United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Fiscal Year 2020
Justification of Appropriation
Estimates for the Committee
on Appropriations
EPA-190-R-19-002 March 2019
www.epa.gov/ ocfo
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EPA's Mission
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to protect human health and the
environment. This mission resonates with all Americans; we can all agree that we want a clean,
healthy environment that supports a thriving economy. The Agency works to ensure future
generations will inherit a better and healthier environment. In carrying out its mission, EPA works
to ensure that all Americans are protected from exposure to hazardous environmental risks where
they live, learn, work, and enjoy their lives. The Agency guides national efforts to reduce
environmental and human health risks, based upon on-going research and scientific analysis.
EPA's FY 2020 Budget provides core environmental protections with respect to statutory and
regulatory obligations. This budget provides the direction and resources to return EPA to its core
mission of protecting human health and the environment. This can be accomplished by engaging
with state, local, and tribal partners to create and implement sensible regulations that also work to
enhance economic growth.
This strategy will be realized through the three strategic goals that guide EPA's approach to protect
human health and the environment:
• Goal 1 - Core Mission: Deliver real results to provide Americans with clean air, land, and
water, and ensure chemical safety.
• Goal 2 - Cooperative Federalism: Rebalance the power between Washington and the
states to create tangible environmental results for the American people.
• Goal 3 - Rule of Law and Process: Administer the law, as Congress intended, to refocus
the Agency on its statutory obligations under the law.
Environmental stewardship that supports a growing economy is essential to the American way of
life and key to economic success and competitiveness. Regulations and policies will incorporate
robust input from the public through formal and informal mechanisms to ensure fuller
understanding of the impacts on public health, the environment, the economy, jobs, families, and
our communities.
EPA is proud to be a good steward of taxpayer resources and to deliver environmental protection
efficiently. To learn more about how the Agency accomplishes its mission, including information
on the organizational structure, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/.
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Budget1 of $6,068 billion represents a $2.76 billion,
or 31 percent reduction from the Agency's FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (ACR)
level. This resource level, including the Agency's requested 12,414.6 FTE, will enable EPA to
support our highest priorities and fulfill our critical mission for the American people.
1 The Budget includes a $227 million cancellation of funds.
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A major component of the FY 2020 Budget request is funding for infrastructure, including drinking
water and clean water infrastructure, as well as for Brownfields and Superfund projects. Critical
new grant programs are requested in FY 2020 to ensure the environmental safety of children in
schools, and for work in maintaining essential water infrastructure for the American people. The
Budget includes $83 million and 19.6 FTE for new grant programs to begin implementing the
recently enacted America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA). The Budget also proposes
a new $50 million Healthy Schools Grant Program to target resources towards identifying,
assessing and resolving environmental hazards in our Nation's schools. Ensuring the most
vulnerable among us, especially children, are protected is a top priority of the Agency.
Acknowledging that environmental protection is a shared responsibility, funds are provided to our
state and tribal partners through categorical grant programs. EPA recognizes states require
flexibility in addressing their unique environmental priorities, and the Budget includes funding for
Multipurpose Grants to enable states to implement core mission work in a flexible manner. This
Budget also provides essential resources to equip EPA in delivering vital emergency response
services in environmental disasters that no one state can handle alone.
The EPA is focused on providing certainty to the American people and our co-regulators. EPA
will prioritize certainty in three primary areas: certainty to the states and local governments,
including tribes; certainty within EPA programs, such as permitting and enforcement actions; and
certainty in risk communication. Risk communication goes to the heart of EPA's mission and the
Agency must speak with one voice when explaining to the American people the environmental
and health risks they face in their daily lives. EPA's efforts are guided by scientific data, tools, and
research that alert the American people to emerging issues and inform decisions on managing
materials and addressing contaminated properties.
A priority area for EPA is to create consistency and certainty for the regulated community and to
remove unnecessary or redundant regulations. Removing unnecessary regulatory burdens allows
the EPA to be a catalyst for economic growth while strengthening our focus on protecting human
health and the environment. This Budget supports implementation of Executive Order 13783,
Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth, which directs all agencies to identify and
propose measures to suspend, revise or rescind regulatory barriers that impede progress towards
energy independence.
The FY 2020 Budget highlights actions that will enable EPA to reduce costs and effectively utilize
limited resources. The Agency will work across all our programs to unite varied interests and
stakeholders to focus attention and leverage federal, state, local, and non-governmental resources
in a coordinated effort to address the Nation's greatest environmental and human health
challenges.
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FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goals
The budget highlights EPA's six FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goals2 (APGs) that advance EPA
priorities and the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
Improve air quality by implementing pollution control measures to reduce the number of
non-attainment areas. By September 30, 2019, EPA, in close collaboration with states, will
reduce the number of nonattainment areas to 138 from a baseline of 166.
Empower communities to leverage EPA water infrastructure investments. By September 30,
2019, EPA will increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water
infrastructure finance programs (Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program).
Accelerate the pace of cleanups and return sites to beneficial use in their communities. By
September 30, 2019, EPA will make an additional 102 Superfund sites and 1,368 Brownfields sites
ready for anticipated use (RAU).
Meet new statutory requirements to improve the safety of chemicals in commerce. By
September 30, 2019, EPA will complete in accordance with statutory timelines (excluding
statutorily-allowable extensions): 100% of required EPA-initiated Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA) risk evaluations for existing chemicals; 100% of required TSCA risk management actions
for existing chemicals; and 80% of TSCA pre-manufacture notice final determinations.
Increase environmental law compliance rate. Through September 30, 2019, EPA will increase
compliance by reducing the percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit limits to
21% from a baseline of 24%.3
Accelerate permitting-related decisions. By September 30, 2019, EPA will reduce by 50% the
number of permitting-related decisions that exceed six months.
FY 2020 Funding Priorities
Infrastructure
The infrastructure of the Nation is not limited to roads and bridges. The infrastructure needs of our
communities are broader and include making improvements to drinking water and wastewater
infrastructure as well as cleaning up contaminated land. In FY 2020, EPA will focus on making
infrastructure and public health protection investments in communities by working with and
through our state and tribal partners.
2 Agency Priority Goals reflect the top two-year priorities that the Agency will implement to advance progress towards the three
strategic goals.
3 EPA is updating the baseline and related targets due to the discovery of facilities erroneously included in the universe of
regulated entities counted in the denominator. The Agency will update the APG baseline and targets in FY 2019 based on these
revisions.
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A priority for the Agency is modernizing the aging water infrastructure on which the American
public depends every day. This Budget supports the President's commitment to infrastructure
repair and replacement and would allow states, municipalities, and private entities to finance high-
priority infrastructure investments. The FY 2020 Budget includes $1.98 billion for the State
Revolving Funds (SRF), $83 million to begin implementation of the new America's Water
Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) legislation, and $25 million for the Water Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program.
The SRF funding directly supports infrastructure repair and replacement and would allow states,
municipalities, and private entities to continue to finance high-priority infrastructure investments
that protect human health. These resources additionally help to bring national, state and local water
systems into compliance with environmental rules and regulations. SRF resources also provide
critical funding to help replace lead pipes that may leach lead into the Nation's drinking water
supply.
Clean and safe drinking water is critical to the health of communities across the Nation. While
most systems consistently provide safe and reliable drinking water, many small systems face
challenges with aging infrastructure, increasing costs and decreasing rates bases. To address the
needs of a more robust water infrastructure framework, President Trump signed the bipartisan
AWIA legislation on October 23, 2018. AWIA strengthens EPA's ability to invest in water
infrastructure in communities in every state, so that all Americans can continue to have access to
safe drinking water and our Nation's waterways can remain clean and free from pollution. The
Budget includes five new programs to support the AWIA legislation, including: Drinking Fountain
Lead Testing, Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience, Sewer Overflow Control Grants,
Technical Assistance for Treatment Works, and Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment.
These programs will enable EPA to begin implementing the new law passed by Congress.
With $25 million in FY 2020 WIFIA appropriations, EPA could potentially provide over $2 billion
in credit assistance, which, when combined with other funding sources, could spur over an
estimated $4 billion in total infrastructure investment.4 The WIFIA program is designed to offer
credit assistance with flexible terms in order to attract private participation, encourage new revenue
streams for infrastructure investment, and allow increased overall infrastructure investment. This
makes the WIFIA program's credit assistance a powerful tool to help address a variety of existing
and new water infrastructure needs.
Given that EPA's infrastructure investments are catalysts for economic growth and environmental
protection in communities across America, the Agency will continue to support private and public
investment in economic revitalization that improves environmental outcomes across the country.
EPA will identify opportunities to link infrastructure and community assistance program resources
to spur similar, non-Agency investments with the goal of enhancing the collective impact those
resource have in communities. Through the combined work of the SRFs, AWIA, and WIFIA, EPA
will ensure that it is serving disadvantaged communities, leveraging private investment to improve
the economy, and protecting human health and the environment.
4 This approximation is based on notional calculations. Subsidy cost is determined on a loan-by-loan basis.
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Improving Air Quality
In FY 2020, the EPA will continue to advance activities in support of the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) and implementation of stationary source regulations to support state,
local, and tribal air quality programs. The Agency will continue its Clean Air Act (CAA) mandated
responsibilities to administer the NAAQS and will provide a variety of technical assistance,
training, and information to support state clean air plans. EPA will continue to prioritize statutorily
mandated responsibilities and court-ordered actions. A focus will continue to be placed on states
achieving attainment, with an emphasis on improved processes for State Implementation Plans
(SIPS) and implementation options. EPA will continue to conduct periodic "technology reviews"
and conduct risk assessments to determine whether Maximum Achievable Control Technology
based National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (MACT-based NESHAP)
appropriately protect public health.
In FY 2020, the Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification program will focus its
efforts on certification decisions, which directly support environmental protection and commerce.
The Agency will perform its compliance oversight functions on priority areas, where there is
evidence to suggest noncompliance, and conduct testing activities for pre-certification
confirmatory testing for emissions and fuel economy for passenger cars.
The Budget includes a proposal to authorize EPA to establish user fees for entities that participate
in the Energy Star program. By administering the Energy Star program through the collection of
user fees, EPA would continue to provide a trusted resource for state and local governments,
consumers, businesses, and other interested parties to save money and help protect the
environment.
Air monitoring, which provides information to states used to develop clean air plans, for research,
and for the public, will continue to be a focus of the Agency. In FY 2020, EPA will provide grants
to state, local, and tribal air pollution control agencies to manage and implement their air quality
programs. We will work with our state and tribal partners to approve their implementation plans
for attaining air quality standards to reduce contaminants that cause or exacerbate health issues.
Clean and Safe Water
EPA will continue to provide scientific water quality criteria information, review and approve state
water quality standards, and review and approve state lists of impaired waters. In FY 2020, the
Agency will continue to work with states and other partners on Total Maximum Daily Loads
(TMDLs) as required by the Clean Water Act, as well as on waterbody restoration plans for listed
impaired waterbodies. The EPA also will continue to implement and support core water quality
programs that control point-source discharges through permitting and pre-treatment programs.
EPA will continue to partner with states, drinking water utilities, and other stakeholders to identify
and address current and potential sources of drinking water contamination. These efforts are
integral to sustainable infrastructure efforts, as source water protection can reduce the need for
additional drinking water treatment and the associated costs. On February 14, 2019, EPA
announced a new Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Action Plan to help states and local
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communities address PFAS and protect our nation's drinking water. In FY 2020, the Agency will
continue to emphasize efforts on small and rural community water systems. EPA will coordinate
and support the protection of the Nation's critical water infrastructure from terrorist threats and
all-hazard events through ongoing Homeland Security programs.
Revitalizing Land
The cleanup and reuse of contaminated lands often can play an important role in economically
revitalizing a community. EPA's cleanup programs, including Superfund and Brownfields, protect
human health and the environment and return sites to productive use, which is important to the
economic wellbeing of communities. Working collaboratively with partners across the country,
EPA engages with communities in site cleanup decisions, fosters employment opportunities in
communities during and after remedy construction, promotes the redevelopment of blighted areas,
and protects human health and the environment.
The FY 2020 Budget includes $1,056 billion to revitalize land and prevent future contamination.
In FY 2020, emphasis will be placed on the Agency's top priority list of Superfund sites.5 These
sites are targeted for immediate and intensive action to accelerate cleanup and promote site reuse,
while addressing risks to human health and the environment. The Agency will accelerate cleanup
by re-prioritizing some resources to focus on remedial actions, construction completions, ready-
for-anticipated use determinations, and National Priorities List (NPL) site deletions. Further, the
Agency will focus efforts to clean up and propel development at Superfund sites that offer the
greatest expected redevelopment and commercial potential, as outlined in the recently released
Superfund Redevelopment Focus List6, and will promote additional private investment in cleanup
activities as recommended by the Superfund Task Force7.
EPA also will invest in communities through Brownfields grants so they can realize their visions
for environmental health, economic growth, and job creation. As of November 2018, grants
awarded by the program have led to over 77,000 acres of idle land made ready for productive use,
with over 141,300 jobs created and $26.8 billion leveraged. In FY 2020 alone, Brownfields
program activities will leverage approximately 5,500 more jobs and $1 billion in other funding
sources.
Ensuring the Safety of Chemicals
In FY 2020 resources will support the Agency's significant continuing and new responsibilities
under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for ensuring that new and existing chemicals are
evaluated in a timely manner and that any unreasonable risks are addressed. EPA will focus on
meeting its statutory requirements and mandatory deadlines under TSCA and ensuring reviews are
efficient, effective, and transparent to stakeholders.
For chemicals in commerce, EPA will maintain an ambitious schedule for initiating and
completing chemical risk evaluations and, where risks are identified, for initiating and completing
5 https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-sites-targeted-immediate-intense-action
6 https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-initiative/superfund-redevelopment-focus-list
7 https://semspub.epa.gov/work/HQ/!97209.pdf
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regulatory actions to address those risks. EPA will work aggressively to complete the 10 chemical
risk evaluations initiated in December 2016 and continue prioritization efforts to identify future
chemicals for evaluation.
New chemicals will be evaluated before they are allowed to commercialize, and decisions will be
based on best available science and the weight of evidence. EPA's toxics program will maintain
its 'zero tolerance' goal for preventing the introduction of unsafe new chemicals into commerce.
EPA also will implement the new mandates related to determinations on claims for confidentiality
for chemical identities. In addition to fees, $66.4 million is requested in FY 2020 for the TSCA
Chemical Risk Review and Reduction program to support this high priority work. EPA will focus
on meeting its statutory requirements and mandatory deadlines.
In FY 2020, the Agency will also continue to provide firm and individual certifications for safe
work practices for lead-based paint abatement and renovation and repair efforts, as well as provide
for the operation and maintenance of the online Federal Lead-Based Paint program database
(FLPP) that supports the processing of applications for training providers, firms and individuals.
Identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks presented by the pesticides on which our society and
economy rely is integral to ensuring environmental and human safety. In FY 2020, EPA will
continue to meet its statutory requirements for pesticide registration and registration review, and
will invest resources to improve the compliance of pesticide registrations with the Endangered
Species Act. A portion of the funding also will ensure that pesticides are correctly registered and
applied in a manner that protects water quality. Pesticides help provide for effective pest control
for homes, schools, gardens, highways, utility lines, hospitals, and drinking water treatment
facilities, while also controlling vectors of disease and supporting food production. EPA ensures
pesticides available in the U.S. are safe when used as directed.
Protecting our Children
EPA is committed to aggressively addressing lead issues across America, working with
communities and partners to further identify and reduce lead exposure, especially for children who
are most vulnerable. Through the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure, EPA
is coordinating with other federal agencies to reduce exposure to lead with the aim of ultimately
improving children's health. However, children may be exposed to additional environmental
hazards beyond lead, particularly in outdated schools and educational centers. To address this
multifaceted issue, the FY 2020 Budget proposes $50 million to establish a new Healthy Schools
Grant Program that is intended to address these potential gaps in school environmental health by
working with and through our state, tribal and community partners. This flexible grant program
will enable our implementing partners to target their highest-priority efforts to protect human
health and the environment in school settings. Funding would be available to identify and help
prevent, reduce and resolve environmental hazards and reduce childhood lead exposure, reduce
asthma triggers, promote integrated pest management, and reduce or eliminate childhood exposure
to one or more toxics in schools across all environmental media.
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Regulatory and Permitting Priorities
The Budget provides resources to ensure EPA is able to meet pressing demands in priority areas,
including reviewing and revising regulations, improving the permitting process, and enhancing
collaboration with state, tribal and federal partners. Efforts to identify and address potential hold-
ups in the permitting process will continue to ensure that unnecessary delays do not get in the way
of environmental protection or economic growth. In FY 2020, $28 million is requested to advance
deregulation, permitting work, and technical assistance for our co-regulatory partners.
Establishing New Fees
EPA continues to propose several new fees in FY 2020 to better align appropriated resources to
the Agency's core mission, to provide dedicated funding sources for specific activities and to better
align program costs with beneficiaries. By administering select EPA programs through the
collection of user fees, entities benefiting from those programs would directly pay for the services
and benefits that the programs provide. EPA is proposing two voluntary user fees that will enable
the Agency to provide compliance assistance services to both Risk Management Plan facilities,
and Facility Response Plan and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure facilities. EPA also
is proposing to establish Energy Star as a fee-funded program in FY 2020. This fee would allow
the Agency to continue to provide a trusted resource for state and local governments, consumers,
businesses, and other interested parties, helping them to save money and protect the environment.
In addition, EPA will continue to work with OMB, other Agencies, and key stakeholders to review
potential areas where fee-funding may be an appropriate mechanism to reduce the burden on
taxpayers.
Eliminated Programs
Programs and activities eliminated in the FY 2020 Budget total over $650 million compared to FY
2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution levels. Details are found in [www.epa.gov/cj]. The
Administration is committed to creating a leaner, more accountable, less intrusive, and more
effective Government.
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Resource Summary Tables
APPROPRIATION SUMMARY 3
Budget Authority 3
Full-time Equivalents (FTE) 4
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION SUMMARY
Budget Authority
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 Pres
Actuals
Annualized CR
Budget
Science & Technology
$685,123.0
$713,823.0
$463,060.0
Environmental Programs & Management
$2,584,046.9
$2,643,299.0
$1,845,268.0
Inspector General
$40,328.4
$41,489.0
$38,893.0
Building and Facilities
$40,526.8
$34,467.0
$39,553.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$18,727.0
$18,209.0
$15,962.0
IG Transfer
Superfund Program
S& T Transfer
$9,159.7
$1,183,245.5
$14,728.6
$8,778.0
$1,130,673.0
$15,496.0
$9,586.0
$1,017,990.0
$17,775.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$1,207,133.8
$1,154,947.0
$1,045,351.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$94,437.6
$91,941.0
$47,801.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
$4,067,093.9
$4,212,161.0
$2,774,602.0
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund
$2,146.2
$0.0
$0.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund
$12,235.8
$63,000.0
$25,000.0
SUB-TOTAL, EPA
$8,751,799.4
$8,973,336.0
$6,295,490.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
-$148,848.0
-$227,000.0
TOTAL, EPA
$8,751,799.4
$8,824,488.0
$6,068,490.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the
Superfund account.
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION SUMMARY
Full-time Equivalents (FTE)
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 Pres
Actuals Annualized CR Budget
Science & Technology
2,009.8
2,039.2
1,497.5
Environmental Programs & Management
8,947.5
9,111.9
7,487.7
Inspector General
209.4
215.8
201.4
Inland Oil Spill Programs
84.4
86.8
75.7
IG Transfer
51.0
50.2
40.6
Superfund Program
2,475.8
2,468.4
2,466.9
S& T Transfer
61.3
61.7
83.1
Hazardous Substance Superfund 2,588.1 2,580.3 2,590.6
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks 46.9 48.6 40.7
State and Tribal Assistance Grants 5.5 6.6 0.4
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund 7.4 7.9 11.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund 11.7 12.8 12.0
Rereg. & Exped. Proc. Rev Fund 90.6 87.8 221.5
WCF-Reimbursable 152.8 178.4 212.5
Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource
Damage Assessment 4.1 0.0 0.0
Pesticide Registration Fund 57.1 0.0 0.0
UIC Injection Well Permit BLM 1.9 0.0 0.0
TSCA Service Fee Fund 0.0 0.0 63.6
SUB-TOTAL, EPA 14,217.2 14,376.1 12,414.6
TOTAL, EPA 14,217.2 14,376.1 12,414.6
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the
Superfund account.
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Goal and Objective Overviews
GOAL, APPROPRIATION SUMMARY 7
Budget Authority 7
Authorized Full-time Equivalents (FTE) 8
Core Mission 9
Cooperative Federalism 28
Rule of Law and Process 36
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
GOAL, APPROPRIATION SUMMARY
Budget Authority
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 Pres
Actuals Annualized CR Budget
Core Mission
$6,583,190.8
$6,751,484.0
$4,402,343.0
Science & Technology
$163,712.6
$168,890.0
$133,795.0
Environmental Programs & Management
$1,462,463.6
$1,487,858.0
$774,163.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$14,690.3
$14,409.0
$12,413.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$870,441.1
$818,373.0
$701,270.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$92,053.1
$89,649.0
$45,562.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
$3,965,448.1
$4,109,305.0
$2,710,140.0
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund
$2,146.2
$0.0
$0.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund
$12,235.8
$63,000.0
$25,000.0
Cooperative Federalism
$317,734.7
$322,751.0
$228,323.0
Environmental Programs & Management
$223,212.4
$226,901.0
$169,292.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$122.5
$139.0
$0.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$2,304.3
$2,501.0
$991.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
$92,095.5
$93,210.0
$58,040.0
Rule of Law and Process
$1,850,873.9
$1,899,101.0
$1,664,824.0
Science & Technology
$521,410.4
$544,933.0
$329,265.0
Environmental Programs & Management
$898,370.9
$928,540.0
$901,813.0
Inspector General
$40,328.4
$41,489.0
$38,893.0
Building and Facilities
$40,526.8
$34,467.0
$39,553.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$3,914.2
$3,661.0
$3,549.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$334,388.4
$334,073.0
$343,090.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$2,384.5
$2,292.0
$2,239.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
$9,550.3
$9,646.0
$6,422.0
Sub-Total $8,751,799.4 $8,973,336.0 $6,295,490.0
Cancellation of Funds $0.0 -$148,848.0 -$227,000.0
TOTAL, EPA $8,751,799.4 $8,824,488.0 $6,068,490.0
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
GOAL, APPROPRIATION SUMMARY
Authorized Full-time Equivalents (FTE)
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 Pres
Actuals Annualized CR Budget
Core Mission 6,844.9 6,813.7 5,936.0
Science & Technology 494 8 510.1 462.0
Environmental Programs & Management 4 533 5 4 754 2 3 743 4
Inland Oil Spill Programs 71 2 72 6 62 3
Hazardous Substance Superfund \ 375 3 1 319 9 1 339 2
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks 40 7 4^3 335
State and Tribal Assistance Grants 5 5 55 0 4
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund 74 79 jq 0
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund \\q \2 8 12 0
Rereg. & Exped. Proc. Rev Fund 90 6 87 8 221 5
Cooperative Federalism : 123.2 1,145.6 850.0
Environmental Programs & Management 1 114 4 1 135 3 846 8
Inland Oil Spill Programs 0 5 0 6 0 0
Hazardous Substance Superfund 57 73 | 2
WCF-Reimbursable j 5 | 9 2 0
Rule of Law and Process 6,249.1 6,416.8 5,628.6
Science & Technology 1,515.0 1,529.1 1,035.5
Environmental Programs & Management 3 149 5 3 222 4 2 897 5
Inspector General 209.4 215.8 201.4
Inland Oil Spill Programs 12 7 136 13 4
Hazardous Substance Superfund \ 205 1 1 252 6 1 250 2
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks 52 6 8 7 1
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund 0.0 0.0 1.0
WCF-Reimbursable 1512 176.5 210.5
TOTAL, EPA 14,217.2 14,376.1 12,414.6
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Core Mission
Core Mission: Deliver real results to provide Americans with clean air, land, and water, and ensure
chemical safety.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
• Work with states and tribes to accurately measure air quality and ensure that more
Americans are living and working in areas that meet high air quality standards.
• Ensure waters are clean through improved water infrastructure and, in partnership with
states and tribes, sustainably manage programs to support drinking water, aquatic
ecosystems, and recreational, economic, and subsistence activities.
• Provide better leadership and management to properly cleanup contaminated sites to
revitalize and return the land back to communities.
• Effectively implement the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, to ensure new and existing chemicals and pesticides are
reviewed for their potential risks to human health and the environment and actions are
taken when necessary.
GOAL, OBJECTIVE SUMMARY
Budget Authority
Full-time Equivalents
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019
Annualized CR
Core Mission
$6,583,190.8
$6,751,484.0
$4,402,343.0
-$2,349,141.0
Improve Air Quality
$768,382.4
$789,367.0
$425,321.0
-$364,046.0
Provide for Clean and Safe Water
$4,195,873.8
$4,388,076.0
$2,695,245.0
-$1,692,831.0
Revitalize Land and
Prevent Contamination
$1,382,609.6
$1,333,325.0
$1,055,594.0
-$277,731.0
Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace
$236,325.0
$240,716.0
$226,183.0
-$14,533.0
Total Authorized Workyears
6,844.9
6,813.7
5,936.0
-877.7
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Goal 1: Core Mission
Strategic Goal: Deliver real results to provide Americans with clean air, land, and water, and
ensure chemical safety.
Introduction
Pollution comes in many forms with a myriad of impacts on human health and the environment.
With the goal of clean and safe air, water, and land as well as safe chemicals for all of America,
Congress enacted a range of environmental statutes that spell out EPA's responsibilities. Our
Nation has come a long way since EPA was established in 1970. We have made great progress in
making rivers and lakes safe for swimming and boating, reducing the smog that clouded city skies,
cleaning up lands that were once used as chemical dumps, and providing Americans greater access
to information on the safety of the chemicals all around us. Today we can see enormous progress—
yet we still have important work to do.
In FY 2020, the Agency will work with states and tribes to approve their implementation plans for
attaining air quality standards, reducing air pollutants and toxics that can cause or exacerbate health
issues. We will work with our state and tribal partners to provide for clean and safe water by
updating aging infrastructure, both for drinking water and wastewater systems. EPA will continue
to focus on speeding the cleanup of Superfund and brownfields sites, prioritizing efforts on a list
of top priority sites to advance progress on Superfund sites of concern. The Agency's top priority
for ensuring the safety of chemicals in the marketplace is the implementation of the Frank R.
Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which modernizes the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) by creating new standards and processes for assessing chemical safety within
specific deadlines. These efforts will be supported by strong compliance assurance and
enforcement in collaboration with our state and tribal partners, up-to-date training for partners and
co-regulators, and the use of the best available science and research to address current and future
environmental hazards to improve the foundation for decision making.
The Agency will continue its collaborative efforts with federal agencies, states, tribes, local
governments, communities, and other partners and stakeholders to address existing pollution and
prevent or reduce future problems. EPA will directly implement federal environmental laws where
eligible tribes or states have not taken program responsibility.
With our partners, we will pay particular attention to vulnerable populations. Children and the
elderly, for example, may be at significantly greater risk from elevated exposure or increased
susceptibility to the harmful effects of environmental contaminants and pollutants. Some low-
income and minority communities may face greater risks because of proximity to contaminated
sites or sources of emissions. Traditional ways of life for tribal and indigenous populations such
as subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering also may increase the risk of exposure to
contaminants. The needs of small and rural communities may not be the same as urban areas.
Together with our partners, we will continue making progress in protecting human health and the
environment. The Healthy Schools Grant Program proposed in the Budget is intended to address
potential gaps in school environmental health information by supporting states, federally
recognized Indian tribes, public pre-schools, local educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C.
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7801(30), and non-profit organizations, in the identification and mitigation of potential
environmental health issues.
The Agency also will continue to place an emphasis on reducing unnecessary or duplicative burden
to the regulated community. This will be advanced through implementation of the President's
Management Agenda and through common sense deregulatory actions that provide greater
certainty and better communication to our partners. The FY 2020 Budget includes support for
ongoing information technology (IT) modernization work and the E-Enterprise for the
Environment initiative. These efforts can enhance efficiency and improve the service delivery of
our core environmental programs, reduce the time and burden associated with reporting, and make
more environmental data available through shared systems.
Agency Priority Goals
The Budget highlights EPA's FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goals (APGs) that advance EPA
priorities and the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.1 Four of the six APGs support Goal 1:
• Improve air quality by implementing pollution control measures to reduce the
number of nonattainment areas. By September 30, 2019, EPA, in close collaboration
with states, will reduce the number of nonattainment areas to 138 from a baseline of 166.
• Empower communities to leverage EPA water infrastructure investments. By
September 30, 2019, EPA will increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by
EPA water infrastructure finance programs (Clean Water and Drinking Water State
Revolving Funds and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act).
• Accelerate the pace of cleanups and return sites to beneficial use in their communities.
By September 30, 2019, EPA will make an additional 102 Superfund sites and 1,368
Brownfields sites ready for anticipated use (RAU).
• Meet new statutory requirements to improve the safety of chemicals in commerce. By
September 30, 2019, EPA will complete in accordance with statutory timelines (excluding
statutorily-allowable extensions): 100% of required EPA-initiated Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluations for existing chemicals; 100% of required TSCA risk
management actions for existing chemicals; and 80% of TSCA pre-manufacture notice
final determinations.
1 For EPA's APG Action Plans and Quarterly Updates, see tltps://wvw,paformaiice.gov/ESPA/
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FY 2020 Activities
Objective 1: Improve Air Quality. Work with states and tribes to accurately measure air
quality and ensure that more Americans are living and working in areas that meet high air
quality standards.
Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality, directly supports the following long-term performance goal in
the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of nonattainment areas to 101.2
Key priorities for the Agency in FY 2020 continue to be re-designating areas to attainment,
improving the efficiency of the State Implementation Plan review process, and streamlining the air
permitting process. This strategic objective also is supported by other core air program work
highlighted below.
EPA is dedicated to working in partnership with states to reduce the number of nonattainment
areas for the six common pollutants in the United States - particulate matter up to 2.5 and 10
microns (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO:), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone, carbon monoxide
(CO) and lead (Pb). Between 1970 and 2017, the combined emissions of these six criteria
pollutants dropped by 73 percent/ This progress occurred while the U.S. economy, as measured
by Gross Domestic Product, grew by over 260 percent,4 Americans drove more, and population
and energy use increased. Despite this great progress in air quality improvement, in 2017,
approximately 1 1 1 million people nationwide lived in counties with pollution levels that did not
meet standards for at least one criteria pollutant, or about 40 percent of the U.S. population based
on 2010 census data. EPA works in cooperation with states, tribes, and local governments to design
and implement air quality standards and programs. EPA relies on partnerships with other federal
agencies, academia, researchers, industry, other organizations, and the public to achieve
improvements in air quality and reduce public health risks.
For FY 2020, EPA requests $425.3 million and 1,270.8 FTE to improve air quality. Highlights
include:
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Implementation
EPA's criteria air pollutant program is critical to continued progress in reducing public health risks
and improving air quality. Listening to and working with state and tribal partners to set and
implement standards is key to achieving progress. The criteria pollutant program sets NAAQS,
which are then implemented by state, local, and tribal air agencies which have primary
responsibility under the Clean Air Act (CAA) for developing clean air plans. For FY 2020, EPA
requests $111.1 million for the Federal Support for Air Quality Management program to advance
this important work.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to prioritize key activities in support of attainment of the NAAQS.
The Agency will address its CAA responsibilities by collaborating with and providing technical
2 The baseline is 166 nonattainment areas as of 10/1/2017.
3 The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six common
air pollutants including carbon monoxide, lead, ground-level ozone, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide.
4 https://gispub.epa.gOv/air/trendsreport/2018/#growth_w cleaner air
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assistance to states and tribes to develop implementation plans for attaining the NAAQS and
visibility improvement requirements; reviewing state and tribal implementation plans; taking
federal oversight actions such as approving state implementation plan (SIP) and tribal
implementation plan (TIP) submittals consistent with statutory obligations; developing regulations
and guidance to implement standards; and addressing transported air pollution. EPA will continue
to focus on ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the SIP/TIP process, including the
Agency's internal standards for reviewing SIPs and TIPs, with a goal of maximizing timely
processing of state/tribal-requested implementation plan actions to help move more rapidly to
attainment of air quality standards.
Air Toxics
The Air Toxics program develops and implements national emission standards for stationary and
mobile sources and works with state, tribal and local air agencies to address air toxics problems in
communities. As required every eight years by the CAA, EPA reviews air toxics emissions
standards to determine if additional emission control technologies exist. If so, EPA proposes more
effective emission control technologies based on these reviews. EPA also conducts reviews to
determine if risk remains within eight years after certain air toxics standards have been
promulgated.
In FY 2020, the Budget includes $17.3 million for the Federal Stationary Source Regulations
program. EPA will continue to prioritize CAA and court-ordered obligations and will tier its work
with an emphasis on meeting court-ordered deadlines to align with priorities and capacity. EPA
will continue to conduct reviews and risk assessments to determine whether the promulgated
standards appropriately protect public health as required by Section 112 of the CAA.
Grants for State, Local and Tribal Air Quality Management
For FY 2020, EPA requests $160.9 million to provide federal support for grants to state and local
air quality management agencies and to tribes where applicable, to manage and implement air
quality control programs. States, working with EPA, are responsible for SIPs, which provide a
blueprint for the programs and activities that states carry out to attain and maintain the NAAQS
and comply with visibility obligations. States also will operate and maintain their existing
monitoring networks at baseline levels to provide high quality data used to develop and maintain
clean air plans, to support research, and for the public. Some grant funding also will be used to
provide training to states and tribes.
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program
EPA develops, implements, and ensures compliance with national emission standards to reduce
mobile source-related air pollution from light-duty cars and trucks, heavy-duty trucks and buses,
nonroad engines and vehicles, and their fuels. The program also evaluates new emission control
technology and provides information to state, tribal, and local air quality managers on a variety of
transportation programs.
In FY 2020, EPA requests $77.8 million for the Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and
Certification program, which will prioritize certification decisions to ensure that manufacturers are
able to enter their engines and vehicles into commerce once their products have been certified.
EPA will continue to ensure clean and safe air levels while providing certainty and flexibility to
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the regulated community. The Agency will continue to perform its compliance oversight functions
on priority matters, where there is evidence to suggest noncompliance. EPA will continue to
conduct testing activities for pre-certification confirmatory testing for emissions and fuel economy
for passenger cars. On November 13, 2018, EPA announced the Cleaner Trucks Initiative, a new
rulemaking effort to address NOx emissions from heavy-duty trucks. In FY 2020, as a part of this
rulemaking effort, EPA will evaluate the technologies which can ensure real-world compliance
with emissions standards and will also seek opportunities to modernize and streamline the
regulatory framework for the heavy-duty highway sector.
Atmospheric Protection Program
EPA implements the Atmospheric Protection program, which requires mandatory greenhouse gas
emissions reporting from large industrial source categories in the U.S., covering a total of 41
sectors and approximately 8,000 reporting entities. The data is shared with industry stakeholders,
state and local governments, the research community, and the public to better understand
emissions, inform decisions, and communicate progress of actions. The data also informs the
annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory, a U.S. treaty obligation. In addition, EPA will work to complete
the annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Emissions and Sinks. In FY 2020, EPA requests $14
million to continue to implement the Atmospheric Protection program.
Energy Star Program Fee Proposal Implementation
In FY 2020, EPA proposes to implement user fees for entities that participate in the Energy Star
program. By administering the Energy Star program through the collection of user fees, EPA would
continue to provide a trusted resource for consumers and businesses who want to purchase products
that save money and help protect the environment. Entities participating in the program would pay
a fee that would offset the costs for managing and administering the program. The fee collections
would provide funding to replace, to the extent allowable, an upfront appropriation of $46 million
that covers FY 2020 expenses to develop, operate, and maintain the Energy Star program.
Radiation
The Agency measures and monitors ambient radiation and radioactive materials and assesses
radioactive contamination in the environment. The Agency supports federal radiological
emergency response and recovery operations under the National Response Framework (NRF) and
the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). In FY 2020, the
budget includes $11.2 million for the Radiation: Protection and Radiation: Response Preparedness
programs.
The Agency has specific statutory responsibilities to protect the public from harmful radiation
through federal guidance and standard-setting activities, including: regulatory oversight at the
Department of Energy's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP);5 the regulation of airborne radioactive
emissions; and the development and determination of appropriate methods to measure radioactive
releases and exposures under CAA Section 112.
In FY 2020, EPA's Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT) will maintain essential
readiness to support federal radiological emergency response and recovery operations under the
NRF and NCP. EPA will design and conduct essential training and exercises to enhance the
5 Additional information at: http: //www.epa. go v/radi a tion/wipp/background .html.
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RERT's ability to fulfill EPA's responsibilities and improve overall radiation response
preparedness. The Agency also will continue to operate the Agency's nationwide fixed ambient
environmental radiation monitoring network, RadNet.
Objective 2: Provide for Clean and Safe Water. Ensure waters are clean through improved
water infrastructure and, in partnership with states and tribes, sustainably manage
programs to support drinking water, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational, economic, and
subsistence activities.
Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water directly supports the following long-term
performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of community water systems out of compliance
with health-based standards to 2,700.6
• By September 30, 2022, increase by $40 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA
water infrastructure finance programs (CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).7
• By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of square miles of watershed with surface water
not meeting standards by 37,000 square miles.8
Providing support to ensure safe drinking water in communities, increasing investment in water
infrastructure proj ects, and protecting surface water are high priorities for EPA. The Nation's water
resources are the lifeblood of our communities, supporting our economy and way of life. Across
the country, we depend upon reliable sources of clean and safe water. Just a few decades ago,
many of the Nation's rivers, lakes, and estuaries were grossly polluted, wastewater sources
received little or no treatment, and drinking water systems provided very limited treatment to water
coming through the tap. Now, nearly 93 percent of the population served by community water
systems receives water that meets all applicable health-based drinking water standards, and
formerly impaired waters have been restored and now support recreational and public health uses
that contribute to healthy economies. A top priority for EPA is modernizing the outdated water
infrastructure on which the American public depends. The America's Water Infrastructure Act of
2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous drinking water and wastewater issues at large
projects and small rural communities.
In FY 2020, EPA will focus resources on supporting the modernization of outdated drinking water,
wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure; creating incentives for new water technologies and
innovation; and funding the core requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The Agency will look to provide states and tribes with flexibility to
best address their priorities.
EPA will continue to provide loans and grants to states and tribes to improve infrastructure. Given
that investment in infrastructure is necessary for economic growth and environmental protection
6 Baseline is 3,508 community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards as of FY 2017. (Footnote updated
from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
1 Baseline is $32 billion in non-federal dollars leveraged from the CWSRF and DWSRF between FY 2013 and FY 2017 (i.e.,
loans made from recycled loan repayments, bond proceeds, state match, and interest earnings). The baseline does not include
WIFIA leveraged dollars because no loans were closed prior to FY 2018. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.)
8 Draft baseline is 464,020 square miles of impaired waters as of September 2017, to be updated in FY 2019. (Footnote updated
from FY 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. )
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and that EPA investments are catalyst for both, EPA's efforts will be used to support private and
public investment in economic revitalization and improved environmental outcomes across the
country. This requires that EPA strengthen infrastructure in communities through its programs
(e.g., the drinking water SRF, clean water SRF, and WIFIA) to better align EPA investments with
each other and with other investments in pursuit of economic revitalization and improved
environmental outcomes. At the same time, EPA will ensure it is serving disadvantaged
communities, leveraging private investment to improve the economy, and protecting human health
and the environment.
In FY 2020, EPA requests $2,695 billion and 1,585.1 FTE to support this strategic objective, which
is also supported by other core water program work. Highlights include:
Water Infrastructure Investments
We have made significant progress in advancing water quality since enactment of the Clean Water
Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), and Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries
Act over 40 years ago. However, serious water quality and water infrastructure challenges remain.
Many communities need to improve and maintain drinking water and wastewater infrastructure as
well as to develop the capacity to comply with new and existing standards. Tens of thousands of
homes, primarily in tribal and disadvantaged communities and the territories, lack access to basic
sanitation and drinking water. EPA will continue to support progress in these communities in FY
2020.
EPA's water infrastructure programs also benefit from a close relationship with states, municipal,
and tribal governments, as well as industry and other public groups. In addition to EPA's long-
standing partnerships through the SRFs, the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
(WIFIA) credit program is working with both public and private eligible borrowers to fund vital
infrastructure projects. WIFIA is an innovative and flexible financing mechanism and, as
demonstrated by the first two rounds of applications and selected projects, the program encourages
a wide variety of finance approaches.9
A top priority for EPA is modernizing the outdated water infrastructure on which the American
public depends. In FY 2020, EPA requests $1,983 billion for the State Revolving Funds and $25
million for the WIFIA program. The FY 2020 capitalization of the SRFs would supplement
approximately $80 billion currently revolving at the state level. WIFIA is expected to leverage
significant funding for infrastructure and could provide up to $2 billion in direct credit assistance,
which, when combined with other funding sources, could spur over $4 billion in total infrastructure
investment.10
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was recently enacted to help address
numerous drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and small rural communities.
EPA is focused on implementing several mandates included in the law, which strengthens the
federal government's ability to invest in water infrastructure in communities in every state, so that
all Americans can continue to have access to safe drinking water and our Nation's waterways can
remain clean and free from pollution. AWIA strengthened many existing programs within EPA,
9 For additional information, refer to: https://www.epa.gov/wifia/wifia-letters-interest.
10 This approximation is based on notional calculations. Subsidy cost is determined on a loan-by-loan basis.
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while creating new programs to tackle significant public health concerns and environmental needs.
These programs are vital to protecting public health, continuing to grow the American economy
and ensuring that rural and urban communities from coast-to-coast can access clean and safe water.
New mandates range from the creation of grant programs to promoting water quality workforce
development. AWIA mandates will be critical to advancing Agency priorities by increasing water
infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water quality across the country. In
FY 2020, five new program projects are requested to implement AWIA legislation including:
Drinking Fountain Lead Testing, Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience, Sewer Overflow
Control Grants, Technical Assistance for Treatment Works, and Water Infrastructure and
Workforce Investment.
In addition to AWIA, Congress passed several pieces of legislation at the end of 2018, including
the Integrated Planning Bill and the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), which assign new
programming and oversight responsibilities to EPA. In FY 2020, EPA will work to implement the
mandates included in this new legislation.
Categorical Grants to States and Tribes
Protecting the Nation's water from pollution and contaminants relies on cooperation between EPA,
states, and tribes. States and tribes are best positioned to implement localized solutions to protect
their waters. EPA will work with states, territories, tribes, and local communities to better
safeguard human health; maintain, restore, and improve water quality; and make America's water
systems sustainable and secure, supporting new technology and innovation wherever possible.
In FY 2020, EPA requests funding for the following categorical grants that support state and tribal
implementation of the CWA and the SDWA: Public Water System Supervision, Pollution Control
(CWA Section 106), Underground Injection Control (UIC), and Wetlands Program Development
Grants. EPA will work with states and tribes to target the funds to core requirements while
providing flexibility to best address their priorities. Funding for the categorical grants to states and
tribes to support core water programs is $248.3 million, including $10 million for the Multipurpose
Grant program, which is a flexible grant program to support multiple statutory responsibilities,
including water programs.
Safe Drinking Water
For FY 2020, EPA requests $93.9 million to support Drinking Water programs. EPA will work to
reduce lead risks by working on the next step to the Lead and Copper Rule and developing
regulations to implement the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act (WIIN) and the
Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. EPA also will continue to work with states and tribes
to protect underground sources of drinking water from injection of fluids though the UIC program.
In addition, EPA will continue work with states to develop the next generation Safe Drinking
Water Information System (SDWIS) tool used by the majority of state drinking water programs.
The tool will provide many benefits including: improvements in program efficiency and data
quality, greater public access to drinking water data, facilitation of electronic reporting, reductions
in reporting burdens on laboratories and water utilities, reductions in data management burden for
states, and ultimately reduction in public health risk.
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Clean Water
In FY 2020, EPA requests $188.2 million for the Surface Water Protection program and $21.6
million for the Wetlands program. The FY 2020 Budget supports the following core Surface Water
Protection program components: water quality criteria, standards and technology-based effluent
guidelines; National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); water monitoring; Total
Maximum Daily Loads; watershed management; water infrastructure and grants management;
core wetlands programs and CWA Section 106 program management. EPA will continue to
implement and support the core water quality programs that control point source discharges
through permitting and pre-treatment programs. The NPDES program under the Clean Water Act
works with states to structure the permit program, support its implementation and to better pursue
protection of water quality on a watershed basis.
Homeland Security
In FY 2020, EPA will coordinate and support protection of the Nation's critical water
infrastructure from terrorist threats and all-hazard events. Under this homeland security mission,
EPA will annually train over 2,500 water utilities, state officials, and federal emergency responders
on resiliency to natural or manmade incident that could endanger water and wastewater services.
EPA will continue to develop the most efficient mechanisms for detecting and addressing harmful
substances in the water distribution system. In addition, EPA will fulfill its obligations under
Executive Order (EO) 13 63 6 - Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity - which designates
EPA as the lead federal agency responsible for cybersecurity in the water sector. In FY 2020, EPA
will conduct nationwide, in-person training sessions in cybersecurity threats and countermeasures
for approximately 200 water and wastewater utilities.
Objective 3: Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination. Provide better leadership and
management to properly clean up contaminated sites to revitalize and return the land back
to communities.
Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination directly supports the following long-
term performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, make 255 additional Superfund sites ready for anticipated use
(RAU) site-wide.11
• By September 30, 2022, make 3,420 additional brownfields sites RAU.12
• By September 30, 2022, make 536 additional Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) corrective action facilities RAU.13
• By September 30, 2022, complete 56,000 additional leaking underground storage tank
(LUST) cleanups that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater
migration.14
11 By the end of FY 2017, 836 Superfund sites had been made RAU site-wide.
12 From FY 2006 through the end of FY 2017, 5,993 brownfield properties/sites had been made RAU. (Footnote updated fromFJ
2018-2022 Strategic Plan.)
13 From FY 1987 through FY 2017,1,232 of the universe of 3,779 high priority RCRA corrective action facilities had been made
RAU site-wide. (Footnote updated fromFr 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.)
14 By the end of FY 2017,469,898 LUST cleanups had been completed.
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EPA works to improve the health and livelihood of all Americans by cleaning up and returning
land to productive use, preventing contamination, and responding to emergencies. In FY 2020, the
Agency is accelerating the pace of cleanups and reuse while addressing risks to human health and
the environment. EPA uses its resources to enhance the livability and economic vitality of
neighborhoods in and around hazardous waste sites, by collaborating with, and leveraging efforts
of other federal agencies, industry, states, tribes, and local communities. EPA also partners with
states, tribes, local communities, and industry to prevent and reduce exposure to harmful
contaminants. Superfund and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) provide legal
authority for EPA's work to protect and restore land. The Agency and its partners use Superfund
authority to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites, allowing land to be returned
to productive use. Under RCRA, EPA works in partnership with states and tribes to address risks
associated with the generation, transportation, treatment, storage or disposal of waste, and to clean
up contamination at active sites.
EPA collaborates with international, state, tribal, and local governments while considering the
effects of decisions on communities. EPA engages communities to help them understand and
address risks posed by intentional and accidental releases of hazardous substances into the
environment and to ensure that communities have an opportunity to participate in environmental
decisions that affect them. Risk communication goes to the heart of EPA's mission and the Agency
must speak with one voice when explaining to the American people the environmental and health
risks they face in their daily lives. EPA's efforts are guided by scientific data, tools, and research
that alert the American people to emerging issues and inform decisions on managing materials and
addressing contaminated properties.
In FY 2020, EPA requests $1,056 billion and 2,059.5 FTE to support this objective. To maximize
effectiveness, EPA will focus on implementing core programs where a federal presence is required
by the statute. This strategic objective is supported by core land program work. Highlights include:
Cleaning Up Contaminated Sites
EPA's cleanup programs (i.e., Superfund Remedial, Superfund Federal Facilities, Superfund
Emergency Response and Removal, RCRA Corrective Action, Underground Storage Tanks and
Brownfields) work cooperatively with state, tribal, and local partners to take proactive steps to
facilitate the cleanup and revitalization of contaminated properties. Cleanup programs protect both
human health and the environment and return sites to productive use, which is important to the
economic wellbeing of communities. Working with partners across the country, EPA engages with
communities in site cleanup decisions, fosters employment opportunities in communities, and
promotes the redevelopment of blighted areas. For FY 2020, EPA requests $856 million to fund
EPA's cleanup programs.
Superfund Remedial
One of EPA's top priorities is accelerating progress on the cleanup and reuse of Superfund sites.
The reuse of a site often can play a role in economically revitalizing a community. Superfund
properties are often reused as commercial facilities, retail centers, government offices, residential
areas, industrial and manufacturing operations, parks, and recreational areas. At the end of FY
2018, 887 Superfund sites had been determined to be Sitewide Ready for Anticipated Use (RAU)
out of atotal of 1,836 Superfund sites. During FY 2018, 51 Superfund sites were made RAU. EPA
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data shows that as of FY 2017 at the 487 Superfund sites in reuse, approximately 6,622 businesses
are generating $43.6 billion in sales. These businesses employ 156,352 people who earn a
combined income of $11.2 billion.15
In 2017, EPA convened a Superfund Task Force that identified 42 recommendations to streamline
and improve the Superfund process. EPA has implemented 43 percent of the recommendations,
expediting the reduction of risks to human health and the environment and accelerating the reuse
of properties affected by hazardous substance contamination. In July 2018, EPA released an update
to the Superfund Task Force report highlighting these accomplishments and emphasizing next
steps for all open recommendations.16 EPA expects to implement all the remaining
recommendations by July 2019. In FY 2020 the program will continue to update the program goal
to advance cleanup.
Building on recommendations from the Superfund Task Force Report, the Agency will continue
to help communities clean up and revitalize once productive properties. This will be achieved by:
removing contamination; enabling economic development; taking advantage of existing
infrastructure; and maintaining and improving quality of life. There are multiple benefits
associated with cleaning up contaminated sites including: reducing mortality and morbidity risk;
preventing and reducing human exposure to contaminants; improving nearby property values;
making land available for commercial, residential, industrial, or recreational reuse; and promoting
community economic development. For example, research shows that residential property values
within three miles of Superfund sites increased between 18.7 to 24.4 percent when sites were
cleaned up and deleted from the NPL.17
In FY 2020, EPA requests $472.1 million for the Superfund Remedial program. EPA will continue
its statutory responsibility to provide oversight of potentially responsible parties (PRP)-lead
activities at Superfund sites, consistent with legal settlement documents, and statutorily required
five-year reviews.
Superfund Federal Facilities
The federal facility sites are among the largest in the Superfund program, accounting for a high
percentage of the annual program cleanup commitments and encompassing some of the most
dangerous and unique environmental contaminants, including munitions, radiological waste, and
emerging contaminants such as per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). EPA works closely
with other federal agencies, states, tribes, and stakeholders to ensure protective and cost-effective
cleanups at these NPL sites. The Agency requests $20.5 million for this program in FY 2020.
Superfund Removal
From FY 2009 to FY 2018, EPA completed or oversaw over 3,427 Superfund removal actions
across the country. This work is performed as part of the overarching effort to clean up
contaminants and protect human health and the environment.
15 For more information on Redevelopment Economics and in-depth case studies see www.epa. gov/superfund-redevelopment-
initiative/redevelopment-economics-superfund-sites.
16 Please see the Superfund Task Force Recommendations 2018 Update at lit tps: //semspub.epa. go v/work/HQ/1.97209.pdf.
17 Gamper-Rabindran, Shanti and Christopher Timmons. 2013. "Does cleanup of hazardous waste sites raise housing values?
Evidence of spatially localized benefits," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 65(3): 345-360.
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In the case of a national emergency, EPA's Superfund Emergency Response and Removal program
is charged with preventing, limiting, mitigating, or containing chemical, oil, radiological,
biological, or hazardous materials released during and in the aftermath of an incident. Typical
situations requiring emergency response and removal actions vary greatly in size, nature, and
location, and include chemical releases, fires or explosions, natural disasters, and other threats to
people from exposure to hazardous substances. EPA's 24-hour-a-day response capability is a
cornerstone element of the National Contingency Plan.18 In FY 2020, EPA requests $168.4 million
for the Superfund Emergency Response and Removal program.
RCRA Corrective Action
EPA works in partnership with states to carry out its mission and has authorized 44 states and one
territory to directly implement the RCRA Corrective Action program19. This program is
responsible for overseeing and managing cleanups at active RCRA sites. States have requested
EPA participate in work sharing under this program, and the Agency serves in a lead or support
role for a significant number of complex and challenging cleanups in both non-authorized and
authorized states. To advance this work, the Budget includes $33.2 million to support the RCRA:
Corrective Action program.
Underground Storage Tanks
The Underground Storage Tank (UST) program has achieved significant success in addressing
releases since the beginning of the program. FY 2018 data show that, of the approximately 543,800
releases reported since the beginning of the UST program in 1988, more than 478,000 (or 88
percent) have been cleaned up. Approximately 65,450 releases remain that have not reached
cleanup completion. EPA is working with states to develop and implement specific strategies and
activities applicable to their particular sites to reduce the UST releases remaining to be cleaned up.
The important work of this program is demonstrated by a 2017 study found that high profile UST
releases decrease nearby property values by 2 to 6 percent. However, once cleanup is completed,
property values rebound by a similar margin.20 EPA requests a total of $51.6 million in FY 2020
for Underground Storage Tank direct cleanup and state cooperative agreements.
Brownfields
Approximately 129 million people (roughly 40 percent of the U.S. population) live within three
miles of a Brownfields site that receives EPA funding.21 By awarding Brownfields grants, EPA is
making investments in communities so that they can realize their visions for environmental health,
economic growth, and job creation. As of November 2018, grants awarded by the program have
led to over 77,000 acres of idle land made ready for productive use and over 141,300 jobs and
$26.8 billion leveraged.22 During FY 2018, 861 Brownfields sites were made RAU. In FY 2020,
18 For additional information, refer to: https://www.ei7a.gov/emergency-response/national-oil-and-hazardous-substances-
pollution-contingency-plan-ncp-overview.
19 State implementation of the RCRA Corrective Action program is funded through the STAG (Program Project 11) and
matching State contributions.
20Guignet, D. R. Jenkins, M. Ranson, and P. Walsh. 2018. "Contamination and Incomplete Information: Bounding Implicit Prices
using High-Pro file Leaks," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 88(C): 259-282.
https://doi.Org/10.1016/j.jeem.2017.12.003.
21 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of the
end of FY16; and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
22 EPA's ACRES database.
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the Agency will continue to make additional Brownfields sites RAU. A 2017 study found that
housing property values increased 5 to 15.2 percent near Brownfield sites when cleanup was
completed.23 Another 2017 study of 48 Brownfield sites showed an estimated $29 to $97 million
in additional tax revenue generated for local governments in a single year after cleanup; this is 2
to 7 times more than the $12.4 million EPA contributed to the cleanup of those Brownfields.24 The
FY 2020 Budget includes $110.5 million to advance Brownfields work and continue these positive
returns to the environment, public health, and the economy.
Preserving Land
Preventing the release of contamination in the first place can be one of the most cost-effective
ways of providing Americans with clean land. With our state and tribal partners, EPA works to
prevent releases of contamination, allowing the productive use of facilities and land and
contributing to communities' economic vitality, while avoiding expensive cleanup costs.
Chemical Facility Safety
EPA plays a valuable role in working with states and communities to build the capacity to prevent,
prepare for, and respond to emergencies at chemical facilities. The program establishes a structure
for federal, state, local, and tribal partners to work together with industry to protect emergency
responders, local communities, and property from chemical risks through advanced technologies,
community engagement, and improved safety systems. In FY 2020, the program will prioritize
inspection of facilities required to have a Risk Management Plan (RMP) to ensure compliance
with accident prevention and preparedness activities. In FY 2020, EPA requests $10.5 million for
the State and Local Prevention and Preparedness program.
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness Fee Proposal
EPA proposes new fee authority in the State and Local Prevention and Preparedness program to
better support compliance assistance work for RMP facilities. Once authorized, the new voluntary
fee and service would provide support for facilities in complying with EPA regulations.
Authorizing language for the new fee collection accompanies the FY 2020 Budget submission.
RCRA Waste Management
States have primary responsibility for almost all the efforts related to permitting hazardous waste
units (such as incinerators and landfills) at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. In FY 2020,
permits for these activities will be issued, updated, or maintained as necessary. EPA directly
implements the entire RCRA program in two states and provides leadership, work-sharing, and
support to the states and territories authorized to implement the permitting program. In addition,
EPA reviews and approves Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) cleanup, storage, and disposal
activities as this federal authority is not delegable to state programs. The FY 2020 Budget includes
an increase of $3 million, including 14 FTE, to execute a delegation to states and to develop and
implement a permit program for coal combustion residuals. The FY 2020 Budget provides $46.8
million to the RCRA Waste Management program.
23 Haninger, K., L. Ma, and C. Timmins. 2017. The Value of Brownfield Remediation. Journal of the Association of
Environmental and Resource Economists, 4(1): 197-241, https://ideas.repec.org/aAicp/iaerec/doilO. 1.086-689743.htm.
24 Sullivan, Karen A. Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management
Vol. 19. No. 3 (September 2017) 1750013. https://www.worldscientific.eom/doi/pdf/10.l 1.42/S 1.46433321.73001.32.
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Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
On October 5, 2012, the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act was enacted,
requiring EPA to develop and maintain a hazardous waste electronic manifest system. The system
is designed to, among other functions, assemble and maintain the information contained in the
estimated two million manifest forms accompanying hazardous waste shipments across the Nation
annually. On June 30, 2018, EPA launched the e-Manifest system, giving generators, transporters,
and receiving facilities the option of using electronic manifests. The e-Manifest system improves
knowledge of waste generation and final disposition, enhances access to manifest information, and
provides greater transparency for the public about hazardous waste shipments. When fully
implemented, the electronic hazardous waste manifest system will reduce the reporting burden to
regulated facilities by approximately $90 million annually. In FY 2020, EPA will operate the e-
Manifest system and the Agency will collect and utilize fees for the full costs of operation of the
system and necessary program expenses.
Oil Spill Prevention Preparedness and Response
Inland oil spills can threaten human health, cause severe environmental damage, and create
financial loss to industry and the public. The Oil Spill program helps protect the American people
by effectively preventing, preparing for, responding to, and monitoring inland oil spills. EPA
serves as the lead responder for cleanup of all inland zone spills, including transportation-related
spills, and provides technical assistance and support to the U.S. Coast Guard for coastal and
maritime oil spills. In FY 2020, EPA requests a total of $12.4 million for the Oil Spill Prevention,
Preparedness and Response program to continue to ensure compliance with preventative measures
through inspections, deliver required annual oil spill inspector training to federal and state
inspectors, and maintain the National Oil Database and National Contingency Plan product
schedule.
Oil Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response Fee Proposal
EPA proposes new fee authority in the Oil Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response program
to better support compliance assistance work for Facility Response Plan (FRP) and Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) facilities. Once authorized, the new voluntary fee
and service would provide support for facilities in complying with EPA regulations.
Homeland Security
Terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, and natural disasters can result in acutely toxic chemical,
biological or radiological (CBR) contamination causing sickness or death, disruption of drinking
water and wastewater services, economic hardship in communities, and even shutdown of urban
areas. EPA's Homeland Security work is an important component of the Agency's prevention,
protection, and response activities. The FY 2020 Budget includes $55.9 million to maintain
Agency capability to respond to incidents that may involve harmful CBR substances. Resources
will allow the Agency to develop and maintain expertise and operational readiness to respond to
emergencies.
Objective 4: Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace. Effectively implement the Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA), and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA), to ensure new and existing chemicals and pesticides are reviewed for their potential
risks to human health and the environment and actions are taken when necessary.
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Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace, directly supports the following
long-term performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, complete all EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations for existing
chemicals in accordance with statutory timelines.25
• By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA risk management actions for existing
chemicals in accordance with statutory timelines.26
• By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA pre-manufacture notice final determinations
in accordance with statutory timelines.27
• By September 30, 2022, complete all cases of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)-mandated decisions for the pesticides registration review
oo
program.
• By September 30, 2022, reduce the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA)
registration decision timeframe by an average of 60 days.29
Chemicals and pesticides released into the environment as a result of their manufacture,
processing, use, or disposal can threaten human health and the environment. EPA gathers and
assesses information about the risks associated with pesticides and other chemicals and
implements risk management strategies when needed. Additionally, EPA's research efforts play
an important role in advancing the Agency's ability to assess chemicals more rapidly and
accurately.
In FY 2020, EPA requests $226.2 million and 1,020.6 FTE for this strategic objective. Highlights
include:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
In 2016, TSCA was amended by enactment of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the
21st Century Act. These amendments gave EPA significant new, as well as continuing,
responsibilities for ensuring that chemicals in or entering commerce do not present unreasonable
risks to human health and the environment, including potentially exposed or susceptible
subpopulations. EPA works to ensure the safety of: (1) existing chemicals (those already in use
when TSCA was enacted in 1976 and those which have gone through the TSCA new chemical
review since then), by obtaining and evaluating chemical data and taking regulatory action, where
appropriate, to prevent any unreasonable risk posed by their use; and (2) new chemicals, by
reviewing and taking action on new chemical notices submitted by industry, including Pre-
Manufacture Notices, to ensure that no unreasonable risk will be posed by such chemicals upon
their entry into U.S. commerce.
25 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
26 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
27 Baseline is 58.4% of determinations made within 90 days in FY 2018. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 EPA Strategic
Plan.)
28 Baseline is 239 decisions completed by the close of FY 2017 out of the known universe of 725. (Footnote updated fromFJ
2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
29 Baseline is an average timeframe of 655 days (range: 93-2,086 days) for PRIA decisions for 68 new active ingredients
completed in FY 2015-2017.
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EPA is engaged in a wide range of TSCA implementation activities that will enable the Agency to
meet the strategic objective and associated long-term performance goals and FY 2018-2019
Annual Priority Goal included in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Agency expects to
complete risk evaluations under the amended TSCA for the initial set of ten chemicals in December
2019, in accordance with statutory timelines. Substantial progress has already been made, with the
publication of scoping documents for these evaluations on schedule in June 2017, followed by
problem formulation documents in June 2018. In FY 2020, EPA will commence risk evaluations
for an additional 20 High-Priority chemicals in compliance with a statutory directive to maintain
a pace of 20 EPA-initiated evaluations and identify 20 Low-Priority Chemicals which will not
undergo risk evaluation. EPA will develop risk management actions to address any unreasonable
risks identified through the evaluation process. In addition, the Agency expects to make further
progress in streamlining new chemical review as the recommendations of a Lean management
study continue to be put into practice. The Budget request includes $66.4 million to support the
Chemical Risk Review & Reduction program.
Healthy Schools Grant Program
The Healthy Schools Grant Program is proposed as a new program in FY 2020 and is designed to
protect children and teachers in environments in which they live, play and work. Under this
program, funding would be available to identify and help prevent, reduce and resolve
environmental hazards and prevent childhood lead exposure, reduce asthma triggers, promote
integrated pest management, and reduce or eliminate childhood exposure to one or more toxics in
schools across all environmental media.
Although EPA provides grant funding to a wide range of initiatives focused on addressing risks to
children's health, the Agency has no comprehensive environmental health management program
to support school administrators and others in identifying and addressing some of the most
common areas of environmental health concerns found in schools. EPA recognizes that school
environmental health challenges differ due to variations in geography, age of school infrastructure,
population density, and other factors. In FY 2020, EPA requests $50 million to initiate this new
grant program which will target the highest priority efforts to protect human health and the
environment in school settings.
Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
EPA's success in carrying out its mission to protect human health and the environment is
contingent in part on collecting and making available timely, high-quality and relevant
information. The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program supports EPA's mission, including its
chemical safety program, by annually making available to the public data reported by industrial
and federal facilities on the quantities of toxic chemicals they release each year to air, water or
land, or otherwise manage as waste (e.g., through recycling). These facilities also disclose any
pollution prevention practices they implemented during the year. TRI is the Agency's premiere
source of data on toxic chemicals release and management for communities, non-governmental
organizations, industrial facilities, academia and government agencies. The data collected by EPA
pertain to more than 650 individual toxic chemicals, and more than 30 chemical categories, from
over 20,000 industrial and federal facilities. The Agency employs targeted system enhancements
to better manage information flows and scientific tools and models. EPA's FY 2020 Budget
proposal includes $7.8 million for this program.
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Pesticides
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the primary federal law
governing oversight of pesticide manufacture, distribution, and use in the United States. FIFRA
requires EPA to register pesticides based on a finding that they will not cause unreasonable adverse
effects on people and the environment, considering the economic, social, and environmental costs
and benefits of the uses of the pesticides. Each time the law has been amended, Congress has
strengthened FIFRA's safety standards while continuing to require consideration of pesticide
benefits.
Every 15 years, EPA reevaluates previously registered pesticides to ensure they meet current
standards. EPA's Pesticides program remains on track to meet the statutory completion date for
this 15-year Registration Review period by October 1, 2022. Forward planning serves to ensure,
through 2022, EPA will complete all FIFRA-mandated decisions for the Pesticides Registration
Review program. At the end of FY 2018, 304 interim or final decisions of a known universe of
725 cases were completed. Through the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA), the
program continues to ensure new products meet U.S. safety standards, expediting the licensing of
new products so they are available in the marketplace for use in agricultural, consumer, and public
health pest control needs.
In addition to FIFRA, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) governs the maximum
allowable level of pesticides in and on food grown and sold in the United States. The legal level
of a pesticide residue on a food or food item is referred to as a tolerance. FFDCA requires that the
establishment, modification, or revocation of tolerances be based on a finding of a "reasonable
certainty of no harm." Whereas FIFRA is a risk-based statute that allows for consideration of the
benefits of pesticide use in determining whether to register a pesticide, FFDCA is a risk-only
statute, and benefits cannot be used in determining whether the tolerance meets the safety standard.
When evaluating the establishment, modification, or revocation of a tolerance, EPA seeks to
harmonize the tolerance with the maximum residue levels set by other countries to enhance the
trade of agricultural commodities.
EPA's pesticide licensing program evaluates new pesticides before they reach the market and
ensures that pesticides already in commerce are safe when used in accordance with the label as
directed by FIFRA, FFDCA, and the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). EPA is responsible for
licensing (registering) new pesticides and periodically reevaluating (registration review) older
pesticides to protect consumers, pesticide users, workers who may be exposed to pesticides,
children, and other sensitive populations, while considering the benefits associated with the use of
the pesticide.
In FY 2020, $99.4 million is provided to support EPA's Pesticide Registration Review and
Registration program. Identifying, assessing, and reducing the risks presented by the pesticides on
which our society and economy relies is integral to ensuring environmental and human safety.
Chemical and biological pesticides help meet national and global demands for food. They provide
effective pest control for homes, schools, gardens, highways, hospitals, and drinking water
treatment facilities, while also controlling vectors of disease. The Pesticides program ensures that
the pesticides available in the U.S. are safe when used as directed. The program places priority on
reduced-risk pesticides that, once registered, will result in increased societal benefits.
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In FY 2020, appropriated funding will be augmented by approximately $49 million in pesticides
registration and maintenance user fees. The Budget also includes a proposal to expand the use of
pesticide fees to support a wider range of registration and registration review activities.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to review and register new pesticides, new uses for existing
pesticides, and other registration requests in accordance with all statutory requirements. In
addition, the Agency will review, under the Pesticides Registration Review program, pesticides
already in the market against current scientific standards for human health. EPA's FY 2020
activities will continue to involve increased efforts on comprehensive risk assessments to protect
the environment.
The Agency also will continue to invest resources to improve the compliance of pesticide
registrations with the Endangered Species Act. A portion of the funding will ensure that pesticides
are correctly registered and applied in a manner that protects water quality. EPA will continue
registration and registration review requirements for antimicrobial pesticides. Additionally, the
pesticides program continues to focus on pollinator health, working with other federal partners,
states, and private stakeholder groups to stem pollinator declines and increase pollinator habitat.
Together, these activities and programs will minimize exposure to pesticides, maintain a safe and
affordable food supply, address public health issues, and minimize property damage that can occur
from insects, pests, and microbes. The Agency's worker protection, certification, and training
programs will encourage safe pesticide application practices. EPA will continue to emphasize
reducing exposures from pesticides used in and around homes, schools, and other public areas to
be protective of human health.
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Cooperative Federalism
Cooperative Federalism: Rebalance the power between Washington and the states to create
tangible environmental results for the American people.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
• Improve environmental protection through shared governance and enhanced collaboration
with state, tribal, local, and federal partners using the full range of compliance assurance
tools.
• Listen to and collaborate with impacted stakeholders and provide effective platforms for
public participation and meaningful engagement.
GOAL, OBJECTIVE SUMMARY
Budget Authority
Full-time Equivalents
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020
Pres Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Cooperative Federalism
$317,734.7
$322,751.0
$228,323.0
-$94,428.0
Enhance Shared Accountability
$300,457.8
$306,554.0
$225,584.0
-$80,970.0
Increase Transparency and Public
Participation
$17,276.9
$16,197.0
$2,739.0
-$13,458.0
Total Authorized Workyears
1,123.2
1,145.6
850.0
-295.6
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Goal 2: Cooperative Federalism
Strategic Goal: Rebalance the power between Washington and the states to create tangible
environmental results for the American people.
Introduction
The intent that environmental and human health protection is a shared responsibility between the
states, tribes, and the federal government is embedded in our environmental laws. Most of the
major environmental statutes provide states and tribes the opportunity and responsibility for
implementing and sustaining environmental and human health protection programs. More than 45
years after the creation of EPA and the enactment of a broad set of federal environmental protection
laws, most states, and to a lesser extent territories and tribes, are authorized to implement EPA-
administered environmental programs within their jurisdictions. States have assumed more than
96 percent of the delegable authorities under federal law.30 EPA retains responsibility for directly
implementing federal environmental programs in much of Indian country where eligible tribes
have not yet built capacity to take on program responsibility. There also are programs which may
not be delegated by statute to the states, tribes or territories, and programs which are delegable,
but for which the state, tribe or territory has not sought delegation. Taking a renewed look at them
will facilitate constructive dialogue with states and tribes to ensure maximum utilization of
resources. EPA will continue to adapt its practices to reduce duplication of effort with authorized
states, tribes, and territories, and tailor its oversight of delegated programs. The EPA is focused on
providing certainty to the American people, our co-regulators, and the regulated community. EPA
will prioritize certainty in three primary areas: certainty to the states and local governments,
including tribes; certainty within EPA programs, such as permitting and enforcement actions; and
certainty in risk communication.
The relationship between states, tribes, territories, and EPA is not just about who makes decisions,
but also how decisions are made and affirming and respecting the sense of shared accountability
to provide positive environmental results. Improvements to protecting human health and the
environment cannot be achieved by any single actor. Success is derived when the states, tribes,
territories, and EPA, in conjunction with affected communities, work together in a spirit of trust,
collaboration, and partnership. Effective environmental protection is best achieved when EPA and
its state and tribal partners collaborate transparently, welcome public participation and embrace a
shared accountability for the outcomes. Active platforms for public participation, including
building the capacity of community stakeholders to provide input, encourages deeper
collaboration. With public participation opportunities, the beneficiaries of environmental
protection - the American people - will be able to more meaningfully engage through their
communities, local governments, and state and tribal governments. Including the public's voice in
EPA's policy, regulatory, and assistance work, particularly the voices of the most vulnerable
among us to environmental and public health challenges, is essential to meeting their needs as the
Agency's statutory responsibilities are implemented.
30 Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) Paper, "Cooperative Federalism 2.0." June 2017.
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EPA also recognizes meeting the needs of states, tribes, territories, local governments, and
communities, and achieving environmental improvements cannot be accomplished without
consideration of economic growth. Opportunities for economic growth in tandem with clean air,
water, and land are lost without effective infrastructure investments aligning to community needs.
This is especially true for infrastructure investments that repair existing systems; support
revitalization of existing communities and buildings; and lead to the cleanup and redevelopment
of previously used sites and buildings. A prime example of cooperative federalism fostering
development in communities is EPA's State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. The revolving
nature of the Drinking Water and Clean Water SRF funds and substantial state contributions has
greatly expanded the scope of the federal investment. EPA estimates for every federal dollar
contributed to date, the Nation has received close to three dollars of water infrastructure
investments in return. EPA will optimize and align its relevant programs to catalyze other
resources, support beneficial infrastructure investments, and meet community interests for thriving
economies and improved environmental and human health outcomes.
FY 2020 Activities
Objective 1: Enhance Shared Accountability. Improve environmental protection through
shared governance and enhanced collaboration with state, tribal, local, and federal partners
using the full range of compliance assurance tools.
Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability, directly supports the following long-term
performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, increase the number of grant commitments achieved by states,
tribes, and local communities.31
• By September 30, 2022, increase the use of alternative shared governance approaches to
address state, tribal, and local community reviews.32
In the spirit of cooperative federalism, EPA and its partners have made enormous progress in
protecting air, water, and land resources. EPA recognizes states and tribes vary in the
environmental challenges they face due to geography, population density, and other factors. The
unique relationship among EPA and its co-regulators is the foundation of the nation's
environmental protection system; each organization fulfills a critical role based on its expertise,
abilities, and responsibilities to protect and improve human health and the environment. EPA will
maximize the flexibilities provided by law to accommodate each state's and tribe's unique
situation when making regulatory and policy decisions. The FY 2020 Budget includes $10 million
for the Multipurpose Grants, which are an example of this commitment to cooperative federalism.
These grants afford flexibility to our state and tribal partners by allowing them to target funds
toward their highest priority environmental statutory responsibilities consistent with EPA statutes.
EPA recognizes the advances states and tribes have made in implementing environmental laws
and programs. This Administration is undertaking a series of initiatives to rethink and reassess
where we are and where we want to be with respect to shared governance. These initiatives are
31 Universe (number of commitments contained in Performance Partnership Grants) and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY
2019. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
32 There is no baseline for this measure. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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working to clarify the Agency's statutory roles and responsibilities and tailoring state and tribal
oversight to maximize our return on investment, reduce the burden on states and tribes, and ensure
continued progress in achieving environmental outcomes. To advance this progress, the Agency
will work to provide more certainty to the states and tribes. For example, the Clean Water Act lays
out the process by which states can take charge of their own pollutant discharge elimination
systems. EPA's recent approval of Idaho's program is a great example of EPA working
cooperatively with states to provide them certainty with respect to water permitting. The Agency
also is collaborating with states to improve air quality. Since March 2017, EPA has turned an
average of one Federal Implementation Plan into a State Implementation Plan each month. These
actions provide states clarity and certainty as they strive to reduce air pollution.
The Agency will continue to work closely with our state and tribal partners to ensure our mutual
responsibilities under the law are fulfilled. For example, permitting issues can heavily impact small
and mid-sized businesses - the backbone of the American economy. We are now systematically
tracking the time it takes to issue permits. The Agency's goal is to make all permitting decisions
in six months with respect to CWA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System,
Underground Injection Control, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) permits.
For New Source Review permits, the goal is one year from the receipt of a complete application.
In FY 2020, $44.2 million is included for the Tribal General Assistance Program Grants, which
will continue to assist tribal governments in developing environmental protection program
capacity to assess environmental conditions, use relevant environmental information to improve
long-range strategic environmental program development planning, and develop environmental
programs tailored to tribal government needs consistent with those long-range strategic plans. EPA
directly implements the majority of federal environmental programs in Indian country. Therefore,
the Agency works with tribes to develop their capacity to administer environmental programs
enabling those tribes choosing to do so, the ability to implement federal environmental laws and
programs. Consistent with the 1984 Indian Policy and EPA policies on consultation, the Agency
works on a government-to-government basis to build tribal capacity to participate with EPA in
direct implementation activities, and implement federal programs through delegations,
authorizations, and primacy designations. This enables tribes to meaningfully participate in the
Agency's policy making, standard setting, and direct implementation activities under federal
environmental statutes.
