M
KS
MO
Region 7 Climate
Change Adaptation
Implementation Plan
Publication Number:
EPA-100-K-14-001M
June 2014
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Disclaimer
To the extent this document mentions or discusses statutory or regulatory authority, it does so for
informational purposes only. This document does not substitute for those statutes or regulations, and
readers should consult the statutes or regulations to learn what they require. Neither this document, nor
any part of it, is itself a rule or a regulation. Thus, it cannot change or impose legally binding
requirements on EPA, States, the public, or the regulated community. Further, any expressed intention,
suggestion or recommendation does not impose any legally binding requirements on EPA, States, tribes,
the public, or the regulated community. Agency decision makers remain free to exercise their discretion
in choosing to implement the actions described in this Plan. Such implementation is contingent upon
availability of resources and is subject to change.
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Preface
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is committed to identifying and responding to the
challenges that a changing climate poses to human health and the environment.
Scientific evidence demonstrates that the climate is changing at an increasingly rapid rate, outside the
range to which society has adapted in the past. These changes can pose significant challenges to the
EPA's ability to fulfill its mission. The EPA must adapt to climate change if it is to continue fulfilling its
statutory, regulatory and programmatic requirements. The Agency is therefore anticipating and planning
for future changes in climate to ensure it continues to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and
the environment even as the climate changes.
In February 2013, the EPA released its draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan to the public for review
and comment. The plan relies on peer-reviewed scientific information and expert judgment to identify
vulnerabilities to EPA's mission and goals from climate change. The plan also presents 10 priority
actions that EPA will take to ensure that its programs, policies, rules, and operations will remain
effective under future climatic conditions. The priority placed on mainstreaming climate adaptation
within EPA complements efforts to encourage and mainstream adaptation planning across the entire
federal government.
Following completion of the draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan, each EPA National Environmental
Program Office, all 10 Regional Offices, and several National Support Offices developed a Climate
Adaptation Implementation Plan to provide more detail on how it will carry out the work called for in
the agency-wide plan. Each Implementation Plan articulates how the office will integrate climate
adaptation into its planning and work in a manner consistent and compatible with its goals and
objectives.
Taken together, the Implementation Plans demonstrate how the EPA will attain the 10 agency-wide
priorities presented in the Climate Change Adaptation Plan. A central element of all of EPA's plans is to
build and strengthen its adaptive capacity and work with its partners to build capacity in states, tribes,
and local communities. EPA will empower its staff and partners by increasing their awareness of ways
that climate change may affect their ability to implement effective programs, and by providing them
with the necessary data, information, and tools to integrate climate adaptation into their work.
Each Program and Regional Office's Implementation Plan contains an initial assessment of the
implications of climate change for the organization's goals and objectives. These "program vulnerability
assessments" are living documents that will be updated as needed to account for new knowledge, data,
and scientific evidence about the impacts of climate change on EPA's mission. The plan then identifies
specific priority actions that the office will take to begin addressing its vulnerabilities and
mainstreaming climate change adaptation into its activities. Criteria for the selection of priorities are
discussed. An emphasis is placed on protecting the most vulnerable people and places, on supporting the
development of adaptive capacity in the tribes, and on identifying clear steps for ongoing collaboration
with tribal governments.
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Because EPA's Programs and Regions and partners will be learning by experience as they mainstream
climate adaptation planning into their activities, it will be essential to evaluate their efforts in order to
understand how well different approaches work and how they can be improved. Each Implementation
Plan therefore includes a discussion of how the organization will regularly evaluate the effectiveness of
its adaptation efforts and make adjustments where necessary.
The set of Implementation Plans are a sign of EPA's leadership and commitment to help build the
nation's adaptive capacity that is so vital to the goal of protecting human health and the environment.
Working with its partners, the Agency will help promote a healthy and prosperous nation that is resilient
to a changing climate.
Bob Perciasepe
Deputy Administrator
September 2013
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Table of Contents
Program Vulnerability Assessment 6
I. Background 6
II. Discussion of Climate Change Impacts in Region 7 6
III. Region 7's Known Vulnerabilities on Climate Change Impacts 7
1. Goal 1: Taking Action Climate Change and Improving Air Quality 7
2. Goal 2: Protecting America's Waters 10
3. Goal 3: Cleaning Up Communities and Advancing Sustainable Development 13
4. Goal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution 14
5. Goal 5: Enforcing Environmental Laws 15
6. Facilities and Operations 15
7. Vulnerable Populations 15
8. Emerging Issues 18
IV. Summary Table of Climate Change Vulnerabilities 19
Region 7 Priority Actions 24
Region 7 Monitoring and Evaluation of Priority Actions 29
Conclusion 38
References 39
Appendix A: Descriptive Priority Action Matrix
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Program Vulnerability Assessment
I. Background
This assessment contains a discussion of EPA Region 7 and the climate change impacts affecting the
four-state region, as well as an examination of the risks they pose to key Region 7 Programs. It builds
on the work presented in Part 2 of EPA's Agency-wide Plan, as well as the individual assessments
completed by various Program Offices. It is structured by the goals in EPA's FY 2011-2015 Strategic
Plan, and includes a table that summarizes the programmatic vulnerabilities discussed in the narrative.
These goals include:
Goal l:Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality
Goal 2: Protecting America's Waters
Goal 3: Cleaning Up Communities and Advancing Sustainable Development
Goal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chemical s and Preventing Pollution
Goal 5: Enforcing Environmental laws
Region 7 intends to fulfill its mission, despite the consequence of a changing climate. It will stay on
course for meeting its goals, while building more resilient and climate-responsive programs. We will
work with our partners to meet the challenges of climate change through frequent, effective
coordination and decision-support.
II. Discussion of Climate ChanRe Impacts in ReRion 7
Region 7 is located in the climate regions identified by the U.S. Global Change Research Program
(GCRP): as the Great Plains and Midwest. The Region is bisected by the two climate regions along the
state lines separating Nebraska from Iowa and Kansas from Missouri. The GCRP designates the states
of Kansas and Nebraska as Great Plains, and the states of Iowa, and Missouri as the Midwest climate
region.
EPA Region 7 is made up of two distinctly different sets of landscapes, as well as significant differences
in population bases, and economic sectors making our response to climate change particularly
challenging in its complexity. Our lands are managed by four states, nine tribal nations, and a host of
federal agencies. These entities have diverse and often competing interests that include agriculture,
energy development and production, environmental protection and stewardship, manufacturing,
recreation, tourism, and commercial development. The roughly 13.8 million people in the region are
concentrated in eight metropolitan areas including St. Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines, Wichita,
Springfield, Omaha, Lincoln and Cedar Rapids. The remainder of the population is located in relatively
isolated cities and towns often separated by large distances dominated by agricultural land-use.
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The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in its Fourth Assessment report in 2007',
concluded that global warming due to human activities since 1750 is unequivocal. The report also
indicates that climate variability and warming over the past century has already had measurable
effects in the region, including increased temperatures, earlier timing of spring events, pole-ward and
upward shifts in plant and animal ranges, drought, declining ecological health, heavy precipitation
events, and habitat loss. One of the challenges in developing a climate change vulnerability
assessment and priority actions is that the predictions (many of which are listed above) vary widely and
so do the timeframes in which these impacts are predicted to occur. In the priority actions matrix,
Region 7 briefly addresses and accounts for these variations. Nevertheless, climate change impacts are
expected to intensify as greenhouse gases build up in the atmosphere, and continue to threaten our
resources, agricultural, ecosystems and human health throughout the 21st century.
Because of the diversity and wide range of climate change impacts in Region 7, priority actions
included in this are tailored to meet different needs based on eco-regions, other geographic
considerations, population, economic activity, a specific impact, or a vulnerable population.
The following suite of climate change impacts and their affects on Region 7 Programs are discussed in
the sections below. They may be discussed individually, or in combinations based on the focus of the
Strategic Plan Goal under consideration.
1. Increased tropospheric ozone pollution
2. Increased concentrations of particulate matter in the air
3. Increased degradation of indoor air
4. Increasing extreme temperatures
5. Increasing heavy precipitation events
6. Increased water temperatures
7. Decreasing precipitation days and increasing drought intensity
8. Increasing risk of floods
9. Earlier timing of spring events - define
10. Increase in and changing mix of pests*
*lncludes weeds, insects, mold, fungus, and disease
III. ReRion 7's Known Vulnerabilities to Climate ChanRe Impacts
1. Goal 1: TakinR Action on Climate ChanRe and ImprovinR Air Quality
A. Tropospheric ozone pollution is likely to increase in certain regions due to the effects of
climate change. Tropospheric, or ground-level ozone, is created by photochemical reactions of
short-lived pollutants in the atmosphere. Emissions from industrial facilities, electric utilities,
motor vehicles, chemical solvents, controlled agricultural burning, and oil and gas production
are some of the major sources of these pollutants in Region 7. High temperatures and regional
air stagnation associated with climate change may lead to more ozone formation, even with the
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same level of emissions. Some estimates have these changes occurring now. While
tropospheric ozone is higher in urban areas, some rural areas with oil and gas production
activities in Region 7 may also have high levels based on recent experiences in Region 8
regarding this industry. ." Additionally, Region 7 has observed increased ozone as a result of
prescribed burning of rangeland in advance of the growing season. Controlled burn events
release volatile organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide at low altitudes.
Controlled burning of agriculture and rangeland is applied in advance of the growing season to
prepare the land for spring agriculture growth. As growing season shifts are an effect of climate
change, the shift has the potential to lengthen the ozone season by increasing the months of
the year when conditions are conducive to the formation of troposphere ozone. Vulnerable
populations may be at a higher risk for health effects from exposure to ozone.
Increases in tropospheric ozone due to climate change may require greater pollution controls
to attain or maintain the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Region 7 works
with partners at state, local, and tribal levels to meet this standard through State
Implementation Plans (SIPs) and other measures. These efforts may need to be adjusted as
climate change progresses. Although Region 7's adaptive capacity with respect to this impact is
dependent on national standard setting efforts, there are some points of leverage and
voluntary actions that can be utilized.
