UNITED STATFS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON. O.C. 20460
February 10, 1988 SAB-EC-88-022
Honorable Lee M. Thomas
Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Dear Mr. Thomas;
The Science Advisory Board has conducted a series of scientific
reviews of Agency research programs that have proven to be a highly
useful means of assessing the quality and relevance of existing research,
identifying research needs and involving the scientific ccmnunity in the
research planning process* Such reviews have also aided internal communi-
cation within the Office of Research and Development (CRD) and between CUD
and the program offices.
In FY 87 the Science Advisory Board reviewed research programs
on land disposal, waste minimization, the mitigation of radon in houses,
drinking water disinfectants and their by-products, municipal waste com-
bustion, and extrapolation modeling. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory
Ccnroittee identified needed research for planned revisions of the National
Ambient Air Quality standards for lead and ozone. Board members also re-
viewed over 100 papers published by EPA scientists to identify those of
sufficient quality and importance to qualify for SPA's Scientific and
Technological Achievement Award. In September 1987 the Science Advisory
Board initiated development of a research strategy for the Environmental
Protection Agency. Ihe strategy will address health effects- ecological
effects; exposure? sources, transport and fate? and risk reduction.
Ihe purpose of presenting this information is to inform you that such
activities have focused both the SAB's and the Agency's thinking on research
plans and needs to a degree never before achieved through preparation and
review of the Five Year Research and Development Plan (Research Outlook).
As you know, Congress has required that the Agency provide the SAB with the
opportunity to review the plan. The Board believes that its extensive
research program reviews fulfill the spirit and intent of Congress for SAB
oversight of the Agency's program. Comments on specific issues in the five
year plan have also been addressed in individual research program reviews.
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The Board reiterates its long-standing support of research addressing
problems beyond the immediate regulatory needs of the Agency.
Sincerely,
Norton Nelson, Chairman
Executive Committee
Science Advisory Board
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