In FY 2020, EPA requests $224.5 million and 831 FTE to enhance EPA's shared accountability
and build cooperative federalism. Highlights include:
Shared Governance
To develop a future model of shared governance - engaging early and meaningfully with states
and tribes - taking into account the progress states and tribes have made in protecting human health
and the environment, the Agency will focus on core statutory roles and responsibilities. The
Agency will use shared governance to work with states and tribes to increase flexibility and to
streamline oversight of state and tribal environmental programs. As part of this process, the
Agency will work in close collaboration with co-regulators to better understand best practices and
approaches that improve environmental program management. The Agency will continue to
streamline processes where EPA must review and approve state and tribal actions (e.g., permit
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reviews). EPA will continue to work with states and tribes through E-Enterprise for the
Environment to agree on shared priorities and allocate roles and responsibilities to inform and
update processes and programs. Through shared governance the Agency uses E-Enterprise for the
Environment to deliver streamlined processes as well as accessible, reliable information and data
that benefit co-regulators and the regulated community. EPA is also exploring the use of a new
reporting tool which will reduce reporting burdens while enhancing transparency in grant
commitment setting across EPA regions.
EPA's work in FY 2020 will continue to enhance EPA-Tribal partnerships through development
and implementation of EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans (ETEPs) and a continued focus on
tracking and reporting measurable results of GAP-funded activities. The Agency actively works
with tribes choosing to implement federal environmental laws and programs to develop their
capacity to administer environmental programs for their lands.
EPA, with its state, tribal, and local partners, ensures consistent and fair enforcement of federal
environmental laws and regulations. In collaboration with co-regulators, the Agency uses a full set
of compliance assurance tools, such as compliance assistance and monitoring; electronic reporting;
traditional enforcement; grant funding to states and tribes; and building tribal capacity. Through
E-Enterprise for the Environment, EPA uses a shared governance approach, working with states
and tribes, to modernize and streamline the implementation of our environmental programs. EPA,
states and tribes work together to develop and deliver better results, often with lower costs and less
burden, for the benefit of the public, the regulated community and governmental sectors.
Compliance Assurance
As part of its role of assuring compliance with environmental laws, the Agency will look for cost-
effective ways to enhance the compliance assurance tool box in collaboration with its state, tribal,
local, federal, and industry partners. For example, the E-Enterprise Web Portal offers a platform
or gateway for making shared services available to states, tribes, and EPA to transact business.
Tools and services are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce burden on the regulated community,
and improve environmental outcomes. In general, an expanded and modernized compliance
assurance tool box will enhance EPA's ability to tailor compliance assurance approaches to the
differing needs and challenges among authorized states, territories, tribes and regulated entities.
EPA continues to work closely with authorized states, tribes, and territories to develop new
compliance tools and approaches to make programs more effective and efficient in promoting
compliance and remedying violations. Some of the Agency's ongoing collaborative efforts with
the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS)33 include producing webinars to identify new
compliance approaches states and/or EPA could pilot and evaluate; increasing training availability;
and preparing for advances in pollution monitoring technology.
A key component of EPA's overall compliance assurance program is compliance monitoring.
Compliance monitoring allows the regulatory agencies to detect noncompliance, implement timely
and appropriate follow-up actions, and promote compliance with the Nation's environmental laws.
Effective targeting of compliance monitoring plays a central role in achieving the goals that EPA
has set for protecting human health and the environment. On a national level, EPA works closely
33 For more information on OECA's collaboration with ECOS via E-Enterprise, see Article: Advanced Monitoring Technology:
Opportunities and Challenges. A Path Forward for EPA. States, and Tribes.
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with individual states, tribes, and state and tribal associations to develop, modernize, and
implement national compliance monitoring and enforcement response strategies. This ensures a
level playing field exists for regulated entities across the country.
Another core element of EPA's compliance assurance program is providing timely and accessible
compliance assistance information to the regulated community. The E-Enterprise Web Portal is
one conduit for providing this type of information. In addition, EPA will continue partnering with
third-party organizations and federal agencies to support the existing web-based, sector-specific
compliance assistance centers34 and other web-based assistance resources. Also, EPA, state, and
tribal inspectors will continue to use the inspection process as an opportunity to provide regulated
entities with relevant compliance assistance information.
EPA principally focuses compliance monitoring activities, such as field inspections, electronic
reporting, and data analysis tools, and where appropriate, follow-up enforcement actions on those
programs not currently delegated or delegable to states and tribes, and in delegated or authorized
state programs where the state lacks the resources, capacity, or will, to take appropriate action to
protect public health and the environment. The Agency provides monitoring, program evaluations,
and capacity building to support and complement authorized state, tribal, territorial and local
government programs. The Agency also works collaboratively with states in resolving
noncompliance at federal facilities, especially states lacking enforcement authorities or the
capacity to address these issues. In FY 2020, EPA will increase compliance by reducing the
percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance (SNC) with their permit limits. In addition, the
Agency will continue to implement Phase 2 of the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule which covers
the e-reporting rule permitting and compliance monitoring requirements for EPA and states.
In FY 2019, EPA is piloting an interim policy on Inspection Report Timeliness and
Standardization, including tracking of inspection report timeliness in the Integrated Compliance
Information System (ICIS). The intent of this pilot is to ensure the timely production of reports
and the timely completion and release of inspection reports, including any potential deficiencies
or areas of concern, to facilities and the public. By the end of FY 2019, EPA will address any
lessons learned and issue a final policy with full implementation in FY 2020.
In FY 2020, EPA requests $90.6 million and 428.7 FTE to fund EPA's compliance monitoring
activities.
International Partnerships
To achieve the Agency's domestic environmental and human health obj ectives, the EPA will work
with international partners to address international sources of pollution that impact the United
States or our foreign policy objectives - for example, marine litter. Pollution impacts air, water,
food crops, and food chains, and can accumulate in foods such as fish. In FY 2020, EPA will
continue to engage both bilaterally and through multilateral institutions to improve international
cooperation to prevent and address the transboundary movement of pollution. For example, EPA
will engage with countries like China to address air pollution that contributes significant pollution
to the domestic and international environment. The FY 2020 Budget includes $5.3 million to
34 For more information on compliance assistance centers, see https://www.eDa.gov/comDliance/comDliance-assistance-centers.
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support the International Sources of Pollution program. EPA efforts include working with
international partners to strengthen environmental laws and governance to more closely align with
U.S. standards and practices of U.S. industry.
Objective 2: Increase Transparency and Public Participation. Listen to and collaborate with
impacted stakeholders and provide effective platforms for public participation and
meaningful engagement.
Objective 2.2, Increase Transparency and Public Participation, directly supports the following
long-term performance goal in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, eliminate the backlog and meet statutory deadlines for responding
to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.35
EPA will strengthen its community-driven approach, which emphasizes public participation in
partnering with states, tribes, and communities and maximizes the support and resources of the
Agency to create tangible environmental results. The Agency will deploy its resources and
expertise to collaborate with states, tribes, and communities to achieve a more comprehensive
understanding of needs and support locally-led, community-driven solutions to improved
environmental protection and economic growth. EPA will increase transparency with industry,
environmental groups and other stakeholders; and facilitate public participation, emphasizing
cooperation and collaboration, especially at the early stages of Agency actions.
The Agency also will enhance coordination across its programs and with federal partners to ensure
alignment of mutual efforts, including consideration of vulnerable groups and communities in
decisions. The EPA will reflect community needs in its actions and investments, recognizing that
the needs of rural communities may not be the same as in urban areas. Increasing transparency and
public participation in EPA's work with other affected entities will enhance the Agency's ability
to partner with states, tribes, and local governments and increase responsiveness to the needs of
their most vulnerable communities. EPA will serve as a convener and leverage resources with new
and existing partners to deliver services efficiently and effectively. The Agency will continue to
engage with regulated entities to identify reforms to increase efficiency and effectiveness to meet
the Nation's environmental goals.
EPA will meet community needs through more meaningful engagement and public participation
and by building community capacity through grants, technical assistance, and partnering. The
Agency will leverage recommendations provided by federal advisory committees, such as the
National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC), the Local Government Advisory
Council (LGAC), and the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC). The focus
will be on partnerships representing vulnerable populations, such as youth, elderly, and low-
income communities. In FY 2018, working with EPA, NEJAC finalized a report with
recommendations for improving the financing of water infrastructure projects in low-income
communities. These communities typically struggle to attain the resources, capacity and expertise
to secure reliable clean sources of drinking water and wastewater systems. The SRFs are one
example of how the Agency provides needed financing to such populations, particularly small and
35 As of April 2018, there were 2,537 overdue FOIA requests in the backlog. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 EPA
Strategic Plan.).
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rural communities. In support of this aspect of EPA's work, we are requesting flexibility for
subsidization of SRF loans to communities.
To further integrate and implement community environmental considerations within EPA
programs, the Agency will create tools to facilitate incorporation of community understanding,
needs, and concerns across program activities. The Agency will continue to support the
Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving cooperative agreement program to support
community-based organizations, as well as Environmental Justice Technical Assistance for
Communities to support the technical needs of low-income, minority and tribal/indigenous
populations. They will also advance more systematic incorporation of existing tools and needs,
such as use of the Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJSCREEN) and
EnviroAtlas. EPA will develop a cross-Agency communities' team to lead regional involvement
in and resourcing of community-based environmental work through a fully-integrated resource
platform.
As part of our work to improve transparency, EPA continues to focus on improving the FOIA
process. The complexity and volume of electronic documents required to be searched, collected,
and reviewed has increased over time. The Agency will ensure it supports the timely searching
and collection of information for purposes of responding to FOIA requests and other information
needs in a cost-effective, sustainable manner.
In FY 2020, the Agency will work to coordinate across the federal government, and through EPA
regional offices to partner with federal agencies in communities of focus to deliver services more
efficiently and effectively. Such partnerships will leverage resources and expertise from across
EPA and a range of outside partners to advance economic revitalization through the environmental
and health goals of communities, leveraging expertise and resources where possible. The Agency
will continue its leadership of and involvement in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Community Solutions Task Force to better access and leverage resources from across federal
agencies. It will also strengthen coordination with the Interagency Working Group on
Environmental Justice to better integrate EPA priorities and support and engage communities. In
addition, EPA will support and align its work with the activities and priorities of the President's
Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children. These efforts will help
advance an approach to cooperative federalism that is more effective, responsive and collaborative
in addressing the needs and challenges of our partners and communities.
In FY 2020, EPA requests $2.7 million and 4.0 FTE to support this strategic objective.
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Rule of Law and Process
Rule of Law and Process: Administer the law, as Congress intended, to refocus the Agency on its
statutory obligations under the law.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES:
• Timely enforce environmental laws to increase compliance rates and promote cleanup of
contaminated sites through the use of all of EPA's compliance assurance tools, especially
enforcement actions to address environmental violations.
• Outline exactly what is expected of the regulated community to ensure good stewardship
and positive environmental outcomes.
• Refocus the EPA's robust research and scientific analysis to inform policy making.
• Issue permits more quickly and modernize our permitting and reporting systems.
• Provide proper leadership and internal operations management to ensure that the Agency
is fulfilling its mission.
GOAL, OBJECTIVE SUMMARY
Budget Authority
Full-time Equivalents
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020
Pres Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Rule of Law and Process
$1,850,873.9
$1,899,101.0
$1,664,824.0
-$234,277.0
Compliance with the Law
$395,471.0
$403,350.0
$382,124.0
-$21,226.0
Create Consistency and Certainty
$69,927.0
$68,981.0
$66,782.0
-$2,199.0
Prioritize Robust Science
$457,993.3
$481,723.0
$262,880.0
-$218,843.0
Streamline and Modernize
$37,841.1
$37,583.0
$28,670.0
-$8,913.0
Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness
$889,641.5
$907,464.0
$924,368.0
$16,904.0
Total Authorized Workyears
6,249.1
6,416.8
5,628.6
-788.2
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Goal 3: Rule of Law and Process
Strategic Goal: Administer the law, as Congress intended, to refocus the Agency on its statutory
obligations under the law
Introduction
EPA will continue to reinvigorate the rule of law and process as it administers the environmental
laws as Congress intended, and to refocus the Agency on its core statutory obligations. To
accomplish this, EPA will continue to work cooperatively with states and tribes to ensure
compliance with the law, as well as to create consistency and certainty for the regulated
community. EPA will continue to take civil or criminal enforcement action against violators of
environmental laws.
A robust enforcement program is critically important for addressing violations and promoting
deterrence and supports the Agency's mission of protecting human health and the environment.
One of EPA's highest priorities is to continue creating consistency and certainty for the regulated
community. EPA's policies and rules will reflect common sense, in line with the Agency's
statutory authorities, and provide greater regulatory and economic certainty for the public. EPA
will enforce the rule of law in a timely manner and take action against those that violate
environmental laws to the detriment of human health or the environment.
Consistency in how the laws and regulations are applied across the country is important to industry,
citizens and to ensure environmental protection. EPA continues to take a variety of efforts to ensure
consistency in the application of laws and regulations, while respecting the unique circumstances
of each state and tribe. EPA recognizes the importance of applying rules and policies consistently
as well as creating certainty by meeting the statutory deadlines required for EPA's actions. The
rule of law also must be built on the application of robust science that is conducted to help the
Agency meet its mission and support the states and tribes in achieving their environmental goals.
Research, in conjunction with user-friendly applications needed to apply the science to real-world
problems, will help move EPA and the states forward in making timely decisions. In FY 2020,
EPA scientists will conduct human health, environmental engineering, and ecological research and
translate these into planning and analysis tools for localities throughout the United States to
facilitate regulatory compliance and improve environmental and human health outcomes.
Equally important is creating certainty around timing and requirements for routine processes.
Carrying out this goal requires that EPA improve the efficiency of its internal business and
administrative operations. Streamlining EPA's business operations, in particular the permitting
processes established by the different environmental statutes, is key to ensuring economic growth,
human health, and environmental protection. EPA will continue to modernize its permitting
practices to increase the timeliness of reviews and decisions, while working more collaboratively,
transparently, and cost effectively to achieve the Agency's mission. At the same time EPA will
seek to improve internal operations to create more efficient and effective administrative processes
and better leverage modern technology to accomplish its core mission work.
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Agency Priority Goals
The Budget highlights EPA's FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goals that advance EPA priorities
and the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan 36 Two of the six APGs support Goal 3:
• Increase environmental law compliance rate. Through September 30, 2019, EPA will
increase compliance by reducing the percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance
with their permit limits to 21% from a baseline of 24%.37
• Accelerate permitting-related decisions. By September 30, 2019, EPA will reduce by
50% the number of permitting-related decisions that exceed six months.
FY 2020 Activities
Objective 1: Compliance with the Law. Timely enforce environmental laws to increase
compliance rates and promote cleanup of contaminated sites through the use of all of EPA's
compliance assurance tools, especially enforcement actions to address environmental
violations.
Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law, directly supports the following long-term performance
goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, reduce the average time from violation identification to correction.
• By September 30, 2022, increase the environmental law compliance rate.38
For decades, the protections mandated by federal environmental laws have been essential to the
growth of American prosperity. Noncompliance with those laws diminishes shared prosperity and
unfairly tilts the field of economic competition in favor of those that skirt the law. To carry out its
mission to protect human health and the environment, EPA, in collaboration with state and tribal
partners, relies on a strong national compliance assurance and enforcement program. An effective
enforcement program is key to ensuring the ambitious goals of the nation's environmental statutes
are realized. In all of its work, EPA's enforcement program strives to address noncompliance in
an efficient and timely manner, applying a broad range of enforcement and compliance tools to
achieve the goal of reducing noncompliance.
In FY 2020, EPA's Superfund enforcement priorities remain focused on addressing the most
significant violations consistent with EPA's statutory authorities. In states with authorized
programs, EPA and states share enforcement responsibility, with primary enforcement
responsibility residing with the state. However, EPA is responsible for addressing violations: (1)
36 For EPA's APG Action Plans and Quarterly Updates, see https://www.performance.gov/EPA/.
37 EPA is updating the baseline and related targets due to the discovery of facilities erroneously included in the universe of
regulated entities counted in the denominator. The Agency will update the APG baseline and targets in FY 2019 based on these
revisions.
38 This concept will be piloted by focusing initially on decreasing the percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit limits. The baseline and
targets will be determined in FY 2019. Other program areas may be included in this long-term performance goal during the FY
2018-2022 timeframe. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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in programs that are not delegable to a state or a federally-recognized tribe; or (2) where the state
or tribe has not been authorized to implement a delegable program.
Even in states or tribes authorized to implement a program, EPA often serves a critical role as a
backstop for instances when a state or tribe does not timely or appropriately address serious
noncompliance. EPA also may assist a state or tribe in remedying noncompliance problems when
the state or tribe is unable to address the problem because it lacks the capability, resources, or will,
such as actions against other federal or state agencies or violations that affect multiple states. For
some violations, the Agency and states or tribes may decide that the best approach is a joint
enforcement action. Further, EPA will take immediate action when there is an environmental
emergency, such as an oil spill or chemical accident.
Through the State Review Framework, EPA periodically reviews authorized state compliance
monitoring and enforcement programs for Clean Air Act (CAA) Stationary Sources, Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Hazardous Waste, and the CWA program. This is done
using criteria agreed upon by states, to evaluate performance against national compliance
monitoring or enforcement program standards. When states do not achieve standards, the Agency
works with them to make progress. However, EPA may take a lead implementation role when
authorized states have a documented history of failure to make progress toward meeting national
standards.
Civil Enforcement
The overall goal of EPA's civil enforcement program is to maximize compliance with the Nation's
environmental laws and regulations to protect human health and the environment. The Agency
works closely with the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal departments, states, tribes,
territories, and local agencies to ensure consistent and fair enforcement of environmental statutes.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to strengthen environmental partnerships with states and tribes,
encourage regulated entities to correct violations rapidly, ensure that violators do not realize an
economic benefit from noncompliance, and pursue enforcement to deter future violations. EPA
requests $150.5 million and 857.1 FTE for the Civil Enforcement program in FY 2020.
EPA recognizes that significant environmental progress has been made over the years, much of it
due to enforcement efforts by EPA, states, tribes, and local communities. To maximize EPA's
impact, the Agency has refocused efforts toward areas where, in support of the Agency's Strategic
Plan, EPA's enforcement actions address significant noncompliance issues and where enforcement
can address the most substantial impacts to human health and the environment. EPA also
recognizes the role of states and tribes as the primary implementers of federal statutes where
authorized by EPA, and will focus compliance assurance and enforcement resources on direct
implementation responsibilities, multi-state and national issues, addressing the most significant
violations, and assisting authorized states and tribes with technical and scientific support.
Providing this compliance assistance helps to ensure a level playing field. EPA is responsible for
direct implementation for programs that are not delegable or where a state or tribe has not sought
or obtained the authority to implement a particular program (or program component). Examples
of non-delegable programs include the Clean Air Act (CAA) mobile source and stratospheric
ozone programs, pesticide labeling and registration under FIFRA, virtually all compliance
assurance and enforcement in Indian country, and enforcement of the federal Superfund cleanup
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program. Additionally, the enforcement of portions of various other laws, including RCRA, the
CWA, and stratospheric ozone under the CAA are non-delegable. EPA also will pursue
enforcement actions at federal facilities where significant violations are discovered; will ensure
that federal facilities are held to the same standards as the private sector; and will provide technical
and scientific support to states and tribes with authorized programs.
EPA intends to evolve the National Enforcement Initiatives program into a National Compliance
Initiatives (NCI) program by providing states and tribes with additional opportunities for
meaningful engagement, by developing and applying a broader set of compliance assurance tools,
and by aligning the priorities with the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Implementation of this
NCI cycle will begin in FY 2020 and continue through FY 2023.
In FY 2020, EPA will analyze the rate of significant non-compliance (SNC) with NPDES program
requirements quarterly to assess progress with EPA's goal of reducing the SNC rate. EPA will
identify focus areas to achieve reductions, and the program will conduct its annual review of the
electronic reporting participation rate for each authorized NPDES program and for each NPDES
group as appropriate. This work supports the Agency Priority Goal to increase the environmental
law compliance rate and reduce the percentage of Clean Water Act NPDES permittees in
significant noncompliance.
Criminal Enforcement
In FY 2020, EPA requests $52.8 million to support the Criminal Enforcement program. EPA's
Criminal Enforcement program enforces the nation's environmental laws through targeted
investigation of criminal conduct committed by individual and corporate defendants that threaten
public health and the environment. EPA will collaborate and coordinate with the U.S. Department
of Justice and state, tribal, and local law enforcement counterparts to ensure the Agency responds
to violations as quickly and effectively as possible. EPA enforces the nation's environmental laws
through targeted investigation of criminal conduct committed by individual and corporate
defendants that threatens human health and the environment. EPA's criminal enforcement program
plays a critical role across the country since states and tribes have limited capacity to prosecute for
environmental crimes. The Agency will focus resources on the most egregious environmental
cases that present significant human health and environmental impacts.
Superfund Enforcement
Through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA, or Superfund), EPA will facilitate prompt site cleanup and use an "enforcement first"
approach that maximizes the participation of liable and viable parties in performing and paying for
cleanups. The Agency will protect communities by ensuring that potentially responsible parties
(PRPs) conduct cleanups at Superfund sites, preserving federal taxpayer dollars for sites where
there are no viable contributing parties, and by recovering costs if EPA expends Superfund-
appropriated dollars to clean up sites. EPA also will address liability concerns that can be a barrier
to potential reuse. Addressing the risks posed by Superfund sites and returning them to productive
use strengthens the economy and spurs economic growth. In 2018, the Superfund Enforcement
program secured private party commitments totaling $613 million. The use of Superfund
enforcement tools this year resulted in cleanup and redevelopment at 150 private party sites.
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In FY 2020, EPA will focus its resources on the highest priority sites, particularly those that may
present an immediate risk to human health or the environment. In accordance with the Superfund
Task Force recommendations, the Agency will improve and revitalize the Superfund program to
ensure that contaminated sites across the country are remediated to protect human health and the
environment and returned to beneficial reuse as expeditiously as possible. At federally-owned
sites, EPA also will focus on resolving formal disputes under the federal facility agreements and
implementing the Superfund Task Force recommendations. In FY 2020, EPA requests $155.1
million and 745.3 FTE to fund the Superfund Enforcement program and $7.0 million to fund the
Federal Facilities Enforcement program.
Objective 2: Create Consistency and Certainty. Outline exactly what is expected of the
regulated community to ensure good stewardship and positive environmental outcomes.
Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty, directly supports the following long-term
performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, meet 100% of legal deadlines imposed on EPA.39
• By September 30, 2022, eliminate unnecessary or duplicative reporting burdens to the
regulated community by 10,000,000 hours.40
The environmental regulatory framework is inherently dynamic. As part of its statutory
obligations, EPA is required to publish many regulations within a set timeframe each year that
implement environmental programs and assist the Agency in meeting its core mission. These
regulations address newly mandated responsibilities as well as updates and revisions to existing
regulations. As EPA meets its obligations to protect human health and the environment through
regulatory action, it must also meet another key responsibility - minimizing "regulatory
uncertainty" that unnecessarily causes businesses and communities to face delays, planning
inefficiencies, and compliance complexities that impede environmental protection and economic
growth and development. EPA will employ a set of strategies to reduce regulatory uncertainty
while continuing to improve human health and environmental outcomes consistent with the
Agency's authorities as established by Congress and while considering unique state, tribal, and
local circumstances. These strategies, which reflect EPA's commitment to cooperative federalism
and commitment to the rule of law, also will help advance Agency goals for streamlining and
modernizing permitting and enhancing shared accountability. In total, EPA requests $66.8 million
in resources to support this objective.
As EPA issues new or revised regulations, businesses and individuals can find it challenging to
know which rules apply to them and to adjust their compliance strategies. EPA will reinvigorate
its approach to regulatory development and prioritize meeting its statutory deadlines to ensure
expectations are clear for the regulated community and the public and Agency actions are
defensible and consistent with its authorities. The Agency will work to support greater consistency
and transparency in consideration of economic costs in the regulatory development process and
implementation of Agency programs. The Agency will use new approaches and flexible tools to
minimize regulatory uncertainty and improve communications to realize more consistent and
better environmental outcomes. EPA will strengthen working relationships with industry sectors
39 Baseline will be determined in FY 2019. (No footnote in FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
40 Baseline is estimated at 173,849,665 information collection and reporting hours.
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to better understand their needs and challenges in implementing Agency requirements and with
communities to understand their concerns. This knowledge will enable the Agency to develop
better policies and regulations to protect human health and the environment in line with the
authorities given to EPA by Congress.
In addition, EPA will develop and engage stakeholders in reviewing a draft base catalog of
responsibilities that statutes require EPA to perform in programs delegated to states and tribes. In
FY 2020, the base catalog and subsequent updates will be completed. This will provide a
foundation for better coordination at headquarters and regions. It also will support EPA
cooperative federalism commitments aimed at minimizing duplication and overlap among regional
offices, headquarters, states, and tribes. This effort also leverages another commitment EPA is
making under cooperative federalism—to identify for all environmental media an inventory and
timeline for state-led permits that EPA reviews.
The Agency will establish a national network to ensure consistent implementation of policy. EPA
will review regulatory guidance documents to identify key opportunities and will clarify and
realign Agency approaches to improve consistency and clarity. EPA will strengthen working
relationships with states, tribes, and local communities to transfer knowledge, leveraging its
commitments under cooperative federalism, such as the collaboration under E-Enterprise for the
Environment. EPA will make available to states and tribes tools and services designed by other
federal agencies, states, tribes, or local communities that enhance efficiency, reduce burden on the
regulated community, while ensuring protection of human health and the environment.
Objective 3: Prioritize Robust Science. Refocus the EPA's robust research and scientific analysis
to inform policy making.
Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science, directly supports the following long-term performance
goal in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, increase the percentage of research products meeting customer
needs.41
EPA's overall research effort is organized around six integrated and transdisciplinary national
research programs. Each program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that is
developed in collaboration with EPA's program and regional offices to address their specific
needs.42 EPA will identify, assess, conduct, and apply the best available science to address current
and future environmental hazards, develop new approaches, and improve the scientific foundation
for environmental protection decisions. EPA conducts problem-driven, interdisciplinary research
to address specific environmental risks, and is committed to using science and innovation to reduce
risks to human health and the environment, based on needs identified by EPA's program and
regional offices as well as state and tribal partners. Specifically, the Agency will strengthen
alignment of its research to support EPA programs, regions, states, and tribes in accomplishing
their top human health and environmental protection priorities for improved air quality, clean and
41 Measure text updated from "By September 30, 2022, increase the number of research products meeting customer needs."
Based on a pilot survey, 77% of products were delivered in FY 2018 that met customer needs. (Footnote updated fromFJ 2018-
2022 EPA Strategic Plan .)
42 For more information: https://www.epa.gov/research/strategic-research-action-plans-2016-2019.
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safe water, revitalized land, and chemical safety.43 Working closely with ECOS and its subsidiary,
the Environmental Research Institute of the States (ERIS),44 the Agency will strive to connect state
research needs with Agency priorities, and work to improve communication of research results.
Through the public-private coalition Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council,45 EPA will
encourage the adoption of innovative technologies and solutions. The Agency also will emphasize
the translation of its work products for end-user application and feedback.
EPA research will be reviewed by various scientific advisory boards (e.g., Board of Scientific
Counselors46) made up of recognized experts in various scientific, engineering, and social science
fields from industry; business; public and private research institutes or organizations; academia;
federal, state, tribal, and local governments; nongovernmental organizations; and other relevant
interest areas.
Air Quality
In coordination with the air program, EPA's research efforts will advance the science and provide
information critical to improve air quality and to inform stationary source regulations, vehicle and
fuel standards and certification, emission inventories, air quality assessments, and domestic ozone
actions.47 The results of Agency research to support air quality program priorities will inform EPA
programs; state, tribal, and local air programs; communities; and individuals about measures and
strategies to reduce air pollution. Researchers will publish peer-reviewed scientific journal articles
to disseminate research findings as appropriate. For example, the Air and Energy Research
Program is addressing nitrogen and co-pollutant loadings to watersheds via atmospheric
deposition, as well as optimizing approaches to reduce health and risk from uncontrolled wildfires.
EPA requests $31.7 million in FY 2020 to conduct air quality research.
Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
In FY 2020, EPA requests $70 million for the Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Program.
EPA will develop innovative, cost-effective solutions to current, emerging, and long-term water
resource challenges for complex chemical and biological contaminants.48 Using a systems
approach to develop scientific and technological solutions for protecting human health and aquatic
ecosystems, EPA researchers partner with program experts; federal and state agencies; tribes; local
communities; academia; nongovernmental organizations; and private stakeholders. For example,
EPA's researchers are developing laboratory analytical methods, evaluating chemical toxicity,
identifying and estimating human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),
identifying drinking water treatment technologies and providing technical support and data to EPA
regions and states that can be used to make informed decisions about managing PFAS. Examples
of research include improving methods for rapid and cost-effective monitoring of waterborne
pathogens in recreational waters and investigating the health impacts from exposure to harmful
algal/cyanobacteria toxins, and developing innovative methods to monitor, characterize, and
predict blooms for early action.
43 For more information on EPA's research go to https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-research-and-development-ord.
44 For more information please go to https://www.ecos.org/eris/.
45 For more information on the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, go to http: //www, itrc web .org/.
46 Please see lit tps: //www, epa. go v/bo sc.
47 For more information on EPA's Air Research program go to https://www.epa.gov/air-research.
48 For more information on EPA's Water Research go to https://www.epa.gov/water-research.
43
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Sustainable and Healthy Communities
EPA requests $65.5 million in FY 2020 to support the Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Research Program. EPA will conduct research to support regulatory activities and protocol
development for the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and
provide on-demand technical support at cleanup sites managed by federal, state or tribal
governments, as well as assistance during emergencies.49 The Agency conducts health,
environmental engineering, and ecological research and prepares planning and analysis tools for
localities nationwide to use in facilitating regulatory compliance and improving environmental and
health outcomes.50 Research is being conducted on end-of-life management of PFAS-containing
materials (e.g., industrial waste, household waste) to ensure that PFAS from these materials do not
impact the environment. Finally, the Sustainable and Healthy Communities program supports a
technical assistance function for states, tribes, and local communities on issues pertaining to
ecological and human health risk assessment, and site engineering challenges related to PFAS.
Chemical Safety
EPA requests $63.9 million in FY 2020 to support the Chemical Safety Research program. This
funding will advance innovative tools that accelerate the pace of data-driven evaluations, enable
knowledge-based decisions that protect human health, and advance the science required to
anticipate and solve problems. The program will evaluate and predict impacts from chemical use
and disposal and provide states and tribes with information, tools, and methods to make better
informed, more timely decisions about the thousands of chemicals in the United States.51
In June 2018, EPA released a TSCA Alternative Toxicity Testing Strategy Document52. This
strategic plan, developed jointly by the Chemical Safety research program and the Office of
Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, promotes development and implementation of test
methods within the TSCA program that are better, faster, less expensive, and reduce the need for
animal use.
Human Health Risk Assessment
EPA requests $28 million in FY 2020 to support the Human Health Risk Assessment Research
program, including the Superfund transfer. EPA will focus on the science of assessments that
inform Agency, state, and tribal decisions and policies.53 These risk assessments provide the
research and technical support needed to ensure safety of chemicals in the marketplace, revitalize
and return land to communities, provide clean and safe water, and work with states and tribes to
improve air quality. Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) human health assessments are used
by EPA and other health agencies to inform national standards, clean-up levels at local sites, and
set advisory levels. EPA is working to develop a responsive risk screening process that would
engage a cross-agency team and support a singular Agency answer for identified emerging
contaminants.
49 For more information please go to https://www.epa.gov/land-research.
50 For more information please go to https://www.epa.gov/eco-research and fattps://www.epa.gov/heatthxesearch.
51 Please see https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research.
52 For more information please to: https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managiiig-chemicals-under-tsca/altemative-test-methods-
and- stra tegies-reduce.
53 Please see https://www.epa.gov/risk/human-health-risk-assessment.
44
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Objective 4: Streamline and Modernize. Issue permits more quickly and modernize our permitting
and reporting systems.
Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize, directly supports the following long-term performance
goal in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, reach all permitting-related decisions within 6 months.54
EPA implements a host of environmental statutes that affect the regulated community. Permitting
requirements under these statutes can impose a variety of costs, including direct costs and
opportunity costs related to uncertainty, delay, and cancellation. Delays in the review of
applications for permits and modifications by federal, state, or tribal permitting authorities can
postpone or prevent manufacturers from building, expanding, or beginning operations, even if the
affected operations ultimately may be deemed suitable as proposed. Delays also can impact
construction of major infrastructure projects. EPA is committed to speeding up reviews of permits
and modifications to create certainty for the business community, leading to more jobs, increased
economic prosperity, and streamlined permit renewals, which incorporate up-to-date information
and requirements more quickly, thereby improving environmental protection. In FY 2020, EPA
requests a total of $28.7 million in support of this strategic objective.
EPA will continue to systematically collect and report permitting data for each of its permitting
programs. The Agency also will continue efforts to employ business process improvement
strategies, such as Lean, to improve efficiencies in all permitting processes and meet our
commitments. The Agency will work with states and use Lean techniques to streamline the review
of state-issued permits. EPA will modernize permitting and reporting processes through efforts
such as E-Enterprise for the Environment, a shared governance model with EPA, states, and tribes.
EPA will work with states and tribes to achieve this objective without overburdening those entities
with costly unnecessary reporting systems and technology.
EPA also will consider where policy changes can improve permitting efficiency without
sacrificing environmental results. Examples include expanding the scope of minor permit
modifications to reduce the number of permit reviews required, reinvigorating the use of plant-
wide applicability limits (PALs) to reduce unnecessary permitting transactions, and increasing
states' ability to incorporate federal regulations by reference, enabling them to adjust quickly and
efficiently to new regulatory provisions.
EPA's Smart Sectors partnership program provides a platform to collaborate with 13 regulated
sectors of the economy and develop more sensible approaches to protect the environment and
public health. In FY 2020, EPA will continue its progress delivering transparent sector-based
environmental and economic performance data to the general public, highlighting best practices
for industry, EPA, and states. The Agency will facilitate cross-sector dialogues to identify
innovative solutions to environmental problems. Additionally, the program will continue
providing sector ombudsmen to connect, facilitate, and convene Agency experts with sector
representatives to solve discrete policy, guidance, and implementation issues unique to the sectors.
54 Baseline and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019. (No footnote in FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
45
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Objective 5: Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness. Provide proper leadership and internal
operations management to ensure that the Agency is fulfilling its mission.
Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness, directly supports the following long-term
performance goals in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan:
• By September 30, 2022, reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square
feet.55
• By September 30, 2022, reduce procurement processing times by achieving 100% of
procurement action lead times (PALT).56
• By September 30, 2022, improve 250 operational processes.
• By September 30, 2022, increase enterprise adoption of shared services by four.57
Process Improvements
To better support the core mission to protect human health and the environment, EPA will improve
the efficiency and effectiveness of its business processes. Focus areas will include financial,
facility, human resource, contract, grant, and information technology (IT)/information
management (IM). Enhancements will take advantage of new collaborative and cost-effective tools
and technologies. The Agency will build a modern and secure work environment that will protect
critical information and support its efforts to address the environmental problems of the 21st
century. EPA will modernize and improve business processes and operations to promote
transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness; enhance collaborative, results-driven partnerships with
internal and external business partners; recruit, develop, and maintain a highly-skilled, diverse,
and engaged workforce; and improve the capabilities and cost-effectiveness of its IT and IM
systems. EPA also will build on progress being made to employ enterprise risk management and
increase effective use of data analysis and visualization tools to inform agency decision making.
To support this strategic objective, EPA requests a total of $924.4 million in FY 2020.
EPA will apply EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) principles and leverage input from
customer-focused councils, advisory groups, workgroups, portfolio reviews, and federal advisory
committees to identify business process streamlining opportunities. To improve the efficiency and
cost effectiveness of its operations, EPA will standardize and streamline internal business
processes in its acquisition, financial management, and grants processes and systems and explore
additional federal and/or internal shared services. When EPA applied ELMS to processes across
the Agency, process times were reduced by 50 percent on average for those processes.
EPA will ensure its workforce is positioned to accomplish the Agency's mission effectively by
providing access to quality training and development opportunities for employees and supervisors
to improve their skills, knowledge, and performance. EPA will improve its workforce planning
and management, strengthen its Senior Executive Service, and focus on developing and
maintaining a highly-skilled technical workforce.
55 Baseline is 5,264,846 square feet as of FY 2017.
56 Baseline, as of September 30, 2018 is 77% for all contract actions awarded within PALT. (Footnote updated fromF/ 2018-
2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
57 Baseline is five administrative systems/operations shared services in FY 2017.
46
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Cybersecurity
To ensure that critical environmental and human health information is adequately protected, EPA
will strengthen its cybersecurity posture. The Agency will focus on implementing two key
cybersecurity priorities—the mandated federal government-wide Continuous Diagnostics and
Mitigation (CDM) effort, and the complementary EPA-specific Cyber Risk Mitigation Projects
(CRMPs). These two priorities introduce or improve upon dozens of cybersecurity capabilities,
enhance the Agency's ability to respond to threats, and improve EPA's privacy posture via the
Privacy Act of 1974. EPA will work closely with the Department of Homeland Security and other
partners in implementing CDM capabilities.
Information Technology Modernization
EPA also will work to transform and modernize its information systems, tools, and processes to
improve how the Agency collaborates internally and with external stakeholders. EPA will enhance
the power of information by delivering on-demand data to the right people at the right time. To
enable the Agency, its partners, and the public to acquire, generate, manage, use, and share
information effectively - a critical resource in protecting human health and the environment - EPA
will improve its IT/IM capabilities and customer experiences.
To better understand complex interactions between pollutants and the environment and address
the environmental problems of the 21st century effectively and efficiently, EPA and its partners
analyze large volumes of data. EPA will develop a comprehensive data management strategy that
addresses the collection, management, and use of data generated internally and from external
partners including states, tribes, grantees, the regulated community, and citizen science. The
Agency will deploy new data analysis, data visualization, and geospatial tools in a Cloud-based
framework to enable analysis and provide the basis for informed decision making.
Environmental decision making across media programs requires access to high-quality data and
analytical tools. EPA will build shared IT services, maximizing the benefits of our investments
and ensuring consistency and scalability in tools and services. EPA programs that receive
submissions from outside the Agency, whether from the reporting community, states, tribes, or
local governments, will rely increasingly on centrally-developed and maintained information
services, decreasing the volume of computer code each program must develop and maintain.
Shared services will reduce reporting burden for submitting entities and improve data quality for
EPA. EPA programs, states, and tribes will work to establish a common catalog of shared services
and agree to a minimum set of common standards and practices.
The Agency will enhance its extensive information resources by designing an enterprise-wide
information architecture that will facilitate the electronic management of data and information, as
well as multimodal access, effective searching, and ease of use. The Agency's future information
management architecture will support official recordkeeping requirements, as well as daily
document management, business processes, information access, and legal needs of EPA
employees and organizations, while also being flexible, scalable, and cost effective.
47
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Science and Technology
Resource Summary Table 50
Program Projects in S&T 50
Clean Air 53
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs 54
Atmospheric Protection Program 57
Federal Support for Air Quality Management 58
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification 60
Indoor Air and Radiation 65
Indoor Air: Radon Program 66
Radiation: Protection 67
Radiation: Response Preparedness 69
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air 71
Enforcement 72
Forensics Support 73
Homeland Security 75
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection 76
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery 81
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure 87
IT / Data Management/ Security 89
IT / Data Management 90
Operations and Administration 92
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 93
Workforce Reshaping 95
Pesticides Licensing 97
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk 98
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk 102
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability 106
Research: Air and Energy 109
Research: Air and Energy 110
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources 114
48
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Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources 115
Research: Sustainable Communities 121
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities 122
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability 127
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability 128
Human Health Risk Assessment 133
Water: Human Health Protection 138
Drinking Water Programs 139
Congressional Priorities 142
Water Quality Research and Support Grants 143
49
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Science & Technology
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2020 Pres
FY 2018
FY 2019
Annualized
FY 2020
Budget v.
FY 2019
Actuals
CR
Pres Budget
Annualized CR
Science & Technology
Budget Authority
$685,123.0
$713,823.0
$463,060.0
-$250,763.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
-$7,350.0
-$23,000.0
-$15,650.0
Budget Authority Post Cancellation
of Funds
$706,473.0
$440,060.0
-$266,413.0
Total Workyears
2,009.8
2,039.2
1,497.5
-541.7
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
Bill Language: Science and Technology
For science and technology, including research and development activities, which shall include
research and development activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980; necessary expenses for personnel and related costs and
travel expenses; procurement of laboratory equipment and supplies; and other operating expenses
in support of research and development, $463,060,000, to remain available until September 30,
2021.
Program Projects in S&T
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Clean Air
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
$7,543.1
$7,569.0
$5,739.0
-$1,830.0
Atmospheric Protection Program
$8,572.7
$8,018.0
$0.0
-$8,018.0
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$5,722.3
$6,714.0
$3,776.0
-$2,938.0
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and
Certification
$90,650.1
$94,240.0
$77,826.0
-$16,414.0
Subtotal, Clean Air
$112,488.2
$116,541.0
$87,341.0
-$29,200.0
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
$133.5
$159.0
$0.0
-$159.0
Radiation: Protection
$2,407.4
$2,246.0
$990.0
-$1,256.0
Radiation: Response Preparedness
$3,259.5
$3,266.0
$3,793.0
$527.0
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
$40.0
$326.0
$0.0
-$326.0
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
$5,840.4
$5,997.0
$4,783.0
-$1,214.0
50
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Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Enforcement
Forensics Support
$12,016.5
$13,669.0
$10,883.0
-$2,786.0
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure
Protection
$9,504.5
$9,788.0
$7,457.0
-$2,331.0
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response,
and Recovery
$22,767.3
$22,918.0
$24,847.0
$1,929.0
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA
Personnel and Infrastructure
$415.0
$416.0
$500.0
$84.0
Subtotal, Homeland Security
$32,686.8
$33,122.0
$32,804.0
-$318.0
IT / Data Management / Security
IT / Data Management
$2,296.0
$3,089.0
$2,747.0
-$342.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$70,101.6
$68,339.0
$67,274.0
-$1,065.0
Workforce Reshaping
$0.0
$0.0
$5,994.0
$5,994.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$70,101.6
$68,339.0
$73,268.0
$4,929.0
Pesticides Licensing
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide
Risk
$2,888.3
$2,531.0
$2,401.0
-$130.0
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from
Pesticide Risk
$2,309.7
$3,072.0
$2,257.0
-$815.0
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide
Availability
$362.0
$424.0
$615.0
$191.0
Subtotal, Pesticides Licensing
$5,560.0
$6,027.0
$5,273.0
-$754.0
Research: Air and Energy
Research: Air and Energy
$87,503.9
$91,906.0
$31,707.0
-$60,199.0
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
$104,163.5
$106,257.0
$69,963.0
-$36,294.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$131,757.3
$134,327.0
$53,631.0
-$80,696.0
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Human Health Risk Assessment
$33,568.7
$36,523.0
$22,689.0
-$13,834.0
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Endocrine Disruptors
$12,501.0
$16,253.0
$10,346.0
-$5,907.0
Computational Toxicology
$21,153.1
$21,409.0
$17,630.0
-$3,779.0
51
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Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Research: Chemical Safety and
Sustainability (other activities)
$45,933.8
$52,745.0
$35,901.0
-$16,844.0
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety and
Sustainability
$79,587.9
$90,407.0
$63,877.0
-$26,530.0
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety and
Sustainability
$113,156.6
$126,930.0
$86,566.0
-$40,364.0
Water: Human Health Protection
Drinking Water Programs
$3,458.2
$3,519.0
$4,094.0
$575.0
Congressional Priorities
Water Quality Research and Support Grants
$4,094.0
$4,100.0
$0.0
-$4,100.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
-$7,350.0
-$23,000.0
-$15,650.0
TOTAL S&T
$685,123.0
$706,473.0
$440,060.0
-$266,413.00.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund
account.
*** Fact Sheet tables do not include applicable cancellation of funds ***
52
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Clean Air
53
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Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$14,720.4
$15,270.0
$13,292.0
-$1,978.0
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Total Budget Authority
$22,263.5
$22,839.0
$19,031.0
-$3,808.0
Total Workyears
61.8
63.9
63.7
-0.2
Program Project Description:
This program is responsible for managing the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET),
a long-term ambient monitoring network, established under Title IX of the Clean Air Act (CAA)
Amendments of 1990, which serves as the Nation's primary source for atmospheric data on the
dry component of acid deposition, regional ground-level ozone, and other forms of particulate and
gaseous air pollution. Used in conjunction with the National Atmospheric Deposition Program's
(NADP) wet deposition networks and other ambient air quality networks, CASTNET's long-term
datasets and data products are used to determine the effectiveness of national and regional emission
control programs. The CASTNET Program provides spatial and temporal trends in ambient air
quality and atmospheric deposition in non-urban areas and sensitive ecosystems (e.g, National
Parks). Maintaining the CASTNET monitoring network continues to be critical for assessing the
environmental benefits realized from the Acid Rain Program and regional programs that control
transported emissions (thereby reducing secondary pollutant formation of ozone and fine
particles).
EPA's Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) Program was created to assess the health of water bodies in
response to changes in deposition of atmospheric pollutants. Today, it ensures that the Clean Air
Act continues to be effective in reducing the impact of atmospheric pollutants (e.g., strong acid
anions) on surface waters in New England, the Adirondack Mountains, the Northern Appalachian
Plateau (including the Catskill and Pocono mountains), and the Blue Ridge region. This program
is operated cooperatively with partners in state agencies, academic institutions, and other federal
agencies. The LTM surface water chemistry monitoring program provides field measurements for
understanding biogeochemical changes in sulfur, nitrogen, acid neutralizing capacity (ANC),
aluminum, and carbon in streams and lakes in relation to changing pollutant emissions. The LTM
program is one of the longest running programs at EPA, providing a longitudinal dataset based on
sampling and measurements that go back to 1983.
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs, established under Title I and IV of the Clean Air Act,
help implement the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain
Program, as well as reduce toxics emissions and regional haze. Pollutants reduced include sulfur
54
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dioxide (S02), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and
mercury. EPA provides assistance to states as they develop, implement, and assess their state and
regional programs to address major regional and national air issues from large stationary sources.
This assistance has traditionally come in the form of technical analysis, modeling, and emissions
monitoring support.
The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) requires 27 states to limit their state-wide emissions
of SO2 and/or NOx in order to reduce or eliminate the states' contributions to fine particulate matter
and/or ground-level ozone pollution in other states. The emissions limitations are defined in terms
of maximum state-wide "budgets" for emissions of annual SO2, annual NOx, and/or ozone-season
NOx from each state's large electric generating units. In September 2016, EPA finalized an update
to CSAPR for the 2008 ozone NAAQS. On December 6, 2018, EPA finalized the Determination
Regarding Good Neighbor Obligations for the 2008 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality
Standard, also known as the CSAPR Close-Out Rule, which determined the CSAPR Update Rule
fully addresses 20 states' interstate pollution transport obligations for the 2008 national ambient
air quality standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will:
• Continue quality assurance, analysis, and reporting of environmental data from the
CASTNET deposition/rural ozone and LTM surface water monitoring networks.
• Analyze and assess trends in sulfur and nitrogen deposition, rural ozone concentrations,
surface water quality, and other indicators of ecosystem health and ambient air quality in
non-urban areas of the U.S.
• Assure the continuation of ongoing SO2 and NOx emission reductions from power plants
in the eastern half of the U.S. by implementing CSAPR and the CSAPR update, and across
the contiguous U.S. by implementing the Acid Rain Program.1
• Ensure accurate and consistent results for the clean air and allowance trading programs.
Continue work on performance specifications and investigating monitoring alternatives
and methods to improve the efficiency of monitor certification and emissions data
reporting.
• Work with states to implement emission reduction programs to comply with CAA Section
110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) requirements.2
1 Clean Air Act §§ 110(a)(2)(D) and 401.
2 For more information on program performance, please see: http://www.epa.gov/airmarket/progress/progress-reports.html.
55
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$63.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential
workforce support, and benefits costs.
• (-$1,893.0) This program change reduces support for the Program with impacts to
activities such as technical analysis, modeling, and emissions monitoring support to states
as they develop, implement, and assess their state and regional programs to address
regional and national air issues from large stationary sources.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
56
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Atmospheric Protection Program
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$92,753.7
$95,436.0
$13,965.0
-$81,471.0
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Total Budget Authority
$101,326.4
$103,454.0
$13,965.0
-$89,489.0
Total Workyears
204.5
203.7
120.0
-83.7
Program Project Description:
The Atmospheric Protection Program supports implementation and compliance with greenhouse
gas (GHG) emission standards for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles developed under EPA's
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program. Resources under this program
also support compliance activities for implementing the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's (NHTSA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Under
authorities contained in the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act, EPA is responsible for
issuing certificates and ensuring compliance with both the GHG and CAFE standards.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$8,018.0 / -30.8 FTE) This funding change eliminates the Program.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act; Pollution Prevention Act (PPA), §§ 6602-6605; National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), § 102; Clean Water Act, § 104; Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), § 8001; Energy Policy Act of 2005, § 756.
57
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Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$128,588.0
$128,001.0
$107,298.0
-$20,703.0
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Total Budget Authority
$134,310.3
$134,715.0
$111,074.0
-$23,641.0
Total Workyears
792.0
816.7
636.8
-179.9
Program Project Description:
Federal support for the criteria pollutant and air toxics programs includes a variety of tools to
characterize ambient air quality and the level of risk to the public from air pollutants and to measure
national progress toward improving air quality and reducing associated risks. The Federal Support
for Air Quality Management Program supports development of State Implementation Plans (SIPs)
through modeling and other tools and assists states in implementing, attaining, maintaining, and
enforcing the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants. The
Program also develops and provides information, training, and tools to assist state, tribal, and local
agencies, as well as communities, to reduce air toxics emissions and risk specific to their local
areas. Finally, the Program includes activities related to the Clean Air Act (CAA) stationary source
residual risk and technology review program, which involves an assessment of source categories
subject to Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards to determine if more
stringent standards are needed to further reduce the risks to public health and to determine if any
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) (both MACT- and
Generally Available Control Technology [GACTJ-based standards) should be revised to reflect
developments in practices, processes, and control technologies.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. During FY 2020, as part of implementing key activities in support of
attainment of the NAAQS, EPA will provide states and local air quality agencies with
scientifically and technically sound assistance in developing SIPs. The assistance includes
providing models, modeling inputs and tools, and technical data and guidance and identifying
emission control options. EPA will ensure national consistency in how air quality modeling is
conducted as part of regulatory decision-making, including federal and state permitting programs,
SIP-related actions, as well as how conformity determinations are conducted across the U.S. The
Agency will work with states and local air quality agencies to ensure that particulate matter (PM)
hot-spot analyses are conducted in a manner consistent with the transportation conformity
regulation and guidance.
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One of EPA's priorities is to fulfill its CAA and court-ordered obligations. Section 112 of the
CAA requires that all NESHAP be reviewed and updated, as necessary, every eight years, taking
into account developments in practices, processes and technologies related to those standards. In
FY 2020, EPA will continue to conduct these periodic "technology reviews" and conduct risk
assessments to determine whether MACT-based NESHAP appropriately protect public health.
The Program will prioritize its work with an emphasis on meeting court-ordered deadlines.
EPA is working with other internal and external stakeholders on improving monitoring systems to
fill data gaps and to better estimate population exposure to criteria and toxic air pollutants. EPA
will continue to provide quality assurance proficiency testing for federal and commercial
laboratories that produce data from PM2.5 air monitoring systems to ensure quality data for use in
determining air quality.
In FY 2020, EPA will work with partners to continue improving emissions factors and inventories,
including the National Emissions Inventory. This effort includes gathering improved activity data
from emissions monitoring and using geographic information systems and satellite remote sensing
systems, where possible, for key point, area, mobile, and fugitive sources, and global emission
events.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Federal Support for Air Quality
Management Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$38.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and
benefits costs.
• (-$2,976.0 / +2.5 FTE) This net program change reflects an adjustment to EPA's support
of state, tribal, and local agencies' Clean Air Act implementation activities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
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Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
S Wl.fotU
N 94.240.1)
S
-SK,.414.1)
Total Budget Authority
$90,650.1
$94,240.0
$77,826.0
-$16,414.0
Total Workyears
290.8
299.7
296.7
-3.0
Program Project Description:
Under the Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program, EPA develops,
implements, and ensures compliance with national emission standards to reduce mobile source
related air pollution from light-duty cars and trucks, heavy-duty trucks and buses, nonroad
engines and vehicles, and from the fuels that power these engines. The Program also evaluates
new emission control technology and provides state, tribal, and local air quality managers and
transportation planners with access to information on transportation programs and incentive-
based programs. As part of ensuring compliance with national emission standards, the Program
tests vehicles, engines, and fuels, and establishes test procedures for federal emissions and fuel
economy standards.
National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL): The NVFEL ensures air quality
benefits and fair competition in the marketplace by conducting testing operations on motor
vehicles, heavy-duty engines, nonroad engines, and fuels to certify that all vehicles, engines, and
fuels that enter the U.S. market comply with all federal clean air and fuel economy standards. The
NVFEL conducts vehicle emission tests as part of pre-production tests, certification audits, in-use
assessments, and recall programs to ensure compliance with mobile source clean air programs.
Renewable Fuel Standard Program: EPA administers the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
Program. The RFS was created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), which amended the
Clean Air Act, and was expanded under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
(EISA). The RFS Program requires a certain volume of renewable fuel to replace or reduce the
quantity of petroleum-based transportation fuel, heating oil or jet fuel.
The four renewable fuel categories under the RFS are biomass-based diesel, cellulosic biofuel,
advanced biofuel, and total renewable fuel. Obligated parties under the RFS Program are refiners
or importers of gasoline or diesel fuel. Compliance is achieved by blending renewable fuels into
transportation fuel, or by obtaining credits (called "Renewable Identification Numbers" or RINs)
to meet an EPA-specified Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO).
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Work with State and Local Governments: EPA works with state and local governments to ensure
the technical integrity of the mobile source control emission benefits included in State
Implementation Plans (SIPs) and transportation conformity determinations. EPA develops and
provides information and tools to assist state, local, and tribal agencies, as well as communities,
to reduce air toxics emissions and risks specific to their local areas. Reductions in emissions of
mobile source air toxics, such as components of diesel exhaust, are achieved through establishing
national emissions standards and partnership approaches working with state, local, and tribal
governments, as well as a variety of stakeholder groups.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program
supports the Agency's integrated criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG) compliance
programs by operating test cells that simultaneously measure criteria pollutants and GHG
emissions, reviewing certification applications for light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty engines to
approve applications for both the criteria pollutant and GHG programs, and examining potential
violations.
In FY 2020, the Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification Program will continue to
focus its efforts on certification decisions. The Agency will continue to perform its compliance
oversight functions on priority matters, conducting compliance oversight tests where evidence
suggests noncompliance. EPA will continue to conduct pre-certification confirmatory testing
activities for emissions and fuel economy for passenger cars. EPA anticipates reviewing and
approving about 5,000 vehicle and engine emissions certification requests, including light-duty
vehicles, heavy-duty diesel engines, nonroad engines, marine engines, locomotives, and others.
There has been a significant increase in demand for EPA's certification services over the last
two decades, due in part to the addition of certification requirements for marine, other nonroad,
and small spark-ignited engines.
EPA uses in-use emissions data provided by light-duty vehicle manufacturers to measure
compliance and determine if any follow-up evaluation or testing is necessary. Since CY
2000, light-duty vehicle manufacturers have been required to test a number of newer and older
in-use vehicles and provide the data to EPA, which receives over 2,100 test results annually. EPA
reviews the data and determines if there are any specific vehicles, models, or manufacturers that
are failing emissions in-use. The Agency will use this information submitted by light-duty
manufacturers to determine if there are vehicle models that should be identified for testing for
the upcoming model year prior to granting the manufacturer a certificate of conformity, which
allows the manufacturer to sell vehicles in the U.S.
On August 2, 2018, EPA and the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a notice of proposed rulemaking, the Safer Affordable
Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light
Trucks (SAFE Vehicles Rule). This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is the first formal
step in setting the 2021-2026 Model Year (MY) standards that must be achieved by each
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automaker for its car and light-duty truck fleet. With this proposal, EPA and NHTSA are seeking
public comment on a wide range of regulatory options.3
On November 13, 2018, EPA announced the Cleaner Trucks Initiative, a new rulemaking effort
to address NOx emissions from heavy-duty trucks. As a part of this rulemaking effort, EPA will
evaluate the technologies which can ensure real-world compliance with emissions standards and
also will seek opportunities to modernize and streamline the regulatory framework for the heavy-
duty highway sector.
In FY 2020, EPA also will oversee compliance with vehicle fuel economy labeling requirements.
In past years, EPA conducted in-use audits of manufacturer "coast-down" data, revealing issues
in manufacturer data submitted to EPA and, as a result, inaccurate fuel economy labels on more
than a million vehicles from several well-known manufacturers.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue implementing the Tier 3 standards for light-duty vehicles and
certifying manufacturers' fleets for vehicle Model Year 2021. EPA is responsible for establishing
the test procedures needed to measure tailpipe emissions and for verifying manufacturers' vehicle
fuel economy data. As a result, the Agency will deploy its laboratory testing resources to ensure
that new cars and trucks are in compliance with the Tier 3 emissions standards.
EPA will continue working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on programs to control conventional pollutant
emissions from marine and aircraft engines, respectively. In FY 2020, the Agency will work with
ICAO on its program to develop international action plans to reduce particulate matter (PM)
emissions from international civil aviation.
The Motor Vehicle Emissions Simulator (MOVES) is the Agency's emission modeling system
that estimates emissions for mobile sources at the national, county, and project levels for criteria
air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and air toxics. In FY 2020, MOVES will support the Agency's
emission control programs, as well as provide critical support to states in their determination of
program needs to meet air quality standards. The Agency also will evaluate the schedule for
updates to MOVES.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to provide state and local governments with assistance in
developing SIPs and providing assistance with transportation conformity determinations. EPA
will continue to work with states and local governments to ensure the technical integrity of the
mobile source emission estimates in their SIPs. EPA will assist in identifying control options
available and provide guidance, as needed. In addition, EPA will ensure national consistency in
how conformity determinations are conducted across the U.S. and in the development of motor
vehicle emissions budgets in air quality plans, for use in conformity determinations.
EPA will continue to provide assistance to state and local transportation and air quality agencies
working on PM2.5 hot-spot analyses. This will help ensure that analyses use the latest available
information and that a measure of consistency exists across the nation. Additionally, EPA will
3 Information on the proposal can be found at the following website: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-
engines/safer-affordable-fuel-efficient-safe-vehicles-proposed.
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continue partnering with states to support inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs that focus
on in-use vehicles and engines. Basic and/or enhanced I/M testing is currently being conducted
in over 30 states with technical and programmatic guidance from EPA.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to work with a broad range of stakeholders to develop targeted,
sector-based, and place-based incentives for diesel fleets (including school buses, ports, and
freight) to limit emissions from older, pre-2007 diesel engines not subject to stringent emissions
standards. Because large numbers of people live near ports and are vulnerable to mobile source
diesel emissions, EPA will focus its efforts on reducing mobile source emissions in and around
ports. Approximately 39 million people in the U.S. currently live near ports and can be exposed
to air pollution associated with emissions from diesel engines at ports, including particulate
matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and air toxics.4 EPA also is working with industry to bring about
field testing and emissions testing protocols for a variety of innovative energy-efficient, emissions
reducing technologies for the legacy fleet.
EPA will continue to implement the RFS Program and to carry out actions required by the EPAct
of 2005 and the EISA of 2007, including operating and maintaining the credit trading systems.
EISA expanded the renewable fuels provisions of EPAct and requires additional studies in various
areas of renewable fuel use. EISA requires that EPA set an annual volume standard for renewable
fuels and the 2021 RFS volume requirements are statutorily required to be promulgated in FY
2020.
EISA also requires EPA to develop a comprehensive lifecycle GHG methodology to implement
the Act's GHG threshold requirements for the RFS. Producers of new and advanced biofuels
regularly seek to qualify their fuels under RFS and EPA will continue to apply its lifecycle
analysis to such fuels to evaluate and determine eligibility for the Program.
In FY 2020, EPA will maintain oversight of the RFS Program and continue to evaluate compliance
with RFS provisions through its system, which is used to track the creation, trades, and use of
billions of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) for compliance. The tracking system handles
4,000 to 6,000 submissions per day, typically averaging more than 20,000 transactions per day,
and the generation of more than 1.4 billion RINs per month. RINs are generated with the
production of qualifying renewable fuel and are used to achieve national RFS programmatic goals
of reducing or replacing the quantity of petroleum-based transportation fuel, heating oil, or jet fuel
produced. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to implement its Fuel and Fuel Additive Registration
program. The Agency will prioritize its review and decisions for Part 79 registrations.
4 EPA National Port Strategy Assessment Report: https://www.epa.gov/TOrts-imtiative/mtional-TOrt-stategy-assessmeat.
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM CRT) Number of certificates of conformity issued that demonstrate that the respective engine, vehicle,
equipment, component, or system conforms to all of the applicable emission requirements and may be
entered into commerce.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
5,200
5,000
5,000
Certificates
Actual
4,225
4,360
4,453
5,109
4,869
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,120.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential
workforce support, and benefits costs.
• (+$165.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (-$12,459.0 / -3.0 FTE) This program change streamlines technical assistance to industry,
stakeholders, state and local governments, and other partners and focuses the Program on
core statutory requirements.
Statutory Authority:
Title II of the Clean Air Act; Motor Vehicle Information Cost Savings Act; Alternative Motor
Fuels Act of 1988; National Highway System Designation Act; Energy Policy Act of 1992; Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU);
Energy Policy Act of 2005; Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
64
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Indoor Air and Radiation
65
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Indoor Air: Radon Program
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$2,575.1
$3,136.0
$0.0
-$3,136.0
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
S/.i.i.i
SI5V.0
so.o
-S I5V.0
Total Budget Authority
$2,708.6
$3,295.0
$0.0
-$3,295.0
Total Workyears
9.4
9.0
0.0
-9.0
Program Project Description:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizes EPA to undertake a variety of
activities to address the public health risks posed by exposures to indoor radon. Under the statute,
EPA studies the health effects of radon, assesses exposure levels, sets an action level, and advises
the public of steps they can take to reduce exposure. EPA's Radon Program has provided important
guidance, technical assistance, and funding to help states establish and support their own programs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$159.0) This funding change eliminates the Program in the S&T account.
Statutory Authority:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Clean Air Act.
66
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Radiation: Protection
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$9,286.8
$9,180.0
$2,307.0
-$6,873.0
Science A- Teclinolo^y
S 2.40-.4
S 2.240.0
s vvtut
-S 1.250.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$2,176.9
$1,985.0
$1,933.0
-$52.0
Total Budget Authority
$13,871.1
$13,411.0
$5,230.0
-$8,181.0
Total Workyears
68.5
66.3
25.0
-41.3
Program Project Description:
EPA supports waste site characterization and cleanup by providing field and fixed laboratory
environmental radiological and radioanalytical data and technical support, radioanalytical training
to state and federal partners, and developing new and improved radioanalytical methods and field
measurement technologies. The National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory
(NAREL) in Montgomery, Alabama and the National Center for Radiation Field Operations
(NCRFO) in Las Vegas, Nevada provide analytical and field operation support for radio analytical
testing, quality assurance, analysis of environmental samples, field radiological
measurement/support, and field measurement systems and equipment to support site assessment,
cleanup, and response activities in the event of a radiological accident or incident.
Together, these organizations provide technical support for conducting site-specific radiological
characterizations and cleanups. They also develop guidance for cleaning up Superfund and other
sites that are contaminated with radioactive materials.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA, in cooperation with states, tribes, and other federal
agencies, will provide ongoing site characterization and analytical support for site assessment
activities, remediation technologies, and measurement and information systems. EPA also will
provide training and direct site assistance, including field surveys and monitoring, laboratory
analyses, health and safety, and risk assessment support at sites with actual or suspected
radioactive contamination.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$17.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefits costs.
• (-$86.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (-$1,153.0 / -7.2 FTE) This program change reflects a decrease in support activities at the
National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery,
Alabama and the National Center for Radiation Field Operations (NCRFO) in Las Vegas,
Nevada.
Statutory Authority:
Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act; Energy Policy Act of 1992; Nuclear Waste Policy Act
of 1982; Public Health Service Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation
Control Act (UMTRCA) of 1978; Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act of 1992;
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Clean Water Act.
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Radiation: Response Preparedness
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$1,774.5
$1,952.0
$2,219.0
$267.0
Science JS Teclinolo^y
S3.25 V. 5
S3.2(>(>.0
S3. ~VJ.lt
S52~.ll
Total Budget Authority
$5,034.0
$5,218.0
$6,012.0
$794.0
Total Workyears
29.6
31.5
31.5
0.0
Program Project Description:
The National Analytical Radiation Environmental Laboratory (NAREL) in Montgomery,
Alabama, and the National Center for Radiation Field Operations (NCRFO) in Las Vegas, Nevada,
provide laboratory analyses, field sampling and analyses, and direct scientific support to respond
to radiological and nuclear incidents. This work includes measuring and monitoring radioactive
materials and assessing radioactive contamination in the environment. This program comprises
direct scientific field and laboratory activities to support preparedness, planning, training, and
procedure development. In addition, program personnel are members of EPA's Radiological
Emergency Response Team (RERT), a component of the Agency's Emergency Response
Program, and are trained to provide direct expert scientific and technical assistance. EPA's
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air program's RERT asset is identified as an Agency Critical
Infrastructure/Key Resource and is part of the Nuclear Incident Response Team under the
Department of Homeland Security.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA's RERT will continue to provide support for federal
radiological emergency response and recovery operations under the National Response Framework
and the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. They also will support
basic field operations (e.g., on-site technical support/consultation, fixed laboratory, and mobile
laboratory analyses) to provide for the rapid collection of field measurements/samples and
accurate radionuclide analyses of environmental samples.5
In FY 2020, NAREL and NCRFO will: maintain core levels of readiness for radiological
emergency responses; participate in the most critical emergency exercises; provide scientific
support to state radiation, solid waste, and health programs that regulate radiation remediation;
5 For additional information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/radiatioii/radiological-eiriergeiicv-response.
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participate in the Protective Action Guidance6 implementation; and respond, as required, to
radiological incidents. NAREL and NCRFO will prioritize the development of rapid methods and
techniques for the laboratory analysis of samples, development of updated field scanning
technologies, and rapid deployment capabilities to ensure that field teams and laboratory personnel
are ready to provide scientific data, analyses, and updated analytical techniques for radiation
emergency response programs across the Agency.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$104.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefits costs.
• (+$267.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (+$156.0 / -0.6 FTE) This net program change reflects an adjustment in support activities
for preparedness work, including basic laboratory analytic functions.
Statutory Authority:
Homeland Security Act of 2002; Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act; Post-Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA); Public Health Service Act (PHSA);
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA).
6 For additional information, please see: littps:/
01/documents/epa_pag manual final revisions J) 1.
/files/201.7-
co ver di sclaimer 8 .pdf.
70
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Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$13,489.6
$13,369.0
$0.0
-$13,369.0
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
s-in.n
S3 2 0.0
so.o
-S
Total Budget Authority
$13,529.6
$13,695.0
$0.0
-$13,695.0
Total Workyears
42.8
46.0
0.0
-46.0
Program Project Description:
Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) authorizes EPA
to conduct and coordinate research on indoor air quality, develop and disseminate information,
and coordinate efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. EPA conducts field measurements and
assessments and provides technical support for indoor air quality remediation, when requested.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$326.0 / -1.4 FTE) This funding change eliminates the Program in the S&T account.
Statutory Authority:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA); Clean Air Act.
71
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Enforcement
72
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Forensics Support
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Science A- li'cluioloxy
N I3.MV.0
SIO.SSJ.O
-S_\ 'Sfi.O
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$1,999.6
$1,824.0
$1,144.0
-$680.0
Total Budget Authority
$14,016.1
$15,493.0
$12,027.0
-$3,466.0
Total Workyears
65.2
69.0
52.1
-16.9
Program Project Description:
The Forensics Support Program provides expert scientific and technical support for criminal and
civil environmental enforcement cases, as well as technical support for the Agency's compliance
efforts. EPA's National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC) is an environmental forensic
center accredited for both laboratory and field sampling operations that generate environmental
data for law enforcement purposes. It is fully accredited under International Standards
Organization (ISO) 17025, the main standard used by testing and calibration laboratories, as
recommended by the National Academy of Sciences.7 The NEIC maintains a sophisticated
chemistry laboratory and a corps of highly trained inspectors and scientists with expertise across
media. The NEIC works closely with EPA's Criminal Investigation Division to provide technical
support (e.g., sampling, analysis, consultation, and testimony) to criminal investigations. The
NEIC also works closely with EPA's Headquarters and Regional Offices to provide technical
support, consultation, on-site inspection, investigation, and case resolution services in support of
the Agency's Civil Enforcement Program.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Forensics Support Program provides expert scientific
and technical support for EPA's criminal and civil enforcement efforts. In FY 2020, NEIC will
continue to streamline its forensics work, and identify enhancements to our sampling and
analytical methods, using existing technology. The Program will continue to focus its work on
collecting and analyzing materials to characterize contamination, and attribute it to individual
sources and/or facilities. In support of that effort, NEIC conducted two kaizen events in FY 2018
aimed at streamlining the timeline for completion of civil inspection reports and identifying
efficiencies in laboratory operations. The results of these efforts will inform our work in FY 2020
and beyond.
7 Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, National Academy of Sciences, 2009, available at:
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php7record id=12589.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$359.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (+$20.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (-$3,165.0 / -12.2 FTE) This change reflects a focus on analyzing material to attribute it to
individual sources or facilities and a reduction in other support.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
Annex VI); Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act; Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act;
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Mercury-Containing and
Rechargeable Battery Management Act; Noise Control Act; Oil Pollution Act; Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act; Rivers and Harbors Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act; Toxic Substances Control Act.
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Homeland Security
75
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Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$908.7
$880.0
$1,188.0
$308.0
Science A- li'cluioloxy
S V..W-I.5
S'A "S'.S'.W
N
-S 2J.H.0
Total Budget Authority
$10,413.2
$10,668.0
$8,645.0
-$2,023.0
Total Workyears
25.5
26.7
21.0
-5.7
Program Project Description:
Under the federal homeland security system, EPA is the Sector-Specific Agency responsible for
implementing statutory and Presidential directives relating to homeland security for the water
sector. EPA's Water Security Program is implemented through close partnerships with the water
sector, state emergency response and water program officials, and other federal agencies—most
notably the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the
Intelligence Community. The Program is not driven by regulatory requirements on water systems
or the states, but instead operates under the principles of cooperative federalism by engaging
federal, state, and local entities in defining annual objectives and identifying high priorities for
immediate action.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This program provides critical resources to coordinate
and support protection of the nation's critical water infrastructure from terrorist threats and all-
hazard events. Under this homeland security project area, EPA will train, in FY 2020, about 2,500
water utilities, state officials, and federal emergency responders to become more resilient to any
natural or manmade incident that could endanger water and wastewater services. In FY 2020, EPA
will provide tools, training, and technical assistance which will address the highest risks
confronting the water sector.
Natural Disasters and General Preparedness
Drought, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters represent a high risk to the
water sector owing to their historical frequency of occurrence and their enormous potential for
destruction. As evident from several recent natural disasters, the level of preparedness within the
water sector varies significantly—with many utilities lacking an adequate preparedness capability.
In FY 2020, EPA will improve the preparedness of the water sector by providing nationwide
training sessions to address natural disasters and general preparedness with the objective to train
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water and wastewater systems, state officials, and emergency response partners. Specifically, EPA
will:
• Provide in-person trainings and workshops which will include: Incident Command System
(ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) training; drought response training;
flood response training; state functional exercises (e.g., scenarios of hurricanes, floods and
earthquakes); resource typing and site access workshops; a regional interstate emergency
response exercise (e.g., hurricane), etc.
• Conduct tabletop and functional exercises to improve the operation of intra-state and inter-
state mutual aid agreements among water utilities.
• Implement lessons learned of relevance to the water sector from the 2017 hurricane season,
as identified by reports from FEMA, the Water Agency Response Network, and EPA's
Inspector General.
• Continue to address high priority security areas as identified in the stakeholder generated
2017 Roadmap to a Secure and Resilient Water and Wastewater Sector8 with an emphasis
on projects addressing the following four priorities: (1) establishing the critical lifeline
status of the water and wastewater sector and translating that definition into strong support
for the sector's needs and capabilities; (2) improving detection, response, and recovery to
contamination incidents; (3) advancing preparedness and improving capabilities of the
water and wastewater sector for area-wide loss of water and power; and (4) advancing
recognition of vulnerabilities and needed responses related to cyber risk management.
• Conduct nationwide training sessions with three critical, inter-dependent sectors: health
care, emergency services, and energy. Most incidents, particularly natural disasters, have
underscored the mutual reliance on the water sector with other lifeline sectors. Through
training sessions with officials at the local, state, and federal levels from these other sectors,
EPA will seek to improve coordination among critical lifeline sectors.
• Sustain operation of the Water Desk in the Agency's Emergency Operations Center in the
event of an emergency by: updating roles/responsibilities; training staff in the incident
command structure; ensuring adequate staffing during activation of the desk; and
coordinating with EPA's regional field personnel and response partners.
• Develop annual assessments, as required under the National Infrastructure Protection Plan,
to describe existing water security efforts and progress in achieving the sector's key
metrics.
Water Security Initiative and Water Lab Alliance
Water Security Initiative. The Water Security Initiative (WSI) designs and demonstrates an
effective system for timely detection and appropriate response to drinking water contamination
threats and incidents through a pilot program that has broad application to the nation's drinking
water utilities in high-threat cities. The FY 2020 request includes $3.4 million for necessary WSI
Surveillance and Response System (SRS) activities to refine technical assistance products based
on the five full-scale SRS pilots, implement a monitoring and response program for water utilities
focused on source water chemical spills, and provide direct technical assistance to the dozens of
water utilities that seek to leverage EPA's expertise in deploying their own warning system.
8Formore information, please see:
https://www.waterisac.org/sites/default/files/public/2017_CIPAC Water_Sector_Roadmap FINAL 051217.pdf.
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In FY 2020, EPA will train about 250 drinking water utilities in the design, operation, and response
components of early contaminant warning systems. In FY 2020, EPA will:
• Continue efforts to promote the water sector's adoption of Water Quality Surveillance and
Response Systems. This will help to rapidly detect and respond to water quality problems,
such as contamination in the distribution system, in order to reduce public health and
economic consequences through the development of several online training modules and
webinars, as well as the provision of in-person direct technical assistance.
• Build upon the Drinking Water Mapping Application to Protect Source Waters
(DWMAPS),9 EPA will pilot an effort to compile and disseminate chemical storage data
from state and local sources to ensure that drinking water utilities have access to the basic
information (e.g., what chemicals are stored upstream from a surface water intake)
necessary for implementing effective source water contamination detection and response
systems.
• Conduct nationwide training sessions for its SRS Capabilities Assessment Tool,10 a web-
based, easy to use, decision support tool that presents the user with a series of questions by
which to assess existing detection and response capabilities, compare these existing
capabilities to a target capability, and identify potential enhancements to address gaps
between the existing and target capabilities.
• Continue the successful SRS implementation pilot program11 within the water sector - the
purpose of which is to: demonstrate the application of SRS tools to designing and operating
an early warning system for contamination events; illustrate additional applications of SRS
tools, such as extending the SRS approach to source water monitoring; and identify
champions, within the industry, for implementing surveillance and response systems.
Water Laboratory Alliance. In a contamination event, the sheer volume or unconventional type of
samples could quickly overwhelm the capacity or capability of a single laboratory. To address this
potential deficiency, EPA has established a national Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA) comprised
of laboratories harnessed from the range of existing lab resources from the local (e.g., water utility)
to the federal levels (e.g., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDCJ's Laboratory
Response Network). In FY 2020, EPA will continue to promote, through exercises, expert
workshops and association partnerships, the Water Laboratory Alliance Plan,12 which provides a
protocol for coordinated laboratory response to a surge of analytical needs. Under WLA, EPA will
train, in FY 2020, approximately 100 laboratories in improving their ability to handle potential
problems associated with surge capacity and analytical method capabilities during an emergency.
In particular, EPA will:
• Continue work with regional and state environmental laboratories to conduct exercises and
continue efforts to automate the exercises, enabling laboratories and other members of the
water sector to participate in exercises simultaneously and continue the innovative practice
of pursuing validation of methods through exercises.