B. Particulate Matter (PM) levels (both fine and course) are likely to be affected through
changes in frequency and intensity of wildfires, controlled burns and high winds. There is
evidence indicating that climate change will affect PM levels through changes in the frequency
or intensity of wildfires,'" and the effects of drought on the land. The Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported with very high confidence that in North America,
disturbances such as wildfires are increasing and are likely to intensify in a warmer future with
drier soils and longer growing seasons. This could complicate EPA Region 7 efforts to protect
public health and the environment from PM pollution. Vulnerable populations may be
especially at risk from increased exposure to PM.
Certain areas of Region 7 utilize controlled burning of rangeland to reduce invasive vegetation
and prepare the soil for new grass production for cattle grazing. Climate change has the
potential to affect how prescribed burning is utilized in rangeland management necessitating
changes in the timing of burning events to coincide with favorable conditions associated with
precipitation, winds, temperature, and the spring growing season. Changes in climate will
result in revised burning schedules and has the potential to impact air quality that effects
vulnerable populations. Additionally, drought conditions associated with climate change can
promote wind-borne dust or PM during high wind events. Wind-borne PM is principally
associated with dry soil conditions and lack of adequate vegetative cover. Due to extensive
agricultural activity in Region 7, the area is very susceptible to wind-borne PM in the early
spring during the period between land preparation (tilling, fertilizing, and planting). During this
period, the top soil is more susceptible to being distributed in the air during high wind events
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and the problem is exacerbated if the soil is dry as a result of low precipitation or elevated
temperatures which can be associated with climate change.
Region 7's adaptive capacity with respect to this impact may be limited. Increases in PM as a
result of wildfires, controlled burns, and high winds may be considered "exceptional events,"
which are exempt from certain regulatory actions under the Clean Air Act and the National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Additionally, the challenge of fire mitigation and
firefighting falls on national, regional, and local agencies with authorities peripheral of EPA's
jurisdiction. However, there may be air monitoring or risk communication opportunities that
the Region can utilize to assist other agencies in adapting to this impact."
C. Climate change may worsen the quality of indoor air and increase exposure to contaminants.
Climate change may worsen existing indoor environmental problems, and introduce new ones
due to temperature increases and an increased frequency or severity of extreme weather
events. For example, warmer temperatures may affect the emergence, evolution and
geographic ranges of pests, infectious agents and disease vectorslv. This may lead to shifting
patterns of indoor exposure to pesticides as occupants and building owners respond to new
infestations.v Additionally, heavy precipitation events may contribute to increases in indoor
dampness and building deterioration, increasing occupants' exposure to mold and other
biological contaminants, as well as emissions from building materials.
Residents may weatherize buildings to increase comfort and indoor environmental quality in
addition to saving energy. Although in general these actions should be encouraged, this may
lead to a reduction in ventilation and an increase in indoor environmental pollutants unless
measures are taken to preserve or improve indoor air quality. EPA has developed practical
guidance for improving or maintaining indoor environmental quality during home energy
upgrades or remodeling in single-family homes and schools. EPA's guidance and protocols may
need to be revised to include state and local considerations for projected climatic changes. In
addition, these programs may need to increase partnerships with other agencies to address
training needs and workforce development for building owners, managers, and others, as well
as develop new tracking mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of weatherization and
remodeling techniques as they relate to indoor environmental quality.
Residents may also spend more time indoors, and become more prone to health risks from
indoor environmental conditions. Public health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations,
may increase^. For example, more people may be exposed to indoor air contaminants in homes
in low-income areas because they have access to fewer resources to make adjustments to their
dwellings, and because these homes tend to have greater occupant density.
Region 7 can utilize various EPA programs, tools, resources, and partnerships to adapt to this
impact. For example, Region 7's Radon Program, Healthy Homes, and Healthy Schools initiatives
are avenues through which public education could occur.
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D. Climate change may affect the response of ecosystems to the atmospheric deposition of
sulfur, nitrogen, and mercury. While there is limited scientific evidence on this topic, additional
research is underway to better understand how patterns in the atmospheric deposition of
sulfur, nitrogen, and mercury with projected changes in the climate and carbon cycle will affect
ecosystem growth, species changes, surface water chemistry, and mercury methylation (a
natural process which makes mercury biologically available to fish and humans) and
bioaccumulation. The potential impacts could have consequences for the effectiveness of
ecosystem protection from Region 7's emissions reduction programs.
Because of current fish consumption advisory programs, there is already heightened
awareness of the issue of mercury contamination in lakes, rivers and streams in Region 7. This
may present an opportunity to adapt to the impact through partnerships and public education.
Region 7 may want to provide additional educational focus for populations where subsistence
fishing is pervasive.
2. Goal 2: ProtectinR America's Waters
A. Climate change may affect EPA's ability to protect and restore watersheds, aquatic
ecosystems and wetlands. Warmer air temperatures will result in warmer water, potentially
leading to low oxygen levels and hypoxia, harmful algal blooms, and changes in the toxicity of
some pollutants. Aquatic life may be replaced by other species better adapted to the warmer
water, and this process may occur at an uneven pace disrupting aquatic system health and
allowing non-indigenous and/or invasive species to become established1. Additionally,
temperature increases may lead to water losses from increased evapotranspiration rates.
Heavier precipitation may increase flood risk, expand floodplain areas, increase the variability
of stream flows, and increase erosion from high water velocity. An increase in storm event
frequency and intensity can result in more nutrients, pathogens, and toxins being washed into
water bodies, especially if they result in sewer overflows and wastewater bypasses.
Drought, changing patterns of precipitation, as well as increased evapotranspiration, may lead
to reduced stream flow later in the summer, altering aquatic environments and increasing
impairments. These impacts may also threaten certain aquatic ecosystems that are found the
region, such as prairie potholes of Iowa, and floodplains of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers,
reducing the habitat they provide for plants and animalslx.
These climate impacts may have adverse effects on Region 7's work to protect water quality,
and the health of watersheds, aquatic ecosystems and wetlands. Additional water bodies may
have trouble meeting water quality standards and may need to be listed as impaired. Nonpoint
pollution control programs may need to be adjusted to reflect changing conditions. The
scientific basis of water quality standard development and implementation could be threatened
by shifting baselines. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) considerations may need to be
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expanded to provide greater protections. Finally, the economic and cultural practices of tribal
communities may be impacted.
These program vulnerabilities may require greater use of biological monitoring and assessment
techniques, management techniques that build resilience into aquatic environments, and the
management of wetlands for storm water control purposes and to buffer the impacts of
drought. Region 7's adaptive capacity with respect to this impact is varied, and there may be
numerous points of leverage and opportunities that can be explored.
B. Drinking water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure may be affected. Heavier
precipitation may increase the risk of floods, expand floodplains, and cause more nutrients,
pathogens, and toxins to be washed into water bodiesx. This could damage or overwhelm water
infrastructure, and lead to releases of waterborne diseases and pathogens. In urban areas,
storm water collection and management systems may need to be redesigned to handle the
increased capacity. Low stream flows due to drought, earlier spring runoff, reduction in
snowpack (snowpack in the mountains and upstream effects summertime flows in rivers
coursing across Region 7 including the Missouri River, both Platte Rivers, the Loup River, the
Little Blue River and the Solomon River), and increased evapotranspiration may affect drinking
water intakes and wastewater outfalls. Uncontrolled and controlled burning events also scorch
soils, leading to more runoff and erosion. Drinking water and wastewater utilities will need to
consider these climate change impacts and the concept of non-stationaryxl in their planning
activities. Additionally, vulnerable populations may have problems accessing safe drinking
water due to these infrastructure challenges.
The Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) may be stressed as the
need for additional investments in water infrastructure increases. Region 7 and its State
partners may need to re-prioritize project requests due to increasing and changing
needs at the local level. Tribes and other vulnerable populations may require special
considerations with respect to climate change and water infrastructure challenges.
Region 7's work to promote green infrastructure*" in urban areas may be more in
demand to serve multiple purposes: manage storm water runoff, flood mitigation, air
quality management, and urban heat island reduction. Additional resources and funding
may be required to address this significant impact in Region 7.
C. The quality and availability of safe drinking water may be affected. Drought, changing
patterns of precipitation, and increased evapotranspiration may result in changes to the
availability and demand for drinking water. Competing uses of water in the agriculture,
industry, and energy production sectors may also increase. These factors may shift demand to
underground sources of water, or prompt development of reservoirs or other water retention
strategies.
Wildfires can foul water and challenge water-treatment facilities. Heavy precipitation
events may exacerbate the problem, leading to more runoff of sediment and other
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contaminants into drinking water sources, requiring additional treatment. Drinking
water intakes and wastewater outfalls could be overwhelmed or damaged, causing an
increased incidence of waterborne diseases and pathogens. Increased water
temperatures may also lead to an increased growth of algae and microbes that may
affect drinking water quality.
Various Region 7 Programs protect drinking water quality, and are concerned with the
availability of water supplies. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
discharge permits for wastewater and storm water from municipal and other facilities may
need to be adjusted to maintain water quality. As the need for water retention grows, NEPA
reviews of water supply and storage projects may increase. There may also be a need to
enhance or construct wetlands, requiring permits.
Limited water availability and drought in some regions may require drinking water providers to
reassess the security of their water supplies, and consider alternative pricing, allocation, and
water conservation options. Region 7's work to promote voluntary actions through the
Sustainable Water Infrastructure programs, Climate Ready Water Utilities initiatives, and
WaterSense, may be more in demand. Adapting to this impact may be compromised by a lack
of resources.
