offices. The Office also serves as the principal national contact for
the Regional Environmental Services Divisions (:ESDs); the national program
manager for the regional geographic initiatives program; the liaison for the
Administrator and the - Deputy Administrator and state, local and tribal
governments and their representative organizations; and agency lead on small
community issues. • . .
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The OROS/LR assists regions, states, local governments and tribes in working
with headquarters offices and one another, and serves to facilitate
intergovernmental participation in the Agency's planning, "budgeting .and
regulatory development processes. The office is also the HQ focal point for
ES'Ds and the regional geographic initiative program, providing guidance,
oversight, assistance, and management support.
OROS/LR coordinates Agency-wide revie.w of EPA interactions with state, local and
tribal governments; and establishes mechanisms for government to government
cooperation. The Office builds and maintains communications with state and local
elected officials, environmental directors and representative national
organizations, via task forces, advisory groups and other mechanisms.
OROS/LR facilitates the coordination of activities among the regional offices,
states/localities/tribes, and the National Program Offices on the geographic and
special regional initiatives. Activities 'include the development of joint
planning vehicles, consideration of joint operations, the piloting of
coordinated management techniques and structures, the promotion of priority
setting based upon environmental need, the promotion of voluntary pollution
prevention, the identification and coordination of technical assistance
providers and the evaluation of results.
Other activities with regional offices, states and localities are designed to
build state/local environmental capacity. OROS/LR also maintains a Small
Community Coordinator function, that includes incorporating monitoring of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act for small communities, facilitating small community
cross media outreach, and the integration of small community issues into
innovative financing and technical assistance systems.
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UNITED- STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGIONAL OPERATIONS AND STATE/LOCAL RELATIONS
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Major objectives of this Office are to: assure participation of the' regions and
consultation with state, local and tribal governments in Agency policy-setting
and decision making processes; serve as a Headquarters advocate to the
Administrator on regional issues; identify emerging intergovernmental issues;.
and coordinate intergovernmental relations in the delivery • of environmental
services and program implementation. The Office is also responsible for the
Small Town Environmental Planning program, the Small Town Task Force and the
Local Government Advisory Group. OROS/LR serves as national,program manager for
Environmental. Services Divisions, ensuring their needs are represented and
addressed, and manages the regional multi-media program which provides 'funding
to regions/states/local governments to carry out local environmental projects
identified as most -important to their' geographic areas.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENGX
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Human resources management activities are conducted to fulfill requirements
defined in Title 5 United States'Code.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Human Resource Management .activities (HR) are conducted by the Office of. Human
Resources Management at Headquarters and the Human Resources Management
Servicing Organizations at Cincinnati, RTP, and Las Vegas.
The resources are to provide HR management services and are responsible for
policies, procedures, program .development, and implementation of the full range
of human resources customer services. These services are: human resources
training, special emphasis and employment programs, organizational development,
workplace-planning, performance management, pay administration, benefits and
incentives administration, quality of- life . and workforce issues, National
Performance Review human resources initiatives, and quality assessment of
Agencywide human resources practices and customer services initiatives.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES -
The goal of the HR Management Program is to increase EPA's capacity to carry out
its mission by attracting, retaining, and developing 'a highly motivated,
talented, and diverse workforce. The HR Offices, also serve in the role of
consultant/advisor helping managers in the areas of developing self-managed work
teams, labor-management partnerships, organizational development, and workforce
development.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE SUPPORT
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGUIATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of Executive Support develops resource options and analysis in
support of various staff office functions; provides ongoing personnel.,
financial, and administrative program management functions, and ensures staff
office automation support.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Office provides the Administrator and Staff Offices with centralized
personnel management; recruitment and staffing; administrative support services
including financial management, procurement, and property management; out-year
budget development; current year expenditure monit6ring; planning studies to
assess resource requirements; and automated resource and tracking system
development and implementation (Automated Data Processing/Lan Support)'.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of the Office of Executive Support are to provide centralized budget,
personnel, and resources management, administrative and ADP support to the
Administrator and Executive Staff Offices. ~ ' .
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL COOPERATION (CEC)
OFFICE: Office of International Activities
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Office of International Activities (OIA) exercises lead responsibility for
the international activities of the Agency by formulating and implementing
Agency and U.S. policies and programs on a bilateral.and multilateral basis.
OIA programs are cited authorization under multiple acts for which EPA has the
lead responsibility. These acts include: Clean Air Act, Section 103; Clean
Water Act, Section 104; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Section 8001;
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, Section 20; Tozic
.Substances'Control Act, Section 10; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries
Act, Section 203; Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 1442 (b) ; the National
Environmental Policy Act, Section 102(2) (F). .
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION . . •
The North American Environmental Agreement was negotiated to respond to the
concerns of citizens and Congress that the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) activities could exacerbate environmental degradation without proper
safeguards. This agreement provides for a Commission for Environmental
Cooperation (CEC), which will oversee a variety of environmental commitments and
support activities to ensure that the increased economic opportunities provided
by NAFTA benefit the environment as well. In particular, this 'agreement will
provide pathbreaking mechanisms to ensure that the environmental laws of NAFTA
parties will be effectively enforced.
EPA's Administrator serves as the U.S. Representative to the Commission's
Council, which oversees the implementation 'of the agreements. Working with the
Office of the Administrator, OIA provides support for the Administrator's
participation in the Council, and coordinates Agency-wide participation in the
Commission's technical activities. Resources will go toward .trilateral
initiatives in enforcement, public access to environmental information,
standards harmonization, addressing priority transbounda;ry environmental issues,
as well as a number of others. These activities wil.l benefit both border
regions and the U.S. environment throughout North America.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES . ..
Under the direction of the Assistant Administrator for OIA, EPA will support the
CEC. ' OIA will coordinate the U.S. representation ' to the CEC, including its
staffing, budget development, and work program. OIA will coordinate inter-
office activities within EPA and with other Federal agencies to support the
Administrator in his/her role as the U.S. representative to the CEC. OIA will
also provide liaison with the White House in selecting IKS. membership on the
Public Advisory Committees connected with thevCEC and provide liaison with the
NACEPT in their staffing of the National and Government Advisory Committees.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - HQ
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGUIiATORY FRAMEWORK
Activities in this pro.gram fulfill the regulatory requirements prescribed by the
Prompt Pay Act of 1982 as amended October 1988, Section 115 of the Budget and
Accounting Procedures Act of 195Q, the Congressional Budget"Act of 1974, the
Debt Collection Act of 1982, the Federal Managers' 'Financial Integrity Act of
19,82, the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984, the Anti-Deficiency Act, the Budget and
Accounting Procedures Act of 1921, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of ,1955,
the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, the Federal
Manager's Financial Integrity Act of 1985, the Inspector General Act of 1988,
the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, the Chief Financial Officers
(CFO) Act of 1990,' the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, as well
as the various circulars, regulations, orders and initiatives issued by OMB,
GAO, Treasury,.and other central agencies.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program supports Agency-wide resource management and control _ functions
including .budget development, budget utilization, financial accounting'and fiscal
operations. This program also supports the development of Agency-wide resource
management policies and national guidance, audit management, environmental
financing alternatives, and technical assistance to the Agency's management
integrity process. Support for budget processes includes designing and overseeing
the outyear budget process, providing budget analyses and reports to Agency
program offices, and maintaining a fiscal allocation, control, and review system
for all workyear and financial resources. Accounting and fiscal operations
support includes the Financial Management Centers in Headquarters and field
locations that provide payroll and travel processing; contract and grants
payments, interagency agreements; development of financial policy; financial
reporting and analysis; preparation of Agency financial statements; development,
operation and maintenance of the integrated financial management system (IFMS);
quality assurance; and customer service.
The program will .also focus.on continued improvements to the integration of
Agency wide-planning, budgeting and accountability processes in addition to
providing Agency leadership for the development of performance-based management
tools consistent with the National Performance Review, Government Performance and
Results Act, Government Management Reform Act, and the Chief Financial Officers
Act. .
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goals of this program are-to provide Agency-wide budget development,
budget utilization, financial accounting and fiscal operations, development of
Agency-wide resource management policies and national guidance, audit management,
environmental financing alternatives, and technical assistance to the Agency's
management integrity process.
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UNITED- STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - REGIONS
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Activities in this program element are supported by the Chief Financial Officer's
Act, the Federal Manager's Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA), and the annual
Appropriations Bill. •
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Regional Finance Offices (RFOs) provide accounting, payment processing, and
billings and collections for grants, travel, payroll,, contracts, purchase orders,
arid all other financial transactions, as well as payroll support and general
ledger activities. RFOs also provide travel related services and process
contracts and other commercial and inter-governmental payments. Additionally,
RFOs provide a system of fund control maintenance at the Allowance Holder level,
monthly fund control reports, analyses of financial status, and trend projections
to support resource control and cash management activities.
This program will also, carry out essential resource management activities, such
as budget formulation, workload analysis, operating plan preparation, and overall
management, reporting, and accountability for the budget.
GOAL SAND . OB JECTIVES
The primary goal of this program is to provide sound financial management for all
Regional programs. This "includes: maintaining the Agency wide financial
management system; assisting in the preparation of reports, both internal and
external to the'Regions; and assuring Regional compliance with Congressional and
regulato.ry requirements'. Other objectives of this program element include
providing resource monitoring and payroll/fiscal support services; ensuring
timely collection of monies owed EPA; implementing Region-wide data integrity and
quality assurance program to ensure timely, complete, and accurate financial
reports; and safeguarding the Regions' resources and preventing fraud, waste, and
abuse.
This program element also provides support to the Regional Administrators, the
Office of the Comptroller, and the National Program Managers in developing the
Agency's outyear budget, developing and executing operating plans, and managing
and conducting the Regions' internal planning, budgeting, and funds control
processes to include complying with requirement of FMFIA.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGIONAL MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: ADMINISTRATOR/STAFF • '
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Regional Management operates under 'all laws for which EPA has lead
responsibility and provides direction and definitidn to EPA policy as it applies
to each of the ten EPA Regional .offices.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Regional Management program supports the Regional, Deputy, and Assistant
Regional Administrator who promote the Agency's environmental programs at the
regional, State and local level, 'providing the principal policy direction for
EPA1 s •regional offices. Other regional office functions supported within
Regional Management are: (1) anticipate and resolve potential policy issues;' (2)
encourage greater involvement of State and Tribal governments," (3} expand
relations with local governments; (4) promote Federal Agency cooperation and
coordination on environmental issues; (5) improve equal opportunity performance
in the Regions and encourage representation of minorities and women in all EPA's
activities; (6) maintain effective liaison with, and provide information to the
public, media, other Federal Agencies, State, Tribal, and local governments; and
(7) ensure that environmental justice concerns are reflected in Regional Office
decision making.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Regional Management Offices define and implement EPA policy as it applies to 'the
Regions. They shape and articulate environmental policy for state and local
governments; provide answers to inquires from all sources including Congress and
the media; maintain the education, civil rights and Freedom of Information
programs; coordinate information on environmental programs and projects for the
public 'and .other Federal agencies; and establish regular communications with
public interest, environmental, and business groups.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
PLANNING, EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS
NATIONAL PROGRAM .MANAGEMENT: C-PPS
STATUTORY AUTHORITJtjSS/RESULATORY gRAMSWORK
Planning, Evaluation and Analysis (PE&A), the Regional component of the Office
of Policy, Planning and Evaluation (OPPE), operates under all laws for which
EPA has the lead responsibility.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
PE&A comprises the following activities: (1) Regional and state comparative
risk and strategic planning -, including comparative risk, which identifies risk-
based priority environmental problems and strategies .to deal with them; (2)
ecosystem protection and management which includes working with Regional
programs, states, tribes and localities on community-based environmental
protection efforts, and the Regional geographic initiatives; (3) management
accountability, which focuses on performance measurement systems as required
under the GPRA; (4) EPA's national goals project, including development of
environmental indicators, which concentrate on developing indicators of
environmental results and incorporating them into management tracking systems;
•(5) risk assessment, management, and communication, which focus on developing
comprehensive Regional risk reduction strategies .to establish the necessary
framework for addressing risk in the field; .(6) regulatory review and analysis
which' involve coordinating Regional 'review of impacts of new, proposed, or
revised regulations, with special attention to the workload on the state and
local governments; • (7) management systems analysis which involves studies of
Regional management systems and key processes to improve Regional efficiency and
effectiveness; (8) pollution prevention (P2) which includes initiating P2
demonstration projects, cross-media management, and coordinating technical and
educational outreach activities; and (9) climate change, which includes
activities to support,the Climate Change Action Plan (Presidential Initiative),
and other activities to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives are: (1) to implement the Government Performance and
Results .Act {GPRA) in EPA Regions by providing the capacity to conduct
strategic planning, goal setting, and. management accountability; .and (2) to
strengthen Regional decision-making capacity through the development and use of
innovative planning, management and information tools. These two objectives-
promote all o.f EPA's Guiding Principles, including ecosystem protection,
pollution prevention, strong science and data, 'partnerships, environmental
justice, environmental accountability, and reinventing EPA management. PE&A
risk activities also aim at implementing the recommendation's of the Science
Advisory Board's report on Reducing' Risk, such "as working' with states to
integrate risk reduction considerationsinto the broader aspects of public
policy, and to reflect priorities to achieve greatest risk reduction in state
strategic planning and budgeting process.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT - REGIONS
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Activities in this program element - are supported by the Chief Financial
Officer's Act and the annual Appropriations Bill.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Regional Finance Offices (RFOs) provide accounting, payment processing, and
billings and collections for grants, travel, payroll, contracts, purchase
orders, and all other financial transactions, as well as payroll support and
general ledger activities. RFOs also provide travel-related services and
process contracts and other commercial and inter-governmental payments.
Additionally, RFOs provide a system of fund control maintenance at the Allowance
Holder level, monthly fund control reports, analyses of financial status, and
trend projections to support resource control and cash management activities.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of this program'is to provide sound financial management for
all Regional programs. This includes: maintaining the Agency-wide financial
management system; assisting in the preparation of reports, both internal and
external to the Regions; and assuring Regional compliance with Congressional and
regulatory requirements. Other objective^ of this program element include
providing resource monitoring and payroll/fiscal support services; ensuring
timely collection of monies owed to EPA; implementing Region-wide data integrity
and quality assurance programs to ensure timely, complete, and accurate
financial reports; and safeguarding the Regions' resources and preventing fraud,
waste, and abuse.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT - REGIONS
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY gRAMSWORK
Personnel Management activities fulfill Title 5, USC requirements for the
Performance Management System for all General Schedule employees (Chapter 54),
labor relations programs (Subpart F, Chapter 71, Section 7101 and 7104), and
Affirmative Action programs including the Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment
Program (Section 7151) appropriate statutory references for the omitted human
resources functions listed above.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Servicing Regional Human Resources Offices (HROs) are responsible for the
development and implementation of a comprehensive human resources management
program including: human resources planning, staffing and recruitment, position
management and classification, special emphasis programs, employee development
and training, performance management, labor management, and employee relations,
and all other human-resources-related operations. Regional HROs strive to
provide expert 'advice and assistance to Regional managers in directing and
managing organizational and workforce issues, assure- effective planning for
workforce adjustments resulting from organizational and program changes which
occur in response to shifting Agency and Region-specific priorities, represent
Agency and Regional management to employee unions, and provide expert advice and
assistance to employees.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The major goal of this program element is to provide each Regional Office with
high quality personnel management services to support the accomplishment of. the
Agency's missions and programs as they are implemented in the Regional Offices,
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UNITED- STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT - REGIONS
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing .statutes for activities in this program element is the annual
Appropriation Bill.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Services cover many routine and highly visible activities which include:
telecommunications (voice data) equipment management.; maintaining administrative
information systems and computer operations and ensuring effective automated
-data processing (ADP) operational support for Regional programs; managing ADP;
maintaining Regional .library operations; coordinating Regional records,
management; directing, •contracting, and purchasing activities; providing
administrative direction for all support services and activities; and conducting
high quality environmental compliance and health, and safety programs which
implement, and often exceed, regulatory requirements to provide workplaces free
of hazards both to employees, and the surrounding environment.
GOALS ANDOBJECTIVES ' '
The goal of the Regions is to provide effective administrative and information
•services for environmental decision making tq meet the various needs of each
Regional office and Regional management.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT - REGIONS
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The activities in this element are supported by the Chief Financial Officer's
Act and the Federal Manager's Financial Integrity Act {FMFIA).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program will carry out essential resource management activities, such as
budget .formulation, workload analysis,, operating plan preparation, and overall
management, reporting., and accountability for the budget.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The major objectives' of this program element are to support the Regional
Administrators, the Office of the Comptroller, and the National Program Managers
in developing the Agency's outyear budget, developing and executing operating
plans, and. managing and conducting the Regions' internal planning, budgeting and
funds control processes to include complying with requirements of FMFIA.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCI
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WORKING CAPITAL FUND-OARM
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Agency will propose legislation in FY 1995 to establish the working capital.
fund,
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION . ;
This program element provides base resources for postage costs and on-going data
processing and telecommunication services.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of this program element,is to provide essential postage, data
processing, and telecommunication services.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCX
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
CONTRACTS & GRANTS MANAGEMENT - REGIONS
OFFICE; OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ' . '
The Regional program is mandated by EPA statutes which specifically identifies
Agency assistance in the forms of grants,, cooperative, and interagency
agreements.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Grant Management"Offices (GMQs) ensure the appropriate internal control
checks and balances for the Agency are present and manage and administer Agency
funds in the most fiscally responsible manner so 'as to guarantee the Public
Trust in the Agency's environmental mission. They provide all program offices
with grant administrative management expertise so that the program offices can
best utilize their scarce, resources in addressing and executing their
programmatic and technical responsibilities for their respective pro-grams.
Contracting officers functions include awarding and managing small purchases and
contracts. Other staff involved in contracts management issue contract
•modifications and oversee all aspects of support to the'Senior Resource Official
in the review and approval of all contract actions.
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the GMOs in the. Regions is to award thpse EPA extramural funds to
the following co.ngressionally mandated recipients: states; U.S. Territories;
Indian Tribes; local governments; other Federal agencies, etc.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTS PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATOR^ FRAMEWORK
The authorizing statute for activities in this program element is the annual
Appropriation Bill.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION •
The Professional Training Program provides learning, training, and development
opportunities and tools which support activities for building 'workforce
capacity. The program is designed to build a broadly experienced and skilled
workforce of managers and staff through individual" and group human resource
development programs. The resources provide strategic workforce planning,
direction on developmental needs and career options, and career counseling and
guidance,
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Program is to ensure the success of the Agency's mission by.
meeting Agency managers' and staffs' learning, training, and developmental needs
and to improve 'the skills and competencies of the workforce.
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UNITED- STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCX
PROGRRM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
NATIONWIDE SUPPORT'SERVICES
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/KEOPLATORX gRftMSHORK '
The authorizing statute for activities in this program element is the annual
Appropriation Bill. Activities are also governed by the Chief Financial
Officers Act, and- the Government Performance and Results Act.
BROGRftM DESCRIPTION , . '
This program, element -provides the•following services to all- "Agency programs
regardless of location: Agency-wide costs for facility rentals (including GSA
and direct lease payments); Nationwide Services; Agency's Integrated Financial
Management - Systems; the Agency's Integrated Contracts Management System/-
National. Security; National Agency Check Investigations fNACI); Code of Federal
Regulations Typesetting; Unemployment Compensation; Workers Compensation;
payments to the Public Health Service (PHS) for payroll services for
commissioned officers assigned to EPA; and contracts and inter.agency agreements
which support the Agency's healthvand safety program,
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to provide timely, responsive, and cost effective
services in the areas mentioned above.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing statute for activities in this program element is, the annual
Appropriation Bill.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION . '
This program element supports the following services in Washington, DC, Research
Triangle Park, NC, and Cincinnati, Ohio,
Office , Services — Includes costs for common supplies, common equipment
maintenance, motorpool, printing/copying services and supplies, and
transportation of things.
Building Services — Provides funds for utilities, office relocation, and labor
services, security services, common rental and purchase of equipment, employee
health units, facilities operation and maintenance, mail operations, and
miscellaneous.
Information Management — Provides most central IRM stewardship activities
(policy, security, records management, oversight), management - of Agency
administrative systems, library and public information s.ervices, systems
development services, and data management and administration.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ' •
The principal goals for this p.rogram are to provide quality office,.building,
and information management services in a cost effective manner.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGIONAL SUPPORT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK '
The authorizing statute for activities in this program element is the annual
Appropriation Bill.
PROGRAMDESCRIPTION
This program element supports the following services for Agency programs-in 1.0
Regional Offices, Regional laboratories, and other facilities around the
country:
Office Services -- Includes costs for common supplies, common equipment
maintenance, motorpool, printing/copying services and supplies, audiovisual
services', common rental and purchase of equipment, facility* employee health
units, facilities operation and maintenance, mail operations, and miscellaneous
contracts.
Building Services — Provides funds for telecommunications, utilities, office
relocation and labor services, security services, 'common rental and'purchas'e of
equipment, alterations, employee health units, facilities operation and
maintenance, mail operations, and miscellaneous contracts.
Information Management — Provides support dollars . for supplies, library
services, information retrieval services, and automated data processing
technical support.
Laboratories and Field Operations — Building services for laboratories and
field locations, plus all scientific and technical equipment and supplies.
Health and Safety/Environmental Compliance - Provides funds for employee health
units, health and wellness services, environmental compliance programs in labs
and Regional Offices.
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES . '
The principal goals for this program are to provide quality office, building,
laboratory, field, and information management services to the Regional Offices
in a cost effective manner.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ADP SUPPORT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing'statute for activities In this program element is the annual
Appropriation Bill.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This account funds the design, acquisition and maintenance of computing
equipment for the National Computer Center at Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, and the compatible distributed processors at EPA Headquarters,
Regional Offices and other major administrative "centers; telecommunications
equipment and' services required-to link these sites with one another and with
state environmental agencies; commercial software acquisition and maintenance
for central and distributive processors that comprise EPA's general purpose
computing and telecommunications network; and contractor support to manage'the
operation of the computing and telecommunications network, to conduct technology
assessments,-and to plan and deliver training and. other support to users of this
network.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The gqal of this program element is to provide timely and efficient ADP services
to the Agency.
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Science and
Technology
SECTION TAB
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
1997 BUDGET ESTIMATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ...-..,•.. 3-1
AIR TOXICS 'RESEARCH , . 3-4
CRITERIA AIR POLLUTANTS RESEARCH . . . . . . , . • 3 - 7
INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS RESEARCH ....'.... 3-13
GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH . . .- ......... 3-15
WASTE/SITE/RISK CHARACTERIZATION RESEARCH 3-19
WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SITE' REMEDIATION--RESEARCH .. . . . . . . . . . 3-21
' DRINKING WATER RESEARCH - 3-23
ECOSYSTEMS PROTECTION RESEARCH 3-27
HUMAN HEALTH PROTECTION RESEARCH ' 3-33
• SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS RESEARCH .,...-.......,. 3-37
NEW TECHNOLOGY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARCH , ... 3-39
SCIENCE QUALITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH .. ,.'....'.,.•.. 3-'43
NATIONAL VEHICLES AND FUELS EMISSIONS LABORATORY . 3-47
NATIONAL RADIATION LABORATORIES . , . 3-49
ANALYTICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES ........3-51
DRINKING WATER PROGRAM LABORATORY ; 3-53
NATIONAL' ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIONS CENTER ', . . .' . .3-55
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION ...... 3-57
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $621,256,000 and 2,392.1 total workyears for
FY 1997 -in the Science and Technology Appropriation account." Of this amount,
$42,508,000 is requested to be derived from the Hazardous Substance Super-fund
appropriation.
The Science and Technology (S&T) account, created in 1996, funds the
operating programs of the Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the
Program Office laboratories. These organizations provide significant scientific'
and technical expertise in meeting the Agency's broad array of environmental
goals. The S&T account allows -the Agency to utilize a variety of skills and
expertise, regardless of their organizational location. This includes funding
for in-house activities (including research support for the Agency's scientists
and engineers)• and extramural research and development. The program laboratories
directly support the Agency's regulatory programs and are the-primary source of
multimedia technical expertise for civil and criminal enforcement.
The Agency's science program seeks to improve our understanding of risks
to human health and ecosystems, and develop innovative cost-effective solutions
to pollution prevention and risk reduction. In doing so, the Agency must balance
the need for sustained long-term research with the need for shorter-term, applied
research and science that supports the program offices as the Agency implements
our statutory mandates. Specifically, the Agency's science mission is to":
o Perform research and development to identify, understand, and solve
current and future environmental problems; • -
o Interpret and integrate scientific information to help organizations at
all levels make better decisions about improving the environment; and
o Provide national leadership in addressing emerging environmental issues
and in advancing the science and technology of risk assessment and risk
management.
The knowledge and tools that result from these efforts are used by EPA, state and
local authorities to assure credible environmental decision-making. As the
Nation seeks to focus its limited resources on the most critical environmental
problems, the role of science in identifying, understanding and addressing these
problems will become increasingly important.
In recent years the Agency has taken aggressive action to improve the
quality and responsiveness of its science program. The most notable of 'these
actions is the explicit use of the risk paradigm -- effects, exposure-, assessment
and management --to shape and'focus ORD's organizational structure and research
agenda. Within the context of the risk paradigm, the Agency has developed health
and ecological risk criteria that are applied during the strategic planning and
budget formulation processes. This helps assure that research and development
focuses on the greatest risks to human health and the environment, that the
Agency maximizes the potential to reduce uncertainties in risk assessment, and
that cost-effective approaches for preventing and managing risks are developed.
ORD's new risk-base priority setting process 1) encompasses, stakeholder
scientific priorities, 2) ensures that ORD will support the Agency in fulfilling
its mandates, 3) focuses resources where ORD can make the most significant
contribution to reducing risk, and 4) enables ORD to generate practical and
credible information and tools for risk-based decisionmaking.
The Agency is also improving science quality through extensive use of
external peer review. Peer review is a widely accepted mechanism for assuring
the quality, credibility, and acceptability of work products. While the Agency
has always utilized peer review, current policy now requires much more extensive
application of , peer-review on strategic plans, individual research plans,
research proposals, and research products.
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Another significant step the Agency has taken to improve its science
quality is the development of a Strategic Plan for Research and Development. The
Strategic Plan is currently under-going extensive peer-review, and when completed
will provide the blueprint for ORD's risk-based .research program; ORD's
Strategic Plan will define new strategic directions, outline the priority-setting
process, and develop long-term goals and objectives. The Agency will identify
high-priority research topics that will help achieve the goals and•objectives
outlined in the Strategic Plan. Many research topics will remain high priority
for several years, but new one's will be added and previous .one's removed as
appropriate. For each high priority topic, a peer-reviewed research plan will
be developed that will: (1) lay out the major research components and directions;
(2) describe how these components fit into the risk assessment/risk management
paradigm; and (3) identify the major outputs. For 1997, the six high priority
areas are drinking water disinfection, particulate matter, ecosystem protection,
endocrine disrupters, human health protection and pollution prevention and new
technologies.
While the Strategic Plan defines1 '"what" will be done, the Agency is also
making some important changes in "who" performs the .research and $Jhow§ it is
done. The human capital required to address the Nation's environmental problems
includes EPA scientists, other Federal scientists, contractors, academic
institutions, and other cooperators. EPA has a highly skilled and motivated
workforce that is the most qualified source of human'capital1 for much of the
Agency's research. The Agency will continue to invest in its workforce to assure
that they have the tools and resources to provide the highest quality science.
The Agency also manages an extensive extramural research program that performs
essential research through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements and
interagency agreements. EPA's extramural research program is subjected to
competition and external peer-review to assure that only the most meritorious
activities are funded and that those funded are relevant to the mission and
priorities of the Agency. The core of the extramural research program is an
investigator-initiated grants program, which takes advantage of the expertise and
creativity in the Nation's academic community to address some of the most complex
environmental issues.
As a result of the Agency's risk-based science planning process, a number
of critical areas, where existing gaps in science have resulted in significant
uncertainties, will be addressed. The 1997 program will target'a number of these
uncertainties by increasing research in the following areas:
o Particulate Matter: A multi-year effort in particulate matter (less than
10 microns) research will be expanded1 to address a number of
uncertainties, including those associated with mortality estimates,
evaluation of biologic mechanisms of toxicity, and evaluation of
innovative control strategies.
o , Community Based Health and Ecological Research: The ecology component of
this initiative will increase the Agency's capability to predict exposures
or effects within a local watershed or ecoregion and provide local
decision makers with more effective and appropriate management
alternatives. The health component of this initiative will focus on
population exposures that are currently not well enough understood for
adequate risk assessment.
o Drinking Water Disinfectant By-products/Microbial Research: This research
will provide the scientific data necessary to provide a sound basis for
promulgation of necessary reg'ulation. This research will involve
development of exposure models and effects profiles for microbes and
selected DBP's, characterization of virus movement and 'Survival in
groundwater, and guidance to small water systems on applying specific
technologies for meeting drinking water standards.
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Endocrine Disrupters: This initiative in endocrine disrupters research
and their potential impacts on the human and wildlife endocrine systems
will assess and address the current uncertainty associated with how and to
what extent1 such chemicals effect these systems.
Benefit/Cost Research: Science and engineering research will be initiated
to support the Agency's benefit/cost initiative. This effort will assist
in the development of more effective tools to enhance community-based risk
management options, improve the quality of analysis for Agency regulations
and guidelines, and address consistency and relevance limitations in the
existing approaches for benefit/cost research.
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AIR TOXICS 'RESEARCH
OVERVIEW
The agency, requests a total of $15,531,000 and 82.4 total workyears for
1997 in the Air Toxics Research program component.
Air toxics emitted from a wide variety of stationary and mobile sources
pose both a major health risk and significant ecological risk. The Clean Air Act
(CAA) Amendments require control actions for major sources of toxics, and
research to address "Urban Toxics" and air toxics deposition to §|Great Waters".
The Office of Research and Development (ORD) research program is addressing key
scientific questions about the nature and extent of the air toxics problem-, the
technologies to reduce or eliminate significant emissions, and the methods of
analysis and measurement in support of EPA113 Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) ,
and state agencies to implement the requirements of the CAA. The research
activities enable measurement of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) emissions and
prediction of their dispersion and deposition in the environment as well as
providing information about the health and ecological effects of such emissions.
Part of the research is also• focused on providing some of the needed information
.on emissions from "Mobile Sources™ and resulting health risk under the rapidly
changing dynamics of fuel . compositions and vehicular technologies, with
particular emphasis on alternative fuels and reformulated gasolines. The
information developed through 'mobile sources research is essential for risk
assessment and the enforcement of CAA requirements.
PROGRAM and^ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Major Sources
The Agency requests a total of $5,208,400 and 37.8.workyears for 1997 in
the area of Major Sources research program.
The CAA Amendments require promulgation of (l) standards to protect against
the residual health and environmental risks and ,(2) emission standards for major
sources.
The residual health and environmental standards must achieve an "ample
margin of safety" to protect public health. EPA's Office of Air and Radiation
(OAR) is required to implement health based-evaluations of major sources
beginning in 1999. In support of this effort, ORD will conduct research to
develop toxicity effects data, routes of exposure, and risk assessment methods
to better assess cancer and noncancer risks for HAPs. Quantifying risks,
evaluating acute exposure risks, and assessing mixtures are all issues that will •
be addressed. Researchers will also continue to develop source test methods to
enable measurement of HAPs emissions. Researchers will also shift emphasis from
development to the field testing, evaluation, and application of improved
chemical process monitoring technologies. Noncancer and cancer risk assessments
are developed routinely in support of the CAA Amendments implementation to assess
residual risk after the application of emission standards. Similarly, hazard
assessments also serve to rank the hazards of the CAA Amendments-listed air
pollutants. Further, as data gaps are identified during the above research, the
need for specific health testing will emerge.
