United States EPA Science Advisory EPA-SAB-EC-01-007
Environmental Board (1400A) August 2001
RECOMMENDATIONS ON
THE FY2000 SCIENTIFIC
AND TECHNOLOGICAL
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
(STAA) NOMINATIONS: AN
SAB REPORT
A REPORT BY THE SCIENTIFIC
AND TECHNOLOGICAL
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE EPA
SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
August 29, 2001
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD
EPA-SAB-EC-01-007
Honorable Christine Todd Whitman
Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
Subject: Recommendations on the FY2000 Scientific and Technological
Achievement Awards (STAA) Award Nominations: an SAB Report
Dear Governor Whitman:
The EPA Science Advisory Board's (SAB) Scientific and Technological Achievement
Awards (STAA) Subcommittee has completed its review of the nominations submitted by the
Agency for the FY2000 awards program. The Subcommittee conducted its review in closed
session on June 11-12, 2001 in Washington, DC. The results of the Subcommittee's efforts were
reviewed and approved by the EPA Science Advisory Board's Executive Committee at a public
meeting held in the US EPA National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) in
Cincinnati, OH on July 17-18, 2001.
The STAA program is sponsored by the Office of Research and Development (ORD),
which continues to do a creditable job in soliciting and assembling these nominations. Each year
(except for 1995 during the government-wide shutdown) the Board convenes a special panel to
review nominated papers published by Agency researchers. Our recommendations for awards
and further improvements in the STAA program are discussed in the enclosed report.
The Agency solicited nominations in eleven categories this year: Control Systems &
Technology (CS), Ecology & Ecosystem Risk Assessment (ER), Health Effects & Health Risk
Assessment (HE), Monitoring & Measurement Methods (MM), Transport & Fate (TF), Review
Articles (RA), Risk Management and Policy Formulation (RM), Integrated Risk Management
(IR), Environmental Trends for Drivers of Future Risk (EF), Social Science Research (SS), and
Environmental Education (EE). Agency scientists and engineers submitted a total of 126
nominations from among the first nine categories. Nominations were not submitted for the last
two categories this year (SS and EE). A total of 42 were recommended for a cash award, with an
additional 21 recommended for Honorable Mention.
Recommendations are included for awards in seven of the nine categories for which
nominations were submitted. One nomination each was submitted in the Environmental Trends
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for Drivers of Future Risk (EF) and Integrated Risk Management (IR) categories, and while
awards were not recommended for these nominations, the Subcommittee was encouraged to see
nominations in these categories and hopes to see additional nominations in the future. In
addition, the Subcommittee is recommending 21 papers for Honorable Mention. The authors
whose papers were recommended for awards this year represent the Office of Air and Radiation
(OAR), the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS), the Office of Solid
Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER), the Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation
(OPEI), Region VIII, and 15 research laboratories and centers within the Office of Research and
Development.
The Subcommittee continues to encourage the Agency to nominate peer-reviewed papers
from all programs and areas of scientific and technological research because scientific and
technological achievements in these areas should not be limited to ORD laboratories. As we
have pointed out in each of our recent reports, the Subcommittee continues to note the lack of a
significant number of nominations from Program areas other than ORD. However, this year
there was a modest increase in the number of such papers. In fact, we are pleased to note this
year, that one of our two recommendations for a Level I award comes from an office outside of
ORD.
The process of publishing EPA scientific findings in peer reviewed journals enhances the
rigor of the science and the reputation of the Agency and its programs. Managers should
encourage and provide the opportunities for their program scientists and engineers to conduct
challenging investigations and publish the data and technical analysis which address aspects of
the Agency's policies and regulations. We commend the staff of ORD for administering the
STAA program. The ORD staff has made significant improvements in the program and in the
nomination packages which have facilitated the Subcommittee's review procedures. The
Subcommittee strongly recommends that ORD management continue to solicit participation of
other Agency scientists and engineers as part of the Agency's goals to improve its scientific
underpinnings and peer review of regulatory science. We recommend that ORD continue to
announce this program early and that additional efforts be made to advertise it even more
broadly next year to ensure greater participation by all program areas of the Agency.
The Subcommittee continues to feel that the STAA program is an important mechanism
for recognizing and promoting high quality, peer-reviewed work published in top scientific and
technological journals. This is even more critical as Agency programs continue to improve their
overall commitment to, and compliance with the Agency's Peer Review Policy and the Peer
Review Handbook. Furthermore, it supports your emphasis on sound science forming the basis
for sound decisions.
We would appreciate being informed of the final disposition of awards and the
mechanisms by which EPA advertises these awards to the Agency at large and the overall
scientific community. This has been a long standing request by the Subcommittee and is the
subject of a separate Commentary.
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We are pleased to have participated in this process once again and believe it is
appropriate for the Board to continue this annual review function. We look forward to serving
the Agency again in this important activity.
Sincerely,
/Signed/ /Signed/
Dr. William Glaze, Chair Dr. C. H. Ward, Chair
EPA Science Advisory Board Scientific and Technological Achievement
Awards Subcommittee
EPA Science Advisory Board
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NOTICE
This report has been written as part of the activities of the EPA Science Advisory Board,
a public advisory group providing extramural scientific information and advice to the
Administrator and other officials of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Board is
structured to provide balanced, expert assessment of scientific matters related to problems facing
the Agency. This report has not been reviewed for approval by the Agency and, hence, the
contents of this report do not necessarily represent the views and policies of the Environmental
Protection Agency, nor of other agencies in the Executive Branch of the Federal government, nor
does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute a recommendation for use.
Distribution and Availability: This EPA Science Advisory Board report is provided to the EPA
Administrator, senior Agency management, appropriate program staff, interested members of the
public, and is posted on the SAB website (www.epa.gov/sab). Information on its availability is
also provided in the SAB' s monthly newsletter (Happenings at the Science Advisory Board).
Additional copies and further information are available from the SAB Staff [US EPA Science
Advisory Board (1400A), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001; 202-
564-4533].
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ABSTRACT
This report represents the conclusions and recommendations of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's Science Advisory Board regarding the FY2000 EPA Scientific and
Technological Achievement Awards (STAA) Program. The STAA Program is an Agency-wide
competition to promote and recognize scientific and technological achievements by EPA
employees, fostering a greater exposure of EPA research to the public. The Program was
initiated in 1980 and is managed by the Office of Research and Development (ORD).
The Agency submitted for review 126 nominations from the first nine of the eleven
award categories this year (Control Systems & Technology, Ecology & Ecosystem Risk
Assessment, Health Effects & Health Risk Assessment, Monitoring & Measurement Methods,
Transport & Fate, Review Articles, Risk Management and Policy Formulation, Integrated Risk
Management, Environmental Trends for Drivers of Future Risk, Social Science Research, and
Environmental Education). Of these, the Subcommittee recommended 42 nominations (33
percent of the nominations) for awards, and also recommended that 21 additional nominations be
recognized with Honorable Mention. The authors whose papers were recommended for awards
this year represent the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR), the Office of Prevention, Pesticides,
and Toxic Substances (OPPTS), the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER),
the Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation (OPEI), Region VIII, and 15 research
laboratories and centers within the Office of Research and Development.
The Subcommittee encouraged the Agency to continue support for the STAA program as
a mechanism for recognizing and promoting high quality research in support of the Agency's
mission. The Subcommittee also strongly encouraged that EPA broadly acknowledge the results
of the award competition.