D. Agricultural production demands on ground and surface water resources may increase.
Agriculture is the main economic activity and greatest sector user of water resources in Region
7 states. The agriculture industry relies heavily on precipitation, surface and ground water
resources to maintain production of food and feed products. Drought and changing patterns of
precipitation may result in farmers, ranchers, and land owners relying more heavily on water
from surface runoff and the ground to maintain agriculture-related production. This increase
demand will result in reduced stream flows and reduction in water table levels which could
adversely affect water quality and availability for human consumption and ecosystems.
Ground and surface water resources are managed and controlled under a variety of state and
federal oversight entities. These include state boards and regional cooperatives or districts that
manage ground water with drawl and surface water diversion within the state that is used for
crop irrigation and drinking water. At the federal level agencies, such as the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) and the US Army Corp of Engineers, manage land activities and navigable
waters of the United States both of which have a significant impact on water availability to the
regional agriculture sector and drinking water systems.
The eastern states of Region 7 (Iowa and Missouri) located in the climate region defined by the
GCRP as the Midwest rely predominantly on precipitation and surface water to support
agriculture production. As the quantity and timing of precipitation varies as a result of climate
change, the agriculture industry may not be able to rely on precipitation to provide the water
necessary to sustain crop production. In response, a greater reliance on surface water and
ground water may occur which will reduce the ground water levels. As the industry relies more
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on ground water, there is greater potential for contamination and degradation of the resource
due to the greater number of wells and decrease in ground water volume. Increased wells
provide opportunities for surface contaminants to enter the resource, through poor well design
or well completion. Ground water degradation also occurs as the resource is depleted and
dissolved solids make up a greater percentage of the resource volume. In Missouri, where the
majority of communities, and residents outside of municipalities, rely on ground water for
drinking water, a reduction in ground water level and quality will negatively impact the public's
access to affordable clean drinking water.
The western states of Region 7 (Kansas and Nebraska) located in the climate region defined by
the GCRP as the Great Plains rely predominantly on ground water and to a lesser extent
precipitation to support agriculture production. Nebraska ranks first nationally with over 8.5
million acres of irrigated landxl", and Kansas ranks 7th with over 2.7 million acres of irrigated
landxlv. As the Great Plains region is more arid than the Midwest region, decreased
precipitation is expected for this region under nearly all climate change modeling scenarios.
Consequently, we anticipate that the agriculture sector in these two states will rely on
groundwater resource to an even greater degree than currently to sustain current levels of
agriculture production.
The main ground water resource in western Nebraska and Kansas is the Ogallala Aquifer, one of
the largest aquifer systems in the world and the principal geologic unit of the High Plains
Aquifer System. In 2005, the USGS estimated that total water withdraw from the aquifer
amounted to approximately 9% since 1950, or 2.5 million acre feet of water from the aquifer's
total water storage capacity of 2.9 billion acre feetxv. The Ogallala Aquifer, like most
underground sources of water, depends on precipitation to recharge, and the rate of recharge
does not match the rate of withdraw. In areas of western Nebraska, natural resource
management districts have been put in place to regulate the number of wells and the amount
of water than can be withdrawn from the aquifer as these areas have measured substantial
reductions in the depth that fresh water can be accessed in the aquifer50". Like Missouri,
communities located in Kansas and Nebraska depend almost entirely on ground water for
public drinking water systems. In rural areas of both Nebraska and Kansas, we find that the
vast majority of homes utilize ground water as the predominant source of water used in the
home. As ground water resource are utilized more extensively (especially by the agriculture
sector), the resource will become less available for use as a drinking and public water resource.
The Region 7 States and federal entities servicing the agriculture sector need to consider
how greater reliance on ground and surface water resources will impact the resource as
a result of climate change, as well as the impact on communities that share the ground
water resource. We anticipate that Region 7's resources supporting public drinking
water systems will be in greater demand as public utilities spend greater resources
accessing clean water, and/or developing systems that reuse water. Additionally, the
Agency may find it necessary to develop new programs to ensure the safety of ground
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water resources from contamination due to increased pumping and an increased
number of wells.
3. Goal 3: CleaninR Up Communities and AdvancinR Sustainable Development
A. Contaminated Sites and Waste Management may be threatened. Heavy precipitation events,
floods, and wildfires may threaten contaminated sites in Region 7 and the remedies put in place
to cleanup and prevent releases of hazardous substances. Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA) activities to treat, store, or dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous waste may also
be threatened. Extreme temperatures and other weather events may lead to a loss of electrical
power, affecting the operations of treatment and waste management facilities. Landfill capacity
may be insufficient to handle surges in hazardous and municipal wastes from floods and other
extreme weather events.
Region 7's Superfund, RCRA, and Brownfield programs may need to alter chemical containment
strategies to ensure protection of groundwater and adjacent sites. RCRA permitting activities
may increase or requirements may need to be updated to reflect current and future climate
impacts. Current scientific monitoring and sampling protocols on sites may no longer be
effective and may require adjustments. The adaptive capacity to this impact is largely
dependent on available funding and resources, but there may be points of leverage or
innovative technologies that could be utilized for site remediation or materials management.
B. Climate change may lead to an increased need for emergency response. Due to an increase in
heavy precipitation events, floods, and wildfires, as well as other extreme weather events like
severe winds and tornados that may be exacerbated by climate change, Region 7's emergency
response and disaster recovery efforts may increase. Subsequently, this may lead to limitations
in the Region's response capabilities due to staff and financial resource constraints. The
adaptive capacity to this impact is dependent on available funding and resources and the
occurrence frequency of natural disasters regionally and nationally.
4. Goal 4: Ensuring the safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution
A. The ability to protect human health and ecosystems from chemical risks may be affected.
Climate change may affect exposures to a wide range of chemicals because of changing
environmental conditions or use patterns. For example, it may lead to increased pest pressure
and a changing mix of pests, affecting how, when, where, and what pesticides are used. The
earlier timing of spring events, like increased temperatures and the emergence of leaves,
flowers, and pollinators, may lead to a longer growing season and an increase in the quantity of
pesticides usedxv". Other climate impacts like drought, extreme temperatures, and heavy
precipitation may lead to abandoned fields, changes in crop mixes and farming methods, and
increase runoff into streams and rivers, increasing exposures. There may also be an increase in
spraying and other chemical use to control mosquitoes and rodents in response to certain
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health threats. Vulnerable populations, particularly children, may be at a higher risk for health
effects from exposure to pesticides.
Region 7's efforts to reduce exposures may be affected by these impacts. There may also be an
increase in requests for emergency exemptions for unregistered pesticides, state/local special
need registrations, as well as requests to approve additional or new end uses of registered
products. These requests are handled by EPA Headquarters, but Region 7 monitors and
supports them as appropriate to ensure a timely response. Additionally, Region 7's work to
promote Integrated Pest Management and other sustainable agriculture practices may be more
in demand. Region 7's adaptive capacity to this impact is largely dependent on available
funding and resources.
5. Goal 5: EnforcinR Environmental Laws
A. Climate change may affect environmental monitoring and sampling in various media. Heavy
precipitation events, floods, and wildfires, as well as other extreme weather events like severe
winds and tornados that may be exacerbated by climate change, could cause damage to Region
7's environmental monitoring assets and prevent access. This impact could delay our efforts to
ensure compliance with environmental requirements by regulated entities, and take effective
enforcement action in case of violations. Adapting to this impact may require a shift in
resources and funding.
6. Facilities and Operations
A. Operations of Region 7 facilities, including water and energy use, may be affected. Increased
temperatures may impact cooling requirements in the summer, but may decrease the need for
heat in the winter. The operation of Region 7 facilities could also be affected by water
shortages due to drought, electric power interruptions due to extreme weather events like
heavy precipitation, tornadoes, and wildfires that affect local air quality and the health of
personnel. Drought and extreme temperatures may also make it more difficult to maintain
green infrastructure, upon which Region 7 relies for storm water management services, among
other things, at its Regional Headquarters building in Lenexa, KS.
Region 7's adaptive capacity to this impact is reliant on resources to purchase available water
and energy, and avoid the health impacts of reduced air quality. Personnel also have the
capacity to work remotely for an extended period of time. Depending on the circumstances,
this may alleviate some of the vulnerabilities to the operation of Region 7 facilities.
7. Vulnerable Populations
Partnerships with Tribes. EPA values its unique government-to-government relationship with Indian
tribes in planning and decision making. This trust responsibility has been established over time and is
further expressed in the 1984 EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian
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Reservations and the 2011 Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes. These policies
recognize and support the sovereign decision-making authority of tribal governments.
Supporting the development of adaptive capacity among tribes is a priority for the EPA. Tribes are
particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to the integral nature of the environment
within their traditional lifeways and culture. There is a strong need to develop adaptation strategies
that promote sustainability and reduce the impact of climate change on Indian tribes.
EPA engaged tribes through a formal consultation process in the development of the Agency's Climate
Change Adaptation Plan. Tribes identified some of the most pressing issues as erosion, temperature
change, drought and various changes in access to and quality of water. Tribes recommended a number
of tools and strategies to address these issues, including improving access to data and information;
supporting baseline research to better track the effects of climate change; developing community-level
education and awareness materials; and providing financial and technical support. At the same time,
tribes challenged EPA to coordinate climate change activities among federal agencies so that resources
are better leveraged and administrative burdens are reduced.
This Implementation Plan identifies specific steps that will be taken to partner with tribal governments
on an ongoing basis to increase their adaptive capacity and address their adaptation-related priorities.
These collaborative efforts will benefit from the expertise provide by our tribal partners and the
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) they possess. TEK is a valuable body of knowledge in assessing
the current and future impacts of climate change and has been used by tribes for millennia as a
valuable tool to adapt to changing surroundings. Consistent with the principles in the 1984 Indian
Policy, TEK is viewed as a complementary resource that can inform planning and decision-making.
Networks and partnerships already in place will be used to assist tribes with climate change issues,
including Regional Tribal Operations Committees, the Region 7 Office of Tribal Affairs, the Institute for
Tribal Environmental Professionals and the Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP). Additionally,
efforts will be made to coordinate with other Regional and Program Offices in EPA, since climate
change has many impacts that transcend media and regional boundaries. Transparency and
information sharing will be a focus, in order to leverage activities already taking place within EPA
Offices and tribal governments.