To support OAR in the development of the technology-based emission
standards, risk management researchers will, identify, develop, and evaluate
control technologies to reduce or eliminate toxic organics and metals from small
stationary combustion sources, including industrial boilers and incinerators.
The overall approach is to work cooperatively with industry (pollution control
vendors and operators of sources) and OAR to identify promising technologies that
perform as well or better than existing technologies and minimize cost. The
primary emphasis of the program will be to investigate integrated technologies
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which have the potential to simultaneously -reduce multiple 'pollutants from
combustion sources. The sources that the research program will target are
subject to future Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulations (or
contribute to toxic loadings in urban areas or deposition to the Great Waters).
The combustion control technology research program will provide data on how
.specific HAPs are formed in combustion systems and will identify promising
techniques to prevent the formation of these compounds or manage them once they
are formed. This fundamental knowledge .will strengthen the ability of EPA's OAR
to devise Agency risk management strategies that target., the sources of greatest
risk and provide viable cost effective technological options for reducing
emissions.
Urban Toxics
The Agency requests a total of $7,617,800 and 26.6 workyears for.1997 in
.the Urban Toxics Research program. .
Urban toxics research is a Congressionally-mandated program to characterize
the risks of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) emitted from small sources that are
concentrated in large numbers in urban areas. These sources present a residual
risk after major sources of air toxics are controlled under the MACT provisions
of Title III of the CAA Amendments. Researchers will establish and apply methods
to identify the pollutants that are emitted in urban 'areas in significant amounts
and analyze the attendant health effects of such pollutant exposures.
The research in this area responds to the need for improved community-based
tools for environmental assessment, particularly of urban air toxics. As a
consequence' of environmental degradation, communities are 'faced with difficult
health and ecological risk assessment and management problems. The array of
scientific methods, models and data developed by EPA and others are frequently
difficult to use and interpret, 'particularly for communities faced with
evaluation of their specific situations. In addition, the data and methods
available to assess and manage noncancer health risks of air toxics are very
limited. For example, provisions of the CAA Amendments require substantial
assessment of risks posed by air toxics in urban areas and public comments on
local permits within the decade. Exposure from these sources impact most of the
U.S. population; however, uncertainties in exposure assessment and dose-response
assessment often prohibit adequate evaluation of risks.. Such uncertainties may
lead to either unnecessary controls if assumptions are overly conservative or
inadequate protection of public health if assumptions are not protective enough.
Resources will be used to develop .and demonstrate new risk assessment
methods for community-based risk assessment of urban toxics and to provide
communities with control/prevention options. The goal is to take information
developed in a research effort .and transfer the info.rmation more effectively to
Regional and local government risk assessors/managers. These risk
assessors/managers will use the new risk assessment methods for chronic and acute
noncancer assessments and the new guidance for cancer risk assessment to
determine with greater certainty the risks associated with HAPs •arising from area
sources. The research approach will be: (1) to develop improved methods via
laboratory-based research, (2) to verify the methods by assessing real problems'
in real places in conjunction with local communities, and (3) to transfer the
verified methods tp many communities via training and through expanded and new
information systems.
As part of this research, ORD will initiate a significant new effort in air
toxics, which will include using new methods developed in the laboratory to focus
the epidemiology studies and aid in the evaluation of "real world" risks.
Exposure researchers will focus on developing both methods tp measure HAPs 'in
urban air, analyze chemical composition and characterize pollutant fate and
transport to identify contributing sources from ambient air measurements, and
assessment methods to characterize actual human exposure. Scientists will
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combine biomarker monitoring, ambient monitoring, and demographic data where
.possible to determine whether inner city and other poor communities are subjected
to exposures to air toxics to a greater degree than other communities.
Researchers will also combine use of epidemiology and extrapolations of health
data from animals to improve our understanding of health 'effects and risk
assessment methods. Risk management researchers will focus on devising
techniques to improve estimates of air toxics emissions from key urban area'
sources.
Areas'of research emphasis will include quantitative evaluation of effects
on health from chronic exposures, effects of acute exposures, impacts on
sensitive subpopulations, evaluation of chemical classes and common urban air
mixtures and multimedia impacts. Another aspect of the research will be to
provide prototype risk assessment methods to assessors in communities for trial
field applications on a broader scale than attempted in the past to get real
world feedback on the effectiveness of the methods. EPA and the communities
benefit from such feedback in that EPA learns of specific application nuances
that improve risk assessment models and communities obtain more directed and
user-friendly methods that allow them to develop scientifically sound risk
assessments. The use of improved assessment methods and approaches will allow
EPA decision-maker's to assess risks with more certainty. Methods and approaches
developed by this research program are recognized as important factors in
improving EPA policy and regulatory decisions. Following field trials and
incorporation of modifications suggested by assessors, widespread technology
transfer will be initiated to transfer the information to communities. This
activity will include understanding the needs of local communities and packaging
risk assessment/management information to meet these needs, working to develop
electronic access to risk tools, and providing technical assistance and training.
The overall research effort for the urban toxics initiative will be closely
coordinated and planned with related community-based environmental protection
research efforts.
Great Waters
The Agency requests a total of $1,08,5,500 and 4.3 workyears for 1997 for
the Great Waters Research program.
Great Waters research is a Congressionally-mandated program to monitor and
assess the risks posed by air deposition of HAPs to the Great Lakes, Chesapeake
Bay, Lake Champlain and other coastal waters.
Research will focus in the area of exposure. The monitoring program at the -
five station Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN) in the Great Lakes
will be reestablished following a review in 1996 of historical experience with
experimental protocols and methods for HAPs. The U.S. portion (three sites,
Canada operates two) of the IADN program will be folded, into the National
Framework for Environmental Monitoring and Research being designed by the
Executive Office of Science and Technology Policy's Committee on Environment and
Natural Resources, which coordinates Feid.er.al government research in this area.
Research on measurement approaches and atmospheric loadings for specific
HAPs (i.e. mercury, PCBs, PAHs, and pesticides) in Lake Michigan and the
Baltimore area of the Chesapeake Bay will continue. Future long-term research
will apply the techniques used to date in other Great Waters and will develop and
test new techniques for other HAPs. Results of this research will be used to
support EPA's Office of Air and Radiation to develop and revise Agency policy and
regulatory decisions in this area.
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CRITERIA AIR POLLUTANTS RESEARCH
OVERVIEW •
The Agency requests a total of $39,983,400 and 169.2 total workyears for
1997 in the Criteria Air Pollutants Research program component.
Ambient exposures to certain widespread air pollutants, i.e., tropospheric
ozone (0,) , nitrogen oxides (NOx) , carbon monoxide (CO) , particulate matter (PM) ,
sulfur dioxide {S0;} , and lead (Pb), continue to pose health and environmental
risks. The Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) is required to periodically
review (every five years), and, as appropriate, revise National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) for these pollutants. The Office of Research and
Development (ORD) research' provides scientific support to the Office of Air and
Radiation (OAR) to enable timely development of the .mandated periodic
review/revision of criteria for both primary and secondary NAAQS, related
technical support for other mandated activities, and tools needed to ensure
effective development of and compliance with State Implementation 'Plans (SIPs) .
The results of the research conducted ensures the regulations are scientifically
sound and accurate.
This research program is required to provide the scientific information
needed to carry out Sections 108 and 109 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) Amendments.
The research emphasizes two major criteria air pollutants of concern, particulate
matter (PM) and tropospheric ozone.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Particulate Matter
The Agency requests a total of $18,776,300 and 87.2 workyears for 1997 in
the PM Research program.
Ambient PM exposures at levels below the current PM10 NAAQS may have
significant impacts on human health. Epidemiological studies indicate
significant associations between a variety of measures of particulate air
pollution and both mortality and morbidity measures of health effects at PM
levels well below current U.S. .standards. Of most concern are indications from-
epidemiology studies of increased mortality risks, especially among the elderly
and those with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease, even at levels below current
PH10 NAAQS values. Plausible biological mechanisms by which PM at low ambient
levels could cause mortality and morbidity effedts suggested by epidemiological
studies have yet to be identified. It is not yet possible to determine which
ambient PM components are most significant for health effects. Therefore,
research on PM is of particularly high priority because it will help: 1) reduce
uncertainties in risk assessments and, thereby, provide credible scientific bases
for major PM NAAQS revision-decisions by OAR (with potential multibillion dollar
control costs); and 2) produce tools needed to guide future risk reduction
strategies 'so that the PM NAAQS can be attained to reduce potential health
threats to the U.S. population.
ORD will conduct research to identify particle-induced health effects,
critical exposure concentrations, and the sizes, chemical compositions and
sources' of particles which are responsible -for health effects. ORD will also
begin to characterize source contributions to ambient particle concentrations and
consider control options.
Specifically, to reduce the major uncertainties in the health effects area,
ORD will"conduct research to identify the mechanisms by which particles affect
human health. To reduce uncertainties in exposure, work will be carried out to
better characterize the size and composition of particles in the air, changes
that occur while the particles are airborne, and human exposure patterns. Rijiis;
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management, research will focus- on reducing uncertainties.in emissions of fine
particles from key sources and investigating technologies and improved control
practices to reduce fine particles that are less costly, perform better than
existing technologies, and meet emission reduction targets. Risk -assessment
research will focus on evaluating emerging health .and exposure data.
ORD's health effects research is comprised of three major efforts. One
effort will evaluate the relationship between health effects and P.M exposures,
using epidemiology and significantly improved characterization of exposures. A
second effort will relate ambient concentrations to human exposures by
determining the amount (or dose) of particles inhaled and retained by the lung.
'Both animal studies and human clinical studies will be conducted to determine the
impact of dose levels to the lungs. These efforts involve study of the
physiology of particle inhalation and respiratory tract deposition, A third
effort will investigate several possible biologic mechanisms by which ambient PM
concentrations may induce health effects, thereby evaluating potential causal
links between PM exposures and health effects. Animal models of sensitive and
normal human populations are being -developed and used to assess mechanisms of
toxicity.
Exposure research will .concentrate on measurement, characterization, and
modeling leading to refined estimates of human exposures to PM. Fine particulate
exposure determination suffers from imprecise measurement techniques due to the
size and nature of the particles. • The objective of exposure research is the full
characterization of particle size, chemical composition and .daily variations in
exposures.' Particle profiles in seven different U.S. cities will be determined.
Thi.s will reduce substantial uncertainties in the association between exposure
estimates and observed health effects. New epidemiology studies will merge
improved estimates of exposure with health observations to determine if
previously observed association hold true and may be strengthened with better
exposure characterizations. Research to evaluate and improve ambient monitoring
technologies will simultaneously be carried out to provide state-of-the-art means
to characterize particles during field studies. Research will also continue on
a fine particle physics and chemistry module and its adaptation for use in the
next generation atmospheric models now under development. The research will
support options analysis and attainment planning for revising the PM NAAQS.
In the area of risk management research, ORE will focus on source
contributions to ambient PM concentrations and development of control options.
This effort will- be a part of the PM initiative. In particular, development of
improved techniques to estimate the rate {emission factor) and frequency
(activity factor) of particulate emissions will be emphasized. The data
collected will assist risk assessors understand which sources pose the greatest
risk and risk managers develop cost-effective control strategies in the event of
a revision to the NAAQS standard. In carrying out this' work, researchers will
specifically focus on .characterizing fine particle emissions and evaluating
prevention and control strategies and devices to reduce these emissions. Fine
particle emission characterization studies are needed to support EPA's Office of
Air and Radiation program efforts to reduce uncertainties in emission inventories
which are used as the basis for development of cost-effective control strategies.
Initial efforts will evaluate the mass and size distribution of particle
emissions from automobile diesel engines under a variety of load conditions on
the road, other combustion sources, and fugitive dust from paved and unpaved"
roads. Emission reduction research will include modeling studies to predict the
performance of alternative strategies to reduce exposures to particles augmented
by experimental studies of innovative, low.-cost control devices to reduce
emissions from a variety of industrial, commercial, and-fugitive sources. The
peTformance of air cleaning devices to reduce indoor exposures to - ambient
particles which infiltrate indoors will also be investigated. Controlling
exposures indoors may be extremely important for susceptible.sub-populations who
spend most of their time indoors. Finally, preliminary studies of the costs and
exposure reduction benefits of prevention and control strategies will be
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investigated. The outcome of this research will be to identify the fine
particles sources of greatest concern and provide the critical data needed by OAR
to develop effective risk management strategies to protect public health.
In the area of risk assessment, researchers will continue to evaluate
emerging health and exposure data to assist in the development of research needs
and regulatory strategies. Assessment efforts for PM will consist of providing
follow-up assistance to OAR and the Agency in completing the final phases of the
PM NAAQS reviews, providing inputs to research needs identification, and
participating- in collaborative research pertaining to PM. Consultation and
support will permit risk, assessments by state. Regional, and international air
pollution control organizations with less uncertainty. These efforts will
provide OAR with research results needed to develop and implement PM policies
based on sound science.
Tropospheric Ozone ,
The Agency requests a total of $20,103,100 and 71.2 workyears for 1997 in
the Tropospheric Ozone Research program.
Research on tropospheric ozone (0,) is important because it will help:
1)reduce uncertainties in risk assessments and, thereby, provide credible'
scientific bases for 0, NAAQS decisions by EPA; 2) produce inventory, measurement
and modeling tools needed to guide future control strategies so that the O, NAAQS
can be attained, reducing the potential health threat to an estimate of 45
million people now living in Q, non-attainment areas and the $1 billion estimated
by the .Department of Agriculture to be lost annually in U.S. crop/forest damage;
and 3) develop and implement SIPS by providing states with appropriate, reliable
methods for'measuring stack emissions, modeling dispersion of pollutants, and
measuring ambient concentrations of pollutants, and ensuring acceptable data
quality for the measurements to be relied on for determining compliance with the
NAAQS and related existing or new source performance standards.
Tropospheric ozone resources will be used to support the joint
public/private effort to study widespread Ov non-attainment problems. This
effort responds to a report by the National .Academy of Sciences (NAS), which
challenged the scientific basis for the Agency's approach to meeting the O, NAAQS
and which also stated that "despite the major regulatory and pollution-control
programs of the past 10 years,- efforts to attain the NAAQS for ozone largely have
failed." EPA and NAS agreed that setting an effective national strategy to deal
with this problem will require scientific information to come from an expanded
national research program. As a result, a research program called the "North
American Research Strategy for Tropospheric Ozone" or (NARSTO) was chartered at
the White House in February, 1995 with a lifetime of ten years. The Interagency
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CSNR) coordinates Federal
government-wide research in this area.
• NARSTO is a consortium of 60 public and private organizations focused on
research relating to attainment of the 03 NAAQS, Included are many large
electric utilities, Ford and GM, the oil industry, the academic community, many
state environmental agencies, other Federal agencies, and comparable Canadian and
Mexican governmental organizations. The principal focus of the NARSTO consortium
is on a. ^mid-course adjustment^ in the state' SIP's expected around 1999-2000.
The secondary emphasis is placed on the §final demonstration-of-compliance
period^ beginning in 2005.
In the exposure area, ORD will continue research on atmospheric chemistry
and modeling to produce and evaluate a replacement Initial-Operating-Version of
Models-3, the next generation atmospheric model addressing the well documented
deficiencies in current urban and regional models used for NAAQS attainment
demonstrations. Also continued as critical input improvements for modeled
attainment demonstrations will be research to develop and refine emissions models
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and methodologies to improve estimates of tropospheric 0, precursors (VOGs and
NOx) emitted from mobile and biogenic sources. Another area of focus is the
improvement of methods to physically observe ambient VOC and NOx chemistry and
ozone formation and the testing of these.methods in regional field studies. As
an explicit liaison area under the NARSTO program, ORD's in-house research will
continue to study•low-cost control technologies to reduce NOx emissions from
combustion sources. As research planning moves closer to post-2000 outputs, work
on "quick fixes" for chemistry mechanisms and initial versions of models will be
completed and research efforts will shift to more complete mechanisms, fully
evaluated models with quantified uncertainty, refined emissions inventories, and
more reliable measurement methods to.ascertain ozone reductions from precursor
controls.
In the risk management area, ORD will develop'and refine emission models
and methodologies to improve estimates of tropospheric ozone precursors (VOCs and
NOX) emitted from .mobile and biogenic sources and utilize* in-house' research
facilities to investigate low-cost control technologies to reduce NOx emissions
from combustion sources. The mobile emissions program will include efforts to
improve emissions from both light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty diesel vehicles.
Biogenic emissions research will concentrate on improving estimates of nonmethane
organic compounds (NMOC) and NOX emitted from natural sources. Studies to
develop emission models capable of estimating NMOC (e.g. isoprene, terpene,
alcohol, aldehyde) over the different seasons and "to improve estimates, of NOX
from agricultural, urban,- and natural soils will be conducted. Data on both
emission rates from natural sources (emission factors), and the distribution of
the sources across the nation (activity factors) will be generated. The
outcome of the mobile and biogenic emissions research will be used by the states
to produce improved emissions estimates, devise optimal ozone control strategies,
and improve the emissions inputs for atmospheric models. The NO,, control
research will include both fundamental studies of pollutant formation and
reduction and in-house bench- and pilot-scale demonstrations to verify
performance of the most promising concepts. Emphasis will be on hybrid systems
that synergistically combine .existing technologies to improve NOK removal while
minimizing costs. This research will provide data on the performance and source
applicability of such integrated systems for use by EPA, states, and industry who
must jointly identify the most efficient and cost-effective way to comply with
tighter NOX emissions .limits which are needed in many areas of the country' to
attain the ozone standard,.
Risk- assessment activities for O3 will consist of providing follow-up
assistance to OAR and the Agency in completing work to support the final phases
of the 0, NAAQS decision, providing inputs to research needs identification, and
participation'in collaborative research pertaining to 03. Consultation and
support in the area of ozone will permit risk assessments by state, Regional, and
international air pollution control organizations with less uncertainty. These
efforts will provide OAR with research results needed to develop-and implement
O, policies based on sound science.
in the area of health effects, ORD'!will continue research "on health studies
with an emphasis on chronic ozone exposure effects. Both mortality and morbidity
are being assessed using a combination of epidemiologic, clinical and animal
studies. This research will elucidate the role of ozone in causing disease
(disease initiation and progression). More specifically this program will
determine: 1) the effects of recurrent acute and subchronic effects of Os on
pulmonary, biochemical and immunologic responses in humans and/or rats; 2) the
significance of these effects relative to chronic disease; 3) the relationship
between Oj concentrations and length of exposure to effects; and 4) the chronic
effects of "real world" exposures to 03 for assessing public health impacts of
nonattainment. While the current standard is based on acute health effects, the
results of chronic exposures could be more serious and costly in terms of public
health.
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In the ecological effects research area, researchers will -evaluate the
effects of 0, and other stressors on tree growth, as well as work' on integrated
risk assessment of Oj on trees in rural areas. Three major uncertainties exist
in understanding the impact of ozone on trees: (1) tree characteristics (age,
•size and species) ,- (2) other stressors (other pollutants, drought etc) ; and (3)
the exposure dynamics (concentration, 'frequency, etc.). These issues are being
studied to improve the risk assessments supporting the secondary NAAQS standard.
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INDOOR .AIR POLLUTANTS RESEARCH
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $7,565,300 and 50.0 total workyears for 1997
in the Indoor Air Pollutants Research program component.
Indoor air pollution in residences, offices, schools, and other large
buildings is widely recognized as one of the most serious potential environmental
risks to human health.. The Science Advisory Board has ranked indoor air
pollutiort as one of the highest health risks meriting the Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA} attention. While there is .considerable information
about indoor pollutants, scientists know little .about the relative magnitudes of
the potential risks associated with different indoor environments arid exposure
scenarios. Research is needed to further identify, characterize, and compare the
health risks associated with exposures to indoor air pollutants so that risk
assessors and risk managers can make informed decisions to protect public
health. ' '
The indoor air research program, authorized under Title IV of the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act, contributes to achieving safe indoor
environments in three ways; improving .scientific understanding of indoor air
pollution health risks and the effectiveness of risk' reduction strategies;
providing critical scientific information to IPA program offices and regions in
support of developing, implementing, and evaluating risk management options; and
promoting private sector involvement in identifying, understanding, and
addressing important indoor air pollution problems,
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
ORD research in the human health effects area will focus on laboratory and
cliftical studies on neurotoxicity, immunotoxieity, sensory irritancy, and
pulmonary health effects associated with indoor exposures to organic vapors.
Researchers will investigate responses to mixtures of organic vapors commonly
measured indoors. Experimental and control populations will include individuals
identified as having multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) , ORD will also continue
a program of controlled clinical studies on biocontaminants (house dust mite and
other allergens) and their effects on allergic, asthmatic, and normal children.
Researchers will use the animal model for evaluating biologic contaminants' to
characterize effects and dose-responses of various biocontaminants. Animal
models provide a cost-effective tool for evaluating biocontaminant effects and
aid in understanding the extrapolation of immunotoxicologic data from animals to
humans." The two pollutant classes being studied in the health effects area -
organic vapors and biological contaminants - are primary suspected causes of
indoor air health effects.
In-house research staff will focus on the evaluation of health effects
associated with exposures to organic compounds and mixtures found indoors. This
will augment research on susceptible populations (e.g., MCS and asthma) and
improve our ability to extrapolate animal data to humans facilitating the
evaluation of the human risks from indoor air pollution. This research will
substantially expand our ability to evaluate the effects of pollutant exposures
and their impacts on both normal and sensitive .subpopulations by validating risk
assessment models developed using animal data.
In the area of exposure, research efforts will standardize sampling
procedures for measuring exposures to aero-allergens .and continue to support
regulatory programs by providing .quality assurance audit materials, procedures
'and guidance for checking/documenting the, quality of results from indoor air
studies.
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In 'the area of risk assessment, one _or more indoor air assessments or
assessment reviews for indoor air biological or chemical contaminants 'will be
conducted. The assessments/reviews will be for high priority agents identified
by the Program Offices or as assistance to state or Regional offices in dealing
with indoor air problems. Research needs for indoor air assessments will be
ascertained by the team conducting the assessments/reviews. The indoor air
bibliographic database will continue to be maintained and expanded to facilitate
ongoing national/international use. Dose-response assessments and maintenance
of,the indoor air database will provide additional support for risk assessments.
Together, these activities will create a sound scientific basis for indoor air
risk assessments that will reduce uncertainty and be more applicable to state,
Regional and program office needs.
Risk management research will focus on characterization of indoor source
emissions. ORD will use environmental chambers and full-scale facilities to
develop standard methods for measuring pollutant emission rates from indoor
materials and products and to determine how physical, chemical, and environmental
variables (temperature, relative humidity, air exchange rate) influence
emissions. The results of this research will be used by ORD, OAR, and the Office
of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) to understand source
emissions and pollutant transport and to guide development of source management •
options that improve indoor air quality. This research will contribute to an
improved understanding of the factors influencing the emissions of organic vapors
and microbial contaminants from indoor sources and the potential of specific
materials to absorb and re-emit indoor pollutants. This research will benefit
builders, architects, and product manufacturers by promoting standard methods to
produce data on the indoor air implications of materials and products used
indoors. The risk management program will also include an exclusively in-house
research program to develop and evaluate ventilation and air cleaning strategies-
to control indoor pollutants {microbials, organic vapors and particles). This
work will include development of standard methods to quantify the performance of
novel air cleaning and ventilation approaches. These standard methods can be
used by industry and building owners to evaluate which approaches are the best
for their specific needs.
The Indoor Air Research program will improve scientific understanding of
the key determinants that underlie indoor air pollution health risks and the
effectiveness of risk reduction strategies, with emphasis on (a) volatile organic
compounds; biocontaminants, and particulate matter; (b) residential, office, and
school environments; and (c) noncancer health endpoints. Critical scientific
information will be provided 'to and used by IPA program offices and Regions in
support of the development, implementation, and evaluation of risk management
options.
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GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH
OVERVIEW • - • •
The Agency requests a total of .$17,938,000 and 42 total workyears for 1997
in the Global Change Research program' component.
Many scientists and governments from around the world agree that continuing
anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
and other greenhouse gases and greenhouse gas precursors, as well as emissions
of aerosol precursors, .may lead to changes in climate, including, changes in
temperature (means and extremes), precipitation patterns, and sea level.
Additionally, chemicals with ozone depleting properties have already led to
stratospheric ozone depletion. However, uncertainties remain in quantifying the
magnitude, timing, and regional patterns of climate change, and the implications
for ecological systems and socio-economic .sectors.
The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) supports research to
provide scientific insight into these and other global change issues. The USGCRP
was formalized through the Global Change Research Act in' 1990 which established
a research program "aimed at understanding and responding to global change,
including the cumulative effects of human activities and natural processes on the
environment..." The comprehensive government-wide USGCRP .is developed under the
auspices of the Global Change Research Subcommittee of the Interagency Committee
on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR), which coordinates Federal
government-wide research in this area.
The Agency's Global Change Research Program is a part of the comprehensive
USGCRP. The Environmental Protection'Agency (EPA) program 'will help to provide
the scientific basis to assess, evaluate, and predict the ecological,
environmental, and socio-economic sector consequences of global change, including
the feedback these systems have on climate change.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Global Climate Research
The Agency requests a total-of $10,481,500 and 36.6 workyears for 1997 in
the Global Climate Research program.
Human activities over the past several hundred years have induced
noticeable changes in the Earth system and how it functions, including the
increase in atmospheric levels, of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Research is needed to improve our understanding of global climate change because
of its potential risk to human health, socioeconomic systems and the natural
environment. EPA is working with other federal agencies under the USGCRP to
reduce or resolve the significant scientific uncertainties regarding the timing,
rate,' and impact of global climate change and to inform the policy making process
concerning alternative adaptation and rriitigation" options.
The EPA's Office of Research and Development's (ORD) Global Climate
Research program was restructured in 1995 in a major way to focus resources on
the highest priority research areas of the USGCRP. BPA is the only U.S. agency
to examine whole ecosystems, landscapes and regions and to do so across political
boundaries rather than within specified political units, and to do so across
sectors (rather than only as forests, or rangelands, or parks, or fisheries, or
agriculture, etc.). The focus of the ' research will be on regional
vulnerabilities to and impacts of climate change, biotnass utilization, and
predictive models. These research efforts will be essential parts of the
national USGCRP program; will address questions of priority to EPA; and will be
in areas for which EPA scientists have the requisite expertise.
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EPA has the lead in the. USGCRP for conducting research to quantify the
sensitivities of natural systems and regional economies to potential climate'
change. The REVEAL program is a research effort initiated in response to the
CENR identifying the need for comprehensive research on ecosystem vulnerabilities
as one of the highest priorities for the USGCRP. REVEAL is aimed at reducing the
substantial uncertainties associated with understanding ecosystems
vulnerabilities to climate change and the processes that control them. The work
is essential for the development and implementation of mitigation and adaptation
policies to protect the systems at risk. This three-part program involves (.1)
the translation of possible global change scenarios into changes at the regional
scale using regional climate, hydrology, ecosystem, and resource models; '(2) a
quantification.of vulnerabilities of. socioeconomic systems to these changes; and
(3) integrated assessments that will be developed in cooperation with EPA program
offices and regions, and with Federal land management agencies.
The research will be in the effects, exposure,_ and risk assessment areas
and will focus on ecological vulnerabilities exposure to climate change and
related health impacts. One of the major areas of research will be in the
Southeast because of the variety of potential impacts from climate change. For
example, in the southeast climatic effects on sea level rise, frequency of
hurricanes, hydrology of the Everglades; timber and agriculture production are
of concern. Research areas anticipated include impacts on coastal fisheries/
inland fisheries., hydrology and soils, atmospheric pollutant exposure, vector-
borne diseases such as Dengue Fever, etc. In addition, research will be
conducted on ecological effects of global change on important terrestrial and
marine and freshwater resources. Research in these areas will reduce key
uncertainties concerning climate change.
Successful implementation of REVEAL will enhance our ability to conduct
Regional and state level vulnerability assessments, and national level integrated
assessments, allowing EPA to develop realistic bounds on the nature and magnitude
of the vulnerabilities identified, and to assess the cost of mitigation and
adaptation strategies.
The biomass utilization research ef'fort pertains to risk.^management. Use
of renewable biomass resources is one of several approaches identified by the
Clinton Administration and the international community to reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases. EPA research is designed to demonstrate the technical,
economic, environmental, and economic feasibility of using biomass to offset
fossil fuel use. Research will focus on small systems which convert biomass to
electricity. ORD's program complements the Department of Energy biomass program,
which is focused on larger energy conversion systems. EPA will continue to
support research on the conversion of biomass to alternative transportation fuels
(methanol) as a cost-competitive replacement for gasoline. This research will
produce performance data on small combustion systems that will influence
international decisions on greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy and will
provide the fundamental data needed by industry to determine the viability of
pursuing biomass to alternative transportation fuels.
EPA will also do process and modeling research to study the coupling of the
terrestrial biosphere to global change predictive models. The models will ensure
that potential feedbacks and effects of the terrestrial biosphere • are
incorporated into global change prediction when and where appropriate.
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
The Agency requests a total of $1,256,500 "and 5.4 workyears for 1997 in the
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion Research program.
For over ten years, the protective capacity of the Earth's. stratospheric ozone
layer has been diminished due to synthetic compounds, including CFCs and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which migrate to the stratosphere and destroy
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the ozone layer. Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer has increased the
amount of ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation which reaches the Earth's surface. In
1997, EPA's Stratospheric Ozone Research Program will focus on studies to
evaluate alternatives for ozone depleting substances. This research is critical
because some of the replacements proposed by industry are now known to contribute
to other environmental problems and many end-uses still do not have permanent
•replacements identified (HCFCs are now in use as.interim replacements for many
applications). The research on alternatives directly supports the Agency
responsibilities. under Title VI of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments which
establishes phase-out deadlines for all known ozone-depleting substances and
requires 'the Agency 'to ensure the substitutes proposed do not cause pther
environmental problems.
Within the Agency'-e risk assessment/risk management paradigm, stratospheric
ozone depletion researchers will evaluate new chemicals and technologies which
can be used to replace ozone>-depleting substances now used in commercial
chillers, low-temperature supermarket refrigeration systems, insulating foam and
other applications. The focus will be on environmentally-friendly (does not
cause other pollution problems) solutions which have no ozone depletion
potential, low global warming potential, and perform as -well or better than
existing chemicals or systems. • EPA will emphasize alternatives for HCFCs because
their use will increase as they replace CFCs now used in many of the applications
mentioned above.. Plans are to complete evaluations of the important chemical and
physical properties (flammability, toxicity, oil miscibility and atmospheric
lifetime) of the most promising substitutes .and to further emphasize studies
which will determine how well the substitutes perform in full-scale systems. In
addition to the research on new chemicals, ORD will: (1) evaluate alternative
refrigeration cycles and other equipment changes which are needed to accommodate
the new chemicals and (2) investigate novel technologies which do not require
the use of an'alternative chemical. Based on ORD research, 'industry will be able
to promote the use of substitutes (either new chemicals or alternate
technologies) which do not cause other environmental problems (e.g., global
warming).