KEY WORDS: Awards, Technology, Scientific Achievements, Peer-Review
11
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Science Advisory Board
Scientific And Technological Achievement Awards Subcommittee*
CHAIR
Dr. C. Herb Ward, Director, Energy Environmental Systems, Inc., Rice University, Houston, TX
EC MEMBERS
Dr. William H. Smith, Clifton R. Musser Professor Emeritus of Forest Biology, Yale University, Center
Harbor, NH Also Member: Research Strategies Advisory Committee
CONSULTANTS
Dr. Roger Cochran, Staff Toxicologist, Department of Pesticide Regulation, California Environmental
Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA
Dr. Richard A. Conway, Environmental Consultant, Charleston, WV
Dr. Deborah Cory-Slechta, Professor and Chair, Department of Environmental Medicine, Medical
School, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Dr. Richard Di Giulio, Professor, Levine Science Research Center, Nicholas School of the
Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC
Dr. Allan Legge, President, Biosphere Solutions, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
Dr. Frederick Pohland, Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Mitchell Small, Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon
University, Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Michael Trehy, Senior Research Specialist, Solutia, Inc., St. Louis, MO
Dr. Judith S. Weis, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ
EPA SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD STAFF
Mr. A. Robert Flaak, Designated Federal Officer, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC
Dr. K. Jack Kooyoomjian, Designated Federal Officer, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC
Ms. Mary Winston, Management Assistant, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC
* Members of this SAB Panel consist of
a) SAB Members: Experts appointed by the Administrator to serve on one of the SAB Standing Committees.
b) SAB Consultants: Experts appointed by the SAB Staff Director to a one-year term to serve on ad hoc Panels
formed to address a particular issue.
c) Liaisons: Members of other Federal Advisory Committees who are not Members or Consultants of the Board.
d) Federal Experts: The SAB charter precludes Federal employees from being Members of the Board. "Federal
Experts" are federal employees who have technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the subject matter under
review or study by a particular panel.
iii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
2. INTRODUCTION 2
2.1 Request for EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Review 2
2.2 Subcommittee Review Procedures 3
3. EVALUATION OF THE FY2000 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ACHIEVEMENT
AWARD NOMINATIONS 6
3.1 General Findings of the Subcommittee 6
3.2 STAA Program Administrative Recommendations 7
3.3 Award Recommendations 8
3.3.1 Level I Awards 9
3.3.2 Level II Awards 9
3.3.3 Level III Awards 10
3.3.4 Honorable Mention 10
Appendix A - Nominations Recommended for Awards A-l
TABLES
Table I - Example of how Initial Individual Reviewer Rankings are Compiled 4
Table II - Comparison of Level I & II Awards over Time 6
Table III - Summary of 2000 Award Recommendations 9
IV
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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Scientific and Technological Achievement Awards (STAA) Subcommittee of the
EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) reviewed and evaluated the 126 nominations for the
FY2000 program that were submitted by EPA research laboratory directors and program office
directors. The Subcommittee met in Washington, DC, on June 11-12, 2001, to determine award
recommendations.
The STAA review program is a long-standing partnership between the Agency and the
EPA Science Advisory Board. Each year since 1980 Agency scientists and engineers have
submitted nominated scientific and technological papers through an internal Agency review
process managed by the Office of Research and Development (ORD). (Note: The Agency did
not conduct the STAA Program during 1995 when there was a government-wide shutdown.)
This review process ensures that the best scientific papers are submitted to the SAB for
evaluation in the awards process. The SAB convenes an experienced group of scientists and
engineers who meet in a closed meeting to review and evaluate the nominations. The SAB
review panel produces a set of award recommendations which ORD uses in preparing the actual
awards.
This year, the Subcommittee recommended 42 nominations for awards and
recommended that 21 additional papers be recognized with Honorable Mention. The
Subcommittee applied the evaluation criteria evenly across all nomination categories, without
attempting to ensure equal numbers or percentages of awards in each category. The offices from
which papers were recommended for awards this year are OAR, OPPTS, OSWER, OPEI,
Region VIII, and 15 research laboratories and centers within the Office of Research and
Development.
The Subcommittee recommends that continued attention be paid to providing
opportunities forEPA's scientists, engineers, and other technical personnel to conduct
challenging, soundly based studies that result in peer-reviewed papers having high impact on
important scientific issues and issues of specific importance to EPA.
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2. INTRODUCTION
2.1 Request for EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) Review
At the request of the EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), the EPA Science
Advisory Board convened a subcommittee to review and evaluate scientific and technological papers
published in peer-reviewed journals by EPA authors and nominated for the FY2000 EPA Scientific
and Technological Achievement Awards (STAA) program. The STAA Subcommittee was asked to
evaluate nominated papers for awards based on the rules developed by ORD. In January 2001, the
Office of Research and Development (ORD) provided the SAB with copies of 126 nominations. The
Subcommittee used the 1998 STAA Nomination Procedures and Guidelines, which describes the
award levels, eligibility criteria (including the minimum EPA contribution and employer status of the
principal author), and the criteria the SAB should use to evaluate the nominations. Although there are
eleven nomination categories, ORD only received nominations in nine categories this year. ORD
grouped the papers into these nine categories of science and technology1, and screened the papers for
conformance with the nomination guidelines. No nominations were submitted in the other two
categories this year.2
As described in the 1998 STAA Nomination Procedures and Guidelines, the SAB was asked
to recommend papers for each of three Levels of Award.
a) Level I awards - are for nominees who have accomplished an exceptionally high-quality
research or technological effort with national significance. These awards recognize the
initiation or general revision of scientific/technological principles or procedures, or hig
significant improvement in the value of a device, activity, program, or service to the
public. It must be at least of national significance or have high impact on a broad area
of science/technology. The nomination must be of far reaching consequences and
recognizable as a major scientific/technological achievement within its discipline or fiel
of study. The cash award for this level is $5,000 divided among the EPA eligible
authors, based on their individual level of effort as defined in the nomination.
b) Level II awards - are for nominees who have accomplished a notably excellent
research or technological effort that has qualities and values similar to, but to a lesser
degree, than those described under Level I. It must have timely consequences and
contribute as an important scientific/technological achievement within its discipline or
These categories are: Control Systems & Technology (CS), Ecology & Ecosystem Risk Assessment (ER), Health
Effects & Health Risk Assessment (HE), Monitoring & Measurement Methods (MM), Transport & Fate (TF), Review Articles (RA),
Risk Management and Policy Formulation (RM), Integrated Risk Management (IR), and Environmental Trends for Drivers of Future
Risk (EF).
These categories are: Environmental Education (EE) and Social Science Research (SS).
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field of study. The cash award for this level is $2,500 divided among the EPA eligible
authors, based on their individual level of effort as defined in the nomination.
c) Level III awards - are for nominees who have accomplished an unusually notable
research or technological effort. The nomination can be for a substantial revision or
modification of a scientific/technological principle or procedure, or an important
improvement to the value of a device, activity, program, or service to the public.
Research for this award must relate to a mission or organizational component of the
EPA, or significantly affect a relevant area of science/technology. The cash award for
this level is $1,000 divided among the EPA eligible authors, based on their individual
level of effort as defined in the nomination.
d) Honorable Mention - The Subcommittee has also added a fourth non-cash level award
for nominations which are noteworthy but which do not warrant a Level I, II or III
award. Honorable Mention applies to nominations that: (1) may not quite reach the
level described for a Level III award; (2) show a promising area of research that the
Subcommittee wants to encourage; or (3) show an area of research that the
Subcommittees feels is too preliminary to warrant an award recommendation (yet).
2.2 Subcommittee Review Procedures
The Review Panel was convened as an ad hoc subcommittee of the EPA Science Advisory
Board (SAB). Membership included a significant number of returning STAA panelists; consequently,
the level of experience with the process matched the level of scientific and technical expertise. In
addition, many panelists hold editorial positions on highly regarded scientific journals.