9 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection/dwmaps.
10 For more information, please see: https://www.eiia.gov/sites/productioii/files/201.5-06/docuiiieiits/srs fact sheet.pdf.
11 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/waterqualitysurveillance.
12 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/waterlabnetwork.
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• Continue to expand the membership of the WLA with the intention of achieving nationwide
coverage. The WLA has 160 member laboratories that are geographically diverse and can
provide a wide range of chemical, biological, and radiological analyses.13 For the WLA to
become a robust infrastructure that can cover major population centers and address a
diverse array of high priority contaminants, membership must continue to increase.
• Continue to target laboratories located in areas where the WLA has both inadequate
membership levels and gaps in laboratory analytical capabilities.
• Coordinate with other federal agencies, primarily DHS, CDC, Food and Drug
Administration, and Department of Defense, on biological, chemical, and radiological
contaminants of high concern and how to detect and respond to their presence in drinking
water and wastewater systems.
• Continue to implement specific recommendations of the Water Decontamination Strategy
as developed by EPA and water sector stakeholders (e.g., defining roles and responsibilities
of local, state, and federal agencies during an event).
Cvbersecuritv
Cybersecurity represents a substantial concern for the sector, given the ubiquitous access to critical
water treatment systems from the Internet. In FY 2020, EPA will fulfill its obligations under
Executive Order (EO) 13636 - Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity - which
designated EPA as the lead federal agency responsible for cybersecurity in the water sector. EPA
also will partner with the water sector to promote cybersecurity practices and gauge progress in
the sector's implementation of these practices as directed by the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act
of 2014, conducting nationwide training sessions in cybersecurity threats and countermeasures for
about 200 water and wastewater utilities. Specifically, in FY 2020, EPA will:
• Conduct one-day classroom training, at locations distributed nationally, on water sector
cybersecurity. The training will address cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities,
consequences, best practices, and incident response planning.
• Update and/or develop new course materials owing to the evolving nature of the cyber
threat, such as the recently documented role of Russian state actors in infiltrating water
system industrial control processes and business enterprise functions.
• Develop brief, targeted guidance documents for underserved segments of the water sector,
such as small systems and technical assistance providers.
• Develop outreach materials to promote the adoption of cybersecurity practices across the
water sector.
America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA)
In FY 2020, EPA also will take actions to fulfill the mandates of the Community Water System
Risk and Resilience section of AWIA requiring community water systems serving a population
greater than 3,300 to prepare risk assessments and emergency response plans. EPA will provide
guidance and technical assistance to these systems on how to conduct resilience assessments,
prepare ERPs, and address threats from malevolent acts and natural hazards. EPA will provide
13 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/dwlabcaVcontact-infomration-certification-programs-and-certified-
laboratories-dri liking-water.
79
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technical assistance to water systems to address drinking water vulnerabilities where EPA
determines an urgent and immediate need. The EPM Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure
Protection program also can support AWIA homeland security related work.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$244.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
*¦ (-$3,798.0 / -11.2 FTE) This streamlines emergency response efforts for natural disasters
through further coordination with other federal agencies and through enhanced
coordination of activities with work performed in the Homeland Security: Preparedness,
Response, and Recovery Program.
• (+$1,711.0 / +2.9 FTE) These resources and FTE are provided to begin implementation
and administration of the requirements of the Community Water System Risk and
Resilience Section of the America's Water Infrastructure Act.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), §§ 1431-1435; Clean Water Act; Public Health Security and
Bioterrorism Emergency and Response Act of 2002; Emergency Planning and Community Right-
to-Know Act (EPCRA), §§ 301-305.
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Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
.S22. '(> ~J
S22.VJ,S'.«
S 2-l.X-l~.tl
S I.V2V.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$31,102.4
$31,648.0
$31,054.0
-$594.0
Total Budget Authority
$53,869.7
$54,566.0
$55,901.0
$1,335.0
Total Workyears
117.3
123.3
127.1
3.8
Program Project Description:
Exposure to hazardous chemicals, microbial pathogens, and radiological materials released
into the environment could pose catastrophic consequences to the health of first responders and
American citizens. EPA has responsibility, under legislation and Presidential Directives, to
remediate contaminated environments created by incidents such as terrorist attacks, industrial
accidents, or natural disasters.
The Homeland Security Research Program (HSRP) is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary
national research programs. Each program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP)
that reflects the science needs of Agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes and is
implemented with their active collaboration and involvement.
EPA's disaster-related responsibilities are described by the following three objectives in the
HSRP's StRAP: (1) protecting America's water systems; (2) remediating indoor and outdoor
contaminated areas, and (3) developing a nationwide laboratory network with the capability
and capacity to analyze for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents during
routine monitoring and in response to terrorist attacks and other disasters.
Funding supports EPA in carrying out these critical responsibilities, including EPA's efforts to
help communities prepare for, endure, and recover from disasters - safeguarding their economic,
environmental, and social well-being. The HSRP collaborates with state, local, and private sector
organizations and key federal agencies14 to prioritize research needs and prevent the duplication
of scientific and technical work. HSRP will deliver effective tools, methods, information, and
guidance to local, state, and federal decision-makers that will address both critical terrorism-
related issues and natural or manmade disasters.
EPA also is responsible for operating and maintaining the network of near real-time stationary and
14 Partners include: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DOD), Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Institute of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation
(NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Agriculture (USDA).
81
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deployable monitors, known as RadNet, under the Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex to the
National Response Framework (NRF). This network is critical in responding to large-scale incidents
such as Fukushima and is an EPA Critical Infrastructure/Key Resource asset. EPA additionally
serves as the Sector-Specific Agency (SSA) for the water sector, coordinating water sector-specific
risk assessment and management strategies and assessing and mitigating cybersecurity risks with the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the sector under Executive Order 13636: Improving
Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.
Recent Accomplishments:
Assisting in the Development of Fentanyl Factsheet and Drug Lab Clean-up Approaches:
The misuse of fentanyl is quickly approaching an epidemic scale. As the popularity of fentanyl use
rises, so does the potential for contamination of indoor environments. HSRP contributed to the
development of a factsheet for EPA On-Scene Coordinators who may respond with or provide
technical advice to local HazMat teams at sites with environmental fentanyl contamination. This
factsheet summarizes information on characteristics, release scenarios, health effects, effect levels,
personal safety, personal protective equipment, field detection, sampling, analysis,
decontamination/cleanup, and waste management. HSRP also responded to a request by the U.S.
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to assist in devising potential clean-up approaches designed to
maximize decontamination efficacy while minimizing damage to high value items. HSRP
completed initial decontamination research to identify decontamination solutions that lead to
efficacious in situ inactivation of fentanyl as part of cleanup procedures. These recommendations
have been shared with responders in multiple EPA regions and state and local stakeholders.
Supporting Rapid Development of Sampling Plans for Biological Threat Incidents. Federal, state,
and local decision makers need to access the latest contamination characterization methods
following a pathogen or chemical threat contamination incident. The contaminated area must be
quickly determined as well as public health risks. To improve response times, HSRP evaluated the
current advantages and limitations of existing methods for sampling, analysis, and assessing risk
and developed methods that will be readily available for characterizing large areas such as subway
systems and urban centers. HSRP developed the MicroSAP tool to decrease the time required to
construct sampling and analysis plans during emergency response by walking decision makers
through the development process. This tool ensures that EPA's data quality standards and the latest
science supporting sampling procedures is included in the sampling and analyses plans. An
informational companion to the MicroSAP tool includes considerations for sampling, analysis, and
data interpretation. Access to the companion guide is available online.15
Treatment Methods for Per- andPolyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Contamination Arising from
Emergency Response. PFAS are found in products that resist heat, stains, grease, and water. These
chemicals are identified as emerging contaminants because they do not break down in the
environment and have the potential to bioaccumulate in plants and animals. PFAS in firefighting
foam impacts the run-off water, which may spread contamination through the environment, down
storm drains, and into drinking water. It also can cause secondary spread of PFAS when
contaminated sewer sludge is land-applied or disposed in landfills.16 HSRP evaluated the
15 For more information, please see: MicroSAP Companion Guide.
16 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/research-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas.
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effectiveness of on-site collection and treatment methods of water contaminated with PFAS
resulting from firefighting activities. The results17 of this work are assisting decision makers in
designing approaches to minimize the impact of PFAS contaminated waste water under
challenging emergency situations. The methods are not limited to emergency response and are
applicable to other agency needs, such as treating water contaminated by other chemicals.
Analytical Method Supporting Ricin Cleanups. Ricin is a toxin if inhaled, injected, or ingested, and
is easily extracted from castor-oil manufacturing waste material left from processing castor
beans.18 EPA identified a critical gap in the decontamination process in past ricin incidents.
Residues were picked up while wiping down surfaces during the sampling process, tainting the
samples. This prevented important analytical methods from being performed during the sample
evaluation. The HSRP addressed this challenge by developing a processing method for
environmental samples that enabled ricin detection by multiple analytical approaches.19 In addition
to removing potential interferences picked up during sampling, the process concentrates the samples
and results in a 10-fold or more increase in the detection capability. The method was used by EPA
during a December 2017 incident that involved a 70-year old woman in Vermont that made ricin to
allegedly poison her neighbors at a retirement community.20 Ricin was found post-decontamination
due to the increased sensitivity of the new sample processing method. Without this method, the site
may have been deemed clean, posing a public health risk.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
Research Planning: EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) evaluates performance and
provides feedback to the Agency for the HSRP Program. The HSRP Program, BOSC, and the
Science Advisory Board will meet regularly over the next several years to seek input on topics
related to research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance, and impact. This
includes advising EPA on developing its strategic research direction and StRAPs for FY 2019 -
FY 2022.
EPA collaborates with several science agencies and the research community to assess our research
performance, such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department
of Energy, Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and others. EPA's state
engagement program is designed to inform states about EPA's research programs and role within
EPA and to better understand the science needs of state environmental agencies.
17 For more information, please see: Treatment of PFAS in Wash Water.
18 For more information, please see: Ricin Overview.
19 For more information, please see: Development of a Sample Processing Approach.
20 For more information, please see: https://www.cbsnews.coTO/iiews/Tudge~detains~woiiian~accused~of~iiiakiiig~riciii4estiiig~it~oii~
neighbors/.
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Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council, as well as state media associations such as the Association of Clean Water Administrators
and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. This program also will work with
the National Emergency Management Association and other appropriate national organizations
reaching to state stakeholders to understand states' priority needs related to environmental
emergency response and to ensure familiarity with the available scientific support.
The following work is reflected in the HSRP's StRAP. Research is planned and prioritized
based on the needs of end-users of this science, including regional On-Scene Coordinators
(OSCs), water utility companies, states, and EPA program and regional offices.
Characterizing Contamination and Assessing Exposure. During an incident, EPA oversees and
provides support to state and local governments for site characterization21 and remediation of
contaminated water systems and indoor and outdoor areas. In FY 2020, HSRP will:
• Develop innovative bio-threat agent sampling and analytical methods for the Environmental
Sampling and Analytical Methods (ESAM) program to support post-incident decisions
regarding exposure assessment, remediation, and re-occupancy.22
• Conduct studies to support sample strategy options for characterization after a wide-area
biological incident and examine methods and deployment strategies to reduce the logistical
burden of characterization.
• Study the fate and transport of bio-threat agents after a release in an urban environment to
inform sampling and decontamination.
Water System Security and Resilience. EPA will continue to address critical scientific knowledge
gaps in responding to and recovering from contamination incidents, with a specific focus on
addressing needs related to wide area attacks on urban centers and public areas as well as water
contamination incidents. As the lead Agency overseeing the Water Sector, EPA addresses Water
Sector research needs identified by the Water Sector Coordinating Council and the Water
Government Coordinating Council's Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council.23
There are approximately 149,500 public drinking water systems and nearly 16,000 publicly owned
wastewater treatment systems in the United States.24'25 More than 80 percent of the U. S. population
receives their potable water from these drinking water systems and about 75 percent of the U.S.
population has its sanitary sewerage treated by these wastewater systems.26 Within the past year,
threats to drinking water systems ran the spectrum from toxic chemicals accidentally being
introduced into a water system to concerns over an intentional attempt to poison a drinking water
system.
21 The process of identifying and quantifying the contaminants in environmental samples of a site to determine the nature and extent
of contamination present.
22 To access ESAM, please see: https://www.epa.gov/homeland-security-research/sain.
23 The Water Sector Coordinating Council is a "self-organized, self-run, and self-governed council" composed of water utilities.
The Water Government Coordinating Council is responsible for interagency coordination of efforts related to the water sector.
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In FY 2020, HSRPwill:
• Conduct field-scale evaluations of water contamination sensors, decontamination
methodologies, and water treatment at the Water Security Test Bed.27
• Develop methods to decontaminate infrastructure and manage contaminated water.
Remediating Wide Areas. Developing national resilience to disasters requires that decision-makers
have the latest scientific information and ability to assess the downstream or cascading impacts of
decisions. EPA will develop tools providing ready access to the latest science and supporting the
decision-making process. In FY 2020, HSRP will:
• Develop a database for decontamination technologies data, including operational and
logistical considerations to provide decision-makers.
• Develop a proof-of-concept virtual-reality tool to simulate a contaminated area, allowing
the user to experience sampling and decontamination approaches. This tool supports pre-
incident training and reduces the time responders spend in the hot zone during a response.
• Develop approaches to improve the capacity to conduct large-scale bio-agent cleanup;
develop methods that are widely-available to local, state, and federal responders, such as
deploying existing municipal equipment (e.g., street sweepers) and commercial off-the-shelf
methods for effective distribution of decontaminants (e.g., pool chemicals).
• Develop scalable decontamination technologies for wide-area use and waste management
approaches for a biological incident; develop approaches to predict decontamination efficacy
and provide a basis for field-scale testing of remediation methods for chemical threats.
In addition to the activities above, EPA also conducts research across programs in areas such as
lead. Within the HSRP, EPA is continuing to develop water infrastructure modeling tools that can
be used to assist water utilities in understanding the impact of changes in their systems. The HSRP
also is continuing to seek to test sensors that can indicate contamination in water.
Radiation Monitoring. The RadNet fixed monitoring network provides near real-time radiation
monitoring coverage near each of the 100 most populous U.S. cities as well as expanded
geographic coverage for a total of 140 monitoring sites. The RadNet air monitoring network will
provide the Agency, first responders, and the public with greater access to data, and should there
be a radiological emergency, improve officials' ability to make decisions about protecting public
health and the environment during and after an incident. Additionally, the data will be used by
scientists to better characterize the effect of a radiological incident.
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to operate and maintain the RadNet air monitoring network,
providing essential maintenance to routinely operating fixed stations. Fixed stations will operate
in conjunction with deployable monitoring assets available during a radiological incident.
27 Data from these studies are made available to water utilities through outreach activities.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$113.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$30.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of lab
utilities and security.
• (+$402.0 / +5.0 FTE) This program change reflects an increase for a focused effort to meet
EPA's responsibilities as the water Sector-Specific Agency (SSA) implementing specific
statutory and Presidential directives relating to water security.
• (+$1,212.0 / -5.3 FTE) This net program change increases existing research in wide-area
decontamination and critical infrastructure, while refocusing resources from the
development of tools to support resilience of water systems. The reduction changes EPA's
timeline to carry out its mandates to develop strategies and methods for characterizing,
decontaminating, and managing waste from an intentional or unintentional release of
chemical and radiological agents.
• (+$232.0 / -0.5 FTE) This net program change is to keep RadNet capabilities current with
technology to monitor the nation's air, precipitation, and drinking water for radiation.
Statutory Authority:
Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act §§ 102, 103; Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) §§
1431-1435, 1442; Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 §§ 1411-1412; Public Health Security and
Bioterrorism Preparedness Response Act of 2002; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) § 10;
Oil Pollution Act (OPA); Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA); Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); Clean Water
Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA); Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA); Food Safety Modernization Act
(FSMA) §§ 203, 208.
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Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs &. Management
$5,400.2
$5,405.0
$4,986.0
-$419.0
Science it li'cluioloxy
S 4L\0
S 4KkO
S 500.0
SS-I.O
Building and Facilities
$5,921.7
$6,676.0
$6,176.0
-$500.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$1,325.5
$968.0
$915.0
-$53.0
Total Budget Authority
$13,062.4
$13,465.0
$12,577.0
-$888.0
Total Workyears
8.0
9.6
12.2
2.6
Program Project Description:
This program supports activities to ensure that EPA's physical structures and assets are secure and
operational and that physical security measures are in place to help safeguard staff in the event
of an emergency. These efforts also protect the capability of EPA's vital laboratory infrastructure
assets. Specifically, funds within this appropriation support security needs for the National
Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL).
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to provide enhanced physical security for the NVFEL
and its employees. This funding supports the incremental cost of security enhancements
required as part of an Agency security assessment review.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$85.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of lab
utilities and security.
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• (-$1.0) This program change reduces the budget for infrastructure security at the National
Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL).
Statutory Authority:
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004; Homeland Security Act of 2002;
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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IT / Data Management/ Security
89
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IT / Data Management
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$84,464.5
$83,256.0
$71,117.0
-$12,139.0
Science it I'ccliiwloxy
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-S3-I2.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$14,126.0
$13,824.0
$13,443.0
-$381.0
Total Budget Authority
$100,886.5
$100,169.0
$87,307.0
-$12,862.0
Total Workyears
412.6
439.9
456.9
17.0
Program Project Description:
The work performed under the Information Technology/Data Management (IT/DM) Program
supports human health and the environment by providing critical IT infrastructure and data
management. Science and Technology (S&T) resources for EPA's IT/DM Program fund the
following activities: Quality Program,28 EPA libraries, and One EPA Web.
The Quality Program provides quality policies and practices that are intended to ensure that all
environmentally-related data activities performed by or for the Agency will result in the production
of data that are of adequate quality to support their intended uses. The Quality Program provides
Quality Assurance (QA) policies, training, oversight and technical support to assist EPA's
programs in implementing quality management systems for all environmental data operations. It
also oversees the implementation of EPA's Information Quality Guidelines.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Quality Program will continue to
provide technical support to all EPA program/regional offices and laboratories in implementing
EPA quality policies, procedures and standards. In FY 2020, the Quality Program will conduct six
Quality Management Plan reviews and four Quality System Assessments for selected EPA
programs. These oversight activities help ensure the quality of EPA's data for intended uses,
including environmental decision-making.
The Quality Program also will begin using an enterprise QA tracking and reporting IT system,
which is expected to be implemented in late FY 2019. The enterprise QA tracking and reporting
system will simplify, standardize and centralize the QA annual reporting process by providing a
28 More information about EPA's Quality Program can be found at: http://www.epa.gov/qualitv.
90
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mechanism for EPA organizations' quality activities throughout the year. Additionally, the Quality
Program will provide oversight of EPA's Information Quality Guidelines and facilitate the
development of the Agency's responses to public requests for correction of information
disseminated by EPA. The Agency's S&T resources for IT/DM also will help provide library
services through the EPA National Library Network to all EPA employees and access to
environmental information to the public, as well as support the hosting of EPA's websites and
Web pages.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$33.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a net increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$375.0 / +1.2 FTE) This net program change reflects an adjustment to the technical
support for conducting quality assurance oversight, training, policy development, and
support for agencywide quality activities.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Information Technology Acquisition
Reform Act; Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-
Cohen Act (CCA); Rehabilitation Act of 1973 § 508.
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Operations and Administration
92
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Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$292,535.1
$308,701.0
$308,335.0
-$366.0
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Building and Facilities
$34,605.1
$27,791.0
$33,377.0
$5,586.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$1,056.6
$813.0
$773.0
-$40.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$753.8
$584.0
$665.0
$81.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$76,061.2
$75,253.0
$73,540.0
-$1,713.0
Total Budget Authority
$475,113.4
$481,481.0
$483,964.0
$2,483.0
Total Workyears
321.8
327.6
308.0
-19.6
Program Project Description:
Science & Technology (S&T) resources in the Facilities Infrastructure and Operations Program
fund rent, utilities, and security. This program also supports centralized administrative activities
and support services, including health and safety, environmental compliance and management,
facilities maintenance and operations, energy conservation, sustainable buildings programs, and
space planning. Funding for such services is allocated among the major appropriations for the
Agency.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to invest
to reconfigure EPA's workspaces, enabling the Agency to release office space and reduce long-
term rent costs, consistent with HR 4465,29 the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016.
EPA is working toward the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan
to reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet nationwide. This has the
potential to provide a cumulative annual rent avoidance of nearly $28 million across all
appropriations. These savings help offset EPA's escalating rent and security costs. Planned
consolidations in FY 2020 will allow EPA to release an expected 146,477 square feet of space.
For FY 2020, the Agency is requesting $26.82 million for rent, $20.31 million for utilities, and
$13.75 million for security in the S&T appropriation.
29 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.congress.gOv/bill/l 14th-congress/house-bill/4465. Federal Assets Sale
and Transfer Act of 2016.
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Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$380.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
rent, utilities, security, and transit subsidy.
• (-$685.0) This net program change reflects a decrease for facility operations contracts that
support activities like custodial, landscaping, and warehouse activities at EPA's research
and development facilities and laboratories. This change is partially offset by an increase
for moves and space reconfiguration to assist the Agency in reducing its footprint.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute).
94
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Workforce Reshaping
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$0.0
$0.0
$25,003.0
$25,003.0
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Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$30,997.0
$30,997.0
Program Project Description:
Science and Technology (S&T) resources for the Workforce Reshaping Program support
organizational restructuring efforts throughout the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To
help achieve its mission, EPA will develop, review and analyze mission requirements and
implement options to effectively align and redistribute the Agency's workforce based on program
priorities, resource reallocation, and technological advances.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Effective workforce reshaping is critical
to EPA's ability to accomplish its mission. EPA will be examining our statutory functions and
processes to eliminate inefficiencies and streamline our processes. Primary criteria will include
effectiveness and accountability, as EPA is focused on greater value and real results. These
analyses will likely create a need to reshape the workforce. The Agency anticipates the need to
offer voluntary early out retirement authority (VERA) and voluntary separation incentive pay
(VSIP), and potentially relocation expenses, as part of the workforce reshaping effort.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$5,994.0) In support of the reprioritization of Agency activities, this increase will
support:
o Voluntary early out retirement authority;
o Voluntary separation inventive pay, and
o Workforce support costs for relocation of employees as we realign work assignments.
95
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Statutory Authority:
Title 5 of the U.S.C.; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L.
98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
96
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Pesticides Licensing
97
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Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$56,288.2
$58,016.0
$49,440.0
-$8,576.0
Science JS Teclinolo^y
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Total Budget Authority
$59,176.5
$60,547.0
$51,841.0
-$8,706.0
Total Workyears
362.9
336.8
416.5
79.7
Total work years in FY 2020 include 126.0 FTE funded by pesticide maintenance and registration service fees.
Program Project Description:
EPA's Pesticide Program screens new pesticides before they reach the market and ensures that
pesticides already in commerce are safe. As directed by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (F1FRA), the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by
the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996, and the Pesticide Registration Improvement
Extension Act of 2012 (PRIA),30 EPA is responsible for registering and re-evaluating pesticides
to protect consumers, pesticide users, workers who may be exposed to pesticides, children, and
other sensitive populations. To make regulatory decisions and establish tolerances (maximum
allowable pesticide residues on food and feed) for food use pesticides and for residential or non-
occupational use, EPA must find the pesticide safe. This involves considering cumulative and
aggregate risks and ensuring extra protection for children. The Agency must balance the risks and
benefits of other uses.
EPA's Pesticide Program operates two laboratories, the Microbiology Laboratory,31 and the
Analytical Laboratory,32 that support the goal of protecting human health and the environment
through diverse analytical testing and analytical method development, and validation efforts.
These laboratories provide a variety of technical services to EPA, other federal and state agencies,
tribal nations, and other organizations to protect human health from pesticide risk.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Microbiology Laboratory
will protect human health by ensuring the availability of scientifically sound efficacy test methods
for antimicrobial pesticides. By developing new methods for new uses and emerging pathogens,
30 Authority provided under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2012 expired on September 30,2017.
Authority to continue to collect fees was authorized by H.R. 1625 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018.
31 For more information, please see: https://www.epa. gov/aboutepa/about-microbiology-laboratory.
32 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-analytical-chemistry-laboratory-acl.
98
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the regulated community can register new products and new claims for existing products. Specific
initiatives for FY 2020 include:
• Data collection and analysis on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) method for bactericidal claims to support adoption of the method
for regulatory purposes. If needed, hold a technical workshop to share information and
solicit feedback on use and guidance associated with the method.
• Finalize a method and associated guidance for Legionella in recirculating water for cooling
tower remediation.
• Continue to support the CDC by generating data on a broad range of product formulations
(e.g., antimicrobial wipes and ready-to-use formulations) and active ingredients to inform
the CDC and other federal agencies (e.g., Veterans Administration) on options for surface
decontamination for Candida auris including the drug resistant strain. In addition, method
development activities will be extended in FY 2020 to include the assessment of
standardized testing of C. auris with antimicrobial wipes.
• Complete verification studies and issue guidance/method for review and comment for
testing sanitizing claims for copper containing surfaces.
• Initiate multi-laboratory studies for use of the OECD method to support fungicidal and
virucidal claims.
• Assist with efforts to formulate a new approach for evaluating claims based on use of a
disinfectant hierarchy for establishing efficacy claims for antimicrobials.
• Per an OIG recommendation, develop a risk-based post-registration testing program for
antimicrobials to identify potentially ineffective antimicrobial products.
• Continue to post and maintain website for existing and new antimicrobial test methods and
guidance documents.33
In FY 2020, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue to protect human health by
ensuring the availability of appropriate analytical methods for analyzing pesticide residues in food
and feed and ensuring their suitability for monitoring pesticide residues and enforcing tolerances.
In addition, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will:
• Develop improved analytical methods using state of the art instruments to replace outdated
methods, thus increasing laboratory efficiency and accuracy of the data;
• As needed, provide analytical support to fill in data gaps for the Pesticide Programs' risk
assessment and for Section 18 emergency exemptions, and to perform studies for use in
risk mitigation;
• Provide analytical assistance and technical advice to all regional offices in support of their
enforcement cases;
• Verify that antimicrobial pesticides are properly formulated (as requested); and
• Operate EPA's National Pesticide Standard Repository.
33 Please refer to the following website: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-analvtical-methods/antimicrobial-testiiig-methods-
procedures-developed-epas-microbiologv.
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Evidence and Evaluation
The Microbiology Laboratory will continue efficacy method development activities to support
EPA's antimicrobial pesticide regulatory programs. In support of these efforts, the Microbiology
Laboratory submitted several methods for emerging pathogens (Clostridium difficile and biofilms)
and selected formulation types (towelette) to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
workgroups for technical review in FY 2018. The comments from the ASTM workgroups helped
refine and improve the clarity of the methods, as well as modify formulas for quantitative efficacy
method calculations. The results of these efforts will help inform EPA's method development
activities in FY 2020 and beyond.
Through ongoing efficiency reviews of its analytical data processing procedures, the Analytical
Chemistry Laboratory has streamlined its analytical data processing procedures by utilizing
automated data transfer from the instruments and customized spreadsheets for data reporting. In
FY 2020, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue to identify ways to improve
efficiency in the laboratory, including streamlining data review processes according the ISO-
17025 guidelines and using electronic media to store analytical data. By identifying efficiencies in
the analytical processing procedures, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory expects to reduce turn-
around time and errors commonly seen with manual data processing, thus providing the Agency
with more timely, traceable and accurate data for use in assessing risks of pesticides to human
health and the environment.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$121.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, benefit costs, and for laboratory fixed costs.
• (+$536.0 / +3.1 FTE) This net program change shifts 3.1 FTE and associated payroll from
the Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk Program to adjust FTE levels
in accordance with actual utilization in support of protecting human health from pesticide
risk.
• (-$787.0) This program change is a reduction in funding for pesticide program activities
from annual appropriations with the intent to increase utilization of pesticide user fee
collections. Proposed legislative language accompanying the President's Budget will
expand EPA's scope of activities that can be funded with user fees.
100
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Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA), §408.
101
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Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$38,380.7
$41,081.0
$30,668.0
-$10,413.0
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Total Budget Authority
$40,690.4
$44,153.0
$32,925.0
-$11,228.0
Total Workyears
288.1
257.1
268.4
11.3
Total work years in FY 2020 include 85.0 FTE funded by pesticide maintenance and registration service fees.
Program Project Description:
Section 3(c)(5) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) states that the
Administrator shall register a pesticide if it is determined that, when used in accordance with
labeling and common practices, the product "will also not generally cause unreasonable adverse
effects on the environment." FIFRA defines "unreasonable adverse effects on the environment,"
as "any unreasonable risk to man or the environment, considering the economic, social, and
environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide."34
In compliance with FIFRA, EPA conducts risk assessments using the latest scientific methods to
determine the risks that pesticides pose to human health and ecological effects on plants, animals,
and ecosystems that are not the targets of the pesticide. The Agency's significant regulatory
decisions are posted for review and comment to ensure that these actions are transparent, and to
allow stakeholders, including at-risk populations, to be engaged in decisions that affect their
environment.
EPA's Pesticide Program operates two laboratories, the Microbiology Laboratory35 and the
Analytical Laboratory,36 that support the goal of protecting human health and the environment
through diverse analytical testing and analytical method development, and validation efforts.
These laboratories will continue to provide a variety of technical services to EPA, other federal
and state agencies, tribal nations, and other organizations to ensure the protection of the
environment from pesticide risk.
34 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. Sections 2 and 3, Definitions, Registration of Pesticides (7 U.S.C. §§ 136,
136a). Available online at: http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/regulatiiig/laws.htin.
35 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-microbiology-laboratory.
36 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-analytical-chemistry-laboratory-acl.
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA must determine that
food and residential uses of pesticides are safe. For other risk concerns, EPA must balance the
risks of the pesticides with benefits provided from the use of the product. To avoid unreasonable
risks, EPA may impose risk mitigation measures such as modifying use rates or application
methods, restricting uses, or denying some or all uses. In some regulatory decisions, EPA may
determine that uncertainties in the risk determination need to be reduced and may require
monitoring of environmental conditions, such as effects on water sources or the development and
submission of additional laboratory or field study data by the pesticide registrant.
In addition to FIFRA responsibilities, the Agency has responsibilities under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA).37 Under ESA, EPA must ensure that pesticide regulatory decisions will not
destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat or result in jeopardy to the continued
existence of species listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS). Where risks are identified, EPA must work with FWS and NMFS in a
consultation process to ensure these pesticide registrations also will meet ESA standard.
The national program laboratories of EPA's Pesticide Programs provide a diverse range of
environmental data that the Agency uses to make informed regulatory decisions. The Analytical
Chemistry Laboratory38 and the Microbiology Laboratory39 each provide critical laboratory testing
and support activities to assist the decision-making processes of the Agency. The laboratories
develop methods to test the efficacy of antimicrobial pesticides, evaluate the efficacy of
antimicrobial products, and validate analytical chemistry methods to ensure that EPA, the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the
states have reliable methods to measure and monitor pesticide residues in food and in the
environment.
In FY 2020, the Microbiology Laboratory will work with the Department of Homeland Security
and Department of Agriculture to evaluate various porous materials (wood, concrete, fabric, tile
etc.) which simulate use sites in livestock, poultry and other food animal rearing operations.
Outbreaks of avian influenza, swine fever etc. can be devastating to American agriculture and
survival of these viruses on porous materials is not well understood. Currently, due to the
unavailability of a quantitative test method, the response to an animal pathogen outbreak and
submission of requests under FIFRA section 18 to address these outbreaks, relies on published,
antiquated data, and the use of commonly available chemicals for remediation (e.g., citric acid,
chlorine etc.) without extensive knowledge of their environmental impact from such widespread
use. The goal of the laboratory is to develop a rapid efficacy test method for animal viruses to
provide a tool for the development of efficacy data on porous materials. The availability of the
37 The Endangered Species Act of 1973 sections 7(a)(1) and 7 (a)(2); Federal Agency Actions and Consultations (16 U.S.C.
1536(a)). Available at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Act of 1973 internet site:
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/section-7.html.
38 Additional information on EPA's Analytical Chemistry Laboratory can be found at: https://www.et3a.go v/aboutepa/about-
anatytical-cheiTiistry-taboratory-acl.
39 Additional information on EPA's Microbiology Laboratory can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-
microbiology-laboratory.
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method to the regulated community will support more effective, targeted chemistries and refined
antimicrobial application techniques for porous materials, and the development of new products
following contemporary regulatory requirements.
In FY 2020, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue to focus on analytical method
development and validations as well as special studies to address specific short-term, rapid-
turnaround priority issues. The laboratory also will continue to provide technical and analytical
assistance to EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Assurance program and EPA regional offices
in support of their enforcement cases. If requested by the United States Geological Survey (USGS),
analytical support will continue in the sixth year of a multi-year multi-agency (EPA and USGS)
project to assess the quality of rivers and streams across the United States. These data will allow
USGS and EPA to study the patterns of exposure of agricultural and urban ecosystems to
pesticides. The lab will continue to support pesticide registration review and U.S. tarp
manufacturers by reviewing the permeability data of fumigants through newly manufactured tarps
which impact pesticide buffer zones. In an effort to reduce emission of soil fumigants into the air,
the Agency established certain buffer zone credits based on the tarps' permeability: the lower the
permeability of a tarp, the lower the emission of fumigants into the air, and more fumigant remains
in the soil for pest control. Thus, EPA can allow a greater buffer zone reduction credit. Pollinators
are critical to agricultural productivity and have experienced declining population in recent years.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue to work to understand the effects on pollinators
as part of the Program's existing registration and registration review processes.
In FY 2020, the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue to provide national technical
analytical support for the development of data needed for the Pesticides Program's risk
assessments and for FIFRA section 18 emergency exemptions, and to perform studies for use in
risk mitigation. The laboratory also provides analytical assistance and technical advice to all EPA's
regional offices for use in enforcement cases and reviews and validates analytical methods or
studies submitted as part of a pesticide registration.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$48.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support,
benefit costs, and for laboratory fixed costs.
• (-$84.0 / -0.8 FTE) This program change reflects a reduction for pesticide program
activities from annual appropriations with the intent to increase utilization of pesticide user
fee collections. Proposed legislative language accompanying the President's Budget will
expand EPA's scope of activities that can be funded with user fees.
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• (-$683.0 / -4.1 FTE) This program change shifts 4.1 FTE and associated payroll to the
Pesticides: Protect Human Health and Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability Programs
to adjust FTE levels in accordance with actual utilization.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$7,004.6
$8,226.0
$5,571.0
-$2,655.0
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Total Budget Authority
$7,366.6
$8,650.0
$6,186.0
-$2,464.0
Total Workyears
34.5
36.8
46.3
9.5
Total work years in FY 2020 include 10.5 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing Revolving Fund.
Program Project Description:
EPA's Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention's national program laboratories make significant
contributions to help the Agency realize the value of pesticides. This program operates two
laboratories, the Microbiology Laboratory,40 and the Analytical Laboratory,41 that support the goal
of protecting human health and the environment through diverse analytical testing and analytical
method development, and validation efforts.
The primary focus of the Microbiology Laboratory is standardization of existing test methods and
the development and validation of methods for new uses and emerging pathogens for antimicrobial
products with public health claims - products used to kill or suppress the growth of pathogenic
microorganisms on inanimate objects and surfaces. The laboratory is instrumental in advancing
the science of antimicrobial product testing and provides technical expertise to standard-setting
organizations and various agency stakeholder groups.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory42 provides scientific, laboratory, and technical support
through chemical analyses of pesticides and related chemicals to protect human health and the
environment. The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory responsibilities include:
• Providing technical support and chemical analyses of pesticides and related chemicals;
• Developing new multiresidue analytical methods; and
• Operating the EPA National Pesticide Standard Repository, which collects and maintains
pesticide standards {i.e., samples of pure active ingredients or technical grade active
ingredients, regulated metabolites, degradates, and related compounds.)
These laboratories provide a variety of technical services to EPA, other federal and state agencies,
tribal nations, and other organizations to ensure the value of pesticide availability is realized.
40 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-microbiology-laboratory.
41 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-analytical-chemistry-laboratory-acl
42 https://19jaiiuaiy2017siiapsliot.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-aiialytical-clieiriistiy-laboratoiy-acl .html.
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will realize the benefits
of pesticides by ensuring the continued operation of the National Pesticide Standard Repository.
The laboratories will continue to conduct chemistry and efficacy evaluations for antimicrobials.
As the recognized source for expertise in pesticide analytical method development, EPA's
laboratories will continue to provide quality assurance review, technical support, and training to
EPA's regional offices, state laboratories, and other federal agencies that implement the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
In FY 2020, the Microbiology Laboratory will continue to evaluate Section 18 emergency
exemptions and novel protocol requests for new uses and novel pathogens. The laboratory will
continue the development of data and methods to support Section 18s for high consequence animal
pathogens (e.g., avian influenza, foot and mouth diseases, etc.). In addition, the continued work to
develop new methods for emerging pathogens (Legionella, Candida auris, etc.) provides a
pathway for registrants to add new claims to existing antimicrobial pesticides. In some cases, the
methods lead to the development of new products when currently registered formulations are not
effective against emerging pathogens. The laboratory anticipates supporting up to 25 requests in
support of these activities during FY 2020.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will continue its work in developing and validating
multiresidue methods using state-of-the-art methodology and instrumentation; in providing
chemical analysis for assessing risk to human health and to the environment from agricultural use
of pesticides; and in providing technical support to all EPA regions to ensure that pesticides
products are formulated according to approved labels.
Evidence and Evaluation
The Microbiology Laboratory will continue to refine and develop methods to support EPA's
Section 3 and Section 18 regulatory programs. In FY 2018, in support of these efforts, the
Laboratory provided a new quantitative efficacy test method to USDA for evaluating chemicals
against high consequence animal pathogens on hard and porous surfaces. Following training,
demonstrations and technical consultation from the Microbiology Laboratory, USDA successfully
produced data to support Section 18 requests for avian influenza and foot & mouth disease using
the Microbiology Laboratory's method. The results of USDA's review of the method will be used
to help inform EPA's method development activities for other emerging and high consequence
pathogens in FY 2020 and beyond.
The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory maintains EPA's National Pesticide Standard Repository
per CFR part 158. This lab collects and maintains an inventory of analytical standards of registered
pesticides in the United States, as well as some that are not currently registered. EPA provides the
pesticide standards (approximately 4,000 to 5,000 annually) to qualified federal, state, territorial,
and tribal laboratories for food and product testing and environmental monitoring. In FY 2018,
efficiency reviews showed that the turnaround time for a standard request is typically
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approximately 15 working days. Using the results of the efficiency review, in FY 2020 and beyond,
the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory will implement procedural changes to identify areas for
improvement and reduce the turnaround time to 12 days (for those pesticide standard requests that
are not complicated) to help federal agencies, states and tribes laboratories expedite enforcement
efforts.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$44.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support,
and benefit costs.
• (+$49.0) This program change reflects an increase in funding for pesticide laboratory
operations and maintenance activities.
• (+$186.0 / +1.0 FTE) This program change shifts 1.0 FTE and associated payroll from the
Pesticides: Protect the Environment Program to adjust FTE levels in accordance with actual
utilization in support of realizing the value of pesticide availability.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA) § 408.
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Research: Air and Energy
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Research: Air and Energy
Program Area: Research: Air and Energy
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
S.V-J03.
-------
• Evaluating the Health Effects of Complex Air Pollution Mixtures: EPA has previously
documented the health effects associated with individual air pollutants.44 Predicting public
health impacts from mixtures of pollutants remains a major challenge in air quality
assessment and communication with the public. EPA conducted a series of studies45
comparing the health effects of two laboratory-generated atmospheres containing different
complex pollutant mixtures that are representative of poor air quality across the United
States. The results of the studies indicated that cellular DNA is altered when exposed to
simulated air pollution mixtures that produce high ozone levels. High ozone and particulate
matter levels were found to cause an irregular heartbeat and impacted the heart's ability to
function effectively. Further study of air pollution mixtures may provide opportunities to
create strategies that optimally reduce emissions of air pollutants that impair human health.
• Wildland Fire Research: Within the last decade, wildfires have increased in frequency
and size and now burn more than 7 million acres annually, 40 percent more than previous
decades.46 Wildland fires are a national challenge impacting public and environmental
health, as well as the economy. In FY 2018, the Agency conducted research to optimize
the use of prescribed fire to reduce health and property risk from uncontrolled wildfires.
Research indicates that proper use of prescribed fires can result in substantial decreases in
air pollutant emissions, up to four times lower47. Through laboratory and field sampling,
researchers evaluated fuel, meteorological and ignition properties to generate fires that
produce less air pollution. This field work was done in Florida, Kansas, and Oregon to
develop methods for ground- and aerial-based sampling for a comprehensive array of
pollutants. Researchers added small sensors and other samplers to lightweight instruments
which were carried aloft or used in ground applications. Researchers used these along with
larger, ground-based instruments, to extensively characterize gaseous and particle
emissions. Sufficient understanding of these effects can improve the use of prescribed
burning for agricultural and fuel reduction purposes, while minimizing downwind impacts
on air quality attainment in surrounding communities.
• Helping States Reduce Non-Attainment Areas: Several areas in the U.S. still face
challenges meeting national air quality standards.48 Fundamental science gaps remain in
comprehending the unique chemistry and meteorology specific to these locations, which
hinder states' abilities to improve air quality. Advanced monitoring in collaboration with
states provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between emissions,
chemistry, and meteorology in these nonattainment areas. This insight enables the
development of effective solutions. EPA partnered with state agencies to conduct short-
term, intensive field studies to understand high wintertime PM2.5 levels and ultimately
address ozone issues in states bordering Lake Michigan, the Long Island Sound, and the
area around Salt Lake City. The insights gained in these studies will help states improve
air quality and public health by providing a better understanding of site-specific air
pollution sources, meteorology and chemistry.
44 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/isa.
45 To access the studies, please see: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.7b04857.
46 For more information, please see: http://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/fireInfo stats totalFires.html.
47 For more information, please see: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5120B49/.
48 https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/IN10891.pdf.
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• Nutrient Pollution Research: Nutrient pollution is a multi-media, multi-pollutant
problem facing the U.S. with far-ranging consequences for environmental conditions,
economic prosperity, and human health and well-being.49 EPA's A-E research is
addressing nitrogen and co-pollutant loadings to watershed via atmospheric deposition.
This research will provide information and tools that EPA's Office of Water, Office of
Air and Radiation, and Regions, as well as states, tribes and communities can use to reduce
atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and co-pollutants, to protect both airsheds and
watersheds in an economically feasible manner.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3 Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The A-E Program features three related research topics that
include research areas that support EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment,
fulfill the Agency's legislative mandates, and advance cross-agency priorities. The A-E Program
will continue to measure progress toward environmental health goals and translate research results
to inform communities and individuals about measures that can be taken to reduce the impacts of
air pollution. In addition, research personnel will continue to analyze existing data from EPA on
air quality, its impacts to health and the environment, and research to adapt to and prepare for
extreme events and environmental change.
Research Planning: EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) evaluates performance and
provides feedback to the Agency for the A-E Program. The A-E Program, BOSC, and Science
Advisory Board will meet regularly over the next several years to seek input on topics related to
research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance, and impact. This includes
advising EPA on developing its strategic research direction and Strategic Research Action Plans
for FY 2019-2022.
The Agency collaborates with several science agencies and the research community to assess our
research performance, such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation,
Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense, National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and others. EPA's
state engagement program is designed to inform states about EPA's research programs and role
within EPA, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council, as well as state media associations such as the Association of Clean Water Administrators
and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.
49 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/effects.
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RDl) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer
needs.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 20 r
I V 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
\o Target
1 Established
77
80
Percent
Actual
77
Numerator
171
Products
Denominator
222
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$2,234.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support and
benefit costs.
• (-$31,324.0 / -75.7 FTE) This program change eliminates air quality research.
• (-$17,186.0 / -47.3 FTE) This program change reduces climate change research.
• (-$9,455.0) This program change eliminates funding for the Science to Achieve Results
(STAR) program for FY 2020.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act; Title II of Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007; Environmental
Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA); National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) § 102; Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); Global Change
Research Act of 1990.
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Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
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Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Program Area: Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Scii'iuc JS lecliiwloxy
s in-i.iuxs
S
Sfi'J.'Jft.HI
-SM>.2V4.0
Total Budget Authority
$104,163.5
$106,257.0
$69,963.0
-$36,294.0
Total Workyears
372.4
374.7
266.4
-108.3
Program Project Description:
The Safe and Sustainable Water Resources (SSWR) Research Program is developing cost-
effective, innovative solutions to current, emerging, and long-term water resource challenges for
complex chemical and microbial contaminants. The SSWR Research Program uses a systems
approach to develop scientific and technological solutions for the protection of human health and
watersheds. The research is being conducted in partnership with other EPA programs, federal and
state agencies, academia, non-governmental agencies, public and private stakeholders, and the
scientific community. This approach maximizes efficiency, interdisciplinary insights, and
integration of results.
SSWR is dedicated to sustaining EPA's focus and commitment to robust research and scientific
analysis to inform policy making under the authorities of the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean
Water Act. Our research supports EPA's Water Program in ensuring clean and safe waters through
improved water infrastructure and sustainable water resource management.
The SSWR Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary national research programs. Each
program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the science needs of
agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement.
Recent accomplishments of the SSWR Program include the following:
• Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs):50 Wastewater effluents contain traces of
chemicals that have been disposed of in the sink or toilet. These contaminants, including
pharmaceuticals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), can persist downstream,
ending up in drinking source waters as chemical mixtures. SSWR researchers have been
conducting studies to monitor the occurrence of these CECs in wastewater, surface waters,
groundwater, and drinking water, with some studies being done in collaboration with the
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The combined research efforts of EPA and USGS
50 For more information, please see epa.gov/water-research/detemiiiiiiig-prevaleiice-coiitaiiiiiiaiits-treated-aiid-uiitreated-
drinking-water.
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produced a data set of approximately 700 chemically characterized CECs, and resulted in
a group of the most highly characterized watersheds that have been impacted by
wastewater. Research efforts to monitor the effects of chemical mixtures continue, which
will increase our understanding of wastewater effluent impacts to human and aquatic
health.
• Drinking Water Treatment:51 To help utilities with compliance challenges and provide
clean drinking water to their communities, SSWR researchers developed, patented, and
pilot tested an affordable and easy-to-use drinking water treatment process specifically
designed for small systems. It uses naturally occurring microorganisms to remove multiple
contaminants in a single treatment process without generating hazardous waste. The
technology has now been marketed commercially by a private company and highlights a
successful technology transfer from a federal agency to a private sector company.52 In order
to continue meeting the relevant needs of small systems, SSWR researchers are currently
conducting additional pilot studies in several small, rural communities.
• Water Reuse:53 To augment water availability some states, utilities, and communities are
developing innovative ways to manage and treat water for non-potable (non-drinking) use
through water reuse, fit-for-purpose water treatment, and wastewater resource recovery.
SSWR scientists are part of the National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable
Water Systems,54 which works with a group of utilities and public health agencies interested
in adopting decentralized non-potable water reuse approaches to develop a regulatory
framework, a new business model for utilities, and a research needs summary. This effort,
along with SSWR's research on microbial risk assessment models, human health impacts,
and the performance and costs of non-potable water reuse systems, supports the continued
expansion of decentralized water reuse and has helped facilitate the development of on-
site, non-potable water reuse guidelines.
• Recreational Water Quality:55 SSWR scientists are developing microbial source tracking
(MST) tools that can help characterize fecal pollution from different animal groups. When
present at recreational beaches, fecal pollution can harbor disease causing pathogens
leading to unsafe conditions and economic loss for communities that rely on clean and safe
waters. Recently, the City of Santa Cruz, California used an EPA developed procedure to
help identify a chronic, but manageable source of fecal pollution at their beaches. City of
Santa Cruz officials reported that the tool saved their community approximately $450,000
in laboratory testing costs and played a key role in a 50 percent reduction of beach
contamination postings, with further decreases expected in the future. In addition, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has started using EPA developed MST
tools for waterborne disease outbreak investigations, demonstrating how EPA and CDC
interagency collaborations can provide invaluable assistance to communities across the
country.56
51 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/watCT-research/snrall-driiikiiig-water-systems-research.
52 For more information, please see: https://adedgetech.com/nomonia-biological-filtratioii.
53 For more information, please see: uswateralliance.org/initiatives/commission.
54 For more information, please see: http://uswateralliance.org/initiatives/commission.
55 For more information, please see: youtube.coiii/watcli?v=sFEZ6YoeyMI.
56 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si__public_record report.cfm?Lab=NRMRL&dirEntryId=341.843
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3 Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The SSWR Research Program's work in FY 2020 will focus
explicitly on efforts integral to achieving the Agency's priorities and informing EPA's
implementation of key environmental regulations by leveraging research in the areas of nutrients,
harmful algal blooms, watersheds and water infrastructure (including water reuse).
High priority SSWR efforts in FY 2020 include:
• Assisting states, communities, and utilities in addressing stormwater and wastewater
infrastructure needs through applied models and technical assistance. Developing risk
assessments on stormwater capture for groundwater augmentation and reuse.
• Evaluating the fate and potential effects of microplastics on coral reefs and developing
methods to extract and quantify microplastics in coastal estuarine sediments to assess
potential impacts on benthic organisms. Research is planned to further investigate the
nature, severity, exposure, and effects of microplastic and microfiber pollution in the
aquatic environment to inform Clean Water Act regulatory programs and voluntary
approaches that address the proliferation of plastics in marine and freshwater systems.
• Research and technical support to deliver safe drinking water. Efforts will focus on the
complete water cycle-from protecting source waters and wetlands to improving drinking
water and wastewater infrastructure and management. Research will assess the distribution,
composition, and health impacts of known and emerging, chemical and biological
contaminants.
• Improving methods for rapid and cost-effective monitoring of waterborne pathogens in
recreational waters.
• Investigating health impacts from exposure to harmful algal/cyanobacteria toxins, and
developing innovative methods to monitor, characterize, and predict blooms for early
action.
• Supporting states in prioritizing watersheds for nutrient management and in setting water
quality and aquatic life thresholds. These research and communication efforts will help
states verify whether investments in implementing nutrient reduction management
practices achieve their expected benefits.
• Providing water reuse research support for safe, fit-for-purpose potable and non-potable
use by states.
In addition to the activities listed above, EPA also conducts research across programs on PFAS,
lead, and nutrients.
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): PFAS are a class of chemicals of growing concern
in the environment, and EPA has committed to taking action to support states, tribes and local
communities in understanding and managing risks associated with these chemicals. A significant
challenge for risk managers at the state and local level is how to identify and remove or treat PFAS
chemicals, which are impacting drinking water supplies. There is a general lack of knowledge
regarding how to measure and quantify different PFAS chemicals in water, how to remove or treat
PFAS chemicals when detected, and how to estimate the cost of different treatment alternatives so
that utilities can make informed investment decisions. Within the SSWR Program, EPA is: (1)
developing and validating standard methods for measuring different PFAS in water; (2) reviewing
available literature on effectiveness and cost data for different water treatment technologies
applied to different PFAS chemicals; and (3) conducting pilot- and bench-scale testing of the most
promising technologies to further elucidate on their effectiveness. This work is being done in
collaboration with water utilities and water treatment technology suppliers. The results of this work
will be posted to EPA's public Drinking Water Treatability Database so the information will be
widely available to stakeholders.57
Lead: EPA, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics unanimously agree that there is no
safe level of lead in a child's blood, and that even low levels can result in behavior and learning
problems, lower IQ, and other health effects.58 In response to overwhelming scientific consensus
and continued public health concern, reducing childhood lead exposure is one of the highest
priorities for EPA. SSWR research focuses on (1) establishing reliable models for estimating lead
exposure from drinking water, (2) developing improved sampling techniques and strategies for
identifying and characterizing lead in plumbing materials, including lead service lines, (3)
developing guidance on optimizing lead mitigation strategies, and (4) testing and evaluation of
treatment processes for removing lead from drinking water. The overall impact of this research
will be providing information and tools that EPA's Office of Water and regions, as well as, states,
tribes, utilities, and communities can use to minimize or eliminate lead exposure in drinking water.
Nutrient Pollution: Nutrient pollution is the most widespread water quality problem facing the
US with far-ranging consequences for human and animal health and economic prosperity.59 SSWR
research comprehensively addresses the problems of excess nutrients in waterbodies, including
harmful algal blooms. The overall impact of this research will be to provide information and tools
that EPA's Office of Water, Office of Air and Radiation, and regions, as well as, states, tribes, and
communities can use. SSWR information and tools are then used to reduce nutrient loadings,
address legacy nutrient issues, and protect and restore watersheds and waterbodies that are
sensitive to nutrient pollution in an economically feasible manner.
57 For more information, please see: https://iaspub.epa.gov/tdb/pages/general/home.do.
58 For more information, please see the following: https://www.epa.gov/lead.
59 For more information please see: https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/problem.
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Research Planning: EPA has established a standing subcommittee under EPA's BOSC for the
SSWR Program to evaluate its performance and provide feedback to the Agency. In addition,
EPA will meet regularly with both the BOSC and the Science Advisory Board to seek their input
on topics related to research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance and impact.
This includes advising EPA on developing its strategic research direction and Strategic Research
Action Plans for FY 2019-2022.
EPA collaborates with several science agencies and the research community to assess our research
performance, such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department
of Energy, Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and others. EPA's state
engagement program is designed to inform states about EPA's research programs and role within
EPA, and to better understand the science needs of state environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council, as well as state media associations such as the Association of Clean Water Administrators
and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RDl) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer
needs.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 20 r
I V 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
\o Target
1 Established
77
80
Percent
Actual
77
Numerator
171
Products
Denominator
222
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$893.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and
benefit costs.
• (-$246.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (-$9,124.0 / -30.0 FTE) This program change streamlines funding to the Program for
research related to technical support and site-specific support; communication and
technology transfer efforts; translation of nutrient modeling and monitoring data; and
research assisting states to prioritize watersheds and differentiating sources of nutrient
overloading.
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• (-$24,154.0 / -78.3 FTE) This program change refocuses resources from research on
recovering resources (e.g. nutrients) from wastewater, transformative water systems and
life cycle analysis, and research on advancing water systems technologies for FY 2020.
• (-$3,663.0) This program change eliminates funding for the Science to Achieve Results
(STAR) program for FY 2020.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) § 1442(a)(1); Clean Water Act §§ 101(a)(6), 104, 105;
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA);
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) § 203; Title II of Ocean Dumping
Ban Act of 1988 (ODBA); Water Resources Development Act (WRDA); Wet Weather Water
Quality Act of 2000; Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987
(MPPRCA); National Invasive Species Act; Coastal Zone Amendments Reauthorization
Act (CZARA); Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act; Endangered Species
Act (ESA); North American Wetlands Conservation Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
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Research: Sustainable Communities
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Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Program Area: Research: Sustainable Communities
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
1
. 1
V*
1 *
r 1
>
S
-.S.SV),(><>(>.(>
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$311.3
$320.0
$424.0
$104.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$695.6
$664.0
$511.0
-$153.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$11,023.3
$11,463.0
$10,977.0
-$486.0
Total Budget Authority
$143,787.5
$146,774.0
$65,543.0
-$81,231.0
Total Workyears
439.1
440.9
294.1
-146.8
Program Project Description:
EPA's Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program conducts research to
support regulatory activities, management of solid waste, and remedial actions. SHC provides on-
demand technical support at federal, tribal or state-led cleanup sites and during emergencies.
SHC's research products are unique in that they account for the interrelationships between social,
economic, health, ecological, and environmental factors.
Program scientists conduct health, environmental engineering, and ecological research and
translate these into planning and analysis tools for localities throughout the United States to
facilitate regulatory compliance and improve environmental and health outcomes. These tools aim
to minimize negative unintended consequences to human health and the environment and promote
more robust and efficient infrastructure in built and natural environments.
The SHC Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary national research programs. Each
program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the science needs of
EPA program and regional offices, states, and tribes; and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement.
Recent accomplishments of the SHC Program include:
• Report on Sustainable Materials Management Options for Industrial, Construction
& Demolition, and Municipal Materials.60 Material reuse is a potential source of savings
in multiple sectors, but there are ongoing questions about how to do so safely and
efficiently. This research addresses alternatives to help practitioners, regulators, and other
stakeholders manage construction and demolition debris (CDD) in a manner that is
protective of human health and the environment. This effort will build on previous
60 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public jecord report.cfm?dirEntryId=342507&Lab=ISlRMRL.
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materials management research, and will utilize life cycle analysis methods, as well as
evaluation of human health and resource impacts.
• Use Cases Demonstrating Uses of EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas61 provides a large volume of
detailed Geographic Information System (GIS) information for users inside and outside the
Agency and use cases that provide users with step-by-step applications of the data found
in the EnviroAtlas to solve problems. Examples include using EnviroAtlas resources: (1)
to determine where to address impaired waters, (2) in a Health Impact Assessment, (3) to
determine where to best conserve land for biodiversity conservation, (4) to address
Superfund and other contaminated site reuse, (5) to determine where to invest in ecosystem
services markets, and (6) in the classroom. EnviroAtlas use cases are presented as GIS
Story Maps or as reports and are available with other tutorial materials on the EnviroAtlas
website. 62
• Report on Comparative Evaluation of Contaminant Mass Flux and Groundwater
Flux Measurements in Fractured Rock Using Passive Flux Meters.63 Because ground
water generally moves slowly, contamination often remains undetected for long periods of
time. This makes cleanup of a contaminated groundwater supply difficult and expensive;
more information on the subject is always in high demand.64 At contaminated groundwater
sites, groundwater flux and contaminant mass flux are important parameters. These
parameters are used to understand the significance of contaminant loading to an aquifer,
evaluate contaminant fate and transport, assess risk, design a groundwater remediation
system, and assess remedial performance. This report summarizes a joint project among
EPA headquarters and regional scientists to assess the ability of two existing technologies
to measure groundwater flux and contaminant mass flux in a fractured bedrock setting and
compare the results between the technologies. Results obtained using investigative
methods are typically deployed at Superfund sites to characterize fractured bedrock
hydrogeology.
• Advances in the production of Platform Chemicals from Waste Cellulosic or Lignin
Biomass. There is currently no beneficial reuse for cellulosic and lignin waste material
(forest-based waste biomass, demolition materials, crop waste) that are discarded in
landfills. When burnt for waste volume reduction and energy recovery, the practice can
pollute the air by generating hazardous waste (small particles and toxic organics) emission.
This report describes suitable and beneficial use for these waste materials which are
renewable and biodegradable. The information will be useful for informing practitioners'
decisions that direct former waste material towards a beneficial purpose while minimizing
other environmental impacts.
61 For more information, please see: https
62 For more information, please see: https
63 For more information, please see: https
64 For more information, please see: https
//www, epa.gov/eiwiroatlas.
//www, epa.gov/eiiviroatlas/eiiviroatlas-use-cases.
//cfpub. epa.gov/si/si public record _report.cfm?dirEntiyId=342591&Lab=NRMRL.
//www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/mgwc-gwcl.pdf..
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• Asthma Intervention Study of the Removal of Chemical and non-Chemical Stressors
and Educational Outreach to Vulnerable Communities Regarding the Results.65 In
the United States, around eight percent of children and adults suffer from asthma66,
impacting quality of life throughout the country. SHC's research in this area fills a gap in
asthma intervention. It focuses on the removal of chemical and non-chemical stressors and
informs educational outreach to vulnerable communities regarding the results.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. More specifically, SHC's FY 2020 research will focus on
conducting research to support regulatory activities and protocol development for EPA's Office of
Land and Emergency Management, EPA's regional offices, and in support of state-delegated
programs. SHC will provide on-demand technical support at federal-, tribal-, or state-managed
cleanup sites, as well as assistance during emergencies. The Agency conducts health,
environmental engineering, and ecological research, and prepares planning and analysis tools for
localities nationwide to use in facilitating regulatory compliance and improving environmental and
health outcomes. Also, EPA scientists will assess the environmental and health impacts of
proposed projects (e.g. health impact assessments) on vulnerable groups such as children, tribes,
and environmental justice communities.
Resources will support the research personnel who analyze existing data and publish scientific
journal articles to disseminate findings associated with the data. Research efforts will include
EnviroAtlas (a web-based atlas of ecosystem services), conducting a valuation of ecosystem
services, studying how ecosystem services impact human health and community resilience,
measuring impacts on vulnerable populations (e.g. children), and the remediation of contaminated
sites.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): PFAS are a class of chemicals of growing concern
in the environment, and EPA has committed to taking action to support states, tribes, and local
communities in understanding and managing risks associated with these chemicals. A significant
challenge for risk managers at the state and local level is how to remove or treat PFAS at sites
contaminated through a) the use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)67, a common fire-
fighting method at military bases and airports, or b) industrial operations which create, consume,
or dispose of PFAS containing compounds. Within the SHC Program, EPA is developing and
testing methods for site remediation including treating or removing PFAS from groundwater and
soil. The research includes examination of in situ chemical transformation that may take place to
better understand which PFAS chemical precursors might result in the highest risk outcomes. This
work is being done in collaboration with the Department of Defense through participation in their
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program.68
65 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/children/cluldrens-health-research-regarditig-asthma.
66 For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/asthma.htm.
67 For more information, please see: https://pfas-l.itrcweb.org/TO-coiiteiit/uploads/2018/10/pfasJact_slieet afff 1.0 3 18.pdf
68 About SERDP: https://wfww.serip-estcp.org/About-SIMDP-and-ESTCP/About-SERDP.
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The SHC Program also is conducting research on end-of-life management of PFAS-containing
materials (e.g. industrial waste, household waste) to ensure that PFAS from these materials do not
impact the environment. Finally, SHC supports a technical support and assistance function for
states, tribes, and local communities on issues pertaining to ecological and human health risk
assessment and site engineering challenges related to PFAS.
Lead Research: EPA, CDC, and the Academy of Pediatrics unanimously agree that there is no
safe level of lead in a child's blood, and that even low levels can result in behavior and learning
problems, lower IQ, and other health effects69 . In response to overwhelming scientific consensus
and continued public health concerns, and federal coordination efforts, reducing childhood lead
exposure is one of the highest priorities for EPA. The Agency has joined 17 other federal
agencies in the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health
Impacts70. The SHC Program will implement three actions under this goal:
1. Enhancing and applying data and tools (e.g., models or approaches) to determine the key
drivers of blood lead levels from water, air, soil, dust, and food exposures to inform lead
regulatory decisions and site assessments.
2. Generating data, maps and tools to identify and prioritize communities or locations to help
focus efforts to reduce children's blood lead levels.
3. Generating data to address critical gaps for reducing uncertainty in lead modeling and
mapping for exposure/risk analyses and for estimating population-wide health benefits of
actions to reduce lead exposures.
EPA's research in this area, is essential to support ongoing EPA regulatory and non-regulatory
efforts, as well as, filling in the data gaps for federal partners, states, tribes, and local
communities.
Research Planning: EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) evaluates performance and
provides feedback to the Agency for the SHC Program. The SHC Program, BOSC, and Science
Advisory Board will meet regularly over the next several years to seek input on topics related to
research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance, and impact. This includes
advising EPA on its strategic research direction midway through the 4-year cycle of StRAPs.
EPA collaborates with several science agencies and the research community to assess our research
performance, such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department
of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the White House's Office of Science and
Technology Policy. EPA's state engagement program is designed to inform states about EPA's
research programs and role within EPA, and to better understand the science needs of state
environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
69 For more information, please see the following: https://www.epa.gov/lead. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm. and
https://www.aap. org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/lead-expo sure/Pages/Lead-Expo sure-in-Children.aspx.
70 https://mvw.epa.gov/lead/federal-actioii-plaii-reduce-cliiMliood-lead-exposure.
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Council, as well as state media associations such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid
Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RDl) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer
needs.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 20 r
I V 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
\o Target
1 Established
77
80
Percent
Actual
77
Numerator
171
Products
Denominator
222
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,182.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and
benefit costs.
• (-$16.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (-$34,228.0 / -74.0 FTE) This program change streamlines research support in FY 2020 by
eliminating work related to the following activities: The Ecotox database; EPA's Report
on the Environment (ROE); and the inclusion of a data layer in EnviroAtlas on ecosystem
services and their beneficiaries.
• (-$17,574.0 / -57.7 FTE) This program change streamlines research efforts across
environmental media by eliminating work related to: Research on the life cycle of materials
in commerce; and the People, Prosperity & the Planet (P3) program for college-level
competition.
• (-$16,173.0 / -24.7 FTE) This program change streamlines research on the following: the
Health Impact Assessment (HIA) approach for assessing the impact of major planned
infrastructure development (e.g. highway construction) at a city scale of governance;
research into the mechanisms of chemical exposures and effects on human health outcomes
and well-being, especially research into cumulative effects; research into the uptake and
distribution of contaminates (e.g., lead, arsenic) within vulnerable populations; research
into the environmental component of children's asthma.
• (-$9,523.0) This program change eliminates funding for the Science to Achieve Results
(STAR) program for FY 2020.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
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Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Program Area: Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$328.4
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Scii'iuc JS lecliiwloxy
s "y.i.v~
-------
and implementation of test methods within the TSCA program that are better, faster, less
expensive, and reduce the need for animal use.
• New Methods to Screen and Prioritize Chemicals for Developmental Neurotoxicity:73
Nearly 1 in 6 children in the U.S. are affected by neurodevelopmental disability,74 but less
than one percent of chemicals have been evaluated as potential neurotoxicants.75 EPA's
new screening methods provide a means through which to fill those essential data gaps.
Data produced from new in vitro testing methods will be important for the implementation
of TSCA as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century
Act, which requires consideration of susceptible subpopulations, including children.
• Publication in Scientific Data on the Chemical and Products Database (CPDat):76 This
database is intended for use by risk assessors of chemical and product safety. It provides
data to inform TSCA-related chemical exposure estimates for more than 75,000 chemicals
and 15,000 consumer products.
In addition to these specific accomplishments, CSS continues to work with the Agency's Office
of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), providing dedicated staff for the successful
implementation of TSCA as amended by the Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3 Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the CSS Research Program will continue to
produce innovative tools that accelerate the pace of data-driven chemical evaluations, enable EPA
and state decisions to be environmentally sound, protective of public health, and support
sustainable innovation of chemicals. CSS products will continue to leverage its key research areas
to inform the Agency's implementation of key environmental regulations and to address
contaminants of emerging concern, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and focus
on efforts integral to achieving the Administrator's priorities.
Computational Toxicology (CompTox): EPA continues to be a leader in developing innovative
computational and high-throughput methods for efficiently screening large numbers of chemicals,
including endocrine disrupting chemicals, in a shorter amount of time. These methods cost less,
reduce the need for using vertebrate animals, and expand the number of relevant biological
endpoints represented. In FY 2020, CompTox research will provide essential support to Agency
activities across diverse regulatory frameworks (e.g. TSCA, FIFRA, FQPA, FFDCA, SDWA) and
multiple EPA program offices. Development and application of new assessment methodologies
add significant efficiency and effectiveness to Agency operations and provide states with the
information to support effective decisions and actions. Specific CompTox activities in FY 2020
will include:
73 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-
07/documents/dnt factsheet 07 23 1.8 final.pdf.
74 For more information, please see: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/developmentaldisabilities/facts.html.
75 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/evaluatiiig-efrects-chemicals-nervous-system-
5 For more information, please see: https://www.nature.com/articles/sdata201.8125.
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• Using ToxCast77 data to develop high-throughput risk assessments on chemicals for which
adequate information has not been available historically to conduct risk assessments.
• Developing approaches to use existing data on toxicity and exposure to inform screening
and prioritization of the over 40,000 chemicals currently on the TSCA Active List.78
• Developing rapid, improved testing approaches that evaluate chemical responses of
multiple genes simultaneously, and thereby more efficiently.
• Applying complex systems science to inform interpretive frameworks and exploit the use
of new approach methodologies (NAMs).
• Exploring how high-throughput exposure and hazard information can be combined to
predict potential for exposure and risk to susceptible subpopulations.
• Creating online software tools that integrate human health, environmental and exposure
data to yield robust chemical information for chemical prioritization decisions.79
CompTox research directly supports the Agency's efforts to fulfill requirements for: chemical
evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA) as amended by the Frank R.
Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act; pesticide evaluation under the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); chemical testing for endocrine system
impacts under the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) (Public Law 104-170); and
chemical evaluation as part of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Rapid Exposure, Dosimetry, and Modeling: In FY 2020, the CSS Program will continue to
provide data, models and tools to characterize total human exposure to environmental chemicals,
which will inform Agency chemical prioritizations and evaluations. This includes the continued
development of advanced analytical and computational tools to detect and identify unknown
chemicals in environmental media, biological media and consumer products.
The above-mentioned research areas can be leveraged in cooperation with efforts from other
research programs to strengthen EPA's response to contaminants of emerging concern over high-
profile chemicals like PFAS.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS are a class of chemicals of growing concern
in the environment, and EPA has committed to taking action to support states, tribes and local
communities in understanding and managing risks associated with these chemicals.80 A significant
challenge is understanding PFAS chemical toxicity, because this class of chemicals includes
thousands of different chemical compounds most of which have little or no published toxicity data
available.81 Within the CSS Program, EPA is addressing this gap by conducting high throughput
computational toxicological screening assays on an initial set of 150 PFAS chemicals which have
been selected to represent the full array of chemical and physical structural properties of the entire
PFAS universe of compounds. The results will be used to identify subsets of PFAS chemicals with
potentially high toxicity in order to prioritize for more detailed study, as well as enabling
quantitative analysis to make inference about toxicity of chemicals for which there is no
77 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/toxicology-testing-21st-century-tox21.
78 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/tsca-inventory/interim-list-active-substances.
79 For more information, please see: https://comtox.epa.gov/dashboard.
80 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-community-engagement.
81 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epa-pfas-research.
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experimental data. This work is being done in collaboration with the NIEHS National Toxicology
Program.
Research Planning: EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) evaluates research
dimensions, performance and provides feedback to the Agency for the CSS Program. The CSS
program, BOSC, and Science Advisory Board will meet regularly over the next several years to
seek input on topics related to research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance, and
impact. This includes advising EPA on its strategic research direction as part of the review of the
research and development program's StRAPs for FY 2019-2022.82
EPA collaborates with several science agencies and the research community to assess our research
performance, such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S.
Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture. EPA's state engagement program is
designed to inform states about EPA's research programs and role within EPA, and to better
understand the science needs of state environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council, as well as state media associations such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid
Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RDl) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer
needs.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
1 Established
77
80
Percent
Actual
77
Numerator
171
Products
Denominator
222
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,598.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and
benefit costs.
• (-$2,932.0 / -4.9 FTE) This program change reduces resources for the development of high-
throughput toxicity testing and the Agency's development of improved methods for
chemical evaluations.
• (-$3,330.0 / -6.7 FTE) This program change reduces research efforts focused on endocrine
disrupting chemicals under this program.
• (-$15,971.0 / -29.5 FTE) This program change reduces funding for the development of
virtual tissue models and tools that potentially can be used to conduct chemical toxicity
82 EPA StRAPs may be found at: fattp://www.epa.gov/research/strategic-researeli-actioii-plaiis-.201.6-201.9.
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screening to understand impacts on human development and health outcomes, while
minimizing the use of animal testing.
• (-$5,895.0) This program change eliminates funding for the Science to Achieve Results
(STAR) program for FY 2020.
• (+0.8 FTE) This FTE change reflects an increase in reimbursable FTE funded by TSCA
service fees to support risk assessment and evaluation science for new TSCA requirements.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act §§ 103, 104; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (CERCLA); Children's Health Act; 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development
Act; Clean Water Act; Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA); Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA).
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Human Health Risk Assessment
Program Area: Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Science A- li'cluioloxy
s22./>,vj.o
-SIJ.SJ-I.O
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$2,822.9
$2,824.0
$5,338.0
$2,514.0
Total Budget Authority
$36,391.6
$39,347.0
$28,027.0
-$11,320.0
Total Workyears
152.8
150.2
111.6
-38.6
Program Project Description:
EPA's Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) Research Program is focused on the science of
assessments that inform decisions made by EPA and its partners, including states and tribes. These
assessments provide the scientific basis for decisions under an array of environmental laws,
including the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA),
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
The HHRA Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary national research programs.
Each program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the science
needs of Agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their
active collaboration and involvement.
The current portfolio of HHRA products encompass these four topic areas:
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): IRIS human health assessments are used by EPA and
other health agencies to inform national standards, clean-up levels at local sites, and set advisory
levels. These assessments inform decisions under the CAA, CWA, SDWA, CERCLA/Superfund,
and TSCA. The IRIS Program utilizes a multi-step process which provides opportunities for
public, stakeholder, and interagency engagement. The assessments are complex, multidisciplinary
evaluations of scientific information, which are developed through a transparent process with
independent peer review. IRIS is the only federal program to provide toxicity values for both
cancer and non-cancer effects.
Integrated Science Assessments (ISAs): Provide a concise evaluation and synthesis of science
necessary to support decisions to retain or revise the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) for six criteria air pollutants (particulate matter, ozone, lead, sulfur oxides, nitrogen
oxides, and carbon monoxide) as required every five years by sections 108(a)(2) and 109(d)(1) of
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the CAA.83 IS As also inform the benefit-cost analyses that support the regulations designed to
allow states and local areas to meet the NAAQS.
Community and Site-specific Risk: Develop Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values
(PPRTVs) and exposure assessment tools to help inform EPA's timely response to contaminated
Superfund and hazardous waste sites, as required by the CERCLA.84 PPRTVs are typically
developed for data poor chemicals for which no IRIS value exists.
Research to Advance Risk Assessment Methods: Develop tools and methods that support the
scientific advances in assessments. This includes research to incorporate non-animal testing data
into assessments. It also includes research on assessment methods for emerging contaminants such
as perfluorinated compounds and biotechnologies.
Recent accomplishments in the HHRA Research Program include:
The HHRA Research Program has been developing new assessment product lines to enhance
timely response, improve screening capabilities, and augment toxicity value derivations for health
assessments. In April 2018, the NAS issued a consensus report on the progress of the IRIS Program
in implementing recommendations from the Academies' 2011 and 2014 reports. In its overall
conclusions the committee reported, "The committee is encouraged by the steps that EPA has
taken, which have accelerated during the last year under new leadership. It is clear that EPA has
been responsive and has made substantial progress in implementing National Academies
recommendations."
Development of HHRA Deliverables:
The Final IRIS assessment for Hexahydro-l,3,5-trinitro-l,3,5-triazine (RDX) was completed and
assessment plans for a number of chemicals, including naphthalene, uranium, and ammonia were
released for public comment and discussion in public science meetings. A draft of Perfluorobutane
Sulfonic Acid and related Compound Potassium Perfluorobutane Sulfonate was released for public
comment in November 2018. IRIS continues to provide support to TSCA, as requested, on the first
10 TSCA risk evaluations and information management support utilizing the HHRA Health and
Environmental Research Online (HERO) database.
The Final ISA for Oxides of Sulfur - Health Criteria to support the primary NAAQS for Sulfur
Dioxide (S02) was issued by 2019. In addition, the second draft ISA for Oxides of Nitrogen,
Oxides of Sulfur, and Particulate Matter - Ecological Criteria was provided for peer review to the
Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) Secondary NAAQS Review Panel for Oxides
of Nitrogen and Sulfur.
HHRA continues to provide ongoing technical support for EPA's human health and ecological
risk assessment program, having delivered four high priority PPRTV assessments in FY 2018. In
FY 2018 and 2019, HHRA made a significant effort to modernize its assessment infrastructure,
83 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/clean-air-act-title-i-air-pollution-prevention-
and-control-parts-through-d#ia.
84 See, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601 et seq:. http. ://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title42/chapterl03&edition=prelim.
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resulting in measurable improvements in efficiency and transparency in assessment development.