Climate Change Action Plan
The Office of Research and Development requests a total of $6,200,000 for
Climate Change Action Plan Research for 1997.
The President's Climate Change Action Plan is a clear demonstration of the
Administrations's commitment to form new partnerships--it relies almost entirely
on partnerships between government and the private sector. In 1997, EPA will
fully fund its responsibilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to their 1990
levels by the year 2000. The U.S. approach toward reducing these emissions has
many facets arid involves EPA and other .Federal agencies, such as the Departments
of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Transportation. These
partnerships will play a critical role in meeting the plan's emission reduction
goals without harming the economy.
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WASTE/SITE/-RISK CHARACTERIZATION RESEARCH
OVERVIEW • ' '
The Agency requests a total of $12,287,700 and 54.5 total workyears for ,1997
in the Was.te/Site/Risk Characterization. Research program component.
Estimating the actual risks posed by hazardous waste sites is uncertain and
controversial due to gaps in our knowledge of the nature and extent of
contamination at the site, as well as our understanding of how various receptors
might react to contact with site contaminants. Essential to our ability to
identify, characterize, and clean up sites is the scientific understanding of
what pollutants are present, where they are, how they move and are transformed
in the environment, how they come in contact with ecological and human receptors,
what their effects are on ecological and human receptors, and what technologies
are appropriate to remove or minimize the exposure to these same receptors. Our
knowledge in all of these areas is incomplete, therefore, this program component
emphasizes the research areas described below.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
The main goal of the Hazardous Substances Ecological Research program is to
continue to provide the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) and
the Regions with guidance on how to evaluate the impact of an unremediated and.
uncontained waste site on its ecosystem. Similarly, the health research program
will provide OSWER with data, methods, and models to assess the.potential human
health risks associated with exposures to agents encountered at Superfund sites.
Both programs will place an emphasis on chemicals that pose the greatest risk,
such as chlorinated solvents, metals, and persistent bioaccumulative
contaminants.
The goal of the exposure assessment part of the hazardous substances research
program is to continue to provide Regional staffs with the tools, technologies,
and procedures necessary to characterize what pollutants are present, where they
are located, and how they move through the environment.. This will result in
better, more complete and timely site characterizations that can then be used as
the basis of exposure assessments and/or remediation strategies. Such results
lead to quicker, less costly, and more effective cleanups. Exposure assessment
work will ,focus on research that is more field- oriented with the following
objectives: 1) developing and demonstrating analytical and other characterization
tools/methods that can be used in the field to collect near real-time data on
three-dimensional pollutant concentration distributions; 2} developing and
demonstrating non-invasive, surface-based .geophysical tools for characterizing
the surface and subsurface surrounding Superfund sites; 3) developing and
demonstrating more efficient sampling methods, designs and geostatistical tools,-
and 4) developing and supporting fate and transport models for predicting the
exposure to ecological and human receptors. In addition, QRD will continue to
demonstrate innovative measurement and site characterization technologies under
the Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program.
The risk assessment portion of the hazardous substances research program will
continue to provide both Regional Superfund risk assessors and OSWER staff with
the methodologies, tools, and support necessary to conduct more credible and
scientifically defensible assessments of the risks to both human and ecological
receptors at and surrounding Superfund sites. This goal will be achieved by
accomplishing the following three objectives: developing improved methodologies,
models and factors to replace common default as-sumptions for exposure scenarios
and toxicity; facilitating the transfer of scientific expertise to Regional risk
assessors through -the use of expert systems, databases, guidance documents, and
consultation with risk assessment experts,- and conducting contaminant and site
specific assessments that demonstrate innovative approaches.
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In the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) program, ORD research
supporting this program component will be targeted at -reducing uncertainties in
exposure estimates and providing technical'assistance. Work will continue on 1)
new geostatistical approaches for the design of ground water and soil sampling
surveys/networks; 2) development of multimedia transport and fate models for
hazardous waste management, including computerized parameter estimation, output
visualization,' and .Geographic Information System (GIS) setup;- and 3)
quantification of subsurface organic pollutants, transformation rates, and metal
speciation pathways and rates. ORD will also conduct in-house 'research to refine
risk assessment methodologies for indirect exposure pathways. Results of work
in these areas will help reduce the uncertainties in risk assessments by
providing a scientific basis for predicting the transport/transformation behavior
of pollutants released from RCRA facilities, and produce the tools needed to
measure and characterize the nature and extent of pollutants in the surface and
subsurface environments. This information will allow Regional, state, and local
officials to better judge which sites pose the greatest hazard to citizens and
the environment. In the area of technical support to- the RCRA program,
assistance will be provided to EPA Program Offices and Regions in the area of
pollutant fate and transport modeling.
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WASTE MANAGEMENT -AND SITE REMEDIATION RESEARCH
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $25,145,100 and 86.0 total workyears for 1997
in the Waste Management and Site Remediation Research program component.
Research under this program component provides a strong scientific and
technical foundation for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER)
to investigate and mitigate numerous health and environmental problems 'at both
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act {RCRA! and Superfund sites. In order'to
improve our understanding of the science 'controlling the dynamics of contaminants
in soils and ground water, the Office"of Research and Development (ORB) will
conduct risk management research which focuses on the remediation of both surface
and subsurface contaminated soils, sludges, sediments, buildings, debris, and
ground water,
ORD's risk management research for Superfund and RCRA site remediation will
be of several types. Fundamental research to understand the chemical, physical,
and, microbiological processes that influence contaminants in soil and ground
water will be conducted to initiate the development of more economical and
efficient remediation technologies. The results of this research will then be
applied, together with engineering principles, to develop and 'test new
remediation methods' both in the laboratory and, when appropriate, in the field.
Process evaluation research will continue to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of
full-scale (generally commercially-available} remediation technologies in the
field. Remediation technical support will be provided by ORD staff to Regional
Offices for RCRA Corrective Action programs on an in-house basis only.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Ground Water
The Agency requests a total of $4,440,200 and 14.3 workyears for 1997 in the
Ground Water Research program.
In the 1997 hazardous substances research program, EPA will expand its field
evaluation's of innovative extraction technologies for dense nonaqueous-phase
liquids (DNAPLs) , which contaminate a significant number of sites and have proven
extremely difficult to locate and clean up. The emphasis will be on evaluating
these technologies at larger scale and under more complex hydrogeologic
conditions. Preliminary reports of initial small-scale field evaluations and
initial design guidance on 'the use of these technologies will be published.
Research on less-invasive site characterization methods and on the evaluation of
subsurface models will be included as part of these evaluations. ' Research on the
use of passive permeable barriers, composed of a mixture of a sand and a zero
valent metal, will be extended to pilot scale for arsenic and lead contamination.
In the 1997 RCRA program, ground water research will be completed on the full-
scale evaluation of a passive permeable barrier _ to remediate ground water
contaminated by chromium wastes. Efforts will continue on laboratory evaluation
of models that describe subsurface movement of nonaqueous-phase liquids, giving
site officials more accurate tools with which to track these highly toxic
compounds. This process and modeling research will expand to include more
complex wastes and hydrogeologic settings typical of many situations encountered
at real waste sites.
Bioremediation
The Agency requests a total of $4,999,800 and 22.7 workyears for 1997 in the
Bioremediation Research program.
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Bioremediation is an engineered process using microorganisms to decompose
toxic and hazardous materials. Remediation using these processes is usually non-
toxic, non-hazardous, and less invasive to the environment than current cleanup
methods. Successful development of bioremediation as a cleanup alternative could
significantly impact the cost of and options available for site remediation.
In order to compare the effectiveness of bioremediation with other cleanup
options, bioremediation risk assessment studies of the effects of contaminants
on ecologic and human receptors would continue, with increased emphasis on
ecological impacts. Research would include development of methods for
characterizing risk potential of adsorbed contaminants, as well as determination
of the magnitude of impacts of specific categories of contaminants on different
receptors. Natural attenuation (NA) studies wil.l also continue, with increased
emphasis on its potential for remediation of the vadose zone and on development
of protocols for its proper application in this part of the subsurface. Studies
of the bioremediation of metals will be conducted in the field.
Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE)
The Agency requests a total of $7,419,500 and 12.7. workyears for 1997 in the
SITE program.
Under the SITE program, EPA evaluates and. demonstrates vendors' new remedial
technologies. In 1997, SITE will focus on areas where remediation problems
indicate the need for more cost-effective cleanup technologies. These are
expected to include in-situ remediation and containment technologies, a well as
technologies to remediate wastes that are expensive to treat such as dioxins and
mixtures of metals and organics.
The use of innovative technologies, such as in-situ 'and on-.site bioremediation
processes (other than pump and treat) for compounds that are resistant to
biodegradation (e.g., PCBs), has saved millions of dollars the use of
conventional technologies. One recent study of four EPA Regions that showed an
average cost savings per site, from employment of innovative remediation
technologies, of 62%, or $21 million per site.
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DRINKING WATER RESEARCH
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $24,296,800 and 155.6 total workyears for 1997,
in the Drinking Water Research program component.
Disinfection of drinking wate-r has been one of the greatest public health
success stories of the twentieth century. Although disinfection and other
drinking water treatment practices have resulted in the virtual elimination of
outbreaks of serious disease such as typhoid, the continued occurrence of
waterborne disease outbreaks has demonstrated that drinking water supplies are
still vulnerable to contamination with pathogenic bacteria, parasites and viruses
that can cause serious illness or even death. For example, a 1993 outbreak of
Cryp.tosporidioeis in Milwaukee, which .resulted in an estimated 400,000 cases of
acute gastroenteritis, represents the largest documented occurrence of disease
.associated with contamination of a treated public water supply in the U.S.
Additionally, public health concerns have been raised concerning chemical
contaminants in our drinking -water supply. Surface water and ground water
sources can be contaminated by many different natural and man-made substances
•that must be efficiently removed during the treatment process. Furthermore,
there is a high degree of uncertainty about whether disinfection by-products
(DBPs), the chemical -by-products that result when disinfectants react with
organic matter in drinking water, pose a significant human health threat.
Because of the high uncertainty, the widespread human exposure to drinking water,
the severity of the known .effects from certain microbes, and the potentially high
costs of further regulation of drinking water, this issue is of high priority to
Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Water and to the -Office of
Research and Development(ORD).
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) mandates that.the EPA identify and regulate
contaminants which may threaten human health. ORD research provides the
scientific basis for regulations implementing the SDWA, and addresses health
effects, exposure, assessment, and supports management of risks of contaminants
in drinking water. ORD scientists also p'rpvide technical assistance to EPA
program and regional offices, states, municipalities, and private suppliers of
drinking water to assist in prevention or removal of contaminants in drinking
water.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
•Disinfection By- Products/Microbes
The Agency requests a total $22,034,000 and 134.1 workyears 'for 1997 in the
Disinfection By-Products/Microbes Research program.
The challenge in providing safe drinking water today lies in reaching an
acceptable balance among competing risks. Increased disinfection can reduce
micfobial risks, but increase the potential risk from disinfection by-products.
The optimal balance will adequately control risks from pathogens, simultaneously
control DBPs to acceptable levels, and ensure that costs of water treatment are
commensurate with public health benefits. To enable EPA to develop regulations
that will achieve this balance, research is needed to obtain a better
understanding of the potential health risks and human exposures to raicrobial
pathogens and DBPs. Research is also needed, on water treatment processes and
other means of reducing these risks.
ORD Exposure research will be expanded to include development of analytical
methods to determine and evaluate exposures to DBPs and microbes. Currently
available methods for identifying the important pathogens in drinking water are
not sufficiently effective, and for some pathogens, no methods exist.
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Additionally, adequate methods are not available for certain types of DBFs.
Efficient methods must be developed so that the occurrence of these contaminants
in source waters can be estimated, and so that the effectiveness of various
treatment technologies can be assessed by EPA and other research groups.
Priorities include developing analytical methods for Cryptosporidiosis and
Norwalk viruses. Adequate methods are vital to evaluating the effectiveness of
alternative treatment technologies. Extraction methods and advanced
instrumentation will be developed to -fully characterize the non-volatile and
difficult to extract DBFs, including chlorine dioxide at low concentrations. Our
in-house.expertise will focus in the area of exposure assessments, particularly
in the application of analytical methods. Performance evaluation studies of all
drinking water laboratories (federal, local government, state, and private
sector), certification of regional laboratories and certification training
courses will be conducted to ensure quality of data for SDWA.
Information on the health effects of DBFs from both epidemiology and
toxicology studies are currently inadequate for conducting comparative
assessments of the potential cancer and noncancer risks posed by the use of
chlorine, chloramine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, or combinations of these
disinfectants. The anticipated increased use of alternatives to chlorine in the
future underscores the need to assign a high priority to research that will
permit a. better characterization of the risks that may' be associated with
exposure to the .by-products of these' alternatives. To address these needs,
laboratory research will continue to fill critical toxicity data gaps for DBFs,
with a focus on carcinogenieity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and
pharmacokinetic (i.e., metabolism) studies. Epidemiology methodologic research
will be conducted to improve the ability to study whether exposure to
disinfection by-products in drinking water is associated with adverse
reproductive outcomes or cancer.
Among the many naturally occurring and man-made source water contaminants of
potential concern, arsenic is one of the .most'important from a regulatory and
public health perspective. Because of the uncertainties in the risk assessment
for arsenic in drinking water and the high cost of implementing a new arsenic
standard, it is essential that the best available science is used to-establish
treatment requirements for contaminants. ORD scientific research on arsenic will
provide a better .understanding of the dose-response relationships for arsenic
toxic actions, the relationship of metabolism to toxicity, and the.important
factors that can affect the variable sensitivity of humans to arsenic.
For microbial contaminants, many uncertainties still exist with respect to our
ability to adequately assess the health effects associated with many pathogenic
bacteria, viruses and parasites in drinking water. Microbial research will
include clinical dose-response studies on selected pathogens and community-based
field studies to evaluate the impact of water quality and treatment processes on
the occurrence of waterborne disease. Microbial research will build upon prior
efforts to characterize the health risks posed by high priority viruses,
parasites and bacteria in drinking water. In-house expertise will enhance
research efforts in the area of drinking water health effects and particularly
epidemiology studies. These research activities will address the potential risks
of greatest concern for DBFs, arsenic and pathogens in drinking water, and if
successful, they will significantly reduce uncertainties in the current risk
assessments and will lead to more scientifically sound, cost-effective
regulations.
Exposure to DBFs in drinking water is realty exposure to a complex mixture of
chemicals. Work in the risk assessment area will therefore take into account
possible interactions between chemicals and evaluate the impact on health risks.
Assessments must fully characterize actual human risks associated with exposures
to chlorinated waters and provide improved methods for assessing epidemiologic
exposures and risks. Critical to establishing a regulatory strategy for drinking
water is identifying those contaminants which pose the greatest risk to human
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health and consequently, what treatments can be used to reduce these risks and
at what cost. .To characterize the magnitude and severity of adverse health
effects associated with exposures to DBPs, either individually or as a complex
mixture, it is necessary to develop and apply improved risk assessment methods
and tools in order to evaluate the scientific data, reduce uncertainties and to
provide risk managers with qualitative and .quantitative estimates of risks posed
by specific waterborne agents and options for managing those risk's. Through the
development and application of consistent methods and tools for integrating and
interpreting the scientific data, risk assessment studies can provide the
framework for comparing chemical and microbiological risks and identify critical
research needs and uncertainties.
Researchers will focus on the areas of pathogen risk assessment, mixtures
feasibility studies, and comparative risks modeling as well as: more fully
characterizing uncertainties and assumptions associated with risks estimates,
Emphasis will be placed on developing dose-response models for viruses, including
the Norwalk virus, and selection of surrogate chemicals and pathogens for
comparative risk modeling. A framework for comparing these risks, i .e.,. chemical
and microbial will be developed for future application to various exposures and
treatment assumptions. Viral models will be developed using data on treatment
effectiveness generated by the Risk Management research program. Efforts will
also be initiated to test methods for inclusion of mixtures data into comparative
risk .models.
While uncertainties remain, it is known that certain microbes pose a
significant risk to public health. Risk Management research will focus on
developing cost-effective treatment and management approaches that can be used
to reduce the risk .of waterborne diseases to acceptable levels. Effective
implementation involves a multiple barrier concept; that is, uses of the best
available water source, protection of that source from contamination, treatment
to remove and inactivate pathogens and a properly designed and operated
distribution system. Determining the effectiveness of various treatment processes
to remove/inactivate microbial pathogens is critical to the implementation oŁ a
regulatory strategy to address this issue. Researchers will focus on the
evaluation of different treatment processes to control pathogens, with a focus
on CryptosporicZiumi
Simultaneously, these treatment processes will be evaluated for their ability
to minimize and control the formation of DBFs. Efforts will also be directed to
the development and evaluation of technologies appropriate for small systems,
which face constraints on cost and operational complexity. EPA has estimated
that the range in treatment costs per household, population ranging from 25,000
to 250,000 people, for the different options is tremendous ranging from $5/year
to as high as $270/year depending upon which technology might be needed to comply
with DBP standards. Clearly, research that 'could lead to improvements in
conventional treatment and could demonstrate that acceptable levels of pathogens
and DBPs can be achieved will have major cost .implications across the nation.
There is growing concern that bacteria that grow in the water distribution system
may pose a significant health threat. Scientists will focus on the
identification and characterization of the factors which influence microbial
growth in the distribution system so that strategies to control such growth can
be developed. Efforts will be initiated .to' develop effective source water
protection strategies and this work will be integrated for maximum benefit with
other related programs such' as the Wet Weather Flow Research Program.
Research will continue on the evaluation of technologies and the development
of strategy techniques for controlling the formation of corrosion by-products in
household plumbing and drinking water distribution systems and controlling
inorganics such as arsenic. This will result in more cost effective treatment
systems for small communities, in order to meet SDWA Maximum. Contaminant Levels
(MCL) . Corrosion research will assist community water systems in achieving lead
and copper levels established under SDWA.
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Ground Water
The Agency requests a total of $2,262,800 and 21.5 workyears for 1997 for the
Ground Water Research program.
Ground water provides a source of drinking water for approximately 50 percent
of the U.S. population. There are tens of millions of private wells and
approximately 180,000 community and non-community public water-systems-that are
dependent on ground water. About half of the ground -water community systems
disinfect, but a majority of the non-community systems do not. The drinking
water quality of systems that do not treat for.pathogens is dependent on having
source waters at the wellhead that do not contain pathogens in sufficient numbers
to cause health problems. Preliminary results of ground water surveys being
conducted by EPA and other research groups indicate that greater than 20% of the
well waters sampled contain viruses. Determination of the survival times of
pathogens, especially viruses, and their transport in the subsurface are critical
in determining whethex ground water does or does not need to be treated and
provides support to the EPA's Office ,of Water in the development of the Ground
Water Disinfection Rule. Risk Management researchers will focus on determining
the factors that govern the transport and survival of pathogens in the subsurface
which will provide input into the development of the Ground Water Disinfection
Rule. This, as well as other information, will be used in research to develop
data and methods for assessing the vulnerability of drinking water wells to
microbial pathogens and to determine natural protection zones, which are criteria
that will be used in granting waivers to the disinfection requirement.
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ECOSYSTEMS PROTECTION RESEARCH
OVERVIEW • ' •
The Agency requests a total of $107,376,300 and 375.1 total workyears for 1997
in the Ecosystems Protection Research program .component.
Our nation's ecosystems provide self-purifying systems and valuable renewable
resources such as food, fiber, water storage and flood control, wood for
construction, biodegradation and removal of contaminants from air and water, pest
and disease'control, and amelioration of climatic extremes. However, these same
ecosystems are threatened in many parts of the country by the products and
byproducts of modern industrial society. Much remains to be understood about
these highly integrated ecological systems. In particular, it is critical that
EPA develop techniques that allow quantitative risk assessments to be conducted
so that decisions can be based on sound science in a context that considers the
impact of multiple stressors on an ecosystem. Equally important, EPA must
develop risk reduction strategies that take maximum advantage of pollution
prevention and the self-purifying potential of natural systems.
EPA scientists and engineers continue to discover how the complex interaction
of environmental stressors threaten ecosystems. More research is needed,
however, to identify and apply remedies to threatened ecosystems. Thus QRD's
ecosystems research in 1997 will focus on: (1) exposure and effects measurements,
long term monitoring, and regional surveys, (2) development of tools, methods,
and techniques to enable assessment and management of the greatest threats, and
(3) intensive research in selected ecoregions of national interest and concern
(e.g., Pacific Northwest, Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Florida
Everglades).
• ORD1s'researchers are investigating the impact of chemical stressors (e.g.,
nutrients, toxic metals) and non-chemical stressors (e.g., climate change,
regional vulnerability, habitat alteration, biological depletion) on threatened
ecosystems. ORD's effects and exposure research will focus on exposure and
effects measurements, long-term monitoring, and regional surveys. This research
is conducted through interrelated programs designed to address the wide ranging
causes of ecosystem degradation and the development of the methods to most
effectively redress and minimize the damage done to these ecosystems. Specific
research areas to be covered in 1997 include: (1) the Environmental Monitoring
and Assessment Program (EMAP) which will focus on indicator development,
monitoring designs, and the assessment of environmental trends seen in an
ecosystem; (2) aquatic ecocriteria which will develop toxicity data for water
quality criteria and indicators of biological conditions; (3) contaminated
sediments which will explore the cause and effect relationships of multiple
stressors on the viability and sustainability of large, deep-water ecosystems;
(4) non-point source research focused on the development of community-based, wet
weather .flow watershed management alternatives; and (5) wetlands protection.
research to develop the tools to manage and restore the Nation's wetlands and
associated ecosystems.
Research in the area of risk assessment methods, tools, and techniques will
be used to evaluate and assess data obtained on specific ecosystems to determine
which are under the greatest stress and should be targeted for risk management:
attention. Risk management alternatives will be developed and evaluated to
maintain and/or restore sensitive ecosystems. These alternatives will consider
not only the severity of the environmental impact, but the cost of remediation
and/or mitigation, as .well as other non-environmental factors. Specific research
projects to be performed in 1997 include; research to improve community- based
tools for environmental assessment; assessment and management alternatives in 'the
area of aquatic ecocriteria, contaminated sediments, watershed management, and
ecosystem restoration.
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PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
\ *
;! Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program, (EMAP)
The Agency requests a total of $45,096,500 and 107.5 workyeajr.s for 1997 in the
EMAP Research program. . •
EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) was created to
develop the capability of "taking the pulse" of the environment with respect to
ecosystem integrity and sustainability. National and regional assessments of our
natural resources suitable to guide public policy have been severely limited by
the high cost of establishing monitoring sites and by the poor scientific.
.understanding of how to integrate, data across landscapes, EMAP has demonstrated
that probabilistic sampling designs can add a powerful new dimension to
monitoring. The techniques developed to address acid rain issues have been
extended to assessments of the condition of forests, wetlands, agricultural
lands, surface waters, estuaries, and even the Great lakes. EMAP field studies
have proven that the scientific approach can greatly reduce the costs of
monitoring even difficult environments such as contaminated sediments in coastal
environments.' The Office of Water has found the EMAP-Estuaries sediments data
to .be the highest quality sediments .data in the National inventory.
Consequently, EPA has redirected EMAP to .develop the science of integration
for more complex monitoring networks involving the specialized contributions of
numerous federal agencies, including the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and the United States Geological Service (USGS). This
redirection coincides with the efforts of'the OSTP Committee on Environmental and
Natural Resources {CENR) to coordinate monitoring at the national level.
Recognizing that about $500 million is spent on environmental monitoring by
federal agencies, CENR developed a coordinated multi-tier monitoring and research
framework. Monitoring programs in USGS and NQAA make up one tier of sites for
waters. The Department of Agriculture monitors count park tiers in forests and
agricultural lands. The interpretive power of all theses monitoring data can be
increased when integrated with a distributive survey that" extends .both spatial
coverage for monitoring variables and the representativeness'of individual sites.
EMAP is the scientific leader in designing this tier and has been working in
lock-step with CENR and the other federal agencies. The EMAP contribution to the
science is grounded in our intramural research on design and integration..
CENR is planning a series of public workshops on the monitoring framework, all
of which culminate in a region-scale pilot study to demonstrate the cost-savings
and improved performance of an integrated network. EMAP had planned an extensive
study in the Mid-Atlantic region, and all agencies .in the CENR concur, this
region is the best to demonstrate the framework. EMAP will contribute the
distributive sampling tier to monitoring. EMAP will also assume the scientific
.leadership for designing the integrated monitoring network in the Mid-Atlantic
pilot study, which will incorporate ongoing federal sampling tiers. Finally,
EMAP has been leading the effort to analyze existing data for the purposes of
' reformulating the hypotheses to be tested in the pilot.
Efficient use of existing federal monitoring capabilities is not the only
contribution EMAP brings to the CENR. and the federal monitoring effort. The
science of synthesizing data into regional-scale' assessments have been the
hallmark of EMAP. The EMAP Multi-Tier Design Workgroup will address linkages
between everything from remotely sensed data on land cover to USGS and state
monitoring to the long-term intensive study sites of NSF. Through coordination
with the Office of Water and 305-B monitoring in surface waters quality, the
Regional EMAP (REMAP) effort will enhance local monitoring networks.
One serious gap in the National Network is understanding the factors that
govern the selection of the intensive study sites that comprise the apex of the
multi-tier network. Many existing sites have been selected for reasons other
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than science. The high cost of intensive sites dictates that'each modification
or addition to intensive sites be justified by the potential for reducing
uncertainty- EMAP has a Site Evaluation Workgroup which will evaluate over 200
sites identified by CKNR and rank sites according to their power to answer
specific assessment questions in a national network. One other example of this
effort is the redesign of the atmospheric deposition monitoring network (CASTNET)
which was funded by .EPA to assess sulfur trends for 'the OAR in response to the.
Clean Air Act, Data have been generated from the initial CASTNET network to show
that approximately 15 of the 55 sites are essential to the new airshed models and
the elimination of trends in sulfur in the eastern US, Although the remaining
sites may be'valuable for other local problems, the new atmospheric deposition
network for the sulfur issue will reduce, the annual cost of EMAP monitoring by
$3 .million. Through redesign of the network, and by coordinating with other
potential sites developed by CENR activities, this reduced cost.should not affect
the power,of the assessment in 2002,
In addition to bringing the science of integration to the forefront in EMAP,
this research has 'accelerated the search for more cost-effective and more
diagnostic ecological indicators that are used in monitoring. Working with the
academic community through'the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, the
EMAP Ecological Indicator Workgroup will direct the intramural program on new
indicators. CENR has -acknowledged that the "variables" listed in .existing
monitoring networks poorly represent indicators ,of ecological integrity and
sustainability. New technology in molecular biology will be used in basic
ecology to examine the role of genetic diversity in the long-term sustainability
of important communities. Most ecosystem indicators are expensive and measure
the structure of communities. Yet, functional attributes, such as the
productivity of marine coastal 'regions, are the meaningful monitoring endpoints
for a national network. SMAP will advance these new indicators for use by the
CENR and state agencies.
• The products of 1MAP collectively have demonstrated a new feasibility for
monitoring networks to expand spatial coverage at lower cost. The CENR has
recognized that contribution and asked EMAP to assist in designing a truly
national network. In addition, EMAP products will put site selection on a
scientific basis and accelerate the development of better ecological indicators.
Contaminated Sediments
The Agency requests a total of $5,945,000 and 41.0 workyears for 1997 in the
Contaminated Sediments Research program.
Toxic chemicals and conventional pollutants have steadily accumulated in the
sediments of coastal, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems over the past
century. The sediment contaminants of greatest concern appear to be heavy metals,
and persistent, bioaccumulative .organic compounds,. Of fundamental concern is
the identification of cause and effect relationships of multiple stressors on
the viability and sustainability of benthic ecosystems and ultimately how such
information can be used to direct sdurce control and pollution prevention
strategies.
. Scientific research will focus on methods to assess the ecological and human
health effects of sediment contaminants; chemical-specific sediment quality
criteria; sediment pollution source allocation methods and sediment clean-up
methods for sites where natural recovery is not appropriate. The funding and
workyears requested reflect a strengthening of this program with particular
emphasis on research to predict the cumulative impact of multiple stressors, and
to predict and alter the bioavailability of contaminants in sediments. Research
will also be enhanced in the area of developing better chronic toxicity tests to
evaluate the long-term effects on benthic communities and the marine food chain.
ORD research efforts will result in developing: -1} methods .to assess the
ecological and human health effects of sediment contaminants; 2) chemical-
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specific sediment quality criteria; 3) sediment pollution source allocation
methods; and 4} sediment .clean-up methods for sites where natural recovery is
not -appropriate,
Non-Point Sources
The Agency requests a total $4,732,200 and 16 workyears for 1997 in the Non-
Point Sources Research program,
EPA's Office of Water has identified Wet Weather Flow discharges from both
point and nonpoint sources as one of the largest remaining threats to water
quality and human health that exits today. ORD scientists will support OW by
focusing research efforts on developing and improving community-based, We't
Weather Flow (WWF) watershed management, including pollution prevention and
control; models and strategies, and alternative technologies, that would both
integrate area-wide WWF control and interface storm runoff with ground water,
contaminated sediment, and surface water impacts; and determine suspended
particulate characteristic requirements for adequate WWF disinfection. Studies
will be conducted on the application of Geographic Information System methodology
in conjunction with real-time pollution contaminant event models to simulate the
effect of WWF impacts on human health and aquatic ecosystems. Modeling studies
will be conducted on the interaction of ground water and surface water; health
and ecosystem impacts will be determined. Research-will be conducted on the use
of constructed wetlands and the role of contaminated sediments in WWF watershed
management, WWF technical assistance will be provided for EPA regional and
program offices, and to State, local, and professional' organizations. In
addition, research is being conducted on the effects of surface water/ground
water interactions' on aquatic ecosystems.
Wetlands Protection
The Agency requests a total of $4,055,100 and 35 workyears for 1997 Wetlands
Protection Research program.
The loss of wetlands is resulting in adverse impacts on the environment such
as increases in flood damage, reductions in waterfowl populations, etc. In 1986,
ORD initiated a Wetlands Research Program to support the development of
defensible and cost-effective regulatory policies related to wetland management
and to encourage and enable others to act effectively in protecting and restoring
the nation's wetlands and associated ecosystems. One of the guiding principles
in implementing the mission is to base decision making on sound science.
Research is needed to understand the biological, chemical, and physical
relationships that dictate wetland function; quantify among-wet land variability
within specific geographic and land use settings; and define the role of wetlands
in the landscape and the effects of landscape factors on wetland functions.
The Wetlands Research program supports the Agency's risk-based approach to
wetlands management activities (i.e., protection, restoration, and creation).
Emphasis is placed on characterization of wetland function in the landscape, and
on the development and calibration of tools needed to measure and forecast the
outcome of wetland restoration and creation projects. Research will also focus
on evaluating and predicting the response of wetlands to other
activities/stressors in the watershed. ORD in-house scientific capabilities will
be expanded to increase the geographic coverage that will include coastal
wetlands in addition to the historical focus on inland wetlands. ORD's Wetlands
Research Program will lead to understanding the biological, chemical, and
physical relationships that dictate wetland functions; quantify among wetland
variability with specific geographic and land use settings; define the role of
wetlands in the landscape and the effects of landscape factors on wetland
functions and develop an improved understanding of the natural and anthropogenic
processes that govern the quantity, quality, and availability of water resources.