Vulnerable populations may be at a higher risk from climate change impacts. Certain parts of the
population, such as children, the elderly, minorities and the poor, persons with underlying medical
conditions and disabilities, those with limited access to information, and tribal and indigenous
populations, can be especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Also, certain geographic
locations and communities are particularly vulnerable, such as those located in flood-prone areas. One
of the principles guiding EPA's efforts to integrate climate adaptation into its programs, policies and
rules calls for its adaptation plans to prioritize helping people, places and infrastructure that are most
16
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vulnerable to climate impacts, and to be designed and implemented with meaningful involvement
from all parts of society.
This Implementation Plan identifies key programmatic vulnerabilities and the priority actions that will
be taken to address those vulnerabilities over time. As the work called for in this Plan is conducted, the
communities and demographic groups most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change will be
identified. The Agency will then work in partnership with these communities to increase their adaptive
capacity and resilience to climate change impacts. These efforts will be informed by experiences with
previous extreme weather events (e.g., Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy) and the subsequent
recovery efforts.
Today, rural agriculture communities face an array of challenges. In 1950, 82 percent of the world's
population was ruralxvl". Rural communities now comprise 17 percent of the population and about 80
percent of the country's total land areaxlx. Such resource-based economies are vulnerable to the
impacts of commodity prices, technological changes, land value dynamics, and other market
influences. Many of these communities are experiencing unemployment, poverty, population loss, the
aging of their workforces, and increasing demands for social services with fewer dollars to pay for
them. In some rural areas, these are not new trends, but generations-old issues.
As a result of such economic impacts and challenges, estimates indicate a continued decline in our
rural populations through 2050. Yet we have seen strength in agricultural production supports other
parts of the economy, particularly in rural communities. Farms and ranches buy fertilizer and seed,
invest in farm machinery, contract with custom operators, and support the many local businesses that
come together to serve farms and farming families, including restaurants and health care service
providers. High levels of production also benefit other businesses like grain elevators, bio-fuel
refineries, and processed food manufacturers. According to the industry input-output accounts for
2010, every additional dollar of final output in the agriculture, fishing, and hunting industry raises gross
output across all industries by approximately $2.20XX.
Climate change has the potential to negatively influence the livelihood of our agriculture communities
to a much greater extent than other vulnerable populations. Residents of remote communities have
limited access to non-agriculture jobs and services. Alternative employment options can be limited
due to long, expensive commutes. People who don't have access to personal vehicles or who do not
drive, such as low-income residents and senior citizens, lack mobility and could have even less access
to alternate jobs, healthcare, and other services.
Region 7 populations living with asthma are also a priority. For example, St. Louis is considered a
national asthma "hot spot". Climate change, specifically with respect to air quality (i.e. ozone and
particulate matter), indoor air quality, exposure to pests, and changes in heat and humidity will
inevitably exacerbate complications associated with asthma. We will continue to monitor this
vulnerable population and others like it as we adapt and respond to the challenges associated with
climate change.
17
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Addressing these challenges is critical, particularly within the Midwest and Region 7, where agriculture
plays such a vital role in our state economies
There may be other vulnerable populations (which may ultimately be defined by the spatial nature of
climate change impacts) who have yet to be identified. This may include metropolitan areas in harm's
way due to an increasing risk of floods, rural towns that may be at risk of losing access to safe drinking
water due to a reduction ground water levels, or agricultural communities facing a threat to their
livelihood due to extreme drought. Over time, the most vulnerable populations in Region 7 may
change as the impacts of climate change become more pronounced or shift. Identifying who the most
vulnerable populations are at this time or may be in the future will be an ongoing challenge. They will
need to be defined in the context of climate change impacts, but also in terms of socioeconomic and
natural resource considerations.
8. EmerRiriR Issues
During Region 7's internal planning sessions on climate adaptation, a number of emerging issues were
discussed that require additional scientific research before they can be considered risks to the work of
Region 7 programs. They include the following:
Wind and extreme wind events might be increasing, affecting air quality, and the migration and
deposition of pesticides and other pollutants population areas and ecosystems
The emergence of cyanobacteria toxins in surface waters might be increasing due to increased
water temperature - this may affect drinking water, requiring more treatment by water utilities
Tropospheric ozone pollution levels could increase in rural areas which could cause damage to
crops- causing lost production and result in increasing efforts to use chemicals such as fertilizers
and pesticides to compensate for such losses
Unconventional energy production development might increase, placing greater demand on
water resources, creating additional potential for groundwater contamination, and
exacerbating climate change impacts
Electric system reliability may decrease due to lack of cooling water availability as a result of
low river water events
Releases from industrial activities, rail cars, and on the road commercial truck traffic accidents
associated with extreme weather events
18
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IV. Summary Table of Climate Change Vulnerabilities
Climate Change
Impact
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Climate Change Impact
Likelihood
Regional Program
would be
Impacted
Focus of Associated Region 7 Program
Priority Actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low= 1
1.1 Increased frequency
and intensity of wildfires
Protecting the public health and the
environment by approving state programs
to meet NAAQS and respond to natural
disasters
Continue to partner with local, state and
tribal stakeholders to optimize fire
contingency plans, including SMPs and a
new National Fire Policy, to maximize
prevention and minimize impacts
1.2 Increasing extreme
temperatures
Protect public health by promoting
healthy indoor environments through
voluntary programs and guidance
Maintain and increase knowledge of
increasing health risks in indoor
environments as a result of climate
change
Promote energy efficiency and energy
star products & renewable energy
strategies
1.3 Increasing heavy
precipitation events
Protecting the public health and the
environment by approving state programs
to meet NAAQS and implementing
programs in Indian Country
Provide education on the dangers and
stress to air quality from open burning of
flood related debris and other natural
disasters
1.4 Increased
concentrations of
tropospheric pollutants
such as ozone and fine
particulate matter
Protecting the public health and the
environment by approving state programs
to meet NAAQS
Continue to partner with local and state
stakeholders to closely monitor changes
in pollution in our most vulnerable areas
(metropolitan centers) and take action
early (Ozone/PM Advance) to mitigate
new impacts and firm action through
SIPs, when appropriate.
2.1 Increasing heavy
precipitation events
- Restoring and protecting watersheds,
aquatic ecosystems and wetlands
- Drinking water, wastewater and storm
water infrastructure
- The quality and availability of safe
drinking water
Work with USACE, Section 404
programs, to incorporate climate change
impacts in permits, compensation plans
and draft EIS documents.
Work with state agencies, water and
waste water stakeholders to identify and
plan for climate change challenges by
using Climate Ready Water Utility tools.
Work with States, USDA, and other
local partners to prioritize watersheds
with improvements to the sources of
drinking water impacted by nutrients and
other contaminants. Assessments for
improvement includes ground water and
surface water sources
19
-------
Climate Change
Impact
Climate Change Impact
2.2 Decreasing
precipitation days and
increasing drought
intensity
2.3 Increased water
temperatures
2.4 Earlier timing of
spring events
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low= 1
3
J
3
3
Focus of Associated Region 7 Program
- Restoring and protecting watersheds,
aquatic ecosystems and wetlands
- Drinking water, wastewater and
stormwater infrastructure
- The quality and availability of safe
drinking water
- Restoring and protecting watersheds,
aquatic ecosystems and wetlands
- Drinking water, wastewater and
stormwater infrastructure
- The quality and availability of safe
drinkins water
- Restoring and protecting watersheds,
aquatic ecosystems and wetlands
- Drinking water, wastewater and
stormwater infrastructure
- The quality and availability of safe
drinking water
Priority Actions
Increase public awareness of the role and
importance of restoring and protecting
watershed.
Support adaptation in water resource
planning efforts through collaborative
dialogues with municipal officials, land-
use planners, developers, water
managers, and other stakeholders to
protect long-term water availability and
quality for all users
Work within the region and outside
agencies to incorporate water
conservation practices, energy
conservation and green infrastructure
Work with states, stakeholders and
communities to incorporate climate
change considerations into their water
quality planning
Work with state strategies such as state
revolving loan fund intended use plans,
capacity development strategies to
promote sustainable practices such as
energy efficiency, water resilience, and
asset management.
Work with states to better assess
potential impacts from increased water
temperatures and establish appropriate
water quality standards (e.g., designated
uses, criteria to protect those
uses). Develop attainable,
implementable, and protective permit
conditions.
Work with stakeholders to protect
drinking water, manage stormwater run-
off planning, and manage consumptive
water use from water ways
20
-------
Climate Change
Impact
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Climate Change Impact
Likelihood
Regional Program
would be
Impacted
Focus of Associated Region 7 Program
Priority Actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low= 1
3.1 Increasing heavy
precipitation events
Cleaning up contaminated sites and waste
-Use of Sustainable Materials
Management and Pollution Prevention to
prevent the generation of hazardous and
solid waste
Promote the development and use of
innovative(precipitation Neutral)
technologies and practices for site
remediation & materials management
and emergency response
Promote the principles of source
reduction, reuse and recycle to make
room for unexpected volume resulting
from climate change events
4.1- Decreasing
precipitation days and
increasing drought
intensity
Protecting human health and ecosystems
from chemical risks
Continue to promote Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and other
sustainable agriculture practices as new
products and strategies become available
Promote the use of best management
practices to reduce pesticide runoff into
surface water after precipitation events
due to drought-induced soil
impermeability
4.2 - Increasing extreme
temperatures
Protecting human health and ecosystems
from chemical risks
Continue to promote Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and other
sustainable agriculture practices as new
products and strategies become available
4.3 - Increasing heavy
precipitation events
Protecting human health and ecosystems
from chemical risks
Continue to promote Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and other
sustainable agriculture practices as new
products and strategies become available
Promote the use of best management
practices to reduce pesticide runoff into
surface water.