This includes: 1) expansion of the HERO database to support TSCA and other Agency assessment
needs; 2) accelerated development of the EPA Health Assessment Workplace Collaborative (EPA-
HAWC) by incorporating very widely used benchmark dose modeling software (BMDS) allowing
EPA-HAWC users to conduct analyses of dichotomous and continuous data to inform endpoint
selection and to derive "best model" based risk estimates; 3) development of a power user version
of BMDS that implements BMDS 3.0 in a broadly usable format; and, 4) development of
automated evidence extraction, qualitative and quantitative evidence synthesis, and visual data
integration tools built on an adaptable platform to support systematic review in high-priority topic
areas such as exposure and ecological risk assessments.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The HHRA Research Program's work in FY 2020 will focus
on efforts integral to achieving the Administrator's priorities and informing the Agency's
implementation of key environmental regulations. Specifically:
• HHRA is working to reaffirm specific statutory, legal, and decisional needs for chemical
assessments in order to prioritize assessments for FY 2020. This includes assessments of
perfluorinated compounds as well as chemicals (such as hexavalent chromium and
inorganic arsenic) that are of interest to EPA's Water and Land and Emergency
Management programs.
• HHRA will deliver the final ISA for particulate matter to support decisions to retain or
revise the NAAQS, as well as a mature draft of an ozone ISA for CASAC review.
• HHRA is working to prioritize critical assessment needs for FY 2020, HHRA plans on
delivering up to six Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Value (PPRTV) assessments that
each have the potential for deriving multiple toxicity values to help inform EPA's clean-
up decisions at contaminated Superfund, Brownfields, and hazardous waste sites.
• HHRA will enhance the resources and workflow in its technical support centers to provide
localized and tailored technical assistance and scientific expertise on human and ecological
risk assessments to states, tribes, and EPA regions and programs. This includes direct
support in cases of emergencies and other rapid response situations.
• HHRA, in cooperation with the Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS) research
program, is working to apply new and alternative approaches, methods and data to risk
assessment products and technical support to better respond to the needs of the states,
tribes, and EPA regions and programs.
• Provide technical support required for TSCA implementation.
In addition to the activities listed above, EPA also conducts research across programs in areas such
as Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and lead.
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): PFAS are a class of chemicals of growing concern
in the environment, and EPA has committed to taking action to support states, tribes and local
communities in understanding and managing risks associated with these chemicals. Decision
making at the state and local level is hindered by the lack of standard toxicity values (such as
Reference Doses and cancer risk estimates) for many PFAS chemicals of interest. Toxicity values
currently exist for PFOA and PFOS. The Agency will soon finalize toxicity assessments for GenX
chemicals, PFBS, but there are many other PFAS of high interest to stakeholders which currently
have no federal published, peer reviewed toxicity values. Within the HHRA Program, EPA is
prioritizing additional PFAS for development of peer reviewed toxicity values. This will result in
an expanded set of peer reviewed, toxicity values for use by federal, state, and tribal decision
makers in making risk assessment and management decisions.
Lead: EPA, CDC, and the Academy of Pediatrics unanimously agree that there is no safe level of
lead in a child's blood, and that even low levels can result in behavior and learning problems,
lower IQ, and other health effects. In response to overwhelming scientific consensus and continued
public health concerns, and federal coordination efforts, reducing childhood lead exposure is one
of the highest priorities for EPA. To advance lead exposure and biokinetic models used in EPA
regulatory decisions and site assessments, research focuses on enhancing, evaluating, and applying
lead exposure and biokinetic models used for estimating potential blood lead levels and related
analyses for regulatory determinations. Additionally, the Exposure Factors Handbook85 provides
up-to-date data on various human factors, including soil and dust ingestion rates, used by risk
assessors.
Research Planning: EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) will be utilized to evaluate its
performance and provide feedback to the HHRA Program for the Chemical Safety for
Sustainability and Human Health Risk Assessment National Research programs. The BOSC will
meet regularly to seek input on topics related to research program design, science quality,
innovation, relevance and impact. This includes advising EPA on developing its strategic research
direction and StRAPs for FY 2019-2022.
EPA collaborates with several science agencies and the research community to assess our research
performance, such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the
Department of Energy, and the United States Department of Agriculture. EPA's state engagement
program is designed to inform states about EPA's research programs and role within EPA, and to
enable the Agency to better understand the science needs of state environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials as well as state media
associations such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials.
85 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/risk/recordisplay.cfm7deicN236252.
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RDl) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer
needs.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 20 r
I V 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
\o Target
1 Established
77
80
Percent
Actual
77
Numerator
171
Products
Denominator
222
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$285.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and
benefit costs.
• (-$11,611.0 / -38.6 FTE) This program change reduces the HHRA Research Program's
ability to develop assessments to support Agency decisions, which will not only impact the
number of FTEs but also the composition of the multidisciplinary teams assembled to
address the needs of complex Agency decisions. It also reduces the HHRA Research
Program's ability to provide daily technical support to program and regional offices, and
states and Tribes, including during emergencies and urgent circumstances.
• (-$2,508.0 / -15.2 FTE) Resources are being rebalanced to the Superfund appropriation
within this program for IRIS.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act §§ 103, 108, 109, and 112; Clean Water Act §§ 101(a)(6), 104, 105; Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) § 3(c)(2)(A); Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) § 1458; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
137
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Water: Human Health Protection
138
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Drinking Water Programs
Program Area: Water: Human Health Protection
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$91,494.4
$96,493.0
$89,808.0
-$6,685.0
Science JS Teclinolo^y
S3.-lis.:
S3.5IV.0
S 4.0V4.0
S 5'xD
Total Budget Authority
$94,952.6
$100,012.0
$93,902.0
-$6,110.0
Total Workyears
459.0
466.0
457.1
-8.9
Program Project Description:
The Drinking Water Technical Support Center: leads the collection of national occurrence data for
unregulated contaminants in drinking water; develops and evaluates analytical methods that are
used to monitor drinking water contaminants accurately and reliably; leads the national program
under which laboratories are certified to conduct the analyses of water contaminants with
designated analytical methods; and works with states and public water systems collaboratively to
implement tools that help systems achieve performance and optimization practices that maximize
technical capacity while reducing operational costs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to carry out the following
activities:
• Lead the development, revision, evaluation, and approval of chemical and microbiological
analytical methods for unregulated and regulated contaminants to assess and ensure
protection of public health from contaminants in drinking water (e.g., Polyfluoroalkyl
substances [PFAS], and toxins resulting from harmful algal blooms). Emphasis is placed
on method development for chemicals on the Safe Drinking Water Act [SDWA]-mandated
Contaminant Candidate List.
• Implement EPA's Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program,86 which sets
direction for oversight of municipal and commercial laboratories that analyze drinking
water samples. Conduct three regional program reviews during FY 2020 and deliver two
laboratory certification officer training courses (for chemistry and microbiology) for state
and regional representatives to ensure the quality of the analytical results.
• Partner with states and water systems to optimize their treatment technology and
distribution systems under the drinking water Area Wide Optimization Program
86 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/dwlabcert.
139
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(AWOP).87 The AWOP is a highly successful technical/compliance assistance and training
program that enhances the ability of small systems to meet existing microbial, disinfectant,
and disinfection byproduct standards, and addresses distribution system integrity and water
quality issues.
• During FY 2020, EPA expects to work with states and tribes to further help them identify
performance limiting factors at public water systems and develop and apply tailored tools
to help these public water systems overcome operational challenges, achieve performance
and optimization levels, and reduce health-based compliance challenges. Specifically, the
AWOP program within the S&T appropriation complements other drinking water activities
to decrease the number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based
standards. Over the 5-year period of the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan, EPA is
pursuing a 25 percent reduction in the number systems that have health-based violations
from 3,508 in FY 2017 to 2,700 by FY 2022.
• Continue monitoring under the fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR
4). The UCMR 4 was published in December 2016, and addresses collection of data on
occurrence of 30 contaminants of interest (e.g., cyanotoxins, PFAS compounds,
disinfection by-products (DBPs), pesticides) to assess the frequency and levels at which
these contaminants are found in public water systems. The UCMR 4 is a federal direct
implementation program coordinated by EPA, as directed by the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The data collected are used by EPA as part of the Agency's determination of whether to
establish health-based standards to protect public health. Monitoring activities for UCMR
4 will occur between FY 2018 and FY 2021. Key activities for EPA include ensuring
laboratories are available to perform the required analyses, managing the field sample
collection and sample analysis for small systems, and managing data reporting by large
systems. In addition, EPA makes the data available to our state and tribal partners and to
the public. In FY 2020, EPA expects to develop and publish a proposed rule for the next
cycle of monitoring (UCMR 5) and will be evaluating PFAS and other priority candidates
for inclusion.
In addition, EPA will be initiating actions to fulfill a new America's Water Infrastructure Act
(AWIA) requirement requiring all drinking water systems serving between 3,300 and 10,000
persons to monitor for unregulated contaminants in the next cycle of monitoring under UCMR 5.
Prior to AWIA and in previous UCMR monitoring cycles, only systems serving greater than
10,000 persons were required to monitor. Specific actions in FY 2020 include: drafting the UCMR
preamble and rule and performing pre-monitoring implementation activities such as: designing
and executing an expanded laboratory-approval program; developing expanded state monitoring
plans; developing solicitations for an implementation support contract; and codifying the web-
based data-reporting system to accommodate the expanded program scope.
87 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/dwstaiidardsregulatioiis/optiiiiizatioii-prograiii-driiikiiig-'water-
systems.
140
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM DW-01) Number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
CWSs
Actual
3,480
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$143.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (+$350.0 / +2.2 FTE) This change provides resources and FTE for the implementation and
administration of the requirements of AWIA.
• (+$82.0 / +0.1 FTE) This increase is to help the Agency support other supplementary
provisions necessary for the implementation and administration of AWIA.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
141
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Congressional Priorities
142
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Water Quality Research and Support Grants
Program Area: Congressional Priorities
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$25,400.0
$12,700.0
$0.0
-$12,700.0
Scii'iuc A- lecliiwloxy
S4.0V4.0
S4.100.0
S 0.0
-S-l, 100.0
Total Budget Authority
$29,494.0
$16,800.0
$0.0
-$16,800.0
Program Project Description:
In FY 2018, Congress appropriated $4.1 million in the Science and Technology appropriation to
fund high priority water quality and water availability research. EPA was instructed to award
grants on a competitive basis, independent of the Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program,
and give priority to not-for-profit organizations that: conduct activities that are national in scope;
can provide a 25 percent match, including in-kind contributions; and often partner with the
Agency.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE have been proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,100.0) This eliminates this program as part of the effort to limit federal investment in
lower priority activities and to focus resources on core environmental work.
Statutory Authority:
CAA42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Title 1, Part A - Sec. 103 (a) and (d) and Sec. 104 (c); CAA42 U.S.C.
7402(b) Section 102; CAA 42 U.S.C. 7403(b)(2) Section 103(b)(2); dinger Cohen Act, 40 U.S.C.
11318; CERCLA (Superfund, 1980) Section 209(a) of Public Law 99-499; Children's Health Act;
CWA, Sec. 101 - 121; CWPPRA; CZARA; CZMA 16 U.S.C. 1451 - Section 302; Economy Act,
31 U.S.C. 1535; EISA, Title II Subtitle B; ERDDA, 33 U.S.C. 1251 - Section 2(a); ESA, 16 U.S.C.
1531 - Section 2; FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. Sec. 346; FIFRA (7 U.S.C. s/s 136 et seq. (1996), as
amended), Sec. 3(c)(2)(A); FQPA PL 104-170; Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, 31 U.S.C.
143
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6502; MPRSA Sec. 203, 33 U.S.C. 1443; NAWCA; NCPA; National Environmental Education
Act, 20 U.S.C. 5503(b)(3) and (b)(ll); NEPA of 1969, Section 102; NISA; ODBA Title II; PPA,
42 U.S.C. 13103; RCRA; SDWA (1996) 42 U.S.C. Section 300j-18; SDWA Part E, Sec. 1442
(a)(1); TSCA, Section 10, 15, 26, U.S.C. 2609; USGCRA 15 U.S.C. 2921; WRDA; WRRA; and
WWWQA.
144
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Environmental Programs and Management
Resource Summary Table 149
Program Projects in EPM 150
Clean Air 154
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs 155
Atmospheric Protection Program 159
Federal Stationary Source Regulations 162
Federal Support for Air Quality Management 166
Stratospheric Ozone: Domestic Programs 172
Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund 176
Brownfields 177
Brownfields 178
Compliance 181
Compliance Monitoring 182
Enforcement 186
Civil Enforcement 187
Criminal Enforcement 190
Environmental Justice 192
NEPA Implementation 194
Geographic Programs 196
Geographic Program: Chesapeake Bay 197
Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico 200
Geographic Program: Lake Champlain 201
Geographic Program: Long Island Sound 202
Geographic Program: Other 203
Geographic Program: South Florida 205
Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay 206
Geographic Program: Puget Sound 207
Great Lakes Restoration 208
Homeland Security 211
Homeland Security: Communication and Information 212
145
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Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection 215
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure 217
Indoor Air and Radiation 219
Indoor Air: Radon Program 220
Radiation: Protection 221
Radiation: Response Preparedness 223
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air 225
Information Exchange 226
Children and Other Sensitive Populations: Agency Coordination 227
Environmental Education 230
Exchange Network 231
Executive Management and Operations 234
Small Business Ombudsman 238
Small Minority Business Assistance 242
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness 244
TRI / Right to Know 247
Tribal - Capacity Building 250
International Programs 253
International Sources of Pollution 254
Trade and Governance 257
US Mexico Border 259
IT/ Data Management/ Security 261
Information Security 262
IT / Data Management 265
Legal/ Science/ Regulatory/ Economic Review 268
Administrative Law 269
Alternative Dispute Resolution 271
Civil Rights Program 272
Integrated Environmental Strategies 277
Legal Advice: Environmental Program 281
Legal Advice: Support Program 284
Regional Science and Technology 287
Regulatory/Economic-Management and Analysis 288
Science Advisory Board 292
146
-------
Operations and Administration 294
Acquisition Management 295
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance 298
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 302
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management 305
Human Resources Management 308
Workforce Reshaping 311
Pesticides Licensing 313
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk 314
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk 319
Science Policy and Biotechnology 326
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability 327
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 331
RCRA: Corrective Action 332
RCRA: Waste Management 335
RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling 338
Toxics Risk Review and Prevention 340
Endocrine Disruptors 341
Pollution Prevention Program 342
Toxic Substances: Chemical Risk Review and Reduction 343
Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program 353
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST/UST) 355
LUST / UST 356
Water Ecosystems 359
National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways 360
Wetlands 361
Water: Human Health Protection 364
Beach / Fish Programs 365
Drinking Water Programs 366
Water Quality Protection 374
Marine Pollution 375
Surface Water Protection 376
Congressional Priorities 381
Water Quality Research and Support Grants 382
147
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148
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Environmental Programs & Management
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2020 Pres
FY 2018
FY 2019
Annualized
FY 2020
Budget v.
FY 2019
Actuals
CR
Pres Budget
Annualized CR
Environmental Programs &
Management
Budget Authority
$2,584,046.9
$2,643,299.0
$1,845,268.0
-$798,031.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
-$45,300.0
-$46,000.0
-$700.0
Budget Authority Post Cancellation
of Funds
$2,597,999.0
$1,799,268.0
-$798,731.0
Total Workyears
8,947.5
9,111.9
7,487.7
-1,624.2
Bill Language: Environmental Programs and Management
For environmental programs and management, including necessary expenses, not otherwise
provided for, for personnel and related costs and travel expenses; hire of passenger motor
vehicles; hire, maintenance, and operation of aircraft; purchase of reprints; library memberships
in societies or associations which issue publications to members only or at a price to members
lower than to subscribers who are not members; administrative costs of the brownfields program
under the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of2002; and not to
exceed $31,000 for official reception and representation expenses, $1,845,268,000, to remain
available until September 30, 2021: Provided, That of the amounts provided under this heading,
the Chemical Risk Review and Reduction program project shall be allocated for this fiscal year,
excluding the amount of any fees made available, not less than the amount of appropriations for
that program project for fiscal year 2014.
In addition, $46,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2021, for necessary expenses of
the Energy Star program established by section 324A of The Energy Policy and Conservation Act
(42 U.S.C. 6294a): Provided, That the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
shall collect fees pursuant to section 324A(e) (42 U.S.C. 6294a(e)), as added by this Act, and such
fees shall be credited to this appropriation as offsetting collections: Provided further, That the
sum herein appropriated in this paragraph from the general fund shall be reduced as such
collections are received during fiscal year 2020 so as to result in a finalfiscal year appropriation
from the general fund estimated at $0: Provided further, That to the extent such collections
received in fiscal year 2020 exceed $46,000,000, those excess amounts shall be deposited in the
general fund.
149
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Program Projects in EPM
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Clean Air
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
$14,720.4
$15,270.0
$13,292.0
-$1,978.0
Atmospheric Protection Program
$92,753.7
$95,436.0
$13,965.0
-$81,471.0
Federal Stationary Source Regulations
$19,618.3
$21,028.0
$17,311.0
-$3,717.0
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$128,588.0
$128,001.0
$107,298.0
-$20,703.0
Stratospheric Ozone: Domestic Programs
$4,601.1
$4,637.0
$3,948.0
-$689.0
Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund
$8,326.0
$8,736.0
$0.0
-$8,736.0
Subtotal, Clean Air
$268,607.5
$273,108.0
$155,814.0
-$117,294.0
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
$2,575.1
$3,136.0
$0.0
-$3,136.0
Radiation: Protection
$9,286.8
$9,180.0
$2,307.0
-$6,873.0
Radiation: Response Preparedness
$1,774.5
$1,952.0
$2,219.0
$267.0
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
$13,489.6
$13,369.0
$0.0
-$13,369.0
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
$27,126.0
$27,637.0
$4,526.0
-$23,111.0
Brownfields
Brownfields
$24,175.6
$25,593.0
$16,728.0
-$8,865.0
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
$101,299.2
$101,665.0
$89,644.0
-$12,021.0
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$164,266.9
$171,283.0
$147,647.0
-$23,636.0
Criminal Enforcement
$44,334.2
$44,995.0
$44,582.0
-$413.0
Environmental Justice
$6,436.5
$6,737.0
$2,739.0
-$3,998.0
NEPA Implementation
$15,751.2
$17,622.0
$16,598.0
-$1,024.0
Subtotal, Enforcement
$230,788.8
$240,637.0
$211,566.0
-$29,071.0
Geographic Programs
Geographic Program: Chesapeake Bay
$67,542.4
$73,000.0
$7,300.0
-$65,700.0
Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico
$9,122.9
$12,542.0
$0.0
-$12,542.0
Geographic Program: Lake Champlain
$8,395.0
$8,399.0
$0.0
-$8,399.0
Geographic Program: Long Island Sound
$11,753.9
$12,000.0
$0.0
-$12,000.0
Geographic Program: Other
Lake Pontchartrain
$947.0
$948.0
$0.0
-$948.0
S.New England Estuary (SNEE)
$4,934.5
$5,000.0
$0.0
-$5,000.0
150
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Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Geographic Program: Other (other
activities)
$1,507.4
$1,445.0
$0.0
-$1,445.0
Subtotal, Geographic Program: Other
$7,388.9
$7,393.0
$0.0
-$7,393.0
Great Lakes Restoration
$307,739.4
$300,000.0
$30,000.0
-$270,000.0
Geographic Program: South Florida
$1,674.5
$1,704.0
$0.0
-$1,704.0
Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay
$1,763.7
$4,819.0
$0.0
-$4,819.0
Geographic Program: Puget Sound
$27,961.9
$28,000.0
$0.0
-$28,000.0
Subtotal, Geographic Programs
$443,342.6
$447,857.0
$37,300.0
-$410,557.0
Flomeland Security
Flomeland Security: Communication and
Information
$4,471.8
$3,910.0
$3,514.0
-$396.0
Flomeland Security: Critical Infrastructure
Protection
$908.7
$880.0
$1,188.0
$308.0
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA
Personnel and Infrastructure
$5,400.2
$5,405.0
$4,986.0
-$419.0
Subtotal, Homeland Security
$10,780.7
$10,195.0
$9,688.0
-$507.0
Information Exchange / Outreach
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
$14,799.1
$14,760.0
$10,524.0
-$4,236.0
TRI / Right to Know
$13,796.8
$12,783.0
$7,811.0
-$4,972.0
Tribal - Capacity Building
$13,979.6
$14,547.0
$13,201.0
-$1,346.0
Executive Management and Operations
$49,458.4
$49,842.0
$41,771.0
-$8,071.0
Environmental Education
$10,223.4
$8,702.0
$0.0
-$8,702.0
Exchange Network
$17,432.4
$15,956.0
$12,127.0
-$3,829.0
Small Minority Business Assistance
$1,598.1
$1,574.0
$0.0
-$1,574.0
Small Business Ombudsman
$1,799.8
$1,826.0
$1,918.0
$92.0
Children and Other Sensitive Populations:
Agency Coordination
$6,496.0
$6,548.0
$2,545.0
-$4,003.0
Subtotal, Information Exchange / Outreach
$129,583.6
$126,538.0
$89,897.0
-$36,641.0
International Programs
US Mexico Border
$2,645.5
$3,033.0
$0.0
-$3,033.0
International Sources of Pollution
$6,619.8
$6,904.0
$5,339.0
-$1,565.0
Trade and Governance
$5,290.1
$5,463.0
$0.0
-$5,463.0
Subtotal, International Programs
$14,555.4
$15,400.0
$5,339.0
-$10,061.0
IT / Data Management / Security
Information Security
$7,016.5
$7,280.0
$13,773.0
$6,493.0
IT / Data Management
$84,464.5
$83,256.0
$71,117.0
-$12,139.0
Subtotal, IT / Data Management / Security
$91,481.0
$90,536.0
$84,890.0
-$5,646.0
151
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Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Integrated Environmental Strategies
$9,529.8
$10,653.0
$8,828.0
-$1,825.0
Administrative Law
$4,706.5
$4,753.0
$4,812.0
$59.0
Alternative Dispute Resolution
$1,155.7
$1,150.0
$0.0
-$1,150.0
Civil Rights Program
$8,848.2
$9,335.0
$9,003.0
-$332.0
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
$51,344.3
$50,886.0
$48,123.0
-$2,763.0
Legal Advice: Support Program
$14,616.0
$15,455.0
$17,151.0
$1,696.0
Regional Science and Technology
$1,094.6
$1,205.0
$0.0
-$1,205.0
Science Advisory Board
$3,531.8
$3,787.0
$3,763.0
-$24.0
Regulatory/Economic-Management and Analysis
$14,270.7
$14,190.0
$16,162.0
$1,972.0
Subtotal, Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic
Review
$109,097.6
$111,414.0
$107,842.0
-$3,572.0
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
$70,053.3
$72,884.0
$71,100.0
-$1,784.0
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$292,535.1
$308,701.0
$308,335.0
-$366.0
Acquisition Management
$27,441.3
$30,210.0
$28,032.0
-$2,178.0
Human Resources Management
$43,220.4
$44,227.0
$41,635.0
-$2,592.0
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
$24,462.0
$24,729.0
$20,202.0
-$4,527.0
Workforce Reshaping
$0.0
$0.0
$25,003.0
$25,003.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$457,712.1
$480,751.0
$494,307.0
$13,556.0
Pesticides Licensing
Science Policy and Biotechnology
$1,604.1
$2,040.0
$0.0
-$2,040.0
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide
Risk
$56,288.2
$58,016.0
$49,440.0
-$8,576.0
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from
Pesticide Risk
$38,380.7
$41,081.0
$30,668.0
-$10,413.0
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide
Availability
$7,004.6
$8,226.0
$5,571.0
-$2,655.0
Subtotal, Pesticides Licensing
$103,277.6
$109,363.0
$85,679.0
-$23,684.0
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
$328.4
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
RCRA: Corrective Action
$37,118.1
$39,052.0
$33,202.0
-$5,850.0
RCRA: Waste Management
$58,434.1
$60,791.0
$46,813.0
-$13,978.0
RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling
$6,782.4
$9,534.0
$0.0
-$9,534.0
Subtotal, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA)
$102,334.6
$109,377.0
$80,015.0
-$29,362.0
152
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Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Endocrine Disruptors
$4,583.1
$7,553.0
$0.0
-$7,553.0
Pollution Prevention Program
$10,353.0
$11,236.0
$0.0
-$11,236.0
Toxic Substances: Chemical Risk Review and
Reduction
$65,947.8
$61,105.0
$66,418.0
$5,313.0
Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program
$12,523.5
$12,627.0
$0.0
-$12,627.0
Subtotal, Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
$93,407.4
$92,521.0
$66,418.0
-$26,103.0
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
LUST / UST
$10,812.6
$11,295.0
$5,996.0
-$5,299.0
Water: Ecosystems
National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways
$25,187.6
$26,723.0
$0.0
-$26,723.0
Wetlands
$18,528.7
$21,065.0
$21,578.0
$513.0
Subtotal, Water: Ecosystems
$43,716.3
$47,788.0
$21,578.0
-$26,210.0
Water: Human Health Protection
Beach / Fish Programs
$1,777.0
$2,014.0
$0.0
-$2,014.0
Drinking Water Programs
$91,494.4
$96,493.0
$89,808.0
-$6,685.0
Subtotal, Water: Human Health Protection
$93,271.4
$98,507.0
$89,808.0
-$8,699.0
Water Quality Protection
Marine Pollution
$10,242.6
$11,065.0
$0.0
-$11,065.0
Surface Water Protection
$192,705.9
$199,352.0
$188,233.0
-$11,119.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Subtotal, Water Quality Protection
$202,948.5
$210,417.0
$188,233.0
-$22,184.0
Congressional Priorities
Water Quality Research and Support Grants
$25,400.0
$12,700.0
$0.0
-$12,700.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
-$45,300.0
-$46,000.0
-$700.0
TOTAL EPM
$2,584,046.9
$2,597,999.0
$1,799,268.0
-$798,731.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund
account.
*** Fact Sheet tables do not include applicable cancellation of funds ***
153
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Clean Air
154
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Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Science & Technology
$7,543.1
$7,569.0
$5,739.0
-$1,830.0
Total Budget Authority
$22,263.5
$22,839.0
$19,031.0
-$3,808.0
Total Workyears
61.8
63.9
63.7
-0.2
Program Project Description:
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are precursors for fine particulate matter (PM2.5),
while NOx also is a precursor for ground-level ozone (O3). Researchers have associated PM2.5 and
O3 exposure with adverse health effects in toxicological, clinical, and epidemiological studies.
Lowering exposure to PM2.5 and O3 contributes to significant human health benefits.
The Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs are nationwide and multi-state programs that address
air pollutants that are transported across state, regional, and international boundaries, such as those
covered by the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). In addition, under Title IV of the Clean
Air Act, the Acid Rain Program (ARP), EPA operates a national annual SO2 trading program and
a NOx emissions reduction program for the power sector.1
The Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs establish a total emission limit that is allocated to
affected emission sources in the form of allowances - authorizations to emit one ton of a pollutant.
The owners and operators of affected emission sources may select among different methods of
compliance - install pollution control equipment, purchase allowances, switch fuel types, or other
strategies. These programs are managed through a centralized database system operated by EPA.2
Select data, collected under these programs, are made available to the public through EPA's Air
Markets Program Data (AMPD) website which provides access to both current and historical data
collected as part of the Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs through charts, reports, and pre-
packaged datasets.
To implement the Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs, EPA operates the Part 75 emission
measurement program that requires approximately 4,500 affected units to monitor and report
emission and operation data.3 The emission measurement program requires high degrees of
accuracy and reliability from continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) or approved
1 Clean Air Act § 401
2 Clean Air Act § 403(d)
3 Clean Air Act § 412; Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. P.L. 101-549 § 821
155
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alternative methods at the affected sources. EPA provides the affected emission sources with a
software tool, the Emissions Collection and Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS), to process and
assure the quality of data, and facilitate reporting to EPA. The Agency conducts electronic audits,
desk reviews, and field audits of the emission data and monitoring systems. The emission
measurement program supports several other state and federal emission control and reporting
programs.
EPA's centralized market operation system (the allowance tracking system) records allowance
allocations and transfers.4 At the end of each compliance period, allowances are reconciled against
reported emissions to determine compliance for every facility with affected emission sources. For
over 20 years, the affected facilities have maintained near-perfect compliance under the trading
programs. In 2017, total SO2 emissions from emission sources subject to the Acid Rain Program
were 1.3 million tons, or more than 85 percent below the statutory nationwide emissions cap. Total
annual NOx emissions were 1.1 million tons in 2017 reflecting a reduction of over 6 million tons
from projected 2000 NOx levels absent the Acid Rain Program, exceeding the Program's total
targeted reduction of 2 million tons.5
The Clean Air Act's Good Neighbor provision6 requires states or, in some circumstances, the
Agency to reduce interstate pollution that interferes with the attainment and maintenance of the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Under this authority, EPA issued the Cross-
State Air Pollution Rule, which requires 27 states in the eastern U.S. to limit their state-wide
emissions of SO2 and/or NOx to reduce or eliminate the states' contributions to PM2.5 and/or
ground-level O3 pollution in other downwind states. The emission limitations are defined in terms
of maximum state-wide "budgets" for emissions of annual SO2, annual NOx, and/or ozone-season
NOx from certain large stationary sources in each state. On September 7, 2016, EPA revised the
CSAPR ozone season NOx program by finalizing an update to CSAPR for the 2008 ozone
NAAQS, known as the CSAPR Update. The CSAPR Update ozone season NOx program largely
replaced the original CSAPR ozone season NOx program starting on May 1, 2017. On December
6, 2018, EPA finalized the Determination Regarding Good Neighbor Obligations for the 2008
Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard, also known as the CSAPR Close-Out Rule, which
determined the CSAPR Update Rule fully addresses 20 states' interstate pollution transport
obligations for the 2008 national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone.
EPA relies on the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) for monitoring ambient
sulfate and nitrate deposition concentrations, and other air quality indicators. EPA uses the Long-
Term Monitoring (LTM) program for assessing how water bodies and aquatic ecosystems are
responding to reductions in sulfur and nitrogen emissions. Data from these air quality and
environmental monitoring programs, in conjunction with SO2 and NOx emissions data from the
Part 75 monitoring program, have allowed EPA to develop a comprehensive accountability
framework to track the results of its air quality programs. EPA applies this framework to the
programs it implements and issues annual progress reports on compliance and environmental
results achieved by the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. Previous reports
4 Clean Air Act § 403(d)
5 For more information, please see: fattps://www3.epa.gov/ainiiarkets/progress/datatreiids/iiidex.litiiil.
6 Clean Air Act § 110(a)(2)(D); see also, Clean Air Act § 110(c).
156
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have covered progress under the Clean Air Interstate Rule and the NOx Budget Trading Program.
These annual progress reports not only track reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions from affected
sources but assess the impacts of these reductions on air quality (e.g., ozone and PM2.5 levels), acid
deposition, surface water acidity, forest health, and other environmental indicators.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to operate the Clean Air Allowance
Trading Programs and the systems to assess the programs' progress toward the environmental
goals required by the Clean Air Act. EPA will work to meet requirements and requests for
modeling in support of the power sector and for legal defense of regulatory actions. The Program
will continue support emission reporting for the Mercury and Air Toxics Standard (MATS) Rule.7
Allowance tracking and compliance assessment: EPA will allocate SO2 and NOx allowances to
affected emission sources and other account holders as established in the Clean Air Act8 and state
and federal CSAPR implementation plans. These allowance holdings will be maintained in an
updated allowance tracking system {i.e., central database) that will record allowance transfers.9 At
the end of each compliance period, EPA will reconcile each facility's allowance holdings against
its emissions to ensure compliance for all affected sources.10
Emission measurement and data collection and review: EPA will operate the Part 75 Emission
Measurement Program to collect, quality assure, and track emissions of air pollutants and air toxics
from approximately 4,500 fossil-fuel-fired electric generating units.
Program Assessment: EPA will develop progress reports and other information to communicate
the extent of the progress made by the Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs.11
Redesign System Applications: EPA will initiate the redesign of its Air Markets Program Data
(AMPD) website and Emission Monitoring Plan System (ECMPS) desktop software. These
mission critical systems support the trading programs, as well as other emission reporting
programs operated by the states and EPA. Reengineering these decade old systems will enable
EPA to enhance the user experience, comply with EPA technology requirements, consolidate
software systems, and reduce operation and maintenance costs.
Assistance to States: EPA will work with states to develop emission reduction programs to comply
with Clean Air Act Good Neighbor Provision requirements12 including implementation of the
CSAPR Update regulation finalized on September 7, 2016, as well as the CSAPR Close-Out Rule.
7 See, 40 C.F.R. Part 63, Subpart UUUUU (National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal and Oil Fired
Electric Utility Steam Generating Units).
8 Clean Air Act §§ 110 and 403
9 Clean Air Act §§ 110 and 403
10 Clean Air Act §§110 and 404-405, and state CSAPR implementation plans
11 Government Performance and Results Act § 1115
12 Clean Air Act § 110(a)(2)(D)
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
For more information on program performance, please visit:
http ://www. epa. gov/airmarket/progress/progress-reports.htm 1.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$480.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential
workforce support, and benefits costs.
• (-$2,458.0 / -0.2 FTE) This program change streamlines the Program's modeling and
reporting activities and focuses the Program on core statutory requirements.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
158
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Atmospheric Protection Program
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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-------
EPA prepares the annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks. The Inventory
provides information on total annual U.S. emissions and removals by source, economic sector, and
greenhouse gas. EPA leads the interagency process of preparing the Inventory, working with
technical experts from numerous federal agencies, including the Department of Energy's Energy
Information Agency, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, U.S. Geological Survey,
and academic and research institutions.
Managing the Transition from Ozone Depleting Substances: EPA implements efforts directed by
Section 612 of the Clean Air Act to ensure a smooth transition from ozone depleting substances
(ODS) to safer alternatives.
Science. Economic, and Technical Analyses: EPA conducts a range of economic, scientific, and
technical analyses for CAA regulatory actions and technical input.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will provide technical, analytical, and scientific
support for regulatory action consistent with Presidential Executive Order on Promoting Energy
Independence and Economic Growth dated March 28, 2017.
In FY 2020, EPA would implement user fees for entities that participate in the ENERGY STAR
program. Fee collection would start in FY 2020 after EPA undertakes a rulemaking and finalizes
a fees rule. By requesting an advance appropriation of $46 million for FY 2020, the budget
provides the Program the authority to use fees to operate the Program in advance of collections.
The fees would provide for necessary expenses, including the development, operation, and
maintenance of the ENERGY STAR program. The legislative proposal to authorize collection and
spending of the fees is included as an administrative provision in the FY 2020 President's Budget
Appendix.
The Agency will continue to implement priorities and efficiencies as called for in the January 24,
2017 Presidential Memorandum on Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Burden to Domestic
Regulatory Manufacturing. These efforts are expected to align with previously identified Executive
Orders, including implementation of Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling
Regulatory Costs and Executive Order 13777, Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda. EPA will
evaluate recommendations, and where appropriate, take action to repeal, replace, or modify existing
regulations to make them less burdensome.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to implement the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program covering a
total of 41 sectors, with approximately 8 thousand reporters. Focus areas for the Program will
include:
• Developing and implementing regulatory revisions across multiple sectors, including
oil and gas to reduce burden and streamline reporting where appropriate;
• Aligning the database management systems with those regulatory amendments; and
160
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• Conducting a QA/QC and verification process through a combination of electronic checks,
staff reviews, and follow-up with facilities when necessary.
EPA will work to complete the annual Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Emissions and Sinks.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$7,098.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefits costs.
• (-$74,373.0 / -122.9 FTE) This program change reflects a reduction in the GHG Reporting
program and eliminates appropriated funding for the partnership programs with industry,
businesses, states, tribes, and localities.
• (+70.0 FTE) This program change supports an increase in reimbursable FTE for the
development, operation, and maintenance of a fee-supported ENERGY STAR program.
By requesting an advance appropriation of $46 million for FY 2020, the budget allows for
the time involved in both a fee rulemaking and developing and enacting new authorizing
legislation by providing the Program with the authority to use fees to operate the Program
in advance of collections.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act; Global Change Research Act of 1990; Global Climate Protections Act; Energy
Policy Act of 2005 § 756; Pollution Prevention Act §§ 6602-6605; National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) § 102; Clean Water Act § 104; Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) § 8001.
161
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Federal Stationary Source Regulations
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$19,618.3
$21,028.0
$17,311.0
-$3,717.0
Total Workyears
100.4
104.7
79.1
-25.6
Program Project Description:
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA is required to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) for ambient pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment. The
six criteria pollutants for which EPA has established NAAQS are: particulate matter (PM),
ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and lead. The CAA
requires EPA to periodically review the science upon which the NAAQS are based and the
standards themselves. These national standards form the foundation for air quality management
and establish goals that protect public health and the environment.
Section 109 of the CAA Amendments of 1990 established two types of NAAQS. Primary
standards are set at a level requisite to protect public health with an adequate margin of safety.
Secondary standards are set at a level requisite to protect public welfare from any known or
anticipated adverse effects.
This program also includes activities directed toward reducing air emissions of toxic, criteria, and
other pollutants from stationary sources mandated under Sections 111,112, and 129 of the CAA.
Specifically, to address air toxics, this program provides for the development of National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for major sources and area sources; the
assessment and, as necessary, regulation of risks remaining after implementation of NESHAP that
are based on Maximum Available Control Technology (MACT); the periodic review and revision
of the NESHAP to reflect developments in practices, processes, and control technologies; and
associated national guidance and outreach. In addition, EPA must periodically review, and, where
appropriate, revise both the list of air toxics subject to regulation and the list of source categories
for which standards must be developed. The statutory program also includes issuing, reviewing,
and periodically revising, as necessary, New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for criteria
and certain listed pollutants from certain new, modified, or reconstructed sources of air emissions;
issuing emissions guidelines for states to apply to certain existing sources; and providing guidance
on Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) through issuance and periodic review and
revision of control technique guidelines (CTGs). The CAA also requires the development and
periodic review of standards of performance and emissions guidelines covering air emissions from
waste combustion sources.
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Sections 169A and 169B of the CAA also require protection of air quality related values (AQRV)
for 156 congressionally mandated national parks and wilderness areas, known as Class I areas.
Visibility is one such AQRV, and Congress established a national goal of returning visibility in
the Class I areas to natural conditions, i.e., the visibility conditions which existed without
manmade air pollution. The Regional Haze Rule sets forth the requirements that state plans must
satisfy to make reasonable progress towards meeting this national goal.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to implement priorities and
efficiencies as called for in the January 24, 2017 Presidential Memorandum, Streamlining
Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing. These efforts are
expected to dovetail with previously identified Executive Orders, including implementation of
Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs and Executive
Order 13777, Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda. EPA will continue to evaluate
recommendations, and, where appropriate, take action to repeal, replace, or modify existing
regulations to make them less burdensome and provide greater certainty to regulated entities.
NAAQS: In FY 2020, EPA will continue its review of the NAAQS and make revisions, as
appropriate. Each review involves a comprehensive reexamination, synthesis, and evaluation of
the scientific information, the design and conduct of complex air quality and risk and exposure
analyses, and the development of a comprehensive policy assessment providing analysis of the
scientific basis for alternative policy options.
EPA will continue work to achieve and maintain compliance with existing standards. These
include the ozone standards established in 2015, 2008, 1997, and 1979; the 1997 PM10
standards; the 2012, 2006 and 1997 PM2.5 standards; the 2008 lead standard;13 the 2010 N02
standard;14 the 1971 CO standard; and the 2010 S02 standard.15 EPA, in close collaboration with
states and tribes, will work to reduce the number of areas not in attainment with the NAAQS,
including assisting states and tribes in developing CAA-compliant pollution reduction plans.
Section 111 of the CAA requires EPA to set NSPS for new, modified, or reconstructed stationary
sources of air emissions in categories that have been determined to cause, or significantly
contribute to, air pollution that may endanger public health or welfare. Section 111 of the CAA
also requires EPA, at least every eight years, to review and, if appropriate, revise NSPS for each
source category for which such standards have been established. Section 111 of the CAA also
requires that emission guidelines be established for existing sources for which air quality criteria
have not been issued, are not included in the list published under Section 108(a) of the CAA or
emitted from a source category that is regulated under section 112 of the CAA but to which a
standard of performance would apply if such an existing source were a new source.
13 In September 2016, EPA completed the review of the 2008 Lead NAAQS and retained the standards without revision.
14 In April 2018, EPA completed the review of the 2010 NO2 NAAQS and retained the standards without revision.
15 In January 2019, EPA is required to complete the review of the 2010 SO2 NAAQS.
163
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In FY 2020, EPA will continue work to address NSPS reviews for sources of air pollutants for four
source categories, including Electric Utility Generating Units (EGUs), Crude Oil and Natural Gas
Production, Transmission and Distribution, Residential Wood Heaters, and Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) Landfills, consistent with the requirements of the CAA. EPA also will continue to work
to address emission guidelines for EGUs and MSW Landfills. Additionally, as a result of ongoing
litigation, EPA expects to undertake additional NSPS reviews and regulatory revisions, as
applicable, for two other source categories in FY2020.
Air Toxics: Section 112(d)(6) of the CAA requires EPA to review and revise, as necessary, all
NESHAP (for both major and area sources) every eight years. These reviews include collecting
new information and emissions data from industry; reviewing emission control technologies; and
conducting economic analyses for the affected industries needed for developing regulations.
Similarly, Section 112(f) of the CAA requires EPA to conduct reviews of the risk that remains
after the implementation of MACT standards within eight years of promulgation.
In FY 2020, EPA will engage in rulemaking efforts to review and revise, as appropriate, emissions
standards for 36 source categories. This is pursuant to three separate court orders for the final rules,
with deadlines of March 13, 2020, June 30, 2020, and October 1, 2021. Additionally, as a result
of ongoing litigation, EPA expects to undertake additional reviews and regulatory revisions, as
applicable, under CAA section 112 for three other source categories in FY 2020.
EPA also may undertake other projects, such as statutorily mandated, overdue NSPS and area
source technology reviews related to the 36 source categories mentioned earlier and others. In
addition, under Section 129 of the CAA, EPA plans to continue efforts to address the risk and
technology review for Large Municipal Waste Combustors. Compliance testing and monitoring
methodologies will continue to be developed and improved in support of these risk determination
and rulemaking efforts. In FY 2020, EPA also will continue to address program-wide issues,
including court-vacated rules that apply across many industrial sources.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$721.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential
workforce support, and benefits costs.
• (-$4,438.0 / -25.6 FTE) This program change is a reduction in the Federal Stationary
Source Regulations program. As a result of this change, the Agency will work to develop
a more efficient approach to meeting Clean Air Act requirements including statutorily-
required NAAQS reviews. In addition, EPA will rely on states and other stakeholders to
identify burden and cost-reduction actions needed to improve the federal-state partnership
and the stationary source regulatory process as a whole.
164
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Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
165
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Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muim^ciiwiil
SI2SJSS.0
SI2S.00I.0
SIO'.J'JS.O
-S20.
Science & Technology
$5,722.3
$6,714.0
$3,776.0
-$2,938.0
Total Budget Authority
$134,310.3
$134,715.0
$111,074.0
-$23,641.0
Total Workyears
792.0
816.7
636.8
-179.9
Program Project Description:
The Federal Support for Air Quality Management Program assists states, tribes, and local air
pollution control agencies in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs for the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), establishes standards for reducing air toxics,
and sustains visibility protection. EPA develops federal measures and regional strategies that help
to reduce emissions from stationary and mobile sources; whereas states have the primary
responsibility (and tribes may choose to take responsibility) for developing clean air measures
necessary to meet the NAAQS and protect visibility. At the core of this program is the use of
scientific and technical air emissions data. EPA, working with states, tribes, and local air agencies,
develops methods for estimating and measuring air emissions and concentrations, collects these
data, and maintains databases (e.g., Emissions Inventory System, Air Quality System, etc.). EPA
also supports training for state, tribal, and local air pollution professionals.
The Federal Support for Air Quality Management Program assists states, tribes, and local air
pollution control agencies in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs for the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), establishes standards for reducing air toxics,
and sustains visibility protection. EPA develops federal measures and regional strategies that help
to reduce emissions from stationary and mobile sources; whereas states have the primary
responsibility (and tribes may choose to take responsibility) for developing clean air measures
necessary to meet the NAAQS and protect visibility. At the core of this program is the use of
scientific and technical air emissions data. EPA, working with states, tribes, and local air agencies,
develops methods for estimating and measuring air emissions and concentrations, collects these
data, and maintains databases (e.g., Emissions Inventory System, Air Quality System, etc.). EPA
also supports training for state, tribal, and local air pollution professionals.
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA is required to set the NAAQS for ambient pollutants
considered harmful to public health and the environment. The six "criteria" pollutants for which
EPA has established NAAQS are: particulate matter (PM), ozone, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen
dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and lead (Pb). The CAA requires EPA to periodically
review the science upon which the NAAQS are based and the standards themselves. These national
166
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standards form the foundation for air quality management and establish goals that protect public
health and the environment.
Section 109 of the CAA Amendments of 1990 established two types of NAAQS - primary and
secondary standards. Primary standards are set at a level requisite to protect public health with an
adequate margin of safety, including the health of at-risk populations. Secondary standards provide
public welfare protection, including protection against decreased visibility and damage to animals,
crops, vegetation, and buildings.
For each of the six criteria pollutants, under Section 110 of the CAA, EPA tracks two kinds of air
pollution information: air pollutant concentrations based on actual measurements in the ambient
(outside) air at monitoring sites throughout the country; and pollutant emissions based on
engineering estimates or measurements of the total tons of pollutants released into the air each
year. EPA works with state and local governments to ensure the technical integrity of emission
source controls in State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and with tribes on Tribal Implementation
Plans (TIPs). EPA also reviews SIPs to ensure they are consistent with applicable requirements of
the CAA and takes regulatory action on SIP submissions consistent with CAA responsibilities.
The new source review (NSR) preconstruction permit program in Title I of the CAA is a part of
state plans to attain and maintain the NAAQS. The two primary aspects of this program are the
prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) program, described in Section 165 of the CAA and
the nonattainment NSR program, which is described in various parts of the CAA, to include
Sections 173 and 182, among others.
Sections 169A and 169B of the CAA also require protection of visibility for 156 congressionally
mandated national parks and wilderness areas, known as Class I areas. Congress established a
national goal of returning visibility in the Class I areas to natural conditions {i.e., the visibility
conditions which existed without manmade air pollution). The Regional Haze Rule sets forth the
requirements that state plans must satisfy to make reasonable progress towards meeting this
national goal.
The provisions of the CAA that address the control of air toxics are found in Section 112. This
section requires issuing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for
major sources and area sources; the assessment and, as necessary, regulation of risks remaining
after implementation of NESHAP that are based on Maximum Available Control Technology
(MACT); the periodic review and revision of all NESHAP to reflect developments in practices,
processes, and control technologies; and associated national guidance and outreach. In addition,
EPA must periodically review, and, where appropriate, revise both the list of air toxics subject to
regulation and the list of source categories for which standards must be developed.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This program also supports the Agency Priority Goal, "Improve Air
Quality by Implementing Pollution Control Measures to Reduce the Number of Nonattainment
Areas," and the long-term performance goal, "By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of
nonattainment areas to 101." Air quality has improved significantly for communities across the
country since passage of the CAA in 1970 (with amendments in 1977 and 1990). Since 1990, for
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example, national average levels have decreased by 22 percent for ozone, 34 percent for particulate
matter, 88 percent for sulfur dioxide, and 98 percent for lead.16 In FY 2020, EPA will continue to
prioritize key activities in support of attainment of the NAAQS and implementation of stationary
source regulations by state, tribal, and local air quality programs.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue its review of the NAAQS in accordance with the CAA, including
the ongoing NAAQS reviews for ozone and particulate matter, as well as the ongoing review of
the secondary NAAQS for oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur and particulate matter. In addition,
EPA will continue its CAA mandated responsibilities to administer the NAAQS by reviewing state
plans and decisions consistent with statutory obligations; taking federal oversight actions such as
action on State Implementation Plan/Tribal Implementation Plan (SIP/TIP) submittals; and by
developing regulations and policies to ensure continued health and welfare protection during the
transition between existing and new standards. EPA will work with air agencies to determine the
need for additional rulemakings and guidance documents to support state and tribal efforts to
implement CAA SIP requirements, in alignment with capacity and priorities. EPA will provide
technical and policy assistance to states and tribes developing or revising SIPs/TIPs.
The Agency will continue to implement priorities and efficiencies as called for in the January 24,
2017 Presidential Memorandum, Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burden for
Domestic Manufacturing. These efforts are expected to dovetail with previously identified
Executive Orders, including implementation of Executive Order 13771, Reducing Regulation and
Controlling Regulatory Costs and Executive Order 13777, Enforcing the Regulatory Reform
Agenda. EPA will continue to evaluate recommendations, and, where appropriate, repeal, replace,
or modify existing regulations to make them less burdensome and provide greater certainty to
regulated entities.
On August 21, 2018, EPA proposed the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule which would
establish emission guidelines for states to develop plans to address greenhouse gas emissions from
existing coal-fired power plants. After the rule is finalized, the Agency will work with the states
in developing and reviewing their plans.
EPA, in close collaboration with states and tribes, will work to reduce the number of areas not in
attainment with the NAAQS. The Agency will continue to look for ways to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of the SIP process, including its own review process, with a goal of maximizing
timely processing of state-requested SIP actions and reducing the backlog. The Agency will act on
designation or re-designation of nonattainment areas to attainment, as appropriate. A focus will be
placed on states achieving attainment, looking at improved processes, and flexible implementation
options. Also, the recently developed State Plan Electronic Collaboration System or SPeCS, is
expected to improve EPA tracking of SIP submittals and EPA action on SIPs in FY 2020 and
beyond EPA also will continue to review and take appropriate action on SIPs for regional haze to
ensure that states are making reasonable progress towards their visibility improvement goals,
consistent with statutory obligations. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to provide technical assistance
to states that are developing plan revisions. Section 169A of the CAA requires EPA to assess and
approve the plans.
l6Our Nation's Air: Status and Trends Through 2017, found at: https://www.epa.gov/air-trends/air-quality-national-summary.
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EPA will continue to assist other federal agencies and state and local governments in implementing
the conformity regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 176 of the CAA. These regulations
require federal agencies, taking actions in nonattainment and maintenance areas, to determine that
the emissions caused by their actions will conform to the SIP.
One ofEPA's priorities is to fulfill its CAA and court-ordered obligations. Section 112 of the
CAA requires that all NESHAPs must be reviewed and updated, as necessary, every eight years,
taking into account developments in practices, processes and technologies related to those
standards. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to conduct these periodic "technology reviews" and
conduct risk assessments to determine whether MACT-based NESHAP appropriately protect
public health. The Program will prioritize its work with an emphasis on meeting court-ordered
deadlines.
EPA will work to meet its Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment New
Source Review (NNSR) obligations pursuant to Sections 165 and 173 of the CAA. EPA will
continue to work with citizens, states, and industries on NSR issues. In aligning this effort with
Executive Order 13777, Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda and Executive Order 13771,
Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs, EPA will continue to evaluate existing
regulations and policies, pursue opportunities to make them less burdensome, and provide greater
regulatory certainty to air agencies and regulated entities.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to provide technical assistance to state, local, and tribal air agencies
for both NSR and title V (operating) permits. This support will occur at appropriate times and as
requested, consistent with applicable requirements, before and during the permitting process. EPA
expects to implement such support in an efficient manner and consistent with established
timeframes for applicable oversight of state, tribal, and local air agencies during the permitting
process. Also, EPA will continue to develop the Electronic Permitting System (EPS) which is
expected to improve EPA interaction with states, locals, and tribal air agencies and improve data
availability and transparency in FY 2020 and beyond.
In FY 2020, EPA will assist state, tribal, and local agencies with various technical activities. EPA
develops and provides a broad suite of analytical tools, such as source characterization analyses,
emission factors and inventories, statistical analyses, source apportionment techniques, quality
assurance protocols and audits, improved source testing and monitoring techniques, source-specific
dispersion and regional-scale photochemical air quality models, and augmented cost/benefit tools,
to assess control strategies.17 The Agency will maintain the core function of these tools (e.g.,
integrated multiple pollutant emissions inventory, air quality modeling platforms, etc.) to provide
the technical underpinnings for scientifically sound, more efficient and comprehensive air quality
management by state, local and tribal agencies.
EPA will maintain baseline analytical capabilities required to develop effective regulations
including: analyzing the economic impacts and health benefits of regulations and policies;
developing and refining source sampling measurement techniques to determine emissions from
17 Please see https://www.epa.gov/technical-air-pollution-resources for additional information.
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stationary sources; updating dispersion models for use in source permitting; and conducting air
quality modeling that characterizes the atmospheric processes that disperse a pollutant emitted by
a source. Resources from the Science and Technology appropriation component of this program
support the scientific development of these capabilities.
In FY 2020, state and local agencies will have the lead in implementing the National Air Toxics
Trends Sites (NATTS). The NATTS, designed to capture the impacts of widespread pollutants, is
comprised of 27 permanent monitoring sites.18 EPA will consult on priority data gaps to better
assess population exposure to toxic air pollution.
In FY 2020, EPA will maintain the Air Quality System (AQS), one of the Agency's mission
essential functions, which houses the nation's air quality data. EPA will provide the core support
needed for the AQS Data Mart, which provides access to the scientific community and others to
obtain air quality data via the internet. The Agency's national real-time ambient air quality data
system (AirNow) will maintain baseline operations. EPA will continue to operate and maintain the
Emissions Inventory System (EIS), a system used to quality assure and store current and historical
emissions inventory data, and to support development of the National Emissions Inventory (NEI).
The NEI is used by EPA, states, and others to support state and local air agency SIP development,
to serve as a vital input to air quality modeling, to help to analyze the public health risks from air
toxics and to develop strategies to manage those risks, and to support multi-pollutant analysis
covering air emissions. EPA will continue to implement previously identified Lean strategies to
streamline NEI development and to reduce burden for industry for meeting their emissions data
reporting requirements through the Combined Air Emissions Reporting (CAER) e-Enterprise
effort. The CAER project, when fully developed and deployed, will streamline multiple emissions
reporting processes and is expected to reduce the cost to industry and government for providing
and managing environmental data and to improve decision-making capacity through more timely
availability of data.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM NA1) Number of Nonattainment Areas.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
155
138
136
Nonattain-
ment Areas
Actual
159
18 Please see: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/airtoxpg.html for additional information.
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$5,458.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential workforce support,
and benefits costs.
• (-$32,911.0 / -217.4 FTE) This program change reflects a reduction in EPA technical
assistance to and support of state, tribal, and local air programs, including those that
develop and implement clean air plans, issue air permits, and provide air quality
information to the public.
• (+$6,750.0 / +35.0 FTE) This is an increase to support the implementation of
Administration priorities, specifically reducing the SIP backlog, streamlining the Title V
permitting process, and implementing rulemakings like the Affordable Clean Energy Rule.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act.
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Stratospheric Ozone: Domestic Programs
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
liiiviroiiiiwiitiil Program A- Miiiuigcmcnl
S 4M1.1
S -l.ft.1~M
SJ.'J-IX.O
-SOS'J.O
Total Budget Authority
$4,601.1
$4,637.0
$3,948.0
-$689.0
Total Workyears
18.6
19.4
18.0
-1.4
Program Project Description:
The stratospheric ozone layer protects life by shielding the Earth's surface from harmful
ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Scientific evidence demonstrates that ozone-depleting substances
(ODS) used around the world destroy the stratospheric ozone layer,19 which raises the incidence
of skin cancer and other illnesses through overexposure to increased levels of UV radiation.20
EPA estimates that in the United States alone, the worldwide phase out of ODS will avert millions
of cases of non-fatal and fatal skin cancers (melanoma and non-melanoma), as well as millions
of cataract cases, which is the leading cause of blindness. Full implementation of the Montreal
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) globally, including its
amendments and adjustments, is expected to avoid more than 280 million cases of skin cancer,
approximately 1.6 million skin cancer deaths, and more than 45 million cases of cataracts in the
United States among individuals born between 1890 and 2100.21
EPA implements provisions of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAA) and the Montreal
Protocol, resulting in the reduction of ODS in the U.S. and lower health risks to the American
public. EPA uses a combination of regulatory and partnership programs to protect and restore the
ozone layer. The CAA provides for a phase-out of production and consumption of ODS and
requires controls on their use, including banning certain emissive uses, requiring labeling to
inform consumer choice, and requiring sound servicing practices for the use of refrigerants
in air conditioning and refrigeration appliances. The CAA also prohibits venting ODS and
their substitutes and requires listing of alternatives that reduce overall risks to human health and
19 World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2014. Global Ozone Research
and Monitoring Project-Report No. 56, Geneva, Switzerland. 2014.
20Fahey, D.W., and M.I. Hegglin (Coordinating Lead Authors), Twenty questions and answers about the ozone layer: 2014
Update, In Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2014, Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project-Report No. 56,
World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2014. Available on the internet at:
https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/assessments/ozone/2014/twentyquestions2014update.pdf.
21 EPA, Updating ozone calculations and emissions profiles for use in the Atmospheric Health Effects Framework Model (2015).
Available on the internet at: https://www.epa.gov/sites/productioii/files/201.5-1. l/documents/ahef_2015 update jeport-
final_508.pdf.
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the environment, ensuring that businesses and consumers have alternatives that are safer for the
ozone layer than the chemicals they replace. As a signatory to the Montreal Protocol, the U.S.
is committed to ensuring that our domestic program is at least as stringent as international
obligations and to regulating and enforcing the terms of the Montreal Protocol respective of
domestic authority. With U.S. leadership, in 2007 the Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to
a more aggressive phase-out for ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) equaling a
47 percent reduction in overall emissions during the period 2010-2040. The adjustment in 2007
also calls on Parties to promote the selection of alternatives to HCFCs that minimize
environmental impacts, in particular impacts on climate.22 In 2016, the Parties to the Montreal
Protocol agreed to the Kigali Amendment,23 which will globally phase down production and
consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are intentionally manufactured fluorinated
greenhouse gases used in all the same sectors as ODS such as air conditioning, refrigeration, fire
suppression, solvents, foam blowing agents, and aerosols. In 2018, the Parties to the Montreal
Protocol agreed to adjust the HCFC phaseout's servicing provisions to, among other things, allow
for servicing of existing fire suppression equipment until 2030.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In carrying out the requirements of the CAA and the Montreal
Protocol in FY 2020, EPA will continue to meet its ODS import caps and work toward the gradual
reduction in production and consumption of ODS. This will require finalization of a notice-and-
comment rulemaking in calendar year 2019 that will issue HCFC allowances where needed and
address the servicing provision changes under the Montreal Protocol. To meet FY 2020 targets and
out year targets, EPA will issue allocations for HCFC production and import in accordance with
the requirements established under CAA Sections 605 and 606; review petitions to import used
ODS under sections 604 and 605; manage information that industry identifies as Confidential
Business Information (CBI) under CAA Section 603; and implement regulations concerning the
production, import, and export of ODS and maintenance of the tracking system used to collect the
information. EPA also will prepare and submit an annual report under Article 7 of the Montreal
Protocol on U.S. consumption and production of ODS.24
CAA Section 612 requires continuous review of alternatives for ODS through EPA's Significant
New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program25 to find those that pose less overall risk to human
health and the environment and to promote a smooth transition to safer alternatives. Through these
evaluations, SNAP generates lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes for approximately 50
end uses across eight industrial sectors. In Mexichem Fluor v. EPA, the court partially vacated a
22 Montreal Protocol Decision XIX/6: Adjustments to the Montreal Protocol with regard to Annex C, Group I,
substances (hydrochlorofluorocarbons).
"Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Kigali 15 October 2016,
https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publicatioii/CN/2016/CN. 872.2016-Eng.pdf.
24 The Article 7 report prepared by EPA on behalf of the United States contains chemical-specific production, import and export
data that is not available publicly. To protect potential confidential information the report is not available on the internet;
however, the data included in the report is aggregated and available
at: http://ozone.unep.org/countri es/data?report=CalcCons&format=dataviz&groupby=anxgrp&filter|]=&output=ODP&year fr
oiri= 1.986&year_to=201.9&parties=US.
25 For more information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/index.html.
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2015 Rule "to the extent it requires manufacturers to replace HFCs with a substitute substance"
and remanded the rule to EPA for further proceedings.
EPA will work to address the court's decision, including potentially making changes to the SNAP
program's framework and implementation. In addition, EPA will consider a number of
submissions and petitions in that would expand the list of acceptable alternatives, particularly for
end-uses where there is an urgent need for more options. The schedule for other approvals will be
adjusted through FY 2020. Certain approvals adjusted for FY 2019 will be taken up with other
pending approvals in FY 2020, to the extent practicable, as EPA seeks to minimize the risk to the
investment made by companies in research and development and testing phases given that SNAP
listings are critical to the commercialization of many substitutes and alternative technologies in key
sectors of use. Final Agency action can include notices of acceptability listings as well as notice-
and-comment rulemaking. EPA also will continue to work towards ensuring the uptake of safer
alternatives and technologies, while supporting innovation, and ensuring adoption through support
for changes to industry codes and standards.
In FY 2020, EPA is planning to implement a revised CAA Section 608 rule that the Agency intends
to finalize in FY 2019. That rule revisits certain aspects of the extension of the Section 608
refrigerant management program to substitute refrigerants. At the same time, EPA will continue
efforts under CAA Section 608 to reduce emissions of refrigerants during the service, maintenance,
repair and disposal of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. EPA will continue to educate
stakeholders about the rules concerning servicing, maintenance, repair and disposal of air
conditioning and refrigeration appliances. EPA will monitor industry standards and may adopt the
standards into its regulations through incorporation by reference, as appropriate.
EPA will continue to support the CAA Section 609 motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC)
servicing program to reduce emissions of refrigerants from MVAC systems. Where industry
consensus standards are available that EPA considers to be sufficient for protection of human
health and the environment, EPA may adopt the standards into its regulations through
incorporation by reference. EPA is aware of such standards developed by the Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) for recovery equipment for new alternatives. EPA expects to develop
a proposed rule in FY 2019 to incorporate by reference these industry, consensus-based standards
for MVAC systems that use refrigerants currently listed as acceptable, subject to use conditions.
EPA intends to finalize this rule in FY 2020.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to support implementation of the Montreal Protocol domestically
by ensuring U.S. interests are represented at Montreal Protocol meetings by providing technical
expertise. The Agency will provide technical expertise for the Montreal Protocol's Technology
and Economic Assessment Panel and its Technical Options Committees.
With the decline in allowable ODS production, a significant stock of equipment that continues to
use ODS will need access to recovered and recycled/reclaimed ODS to allow for proper servicing.
EPA reviews available market and reported data to monitor availability of recycled and reclaimed
ODS, where production and import of new material is phased out. EPA also will implement other
provisions of the Montreal Protocol, including exemption programs to allow for a continued
smooth phase out of ODS, in particular HCFCs and halons.
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Additionally, EPA will continue to work with federal and international agencies to stem illegal
imports of ODS to support a level playing field for companies that have transitioned to non-ODS
alternatives. This is particularly important in light of recent atmospheric measurements showing
increased emissions of ODS phased out of production globally and the need to identify potential
sources of these emissions including illegal production.26 EPA will continue data exchange with
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations on ODS importers
and exporters for Customs to determine admissibility and target illegal ODS shipments
entering the United States, as well as reviewing and approving ODS imports flagged in the
Automated Customs Environment.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$242.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefits costs.
• (-$931.0 / -1.4 FTE) This change is a reduction to program resources related to activities
such as development of outreach and compliance assistance materials.
Statutory Authority:
Title VI of the Clean Air Act.
26 See, Montzka etal. (2018). An unexpected and persistent increase in global emissions of ozone-depleting CFC-11, Nature,
557, pp. 413^17. Available on the internet at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41.586-018-01.06-2.
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Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund
Program Area: Clean Air
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muim^ciiwiil
S,S. 'J/i.O
so.o
- S.V. ~M>.0
Total Budget Authority
$8,326.0
$8,736.0
$0.0
-$8,736.0
Program Project Description:
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol) facilitates
a global phaseout of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The United States implements its treaty
obligations primarily through Title VI of the Clean Air Act.
The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (Multilateral Fund) was
created by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol to provide funds to enable developing countries to
comply with their Montreal Protocol obligations to phase out the use of ODS on an agreed
schedule. The United States and other developed countries contribute to the Multilateral Fund. The
U.S. contribution to the Multilateral Fund is split between EPA and the Department of State.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will continue domestic
ODS reduction work.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$8,736.0) This program change eliminates resources to support EPA participation in the
Multilateral Fund.
Statutory Authority:
Title VI of the Clean Air Act.
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Brownfields
177
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Brownfields
Program Area: Brownfields
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muim^ciiwiil
s.v./"y<
S
sio. ~:s.o
-SN.it
Total Budget Authority
$24,175.6
$25,593.0
$16,728.0
-$8,865.0
Total Workyears
134.7
137.4
92.6
-44.8
Program Project Description:
Brownfields sites are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be
complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or
contaminant. Brownfields can be found in the heart of America's main streets and former
economic centers. The Brownfields Program supports these efforts by awarding grants and
providing technical assistance to states, tribes, local communities, and other stakeholders to work
together to plan, inventory, assess, safely cleanup, and reuse brownfields. Approximately 129
million people (roughly 40 percent of the U.S. population) live within three miles of a brownfields
site that receives EPA funding.27 As of the end of FY 2018, grants awarded by the Program have
led to over 77,000 acres of idle land made ready for productive use and over 141,300 jobs and
$26.8 billion leveraged.28
This Program supports the operating expenses for the overall Brownfields program. Operating
activities include 1) conducting the annual, high volume cooperative agreement competitions; 2)
awarding new cooperative agreements; 3) managing the ongoing cooperative agreement workload;
4) providing technical assistance and ongoing support to grantees; 5) collaborating with other
agency programs; 6) operating the Assessment Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchanges System
(ACRES) online grantee reporting tool; 7) assisting communities to explore land reuse
opportunities under the Land Revitalization Program; and 8) developing guidance and tools that
clarify potential environmental cleanup liabilities.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Brownfields Program
will continue to manage over 900 assessment, cleanup, revolving loan fund (RLF), multi-purpose,
and Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training (EWDJT) cooperative agreements;
27 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of the
end of FY 2016; and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
28 EPA's ACRES database.
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as well as state and tribal assistance agreements; training, research, and technical assistance
agreements; and land revitalization projects.
In FY 2020, the Brownfields Program will support the following activities:
• Compete and Award New Cooperative Agreements: Review, select, and award an
estimated 360 new cooperative agreements which will lead to approximately $1.0 billion
and 5,500 jobs leveraged in future years.
• Oversight and Management of Existing Cooperative Agreements: Continue federal
fiduciary responsibility to manage approximately 900 existing brownfields cooperative
agreements in a reduced capacity while ensuring the terms and conditions of the
agreements are met, and provide limited technical assistance. Provide targeted
environmental oversight support to grantees (e.g., site eligibility determinations, review of
environmental site assessment and cleanup reports).
• Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance to states, tribes, and local communities
in the form of research, training, and analysis. This can lead to cost effective
implementation of brownfields redevelopment projects by providing communities with the
knowledge necessary to understand market conditions, economic development and other
community revitalization strategies, and how cleanup and reuse can be catalyzed by small
businesses.
• Collaboration: The Program will work collaboratively with our partners at the state, tribal,
and local level on innovative approaches to help achieve land reuse. It also will continue
to develop guidance and tools that clarify potential environmental cleanup liabilities,
thereby providing greater certainty for parties seeking to reuse these properties. The
Program also can provide direct support to facilitate transactions for parties seeking to
reuse contaminated properties.
• Accomplishment Tracking: Support the maintenance of the ACRES online grantee
reporting tool. This enables grantees to track accomplishments and report on the number
of sites assessed and cleaned up, and the amount of dollars and jobs leveraged with
brownfields grants.
• Land Revitalization Program Support: Provide support for approximately two
communities as part of EPA's Land Revitalization Program. The Land Revitalization
Program supports communities in their efforts to restore contaminated lands into
sustainable community assets.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Brownfields Projects Program under
the STAG appropriation.
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$77.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base worforce costs for exising FTE due to the adjustements in salary, essential workforce
suport, and benefit costs.
• (-$8,788.0 / -44.8 FTE) This program change reduces funding for managing and closing
out assistance agreements, data collection analysis, and system ehancements.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), §§
101(39), 104(k), 128(a); Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act, § 8001.
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Compliance
181
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Compliance Monitoring
Program Area: Compliance
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muim^ciiwiil
SIOI.2W.2
s ini.ooxn
SS'). f>44.0
-S 12.021.1)
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$122.5
$139.0
$0.0
-$139.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$943.0
$995.0
$991.0
-$4.0
Total Budget Authority
$102,364.7
$102,799.0
$90,635.0
-$12,164.0
Total Workyears
485.9
489.0
428.7
-60.3
Program Project Description:
The Compliance Monitoring Program is a key component of EPA's Compliance Assurance
Program that allows the controlling regulatory authority to detect noncompliance. The Program
also promotes compliance with the nation's environmental laws. Effective targeting of compliance
monitoring plays a critical role in achieving the goals EPA has set forth for protecting health and
the environment. The states and EPA use compliance monitoring tools and activities to identify
whether regulated entities are complying with environmental laws enacted by Congress, as well as
applicable regulations and permit conditions. In addition, compliance monitoring activities, such
as inspections and investigations, are conducted to determine whether conditions exist that may
present imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment.
The Compliance Monitoring Program supports cooperative federalism and the expanded use of
compliance assurance tools (such as compliance assistance) among state, tribal, local, and federal
partners. States, tribes, and EPA have policies/procedures on the appropriate use of the tools in our
compliance assurance tool box, with states undertaking the majority of enforcement and
compliance activities in authorized programs. EPA is working to implement the Program in the
most efficient manner possible by leveraging information technology systems and improving
business processes. Tools in the compliance monitoring program include:
• Compliance Assistance. EPA collaborates with state, local, federal, tribal, and industry
partners with the E-Enterprise Portal, a website which allows the states, the regulated
community, and EPA to transact business such as permitting and reporting, and provides
easy access to needed compliance assistance information. Also, EPA will continue its
compliance assistance work by continuing to partner with third-party organizations and
federal agencies to support existing web-based, sector-specific centers and other web-based
assistance resources.
• Full Electronic Reporting with Compliance Assistance. EPA has a national enforcement
and compliance data system, the Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS), which
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supports both the compliance monitoring and civil enforcement programs. ICIS collects
enforcement and compliance data, and EPA utilizes those data and other information
technology tools to: identify potential violations of the federal environmental laws;
facilitate efficient enforcement; and promote compliance with these requirements. EPA
also makes ICIS data available to the public via the internet-accessible Enforcement and
Compliance History Online ("ECHO") system. Using ICIS and ECHO to electronically
track its civil enforcement work allows EPA to better ensure that its enforcement resources
are going to address the most significant noncompliance and facilitates transparency.
Currently, EPA and states are implementing the National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Electronic Reporting Rule through ICIS.29 Phase 1 of the rule was
implemented in FY 2017 for NPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs), including
compliance assistance features such as electronic reminders to state and federal permittees
that may have missed their compliance monitoring report deadlines. More than 20 states
currently use EPA's electronic reporting tool for DMR reporting.
• Smart Tools for Field Inspectors. EPA is developing software solutions to improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of how EPA and authorized states conduct compliance
inspections, starting with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Hazardous Waste Program.
• Compliance Training for EPA and States. To ensure the quality of compliance monitoring
activities, EPA develops national policies, updates inspection manuals, provides required
training for inspectors, and issues inspector credentials. In FY 2018, EPA performed audits
of inspector credential possession and training documentation. The findings and
recommendations from those audits are being used to improve the documentation
supporting EPA inspector credentials. Also in 2018, EPA held a kaizen event to streamline
the inspector credentialing process, which when implemented, will ensure greater integrity
in the inspector credentialing process and make the process more efficient. For example,
EPA estimates that shifting from the current paper process to an electronic one will
decrease the total time it takes to provide credentials to an inspector by approximately 80
percent.
In addition, EPA delivers critical in-person and online training courses to new and
experienced federal, state and local inspectors to ensure the integrity of the national
compliance monitoring program. EPA hosts several multi-day training programs, such as
the annual Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (CWA
NPDES) Technical Inspector Workshop and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Pesticide Inspector Residential Training Program. These on-site
training programs deliver in-depth technical and programmatic content to hundreds of
inspectors nationwide. EPA's National Enforcement Training Institute (NETI) also
provides on-line, e-learning courses for more than 2,500 EPA, state and tribal inspectors,
29 For more information, please refer to: https://www.eDa.gov/comDliance/npdes-ereporting.
30 Based on a technical evaluation from the kaizen event: Leaning the Civil Inspector Credentialing Process, July 17-19, 2018.
Current practice took approximately 127 days. The new process is estimated to take 25 days.
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and has made available over 165 on-line training courses in the NETI e-Learning Center
for EPA and state, local, and tribal inspectors and enforcement partners.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Work in this program also supports the long-term
performance goal, "Increase Environmental Law Compliance Rate" in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA
Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will increase compliance by reducing the percentage of Clean
Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in
significant noncompliance (SNC) with their permit limits.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to streamline its compliance monitoring activities such as field
inspections, data tools, and assistance. EPA will focus principally on 1) those programs that are
not delegated to states ("direct implementation"), and 2) where EPA's expertise or unique role is
best suited to address the issue. This includes, but is not limited to, multi-state/multi-regional
matters, issues of national significance, and emergency situations. In addition, EPA will provide
some targeted oversight and support to state, local, and tribal programs. To accomplish this, the
Agency will prioritize work with states to develop methods that successfully leverage advances in
both monitoring and information technology. Also, the Agency will maintain accessibility to ICIS
for EPA, states, and the tribes.
EPA has evolved the National Enforcement Initiatives program into a National Compliance
Initiatives (NCI) program that provides states and tribes with additional opportunities for
meaningful engagement, applies a broader set of compliance assurance tools, and aligns these
priorities with the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA engaged with states, tribes, and local
governments to gather their input on the selection of enforcement and compliance assistance
priorities in FY 2018 and continuing in FY 2019. Implementation of this NCI cycle begins in FY
2020 and continues through FY 2023.
In addition, the Agency will continue to implement Phase 2 of the NPDES Electronic Reporting
Rule which covers the e-reporting rule permitting and compliance monitoring requirements for
EPA and states. EPA will work with states to evaluate and prioritize the development of additional
electronic reporting tools that support states. EPA's centralized development of electronic
reporting tools saves the states significant resources in information technology development costs.
Beginning in FY 2018 and continuing in FY 2020, EPA will track the rate of significant non-
compliance (SNC) with NPDES program requirements quarterly to assess progress with EPA's
goal of reducing the SNC rate. EPA will identify focus areas to achieve SNC rate reductions with
the goal of reducing the rate by 50 percent by the end of FY 2022. The Program also will continue
to review the rate of electronic reporting for each authorized NPDES state program and work with
states to achieve improved reporting.
In 2019, EPA is piloting an interim policy on Inspection Report Timeliness and Standardization,
including tracking of inspection report timeliness in the Integrated Compliance Information
System (ICIS). The intent of this pilot is to ensure the timely production of reports and the timely
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completion and release of inspection reports, including any potential deficiencies or areas of
concern, to facilities and the public. EPA will address any lessons learned and issue a final policy
with full implementation in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 409) Number of federal on-site compliance monitoring inspections and evaluations and off-site
compliance monitoring activities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
17,000
17,000
15,500
15,500
14,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Inspections &
Evaluations
Actual
18,000
16,000
15,400
13,500
11,800
10,600
(PM 432) Perce
permittees in si
ntage of Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
gnificant noncompliance with their permit limits.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
24
TBD
TBD
Percent
Actual
Data
Avail
09/2019
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$747.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$12,768.0 / -60.0 FTE) This program change reflects a recognition that states conduct the
vast majority of inspections, an EPA focus on direct implementation programs, and an
increased reliance on technology rather than on-site inspections to monitor compliance.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
Annex VI); Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act; Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act;
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Mercury-Containing and
Rechargeable Battery Management Act; Noise Control Act; Oil Pollution Act; Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act; Rivers and Harbors Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act; Toxic Substances Control Act.
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Enforcement
186
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Civil Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$619.8
$620.0
$470.0
-$150.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$2,464.8
$2,413.0
$2,373.0
-$40.0
Total Budget Authority
$167,351.5
$174,316.0
$150,490.0
-$23,826.0
Total Workyears
995.5
1,000.8
857.1
-143.7
Program Project Description:
The overall goal of EPA's Civil Enforcement Program is to maximize compliance with the nation's
environmental laws and regulations to protect human health and the environment. EPA will seek
to strengthen environmental partnerships with its state and tribal partners, encourage regulated
entities to correct violations rapidly, ensure that violators do not realize an economic benefit from
noncompliance, and pursue enforcement to deter future violations.