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Regional Ecosystems Initiatives
The Agency requests a total* of $5,255,500 and 24.6 workyears for 1997 in the
Great Lakes Research' program.
Considerable progress, has been made over the past 20 years to reduce
concentrations and inputs of toxic substances in the Great Lakes basin ecosystem.
Despite these improvements, however, concentrations of many toxic substances
currently being measured' in fish tissue, as well-'as" other indicators of
ecosystem health, remain at unacceptable levels. The Office of Research and
Development's (ORD) Great Lakes research program will develop scientific data
to help establish ecological goals and environmental indicators to help document
progress toward achieving these goals. Researchers will- develop models to
predict the exposures and responses of ecosystems that result from alternate
management strategies at the watershed, regional and national scale and emphasize
the development of indicators of ecological condition and diagnostic techniques
for use in ecological risk assessments of aquatic systems. This will provide the
•scientific understanding and techniques required to examine the effects of
multiple stressors, and for effective integrated ecological risk assessment and
ecosystem protection at multiple scales. Research will continue to focus on the
development of risk-based exposure assessment for aquatic resources by developing
predictive and diagnostic methods to identify, characterize, and quantify
chemical and non-chemical stressors. The Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Program .{EMAP) will provide additional pilot and demonstration projects .in the
Great Lakes geographic region as part of this national monitoring implementation
strategy.
The Agency requests a total of "$3,139,900 and 5.5 workyears for 1997-in the
South Florida Research program.
The natural systems from the Kissimmee River, south, of Disney World, to the
coral reefs off the Florida Keys are an interdependent landscape and seascape.
Historically, however, these systems have been managed as if they functioned in
isolation from one another. Half of the Everglades have been drained and
converted to agriculture or urban development. As a result, -populations of
wading birds have declined by more than 90 percent, and South Florida has 56
threatened or endangered species. Florida Bay, which in the past supported huge
commercial and recreational fisheries, is in a state of ecological collapse,
For the Florida Everglades, EPA will support studies and research to better
understand this ecosystem and this water quality problem. Given mercury
contamination currently in the Everglades, EPA will support a study to identify
the source of this pollution. This will include a special project in -EPA's
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (EMAP) to better understand the transport
and effects of toxic substances throughout the South Florida ecosystem. The
results will, however, be widely applicable both to similar contaminant problems
elsewhere, and as a general framework for computer-based exposure decision
analysis.
The Agency requests a total of $4,682,200 and 7.1 workyears for 1997 in the
Pacific Northwest Research program,
Ecological resources provide the economic basis for many communities in the
Pacific Northwest. Competing interests e.g., forest products, agriculture, and
the fisheries industry place ecosystems under pressure which cannot be sustained,
The result has been the collapse of salmon fisheries, significant constraints on
forestry practices, and the commensurate econpmic decline of many communities.
The Pacific Northwest research program is studying ecosystem response to human
activities. In 1997 research is targeted to understand the response of
ecosystems to stressors at several scales from site-specific studies through
watersheds to the region. Research includes studies on the relationship between
the size of stream buffers-and instream condition'on fish stocks, on the effect
of forest management practices on stream water quality, and the study of multiple
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stregsors such as nutrients, silt, flow changes and aquaculture". The results of
this work will 'reduce uncertainty in ecological risk assessments and. improve
confidence in ecosystem management decision making.
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HUMAN HEALTH PROTECTION RESEARCH .
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $40,181,000 and 199.5 total workyears for 1997
in the Human Health Protection Research program component,
People are exposed to a variety of potentially harmful agents in the air they
breathe, the liquids they drink, the products they use, the foods they eat, and
even the surfaces they touch. As indicated in the 1994 report by the National
Research'Council (NRC), Science and Judgment in Risk Assessment, the public has
become increasingly aware and concerned by these environmental exposures, their
potential threats to human health, and the risks associated with environmental
contaminants. Announcements about pesticides in food, fish and shell fish,
health advisories, chemical contaminants in drinking water, and contamination
from hazardous-waste sites have created public concern about the chemical
products and byproducts of modern industrial society. However, there is public
skepticism about the reliability of scientific predictions concerning possible
threats to human health and about the effectiveness of regulations in mitigating
these threats. Questions have also been raised about the economic costs of
'controlling or eliminating emissions of chemicals that pose questionable or even
extremely small risks. In the absence of exposure measurements and an ability
t:o measure risk directly, scientists can offer only indirect and uncertain
estimates of exposure and risk. Debates about reducing risks and the costs of
risk management have been fed by the lack of accurate and widely accepted methods
for assessing risk to humans.
Notwithstanding these uncertainties, there is widespread public understanding
that the public health consequences of exposure to environmental contaminants are
substantial. For example, the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) estimated
in its 1993 report, Researching" Health Risks, that the costs of even a small
number of environmentally related illnesses, such as lead poisoning and
pollution-related respiratory -conditions, could reach into the billions of
dollars annually. Thus, an important aspect of human health protection is the
identification, reduction, and prevention of exposures and risks from
environmental contaminants that contribute to increased rates of disease,
disability, premature death, or significant disability.
In 1997, research conducted under the Human Health Protection program
component will support several of the EPA's national Environmental Goals such as
safe drinking water, safe indoor environments, clean air, and safe food. This
research program also provides support for implementation of requirements under
several regulatory statutes, including the development of methods and models used
to collect data required under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and methods used by industry in response to the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA) . In addition, much of the research in 1997 will
support the Agency's Community Based Environmental Initiative (CBEI) . This CBEI-
related effort is aimed at understanding the sources of toxic and pesticide
pollution; describing the pattern, frequency/ and magnitude of total human
exposures; improving and developing quantitative extrapolations methods for
health data (i.e. animals-to-humans, normal-to-sensitive subpopulations and high-
to-low exposures),, and; transferring information to the communities that require
it.
Specific research areas to be addressed in 1997 include; the Pesticides in
Children program, the U.S.-Mexican Border prqgram, integrated exposure models,
biologically .and pharmacokinetics-based dose-response methods, assessment of
chemical and site-specific risks to humans, individual variability and human
susceptibility to cancer, quantitative exposure-effect relationships, development
of methods for measurements of pesticide residues, and understanding the effects
of pollutants on different biological systems.
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PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
The overall goal of research conducted under the Human Health Protection
research component is aimed at protecting public health by determining what
pollutants are a risk to human health. Because of the economic and social impact
of regulating pollutants, however, it is riot enough to determine that a pollutant
effects human health under a particular exposure scenario; we must also identify
at what point and under what conditions these risks become unacceptable. The
risk assessment of a pollutant must determine: (1) Is the pollutant capable of
producing a health effect (Hazard Identification)?; (2) what is the response to
the pollutant at the levels to'which the population is exposed (Dose Response
Assessment)?; and (3) How much of the population is exposed (Exposure
Assessment)? ' •
Human exposure to chemicals and the potential effects of a pollutant on human
health are the primary bases on which risk assessment determinations are made.
Too often, however, scientists must depend on insufficient data and non-validated
models or theoretical scenarios to estimate the levels of pollution encountered
by human populations. As a result, many decisions concerning assessment and
management of risks bear uncertainties.
A significant step towards addressing these uncertainties has been achieved
'through recent exposure measurement research (e.g., the National Human Exposure
Assessment Survey (NHEXAS), the National Activity Pattern Survey, and the
Agriculture Health Study) . This measurement research applied pilot protocols for.
developing statistically valid measures of human exposures to a variety of
chemicals through both biological sampling of the individuals and measurements
of exposures through air, food, and water. In 1997, Human Health Protection
research will build on the results of the NHEXAS pilot studies to assess the
population distributions of measured exposures in the three study regions,
identify the most important determinants of exposure, integrate exposure
information across pathways and sources, and evaluate the effectiveness of the
pilot protocols. In addition, 1997 research will use the comprehensive exposure
data to evaluate and refine human exposure models.
Exposure research continuing in 1997 includes the Pesticide Residential
Exposure Research Program. Because of the uncertainty associated with the risk
posed by lawn care pesticides, the General Accounting Office recommended that the
EPA fully explore the health effects of post-application exposure to lawn care
pesticides prior to re-registering pesticides for lawn uses and that the EPA
place a high priority on developing the post-application exposure, testing and
assessment guidelines. Results of ORD's Residential Exposure Research Program
will directly support the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances'
(OPPTS) needs to revise and expand its guideline process for Post-application
Exposure and Monitoring. These guidelines standardize industry collection of-
pesticide exposure data required under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) . •
In the area of health eff.ec.ts. the Agency will conduct research to determine
what studies are most useful to assess effects and how to evaluate the data that
is obtained from them. This research looks at the effects of pollutants on
different biological systems (e.g., neurotoxicity, imtnunotoxicity, etc.) and
determines if, and to what extent, those effects are indicators of human health
risks. The results of this research will help the scientific community identify
risks to human health more efficiently. This information is particularly
critical to OPPTS which requires chemical companies to provide information on the
effects of their chemicals.
Continuation of the research on health effects, exposure to pollution and risk
factors for disease along the U.S.- Mexican border has been prompted by the
unusually high occurrence of serious birth defects in this region. This research
is being conducted in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and
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Prevention and the Texas Department of Health. The research will attempt to
identify other health problems that may be occurring as well as possible causes.
This research is an important component of EPA's emphasis on community-to-
regional .scale environmental investigations. In the areas in which these
projects are located {the Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX, the U.S. - Mexico Border
area in Arizona, and the States in SPA's Region 5) community residents and
government officials .will be informed and involved in understanding the results
of these exposure research studies. '
The Pesticides in Children Research Program (total request of $5,097,600 and
25 workyears) was established in response to a National Academy of Sciences (HAS)
report, which highlighted the critical need for health research on infants and
children exposed to pesticides. In 1997, this research will be expanded through
implementation of a survey of children's exposure to pesticides. This survey,
complemented by enhanced exposure related research methods and models for
estimating and predicting exposure of this sensitive subpopulation, is aimed at
measurement of exposure via air, water, food and dust in homes, schools, day care
facilities, and other areas. Researchers will collect time, location and
activity information related to children's .exposure, using fully evaluated
techniques. Scientists will .prepare a manual of methods for quantifying the
track-in of lawn-applied pesticide residues into indoor residential micro-
environments. Scientists will also prepare a report on research to develop
techniques for monitoring pesticide residues in the environment, and will publish
a manual of methods for characterizing activity patterns in children. • Methods
will be developed for inclusion in OPPTS test" guidelines and models will be
developed to. evaluate data submitted under these guidelines.
As part of the Pesticides in Children initiative, researchers are beginning
to address toxic effects as a function of age 'to provide scientific data for
determining whether current pesticide tolerance levels are sufficiently
protective. Toxicological research, which includes neurological, immunological,
developmental, and pharmacokinetic studies, is targeted to identify and
characterize qualitative exposure-effect relationships for pesticides. These
relationships include response as a function of critical periods of development.
Also included are quantitative exposure-effect relationships for pesticides, such
as evaluation of toxicity equivalence factors.
Research in the health risk assessment area (a total request of $16,929,000
and 74 total workyears) complements and builds upon research conducted under the
human exposure and human effects areas, and is applied to research conducted
under other program components such as Pollution Prevention. The goal of risk
assessment research is to understand the human health risk associated with
••environmental exposures, the principal relationships between the various sources
of a" pollutant, and the pollutant's effects on a target 'population. Risk
assessment turns collected research data into meaningful information that can be
used by decision-makers, the public, academia and other institutions'.
'New studies related to risk assessment will begin in 1997 'on the role of
individual variation in human susceptibility to cancer. Humans vary
substantially in their inherent susceptibility to carcinogenesis. This
variability affects each step in the carcinogenic process (e.g., carcinogenic
uptake and metabolism, DNA damage, etc.) and arises from many independent
factors, some inborn and some environmental. EPA's research will focus on the
identification of genetic differences that can affect carcinogenic risk from
environmental agents, the 'quantitative relationship of these differences to the
risk of cancer,, and the distribution of these genetic differences in the
population.
' The Agency is addressing the complex area of risk assessment, in part, through
its Research to Improve Health Risk Assessment (RIHRA). Little is known about
the extrapolation of risk from high- to low-dose or from effects in animals to
humans. Research in the area of extrapolation methods is critical because of the
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large impact that the extrapolation .of data has on the validity of a prediction
model. To better extrapolate from high- to low-dose, and from animals to humans,
ORD researchers are examining biologically-based dose response and
pharmacokineties research and modeling approaches. Biologically-based approaches
examine effects at doses much lower than those where gross clinical effects occur
and allows the risk assessor to make a better determination of effects at low
doses, JPharmacokineties research will allow the risk assessor to better
extrapolate from high- to low-dose and from animals, to humans. This research
will improve the accuracy of applying laboratory conducted test results (e.g.,
high-dose exposure to animals), to other, harder-to-test exposure scenarios
(chronic low-dose exposure to humans),
Other riskassessment research includes chemical and site-specific
assessments, and risk assessment tools and guidance. Translating the risk
assessment information to the decision maker is a critical challenge 'in risk
assessment. Research in the area of chemical- and site-specific assessments will
provide information for program-related regulatory decisions. Research work will
assess specific chemicals (e.g. dioxin, benzene,, chloroform) and specific sites
coordinated through the Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center. This
work supports several- program offices and regulations (e.g., Office of Solid
Waste and Emergency Response, Office of Air and Radiation, Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Conservation and
Liability Act). Much of the research conducted to develop risk assessment tools
and guidance supports the Agency's Community-Based Environmental Initiative.
This research includes the development of risk assessment guidelines on a variety
of topics to aid the risk assessor, risk assessment software (e.g., exposure
models'), and other risk assessment information, such as the Agency's Integrated
Risk Information System (IRIS). IRIS is a database of chemical-specific risk
information on the relationship between chemical exposure and estimated human
health effects. IRIS is currently accessed by the public and federal, state and
local agencies. In 1997,. ORD will develop additional risk information for use
with IRIS, including less-than-lifetime exposure risk estimates, developmental
toxicity (e.g., birth defects) and other endppint.specific human health effects
risk assessment information. In addition, efforts have begun to expand the
current system to include risk information from across federal agencies.
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SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS RESEARCH
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $11,649,100 and 55-. 0 workyears for 1997 in the
Special Environmental Hazards Research program component.
EPA has focused its research agenda through- a risk-based approach that
involves identifying health or ecological hazards, assessing dose-response and
exposure, characterizing risk, and defining and implementing risk management
options. In 1997, based on this risk based approach, research in this program
component will focus primarily on endocrine disruptors. A limited amount of lead
research will also be conducted. The endocrine disruptor research will
investigate the growing concern about the health risks to humans and wildlife
posed by the presence of chemicals in the environment that mimic the actions of
hormones. In addition, lead research will focus on the removal of lead from
soils contaminated with lead-based paint using a chemical leaching prpcess. This
research will form the basis for more cost-effective alternatives for reducing
risk from exposure to lead.
Data, methods, and models resulting from these efforts will support the Office
of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS)in setting standards and
regulations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (PIFRA)
and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) , ' • • • •
PROGRAM and, ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Endocrine Disruptors
The Agency requests a total of $11,264,400 and 52.9 workyears for 1997 in the
Endocrine Disruptors Research program.
Evidence has been accumulating that humans and various animal populations may
have experienced adverse health effects from exposure to environmental chemicals
that interact with the endocrine system. These chemicals, most of them
pesticides, have been found to upset-the workings of the hormonal or endocrine
system, and for this reason, they are known as endocrine disruptors. Some
scientists warn that these chemicals may be, interfering with the action of
reproductive hormones and causing damage to the fertility of various animals and
humans. The evidence is not conclusive. The critical issue is whether there are
sufficiently high levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment to
exert effects in human or wildlife populations. If these concerns are found to
be justified, there could be significant regulatory impact on a number of
important industrial chemicals • '
In response to -this growing public health and environmental concern, EPA has
taken the lead in an effort to collect and assess pertinent information. Working
in collaboration with other federal and private groups, EPA scientists have
organized a major effort to obtain all relevant existing data, evaluate the
sufficiency of existing data, determine what additional data are needed "to
formulate an appropriate response, evaluate options for obtaining-additional data
and coordinate research across and outside the federal government.
In an effort to obtain maximum input into the planning, sponsorship and
conduct of research on endocrine disruptors, EPA has begun working through the
Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources. Federal agencies that have
expressed interest in participating include the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Science
Foundation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Agency, and the Department of Agriculture.
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As a result of these collaborations and application of the . risk
assessment/risk management paradigm, the Office of Research and Development "(OKD)
will support research to characterize the effects of environmental exposure to
•various chemicals, focusing on two major research areas, health effects and
exposure assessment, in two target populations, humans and wildlife,. In 1997,
the Agency will focus on learning more about' what we know about the sources,
chemical and physical properties, transport pathways, and ecological and human
effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC), and identifying the major
knowledge gaps. Reports will be produced on research needs for health effects
and exposure assessment as related to EDCs.
Effects research will focus on learning about the important chemical classes
for interaction with the endocrine system and their range of potency, which will
produce models to identify and prioritize in vivo research to' define dose-
response effects. Research on dose response will increase our understanding of
the comparative exposure levels associated with risks, which will lead to reduced
uncertainty in chemical-specific risk assessments and relative ' potency
comparisons. •Investigations of the health outcomes experienced by populations
receiving high-level exposure to EDCs will delineate the causes and effects that
can set the bounds on effects in less highly exposed populations.
Exposure research will focus on several important issues, including the
pathways of exposure to EDCs. Models will be developed to assess, exposure to
EDCs from specific sources through multimedia pathways. Methods will be
developed to monitor exposure to EDCs and to characterize exposure half-life,
speciation, uptake, and phase equilibrium, which should improve source and
receptor models and assessment of EDC exposure. Issues on the adequacy and
reliability of exposure monitoring tools, environmental concentrations 'of EDCs
in all principal media, and exposures experienced by populations affected by EDCs
will also be investigated.
Data, methods, and models produced in these efforts will be used to predict
the effects to humans and wildlife from exposure to endocrine disruptors and will
provide the Agency the information it needs to characterize risks from these
chemicals, establish priorities for additional study, and support regulatory
decision-making.
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NEW TECHNOLOGY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION RESEARCH
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a, total of $48,568,600 and 85.8 total workyears for 1997
in the New Technology and Pollution Prevention Research component.
EPA's Five-Year Strategic Plan identifies pollution prevention as the first
strategy considered for all programs in the Agency, In support of this directive,
ORD's goal is to take the lead among Federal research organizations in developing
risk management strategies to move from controlling and cleaning up pollution to
reducing it at the sourqp. ORD's strategies are aimed at the various economic
sectors (e.g., industrial, Federal, .agricultural, transportation, energy,
service) in order to identify appropriate research topics that can help achieve
pollution prevention in those sectors, 'At the present time, ORD*'s research is
focused on the industrial and Federal sectors.
Small businesses, for example, consistently provide the United States with
innovative technologies and •approaches to solving difficult environmental
problems. Funding for competitive contracts will be provided under the Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, mandated by the Small Business
Innovation Development Act of 1992. These.contracts, based on a solicitation
prepared by EPA, will be awarded in a variety 'of areas including prevention of
NOK, VOCs, S02; toxic air pollutants;• indoor radon mitigation; and
environmentally benign metal plating and finishing.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
Environmental Technology Initiative (-ETZ)
The Agency requests a total of $27,619,100 and 6.0 workyears for 1997 in the
ETI program.
The Environmental Technology Initiative program is designed to facilitate the
development and use of innovative, cost effective environmental technologies
through collaboration with private-sector companies, non-profits, other Federal
agencies, universities and states. In 1997, ETI research is focused on
environmental technology verification, partnerships for the 3lst Century, and
community-based sustainable technologies. Under environmental technology
verification, ORD's efforts will build upon the-Agency's pilot program of
.environmental technology, verification entities (e.g., small drinking water
treatment systems, environmental monitoring technologies, pollution prevention
and hazardous waste technologies) . Technology verification efforts are necessary
since companies are frequently wary of buying and installing new environmental
technologies until permit writers and enforcement officials accept that they meet
required environmental standards. Such an approach is particularly important as
this country looks for alternatives to command and control rules and regulations,
that are frequently very difficult and costly to implement at the community
level. One important feature of this e'ffort will be the development of a tool
or methodology to measure the actual success of environmental technology
verification in terms of both economic and environmental benefits.
In' partnerships for the 21st Century, EPA scientists and engineers will
initiate .development and demonstration activities with, partners in both the
public and private sectors. These activities will encourage the practical and
field-scale evaluation of new methods and tooj.s, and technologies and processes
that more effectively demonstrate the environmental and economic benefit of using
less polluting technologies, processes, and products in real-world situations.
Government participation in these demonstrations helps alleviate the liability
concerns, lack of safe demonstration sites and-permit flexibility issues that
often prevent private testing companies and investors from performing this
function on their own. Field-scale testing and application of research and
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development aimed at the Common Sense sector industries (i.e., metal finishing,
printing, oil refining,' automobile manufacture, electronics, and iron and steel)
will be a part of this activity with emphasis on providing practical, technical
help to those involved In environmental decision making at a number of levels.
Under community-based sustainable technologies, EPA scientists and engineers
will focus at a pre-competitive .stage on the development, testing, and evaluation
of technologies and processes for cleaner production and products. ORD
researchers will work closely with OPPTS and other EPA Program Offices to address
high priority areas where generic technologies can have a major impact on
reducing'or eliminating'pollution in sectors beyond the current ones of interest
-- industrial and Federal. An area of particular emphasis is the development of
sustainable municipal technologies that improve the quality of life in "'both
urban/suburban areas and small communities/rural areas.
Common Sense Approach
The Agency requests a total of $12,902,200 and 50.7 workyears for 1997 in the
Common Sense Approach Research program.
The Agency is endeavoring to use more positive, less confrontational
approaches to assist industry in complying with the nation's environmental
statutes. As part of this effort, ORD's scientists and engineers will continue
to provide scientific and technical support for regulatory development to the
Agency's media programs under the Source Reduction Review Project,(SRRP). They
will also initiate new technical and support efforts in support of Common Sense
sector industries. ORD, in support of the Program Offices and Regions, will
conduct in-house research on the design, development, and demonstration of 'new
and innovative technologies that prevent pollution from entering the air, water,
and soil- This research will encompass the development of knowledge methods and
tools, and technologies and processes for product substitution or redesign of
production processes. Emphasis for methods and tools will focus on Life Cycle
Assessment development and refinement of software programs and modules to assist
in deciding on less polluting processes and products. Emphasis for technologies
and processes will -focus on new and innovative process changes and product
substitutions that minimize pollutants.
When considering which of these innovations is most sensible to use, cost must
continue to be an important factor. Cost assessment, benefit/cost analysis, and
related software development will become an even more important component of EPA
policy and .risk management decisions in the future. As part of an Agency-wide
initiative', research will be initiated on tools to document the costs associated
with new technologies and pollution prevention. This Benefit/Cost Initiative
(total of $4,476,700 and 12.0 total workyears) will significantly improve such
tools as they are applied to environmental protection and will enhance community-
based risk management options as well as the quality of Agency regulations and
guidelines. It will focus on engineering analysis ('e.g.., systems analysis,
operations research) , cost accounting and estimating (e.g., cost assessment, cost
estimating, .cost tracking), and daCa standards development (e.g., data
comparability, ability to reproduce data).
The Agency's Common Sense Initiative (CSI) is an effort designed to achieve
greater environmental protection at less cost by addressing pollution with an
industry-by-industry, rather than .a pollutant-by-pollutant, approach. ORD's
share of the CSI (total of $901,000 and 4.5 work years) will support the
research, development, validation, and 'diffusion of pollution prevention and
innovative technology options for achieving environmental compliance for the six
target CSI industries, while also maintaining their economic competitiveness.
A public-private consortium will implement innovative technology and pollution
prevention priorities. The key to the success of this research will be the
outreach and dissemination of results through pollution prevention information
networks and clearing houses, national conferences, workshops and seminars, and
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other types of information transfer techniques such as guides, manuals,, and
reports that are available both electronically and in hard copy.
Pollution Prevention
The Agency requests a total of $2,275,400 and 4.0 workyears for 1997 in the
Pollution Prevention Research program.
Pollution control is less attractive as a means for effective environmental
protection because: (l) end-of-the-pipe treatment cannot solve all of the United
States' pollution problems, (2) technical difficulties and costs to meet new and
more stringent environmental standards and limits make pollution control much
less cost effective, and (3) continuing economic expansion and population growth
will lead to an ever increasing volume of potential pollutants that must be
effectively managed at the source. New types of methods, tools, technologies,
and processes that provide alternatives to pollution control, and new approaches
to encouraging pollution prevention, are needed.
For ORD's pollution prevention research to be successful, individuals and
organizations must be informed of the latest information and technology. Such
an approach ensures' that decision makers at all levels (e.g., federal, State,
local) are fully informed of the options that are available to them. To this
end, ORD has traditionally provided information on pollution prevention at both
national conventions and more customer-focused seminars and workshops. In
addition, QRD plans to develop and disseminate technical information through
state-of-the-art electronic and computer-based vehicles,
Effective pollution prevention must include a strategy that addresses ongoing
and anticipated environmental problems across a broad range of community scales
(e.g., small town, large municipality, ecoregion). Research in this area will
encompass the development of knowledge methods and tools, and technologies and
processes used for decision making at the point where such decisions will have
the greatest impact -- locally. Efforts under the Pollution Prevention program
will be focused on three areas: chemistry; engineering; and measurement,
assessment, and feedback techniques.
Chemistry for pollution prevention will develop safer commercial substances
and environmentally friendly chemical synthesis routes to reduce risks posed by
existing practices. Activities will include the use of creative reaction
conditions, such as using solvents which have a reduced impact on health and the
environment, or increasing reaction selectivity thus reducing wastes and
emissions. Engineering for pollution prevention will develop novel engineering
approaches for preventing or reducing pollution from industrial manufacturing
activities. Examples of this approach include: machining without the use of
cutting fluids that currently require disposal after they are contaminated; in-
process techniques that minimize generation of pollutants in industrial waste
incineration processes; and improved automobile combustion process design for
reduced pollutant production. Measurement, assessment and feedback techniques
for pollution prevention will lead to novel measurement and assessment techniques
for pollution prevention, such as innovative, .full scale, quantitative
methodologies for conducting life cycle analysis which permit sound quantitative
comparisons of the impacts of different pollutants on different media.
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SCIENCE QUALITY .AND INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $185,375,500 and 572.0 total workyears for 1997
in the Science Quality and Infrastructure Research program component.
The Science Quality and Infrastructure Research program component houses many
activities which cut across or lend support to the more specific media research
programs. This program component supports two areas of the Agency's research
program: cross-program research and resources supporting science and technology
operations. Cross-program resources for research involves programs that address
research requirements that are not specific to a media or cut across two or more
distinct media. Cross-program research activities include Exploratory grants,
fellowships/environmental education, research centers, and Regional programs.
'Whereas the infrastructure aspect of this.program component supports ORD research
operations including operating expenses, the working capital fund, all workforce
funding, and workyears that support the research program.
PROGRAMAMD ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS '
Exploratory Grants ' , ,
The Agency requests a total of $11,677,900 and 3.0 workyears for 1997 .in the
Exploratory Grants program.
The Exploratory Grants program was designed to generate new ideas and produce
new scientific information by encouraging creativity and innovation in scientific
research. Through publication of an annual general solicitation, the program
defines general areas in which there exists significant gaps in scientific
knowledge and understanding, and allows individual investigators from the
academic research community to conceive, define, and propose research projects.
Proposals are competitively reviewed by peer panels of predominantly outside
Agency researchers, with only the most scientifically sound proposals ultimately
receiving support. The major program outputs are scientific articles published
in the peer literature. The scientific information shared through such,
publications is intended to broaden and enhance scientific knowledge and
understanding and to be used as inputs into more targeted, more applied
environmental research programs.
In 1997, proposals will be solicited in the .general areas of environmental
biology/ecology, air chemistry/physics, water chemistry/physics, environmental
engineering, and socioeconomics. In addition, the Early Career Research Award
Program will award up to 10 grants in the range of $75,000 to $100,000 per award
per year for up to five years to promising researchers who are building .their
careers.
Fellowships/Environmental Education
The Agency requests a total•of $16,982,200 and 1.0 workyear for 1997 in the
Fellowship program.
A blue ribbon panel of the Science Advisory Board recommended that EPA enhance
its environmental education programs for training the next generation of
scientists and engineers. The graduate'fellowship program was initiated in 1995
for that purpose. This graduate fellowship program, competitive and peer-
reviewed, is designed to attract some of the brightest' and most dedicated
students in the Nation to take advanced training in scientific and engineering
disciplines relevant to protection of public health and the environment and,
ultimately to careers in environmental science and engineering - - not only for
EPA, but for states, localities, and industry. Fellowships will bring fresh
ideas to bear on EPA science issues. The work done under the fellowship program
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will contribute to resolving uncertainties associated with particular environment
problems and focus graduate research on priority research areas. This investment
is critical if the government, industry, and academia are to have the talent they
need to address the environmental "challenges of the future.. The fellowships
begin their payoff almost immediately: students generally must perform original
research to complete their degree requirements while located at their university
facilities. In 1997,'the. Agency expects to support about 300 new fellowships
across multiple disciplines, including the biological and physical sciences,
mathematics' and computer science, and engineering. - _
Centers • . "
The Agency requests a total of $9,578,000 and 1.0 workyear for 199-7 in the
Centers program.
ORD will continue to provide resources for the Environmental Research Centers
(ERCs) and the Hazardous Substances Research Centers (HSRCs), as well as to the
minority institutions supported within this program component.
The four ERCs and five HSRC university consortia, will continue to support
fundamental and applied research. These Centers provide basic research,
technology transfer, and training activities that address the priority problems
of environmental management within their geographic areas of concern.
The Minority Centers program will continue to emphasize participation of
minority scientists and students in environmental research. They develop
curriculum and training materials, provide mechanisms for developing students and
faculty in environmental fields, and' conduct basic and applied research and
development, technology transfer, and outreach programs.
Regional•Programs
The Agency requests a total of $4,512,500 and 24.0'workyears for 1997 in the
Regional Programs.
The Regional programs involve research support to the Regions to assist on
high priority science areas and reduce the cost and improve the quality of
research efforts. This program-'includes the Regional Scientist program, the
Regional Methods program, and the Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE).
The Regional Scientist program is designed to improve communication and
understanding between the Office of Research and" Development and the Regions .and
foster greater consideration of science and technology in Regional decision-
making. Scientists are detailed frpm Headquarters to the Regions as a liaison
to provide continuity on research activities. In addition, they use their
individual expertise and knowledge of ORD, in combination With the knowledge they
acquire of Regional technical needs to focus on high priority scientific concerns
specific to the EPA Regions.
The RARE program provides EPA Regions with a rapid response mechanism to
address high priority current year research needs critical to their ability to
implement various'EPA environmental regulations and target fegional problems in
a more cost-effective and scientifically-supportable manner. The program
contributes to Regions research support that has included, for example, provision
of testing methods for West Coast species to develop scientifically supportable
biocriteria used in setting standards and permits, and the integration of remote
sensing and spatially-related data for determining priority watersheds for salmon
stream habitat restoration in the Pacific Northwest.