4.4 - Earlier timing of
spring events
Protecting human health and ecosystems
from chemical risks
Continue to promote Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and other
sustainable agriculture practices as new
products and strategies become available
Coordinate with the Region's State Lead
Agencies to ensure the availability and
proper use of Section 18 Emergency
Exemption registrations, Section 24(c)
Special Local Need registrations, and
Emergency Use Permits.
Provide relevant information to
Headquarters to be used during the
pesticide registration/re-registration
process.
21
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Climate Change
Impact
Climate Change Impact
4.5 - Increase in and
changing mix of pests
5.1- Earlier timing of
spring events
52 Increased
frequency and intensity
of wildfires
6.1- Decreasing
precipitation days and
increasing drought
intensity
6.2 - Increasing extreme
temperatures
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low= 1
2
2
2
1
1
Focus of Associated Region 7 Program
Protecting human health and ecosystems
from chemical risks
Conducting environmental sampling in
various media to determine exposure and
risk
Conducting environmental sampling in
various media to determine exposure and
risk
Continue to use the Region's EMS to
promote staff water use efficiencies,
monitor water availability through local
provider, and work with Landlord to
develop contingency plans for various
levels of mandatory water use reductions
if necessary
Continue to use the Region's EMS to
champion FMSD & SHEMD identified
energy use reduction projects at the STC
aimed at reducing air exchange rates in
the laboratory spaces
Priority Actions
Continue to promote Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and other sustainable
agriculture practices as new products and
strategies become available
Coordinate with the Region's State Lead
Agencies to ensure the availability and proper
use of Section 1 8 Emergency Exemption
registrations, Section 24(c) Special Local
Need registrations, and Emergency Use
Permits.
Provide relevant information to Headquarters
to be used during the pesticide registration/re-
registration process.
Provide states, Lribes and stakeholders with
technical assistance and consultation to help
them address emerging pesticide issues.
Evaluate the Region's monitoring and
sampling methods and strategies and
make changes to accommodate shifts in
seasons
Maintain a situation awareness to
identify any emerging pesticide
enforcement issues
Coordinate with the Region's state lead
agencies to address pesticide misuse
incidents
Focus on NAAQs and water standards
compliance (increased run-off in fire
areas)
Continue to use the Region's EMS to
promote sustainable business practices in
energy and water efficiency
Promote personal sustainable practices
like fuel efficient transport and energy
star product
22
-------
Climate Change
Impact
Climate Change Impact
6.3 - Increasing risk of
floods
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low= 1
1
Focus of Associated Region 7 Program
Through the Region's COOP process,
continue to train staff on need to prepare
for emergency remote site work and
advocate for better VPN continuity
Priority Actions
Maintain the staffs capacity to work
remotely
23
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Region 7 Priority Actions:
Region 7 is addressing climate change adaptation in a variety of its programmatic areas of
responsibility. We will continue to integrate climate change adaptation into our existing programs and
identify new opportunities to address climate change adaptation as regulations change and new
initiatives and priorities are instituted and funding opportunities (i.e. grants, lAGs, etc) are identified.
As EPA Region 7 has finite resources and cannot address all climate change adaptation needs, we have
adopted criteria to screen potential actions. We will target climate change adaptation work based on
the following criteria:
What is the likelihood of the Regional program being impacted?
Does the action support and align with other Region 7 priorities and actions?
Is this a priority action for our partners (federal/state/tribal/local/NGOs) and are they
able to work with us towards a solution?
Does the action reduce the risk?
Does the action protect a critical resource/investment?
Would the action leverage a larger effort outside of EPA?
Does EPA have a unique role or capacity to address this issue?
What is the timeframe of the problem that this action would be addressing?
Could the action be accomplished within current budgets or would additional funds be
necessary?
Does this action have durability/sustainability/stability?
Using these criteria, priority actions were determined for each strategic goal. At the end of the priority
action is a total number of points it scored. This value was developed through a workgroup evaluation
discussed in more detail in Appendix A. This information will help the Region as it determines how to
focus its activities on program vulnerabilities given the finite resource and time. The work group will
continue to revisit these values into the future.
Priority Actions:
Goal 1: Taking Action on Climate Change and Improving Air Quality
1.1: Continue to partner with local and state stakeholders to optimize fire contingency plan, including
SMPsto maximize prevention and minimize impacts (30)
1.2: (a) Maintain and increase knowledge of increasing health risks in indoor environments as a result
of climate change (17)
(b) Work with EPA programs to target climate adaptation efforts in the most vulnerable
communities, including tribes (29)
24
-------
1.3: Provide education on the dangers and stress to air quality from open burning of flood related
debris (24)
1.4: Continue to partner with local and state stakeholders to closely monitor changes in pollution in
our most vulnerable areas (metropolitan centers) and take action early (Ozone/PM Advance) to
mitigate new impacts and firm action through SIPs, when appropriate. (27)
Goal 2: Protecting America's Waters
2.1: (a) Work with USAGE Section 404 programs to incorporate climate change impacts in permits,
compensation plans and draft EIS documents (30)
(b) Work with state agencies, water and waste water stakeholders to identify and plan for climate
change challenges by using Climate Ready Water Utility Tools (28)
(c) Work with States, USDA and other local partners to prioritize watersheds with improvements
to the sources of drinking water impacted by nutrients and other contaminants. Assessments for
improvement includes ground water and surface water sources (28)
2.2: (a) Increase public awareness of the role and importance of restoring and protecting watersheds
(28)
(b)Support adaptation in water resource planning efforts through collaborative dialogues with
municipal officials, land-use planners, developers, water managers, and other stakeholders to protect
long-term water availability and quality for all users (27)
(c) Work within the Region and outside agencies to incorporate water conservation practices,
energy conservation and green infrastructure (25)
2.3: (a) Work with states, stakeholders and communities to incorporate climate change considerations
into their water quality planning (25)
(b) Work with state strategies such as state revolving loan fund intended use plans, capacity
development strategies to promote sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, water resilience an
asset management (30)
(c) Work with states to better assess potential impacts from increased water temperatures and
establish appropriate water quality standards (e.g. designated use criteria to protect those uses).
Develop attainable, implementable, and protective permit conditions (29)
2.4: Work with stakeholders to protect drinking water, manage stormwater run-off planning, and
manage consumptive water use from water ways (27)
Goal 3: Cleaning Up America's Communities and Advancing Sustainable Development
3.1: (a) Promote the development and use of innovative technologies and practices for site
remediation & materials management (23.5)
(b) Promote the principles of source reduction, reuse and recycle to make room for unexpected
volume resulting from climate change events (25)
Goal 4: Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution
4.1: (a) Continue to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other sustainable agriculture
practices as new products and strategies become available (19)
(b) Promote the use of best management practices to reduce pesticide runoff into surface water
after precipitation events due to drought-induced soil impermeability (22)
4.2: Continue to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other sustainable agriculture
practices as new products and strategies become available (19)
25
-------
4.3: (a) Continue to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other sustainable agriculture
practices as new products and strategies become available (19)
(b) Promote the use of best management practices to reduce pesticide runoff into surface water
(22)
4.4: (a) Continue to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other sustainable agriculture
practices as new products and strategies become available (19)
(b) Coordinate with the Region's State Lead Agencies to ensure the availability and proper use of
Section 18 Emergency Exemption registrations, Section 24(c) Special Local Need registrations and
Emergency Use permits (22)
(c) Provide relevant information to Headquarters to be used during the pesticide registration/ re-
registration process(18)
4.5: (a) Continue to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and other sustainable agriculture
practices as new products and strategies become available (19)
(b) Coordinate with the Region's State Lead Agencies to ensure the availability and proper use of
Section 18 Emergency Exemption registrations, Section 24(c) Special Local Need registrations and
Emergency Use permits (22)
(c) Provide relevant information to Headquarters to be used during the pesticide registration/ re-
registration process(18)
(d) Provide States, Tribes and stakeholders with technical assistance and consultation to help
them address emerging pesticide issues (22)
Goal 5: Enforcing Environmental Laws
5.1: (a) Evaluate the Region's monitoring and sampling methods and strategies and make changes to
accommodate shifts in seasons (16)
(b) Maintain a situation awareness to identify any emerging pesticide enforcement issues (18)
(c) Coordinate with the Region's state lead agencies to address pesticide misuse incidents (23)
5.2: Focus on NAAQs and water standards compliance (increased run-off in fire areas) (29)
Facilities and Operations
6.1: Continue to use the Region's EMS to promote staff water use efficiencies, monitor water
availability through local provider, and work with Landlord to develop contingency plans for various
levels of mandatory water use reductions if necessary (16)
6.2: Continue to use the Region's EMS to champion FMSD & SHEMD identified energy use reduction
projects at the STC aimed at reducing air exchange rates in the laboratory spaces (17)
6.3: Through the Region's COOP process, continue to train staff on need to prepare for emergency
remote site work and advocate for better VPN continuity (16)
Other Priority Actions
Actions Related to ARency-Wide StrateRic Measures
The FY2011-2015 EPA Strategic Plan contains the Agency's first "strategic performance measures" for
integrating climate adaptation into its activities.xxl These strategic performance measures commit the
Agency to integrate adaptation planning into five major rulemaking processes and five major financial
assistance mechanisms by 2015. They also call for the integration of adaptation planning into five
26
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major scientific models or decision-support tools used in implementing Agency environmental
management programs.
A. Integrate Adaptation Planning into Rulemaking Processes
Explore opportunities to incorporate climate adaptation considerations into regional
rulemaking processes such as SIPs and TMDLs, as well as related data collection and analyses,
policy statements and guidance documents
B. Integrate Adaptation Planning into Financial Assistance Mechanisms
Explore opportunities to incorporate climate adaptation considerations into competitive
funding announcements in accordance with the October 18, 2011, EPA guidance memo jointly
issued by the Office of Policy and the Office of Grants and Debarment - this may include a
climate adaptation criterion wherever it is relevant to the program's mission and outcomes
27
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Region 7 Monitoring and Evaluation of Priority Actions
Region 7 will bi-annually evaluate its climate change adaptation activities to assess progress toward
mainstreaming climate change adaptation into programs, policies, rulemaking processes, and
operations. Some metrics exist that will enable the Region to measure the results of its activities -
others will need to be developed over time. Climate vulnerabilities and impacts will likely change over
time. Consequently, the priority actions and the metrics we use to measure progress on their
implementation may need to be revised or changed as the knowledge and understanding of the effects
of climate change increases.