The Agency works closely with the U.S. Department of Justice, states, tribal governments,
territories, and local agencies to ensure consistent and fair enforcement of all major environmental
statutes, distinct programs under those statutes, and numerous regulatory requirements under those
programs, which apply in various combinations to millions of regulated federal and private entities.
The Civil Enforcement Program develops, litigates, and settles administrative and civil judicial
cases against serious violators of environmental laws. In FY 2018, because of EPA enforcement
actions, 809 million pounds of pollutants and waste were reduced, treated, or eliminated.31
EPA has a national enforcement and compliance data system, the Integrated Compliance
Information System (ICIS), which supports both the Compliance Monitoring and Civil
Enforcement programs. ICIS collects enforcement and compliance data, and EPA utilizes the data
and other information technology tools to identify potential violations of federal environmental
laws, facilitating efficient enforcement and promoting compliance with these requirements. In
addition, EPA also makes ICIS data available to the public via the internet-accessible Enforcement
and Compliance History Online (ECHO) system. Using ICIS and ECHO to electronically track its
civil enforcement work allows EPA to ensure its enforcement resources will address the most
significant noncompliance and facilitate transparency.
31 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2019-
01/documents/epa_2018 yearinreview 0128-4.pdf.
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Work in this program also supports the long-term performance
Strategic Plan goal "Increase Environmental Law Compliance Rate."
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to focus efforts toward areas where, in support of the goals of the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan, EPA's enforcement actions can address the most substantial
impacts to human health and the environment. Recognizing the role of states and tribes as the
primary implementers where authorized by EPA to implement the federal statutes, EPA will focus
civil enforcement resources on direct implementation responsibilities, as well as assisting
authorized states and tribes in meeting national standards, such as by providing expertise and
implementing compliance monitoring and civil enforcement strategies that will ensure a level
playing field. EPA is responsible for direct implementation for programs that are not delegable or
where a state or tribe has not sought or obtained the authority to implement a particular program
(or program component). Examples include the Clean Air Act (CAA) mobile source program,
pesticide labeling and registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act,
enforcement in Indian Country, and enforcement of non-delegated portions of various other laws,
including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking
Water Act, and the CAA.
Even in states or tribes authorized to implement a program, EPA often serves a critical role as a
backstop for instances when a state or tribe does not timely or appropriately address serious
noncompliance. EPA also may assist a state or tribe in remedying noncompliance problems or take
a federal action when the state or tribe is unable to address the problem because it lacks the
capability, resources, or will, such as actions against other federal or state agencies or violations
that affect multiple states. And for some violations, the Agency and states or tribes may decide
that the best approach is a joint enforcement action. Further, EPA will take immediate action when
there is an environmental emergency, such as an oil spill or chemical accident, or a human health
emergency due to drinking water contamination. In addition, EPA ensures cleanup (corrective
action) at Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facilities. For example, closely
coordinating with states, EPA can issue cleanup orders to RCRA facilities to help meet the RCRA
Corrective Action Program's goals. EPA also will pursue enforcement actions at federal facilities
where significant violations are discovered and ensure that federal facilities are held to the same
standards as the private sector and will provide technical and scientific support to states and tribes
with authorized programs. The Agency also will carry out its statutory oversight responsibilities
and will offer assistance to states in their implementation of delegated programs when needed or
in cases where the Agency maintains a unique expertise or capability.
EPA has evolved the National Enforcement Initiatives program into a National Compliance
Initiatives (NCI) program that provides states and tribes with additional opportunities for
meaningful engagement, applies a broader set of compliance assurance tools, and aligns these
priorities with the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will engage with states, tribes, and
local governments to gather their input on the selection of enforcement and compliance assistance
priorities in FY 2019. Implementation of this NCI cycle begins in FY 2020 and continues through
FY 2023.
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Beginning in FY 2018 and continuing in FY 2020, EPA will track the rate of significant non-
compliance (SNC) with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program
requirements quarterly to assess progress with EPA's goal of reducing the SNC rate. EPA will
identify focus areas to achieve SNC rate reductions with the goal of reducing the rate by 50% by
the end of FY 2022. The Program also will continue to review the rate of electronic reporting for
each authorized NPDES state program and work with states to achieve improved reporting.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 434) Millions of pounds of pollutants and waste reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded
enforcement actions.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
325
325
325
Millions of
Pounds
Actual
1,425
1,221
1,030
62,223
461
810
(PM 436) Number of all referred no complaint (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 201"'
I V 20IS
I V 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
129
129
Cases
Actual
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$7,278.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$30,914.0 / -143.5 FTE) This program change is due to the fact that states are primary
implementers of our nation's environmental laws. EPA will focus on matters affecting
multiple states or tribes, serve as a backstop for instances when a state or tribe does not
timely or appropriately address serious noncompliance, and assisting a state or tribe in
remedying noncompliance problems when it is unable to address the problem because it
lacks the capability, resources, or will. This change includes a reduction in resources for
cases that do not meet these criteria.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
Annex VI); Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act; Clean Air Act; Clean Water Act;
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Mercury-Containing and
Rechargeable Battery Management Act; Noise Control Act; Oil Pollution Act; Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act; Toxic Substances Control Act.
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Criminal Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$7,336.3
$7,502.0
$8,198.0
$696.0
Total Budget Authority
$51,670.5
$52,497.0
$52,780.0
$283.0
Total Workyears
225.3
235.9
219.6
-16.3
Program Project Description:
EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program enforces the nation's environmental laws through targeted
investigation of criminal conduct, committed by individual and corporate defendants, that
threatens public health and the environment. EPA's criminal enforcement agents (Special Agents)
investigate violations of environmental statutes and associated violations of Title 18 of the United
States Code such as fraud, conspiracy, false statements, and obstruction of justice.
The agents are assisted in the Criminal Enforcement Program by forensic scientists, attorneys,
technicians, engineers, and other experts. EPA's criminal enforcement attorneys provide legal and
policy support for all the Program's responsibilities, including forensics and expert witness
preparation, to ensure that program activities are carried out in accordance with legal requirements
and the policies of the Agency. These efforts support environmental crime prosecutions primarily
by the United States Attorneys and the Department of Justice's Environmental Crimes Section. In
FY 2018, the conviction rate for criminal defendants was 92 percent.32
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to focus its resources on the
most egregious cases (e.g., significant human health, environmental, and deterrent impacts), while
balancing its overall case load across all environmental statutes. The Criminal Enforcement
Program will increase its collaboration and coordination with the Civil Enforcement Program to
ensure that EPA's Enforcement program identifies the most egregious cases and responds to them
as effectively as possible. The Agency will perform targeted investigations of violations of
environmental statutes and associated violations of Title 18 of the United States Code to protect
public health and the environment.
32 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/enforcement-amiual-results-fiscal-year-2018.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,516.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$2,929.0 / -17.1 FTE) This net program change reflects a focus on the most egregious
cases and increased coordination with the Civil Enforcement Program, and a reduction in
resources for small cases that have limited deterrence value.
Statutory Authority:
Title 18 of the U.S.C.; 18 U.S.C. § 3063; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as
amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute);
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; Clean Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Clean Air
Act; Toxic Substances Control Act; Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act;
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; Ocean Dumping Act; Rivers and Harbors
Act; Pollution Prosecution Act.
191
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Environmental Justice
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Increase Transparency and Public Participation
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$617.0
$758.0
$0.0
-$758.0
Total Budget Authority
$7,053.5
$7,495.0
$2,739.0
-$4,756.0
Total Workyears
32.9
35.5
4.0
-31.5
Program Project Description:
The Environmental Justice (EJ) Program fosters environmental and public health improvements
in low-income, minority and tribal and indigenous communities disproportionately burdened by
pollution by supporting the integration and consideration of EJ issues throughout EPA's programs,
through collaboration with interagency partners, and by directly supporting the efforts of
vulnerable and overburdened communities to address environmental public health challenges.
EPA's FY 2018 EJ grants program had a special emphasis on projects in rural EJ communities and
awarded 80 percent of its grants to community-based organizations in rural areas to support local
project activities. Examples of these projects included: addressing lead and radon pollution in low-
income housing and educating residents about the public health threats from these pollutants;
monitoring for and identifying the sources of and reducing pollutants in local water sources; and
supporting an innovative pilot to remediate solid waste issues in Alaskan native villages and
remote communities. EPA's FY 2019 EJ grants program has a special focus on supporting projects
in communities that focus on disaster preparedness, response and recovery; projects focused on
issues related to homelessness and military veterans; and a continuing focus on organizations
which have not recently received an EJ grant.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.2, Increase Transparency and Public
Participation in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In accordance with the 2018 American
Water Infrastructure Act, every EPA region employs a dedicated EJ coordinator and the Agency
maintains a list of these persons on the Office of Environmental Justice website.
In FY 2020, EPA will use $2 million dedicated to the EJ Program to support the Environmental
Justice Collaborative Problem Solving cooperative agreement program to support community-
based organizations and Environmental Justice Technical Assistance for Communities to support
the technical needs of low income, minority and tribal/indigenous populations. The Agency has
five measures of national EJ significance that are annually tracked. Results are published in EPA's
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annual EJ reports.33 The Program is currently working to develop and implement measures of EJ
integration throughout EPA's program activities.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$178.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$3,820.0 / -27.1 FTE) This net program change will focus on providing financial
assistance grants to community-based organizations and technical assistance to low
income, minority, and tribal/indigenous populations.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
33 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/enviroimentaljustice/amual-environmental-justice-progress-reports.
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NEPA Implementation
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$15,751.2
$17,622.0
$16,598.0
-$1,024.0
Total Workyears
101.3
104.5
95.5
-9.0
Program Project Description:
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and §309 of the Clean Air Act (CAA),
EPA's NEPA Implementation Program coordinates and comments on the environmental review
of major federal actions. The Program guides EPA's compliance with NEPA, and other related
statutes and executive orders. The Program manages the official Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) filing system for all federal EISs, in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding with
the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).34 It also comments on draft and final EISs and
makes these comments publicly available. Moreover, the Program manages the review of
Environmental Impact Assessments of non-governmental activities in Antarctica, in accordance
with the Antarctic Science, Tourism and Conservation Act.
The NEPA Implementation Program also operates, uses and promotes NEPAssist, a publicly
available geographic information system to help users (EPA, other federal agencies, and the
public) with environmental reviews under NEPA. NEPAssist receives approximately 5,956 visits
per month, with 91 percent being return visitors. EPA also promotes e-NEPA, a web-based system
for federal agencies to file EISs and to make comments on EISs accessible to the public on a
centralized public website.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will focus its reviews on areas where
EPA has statutory authority and expertise. EPA also will continue to work with OMB, CEQ, and
other federal agencies to evaluate ways to coordinate, streamline, and improve the NEPA process.
In FY 2018, the NEPA Implementation Program issued comment letters on over 260 draft and
final EISs as well as numerous environmental assessments. EPA was engaged early with the lead
federal agency on 74 percent of projects where a draft EIS was published.
34 Memorandum of Agreement No. 1 Between The Council on Environmental Quality and The Environmental Protection Agency,
October 1977.
194
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In support of EPA efforts to implement Executive Order 13807: "Establishing Discipline and
Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process35 for Infrastructure Projects",
the Memorandum of Understanding Implementing One Federal Decision, Executive Order 13766:
"Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals for High Priority Infrastructure Projects"36
and the FAST-41 ACT, which all set requirements to streamline infrastructure permitting project
reviews,37 the NEPA Implementation Program will partner with federal agencies on proposed
projects throughout the NEPA process to provide expertise and recommendations and will focus
efforts on early engagement prior to the publication of the Draft EIS. Early engagement by
stakeholders in the NEPA process can support efficiencies and improved project outcomes. Early
engagement may involve meeting with the lead agency in person or by phone or providing written
comments with recommendations to mitigate impacts of the proposed project or improve the
development of the NEPA analysis.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$938.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (+$2,500.0 / +15.0 FTE) This change is an increase to support the implementation of the
Agency's FY 2020 environmental review and permitting responsibilities under NEPA,
CAA Section 309, FAST-41, Executive Order 13807, and the Memorandum of
Understanding implementing One Federal Decision.
• (-$4,462.0 / -24.0 FTE) This program change will provide a centralized approach to
elevating NEPA issues to the Administrator for resolution and allow the Agency to
expedite environmental reviews and approvals of high-priority infrastructure projects, as
directed by the President under Executive Order 13766.
Statutory Authority:
NEPA; CAA § 309; Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act; Clean Water Act § 511(c);
Endangered Species Act; National Historic Preservation Act; Archaeological and Historic
Preservation Act; Fishery Conservation and Management Act; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act;
Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act.
35For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-executive-order-
36 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/24/executive-order-
expediting-environmental-reviews-and-approvals-high.
37 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsvs/pkg/PLAW-114publ94/pdf/PLAW-114publ94.pdf.
195
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Geographic Programs
196
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Geographic Program: Chesapeake Bay
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$67,542.4
$73,000.0
$7,300.0
-$65,700.0
Total Workyears
32.4
34.4
0.0
-34.4
Program Project Description:
The Chesapeake Bay Program is a voluntary partnership, initiated in 1983, that now includes the
Chesapeake Bay watershed states (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and
West Virginia), the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and the federal
government. EPA represents the federal government on the partnership's Chesapeake Executive
Council (EC) and, under the authority of Section 117 of the Clean Water Act, works with the EC
to coordinate activities of the partnership. On June 16,2014, the Chesapeake Bay Program partners
signed the most recent Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement,38 which provides for the first time
the Bay's headwater states (Delaware, New York, and West Virginia) with full partnership in the
Bay Program. The Agreement establishes 10 goals and 31 outcomes for sustainable fisheries, water
quality, vital habitats, climate change, toxic contaminants, and other areas.
EPA, the watershed jurisdictions, and other key federal agencies set two-year milestones for water
quality to make progress towards the Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and the
jurisdictions' Watershed Implementation Plans.39 The TMDL satisfies a requirement of the Clean
Water Act and EPA commitments under Court-approved consent decrees for Virginia and
Washington, D.C. dating to the late 1990s.40 The TMDL is designed to ensure all nitrogen,
phosphorus, and sediment pollution control efforts needed to restore the Bay and its tidal rivers
are in place by 2025.
38 The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement (2014) available at:
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/documents/FINAL Ches_Bav Watershed Agreement.withsignatures-HIres.pdf.
39 The federal milestones related to water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed are available at http://executiveorder.
chesapeakebay.net/EO_13508_Water_Quality_Milestones-2012-01-06.pdf. The jurisdictional milestones are available at:
http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/tmd1/ChesapeakeBav/EnsuringResults.html.
40 The Chesapeake Bay TMDL, available at: http://mvw.epa.gov/cliesapeakebaytiiidl/.
197
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA is requesting $7.3 million for support
of state and local collection of water quality monitoring data and coordination of science, research,
and modeling. The $7.3 million requested in FY 2020 would support the following activities:
• Water quality monitoring ($5.2 million). This funding would leverage between $10-$12
million in combined federal, state, and local funds.
o Tidal and non-tidal monitoring ($4.8 million),
o Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) monitoring ($400 thousand).
• Help build capacity at the state level ($2.1 million).
o Coordinate modeling, decision support services, data collection, analysis, storage, and
access;
o Support information dissemination and transparency; and
o Provide consistency and efficiency in communications and data management.
Environmental results, measured through data collected by the states and shared with the federal
government, show the importance of the investment that federal, state and local governments have
made in providing clean and safe water. Every year the Chesapeake Bay Program uses available
monitoring information from the 92 segments of the Chesapeake Bay to estimate whether each
segment is attaining criteria for one or more of its designated uses. EPA, along with other federal,
state and academic partners, are using this information to demonstrate progress toward meeting
water quality standards and the Bay TMDL.
At the end of FY 2018, practices were in place to achieve 87 percent of the phosphorous reductions,
67 percent of the sediment reductions, and 40 percent of the nitrogen reductions necessary to attain
applicable water quality standards as measured through the Partnership's Phase 5.3.2 Chesapeake
Bay Watershed Model.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$992.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$64,708.0 / -34.4 FTE) This program change reduces funding for the Chesapeake Bay
Program. Remaining resources will support critical activities in water quality monitoring.
198
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Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act, Section 117; Estuary Restoration Act of 2000; Chesapeake Bay Accountability
and Recovery Act of 2014; Clean Air Act; Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141).
199
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Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
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FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$9,122.9
$12,542.0
$0.0
-$12,542.0
Total Workyears
11.2
13.1
0.0
-13.1
Program Project Description:
The efforts of EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program Office (GMPO) are dedicated to the protection,
restoration and enhancement of the water bodies and coastal environments associated with the
greater Gulf of Mexico region.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will encourage
the five Gulf of Mexico states to continue to make progress in restoring the Gulf of Mexico from
within core water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$12,542.0 / -13.1 FTE) This program change eliminates the Gulf of Mexico Program.
This change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs
to state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act; Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141).
200
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Geographic Program: Lake Champlain
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$8,395.0
$8,399.0
$0.0
-$8,399.0
Program Project Description:
EPA supports efforts to protect Lake Champlain through partnerships to implement the
"Opportunities for Action" management plan. The plan was developed to bring together people
with diverse interests in the lake to create a comprehensive pollution prevention, control, and
restoration plan for protecting the future of the Lake Champlain Basin.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will encourage New
York and Vermont to continue to make progress in restoring Lake Champlain from within core
water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$8,399.0) This program change eliminates the Lake Champlain Program. This change
returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs to state and
local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909; Clean Water Act § 120; Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public
Law 115-141).
201
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Geographic Program: Long Island Sound
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$11,753.9
$12,000.0
$0.0
-$12,000.0
Program Project Description:
EPA and the States of Connecticut and New York work in partnership to restore and protect Long
Island Sound. EPA assists states in implementing the Long Island Sound's Comprehensive
Conservation and Management Plan by coordinating the cleanup and restoration actions of the
Long Island Sound Study Management Conference.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will encourage Long
Island Sound states and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the Sound from
within core water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$12,000.0) This program change eliminates the Long Island Sound Program. This change
returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs to state and
local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 119.
202
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Geographic Program: Other
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$7,388.9
$7,393.0
$0.0
-$7,393.0
Total Workyears
4.3
4.6
0.0
-4.6
Program Project Description:
Under this program, the Agency develops and implements approaches to mitigate pollution for
specific and targeted geographic areas, including the Northwest Forest Program, Lake
Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program, and the Southeast New England Coastal Watershed
Restoration Program.
Northwest Forest Program
The Northwest Forest Program supports interagency and intergovernmental efforts that coordinate
and leverage resources for water quality and drinking water efforts in seven41 western states.
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program
The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program, through a collaborative and voluntary effort,
strives to restore ecological health by developing and funding restoration projects within the
sixteen parishes in the basin.
Southeast New England Coastal Watershed Restoration Program (SNECWRP)
The Southeast New England Program serves as a hub to enable protection and restoration of the
coastal watersheds of Southeast New England, including the ecosystem services that sustain the
region's communities.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will encourage
states and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring these major aquatic ecosystems
from within core water programs.
41 California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
203
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$7,393.0 / -4.6 FTE) This program change eliminates the Geographic Other Program.
This change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs
to state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act.
204
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Geographic Program: South Florida
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$1,674.5
$1,704.0
$0.0
-$1,704.0
Total Workyears
1.1
1.8
0.0
-1.8
Program Project Description:
EPA's South Florida Program coordinates restoration activities in South Florida, including the
Florida Keys.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will encourage
state, tribal, and local entities to continue to make progress in protecting and restoring sensitive
aquatic ecosystems in South Florida from within core water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,704.0 / - 1.8 FTE) This program change eliminates the South Florida Program. This
change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs to
state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act of 1990; Clean Water Act; Water
Resources Development Act of 1996; Water Resources Development Act of 2000.
205
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Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$1,763.7
$4,819.0
$0.0
-$4,819.0
Total Workyears
2.2
2.3
0.0
-2.3
Program Project Description:
EPA collaborates with agencies and non-governmental organizations to implement the seven-point
Bay Delta Action Plan (2012)42 designed to protect and restore water quality, aquatic life, and
ecosystem processes in the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. EPA assists the
State Water Resources Control Board with the comprehensive update of the Bay Delta Water
Quality Control Plan.43
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will encourage
the State of California and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the San Francisco
Bay from within core water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,819.0 / -2.3 FTE) This program change eliminates the San Francisco Bay Program.
This change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs
to state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 320; Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141).
42 EPA Bay Delta Action Plan (2012), found at: http://www2.epa.gov/sfbav-delta/bav-delta-action-plan.
43 State Water Board Bay Delta Water Quality Control Plan (webpage updated in 2018), found at:
http://www.waterboards.ca. gov/waterrights/water issues/programs/bav delta/.
206
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Geographic Program: Puget Sound
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$27,961.9
$28,000.0
$0.0
-$28,000.0
Total Workyears
5.7
6.5
0.0
-6.5
Program Project Description:
The Puget Sound Program works with partners to implement the Puget Sound Action Agenda, the
long-term plan for Puget Sound basin protection and restoration. In addition, the Puget Sound
Program funds assistance agreements with the federally recognized tribes in Puget Sound, tribal
consortia, and the North West Indian Fisheries Commission.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will encourage
state, tribal, and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the Puget Sound from
within core water programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$28,000.0 / -6.5 FTE) This program change eliminates the Puget Sound Program. This
change returns the responsibility for funding local environmental efforts and programs to
state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act; Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141).
207
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Great Lakes Restoration
Program Area: Geographic Programs
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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This work will measure and assess the overall results of activities that affect the environmental
condition of the Great Lakes. A successful monitoring system requires the ability to perform an
overall assessment of the Great Lakes, particularly when it can be used to support environmental
management decisions that improve the environment and allow economic growth. Performance is
assessed through annual reporting from GLNPO's monitoring programs and triennial reporting,
such as the State of the Great Lakes Report and the Report of the Parties under the Great Lakes
Water Quality Agreement.44 The United States and Canada, together with many partners, have a
suite of 9 indicators of ecosystem health, supported by 45 sub-indicators to assess the state of the
Great Lakes. Maintaining this annual monitoring program will help governments evaluate the
effectiveness of existing programs, policies and practices and to address, inform, and engage
others. Objectives for ongoing activities in FY 2020 are listed below:
• Continuation and enhancement of the long-term trend monitoring programs that existed
prior to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to measure the water quality of the
Great Lakes and toxic chemicals in the Great Lakes air, water, sediments, and fish. This
also includes monitoring for detection of invasive species and for nutrients that contribute
to harmful algal blooms.
• Building state monitoring capacity to participate in regional collection, evaluation,
management, and reporting of Great Lakes environmental information as has been
demonstrated by successful Great Lakes Fisheries Management efforts.
• Enhancement coordination, and management of Great Lakes data systems for the benefit
of environmental decision makers and the public.
EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) was assigned oversight of the Great Lakes
and Lake Champlain Invasive Species Program at the end of calendar year 2018 as a result of
passage of the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act of 2018. In addition to continuing coordinated
monitoring of Great Lakes health, EPA looks forward to collaborating with the NOAA, the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service, the USGS, and the United States Coast Guard to fulfill the
statutory mandate.
Numerous accomplishments under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in FY 2018
include:
• Since 2010, the Presque Isle (PA), Deer Lake (MI), and White Lake (MI) Areas of Concern
(AOCs) have been delisted. In addition, federal agencies and their partners have completed
the cleanup and restoration actions necessary for delisting at eight additional AOCs.
• Since 2010, a total of 70 Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs), at 24 AOCs in the eight Great
Lakes States, have been removed, seven times the total number of BUIs removed in the
preceding 22 years. Seven BUIs were removed in FY 2018 at: Cuyahoga River (OH); St.
Mary's River (MI); Waukegan Harbor (IL); Ashtabula River (OH); Lower Menominee
River (MI/WI); Rochester Embayment (NY); and Buffalo River (NY).
• Since 2010, over 4 million cubic yards of contaminated sediment has been remediated
through GLRI-associated projects.
44 Summary, highlights, and technical report can be found at https://binational.net/2017/06/19/sogl-edgl-2017/.
209
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• Since 2010, GLRI partners implemented invasive species control activities on over 148
thousand acres.
• GLRI has been central to efforts that keep self-sustaining populations of silver, bighead,
and black carp out of the Great Lakes.
• Since 2015, GLRI has implemented projects that have resulted in a projected reduction of
over 1 million pounds of phosphorus, which contributes to harmful algal blooms around
the Great Lakes in priority watersheds.
• Since 2010, more than 240 thousand acres of habitat, including coastal wetlands, have been
protected, restored, or enhanced.
• In FY 2018, EPA worked with four federal agencies and five states to finalize Lake Erie
phosphorus reduction plans to meet a binational 40 percent phosphorus reduction target.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$909.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$269,091.0 / -65.4 FTE) This program change reduces support for the Great Lakes
Program. This returns responsibility for local government efforts to state and local entities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 118; Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141).
210
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Homeland Security
211
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Homeland Security: Communication and Information
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$4,471.8
$3,910.0
$3,514.0
-$396.0
Total Workyears
11.6
11.0
11.3
0.3
Program Project Description:
This program supports EPA's coordination and communication activities related to national
security and homeland security. The White House, Congress, and the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) have defined responsibilities for EPA in a number of areas, including critical water
infrastructure protection and response to chemical, biological, and radiological events, through a
series of statutes, presidential directives, and national plans. EPA's Office of Homeland Security
(OHS) provides technical, policy, and intelligence advice to senior Agency leadership related to
National and Homeland Security. OHS also leads and coordinates EPA's engagement with the
White House, National Security Council, and other federal departments and agencies on the
development of new homeland security policy and requirements. As EPA's Federal Intelligence
Coordination Office (FICO), OHS coordinates analytical intelligence support capacity across the
Agency to meet EPA requirements and EPA whole-of-government obligations.
OHS focuses on chemical, biological, and radiological preparedness and response programs as
they relate to protection of air and water quality and the prevention of land contamination through
external engagement with federal departments and agencies and others and internal coordination
with EPA program offices with Homeland Security responsibilities. OHS coordinates with
Regional, State, and Local Fusion Centers and Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) to focus on
integrating EPA Regions with the information sharing environment and DHS intelligence sharing
network. OHS also advances implementation of EPA's Insider Threat, Suspicious Activity
Reporting, Operational Security, Counterintelligence, and Committee on Foreign Investment in
the U.S. Programs.
In addition, this program utilizes several mechanisms to support its ability to implement EPA's
broad range of homeland security responsibilities, ensure consistent development and
implementation of homeland security policies and procedures, avoid duplication, and build a
network of partnerships. The Agency's Homeland Security Program regularly convenes both the
Homeland Security Executive Steering Committee, composed of senior executives from EPA
program and regional offices and the Homeland Security Collaborative Network (HSCN), a cross-
agency leadership group.
212
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Homeland security information technology efforts are closely coordinated with the agencywide
information security and infrastructure activities, which are managed in the Information Security
and Information Technology (IT)/Data Management programs. These IT support programs also
enable contact among localities, EPA program and regional offices, and laboratories in emergency
situations.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA's Homeland Security
Program will:
• Promote a coordinated approach to EPA's homeland security activities and support the
alignment of resources with government-wide homeland security priorities and
requirements.
• Support federal, state, tribal, and local efforts to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to, and
recover from the impacts of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other emergencies by
providing leadership and coordination across EPA's program offices and regions.
• Ensure appropriate Agency representation in various White House and other federal
national security and homeland security policy activities. These efforts include serving as
EPA's representative for Homeland Security, national disaster response, and mitigation
and recovery policy in monthly meetings of the Domestic Resilience Group (DRG, chaired
by the National Security Council) and in weekly meetings for other national Homeland
Security policy committees. In addition, OHS serves as EPA's representative in monthly
meetings of the Recovery Support Function Leaders Group (RSFLG, chaired by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA]) and the Mitigation Framework
Leadership Group (MitFLG, also chaired by FEMA), and on other interagency
workgroups.
• Focus on filling critical policy, knowledge, and technology gaps that may be essential for
an effective EPA response, including working with our interagency partners to define
collective capabilities and resources that may contribute to closing common homeland
security gaps.
• Provide EPA end-users with relevant, accurate, reliable, objective, and timely intelligence
bearing on matters of environmental policy and regulation and domestic threats and
counterintelligence, where EPA functions to preserve or assist in the restoration of human
health and the environment.
• Continue phased implementation of Executive Order 13587 (,Structural Reforms to
Improve the Security of Classified Networks and the Responsible Sharing and
Safeguarding of Classified Information) to meet the main pillars of classified information
protection with a focus on the implementation of an Insider Threat Program (ITP) to
address and mitigate threats to national security.
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• Track emerging national/homeland security issues, through close coordination with the
U.S. Intelligence Community, to anticipate and avoid crisis situations and target the
Agency's efforts proactively against threats to the United States.
EPA's FY 2020 resources support national cybersecurity efforts through monitoring across the
Agency's IT infrastructure to detect, remediate, and eradicate malicious activity/software from
EPA's computer and data networks. EPA will enhance internal Computer Security Incident
Response Capability (CSIRC) to ensure rapid identification and reporting of suspicious activity
and will increase training and awareness of cybersecurity threats. EPA's personnel are active
participants in the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), a DHS-led
group of experts from incident response and security response teams. Indicators and warnings are
shared between EPA incident responders and their cleared counterparts in other agencies and with
the Intelligence Community.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$16.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$80.0 / +0.1 FTE) This net program change streamlines activities related to
communication, policies, and procedures to support and coordinate homeland security
efforts across the Agency.
• (-$300.0 / +0.2 FTE) This net program change refocuses IT efforts coordinating homeland
security across the Agency. The Agency will refocus on core functions that improve
foundational capabilities and close gaps in IT security architecture.
Statutory Authority:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) §§ 1001, 2001, 3001, 3005; Safe Drinking
Water Act (SDWA); Clean Water Act §§ 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 107; Clean Air Act §§ 102, 103,
104, 108; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) §§ 201, 301, 401; Federal Insecticide Fungicide
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) §§ 136a-136y; Bio Terrorism Act of 2002 §§ 303, 305, 306, 307;
Homeland Security Act of 2002; Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act; Defense
Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act; Food Safety Modernization Act § 208.
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Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$9,504.5
$9,788.0
$7,457.0
-$2,331.0
Total Budget Authority
$10,413.2
$10,668.0
$8,645.0
-$2,023.0
Total Workyears
25.5
26.7
21.0
-5.7
Program Project Description:
This program supports EPA's efforts to coordinate and provide technical expertise to enhance the
protection of the nation's critical water infrastructure from terrorist threats and all-hazard events
through effective information sharing and dissemination. The Program provides water systems
with current information on methods and strategies to build preparedness for natural and manmade
threats.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will build the capacity to identify and
respond to threats to critical national water infrastructure by:
• Providing timely information on contaminant properties, water treatment effectiveness,
detection technologies, analytical protocols, and laboratory capabilities.
• Supporting effective communication conduits to disseminate threat and incident
information and to serve as a clearinghouse for sensitive information.
• Promoting information sharing between the water sector and environmental professionals,
scientists, emergency services personnel, law enforcement, public health agencies, the
intelligence community, and technical assistance providers. Through this exchange, water
systems can obtain up-to-date information on current technologies in water security,
accurately assess their vulnerabilities to terror acts, and work cooperatively with public
health officials, first responders, and law enforcement officials to respond effectively in
the event of an emergency.
• Providing water utilities, of all sizes, access to a comprehensive range of important
materials, including the most updated information, tools, training, and protocols designed
to enhance the security, preparedness, and resiliency of the water sector.
• Ensuring that water utilities receive timely and informative alerts about changes in the
homeland security advisory level or about regional and national trends in certain types of
water-related incidents. For example, should there be types of specific, water-related
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threats or incidents that are recurring, EPA, in coordination with the Department of
Homeland Security and other appropriate agencies, needs to alert the utilities of the
increasing multiple occurrences or "trends" of these incidents.
Effective information sharing protocols allow the water sector to improve their understanding of
the latest water security and resiliency protocols and threats. They also reduce risk by enhancing
the water sector's ability to prepare for an emergency.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (+$312.0 / +2.6 FTE) This program change reflects an increase to carry out EPA's mission
as the Sector-Specific Agency for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure security.
Funding is critical to protect water infrastructure from natural disasters and terrorist threats.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), §§ 1431-1435; Clean Water Act; Public Health Security and
Bioterrorism Emergency and Response Act of 2002; Emergency Planning and Community Right-
to-Know Act (EPCRA), §§ 301-305.
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Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
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FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$415.0
$416.0
$500.0
$84.0
Building and Facilities
$5,921.7
$6,676.0
$6,176.0
-$500.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$1,325.5
$968.0
$915.0
-$53.0
Total Budget Authority
$13,062.4
$13,465.0
$12,577.0
-$888.0
Total Workyears
8.0
9.6
12.2
2.6
Program Project Description:
Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) resources for the Homeland Security:
Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure Program ensure that EPA maintains a robust
physical security and preparedness infrastructure, ensuring that its numerous facilities are secured
and protected in line with the federally-mandated Interagency Security Committee (ISC)
standards.
In order to secure and protect EPA's personnel and physical infrastructure, the Agency operates a
federally mandated Personal Identity Verification (PIV) program, which adheres to the
requirements as set forth in Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12). This
program ensures the Agency complies with government-wide standards for the issuance of secure
and reliable forms of identification to federal employees and contractors who require access to
federally controlled facilities and networks. Additionally, EPA initiates and adjudicates personnel
background investigations, processes fingerprint checks, determines individual eligibility to access
classified National Security Information (NSI), and maintains personnel security records for all
federal and non-federal employees.
The NSI Program manages and safeguards EPA's classified information for its federal workforce
and contractors. The Program ensures federal mandates are followed to protect national security
information, conduct federally mandated training, and conduct NSI inspections.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. As part of the nationwide protection of
buildings and critical infrastructure, EPA performs vulnerability assessments on facilities each
year. Through this program, the Agency also recommends security risk mitigations, oversees
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access control measures, determines physical security measures for new construction and leases,
and manages the lifecycle of security equipment.
In FY 2020, EPA will partner with GSA to continue migrating to the Enterprise Physical Access
Control System (ePACS), which enables the Agency to modernize its security infrastructure in
compliance with HSPD-12. ePACS ensures that the Agency is undertaking every effort to enhance
safety, security, and efficiency by more effectively controlling access into all EPA-controlled
physical space and networks. It provides EPA the ability to produce and maintain secure and
reliable forms of identification, as required per HSPD-12, for all EPA employees and contractors.
EPA is in compliance with 5 CFR 1400, which requires that federal and non-federal positions are
re-designated for both risk and sensitivity and that personnel have appropriate background
investigations commensurate with their position's risk and sensitivity designation. EPA will
continue to manage the personnel security, suitability, fitness, and NSI programs and conduct
background investigations following appropriate federal guidance, ensuring that personnel are
properly investigated for the positions they encumber and that classified material and activity is
properly handled. As federal guidelines and policies change or are introduced, the systems
supporting background investigations and the NSI program will be updated and enhanced (as
needed).
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$419.0) This program change reduces funding for physical security and preparedness
infrastructure. The Agency will focus on performing the highest priority annual facility
assessments.
• (+2.6 FTE) This program change reflects an increase in reimbursable FTE to support
critical working capital fund Agency background investigations needs.
Statutory Authority:
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004; Privacy Act of 1974; REAL ID Act
of 2005; Homeland Security Act of 2002; Americans with Disabilities Act; Reorganization Plan
No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.)
(EPA's organic statute).
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Indoor Air and Radiation
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Indoor Air: Radon Program
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$133.5
$159.0
$0.0
-$159.0
Total Budget Authority
$2,708.6
$3,295.0
$0.0
-$3,295.0
Total Workyears
9.4
9.0
0.0
-9.0
Program Project Description:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizes EPA to undertake a variety of
activities to address the public health risk posed by exposure to indoor radon. Under the statute,
EPA studies the health effects of radon, assesses exposure levels, sets an action level, provides
technical assistance, and advises the public of steps they can take to reduce exposure. For over 30
years EPA's radon program has provided important guidance and significant funding to help
states establish their own programs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,136.0 / -9.0 FTE) This funding change eliminates the Program in the EPM account.
Statutory Authority:
Title HI of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Clean Air Act.
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Radiation: Protection
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
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FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$2,407.4
$2,246.0
$990.0
-$1,256.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$2,176.9
$1,985.0
$1,933.0
-$52.0
Total Budget Authority
$13,871.1
$13,411.0
$5,230.0
-$8,181.0
Total Workyears
68.5
66.3
25.0
-41.3
Program Project Description:
EPA has general and specific duties to protect human health and the environment from harmful
and avoidable exposure to radiation under multiple statutes. This includes the Atomic Energy Act;
Clean Air Act; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act; Energy
Policy Act; Nuclear Waste Policy Act; Public Health Service Act; Safe Drinking Water Act;
Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act; Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act;
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; and Clean Water Act.
EPA's Radiation Protection Program carries out these responsibilities through its federal
guidance and standard-setting activities, including: regulatory oversight and implementation
of radioactive waste disposal standards at the Department of Energy's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
(WIPP);45 the regulation of airborne radioactive emissions; and the development and
determination of appropriate methods to measure radioactive releases and exposures under
Section 112 of the Clean Air Act.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will meet its statutory obligation to implement its
regulatory oversight responsibilities for Department of Energy (DOE) activities at the Waste
Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) facility, as mandated by Congress in the WIPP Land Withdrawal
Act of 1992. EPA also will review and update regulation or guidance, as necessary.
45 For additional information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/radiation/wipp/background.html.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$310.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and
benefit costs.
• (-$6,563.0 / -32.1 FTE) This program change reduces support activities in the Radiation
Protection Program to focus Agency resources on priority activities.
Statutory Authority:
Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act; Energy Policy Act of 1992; Nuclear Waste Policy Act
of 1982; Public Health Service Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation
Control Act (UMTRCA) of 1978; Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Land Withdrawal Act of 1992;
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act; Clean Water Act.
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Radiation: Response Preparedness
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
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FY 2019 Annualized
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$3,259.5
$3,266.0
$3,793.0
$527.0
Total Budget Authority
$5,034.0
$5,218.0
$6,012.0
$794.0
Total Workyears
29.6
31.5
31.5
0.0
Program Project Description:
EPA generates policy guidance and procedures for the Agency's radiological emergency
response under the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Oil and Hazardous
Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The Agency maintains its own Radiological
Emergency Response Team (RERT) and is a member of the Federal Radiological Preparedness
Coordinating Committee (FRPCC) and the Federal Advisory Team for Environment, Food and
Health (the "A-Team"). EPA continues to respond to radiological emergencies; conducts essential
national and regional radiological response planning and training; and develops response
plans for radiological incidents or accidents.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to evaluate its resources and streamline
activities across radiological emergency response activities and assets to focus on essential
preparedness work. The RERT will maintain essential readiness to support federal radiological
emergency response and recovery operations under the NRF and NCP. EPA will design and
conduct essential training and exercises to maintain the RERT's ability to fulfill EPA's
responsibilities and improve overall radiation response preparedness.46
46 For additional information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiological-emergencv-response-expertise-and-
eauipment.
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Evaluation of Response Plans
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to work with interagency partners under the FRPCC to revise
federal radiation emergency response plans and develop radiological emergency response
protocols and standards as resources dictate. The Agency will continue to use guidance
addressing lessons learned from incidents and exercises to ensure the effective delivery of EPA
support in coordination with other federal and state response agencies.
Coordinating Preparedness Efforts
EPA will continue essential planning and participation in international and federal table-top
and field exercises, including radiological anti-terrorism activities with the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense
(DoD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Agency also will continue to
train state, local and federal officials; provide technical support on priority issues to federal
and state radiation, emergency management, solid waste and health programs responsible for
radiological emergency response; and develop preparedness programs.
Assessment
EPA will continue to develop and use both laboratory and field measurement methods, as well
as procedures and quality systems to support expedited assessment and characterization of areas
impacted with radiological contamination. These methods and procedures will support rapid
assessment and triage of impacted areas (including buildings, indoor environments and
infrastructure) and the development of cleanup strategies.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$108.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefits costs.
• (+$159.0 / +0.6 FTE) This program change is an increase in the Radiation: Response
Preparedness Program and provides increased technical support for stakeholders that are
responsible for radiological emergency response.
Statutory Authority:
Homeland Security Act of 2002; Atomic Energy Act of 1954; Clean Air Act; Post-Katrina
Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (PKEMRA); Public Health Service Act (PHSA);
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA).
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Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
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FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$40.0
$326.0
$0.0
-$326.0
Total Budget Authority
$13,529.6
$13,695.0
$0.0
-$13,695.0
Total Workyears
42.8
46.0
0.0
-46.0
Program Project Description:
Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) authorizes EPA
to conduct and coordinate research on indoor air quality, develop and disseminate information,
and coordinate risk reduction efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. EPA utilizes a range of
strategies, including partnerships with non-governmental, professional, federal, state and local
organizations, to educate and prepare individuals, school districts, industry, the health care
community, and others to take action to reduce health risks from poor indoor air quality in homes,
schools, and other buildings.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$13,369.0 / -44.6 FTE) This funding change eliminates the Program in the EPM account.
Statutory Authority:
Title HI of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Clean Air Act.
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Information Exchange
226
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Children and Other Sensitive Populations: Agency Coordination
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$6,496.0
$6,548.0
$2,545.0
-$4,003.0
Total Workyears
18.7
19.6
9.9
-9.7
Program Project Description:
The Program coordinates and advances the protection of children's environmental health across
EPA by: assisting with developing regulations; improving risk assessment and science policy;
implementing community-level outreach and education programs; and tracking and
communicating measures, indicators, and progress on children's health. In addition, the Children's
Health Program is directed by EPA's recently reaffirmed Policy on Evaluating Health Risks to
Children, Executive Order 13045 Protection of Children's Health from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks, statutory authorities addressing children's environmental health, and other
existing guidance.47 The Program supported the February 2018 Principal's Meeting of the
President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, co-chaired
by EPA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary. The Program
coordinated the development of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures
and Associated Health Effects** which was finalized in December 2018.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Children's Health
Program will:
• Continue to serve as co-lead for the interagency efforts of the President's Task Force on
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children alongside the Department of
Health and Human Services. This effort will focus on co-chairing the Senior Steering
Committee and implementing priority strategies, including implementation of the Federal
Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures and Associated Health Impacts. Each
of the four goals of the Federal Action Plan has specific objectives and associated activities,
designed to be tracked by the Task Force. They are as follows: Goal 1: Reduce children's
exposure to lead sources; Goal 2: Identify lead-exposed children and improve their health
47 For more information: https://www.epa.gov/childrenMstorv-childrens-environmental-health-protection-epa.
48 For more information: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-12/documents/fedactionplan_lead fiiial.pdf".
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outcomes; Goal 3: Communicate more effectively with stakeholders; and Goal 4: Support
and conduct critical research to inform efforts to reduce lead exposures and related health
risks. Implementation efforts associated with federal initiatives may be supported by other
Task Force agencies or EPA program offices.
• Support implementation of the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by
providing children's environmental health expertise focused on actions addressing the
statutory provisions that include children's health, such as existing chemicals prioritization
efforts, risk evaluations and regulatory actions.
• Provide children's environmental health expertise in the development of priority pesticide
assessments that address children's health concerns.
• Identify both potential health benefits and/or health risks to children during the
development of Agency regulations and policies with targeted participation on regulatory
workgroups.
• Coordinate two in-person plenary meetings of the Children's Health Protection Advisory
Committee (CHPAC).49
• Support and administer the newly proposed Healthy Schools Grant Program to provide
funding to identify and prevent, reduce or resolve environmental hazards in schools,
including preventing childhood lead exposure, reducing asthma triggers, promoting
integrated pest management, and reducing childhood exposure to one or more toxics in
schools across all environmental media.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$485.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce cost for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$4,064.0 / -12.7 FTE) This net program change reflects a reduction in the Children's
Health Program due to streamlining activities including: 1) the Pediatric Environmental
Health Specialty Units; 2) grants to state or local organizations; 3) IRIS reviews; 4)
regionally selected community-based projects addressing local children's environmental
health issues; 5) indicators presented in America's Children and Environment and
America's Children; Key National Indicators of Well-Beings and 6) other streamlined
efforts.
49 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/children/childrens-health-protection-advisorv-committee-chpac.
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• (+$546.0 / +3.0 FTE) This increase is to support and administer the newly proposed
Healthy Schools Grant Program to provide funding to identify and prevent, reduce or
resolve environmental hazards in schools, including preventing childhood lead exposure,
reducing asthma triggers, promoting integrated pest management, and reducing childhood
exposure to one or more toxics in schools across all environmental media.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Food
Quality Protection Act.
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Environmental Education
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Increase Transparency and Public Participation
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$10,223.4
$8,702.0
$0.0
-$8,702.0
Total Workyears
6.7
10.3
0.0
-10.3
Program Project Description:
The Environmental Education (EE) Program provides guidance and financial support to both rural
and urban focused grassroots and nonprofit organizations, local educational institutions,
universities, community colleges and state and local environmental agencies. Financial support
from EE received by these entities is via the competitive grant process and cooperative agreements.
EE also administers the Presidential Environmental Education Awards Program.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will continue
to find ways to streamline education activities and leverage funding outside the Agency for
environmental stewardship activities via existing cooperative agreements and at the state and local
level.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$8,702.0 / -10.3 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Environmental
Education Program.
Statutory Authority:
National Environmental Education Act (NEEA); Clean Air Act, § 103; Clean Water Act, § 104;
Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA), § 8001; Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), § 1442; Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA), § 10; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA), § 20.
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Exchange Network
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Streamline and Modernize
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$1,328.6
$1,328.0
$1,293.0
-$35.0
Total Budget Authority
$18,761.0
$17,284.0
$13,420.0
-$3,864.0
Total Workyears
28.5
29.4
30.2
0.8
Program Project Description:
EPA's Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN) is a standards-based, secure approach
for EPA and its state, tribal and territorial partners to exchange and share environmental data over
the Internet. Capitalizing on advanced technology, data standards, open-source software, shared
services for the E-Enterprise business strategy, and reusable tools and applications, the EN offers
its partners tremendous capabilities for managing and analyzing environmental data more
effectively and efficiently, leading to improved decision making.
The Central Data Exchange (CDX)50 is the largest component of the EN Program and serves as
the point of entry on the EN for environmental data transactions with the Agency. CDX provides
a set of core shared services that promote a leaner and more cost-effective enterprise architecture
for the Agency by avoiding the creation of duplicative services. It enables faster and more efficient
transactions for internal and external EPA clients, resulting in reduced burden. Working in concert
with CDX are EPA's System of Registries, which are shared data services, designed to enhance
efficiency, reduce burden on the regulated community, and improve environmental outcomes.
These shared data services catalog entities routinely referenced by EPA and EN partners, from
commonly regulated facilities and substances to the current list of federally recognized tribes. They
identify the standard or official names for these assets, which, when integrated into EPA and
partner applications, fosters data consistency and data quality as well as enabling data integration.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to support core functions for
the EN IT systems, which is in line with the President's Management Agenda for IT modernization
and data, accountability, and transparency.51
50 For more information on the Central Data Exchange, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cdx/.
51 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/pma/.
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The potential for burden reduction and savings from IT improvements are significant. For example,
the Virtual Exchange Service (VES) used for facilitating large scale data transactions has been
implemented by 58 state and tribal partners. The electronic signature service has been adopted by
58 partners to date and six more are expected to join in FY 2019. EPA estimates that
implementation of these services has reduced the cost overall for partners to develop, deploy, and
operate these services by approximately $7.25 million. These partners would otherwise need to
build and manage their own exchange services. EPA will continue to carry out the baseline support
for the adoption and onboarding of VES, signature services, and federated identity service for EPA
and its partners. In 2019, EPA will deploy EPA's Federal Regulation Finder, which will integrate
multiple shared services into a discovery tool that will help industry and the public more easily
identify potentially applicable regulations. The Federal Regulation Finder initially will integrate
three catalogs: a substance catalog (Substance Registry Services), an Enterprise Vocabulary, and
a catalog of federal statutes and regulations (Laws and Regulations Services) to enable a user to
search for laws and regulations by substance or keyword. Further, EPA will pursue the
development and roll out of a business workflow service that is built once and shared multiple
times to support automation of major EPA program initiatives and other streamlining efforts as a
result of EPA Lean Management System events. Building and managing a workflow service
centrally reduces potential for duplicate and independent development and maintenance of
solutions in the Agency.
Multiple performance efforts also use exchange services and registries (shared data services) to
improve data quality in EPA, state, and tribal program data, and to reduce reporting burden on the
regulated community. Beginning in FY 2019, EPA is promoting adoption of the Tribal
Identification (TRIBES) shared service by tracking its use by EPA systems that collect tribal
names.
EPA also tracks the number of registry webpages users and web service hits as one measure of
usage. For example, the Substance Registry Service (SRS) website is visited by about 50 thousand
users per month; many of these users visit SRS to understand regulatory information about
chemicals. SRS also receives between 25 thousand and 60 thousand web service hits per month,
mostly by EPA systems that have incorporated the web services into their online reporting forms.
Priorities for Agency registries include improving registry technologies and expanding the number
of EPA and partner systems that integrate registry services into their online reports and systems,
reducing burden and improving data quality. This includes updating EPA's dataset registry to
allow EPA scientists, external partners, and others to share information and make information
easier to find in the cloud. In addition, the Agency will deploy in 2019 the Federal Regulation
Finder tool to help small and medium businesses discover potentially applicable regulations. It
allows a user to search by chemical or keyword to discover relevant regulations, with links to
EPA's program website for further information. Expansion of this tool in FY 2020 and FY 2021
will allow users to search by industrial classification through the association of industrial processes
to North American Industrial Classification System.
In FY 2020, the EN Program will continue to be a pivotal component of the E-Enterprise for the
Environment strategy that supports business process change agencywide. The E-Enterprise
strategy - jointly governed by states, tribes, and EPA - rethinks how government agencies deliver
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environmental protection. Under this strategy, the Agency is streamlining business processes and
systems to reduce reporting burden on states and regulated facilities and to improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of environmental programs for EPA, states, and tribes. In FY 2019
the Agency developed an identity management service that eliminated redundant and time-
consuming user registrations across environmental programs and partners. As a result, the E-
Enterprise Portal transforms the EN to a more open platform of services and makes environmental
data reporting, sharing and analysis faster, simpler and less expensive.
EPA also will continue to work with the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) to maintain systems that support the importation process of products that are of
dual interest to EPA and CBP. Following the successful conclusion of the limited pilot test for
electronic reporting and processing of EPA-regulated imports for vehicles and engines in FY 2019,
EPA will continue to support mission essential activities of these EPA and CBP data exchanges in
FY 2020. Such electronic reporting will aid enforcement coordinators by automating a currently
manual review process and allowing them to focus on key high-value monitoring and targeting
activities for noncompliant imports.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$292.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$4,121.0 / +0.8 FTE) This net program change is an adjustment that reflects a modified
timeline to address required modifications to the Exchange Network IT systems;
streamlines quality assurance of registries; refocuses modernization efforts; and reduces
the collection and exchange of environmental data with states, tribes, and regulated entities.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA); Clean Air Act (CAA); Clean Water Act
(CWA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Government Performance and
Results Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA).
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Executive Management and Operations
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$49,458.4
$49,842.0
$41,771.0
-$8,071.0
Total Workyears
292.9
298.6
235.6
-63.0
Program Project Description:
This program supports various offices that provide direct executive and logistical support to EPA's
Administrator. In addition to the Administrator's Immediate Office (10), resources in this program
support the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations (OCIR), Office of
Administrative and Executive Services (OAES), Office of the Executive Secretariat (OEX), the
Office of Public Affairs (OP A), and the Office of Public Engagement (OPE).
This program also supports EPA's Regional Administrators' offices. The program and regional
offices' activities link the Agency's engagement with outside entities, including: Congress, state
and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, national and community associations, and
the public. These activities include management, coordination, and establishing policy.
Within this program, key functions include: responding to congressional requests for information;
coordinating and providing outreach to state and local governments and rural communities; and
supporting press and other communications activities. This program also supports administrative
management services involving correspondence control and records management systems, human
resources management, budget formulation and execution, and information technology
management services.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the IO will continue providing management,
leadership, and direction to all of EPA's programs and activities and develop the guidance
necessary to ensure achievement of the Agency's core statutory responsibilities. In FY 2020, IO
resources will primarily support critical needs for staff, including travel and workforce support.
OCIR serves as EPA's principal point of contact for Congress, regions, states, and local
governments and as the coordination point for interaction with other Agency offices and officials.
OCIR is comprised of two main components: The Office of Congressional Affairs (OCA) and the
Office of Intergovernmental Relations (OIR). Interactions with Congress are managed out of the
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Office of Congressional Affairs, the staff of which is responsible for specific programmatic areas
of the Agency. The Office of Intergovernmental Relations manages interactions with state and
local governments and serves as the liaison for the Agency with national associations for state and
local officials.
In FY 2020, OCIR's OCA will prepare EPA officials for hearings, oversee responses to written
inquiries and oversight requests from members of Congress, and coordinate and provide technical
assistance and briefings on legislative areas of interest to members of Congress and their staff.
OIR will continue to inform state and local governments of regulatory and other EPA activities.
Additionally, OIR will lead the Agency's efforts to support productive working relationships with
states through a renewed focus on cooperative federalism.
OCIR regularly reviews and evaluates its processes for responding to congressional and
intergovernmental correspondence and FOIA requests, preparing for hearings or briefings,
providing technical assistance, and coordinating with HQ program offices, regions, states, local
officials and associations. Efficiency and effectiveness improvements identified are implemented
as appropriate. In addition, OCIR participates in an agencywide metric on responding to state and
tribal requests. OCIR also is exploring the use of a new reporting tool which will reduce reporting
burdens while enhancing transparency in grant commitment setting across EPA regions.
The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) facilitates the exchange of information between EPA and the
public, media, Congress, and state and local governments; broadly communicates EPA's mission;
assists in public awareness of environmental issues; and informs EPA employees of important
issues that affect them. OPA generally responds to approximately 8,000 media inquiries annually,
and oversees more than 200 audio-visual productions; and 300 graphic productions annually. In
addition, OPA receives over 45 million impressions on the internet, including www.epa.eov and
EPA social media accounts. Also, to facilitate good communications with EPA employees
nationwide, OPA annually posts over 200 intranet banners; issues a weekly e-newsletter - This
Week @ EPA; and sends more than 100 Agencywide Mass Mailers from EPA's Administrator and
other senior leaders.
In FY 2020, OPA will continue to inform the media of agency initiatives and deliver timely,
accurate information. The Office will continue to update the Agency's internet site to provide
stakeholders with transparent, accurate, and comprehensive information on EPA's activities and
policies. OPA will continue using social media, multi-media and new media tools to provide
stakeholders with information. The Office also will work with EPA's programs and regions to
improve employee communications and collaboration, update the Agency's intranet site, and use
other tools to provide timely Agency information to employees.
As the central administrative management component of the Administrator's Office (AO), the
OAES provides advice, tools, and assistance to the AO's programmatic operations. In FY 2020,
OAES will continue to conduct the following activities: human resources management, budget and
financial management, information technology and security, and audit management.
The Office of the Executive Secretariat (OEX) manages the AO's correspondence, records
management, Privacy Act implementation and FOIA activities. The OEX correspondence team
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processes correspondence for the Administrator and Deputy Administrator and reviews and
prepares documents for their signature. The team also manages the Administrator's primary email
account. OEX serves as custodian of the Administrator's, Deputy Administrator's and Immediate
Office records and oversees the records management program for all AO staff offices. OEX
reviews and issues ethics determinations for gifts received by the Administrator and Deputy
Administrator. The Office manages the privacy program for the AO and monitors, reviews and
audits AO systems of records. OEX operates the Correspondence Management System, which
provides paperless workflow, tracking and records management capabilities to more than three
thousand registered users agencywide. Finally, OEX manages FOIA-related operations for the AO,
a centralized program that results in greater efficiencies, improved responsiveness and
transparency consistent with the statute's intent. In FY 2020, OEX will continue to provide critical
administrative support to the Administrator, Deputy Administrator, senior Agency officials, and
staff in order to comply with the statutory and regulatory requirements under the Federal Records
Act, FOIA, and related statutes and regulations.
The Office of Public Engagement (OPE) in the Office of the Administrator advises the
Administrator and senior staff on activities surrounding different stakeholder groups. Also, OPE
generates and distributes outreach plans for most regulatory actions. Such plans often include:
meeting regularly with stakeholder groups to communicate the Administration's agenda at EPA,
providing advance notification communications to relevant stakeholder groups on upcoming
regulatory actions, facilitating in-state visits by the Administrator and/or senior staff to collect
regulatory feedback, communicating key dates to stakeholders pertaining to opportunities to
comment on EPA rulemakings, and organizing conference calls on regulatory topics with impacted
stakeholders.
In FY 2020, the United States will be hosting the G7 Summit and EPA will be hosting the
associated Environmental Ministers G7 meeting. In preparation for the summit, approximately
three planning meetings will occur.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM ST1) Number of grant commitments achieved by states, tribes, and local communities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
TBD
Commit-
ments
Actual
N/A
(PM ST2) Number of alternative shared governance approaches to address state, tribal, and local community
reviews.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
Established
3
3
Alternative
Approaches
Actual
0
Work related to the results of measure: Number of grant commitments achieved by states, tribes,
and local communities, is agencywide in scope. The lead office is the Office of the Administrator.
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Work related to the results of measure: Number of alternative shared governance approaches to
address state, tribal, and local community reviews, is agencywide in scope. The lead office is the
Office of the Administrator.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,898.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$9,981.0 / - 63.1 FTE) This net program change reflects EPA's efforts to focus on the
core legal requirements, federal-only and national efforts, provide support to states in
implementing environmental laws, and ease burden.
• (+$12.0) This program change reflects an increase for hosting the associated
Environmental Minsters as part of the 2020 G7 Summit.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Environmental Research, Development, and
Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA).
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Small Business Ombudsman
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$1,799.8
$1,826.0
$1,918.0
$92.0
Total Workyears
5.4
4.9
4.6
-0.3
Program Project Description:
EPA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) currently includes the
Small Business Ombudsman Program and the Small Business Contracting Program. Effective
December 23, 2018, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, which was previously
managed within OSDBU, was transferred to EPA's Office of Grants and Debarment as part of a
corrective action measure recommended in GAO Report, GAO-17-675. Based on the effective
administration of the Small Business Ombudsman Program and the Agency's overall small
business regulatory and environmental compliance assistance efforts, EPA has earned a grade of
"A" in the last 12 Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of the National Ombudsman
Annual Reports to Congress. EPA also has earned an "A" on SBA's last nine government-wide
Small Business Procurement Scorecards, for the Agency's record of excellence in affording small
business contracting opportunities.
The Small Business Ombudsman Program includes the Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman
(ASBO),52 as well as the Small Business Advocacy Chair and other small business activities
located in the Office of Policy's Office of Regulatory Policy and Management.53 The Program
provides a comprehensive suite of resources, networks, tools, and forums for education and
advocacy on behalf of small businesses and leads EPA's implementation of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act, as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. For
example, in FY 2018, ASBO provided a newsletter and hosted a comprehensive environmental
compliance and education training conference.
The ASBO serves as the Agency's principal advocate for small business regulatory issues through
its partnership with EPA Regional Small Business Liaisons, state Small Business Environmental
Assistance Programs (SBEAPs)54 nationwide, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of
Advocacy, and hundreds of small business trade associations. These partnerships provide the
52 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/resources-small-businesses/asbestos-small-business-
ombudsman.
53 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gOv/abontepa/abont-office-policv-op#QRPM.
54 For more information, please see: https://nationatsbeap.org/.
238
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information and perspective EPA needs to help small businesses achieve their environmental
goals.
Overall, the core functions of the Small Business Ombudsman Program include assisting EPA's
program offices with analysis and consideration of the impact of their regulatory actions on small
businesses; engaging small entity representatives, and other federal agencies in evaluating the
potential impacts of rules; operating and supporting the Program's hotline and homepage; and
supporting internal and external small business activities. The Program helps small businesses
learn about new actions and developments within EPA and helps the Agency learn about the
concerns and needs of small businesses.
The Small Business Contracting Program is mandated under Section 15(k) of the Small Business
Act, 15 U.S.C. § 644(k). As prescribed under that section, the Program provides expertise in
ensuring small business prime and subcontract opportunities to expand the competitive supplier
base in furthering the Agency's mission. The Program offers statutorily required counseling to
EPA's contracting community on all aspects of the acquisition cycle. It also affords statutorily
mandated advocacy and technical assistance to the various categories of small businesses,
including, disadvantaged businesses; certified small businesses located in Historically
Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones); service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses
(SDVOSBs); and women-owned small businesses. In accordance with that statutory mandate,
during FY 2018 OSDBU hosted or participated in an average of at least one small business
outreach and training conference each month, providing technical assistance to hundreds of small
businesses across the country.
In implementing the many statutory responsibilities required under Section 15(k), OSDBU reviews
acquisition strategies to maximize small business procurement opportunities; provides expertise
in conducting market research for EPA acquisitions; performs contract bundling reviews to avoid
unnecessary or unjustified limitations on small business utilization; reviews purchase card
transactions within the statutory threshold; and evaluates large prime contractor subcontracting
plans. In addition, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization reviews unsolicited
proposals for agency acquisitions, and assists small businesses in resolving payment issues under
EPA acquisitions. It further provides a broad range of training, outreach and technical assistance
to new and prospective small business awardees. Current data reported in the Federal Procurement
Data Systems indicates that EPA has awarded 52 percent of total acquisition dollars to small
business - well above the Agency's established small business contracting goal of 39.9 percent.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Programs will:
• Improve environmental protection by working with EPA program offices and state
SBEAPs to share information and leverage resources, provide compliance assistance
resources and enhance the compliance assistance tool box available to the small business
community.
239
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• Continue to implement a new internal and external outreach program focused on increasing
outreach platforms for more effective public engagement. This will include a compendium
of available resources for small business environmental compliance assistance.
• Serve as the Agency's point of contact for the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act55 by
coordinating efforts with the Agency's program offices to further reduce the information
collection burden for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
• Support EPA's efforts to expand regulatory consistency and certainty by strengthening the
outreach and engagement efforts of the Agency's Small Business Advocacy Review Panel
process performed under Section 609 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act. The engagement will ensure appropriate dissemination of relevant
information and opportunity for public input to help build trust and create positive
environmental outcomes.
• Build on the successful launch of EPA's electronic process for forecasting the Agency's
upcoming acquisitions. The new electronic forecast process provides a structured
framework for the Agency to strategically plan acquisitions to ensure prudent financial
stewardship and resource management. OSDBU will strengthen the forecast data
submission requirements to enhance its accuracy and timeliness.
• Expand the transparency of EPA's contract spending by developing more real-time
reporting of the specific acquisitions of each EPA organization. OSBU was successful in
developing an automated small business contracting dashboard to efficiently track, analyze
and report EPA's progress in achieving the small business goals established in accordance
with Section 15 of the Small Business Act. The efforts contributed to EPA achieving the
highest percent of small business awards in five years. Enhancing the dashboard's real-
time reporting capacity in FY 2020 will facilitate more data-driven acquisition planning
and efficiency EPA-wide.
• Consistent with the EPA Lean Management System, OSDBU will develop a small business
contracting manual that will further streamline and standardize internal business
operations. In FY 2018, OSDBU issued first-time operational guidance for carrying out
several of its statutory responsibilities. In FY 2020, OSDBU will continue its
comprehensive review of governing requirements and internal processes to identify
additional opportunities for process improvements. Based on that review, OSDBU will
develop new and consolidate existing guidance into a single manual that will serve to
strengthen operational efficiency, effectiveness and compliance with governing statutory
requirements.
• Institute a new more transparent and collaborative process for conducting the important
small business technical assistance required under Section 15(k) of the Small Business Act.
The process will leverage existing and emerging collaborative tools, resources and
55 For more information, please see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/inforeg/sbDra-hr327.pdf.
240
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technology to reach a broad and diverse spectrum of small businesses to maintain a
qualified industrial base to support EPA mission achievement.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$19.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (+$111.0 / -0.3 FTE) With a limited change in resources, the Agency will prioritize
activities to ensure compliance with its statutory obligations under the Small Business act.
This net program change incorporates the statutory functions of the Small Minority
Business Assistance program project, under the Office of Small and Disadvantaged
Business Utilization in this program.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 § 1001 (42 U.S.C. § 7601 note); 42 U.S.C. § 766If; 42 U.S.C.
§ 4370d; 15 U.S.C § 644(k); Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by
Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.).
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Small Minority Business Assistance
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$1,598.1
$1,574.0
$0.0
-$1,574.0
Total Workyears
7.0
8.9
0.0
-8.9
Program Project Description:
EPA's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) manages the Agency's
Small Business Contracting and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs.
The Small Business Contracting Program is mandated under Section 15(k) of the Small Business
Act, 15 U.S.C. § 644(k). The Program provides expertise in expanding small business prime and
subcontracting opportunities. The Program offers counseling to EPA's contracting community on
all aspects of the acquisition cycle. It also provides a range of advocacy, outreach and technical
assistance to the various categories of small businesses, including, disadvantaged and women-
owned small businesses; businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones
(HUBZone); and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs).
The DBE Program provides national outreach, education and assistance to increase the utilization
of businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in
procurements funded under EPA financial assistance agreements. Under the DBE Program,
OSDBU issues the governing program eligibility and compliance requirements.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. The Agency will
integrate its resources for Small and Disadvantaged Business activities under the Small Business
Ombudsman Program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
242
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• ($-1,574.0 / -8.9 FTE) This funding change eliminates the Small Minority Business
Assistance Program as part of the effort to streamline functions that can be absorbed into
other programs. Key portions of this program's activities will be shifted to the Small
Business Ombudsman Program.
Statutory Authority:
15 U.S.C § 644(k); Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-
80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.).
243
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State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$14,799.1
$14,760.0
$10,524.0
-$4,236.0
Total Workyears
65.0
67.8
46.9
-20.9
Program Project Description:
The State and Local Prevention and Preparedness Program establishes a structure composed of
federal, state, local, and tribal partners who work together with industry to protect emergency
responders, local communities, facility workers, the environment, and property from chemical
accident risks through accident prevention and emergency response programs, community and
facility engagement, and improved safety systems. This framework provides the foundation for
community and facility chemical hazard response planning, and reduction of risk posed from
chemical facilities.
Under Section 112(r) of the 1990 Clean Air Act amendments, chemical facilities that store more
than a certain amount of listed hazardous substances are required to implement a Risk Management
Plan (RMP) program. These facilities, known as RMP facilities, take preventive measures, report
data, mitigate and/or respond to chemical releases, and work with communities, response, and
planning groups to increase understanding of risks.56
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 was created to
help communities plan for chemical emergencies and to inform the public about chemicals in their
community. Under EPCRA, facilities are required to report about the chemicals they produce, use,
and store to state and local governments. States, tribes, and local governments use this information
to prepare communities for potential releases from these facilities through the development of local
emergency response plans.57
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the State and Local
Prevention and Preparedness Program will perform the following activities:
56 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/rmp.
57 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/epcra.
244
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• Inspect RMP and EPCRA facilities to ensure compliance with accident prevention and
preparedness regulations, and work with chemical facilities to reduce chemical risks and
improve safety. There are approximately 12,300 chemical facilities that are subject to the
RMP regulations. Of these, approximately 1,850 facilities have been designated as high-
risk based upon their accident history, quantity of on-site dangerous chemicals stored, and
proximity to large residential populations.58 EPA prioritizes inspections at high-risk
facilities.
• Provide basic and advanced RMP and EPCRA inspector training for federal and state
inspectors.
• Maintain the RMP national database, which is the nation's premier source of information
on chemical process risks and contains hazard information on all RMP facilities. Industry
electronically submits updated RMPs to this secure database.
• Develop updates to maintain and further enhance the Computer-Aided Management of
Emergency Operations (CAMEO) software suite, i.e., the CAMEO Chemicals,
CAMEO//??, Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres (ALOHA) and Mapping
Application for Response, Planning, and Local Operational Tasks (MARPLOT)
applications, which provide free and publicly available information for firefighting, first
aid, emergency planning, and spill response activities.
• Take action as necessary regarding reconsideration of the RMP Amendments final rule to
address three petitions for reconsideration under the Clean Air Act. Based on any further
amendments to the final rule, carry out implementation of rule provisions, including
drafting and revising facility guidance, and revising the RMP database to accept modified
submissions.
EPA is proposing to develop a new program that would authorize EPA to collect and use fees for
compliance assistance which can assist RMP facilities in complying with EPA regulations. This
fee and service will be voluntary.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$528.0) This change in fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
58 Population data is reported in facility risk management plans and available in the EPA RMP national database.
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• (-$4,764.0 / -20.9 FTE) This program change reduces resources for technical support and
outreach, and eliminates grant support for certified RMP inspectors in FY 2020.
Statutory Authority:
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); the Clean Air Act (CAA)
§ H2(r).
246
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TRI / Right to Know
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$13,796.8
$12,783.0
$7,811.0
-$4,972.0
Total Workyears
33.5
35.8
20.8
-15.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's success in carrying out its mission to protect human health and the environment is
contingent on collecting timely, accurate and relevant information. The Toxics Release Inventory
(TRI) Program59 supports EPA's mission by annually publishing for the public, release, other
waste management (e.g., recycling), and pollution prevention data for over 650 toxic chemicals
from approximately 20,000 industrial and federal facilities. The TRI Program is a premiere source
of toxic chemical release data for communities, non-governmental organizations, industrial
facilities, academia, and government agencies.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will focus on the
collection of the chemical release data and making the data available to governments and the
public.
EPA will continue to provide reporting facilities with an online reporting application, TRI-
MEweb, to facilitate the electronic preparation and submission of TRI reports through EPA's
Central Data Exchange (CDX). In addition, the TRI data collected by EPA are shared with states,
tribes, and territories that have an active node on CDX and are partners of the TRI Data Exchange
(TDX). EPA will continue to maintain the TDX used by states, tribes, and territories. The Agency
also will continue to support the Toxics Release Inventory Processing System (TRIPS) database,
which is the repository for TRI data. Maintaining the TRI data includes data quality activities and
transmitting the data to the Envirofacts database in support of the public's access to TRI data. In
FY 2020, additional activities include continued streamlining of the application and database using
the EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) process including on feedback from users and the
Program.
59 Please see: http://www.epa.gov/tri/
247
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In FY 2020, the TRI Program intends to collect performance evidence by conducting
approximately 600 data quality checks which will be used to help ensure the accuracy and
completeness of the reported data and thereby improve the Program's analyses of and impacts on
chemical releases and wastes. The TRI Program will continue to publish the annual TRI National
Analysis, including describing relevant trends in toxic chemical releases as well as trends in other
waste management practices and innovative approaches by industry to reduce pollution.
Since electronic systems that collect and disseminate TRI data have already been largely
developed, the focus will be on operations and maintenance of TRI-MEweb, TRIPS, and the
streamlining of business processes that contribute to the annual TRI National Analysis. This will
be accomplished by leveraging the cloud environments and Agency enterprise infrastructure and
services. Emphasis also will be placed on optimizing search and data transfers within EnviroFacts,
the system that provides public access to the statutorily required data submitted by industry. Use
of enterprise infrastructure and services as well as a commitment to continuous service
improvement will allow the TRI Program to meet statutory requirements for industry reporting
and public access to TRI as efficiently as possible.
As required by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), the
Agency will respond to EPCRA petitions regarding TRI within 180 days after receipt. Petitions
may request to add or delete chemicals or industry sectors on the TRI. The quantity and complexity
of petitions are unknown until submitted to the Agency.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$127.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$3,458.0 / -13.6 FTE) This program change eliminates funding for the TRI National
Training Conference, TRI University Challenge, TRI Tools (other than for operations and
maintenance), and other TRI communication initiatives, and reflects planned streamlining
of the TRI Program as TRI information can increasingly be accessed remotely via
databases and web tools. This program change also reflects a reduction in contractual costs
for producing TRI annual reports as a result of the 2013 TRI Electronic Reporting Rule.
Resources include -$2,237.0 in associated payroll.
• (-$1,641.0 / -1.4 FTE) This program change reduces resources for operations and
maintenance for the OEI TRI tools in EnviroFacts, Data Processing Center operations,
Help Desk activities, and security upgrades. In addition, enhancements for TRI-MEweb
and TRIPS are eliminated. Resources include -$230.0 in associated payroll.
248
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Statutory Authority:
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) § 313; Pollution Prevention
Act of 1990 (PPA) § 6607.
249
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Tribal - Capacity Building
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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$13,979.6
$14,547.0
$13,201.0
-$1,346.0
Total Workyears
83.4
86.6
72.0
-14.6
Program Project Description:
EPA is responsible for protecting human health and the environment in Indian Country under
federal environmental statutes. Under the Agency's 1984 Indian Policy,60 EPA works with
federally recognized tribes (tribes) on a government-to-government basis, in recognition of the
federal government's trust responsibility to tribes, to implement federal environmental programs.
In the 1984 Indian Policy, "EPA recognizes tribes as the primary parties for setting standards,
making environmental policy decisions, and managing programs for reservations consistent with
agency standards and regulations," therefore, EPA assists tribes in developing the programs to
make such decisions. In the absence of a program delegation to a tribe, the Agency directly
implements the Program.
EPA's American Indian Environmental Office leads the agencywide efforts to ensure
environmental protection in Indian Country. Please see http://www.epa.gov/tribal for more
information.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Overall, the Agency has made steady progress towards
strengthening human health and environmental protection on tribal lands. EPA will further its
priority of strengthening tribal partnerships and continue to work toward its goal of building tribal
capacity through a number of mechanisms in FY 2020. In addition, the Agency continues the direct
implementation assessment effort to better understand EPA's direct implementation
responsibilities and activities on a program-by-program basis in Indian Country.
Capacity Building: EPA will continue to provide assistance and to support mechanisms for tribes
to pursue developing and implementing federal environmental programs, including the "treatment
in a manner similar to a state" (TAS) process and the use of the Direct Implementation Tribal
60 EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations, available at
https://www.epa.gov/tribal/epa-policv-administration-environmental-programs-indian-reservations-1984-indian-policv.
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Cooperative Agreement (DITCA) authority. The Agency will continue to provide technical and
financial assistance to ensure tribal governments have the opportunity to build the capacity to
meaningfully participate and engage in environmental protection activities. To date, EPA has
approved 78 TAS regulatory program delegations to tribes, including 17 approvals for compliance
and enforcement authority. EPA also has entered into 52 DITCAs, with 22 active DITCAs in FY
2018.
Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) Capacity Building Support: GAP
grants to tribal governments help build the basic components of a tribal environmental program.
The Agency manages GAP grants according to its Guidance on the Award and Management of
General Assistance Agreements for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia 61 In FY 2020, EPA will
continue to administer GAP financial assistance to build tribal capacity and address environmental
issues in Indian Country. EPA's work in FY 2020 also will continue to enhance EPA-Tribal
partnerships through development and implementation of EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans and a
continued focus on tracking and reporting measurable results of GAP-funded activities.
GAP Online: EPA will continue to use and evaluate the future needs for GAP Online consistent
with evolving EPA grant processes. GAP Online is an internet-based system that assists tribes and
EPA in developing, reviewing, and archiving GAP work plans and progress reports. EPA and
tribes use the system to negotiate plans and track progress with individual grantees. GAP Online
supports program accountability and creates an easily accessible record to help maintain continuity
regardless of staff turnover in EPA regional offices and many Tribal environmental departments.
Tribal Consultation: In working with the tribes, EPA follows its Policy on Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribes 62 The Consultation Policy builds on EPA's 1984 Indian Policy
and establishes clear agency standards for a consultation process promoting consistency and
coordination. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to support the Agency's web-based Tribal
Consultation Opportunities Tracking System, a publicly accessible database used to communicate
upcoming and current EPA consultation opportunities to tribal governments. The system provides
a management, oversight, and reporting structure that helps ensure accountability and
transparency.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
61 Please refer to https://www.epa.gov/tribal/2013-guidance-award-and-management-general-assistance-agreements-tribes-and-
intertribal for further information.
62 Please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/tribal/forms/consultation-and-coordination-tribes.
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$487.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential
workforce support, and benefits costs.
• (-$1,833.0 / -14.6 FTE) This reduces some tribal capacity building efforts and eliminates
grants to tribal colleges and universities; certain tribal small-grant programs; and including
other contract program support.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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International Programs
253
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International Sources of Pollution
Program Area: International Programs
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
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for U.S. businesses, drive demand for U.S. emissions control technologies, and expand exports of
U.S. environmental goods and services to China while improving air quality conditions in the
United States.