The Regional Methods program emphasizes the development of high priority
monitoring methods needed by EPA Regions and states to establish permit
conditions that are better tailored to site-specific situations (i.e., reduce
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both over and under regulation) as well as to more cost effectively assess
compliance with permit conditions. The ORD's Environmental Monitoring Management
Program (EMMP) supports the efforts of the Agency to reduce the cost and improve
the quality of environmental monitoring. Specific initiatives being addressed
include: reducing barriers to the use of innovative approaches to monitoring;
reducing the development and promulgation of duplicative measurement methods; in
partnership with the states, development of a national environmental laboratory
accreditation program to reduce the cost to the regulated community caused by the
current system of duplicative state accreditation programs, and establishment of
uniform, Agency-wide method validation criteria speed up the approval of new
methodolbgy and to improve the quality of new methods.
High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC)
The Agency requests a total of $5,632,900 and 6.3 workyears for 1997 in the
HPCC program. . • •
EPA's "community-based" approach toward environmental management involves'
local industry, state and local government officials, special interest groups,
and individuals in the community whose health, living conditions, and jobs are
most affected by impacts to the quality of the environment. The HPCC program,
which is a cross-Agency coordinated .program, provides these stakeholders the
capability to access data, environmental models, and analytical tools to make
informed decisions involving risks to human health, ecosystems, and the economics
of local industry and the surrounding community.
In 1997, the HPCC program will provide critical regulatory support efforts to
support program offices such as the Office of Air .and Radiation and the Office
of Water. As such, the HPCC program will provide flexible environmental modeling
and decision support tools to states for use in determining cost-effective,
mid-course corrective action for their state implementation plans to ensure
attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. HPCC research
will develop prototype cross-media ecosystem exposure assessment capabilities
involving both air and water for local communities and regional planners to test
when considering a range of local control options and risk reduction, strategies.
The current exposure assessment capabilities pertain to only one media, which
limits the knowledge and application of this knowledge in a situation involving
risks to human health, ecosystems, and the economics of the community and local
industry. The prototype that will be developed is across media enabling better
informed decisions to be made in the event of such situations'. The HPCC program
has become important to the Chesapeake Bay Program, which is becoming more
dependent " on these cross-media assessments in their• long term restoration
strategies. Parallel computational capabilities will also be enhanced to enable
study of multi-pollutant and cross-media issues involving ozone, particulate
matter, and nitrogen. Information management, access, and analysis techniques
will . be developed to facilitate cross-discipline information exchange.
Additionally, the HPCC program involves the academic community in innovative
research to advance the technology required for cross-media environmental
modeling, risk assessments, and community decision-making. Research leading to
a tight coupling of geospatial visualization/analysis and environmental models
will be generally applicable to a variety of assessment applications.
Working Capital Fund (WCF)
The Agency requests a total of $33,145,700 for 1997 in the WCF.
The WCF contains funds formerly carried in the Office of Administration and
Resources Management and used to support ORD needs. With the creation of the
WCF, these resources have been moved into ORD to fund these • services.
Specifically, this .request provides for postage and data.processing services
previously funded under the Agency-wide support account in 1996. Postage dollars
will fund postage costs that provide all routine, day-to-day O.S. Postal Services
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•and includes regular First, Third, and Fourth Class mail, Post Office Express
Mail, two-day priority mail, registered and .certified mail and pouch mail;
Federal Express overnight mail and United Parcel Service shipments for management
and support programs. The on-going data processing and telecommunication
services are classified into five cost centers; Enterprise Computing Services,
Network Services, Desktop Services, Technical Consulting Services, and Scientific
Computing Services. Resources will provide the program's share of depreciation
of .capital assets, increased service costs, additional mainframe, capacity,
investments in .network services, and investments in technical consulting.
services. , ' ' .
Operating Expenses
The Agency requests a total of $58,027,700 for 1997 in Operating Expenses.
These resources are necessary to cover the operating costs of a research
organization that includes five National Centers and Laboratories and Headquarter
offices with "facilities and remote site.s located in nine geographical areas.-
These operating expense resources are for operational expenses pertaining to
supplies, materials, scientific and technical equipment, automated data
processing support and services, ORD-wide data systems, facilities operating
'expenses, facilities repair and improvement proj-ects '-under $75,000, human
.resources development training, training for scientists and engineers,
administrative printing and reproduction, and various other miscellaneous support
services.
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NATIONAL VEHICLES AND FUELS EMISSIONS LABORATORY
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $65,195",300 and 28-6'.7 total workyears for 1997
in the Science and Technology Appropriation account for the National Vehicles and
Fuels Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) (. The NVFEL is a federal facility that houses
most of the employees and activities of the Office of Mobile Sources in the
Office of Air and Radiation. The staff at the NVFEL carries out a broad range
of policy, regulatory, and compliance functions necessary to implement the Clean
Air Act and fuel economy statutes.
The Clean Mr Act (CAA) authorizes a nationwide program to prevent and reduce
air pollution through air quality planning, regulation, enforcement, and
research. Enactment of amendments to the Act in 1990 created high public
expectations for cleaner, healthier air quality nationwide through cleaner cars,
fuels, factories, and powerplants. The 1990 CAA amendments require significant
changes in vehicle control technologies and fuel types and expansion of state
clean air programs. Under the amendments, EPA must adopt about 60 new mobile
source rules covering: reformulated gasoline, leaded gasol-ine, clean alternative
fuels, vehicle fleet requirements, vehicle emission standards, and state program
requirements. In implementing the Act, the-Agency will use not only traditional
approaches for controlling air pollution, but also will strive to harness the
power of the marketplace, encourage local initiatives and flexibility, and
emphasize pollution prevention.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS '
The results of programs carried out at the NVFEL will play a major role in
achieving the national environmental goal for clean outdoor air. The NVFEL will
implement this goal through clean vehicle and fuels programs that will make a
major contribution to meeting national clean air standards and reducing toxic
pollutants. Air pollution from mobile sources accounts for over half of the
nationwide emissions of carbon monoxide and pollutants that create ozone or
"smog." Because mobile source emissions account for such a large percentage of
the total air pollution problem, reducing these emissions holds the. greatest,
potential for cleaning our nation's air. The reformulated gasoline program alone
was reducing smog-forming pollutants by about 160,000 tons per year by 1995; this
will increase to about 200,000 tons per year beginning in 2000.
Priorities of the mobile sources program in 1997 include: controlling
nitrogen oxides (NOX) and particulate matter (PM), .focusing on heavy-duty
vehicles, engines 'and non-road sources; implementing the CAA1s.vehicle, engine
and fuels requirements; reducing in-use emissions through a transformed
inspection and maintenance (l/M) program; developing inventory estimation tools
that serve user needs and are recognized as scientifically credible; reinventing
the vehicle compliance program by focusing on in-use emissions and leveraging
manufacturer investments in vehicle durability; evaluating alternative long-term
strategies for fuels, including alternative fuels; supporting development of new
technology approaches to reducing in-use emissions and evaluating'technologies
from the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles work as to their
applicability to in-use emissions control of NOX and PM; implementing engine
control and NOX/PM control programs, especially non-road, developing and
enhancing models, and applying sound science to their development; working on
alternative fuels and advanced technologies; reengineering of processes, such as
certification; and improving program infrastructure and maintenance, including
replacement of obsolete equipment at NVFEL.
In 1997 the NVFEL will continue testing programs needed to provide sound
information on vehicle and fuel emissions and vehicle fuel economy. The testing
programs produce information needed to ensure compliance with federal vehicle
emission standards and enforce federal fuels requirements'. The NVFEL also uses
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vehicle testing information to develop tools used by states in preparing their
clean air plans. Without such information, the .results from state plans may'not
provide necessary emission reductions. The fuel economy data are by-products of
emissions control-related testing. These data are used'to provide fuel economy
information to the public and to implement the "Gas Guzzler11'tax.
EPA and the states will work together'in 1997 to carry out mobile source
pollution abatement programs: vehicle inspection and maintenance, oxygenated and
reformulated fuels; 'clean fuel fleets; trip reduction programs; and other
transportation control measures. The NVFEL will provide guidance, support,
technical assistance, and policy clarification to states and EPA regions.
To help meet the national environmental goal for clean outdoor air the Agency
will, by the year 2005, reduce toxic air emissions from all major sources to the
lowest technically-achievable levels. By 2010 the incidents of cancer due to
exposure to pollution from vehicles will be reduced by 50 percent; In 1997 the
Agency will continue an initiative to reduce health and environmental risks from
air toxics emitted by numerous small urban "area" sources. The initiative will
allow EPA to focus on better control of vehicle fuels and additives, which, in
addition to stationary s.ources, are also sources of urban health risk. Under
rules Issued in 1994, manufacturers conduct tests of fuel additives to determine
health effects before registration by EPA, In 1997 NVFEL will issue additional
rules and protocols related .to fuels and fuels additive health effects testing.
The NVFEL is an active participant in the Partnership for a New Generation
of Vehicles, a combined effort with the Department of Energy, the Department of
Defense, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Commerce, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National -Science Foundation,
and the domestic automobile manufacturers, to dramatically improve passenger car
and light truck fuel economy and reduce pollution. In 1997 the Agency will
devote a total of $18,765,800 and 21.2 total workyears to this effort. This
"clean car" program will develop new advanced vehicle technologies to improve air
quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
contributes to meeting the national environmental goal for reducing environmental
risks. Transportatipn sources are estimated to represent more than half of the
greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2000. EPA will help demonstrate the
pollution prevention potential of automotive propulsion systems with low carbon
emissions, while at the same time preserving current vehicle performance,
a.f fordability, utility, and safety.
In 1997 the Agency expects to collect over $9,000,000 in fees through the
mobile source certification program to cover the cos-ts related to the
certification, fuel economy, Selective Enforcement Audit, and recall programs.
These funds will cover the costs of operating federal programs for states that
do not submit approvable programs or do not adequately implement approved
programs.
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NATIONAL RADIATION LABORATORIES
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $5,947,000 and 39.8 total workyears for 1997
in the Science and Technology Appropriation account for the two national
radiation and indoor environment laboratories operated by the Office of Radiation
and Indoor Air '(QRIA) in the Office of Air and Radiation.
The EPA program designed to protect public health and the environment from
adverse effects of radiation exposure and to reduce human exposure to unhealthful
levels of indoor pollution, including radon, is derived from several statutes
including: the Indoor Radon Abatement Act; the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990;
the Waste Isolation Pilot Project'Land Withdrawal Act of 1992; the Energy Policy
Act of 1992; the Atomic Energy Act; the Public Health Service Act; the Uranium
Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act; the Marine Protection, Research, and
Sanctuaries Act; and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. These
Acts authorize a wide range of regulatory, assessment, assistance, and technical
activities. The Agency's two radiation and indoor environment laboratories, the
National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory. (NAREL) and the Las Vegas
Laboratory Facility (LVF), provide the technical understanding to support Agency
responsibilities.
The EPA's two radiation and indoor environment laboratories support the four
following major objectives to: reduce adverse health effects and environmental
impacts from radiation and indoor air • pollutant exposure through a program of
standards and guidelines; assess and quantify existing and emerging radiation and
indoor air quality problems and their potential impacts on public health and the
environment; respond to radiation and indoor air quality issues of serious public
concern; and maintain the capability to respond to radiological emergencies and
to aid development and testing of federal, state, and local plans for emergency
response. To accomplish these objectives, EPA assesses and regulates sources of
airborne radionuclides; evaluates and regulates radioactive waste disposal;
provides site assessments and radiochemical analyses of environmental samples;
operates the Radon Action Program; operates the Environmental Radiation Ambient
Monitoring System; develops radiation clean-up and waste management standards;
responds to radiological emergencies; and conducts indoor air quality technology
and tech-trans-fer programs.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
In 1997 the Agency will continue to develop and maintain an emergency
preparedness program designed to avert excessive exposure to radiation from
nuclear accidents; to provide field, laboratory, and technical support to EPA's
radiation regulatory development and implementation activities through the
collection and analysis of environmental samples; to monitor environmental
radiation levels and assess the effects of radiation exposure to the general
public from ambient radiation; to characterize and evaluate special radiation and
indoor air problems; to provide analytical support to other parts of EPA for
assessing radiation risks; and to provide training and support to other federal
and state agencies and to Indian tribes.
In 1997 the Agency will play a significant role in preparing for and
responding to accidental releases of radioactive material into the, environment.
The ORIA laboratories will continue their lead responsibilities for EPA's field
measurements in emergency situations. ' The Agency will maintain mobile
' radiological laboratories and support vehicles as well as an inventory of field
instruments to carry out EPA's role. EPA's Radiological Emergency Response Team
includes" staff' from headquarters and regional 'offices, as'well as from the two
laboratories.
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The Agency will continue to improve the Environmental Radiation Ambient
Monitoring System (ERAMS). A major component 'of the overall nuclear accident
response capability, ERAMS includes 268 stations to sample air, precipitation,
surface water, drinking water, soil, and milk. These stations have the
capability to provide near real-time information on ambient radiation levels
resulting from nuclear accidents.
In 1997 the ORIA laboratories will conduct field and laboratory measurements
and analyses'to support environmental radioactivity standards and to provide a
basis for evaluating environmental radiation sources. In addition, the radiation
laboratories will provide extensive support to the Agency's radon and indoor air
programs. NAREL will continue to lead the Agency's Radon. Measurement proficiency
(RMP) program. The RMP program will evaluate the capability of individuals
offering radon measurement and mitigation services and make the information
available to the states and public.
The radiat.ion laboratories also provide technical oversight in support of two
important federal radioactive waste programs. In October 1992 Congress enacted
legislation for evaluating the Waste Isolatipn Pilot Plant (WIPP), a radioactive
waste disposal site operated by the Department of Energy (DOE) in New Mexico.
The Act gives EPA oversight and regulatory responsibility for the DOE waste
disposal activities at WIPP. In addition, under the Energy Policy Act of 1992,
the Agency must set standards regulating the disposal of high level nuclear waste
at the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Final standards will
•ensure that the Yucca 'Mountain disposal system adequately controls-releases of
radioactive material, thereby protecting both individuals and populations. The
Yucc,a Mountain standard, along with the WIPP responsibilities, implement the
EPA's environmental goal to ensure safe waste management protective of public
health. " .
In 1997 the ORIA laboratories will continue efforts to identify critical
technology problems associated with mixed waste clean-ups and tests at Superfund
sites and evaluate specific technologies that focus on the radioactive component.
Development of an EPA national "reference laboratory" for Agency-wide mixed waste
analysis will continue including establishment of field sampling, screening
handling, and shipping procedures. In addition, ORIA will provide training
assistance to EPA regions on radioactivity hazards, transport, safety procedures,
field worker safety, and health as they relate to clean-up at Superfund sites
containing radioactive materials.
Working toward its environmental goal for the clean-up of radioactively
contaminated federal facilities, during 1997 the Agency will continue development
of clean-up criteria for sites contaminated with radionuclides that will provide
clear and consistent ground rules for clean-up. Radioactive materials are used
at over 20,000 sites including DOE facilities and over 100 nuclear power
reactors.
In 1997 the ORIA laboratories will continue efforts to evaluate technology and
guidance for improving air quality in homes, schools, and large buildings. The
labs will conduct field and laboratory measurements to support guidance for
indoor air quality issues.
Finally, the Agency will continue to monitor the Nevada test site and other
sites to provide the data needed by policy-makers to make decisions about' the
control of public exposure to radioactive materials.
FEES
In 1997 EPA will collect fees under the Radon Contractor Proficiency Program,
the RMP program, and the radon training program. The Agency estimates that fees
collected for these programs will total approximately $1,307,000.
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ANALYTICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $2,981,600 and 34.7 total workyears for 1997
from the Science and Technology appropriation for the Pesticides Program. The
activities in this program element support the Agency's safe food environmental
goal.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS.
The Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) laboratories have, unique programs that
directly support the regulatory program. They are an integral part of the
pe-sticide programs and are highly responsive to the program. The laboratories
directly support the food tolerance, exposure, ecological effects and risk
assessment .programs within OPP. The OPP laboratories maintain the Agency's
capacity to perform food, product or environmental chemistry method validations.
OPP also has a unique internationally-recognized dioxin laboratory capable of
testing dioxin/furan methods.
These capabilities are of vital importance to the scientific integrity of
the pesticide registration, reregistration, and special review programs in OPP.
The laboratories also support the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
and the Office of General Counsel in such areas as sample extraction analysis,
collaborating test methods, and specialized technical assistance.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland and the
Environmental Chemistry Laboratory in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, perform testing
to assure that (1) validated methods are available to other enforcement agencies
like PDA, DSDA and the states, and (2) methods used to generate exposure,
environmental fate, and ecological effects studies are reliable. The laboratories
also participate in special projects such as the National Pesticide Survey, the
Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances Dioxin/Furan Panel, and
analyzing product and tissue samples for hearings and conformance with
'established procedures.
In addition to support provided by the Beltsville and Bay St. ' Louis
facilities, a small microbiology laboratory is maintained in Cincinnati, Ohio.
to assure that antimicrobial pesticides are efficacious. The individuals
involved in the Cincinnati facility compile and update test methods and
protocols, evaluate the performance of antimicrobial pesticides and support the
registration process for antimicrobial pesticides of concern to the public.
Resources will be used for basic facilities and operation and maintenance
costs for all three Pesticide Program laboratories. This includes utilities,
security, conmunications, warehousing, custodial services, building maintenance,
new laboratory equipment to replace equipment that is obsolete or no longer cost-
effective to rep-air, and maintenance for existing equipment. The resources will
also provide equipment for building analytical capacity for biotechnology and
other unique products that cannot be-validated with traditional laboratory
instruments.
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DRINKING WATER PROGRAM LABORATORY
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $1,707,600 and 21.3 total workyears for 1997
to fund drinking water technical support for the implementation of drinking water
regulations and a wide range of laboratory implementation activities.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
The Agency requests a total of $1,707,600 and 21.3 total workyears for 1997
to fund drinking water technical support for the implementation of drinking water
regulations with particular emphasis on the development and implementation of a
comprehensive procedure to evaluate and correct performance problems at drinking
water treatment plants. EPA will also be working with drinking water treatment
plants in the implementation of the Information Collection Rule (ICR) ' that
requires the collection and analysis of large amounts of occurrence and treatment
data for disinfectants, disinfection byproducts (DBF), and microorganisms.
Laboratories that test and assess drinking water samples also play an important
role in the ICR. In 1997, EPA will work with about 400 laboratories,
particularly on microbial. and DBP analyses. EPA plans to monitor laboratory
performance in 1997 and will use both the Performance Evaluations studies,
including 360 microbial sample sets and 1,400 DBP sample sets, and laboratory
Quality Assurance"/- Quality. Control (QA/QC) to ensure that ICR data quality
objectives are being met.
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NATIONAL ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIONS CENTER
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $9,526,700 and 82.5 total workyears for 1997
to support the National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC).
NEIC is the primary source of multimedia technical expertise for criminal and
civil enforcement in the Agency, providing expertise to EPA,Headquarters and
Regions, the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, ,a.nd the
states. ' Using science and technology as a foundation, NEIC develops fully
defensible evidence that meets all legal requirements. Areas of expertise
include: document control and chain-of-custody; technical advice on compliance
assistance issues; fact and expert testimony in both criminal trials and civil
depositions; technical evaluation'of enforceability of regulations; information
analysis and data reviews; support of civil investigations including financial
analysis and witness and asset location; pollution control and process
evaluations;"comprehensive on-site facility inspections and" pollution impact
evaluations; evidence audit support; and expertise in negotiating the technical
aspects, of consent decrees and agreements.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
NEIC provides unique and highly technical support to the nation's most complex
criminal and civil enforcement cases. The program has developed a longstanding
capability to approach each and every case with the express intent of proving the
scientific and technical basis of the Agency's position. This focus begins with
an enforcement approach rather than research or regulation, and is unique to the
Agency's science agenda. As the NEIC has followed the Agency's regulatory
framework, many recommendations have been made to strengthen these laws based on
the center's first hand knowledge of regulatory weaknesses found ^in-the-field.$
In addition, NEIC developed protocols have been documented and incorporated by
the Agency as standard operating procedures.
The center is supported by highly trained engineers, chemists and other
environmental professionals who work together to identify the necessary sampling,
analytical, evidentiary, and quality assurance needs to ' support each
investigation. They perform these tasks with the scientific integrity necessary
to withstand technical scrutiny and cross-examination.
Many businesses are using personal computers to maintain financial records,
operations, and inventories and to monitor environmental compliance. In 1997,
skilled computer specialists will advance EPA's ability to access and evaluate
computerized information, in order to identify material and environmental
management activities, emissions and corporate financial relationships. These
businesses are also declaring bankruptcy or an inability to pay at an
unprecedented rate. As the Agency strives for the regulated community to be in
compliance, in 1997 the program will develop new techniques and define existing
capabilities to monitor compliance and re'commend solutions to pollution problems.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
FY 1997 PRESIDENTS BUDGET
(dollars in thousands)
PROGRAM ELEMENT
AIR QUALITY RESEARCH ' '
EMISS STD T A &CHAR
TEST, TECH&ADMI SUP
EMMISS & FUEL ECON
GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH
.' INDOOR AIR PROGRAM
AIR
WATER QUALITY RESEARCH
WATER QUALITY
DRINKING WATER RESEARCH
DRINKING WATER IMPLEM
DRINKING WATER
HAZARDOUS WASTE RESEARCH
HAZARDOUS WASTE
REGIS, SPEC REGIS, AND TO
PESTICIDES RESEARCH
GENERIC CHEM REV
PESTICIDES
RAD CRIT,STDS&GDLNS
WASTE ISOLATION PILOT
RAD ENV IMPACT ASM
RADIATION
• FIELDS EXPENSES
HEADQUARTERS EXPENSES
MULTIMEDIA RESEARCH
TECH SUPP-OE
MULTIMEDIA
, TOXIC SUBSTANCE RESEARCH
ENV PRO&EFF TOXICS
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
PROGRAM MGT - ORD
MISSION AND POLICY
LAB SUPPORT - OAR
LAB SUPPORT - OPTS
SUPPORT COSTS
HAZ SUB RESEARCH
SUPERFUND
DOLLARS
69,723.5
36,190.9
20,776.9
6,561.2
18,439.7
707.9
152,400.1
26,293 .8
26,293.8
26,593.7
1,707.6
28', 301.3
10,343.9
10,343.9
1,000.5
20,632.0
1,314.0
22,946.5
500.0
453.3
3,869.2
4,822.5
78,213.6
10,837.2
211,786.2
9,526.7
310,363.7
1.2,341.5
0.0
12,341.5
8,184.7
8,184.7
2,082.9
667.1
2,750.0
42,508.0
42,508.0
FTE-
380.7
96.0
136.2 •'
"54.5
49.1
0.0
716.5
192.3
192.3
186.2
21.3
207,5
56. '9 '
56.9
15.0
135.5
19.7 "
170.2
0.0
1.9
37.9
39.8
0.0
.0.0
614.4
82.5
696.9
89.4
0.0
89.4
93.4
93.4
0.0
0.0
0.0
129.2
129.2
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTS PROTECTION AGENCY
FY 1997 PRESIDENTS BUDGET
{dollars in thousands)
PROGRAM ELEMENT
RADIATION
LAS VEGAS
DOLLARS • FTE
REIMS
OFFSITE REIMS
0,0.
0.0
11.0
58 .9
RADIATION
o.o
69.9
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
621,256.0
2,462.0
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
AIR QUALITY RESEARCH
OFFICE: Research and Development
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Air Quality Research program provides research to support the provisions
of the Clean Mr Act (CAA)and Amendments, Title IV of the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) with respect to indoor air pollution, and
other requirements to reduce air pollution. The program supports the regulatory-
efforts of the Agency in this area, particularly the Office of Air and Radiation
(OAR) . . • -
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Air Quality Research program provides the scientific information needed
to fulfill the requirements under the CAA, Title IV of SARA, and other air
pollution requirements and Administration policies. This includes research
required to support the implementation of the regulatory provisions. The program
provides the scientific basis for implementing an air pollution control program
that i.s cost-effective,, market-oriented, and based on a reasonably complete
understanding of .the benefits to be realized for costs imposed. The Air Quality
Research Program conducts a wide variety of research activities to provide health
and ecological effects and exposure data, monitoring methods and support, models,
assessments, emission reduction technologies and other risk management
approaches, • and quality assurance in support of the regulatory, policy, and
public, information needs of EPA's Air Program. These activities include
investigating and' assessing the risks posed by toxic air .pollutants; research on
criteria air pollutants to develop the basis for the national ambient air quality
standards and state implementation plans; understanding mobile source emissions
.and air quality effects under the rapid dynamics of changing fuel composition and
vehicular technologies; and addressing the human health risks associated with
indoor air quality.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of the Air Quality Research program include providing the Agency
with the scientific data and analyses, research support, technical support, and
quality assurance needed to implement the provisions of the CAA and other air
pollution policies and address uncertainty associated with air pollution, their
risks and potential risk management strategies. The objective of ORD's efforts
is to support OAR's regulatory activities by providing the Agency with'
information on air pollution health and ecological effects and exposure,
monitoring methods, models, assessments, control technology development, and
other risk management approaches. ORD will utilize the best science available.
at EPA laboratories, academic institutions, other Federal agencies, and the
private sector to achieve the goals and objectives of this program.
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OTITSD STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EMISSION STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The provisions of Title I, Nonattalnment, and Title III, . Hazardous Air
Pollutants, of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 provide the statutory
framework for this program element. Title .III directed the Administrator to
publish a schedule for the issuing of maximum achievable control technology
(MACT) standards for all sources categories of major sources listed under Section
112 of the CAA. Title I directed the development of control technique guidelines
(CTGs) for volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions ,for at least 13 new
sources. Additionally,' the CAA Amendments of 1977 directed the Administrator to
publish a list of all major source categories not covered by new source
performance standards (NS.PSsj and to promulgate new HSP.Ss within five 'years. -
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The major focus of the air toxics program will be the development of MACT
standards to'control emissions of 199 air toxics from 174 source categories as
required under section 112 of CAAA and other regulatory authorities. Within
eight years after the issuance of MACT standards, additional standards must be
promulgated 'to further reduce risk to public health and the environment, if
warranted. The Agency's strategies for air pollution control incorporate a
strong regulatory role for 'State and local agencies in implementing the national
standards and for problems that are not of broad national concern. This program
element supports several non-regulatory activities aimed at providing State and
local'agencies the technical skills and assistance (risk/exposure assessment,
control technology) needed to address local environmental problems for air toxics
and criteria pollutants and the information needed to provide technical and
compliance assistance to small .businesses. Primary mechanisms for delivering
this support are the Control Technology Center (CTC), Air Risk information
Support Center (AirRISC), the MACT database, and the RACT/BACT/LAER Clear-
inghouse .
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals and objectives of this program are: (!) developing policies and
regulations for controlling air toxics under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act
(CAA) and other regulatory authorities; (2) setting and periodically reviewing
and revising new source performance standards (NSPSs) under Section 111 of the
CAA for major air pollution sources; (3) setting and periodically reviewing and
revising CTGs for major sources -of VOC emissions, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and
particulate matter emissions; (4) performing studies on specific air pollution
issues such as the deposition of air toxics into selected U.S. waters and VOC
emissions from the use of consumer products, conducting risk analyses to
determine whether,the residual risk remaining after the application of MACT is
sufficient to warrant regulation: and (5) providing technical assistance.on air
pollution control technologies and specific sm^ll business compliance and control
requirements to State and local air pollution agencies, and performing studies
on specific air pollution issues such as the deposition of air toxics into
selected U.S. waters and VQC emissions from "the use of consumer products. The
program also responds to litigation of NSPSs-and National Emission Standards for
Hazardous Air Pollutants (NBSHAPs) and to technical issues in implementing air
standards under these and other CAA programs.
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ONIT1D STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
TESTING, TECHNICAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / RSQCTLATORY FRAMEWORK
The Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 require that EPA address the
significant environmental problems, related to motor -vehicle emissions
ozone/carbon monoxide (CO) non-attainment and' air toxics. Other programs and
activities are carried out in accordance with the mandates of the Motor Vehicle
Information and Cost Savings Act and the Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988.
In addition to these statutory-authorities, the program operates within the
framework of a number of regulations relating to motor vehicle certification,
light-duty and heavy-duty recall, light-duty, and heavy-duty selective enforcement
audits, a full array of regulations governing the quality of fuel, and
requirements to develop emission factors for all mobile sources.
PROgRAM, DESCRIPTION
This program element provides testing, technical and administrative management •
support to the operating programs of the . Office of Mobile Sources and EPA
National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL). Programs supported
include Recall, Tampering/Fuel Switching,- Standard Setting, Emissions
Characterization, Technology Assessment, Clean Fuels/Vehicles, Fuel Economy,
In-Use Vehicle Emissions Assessment, Certification, and Inspection/Maintenance,
described under program elements HTA2B and HVA"2B. The support provided includes
automated data processing (ADP) timesharing services (providing over 95 percent
of time-share services separately from the National Computing Center) , laboratory
data acquisition, and computer operations; fuel sample analysis and testing of
motor vehicles to -measure emissions and fuel economy; quality control, and
correlation services for EPA and industry testing programs; maintenance and
engineering design of emis,sion testing equipment; personnel, procurement, general
administration, safety, facilities support . services, and environmental
compliance; and management of the assurance activities.
Testing activities supported at the NVFEL range from performing standard, well
established. engineering tests to the development and performance of new test
procedures to accommodate new program needs or changing technology. Testing
"supports the recall surveillance, tamper ing/fuel switching programs, development
of emission factors, and the assessment of the effectiveness of new emissions
control technology in maintaining.the emission standards in use. The facility
services function is fully administered by EPA since the February 1991 purchase
of the NVFEL by the Federal government. A high level of occupational safety and
health is maintained, as well as full- compliance with EPA, State of Michigan, and
City of Ann Arbor environmental compliance requirements.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The mobile source support programs are an integral element of the overall
programs aimed at implementing the CAAA and controlling and reducing ozone, CO,
and air toxics. Vehicle emissions from the tailpipe and fuel evaporation from
the engine and fuel tank account nationwide for 50 percent of all (HC)
hydrocarbon emissions-'the main contributor to ozone; 90 percent of all CQ
emissions; and 30 percent of all (NQx) nitrogen oxide emissions. These toxic
emissions from motor vehicles contribute to approximately 700 fatal cancers
annually and are associated with respiratory disease and birth defects.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
EMISSIONS AND FUEL ECONOMY COMPLIANCE
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORYFRAMEWORK
The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires that EPA address the significant
environmental problems related to motor vehicle emissions - - ozone/carbon
monoxide (CO) non-attainment and air toxics. Fuel economy and other activities
are carried out in accordance with the mandates of the Motor Vehicle Information
and Cost Savings Act and the Alternative Motor Fuels Act of 1988 (AMFA),
This program functions within a broad regulatory framework dealing with motor
vehicle emissions, including motor vehicle certification, light-duty and heavy-
duty recall, light-duty and heavy-duty selective enforcement audits, the
importation of non-conforming. motor vehicles, a full array of regulations
governing the quality of fuel, Tier I standards adopted as a result of -the CAA
amendments of 1990, cold temperature CO standards, on-board diagnostics,
durability, and inspection/maintenance (I/M) short test procedures - with
increased emphasis on using innovative approaches and market-based incentives to
achieve the goals.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ' '
This program element provides for mobile sources emissions and fuel economy
compliance activities. The program assures that new motor vehicles offered for
sale in the U.S. are in compliance with the emission standards prescribed by
model year and class of vehicle. The programs also: (1) assure that new
production vehicles meet emission standards (through the Selective Enforcement
Audit (SEA) program); (2) assure that vehicles meet emission standards in-use
(the recall program is directed at assuring that manufacturers fulfill their
responsibility to produce vehicles which comply with these standards) ; (3) assure
that vehicles incapable of meeting emission standards are not imported into the
country; (4) provide support to states opting for California emission standards
under Section 177 and process California emissions waivers; (5) assure that fuels
and fuel additive requirements are implemented (e.g., through regulations); and
(6) implement banking and trading and non-compliance -penalty programs'. In
addition, the program works with .the Department of Energy to provide accurate
fuel economy information to the consumer. The program oversees Corporate Average
Fuel Economy (CAFE) activities and provides audit followup.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Vehicle emissions from the tailpipe- and fuel evaporation from the engine and
fuel tank account nationwide for 50 percent of all (HC) hydrogen emissions--the
main contributor to ozone; 90 percent of all CO emissions; and 30 percent of all
(NOx) nitrogen oxide emissions. Approximately half of toxic emissions are
related to mobile sources. These emissions from motor vehicles contribute to
approximately 700 fatal cancers annually and are associated with respiratory
disease and birth defects.