^
ro
(D
Climate
Change
Impact
1.1 Increased
frequency and
intensity of
wildfires
1.2 Increasing
extreme
temperatures
1.3 Increasing
heavy
precipitation
events
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
Protecting the
public health and
the environment
by approving
state programs to
meet NAAQS and
implementing
programs in
Indian Country
Protect public
health by
promoting
healthy indoor
environments
through voluntary
programs and
guidance
Protecting the
public health and
the environment
by approving
state programs to
meet NAAQS and
implementing
programs in
Indian Country
Priority Actions
Continue to partner
with local, state and
tribal stakeholders to
optimize fire
contingency plans,
including SMPs and a
new National Fire
Policy, to maximize
prevention and
minimize impacts
a) Maintain and
increase knowledge of
increasing health risks
in indoor environments
as a result of climate
change
b) Work with EPA
programs to target
climate adaptation
efforts in the most
vulnerable
communities, including
tribes
Provide education on
the dangers and stress
to air quality from open
burning of flood related
debris and other
natural disasters
Evaluation
Output
Fire prevention
and contingency
plans developed
and shared.
a) outreach events
that reach public
to increase
knowledge of
health risks in
indoor
environments
b) number of
people reached
during outreach
events, increase in
energy star
products
purchased
Education of state
and local officials
and the general
public
Evaluation
Outcome
NAAQS standards
met
Improved pro-
active
management of
respiratory
diseases and
fewer emergency
room visits.
NAAQs standards
met
28
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(N
ro
O
Climate
Change
Impact
1.4 Increased
concentrations
of tropospheric
pollutants such
as ozone, fine
particulate
matter and
course
particulate
matter
2.1 Increasing
heavy
precipitation
events
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
Protecting the
public health and
the environment
by approving
state programs to
meet NAAQS
- Restoring and
protecting
watersheds,
aquatic
ecosystems and
wetlands
- Drinking water,
wastewaterand
storm water
infrastructure
-The quality and
availability of safe
drinking water
Priority Actions
Continue to partner
with local and state
stakeholders to closely
monitor changes in
pollution in our most
vulnerable areas
(metropolitan centers)
and take action early
(Ozone/PM Advance) to
mitigate new impacts
and firm action through
SIPs, when appropriate.
Work with USAGE,
Section 404 programs,
to incorporate climate
change impacts in
permits, compensation
plans and draft EIS
documents.
Work with state
agencies, water and
waste water
stakeholders to identify
and plan for climate
change challenges by
using Climate Ready
Water Utility tools.
Work with States,
USDA, and other local
partners to prioritize
watersheds with
improvements to the
sources of drinking
water impacted by
nutrients and other
contaminants.
Assessments for
improvement
includes ground water
and surface water
sources
Evaluation
Output
Number of
partners educated
Number of
partners
participating in
Ozone/PM
Advance initiatives
Meets and events
with stakeholders
discussing
agricultural and
natural resource
plans, climate
ready planning
tools.
Plans developed,
watershed
prioritized with
focus on nutrients,
permits
incorporating
provisions for
climate readiness.
Evaluation
Outcome
Protecting public
health and
environment by
meeting NAAQs
standards.
Drinking water,
wastewater, and
water
infrastructure is
designed to
withstand heavy
precipitation
events
Reduced soil
erosion/improved
water
quality/protection
of agricultural
soils and natural
resources
Impaired
waterbodies
removed from
303d lists
29
-------
Climate
Change
Impact
2.2 Decreasing
precipitation
days and
increasing
drought
intensity
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
- Restoring and
protecting
watersheds,
aquatic
ecosystems and
wetlands
- Drinking water,
wastewater and
stormwater
infrastructure
-The quality and
availability of safe
drinking water
Priority Actions
Increase public
awareness of the role
and importance of
restoring and
protecting watershed.
Support adaptation in
water resource
planning efforts
through collaborative
dialogues with
municipal officials,
land-use planners,
developers, water
managers, and other
stakeholders to protect
long-term water
availability and quality
for all users
Work within the region
and outside agencies to
incorporate water
conservation practices,
energy conservation
and green
infrastructure
Evaluation
Output
Implementation of
agriculture
funding programs
encouraging
adoption of water
conservation
practices
Conduct meetings
and participate in
events with
stakeholders on a
regular basis
focused on water
use, energy,
conservation
practices and
green
infrastructure
Evaluation
Outcome
Ecosystems,
drinking water,
wastewater, and
water
infrastructure are
designed and
operated to
withstand severe
droughts
Protection of
long-term water
availability and
quality for all uses
Stablized Ground
water reduction
trend
30
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Climate
Change
Impact
2.3 Increased
water
temperatures
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
- Restoring and
protecting
watersheds,
aquatic
ecosystems and
wetlands
- Drinking water,
wastewaterand
stormwater
infrastructure
-The quality and
availability of safe
drinking water
Priority Actions
Work with states,
stakeholders and
communities to
incorporate climate
change considerations
into their water quality
planning
Work with state
strategies such as state
revolving loan fund
intended use plans,
capacity development
strategies to promote
sustainable practices
such as energy
efficiency, water
resilience, and asset
management.
Work with states to
better assess potential
impacts from increased
water temperatures
and establish
appropriate water
quality standards (e.g.,
designated uses,
criteria to protect those
uses). Develop
attainable,
implementable, and
protective permit
conditions.
Evaluation
Output
Partnerships with
water treatment
facilities,
developers and
urban planners
established or
maintained
Conduct
stakeholder
meetings on a
regular basis
Increased
conservation
program
participation
implementing
riparian buffers
State plans
incorporating
sustainable
practices
Evaluation
Outcome
Protection of
long-term water
quality for all uses
Decreased stream
water
temperatures
31
-------
on
^~
ro
O
(D
Climate
Change
Impact
2.4 Earlier
timing of spring
events
3.1 Increasing
heavy
precipitation
events
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
- Restoring and
protecting
watersheds,
aquatic
ecosystems and
wetlands
- Drinking water,
wastewaterand
stormwater
infrastructure
-The quality and
availability of safe
drinking water
-Cleaning up
contaminated
sites and waste
-Use of
Sustainable
Materials
Management and
Pollution
Prevention to
prevent the
generation of
hazardous and
solid waste
Priority Actions
Work with stakeholders
to protect drinking
water, manage
stormwater run-off
planning, and manage
consumptive water use
from waterways
Promote the
development and use
of
innovative(precipitation
Neutral) technologies
and practices for site
remediation &
materials management
and emergency
response
Promote the principles
of source reduction,
reuse and recycle to
make room for
unexpected volume
resulting from climate
change events
Evaluation
Output
Partnerships with
stakeholders
established or
maintained
Conduct
stakeholder
meetings on a
regular basis
Development of
early season
varieties
Design,
communicate and
implement
innovative
technologies and
practices at
remediation sites
to minimize
precipitation
impacts
Increases in
participation in
SMMand P2
programs and
challenges
Evaluation
Outcome
Protection of
long-term water
quality for all uses
Drinking water,
wastewater, and
water
infrastructure are
designed to
accommodate
shifts in seasons
Improved or
sustained crop
production yields
Contaminated
sites cleaned up
designed and
implemented in a
way that
effectively
withstands heavy
precipitation
events
Overall increase
in national
diversion rate of
solid waste to
landfill and
increase in P2
metrics
32
-------
«*
"ro
0
Climate
Change
Impact
3.2 Changes in
temperature
4.1- Decreasing
precipitation
days and
increasing
drought
intensity
4.2 - Increasing
extreme
temperatures
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
Cleaning up
contaminated
sites and waste
Increase in
promotion of
Green Chemistry,
Design for the
Environment and
E3 (Energy,
Economy and
Environment) and
SMM focus areas
Protecting human
health and
ecosystems from
chemical risks
Protecting human
health and
ecosystems from
chemical risks
Priority Actions
Identify points of
leverage or external
funding sources to
build adaptive capacity
Shift in focus of
regional P2 program to
promote SMM
participation
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable
agriculture practices as
new products and
strategies become
available
Promote the use of
best management
practices to reduce
pesticide runoff into
surface water after
precipitation events
due to drought-induced
soil impermeability
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable
agriculture practices as
new products and
strategies become
available
Evaluation
Output
Design,
communicate and
implement
innovative
technologies and
practices at
remediation sites
to minimize
temperature
impacts
Increase number
of successful grant
proposals
including focus
areas
Outreach
conducted on IPM
when new
agriculture
practices/products
are available
Outreach
conducted on IPM
when new
agriculture
practices/products
are available
Evaluation
Outcome
Contaminated
sites cleaned up
designed and
implemented in a
way that
effectively
withstands
temperature
changes
Emergency
response efforts
incorporate
sustainability
Flooding events
are not further
complicated by
contamination
Human health is
protected
Human health is
protected
33
-------
Climate
Change
Impact
4.3 - Increasing
heavy
precipitation
events
4.4 - Earlier
timing of spring
GVGPltS
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
Protecting human
health and
ecosystems from
chemical risks
Protecting human
health and
ecosystems from
chemical risks
Priority Actions
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable
agriculture practices as
new products and
strategies become
available
Promote the use of
best management
practices to reduce
pesticide runoff into
surface water.
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable
agriculture practices as
new products and
strategies become
available
Coordinate with the
Region's State Lead
Agencies to ensure the
availability and proper
use of Section 18
Emergency Exemption
registrations, Section
24(c) Special Local
Need registrations, and
Emergency Use
Permits.