Copies of all nominations/papers and the award program guidelines and nomination evaluation
criteria were provided to Subcommittee members in advance of the review meeting. Subcommittee
members selected nominations/papers to review based on their expertise, being sure to select, when
appropriate, papers from across all nomination categories. Typically, each Subcommittee member
chose at least 35 nominations to review. Members were encouraged to include nominations from area;
of general expertise as well as areas in which they were most familiar. As part of the evaluation,
Subcommittee members were asked to rank their own expertise in the field of science and technology
addressed by each nomination they selected for review. These rankings were considered by the
Subcommittee during the evaluation of each nomination. Each nomination was reviewed by at least
three qualified Subcommittee members and then presented to the full Subcommittee and discussed
during the review and evaluation meeting that was held in Washington, DC on June 11-12, 2001.
Nominations judged to merit an award at some level were reviewed a second time by the
Subcommittee, and in most cases, a third time, to ensure that a complete evaluation had been made and
that the appropriate award level was recommended. Nominations that were initially not recommended
for an award were also re-reviewed to determine if the nomination might merit either an Honorable
Mention or numerical award.
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In reviewing the nominations, the Subcommittee members qualitatively considered evaluation
criteria factors such as: the overall impact of the nominated paper(s) on scientific knowledge or
technology relevant to environmental issues; the level of effort; the creativity, originality, initiative, am
problem solving exhibited by the researchers; the beneficial impacts of the accomplishments and the
recognition of the results outside the Agency; the extent to which an Agency function, mission, prograi
activity, or service is improved; and the nature and extent of the peer review, including the stature of th<
journal.3
Prior to the review and evaluation meeting, Subcommittee members forwarded the results of
their review to the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) for the Subcommittee. The initial ranking along
with the self-professed expertise of each reviewer for that particular nomination was compiled by the
DFO in a tabular format (see Table I for an example) and then
Table I - Example of how Initial Individual Reviewer Rankings are
Compiled (Data for illustration purposes only)
Nomination
Number
HE0019
ER0122
RA0098
Title of
Nomination
Health Assessment:
Trinitrochicken
wire
Ecological Impacts
of Trinitrochicken
wire
Trinitrochicken
wire - A Review
Reviewer
Name
Dr. Smith
Dr. Jones
Dr. Adams
Dr. Smith
Dr. Jones
Dr. Adams
Dr. Williams
Dr. Black
Dr. Green
Dr. Jackson
Dr. White
Expertise *
2
3
4
4
3
2
3
3
4
2
1
Initial
Individual
Ranking
NR
III
NR
HM
III
NR
III
I
I
II
III
Final Ranking
(at meeting)
NR
III
I
* Expertise levels are rated as follows: 1 = not related to major discipline of reviewer; 2 = general knowledge of
research area; 3 = general knowledge of active research; and 4 = specific area of active research. NR = Not
Recommended for an award; HM = Honorable Mention; I, II, III = Award Levels
used at the review and evaluation meeting to help focus the discussion on each individual nomination.
Initial individual rankings were subject to change based on discussions at the review and evaluation
meeting. The final ranking agreed to at that meeting is a consensus ranking. The examples given in
Table I are illustrative. All nominations receiving a recommendation for a Level I, II or III award or an
Honorable Mention are listed in Appendix A.
These criteria are discussed more fully in section VII of the 1998 Nomination Procedures and Guidelines provided to
the Subcommittee by the Agency.
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The Subcommittee met on June 11-12, 2001, in Washington, DC in a closed session due to the
discussions of issues concerning personal privacy and potential cash awards. Consistent with the
requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public Law 92-463) 5 U.S.C. App.2, and
sections 552(b)(2) and (b)(6) of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(2) and 552(b)(6),
this closed meeting was announced in a Federal Register4 notice signed by the EPA Administrator. All
Subcommittee members were present at the meeting. The Subcommittee developed preliminary rating
for papers in each category, including discussion of each nominated paper. After completing all
preliminary evaluations, the Subcommittee revisited the recommendations category by category to
resolve any final issues and ensure consistency in applying the award criteria across categories.
This Subcommittee report was reviewed and approved by the SAB's Executive Committee
(EC) at its public meeting on July 17-18, 2001 in Cincinnati, OH. For that review, the Subcommittee
report, less the actual award recommendations (Appendix A), was made available to the EC and the
interested public.
4 65 Federal Register 19933. April 18, 2001.
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3. EVALUATION OF THE FY2000 SCIENTIFIC AND
TECHNOLOGICAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD NOMINATIONS
3.1 General Findings of the Subcommittee
In recent years, based on the continuing decline in the number of our recommendations for
Level I and Level II awards (see Table II - Comparison of Level I & II Awards over Time), the
Subcommittee has felt that the overall quality of the papers nominated has been declining. This year,
we are happy to report, has shown an increase in both Level I (two) and
Table II - Comparison of Level I & II Awards over Time
Award Level
Level I
Level H
FY1996
4
16
FY1997
3
11
FY1998
1
7
FY1999
0
5
FY2000
2
11
Level II (11) awards. We hope this is indicative of rise in the overall quality of submitted nominations
and will be a continuing trend in the coming years. The STAA program is an important mechanism for
recognizing and promoting high quality, peer-reviewed work published in top scientific and
technological journals. The STAA Program can also serve as a benchmark for the quality of the
research produced by the Agency since the same metrics and level and breadth of expertise of
reviewers (Subcommittee members) are used each year. The authors whose papers were
recommended for awards this year represent OAR, OPPTS, OSWER, OPEI, Region VIII, and 15
research laboratories and centers within the Office of Research and Development.
The Subcommittee recommends that ORD continue to request the submission of nominations
early, and that ORD advertise the program more aggressively, so that Regional and Program offices
have adequate time to prepare their nominations. The limited number of nominations from outside of
ORD was again a disappointment to the Subcommittee; however, the increase to six nominations was
an improvement over last year. While we recognize that most of the in-house research is conducted by
ORD scientists in ORD laboratories, the submission process needs to encourage submissions from
outside of ORD as well.
The Subcommittee also encourages the Agency to continue to broaden the scope of nominated
papers and to promote multi-disciplinary research that directly supports risk management and policy
decisions. In evaluating nominations for awards, the Subcommittee looked for papers with well-
developed hypotheses, good sampling or experimental design, and where the theoretical basis is
verified by field validation or thorough testing of a model. We also looked for innovative applications
theories from other disciplines and collaborations of interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineer
In addition, the Subcommittee encourages the submission of nominations which address exposure
assessment.
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In order to evaluate papers that present incremental results in a series of published works, the
Subcommittee recommends that the nomination guidelines prepared by ORD explicitly require
discussion of related research published previously by the lead author(s), including information on any
STAA awards given. When possible, nominations should include all papers in a series, providing they
are within the time limit. This would allow a series of incremental studies to be evaluated for an award
as a package.
Once again this year, the Subcommittee has recommended awards in the Risk Management
and Policy Formulation (RM) category. The Subcommittee hopes to see more peer reviewed papers
nominated in this category next year, as this is an important area of research for the Agency. In
addition, two papers were submitted in the Integrated Risk Assessment category, and while an award
was not recommended, the Subcommittee was encouraged to see nominations in this category and
hopes to see additional nominations in the future. The Subcommittee feels that the process of
converting Agency policy analysis and the technical foundations of its rule making into scientific articl
for peer review is essential to maintain the quality in its science. This is also an important way to
improve the Agency's reputation for scientific achievement. Laboratory directors and program
managers should encourage the authors of policy formulation papers and regulatory impact analyses to
develop technical articles for peer reviewed literature.