Specific objectives include the development and implementation of programs to'
ensure that current mandated vehicle emissions standards are met, that accurate
fuel economy information is made available to the consumer (through the MPG
values published in the Gas Mileage Guide), and that EPA's responsibilities are
met under the CAFE compliance program, including changes made by the AMFA.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GLOBAL CHANGE RESEARCH
OFFICE: Research and Development
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
EPA's global change research supports the comprehensive U.S. Global Change
Research Program (US'GCRP) developed by the interagency Committee on Environment
and Natural Resources (CENR). The Global .Change Act of 1990 provides the
legislative framework for planning and implementing the USGCRP and for
development of coordinated national policy options on global climate change by
the EPA pursuant to the Global Climate Protection Act of 1987. This program also
supports the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which provides phaseout deadlines
for Ozone Depleting Compounds '(ODCs) and requires EPA to establish recycling and
disposal standards for ODCs, as well as develop procedures to evaluate the safety
of proposed alternatives. In addition, this program supports the Montreal
Protocol and its amendments, which require a 50 percent reduction in CFCs and a
freeze on halons, and periodic assessments of new scientific data for possible
accelerated phase-out schedules.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
EPA's Global Change Research Program (GCRP) prpv-ides the scientific basis to
assess, -evaluate, and predict the ecological, environmental, and human-health
consequences of global change, including the feedback these systems have on
climate change. The climate change research component of the program provides
the Agency with process-level understanding and modeling capabilities to predict
global change effects and feedbacks at continental, regional, and sub-regional
scales, the'reby improving the ability of. decision makers' to develop a balanced
and rational policy for responding to global change. The stratospheric ozone
research component of the program is designed to quantify the UV-B increases and
understand the effects and exposure issues for humans and sensitive ecological
systems. The research supports the periodic effects assessments required by the
Montreal Protocol and provides data to the EPA media programs which will be used
to both inform the public about the implications of ozone depletion, and as well
to provide information to policy-makers considering adaptation strategies. .
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The central goals of global change research are to develop a predictive
understanding of how global climate change impacts the terrestrial biosphere, and
to provide the information needed to address the uncertainties concerning global
change and the resulting potential risks to human. health, welfare and the-
environment. This program also facilitates protection of the stratospheric ozone
layer through identification of harmful substances and by assessing the
environmental consequences of stratospheric ozone depletion. ORD will utilize
the best science.available at EPA laboratories, academic institutions, other
Federal agencies, and the private sector to achieve the goals and objectives of
this program.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS PROGRAM
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STAggTORY AUTHORITIES/RBGDLATORY FRAMEWORK • . •
The indoor environments program is responsible for implementation of. the
policy and non-research components of Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) and the Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA),
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element supports the analysis, development, and review of indoor
environments -programs and .activities necessary for coordination and oversight by
the National Program Manager. The Indoor Environments Program implements the
provisions of- the Indoor' Radon Abatement Act operation of the State indoor Radon
Grants Program, oversight of the national radon proficiency programs, work to
reduce elevated levels of radon in schools, promotion of model building
standards, and technical assistance to build capabilities at the state and local
level to identify and fix radon problems. As authorized under SARA, the program
will continue to address sources and levels of other indoor air pollutants of
concern, better understand the adverse health effects of poor indoor air quality,
refine guidance on issues such as building design, operation and maintenance, and
disseminate new knowledge to key audiences including state and local
environmental health officials and building facility managers.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The indoor environments program goals and objectives are to reduce, to the
greatest extent practicable, human exposure to the entire range of indoor air
pollutants including radon, VOCs, biocontaminants carbon monoxide and
environmental tobacco smoke that are known to cause significant excess mortality
and which range in their'effects from cancer to non cancer-endpoints including
mild irritation to acute toxicity and chronic organ damage.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WATER QUALITY RESEARCH
OFFICE:' .Research and Development
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Water Quality Research program is authorized under the Clean Water Act
• (CWAJ, the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), and the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA). This research program directly
supports the regulatory efforts of the Office of Water.
PROGRAM .DESCRIPTION
The water Quality Research program develops and analyzes scientific data and
risk management approaches to help protect the designated uses of our nation's
waters and related ecosystems. It provides the data, technologies, scientific
information necessary for criteria and standards issued by the Office of Water,
and technical assistance to other EPA regulatory programs, states-, and
municipalities to minimize the environmental and human health risks (effects and
exposure) associated with pollutant discharges and other environmental stressors
and disturbances to fresh, estuarine, and marine waters. The program conducts
research on coastal and marine waters, large lakes and rivers, wetlands,
contaminated sediments, aquatic ecocriteria, nonpoint sources,
habitat/biodiversity, wastewater and sludge,_and on improving analytical methods
for quantifying pollutants.
The Water Quality Research program contributes to the Agency's approach to
integrated ecosystem protection and restoration. This approach allows the Agency
to develop the scientific understanding and techniques required for effective
integrated ecological risk, assessment and ecosystem protection by conducting
research and monitoring and assessment collectively at multiple scales.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Water Quality Research program are to:
o provide the scientific base to assist the Office of Water and states develop
water quality standards, conduct use-attainability analyses and implement the
Agency's water quality based pollution control program;
o evaluate the impact of pollutants and other environmental .stressors and
disturbances on large ecosystems, (for example, the Great Lakes, Chesapeake
Bay, South Florida, and the1 Pacific Northwest), as well as on other large
lakes, rivers, wetlands, and estuarine and coastal waters, including the
impact of ocean disposal practices;
o provide the technical information, engineering and monitoring assistance
needed by EPA., states, municipalities, and industry to develop and implement
wastewater treatment regulations; and
o develop risk management approaches for environmental mitigation and
restoration-such as constructed wetlands.
ORD will utilize the best science available at EPA laboratories, academic
institutions, other Federal agencies, and the private sector to achieve•the goals
and objectives of this program.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION -
DRINKING WATER RESEARCH
OFFICE: Research and Development
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Drinking Water Research program is authorized by the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) which mandates that the EPA identify and regulate drinking water
contaminants which may threaten human health. .The research program supports the
regulatory efforts of the Office of Water.
PRpgRAM DESCRIPTION
The Drinking Water Research program provides the scientific and technical basis
for improving drinking water quality and supporting the Agency's rule making
activities under the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments. It provides data, risk
management approaches, scientific information necessary for criteria and standards
issued by the Office of Water, and technical assistance to other EPA regulatory
programs, states, municipalities, and private suppliers of drinking water to assist
in prevention or removal of contaminants from drinking water supplies. It also
provides information on the health effects, exposure, and associated health risks
of specific contaminants in drinking water, including the effects of disinfectants
and related by-products {D/DBPs) used in water treatment and distribution systems.
The program conducts research on such areas that include drinking water pollutants
and disinfection and groundwater.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Drinking Water Research program are to:
o determine the health effects and associated health risks of contaminants in
public drinking water, including comparative assessments of the risks
associated with exposure to chemicals, microbes, and disinfectants and their
by-products;
o develop and evaluate analytical procedures to detect and monitor drinking
water contaminants to better understand exposure implications,-
"o develop and evaluate risk management approaches including innovative
technologies and alternative treatments to remove contaminants from public
drinking water systems or otherwise control and reduce contaminant risk;
o provide technical support to the regions and states in ascertaining causes
of outbreaks from waterbome infectious diseases and determining the hazard
to humans from exposure to infectious agents through drinking water;
o provide the scientific basis for the protection of underground drinking water
sources, including developing improved methods for the detection and
monitoring of groundwater contamination and for predicting the transport and
transformation of pollutants in groundwater, and predicting future
concentrations of contaminants in groundwater;
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
DRINKING WATER RESEARCH
OFFICE: Research and Development
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (Cont'd)
o develop improved methods for controlling or preventing pollution of water
supplies from numerous nonpoint sources, including contamination from
agricultural chemicals;
o develop and provide technical information to local water wellhead protection
managers on methods for identifying, assessing and managing the potential
ri'sks from different' sources of contamination; and
. ORD will utilize the 'best science available at EPA laboratories, academic
institutions, other Federal agencies, .and the private sector to achieve the goals
and objectives of this program.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
DRINKING WATER IMPLEMENTATION
OFFICE: OFFICE OF WATER •
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Parts B and E of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)» as amended, mandate the
promulgation of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (HPDWR) and provide for
national implementation through approved State programs. Part F of SDWA delineates
additional requirements to regulate lead in drinking water coolers and in school
drinking water. The specific program requirements are set forth in 40 CFR Parts
141 through 143. Various grant authorities which further the purposes of this Act
are specified in Sections 1442 and 1444.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program evaluates engineering and ^scientific data (including treatment
technologies, monitoring approaches and analytical methods) to develop regulations
that ensure the safety of drinking water. These regulations guarantee that
exposure to contaminants in finished drinking water is reduced below the level
established by human health risk assessments developed in drinking water criteria.
For each contaminant, EPA identifies either the Best Available Treatment (BAT) for
Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) "or a treatment technology to ensure the requisite
level of contaminant control. Contaminants include .microbiological, organic and
inorganic chemicals and radionuclides.
In addition, the program provides national policy and direction for the Public
Water System Supervision Program. This program includes responsibility for:
setting national priorities and developing national guidance; encouraging and
.assisting in State capacity building efforts; providing technical assistance to
States; reviewing/approving State primacy revisions for new regulations;
maintaining and improving a national data system; monitoring State/Regional
adherence to programmatic requirements; representing and advocating the program to
those outside of the Agency; promoting and transferring innovative approaches; and
providing technical assistance and contract support for implementing SDWA.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES '
The goal of this program is to reduce health risks from contamination of
drinking water and underground sources of .drinking water by: 1) setting NPDWRs for
contaminants known or anticipated to occur in public water systems that may have
any adverse effect on the health of persons and 2) assuring aggressive
implementation of the regulatory requirements by the States and EPA Regions. The
objectives are to develop and analyze , scientific and risk data to ensure
regulation of the most significant contaminants and to ensure that Regions, States
and public water system's have the training, expertise and capability to effectively
implement these requirements.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HAZARDOUS WASTE RESEARCH
OFFICE: Research and Development •• •
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Hazardous waste Research program provides research to support the
'implementation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, as
amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA)of 1984, which provide
the legislative authorization for this research. This program supports the
regulatory efforts of the Agency, particularly the Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Hazardous Waste Research program provides scientific and technical
information for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) necessary
to develop and implement hazardous waste criteria and standards for regulations,
and provide technical support to EPA Regional offices,, states, local governments,
and private industry. The program includes research' on hazardous wastes,.
bioremediation, pollution prevention, ecorisk assessment methods/ecosystems
protection, groundwater, surface cleanup, and health effects.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this research program is to provide OSWER the science needed to
ensure ade'cjuate and safe treatment of hazardous wastes from generation through
disposal, to ensure safe management and disposal capacity for solid wastes, to
prevent and detect leakage, and to assess contamination from existing underground
storage tanks. ORD will utilize the best science available at EPA laboratories,
academic institutions, other Federal agencies, and the private sector to achieve
the goals and objectives of this program.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGISTRATION, SPECIAL REGISTRATION, AND TOLERANCES
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The activities of Registration, Special Registration, and Tolerances are
authorized by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). FIFRA governs the licensing .or
registration of pesticide products while Sections 408 and 409 of FFDCA regulate the
level of pesticide residues in raw and processed food and-animal feed.
Under FIFRA-, .all pesticides must be registered with EPA before they may be sold
or distributed in the United States. EPA operates under an overall risk/benefit
standard for pesticide registration. Pesticides must perform their intended
function when used according to label directions, without posing unreasonable risks
of adverse effects on human health or the environment. In making pesticide
registration decisions, EPA is required to take into account the economic, social,
and environmental costs and benefits of pesticide use. This is a task of enormous
scope and complexity. OPP regulates approximately 800 active ingredients included
in approximately 20,000 registered products, which account for approximately three
billion pounds of pesticide active ingredient use each year.
FIFRA section 5 regulates experimental use of pesticides. Section 18 provides
the Administrator with authority to exempt -Federal and state agencies from
provisions of the Act if an emergency warrants it, and section 24 (c) grants the
states authority to register additional uses for a Federally registered pesticide
for use in that state, provided registration has .not .been previously denied or
canceled by EPA.
Under the FFDCA, EPA sets tolerances, or maximum legal limits, for pesticide
residues on food and animal feed marketed in the U.S. Before a pesticide can be
registered under FIFRA for use on a food or feed crop, EPA must either establish
a tolerance or, if appropriate, grant an exemption from the tolerance requirement.
The FIFRA amendments of 1988 require EPA to give expedited consideration to
applications for initial or amended registrations of products which are similar to
pesticides already registered (i.e., certain Old Chemical and Amended Registration
Reviews).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
To prevent circumvention of section 3 registration requirements, stringent
criteria for granting section 18 Emergency Exemptions, such as consideration of
progress toward permanent registration , and clarification of "emergency" and
"significant economic loss", will continue to be applied. Headquarters continues
to work closely with the Regions and states to monitor Emergency Exemptions and
Special Local Needs registrations by states.
EPA has worked with FDA on the use of Maximum Legal Residues for enforcement of
import commodities bearing pesticide residues. Inerts of toxicological concern
will be listed on pesticide product labels and will undergo data call-ins.
The Agency will continue to implement the 1987 antimicrobial strategy. Among
the objectives identified in this strategy are the revision or update of efficacy
test methodology and performance standards to assure reproducible efficacy tests.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGISTRATION, SPECIAL REGISTRATION, AND TOLERANCES
OFFICE; OPPTS
PROGRAM.DESCRIPTION Con't
•Emphasis is ongoing with regard to consideration of the regulatory implications
of biological pesticides and, where appropriate, on accelerating the experimental
use and registration of these pesticides, which are. the fastest growing segment of
new product registrations. Special emphasis continues to be placed on the
regulatory implications of new biological pesticides. There has been a significant
increase in notifications, experimental use permit applications and registrations
related to microbial and biochemical pesticides. These biological pesticides are
generally safer than chemical pesticides, and EPA will 'place a priority on
processing applications for them.
Policies continue to ensure that tolerances reflect the most current regulatory
status of each active ingredient. The Agency continues to cooperate and consult
with USDA and FDA by sharing information and working together to improve the
monitoring of pesticide incidents and residues. International activities include
the exchange of information between the U.S. and foreign countries and the
harmonization of U.S. and international standards. Additionally, reduction of
pesticide use is an emerging priority in the program. Efforts will be escalated
in this area, in coordination with other Federal and state agencies and in
cooperation with grower organizations, food processors and food distributors to
encourage voluntary use reduction programs, focusing in'the areas that present 'the
greatest opportunity for use reduction.
Prevention of Ground-water contamination, including registrant monitoring, more
extensive use of environmental fate test data, geographical restrictions, and
restricted use classifications will continue to be emphasized. This will help
prevent future environmental clean-up problems. Information on product labels will
continue to be improved.
Improvement in regional liaison will be accomplished through close coordination
with the regional pesticide experts and other regional staff to improve regional
and state understanding of national regulatory activities. Regions will be more
routinely involved in consultations on policies affecting their mission,•
facilitating enforcement, enhancing public understanding and compliance with EPA
policies, and improving oversight of section 18 and section 24(c) programs.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .
The goal of the Registration, Special Registration, and Tolerances program is
to protect public health and the environment from unwarranted exposure to
pesticides while obtaining the benefits of pesticide use. This program is a
major contributor to the Agency's pollution prevention program by emphasizing
source reduction, and actively supporting international efforts to ensure
sharing of pesticide risk and residue data-reviews.
An ongoing objective of the program is to conduct pre-market registrationof
human and environmental risks associated with the introduction or expanded use
of pesticides in the market place and to encourage safer pesticide substitutes,
including biological and biotechnology products. A second objective of this .
program is to regulate the special registration of pesticides, including
experimental use, emergency use, and state registration of pesticides. These
functions are required by sections 5, 18, 'and 24(c) of FIFRA. A third objective
of the program is to protect the public health by establishing safe pesticide
residue levels (tolerances) on food and feed as required by the FFDCA. This is
achieved by establishing tolerance levels for residues of both active and inert
pesticide ingredients (or exemptions from the requirements of- a tolerance) in or
on raw agricultural commodities and processed foods,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGISTRATION, SPECIAL REGISTRATION, AND TOLERANCES
OFFICE: QPPTS
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES .Con't - '
establishing temporary tolerances for products marketed following the application
of experimental use pesticides, and ensuring, through the testing of analytical
methods, that established tolerances can be adequately enforced.
The Agency is actively working to reduce risks to human health and the
environment by,expediting processing of potentially safer new chemicals and new
uses which may replace hazardous chemicals that remain in use because no
alternatives exist. Computer systems and processes have been changed to expedite
the processing of these applications. Registration reviews will continue to
emphasize the impact on food safety, ground water, worker, protection, and
endangered species,
Continued special attention is being given to biochemical and raicrobial pest
control agents. For example, the Agency requires notification of intended small-
scale field testing of certain genetically engineered, microbial pesticides. The
Agency is revising the section 5 experimental use permit regulations to reflect
this policy and to provide sufficient oversight of the early testing of genetically
altered microbial pesticides, while not creating an. unnecessary burden on the
development of these new, potentially safer pesticides. For experimental use
permits, emphasis is being placed on the products of biotechnology. These involve
special skills and expedited review not required of more conventional pesticides.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
PESTICIDES RESEARCH
OFFICE: Research and Development '
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Pesticide Research program provides research to. support the implementation
of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) of 1988 and the
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) of 1988. • The program supports•the
regulatory efforts of the Agency in this area, particularly the Office of
Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Pesticides Research program provides scientific,and technical support to
EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) for
implementing environmental protection legislation regarding pesticides. Research
focuses on providing scientifically valid, cost effective methods for evaluating
risks associated with pesticide use, manufacture, and release into the environment.
These research efforts include studying the effects of. stressors resulting from
biotechnology products in plant and invertebrate communities, measuring the
exposure of children to pesticides, elucidating the mechanisms of neurotoxicity and
developmental toxicity, and assessing the immunotoxicity and.reproductive toxicity
risks presented by pesticides. The products of these research efforts are intended
to support human and environmental risk assessments, which are the basis for the
implementation of these laws. Pesticide research is being carried out in such
areas that include: environmental releases of biotechnology'products, - human
exposure, health effects, and environmental review of toxic chemicals.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of the Pesticides Research program are •to improve the Agency's
understanding of the interaction of pesticides with human activities and the
environment, and to minimize the impact of pesticides on the environment, while
maximizing the protection of human health. ORD will utilize the best science
available at EPA laboratories, academic institutions, other Federal agencies, and
the private sector to achieve the goals and objectives of this program.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE: QPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The 1988 amendments to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
{FIFRA '88) 'contain provisions for a greatly accelerated five-phase reregistration
program, expedited processing of certain types of registration applications, a
complex new system for collecting and administering fees, and significant revisions
to the indemnification and disposal program for pesticides suspended and canceled
after FIFRA. '88, Fees mandated by FIFRA '88 supplement appropriated funds to carry
out reregistration and expedited processing.
The reregistration provisions of FIFRA '88 establish mandatory timeframes and
duties for reregistration of pesticides. The law now requires EPA to complete,
ov6r approximately a nine-year period, the reregistration review'of each registered
product "containing any active ingredient registered before November 1, 1984.
Congress directed EPA to carry out reregistration in five phases.
During Phase I, the Agency developed four lists (A, B, C, and D) of chemicals,
focusing on those chemicals with the highest potential for exposure, ' List A
chemicals are those for which EPA had issued Registration Standards prior to
December 24, 1988. These are primarily food use chemicals and represent
approximately 85-90 percent of the total volume of agricultural pesticides
currently used in the United States. Because the List A pesticides are those to
which people and the environment are most exposed they are the Agency's highest
priority for reregistration review.
List B, C, and D chemicals contain a mix of many types of pesticides
(insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, disinfectants, wood preservatives, etc.)
used in a variety of settings. Each list consists of pesticides" with less
potential for broad scale human exposure than those on the preceding list. Most
of the registered microbial and biochemical pesticides are included on List D.
The reregistration of List B, C» and D chemicals proceeds through additional
phases. During Phase II, the registrants declared whether they intended to seek
reregistration of•their products.' If so, they had to notify the Agency< identify
applicable data requirements and missing studies, commit to submitting or replacing
inadequate studies and pay the first installment of the reregistration fee. Phase
II activities were completed in 1990.
During Phase III, the registrants submitted, reformatted and summarized studies,
flagged studies that indicated adverse effects, and paid the final installment of
the reregistration fee. Phase III activities were completed in October, 1990. .
During Phase IV, the Agency must review all Phase II and III submissions and
determine independently whether all applicable data requirements 'are actually
satisfied, and if not, require registrants to complete any unfulfilled data
requirements. Phase IV was completed for all but two chemicals by September 1993.
In Phase V, the Agency must conduct a comprehensive review of all the studies
submitted in support of an active ingredient; decide whether pesticide products
containing the active ingredient are eligible for reregistration and if so, under
what conditions; decide whether product studies-are needed, and if so obtain these
studies; and reregister products by issuing a Reregistration Eligibility Document
(RED) or taking appropriate regulatory action.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION '
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE: OPPTS
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Con't
The Lab Support program provides analytical and environmental chemistry services
in order for the Office of Pesticide Programs to fulfill its mandated mission. It
provides support to the registration and reregistration food tolerance programs,
the Office of the'General Counsel, and the Agency's regional enforcement program.
.The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (PIFRA) also places
requirements on OPP to maintain a pesticide analytical chemistry capability in
order to validate food tolerance enforcement methods. These methods are tested at
EPA's labs and represent a large percentage of the work performed at our labs.
This work Is important to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well because
these methods are needed for special food surveys when existing multi-.residue
methods are not available for specific analytes. Residue tolerances of pesticides
on food crops are set by EPA, the analytical chemistry methodology is evaluated at
the Beltsville laboratory, and the final approved method is given to the FPA for
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act enforcement.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
FIFRA '88 requires a massive increase in the number of registrant submissions.
The collection of maintenance fees and reregistration fees to provide staff and
contract support continues to'support this requirement.
Activities associated with production of' REDs include identifying candidates,
reviewing databases, and writing REDs. ' Identification of tier "requirements, review
of toxicology CORT studies and section 6(a)(2) requirements will continue to be a
priority in the study reviews. Science reviews of studies and follow-up to Data
Call-ins will be conducted and summaries will be produced. After the RED is
issued, reregistration reviews and decisions will continue at the product level
within each reregistration case.
Special Reviews 'are major risk reduction vehicles, and will be increasingly
generated from data reviewed during the reregistration process. The program
reflects actual exposure and risk in its review criteria, and emphasizes concern
for ground-water protection, worker protection standards, and accelerated decision
making.
The Agency has continuing disposal responsibility for pesticides suspended and
canceled prior to 1988. Ethylene dibromide disposal was completed in 1990.
Dinoseb disposal began in 1990 and was completed in December 1992. As of that
date, 99 percent of dinoseb stocks had been disposed of. Disposal of any remaining
stocks is now the responsibility of the holder. The disposal of 2,4,5-T/Silvex
stocks previously stored at Byers Warehouse was completed in February, 1992 . The
disposal of the remaining stocks of 2,4,5-T/Silvex was completed on May 27, 1994.
Section 19 of FIFRA .'88 mandates that the Agency promulgate regulations for the
storage and disposal of pesticides. Proposed regulations will be issued in three
phases. Phase I, procedural rules for suspended/canceled/recalled pesticides was
proposed in FY 1993 and will be finalized in FY 1995. Phase II, standards for
pesticide containers and containment, was published in February 1994. Issuance of
Phase III, standards for storage, mixing/loading, transportation and disposal of
pesticides, began in December 1993.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL,REVIEW
OFFICE: OPPTS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Con'jb
Section 6(a)(2) of FIFRA requires that "if any time after the registration of
a pesticide the registrant has additional factual information regarding
unreasonable adverse effects on the environment of the pesticide, he shall submit
such information to the Administrator." This requirement covers a wide range of
information and may include interim test results, raw test data, and other
information from on-going, full or incomplete studies as well as incident repo'rts.
This wide range of data makes it essential for the Agency to" screen the information
and quickly determine whether further review is warranted. The Pesticides program
has taken significant steps to improve the handling of section 6(a) (2) information.
These include improved tracking, development of tools to analyze incident data,
efforts in resolving policy and procedural issues, and clarification of guidance
to registrants. A proposed rule has been developed and'was published in FY 1993.
The final rule is undergoing review and is expected to be final in FY 1995.
An Indian strategy is under implementation to enable Indian" tribes to become
involved in all areas of the pesticide program. Currently tribes are eligible for
funds for the initiation of worker protection, ground water, and endangered species
programs. The Agency is .continuing development of training materials for
conducting environmental protection awareness training for tribal personnel,
conducting needs surveys on Indian lands, conducting Pilot Pesticide Programs on
Indian lands and beginning a scholarship-work study program.
Food safety remains a priority and reregistration is a vital component of this
initiative. This initiative includes developing better" scientific data on special
tolerance and residue issues, conveying scientific information on risks to the
public in understandable terms, and using improved risk information in regulatory
decisions. This initiative strengthens the Agency's ability to make peeticide
decisions based on scientific risk assessments, and educate the public on the
reasons for these decisions, ' . • •
The Agency's Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP), which features a
revised method of consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on potential
endangered species which are in jeopardy, generic product labeling coupled with
county bulletins and maps of endangered species habitats, and use limitations to
protect endangered species has been initiated on a voluntary basis. The program
will be finalized in FY 1995 and begin implementation in FY 1996. The nation-wide
ESPP may be supplemented by state endangered species protection plans suitable for
local conditions. Worker Protection Standards for Agricultural Pesticides {40 CFR
170), governing pesticide-treated field reentry
intervals, protective clothing, and label warnings were published as a final
regulation in .August 1992. Aggressive implementation of the worker protection
standards will continue,
In response to the Delaney court decision, EPA will continue collaborating with
USDA and FDA to develop legislation which will allow the continued application of
"negligible- risk" .to the tolerance setting activities. The Agency is also
reviewing its tolerance structure.
The Agency will continue to implement the recommendations made by the National
Academy of .Science "Kids Study" and continue expansion of an aggressive program
encouraging reduced use of pesticides through projects designed to reduce or
eliminate urban and agricultural pesticide use and to foster- risk reduction and
pollution prevention.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE: OPPTS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Con't
The Agency will continue efforts in international coordination to ensure
consistency of decisions and science data with CODEX, the General Agreement on
Tariff and 'Trade, and import/export policies. This initiative" includes
coordination with the European Community on its reregistration efforts," and
exp'anded technical assistance through the Food and Agriculture Organization and the
Peace Corps and supports Agency implementation of the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) and Rio/Agenda 21 initiatives.
Resources are also required for the laboratories in order to validate food,
•product and environmental chemistry methods for new and old pesticides. These
methods are needed by other Federal and state agencies for enforcement and
monitoring activities. The workload associated with the reregistration process
will increase as the number of active ingredients requiring methods validation
increases. These labs evaluate pesticide products for extremely dangerous
impurities, such as dioxins, furans, .and PCBs. They also determine if registrants
have complied with the Agency's section 3 (c) (2) (b) dioxin data call-in notice. OPP
labs provide the regional enforcement programs with highly specialized pesticide
chemistry services to support misuse and other kinds of enforcement cases,
especially for newly registered pesticides, or the more difficult to analyze older
pesticides. High priority lab services are provided to the Office of General
Counsel for hearings, and to the Office of Research and Development for the Dioxin
Reassessment and National Exploratory Studies. They also provide high level
support to -the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS)
Dioxin/Furan Panel that screens new dioxin and furan analytical methods for
pesticides and toxic substances.
GOALS ANDOBJECTIVES . : •
Pesticide risks are among the highest overall risks regulated by EPA.
Approximately 20,000 pesticide products containing approximately 800 active
ingredients are currently regulated by EPA. Almost everyone uses or is exposed to
the use of a pesticide product. Pesticides are also contributors to ground-water
pollution and agricultural runoff to surface water. The Agency's priority
objectives for pesticides are: (1) encourage safer pesticide.s, (2) ensure food
safety, (3) maximize productivity, (4) reduce exposure and environmental burden,
and (5) prevent pollution. In order to manage the risks pesticides pose to public
health and the environment, EPA must expeditiously review the effects of .previously
registered pesticides, many of which were registered before the full range of
scientific data now necessary to register new active ingredients was required.
The registrations of the majority of existing pesticide chemicals are supported
by data bases which the Agency has found insufficient by today's scientific
standards to support the re.quired determination of "no unreasonable adverse
effects.'1 The Generic Chemical Review program is designed to remedy this problem
by requiring the upgrading of the scientific data base supporting registrations,
reviewing available data about each chemical, and formulating scientifically based
regulatory positions to guide the modification, cancellation, or reregistration of
existing products and the registration of new products.
Ensuring the safety of the food supply is one of the primary purposes of the
FIFRA '88 reregistration program. Special Reviews, in which pesticides suspected
of causing unreasonable adverse effects undergo an intensive risk/benefit analysis
to further,regulate the terms and conditions of their use, are closely linked to
the reregistration.program and'further guarantee food'safety. Reregistration and
special reviews also have emphasized reduced human exposure and decreased
environmental burdens -due to pesticides.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
.PROGRAM 1LEMENT DESCRIPTION
GENERIC CHEMICAL REVIEW
OFFICE: QPPTS
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Con't
This program includes a number of other activities related to risk management
and pollution prevention for previously registered pes'ticides, including the.
Endangered Species Protection Program, development and implementation vof worker
protection standards, and addressing ground-water contamination concerns in
registration and reregistration actions. Also, for pesticides emergency suspended
and canceled prior to the FIFRA '88 amendments/ EPA has a continuing responsibility
to bear the costs of accepting and disposing of the stocks.
The program reduces pollution.in the agricultural sector by emphasizing source
reduction, 'such as restricting the uses' of hazardous pesticides, Identifying
potential problems through review of toxicity and environmental fate data,
fostering substitution of safer chemicals, regulating container design, and
encouraging changes in disposal and recycling habits through technical assistance
and outreach activities, OPPTS is assuming a leadership role in developing and
transferring Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies. IPM will further
pollution prevention efforts, and address food safety as well by stressing
biologically based alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides.' The program
also 'emphasizes reduced pesticide use through the development of a comprehensive
program to discourage reliance on large volumes of synthetic organic chemicals and
pesticides for pest control and encourage safer alternatives. To improve the
Government's ability to evaluate risks posed through diet, estimates of the types
and amounts of various foods people are likely to eat must be made. These exposure
evaluations are conducted with the use of the Agency's Dietary Risk Evaluation
System, a computer-based tool which estimates dietary exposure to a pesticide.