Provide relevant
information to
Headquarters to be
used during the
pesticide
registration/re-
registration process.
Evaluation
Output
Outreach
conducted on IPM
when new
agriculture
practices/products
are available
Outreach
conducted on IPM
when new
agriculture
practices/products
are available
Evaluation
Outcome
Human health is
protected
Human health is
protected
34
-------
Climate
Change
Impact
4.5 - Increase in
and changing
mix of pests
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
Protecting human
health and
ecosystems from
chemical risks
Priority Actions
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable
agriculture practices as
new products and
strategies become
available
Coordinate with the
Region's State Lead
Agencies to ensure the
availability and proper
use of Section 18
Emergency Exemption
registrations, Section
24(c) Special Local
Need registrations, and
Emergency Use
Permits.
Provide relevant
information to
Headquarters to be
used during the
pesticide
registration/re-
registration process.
Provide states, Tribes
and stakeholders with
technical assistance
and consultation to
help them address
emerging pesticide
issues.
Evaluation
Output
Outreach
conducted on IPM
when new
agriculture
practices/products
are available
Evaluation
Outcome
Human health is
protected
35
-------
LD
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ro
LL.
Climate
Change
Impact
5.1 -Earlier
timing of spring
events
5.2 - Increasing
heavy
precipitation
events and risk
of floods
6.1- Decreasing
precipitation
days and
increasing
drought
intensity
6.2 - Increasing
extreme
temperatures
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
Conducting
environmental
sampling in
various media to
determine
exposure and risk
Conducting
environmental
sampling in
various media to
determine
exposure and risk
Water use
reductions at
Regional Office
and Science &
Technology
Center
Energy use
reductions within
the HVAC system
at the STC
Priority Actions
Evaluate the Region's
monitoring and
sampling methods and
strategies and make
changes to
accommodate shifts in
seasons
Maintain a situation
awareness to identify
any emerging pesticide
enforcement issues
Coordinate with the
Region's state lead
agencies to address
pesticide misuse
incidents
Focus on NAAQsand
water standards
compliance (increased
run-off in fire areas)
Continue to use the
Region's EMS to
promote staff water
use efficiencies,
monitor water
availability through
local provider, and
work with Landlord to
develop contingency
plans for various levels
of mandatory water use
reductions if necessary
Continue to use the
Region's EMS to
champion FMSD &
SHEMD identified
energy use reduction
projects at the STC
aimed at reducing air
exchange rates in the
laboratory spaces
Evaluation
Output
Modify
monitoring and
sampling methods
and strategies to
address areas of
weakness or
vulnerability
associated with
seasonal shifts
Increase the
number of SEPs
that support
energy efficiency/
renewable energy
and sustainable
practices
Outreach to staff,
management, and
stakeholders (i.e.
building owner,
contractors, etc)
Identification and
implementation of
STC energy
reduction projects
Evaluation
Outcome
Compliance
monitoring
remains an
effective strategy
for protecting
human health and
the environment.
Compliance
monitoring
remains an
effective strategy
for protecting
human health and
the environment.
Sustained low
water and energy
usage at EPA
facilities
Reduction in
overall energy
usage rates
36
-------
Climate
Change
Impact
6.3 - Increasing
risk of floods
Focus of
Associated
Region 7
Program
Continue to
promote telework
and improve
remote secure
access to the
Region's/Agency's
networks
Priority Actions
Through the Region's
COOP process, continue
to train staff on need to
prepare for emergency
remote site work and
advocate for better
VPN continuity
Evaluation
Output
Staff are able to
work remotely
Evaluation
Outcome
Routine Agency
functions are
sustained in a
flood emergency
situation
37
-------
Conclusion
In R7 and elsewhere across the United States, predictions regarding climate change impacts vary
widely and as a consequence so do the resulting vulnerabilities, making planning difficult. However,
priority actions identified by the programs within the Region have the following common threads.
(1) Priority actions were constructed within the legal bounds of our existing environmental
statutes.
(2) Priority actions are primarily extensions of existing or planned program actions which are
tailored to address specific climate change vulnerabilities.
(3) Priority actions rely heavily on partnerships with R7 state, local and tribal environmental
programs.
(4) Priority actions focus on communication, education and outreach intended to modify behavior
and consumption patterns.
(5) To a certain extent, priority actions could be implemented through work re-prioritization
without substantial supplemental resources.
Because of the diverse nature of the predictions and our constantly evolving environment, close
monitoring of climate trends and program readiness are essential if we are to address our
vulnerabilities in a timely, effective, and relevant way.
Region 7 will bi-annually review its segment of the plan. This review will incorporate determinations
about climate conditions, weather impacts, regional vulnerabilities and vulnerable populations that will
enable the Region to update the plan, if needed, and to give consideration to the sequence of priority
action implementation.
38
-------
References
1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC), http://www.ipcc.ch/index.htm
US- Atmos. Environ. 2007. 41, 5452-5463.
111 Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, "Scientific Assessment of the Effects of Global Change on the United
States" (Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the National Science and Technology Council, U.S. Climate
Change Science Program, 2008), http://www.climatescience.gov/Librarv/scientific-assessment/Scientific-
AssessmentFINALpdf.
iv Portier CJ, Thigpen Tart K, Carter SR, Dilworth CH, Grambsch AE, Gohlke J, Hess J, Howard SN, Luber G, Lutz JT, Maslak T,
Prudent N, Radtke M, Rosenthal JP, Rowles T, Sandifer PA, Scheraga J, Schramm PJ, Strickman D, Trtanj JM, Whung P-Y.
2010. A Human Health Perspective On Climate Change: A Report Outlining the Research Needs on the Human Health Effects
of Climate Change. Research Triangle Park, NC: Environmental Health Perspectives/National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002272 Available: www.niehs.nih.gov/climatereport
v IOM (Institute of Medicine). 2011. Climate Change, the Indoor Environment, and Health. Washington, DC: The National
Academies Press, [indoor air pollutants and exposure]
vl IOM (Institute of Medicine). 2011. Climate Change, the Indoor Environment, and Health. Washington, DC: The National
Academies Press, [indoor air pollutants and exposure]
v" EPA website: Fish Consumption Advisories - General Information. Accessed 01-10-13.
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/fishadvisories/general.cfmtftabs-4
Bates, B.C., Z.W. Kundzewicz, S. Wu and J.P. Palutikof, Eds., 2008: Climate Change and Water. Technical paper of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC Secretariat, Geneva, p. 56. [invasive species in aquatic ecosystems]
lx Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, Thomas R. Karl, Jerry M. Melillo, and Thomas C. Peterson, (eds.).
Cambridge University Press, 2009. Great Plains, p. 126-127. [prairie potholes]
x Hatfield, J., K. Boote, P. Fay, L Hahn, C. Izaurralde, B.A. Kimball, T. Mader, J. Morgan, D. Ort, W. Polley, A. Thomson, and D.
Wolfe, 2008. Agriculture. In: The effects of climate change on agriculture, land resources, water resources, and biodiversity.
A Report by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the Subcommittee on Global Change Research. Washington, DC.,
USA, pp. 58. [agricultural runoff]
xi Non-stationarity in this context refers to the concept that past hydrologic and weather patterns may not be a good
indicator of future conditions due to human-caused climate change.
xii Green infrastructure uses vegetation and soil to manage rainwater where it falls. By weaving natural processes into the
built environment, green infrastructure provides not only storm water management, but also urban heat island mitigation,
air quality management, and more.
xiii 2007 Census of Agriculture Report, US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Washington
DC., USA, 2009., pp 280
Xiv2007 Census of Agriculture Report, US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Washington
DC., USA, 2009., pp 278
xv Mcguire, V.L Changes in Water Levels and Storage in the High Plains Aquifer, Predevelopment to 2005. US Geological
Survey. May 2007
xvl University of Nebraska at Lincoln website: Agricultural Irrigation - Ground Water. Accessed 3-01-13.
http://water.unl.edu/web/cropswater/home
xvii Hatfield, J., K. Boote, P. Fay, L. Hahn, C. Izaurralde, B.A. Kimball, T. Mader, J. Morgan, D. Ort, W. Polley, A. Thomson, and
D. Wolfe, 2008: Agriculture. In: The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and
Biodiversity in the United States. Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC,
pp. 59-60. [Chapter 2 - Agriculture]
xviii Wolanyk, 2010
xix USDA Census of Agriculture, 2002
xx "Strengthening Rural Communities: Lessons from a Growing Farm Economy" Council of Economic Advisers, the White
House Rural Council, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, June 2012
39
-------
' U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, FY2011-2015 EPA Strategic Plan, Achieving Our Vision (2011),
40
-------
Appendix A
-------
R6glOn 7 Actions MatriXI Workgroup members used their best professional judgment to determine values for different vulnerabilities. When applying the criteria, offices did not
evaluate vulnerabilities in relation to each other, but instead considered each vulnerability independently. These tables are not intended as a definitive ranking, but rather as a useful and
informative exercise for the region as it determines how to focus its activities on program vulnerabilities. The workgroup will continue to revisit these values into the future."
ttO
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ro
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o
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0 .b
(3 <
Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
1.1 Increased
frequency and
intensity of
wildfires
1.2 Increasing
extreme
temperatures
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
2
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
Protecting the public
health and the
environment by
approving state
programs to meet
NAAQS and respond to
natural disasters
Protect public health by
promoting healthy
indoor environments
through voluntary
programs and guidance
Priority Actions
Continue to partner with
local, state and tribal
stakeholders to optimize
fire contingency plans,
including SMPs and a
new National Fire Policy,
to maximize prevention
and minimize impacts
Maintain and increase
knowledge of increasing
health risks in indoor
environments as a result
of climate change
Work with EPA programs
to target climate
adaptation efforts in the
most vulnerable
communities, including
tribes
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
1
3
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
1
3
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
1
3
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
EPA
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
1
3
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
3
2
3
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
1
3
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
3
2
3
Composite
Score
30
17
29
-------
Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
1.3 Increasing
heavy
precipitation
events
1.4 Increased
concentrations
of tropospheric
pollutants such
as ozone, fine
particulate
matter and
course
particulate
matter
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
1
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
Protecting the public
health and the
environment by
approving state
programs to meet
NAAQS and
implementing programs
in Indian Country
Protecting the public
health and the
environment by
approving state
programs to meet
NAAQS
Priority Actions
Provide education on the
dangers and stress to air
quality from open
burning of flood related
debris and other natural
disasters
Continue to partner with
local and state
stakeholders to closely
monitor changes in
pollution in our most
vulnerable areas
(metropolitan centers)
and take action early
(Ozone/PM Advance) to
mitigate new impacts
and firm action through
SIPs, when appropriate.