EPA will maintain efforts to reduce environmental threats to U.S. citizens from global
contaminants impacting air, water, and food safety. EPA will continue technical and policy
assistance for global and regional efforts to address international sources of harmful pollutants,
such as mercury. Since 70 percent of the mercury deposited in the U.S. comes from global
sources63, both domestic efforts and international cooperation are important to address mercury
pollution. EPA will continue to work with international partners and key countries to fully
implement obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury in order to protect the U.S.
population from mercury emissions originating in other countries, including from artisanal and
small-scale gold mining. EPA will continue to play a leadership role in the Lead Paint Alliance to
increase the number of countries that establish effective laws to limit lead in paint, which remains
a priority health concern following successful efforts to eliminate lead in gasoline worldwide.
EPA also will continue its participation in the North American Commission for Environmental
Cooperation (CEC), which provides regional and international leadership to advance
environmental protection, human health and sustainable economic growth in North America.
EPA will engage multilaterally and bilaterally to prevent and reduce marine litter, an increasingly
prominent global issue that can negatively impact domestic water quality, tourism, industry and
public health in the U.S. Because 80 percent of marine litter comes from land-based sources64 of
waste, countries with inadequate waste management contribute to the pollution in our shared
oceans. EPA will continue to work with other federal agencies to advance sound policy approaches
for global action on marine litter.
The United States assumes the Presidency of the G7 in 2020. Because the G7 Presidency involves
hosting ministerial-level meetings in addition to a Leaders Summit, EPA will participate with other
federal agencies in ensuring the President's agenda for the United States' G7 Presidency. EPA's
work on the G7 for 2020 will advance key environmental policy deliverables on clean air, clean
water, and marine litter, developed in partnership with U.S. stakeholders, building on priorities
agreed to in previous G7 Environment Ministers Meetings, and in support of the Administration's
vision for the U.S. G7 Presidency.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
63 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/intematioiial-cooperation/miiiamata-convention-mercury
and www.mercuryconvention.org.
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$316.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefits costs.
• (-$2,869.0 / -22.5 FTE) This reduction supports the continued reprioritization of agency
activities. The Program will focus efforts on the highest priority international issues.
• (+$988.0) This program change focuses on the President's agenda for the United States'
G7 Presidency by advancing key environmental policy deliverables on clean air, clean
water, and marine litter.
Statutory Authority:
In conjunction with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) § 102(2)(F): Clean Air Act §
103(a); Clean Water Act § 104(a)(l)-(2); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) § 1442(a)(1);
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) § 8001(a)(1); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) §§ 17(d), 20(a); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) §10(a);
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) § 203(a)(1); E.O. 13547; E.O. 13689.
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Trade and Governance
Program Area: International Programs
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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$5,290.1
$5,463.0
$0.0
-$5,463.0
Total Workyears
16.2
15.9
0.0
-15.9
Program Project Description:
Since the 1972 Trade Act mandated the U.S. Trade Representative engage in interagency
consultations, EPA has played a key role in trade policy development. Specifically, EPA is a
member of the Trade Policy Staff Committee and the Trade Policy Review Group - interagency
mechanisms that provide advice, guidance, and clearance to the Office of the U.S. Trade
Representative in the development of U.S. international trade and investment policy. Trade
influences the nature and scope of economic activity and therefore the levels of pollutant emissions
and natural resource use. EPA's role in trade negotiations is to ensure that agreements have
provisions that are consistent with the Administration's environmental protection goals while not
putting the United States at an economic disadvantage.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE have been proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will
continue its participation in the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation
(CEC) and other international forums, as appropriate, through the International Sources of
Pollution Program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$5,463.0 / -15.9 FTE) This funding change eliminates the Trade and Governance
Program.
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Statutory Authority:
In conjunction with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) § 102(2)(F): Clean Air Act §
103(a); Clean Water Act § 104(a)(l)-(2); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) § 1442(a)(1);
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) § 8001(a)(1); Federal Insecticide Fungicide
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) §§ 17(d), 20(a); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) §10(a);
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) § 203(a)(1); E.O. 12915; E.O. 13141;
E.O. 13277.
258
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US Mexico Border
Program Area: International Programs
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
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Total Budget Authority
$2,645.5
$3,033.0
$0.0
-$3,033.0
Total Workyears
13.1
13.9
0.0
-13.9
Program Project Description:
The two thousand-mile border between the United States and Mexico is one of the most complex
and dynamic regions in the world, where the benefits of international programs are perhaps most
apparent. This region accounts for three of the ten poorest counties in the U.S., with an
unemployment rate 250-300 percent higher than the rest of the country.65 In addition, over 430
thousand of the 14 million people in the region live in 1,200 colonias,66 which are unincorporated
communities characterized by substandard housing and unsafe drinking water. The 1983 La Paz
Agreement67 and the adoption of the Border Programs have gone a long way to protect and
improve the health and environmental conditions along a border that extends from the Gulf of
Mexico to the Pacific Ocean.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. Projects historically
funded along the border between the United States and Mexico may be eligible for funding under
the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,033.0 / -13.9 FTE) This funding change eliminates the U.S. Mexico Border Program
as part of the effort to focus resources on core environmental work.
65 http ://hsc .unm. edu/commumtv/toolkit/docs2/l 0 .USMBHC-TheBorderAt AGlance .pdf
66 http://hsc.unm.edu/commumtv/toolkit/docs2/10.USMBHC-TheBorderAtAGlance.pdf
67 https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-Q9/documents/lapazagreement.pdf
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Statutory Authority:
In conjunction with the 1983 Agreement between the United States of America and the Mexican
United States on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the
Border Area (La Paz Agreement) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) § 102(2)(F):
Clean Air Act § 103(a); Clean Water Act § 104(a)(l)-(2); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) §§
1442(a)(1); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) § 8001(a)(1); Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) §§ 17(d), 20(a); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
§ 10(a); Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) § 203(a)(1).
260
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IT/ Data Management/ Security
261
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Information Security
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
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$745.8
$661.0
$5,082.0
$4,421.0
Total Budget Authority
$7,762.3
$7,941.0
$18,855.0
$10,914.0
Total Workyears
16.0
16.6
12.8
-3.8
Program Project Description:
Digital information is a valuable national resource and a strategic asset that enables EPA to fulfill
its mission to protect human health and the environment. The Agency's Information Security
Program's mission is to protect the confidentiality, availability and integrity of EPA's information
assets. The information protection strategy includes, but is not limited to policy, procedure and
practice management; information security awareness, training and education; governance and
oversight; risk-based weakness management; operational security management; and incident
detection, response and recovery.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Cybersecurity is a serious challenge to
our nation's security and economic prosperity. Effective information security requires vigilance
and the ability to adapt to new challenges every day. As reported to the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), in FY 2018, EPA experienced 145 known successful attacks against its systems.
EPA has identified significant gaps in its ability to detect, respond to, protect against and recover
from attacks. These gaps increase the risk to compromise agency information.
According to the draft FY 2018 Q4 Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment from DHS, EPA
is one of the CFO Act agencies whose cybersecurity posture is "At Risk." In response, in FY 2020
EPA will leverage new capabilities through the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM)
program to close existing gaps in the Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment areas of
identifying and alerting on the introduction of unauthorized hardware and software into the
Agency's networks and systems, checking outbound traffic for unauthorized exfiltration,
automated removal media prevention and assessing systems with a Security Content Automation
Protocol (SCAP) product. In addition to protecting EPA information assets, CDM will help the
Agency identify and respond to federal-wide cybersecurity threats and incidents quicker and more
efficiently, thereby better protecting all federal information assets.
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EPA's cost to implement new and maintain existing CDM capabilities as mandated by the Office
of Management and Budget is estimated to be over $10 million in FY 2020 across all
appropriations. With available resources, EPA also will work to close non-CDM capability gaps
essential to adequately protect agency information assets. Such efforts include the Cybersecurity
Risk Management Assessment area of analyzing malicious email attachments, detecting and
mitigating effects of insider threats and advanced persistent threats, and conducting program
responsibilities, such as governance, oversight, and risk management.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment metrics developed by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) and industry best practices help prioritize action to adequately
protect agency information assets, and EPA's Information Security Program continues to provide
the Agency visibility on vulnerabilities. While EPA's cybersecurity posture is expected to remain
at risk in FY 2020, the Agency will continue to conduct risk-assessments and alternatives analyses
to determine which protections EPA must maintain or implement. For example, the Agency is
assessing alternatives for Security Operations as a Service and cloud security options such as
Cloud Access Security Brokers Services for possible implementation.
In FY 2020, the Information Security Program will continue to collect Federal Information
Security Modernization Act (FISMA) metrics and evaluate related processes, tools, and personnel
to continue to identify areas of weakness and opportunities for improvement. The Program will
collect phishing test results and evaluate the effectiveness of awareness efforts. With these data,
the Agency will identify strategies and prioritize areas to mitigate risks. The Agency will expand
strategies for identifying and leveraging common controls and smartly managing system
boundaries to reduce associated compliance costs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$5,283.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a net increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs, including IT security and privacy, for existing FTE due to
adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and benefit costs.
• (+$1,210.0 / -3.8 FTE) This net program change is an adjustment needed for mandatory
cyber security requirements,68 including CDM funding that will be used to close existing
gaps by improving audit capabilities, ensuring accountability and adding protections
directly associated with the information. This change also supports CDM phase three,
which will continue implementation in FY 2020.
68 Including those found in Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 and Federal Information Security
Cybersecurity Act of 2015.
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Cybersecurity Act of 2015; Federal Information
Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA);
Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA).
264
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IT / Data Management
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
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$2,296.0
$3,089.0
$2,747.0
-$342.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$14,126.0
$13,824.0
$13,443.0
-$381.0
Total Budget Authority
$100,886.5
$100,169.0
$87,307.0
-$12,862.0
Total Workyears
412.6
439.9
456.9
17.0
Program Project Description:
The work performed under the Information Technology/Data Management (IT/DM) Program
supports human health and the environment by providing critical IT infrastructure and data
management. It ensures: access to scientific, regulatory, policy, and guidance information needed
by the Agency, the regulated community, and the public; analytical support for interpreting and
understanding environmental information; exchange and storage of data, analysis, and
computation; and rapid, secure, and efficient communication.
This program supports the maintenance of EPA's IT and Information Management (IT/IM)
services that enable citizens, regulated facilities, states, and other entities to interact with EPA
electronically to get the information they need on demand, to understand what it means, and to
share environmental data with the least cost and burden. The Program also provides support to
other IT development projects and essential technology to EPA staff, enabling them to conduct
their work effectively and efficiently in the context of the Federal Information Technology
Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA).
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The goal of EPA's IT/DM services is to
enhance the power of information by delivering on demand data to relevant parties. The Agency's
increased investment in Technology Business Management (TBM) will further support its efforts
to make sound, data-driven IT investment decisions by providing increased IT spend information,
integrating this information into agency Chief Information Officer (CIO) portfolio reviews, and
using this information to optimize IT services funded through the Working Capital Fund.
In FY 2020, the Agency will focus on improving customer experiences to allow EPA, its partners,
and the public to acquire, generate, manage, use, and share information as a critical resource. In
line with the President's Management Agenda for IT modernization and data, accountability, and
265
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transparency,69 EPA will improve how it supports and manages the lifecycle of information and
information products. In addition, the Agency will continue to modernize IT/IM infrastructure,
applications and services, empower a mobile workforce using innovative and agile solutions, and
support state and tribal partnerships using innovative and agile solutions.
In FY 2020, EPA will further strengthen its IT acquisition review process as part of the
implementation of federal Common Baseline Controls for FITARA. FITARA controls include an
established communication and engagement strategy for the CIO with the Agency's programs and
regional offices to ensure that their IT plans are well designed, directly drive Agency strategic
objectives, and follow best practices. These controls also enable the CIO to engage closely with
key IT stakeholders across EPA and to foster plans to refresh IT skills within the Agency.
In FY 2020, the following IT/DM activities will continue:
• Data Management and Collection: Data management and collection efforts include
support for a variety of essential information management programs, including the
National Records Management Program. These national activities include providing
regulations, policies/procedures, coordination, and support to help fulfill EPA's statutory
obligations to maintain records. Additionally, Discovery Services technology will continue
to support the search/collection of agency information needed to help respond to requests
for information from external stakeholders. EPA will continue to coordinate and oversee
the Agency's Information Collection Request development and approval process, helping
to ensure that data collections are approved by the Office of Management and Budget as
required by the Paperwork Reduction Act.
• Mission Software and Digital Services Capabilities: The FY 2020 budget includes a
funding request to enhance the Agency's software development and architecture capability,
including application development and deployment approaches and technical platforms.
This program continues EPA's adoption of transformative technologies and practices,
including cloud computing, agile development methodologies, and shared software
development services.
• Geospatial: In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to support the essential capabilities of
GeoPlatform, a shared technology enterprise for geospatial information and analysis. By
implementing geospatial data, applications and services, the Agency can integrate and
interpret multiple data sets and information sources to support environmental decisions.
GeoPlatform will continue to publish internal and public mapping tools, which will better
inform the public about EPA's programs to protect the environment and public health. As
of December 2018, EPA has over 4,400 GeoPlatform mapping applications created or
modified for public and internal use using the GeoPlatform. The number of GeoPlatform
users has increased from nearly two thousand users in early calendar year 2015 to over
eight thousand users at the end of calendar year 2018.
69 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Piesideats-Maiiagement-
Agenda.pdf.
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• Information Access and Analysis: In FY 2020, EPA will focus on providing core support
to agency infrastructure and tools that will drive better environmental decision making with
data from across the Agency. EPA will provide partnership support to other agencies,
states, tribes, and academic institutions to propose innovative ways to use, analyze and
visualize data. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to support Envirofacts and data visualization
applications, which receives over 40 million annual application interface requests.
• Information Technology and Infrastructure: EPA will adjust the schedule for
replacement or upgrades to align with resources and will continue to maintain and provide:
desktop computing equipment, network connectivity, e-mail and collaboration tools,
hosting services, remote access, telephone services, web and network services, and other
IT-related equipment. In FY 2020, the Agency will continue efforts to consolidate EPA's
data centers and computer rooms and to optimize operations within EPA's remaining data
centers.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$822.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a net decrease due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefits costs.
• (-$11,317.0 / +19.8 FTE) This program change modifies the timeline for development of
new technologies to address agency needs such as new assistive technology tools, ability
to re-platform legacy applications, and replace end of service IT equipment that provides
basic workforce support across the Agency. It also reflects an increase in reimbursable FTE
to support critical working capital fund information technology and data service needs.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Information Technology Acquisition
Reform Act; Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-
Cohen Act (CCA); Rehabilitation Act of 1973 § 508.
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Legal/ Science/ Regulatory/ Economic Review
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Administrative Law
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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$4,753.0
$4,812.0
$59.0
Total Workyears
24.0
23.2
23.8
0.6
Program Project Description:
This program supports EPA's Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) and the Environmental Appeals
Board (EAB). By adjudicating disputed matters, the ALJ furthers the Agency's mission to protect
human health and the environment. The ALJ preside in hearings and issue initial decisions in cases
initiated by EPA's enforcement program concerning environmental, civil rights, and government
program fraud related violations. The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of
America guarantees the regulated community the right to due process of the law.
The ALJ provides the constitutionally guaranteed legal process and review for hearings and issues
initial decisions in cases brought by the Agency's enforcement program against those accused of
violations under various environmental, civil rights, and anti-fraud statutes. The right of affected
persons to appeal those decisions is conferred by various statutes, regulations, and constitutional
due process rights. The ALJ also offers an opportunity for alternative dispute resolution.
The EAB is a four-member appellate tribunal established by regulation in 1992 to hear appeals
and issue final decisions in environmental adjudications (primarily enforcement- and permit-
related) under all major environmental statutes that EPA administers. The EAB promotes the rule
of law and furthers the Agency's mission to protect human health and the environment. The EAB
decides petitions for reimbursement under CERCLA 106(b), hears appeals of pesticide licensing
and cancellation proceedings under FIFRA, and serves as the final approving body for proposed
settlements of enforcement actions initiated at EPA headquarters. The EAB issues decisions
consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and under the authority delegated by the
Administrator and pursuant to regulation.
The EAB adjudicates administrative appeals in a fair and timely manner in accord with the APA,
ensuring consistency in the application of legal requirements. The EAB also resolves disputes
efficiently, avoiding protracted federal court review. In over ninety percent of matters decided by
the EAB, no further appeal is taken to federal court, providing a final resolution to the dispute. The
EAB also offers an opportunity for alternative dispute resolution.
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the ALJ will convene formal hearings in the
location of the alleged violator or violation, as required by statute. In FY 2020, the ALJ will
continue to modernize its electronic filing and case management system to reduce mailing delays
and costs. In FY 2020, the EAB will continue to implement its streamlined procedures for
adjudicating permit appeals under all statutes and will continue to expedite appeals in Clean Air
Act New Source Review cases and in FIFRA licensing proceedings.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (+$60.0 / +0.6 FTE) This net change is an adjustment of funds for managing an electronic
filing and case docketing system and for travel.
Statutory Authority:
Administrative Procedure Act (APA); Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as
amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute);
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA); Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Clean Water Act (CWA); Clean Air Act
(CAA); Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA); Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA); Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); Marine Protection, Research, and
Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA); Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act
(MCRBMA); the Act to Prevent Pollution From Ships (APPS).
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Alternative Dispute Resolution
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
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$744.3
$748.0
$0.0
-$748.0
Total Budget Authority
$1,900.0
$1,898.0
$0.0
-$1,898.0
Total Workyears
8.0
8.4
0.0
-8.4
Program Project Description:
EPA's General Counsel and Regional Counsel Offices provide environmental Alternative Dispute
Resolution (ADR) services and workplace conflict prevention. EPA utilizes ADR as a method for
preventing or resolving conflicts prior to engaging in formal litigation. ADR includes the provision
of legal counsel, facilitation, mediation and consensus building advice and support. This program
oversees a strategically-sourced contract for these services that provides mediation, facilitation,
public involvement, training, and organizational development support to all headquarters and
regional programs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measures Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,150.0 / -5.9 FTE) This program change eliminates the centralization of the conflict
prevention and ADR Program. Programs across the Agency may pursue ADR support
services and training individually.
Statutory Authority:
Administrative Dispute Resolution Act (ADRA) of 1996; Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1996;
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Civil Rights Program
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
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CR
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$60.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Total Budget Authority
$8,908.2
$9,335.0
$9,003.0
-$332.0
Total Workyears
48.7
53.6
48.3
-5.3
Program Project Description:
The Civil Rights Program enforces federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination by
recipients of federal financial assistance and protect employees and applicants for employment
from discrimination. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR), which has responsibility for Title VII
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints, affirmative employment analysis, and
reasonable accommodations, accomplished the following in FY 2018: eliminated a multi-year
backlog of Final Agency Decisions (FADs); conducted a Lean process to evaluate and improve
investigatory timeframes; developed a mediation guide to enhance efforts to promote use of
alternative dispute resolution; engaged senior management and EPA program offices in the
development of the Agency's Anti-Harassment Policy and EEO Policy; launched training for
Special Emphasis Program Managers (SEPMs); and processed over 400 Reasonable
Accommodations (RA) requests.
The Program provides policy guidance and technical assistance to external recipients and
internally on EEO and is responsible for carrying out the following functions:
• External Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI) functions include the enforcement of several
civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that prohibit
discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin (including limited-English
proficiency), disability, sex, and age, in programs or activities that receive federal financial
assistance from EPA. The Agency investigates and resolves external complaints, develops
policy, conducts proactive compliance initiatives and compliance reviews, and provides
technical assistance to recipients and outreach to communities.
• Employment Complaints Resolution (Title VII) functions address complaints of
employment discrimination, including those filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 and pursuant to Executive Order 13672 (July 21, 2014).
• Affirmative Employment Analysis and Accountability functions provide leadership,
direction, and advice to managers and supervisors to assist them in carrying out equal
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opportunity and civil rights responsibilities. The Program also is responsible for reporting
under the EEO Commission's Management Directive 715 (MD-715),70 which provides
guidelines for identifying triggers and conducting barrier analysis related to EEO within
EPA's workforce.
• Reasonable Accommodation functions carry out EPA's responsibilities under the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires the Agency to provide reasonable
accommodation for individuals with disabilities, unless it would cause undue hardship for
the Agency.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Civil Rights Program is developing
strategic plans for its internal, employment-related functions, including specific goals,
implementation steps, and benchmarks that will serve as internal performance measures to ensure
accountability for all of the functions. In FY 2020, EPA's Civil Rights Program will continue its
strategic planning process with an emphasis on process improvement, internal performance
measures, technology resources, and strategic human capital planning. These actions are consistent
with measures called for in the EPA Report "Developing a Model Civil Rights Program at the
EPA."71
External Civil Rights, including Title VI
In FY 2020, the Program will continue to implement the External Compliance Program Strategic
Plan for FY 2015-2020 which focuses on three key goals: Enhance Strategic Docket Management;
Develop a Proactive Compliance Program; and Strengthen the External Civil Rights and
Compliance Office's Workforce to Promote a High-Performing Organization. The Program
continues to support complaint docket management through investigations, informal resolution
agreements and mediation consistent with its Case Resolution Manual. Providing proactive
technical assistance and partnering with states; reviews, outreach to communities, strategic policy
development, and the Program's workforce planning and training will be prioritized.
During FY 2018 and FY 2019, the Program developed and refined internal performance measures
and successfully reduced the backlog of complaints under investigation and pending Jurisdictional
Reviews. In FY 2020, the Program will continue to track internal performance measures to ensure
complaints pending under investigation are resolved within 180 days of acceptance for
investigation, as required by EPA's nondiscrimination regulation, and that all Jurisdictional
Reviews are processed within 20 days, as required by EPA's nondiscrimination regulation. In FY
2019, and continuing through FY 2020, the Program will continue to deploy and refine an
electronic case and document management system to manage the external civil rights complaint
docket; refine and reissue its Case Resolution Manual; provide guidance to recipients of EPA funds
70 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Equal Employment Opportunity Management Directive 715, October 1, 2013.
71 For more information, please see: http://intranet.epa.gov/civilrights/pdfs/training/ecfr-developing-a-model-civil-rights-
program.pdf.
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regarding their regulatory obligation to have in place a nondiscrimination program; and implement
a contract to provide language assistance services to limited-English proficient customers
throughout EPA. Some specific initiatives may continue to build off FY 2018 and FY 2019
activities, including:
• Deployment of additional proactive technical assistance pilots to work collaboratively with
states to build upon and strengthen each state's nondiscrimination program in light of the
federal civil rights laws.
• Development of chapter three of the Civil Rights Toolkit to share guidance and promising
practices with EPA recipients related to "Risk Communication" on environmental civil
rights issues.
• Continued implementation of the Program's Functional Competency Framework which
strengthens the Agency's workforce by promoting the development of a highly effective,
performance-based organization, including individual development plans that include
customized training objectives.
Title VII
In FY 2020, EPA will dedicate most of its financial resources to the processing of discrimination
complaints, including EEO counseling, investigations, and drafting FADs. The Program will focus
on process improvements to: 1) ensure prompt, effective, and efficient EEO complaint docket
management; 2) enhance the proactive EEO compliance program through strategic policy and
training development; and 3) strengthen the Title VII workforce through strategic human capital
planning. In addition, the Program will:
• Continue to train additional collateral-duty EEO Counselors and professionalize other
collateral duty functions for SEPMs, FAD writers, and Local Reasonable Accommodation
(RA) Coordinators.
• OCR will continue to improve its investigation timeliness with a target of 92 percent on-
time completion rate. The Program currently has a completion rate of 90 percent.
• Improve the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) participation rate to the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission goal of 50 percent by strengthening the Program
through increasing training, marketing and the development of an ADR guide for use by
Agency employees.
• Institute routine evaluations of the Title VII investigation process for continuous
improvement using the Lean methodology.
• Apply visual management techniques to Title VII process improvement efforts to ensure
greater accountability and transparency.
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• Implement cross agency training for supervisors and staff to increase global understanding
of the EEO process, and relevant roles and responsibilities.
• Assess how services are provided nationally to ensure their availability and efficient
delivery.
Affirmative Employment Analysis and Accountability (AEAA)
In FY 2020, the Program will continue to focus on process improvements to: 1) ensure prompt,
effective, and efficient development of critical and required reports, such as MD-715; 2) enhance
the proactive Affirmative Employment function through development of strategic policy, training
and the engagement of critical internal EPA partners; and 3) strengthen the AEAA workforce
through strategic human capital planning. Consistent with this strategic approach, the Program will
continue to:
• Increase collaboration among program offices and regions to ensure coordination of related
EEO and diversity and inclusion objectives.
• Ensure integration of civil rights into EPA's strategic planning processes, organizational
assessments, operating plans, and other relevant reporting vehicles.
• Develop and implement activities, trainings, and educational events that assist EPA's
programs in civil rights.
• Use the Lean methodology to evaluate the MD-715 development plan to identify
efficiencies and process improvements.
• Increase the availability of data from the AEAA Program through visual management (e.g.,
dashboards) and increased use of technology to demonstrate progress.
• Provide effective training and tools for managers and supervisors in carrying out their
responsibilities under MD-715 and the Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan.
Reasonable Accommodations (RA) Program
In FY 2020, the RA Program will continue to focus on process and technological improvements
to ensure prompt, effective, and efficient RA request docket management. The Program also will
enhance the proactive RA compliance function through development of strategic policy; training
and the engagement of critical internal EPA partners; The Program will continue to:
• Transition to the Reasonable Accommodations Management System for processing RA
requests to ensure greater efficiency and integrity within the Program.
• Update reasonable accommodation processes and templates to improve the timeliness,
efficiency, and consistency of communications and to avoid release of sensitive personally
identifiable information.
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• Assess, evaluate, and further develop the in-person and on-line training curriculum for
reasonable accommodation and Section 508 compliance with a goal of training all EPA
managers by quarter 2 of FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$476.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$808.0 / -5.3 FTE) This program change reflects a reduction in the Civil Rights Program
through the streamlining of support for the processing of investigations for Title VI and
Title VII complaints, enhancement of mandatory reporting, and improvements in the
overall management of complaints and reporting processes.
Statutory Authority:
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972;
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 § 504; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Federal Water Pollution
Control Act Amendments of 1972 § 13; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Equal Pay Act
of 1963; Rehabilitation Act of 1973 §§ 501, 504, 505, 508; Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990; ADA Amendments Act of 2008; Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967;
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
276
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Integrated Environmental Strategies
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Streamline and Modernize
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$9,529.8
$10,653.0
$8,828.0
-$1,825.0
Total Workyears
45.9
47.2
42.0
-5.2
Program Project Description:
The Integrated Environmental Strategies (IES) Program advances the Agency's mission of
protecting human health and the environment while promoting economic growth from the national
level to the community level. The IES Program provides tools and resources to transform EPA
into a more effective organization. Nationally, IES is focused on: (1) streamlining EPA's
permitting processes; (2) working with industrial sectors to identify and develop sensible
approaches to better protect the environment and public health; and (3) collaborating with federal,
state, and municipal partners, communities, businesses, and other stakeholders to implement
locally-led, community-driven approaches to environmental protection through technical
assistance, policy analysis, and training. Since 2017, community-driven technical assistance
workshops have been delivered in 116 communities. Over the same period, $1.9 million in funds
from other agencies through interagency agreements have been coordinated with EPA investments
to more effectively support this work. Additionally, through the normal course of follow up with
community partners, EPA has documented how the assistance products set the stage for private
investment in real estate and infrastructure assets that improve neighborhood environmental
conditions.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This program demonstrates new approaches to streamline and
reduce unnecessary burdens and to help communities meet their environmental and economic
needs. In FY 2020, the Program will focus on permit streamlining, sector strategies, and
community-driven environmental protection. In addition, the Agency will look to provide
resources, as available, to assist school districts in addressing the improvement of health and
environmental conditions in schools.
Permit Streamlining
One way that EPA implements its statutory authority is through various permitting programs.
These programs are based on a set of processes that vary across EPA program and regional offices.
277
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The Agency is focused on working across EPA program offices and with state and tribal co-
regulators to streamline EPA's permitting processes in support of the President's Memorandum,
"Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing." This
work supports the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan of
making permitting decisions within six months. In FY 2020, EPA also will improve its role in
cross-cutting permitting and policy issues and partnership with state permitting offices to
streamline our review of state-issued permits. The Program will facilitate and support the sharing
and implementation of permitting best practices and approaches of environmental co-regulators to
achieve efficient and effective permitting.
Smart Sectors
EPA's Smart Sectors is a partnership program that provides a platform to collaborate with 13
regulated sectors of the economy and develop less burdensome approaches to protect the
environment and public health. In FY 2018, EPA conducted 17 site visits covering the operations
of nine different sectors, and more than 400 other substantive meetings. The Sectors Program
launched a new sector snapshot tool that provides environmental and economic data about three
industries participating in the program. This interactive, web-based application employs a novel
approach by assembling a range of environmental and economic data from different publicly-
available sources to provide an integrated, easy-to-understand context for each sector over the last
20 years. EPA will continue highlighting best practices for industry, and states, as well as
facilitating cross-sector dialogue to identify innovative solutions to environmental problems. The
Program will continue providing sector ombudsmen to connect, facilitate, and convene Agency
experts with sector representatives to solve discrete policy, guidance, and implementation issues
unique to the sectors. Lastly, EPA will continue working to reduce recordkeeping and reporting
burden. In FY 2018, the Agency met its annual target of reducing recordkeeping and reporting
burden by 2,000,000 hours.
Community-Driven Environmental Protection
This program delivers technical assistance, training, and tools to economically distressed
communities and coordinates the Agency's work with communities to increase efficiency,
effectiveness, and accountability. In FY 2020, the IES Program will continue to lead the existing
Cross-Agency Communities team, focusing on the Administration's priorities, such as leveraging
private investment and aligning federal investments to maximize benefits to communities.
Technical assistance and training is the cornerstone of EPA's cooperative approach to addressing
environmental challenges in communities, particularly communities that are economically
distressed. The objective is to help tribal, state, and local governments increase their capacity to
protect the environment while growing their economies, creating jobs, using public and private
sector investments, and other resources more efficiently. Where appropriate, EPA will partner with
other agencies to help achieve locally-led, community-driven approaches to protecting clean air,
land, and water, while at the same time supporting economic revitalization.
The Program will continue analyses on emerging trends, innovative practices, and tools that
support clean air, land, and water outcomes. EPA will develop tools to help interested communities
278
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incorporate innovative approaches to infrastructure and land development policies that deliver
multiple economic, community, and quality of life benefits while also managing storm water,
reducing combined sewer overflows, improving local air quality, facilitating private investment in
Brownfield and Superfund site redevelopment, and achieving other environmental benefits.
Process Improvement and EPA 's Lean Management System (ELMS)
In FY 2018, EPA's Chief of Operations introduced the EPA Lean Management System (ELMS),
which has enhanced the Agency's performance management framework. ELMS is a set of
practices and tools that supports Agency employees in identifying and solving problems for
optimal performance results. As part of ELMS, the Agency's senior leaders hold monthly business
meetings to discuss performance results and actions needed to make improvements.
The Agency is deploying ELMS to support the accomplishment of the Agency's priorities by
increasing efficiencies and making operational process improvements. Routine monitoring,
measurement, and engagement, enable the Agency to identify problems while they are still small,
solve problems before they become too big, and sustain improvements over time to carry out their
work more efficiently and effectively. The Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) is providing
training and technical assistance to Agency offices on deploying visual management and using
Lean and other business process improvement principles and tools to streamline and standardize
processes, analyze root causes of problems, and assess progress monthly towards performance
measures. Initially, EPA counted an operational process as improved following a completed kaizen
event that meets a three-part test: (1) the work of the process has been standardized; (2) visual
management has been put in place and used, and (3) performance has improved. EPA completed
11 of these events in FY 2018. EPA is currently refining the definition to include other key tools
of the EPA Lean Management System, in addition to kaizen events, to achieve process
improvements that meet a more stringent requirement for improvement. The data lag for the final
FY 2018 number of operational processes improved will be rectified and reported by April 30,
2019. The Agency is on target to complete 50 process improvements in FY 2019 and 50 more in
FY 2020. Some examples of improvements include, streamlining cleanup decision under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, reducing investigations, faster processing of permits
and improved acquisitions.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM PE2) Number of permit applications in backlog.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
Established
TBD
Permits
Actual
(PM OP1) Number of operational processes improved.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 201"'
I V 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
25
50
50
Operational
Processes
Actual
Data
Available
04/2019
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Work related to the results of measure: Number of permit applications in backlog is agencywide
in scope. The lead office is the Office of the Administrator.
Reduced the backlog of new applications by nearly 18 percent (from 166 to 136 applications)
between June and September 2018, through a series of targeted Lean events to improve the
efficiency and effectiveness of permitting programs. (FY 2018-2019 APG).
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$116.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary and benefits costs.
• (-$1,709.0 / -5.2 FTE) This program change reflects a reduction in the Integrated
Environmental Strategies Program through streamlining of the community work and
climate adaptation efforts within the IES Program.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Legal Advice: Environmental Program
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
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FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$914.1
$505.0
$579.0
$74.0
Total Budget Authority
$52,258.4
$51,391.0
$48,702.0
-$2,689.0
Total Workyears
266.4
282.0
242.8
-39.2
Total workyears in FY 2020 include 5.5 FTE funded by TSCA fees.
Program Project Description:
This program provides legal representational services, legal counseling and legal support for all
the Agency's environmental activities.72 The legal support provided by this program is essential
to the Agency's core mission. The personnel assigned to this program represent essential expertise
in these critical fields that the Agency relies on for all decisions and activities in furtherance of its
mission: to protect human health and the environment.
This program provides counsel on every major action the Agency takes. It plays a central role in
all statutory and regulatory interpretation of new and existing rules and all rule and guidance
development under EPA's environmental authorities. This program provides essential legal advice
for every petition response, every judicial response and every emergency response. When the
Agency acts to protect the public from pollutants or health-threatening chemicals in the air we
breathe, in the water we drink, or in the food we eat, this program provides counsel on the Agency's
authority to take that action; it then provides the advice and support necessary to finalize and
implement that action. When that action is challenged in court, this program in coordination with
the Department of Justice, defends it.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This program provides legal representation in more than
350 defensive judicial cases each year. It is projected that the number of cases in FY 2020 will
exceed this number. The Program will continue to provide legal representation in judicial and
administrative litigation for core agency environmental programs and for agency priorities. The
72 Resources for legal services for Support programs are included in the Legal Advice: Support Program.
281
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Program also will provide counseling outside of the litigation context in the highest priority issues
arising under all the legal environmental statutes administered by EPA.
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to focus on its core mission to apply the most effective
approaches by implementing EPA's environmental programs under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act, Leaking Underground Storage Tanks, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Toxic
Substances Control Act (TSCA), Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, Food Quality
Protection Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and other authorities. This strategy will help ensure that
human health and the environment are protected and provided with clean air, water, and land, and
safe chemicals and pesticides in the most effective way.
Legal counseling resources also continue to be in high demand to support the Agency's response
to states seeking assistance developing or implementing environmental programs, industrial
facilities seeking permits that are required to undertake new economic activity, and citizens
seeking actions to protect local environmental quality, among other things. The Program will
prioritize resources after supporting judicial and administrative litigation to counseling agency
clients on these matters.
The following examples illustrate this program's important role in implementing the Agency's
core mission:
• EPA proposed to repeal the Clean Power Plan (CPP) and issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking to solicit public comment on a potential replacement for the CPP. These
ongoing rulemaking efforts are a high priority for the Agency.
• Providing ongoing critical legal support for implementing a Presidential Executive Order
directing EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake rulemaking to redefine
"waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act, including providing significant
support in the drafting of rulemaking documents for three separate rulemaking
proceedings.
• Developing legal options and provided critical legal advice and litigation defense in
support of EPA's implementation of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st
Century Act, which modernized and substantially overhauled TSCA.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RGl) Percentage of legal deadlines met by EPA.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
TBD
Percent
Actual
N/A
Numerator
Legal
Deadlines
Denominator
282
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$4,082.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, WCF, and benefit
costs.
• (-$10,845.01 -612 FTE) This net program change is a reduction in FTE and pay resources.
EPA will focus on counseling and legal advice to the highest agency priorities and focus
on litigation support.
• (+$4,000.0 / +20.0 FTE) This program change increases to support to priority efforts in
deregulation, permitting support and state delegation support.
• (+2.2 FTE) This program change is an increase in fee funded reimbursable FTE to support
planned TSCA fee workload.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Legal Advice: Support Program
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$14,616.0
$15,455.0
$17,151.0
$1,696.0
Total Workyears
77.9
86.3
90.4
4.1
Total workyears in FY 2020 include 3.5 FTE funded by TSCA fees.
Program Project Description:
The Legal Advice: Support Program provides legal representational services, legal counseling and
legal support for all activities necessary for EPA's operations.73 It provides legal counsel and
support on issues including, but not limited to: appropriations, claims, contracts, employment law,
grants, information law, intellectual property law, real property, and all aspects of civil rights law.
For example, if an EPA program office needs guidance on how to respond to a Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) request, whether it may spend money on a certain activity, or what to do
when a plaintiff files a tort claim against the Agency, this program provides answers, options, and
legal advice. This program also supports EPA in maintaining high ethical standards and in
complying with all laws and policies that govern the Agency's operations.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to address
and manage information requests, legal support for work under the Civil Rights Statutes, and
employment law. There also is an ongoing need for a high level of involvement in questions related
to contracts, ethics, grants, finance, appropriations, and employment.
In addition to the increase in employee and labor relations matters, litigation and appeals under the
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) have continued to increase steadily in both number and
complexity. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to focus on responding to the increased number of
complex and challenging information requests. Targeted legal counseling will be provided to
ensure appropriate responses for FOIA requests.
73 Resources for legal services to support environmental programs are included in the Legal Advice: Environmental Program.
284
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The following examples illustrate this program's important role in meeting FOIA's requirements,
increasing transparency, and in supporting EPA's workforce in maintaining high ethical standards
in all their activities:
• The Office of General Counsel provides various trainings for Agency FOIA professionals
to ensure that EPA is effectively and efficiently responding to the public's FOIA requests.
In FY 2019 and continuing in FY 2020, the Office of General Counsel will launch
additional FOIA training for the Agency's supervisors to ensure that supervisors fully
understand the relevant legal requirements, and the Office of General Counsel will improve
the FOIA intake and assignment process to improve FOIA response timeliness and
accuracy. These training opportunities are particularly critical given that the Agency
received over 11,350 FOIA requests in FY 2018.
• The Office of General Counsel has developed an Ethics Communication Initiative to
improve employee awareness and compliance with ethics laws. In FY 2020, EPA will
continue implementing the outcomes of this initiative, including: revamping EPA's ethics
intranet site; deploying an online tool to assist EPA's workforce with identifying ethics
officials within their organization; and establishing an Ethic's help-line phone number for
EPA employees to report ethics concerns.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM FOl) Percentage reduction in overdue FOIA requests from the April 2018 baseline.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
1 Established
25
50
Percent
Actual
-9
Numerator
-224*
Requests
Denominator
2,537
Preferred direction of numerator is an increase. Negative number reflects an addition to the backlog.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,168.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (+$528.0 / +2.7 FTE) This program change is an increase to focus on high priority FOIA
cases.
• (+1.4 FTE) This program change is an increase in fee funded reimbursable FTE to support
planned the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) workload for CBI and other new
requirements under the new law.
285
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
286
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Regional Science and Technology
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$1,094.6
$1,205.0
$0.0
-$1,205.0
Total Workyears
2.1
2.0
0.0
-2.0
Program Project Description:
The Regional Science and Technology (RS&T) Program provides assistance to programs
implementing the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; Toxic Substances Control Act; Clean
Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; Clean Air Act; and Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act. The RS&T Program performs laboratory analysis,
field monitoring, and sampling investigations in order to provide credible scientific data on
environmental pollutants and conditions to agency decision makers.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. The Agency is
working to establish a comprehensive enterprise-wide laboratory approach.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,205.0 / -2.0 FTE) This funding change eliminates the RS&T Program. The Agency is
working to establish a comprehensive enterprise-wide laboratory approach.
Statutory Authorities:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub.L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Regulatory/Economic-Management and Analysis
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$14,270.7
$14,190.0
$16,162.0
$1,972.0
Total Workyears
74.9
73.2
74.0
0.8
Program Project Description:
The Regulatory/Economic, Management and Analysis Program is responsible for reviewing
Agency regulations to ensure that they are developed in accordance with the governing statutes,
executive orders, and Agency commitments and are based on sound technical, economic and
policy assumptions. Further, the Program ensures consistent and appropriate economic analysis of
regulatory actions, analyzes regulatory and non-regulatory approaches, and considers interactions
between regulations across different environmental media. The Program establishes compliance
with Executive Order (EO) 13771 by ensuring that the costs and cost savings of EPA's actions are
fully and appropriately estimated. This program also ensures Agency regulations comply with
additional statutory and EO requirements, including the Congressional Review Act, the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act), and
EOs 12866 and 13563 regarding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulatory review.
EPA recently built a prototype economy-wide model and assessed under what circumstances
economy wide impacts should be assessed. EPA also completed an assessment of how involuntary
unemployment due to regulation affects health and welfare allowing a more robust estimate of the
costs of regulatory impacts.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Program assists the Administrator and senior agency
staff in implementing new regulatory policy priorities, including EO 13771 (Reducing Regulation
and Controlling Regulatory Costs), EO 13777 (Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda), EO
13783 (Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth), and EO 13790 (Promoting
Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America).
In FY 2020, EPA will continue its efforts to assess, review, and improve its regulations while
considering costs and burdens to businesses, jobs, communities, government entities, and the
economy, and maximizing the net benefits to protect human health and the environment. EPA will
collect data and build models to assess regulatory proposals and their impacts on costs, benefits
and economic performance. Key program activities planned include:
288
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• Develop a model of the U.S. economy, ideally suited to assess how regulations affect the
economy, including distributional impacts, costs, and broader macro-economic
performance. The model will have the capability to assess both costs and benefits of
regulation. EPA also will have the model peer reviewed, available for public comment and
demonstrated in some regulatory analyses. This model will provide critical evidence-based
analyses to inform decision making.
• Currently, EPA relies on dated water quality benefit studies that often are inconsistent with
best practices in place today. EPA's National Center for Environmental Economics will
gather important benefits data and build a benefits model to assess the benefits of national
regulations that change water quality. This effort will provide important evidence-based
data and analyses, consistent with economic science best practices to inform decision
making.
• Continue to manage EPA's implementation of EOs, including development and
management of the annual regulatory budget, analyzing potential areas of cost savings,
ensuring that EPA continues to meet or exceed the goal of repealing two regulations for
each new regulation issued, pursuant to EO 13771, and maintaining a new website that
provides information about deregulatory actions.
• Review economic analyses prepared by EPA to ensure compliance with OMB Circular A-
4 on Regulatory Analysis, EO 12866, and other related requirements. Provide the
Administrator and the public with high-quality analysis of the costs, benefits, and impacts
on jobs, businesses, and communities to better inform decision-making and ensure
transparency about the consequences of regulation.74
• Work on development of new regulation to support greater consistency and transparency
in consideration of economic costs and benefits in the regulatory development process and
implementation of Agency programs.
• Update EPA's Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analyses to ensure that analyses
provide a complete accounting of the impacts of regulatory actions, including distributional
consequences. Apply the best economy-wide modeling tools to assess the economic effects
of environmental regulatory options, including methods designed to examine the
distribution of regulatory burdens. Work to develop open source data and economic models
to analyze incidence and distribution of impacts of environmental regulations on U.S.
economy. These updated guidelines will help ensure that evidence-based economic
analysis will be done consistently across EPA programs and in accordance with best
economic methods.
• Pursuant to EPA's Energy Independence Report under EO 13783, conduct more detailed
employment analysis of regulations (both the direct and indirect employment impacts) on
74 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaI-economics/guidelines-preparing-economic-analvses.
289
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a regular basis, including developing information and models to help conduct ex post
cumulative assessment.
• Continue to develop EPA's semiannual unified Regulatory Agenda, while ensuring EPA
complies with requirements under EO 13771.
• Manage EPA's internal Action Development Process and expand and upgrade regulatory
planning and tracking tools to facilitate timely decisions and coordination across programs.
• Serve as EPA's liaison with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)
within OMB.
• Serve as EPA's liaison with the Office of the Federal Register by reviewing, editing, and
submitting documents for publication so that the public, states, other agencies, and
Congress are informed about EPA's regulatory activities in a timely manner.
• Develop, in conjunction with other EPA programs (e.g., air, land, water), improved
analytical tools to capture the uncertainty associated with EPA's risk assessment methods
used in quantifying human health effects.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RG2) Hours of unnecessary or duplicative reporting burden to the regulated community eliminated.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
Hours
Actual
2,026,627
(PM RG3) Number of EO 13771 regulatory actions issued.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
Actions
Actual
3
(PM RG4) Number of EO 13771 deregulatory actions issued.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
Actions
Actual
10
(PM RG5) Total incremental cost of all EO 13771 regulatory and deregulatory actions.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
-40
-50
No Target
Established
Millions
of
Dollars
Actual
-75
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$692.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
290
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• (+$1,280.0 / 0.8 FTE) This net program change reflects a focus to implement regulatory
policy priorities and to assess, review, and improve the Agency's regulations and
underlying economic tools, in accordance with new Executive Orders.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
291
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Science Advisory Board
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$3,531.8
$3,787.0
$3,763.0
-$24.0
Total Workyears
16.4
17.5
18.7
1.2
Program Project Description:
Congress established EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) in 1978, under the Environmental
Research, Development, and Demonstration Act, to advise the Administrator on a wide range of
highly visible and important scientific matters. The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee
(CASAC) was established in 1977, under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977, to provide
independent advice to the EPA Administrator on the technical bases for EPA's National Ambient
Air Quality Standards. The SAB and the CASAC, both statutorily-mandated chartered Federal
Advisory Committees, draw from a balanced range of non-EPA scientists and technical specialists
from academia, states, independent research institutions, and industry. This program provides
management and technical support to these advisory committees. The committees provide EPA's
Administrator independent advice and objective scientific peer review on the technical aspects of
environmental issues, as well as, the science used to establish criteria, standards, regulations, and
research planning as requested.75
In FY 2018, the SAB and CASAC produced five advisory reports from independent, scientific
peer reviews providing scientific and technical advice on topics ranging from risk exposure and
integrated science assessments, health and ecological criteria, and both toxicological and
regulatory reviews. In FY 2019, the SAB and CASAC anticipate producing six advisory reports
while also improving efficiency and response time. To improve efficiency and effectiveness of the
committees' advice and recommendations, EPA has proposed a cross-cutting measure. The
measure recommends a 7 percent reduction in the time it takes to develop reports as well as posting
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) meeting minutes 90 days after the meeting. These
actions are intended to increase transparency and public participation. A kaizen event will be
organized in the spring of 2019 to discuss this performance measure target in more detail.
75 For more information, please see: htto://www. epa. gov/sab/, htto: //www, epa. gov/casac/.
292
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. FY 2020 resource levels are an opportunity for EPA's SAB
to reprioritize activities. Authorizing legislation and scientific integrity mandate that each peer
review meets certain minimum standards for a successful independent review. In FY 2020, the
Program will continue federally mandated CASAC reviews of policy assessments, risk exposure
assessments, and health and ecological criteria for primary National Ambient Air Quality
Standards. The CASAC will review Particulate Matter (PM), Ozone, and NAAQS Secondary
standards for NOx/Sox/PM. The SAB has a statutory requirement to review the FY 2020 spring
and fall regulatory agendas and supporting science associated with rulemakings. The SAB also has
requested to review several rules to do an in-depth analysis on the science behind the new proposed
rules. The Program will assist the Agency in its review of toxic chemicals under the reformed
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and anticipates a review of several chemicals in the
Agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Program. The Program will accommodate
additional requests as made by EPA's Administrator or program offices such as economy-wide
modeling, lead and a review of the All Ages Lead Model and risk communication.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$13.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$37.0 / +1.2 FTE) This net program change reflects a reduction in the Science Advisory
Board Program through streamlined support for conducting peer reviews, hosting meetings
to assess Integrated Risk Information System chemicals, and implementing business
process improvements to assure logistical support is provided to help the SAB and CASAC
adhere to the provisions of Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Statutory Authority:
Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA);
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA); Clean Air Act (CAA).
293
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Operations and Administration
294
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Acquisition Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$6.5
$152.0
$138.0
-$14.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$20,477.3
$21,183.0
$21,541.0
$358.0
Total Budget Authority
$47,925.1
$51,545.0
$49,711.0
-$1,834.0
Total Workyears
263.2
275.1
259.5
-15.6
Program Project Description:
Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) resources in the Acquisition Management
Program support EPA's contract activities, which cover planning, awarding, and administering
contracts for the Agency. Efforts include issuing acquisition policy and interpreting acquisition
regulations; administering training for contracting and program acquisition personnel; providing
advice and oversight to regional procurement offices; and providing information technology
improvements for acquisition.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to process
contract actions in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and guidance from the
Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP). EPA is evaluating options for replacing the EPA
Acquisition System (EAS) with an approved government-wide Federal Shared Service Provider
(FSSP) for a contract writing system. The Agency is focusing on a solution that reduces costs while
increasing efficiency by standardizing federal procurement planning, contract award,
administration, and close-out processes. Once available, the Agency will plan to migrate to the
new contract writing system with a Fit Gap analysis and a "soft" pilot of the system and will begin
data migration. At the same time, the Agency will begin to decommission the legacy EAS system.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to implement Best-in-Class (BIC) solutions to identify pre-vetted,
government-wide contracts as part of the Agency's effort to utilize more mature, market-proven
acquisition vehicles.76 Through BIC solutions, EPA will leverage acquisition experts to optimize
spending within the government-wide category management framework and increase the
16 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse.gov/files/omb/inemoraiida/2017/M-
17-2 9 .pdf Best-in-Class Mandatory Solution -Package Delivery Services.
295
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transactional data available for agency level analysis of buying behaviors. In FY 2020, EPA also
will continue to maximize its Strategic Sourcing Program (SSP), thereby enhancing purchase
coordination, improving price uniformity and knowledge-sharing, and leveraging small business
capabilities to meet acquisition goals.
The SSP allows the Agency to research, assess, and award contract vehicles that will maximize
time and resource savings. The SSP serves as a foundation for effective financial and resource
management because it simplifies the acquisition process and reduces costs. Long-term
implementation of the SSP can transform the Agency's acquisition process into a strategically
driven function, ensuring maximum value for every acquisition dollar spent. The Agency has
established a goal of obtaining at least five percent savings for all strategically sourced categories
of goods and services. Since the SSP's inception at the beginning of FY 2013 through FY 2018,
EPA has saved approximately $14.5 million from strategic sourcing initiatives focused on VoIP,
laboratory supplies, print, cellular services, shipping, office supplies, equipment maintenance, and
software. In FY 2020, EPA anticipates approximately $7.5 million in savings.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to focus on implementing the Financial Information Technology
Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) by:
• Avoiding vendor lock-in by competing contracts with multiple vendors or confining the
scope of the contract to a limited task; and
• Developing acquisition vehicles that support the Agency in FITARA implementation.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM PRl) Percentage of contract actions processed within the Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT)
Standards.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
SA: 75
CP: 65
FAA: 80
85
90
Percent
Actual
SA: 70
CP: 88
FAA: 76
Numerator
SA:704
CP: 21
FAA: 3,038
Actions
Denominator
SA: 1,007
CP: 24
FAA: 4,002
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$598.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
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• (-$2,776.0 / -14.9 FTE) This program change streamlines contractor support for: helpdesk
services for EPA's Acquisition System; the closeout of contracts; and the Defense Contract
Management Agency for Audit Services and the Virtual Acquisition Office (a source for
up-to-date government acquisition news, research, and analysis). It also eliminates funding
for Contracts Management Assessment Program Reviews which enable EPA to self-
identify and remedy internal weaknesses, and reduces the Agency's training for its
acquisition community. In FY 2020, EPA will utilize available program resources to
prepare to transition from its commercial off-the-shelf acquisition system to an approved
federal shared service provider for a new contract writing system.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
297
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Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
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FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$390.3
$387.0
$434.0
$47.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$20,503.7
$22,018.0
$21,340.0
-$678.0
Total Budget Authority
$90,947.3
$95,289.0
$92,874.0
-$2,415.0
Total Workyears
430.9
448.8
433.3
-15.5
Total workyears in FY 2020 include 1.0 FTE funded by TSCA fees and 1.0 FTE funded by e-Manifest fees.
Program Project Description:
Activities under the Central Planning, Budgeting and Finance Program support the management
of integrated planning, budgeting, financial management, performance and risk assessments and
reporting, and financial systems to ensure effective stewardship of resources. This includes
managing and supporting the Agency's performance management system consistent with the
Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 that involves: providing
financial payment and support services for EPA, as well as specialized fiscal and accounting
services for many of EPA's programs; strategic planning and accountability for environmental,
fiscal, and managerial results; executing an Enterprise Risk Management program to support
effective and efficient mission delivery and decision making; providing policy, systems, training,
reports, and oversight essential for EPA's financial operations; managing the agencywide Working
Capital Fund; and managing the Agency's annual budget process. This program also supports the
Digital Accountability and Transparency (DATA) Act of 2014 and the Federal Information
Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) of 2015 requirements.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will continue to provide resource
stewardship to ensure that all agency programs operate with fiscal responsibility and management
integrity, financial services are efficiently and consistently delivered nationwide, and programs
demonstrate results. EPA will maintain key planning, budgeting, and financial management
activities. EPA will sustain basic operations and maintenance of core agency financial
management systems: Compass, PeoplePlus (Time and Attendance), Budget Formulation System,
and related financial reporting systems. In addition, the Agency is reviewing its financial systems
for efficiencies and effectiveness, identifying gaps, and targeting legacy systems for replacement.
298
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EPA will continue to modernize and streamline business processes and operations to promote
transparency and efficiency. The Program will apply Lean principles and leverage input from
customer-focused councils, advisory groups and technical workgroups to continue improving as a
high-performance organization. EPA will standardize and streamline internal business processes
and use additional federal and/or internal shared services when supported by business case
analysis. Since 2014, Department of Interior's (DOI) Interior Business Center (IBC) serves as
EPA's payroll and HR shared service provider. In FY 2020 or FY 2021, DOI will transition to the
New Pay System under GSA's Office of Shared Solutions and Performance Improvement. To
prepare for this transition, DOI must decouple its Federal Personnel and Payroll System to manage
payroll separately. The Agency may incur costs to facilitate this transition.
In FY 2020, the Program will continue to focus on core responsibilities in the areas of strategic
planning, performance assessment and reporting, and enterprise risk management; budget
preparation; financial reporting; and, transaction processing. As the Agency lead in designing and
implementing performance and risk management strategies that inform agency decision making
and advance mission results, the Program will focus on driving progress toward the
Administrator's priorities by regularly assessing performance results against ambitious targets,
monitoring and mitigating risks, and adjusting strategies as needed. This includes convening
regular Performance Reviews to assess progress; promoting an increased use of data analytics and
evidence-based decision-making practices; working collaboratively with agency programs to
assess and analyze performance and risk data; and providing technical assistance on agencywide
measures governance to enhance data quality. EPA also will continue to use the performance data
and other evidence to answer fundamental business questions and identify opportunities for service
improvements.
During FY 2020, EPA will focus on the Financial Management - Financial Acquisition
Modernization Effort (FAME) project. The goal of FAME is to deliver a streamlined approach for
the end-to-end delivery of financial transactions for contracts and grants by taking advantage of
federal shared services. Among other benefits, EPA seeks to adopt accepted and standardized
business processes that will deliver greater streamlining and efficiency and achieve improved
financial and programmatic oversight. Equally important is the ability to meet increased
transparency needs, such as those prescribed in the DATA ACT, as well as increased compliance
and reporting standards. The FY 2020 investment will fund activities including system
configuration, training, and outreach. This project will reduce the IT costs, streamline business
processes, improve data reliability and security, and position the Agency to leverage additional
federal/non-federal financial services and systems capabilities.
EPA will continue to follow OMB Circular A-123 guidance, conduct internal program reviews
and use the results and recommendations from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to provide
evidence of the soundness of EPA's financial management program and identify areas for further
improvement. The Agency will collect key operational statistics for its financial management
program to further evaluate its operations and for management decision making. For example, in
FY 2018, EPA tracked the timeliness of employees submitting travel vouchers. Through monthly
review of performance, strategies were identified and implemented that resulted in improving
compliance from 60 percent to 80 percent.
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The Program will continue to support FITARA requirements in accordance with EPA's
Implementation Plan.77 The Chief Information Officer will continue to be engaged throughout the
budget planning process to ensure that IT needs are properly planned and resourced in accordance
with FITARA.
EPA is dedicated to reducing fraud, waste, and abuse and strengthening internal controls over
improper payments. Since the implementation of the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002,
EPA has reviewed, sampled, and monitored its payments to protect against erroneous payments.
The Agency's payment streams are consistently well under the government-wide threshold of 1.5
percent and $10 million of estimated improper payments. EPA conducts risk assessments in its
principal payment streams, including grants, contracts, commodities, payroll, travel, purchase
cards, and the Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. When overpayments are
identified, they are promptly recovered. EPA has expanded its risk assessments, performed
statistical sampling, set appropriate reduction/recovery targets, and implemented corrective action
plans. The Agency conducts these activities to reduce the potential for improper payments and
ensure compliance with the Improper Payments Information Act, as amended by the Improper
Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-204) and the Improper Payments
Elimination and Recovery Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-248).
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM CF1) Number of administrative shared services.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
6
7
8
Shared
Services
Actual
5
(PM CF2) Number of Agency administrative subsystems.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
24
22
20
Subsystems
Actual
26
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,045.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$4,572.0 / -24.0 FTE) This program change streamlines efforts in the areas of strategic
planning, budget preparation, financial reporting and transaction processing.
• (+7.5 FTE) This program change is an increase in reimbursable FTE to support the
Agency's fee-funded programs and to support working capital fund financial management
services.
77 For more information please see: http://www.epa.gov/open/fitara-implementation-plan-and-chief-information-officer-
assignment-plan.
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• (+$3,833.0) This increase supports the implementation of the Financial Management
Payment Processing Modernization project and fixed costs to operate the Agency's
financial management systems.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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$70,101.6
$68,339.0
$67,274.0
-$1,065.0
Building and Facilities
$34,605.1
$27,791.0
$33,377.0
$5,586.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$1,056.6
$813.0
$773.0
-$40.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$753.8
$584.0
$665.0
$81.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$76,061.2
$75,253.0
$73,540.0
-$1,713.0
Total Budget Authority
$475,113.4
$481,481.0
$483,964.0
$2,483.0
Total Workyears
321.8
327.6
308.0
-19.6
Program Project Description:
Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) resources in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program fund the Agency's rent, utilities, and security. This program also supports
centralized administrative activities and support services, including health and safety,
environmental compliance and management, facilities maintenance and operations, space
planning, sustainable facilities and energy conservation planning and support, property
management, printing, mail, and transportation services. Funding for such services is allocated
among the major appropriations for the Agency.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to invest
to reconfigure EPA's workspaces, enabling the Agency to release office space and reduce long-
term rent costs, consistent with HR 4465,78 th q Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016. EPA
is implementing a long-term space consolidation plan that will reduce the number of occupied
facilities, consolidate space within remaining facilities, and reduce square footage wherever
practical.
EPA is working toward the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan
to reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet nationwide. This has the
potential to provide a cumulative annual rent avoidance of approximately $28 million across all
78 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.congress.gOv/bill/l 14th-congress/house-bill/4465. Federal Assets Sale
and Transfer Act of 2016.
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appropriations. These savings help offset EPA's escalating rent and security costs. Planned
consolidations in FY 2020 will allow EPA to release an expected 146,477 square feet of space.
For FY 2020, the Agency is requesting $165.82 million for rent, $9.02 million for utilities, and
$23.05 million for security in the EPM appropriation.
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to explore opportunities to reconfigure EPA's workplaces
with the goal of reducing long-term rent costs. Space consolidation and reconfiguration enables
EPA to reduce its footprint to create a more efficient, collaborative, and technologically
sophisticated workplace. However, even if modifications are kept to a minimum, each move
requires initial B&F funding to achieve long-term cost avoidance.
At the requested resource levels, EPA will continue to manage lease agreements with GSA and
other private landlords, maintain EPA facilities, fleet, equipment, and fund costs associated with
utilities and building security needs. EPA also will meet regulatory Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) obligations and provide health and safety training to field staff
(e.g., inspections, monitoring, On-Scene Coordinators), and track capital equipment of $25
thousand or more. In addition, the Agency will retire EPA's Personal Access and Security System
(EPASS) program and shift to GSA's Managed Service Office, USAccess, for PIV card enrollment
and issuance. USAccess is a shared services solution which is in line with OMB's Federal IT
Shared Services Strategy and the President's Management Agenda.79
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM FA1) Reduction in EPA Space (sq. ft. owned and leased).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
241,000
163,626
146,477
Square Feet
Actual
149,278
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,607.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (+$5,830.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of rent, utilities, security, partially offset by a decrease in transit subsidy.
• (-$8,803.0 / -15.6 FTE) This net program change reflects:
o a decrease in the recalculation for moves and space reconfiguration to assist the Agency
in reducing its footprint;
o a net increase for core operations and maintenance costs at EPA-owned facilities and
laboratories;
79 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/iroloads/2018/03/Presidents-Management-
Agenda.pdf.
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o a decrease in programs associated with environmental management systems,
comprehensive facility energy audits, re-commissioning, and sustainable building
design; and
o a decrease in the minor facilities alterations service.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$2,498.6
$2,607.0
$2,655.0
$48.0
Total Budget Authority
$26,960.6
$27,336.0
$22,857.0
-$4,479.0
Total Workyears
139.3
142.8
115.7
-27.1
Program Project Description:
Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) resources in the Financial Assistance Grants
and Interagency Agreement (IA) Management Program support the management of grants and
IAs, and suspension and debarment activities. Grants comprise approximately 40 percent of EPA's
overall budget. Resources in this program ensure that EPA's management of grants and IAs meet
the highest fiduciary standards, that grant and IA funding produces measurable results for
environmental programs, and that the suspension and debarment program effectively protects the
government's business interest.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In accordance with the overarching
2016-2020 EPA Grants Management Plan (GMP), and EPA's Strategic Plan, EPA will continue
to implement activities to achieve efficiencies while enhancing quality and accountability. In FY
2020, EPA will continue investment in modernizing grant and IA IT systems in support of the
President's Management Agenda.80
In FY 2019, EPA is preparing to deploy GrantSolutions software, an OMB-selected grants
business leader for end-to-end grants management services provided by the Department of Health
and Human Services. GrantSolutions will support the full 14 stages of the grants management
lifecycle. FY 2020 work will center on streamlining business processing in the new system, and
leveraging the full complement of system capabilities, including enhanced reporting and
dashboards. For IAs, EPA will maintain and operate an integrated business solution using EPA's
Interagency Agreement Payment Tracking System (IA PTS) IA Module, which will be deployed
in FY 2019. Benefits of this modernization include:
80 For more information, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-conteat/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-Manageniait-
Agenda.pdf.
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• Eliminating reliance on paper for records and improving records management. For grants,
EPA will utilize the records management solution provided by the Federal Shared Service
- GrantSolutions. For IAs, EPA will evaluate options to integrate IA PTS with the
Agency's internal electronic records management tool using Documentum technology.
• Strengthening decision making with improved and standardized reporting capabilities. For
grants, EPA will leverage common reporting tools and other capabilities provided by
GrantSolutions Enterprise Reporting System. For IAs, EPA will consolidate technology
and capabilities to leverage the Agency's existing financial reporting system.
In addition to IT-related investments, the GMP focuses on reducing the administrative burden on
EPA and grants recipients, and on improving grants management procedures. In FY 2020, the
Agency will continue to: 1) fully implement the streamlining reforms in OMB's Uniform Grants
Guidance; 2) streamline EPA's grants management policies through utilization of a new
comprehensive framework to guide policy development, implementation, compliance, and review;
3) use EPA's Lean Management System to refine grants management processes; and 4) move to a
risk-based method of pre- and post-award monitoring for grants to more effectively ensure
compliance and also reduce burden.
EPA is a recognized leader in suspension and debarment. The Agency will continue to make use
of discretionary debarments and suspensions as well as statutory debarments under the Clean Air
Act and Clean Water Act to protect the government's business interests. In FY 2020, EPA will
focus suspension and debarment activity to the most egregious violations. Congress and federal
courts have long recognized federal agencies' inherent authority and obligation to exclude non-
responsible parties from eligibility to receive government contracts and non-procurement awards
(for example: grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and loan guarantees). A number of recent
federal statutes, GAO reports, and OMB directives require that federal agencies administer
effective suspension and debarment programs in order to protect the public's interest and the
integrity of federal programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$763.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$5,290.0 / -27.6 FTE) This program change is a decrease based on the Agency's shift to
focusing on core grants management operations, which include pre-award reviews; post-
award monitoring; compliance; administrative advanced monitoring reviews; management
effectiveness reviews; baseline monitoring; and audit follow-up activities on the highest
306
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risk awards. This program change is offset by expected efficiencies in the processing of
grant and IA awards, lower requested grant funding levels throughout the Agency, and a
review of unliquidated obligations.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act;
Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act § 2455.
307
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Human Resources Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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Budget
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$6,279.4
$7,044.0
$5,444.0
-$1,600.0
Total Budget Authority
$49,499.8
$51,271.0
$47,079.0
-$4,192.0
Total Workyears
217.7
230.9
223.8
-7.1
Program Project Description:
Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) resources for the Human Resources (HR)
Management Program support human capital (HC) activities throughout EPA. To help achieve its
mission and maximize employee productivity and job satisfaction, EPA continually works to
improve business processes for critical HC functions including recruitment, hiring, employee
development, performance management, and workforce planning. EPM resources also support
overall federal advisory committee management and Chief Human Capital Officer Council
activities under applicable statutes and guidance.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Effective workforce management is critical to EPA's
ability to accomplish its mission. EPA's efforts in HR enterprise risk management are focused on
sustaining the workforce, retaining critical expertise, and capturing institutional knowledge. The
Agency is developing and deploying management tools to assist EPA in ensuring the right staff
with the appropriate skills are placed in the most suitable positions. These tools also will be
valuable as an increasing percentage of the workforce becomes retirement eligible in the next five
years, which is estimated to be greater than 40 percent. EPA will continue to support efforts that
increase the quality of core operations, improve productivity, and achieve cost savings in mission
support functions including HC management.
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to build upon its performance, learning, and succession
management activities. EPA will maintain and operate FedTalent, a talent management system
provided through the Department of Interior (DOI)'s Interior Business Center (IBC), which was
deployed in FY 2019. FedTalent serves as a valuable tool that assists with developing, delivering,
and tracking high-impact training. EPA will continue to migrate and consolidate training data from
more than fifteen disparate training repositories to ensure FedTalent is a one-stop-shop for all
training needs. The Agency is planning to procure and deploy two additional FedTalent modules
in FY 2020: the performance management module and the competency assessment module.
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In FY 2020, EPA will continue to maintain and operate two other recent workforce planning tools.
The Workforce Demographics Dashboard, deployed in FY 2018, provides data visualizations and
easy-to-understand information about the current workforce and succession planning and
management. It affords managers a strategic view of retirement eligibility, diversity information,
occupational series, and grade levels, as well as the ability to drill down and access data at lower
organizational levels. The dashboard assists EPA with succession planning by helping anticipate
workforce gaps due to anticipated retirements.
The Talent Enterprise Diagnostics (TED) tool, which EPA will fully implement in FY 2019,
advances human capital priorities by enhancing EPA's ability to make strategic workforce
decisions. TED data will serve a crucial role in EPA's Workforce Planning and Succession
Management process to identify potential competency gaps across the Agency and to increase
management's understanding of where needed skill sets reside within EPA.
EPA will continue to focus on delivering statutorily required services associated with the
Employee Counseling Assistance Program, the Federal Worker's Compensation Program, the
Drug-free Workplace Program, Unemployment Compensation, and Sign Language Interpreting
and Captioning services. Furthermore, the Agency will continue its focus on Labor and Employee
Relations (LER) by administering and/or negotiating national labor agreements in accordance with
Executive Orders 1383681, 1383782, and 1383983 and providing advice, guidance, and assistance
to regional and local level negotiations. EPA also will continue its efforts to strengthen managers'
and supervisors' institutional knowledge on LER related matters through training and outreach;
provide advisory and counseling support agencywide; and conduct analysis of HC information to
assist managers and supervisors.
The Agency is planning to strengthen and improve its HR accountability program through internal
assessments with the Office of Personnel Management's HRStat framework. EPA also is working
to reconstitute an intern program to address the retirement wave expected over the next three to
five years, which will complement formal coaching and performance management programs
aimed at sustaining the workforce, expanding professional development opportunities, and
increasing employee productivity.
EPA's advisory committees, which operate as a catalyst for public participation in policy
development, implementation, and decision making, have proven effective in building consensus
among the Agency's diverse external partners and stakeholders. The Agency will continue its
ongoing efforts to modernize the advisory committee administrative processes by implementing
an electronic committee membership nomination and appointment process to improve operational
efficiency, effectiveness, accuracy, and timeliness. The Agency is heavily involved with OPM's
Chief Human Capital Officer Council and the President's Management Council and Agenda to
address the challenges of the twenty-first century federal workforce. EPA will continue to actively
81 For more information, please refer to: https://www.federatregister.gov/documents/201.8/06/01/201.8-11.91.3/developing-
efficient-effective-and-cost—reducing-approaches-to-federal-sector-collective-bargaining.
82 For more information, please refer to: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/06/01/2018-l 1.91.6/eiisiiriiig-
transparency-accountability-and-efficiency-in-taxpayer-funded-union-time-use.
83 For more information, please refer to: https://www.federalregister.gov/docmiieiits/201.8/06/01/201.8-1.1.939/promoting-
accountability-and-streamlining-removal-procedures-consistent-with-merit-system-principles.
309
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participate and collaborate in these forums to maximize the value these communities add to
important policy considerations.
This program also supports the transition from DOI's IBC payroll manager to GSA's New Pay
System. The Agency may incur costs to facilitate this transition.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,136.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$1,504.0 / -2.0 FTE) This net program change reflects a reduction for:
o Operational support for the following HR programs being utilized agencywide: the
Agency's recruitment and diversity and inclusion activities; EPA's Human Resources
Council and National Partnership Council; the Leave Bank; and the Workplace
Solutions.
o Enhancements and maintenance of EPA's HR IT Systems including HR Line of
Business, data management and analysis, troubleshooting, and change requests;
maintenance of EPA's University portal that provides online training and professional
development;
o Support for Federal Advisory Committees not mandated by statute; and
o Centrally-provided, non-mandatory training.
• (+$48.0) This program change is an increase due to recalculation of sign language support
costs.
Statutory Authority:
Title 5 of the U.S.C.; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L.
98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Workforce Reshaping
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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$0.0
$0.0
$5,994.0
$5,994.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$30,997.0
$30,997.0
Program Project Description:
Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) resources for the Workforce Reshaping
Program support organizational restructuring efforts throughout the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. To help achieve its mission, EPA will develop, review and analyze mission
requirements and implement options to effectively align and redistribute the Agency's workforce
based on program priorities, resource reallocation, and technological advances.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Effective workforce reshaping is critical
to EPA's ability to accomplish its mission. EPA will be examining our statutory functions and
processes to eliminate inefficiencies and streamline our processes. Primary criteria will include
effectiveness and accountability, as EPA is focused on greater value and real results. These
analyses will likely create a need to reshape the workforce. The Agency anticipates the need to
offer voluntary early out retirement authority (VERA) and voluntary separation incentive pay
(VSIP), and potentially relocation expenses, as part of the workforce reshaping effort.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to this
program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$25,003.0) In support of the reprioritization of Agency activities, this increase will
support:
o Voluntary early out retirement authority;
o Voluntary separation inventive pay, and
o Workforce support costs for relocation of employees as we realign work assignments.
311
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Statutory Authority:
Title 5 of the U.S.C.; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L.
98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
312
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Pesticides Licensing
313
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Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
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FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$2,888.3
$2,531.0
$2,401.0
-$130.0
Total Budget Authority
$59,176.5
$60,547.0
$51,841.0
-$8,706.0
Total Workyears
362.9
336.8
416.5
79.7
Total work years in FY 2020 include 126.0 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing Revolving
Fund.
Program Project Description:
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)84 and the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), as amended by the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of
1996, and the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2012 (PRIA),85 EPA is
charged with protecting people from the health risks that pesticide use can pose. FIFRA requires
EPA to register pesticide products before they are marketed for use in the United States.
Registration is based on review of scientific data sufficient to demonstrate that the product can
perform its intended function without unreasonable adverse effects on people or the environment.
Under FFDCA, if a pesticide is to be used in a manner that may result in pesticide residues in food
or animal feed, EPA must establish a tolerance, or maximum legal residue level or exemption from
the requirement of a tolerance before it can be registered. To establish a tolerance, EPA must find
that the residues are "safe," which, under FFDCA, means that there is a reasonable certainty of no
harm to human health from aggregate exposure to the pesticide residue in food and from all other
exposure except occupational exposure.86 EPA must periodically review the registration and
tolerances that the Agency issues to ensure that the public health is adequately protected.
84 For more information on FIFRA, please see: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-
rodenticide-act.
85 Authority provided under the Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2012 expires under the current Continuing
Resolution on February 15,2019. Authority to continue to collect fees was authorized by H.R. 1625 - Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2018.
86 Additional information related to pesticide registration, the setting of tolerance levels, and the pesticide risk assessment process
can be found at the following location: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-tolerances/setting-tolerances-pesticide-residues-foods.
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
Pesticide Review and Registration
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to review and register new pesticides, new uses for existing
pesticides, and other registration requests in accordance with statutory requirements. In addition,
the Agency will be evaluating pesticides that are already in the market against current scientific
standards for human health. To further advance EPA's work supporting environmental justice and
children's health, EPA will process these registration requests with special consideration for
susceptible populations, especially children. Under the Food Quality Protection Act, EPA is
statutorily required to ensure that its regulatory decisions are protective of children's health and
other vulnerable subpopulations. EPA will continue to emphasize the registration of reduced risk
pesticides, including biopesticides, to provide farmers and other pesticide users with new safer
alternatives. The Agency, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), will work to ensure that minor use registrations receive appropriate support and that
needs are met for reduced risk pesticides for minor use crops. EPA will assist farmers and other
pesticide users in learning about new, safer products and methods of using existing products
through workshops, demonstrations, small grants, and materials available on the website and in
print.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to review the registrations of existing pesticides with a focus on
assessing and ensuring that pesticides can continue to be used safely, without unreasonable adverse
effects to human health and the environment. The goal of the registration review process, as
mandated by statute, is to review pesticide registrations every 15 years to determine whether it
continues to meet the FIFRA standard for registration.87
For pesticides registered before October 1, 2007, EPA has a statutory mandate to make registration
review decisions by October 1, 2022. There is a total of 725 such cases. For each case, the steps in
this process include, in this order, opening dockets, developing work plans, completing risk
assessments, and making decisions regarding any risk management measures. It is important to
open dockets and develop work plans for as many cases as possible early in the process so that
there is time to complete the risk assessments and make decisions by the end of the FY 2022
deadline. EPA completed the opening of all 725 dockets in FY 2017 and can now focus its
resources on completing risk assessments and making decisions to meet the FY 2022 statutory
deadline. In working towards meeting the FY 2022 deadline for registration review, EPA expects
to complete approximately 75 draft risk assessments and 75 decisions during FY 2020. The draft
risk assessments will be published for public comments.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue enhancements to the Pesticide Registration Information System
(PRISM). Expanding the capabilities of PRISM via further inclusion of electronic processes will
87 Please see U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Registration Review Internet site:
http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrdl/registration review/index.htm.
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reduce paperwork burden and maximize efficiency, in accordance with the President's
Management Agenda (PMA), by converting paper-based processes into electronic processes and
corresponding workflows for the Pesticide Program's regulated entities. In addition, PRISM will
create an iterative/inclusive, streamlined electronic workflow to support pesticide product
registration, chemical reviews and assessments, and will be used as a centralized data repository
to electronically store associated data as they relate to regulatory decisions and scientific
information. Overall, the Agency proj ects that by expanding PRISM and related proj ects, over 150
existing business process workflows supporting the implementation of the Pesticide Registration
Improvement Act (PRIA) will be improved.