The focus of nominated papers should be on investigation and the creation of new technology
and scientific and technical knowledge and information, rather than the reporting and communication o
existing information, such as describing environmental regulations or current methods for pollution
control. While such papers are extremely valuable and important for the agency, and the articles may
be well-written and effective, they do not really fit within the purview of achievements in science and
technology. The STAA Program is designed to recognize accomplishments in science and technology,
hence, nominations in these fields and others should be focused on the new significant scientific
knowledge developed by the Agency in these fields. Review articles with new and useful analysis and
synthesis of existing information also are important; and in fact, several were recognized this year.
Finally, the Subcommittee believes that the STAA program provides one view of the technical
and scientific progress that the Agency is making in various areas of research. This year's activities
represent strengths in a variety of technological assessments, analytical measurements, and in certain
areas of human health effects research.
3.2 STAA Program Administrative Recommendations
The Subcommittee commends the staff of ORD for administering the STAA program. The staff
has made significant improvements in the program and the nomination packages that have facilitated the
Subcommittee's review procedures. The Subcommittee recommends that ORD management continue
to solicit participation of other Agency scientists and engineers as part of the Agency's goals to improv
its scientific underpinnings and peer review of regulatory science.
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Last year, the Subcommittee made a number of recommendations to ORD staff and managers
that work with the STAA program, and to the authors of the nominated papers. We are pleased to see
that many of these recommendations have already been implemented. Although our most recent
recommendations from last year were not made in time to be included in this years' package, we look
forward to seeing those changes next year. We appreciate the effort to accommodate our
recommendations and, as a result, look forward to an even more improved program next year. We
offer the following additional recommendations and/or comments:
a) Review articles (Category RA) must include a synthesis and an analysis, not just a
summary of relevant literature.
b) The suggested citations provided for many of the nominations need to reflect the value
of the work to the Agency. Once again, as was the case last year, many of this year's
submissions merely contained a statement that reflected the nature of the research
without any indication of the value of the work to EPA.
c) The Subcommittee again strongly urges the Agency to publicize the names of the award
winning scientists and engineers and their papers both within the Agency and outside
the Agency in a variety of ways. For example, the Agency should announce these
winners by placing the title and abstract of their papers, along with the source of the
paper, on the Agency's Website. The Agency should also develop press releases or
letters from the Administrator that are targeted toward the journal that published the
articles, professional society newsletters, and local newspapers in the vicinity of the
scientist/engineer's research facility.
d) Subcommittee has requested, but has yet to receive any feedback from the Agency
regarding how the Agency has handled the announcement of award winners or the
general approach EPA has taken to present the awards themselves.
3.3 Award Recommendations
The EPA authors recommended for awards include scientists and engineers from OAR,
OPPTS, OSWER, OPEI, Region VIII, and 15 research laboratories and centers within the Office of
Research and Development. See the detailed breakout of authors in Appendix A for further
clarification.
Awards were recommended in seven of the eleven nomination categories, and for seven of the
nine categories for which nominations were submitted. A total of 42 nominations were recommended
for awards. A summary of the distribution of award recommendations
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among categories is presented in Table III. There were 126 nominations with over 130 individual
papers submitted. Of those submitted, 63 were recommended for an award (42) or
TABLE III - Summary of FY2000 Award Recommendations
Nomination Categories *
Control Systems & Technology (CS)
Ecology, Ecosystem Risk Assessment
& Protection (ER)
Health Effects, Health Risk
Assessment (HE)
Monitoring & Measurement Methods
(MM)
Transport and Fate (TF)
Review Articles (RA)
Risk Management & Policy
Formulation (RM)
Integrated Risk Assessment (IR)
Environmental Futures (EF)
TOTALS:
Total
Nom.
13
20
30
17
22
18
4
1
1
126
Award Levels
I
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
II
2
0
3
2
0
3
1
0
0
11
III
2
6
8
3
7
2
1
0
0
29
Tot
5
7
11
5
7
5
2
0
0
42
Award
%
38%
35%
37%
29%
32%
28%
50%
0%
0%
33%
Hon.
Men.
2
4
5
2
5
3
0
0
0
21
* Categories listed in the "1998 Nomination Procedures and Guidelines."
honorable mention (21). There were no re-categorized or combined nominations identified this year.
The full list of award recommendations is contained in Appendix A. Eligible authors are noted in
boldface in Appendix A. The percentage figure following their names reflects their individual level of
effort on a given nomination as provided by EPA.
3.3.1 Level I Awards
Two Level I awards were recommended this year. Please see page A-l of Appendix A for
details.
3.3.2 Level II Awards
Eleven Level II awards were recommended. Please see pages A-l through A-3 of Appendix
A for details.
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3.3.3 Level III Awards
Twenty-nine Level III awards were recommended. Please see pages A-4 through A-l 1 of
Appendix A for details.
3.3.4 Honorable Mention
Twenty-one nominations were judged as being worthy of an Honorable Mention. Please see
pages A-l 1 through A-17 of Appendix A for details.
A list of acronyms used in Table A is on page A-17.
10
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Appendix A - Nominations Recommended for Awards
This Appendix identifies the 42 nominations recommended for Level I, II, and III awards and
the 21 nominations recommended for an Honorable Mention. This Appendix is divided into four parts.
The first part (page A-l) provides information on the Level I award recommendations. The second
part (pages A-l to A-3) provides information on the Level II award recommendations. The third part
(pages A-4 to A-l 1) provides information on the Level III award recommendations. The fourth part
(pages A-l 1 to A-16) provides information on the Honorable Mention recommendations.
The first column (Nom. #) gives the nomination number as provided by EPA in the original
submission. The second column (Titles and Citations of Submitted Papers) provides the full title
and citation of all papers submitted as part of a given nomination. The third column (Authors and
Nominating Organization) provides the name(s) of the EPA eligible authors (in boldface type) along
with their level of effort (percentage) on the nomination. The primary nominating organization is also
listed. The fourth column (Recommended Award Level) indicates which award is recommended
(Level I, II, or III or Honorable Mention). The last column (Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization) reflects the language of the citation that was provided to the Subcommittee by the
Agency. These are not Subcommittee citations.
-------
Appendix A -
FY2000 Scientific and Technological Achievement Awards (STAA)
Nominations Recommended for Awards
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
Nominations Recommended for a Level I Award ($5,000) - Total of Two
CSOOOl
Demonstration of Tier 2 Emission Levels
for Heavy Light-Duty Trucks. SAE
Technical Paper Series, 2000-01-1957
Mr. Joseph F. McDonald (60%)
Mr. Lee Jones (40%)
NVFEL, Ann Arbor, MI
LEVELI
For exceptional technological achievement in
demonstrating the emission reduction potential of
SUVs and light-trucks.
ER0016
Regional trends in aquatic recovery from
acidification in North America and
Europe. Nature, 401:575-578 (1999)
Dr. John L. Stoddard (95%)
NHEERL, Corvattis, OR
LEVELI
For outstanding research in the area of surface
water recovery from acidification.
Nominations Recommended for a Level II Award ($2,500) - Total of Eleven
CS0010
Contaminant Adsorption and Oxidation
via Fenton Reaction. Journal of
Environmental Engineering,
126(7): 595-600 (2000)
(Two additional papers were part of this
nomination)
Dr. Scott G. Ruling (85%)
NRMRL, Ada, OK
LEVELE
Chemical oxidation research leading to a new
treatment technology and improved feasibility
testing methods and process fundamentals.
CS0013
Treatment Technology for Remediation
of Wood Preserving Sites: Overview.