In the international arena, the program is increasing its focus on international
cooperation to reduce environmental risk and pollution prevention. A number of
projects are planned over the next two years to meet these goals. The program also
actively supports international coordination on pesticide issues by sharing risk
and residue information through the World Health Organization's International
Program on Chemical Safety. Agency implementation of the NAFTA and Rio initiatives
will result in increased technical assistance, information dissemination, and
training activities to assist developing countries effectively manage pesticides.
The program also provides resources to the Office of Pesticide Programs
laboratories located in Beltsville, Maryland and' Bay St. Louis, Mississippi in
order to provide scientific support to the registration, reregistration, and food
tolerance programs by evaluating analytical methods submitted by the pesticide
registrants to determine if they • meet the requirements of the Agency's food
residue, product and environmental chemistry guidelines. The laboratories have
more recently provided support to the newly emerging environmental chemistry
methods (ECM) testing program. This program will evaluate ECMs sent to the Agency
to support exposure, environmental fate and ecological effects studies. These
methods are used to generate data for exposure, environmental fate and ecological
effects studies which are used to determine whether a pesticide should be
registered. The laboratories also evaluate older pesticide analytical methods that
are being resubmitted by registrants to satisfy the reregistration data
requirements. Both the environmental and product chemistry programs will increase
in importance and workload as the number of reregistration actions increase,
Laboratory chemists are also involved in screening new pesticide analytical methods
that are submitted to the Agency as part of the expedited registration program,
They also support the Agency's regional enforcement programs and the Office of
General Counsel by analyzing and monitoring pesticides found in the environment.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
RADIATION CRITERIA, STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The statutory authorities for this program are: the Atomic Energy Act, the Clean
Air Act (CAA), the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (DMTRCA) and other
legislation.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
EPA develops, promulgates, and implements radiation environmental standards and
guidelines under this subactivity. These standards and guidelines protect the
public health and the environment by minimizing risk 'of radiation exposures from
nuclear energy applications, naturally occurring radioactive materials, and medical
and occupational radiation exposures.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ' •
The goal of this program is to provide protection from avoidable exposure to
radiation1 through standards, regulations and guidelines issued under, the Atomic
Energy Act, CAA, DMTRCA and other legislation. The Agency is a major participant
in the federal program that oversees the disposal of radioactive wastes. Under
Federal Guidance authority, EPA recommends to the President guidance for federal
agencies limiting exposure to radiation. This entire regulatory framework is
supported by the Office of Radiation Programs' internal risk assessment expertise.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
WIPP IMPLEMENTATION
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORlTIBS/REGUIiATORY FRAMEWORK
On October 30, 1992, the President signed into law the Waste Isolation Pilot
Plant (WIPP) Land Withdrawal Act (Public Law 102-579) . The Act provides an
extensive role for IPA in .overseeing DOE'S activities at the WIPP and in ensuring
that such activities comply with environmental laws and regulations,
PROGRAMDESCRIPTION
IPA will be responsible for overseeing many of DOE's activities at the WIPP,
beginning with a test phase and continuing throughout its operation and
decommissioning, if EPA determines that those phases should be allowed. The Act
requires EPA to issue final radioactive waste disposal standards and develop
criteria for certifying DOE compliance with those standards. EPA must also review
and approve DOE's plan for testing the WIPP's suitability as a permanent disposal
facility and for removing waste if necessary. In addition, EPA .must determine on
an ongoing basis whether DOE is complying with all environmental laws, regulations,*
and permit requirements that are applicable to WIPP. • . • •
GOALS. ..'.AMD OBJECTIVES
The goal of this activity is to finalize radioactive waste disposal standards
•and oversee DOE radioactive waste disposal activities at the WIPP in New Mexico to
ensure environmental compliance. The ultimate goal of this activity is to provide
a safe disposal site for radioactive wastes generated by DOE's weapons development
activities.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
RADIATION ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
. The statutory authorities for this program are: the Atomic Energy Act, the Clean
Air Act (CAA), the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRGA) and other
legislation.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION . '
Activities in this program element provide the information necessary to identify
and analyze radiological'problems having potential public health impacts. This
includes support of the development of standards and guidelines, as well as
monitoring of environmental radiation, . conduct of laboratory analysis and
technology assessments, and maintenance of an emergency preparedness capability.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVKg
The major objectives of this program are: to develop and maintain an emergency
preparedness program which will avert excessive exposure to radiation from nuclear
accidents; to provide field, laboratory, and technical support to EPA's radiation
regulatory development and implementation activities through the collection and
analysis of environmental samples; to monitor environmental radiation levels and
assess the effects of radiation exposure to the general public from ambient,
radiation; to characterize and evaluate special radiation problems; to provide
analytical support to other parts of EPA for assessing radiation risks; and to
provide training and support to other federal and state 'agencies and to Indian
nations.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
FIELD EXPENSES
OFFICE: Research and Development
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Support related to environmental research and development is authorized by the
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act (ERDDA) of 1981, and the
specific statutory authorities that are the basis for EPA research programs.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This Program Element provides expense resources necessary to support the skilled
scientists and administrators which perform and administer the Office.of Research
and Development's (ORD's) environmental research programs. Adequately funded
operating expenses are critical to ORD's success in conducting the quality science
needed to assure that the Agency's decisions are .scientifically sound,
An adequate laboratory infrastructure is essential to the.scientific integrity
of the Agency's research program. This Program Element provides, among other
things, resources for the purchase' of mission-essential scientific equipment in
support of the Agency. This Program Element provides resources for, among other
things, supplies and1 materials, printing and reproduction, management and
administrative automated data processing (ADP) . support including management
information services and videocpnferencing capability, certain facility operations,
specialized laboratory supplies, facility repairs under $75,000, and training.
GOALSAMD OBJECTIVES
The goals and objectives of this Program Element are to provide the equipment,
supplies, facilities-and other support required to successfully conduct requisite
scientific research and to recruit, train and retain skilled scientists and
engineers. • •
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HEADQUARTERS EXPENSES
OFFICE: Research and. Development
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Support related to. environmental research and development is authorized by the
Environmental Research, Development, arid Demonstration Act (ERDDA) of 1981, Budget
and. Accounting. Act of 1921 and the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1955, Budget
and Accounting Procedures Act of 1950, Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, the
Congressional • Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, Federal Managers'
Financial Integrity Act of 1982, Prompt Payment Act of 1982, Public Law 83-633
(Supplemental Appropriations Act of .1955) , Government Performance Results Act, and
by other environmental statutes authorizing EPA research activities.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element funds operating expenses in ORD's headquarters offices,
including among other things, supplies, materials, equipment and automated data
processing services. It also funds ORD-wide data systems including management
information systems, -administrative printing and reproduction, and miscellaneous
support services. .
gQAIiS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals and objectives of this Program Element are to provide the requisite
operating expenses needed to plan, budget and account for resources and to maximize
the use of scientific findings in Agency policy development and decision making.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
5ROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MULTIMEDIA RESEARCH
OFFICE: Research and Development
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Multimedia and interdisciplinary research, development and demonstration
activities are authorized by a variety of environmental protection laws including
the Clean Air Act, the Clean. Water Act, and the Environmental Research,
Development, and Demonstration Act .of 1981.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Multimedia Research program consists of activities that cross program and
media research boundaries and support cross-media activities of EPA, including the
Air, Water, Pesticides, Toxic Substances, and Hazardous Waste programs. These
activities are: (l) the Ecosystems Protection program which is designed to develop
the scientific understanding and techniques required for effective integrated
ecological risk assessment and ecosystem protection at multiple scales, and which
includes the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP) as one of its
major components; (2) the development of methods for measuring human exposure to
environmental pollutants, studies that measure actual human exposures, and models
that predict human exposures; (.3) the development, application and assessment of
tools designed to prevent the generation of pollution; (4) exploratory grants and
centers program? (5) the development of the biological basis and methods for
improved health risk assessment; (6.) the conduct of research and • assessment
activities on lead and other heavy metals,- (7) technology transfer to Regions,
states, local, governments and -the international community; (8) innovative
technologies program that includes the President's Environmental Technology
Initiative and the Agency's Small Business Innovation Research program, designed
to stimulate and facilitate the commercialization of environmentally relevant
technology innovation among small businesses as well as private and public
institutions; (9) programs and systems to assure the quality of the Agency's
scientific information; and (10) the development of models that incorporate
advances in computing and communications technologies into EPA1s environmental
assessment applications.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals and objectives of the Multimedia Research program are to provide (l)
the information and tools to understand, assess and address the,diverse threats to
the environment (2) the methods to assure the quality of the Agency's scientific
data, and (3) the mechanisms to disseminate information to relevant decision-makers
and the public. ORD will utilize the best science available at EPA laboratories,
academic institutions, and other Federal agencies, to support mandates that cut
across the media boundaries and to support the program offices.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL SUPPORT - ENFORCEMENT
PROGRAM MANAGER: OECA • '
STATtJTORY AOTHORITIES/RBqUIiATORY FRAMEWORK '
The Technical Support - Enforcement program provides specialized technical
assistance for EPA's criminal and civil enforcement programs. The program is
authorized and .mandated by the following major' environmental statutes; the
Pollution Prosecution Act (PPA) ; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) ;
the Clean Water Act (CWA); the Clean Air Act (CAA); the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA); the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and. Rod'enticide Act (FIFRA) ; the Oil Pollution Act; the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); and the Federal Facilities
Compliance Act (FFCA).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Technical Support Program, as administered by the National Enforcement
Investigations Center (NEIC) in Denver, CO, provides specialized field, technical,
laboratory, and litigation support, and information services for enforcement
investigations, case preparations, and settlement negotiations at both private and
Federal facilities that: a) involve precedent-setting cases; b) involve violations
of the criminal, civil, .and administrative provisions of environmental laws,- c)
have multi-Regional or multimedia impacts; d) require the innovative application
of engineering . and scientific technology to resolve complex' pollution and
enforcement issues; or e) address a specific Regional enforcement priority that
exceeds Regional resources or capabilities. The NEIC also provides technical and
administrative support and instructors to the National Enforcement Training
Institute (NETI), for training Federal, state, and local enforcement personnel on
the technical aspects of environmental enforcement.
GOALS AND 'OBJECTIVES
The NEIC serves as EPA's.principal source of expertise involving criminal and
civil litigation support for complex investigations and other enforcement
activities having national .and significant Regional,impact on EPA and state
regulatory programs. The NEIC promotes multimedia, comprehensive approaches to
environmental enforcement and pollution abatement problems, seeks to strengthen
Regional enforcement support programs, and trains Federal and state personnel on
innovative approaches and methods for environmental enforcement.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM IXiEMENT* DESCRIPTION
TOXIC SUBSTANCES RESEARCH
OFFICE.: Research and Development
STATUTORY ACTTHbRITIES/REGUIiATORY FRAMEWORK
The Toxic Substances Research program provides research to support the
implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, the Asbestos
Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1986, the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act (EPCR&) of 1986, and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) of 1990.
The program supports the regulatory efforts of the. Agency, particularly the Office
of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The. Toxic Substances Research program is focused on development, validation, and
refinement of test methods to be incorporated into protocols and guidelines for use
by industry to support the pollution prevention and regulatory needs of EPA1 s
Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS). .Research provides
an understanding of basic mechanisms and processes that are useful to regulatory
program analysts in the interpretation of data submitted by industry in response
to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) • regarding risks' arising from the
manufacture, processing, distribution, and use or disposal of new or existing
chemical substances. The products of these research, efforts are intended to
support human and environmental risk assessments, which are the basis for the
implementation of these laws.. . Toxic substances research is being carried out in'
such areas that include: environmental releases of biotechnology products; air'
toxic,- human exposure; health effects; health risk assessment methods ;
environmental review of toxic chemicals; and lead and other heavy metals.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals of the Toxic Substances. Research program are to improve the Agency's
understanding of the interaction of toxic substances with human activities and the
environment, and to minimize the impact of toxic substances on the environment,
while maximizing the protection of human health. ORD will utilize the best science
available at EPA laboratories, academic institutions, other Federal agencies, and
the private sector to achieve the goals and objectives of this program.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
•MISSION AND POLICY MANAGEMENT
OFFICE: Research and Development
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Program management and support related to environmental research and development
is authorized by the Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of
1981, Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 and the Supplemental Appropriations Act of
1955,.Budget and Accounting Procedures Act of 1950, Chief Financial Officers Act
of 1990, the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974,• Federal
Managers' Financial Integrity Act of 1982, Prompt Payment Act of 1982, Public Law
83-633 (Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1955), Government Performance Results
Act, .and by. other environmental statutes authorizing EPA research activities,
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This Program Element provides resources for overall direction, central
management services, scientific and technical policy guidance, and operational
support t.o a diversified research program which is conducted in Headquarters, 12
major laboratories, and in 5 field sites for the Office of Research and Development
(ORD) . These activities include, the planning management, budgeting, financial
management, personnel and operational services to the ORD.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goals and objectives of this Program Element are to provide the requisite
direction, management, guidance, operational .support, and program planning within
the ORD. These resources contribute to the overall program management, personnel
and operational services, budget formulation and execution, financial management,
funds control, information management, and support functions for all ORD
components. The overall objective is to place and direct research to support the
scientific needs of the Agency's media programs which provide for the protection
of human health and the environment, while considering regulatory and resource
constraints,
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT ANALYSIS
LAB SUPPORT - AIR AND RADIATION
NATIQANAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The statutory authorities ' under this 'program element are the Clean Air Act
Amendments of 1990; the Indoor Radon Abatement Act; the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act; the Atomic Energy Act; the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control
Act and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element provides for required laboratory program support for the
Motor Vehicle Emissions Laboratory {MVEL) located in Ann Arbor, Michigan; the
National Air and Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery, Alabama,-
and the Las Vegas Facility (LVF) in Nevada. 'The activities include contracts for
janitorial services, security and related services, and grounds maintenance;
utility costs; GSA vehicles; supplies and materials; and other needs.
With the purchase of the MVEL in Ann Arbor, Michigan, EPA takes on the
responsibility for providing for the operations and maintenance of the 'facility.
The major-operating expense requiring funding is the contract for the maintenance
of the boilers and air conditioning units, building maintenance to ensure proper
working conditions and round-the-clock service. in addition, -there are higher
costs associated with the operation of the larger NAREL in Montgomery, Alabama.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program element is to provide full funding for office
maintenance, utilities, and similar support services for the MVEL, NftREL, and LVF.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
LAB SUPPORT
OFFICE: OPPTS .
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK . . . .
•' The Lab Support program provides analytical and environmental chemistry services
in order for the Office of Pesticide- Programs (OPP) to fulfill its mandated
mission. It provides support to the registration and xeregistration food tolerance
programs, the Office of the General Counsel, and the Agency's regional enforcement
program.
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) places requirements
on OPP to maintain a pesticide'analytical chemistry capability in order to validate
food tolerance enforcement methods. These methods are tested at EPA's labs and
represent a large percentage of the work performed at our labs. This work is
important to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well because these methods
are needed for special food surveys when existing multi-residue methods are not
available for specific analytes. Residue tolerances of pesticides on food crops
are set by EPA, the analytical chemistry methodology is evaluated at the Belteville
laboratory, and the final approved method is given to the FDA for Federal Food,
Drug and Cosmetic Act enforcement.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Funds are used to purchase needed reagents, solvents, chemicals,1 glassware,
equipment parts, and other kinds of essential supplies, and to maintain and repair
older equipment, or to purchase service contracts for this equipment. Additionally,
this program provides for purchase of long-lead items required for the new
consolidated facility in Fort Meade, Maryland. The laboratories validate food,
product and environmental chemistry methods for new and old pesticides. These
'methods . are needed by other Federal and state agencies for enforcement and
monitoring activities. The workload associated with the re-registration process
will -increase as the number of active ingredients requiring methods validation
.increases. These labs evaluate pesticide products for extremely dangerous
impurities, such as dioxins, furans, and PCBs. They also determine if registrants
have complied with the Agency's section 3 (c) (2) (b) dibxin data call-in notice. OPP
labs provide the regional enforcement programs with highly specialized pesticide
chemistry services to support misuse and other kinds of enforcement cases,
especially for newly registered pesticides, or the more difficult to analyze older
pesticides. High priority* lab services are provided to the Office of General
Counsel for hearings, and to the Office of Research and Development for the Dioxin
Reassessment and National Exploratory Studies. They also provide high level
support to the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances Dioxin/Furan
Panel that screens new dioxin and furan analytical methods for pesticides and toxic
substances.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this program is to provide funding to the Office of Pesticide
Programs laboratories located in Beltsville, Maryland and Bay St. Louis,
Mississippi in order to maintain daily operations and to replace worn-out or
technologically obsolete equipment. The labs provide scientific support to the
registration, reregistration,, and food tolerance programs by evaluating analytical
methods submitted by the pesticide registrants to determine if they meet the
requirements of the Agency's food residue, product and environmental chemistry
guidelines, The laboratories have more recently provided support to the newly
emerging environmental chemistry methods (ECM) testing program. This program will
evaluate ECMs sent to the Agency to support exposure, environmental fate and
ecological effects studies. These methods are used to generate data for
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
LAB SUPPORT
OFFICE: OPPTS
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES continued
exposure, environmental fate and ecological effects studies which are used to
determine whether a pesticide should be registered. The laboratories also evaluate
older pesticide analytical methods that are being resubmitted by registrants to
satisfy the reregistration data requirements. Both the environmental and product
chemistry programs will increase in importance and workload as the number of
reregistration actions increase. Laboratory- chemists are also, involved in
screening new pesticide analytical methods that are submitted to the Agency as part
of the expedited registration program. They also support the Agency's regional
enforcement programs and the Office of General Counsel by analyzing and monitoring
pesticides found in the environment.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES RESEARCH
OFFICE; Research and Development
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Hazardous Waste Research program provides research to support the activities
mandated by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as modified by the Superfund Amendments and' Reauthorization
Act of 1986 (SARA). This program supports the regulatory efforts of the Agency,
particularly the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION . ' . -
The Hazardous Substance Research program provides a core of scientific and
technical information to the Agency's media programs necessary to implement
requirements of CERCLA and the enforcement actions- undertaken to ensure cleanup
and to recover costs. The largest portion of this program addresses technical
assessment for remedy selection, site assessment, and technc-logy field .evaluation,
each of which is integral to direct site cleanup. Another key element' is the high
level of technical support and assistance provided to EPA's media programs, the
Regions and states in site characterization and remedy assessment and selection.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of the Hazardous Substance Research program is to provide the strong
scientific and technical foundation for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency
Response (OSWER) to investigate and mitigate health and environmental problems at
the priority cleanup sites. A key element of the program is the priority placed
on methods, techniques and new technologies that facilitate the cleanup process
because they are faster, less expensive, or allow "in the -field" decision making
as a result of the generation of real-time data. ORD will utilize the best science
available at EPA laboratories, academic institutions, other Federal agencies, and'
the private sector to achieve the goals and objectives of this program.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM I1EM1NT DESCRIPTION
FEDERAL FACILITIES - RADIATION REIMBURSABLES
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: Office of Air and Radiation
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES / RBGOTiATORY FRAMEWORK
Responsibilities concerning contamination at Federal Facilities falls- under the
statutory mandate of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act (CERCLA) , as amended by the Superfund .Amendments and Reauthorization
Act -of 1986 (SARA). In addition the Presidential Executive Order {E.O.) 12580
delegates authorities contained in SARA to Federal agencies. SARA section 104
response authority is delegated to DOE and DoD for releases of hazardous substances
on their facilities or originating from their facilities. The E.O. 12580 requires
that Federal agencies exercise their response authority in accordance with CERCLA
section 120. The E.O. 12580 also delegates the authority for agencies to conduct
-response actions at their non-NPL facilities. For Federal Facilities on the
National Priority List (NPL), CERCLA section 120 {e} (1) directs the agency that
owns or operates the facility to perform an RI/FS in consultation with EPA,-
thereafter the agency must enter into an IAG with EPA "for the expeditious
completion by such agency of all necessary remedial actions at such facility."
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The goal of the EPA Federal Facility Program is to -respond to threats to public
health and the environment posed by uncontrolled releases of hazardous .substances
from facilities owned or operated by Federal agencies. The Agency's radiation
program supports existing planned Federal Facility Agreements to insure that
radioactive waste problems are appropriately addressed in the Agreements and
treated in a consistent and technically sound manner.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to support the national clean-up program for Federal
Facilities by insuring that federal sites contaminated with radioactive and mixed
waste are treated in a consistent and technically sound manner. To carry out this
goal, technical support will be provided for: evaluation of remediation technology,
document review(s), site specific evaluation(s), laboratory analysis support and
training. The program is composed of three primary elements: enhanced regional
support for site specific problems, development of overall guidance and laboratory
support -which is applicable to all Federal Facilities sites, and development of
operational controls for site characterization, sampling, handling, analysis,
treatment and disposal of mixed waste (waste composed of both radioactivity and
hazardous substances). The extensive volume of mixed waste at numerous sites is
of particular concern to the Department of Energy ,(DOE) .
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
RADIATION RESEARCH
OFFICE.: Research and Development '
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The Radiation Research program supports the Agency's mandate under a combination
of authorizations including the Environmental Research,• Development, and
Demonstration Act (ERDDA) , .the Public Health Service Act, as well as the annual
enacted appropriations provided to the Agency by Congress. This research program
is carried out and funded under a reimbursable agreement with the Department of
Energy, •
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Off-Site Monitoring program provides the data needed by policy-makers to
make decisions regarding the control of public exposure to 'radioactive materials
resulting from nuclear testing activities. Since the creation of the EPA in 1970,
the Agency has conducted off-site monitoring support for the United States Nuclear
Weapons Testing program .and the Department of Energy (DOI) at the Nevada 'Test Site
and other test locations. This support consists of a radiation safety monitoring
program, operation of environmental sampling networks, interaction with the general
public to maintain public confidence and support, laboratory analyses sufficient
to immediately assess the impact of an inadvertent release of radioactivity,
determination of radionuclide body burdens in off-site residents, 'veterinary
investigation of claims of alleged radiation injury, and the maintenance of all
data in computerized data bases,
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES '
The goal of the Radiation Research program is to provide the data needed by
policy-makers to make decisions regarding the control of public exposure to
radioactive materials resulting from nuclear testing activities.
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Inspector General
SECTION TAB
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
1997 BUDGET ESTIMATE ' "
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSPECTOR GENERAL 4-1
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION , .„.„„.. 4-7
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OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
The Agency requests a total of $42,771,300 and 408.4 total workyears for
1997 to support activities in the Office - of the Inspector General (OIG) . This
request includes '$11,450,500 to be transferred from the Superfund appropriation
and $577,100 to be transferred from the LUST appropriation, leaving a direct
appropriation of $30,743,700 from the OIG appropriation account. Included within
the request totals are funds to provide support services to the OIG.
The OIG's goal is to ensure that the Agency's environmental programs are
delivered as economically, efficiently, and effectively as possible, and that the
risk of financial loss in its operations is Hiininii-zed» The OIG will accomplish
this through audits, investigations, and management activities that provide
objective evaluations, constructive advice and recommendations, 'and a strong law
enforcement presence. The following describes the specific audit, investigation,
and management activities and priorities that the OIG will perform with these
resources to fulfill its mission.
OPERATING' PROGRAMS
Audits: OIG audit priorities for 1997 include cross-media issues such as:
1) management of extramural resources; 2) financial and management integrity; and
3) data/information management. The OIG's work in compliance with the. .Chief
Financial Officers (CFO) Act and helping the Agency to improve its financial
management will continue as the Agency prepares financial statements covering all
of its activities. 'Our performance audits will determine whether provisions of
reauthorized legislation have been effectively implemented, and we will work with
the Agency to develop performance measures as required by the Government
Performance and Results Act. Further, the OIG will conduct audits of
construction grants to assist the Agency in meeting its goal of closing out the
Construction Grant program during 1997.
Invest Iqa't.i.Qns: Construction activities relate to investigations of
contractors participating in Agency funded construction projects to detect bid-
rigging, false claims and statements, substandard materials, and other types of
fraud. The OIG will continue to direct its investigative resources in 1997 to
long-term, high-impact investigations. We will place particular priority on the
Agency1 s contract and procurement practices, and acquisition management including
emphasis on grants and cooperative agreements.
Management Activities: The highest priority for 1997 will be continuing-
to provide program management, information management, personnel security
activities, and mission and policy management at a high level of leadership and
support which promotes the most economical, efficient, and effective application
and administration of OIG resources. Priorities include strategic planning;
budget formulation and execution; management information system development;
human resources initiatives; coordination of government streamlining and
performance measurement activities; and preparation of the OIG's semiannual
reports to Congress in accordance with requirements of the Inspector General Act.
SUPERFDND
Audits: In 1997, the OIG will conduct audits and reviews required by the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act in five major areas: policy and
program management; remedial cleanup activities; removal responses; enforcement,-
and program support initiatives. To help the Agency revitalize the Superfund
program, the OIG will continue its implementation of an audit strategy to review
various stages of the Superfund cleanup process from site listing, through the
remedial investigation/feasibility study phase, to construction of the remedy,
with emphasis on the accelerated cleanup pilot initiatives;
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I n ves t i gat i on s: OIG investigative resources will be directed to the
Agency's contract' and procurement practices, and acquisition management with
particular emphasis on grants and cooperative agreements. The OIG will conduct
investigations of contract resources to identify and seek prosecution of
contractors who engage in fraudulent practices. Investigations of procurement
and acquisition activities have resulted in a significant number of indictments,
convictions, suspensions, and debarments, and have generated millions of dollars
in fines and civil recoveries,
Management Activities: During 1997, the OIG will continue to provide
program management, information .resources management," personnel security, and
mission and policy management in support of the Superfund program at a high level
of leadership 'and support which promotes the most economical, efficient, and
effective application and administration of-its resources. Priorities include
strategic planning; budget formulation and execution; management information
system development; human resources initiatives; coordination of government
Streamlining and performance measurement activities; and preparation of the OIG's
semiannual reports to Congress in accordance with requirements of the Inspector
General Act. '
LUST ' '
Audits: In 1997, the OIG's basic work will continue'to include performance
audits, contract and grant audits (covering financial and performance aspects),
and financial audits. More specifically, the OIG will conduct performance audits
of the Agency's process for awarding LUST cooperative agreements and grants to
identify systemic problems with the Agency's management of the LUST program,
develop the causes of those problems, and recommend actions to save resources and
improve program and operational performance.
Investigations: OIG investigative resources will be directed to the
Agency's contract and'procurement practices, and acquisition management with
particular emphasis on LUST grants -and cooperative agreements. The OIG will
conduct investigations of contract resources to identify and seek prosecution of
contractors who engage in fraudulent practices.
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OFFICE OP THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $42,771,300 and 408.4 total workyears for
1997 to support activities in the OIG, This request includes a total of
$4,479,600 to provide support services to the OIG, These resources will be used
by the OIG to fulfill its statutory mandate to assist the .Agency deliver better,
cheaper, and smarter environmental protection by: (1) conducting, supervising,
and coordinating independent and objective audits and investigations of EPA
programs and operations; (2) providing leadership and recommending policies to
promote economy; -efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of Agency
programs; (3) preventing and detecting fraud, waste, and mismanagement in EPA
programs and operations; (4) keeping the Administrator and Congress fully and
currently informed of problems and deficiencies in the Agency's programs and
operations; and (5) reviewing legislation and regulations concerning the Agency.
The OIG.provides independent and objective coverage of Agency programs and
operations by conducting! (l) performance audits which determine the extent that
desired results or benefits established by Congress and the Administration are
being achieved, and identify which weaknesses in EPA management systems and
recommend corrective actions; {25" pre-award, interim, and final audits of
contracts; (3) audits of wastewater treatment construction grants and other
.grants and cooperative agreements awarded by the Agency; (4) audits of the
Agency's financial systems and statements in compliance with the CFO Act; (5)
investigations of illegal activities and misconduct, of EPA employees, grantees,
and contractors which result in criminal, civil, and other administrative actions
including suspensions, debarments, and settlements; (6) regional and
intergovernmental liaison and activities, including those related to the
President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency; (7) reviews of proposed and
existing .legislation and regulations; and (8) management of the Agency's
personnel security program.
PROGRAM andACTIVITYHIGHLIGHTS
OPERATING PROGRAMS
The Agency requests a total of $30,743,700 and 296,6 total workyears for
1997 for the OZG's audits, investigations, and management' activities of the
Agency's operating programs. This request includes a total of $2,922,700 to
provide support services for the OIG. The OIG will use $2,400,000 to obtain the
services of CPA firm's, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) , and other •
Federal agencies to conduct audits of EPA contracts and construction grants to
support the closeout of that program. In 1997, the OIG will continue to provide
wide-ranging audit and investigative coverage 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
will prevent the loss of millions of Agency dollars, identify ways of correcting
operational weaknesses, assist the Agency in determining the extent that desired
results or benefits of environmental programs are being achieved, identify basic
causes of problems, and make recommendations for significantly improving program
and operational effectiveness. These audits and investigations will also improve
the Agency's procurement process and provide financial and management advisory
assistance services to Agency managers and other customers.
Audits; The OIG will focus its audit efforts on. the management of
extramural resources, financial and management integrity, and data/information
management since these areas represent the very underpinnings of the Agency's
management, environmental policies, and regulatory enforcement. We will continue
to provide audits of contract management to include subcontractors and some of
the Agency's small contractors where the Agency is 'highly vulnerable to fraud,
' 4-3
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waste, and abuse. 'Our audit work on grants, cooperative agreements, and
interagency agreements will continue and we will assist the Agency in correcting
systemic vulnerabilities in the management and use of its extramural funds.
We will continue to perform audits of Agency management and environmental
programs that are 'designed to determine the extent to which desired results or
benefits established by the Administration and Congress are being achieved,
identify systemic problems in 'program implementation, and recommend actions to
save resources and improve program and operational performance. For example a
recent OIG audit found that EPA could save millions of dollars through improved
subcontractor competition and oversight. An audit also found that better
drinking water data is needed to reduce the risk of diseases and illness, and
another audit found that a university misused millions of dollars congressionally
earmarked for a research facility. Further, an audit recommended the Agency can
save hundreds of thousands of dollars through the use of bankcards, OIG
recommended efficiencies in 1995 totaled more than $330,000,000 and 896 reports
were issued.
The OIG will support audits of grants made for the construction of
wastewater treatment plants under the Construction Grant Program to assist the
Agency .meet its goal of substantially closing out the program in 1997. Since
1968, EPA has awarded grants totaling $55 billion. As of September 1995, the OIG
had not considered for audit or audited 371 projects with grants totaling $6,2
billion. We will also continue interim and final audits of contracts to
determine the eligibility, allocability, and reasonableness of costs claimed by
contractors. Additionally, the OIG will conduct audits of State Revolving Funds,
and other grants awarded by the Agency. We will continue to perform financial
audits which produce high payoffs for each dollar invested. For 1995, the OIG
questioned $72 of costs as ineligible for each dollar spent on external audits
of grants and contracts. Total questioned costs for 1995 were $167,200,000 and
the Agency recovered $89,900,000 from audit resolutions.