Reducing Pesticide Risks to People through the Registration of Lower Risk Pesticides
This program emphasizes the use of reduced risk methods of pest control, including the use of
reduced risk pesticides and helping growers and other pesticide users learn about new, safer
products and methods of using pesticides. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to promote reduced risk
pesticides by giving registration priority to pesticides that have lower toxicity to humans and non-
target organisms such as birds, fish, and plants; low potential for contaminating groundwater;
lower use rates; low pest resistance potential; and compatibility with Integrated Pest Management
(IPM).88
Several other countries and international organizations also have instituted programs to facilitate
registering reduced risk pesticides. EPA works with the international scientific community and the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries to register
new reduced risk pesticides and to establish related tolerances (maximum residue limits). Through
these efforts in FY 2020, EPA will help reduce risks to Americans from foods imported from other
countries.
Protecting Workers from On-the-Job Pesticide Risks
Millions of America's workers are exposed to pesticides in occupations such as agriculture, lawn
care, food preparation, and landscape maintenance. Protecting workers from potential effects of
pesticides is an important role of the Pesticide Program. Workers in several occupations may be
exposed to pesticides when they prepare pesticides for use, such as by mixing a concentrate with
water or loading and applying the pesticide.
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS)89 and the Certification of Pesticide Applicators rules were
finalized in FY 2015 and FY 2017, respectively, and are key elements of EPA's strategy for
reducing occupational exposure to pesticides. In FY 2020, EPA will provide extensive in-person
training to state regulators and inspectors and regions on the revised regulations to ensure accurate
implementation and protection of America's workforce.
88 Please see U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pesticides: Health and Safety, Reducing Pesticide Risk internet site:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/reducing.htm.
89 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/agricultural-worker-protection-standard-wps.
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EPA also will further expand outreach and training to healthcare providers in the recognition and
management of pesticide-related illnesses, via a grant awarded in FY 2019. The outreach will focus
on efforts to train clinicians serving the migrant and seasonal farmworker community, further
improving the treatment of agricultural workers and communities potentially exposed to
pesticides.90
Preventing Disease through Public Health Pesticides: Antimicrobial Testing
Antimicrobial pesticides play an important role in public health and safety by killing germs,
bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, and slime. Some of these products are used to sterilize
hard surfaces in hospitals. Chemical disinfection of hard, non-porous surfaces such as floors, bed
rails, and tables is one component of the infection control systems in hospitals, food processing
operations, and other places where disease-causing microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses,
may be present. In reviewing registrations for antimicrobials, EPA is required to ensure that
antimicrobials maintain their effectiveness.91
EPA's Antimicrobial Testing Program has been testing hospital sterilants, disinfectants, and
tuberculocides since 1991 to help ensure that products in the marketplace meet stringent efficacy
standards. EPA is currently in the process of developing a risk-based testing strategy in response
to OIG recommendations made in FY 201692. EPA expects to release the new strategy in FY 2019
and continue to seek public input prior to implementation in FY 2020 - FY 2021.
Outreach and Education
Giving priority to reduced risk and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)-friendly pesticides are two
steps toward protecting human health. It is essential for people using pesticides to be well
informed, to understand the importance of reading and following label directions, and the
importance of proper disposal. They also need to understand how to protect themselves from pests
that can transmit disease. In FY 2020 the Pesticide Program will continue to invest in
environmental education and training efforts for growers, pesticide applicators, and workers, as
well as the public in general.
Reducing Animal Testing
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to utilize its guiding principles on data needs93, to ensure
that the Agency has enough information to support strong regulatory decisions to protect human
health, while reducing, and eliminating in some cases, unnecessary resources, animal testing, and
cost of data. EPA's Hazard and Science Policy Council (HASPOC) plays an important role in the
implementation of the vision of the 2007 National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report on toxicity
testing in the 21st century — moving toward smarter testing strategies by waiving human health
toxicity studies that do not provide useful information. Since its inception, HASPOC has waived
90 For more information, please see https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safetv/agricultural-worker-protection-standard-wps.
91FIFRA section 3(h)(3), 7 U.S.C. 136a(h)(3).
92 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registratioii/aiitiiiiicrobial-testiiig-prograiii.
93 Reducing animal testing information may be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/new-epa-guidance-testing-pesticides-
will-reduce-animal-testing.
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hundreds of studies resulting in the saving of tens of thousands of animals and tens of millions of
dollars in the cost of conducting the studies. In addition, the Agency has continued to develop and
implement 21st Century toxicology and exposure methods, including the use of computer-
modeling and in vitro testing techniques, to advance more efficient and effective human health
risk assessments that support sound, risk-based, regulatory decision-making.
Evidence and Evaluation
One area that EPA is actively working to improve, using the Lean Management System, is the
review process for pesticides new active ingredient applications, and specifically, reducing the
timeframes that the Agency takes to review these types of applications. In FY 2020, the focus will
be on gathering evidence that will assist the Agency with streamlining the review process for new
active ingredient applications and building on previous efforts to map the process and identify
bottlenecks. By identifying efficiencies in the review process for new active ingredients, the
Agency expects to reduce decision time frames for new active ingredient applications and leverage
those process improvements for related processes (e.g., new uses).
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$233.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$8,343.0 / -2.1 FTE) This program change reflects a reduction in funding for pesticide
program activities from annual appropriations with the intent to increase utilization of
pesticide user fee collections. Proposed legislative language accompanying the President's
Budget will expand EPA's scope of activities that can be funded with user fees.
• (+78.7 FTE) This program change shifts 78.7 FTE from annual appropriations to pesticide
user fee collections.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA) § 408.
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Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muim^ciiwiil
SJSJSO. -
s-u.itm.tt
sjn.MS.n
-S Ilt.4l3.lt
Science & Technology
$2,309.7
$3,072.0
$2,257.0
-$815.0
Total Budget Authority
$40,690.4
$44,153.0
$32,925.0
-$11,228.0
Total Workyears
288.1
257.1
268.4
11.3
Total work years in FY 2020 include 85.0 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing Revolving
Fund.
Program Project Description:
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) requires EPA to register a
pesticide if, among other things, the product "will also not generally cause unreasonable adverse
effects on the environment" when used in accordance with labeling and common practices. The
goal of this program is to protect the environment from the potential risks posed by pesticide use.
EPA must conduct risk assessments before the initial registration of each pesticide for each use, as
well as re-evaluate each pesticide at least every 15 years, as required by the Food Quality
Protection Act (FQPA). This periodic review is accomplished through EPA's Pesticide
Registration Review Program.
In addition to FIFRA responsibilities, the Agency has distinct obligations under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA).94 These obligations include ensuring that pesticide regulatory decisions will
not also destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat or jeopardize the continued
existence of species listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (jointly, the Services).
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
94 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species.
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Assessing the Risks Pesticides Pose to the Environment
To accomplish the goals set out in the FIFRA and ESA statutes, in FY 2020, EPA will continue to
conduct ecological risk assessments95 to determine what risks are posed by each pesticide to plants,
animals, and ecosystems that are not the targets of the pesticide and whether changes are necessary
to protect the environment. EPA has extensive authority to require the submission of data to
support its scientific decisions and uses the latest scientific methods to conduct these ecological
risk assessments. The Agency requires applicants for pesticide registration to conduct and submit
a wide range of environmental laboratory and field studies. These studies examine the ecological
effects or toxicity of a pesticide and its breakdown products on various terrestrial and aquatic
animals and plants, and the chemical fate and transport of the pesticide (how it behaves and where
it enters the soil, air, and water). EPA uses these and other data to prepare an environmental fate
assessment and a hazard, or ecological effects, assessment that interprets the relevant toxicity
information for the pesticide and its degradation products.96
In FY 2020, EPA will examine all the toxicity and environmental fate data together to determine
what risks its use may pose to the environment. The process of comparing toxicity information
and the amount of the pesticide a given organism may be exposed to in the environment is called
risk assessment. A pesticide can be toxic at one exposure level and have little or no effect at
another. Thus, the risk assessor's job is to determine the relationship between possible exposure to
a pesticide and the resulting harmful effects.
The Agency reviews all data to make sure they were developed according to standard practices
within the discipline and EPA's test guidelines. Risk assessments are peer reviewed, and regulatory
decisions are posted on the Internet for review and comment to ensure that these actions are
transparent, and stakeholders are engaged in decisions that affect their environment. When
complex scientific issues arise, the Agency consults the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel97 for
independent scientific advice.
Risk Mitigation
To ensure unreasonable risks are avoided, EPA may impose risk mitigation measures such as
modifying use rates or application methods, restricting uses, or denying uses. In some regulatory
decisions, EPA may determine that uncertainties in the risk determination need to be reduced and
may subsequently require monitoring of environmental conditions, such as effects on water
sources, or the development and submission of additional laboratory or field study data by the
pesticide registrant.
87 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-seience-and-assessiiig-pesticide-risks/factsheet-ecological-
risk-assessment-pesticides.
96 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/overview-risk-
assessinent-pesticide-prograni.
97 For more information, please see: http://www.epa. gov/scipolv/sap.
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Ensuring Proper Pesticide Use through Labeling
Under FIFRA, it is illegal to use a registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with the label
instructions and precautions. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to use pesticide labels to indicate
what uses are appropriate and to ensure that the pesticide is used at the application rates and
according to the methods and timing approved. When EPA registers a pesticide product, it requires
specific labeling instructions and precautions. When risks are identified during the initial
registration or during registration review, the Agency may mitigate those risks by requiring label
changes. For example, EPA may require buffer zones around water sources to prevent
contamination of water or endangering aquatic plants and wildlife. Other examples are changing
the application method, or rate or timing of applications to when pollinators are not present to
prevent risks to pollinators such as bees.
Pesticide Registration Review
In FY 2020, EPA's activities will involve increased efforts on comprehensive risk assessments to
protect the environment. For the 725 cases covering all pesticides registered before October 1,
2007, EPA has a statutory mandate to make registration review decisions by October 1, 2022. For
each case, the steps in this process include, in this order; opening dockets, developing work plans,
completing risk assessments, and making decisions regarding any risk management measures. It
is important to open dockets and develop work plans for as many cases as possible early in the
process so that there is time to complete the risk assessments and make decisions by the FY 2022
deadline. EPA completed the opening of all 725 dockets in FY 2017 and can now focus its
resources on completing risk assessments and making decisions to meet the FY 2022 statutory
deadline. In working towards meeting the FY 2022 deadline for registration review, EPA expects
to complete approximately 75 draft risk assessments and 75 decisions during FY 2020. The draft
risk assessments will be published for public comments.
Pesticide Registration and Reducing Risk Through the Use of Safer Pesticides and Methods
The review of pesticides currently in the marketplace and implementation of decisions made as a
result of these reviews are a necessary element of meeting EPA's goals. However, attaining risk
reduction would be significantly hampered without availability of alternative products to these
pesticides for consumers.98 Consequently, the success of the Registration Program in ensuring the
availability of reduced risk pesticides plays a significant role in meeting the environmental
outcome of improved ecosystem protection. EPA has promoted reduced risk pesticides since 1993
by giving registration priority to pesticides that have lower toxicity to people and non-target
organisms such as birds, fish, and plants; low potential for contaminating groundwater; lower use
rates; low pest resistance potential; and compatibility with Integrated Pest Management".
Biological pesticides and biotechnology often represent lower risk solutions to pest problems. In
FY 2020, EPA will continue to assist pesticide users in learning about new, safer products and
98 Reducing Pesticide Risk, found at: http://www.epa. gov/pesticides/liealtfa/
99 For more information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm/.
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methods for using existing products. The Agency also will continue encouraging the use of IPM
tools.
Reducing Animal Testing
In FY 2020, through stakeholder discussions and participation in intergovernmental working
groups, the Agency will work to identify opportunities to reduce the use of animals in ecological
hazard testing. EPA will reach out to non-governmental organizations to collaborate on projects
(e.g., to retrospectively analyze the results of ecological hazard testing). Based on the results of
those projects, EPA will then develop and disseminate guidance materials for companies to clarify
ecotoxicology testing requirements/needs.
Minimizing Environmental Impacts through Outreach and Education
Through public outreach, the Agency will continue to encourage the use of Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and other practices to maximize the benefits pesticides can yield while
minimizing the impacts on the environment in. The Agency will develop and disseminate
brochures, provide education on potential benefits of IPM, and promote outreach on the success
of IPM to encourage its use.100 To encourage responsible pesticide use that does not endanger the
environment, EPA will reach out to the public through the Internet, and to workers and professional
pesticide applicators through worker training programs.
Protection of Endangered Species
EPA is responsible for complying with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This presents a great
challenge given that there are approximately 1,200 active ingredients in more than 17,000 products
- many of which have multiple uses - and over 1,600 listed endangered species in the US with
diverse biological attributes, habitat requirements, and geographic ranges.101 In FY 2020, as part
of EPA's determination of whether a pesticide product may be registered for a particular use, the
Agency will assess whether listed endangered or threatened species or their designated critical
habitat may be affected by use of the product. Where risks are identified, EPA will work with the
FWS and the NMFS in a consultation102 process to ensure these new or existing pesticide
registrations also will meet the ESA standard.103
Under the ESA, federal agencies must ensure that the "actions" they authorize will not result in
jeopardy to species listed as endangered or threatened by the Services, or adversely modify
designated critical habitat. Based on the parameters specified in the labeling, the Agency performs
comprehensive risk assessments to determine if there is a potential risk to Threatened or
Endangered species.
100 For additional information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/pesp/ipmiiischools/implementation.html.
101 For additional information, please see: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecpO/reports/box-score-report.
102 For additional information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/assessing-pesticides-under-endangered-
species-act.
103 Additional information on how EPA protects endangered species from pesticides can be found at:
https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species.
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During registration review, EPA will support obtaining risk mitigation earlier in the process by
encouraging registrants to agree to changes in uses and applications of a pesticide that are
beneficial to the protection of endangered species prior to completion of EPA's consultations with
FWS andNMFS. In FY 2020, pesticide registration reviews are expected to contain environmental
assessments, including determining potential endangered species impacts. This effort will continue
to expand the Program's workload due to the need to review studies that were received as a result
of data call-ins and the need to conduct additional environmental assessments for pesticides
already in the review pipeline.
In FY 2020, in cooperation with the Services and the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), the Agency will continue to work on implementing the ESA. To this end, the Agency
continues to implement recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) National
Research Council regarding scientific and technical issues related to the methods and assumptions
used by EPA and the Services to carry out their joint responsibilities under the ESA and FIFRA.
Since receiving the NAS report, the four agencies have developed shared scientific approaches,
solicited input from stakeholders, and presented those approaches to stakeholders. During FY
2020, EPA will continue to improve the Biological Evaluations methodology and will apply the
revised approaches to selected pesticide risk assessments.
The Agency will continue to provide technical support for compliance with the requirements of
the ESA. In FY 2020, EPA will continue the advancement and integration of state-of-the-art
science models, knowledge bases, and analytic processes to increase productivity and better
address the challenge of potential risks of specific pesticides to specific species. Interconnection
of the various databases within the program office also will provide improved support to the risk
assessment process during registration review by allowing risk assessors to more easily analyze
complex scenarios relative to endangered species.
EPA authorizes the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides according to the product labeling. EPA
will continue to impose use limitations through appropriate label statements, referring pesticide
users to EPA-developed Endangered Species Protection Bulletins when necessary, which are
available on the Internet via Bulletins Live Two!104 These bulletins also will, as appropriate, contain
maps of pesticide use limitation areas necessary to ensure protection of listed species and
compliance with the ESA. Any such limitations on a pesticide's use will be enforceable under the
misuse provisions of FIFRA. In FY 2020, EPA will continue revising and updating Bulletins Live
Two! to provide a more interactive and more geographically discrete platform for pesticide users
to understand the use limitations necessary to protect endangered or threatened species.
Pollinator Protection
Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in ensuring the production of food. USDA is leading
the federal government's effort to understand the causes of declining pollinator health and identify
actions that also will improve pollinator health. EPA is part of this effort and is focusing on the
potential role of pesticides. EPA's emphasis is to ensure that the pesticides used represent
acceptable risks to pollinators and that products are available for commercial bee keepers to
104 For additional information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/endangered-species-protection-bulletins.
323
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manage pests that impact pollinator health. EPA is working with pesticide registrants to change
pesticide labels to reduce acute exposure and ensure that pollinators are protected.
EPA has implemented a pollinator risk assessment framework to assess the potential effects that
pesticides may have on bees through the registration and registration review programs, in
cooperation with Canada and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. In addition, EPA
is working with several other federal agencies, including USDA and the Department of the Interior
(DOI), to increase and improve pollinator habitat. EPA also is working with seed companies to
develop and implement strategies to reduce the release of pesticide residues during the planting
process of treated seed. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to apply the best available science and risk
management methods for sustaining pollinators.105
Protection of Water Resources
Reduced concentration of pesticides in water sources is an indication of the effectiveness of EPA's
risk assessment, management, mitigation, and communication activities. Using monitoring data
collected under the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Quality Assessment (NWQA)
Program for urban watersheds, EPA will continue to monitor the impact of regulatory decisions
for three priority chemicals - diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and carbaryl. In agricultural watersheds, the
Program will monitor the impact of regulatory decisions on azinphos-methyl and chlorpyrifos and
consider whether any additional action is necessary.106 These four organophosphate insecticides
most consistently exceeded EPA's aquatic life benchmarks for aquatic ecosystems107 during the
last ten years of monitoring by the USGS NAWQA Program. In FY 2020, the Agency will continue
to work with USGS to develop sampling plans and refine program goals. Water quality is a critical
endpoint for measuring exposure and risk to the environment and a measure of EPA's ability to
reduce exposure from these key pesticides of concern.108
Evidence and Evaluation
One area that EPA is actively working to improve, through the use of the Lean Management
System, is the review process for pesticide new active ingredient applications, and specifically,
reducing the timeframes that EPA takes to review these types of applications. In FY 2020, the
focus will be on gathering evidence that will assist the Agency with streamlining the review
process for new active ingredient applications and building on previous efforts to map the process
and identify bottlenecks. By identifying efficiencies in the review process for new active
ingredients, the Agency expects to reduce decision time frames for new active ingredient
applications and leverage those process improvements for related processes (e.g., new uses).
105 Additional actions EPA is taking to protect pollinators from pesticides can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-
protection.
106Gilliom, R.J., et al. 2006. The Quality of Our Nation's Waters: Pesticides in the Nation's Streams and Ground Water, 1992-
2001. Reston, Virginia: U. S. Geological Survey Circular 1291,p 171. Available on the Internet at:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2005/1291/.
107 For additional information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/oppefedl/ecorisk ders/aquatic life benchmark.htm.
108 The most sensitive aquatic benchmarks for the chemicals are posted on the following website: http://www.epa.gov/pesticide-
science-and-assessing-pesticide-risks/aauatic-life-benchmarks-pesticide-registration.
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM FIFRA1) Number of FIFRA decisions completed through pesticides registration review.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
58
75
75
Decisions
Actual
65
(PM FIFRA2) Number of FIFRA registration review draft risk assessments completed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
70
72
75
Risk
Assessments
Actual
113
(PM PRIA1) Average number of days to complete PRIA decisions for new active ingredients.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
643
631
619
Days
Actual
603
(PM 091) Percentage of decisions (registration actions) completed on time (on or before PRIA or negotiated
due dates).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
99
97
96
96
97
99
99
99
Percent
Actual
98.8
85
98.4
99
99
99.7
Numerator
2,023
1,627
2,078
2,157
2,008
2,193
Decisions
Denominator
2,048
1,919
2,111
2,174
2,026
2,199
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$623.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$11,036.0 / -28.3 FTE) This program change reflects the reduction of funding for
pesticide program activities from annual appropriations with the intent to increase
utilization of pesticide user fee collections. Proposed legislative language accompanying
the President's Budget will expand EPA's scope of activities that can be funded with user
fees.
• (+44.5 FTE) This program change shifts 44.5 FTE from annual appropriations to pesticide
user fee collections.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Endangered Species Act (ESA).
325
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Science Policy and Biotechnology
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muim^ciiwiil
S 1.U04.1
S 2.040.0
so.o
-S 2.0-10.0
Total Budget Authority
$1,604.1
$2,040.0
$0.0
-$2,040.0
Total Workyears
7.0
7.2
0.0
-7.2
Program Project Description:
The Science Policy and Biotechnology Program provides scientific and policy expertise,
coordinates EPA's intra/interagency efforts, and facilitates information-sharing related to core
science policy issues concerning pesticides and toxic chemicals. In addition, the Science Policy
and Biotechnology Program provides for independent, external scientific peer review through the
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP), a
federal advisory committee and the newly-formed Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals
(SACC).
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. Statutory
requirements will be absorbed by the pesticides and toxics programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$2,040.0 / -7.2 FTE) This program change eliminates the Science Policy and
Biotechnology Program. The science advisory committee oversight, including peer review,
required by FIFRA and TSCA, will be conducted by the pesticides and toxics program
offices.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics
Act (FFDCA) § 408; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
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Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
Program Area: Pesticides Licensing
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
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$362.0
$424.0
$615.0
$191.0
Total Budget Authority
$7,366.6
$8,650.0
$6,186.0
-$2,464.0
Total Workyears
34.5
36.8
46.3
9.5
Total work years in FY 2020 include 10.5 FTE funded by the Reregistration and Expedited Processing Revolving
Fund.
Program Project Description:
The primary federal law that governs how EPA oversees pesticide manufacture, distribution and
use in the United States is the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Originally enacted in 1947, this law has been significantly amended several times, most recently
by the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) and the Pesticide Registration Improvement
Extension Act of 2012 (PRIA). FIFRA requires that EPA register pesticides based on a finding
that they will not cause unreasonable adverse effects to people and the environment, taking into
account the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide.
Each time the law has been amended, while Congress has strengthened the safety standards of the
act, it continues to recognize the benefits of pesticides.
This program seeks to realize the value of pesticides that can be used safely to yield many benefits,
such as killing viruses and bacteria in America's hospitals. These benefits also include guarding
the nation's abundant and wholesome food supply, protecting the public from disease-carrying
pests, and protecting the environment from the introduction of invasive species from other parts
of the world.
This program manages the following types of pesticide registrations and regulatory actions under
FIFRA:
• Special Local Needs under FIFRA section 24(c);
• Federal registrations at the national level under FIFRA section 3;
• Experimental Use Permit;
• Emergency, Quarantine and Crisis Exemption; and
• Periodic review of existing chemicals under the Registration Review Program.109
109 Additional information can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/types-registrations-under-fifia.
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
Meeting Agriculture's Need for Safe. Effective Pest Control Products
With the passage of FQPA, Congress acknowledged the importance of and need for "reduced-risk
pesticides" and supported expedited Agency review to help these pesticides reach the market
sooner and replace older and potentially riskier chemicals. The law defines a reduced risk pesticide
as one that "may reasonably be expected to accomplish one or more of the following: (1) reduces
pesticide risks to human health; (2) reduces pesticide risks to non-target organisms; (3) reduces
the potential for contamination of valued, environmental resources, or (4) broadens adoption of
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)110 or makes it more effective." In FY 2020, EPA will continue
to support and develop procedures and guidelines for expedited review of applications for
registration or amendments for a reduced risk pesticide.
FIFRA's Version of "Generic" Pesticides
FIFRA authorizes EPA to register products that are identical to or substantially similar to already
registered products (known as "me too" products). Applicants for these substantially similar
products may rely on, or "cite" data already submitted by another registrant. The entry of these
new products into the market can cause price reductions resulting from new competition and
broader access to products, which benefits farmers and other consumers. The agency will continue
to prioritize and review generic registrations consistent with the statutory schedule for decision-
making. Application submissions for this category of action can generally be reviewed in four
months. In FY 2018, the Agency completed just over 200 registrations for the primary PRIA
category (R-300) that involves 'me-too' conventional chemical registration requests. The Agency
expects to complete a similar volume of registrations in FY 2020.
Outreach and Education
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to encourage IPM, which emphasizes minimizing the use
of broad-spectrum chemicals and maximizing the use of sanitation, biological controls, and
selective methods of application. IPM relies on pesticide users being well-informed about the pest
control options available and how to best use them. It is not enough to have pesticide products
registered to control pest infestations. Pesticide users need to know which pesticides to use, how
to use them, and how to maintain the site, so pests do not return. The Pesticide Program is invested
in outreach and training efforts for people who use pesticides and the public in general.
Review and Registration
During FY 2020, EPA will review and register new pesticides, new uses for existing pesticides,
and act on other registration requests in accordance with FIFRA and FFDCA standards as well as
110 For additional information, please see: http://www.epa.gOv/pesficides/:factsheets/ipm.hfm.
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PRIA timeframes. Many of these actions will be for reduced-risk pesticides, which, once registered
and used by consumers, will increase benefits to society. Working together with the affected user
communities, through IPM and related activities, the Agency plans to accelerate the adoption of
these lower-risk products.
EPA will continue to support implementation of other IPM-related activities. The Agency will
partner in the development of tools and informational brochures to promote IPM efforts and to
provide guidance to schools, farmers, other partners, and stakeholders.
Similarly, the Agency will continue its work-sharing efforts with its international partners.
Through these collaborative activities and resulting international registrations, international trade
barriers will be reduced. When nations with whom the U.S. trade accept imported crops treated
with newer, lower-risk pesticides, domestic users can more readily adopt these newer pesticides
into their Crop Protection Programs. Work-sharing efforts also reduce the costs of registration to
governments by sharing the expenses.
Emergency. Quarantine, and Crisis Exemptions
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to prioritize emergency exemptions under FIFRA Section 18,
which authorizes EPA to allow an unregistered use of a pesticide for a limited time in the event of
an emergency, such as a severe pest infestation, public health emergency, or invasive pest species
quarantine. The economic benefit of the Section 18 Emergency Exemptions Program to growers
is the avoidance of losses incurred in the absence of pesticides exempted under FIFRA's
emergency exemption provisions. In addition, exemptions serve as important public health
controls to avert pests that may cause significant risk to human health. In FY 2018, the Agency
processed just over 110 requests for emergency uses and expects to process a similar level in FY
2020.
Evidence and Evaluation
One area that EPA is actively working to improve, through the use of the Lean Management
System, is the review process for pesticide new active ingredient applications, and specifically,
reducing the timeframes that EPA takes to review these types of applications. In FY 2020, the
focus will be on gathering evidence that will assist the Agency with streamlining the review
process for new active ingredient applications and building on previous efforts to map the process
and identify bottlenecks. The process also will be streamlined by incorporating special
antimicrobial sections and further monitoring the use of unregistered pesticides under Section 18.
By identifying efficiencies in the review process for new active ingredients, the Agency expects
to reduce decision time frames for new active ingredient applications and leverage those process
improvements for related processes (e.g., new uses).
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Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Pesticides: Protect the Environment
from Pesticide Risk Program under the EPM appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$190.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support,
and benefit costs.
• (-$2,465.0 / -2.0 FTE) This program change reflects a reduction in funding for pesticide
program activities from annual appropriations with the intent to increase utilization of
pesticide user fee collections. Proposed legislative language accompanying the President's
Budget will expand EPA's scope of activities that can be funded with user fees. This
reduction recognizes the adoption of some process improvements in the registration and
registration review processes and the completion of some upgrades to program IT systems.
• (+10.5 FTE) This program change shifts 10.5 FTE from annual appropriations to pesticide
user fee collections.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA) § 408.
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Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
331
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RCRA: Corrective Action
Program Area: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
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addition, 95 percent of corrective action facilities achieved protection of human health while 89
percent achieved groundwater protection.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Program is currently focusing its
resources on cleaning up 3,779 priority contaminated facilities (the "2020 Baseline"), which
includes highly contaminated and technically challenging sites. As of the end of FY 2018, only 36
percent of the 2020 Baseline facilities has completed final and permanent cleanups, leaving
approximately 2,500 facilities still needing oversight and technical support to reach final site-wide
cleanup objectives. Additionally, the 2020 Baseline is a subset of a larger group of facilities with
potential corrective action obligations under the RCRA. The Program's goals are to control human
exposures, control migration of contaminated groundwater, complete final cleanups for the 2020
Baseline facilities, and assess and cleanup identified non-2020 Baseline facilities.
In FY 2020, EPA will:
• Reassess its universe of cleanup facilities, priorities, and measures to ensure that resources
are focused on addressing those facilities that present the highest risk to human health and
the environment by implementing actions to end or reduce these threats. The Program also
will prioritize meeting the RCRA RAU measure targets, ensuring that where possible
properties are returned to productive use and human health and environment are protected
into the future.
• Provide technical assistance to authorized states in the areas of site characterization,
sampling, remedy selection, reaching final cleanup goals, and long-term stewardship at
2020 Baseline facilities.
• Prioritize and focus the Program on completing site investigations to identify the most
significant threats, establish interim remedies to reduce and eliminate exposure, and select
and construct safe, effective long-term remedies that also maintain the economic viability
of the operating facility.
• For high priority facilities, perform cleanup work under work-sharing agreements to assist
with facilities that have complex issues114 or special tasks (e.g. ecological risk
assessments).
• Continue to improve cleanup approaches and share best practices and cleanup innovations,
such as the use of the Lean RCRA FIRST115 toolbox developed to speed up and improve
cleanups by eliminating inefficiencies in key procedural steps.
114 For example, vapor intrusion, wetlands contamination, or extensive groundwater issues.
115 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/hw/toolbox-corrective-action-resource-conservation-and-recoverv-
act-facilities-investigation-remedv.
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• Maintain RCRAInfo, which is the primary data system that many states rely upon to
manage their RCRA permitting, corrective action, and hazardous waste generator
programs. RCRAInfo receives data from hazardous waste handlers for the National
Biennial RCRA Hazardous Waste Report, which is mandated by RCRA Sections 3002 and
3004. The last biennial report showed there were 26,284 generators of over 33 million tons
of hazardous waste. RCRAInfo provides the only national-level RCRA hazardous waste
data and statistics to track the environmental progress of approximately 20,000 hazardous
waste units at 6,600 facilities.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM RSRAU) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities made ready for anticipated use.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
75
91
107
Facilities
Actual
117
(PM CA5RC) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
98
98
Facilities
Actual
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$915.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$6,765.0 / -27.4 FTE) This net program change will modify the timeline for initiating
cleanups and ongoing cleanups. EPA will prioritize resources on those facilities that
present the highest risk to human health and the environment.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
§§ 3004, 3005, 8001.
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RCRA: Waste Management
Program Area: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
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$2,146.2
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Total Budget Authority
$60,580.3
$60,791.0
$46,813.0
-$13,978.0
Total Workyears
296.9
289.7
227.2
-62.5
Total workyears in FY 2020 include 10.0 FTE funded by e-Manifest fees.
Program Project Description:
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) established EPA's role as a federal leader
in the conservation and recovery of resources. Under RCRA, EPA sets national standards for
managing hazardous wastes and provides federal agencies, state, tribal, and local governments,
and industries with technical assistance on solid waste management, resource recovery, and
resource conservation. Approximately 60,000 facilities generate and safely manage hazardous
waste in the United States.116 Eighty percent of the U.S. population lives within three miles of one
of these facilities,117 making national standards and procedures for managing hazardous wastes a
necessity.
The Waste Management Program safeguards the American people while facilitating commerce by
supporting an effective waste management infrastructure. Cradle-to-grave hazardous waste
management regulations help ensure safe management practices through the entire process of
generation, transportation, recycling, treatment, storage, and final disposal. The Program increases
the capacity for proper hazardous waste management in states by providing grant funding and
technical support.
EPA and its state partners issue, update, maintain, and oversee RCRA controls for approximately
20,000 hazardous waste units (e.g., incinerators, landfills, and tanks) located at 6,600 treatment,
storage, and disposal facilities.118 Just as businesses innovate and grow, the waste management
challenges they face also evolve; this requires new direction and changes in the federal hazardous
waste program through updated regulations, guidance, and other tools.
116 Memorandum, February 18, 2014, from Industrial Economics to the EPA, Re: Analysis to Support Assessment of Economic
Impacts and Benefits under RCRA Programs: Key Scoping Assessment, Initial Findings and Summary of Available Data (Section
1), pages 5-11.
117 U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Estimate. 2014. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of
theendofFY 2011 from RCRAInfo; and (2) census data from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey.
118 As compiled by RCRAInfo.
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EPA directly implements the entire RCRA program in Iowa and Alaska and provides leadership,
work-sharing, and support to the states and territories authorized to implement the permitting
program. Additionally, the Toxic Substances Control Act polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
cleanup and disposal program is implemented under the Waste Management Program to reduce
PCB exposure from improper disposal, storage, and spills. The Program reviews and approves
PCB cleanup, storage, and disposal activities. This federal authority is not delegated to state
programs. PCBs were banned in 1979, but legacy use and contamination still exists, and PCBs can
still be released into the environment from poorly maintained hazardous waste sites that contain
them.
In FY 2018, EPA permitted, clean-closed, or otherwise had initial controls in place to prevent
release at an additional 43 facilities. Issuance of controls decreases the risk of future releases and
enhances protection of human health and the environment. At the end of FY 2018,251 (50 percent)
of 500 facilities in need of controls had initial controls. Additionally, EPA issued RCRA hazardous
waste permit renewals or clean-closures to 109 additional facilities. Maintaining updated permits
and controls ensures that permitted facilities have consistent and protective standards to prevent
release; proper standards for waste management can protect human health, prevent land
contamination/degradation, and avoid future cleanups and associated substantial costs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the RCRA Waste
Management Program will:
• Provide technical assistance to regions, states, and tribes regarding the development and
implementation of solid waste programs.
• Provide technical and implementation assistance, oversight, and support to facilities that
generate, treat, store, recycle and dispose of hazardous waste.
• Review and approve PCB cleanup, storage, and disposal activities to reduce exposures,
particularly in sensitive areas like schools and other public spaces. EPA will prioritize PCB
approvals and expedite high priority cleanups or address those unaddressed in a timely
fashion. Issuing PCB approvals is a federal responsibility, non-delegable to states.
• Under EPA's Lean Management System, EPA will monitor progress in issuing permits
more quickly without sacrificing permit integrity. This includes progress towards meeting
the Agency's goal of reaching all permitting-related decisions in a timely manner.
• Manage the Waste Import Export Tracking System (WIETS) system, which provides for
the electronic submission of hazardous waste import and export notices. This saves
businesses time and effort and makes shipping hazardous waste across borders more
efficient. Managing hazardous waste imports and exports is a federal responsibility,
nondelegable to states.
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• Provide technical hazardous waste management assistance to tribes to encourage
sustainable practices and reduce exposure to toxins from hazardous waste.
• Directly implement the RCRA program in unauthorized states, on tribal lands, and other
unauthorized portions of state RCRA programs. Issue and update permits, including
continuing to improve permitting processes.
• Take action as necessary regarding regulations to ensure protective management of coal
combustion residuals (CCR). The Agency has promulgated regulations specifying
improved management and disposal practices to ensure people and ecosystems are
protected. The Agency will continue to work with our stakeholders as we develop and
implement regulations, through technical assistance and guidance.
• Implement applicable provisions of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation
Act of 2016, which enables states to submit for EPA approval state CCR permit programs.
The Agency will continue to work closely with state partners to review and make
determinations on State programs. Subject to appropriations, EPA will implement a permit
program for CCR disposal facilities on tribal lands as well as participating states.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM HW5) Number of permit renewals issued at hazardous waste facilities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
64
64
64
Facilities
Actual
113
110
100
89
125
109
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$924.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (+$3,000.0 / +14.0 FTE) This program change reflects an increase to support states in the
development and implementation of a coal combustion residual permit program.
• (-$17,902.0 / -78.6 FTE) This program change reflects a focus on PCB cleanup and
hazardous waste disposal programs, while reducing technical assistance to stakeholders
regarding the development, approval, and implementation of solid waste management
programs.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
§§ 3002, 3004, 3005, 3017; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) § 6.
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RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling
Program Area: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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$6,782.4
$9,534.0
$0.0
-$9,534.0
Total Workyears
36.4
47.6
0.0
-47.6
Program Project Description:
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) established EPA's role in the conservation
and recovery of material. Charged to provide federal agencies, state and local governments, and
industries with technical assistance on solid waste management, resource recovery, and resource
conservation, EPA established the RCRA Waste Minimization Program.
The RCRA Waste Minimization Program is designed to collect, maintain, and share information
on the market potential of energy and materials recovered from solid waste, including information
regarding the savings potential of conserving resources that go into the waste stream.119 As a result,
industries can efficiently conserve virgin resources, including natural resources, fossil fuels,
minerals, and precious metals.
Efforts in Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) seeks to efficiently and effectively minimize
environmental impacts throughout the full life cycle of materials—from raw materials extraction,
through transportation, processing, manufacturing, and use, as well as reuse, recycling, and
disposal. This approach highlights ways to reduce waste throughout the life-cycle and to use waste
materials as commodities to grow industries and associated jobs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. State and local
entities or industry groups may elect to continue to promote reuse and recycling of materials based
on previous work supported by this program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
119 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/smm.
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$9,534.0 / -47.6 FTE) This funding change proposes to eliminate the RCRA Waste
Minimization and Recycling Program in FY 2020. EPA will focus on core waste
management work.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
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Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
340
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Endocrine Disruptors
Program Area: Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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$4,583.1
$7,553.0
$0.0
-$7,553.0
Total Workyears
7.8
7.7
0.0
-7.7
Program Project Description:
The Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) was established in 1996 under authorities
contained in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) amendments. Current activities within the EDSP include transitioning to the use of high
throughput screening (HTS) and computational toxicology (CompTox) tools to screen thousands
of chemicals for endocrine activity, establishing policies and procedures for screening and testing,
and evaluating data to ensure chemical safety by protecting public health and the environment
from endocrine disrupting chemicals.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will absorb
the remaining functions within the Pesticides Program using the currently available tiered testing
battery.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$7,553.0 / -7.7 FTE) This program change eliminates the Endocrine Disruptors Program.
The ongoing functions of the Program can be continued within the Pesticides Program.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) § 408(p); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) §
1457.
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Pollution Prevention Program
Program Area: Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
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$10,353.0
$11,236.0
$0.0
-$11,236.0
Total Workyears
47.8
46.2
0.0
-46.2
Program Project Description:
The Pollution Prevention (P2) Program is a tool for advancing environmental stewardship and
sustainability by federal, state and tribal governments; businesses; communities; and individuals.
The P2 Program seeks to alleviate environmental problems by achieving reductions in the
generation of hazardous releases to air, water, and land; reductions in the use of hazardous
materials; reductions in the generation of greenhouse gases; and reductions in the use of water.
The Program also helps businesses and others reduce costs as a result of implementing these
preventative approaches.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. Based on previous
investments in P2 solutions made under this program project, partners are expected to be able to
continue to share best practices and pursue additional pollution prevention solutions. EPA will
continue to meet core statutory requirements under the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 in other
programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$11,236.0 / -46.2 FTE) This program change eliminates the Pollution Prevention
Program.
Statutory Authority:
Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
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Toxic Substances: Chemical Risk Review and Reduction
Program Area: Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
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Total Budget Authority
$65,947.8
$61,105.0
$66,418.0
$5,313.0
Total Workyears
248.7
289.2
258.7
-30.5
Total Workyears in FY 2020 include 51.6 FTE funded by TSCA fees.
Program Project Description:
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg
Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, EPA has significant responsibilities for ensuring that
chemicals in or entering commerce do not present unreasonable risks to human health or the
environment. These responsibilities are executed by the Agency through the Chemical Risk
Review and Reduction (CRRR) Program, which works to ensure the safety of:
• Existing chemicals (those already in use when TSCA was first enacted in 1976 and those
which have since gone through review by the TSCA New Chemicals Program)120 by
obtaining and evaluating chemical data and by taking regulatory action, where appropriate,
to prevent any unreasonable risk posed by their use; and
• New chemicals by reviewing new chemical notices submitted by industry, including Pre-
Manufacture Notices (PMNs), and taking action, as appropriate, to ensure that no
unreasonable risk will be posed by such chemicals upon their entry into U.S. commerce.
The amended TSCA law, signed on June 22, 2016, provided EPA with significant new authorities
and obligations:
• Clear deadlines. EPA is required to systematically prioritize and evaluate existing
chemicals on a specific schedule, complete specified numbers of chemical risk evaluations
within specified time frames, complete risk management actions within specified time
frames where warranted by the findings of the evaluations, and review and make
determinations on Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims within specified time
frames, among other actions.
120 These include certain prevalent, high-risk chemicals known generally as "legacy chemicals" (e.g., PCBs, mercury), which
were previously covered in a separate Chemical Risk Management (CRM) budget justification. The CRM program area was
combined with Chemical Risk Review and Reduction effective FY 2015.
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• Requirement to address risks. EPA is required to take timely action to address any
unreasonable risks identified in the risk evaluations by applying by rule one or more of the
requirements specified in TSCA Section 6(a), which can include: prohibiting or restricting
the manufacture, processing or distribution in commerce of the chemical substance or
mixture for a particular use; limiting the amount of the substance or mixture that may be
manufactured, processed or distributed in commerce for a particular use; or imposing
requirements affecting labeling, recordkeeping or any manner or method of commercial
use or disposal of the substance or mixture; to the extent necessary so that the chemical
will no longer present an unreasonable risk.
• Increased transparency of chemical data while protecting legitimate confidential
information. EPA is required to review all chemical identity CBI claims for certain types
of submissions and for 25 percent of most other CBI claims within 90 days of receipt.
• Requirement that EPA make an affirmative determination of safety on every new chemical.
Previously, new chemicals were allowed to enter the marketplace unless EPA made a
specific determination that regulatory controls were needed. Now, an affirmative
determination must be made by EPA within a mandated 90-day timeframe121 that a new
chemical substance will present, may present, or is not likely to present an unreasonable
risk to human health or the environment; or that the available information is insufficient to
enable the Agency to make any of the above determinations. Unless EPA determines that
the substance is not likely to present unreasonable risk, the Agency must issue an order or
rule that imposes conditions sufficient to protect against any such unreasonable risk before
the chemical can enter the marketplace.
In addition, amended TSCA provided a sustainable source of funding for EPA to carry out its
responsibilities, authorizing the Agency to collect user fees designed to defray 25 percent of its
costs for administering certain sections122 of TSCA, as amended.123 Fee levels may be adjusted on
a recurring three-year basis for inflation and to ensure that fees defray 25 percent of relevant costs.
Chemical manufacturers (including importers) and, in limited instances, processors began
incurring TSCA User Fees on October 1, 2018.
The statute authorizes EPA to collect fees from chemical manufacturers (including importers) and,
in limited instances, processors who:
• Are required to submit information (TSCA section 4);
• Submit notification of or information related to intent to manufacture a new chemical or
significant new use of a chemical (TSCA section 5);
121 EPA may extend this timeline by 90 days, and submitters may request to suspend review to develop/provide additional
information.
122 The costs of implementing TSCA (as amended) Sections 4, 5 and 6 are defrayable up to the statutory caps, as are the costs of
collecting, processing, reviewing and providing access to and protecting from disclosure, as appropriate, chemical information
under Section 14.
123 The authority to assess fees is conditioned on appropriations for the CRRR Program, excluding fees, being held at least equal
to the amount appropriated for FY 2014.
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• Manufacture, (including import) a chemical substance that is subject to an EPA-initiated
risk evaluation (TSCA section 6); or
• Request that EPA conduct risk evaluation on an existing chemical (TSCA section 6),
subject to the Agency's approval of the request.
The Agency has made considerable progress in carrying out work activities required under the
amended law. Key achievements include:
• Commencing risk evaluations for the initial set of 10 chemicals, issuing scoping documents
in accordance with statutory deadlines, issuing problem formulation documents and
initiating development of draft evaluations;
• Completing the first draft risk evaluation, for Pigment Violet 29, in November 2018;
• Finalizing all four key framework rules needed to carry out provisions of the amended
TSCA law (Inventory Rule, Risk Evaluation Process Rule, Prioritization Process Rule,
User Fees Rule);
• Releasing guidance for external parties interested in submitting draft risk evaluations to
EPA for consideration;
• Completing reviews under the new law of more than 2,600 new chemical notifications and
submissions124 and utilizing a pre-submission consultation step to engage early with
submitters;
• Enhancing chemical data transparency by issuing guidance for state, tribal, and local
governments and emergency responders on sharing TSCA CBI, guidance on structurally
descriptive names, and policy and procedures for assigning unique identifiers to improve
public tracking of information on chemicals;
• Finalizing a Strategic Plan to promote the development and implementation of alternative
test methods and strategies to reduce, refine or replace vertebrate animal testing and the
initial List of Alternative Test Methods and Strategies (or New Approach Methodologies
[NAMs]), which the Agency plans to update at least once a year;
• Proposing a Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) requiring EPA review for new uses of
asbestos before they can be allowed to be commercialized;
• Advancing development of a required regulatory action under section 6(a) for five
Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) chemicals from the 2014 update of the TSCA
Work Plan for Chemical Assessments that meet a specific set of criteria laid out in section
6(h), with publication of a draft rule planned to occur in the early summer of 2019;
• Releasing for public comment a systematic review approach document to guide EPA's
selection and review of studies and to explain how the agency plans to evaluate scientific
information;
• Publishing an Interim List of Active Substances, as required by TSCA Section 8;
• Publishing a list of five mercury compounds that are to be made subject to export
restrictions and a final rule on reporting mercury manufacturing and imports; and
• Conducting a series of public meetings and webinars to gather public input on TSCA
implementation activities.
124 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/reviewiiig-new-chemicals-under-toxic-substances-control-act-
tsca/statistics-new-chemicals-review#chart
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Future implementation activities will build on the progress EPA already has made.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the resources requested by
EPA will support continued implementation of the amendments to TSCA, with emphasis on the
critical mandates and timelines applicable to pre-market review of new chemicals, chemical risk
evaluation and management, review and determinations on incoming CBI claims, and other
statutory priorities. EPA anticipates an increased workload to support these efforts in FY 2020 as
the Agency reaches statutory deadlines to conclude the first ten risk evaluations for existing
chemicals, and initiate risk management regulatory actions as necessary. EPA also will conclude
the statutorily required prioritization work to identify 20 Low-Priority chemicals for which risk
evaluation is not warranted at this time, and to identify 20 High Priority chemicals for which risk
evaluation must begin immediately. At the same time, the Agency will work to reduce review
timeframes for review of Pre-Manufacture Notices for new chemicals and will continue to carry
out ongoing base program activities.
Primary TSCA Implementation Activities - TSCA Sections 4, 5, 6, and 14:
TSCA, as amended, provides requirements and authorities to EPA to collect chemical test data,
review new and existing chemicals, and address unreasonable risks under TSCA Sections 4, 5, and
6; to collect, process, review, and provide access to and protect from disclosure information on
chemical substances as appropriate under TSCA Section 14; and to defray 25 percent of the costs
of those activities through user fees.
TSCA Section 4, as amended, authorizes EPA to require testing of a chemical substance or mixture
by manufacturers (including importers) or processors. The 2016 TSCA amendments provided new
test order authorities which are designed to expedite the Agency's collection of testing information
for prioritizing and conducting chemical risk evaluations for new and existing chemicals. In FY
2020, EPA may utilize these authorities to require testing on chemicals in connection with the
prioritization and risk evaluation processes, where such testing is needed. The Agency will
continue to review test data submitted from prior test rules and enforceable consent agreements.
As in past years, EPA will make use of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data in prioritizing
chemicals for collection of testing information and evaluation of potential risks.
Under TSCA Section 5, as amended, EPA is responsible for reviewing all new chemical
submissions to determine whether the chemicals may pose unreasonable risks to human health or
the environment if they were to enter U.S. commerce, and, when necessary, requiring restrictions
or testing prior to allowing chemicals to be commercialized. In FY 2020, the Agency will continue
to implement these responsibilities; EPA expects to review and manage, as necessary, the potential
risks from approximately one thousand new chemicals, including nanoscale materials and products
of biotechnology, prior to their entry into the marketplace. The Program also will evaluate the data
submitted under requirements of Section 5 Consent Orders. The Agency also will continue to make
improvements to internal data and tracking systems stemming from lean projects undertaken by
the program to enhance the efficiency of the new chemical review process. These improvements
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will provide regulatory relief to submitters by increasing certainty about review timeframes and
associated risk management actions. In addition, in FY 2020, EPA will continue to use TSCA
Section 5 authorities to issue SNURs to require notification to EPA for significant new uses of
existing chemicals, where applicable.
Under TSCA Section 6, as amended, EPA is statutorily mandated to maintain an ambitious
schedule for initiating and completing chemical risk evaluations of existing chemicals. When
unreasonable risks are identified, TSCA sets timelines for initiating and completing risk
management regulatory actions to address those unreasonable risks.
• Chemical Prioritization and Risk Evaluation: In FY 2020, EPA intends to complete risk
evaluations for the first 10 chemicals designated to undergo risk evaluation under the
amended law no later than December 2019, in accordance with statutory timelines, or by
June 2020 if EPA invokes a statutorily allowed 6-month extension. (Designation of Ten
Chemical Substances for Initial Risk Evaluations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act,
81 FR 91927). Scoping and problem formulation documents for all 10 evaluations were
released by EPA in June 2017 and June 2018, respectively.
For EPA-initiated risk evaluations beyond the first 10 chemicals noted above, EPA must
first undertake a risk-based prioritization process to determine which chemicals will be
evaluated, identifying them as either "high" or "low" priority substances for evaluation as
set forth in TSCA section 6(b)(1)(A). In FY 2020, in accordance with statutory
requirements, EPA will finalize designations of at least 20 high-priority and at least 20
low-priority chemicals and will commence risk evaluations for the 20 high-priority
chemicals. After EPA designates at least 20 high-priority substances in FY 2020, EPA is
required to commence a risk evaluation for another high-priority substance each time a risk
evaluation is completed so that EPA maintains a pace of at least 20 EPA-initiated risk
evaluations underway from the end of calendar year 2019 forward [TSCA section 6(b)(2)],
The law also includes provisions allowing manufacturers to request that EPA conduct
evaluations of specific chemicals. EPA is required to undertake manufacturer-requested
risk evaluations that meet the Agency's acceptance criteria at levels up to 50 percent of the
number of EPA-initiated evaluations underway.
• Risk Management: When unreasonable risks are identified in the final risk evaluation, EPA
must finalize risk management actions (rulemakings under TSCA Section 6(a)) to address
the unreasonable risk within two years, or up to four years if an extension is utilized.
Accordingly, the Agency may be proposing risk management actions in FY 2021 for
chemicals which have been found to present an unreasonable risk, based upon the first ten
risk evaluations that must be completed in FY 2020.
In FY 2020, EPA also will take risk management regulatory action on other chemicals.
TSCA Section 6(h) establishes a fast-track process to address certain persistent,
bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemicals on the 2014 TSCA Work Plan. EPA is
developing a regulation for five such chemicals based upon peer-reviewed exposure and
use assessments and expects to propose that regulation by June 2019 as prescribed by the
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law. In FY 2020, EPA expects to work to finalize this regulation. EPA also expects to
continue work on regulating certain uses of methylene chloride in paint and coating
removal in FY 2019. The final rule action was based on a final risk assessment released in
2014 C'TSCA Work Plan Chemical Risk Assessment Methylene Chloride: Paint Stripping
Use").
Under TSCA Section 14, as amended, EPA is required to review and make determinations on
confidential business information (CBI) claims contained in TSCA submissions, to share - under
defined circumstances - TSCA CBI with states, tribes, health and medical professionals, first
responders, and similar persons, and to make non-CBI TSCA data available to the public. EPA is
updating policies, regulations and guidance to implement the amendments. In FY 2020, EPA will:
• Complete CBI claim reviews for more than 2,500 new cases125 anticipated to be associated
with Section 4, 5 and 8 submissions;
• Complete CBI claim reviews for approximately 1,900 chemical identity claims associated
with Notice of Activity submissions;
• Complete CBI claim reviews for approximately 1,500 CBI cases from the backlog that has
developed since 2016 pending finalization of EPA's review procedures;
• Assign unique identifiers to chemicals where CBI claims for chemical identify are upheld.
Other TSCA Mandates and Activities
TSCA Section 8: In FY 2020, as required under Section 8 of TSCA, as amended, EPA will publish
the next inventory of supply, use and trade of mercury and mercury compounds in the U.S. This
effort will include implementation of a June 2018 rule establishing reporting requirements for
persons who manufacture or import mercury and mercury-added products, or intentionally use
mercury in a manufacturing process. In FY 2020, EPA also will maintain the Mercury Electronic
Reporting application, an electronic reporting interface and database within the Central Data
Exchange (CDX) and conduct outreach to instruct potentially affected stakeholders on how to
report required information.
In FY 2020, EPA also expects to analyze about 300 Substantial Risk Notifications submitted by
industry pursuant to Section 8(e), which requires EPA be notified immediately when a company
learns that a substance or mixture presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment.
TSCA Section 8, as amended, also requires the Agency to promulgate a rule that establishes a plan
for reviewing claims to protect confidential chemical identities reported in retrospective
commercial activity notices. The review plan rule must be finalized by February 18, 2020 (within
125 "Case" is not equivalent to a "CBI claim." The term "case" is a term utilized within the Agency that reflects a unique
submission of a particular type from a particular company, and generally from a particular site. A "case" may have a large
number of individual CBI claims, each of which might be subject to individual CBI claim consideration. To demonstrate the
relationship of a case to claims, here are two examples:
1. In a particular TSCA Section 5 PMN "case", the PMN document and the related attachments may number 1,000 pages or
more. Within the case there may be dozens of individual CBI claims.
2. In a TSCA section 8(a) CDR case with chemical identity and non-chemical identity elements being subject to review, there
could be hundreds of individual chemical reports with many individual CBI claims related to each chemical report.
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one year of compiling the initial Inventory with active and inactive designations). CBI claims made
by manufacturers or processors for chemical identities in retrospective activity notices must be
reviewed and determinations made no later than five years after the rule is made final (compiling
the initial Inventory). The current Inventory has approximately 7,750 chemicals on the confidential
portion that have been reported as being active in commerce in the last 10 years.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to provide responses to any requests for exemption from export
prohibitions under the Mercury Export Ban Act and work as necessary to support compliance with
the Minamata Convention on Mercury, to which the United States is a party. In FY 2020, EPA
also will continue to meet the requirements of Section 21 of TSCA, as amended, which authorizes
citizen petitions for the issuance, amendment or repeal of certain actions (rules and orders)
promulgated under TSCA: §4 (rules and orders requiring chemical testing); §6 (rules imposing
risk mitigation controls on chemicals); §8 (rules requiring submission of information); §5 (orders
affecting new chemical substances). Since September 2007, 24 citizen petitions have been filed
with EPA under this authority. The Agency must grant or deny a Section 21 petition within 90
days; if EPA grants a petition, the requested action must be initiated in a timely fashion.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue implementing regulations under the TSCA Title VI Formaldehyde
Standards for Composite Wood Products Act (Public Law 111-199), which established national
emission standards for formaldehyde in new composite wood products.126
In FY 2020, the Agency will shift into the CRRR Program a subset of its activities to implement
required TSCA Title IV activities. These activities make significant contributions to protecting
children's health by helping to reduce the number of children with blood lead levels of five
micrograms per deciliter or higher127 and to reduce the disparities in blood lead levels between
low-income children and non-low-income children.128
• In FY 2020, EPA will provide firm and individual certifications for safe work practices for
lead-based paint abatement and renovation, repair, and painting efforts; provide operation
and maintenance of the online database (FLPP).129 that supports the processing of
applications for training providers, firms and individuals; and continue efforts to increase
the number of certified renovation firms capable of providing lead-safe renovation, repair,
and painting services through targeted outreach campaigns to contractors.
• In accordance with an order from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, EPA published a
proposed rule in the Federal Register on July 2, 2018, to change the dust-lead hazard
standard from 40 |ig/ft2 and 250 |ig/ft2 to 10 |ig/ft2 and 100 |ig/ft2 on floors and window
sills, respectively. EPA did not propose to change the post-abatement clearance levels in
126 For additional information, please see http://www2.epa.gov/formaldehvde/formaldehvde-emission-standards-composite-
wood-products.
127 Jacobs, D.E.; Clickner, R.P.; Zhou, J. Y.; Viet, S.M.; Marker, D.A.; Rogers, J.W.; Zeldin, D.C.; Broene, P.; and Friedman, W.
(2002). The prevalence of lead-based paint hazard in U.S. housing. Environmental Health Perspectives, 110(10): A599-A606.
128 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fourth Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, Updated
Tables, (September, 2012). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Elealth and Eluman Services, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/.
129 For additional information, please see: https://ssoprod.epa.gov/sso/isp/flppLogin.isp.
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this proposal; however, the Agency noted that it intended to review the clearance levels at
a later date. The court also ordered the Agency to propose a rule on the definition of lead-
based paint. In the proposal, EPA proposed to make no change to the definition of lead-
based paint because the Agency currently lacks sufficient information to support such a
change. In FY 2020, EPA will continue work as necessary to determine if the definition of
lead-based paint should be changed as well as if changes to the clearance levels are
necessary.
• Per a settlement agreement, in FY 2020, EPA will continue to work on determining the
extent to which renovations of pre-1978 public and commercial buildings do or do not create
lead-based paint hazards and develop appropriate work practice standards to the extent they
are deemed necessary.
Information Technology (IT) in Support of TSCA Implementation
In line with the President's Management Agenda, TSCA IT systems development will continue in
FY 2020 with the goal of minimizing reporting burdens on industry, and streamlining data
management by EPA, including the following activities:
• Continuing enhancement of the TSCA Chemical Information System (CIS) to reduce
manual handling of data, increase internal EPA access to data relevant to chemical
assessments, and expedite review of chemicals;
• Continuing integration of TSCA information management, e-Reporting and public access
systems with the Agency's E-Enterprise business strategy, leveraging the E-Enterprise
portal to provide better customer service for external users;
• Developing new tools for hazard and exposure identification assessment and
characterization, while improving existing tools to better assess risks from both new and
existing chemicals;
• Maintaining and enhancing the functionality of ChemView and expanding the information
it makes available to the public to include newly completed chemical assessments, worker
protection information and other new data reported to EPA under TSCA (e.g., Section 5
Pre-manufacture Notices (PMNs), Section 12(b) data, and Section 8 (d), 8(e), and 8(c)
submissions).
In FY 2020, the Agency will monitor and evaluate its progress on key metrics related to carrying
out its core responsibilities under the amended law in a timely manner. These include TSCA-
related external long-term performance goals, annual performance goals, and two-year Agency
Priority Goals, supported by internal monthly tracking systems. In accordance with these goals,
EPA expects to complete all EPA-initiated risk evaluations and all associated risk management
actions for existing chemicals within statutory timelines. In addition, EPA plans to continue to
reduce review times for new Pre-manufacture, Microbial Commercial Activity, and Significant
New Use Notices so that by FY 2022, EPA will aim to make 80 percent of all final determinations
within the initial 90-day review period.
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In addition to performance monitoring, EPA will undertake other forms of assessment and
evidence gathering in FY 2020. The Agency's ongoing risk evaluation processes for existing
chemicals utilizes scientific evidence obtained from data gathered pursuant to TSCA authorities
and systematic review of literature sources in making the risk determination required under
amended TSCA. EPA's approach to systematic review is described in "Application of Systematic
Review in TSCA Risk Evaluations" (May 2018). Additional evidence will be obtained by
completing an annual programmatic risk assessment exercise and a statutorily required OIG audit
of TSCA user fees to determine whether fee levels are appropriate.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM TSCAl) Number of final EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations completed within statutory timelines.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
Established
N/A
10
Evaluations
Actual
N/A
(PM TSCA2) Number of final existing chemical TSCA risk management actions completed within statutory
timelines.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
Established
N/A
N/A
Actions
Actual
N/A
(PM TSCA3) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices,
Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices completed within the initial 90-day
statutory timeframe.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 20 r
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
65
80
80
Percent
Actual
59.7
Numerator
46
Final
Determinations
Denominator
77
(PM TSCA3b) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices,
Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices completed within the full timeframes
allowable by statute.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY
2019
FY
2020
Units
Target
100
100
Percent
Actual
Numerator
Final
Determinations
Denominator
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,665.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
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• (+$6,150.0 / +20.0 FTE) This reflects an increase to support the implementation of efforts
to meet statutory deadlines for prioritization, risk evaluation, and risk management of
existing chemicals and to streamline and accelerate the review of premature and significant
new use notices for new chemicals. Resources include $3,386.0 in associated payroll.
• (-$2,502.0 / -50.5 FTE) This program change reflects an increase of $8.9M in non-pay
resources that is offset by a $11.5M reduction in payroll for appropriated FTE associated
with a shift in FTE from appropriated resources to TSCA user fee accounts. Increased non-
pay resources support the implementation of efforts to meet statutory deadlines for
prioritization, risk evaluation, and risk management of existing chemicals and to streamline
and accelerate the review of pre-manufacture and significant new use notices for new
chemicals.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
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Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program
Program Area: Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muim^ciiwiil
SI 2.52.15
S I2,f)2~.t>
so.o
-SI2J>2'.0
Total Budget Authority
$12,523.5
$12,627.0
$0.0
-$12,627.0
Total Workyears
64.7
66.0
0.0
-66.0
Program Project Description:
EPA is working to reduce the number of children with blood lead levels of five micrograms per
deciliter or higher through multiple programs.130 The Lead Risk Reduction Program also has
worked to reduce the disparities in blood lead levels between low-income children and non-low-
income children.131
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. Lead paint
certifications will continue under the Chemical Risk Review and Reduction Program. Other forms
of lead exposure are addressed through other targeted programs such as lead pipe replacement with
the State Revolving Funds.
EPA will continue to provide firm and individual certifications for safe work practices for lead-
based paint abatement and renovation and repair efforts, as well as provide for operation and
maintenance of the online database (Federal Lead Based Lead Program) that supports the
processing of applications for training providers, firms and individuals, through the Chemical Risk
Review and Reduction Program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
130 Jacobs, D.E.; Clickner, R.P.; Zhou, J. Y.; Viet, S.M.; Marker, D.A.; Rogers, J.W.; Zeldin, D.C.; Broene, P.; and Friedman, W.
(2002). The prevalence of lead-based paint hazard in U.S. housing. Environmental Health Perspectives, 110(10): A599-A606.
131 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fourth Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, Updated
Tables, (September, 2012). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Elealth and Eluman Services, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/.
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$12,627.0 / -66.0 FTE) This program change eliminates the Lead Risk Reduction
program. Firm and individual certifications for safe work practices for lead-based paint
abatement and renovation and repair efforts will be funded through the Chemical Risk
Review and Reduction Program.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
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Underground Storage Tanks (LUST/UST)
355
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LUST / UST
Program Area: Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muim^ciiwiil
SW.fUJ.O
S11.2 V 5.0
s
-S .\2VV.0
Leaking Underground Storage Lanks
$9,731.5
$9,240.0
$6,722.0
-$2,518.0
Lotal Budget Authority
$20,544.1
$20,535.0
$12,718.0
-$7,817.0
Lotal Workyears
96.5
98.5
68.8
-29.7
Program Project Description:
Releases of petroleum from Underground Storage Tanks (UST) can contaminate groundwater, the
drinking water source for many Americans. Environmental Programs and Management funding
helps prevent releases by providing states132 and tribes with technical assistance and guidance, and
by funding work that assists states and tribes.
EPA partners with tribes to maintain information on tribal USTs and is the primary implementer
of the UST Program in Indian Country. With few exceptions, tribes do not have independent UST
program resources. This funding supports direct implementation of UST Program in Indian
Country.
In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act which, along with other release prevention
measures, required states to inspect all facilities in their jurisdictions at least once every three years.
EPA has been supporting states in these efforts (and ensuring these requirements are met before
continuing to grant additional funding for this). A recent EPA study suggests that increased UST
compliance is a result of increasing inspection frequency prompted by the Act. EPA's statistical
model, using the State of Louisiana's UST data, showed a positive and statistically significant
effect of increased inspection frequency on facility compliance.133 This evidence supports the data
trends the Agency has been witnessing: compliance rates are higher today than they were a decade
ago as a result of the three-year inspection requirement.
132 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
133 Sullivan, K. A. and A. Kafle. Do more frequent inspections improve compliance? Evidence from underground storage tank
facilities in Louisiana. OCPA Working Paper No. 2017-05. May 2017. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-
06/documents/olem ocpa working _paper_do more frequent_inspections_improve coiripliaiice.pdf".
356
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA, with its state and tribal partners,
works to prevent releases of contamination and in partnership with tribes, provides training,
compliance assistance, and inspection support to implement the 2015 UST regulations in Indian
Country. Between the end of FY 2008 and the end of FY 2018, the number of annual confirmed
releases has decreased by 23 percent (from 7,364 to 5,654). In FY 2018, EPA made available to
the public an inspector training course and an operator exam.
EPA will continue to collect data regarding both the compliance rate and the number of new
releases for UST systems in Indian Country. The compliance rate will help determine progress
toward meeting EPA's revised regulations, and help identify any areas that need specific attention.
In addition, EPA will continue its work to determine the correlation between inspection frequency
and compliance rates.
In FY 2020, EPA will:
• Continue to coordinate with state UST prevention programs.
• Provide technical assistance, compliance help, and expert consultation to state, tribal, and
stakeholders on both policy and technical matters. This support strives to strengthen our
network of federal, state, tribal, and local partners (specifically communities and people
living and working near UST sites) and assists implementation of the UST regulations.
• Provide guidance, training and assistance to the regulated community to improve
understanding and compliance.
• Work with states and tribes regarding UST compatibility with alternative fuels. Work in
this area is important given the national growth in biofuels and other emerging fuels.134
• Continue to work with industry, states, and tribes to identify causes and potential solutions
for corrosion in diesel tanks. Work in this area is important given the significant findings
regarding the increasing prevalence of corrosion of UST system equipment containing
ethanol or diesel fuels. 135
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
134 See EPA website: www.epa.gov/ust/emerging-fuels-and-underground-storage-tanks-usts#tab-2.
135 See EPA website: www.epa.gOv/ust/eiiiergiiig~fuels~aiid~uiidergTOUiid~storage4aiiks~usts#tah-3.
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$109.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$5,408.0 / -21.5 FTE) This program change reflects a reduced workload due to the
proposed elimination of the LUST Prevention and the Categorical Grant Underground
Storage Tanks programs. With available resources, the Program will continue to directly
implement a targeted compliance and release prevention program in Indian Country, and
work with any state partners who choose to maintain an UST program after the elimination
of the federal grant funds.
Statutory Authority:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act §§ 8001, 9001-9011.
358
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Water Ecosystems
359
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National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways
Program Area: Water: Ecosystems
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$25,187.6
$26,723.0
$0.0
-$26,723.0
Total Workyears
36.2
36.9
0.0
-36.9
Program Project Description:
The National Estuary Program (NEP) / Coastal Waterways Program works to restore the physical,
chemical, and biological integrity of estuaries of national significance and coastal watersheds to
protect and restore water quality, habitat, and living resources.136
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$26,723.0 / -36.9 FTE) This program change eliminates the National Estuary
Program/Coastal Waterways Program. EPA will encourage states to continue this work
and continue to implement conservation management plans.
Statutory Authority:
Great Lakes Legacy Reauthorization Act of 2008; Clean Water Act § 320; Estuaries and Clean
Waters Act of 2000; Protection and Restoration Act of 1990; North American Wetlands
Conservation Act of 1989.
136 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/nep.
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Wetlands
Program Area: Water: Ecosystems
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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to the 2008 Mitigation Rule, which will provide for greater efficiencies in mitigation bank
approvals and operations.
EPA also will continue carrying out its responsibilities as a member of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem
Restoration Council authorized under the RESTORE Act, and as a Natural Resource Damage
Assessment (NRDA) Trustee for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill under the Oil Pollution Act
(OP A). With specific regard to section 404 of the CWA, the RESTORE Act, and OP A, EPA
responsibilities include timely, environmentally-sound, and compliant implementation of National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review and associated permitting. Under NRDA, EPA is a
cooperating or lead federal agency for NEPA on all Trustee Implementation Group restoration
plans, and the appropriate level of NEPA analysis is integrated into those referenced restoration
plans. EPA's RESTORE responsibilities include NEPA analysis for projects that EPA has been
assigned by the Council. Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Natural Resource and Damage Assessment
Trustees undertake mandatory independent third-party financial audits every three years to ensure
accountability regarding the use of funds provided under a 2016 Consent Decree. The first
independent third-party financial audit was initiated in FY 2018 and is anticipated to conclude in
FY 2019.
Building State and Tribal Wetlands Programs
EPA will continue to work with states and tribes to target Wetlands Protection Program funds to
core statutory requirements while providing states and tribes with the flexibility they need to best
address their priorities. This includes continued EPA assistance for states and tribes interested in
assuming administration of the CWA section 404 program. EPA will propose a rule to update the
existing assumption regulations and provide greater clarity to state and tribes on what waters may
be assumed. EPA also will continue to administer Wetland Program Development Grants in
support of state and tribal wetland programs, with a focus on working more efficiently with states
and tribes to achieve specific program development outcomes including supporting state and tribal
assumption of the Section 404 program.137
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program. EPA will work with interested states and tribes to develop and improve their wetland
program capacity and will track progress on an annual basis at the program level.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$657.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
137 For more information, please see: littps://www.epa.gov/wetlands or http://www.cfda.gov.
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• (+$2,600.0 / +15.0 FTE) This increase provides support for priority efforts on
infrastructure projects, regulatory permitting, and state delegations and certifications. This
will improve consistency and efficiency and help ensure predictability and certainty in the
CWA section 401 and section 404 programs.
• (-$1,430.0 / -7.3 FTE) This program change is a reduction in the Wetlands program. EPA
will work with USACE, states, and tribes to increase consistency and predictability in the
Wetlands program as well as streamlining business practices.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 404.
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Water: Human Health Protection
364
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Beach / Fish Programs
Program Area: Water: Human Health Protection
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$1,777.0
$2,014.0
$0.0
-$2,014.0
Total Workyears
3.0
4.1
0.0
-4.1
Program Project Description:
The Fish Component of the Beach/Fish Program provides up-to-date-science, guidance, technical
assistance, and nationwide information to state, tribal, and federal agencies on the human health
risks associated with eating potentially contaminated locally caught fish.
The Beach Component of the Beach/Fish Program provides up-to-date science, guidance, technical
assistance and nationwide information to state, tribal, and federal agencies on the human health
risks of swimming in pathogen-contaminated waters.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. The Agency will
encourage states to continue this work within ongoing core programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$2,014.0 / -4.1 FTE) This program change eliminates the Beach/Fish Program, which is
a mature, well-established program with objectives that can continue to be implemented at
the local level.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 104.
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Drinking Water Programs
Program Area: Water: Human Health Protection
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$3,458.2
$3,519.0
$4,094.0
$575.0
Total Budget Authority
$94,952.6
$100,012.0
$93,902.0
-$6,110.0
Total Workyears
459.0
466.0
457.1
-8.9
Program Project Description:
Safe drinking water is critical for protecting human health and the economic vitality of the Nation.
Approximately 320 million Americans rely on the safety of tap water provided by public water
systems (PWS) that are subject to national drinking water standards.138 EPA's Drinking Water
Program is based on a multiple-barrier and source-to-tap approach139 to protecting public health
from contaminants in drinking water. EPA protects public health through: (1) source water
assessment and protection; (2) promulgation of new or revised National Primary Drinking Water
Regulations (NPDWRs); (3) training, technical assistance, and financial assistance programs to
enhance public water system capacity to comply with regulations and provide safe drinking water;
(4) underground injection control (UIC) programs; (5) supporting implementation of NPDWRs by
state and tribal drinking water programs through regulatory, non-regulatory, and voluntary
programs and policies; and (6) providing states and tribes with resources and tools to support the
financing of water infrastructure improvements.140
The drinking water issues in Flint, Michigan and East Chicago, Indiana highlighted the need for
additional attention to lead in drinking water. In addition per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS), such as Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and Gen-X
chemicals, have been detected in drinking water systems and there is increased demand for tools
that can help communities across the country protect public health and address these chemicals.
These events highlight the importance of safe drinking water to public health and local economies,
and in particular, the need to prioritize threats and protect drinking water sources.
In FY 2018, 92.8 percent of the population served by Community Water Systems (CWSs) received
drinking water that met all applicable health-based drinking water standards. Ongoing compliance
138 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS/FED), found at:
http://water.epa.gov/scitech/datait/databases/drink/sdwisfed/index.cfm.
139 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/productioii/files/2015-
10/documents/guideswppocket 2002 updated.pdf.
140 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water and https://www.cfda.gov.
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challenges include violations related to the Lead and Copper, revised Total Coliform, Stage 2
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts, and Nitrate Rules. EPA's enhanced oversight of the
Lead and Copper Rule for drinking water has identified an increased rate of non-compliance with
this rule.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue its core mission to protect
the public from contaminants in drinking water by: (1) developing new and revised drinking water
standards; (2) supporting states, tribes, and water systems in implementing standards; (3) enabling
funding and financing of infrastructure projects while promoting partnerships and sustainable
management of drinking water systems; and (4) promoting source water protection and
implementing the underground injection control (UIC) program.
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to streamline its business processes and systems to reduce
reporting burden on states and regulated facilities, and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of
regulatory programs for EPA, states, and tribes. EPA also is seeking efficiencies within the
Drinking Water Program to support drinking water systems. This includes work with state
programs to decrease the number of community water systems out of compliance with health-
based standards. Over the 5-year period of the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan, EPA is
pursuing a 25 percent reduction in the number systems that have health-based violations from
3,508 in FY 2017 to 2,700 by FY 2022. The Drinking Water Program supports this effort by
providing assistance and training to state drinking water programs, tribal drinking water officials,
and technical assistance providers on: achieving and maintaining compliance at drinking water
systems; developing best practices; strengthening state and tribal Drinking Water Program
capacity and certifying drinking water operators.
EPA also is partnering with states to increase the number of community water systems that should
have had a sanitary survey within the last three years. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
requires that primacy agencies conduct a sanitary survey for each drinking water system every
three years (five years for outstanding performance). The Agency is working toward the goal of
improving the proportion of community water systems that should have had a sanitary survey
within the last three years to 98 percent by FY 2022 from the 3-year rolling average of 92 percent
in FY 2017. Information gained during on-site sanitary surveys comprise the backbone of state
understanding of performance challenges that drinking water systems face.
Water Infrastructure
With the aging of the Nation's critical water infrastructure and a growing need for infrastructure
investment, the drinking water and wastewater sectors face a significant challenge to maintain and
advance the achievements attained in protecting public health and the environment. In FY 2020,
EPA will continue its robust funding of the Nation's drinking water infrastructure, focusing efforts
to leverage and encourage public and private collaborative efforts and investments in improving
the Nation's water infrastructure.
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The Drinking Water Program also supports the policy and fiduciary oversight of the Drinking
Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program, which provides low-interest loans to help finance
drinking water infrastructure improvements needed to achieve compliance with the Safe Drinking
Water Act (SDWA). The Program supports policies and outreach that help ensure the good
financial condition of the State Revolving Funds.
The FY 2020 budget continues to provide funding for the Environmental Finance Program, which
will help communities across the country improve their wastewater, drinking water, and
stormwater systems, particularly through innovative financing. EPA will continue to support
financing and construction of drinking water infrastructure and encourage public water systems to
adopt sustainable management practices by doing the following:
• Providing states with funds, through the DWSRF capitalization grants, for low-interest
loans to assist utilities with financing drinking water infrastructure needs and to support
utility compliance with SDWA standards.
• Providing non-infrastructure support for states to use the set-asides in the DWSRF to build
water system technical and managerial capacity.
• Providing effective oversight of the DWSRF funds.
• Advising states on maintaining their capacity development and operator certification
programs to support compliance by public water systems with SDWA and to enable water
systems, especially small systems, to meet statutory prerequisites for receiving
infrastructure financing.
• Encouraging states to develop state-centric tools, in lieu of national tools, to assist water
systems with capacity development.
• Continuing to support close coordination between state infrastructure and PWSS Programs.
In addition, the Agency is requesting over $2 million, not including grants, and 11.6 FTE to begin
implementation and administration of the drinking water requirements mandated in the new
America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA). AWIA strengthens many existing programs
within EPA while creating new programs to tackle significant public health concerns and
environmental needs. These programs are vital to protecting public health, continuing to grow the
American economy and ensuring that rural and urban communities from coast-to-coast can thrive.