Remediation, 10(2):35-49 (2000)
(Four additional papers were part of this
nomination)
Mr. Edward R. Bates (33 a%)
Mr. Douglas W. Grosse (33 a%)
Dr. E. Sahle-Demessie (33 a%)
NRMRL, Cincinnati, OH
LEVELE
Substantial advancement to the state of the science
for cost effective remediation of contaminated wood
preserving sites.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A- 1
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
HE0042
Residual oil fly ash exposure enhances
allergic sensitization to house dust mite.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology,
158:269-277(1999)
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Dr. M Ian Gilmour (40%)
Dr. Mary Jane Selgrade (5%)
Mr. Darrel Winsett (10%)
NHEERL, RTF, NC
LEVELE
This work demonstrates that exposure to PM and
associated metals may enhance the development of
allergic asthma.
HE0055
Concentrated Ambient Air Particles
Induce Mild Pulmonary Inflammation in
Health Human Volunteers. American
Journal of Respiratory and Critical
Care Medicine, 162:981-988 (2000)
Dr. Andrew Ghio, (40%)
Chong S. Kim (20%)
Robert B. Devlin (40%)
NHEERL, RTF, NC
LEVELE
Effect of Ambient Air Particles on the
Cardiopulmonary System of Humans.
MM0064
Isotope hydrology dynamics of riverine
wetlands in the Kankakee watershed,
Indiana. Journal of the American Water
Resources Association, 36(4): 771-790
(2000)
Dr. William C. Sidle (75%)
Ms. Deborah Roose (5%)
NRMRL, Cincinnati, OH
LEVELE
Measurement and behavior of multiple isotopes for
the determination of flow hydraulics and nutrient
transformations in wetlands of the Kankakee
watershed, Illinois-Indiana.
MM0072
Identification of New Ozone Disinfection
Byproducts in Drinking Water.
Environmental Science & Technology,
33(19):3368-3377 (1999)
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Dr. Susan D. Richardson (40%)
Mr. Alfred D. Thruston, Jr. (28%)
Ms. Tashia v. Caughran (5%)
Dr. Paul H Chen (6%)
Dr. Timothy W. Collette (2%)
Mr. Terrance L. Floyd (2%)
Ms. Kathleen M. Schenck (10%)
Mr. Benjamin W. Lykins, Jr. (5%)
NERL, Athens, GA
LEVELE
For Comprehensive Identification of Disinfection
By-products in Drinking Water.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A-2
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
RA0099
Comparison of Scientific Findings From
Major Ozone Field Studies in North
America and Europe. Atmospheric
Environment, 34:1885-1920 (2000)
Dr. Paul A. Solomon (65%)
NERL, Las Vegas, NV
LEVELE
An integrative assessment of ozone science over the
decade 1986-1997 with an emphasis on policy-
relevant findings.
RA0104
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care
Products in the Environment: Agents of
Subtle Change? Environmental Health
Perspectives, 107(supp 6):907-938
(1999)
Dr. Christian G. Daughton (90%)
NERL, Las Vegas, NV
LEVELE
Seminal assessment of the significance of
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products as
potential environmental pollutants.
RA0111
A review and synthesis of monoterpene
speciation from forests in the United
States. Atmospheric Environment,
34(11): 1761-1781 (2000)
Chris D. Geron (80%)
Robert R Arnts (10%)
NRMRL, RTF, NC
LEVELE
Speciating biogenic terpenoids for natural
background aerosol estimation.
RM0115
Scientific Basis of an Improved EPA
Policy on Control of Organic Emissions
for Ambient Ozone Reduction. Journal
of Air & Waste Management Assoc.,
49:831-838 (1999)
Dr. Basil Dimitriades (100%)
NERL, RTF, NC
LEVELE
For providing improved scientific understanding and
bases to those responsible for or having a stake in
development of emission control strategies for
ambient ozone reduction.
HE0126
Neuropeptides and capsaicin stimulate
the release of inflammatory cytokines in
a human bronchial epithelial cell line.
Neuropeptides, 33(6):447-456 (1999)
(Two additional papers were part of this
nomination)
Dr. Bellina Veronesi (85%)
Ms. Jacqueline D. Carter (13%)
Dr. Robert B. Devlin (2%)
LEVELE
NHEERL, RTF, NC
This research demonstrates that the surface charge
of PM particles can stimulate cellular inflammation
through activation of acid-sensitive receptors found
on target epithelial cells and sensory nerve fibers
that enervate the airways. As such, these data offer
a unifying hypothesis, linking the lungs and nervous
system, to explain the chronic inflammation
associated with PM that contributes to human
morbidity.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A-3
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
Nominations Recommended for a Level III Award ($1,000) - Total of Twenty-Nine
CS0002
Emissions of Poly chlorinated Dibenzo-p-
dioxins and Polychlorinated
Dibenzofurans from the Open Burning
of Household Waste in Barrels.
Environmental Science & Technology,
34(3):3 77-384 (2000)
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Dr. Paul M Lemieux (40%)
Dr. Brian Gullett (30%)
Mr. Dwain Winters (10%)
NRMRL, RTF, NC
LEVELm
For performing research to estimate the emissions
of dioxins from uncontrolled combustion of
household waste in barrels.
CS0005
Land Treatment of PAH-contaminated
Soil: Performance Measured by
Chemical and Toxicity Assays.
Environmental Science & Technology,
33(23):4310-4317 (1999)
Dr. Gregory Sayles (25%)
Dr. Carolyn Acheson (15%)
Dr. John Meier (10%)
Dr. Lina Chang (10%)
NRMRL, Cincinnati, OH
LEVEL m
Use of chemical and toxicity assays to understand
the performance of bio remediation of wood-treating
impacted soil.
ER0014
Adaptations of Wild Populations of the
Estuarine Fish Fundulus heteroclitus to
Persistent Environmental Contaminants.
Marine Biology, 134:9-17(1999)
Dr. Dianne Nacci (20%)
Ms. Laura L. Coiro (15%)
Ms. Denise M. Champlin (15%)
Ms. Sarojo Jayaraman (15%)
Mr. Richard A McKinney (15%)
Dr. Timothy R. Gleason (5%)
Dr. Wayne R. Munns (5%)
NHEERL, Narragansett, RI
LEVEL m
Evolutionary effects of Dioxin-Like Contaminants on
Wild Fish Populations
ER0015
Evaluating perturbations and developing
restoration strategies for inland
wetlands in the Great Lake Basin.
Wetlands, 19(4): 789-820 (1999)
Dr. Naomi Detenbeck (60%)
NHEERL, Duhith, MN
LEVEL m
Linking ecological risk assessments to restoration
strategies at the watershed scale.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A-4
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
ER0018
Carry-over effects of ozone on root
growth and carbohydrate concentrations
of ponderosa pine seedlings. Tree
Physiology, 17:805-811 (1997)
Dr. Christian P. Anderson (40%)
Dr. William E. Hogsett (40%)
NHREEL, Corvattis, OR
LEVELm
For contributions to understanding the cumulative
impacts of ozone on plants.
ER0022
Use of periphyton assemblage as an index
of biotic integrity. Journal of the North
American Bentholagical Society,
19(1): 50-67 (2000)
Dr. Brian H. Hill (75%)
Dr. Frank H McCormick (5%)
NCEA, Cincinnati, OH
LEVEL m
For the Advancement of Biological Methods in
Support of Water Quality Monitoring.
ER0025
Assessing Ecological Risk in
Watersheds: A Case Study of Problem
Formulation in the Big Darby Creek
Watershed, Ohio. Environmental
Toxicology and Chemistry,
19(4(2)): 1082-1096 (2000)
Dr. Susan M. Cormier (50%)
Dr. Susan B. Norton (25%)
Timothy W. Neiheisel (5%)
NERL, Cincinnati, OH
LEVEL m
For advancing watershed scale ecological risk
assessment thereby helping to protect a valued river,
the Big Darby Creek.