Further, the OIG will review internal controls in the Agency's programs,
functions, operations, and activities and will continue to implement its
_responsibilities under the CFO Act,' including auditing the Agency's financial
statements and carrying out its responsibilities as prescribed in OMB Circular
A-128 for single audits. We will'monitor the performance of audits of contracts
by CPA contractors and other Federal agencies under contracts and interagency
agreements. ADP, engineering, and scientific support will be .provided to our
auditors and investigators and reviews conducted of the Agency's major computer
systems that continue to grow in number and complexity. We will also continue
to monitor the Agency's efforts to improve the effectiveness of its audit follow
up responsibilities.
Investigations: OIG investigative resources will be directed to the
Agency's contract and procurement practices, and acquisition management with
particular emphasis on grants and cooperative agreements. We will conduct
investigations of contract resources to identify and seek prosecution of
contractors who engage in fraudulent practices,. Investigations of procurement
and acquisition activities have resulted in a significant number of indictments,
convictions, suspensions and-debarments, and have generated millions of dollars
in fines and civil recoveries. Specifically, the OIG closed 153 investigative
cases in 1995 resulting in 16 indictments, 13 convictions, 17 administrative
actions, and 44 suspensions' and debarments. Fines and recoveries totaled
$5,100,000. Investigations will also be focused on construction grant fraud,
program and employee integrity matters, and background investigation issues. In
addition, we will investigate allegations of illegal activities and initiate
proactive investigations where situations could create an opportunity for fraud
or abuse by EPA employees, grantees, and contractors. At the end of 1995, we had
181 open investigations. Further, the OIG will.continue to, provide training to
Agency staff on the prevention and detection.of fraud, waste, and mismanagement,
4-4
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Management Activities: During 1997, the OIG will continue to provide
program management, information resource management, personnel security, and
mission and policy management at a high level of leadership and support which
promotes the most economical, efficient, and effective application and
administration of our resources. Priorities include': strategic planning;, budget
formulation and execution; management information system development; human
resources -initiatives; coordination of government streamlining and performance
measurement activities; and preparation of the OIG's semiannual reports to
Congress in accordance with requirements of-the Inspector General Act.
SOPERFUND •
The Agency requests a total•of $11,450,500 and 106,0 total woirkyears far
1997 to be transferred from the Hazardous Substance Trust Fund to the (DIG for the
OIG's audit, investigation, and management activities of the Superfund program.
This request includes a total of $1,484,200 to provide support services to the
OIG. . These resources will be' used by the OIG to fulfill its statutory mandate
and assist the 'Agency deliver-better, cheaper, smarter-environmental protection
by: (1) conducting,, supervising, and coordinating independent and objective
audits and investigations of EPA programs and operations; (2) providing1
leadership and recommending policies to promote economy, efficiency, and
effectiveness in the administration of Agency programs; (3) preventing and
detecting fraud, waste, and mismanagement in EPA programs and operations; (4)
keeping the Administrator and Congress fully and currently informed of problems
and deficiencies in the Agency's programs and operations; and (5) reviewing
legislation and regulations concerning the Agency.
The DIG will continue to conduct a wide range of Superfund work including
performance audits, contract and grant "audits (covering financial and performance
aspects), and financial audits. Performance audits identify and recommend
actions to save resources and improve program and operational performance. For
example, a recent OIG audit found that the Agency gave low priority to five-year
reviews of Superfund site remedial actions needed to assure the continued
environmental protection of the remedy or additional timely corrective action.
An audit also found that millions of dollars in Superfund site data was rejected
because of its poor quality, delaying cleanup for up to two and one-half years
at Department of Defense sites, and another audit found that pilot projects
integrating Superfund site assessments significantly improved the timeliness and
cost effectiveness of the site assessment process. In addition, an audit found
that EPA used outdated cost factors which may have substantially underestimated
response costs and budgets for Superfund sites.
The OIG will request a total of $800,000 to obtain audit services from DCAA
and other Federal agencies for audits of 1PA Superfund grants and contracts. We
will continue interim and final audits of contracts to determine the eligibility,
allocability, and .reasonableness of costs claimed by contractors. In addition,
we will perform financial audits which produce high payoffs for each dollar
invested. For 1995, the OIG questioned $72 .of costs as ineligible .for each
dollar spent on external audits of grants and contracts. Total questioned costs
for 1995 were $167,200,000 and the Agency recovered $89,900,000 from audit
resolutions.
Audits: The OIG will use scientific and" engineering specialists in
hazardous waste remediation to assist in independently reviewing technical
aspects of the program, including remedial investigation and feasibility studies,
as well as key technical decisions in the remedial, removal, and enforcement
programs. The OIG will review the Agency's accounting systems to assure that the
accounting and financial management information and reports are reliable and
useful to the Agency. We will also review the Agency's major computer systems
to .assist the Agency in improving the consistency and reliability of Superfund
data. As required by the CFO Act, we will conduct audits of the Agency's fiscal
1996/1997 financial statements for the Superfund.
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Investigations: OIG investigations will also be focused on potentially
responsible parties, program and employee integrity matters, and background
investigation issues. In addition, we will investigate allegations of illegal
activities and initiate proactive investigations where situations could create
an opportunity for fraud or abuse by EPA employees, grantees| and contractors.
At the end, of 1995, we had 56 active Superfund investigations which represent 31
percent of all active OIG investigations. Further, the OIG will continue to
provide training to Agency staff on the prevention and detection of fraud, waste
and mismanagement. In 1995 Superfund investigative efforts resulted in two
indictments, four convictions, six administrative actions, and approximately $4 .8
million in fines and recoveries. The OIG will continue -a major proactive
investigative effort involving focus on all stages of the Superfund program with
special emphasis on contracting activities as they relate to removals and
remediation.
Management Activities: ' We will also continue to operate the Agency's
personnel security program, the OIG hotline, and information resources management
functions. In 1995, we closed 50 hotline cases, adjudicated 696 personnel
security investigations, and responded to 125 FQIA requests. In addition, we
will.evaluate OIG field division operations, and review proposed and existing
legislation and regulations.
LUST ' .
The Agency requests a total of $577,100 and 5.8 total workyears for 1997
to be transferred from the LUST Trust Fund to the OIG for the OIG's audit and
investigation of the LUST program. This request includes a total of $72,700 to
provide support services to the OIG. In 1997, the OIG will continue to provide
wide-ranging audit and investigative coverage to ensure that the Agency's LUST
program is delivered in an effective, efficient, and economical manner and in
compliance with applicable laws and regulations. OIG audits and investigations
will prevent the loss of millions of Agency dollars, identify ways of correcting
operational weaknesses, assist the Agency in determining the extent that desired
results or benefits of the LUST program are being achieved, i,dentify basic causes
of problems, and make .recommendations for significantly improving program and
operational effectiveness. These audits and investigations will also improve the
Agency's procurement process and provide financial and management advisory
assistance services to Agency managers and other' customers.
Audits: 'Financial audits will be conducted to determine the eligibility,
allocability, and reasonableness of the .costs claimed by recipients. Our funding
will also be used to provide assistance to OIG auditors -in conducting audits and'
to the Agency and others as necessary to track implementation of audit findings.
Pursuant to its responsibilities .under the CFO Act, the OIG- will also focus its
resources on financial and internal control areas and audit the Agency's LUST
Trust Fund financial statements. For example, a recent OIG audit found that a
state bureau of underground storage regulation had an inadequate financial
management system and could not support costs claimed under a LUST cooperative
agreement. Another audit found that EPA! had not implemented a program to clean
up leaking underground storage tanks on American Indian lands, some of which are
contaminating drinking water.
Investigations: Investigations conducted in this program contribute to the
quality of data submitted by laboratories and the removal of corrupt officials
and corporations from participation in LUST cleanup activities. We will also
review grants to identify questionable costs charged by states, develop
additional LUST program initiatives, and conduct investigations as a result of
audit referrals.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION .AGENCY
FY. 1997 PRESIDENTS BUDGET
(dollars in thousands)
PROGRAM ELEMENT
MISSION '& POL MGT
'MISSION AND POLICY
' OFF OF INSPECTOR GEN
AGENCY MANAGEMENT
LDSf SUPPORT SERVICES -HQ
DIG - LUST
LEAKING UNDERGRND STORAGE TANK
NATIONWIDE SUPP SERV
HDQRS SUPPORT SERV
REG SUPPORT SERVIC
ADP SUPPORT COSTS
SUPPORT COSTS
MISSION & POL - SF '
SUPPORT SERVICES - OIG
OIQ - HAZ. SUB.
DOLLARS
1
1
26
26
1
2
1
9
,742
,742
,078
,078
72
504
577
,420
750
622
,130
,922
328
,484
,638
.5
.5
.5
.5
.7
.4
.1
.1
.4
.2
.0
.7
.0
.2
.3
FTE
16
16
280
280
0
•5
5
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
105
'. 0
.0
.6
.6
.0
.8
.8
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
.0
SUPERFUND
11,450.5
106.0
APPROP: N OFC OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
42,771.3
408.4
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MISSION AND POLICY MANAGEMENT - OIG
OFFICE: OIG
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452), as amended, created
Offices of Inspector General (OIG) to consolidate existing audit and
investigative resources into independent organizations headed by Inspectors
General. The Inspector General is appointed by, and can be removed only by, the
President. This independence protects the OIG from interference by Agency
management. The Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
established EPA's OIG in January 1980.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The OIG provides independent and objective audit'and investigative coverage
of Agency programs and operations. This program includes the immediate office
of the Office of Inspector General and management support for the OIG's
Headquarters and field components. The support includes budget formulation and
execution, preparation of the OIG's semiannual reports to the Congress in
accordance with requirements of the Inspector General Act, administrative and
personnel services, training, coordination of government streamlining activities/
strategic planning, and' performance 'evaluation measurement, comrnunications,
space, acquisition and administrative policy, responding to Freedom of
Information Act and Privacy Act requests, property management, implementation of
the affirmative action program, and files management, and work method.
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES
The mission and policy management goal is to provide a high level of
leadership and support, which promotes the most economical, efficient, and
effective application and administration of OIG resources. This program .seeks
ways of promoting greater workforce diversity and development and improving OIG
value to the Agency and Congress through more effective communications, and work
methods.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
OFFICE: OIG '
STATUTORY AUTBORITIES/REgULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452), as amended, created
Offices of Inspector General (DIG) to consolidate existing 'audit and
investigative resources into independent organizations headed by Inspectors
General. The Inspector General is appointed by, and can be removed only .by, the
President. This independence protects the OIG from interference by Agency
management. The Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency- (EPA),
established EPA's OIG in January'1980.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The OIG provides independent and objective audit coverage of Agency
programs and operations through: (i) performance audits which determine the
extent that desired result or benefits established by Congress and the
Administration are being achieved uncover systemic problems in EPA management
systems and recommend ways to improve EPA programs; (2) pre-award, interim and
final audits of contracts; and (3) audits of waste water treatment construction
,grants and other grants awarded by the Agency. OIG recommendations to top-level
management are designed to promote-economy, effectiveness, and efficiency in the
administration of Agency programs and'.operations. The OIG follows up to ensure
that corrective actions taken by the Agency on'its recommendations are adequate.
The OIG investigates allegations of illegal activities and initiates proactive
investigations where situation's could create the opportunity for fraud or abuse
by EPA employees, grantees, and contractors. OIG investigations.contribute to
suspensions, debarments, and settlements. OIG audits and investigations
contribute to better Agency management and have a significant deterrent effect
on waste and mismanagement.
The OIG also manages: the Agency's personnel security program; reviews
proposed- and existing legislation and regulations; and conducts regional and
intergovernmental liaison activities, including those related to the President's
Council on Integrity and Efficiency.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
•The OIG's goal is to 'maintain a balanced and sustained audit and
investigative presence in all of EPA's major programs to help EPA managers
achieve the Agency Environmental Goals, ensure a strong enforcement presence,
and minimize the Agency's risk of financial loss. The OIG seeks to work
cooperatively with the Agency and provide leadership and recommend policies to
promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of EPA,
programs, and make sure that those .programs are delivered in compliance with
applicable laws and regulations. The OIG also seeks to adjust its work as
necessary to address Agency program changes and newly identified areas of
vulnerability.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT - LUST
OFFICE: OARM , .
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The statutory mandate for this program is included in Subtitle 1 of the
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, as amended by the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, which established the Trust Fund.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The principle functions include awarding LUST contracts and providing
information-related services, designing automated responses to such requirements,
assisting the Office in developing a long range, mission-based information
resources management plan, and working with the states, Regions and Headquarters
to determine common approaches to information management that will ensure that
the LUST information needs at all government levels are met.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
.'The goal of this activity is to provide timely information support .and
other support services to the Agency's Office of Underground Storage Tanks.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
LUST—OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
OFFICE: O±G
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452) , as amended, created
Offices of Inspector General (OIG)' to consolidate existing audit and
investigative resources into independent organizations headed by Inspectors
General. The Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), established
EPA's OIG in January 1980. The Su'perfund Amendments and Reauthorizaition Act • of
1986 established the Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) program, adding to
the activities for which the OIG must provide audit coverage.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The OIG conducts and supervises independent and objective audits of LUST
programs and operations through (!) performance audits which determine the extent
that desired result or benefits established by Congress and the Administration
are being achieved and uncover systemic problems and recommend improvements and
(2) audits of contracts and grants awarded by the Agency. OIG recommendations
to top-level management are designed to promote economy, effectiveness, and
efficiency in the administration of LUST programs and operations. The OIG
follows up to ensure that corrective actions taken by the Agency on its
recommendations are adequate. The OIG investigates allegations of illegal
activities and initiates proactive investigations where situations could create
the opportunity for fraud or abuse by EPA employees, grantees, and contractors.
In addition, OIG investigations contribute to suspensions, debarments, and
settlements.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The OIGVs-goal is to maintain a sustained audit and investigative presence
in EPA's LUST program to help EPA managers achieve the Agency National
Environmental Goals, ensure a strong enforcement presence, and minimize the
Agency's risk of financial loss. The OIG seeks to work cooperatively with the
Agency and recommend policies to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness
in the administration of the LUST program and make sure that the program is
delivered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The OIG also seeks
to adjust its work as necessary to .address Agency program changes and newly
identified areas of vulnerability.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
NATIONWIDE SUPPORT SERVICES
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing statute for activities in this program element is the
annual Appropriation Bill. Activities are also governed by the Chief Financial
Officers'Act, and the Government Performance and Results Act.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element provides the following services to all Agency programs
regardless of location: Agency-wide costs for facility rentals (including GSA
and direct lease payments); Nationwide Services; Agency's Integrated Financial
Management Systems; the Agency's Integrated Contracts Management System; National
Security; National Agency Check Investigations (NACI); Code of Federal
Regulations Typesetting; Unemployment . Compensation,- Workers Compensation;
payments to the Public Health Service (PHS) for payroll services for commissioned
officers .assigned to EPA; and contracts and interagency agreements which support
the Agency's health and safety program.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program is to provide timely, responsive, and cost
effective services in the areas mentioned above.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT,DESCRIPTION
HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing -statute for activities in this program element is the
annual Appropriation Bill.,
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element supports the following services in Washington, DC,
.Research Triangle Park, NC, ' and Cincinnati, Ohio-.
Office Services - - Includes costs for common supplies, common equipment
maintenance, motorpool, printing/copying services and- supplies, and
transportation of things.
Building Services -- Provides funds for utilities, office relocation and
labor services, security services, common rental and purchase of equipment,
employee health units, facilities operation and'maintenance, mail operations, and
miscellaneous.
Information Management - - Provides most central IKM stewardship activities
(policy, security, records management, oversight), management of Agency
administrative systems, library and public information services, systems
development services, and data management and administration.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The principal goals for this program are to provide quality office,
building, and information management services in a cost effective manner.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
• " PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REGIONAL SUPPORT
OFFICE: OARM .
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing statute for activities in this program element is the
annual Appropriation Bill.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element supports the following 'services for Agency programs
in 10 Regional Offices, Regional laboratories, and other facilities around the
country:
Office Services -- Includes costs for common supplies, common equipment
maintenance, motorpool, printing/copying services and supplies, audiovisual
services, common rental and purchase of equipment, facility, employee health
units, facilities operation and maintenance, mail operations, and miscellaneous
contracts. •
Building Services -- Provides funds for telecommunications, utilities,
office relocation and labor services, security services, common rental and
purchase of equipment,' alterations, employee health'units, facilities operation
and maintenance, mail operations, and'miscellaneous contracts.
Information Management -- Provides support dollars for supplies, library
services, information retrieval services, and automated data processing
technical support.
• Laboratories and Field Operations -- Building services for laboratories and
field locations, plus all scientific and technical equipment and supplies.
Health and Safety/Environmental Compliance - Provides funds for employee
health units, health and wellness services, environmental compliance programs in
labs and Regional Offices.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The principal goals for this. program are to provide quality office,
building, laboratory, field, and information management services to the Regional
Offices in a cost effective manner.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
ADP SUPPORT
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing statute for activities in this program element is the
annual Appropriation Bill.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This account funds the design, acquisition and maintenance of computing
equipment for the National Computer Center at Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina, and the compatible distributed processors at EPA Headquarters, Regional
Offices and other major administrative centers; telecommunications equipment and
services required to link these sites with one 'another and with state
environmental agencies; commercial software acquisition and maintenance for
central and distributive processors that comprise EPA's general purpose computing
and telecommunications .network; ai^d contractor support to manage the operation
of the computing and telecommunications network, to conduct technology
assessments, and to plan and deliver training and other support to users of this
network.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this program element is to provide timely and efficient ADP
services to the Agency.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MISSION AND POLICY MANAGEMENT - HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE -OIG
OFFICE: OIG
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452) , as amended, created
Offices of .inspector General (OIG) to consolidate existing .audit and
investigative resources into independent organizations, headed by Inspectors
General. The Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),.established
EPA's OIG in January 1980.
PROGRAM DE SCRIPTION
A
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 authorizes
a complex program for which the OIG needs to provide audit and investigative
coverage. The mission and policy program will continue management support for
the OIG's Headquarters and field components. The support includes budget
formulation and execution, preparation of the OIG''s' semiannual reports to the
Congress' in accordance with requirements' of the Inspector General Act,
administrative and personnel services, training, coordination of government
streamlining and Total Quality Management activities, strategic planning,
communications,, space, acquisition and administrative policy, responding to
Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act requests, property management,,
implementation of the affirmative action program, and files management.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The mission and policy management goal is to provide a high level of
leadership and support which promotes the most economical, efficient, and
effective-'application and administration of OIG resources. This program seeks
ways of promoting greater workforce diversity and development and improving OIG
value to the Agency and Congress, through more effective communications.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION A<3ENCĄ
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE HEADQUARTERS SUPPORT - OIG
OFFICE: OARM
STATUTORY AUTOORMIES/REgOLATORY FRAMEWORK
The statutory mandate for this program is included in Subtitle 1 of-the'
Hazardous and Solid Waste .amendments of 1984, as amended by the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, which established the Trust Fund.
Activities are governed by the Chief Financial Officers Act and the Government
Performance and Results Act.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
. , This program element funds the 016's Superfund portion' of Headquarters and
Nationwide Support costs. These costs include rent, utilities, security, mail
operations, telecommunications, 'and other support costs.
GOALSAND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this activity is 'to provide effective, and timely support
services to the OIG's Superfund program...
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE—OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
OFFICE:OIG
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The Inspector General Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-452), as amended, created
Offices of • Inspector General '(OIG) to consolidate existing ' audit and
investigative resources into independent organizations headed by Inspectors
General. The Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), established
EPA's OIG in January 1980.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 authorizes
a complex program for which the OIG needs to provide audit and investigative
coverage. SARA requires the OIG to: (1) audit uses of the Trust Fund; (2) audit
claims; (3) examine a sample of agreements with States; (4) examine remedial
investigations and feasibility studies; (5) submit to Congress an annual report
on the above activities; and (6) review the Agency's annual progress report to
Congress on its progress in implementing the program. The OIG also conducts and
supervises independent and objective: (1) performance audits which determine the
exte'nt that desired result or benefits established by Congress and the
Administration are being achieved and uncover systemic problems and recommend
improvements in the Superfund programs and operations; (2) audits of contracts
and grants awarded by the Agency; and (3) financial and management systems
reviews of contractors.and states. OIG recommendations to top-level management
are designed to promote economy, effectiveness, and efficiency in the
administration of Superfund programs and operations. The OIG follows up to
ensure that corrective actions taken by the Agency on its recommendations are
adequate.
The OIG investigates allegations of illegal activities and initiates
proactive investigations where situations could create the opportunity for fraud
or abuse by EPA employees, grantees, and contractors. In addition, OIG
investigations contribute to suspensions, debarments, and settlements•.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The OIG's goal is to maintain a balanced and sustained audit and
investigative presence in EPA's Superfund program to help EPA managers achieve
the Agency National Environmental Goals, ensure a strong enforcement presence,
and minimize the Agency's risk of financial loss. The OIG seeks to work
cooperatively with the Agency and recommend policies to promote economy,
efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of the Superfund program and
make sure that the program is delivered in compliance with applicable laws and
regulations. The OIG also seeks^ to adjust its work as necessary to address
Agency program changes and newly identified areas of vulnerability.
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Buildings and
Facilities
SECTION TAB
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
1997 BUDGET ESTIMATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BUILDINGS & FACILITIES . . 5-1
REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENT • 5-3
NEW FACILITIES 5-3
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION 5-5
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BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
The Agency requests a total of $209,220,000 for 1997 in the Buildings
and Facilities Appropriation account. This account funds the design,
construction, repair, and improvement of buildings occupied by EPA. The
Agency has ten Regional offices with associated Regional laboratories, several
large research and development laboratories, program laboratories, a number of
field stations with laboratory facilities and a Headquarters operation in nine
locations in the Washington, DC area.
This program provides a safe and healthy work environment for EPA
employees by providing for renovation and repair or replacement of our
facilities. Through our facilities masterplan, we continue to implement
intermediate and long-range plans that assess alternative housing options for
EPA operations and also continue a repair program that protects the Agency's
investment in EPA real property holdings. We are modifying current facilities
to more adequately and efficiently address the Agency's changing programs as
well as implementing cost-effective energy and water conservation measures at
EPA-occupied, federally-owned buildings. We will continue to emphasize
environmental compliance and health and safety efforts in EPA facilities by
removing asbestos and PCBs, upgrading fire and life safety systems, and
upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to meet the 'most
current ventilation and CPC removal standards.
Ongoing new construction will be managed through the design and
construction phases. Major construction in the Research Triangle Park
facility includes the main research and administrative building, the computer
building, and the High Bay research building.
The New Headquarters requires Buildings and Facilities resources to
ensure that the facilities are functionally responsive, reflective of EPA's
mission, and built in accordance with the quality standards of a national
headquarters. Indoor air quality, adequate power and lighting, and
flexibility of configuration are among the project priority issues'.
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BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
OVERVIEW
The Agency requests a total of $209,220,000 for 1997 in the Buildings and
Facilities Appropriation account. The 1997 Buildings and Facilities program
continues initiatives to correct deficiencies in the Agency's facilities
infrastructure. Ongoing and proposed new construction will be managed through
the design and construction phases. Included in the construction plan is the new
Consolidated laboratory at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Work will
continue on the buildout of a new government - owned Headquarters facility, as well
as construction of the new Environmental Science Center in Fort Meade, Maryland.
We will continue to address repair and improvement projects in EPA space
nationwide.
Technical assistance will be provided to the Headquarters and Regional
offices for planning layouts and more efficiently using space. Agency-wide
facilities standards and masterplanning will be used in implementing
repair/replacement of our laboratory infrastructure. Critical fire safety
abatement activities will continue and all EPA-owned facilities with CFC'chillers
will be converted to high-efficiency, non-CFC systems. We will continue energy
audits and take'corrective action to achieve compliance with the President's
Executive Order regarding upgrading security at federal facilities.
Buildings and Facilities resources will ensure that the New Headquarters
Facility is functionally responsive, reflective .of our .mission, and built to the
quality standards of a national Headquarters facility. The buildings comprising
the new Headquarters complex include the Ariel Rios Building, Federal Triangle,
Customs Building, Interstate Commerce Commission building and connecting wing.
These buildings are being rehabilitated to provide improved indoor air quality;
adequate power and lighting consistent with EPA's energy efficiency initiative;
raised floors to ensure flexibility in layout of space; and, finishes that
provide high wear resistance and save maintenance costs.
PROGRAM and ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS
The Agency requests a total of $14,424,000 for 1997 . in the Repair and
Improvement program element. These funds will provide engineering, design and
construction support related to the repair and improvement of buildings occupied
by EPA. More specifically, these funds will be used to address: critical repairs
related to employee health and safety (fire protection systems installations);
ensure environmental compliance efforts in EPA facilities (asbestos and
underground storage tank removal and hazardous materials storage) ,-, continue
energy conservation^ green lights and CFC removal programs; provide for a minimum
of critical program alterations and repairs {electrical distribution, air-
conditioning, and -roof repairs) for laboratory facilities; and provide funding
for some buildout costs associated with1 regional moves.
NEW FACILITIES
The Agency requests a total of $194,796,000 for 1997 in the Buildings and
Facilities Appropriation .New Facilities program element. Ongoing new
construction will be managed through the design and construction phases.
Of the total requested, $182,000,000 will fund the Research Triangle Park
office and laboratory facility in North Carolina. This provides the balance of
the $232,000,000 needed to complete construction of the project. The remaining
balance of $50,000,000 was requested prior to FY 1997.
Of the total requested, ,$12, 796, 000 will fund the New Headquarters project.
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The New Headquarters Project requires Buildings and Facilities resources to
ensure that the facility is functionally responsive, reflective of EPA's mission,
and built in accordance with the quality standards of a national headquarters.
Indoor air quality, adequate power and lighting, and flexibility of configuration
are among the project priority issues.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
FY 1997 PRESIDENTS BUDGET
(dollars in thousands)
PROGRAM ELEMENT DOLLARS FTE
.REPAIRS ,& IMPROVEMENTS 14,424.0 ' Q.O
REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS 14,424.0 0.0
NEW FACILITIES . 194,796.0 0.0
NEW FACILITIES 194,796.0 0.0
BUILDING AND FACILITIES 209,220.0 0.0
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OARM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorizing statutes for activities in this program element is the annual
-Appropriation- Bill.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element funds the repair and improvement of buildings occupied
by EPA, whether Federally owned or leased.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVEa
Our goals for this program include: providing a safe and healthful working
environment for EPA employees; ensuring that all EPA facilities meet pollution
abatement standards; providing facilities modifications that are essential to
conduct legislatively mandated program operations, preventing and halting
deterioration of EPA's aging facilities, and providing critical preventive
maintenance; reducing energy consumption through practical conservation
measures; improving capabilities at research, program, and regional
laboratories; and addressing Agency requirements of toxic and hazardous
material handling facilities.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
PROGRAM ELEMENT DESCRIPTION
MEW FACILITIES
NATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER: OABM
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES/REgPIATORY FRAMEWORK
The authorising statutes for activities in this program element is the annual
Appropriation Bill..
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program element funds the design and construction of buildings occupied
by EPA,
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this activity is to provide state-of-the-art facilities in which
to conduct research and to provide a safe work environment in which to house
EPA employees.
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Superfund
SECTION TAB
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.ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
1997 BUDGET ESTIMATE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUPERFUND ...,...• 6-1
RESPONSE .....'.... 6-3
ENFORCEMENT 6-9
MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT ...'.,..'...,..' ', ... 6-11
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES .'..-. 6-IS,
PROGRAM ELEMENT INFORMATION .6-1?
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HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SUPERFOHD
'The Agency requests a total of $1,394,245,200 and 3,730.7 workyears to meet
the environmental goals of this program. Of this amount, $42,508,000 and 131.8
workyears are transferred to the Science and Technology'account for research and
development efforts, and $11,450,500. and 106.0 workyears are transferred to the
Inspector General account for audit activities. The remaining $1,340,286,700 and
3,492.9 workyears are provided to meet•the response and enforcement needs of the
Superfund program.
Improper disposal of hazardous, waste at some sites has resulted .in soil
that is unsafe to live, work and play on, water that is unfit to drink, and air
that is dangerous to breath. Contamination from sites often migrates to
groundwater and nearby lakes and streams, further damaging valuable public and
private resources. These hazardous waste sites put public health and sensitive
ecosystems at risk.
In response to public concerns about health and environmental risks posed
by abandoned and uncontrolled hazardous, waste sites, Congress established the
Superfund program in 1980. Since then, over 40,000 hazardous waste sites of
potential concern have been reported to the Agency. Over 35,000 sites in this
inventory have been assessed to determine the need for further cleanup action.
The -Agency recently removed from the list more than 24,000 sites that had been.
assessed and found not to require any further action. Of the remaining sites,
over 1,300 have been placed on the National Priorities List (NPL). Today, one
in four Americans lives within four miles of a NPL site -- the Nation's worst
sites. .
Since the problem of contaminated sites in the United States is so large
and varied, no one solution can be applied everywhere, and decisions about
cleanup must be made with community, public health, and environmental concerns
in mind. In determining the appropriate remedy, the Agency considers protection
of public health and environment to be the paramount concern, then accounts for,
among other things, future land-use plans and cost of cleanup.
The Superfund program also responds to emergency releases, such as the
recent Wisconsin trail derailment where several cars containing propane and
liquid petroleum gas and a nearby building holding ammonia caught-fire. The
burning cars and building exposed nearby residents to toxic emissions and a
threat of explosion, requiring an evacuation of the town and over 200 residents
to seek medical attention, In incidents such as these, Agency on-scene
coordinators are on the site immediately to work with and provide technical
assitance to the responsible parties and state and local officials.
In cases of long-term cleanup .and early actions, the Agency works with
those responsible for the contamination to ensure that they conduct or fund
appropriate cleanup action. If no responsible party can be found, or they cannot
perform or pay for the cleanup work, the Agency cleans up the site using the
Superfund Trust Fund. Responsible parties are then pursued to reimburse the fund
if they can be identified and are financially viaiale^ This "polluter pays"
approach ensures that limited trust fund dollars are used for emergencies and
abandoned sites.
The Agency's Superfund program endeavors to protect human health and the
environment through timely and cost-effective cleanup of contaminated sites, to
respond quickly to emergency hazardous waste release's, and to maximize
responsible party and community group participation in cleanup efforts. In
meeting this purpose, the Agency has established several measures of program
progress. With funding at the levels requested in the 1997 Budget, the Agency
will complete cleanup of 650 NPL sites by the year 2000, _thereby reducing or
eliminating public health risks posed by these sites. The Agency will complete
early cleanup actions, which are designed to prevent further contamination. And
. 6-1
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finally, the Agency will continue to support the cleanup of contaminated Federal
installations currently on the NPL, which tend to be more complicated cleanups
with some containing radioactive wastes.
The President's Budget addresses several high priorities for ,1997, The
Agency will expand the program to redevelop contaminated urban and industrial
properties, thereby providing communities with increased tax bases/ jobs and
improved urban environments. The Agency will support state and tribal hazardous
waste response programs and strengthen their roles, along with community groups,
at Superfund sites. The President's Budget also includes 148 workyears, funded
by the Department of Defense, for environmental assistance to expedite base
closures as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAG) . The Agency will
continue to strengthen Superfund enforcement fairness initiatives by implementing
various Superfund |