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
3
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No = 1
2
3
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
3
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
EPA
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
3
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
3
2
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
2
3
Composite
Score
24
27
-------
(/I
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u
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00
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o
13
Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
2.1 Increasing
heavy
precipitation
events
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
- Restoring and
protecting watersheds,
aquatic ecosystems and
wetlands
- Drinking water,
wastewater and storm
water infrastructure
- The quality and
availability of safe
drinking water
Priority Actions
Work with USACE,
Section 404 programs, to
incorporate climate
change impacts in
permits, compensation
plans and draft EIS
documents.
Work with state
agencies, water and
waste water
stakeholders to identify
and plan for climate
change challenges by
using Climate Ready
Water Utility tools.
Work with States, USDA,
and other local partners
to prioritize watersheds
with improvements to
the sources of drinking
water impacted by
nutrients and other
contaminants.
Assessments for
improvement
includes ground water
and surface water
sources
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
3
3
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
3
3
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
CD A
bPA
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
3
3
3
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
1
1
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
3
3
3
Composite
Score
30
28
28
-------
Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
2.2 Decreasing
precipitation
days and
increasing
Q rougnt
intpnci'K/
1 1 1 LCI ibi uy
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
- Restoring and
protecting watersheds,
aquatic ecosystems and
wetlands
- Drinking water,
wastewater and
stormwater
infrastructure
- The quality and
availability of safe
drinking water
Priority Actions
Increase public
awareness of the role
and importance of
restoring and protecting
watershed.
Support adaptation in
water resource planning
efforts through
collaborative dialogues
with municipal officials,
land-use planners,
developers, water
managers, and other
stakeholders to protect
long-term water
availability and quality
for all users
Work within the region
and outside agencies to
incorporate water
conservation practices,
energy conservation and
green infrastructure
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
3
2
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
1
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
3
3
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
EPA
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
3
3
3
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
1
1
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
3
2
3
Composite
Score
28
27
25
-------
2.3 Increased
water
temperatures
2.4 Earlier
timing of
spring events
3
3
- Restoring and
protecting watersheds,
aquatic ecosystems and
wetlands
- Drinking water,
wastewater and
stormwater
infrastructure
-The quality and
availability of safe
drinking water
- Restoring and
protecting watersheds,
aquatic ecosystems and
wetlands
- Drinking water,
wastewater and
stormwater
infrastructure
Work with states,
stakeholders and
communities to
incorporate climate
change considerations
into their water quality
planning
Work with state
strategies such as state
revolving loan fund
intended use plans,
capacity development
strategies to promote
sustainable practices
such as energy efficiency,
water resilience, and
asset management.
Work with states to
better assess potential
impacts from increased
water temperatures and
establish appropriate
water quality standards
(e.g., designated uses,
criteria to protect those
uses). Develop
attainable,
implementable, and
protective permit
conditions.
Work with stakeholders
to protect drinking
water, manage
stormwater run-off
planning, and manage
consumptive water use
from waterways
2
3
2
2
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
3
3
1
3
3
3
3
25
30
29
27
-------
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Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
3.1 Increasing
heavy
precipitation
events
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
-The quality and
availability of safe
drinking water
Cleaning up
contaminated sites and
waste
-Use of Sustainable
Materials Management
and Pollution Prevention
to prevent the
generation of hazardous
and solid waste
Priority Actions
Promote the
development and use of
innovativefprecipitation
Neutral) technologies
and practices for site
remediation & materials
management and
emergency response
Promote the principles of
source reduction, reuse
and recycle to make
room for unexpected
volume resulting from
climate change events
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
3
3
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
1
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No = 1
2
2
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
EPA
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
1.5
2
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
3
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
3
3
Composite
Score
23.5
25
-------
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o
Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
4.1-
Decreasing
precipitation
days and
increasing
drought
intensity
4.2 - Increasing
extreme
temperatures
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
2
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
Protecting human health
and ecosystems from
chemical risks
Protecting human health
and ecosystems from
chemical risks
Priority Actions
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable
agriculture practices as
new products and
strategies become
available
Promote the use of best
management practices to
reduce pesticide runoff
into surface water after
precipitation events due
to drought-induced soil
impermeability
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable
agriculture practices as
new products and
strategies become
available
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
3
2
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
3
1
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
2
2
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
EPA
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
3
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
1
1
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
2
2
2
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
1
1
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
2
2
2
Composite
Score
19
22
19
-------
Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
4.3 - Increasing
heavy
precipitation
events
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
Protecting human health
and ecosystems from
chemical risks
Priority Actions
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable
agriculture practices as
new products and
strategies become
available
Promote the use of best
management practices to
reduce pesticide runoff
into surface water.
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
3
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
3
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
2
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
EPA
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
1
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
2
2
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
1
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
2
2
Composite
Score
19
22
-------
Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
4.4- Earlier
timing of
spring events
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
Protecting human health
and ecosystems from
chemical risks
Priority Actions
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable
agriculture practices as
new products and
strategies become
available
Coordinate with the
Region's State Lead
Agencies to ensure the
availability and proper
use of Section 18
Emergency Exemption
registrations, Section
24(c) Special Local Need
registrations, and
Emergency Use Permits.
Provide relevant
information to
Headquarters to be used
during the pesticide
registration/ re-
registration process.
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
1
1
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
3
1
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
2
2
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
1
1
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
CD A
bPA
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
3
1
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
3
3
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
2
2
2
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
3
3
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
2
2
2
Composite
Score
19
22
18
10
-------
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3
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ro '5
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CI3 1 1 1
4.5 - Increase
in and
changing mix
of pests
5.1 -Earlier
timing of
spring events
2
2
Protecting human health
and ecosystems from
chemical risks
Conducting
environmental sampling
in various media to
determine exposure and
risk
Continue to promote
Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and
other sustainable agriculture
practices as new products
and strategies become
available
Coordinate with the
Region's State Lead
Agencies to ensure the
availability and proper use
of Section 18 Emergency
Exemption registrations,
Section 24(c) Special Local
Need registrations, and
Emergency Use Permits.
Provide relevant
information to Headquarters
to be used during the
pesticide registration/re-
registration process.
Provide states, Tribes and
stakeholders with technical
assistance and consultation
to help them address
emerging pesticide issues.
Evaluate the Region's
monitoring and sampling
methods and strategies
and make changes to
accommodate shifts in
seasons
Maintain a situation
awareness to identify any
emerging pesticide
enforcement issues
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
3
1
3
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
2
3
1
1
1
2
1
3
3
1
3
1
1
1
3
3
3
1
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
3
3
3
1
3
2
2
2
2
3
2
19
22
18
22
16
18
11
-------
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ro
Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
5.2- Increased
frequency and
intensity of
wildfires
61-
Decreasing
precipitation
days and
increasing
intensity
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
1
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
Conducting
environmental sampling
in various mediate
determine exposure and
risk
Water use at R7 RO and
STC
Priority Actions
Coordinate with the
Region's state lead
agencies to address
pesticide misuse
incidents
Focus on NAAQs and
water standards
compliance (increased
run-off in fire areas)
Continue to use the
Region's EMS to promote
staff water use
efficiencies, monitor
water availability
through local provider,
and work with Landlord
to develop contingency
plans for various levels of
mandatory water use
reductions if necessary
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
3
2
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No - 1
3
3
1
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
3
2
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No - 1
3
3
1
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
EPA
Yes = 3
No - 1
3
3
1
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No - 1
1
3
1
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
2
3
2
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No - 1
3
3
3
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
2
3
2
Composite
Score
23
29
16
12
-------
Climate
Change
Impact
Climate
Change Impact
6.2-
Increasing
extreme
temperatures
6.3-
Increasing risk
OT TlOOQS
R7 Programmatic Impacts
Likelihood
Regional
Program
would be
Impacted
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
1
1
Focus of Associated
Region 7 Program
Water and energy usage
at EPA facilities
- Operations of Agency
facilities, personnel
safety, physical security
and emergency
communications
- Emergency
management, mission
support (protective gear
acquisition)
Priority Actions
Continue to use the
Region's EMS to
champion FMSD &
SHEMD identified energy
use reduction projects at
the STC aimed at
reducing air exchange
rates in the laboratory
spaces
Through the Region's
COOP process, continue
to train staff on need to
prepare for emergency
remote site work and
advocate for better VPN
continuity
Regional Priority Actions Ranking Criteria
Support &
Align with
other R7
priorities
& actions
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
2
Action is
a priority
action for
our
partners
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
1
Impact
Action
would
have in
reducing
risk
High = 3
Med. = 2
Low = 1
2
2
Action
Protects a
critical
resource/
investment
Yes = 3
No = 1
3
1
Action
Leverages
a larger
effort
outside of
EPA
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
1
EPA has a
unique
role or
capacity
to
address
action
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
1
Timeframe when risk
likely to occur:
0-10 yrs = 3
11-30 yrs = 2
31 - 100 yrs = 1
3
2
Action can be
accomplished
within current
budgets
Yes = 3
No = 1
1
3
Action has
durability/
sustainability/
stability
Yes = 3
Somewhat = 2
No = l
2
2
Composite
Score
17
16
13
------- |