ER0032
Application of Computer-Aided
Tomography (CT) to the Study of
Estuarine Benthic Communities.
Ecological Applications, 9 (3) :1050-
1058 (1999)
Dr. Kenneth T. Perez (21%)
Dr. Earl W. Davey (21%)
Mr. John A. Cardin (21%)
Ms. Roxanne L. Johnson (21%)
NHEERL, Narragansett, RI
LEVEL m
Application of CaT Scan Imaging to Environmental
Assessments of Benthic Communities.
HE0034
Public health implications of 1990 air
toxics concentrations across the United
States. Environmental Health
Perspectives, 106(5):245-251 (1998)
(Four additional papers were part of this
nomination)
Tracey J. Woodruff (27%)
Daniel A. Axelrad (27%)
Jane C. Caldwell (27%)
Vincent James Cogliano (4%)
OPEI, Washington, DC
LEVEL m
The Cumulative Exposure Project: EPA's first
comprehensive national characterization of ambient
air toxics concentrations.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A-5
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
HE0040
Lung Cancer Among Workers in
Chromium Chemical Production.
American Journal of Industrial
Medicine, 38(2):115-126 (2000)
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Dr. Herman J. Gibb (50%)
Dr. Paul F. Pinsky (20%)
LEVELm
Most Detailed and Significant Study of the Lung
Cancer and Clinical Irritation Risks from
Chromium Exposure Ever Conducted.
NCEA, Washington, DC
HE0047
Soluble Transition Metals Mediate
Residual Oil Fly Ash Induced Acute
Lung Injury. Journal of Toxicology and
Environmental Health, 50:285-305
(1997)
(Four additional papers were part of this
nomination)
Dr. Kevin L. Dreher (30%)
Mr. Richard H. Jaskot (15%)
Mrs. Judy H. Richards (15%)
Dr. Daniel L. Costa (10%)
Mr. James R. Lehmann (5%)
Mr. John K McGee (5%)
Dr. Andrew J. Ghio (5%)
NHEERL, RTF, NC
LEVEL m
For providing insight into "biologic plausibility" of
metals as a likely causal constituent in the adverse
responses observed in healthy and compromised
subjects.
HE0050
Quantitative Measurement of
Stachybotrys chartarum conidia Using
Real Time Detection of PCR Products
with the TaqMan™ Fluorogenic Probe
System. Molecular and Cellular
Probes, 13(5):329-340 (1999)
Dr. Richard A. Haugland (50%)
Dr. Stephen J. Vesper (40%)
Dr. Larry J. Wymer (10%)
NERL, Cincinnati, OH
LEVEL m
For the development of a rapid methods for
identifying and quantifying fungi in the
environment.
HE0051
Respiratory dose of inhaled ultrafine
particles in healthy adults.
Philosophical Transactions of Royal
Society of London. 358:2693-2705
(2000)
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Dr. Chong S. Kim (60%)
LEVEL m
Exposure-dose relationship of inhaled ultrafine
particles in healthy men and women.
NHEERL, RTF, NC
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A-6
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
HE0054
Cancer mortality in four northern wheat-
producing states. Environmental Health
Perspectives, 108:873-881 (2000) on-
line
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Dr. Dina M. Schreinemachers
(75%)
Dr. John P. Creason (15%)
NHEERL, RTF, NC
LEVELm
A contribution to the understanding of the effects of
environmental exposures to pesticides.
HE0056
Monograph on Trichloroethylene Health
Risks-State of the Science.
Environmental Health Perspectives
Supplements, 108(supp 2):159-363
(2000)
Ms. Cheryl Siegal Scott (32%)
Dr. V. James Cogliano (8%)
Dr. Chao W. Chen (4%)
Mr. John Schaum (2%)
Dr. Chieh Wu (2%)
Dr. Jean C. Parker (2%)
Dr. Martha Moore (2%)
Ms. Karen Harrington-Brock (2%)
Dr. John Lipscomb (1%)
Dr. William K Boyes (1%)
Dr. Philip J. Bushnell (1%)
Dr. Kevin M Crofton (1%)
Dr. Marina Evans (1%)
Dr. Jane Ellen Simmons (1%)
NCEA, Washington, DC
LEVEL m
The monograph containing the state of the science
papers on trichloroethylene (TCE) toxicity
contributes to the field of risk assessment by
beginning to alter the scientific discussion on
trichloroethylene and through the advancement of
methodology used to assess potential cancer and
noncancer health risks associated with TCE. This
work which represents a collaborative effort between
the National Center for Environmental Assessment
and the National Health and Environmental Effects
Research Laboratory will be essential to a risk
characterization of trichloroethylene.
HE0057
Gestational exposure to methylmercury
alters the development pattern of trk-like
immunoreactivity in the rat brain and
results in cortical dysmorphology.
Development Brain Res., 109(1): 13-31
(1998)
(Two additional papers were part of this
nomination)
Dr. Stan Barone, Jr. (40%)
Ms. Najwa Haykal Coates (25%)
Dr. William R. Mundy (20%)
Dr. Tim Shafer (5%)
Dr. Hugh A. Tilson (5%)
NHEERL, RTF, NC
LEVEL m
Changes in Neurotrophic Factor Expression and
Signaling as Markers of Development
Neurotoxicity.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A-7
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
MM0060
Temporal Changes in Purity and
Specific Activity of Tritium-Labeled
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin:
Radiopurity Model for Toxicology.
Environmental Science and Technology,
33(20):3558-3567 (1999)
Dr. Joseph D. Fernandez (35%)
Dr. Philip M Cook (35%)
Mr. Brian C. Butterworth (20%)
NHEERL, Duluth, MN
LEVELm
New methods for quantifying dose in toxicity studies
using tritium labeled chemicals followed the
discovery of unknown reactions of TCDD.
MM0061
Microextraction of Nine Haloacetic
Acids in Drinking Water at Microgram
per Liter Levels with Electrospray-Mass
Spectrometry of Stable Association
Complexes. Analytical Chemistry,
72(10):2308-2812 (2000)
(Three additional papers were part of this
nomination)
Dr. Matthew L. Magnuson (37.5%)
Catherine A. Kelty (37.5%)
Dr. Thomas F. Speth (10%)
Edward T. Urbansky (15%)
LEVEL m
Developments in the Mass Spectrometric Analysis
of Drinking Water Contaminants: Disinfection
Byproducts and Contaminant Candidate List
Compounds.
NRMRL, Cincinnati, OH
MM0063
Effects of water quality on development of
Xenopus laevis: A frog embryo
teratogenesis assay-Xenopus
assessment of surface water associated
with malformations in native anurans.
Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry, 19 (8): 2114-2121 (2000)
Mr. Joseph E. Tietge (40%)
Dr. Gerald T. Ankley (10%)
Mr. David L. DeFoe (20%)
Mr. Gary W. Holcombe (20%)
Ms. Kathleen M Jensen (10%)
NHEERL, Duluth, MN
LEVEL m
Advancement of diagnostic techniques to identify the
causes of amphibian malformations and population
declines.
TF0076
Handbook of Property Estimation
Methods for Chemicals: Environmental
and Health Sciences. 2000
Dr. Robert S. Boethling (45%)
Dr. David Lynch (5%)
Dr. Stephen C. Devito (5%)
Dr. N. Lee Wolfe (5%)
LEVEL m
For substantial contributions to the updated
handbook of physical chemical property estimation
methods, a primary reference document for
researchers and scientists in the field of
environmental fate and transport. The work
comprehensively reviews the many recent
improvements in chemical property and
environmental fate estimation methods, and focuses
on the properties most critical to fate assessment.
OPPTS, Washington, DC
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A-8
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
TF0077
Ratio of the Concentration of
Anthraquinone to Anthracene in Coastal
Marine Sediments. Chemosphere,
38(10):15 (1999)
Mr. Richard A McKinney (50%)
Dr. Richard J. Pruell (25%)
Dr. Robert M Burgess (25%)
NHEERL, Narragansett, RI
LEVELm
Ratio of anthraquinone to anthracene as an indicator
of the source of contaminant input to coastal marine
sediments.
TF0084
The Application of In Situ Permeable
Reactive (zero-valent iron) Barrier
Technology for the Remediation of
Chromate-Contaminated Groundwater:
A Field Test. Applied Geochemistry,
14(8): 989-1000 (1999)
Dr. Robert W. Puls (75%)
Ms. Cynthia J. Paul (15%)
NRMRL, Ada, OK
LEVEL m
Research and development of permeable reactive
barriers as an innovative in situ remedial approach
for the cost-effective restoration of contaminated
ground water resources.
TF0088
Influence of environmental changes on
degradation of chiral pollutants in soils.
Nature, 401:898-901 (1999)
Dr. David L. Lewis (35%)
Dr. Arthur W. Garrison (30%)
NERL, Athens, GA
LEVEL m
For research demonstrating that environmental
changes may alter the relative persistence of the
enantiomers of chiral pollutants.
TF0090
Sediment-Mediated Reduction of 2,4,6-
Trinitrotoluene and Fate of the Resulting
Aromatic (Poly)amines. Environmental
Science and Technology, 33(1S):2617-
2625 (1999)
Dr. Eric J. Weber (60%)
NERL, Athens, GA
LEVEL m
For elucidating pathways for the reductive
transformation of munitions in environmental
systems.
TF0094
Effect of Redox Zonation on the Reductive
Transformation of p-Cyanonitrobenzene
in a Laboratory Sediment Column.
Environmental Science and Technology,
34 (17):3617-3622 (2000)
Dr. Eric J. Weber (25%)
Ms. Dalizza Colon (25%)
Dr. Caroline L. Tebes-Stevens
(25%)
NERL, Athens, GA
LEVEL m
For contributing to the elucidation of the factors that
control reductive transformations in the
environment.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A-9
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
TF0096
Quantitation of perchlorate ion by
electrospray ionization mass
spectrometry (ESI-MS) using stable
association complexes with organic
cations and bases to enhance selectivity.
Journal of Analytical Atomic
Spectrometry, 14(12): 1861-1866 (1999)
(Five additional papers were part of this
nomination)
Mr. Edward T. Urbansky (44%)
Dr. Matthew L. Magnuson (34%)
Ms. Catherine A. Kelty (5%)
Ms. Stephanie K Brown (4%)
LEVELm
For monitoring perchlorate in environmental
samples using adapted chromatographic and new
mass spectrometric methods.
NRMRL, Cincinnati, OH
RA0097
Monograph entitled: "Identifying
Critical Windows of Exposure for
Children's Health" composed of 15
reports. Environmental Health
Perspectives, 108(supp3):449-597
(2000)
Dr. Sherry G. Selevan (33 a%)
Dr. Carole A. Kimmel (33 a%)
Dr. Pauline Mendola (33 a%)
NCEA, Washington, DC
LEVEL m
For outstanding work to compile and integrate
information on critical windows of exposure for
children's health effects and its use in risk
assessment.
RA0108
Can fluoridation affect lead(II) in potable
water? Hexafluorosilicate and fluoride
equilibria in aqueous solution.
International Journal of Environmental
Studies (B), 57:597-637(2000)
Mr. Edward T. Urbansky (60%)
Mr. Michael R. Schock (40%)
NRMRL, Cincinnati, OH
LEVEL m
For a comprehensive review of hexafluorosilicate
and fluoride chemistry and its application to potable
water treatment.
RM0117
Locating Leaks with Acoustic
Technology. Journal of the American
Water Works Association, 92(7):57-66
(2000)
Mr. Anthony N. Tafuri (100%)
NRMRL, Cincinnati, OH
LEVEL m
Development of acoustic technology for more
accurate detection and location of small leaks in
water distribution systems.
Nominations Recommended for Honorable Mention (No Cash Award)- Total of Twenty-One
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A- 10
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
CS0004
Comparison of Particle Size
Distributions and Elemental Partitioning
from the Combustion of Pulverized Coal
and Residual Fuel Oil. Journal of the
Air & Water Management Association,
50:1532-1544 (2000)
Dr. William P. Linak (40%)
Dr. C Andrew Miller (40%)
Honorable
Mention
For advances in the understanding of the
mechanisms governing the formation of fine
particles from coal and fuel oil combustion.
NRMRL,RTP, NC
CS0012
On-Road Emission Sampling of a Heavy-
Duty Diesel Vehicle for Polychlorinated
Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Polychlorinated
Dibenzo Furans. Environmental Science
and Technology,
10.1021/es991236+(2000 web edition)
Mr. Jeffrey V. Ryan (50%)
Dr. Brian K Gullett (50%)
Honorable
Mention
Development of on-road methodology to characterize
PCDD/PCDF emissions from Heavy Duty Diesel
Vehicles
NRMRL,RTP,NC
ER0019
Tropical Mexico's recent land-use
change: a region's contribution to the
global carbon cycle. Ecological
Applications, 10(5): 1426-1441 (2000)
Mr. Michael A. Cairns (55%)
NHEERL, CorvaUis, OR
Honorable
Mention
ER0020
The effect of irradiance spectra on the
photo-induced toxicity of three polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons. Environmental
Toxicology and Chemistry, 19(5): 1389-
1396 (2000)
Dr. Stephen A. Diamond (50%)
Dr. David R. Mount (10%)
Dr. Lawrence P. Burkhard (10%)
Dr. Gerald T. Ankley (10%)
Ms. Elizabeth A. Makynen (10%)
Mr. Edward N. Leonard (10%)
NHEERL, Duhith, MN
Honorable
Mention
In recognition of research contributing significantly
to the incorporation of photoactivation in assessment
of the ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A- 11
-------
Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
ER0024
The significance of growth in
Chironomus tentans sediment toxicity
tests: relationship to reproduction and
demographic endpoints. Environmental
Toxidolagy and Chemistry, 16(2): 336-
345 (1997)
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Dr. Gerald T. Ankley (35%)
Mr. Duane Benoit (30%)
Honorable
Mention
Development of chronic methods and validation of
sublethal endpoints for Chironomus tentans toxicity
testing to assess the effects of contaminated
sediments.
NHEERL, Duluth, MN
ER0030
The Chemistry and Toxicity of Sediment
Affected by Oil from the North Cape
Spilled into Rhode Island Sound. Marine
Pollution Bulletin, 38(4):314-323(1999)
Dr. Kay Ho (30%)
Dr. James S. Latimer (15%)
Dr. Richard J. Pruell (15%)
Ms. Marguerite Pelletier (15%)
Mr. Richard McKinney (5%)
Ms. Saroja Jayaraman (5%)
NHEERL, Narragansett, RI
Honorable
Mention
The development of relationships between chemistry
and toxicity in sediments after an oil spill.
HE0041
Dose-response relationships for
polyhalogenated dibenzo-p-dioxin and
dibenzofurans following subchronic
treatment in mice: CYP1A1 and
CYP1A2 enzyme activity in liver, lung
and skin. Toxicology and Applied
Pharmacology, 147(2):267-280 (1997)
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Dr. Michael DeVito (40%)
Dr. Linda Birnbaum (20%)
Ms. Janet Diliberto (10%)
Mr. David Ross (25%)
Honorable
Mention
Development of methodologies to determine the
relative potencies of toxicants.
NHEERL, RTF, NC
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A- 12
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Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
HE0043
Role of CYP1A2 in Hepatic
Sequestration of Dioxin: Studies Using
CYP1A2 Knock-Out Mice. Biochemical
and Biophysical Research
Communications, 236:431-433 (1997)
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Ms. Janet Diliberto (70%)
Dr. Linda Birnbaum (25%)
Honorable
Mention
In recognition of research using knockout mice to
determine the role of CYP1A2 on the
pharmacokinetics of dioxin.
NHEERL, RTF, NC
HE0045
Ozone effects on airway responsiveness,
lung injury, and inflammation.
Comparative rat strain and in vivo/in
vitro investigations. Inhalation
Toxicology, 11:1015-1040 (1999)
Dr. Janice A. Dye (50%)
Dr. Michael C. Madden (10%)
Ms. Judy H Richards (10%)
Mr. James R Lehmann (10%)
Dr. Robert B. Devlin (10%)
Dr. Daniel L. Costa (10%)
NHEERL, RTF, NC
Honorable
Mention
For the comprehensive and critical evaluation of the
parallelisms between in vivo and in vitro
investigations on ozone-induced pulmonary health
effects.
HE0049
Application of a Probabilistic Risk
Assessment Methodology to a Lead
Smelter Site. Human and Ecological
Risk Assessment, 5(4):845-868 (1999)
Dr. Susan Griffin (60%)
Region 8 (EPR-PS), Denver, CO
Honorable
Mention
The use of a novel probabilistic technique to
characterize variability and uncertainty in childhood
lead exposure at a Superfund smelter site.
HE0053
A Modeling Framework for Estimating
Children's Residential Exposure and
Dose to Chlorpyrifos via Dermal Residue
Contact and Nondietary Ingestion.
Environmental Health Perspectives,
108(6): 505-514 (2000)
Dr. Valerie Zartarian (50%)
Dr. Haluk Ozkaynak (30%)
Dr. Janet Burke (5%)
Dr. Marcia (Zufall (5%)
Dr. Marc Rigas (5%)
Dr. Edwin Furtaw (5%)
NERL, RTF, NC
Honorable
Mention
A novel model to study children's residential
exposure to pesticides from multiple pathways.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A- 13
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Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
MM0062
Ascorbic acid treatment to reduce
residual halogen-based oxidants prior to
the determination of halogenated
disinfection byproducts in potable water.
Journal of Environmental Monitoring,
l(6):471-476 (1999)
(Two additional papers were part of this
nomination)
Mr. Edward T. Urbansky (75%)
Ms. Kathleen M. Schenck (15%)
Honorable
Mention
For advances in methods used to determine
disinfection byproducts and their toxicity in the
analysis of potable water.
NRMRL, Cincinnati, OH
MM0074
Fluorescent in situ detection of
Encephalitoioon hettem spores with a 6-
carboxyfluorescein-labeled ribosomal
RNA-targeted oligonucleotide probe.
Journal ofEukaryotic Microbiology,
47(3):299-308 (2000)
Dr. Frank W. Schaefer, m (30%)
Dr. H.D. Alan Lindquist (40%)
Honorable
Mention
For a key contribution in development of a detection
method for microsporidian parasites in water.
NERL, Cincinnati, OH
TF0078
Unavailability and trophic transfer of
humic-bound copper from bacteria to
zooplankton. Marine Ecol Prog. Ser.,
187:67-75 (1999)
(One additional paper was part of this
nomination)
Dr. Emile M Lores (80%)
Honorable
Mention
For Contributing to the Understanding of the
Unavailability of Copper to Copepods and other
marine organisms.
NHEERL, Gulf Breeze, FL
TF0079
Toward error analysis of large-scale
forest carbon budgets. Global Ecology
andBiogeography, 9:305-313 (2000)
Dr. Donald L. Phillips (85%)
NHEERL, Corvattis, OR
Honorable
Mention
Quantifying uncertainties in monitoring forest
carbon stocks on a national scale.
TF0080
A Two-Region Nonequilibrium Model for
Solute Transport in Solution Conduits in
Karstic Aquifers. Journal of
Contaminant Hydrology, 44:329-351
(2000)
Malcolm S. Field (90%)
Paul F. Pinsky (10%)
NCEA, Washington, DC
Honorable
Mention
Scientific and Technological Achievement Award for
the development of a two-region nonequilibrium
model to define solute transport in solution conduits
in karstic aquifers.
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A- 14
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Nom. #
Titles and Citations of
Submitted Papers
Eligible Authors* and
Nominating Organization
Recommende
d Award
Level
Suggested Citation from Nominating
Organization
TF0091
Temporal Variability in the Basal
Isoprene Emission Factor. Tree
Physiology, 20(12): 799-805 (2000)
Chris D. Geron, (80%)
Robert R Arnts (10%)
NRMRL, RTF, NC
Honorable
Mention
Temporal isoprene emission capacity explains
observed air quality anomalies.
TF0095
Phytodegradation of p,p'-DDT and the
Enantiomers of o,p'-DDT.
Environmental Science and Technology,
34(9): 1663-1670 (2000)
Dr. Arthur W. Garrison (35%)
Dr. J. Jackson Ellington (5%)
Dr. William J. Jones (5%)
Mr. Darrell Rennels (5%)
Dr. N. Lee Wolfe (10%)
NERL, Athens, GA
Honorable
Mention
For research indicating the reaction mechanism and
showing the feasibility of degradation of DDT by
common plants.
RA0098
A survey of EPA/OPP and open
literature on selected pesticide
chemicals. II. Mutagenicity and
carcinogenicity of selected
chloroacetanilides and related
compounds. Mutation Research,
443:183-221 (1999)
Dr. Kerry L. Dearfield (35%)
Ms. Nancy E. McCarroll (30%)
Dr. Alberto Protzel (10%)
Dr. Michael D. Waters (15%)
OSP/ORD, Washington, DC
Honorable
Mention
For one of the first published EPA risk assessments
to integrate a mode of action for mutagenicity and
carcinogenicity.
RA0110
Immunoassay Techniques in
Evironmental Analysis. Encyclopedia of
Analytical Chemistry: Instrumentation
and Applications, pp. 2653-2672 (2000)
Mr. Barry Lesnik (100%)
OSWER, Washington, DC
Honorable
Mention
In recognition of outstanding contribution to the
field of immunoassay chemistry applications in
EPA's waste programs
RA0113
Radically Contested Assertions in
Ecosystem Management. Journal of
Sustainable Forestry, 9(l-2):21-34
(1999)
Dr. Robert T. Lackey (100%)
NHEERL, Corvattis, OR
Honorable
Mention
For scientific and technical achievement in
advancing the understanding of ecosystem
management and the interface between science and
policy.
Key to Acronyms used in the above Table:
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
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NCEA National Center for Environmental Assessment
NERL National Exposure Research Laboratory
NHEERL National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory
NRMRL National Risk Management Research Laboratory
NVFEL National Vehicle and Fuels Emissions Laboratory
OPPTS Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances
OSP Office of Science Policy
OSWER Office Solid Waste and Emergency Response
RTF Research Triangle Park
G:\SAB\REPORTS\2001report\EC-01-007 STAA.wpd
* NOTE: The percentages given after each name represent the percent of the total level of effort as documented in the EPA nomination.
A- 16
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