New mandates range from the creation of grant programs to promoting water quality workforce
development. AWIA mandates will be critical to achieving the Administrator's agenda by
increasing water infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water quality across
the country.
Drinking Water Implementation
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to work with states to implement requirements for all
NPDWRs to ensure that systems install, operate, and maintain appropriate levels of treatment and
effectively manage their distribution systems. In particular, EPA will continue to focus on working
with states to optimize corrosion control treatment and develop other strategies to minimize
exposure to lead. EPA also will continue to focus on the reduction of the number of community
water systems with health-based violations.
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While most small systems consistently provide safe and reliable drinking water to their customers,
many small systems face challenges with aging infrastructure, complying with regulatory
requirements, workforce shortages and high staff turnover, increasing costs, and declining rate
bases. In FY 2018, small community water system violations made up 94 percent of overall
violations;141 and EPA will continue to focus on small systems by strengthening and targeting
financial assistance, in coordination with state infrastructure programs, to support rehabilitation of
the Nation's infrastructure.
Drinking water system partnerships provide opportunities to increase capacity by working together
to solve compliance challenges, share costs of operations and maintenance activities, and leverage
other resources. EPA's new website highlights ways partnerships can address these challenges,
leading to enhanced public health by working together and sharing information:
https://www.epa.gov/dwcapacitv/water-system-partnerships. The Agency will continue to
promote partnerships among water systems to build capacity and work with states and tribes, as
well as with utility associations, third-party technical assistance providers and other federal
partners, to promote the sustainability practices that are the foundation for building technical,
managerial, and financial capacity, known as Capacity Development.142
One key to addressing the most pressing public water system issues is being able to identify which
systems have the greatest need. In FY 2020, EPA will continue working with states to transition
to the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Prime program management and
reporting tool. SDWIS Prime is a centralized infrastructure technology system that will replace
SDWIS State, currently used by the majority of state drinking water programs, and other systems
that are hosted and operated separately by each primacy agency. Benefits of this transition to
SDWIS Prime include: improvements in program efficiency and data quality, greater public access
to drinking water data, facilitation of electronic reporting, reductions in reporting burdens on
laboratories and water utilities, reductions in data management burden for states, and ultimately
reduction in public health risk. While supporting state transition, EPA also will assist states to meet
state-specific program needs by making the core SDWIS code available and by utilizing data
exchange services that allow states to connect their own applications. Under the E-Enterprise for
the Environment shared governance model, EPA has been partnering with the Environmental
Council of the States and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators to maximize the
use of shared services. Through this effort, states will be able to leverage services developed by
EPA, other states and the private sector to more efficiently meet their state-specific program needs.
EPA continues to support state migration to the Compliance Monitoring Data Portal (CMDP),
which enables drinking water utilities and laboratories to report drinking water data electronically.
Currently eight states are utilizing the CMDP, and multiple other states are testing the system. The
portal increases data accuracy and completeness and, once fully implemented, could decrease the
overall reporting burden for primacy agencies by hundreds of thousands of hours. Primacy
agencies can use CMDP-reported data to make more informed decisions about water system
compliance and focus their limited resources on preventing and responding to public health
142
For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/drinking-water-tools.
For more information, please see: http://water.epa.gov/tvpe/drink/pws/smallsvstems/index.cfm.
369
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problems. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to assist additional primacy agencies in testing and
utilizing CMDP to receive drinking water compliance sampling data electronically.
In FY 2020, EPA also will conduct the following activities to facilitate compliance with rules:
• Oversee the national Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) Program by administering
the PWSS grants to states and measuring program results based on state reporting of health-
based rule violations at public water systems for over 90 drinking water contaminants (i.e.,
microbial pathogens and disinfection byproducts, other chemicals, and radiological
contaminants).
• Offer training and technical assistance on a prioritized basis to states, tribes, and public
water systems for the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) and other rules with significant
noncompliance, including the Stage 2 Disinfectants/ Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
• Directly implement the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule, designed to protect millions of
people who travel on approximately 5,700 aircraft in the U.S., if necessary to address
identified significant risk.
• Directly implement the drinking water program where states and tribes do not have primacy
(e.g., Wyoming, the District of Columbia, and tribal lands), focused on actions that are
under court order or address significant identified risks.
Drinking Water Standards
To assure the American people that their water is safe to drink, EPA's drinking water regulatory
program monitors for a broad array of contaminants, evaluates whether contaminants are of public
health concern, and regulates contaminants when there is a meaningful opportunity for health risk
reduction for persons served by public water systems. In addition, EPA will work to reduce lead
risks by continuing to work on revisions to the LCR, and regulations to implement the Water
Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act and the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act
(RLDWA). EPA will continue its communication with states, tribes, and communities to
understand local perspectives on the quality of drinking water.
The Agency also will continue to evaluate and address drinking water risks in FY 2020, including:
• Issuing a final SDWA action on perchlorate in accordance with a consent decree.
• Evaluating input from public commenters and developing final revisions to the LCR.
• Publishing preliminary regulatory determinations for contaminants on the fourth
contaminant candidate list (CCL 4) for public comment. Some of the contaminants that
will be considered include PFOA, PFOS, and 1-4 dioxane. Continued evaluation of these
contaminants in response to public input in FY 2020 is critical for the Agency to publish
final determinations by January 2021.
• Developing and publishing the draft fifth contaminant candidate list (CCL 5) based on the
analysis of available health effects and occurrence data on unregulated contaminants.
• Initiating the request for states to voluntarily submit compliance monitoring data for
regulated contaminants collected between 2012 - 2018 in support of the fourth Six-Year
Review of existing National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
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• Continuing to participate in a cross-agency effort to address PFAS, which include PFOA,
PFOS and Gen-X chemicals to better understand the health impacts, the extent of
occurrence in the environment, and exposures to PFAS; to develop tools to support states,
tribes and localities in managing PFAS in their communities; and to evaluate the need for
a national Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFOA and PFOS.
• Providing support to - and oversight of - drinking water systems and laboratories as they
collect and analyze samples during the implementation of the fourth Unregulated
Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4). UCMR 4 requires monitoring for 30 chemical
contaminants, including cyanotoxins, between FY 2018 and FY 2021.
• Developing and publishing the proposed rule for the next cycle of UCMR monitoring
(UCMR 5). This includes evaluating and prioritizing candidate contaminants, such as
short-chain PFAS and contaminants on the Agency's CCL, for consideration.
Source Water Protection
EPA will continue to partner with states, federal counterparts, drinking water utilities, and other
stakeholders to identify and address current and potential impacts to sources of drinking water.
These efforts are integral to the sustainable infrastructure effort because source water protection
can reduce the need for additional drinking water treatment and the associated additional
infrastructure and technical costs and energy usage, while improving public health protection.
In FY 2020, the Agency will:
• Continue to develop data-layers and decision support tools to assist source water
assessment, planning, and emergency preparation efforts. Support users of the Drinking
Water Mapping Application for Protecting Source Waters (DWMAPS)143, an online GIS
program available through EPA's Geoplatform, through targeted outreach and
development of how-to materials. DWMAPS enables states, tribes, utilities and others to
combine national datasets previously integrated with DWMAPS with their own datasets,
such as chemical storage facilities and sensitive drinking water intakes, to evaluate and
prioritize threats to drinking water. DWMAPS also allows users to leverage Clean Water
Act (CWA) data to analyze and coordinate water quality assessments, impaired waters, and
point source permit information to protect drinking water sources.
• Work with state, federal, utility, and local stakeholder organizations to encourage
continuing engagement in the Source Water Collaborative,144 which works to leverage
resources, support efforts to assist communities in source water protection activities and
projects, and promote ongoing efforts to protect drinking water sources.
• Continue to partner with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and state partners to support implementation of
the source water protection pilot component of the NRCS's National Water Quality
Initiative (NWQI). This presents an opportunity to forge stronger connections between
state nonpoint source and source water protection programs and to address agriculture-
related impacts to drinking water sources.
143 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection/dwmaps.
144 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotectioii/source-water-collaborative.
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• Continue to provide support for workshops that promote source water protection at the
local level and support the integration of source water protection into related programs at
the state and federal levels - including with state and private foresters and the U.S. Forest
Service.
• Identify source water protection opportunities to help reduce the number of health-based
violations, especially those violations related to disinfection byproducts.
• Continue to serve as experts on sources of emerging drinking water contaminants and
options for limiting or preventing such contamination through source water protection and
integration of SDWA and the Clean Water Act (CWA).
Underground Injection Control (UIC)
To safeguard current and future underground sources of drinking water from contamination, the
UIC Program regulates the permitting, construction, operation, and closure of injection wells that
place fluids underground for storage, disposal, enhanced recovery of oil and gas, and minerals
recovery. As population growth, land use changes and drought exacerbate water supply challenges
in many areas of the country, management of water availability has become increasingly important
in providing safe and reliable drinking water to communities.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to provide technical support to states and tribes in making
permitting decisions, providing training for and oversight to implementation of underground
injection regulations, and directly implement the UIC regulations where EPA has primary
enforcement responsibility (primacy). Activities include:
• Working with the Ground Water Protection Council, Interstate Oil and Gas Compact
Commission, and the National Rural Water Association to identify best practices in oil and
gas development, such as reuse and recycling of produced water, that can help safeguard
public health, recognizing the important role that energy extraction, including natural gas
development plays in our energy future.
• Working with authorized state and tribal agencies in their efforts to effectively manage
Class II enhanced oil and gas recovery wells and oil and gas-related disposal wells in a
rapidly growing energy sector to protect underground sources of drinking water.
• Supporting states and tribes in applying for primary enforcement responsibility and those
implementing UIC Program revisions.
• Working with the State of California to review and approve aquifer exemptions so that the
state program is consistent with the SDWA and UIC regulations.
• Providing technical assistance, tools and strategies to states for improving implementation
of UIC Programs, including development of e-learning material and approaches to reduce
the number of earthquake events related to underground injection activities.
• Using national UIC data to assist with promoting nationally consistent approaches to
program oversight of state and EPA UIC Programs.
• Streamlining EPA UIC Direct Implementation permitting, developing standard work,
deploying Lean Management Principles and reducing the permit application backlog. In
FY 2018, the backlog of EPA-issued new Underground Injection Control (UIC) permits
decreased from 44 to 36.
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM DW-01) Number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
CWSs
Actual
3,480
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,161.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (+$1,000.0) This increase advances priority PFAS actions associated with per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA),
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and Gen-X chemicals, in drinking water systems.
• (+$1,500.0) This increase supports the initiation of the seventh Drinking Water
Infrastructure Needs Survey. The Survey provides a 20-year capital investment need for
public water systems that are eligible to receive funding from state DWSRF programs.
• (+$3,842.0 / +11.6 FTE) This increase supports the implementing and administering of the
drinking water requirements of AWIA.
• (-$15,188.0 / -22.8 FTE) This program change is a decrease to reflect the refocusing of
Agency efforts to core Drinking Water Program activities and requirements.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); Clean Water Act.
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Water Quality Protection
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Marine Pollution
Program Area: Water Quality Protection
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Unvironmenlul Programs X Munagcmcnl
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Total Budget Authority
$10,242.6
$11,065.0
$0.0
-$11,065.0
Total Workyears
42.2
42.5
0.0
-42.5
Program Project Description:
EPA's Marine Pollution Program partners with other agencies, including the Department of
Defense, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and others to integrate
management of oceans and coasts. This program aims to: 1) ensure marine ecosystem protection;
2) manage ocean dumping of dredged material and limit and prevent disposal of wastes and other
materials in the ocean; 3) address emerging environmental threats to the marine and coastal water
quality; 4) protect sensitive marine habitats; and 5) gather data and undertake research to inform
policy and program decisions for protection of the marine and near coastal environment.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will seek
opportunities to continue to meet statutory mandates through the national water program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$11,065.0 / -42.5 FTE) This program change eliminates the Marine Pollution Program.
Other federal agencies may continue to support these efforts.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (Ocean Dumping Act);
Marine Debris Research, Prevention and Reduction Act of 2006; Marine Plastic Pollution
Research and Control Act of 1987.
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Surface Water Protection
Program Area: Water Quality Protection
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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$192,705.9
$199,352.0
$188,233.0
-$11,119.0
Total Workyears
953.3
970.6
959.6
-11.0
Program Project Description:
The Surface Water Protection Program, under the Clean Water Act (CWA), directly supports
efforts to protect, improve, and restore the quality of our Nation's coasts, rivers, lakes, and streams.
EPA works with states and tribes to make continued progress toward clean water goals.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will work with states and tribes to target
funds to core requirements while providing states and tribes with flexibility to best address their
priorities for Surface Water Protection.
Program Implementation
Water Quality Criteria. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to develop and publish new or revised
water quality criteria reflecting the latest scientific knowledge as required by CWA section 304.
EPA also will continue to review and take action on both state and tribal water quality standards
and state lists of impaired waters as required by section 303. Water quality criteria and standards
provide the scientific and regulatory foundation for water quality protection programs under the
CWA. EPA will continue to support state and tribal programs by providing scientific water quality
criteria information as required by CWA section 304. EPA also will continue to support states and
authorized tribes in adopting and implementing water quality standards in accordance with the
water quality standards regulation set forth at 40 CFR part 131.
Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELGs). As required under the CWA, EPA will continue to
annually review industrial sources of pollution and publish a preliminary ELG plan for public
review, followed by a final biennial ELG plan informed by public comment. These plans will
identify any industrial categories where ELGs need to be revised or where new ELGs need to be
developed.
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Biosolids. EPA will continue to implement the biosolids (sewage sludge) program as required
under CWA Section 405, including reviewing the biosolids regulations not less often than every
two years for the purpose of identifying additional toxic pollutants and promulgating regulations
for such pollutants consistent with the CWA. EPA also will continue to develop tools to conduct
risk assessments for chemicals and pathogens found in biosolids.
Impaired Waters Listings and Total Maximum Daily Loads. EPA will work with states and other
partners on identifying impaired waters and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), as required
by CWA section 303(d), and on other waterbody restoration plans for listed impaired waterbodies.
TMDLs focus on clearly defined environmental goals and establish a pollutant budget, which is
then implemented through local, state, and federal watershed plans and programs to restore waters.
EPA also will work with states and tribes on their section 303(d) program and plans to ensure they
are effective. Support will be provided to control nonpoint sources of pollution and ensure the
protection of high-quality waters.
Monitoring and National Aquatic Resource Surveys. EPA will continue working with states and
tribes to support the National Aquatic Resource Survey's statistically representative monitoring of
the condition of the Nation's waters which support CWA section 305(b). EPA also will continue
working with states and tribes to support base water quality monitoring and priority enhancements
that serve state and tribal CWA programs in a cost-efficient and effective manner. EPA will
continue supporting state and tribal water quality data exchange and tools to maximize use of data
from multiple organizations to support water quality management decisions.
Waters of the United States. EPA and the Department of the Army will continue to work together
to implement the CWA and definition of "waters of the United States." The agencies intend to
continue to implement the President's Executive Order 13728 by finalizing a rule to revise the
definition of "waters of the United States" following a consideration of the public comments
received on the proposed rule. The agencies will jointly develop tools and training to assist states,
tribes, and the regulated public to implement the revised definition in a clear and consistent
manner.
Water Quality Certification. EPA will assist states, tribes, other federal agencies, and stakeholders
in understanding how to implement and navigate the CWA Section 401 water quality certification
process. The Agency also will be reviewing options, including rulemaking, on whether and how
to provide nationwide consistency and regulatory certainty for states, permit applicants, and other
stakeholders under the Clean Water Act program to protect wetlands and other aquatic resources.
Core Water Quality Programs. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to implement and support the core
water quality programs that control point source discharges through permitting and pretreatment
programs. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program under the
CWA works with states to structure the permit program, support its implementation and to better
pursue comprehensive protection of water quality on a watershed basis.
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Infrastructure
EPA will continue its support of the Nation's infrastructure, focusing on efforts to leverage and
encourage public and private collaborative efforts and investments in improving the Nation's water
infrastructure. This program supports the policy and fiduciary oversight of the Clean Water State
Revolving Fund Loan (CWSRF) Program, which provides low-interest loans to help finance
wastewater treatment facilities and other water quality proj ects. The Program supports policies and
outreach that help ensure the good financial condition of the State Revolving Funds. Since 1987,
CWSRF programs have made 39,948 assistance agreements, funding $133 billion in wastewater
infrastructure and other water quality projects. The Program also funds implementation of sections
of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA).
This program also supports the Clean Watershed Needs Survey (CWNS). The CWNS is an
assessment of the capital investment needed nationwide for public-owned wastewater collection
and treatment facilities to meet the water quality goals set in the CWA.
The FY 2020 President's Budget supports funding for the environmental finance centers program
which will help communities across the country improve their wastewater and stormwater systems,
particularly through innovative financing.
Program Oversight/Accountability
States and tribes play a critical role in implementing the CWA. For programs where states and
tribes have primacy, the Agency will focus on providing oversight and assistance. The Agency
will continue to support states in electronically reporting section 303(d) and section 305(b)
assessment conclusions through the Assessment and TMDL Tracking Implementation System
(ATTAINS) to track improvements in impaired waters. This tool reduces burden on states to track
and report progress in meeting water quality standards in waters targeted for local action and
greatly improve evidence-based tracking of local actions to improve water quality. In addition, as
required under the CWA and Executive Orders 12866, 135638, and 13771, EPA will continue to
support cost-benefit analysis for CWA regulatory and deregulatory actions. EPA will work with
states, tribes, territories, and local communities to better safeguard human health; maintain, restore,
and improve water quality; and make America's water systems sustainable and secure, supporting
new technology and innovation wherever possible.
The Agency initiated a Lean process improvement effort in FY 2018 focused on NPDES permit
streamlining. This effort has identified potential hold-ups in the permitting process, estimated
timing of individual permit issuance steps, and the ideal timing for each step to meet the goal of
issuing permits within six months. After process improvements, the backlog of EPA-issued new
NPDES permits decreased from 106 to 62 in FY 2018. Another effort focused on streamlining the
flow of data from the lab to state partners and data analysts. Improvements are being tracked
through an internal process. The Agency will continue to implement these process improvements
and monitor the backlog of water quality standards (WQS) actions. The Agency will continue to
work to decrease the number of state and tribal WQS revision actions that have been submitted to
EPA since May 2000 that EPA neither approved nor disapproved within the first 60 days after
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submittal to EPA, and that have yet to be acted upon. The CWA requires EPA to review state and
tribal WQS revisions and either approve within 60 days or disapprove within 90 days.
EPA will continue to track state progress in completing TMDLs, alternative restoration approaches
or projection plans with the goal of 100 percent of plans in place at state identified priority waters
by 2020. At the end of FY 2018, 33,135 square miles or 33 percent of state priority waters were
addressed by a TMDL, other restoration plan or protection approach. EPA has continued to support
Lean efforts in the states to improve their water quality monitoring, assessment, and reporting
processes. In 2018, EPA supported Lean efforts in New Jersey and Idaho and has received
additional requests from states for support in 2019. These streamlining efforts will allow states to
reduce the time they spend on administrative reporting and contribute to improved reporting of the
Agency's long-term performance goal SWP-01: Reduction in the number of square miles of
watershed with surface water not meeting standards.
The FY 2020 President's Budget requests additional resources for the Agency's streamlining
efforts. EPA's focus includes establishing clear timelines for permitting processes, ongoing
deregulatory efforts, and increasing state delegations. These efforts will continue to advance
support for communities and promote economic growth.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM SWP-01) Reduction in the number of square miles of watershed with surface water not meeting
standards (cumulative).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
1 Established
9,000
18,000
Square Miles
Actual
N/A
(PM TMDL-02) Progress in putting priority TMDLs, Alternative Restoration plans, and protection
approaches in place.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 20 r
I V 20IS
I V 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
50
67
Percent
Actual
Numerator
Square Miles
Denominator
(PM NPDES-03) EPA Permit Backlog - Existing NPDES.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 201"'
I V 20IS
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
360
240
Permits
Actual
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$6,784.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (+$1,500.0) This change supports EPA's development of the Clean Watersheds Needs
Survey.
379
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• (+$671.0 / +2.5 FTE) This change provides additional resources to support the
implementation and administration of the requirements of AWIA (such as the Stormwater
Infrastructure Funding Task Force and the Water Infrastructure Workforce Development
provisions), and additional funds for deregulation, permitting and state delegations.
• (-$20,074.0 / -13.5 FTE) This program change reduces Surface Water Protection program
resources, including the elimination of the WaterSense program. EPA will focus remaining
resources on statutory requirements and highest priority work.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act; Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA); Marine Debris
Research, Prevention and Reduction Act of 2006; Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control
Act of 1987.
380
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Congressional Priorities
381
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Water Quality Research and Support Grants
Program Area: Congressional Priorities
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
linviriinmcnliil Pru'^rums X Muim^ciiwiil
N 25.-ZOOM
SJ 2. ~OIUt
so.o
-.S12. '00.0
Science & Technology
$4,094.0
$4,100.0
$0.0
-$4,100.0
Total Budget Authority
$29,494.0
$16,800.0
$0.0
-$16,800.0
Program Project Description:
The purpose of this program is to provide training and technical assistance for small public water
systems to help such systems achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) and to provide training and technical assistance for small publicly-owned wastewater
systems, communities served by onsite/decentralized wastewater systems, and private well owners
to improve water quality under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. States have the
ability to develop technical assistance plans for their water systems using Public Water System
Supervision funds and set-asides from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$12,700.0) This funding change eliminates the Water Quality Competitive Grant
Program since resources are available through other existing programs and states are best
positioned to develop technical assistance plans for their water systems.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) § 1442(e); Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA);
Food Quality Protection Act (EQPA); Endangered Species Act (ESA); Clean Water Act §
104(b)(3).
382
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Office of Inspector General
Resource Summary Table 385
Program Projects in IG 385
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations 386
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations 387
383
-------
384
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Inspector General
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2020 Pres
FY 2019
Budget v.
FY 2018
Annualized
FY 2020
FY 2019
Actuals
CR
Pres Budget
Annualized CR
Inspector General
Budget Authority
$40,328.4
$41,489.0
$38,893.0
-$2,596.0
Total Workyears
209.4
215.8
201.4
-14.4
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
Bill Language: Inspector General
For necessary expenses of the Office of Inspector General in carrying out the provisions of the
Inspector General Act of1978, $38,893,000, to remain available until September 30, 2021.
Program Projects in IG
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Pro ject
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
$40,328.4
$41,489.0
$38,893.0
-$2,596.0
TOTALIG
$40,328.4
$41,489.0
$38,893.0
-$2,596.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
385
-------
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
386
-------
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Program Area: Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Inspector < icncral
S-II.-/SV.V
S3S.SV3.0
-s 2.?v/>.n
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$9,159.7
$8,778.0
$9,586.0
$808.0
Total Budget Authority
$49,488.1
$50,267.0
$48,479.0
-$1,788.0
Total Workyears
260.4
266.0
242.0
-24.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, created by the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. In support of that
independence, Congress provides the OIG with a separate appropriation, within the Agency's
budget. The OIG conducts and supervises audits and investigations while reviewing existing and
proposed legislation and regulations relating to the Agency's programs and operations; provides
leadership and coordination, and recommend policies for activities designed to promote economy,
efficiency and effectiveness, and to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse in agency, grantee,
and contractor operations. The OIG activities add value and enhance public trust and safety by
keeping the head of the Agency and Congress fully and immediately informed of problems and
deficiencies, and the necessity for and progress of corrective actions. The OIG activities also
prevent and detect fraud in EPA's programs and operations, including financial fraud, laboratory
fraud, and cybercrime. The OIG consistently provides a significant positive return on investment
to the public in the form of recommendations for improvements in the delivery of EPA's mission,
reduction in operational and environmental risks, costs savings and recoveries, and improvements
in program efficiencies and integrity. The audit, evaluations and inspection, and investigative
services programs are directly supported through the OIG's management and administrative
functions of information technology, human resources, human capital, budget, planning and
performance, legal advice and counseling, report publishing and communications, and
congressional outreach. EPA's OIG plans its work with a focus on identifying and influencing
resolution of the Agency's major management challenges and in support of EPA's goals and
objectives.
In addition, EPA's Inspector General was designated by Congress in Fiscal Year 2004 to serve as
the Inspector General for the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) and
provides the full range of audit and investigative services specified by the Inspector General Act,
as amended. Specifically, the OIG conducts required audits of the CSB's financial statements and
of CSB's compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act. In addition, the OIG
performs audits and evaluations of the CSB's programmatic and management activities and
follow-up on prior audit recommendations.
387
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The OIG assists the Agency in its efforts
to develop and enforce regulations that implement environmental laws by making
recommendations to improve program operations; save taxpayer dollars; reduce the potential for
fraud, waste and abuse; respond to cybercrimes; and resolve previously identified major
management challenges and internal control weaknesses resulting in cleaner air, land, and water,
and ensured chemical safety for America. In FY 2020, the OIG will continue to recommend
improvements to operating efficiency, transparency, secured and trustworthy systems, and the
cost-effective attainment of EPA's strategic goals and positive environmental impacts.
The OIG carries out its statutory mission by conducting many types of audits, evaluations, and
investigations for both EPA and the CSB. Plans are implemented through audits, evaluations,
investigations, inspections, and follow-up reviews in compliance with the Inspector General Act
(as amended), the Generally Accepted Government Accounting Standards, and the Quality
Standards for Federal Offices of Inspector General of the Council of Inspectors General on
Integrity and Efficiency.
The OIG conducts the following types of assignments focused on efficiency and program
operations: program performance, including a focus on the award and administration of grants
and contracts; statutorily mandated audits; financial reviews of grantees and contractors; and
information resources management. In addition, program performance audits, evaluations and
inspections are conducted in the areas of EPA's mission objectives for improving and protecting
the environment and public health, including: air; water; land cleanup and waste management;
toxics, chemical management and pollution prevention; and environmental research programs.
The investigative mission of the OIG continues to evolve in conducting criminal, civil, and
administrative investigations into fraud and serious misconduct within EPA programs and
operations that undermine the organization's integrity and public trust, or create an imminent risk
or danger. The OIG investigations are coordinated with the Department of Justice and other
federal, state, and local law enforcement entities. These investigations often lead to successful
prosecution and civil judgments wherein there is a recovery and repayment of financial losses.
Major areas of investigative focus include: financial fraud, program integrity, threats to the
Agency's resources, employee integrity, cyber-crimes, and theft of intellectual or sensitive data.
The ten directorates within the Office of Audit and Evaluation are responsible for independent
oversight of EPA and CSB programs and recommending improvement to programs and operations.
A significant portion of audit resources will be devoted to statutorily mandated work assessing the
financial statements of EPA, as required by the Chief Financial Officers Act and the Accountability
of Tax Dollars Act of2002, respectively. The OIG work will also include assessing the information
security practices of EPA as required by the Federal Information Security Management Act. The
OIG will examine the delivery and performance of national programs, as well as specific cross-
regional and single region or place based issues that represent a risk to public health and the
environment in response to stakeholder concerns.
388
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As noted above, EPA's OIG continues to balance its workload with the capacity of a reduced
workforce, while meeting statutorily-mandated requirements and delivering a strong return on
investment. Our average 6-year return on investment is 12.3:1. The Annual Performance Goals are
being met or exceeded, however, goals were adjusted to align with available resources.
Based on prior work, cross-agency risk assessment, Agency challenges, future priorities, and
extensive stakeholder input, the OIG will focus its resources on efforts in the following areas of
concentration during FY 2020:
Sound and Economical Financial Management
Annual mandated improper payments audit
• Internal controls
Annual mandated financial statements audits
Audits of costs claimed by grantees and contractors
Grant and contract administration
Maximizing cost efficiencies and process improvement
Capital investments in information technology, equipment, facilities and other items
Technological changes create transformation opportunities
Annual mandated travel card program, including risk assessment in accordance with the
Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2012
Annual mandated purchase card and convenience check program, including risk
assessment
Annual mandated toxic substances fees in accordance with the Pesticide Registration
Improvement Act and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
Efficiency and effectiveness of collection and payment processes
Efficient Processes and Use of Resources
• Management of the Brownfields Program
• Partnering or coordination with other agencies to maximize efficiencies
Opportunities to reduce duplication, overlap and fragmentation within EPA
Grant, Interagency Agreement Grant, and Interagency Agreement Management
Efficiency and Effectiveness of Human Capital Management programs
Ensuring the Integrity of EPA Information
Protection from advanced persistent threats to steal/modify data
Agency efforts to enhance its capability to respond to cyber-attacks
Cybersecurity/infrastructure development; and assessment of processes to ensure
protection and security of information systems from fraud, waste and abuse
File server security
Processes for Managing Background Investigations and Plan of Action & Milestones
(POA&Ms)
Annual mandated audit of compliance with the Federal Information Security
Modernization Act
Oversight of Chief Information Officer's responsibilities under the Federal Information
Technology Acquisition Reform Act
Mandated readiness reviews of agency Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of
2014
389
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Assessing Risk Management and Performance Measurement
• Implementation of Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act, Federal Information Security
Management Act and Government Performance and Results Act
• Disaster response and homeland security and emergency preparedness and response
• Construction grants and revolving loan funds awarded to states and territories
• Review of contractor federal performance
• Assistance agreements related to cleanup and Brownfields
Assessing Program Integrity. Results. Oversight Enforcement
• Evaluation of the Management Audit Tracking System
• Evaluation of the Implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act
• Oversight of Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds
• Assess EPA's policy, procedures, and internal controls to prevent or reduce improper
computer use
• Evaluations of EPA's programs and activities to protect human health and the environment
through progress toward air quality goals and compliance with requirements
• Evaluation of EPA's programs and adherence to requirements to protect and restore water
that sustains human health and the environment
• Evaluation of EPA's programs, activities, requirements and initiatives to protect human
health and the environment through hazardous waste cleanup, waste management, accident
prevention and emergency response
• Evaluations of EPA's programs and requirements to protect human health and the
environment from chemical risks, including implementation of the TSCA
• Evaluation of controls and processes in EPA's research and development programs that
support EPA's core mission to protect human health and the environment
Investigations
The OIG's Office of Investigations (01) conducts independent investigations to detect and prevent
fraud, waste and abuse, while protecting the integrity of EPA and CSB programs, operations and
resources. Investigations focus on alleged fraud, waste, abuse by EPA and CSB contractors and
grantees and misconduct by EPA and CSB employees. The investigative mission of the OIG
continues to evolve in conducting criminal, civil, and administrative investigations into fraud and
serious misconduct within EPA programs and operations that undermine the organization's
integrity and public trust, or create an imminent risk or danger. Special Agents within the 01 are
duly appointed federal criminal investigators and have statutory authority to carry firearms, make
arrests, execute search and seizure warrants, and perform other law enforcement duties. Special
Agents have been trained as armed law enforcement first responders and are responders in the
event of an active shooter or terrorist attack impacting EPA and CSB facilities. The OIG
investigations are coordinated with the Department of Justice and other federal, state, and local
law enforcement entities for criminal and civil litigation or with EPA management for
administrative action. These investigations often lead to successful prosecution and civil
judgments wherein there is a recovery and repayment of financial losses. Additionally, during and
at the conclusion of investigations, the 01 works with the Suspension and Debarment Office within
EPA, "whose actions protect the government from doing business with entities that pose a business
risk to the government."
390
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Major areas of investigative focus include: 1) financial fraud relating to agency grants and
contracts concerning State Revolving Funds, interagency and cooperative agreements, and fraud
related to mischarging, defective pricing, defective products and collusion on contracts; 2)
employee integrity and alleged criminal conduct or serious administrative misconduct focusing on
activities that could undermine the integrity of agency programs involving safety and public health,
and erode confidence in the Agency pursuing its mission; 3) threats directed against EPA and CSB
employees, facilities and assets involving threats to the physical assault upon such employees and
contractors; 4) program integrity focusing; 5) EPA's OIG hotline, deterrence and oversight
focusing on managing EPA's OIG hotline program, which receives complaints, referrals and
allegation of fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement and misconduct involving EPA and the CSB;
6) other investigative activity for which the focus is on providing support to the OIG program
offices and participating in multiagency coordination on urgent matters facing EPA and the nation.
Finally, the 01 often makes observations or "lessons learned" for EPA's management to reduce
the Agency's vulnerability to criminal activity. The results of 01's investigations are published in
the OIG's semiannual reports and can serve as a deterrent to future misconduct. In addition, the
01's investigations provide measurable results wherein recovery and restitution of financial losses
are achieved and administrative actions are taken to prevent those involved from further
participation in any of EPA's programs or operation. Over the last two fiscal years, 01
investigations have yielded over $10 million in recoveries and restitutions and 479 administrative
actions. Both represent contributions to the OIG's ability to exceed the performance targets in
recoveries and restitutions by 2,820 percent and 229 percent for administrative actions
respectively.
Follow-up and Policy/Regulatory Analysis
To further promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness, the OIG will conduct follow-up
reviews of agency responsiveness to the OIG's recommendations to determine if appropriate
actions have been taken and intended improvements have been achieved. This process will serve
as a means for keeping Congress and EPA leadership apprised of accomplishments and
opportunities for needed corrective actions, and facilitate greater accountability for results from
the OIG operations.
Additionally, as directed by the IG Act (as amended), the OIG also conducts reviews and analysis
of proposed and existing policies, rules, regulations and legislation to identify vulnerability to
waste, fraud and abuse. These reviews also consider possible duplication, gaps or conflicts with
existing authority, leading to recommendations for improvements in their structure, content and
application.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
391
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$976.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support and benefit costs.
• (-$3,572.0 / -14.4 FTE) This change is a reduction which will focus the amount of audits,
program evaluations, and investigative case work on the highest priority work to ensure
the protection of critical environmental resources and the health and safety of the American
people.
Statutory Authority:
Inspector General Act of 1978.
Inspector General Reform Act:
The following information is provided pursuant to Section 6(g)(2) of the Inspector General Reform
Act:
• The aggregate budget request from the Inspector General for the operations of the OIG is
$58.0 million ($47.6 million Inspector General; $10.4 million Superfund Transfer)
• The aggregate President's Budget for the operations of the OIG is $48.5 million ($38.9
million Inspector General; $9.6 million Superfund Transfer)
• The portion of the aggregate President's Budget needed for training is $700 thousand ($609
thousand Inspector General; $91 thousand Superfund Transfer
• The portion of the aggregate President's Budget needed to support the Council of the
Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is $126 thousand ($110.5 thousand
Inspector General; $15.5 thousand Superfund Transfer)
"I certify as the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency that the amount I have
requested for training satisfies all OIG training needs for FY 2020".
392
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Buildings and Facilities
Resource Summary Table 395
Program Projects in B&F 395
Homeland Security 396
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure 397
Operations and Administration 399
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 400
393
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394
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Building and Facilities
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2020 Pres
FY 2019
Budget v.
FY 2018
Annualized
FY 2020
FY 2019
Actuals
CR
Pres Budget
Annualized CR
Building and Facilities
Budget Authority
$40,526.8
$34,467.0
$39,553.0
$5,086.0
Total Workyears
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Bill Language: Building and Facilities
For construction, repair, improvement, extension, alteration, and purchase offixed equipment or
facilities of, or for use by, the Environmental Protection Agency, $39,553,000, to remain available
until expended.
Program Projects in B&F
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA
Personnel and Infrastructure
$5,921.7
$6,676.0
$6,176.0
-$500.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$34,605.1
$27,791.0
$33,377.0
$5,586.0
TOTAL B&F
$40,526.8
$34,467.0
$39,553.0
$5,086.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
395
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Homeland Security
396
-------
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$5,400.2
$5,405.0
$4,986.0
-$419.0
Science & Technology
$415.0
$416.0
$500.0
$84.0
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Hazardous Substance Superfond
$1,325.5
$968.0
$915.0
-$53.0
Total Budget Authority
$13,062.4
$13,465.0
$12,577.0
-$888.0
Total Workyears
8.0
9.6
12.2
2.6
Program Project Description:
EPA's Buildings and Facilities (B&F) resources in the Homeland Security: Protection of EPA
Personnel and Infrastructure Program support the protection of federal employees, contractors,
grantees, and private citizens (occupants) who work within or visit EPA facilities nationwide.
EPA's buildings are a combination of headquarters and regional administrative offices, program
and research laboratories, and support facilities/warehouses. These facilities are either EPA
owned/leased or GSA owned/leased. This funding ensures federal mandates are met as they relate
to physical security and local emergency preparedness for all Agency locations. These funds
support the physical security protection equipment and mechanisms required to protect occupants
during facility relocation (e.g., moves, new leases, consolidations, etc.), physical equipment
upgrades/modernization, or corrective actions required to address security vulnerabilities
identified during security assessments.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will partner with GSA
to continue migrating to the Enterprise Physical Access Control System (ePACS), which enables
the Agency to modernize its security infrastructure in compliance with Homeland Security
Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12). ePACS allows the Agency to control access in EPA space,
including restricted and secure space. EPA also will ensure the following security projects protect
occupants and comply with federal mandates for physical security: (1) relocation of Criminal
Investigation Division offices in Philadelphia and Baton Rouge; (2) consolidation of the Corvallis,
Willamette, and Richmond labs; (3) fund the second phase of the design of the new entrance for
Athens, Georgia; and (4) various closed circuit television and physical security upgrades in
response to vulnerabilities identified by previously conducted physical security assessments.
397
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$500.0) This program change will extend the schedule for moving the facility Physical
Access Control Systems to an enterprise ePAC solution.
Statutory Authority:
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004; Homeland Security Act of 2002;
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
398
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Operations and Administration
399
-------
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$292,535.1
$308,701.0
$308,335.0
-$366.0
Science & Technology
$70,101.6
$68,339.0
$67,274.0
-$1,065.0
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Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$1,056.6
$813.0
$773.0
-$40.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$753.8
$584.0
$665.0
$81.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$76,061.2
$75,253.0
$73,540.0
-$1,713.0
Total Budget Authority
$475,113.4
$481,481.0
$483,964.0
$2,483.0
Total Workyears
321.8
327.6
308.0
-19.6
Program Project Description:
EPA's Buildings and Facilities (B&F) appropriation supports the design, construction, repair, and
improvement of EPA's federally owned and leased land and structures in accordance with
applicable codes and standards. Construction renovation and alteration projects costing more than
$150 thousand must use B&F funding. B&F resources ensure that the Agency complies with
various mandates and goals including: The Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), and regulatory mandates associated with soil and water
pesticides testing.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In accordance with the National Strategy
for the Efficient Use of Real Property 2015-2020 and HR 4465,1 the Federal Assets Sale and
Transfer Act of 2016, the Agency will continue to review its space needs. EPA is implementing a
long-term space consolidation plan that will reduce the number of occupied facilities, consolidate
space within remaining facilities, and reduce square footage wherever practical. B&F resources
support facility-related construction and the repair and improvement (R&I) of EPA's aging real
estate inventory. Good stewardship practices demand that the physical conditions, functionality,
safety and health, security, and research capabilities of the Agency's facilities are adequately
maintained to ensure successful completion of EPA's mission requirements and goals. Timely
repairs save resources in the longer term.
1 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/4465. Federal Assets Sale
and Transfer Act of 2016.
400
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Through master planning and nationwide efforts to use space more efficiently, EPA identifies B&F
projects to be conducted each fiscal year. Necessary projects usually exceed the amount of funding
available; these projects support the long-term conditions and efficiency of EPA facilities. Further,
the need for B&F resources will continue to increase to comply with GSA leasing practices
requiring agencies to pay for B&F projects including sustainable features2 as tenant improvements
(TI) or up front and ongoing project costs. This requirement significantly increases TI cost for new
leases while resources are needed to consolidate space and move into new locations to reduce the
Agency's footprint in accordance with the Federal Asset Sale and Transfer Act of 2016.
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to explore opportunities to reconfigure EPA's workplaces
with the goal of reducing long-term rent costs. Space consolidation and reconfiguration enables
EPA to reduce its footprint to create a more efficient, collaborative, and technologically
sophisticated workplace. However, even if modifications are kept to a minimum, each move
requires B&F funding.
The FY 2020 request also includes resources for ongoing projects that will provide critical
maintenance for aging laboratory facilities and are key to ensuring that the Agency has access to
preeminent laboratory science. These projects maintain a safe workplace, provide for high quality
science, support agency priorities, and advance the Agency's mission. Delaying essential repairs
results in the deterioration of EPA's facilities, which increases long-term repair costs and presents
safety risks. In line with the Laboratory Study completed in 2014,3 EPA will focus on critical
facility repairs and infrastructure upgrades to maintain an acceptable Facility Condition Index.
In FY 2020, the Agency proposes to continue or initiate space optimization projects with the
potential for the greatest long-term cost and energy savings, including but not limited to the
following:
• Optimizing space at the Athens, GA laboratory. EPA continues its work to consolidate
employees in leased laboratory space into owned space. Prior to optimizing the Agency's
space footprint in Athens, however, EPA has begun to invest in the design for the optimized
layout. Construction will cost an estimated $13 million in FY 2019 and another $13 million
in FY 2020.
• Willamette and Region 9 Laboratory Consolidation to the Corvallis laboratory. EPA
is in the process of completely renovating the laboratory and office space in Corvallis, OR
to accommodate employees from Willamette, OR and the laboratory employees from
Richmond, CA while the main infrastructure replacement project is underway. This project
will reduce the space footprint by 20,918 square feet from Willamette, and 44,940 square
feet from Richmond.
• Grosse lie to the National Vehicle Fuel and Emissions laboratory. EPA will move staff
into the owned laboratory facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Agency must modify space
at the Ann Arbor laboratory to accommodate staff from Grosse lie, MI. Release of the
Grosse lie facility will result in a space reduction of approximately 35,000 square feet.
2 Many of these features are required by EISA or executive orders.
3 Synthesis Report of the U.S. EPA Laboratory Enterprise Evaluation, found at: https: //www.epa. gov/sites/production/files/2015-
03/documents/svnthesisreporto ftheusepalaboratorventerprise.pdf.
401
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In FY 2020, EPA will continue its phased approach to accomplish major B&F projects across the
country involving mechanical systems nearing the end of their useful life that also will ultimately
result in energy savings. Projects include: replacing the mechanical and electrical infrastructure in
the Duluth, MN lab; upgrading the air handling unit and replacing the roof at Ft. Meade, MD; and
completing HVAC and plumbing upgrades at EPA's Cincinnati, OH lab.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$5,586.0) This program change increases funding for the Agency's planned progress in
regional space optimization and laboratory upgrade projects in Athens, GA, Corvallis, OR,
and Gross lie, MI.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute).
402
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Hazardous Substance Superfund
Resource Summary Table 405
Program Projects in Superfund 405
Indoor Air and Radiation 408
Radiation: Protection 409
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations 411
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations 412
Compliance 417
Compliance Monitoring 418
Enforcement 420
Criminal Enforcement 421
Environmental Justice 423
Forensics Support 424
Superfund: Enforcement 426
Superfund: Federal Facilities Enforcement 429
Homeland Security 431
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery 432
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure 435
Information Exchange / Outreach 437
Exchange Network 438
IT/ Data Management/ Security 440
Information Security 441
IT / Data Management 444
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review 447
Alternative Dispute Resolution 448
Legal Advice: Environmental Program 449
Operations and Administration 451
Acquisition Management 452
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance 455
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 458
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management 460
403
-------
Human Resources Management 463
Research: Sustainable Communities 465
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities 466
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability 470
Human Health Risk Assessment 471
Superfund Cleanup 474
Superfund: Emergency Response and Removal 475
Superfund: EPA Emergency Preparedness 478
Superfund: Remedial 480
Superfund: Federal Facilities 484
Superfund Special Accounts 488
404
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Hazardous Substance Superfund
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2020 Pres
FY 2018
FY 2019
Annualized
FY 2020
Budget v.
FY 2019
Actuals
CR
Pres Budget
Annualized CR
Hazardous Substance Superfund
Budget Authority
$1,207,133.8
$1,154,947.0
$1,045,351.0
-$109,596.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
$0.0
-$16,000.0
-$16,000.0
Budget Authority Post Cancellation
of Funds
$1,154,947.0
$1,029,351.0
-$125,596.0
Total Workyears
2,588.1
2,580.3
2,590.6
10.3
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
Bill Language: Hazardous Substance Superfund
For necessary expenses to carry out the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), including sections 111(c)(3), (c)(5), (c)(6), and (e)(4) (42
U.S.C. 9611), $1,045,351,000, to remain available until expended, consisting of such sums as are
available in the Trust Fund on September 30, 2019, as authorized by section 517(a) of the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) and up to $1,045,351,000 as a
payment from general revenues to the Hazardous Substance Superfundfor purposes as authorized
by section 517(b) of SARA: Provided, That funds appropriated under this heading may be
allocated to other Federal agencies in accordance with section 111(a) of CERCLA: Provided
further, That of the funds appropriated under this heading, $9,586,000 shall be paid to the "Office
of Inspector General" appropriation to remain available until September 30, 2021, and
$17,775,000 shall be paid to the "Science and Technology" appropriation to remain available
until September 30, 2021.
Program Projects in Superfund
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Indoor Air and Radiation
Radiation: Protection
$2,176.9
$1,985.0
$1,933.0
-$52.0
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
$9,159.7
$8,778.0
$9,586.0
$808.0
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
$943.0
$995.0
$991.0
-$4.0
405
-------
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Enforcement
Criminal Enforcement
$7,336.3
$7,502.0
$8,198.0
$696.0
Environmental Justice
$617.0
$758.0
$0.0
-$758.0
Forensics Support
$1,999.6
$1,824.0
$1,144.0
-$680.0
Superfiind: Enforcement
$151,915.5
$150,048.0
$155,059.0
$5,011.0
Superfiind: Federal Facilities Enforcement
$5,810.9
$6,243.0
$6,956.0
$713.0
Subtotal, Enforcement
$167,679.3
$166,375.0
$171,357.0
$4,982.0
Flomeland Security
Flomeland Security: Preparedness, Response,
and Recovery
$31,102.4
$31,648.0
$31,054.0
-$594.0
Flomeland Security: Protection of EPA
Personnel and Infrastructure
$1,325.5
$968.0
$915.0
-$53.0
Subtotal, Flomeland Security
$32,427.9
$32,616.0
$31,969.0
-$647.0
Information Exchange / Outreach
Exchange Network
$1,328.6
$1,328.0
$1,293.0
-$35.0
IT / Data Management / Security
Information Security
$745.8
$661.0
$5,082.0
$4,421.0
IT / Data Management
$14,126.0
$13,824.0
$13,443.0
-$381.0
Subtotal, IT / Data Management / Security
$14,871.8
$14,485.0
$18,525.0
$4,040.0
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Alternative Dispute Resolution
$744.3
$748.0
$0.0
-$748.0
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
$914.1
$505.0
$579.0
$74.0
Civil Rights Program
$60.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Subtotal, Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic
Review
$1,718.4
$1,253.0
$579.0
-$674.0
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
$20,503.7
$22,018.0
$21,340.0
-$678.0
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$76,061.2
$75,253.0
$73,540.0
-$1,713.0
Acquisition Management
$20,477.3
$21,183.0
$21,541.0
$358.0
Human Resources Management
$6,279.4
$7,044.0
$5,444.0
-$1,600.0
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
$2,498.6
$2,607.0
$2,655.0
$48.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$125,820.2
$128,105.0
$124,520.0
-$3,585.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$11,023.3
$11,463.0
$10,977.0
-$486.0
406
-------
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Human Health Risk Assessment
$2,822.9
$2,824.0
$5,338.0
$2,514.0
Superfund Cleanup
Superfund: Emergency Response and Removal
$200,491.4
$189,917.0
$168,370.0
-$21,547.0
Superfund: EPA Emergency Preparedness
$7,744.0
$7,636.0
$7,396.0
-$240.0
Superfund: Federal Facilities
$21,300.3
$21,125.0
$20,465.0
-$660.0
Superfund: Remedial
$607,626.1
$566,062.0
$472,052.0
-$94,010.0
Subtotal, Superfund Cleanup
$837,161.8
$784,740.0
$668,283.0
-$116,457.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
$0.0
-$16,000.0
-$16,000.0
TOTAL Superfund
$1,207,133.8
$1,154,947.0
$1,029,351.0
-$125,596.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
*** Fact Sheet tables do not include applicable cancellation of funds ***
407
-------
Indoor Air and Radiation
408
-------
Radiation: Protection
Program Area: Indoor Air and Radiation
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$9,286.8
$9,180.0
$2,307.0
-$6,873.0
Science & Technology
$2,407.4
$2,246.0
$990.0
-$1,256.0
Hazardous Substance Sn/>i'r/niitl
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Total Budget Authority
$13,871.1
$13,411.0
$5,230.0
-$8,181.0
Total Workyears
68.5
66.3
25.0
-41.3
Program Project Description:
This program addresses potential radiation risks that may be found at Superfund and hazardous
waste sites. Through this program, EPA ensures that Superfund site cleanup activities reduce
and/or mitigate the health and environmental risk of radiation to include support of removal actions
as needed.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA's National Analytical Radiation
Environmental Laboratory in Montgomery, Alabama and National Center for Radiation Field
Operations in Las Vegas, Nevada will continue to provide analytical and field support to manage
and mitigate radioactive releases and exposures. These two organizations provide analytical and
technical support for the characterization and cleanup of Superfund and Federal Facility sites.
Support focuses on providing high quality data to support agency decisions at sites across the
country.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$49.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support,
and benefit costs.
409
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• (-$118.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (+$17.0 / -2.0 FTE) This net funding change focuses this program on core requirements.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
410
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Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
411
-------
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Program Area: Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Inspector General
$40,328.4
S41.489.0
$38.893.0
-$2,596.0
Utizurtlims Substance Siiperjuml
$9,159.7
.S,V. "S.O
S'J.tso.n
smv.w
Total Budget Authority
$49,488.1
$50,267.0
$48,479.0
-$1,788.0
Total Workyears
260.4
266.0
242.0
-24.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, created by the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. In support of that
independence, Congress provides the OIG with a separate appropriation, within the Agency's
budget. The OIG conducts and supervises audits and investigations while reviewing existing and
proposed legislation and regulations relating to the Agency's programs and operations; provides
leadership and coordination, and recommend policies for activities designed to promote economy,
efficiency and effectiveness, and to prevent and detect waste, fraud, and abuse in Agency, grantee,
and contractor operations of the Agency's Superfund program. The OIG activities add value and
enhance public trust and safety by keeping the head of the Agency and Congress fully and
immediately informed about problems and deficiencies, and the necessity for and progress of
corrective actions. The OIG activities also prevent and detect fraud in EPA's programs and
operations, including financial fraud, laboratory fraud, and cybercrime. The OIG consistently
provides a significant positive return on investment to the public in the form of recommendations
for improvements in the delivery of EPA's mission, reduction in operational and environmental
risks, costs savings and recoveries, and improvements in program efficiencies and integrity. The
audit, and inspection and investigative services programs are directly supported through the OIG's
management and administrative functions of information technology, human resources, human
capital, budget, planning and performance, legal advice and counseling, report publishing and
communications, and congressional outreach. EPA's OIG plans its work with a focus on
identifying and influencing resolution of the Agency's major management challenges and in
support of EPA's goals and objectives.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA's OIG assists the Agency in its
efforts to develop and enforce regulations that implement environmental laws by making
recommendations to improve program operations; save taxpayer dollars; reduce the potential for
fraud, waste and abuse; respond to cybercrimes; and resolve previously identified major
412
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management challenges and internal control weaknesses resulting in cleaner air, land, and water,
and ensured chemical safety for America. In FY 2020, the OIG will continue to recommend
improvements to operating efficiency, transparency, secured and trustworthy systems, and the
cost-effective attainment of EPA's strategic goals and positive environmental impacts related to
the Superfund program.
The OIG carries out its statutory mission by conducting many types of audits, evaluations, and
investigations for both EPA and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).
Plans are implemented through audits, evaluations, investigations, inspections, and follow-up
reviews in compliance with the Inspector General Act (as amended), the Generally Accepted
Government Accounting Standards, and the Quality Standards for Federal Offices of Inspector
General of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
The OIG conducts the following types of assignments focused on efficiency and program
operations: program performance, including a focus on the award and administration of grants
and contracts; statutorily mandated audits; financial reviews of grantees and contractors; and
information resources management. In addition, program performance audits, evaluations, and
inspections will be conducted in the areas of EPA's mission objectives for improving and
protecting the environment and public health, including: air; water; land cleanup and waste
management; toxics, chemical management and pollution prevention; and environmental research
programs via reviews of Superfund and other land issues.
The investigative mission of the OIG continues to evolve in conducting criminal, civil, and
administrative investigations into fraud and serious misconduct within EPA's Superfund program
and operations that undermine the organization's integrity and public trust, or create an imminent
risk or danger. The OIG investigations are coordinated with the Department of Justice and other
federal, state, and local law enforcement entities. These investigations often lead to successful
prosecution and civil judgments wherein there is a recovery and repayment of financial losses.
Major areas of investigative focus include: financial fraud, program integrity, threats to the
Agency's resources, employee integrity, cyber-crimes, and theft of intellectual or sensitive data.
The OIG continues to balance its workload with the capacity of a smaller workforce, while meeting
statutorily-mandated requirements and delivering a strong return on investment.
Audits and Evaluations
The OIG audits and program evaluations and inspections related to Superfund will identify
program and management risks and determine if EPA is efficiently and effectively reducing human
health risks; taking effective enforcement actions; cleaning up hazardous waste; managing waste,
restoring previously polluted sites to appropriate uses; and ensuring long-term stewardship of
polluted sites. The OIG assignments will include: assessing the adequacy of internal controls in
EPA and its grantees and contractors to protect resources and achieve program results; project
management to ensure that EPA and its grantees and contractors have clear plans and
accountability for performance progress; enforcement to evaluate whether there is consistent,
adequate and appropriate application of the laws and regulations across jurisdictions with
coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement activities; and grants and contracts
to verify that such awards are made based upon uniform risk assessment, and that grantees and
contractors perform with integrity.
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Prior audits and evaluations of the Superfund program have identified numerous barriers to
implementing effective resource management and program improvements. Therefore, the OIG will
concentrate its resources on efforts in the following assignment areas:
• Human and Environmental Exposure from Superfund Site Contaminants
• Optimization of Superfund financed clean-up remedies
• EPA's progress in ensuring private party Superfund liabilities are adequately covered by
sufficient financial assurance mechanisms
• EPA Progress Implementing Recommendations for Superfund Improvement in the 2017
Superfund Task Force Report
• Superfund portion of EPA's financial statement and Federal Information Security
Modernization Act (FISMA) audits to include sampling, monitoring, communication, and
opportunities for cleanup efficiencies
• Oversight of Superfund remedial activities under state contracts and assistance agreements
• Assess the effectiveness of actions taken as a result of the 2017 Superfund Task Force
Report
• The OIG also will evaluate ways to minimize fraud, waste, and abuse, with emphasis on
identifying opportunities for cost savings and reducing risk of resource loss, while
maximizing results achieved from Superfund contracts and assistance agreements
Investigations
The OIG's Office of Investigations (01) conducts independent investigations to detect and prevent
fraud, waste, and abuse, while protecting the integrity of EPA's Superfund program. Investigations
focus on alleged fraud, waste, and abuse by EPA contractors and grantees and misconduct by EPA
employees. The investigative mission of the OIG continues to evolve in conducting criminal, civil,
and administrative investigations into fraud and serious misconduct within EPA Superfund
programs and operations that undermine the organization's integrity and public trust, or create an
imminent risk or danger. Special Agents within the 01 are duly appointed federal criminal
investigators and have statutory authority to carry firearms, make arrests, execute search and
seizure warrants, and perform other law enforcement duties. Special Agents have been trained as
armed law enforcement first responders and are responders in the event of an active shooter or
terrorist attack impacting EPA and CSB facilities. The OIG investigations are coordinated with
the Department of Justice and other federal, state, and local law enforcement entities for criminal
and civil litigation or with EPA management for administrative action. These investigations often
lead to successful prosecution and civil judgments wherein there is a recovery and repayment of
financial losses. Additionally, during and at the conclusion of investigations, the 01 works with
the Suspension and Debarment Office within EPA, "whose actions protect the government from
doing business with entities that pose a business risk to the government." Investigative focus
include: 1) fraudulent practices in awarding, performing, and paying Superfund contracts, grants,
or other assistance agreements; 2) program fraud or other acts that undermine the integrity of, or
confidence in the Superfund program and create imminent environmental risks; 3) laboratory fraud
relating to data, and false claims or erroneous laboratory results that undermine the basis for
decision-making, regulatory compliance, or enforcement actions in the Superfund program; 4)
violent or criminal threats directed against Superfund program employees or facilities; 5) criminal
conduct or serious administrative misconduct by EPA employees involved in the Superfund
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program; and 6) intrusions into and attacks against EPA's network supporting Superfund program
data, as well as incidents of computer misuse and theft of intellectual property or
sensitive/proprietary Superfund data. Special attention will be directed towards identifying the
tactics, techniques, and procedures that are being utilized by cyber criminals to obtain Superfund
program information.
Finally, the 01 often makes observations or "lessons learned" for EPA's management which works
on the Superfund program to reduce the Agency's vulnerability to criminal activity. The results of
OI's investigations are published and can serve as a deterrent to future misconduct. In addition,
the OI's investigations provide measurable results wherein recovery and restitution of financial
losses are achieved and administrative actions are taken to prevent those involved from further
participation in any Superfund program or operation.
Follow-up and Policy/Regulatory Analysis
To further promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, the OIG will conduct follow-up
reviews of agency responsiveness to the OIG's recommendations for the Superfund program to
determine if appropriate actions have been taken and intended improvements have been achieved.
This process will serve as a means for keeping Congress and EPA leadership apprised of
accomplishments and opportunities for needed corrective actions, and facilitate greater
accountability for results from the OIG operations.
Additionally, as directed by the IG Act (as amended), the OIG also conducts reviews and analysis
of proposed and existing policies, rules, regulations and legislation pertaining to the Superfund
program to identify vulnerability to waste, fraud and abuse. These reviews also consider possible
duplication, gaps or conflicts with existing authority, leading to recommendations for
improvements in their structure, content and application.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$809.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, working capital fund,
and benefit costs.
• (-$1.0 / -9.6 FTE) This program change is a reduction, which will focus the amount of
audits, program evaluations, and investigative case work.
Statutory Authority:
Inspector General Act of 1978; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA) § 11 l(k).
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Inspector General Reform Act:
The following information is provided pursuant to the requirements of the Inspector General
Reform Act:
• The aggregate budget request from the Inspector General for the operations of the OIG is
$58.0 million ($47.6 million Inspector General; $10.4 million Superfund Transfer)
• The aggregate President's Budget for the operations of the OIG is $48.5 million ($38.9
million Inspector General; $9.6 million Superfund Transfer
• The portion of the aggregate President's Budget needed for training is $700 thousand ($609
thousand Inspector General; $91 thousand Superfund Transfer)
• The portion of the aggregate President's Budget needed to support the Council of the
Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is $126 thousand ($110.5 thousand
Inspector General; $15.5 thousand Superfund Transfer)
"I certify as the Inspector General of the Environmental Protection Agency that the amount I have
requested for training satisfies all OIG training needs for FY 2020."
416
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Compliance
417
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Compliance Monitoring
Program Area: Compliance
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$101,299.2
$101,665.0
$89,644.0
-$12,021.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$122.5
$139.0
$0.0
-$139.0
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Total Budget Authority
$102,364.7
$102,799.0
$90,635.0
-$12,164.0
Total Workyears
485.9
489.0
428.7
-60.3
Program Project Description:
The Compliance Monitoring Program is a key component of EPA's Compliance Assurance
Program that allows the controlling regulatory authority to detect noncompliance. The Program
also promotes compliance with the nation's environmental laws. The states and EPA use
compliance monitoring tools and activities to identify whether regulated entities are in compliance
with environmental laws enacted by Congress, as well as applicable regulations and permit
conditions. In addition, compliance monitoring activities, such as investigations, are conducted to
determine whether conditions exist that may present imminent and substantial endangerment to
human health and the environment. The Program focuses on providing information and system
support for monitoring compliance with Superfund-related environmental regulations and
contaminated site cleanup agreements. The Agency also ensures the security and integrity of its
compliance information systems. Superfund-related activities are tracked in the Agency's
Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS). Electronic tracking of its Superfund
enforcement work allows EPA to better ensure that its enforcement resources are going to address
the most significant concerns and facilitates transparency.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will support a variety of tools and
activities for states and EPA to identify the compliance status of regulated entities with
environmental laws enacted by Congress.
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 409) Number of federal on-site compliance monitoring inspections and evaluations and off-site
compliance monitoring activities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
17,000
17,000
15,500
15,500
14,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Inspections &
Evaluations
Actual
18,000
16,000
15,400
13,500
11,800
10,600
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$56.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (+$52.0 / +0.3 FTE) This net program change reflects adjustments to funding associated
with system support for Superfund Compliance Monitoring.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA);
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
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Enforcement
420
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Criminal Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$44,334.2
$44,995.0
$44,582.0
-$413.0
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Total Budget Authority
$51,670.5
$52,497.0
$52,780.0
$283.0
Total Workyears
225.3
235.9
219.6
-16.3
Program Project Description:
The Criminal Enforcement Program investigates and helps prosecute violations of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and
associated violations of Title 18 of the United States Code such as fraud, conspiracy, false
statements, and obstruction of justice. EPA's criminal enforcement agents (Special Agents) do this
through targeted investigation of criminal conduct, committed by individual and corporate
defendants, that threatens public health and the environment.
Within the Criminal Enforcement Program, forensic scientists, attorneys, technicians, engineers,
and other program experts assist Special Agents. EPA's criminal enforcement attorneys provide
legal and policy support for all the Program's responsibilities, including forensics and expert
witness preparation, information law, and personnel law to ensure that program activities are
carried out in accordance with legal requirements and agency policies. These efforts support
environmental crimes prosecutions primarily by the United States Attorneys and the Department
of Justice's Environmental Crimes Section. In FY 2018, the conviction rate for criminal defendants
was 92 percent.1
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to streamline its Criminal
Enforcement Program and enforce environmental laws to correct noncompliance and promote
cleanup of contaminated sites. The Agency will perform targeted investigations of violations of
environmental statutes and associated violations of Title 18 of the United States Code to protect
public health and the environment. The Program will focus its resources on the most egregious
cases (e.g., significant human health, environmental, and deterrent impacts), while balancing its
overall case load.
1 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/enforcement-amiual-results-fiscal-year-2018.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$232.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (+$464.0 / +0.8 FTE) This program change reflects a focus on the most egregious cases
and provides additional support for the Agency's investigations of environmental crimes.
Statutory Authority:
Title 18 of the U.S.C.; 18 U.S.C. § 3063; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as
amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute);
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
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Environmental Justice
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Increase Transparency and Public Participation
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$6,436.5
$6,737.0
$2,739.0
-$3,998.0
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$7,053.5
$7,495.0
$2,739.0
-$4,756.0
Total Workyears
32.9
35.5
4.0
-31.5
Program Project Description:
EPA's Environmental Justice Program (EJ) fosters environmental and public health and
sustainability in communities disproportionately burdened by pollution by integrating and
addressing issues of EJ in our programs and policies. The Superfund portion of this program
focuses on issues that affect low income and minority communities at or near Superfund sites. The
EJ Program complements the Agency's community outreach and other work done under the
Superfund program at affected sites. The Environmental Justice Program at EPA is led and
supported by the Office of Environmental Justice.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Superfund resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EJ work
impacting the Agency will be incorporated into policy work within EPA's Office of the
Administrator.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$758.0 / -4.4 FTE) This change proposes to eliminate Superfund specific funding for the
Environmental Justice Program. Environmental Justice work will continue in the
Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
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Forensics Support
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Science & Technology
$12,016.5
$13,669.0
$10,883.0
-$2,786.0
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Total Budget Authority
$14,016.1
$15,493.0
$12,027.0
-$3,466.0
Total Workyears
65.2
69.0
52.1
-16.9
Program Project Description:
The Forensics Support Program provides expert scientific and technical support for Superfund
civil and criminal enforcement cases, as well as technical expertise for the Agency's compliance
efforts. EPA's National Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC) is an environmental forensic
center accredited for both laboratory and field sampling operations that generate environmental
data for law enforcement purposes. It is fully accredited under International Standards
Organization (ISO) 17025, the main standard used by testing and calibration laboratories, as
recommended by the National Academy of Sciences.2 The NEIC maintains a sophisticated
chemistry laboratory and a corps of highly trained inspectors and scientists with expertise across
media. The NEIC works closely with EPA's Criminal Investigation Division to provide technical
support (e.g., sampling, analysis, consultation and testimony) to criminal investigations. The NEIC
also works closely with EPA's Headquarters and Regional Offices to provide technical assistance,
consultation, on-site inspection, investigation, and case resolution services in support of the
Agency's Superfund Enforcement Program.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the NEIC will continue to streamline its forensics
work and identify enhancements to our sampling and analytical methods, using existing
technology. The Program will continue to focus its work on collecting and analyzing materials to
characterize contamination, and attribute it to individual sources and/or facilities. The Forensics
Support Program will coordinate its support for the Superfund program with the Agency's Office
of Research and Development and Office of Land and Emergency Management. The Forensics
Support Program will continue to provide expert scientific and technical support for EPA's
criminal and civil enforcement efforts. In support of that effort, NEIC conducted two kaizen events
in FY 2018 aimed at streamlining the timeline for completion of civil inspection reports and
identifying efficiencies in laboratory operations. The results of these efforts will inform EPA's
work in FY 2020 and beyond.
Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, National Academy of Sciences, 2009, available at
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php7record id=12589.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (+$2.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to recalculation of lab
utilities.
• (-$678.0 / -4.7 FTE) This change reflects a focus on analyzing material to attribute it to
individual sources or facilities and a reduction in other lab support.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
425
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Superfund: Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$151,915.5
$150,048.0
$155,059.0
$5,011.0
Total Workyears
731.7
749.2
745.3
-3.9
Program Project Description:
The Superfund Enforcement Program protects communities by ensuring that responsible parties
conduct cleanups, preserving federal dollars for sites where there are no viable contributing parties.
EPA's Superfund Enforcement Program ensures prompt site cleanup and reuse by maximizing the
participation of liable and viable parties in performing and paying for cleanups. In both the
Superfund Remedial and Superfund Emergency Response and Removal programs, the Superfund
Enforcement Program obtains potentially responsible parties' commitments to perform and pay
for cleanups through civil judicial and administrative site actions. The Superfund Enforcement
Program works closely with the Superfund program and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to
combine litigation, legal, and technical skills to bring enforcement actions and address emerging
issues.
The Superfund Enforcement Program:
• develops cleanup enforcement policies;
• provides guidance and tools that clarify potential environmental cleanup liability, with
specific attention to the cleanup, reuse and revitalization of contaminated properties;
• ensures that responsible parties cleanup sites to reduce direct human exposure to hazardous
substances, thereby providing long-term human health protections and making
contaminated properties available for reuse;
• negotiates site cleanup agreements with Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) and, where
negotiations fail, either initiates enforcement actions to require cleanup or initiates cost
recovery if EPA expends Superfund appropriated dollars to remediate the sites; and
• addresses liability concerns of parties who want to clean up and reuse Superfund sites.
In 2018, the Superfund Enforcement Program secured private party commitments totaling $613
million. The use of Superfund enforcement tools this year resulted in cleanup and redevelopment
at 150 private party sites.
Special accounts are created when funds are received as part of a settlement to fund a site cleanup.
Funds received in settlements with PRPs are used to clean up the specific Superfund sites that were
426
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the subject of the settlement agreement. Having the ability to use special accounts provides needed
cleanup dollars at many sites that otherwise may not have received funding absent EPA's
enforcement efforts.
In FY 2018, EPA created 37 special accounts and collected $197.3 million for response work.3
The Agency disbursed or obligated $207.6 million from special accounts for response work
(excluding reclassifications).
Furthermore, the Superfund Enforcement Program continues to improve and revitalize the
Superfund program to ensure that contaminated sites across the country are remediated to protect
human health and the environment and returned to beneficial use as expeditiously as possible. The
Superfund Enforcement Program continues to work to encourage and facilitate PRPs' expeditious
and thorough cleanup of sites, create oversight efficiencies and promote the redevelopment and
reuse of sites by encouraging PRPs to invest in reuse outcomes. In addition, the enforcement
program continues to work to encourage private investment in the cleanup and reuse of sites by
optimizing tools and realigning incentives to encourage third-party investment. EPA also works to
ensure that required legally enforceable institutional controls and financial assurance requirements
are in place at Superfund sites to ensure the long-term protectiveness of Superfund cleanup
remedies.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Agency will prioritize its efforts on the most
significant sites in terms of environmental impact (particularly those that may present an
immediate risk) and on increasing private party funding of cleanups. The Agency will continue its
efforts to establish special accounts to facilitate cleanup. As special account funds may only be
used for sites and uses specified in the settlement agreement, both special account resources and
annually appropriated resources are critical to the Superfund program to clean up Superfund sites.
DOJ support is statutorily mandated for settlements related to remedial action cleanups, most cost
recovery settlements, and is required for all judicial enforcement matters. DOJ's support will be
prioritized to negotiate and enter into consent decrees with PRPs to perform remedial actions, to
pursue judicial actions to compel PRP cleanup, and to pursue judicial actions to recover monies
spent in cleaning up contaminated sites.
Cost Recovery Support
In FY 2019, EPA is implementing the e-Recovery system to replace legacy systems for cost
recovery support. This effort will modernize the system and assist with the Agency's burden
reduction. The Agency will streamline the financial management aspects of Superfund cost
recovery and the collection of related debt to the federal government. EPA's financial,
3 In addition, in FY 2018 the Agency earned approximately $40.0 million in interest on the total special account funds invested in
the Superfund Trust Fund. However, more than $104.6 million in interest was allocated to individual special accounts in FY 2018
due to work OCFO conducted to manually update the calculations required to allocate interest earned to individual special accounts
from FY 2016 and FY 2017, in addition to interest earned in FY 2018.
427
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programmatic, and legal offices will continue to maintain the accounting and billing of Superfund
oversight costs attributable to responsible parties. These costs represent EPA's cost of overseeing
Superfund site cleanup efforts by responsible parties as stipulated in the terms of settlement
agreements. In FY 2018, the Agency collected $161.9 million in cost recoveries, of which $40.7
million were returned to the Superfund Trust Fund and $121.2 million were deposited in site-
specific, interest bearing special accounts.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 441) Number of enforcement tools completed to address cleanup and/or long-term protection, including
reuse, of contaminated sites.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
170
170
Tools
Actual
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$7,107.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$2,096.0 / -3.9 FTE) This program change reflects a focus on sites with significant risks
and securing private party funding for cleanups and a reduction in resources for Superfund
cost recovery, to be offset in part by streamlining those functions.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
428
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Superfund: Federal Facilities Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
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Total Budget Authority
$5,810.9
$6,243.0
$6,956.0
$713.0
Total Workyears
30.6
34.4
37.4
3.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Superfund Federal Facilities Enforcement Program ensures that sites where federal entities
are performing Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) responses and/or CERCLA sites with federal ownership are monitored and that
appropriate enforcement responses are pursued. After years of service and operation, some federal
facilities contain environmental contamination such as hazardous wastes, unexploded ordnance,
radioactive wastes, or other toxic substances. Enforcement actions can facilitate cleanup and
potential redevelopment of these sites.
Pursuant to CERCLA Section 120, EPA must enter into Interagency Agreements, also commonly
referred to as Federal Facility Agreements (FFAs), with responsible federal entities to ensure
protective and timely cleanup of their National Priorities List (NPL) sites. The agreements provide
that EPA oversee the cleanups to ensure that they protect public health and the environment. These
FFAs govern cleanups at 174 federal facility Superfund sites, which include many of the nation's
largest and most complex cleanup projects.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work under this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will focus its resources on the highest
priority sites, particularly those that may present an imminent and/or substantial endangerment,
have human exposure not yet under control or have the potential for redevelopment. EPA also will
negotiate FFAs for federal facility sites on the NPL, monitor FFAs for compliance and resolve
formal disputes, take enforcement actions at priority sites, and implement the Superfund Task
Force recommendations4 to expedite cleanup and redevelopment of federal facility sites. With
regards to Task Force implementation, EPA has collaborated extensively with other federal
agencies (OFAs) and states on Recommendations 18 and 30 regarding the development of
principles to support adherence to the FFAs by all parties and guidance to encourage
redevelopment at federal facilities. Recommendation 41, to enhance collaboration opportunities
with OF As, has been completed by targeting participation and focusing agendas on problem-
4 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-recommendations.
429
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solving and action-oriented approaches. EPA will continue to seek ways to improve its
engagement with OF As and states, emphasizing protective cleanups and recognizing site reuse
opportunities.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$238.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (+$475.0 / +3.0 FTE) This net change reflects a focus on facility cleanups
and redevelopment at sites.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) § 120.
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Homeland Security
431
-------
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Science & Technology
$22,767.3
$22,918.0
$24,847.0
$1,929.0
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Total Budget Authority
$53,869.7
$54,566.0
$55,901.0
$1,335.0
Total Workyears
117.3
123.3
127.1
3.8
Program Project Description:
EPA leads or supports many aspects of preparing for and responding to a nationally significant
incident involving possible chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents. The
Homeland Security Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program implements a broad range of
activities for a variety of federal efforts, including: (1) national trainings, (2) participation in
national interagency exercises with federal and state partners, (3) support for headquarters and
regional Emergency Operations Centers, (4) support for the Agency's continuity of operations
devolution site in the EPA Colorado office, (5) enhancements for national information technology
systems, (6) secured warehouse space for homeland security operations and storage, and (7)
laboratory analysis of environmental samples and site decontamination projects. EPA's homeland
security effort develops these responsibilities through research and by maintaining a level of
expertise, training, and preparedness specifically focused on threats associated with CBRN. This
work is consistent with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) National Response
Framework (NRF).
EPA assists with multi-media training and exercise development/implementation, for responders,
which establish and sustain coordination with states, local communities, tribes, and other federal
agencies. The Agency also provides technical assistance to other federal agencies, including DHS,
the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Health
and Human Services with expertise in environmental characterization, decontamination, and waste
disposal methods. In addition, the Program operates a national environmental laboratory for
chemical warfare agents and implements EPA's National Approach to Response (NAR).
This Homeland Security Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary national research
programs. Each program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the
science needs of Agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes and is implemented with
their active collaboration and involvement.
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Homeland Security
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Program will:
• Participate in trainings and exercises on CBRN preparedness and response topics with key
federal response partners (e.g., DHS, DOD, and DOJ) on select interagency workgroups.
• Provide expertise on environmental characterization, decontamination, and waste disposal
methods following the release of a CBRN agent.
• Maintain operational support for the Emergency Management Portal and WebEOC
response systems.
• Continue to develop site characterization, decontamination, waste management, and
clearance methods and strategies for priority chemical, biological, and radiological threats
that enable remediation while reducing time and cost and promote site reoccupation.
• Continue development of sample collection protocols and analysis methods for inclusion
in the Environmental Sampling & Analytical Methods (ESAM) on-line tool. The ESAM
provides responders and Environmental Response Lab Networks with the single best
available sample collection and analysis methods for chemical, biological, and radiological
threats in environmental matrices.
• Utilize the Airborne Spectral Photometric Environmental Collection Technology
(ASPECT) aircraft. ASPECT aids first responders by detecting chemical and radiological
vapors, plumes, and clouds with real-time data delivery.
• Assist with site characterization during a significant CBRN incident, when EPA mobile
lab capabilities are needed. EPA will maintain mobile lab capabilities with the support of
EPA's Portable High-Throughput Integrated Identification Systems (PHILIS) units.
PHILIS can be deployed to sites for high volume, quick turnaround analyses of chemical
and biological capacity and capability. This asset provides high volume, quick turnaround
analyses for chemical and biological agents.
• Maintain a highly skilled, well-trained, and well-equipped response workforce that has the
capacity to respond to simultaneous incidents as well as threats involving CBRN
substances. This includes training On Scene Coordinators and volunteers of the Response
Support Corps (RSC) and members of Incident Management Teams (IMTs). These RSC
volunteers provide critical support to headquarters and regional Emergency Operations
Centers and assist with operations in the field. To ensure technical proficiency, this cadre
of response personnel requires initial training and routine refresher training.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$205.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (+$161.0 / -0.2 FTE) This net program change adjusts resources for research related to
analysis of chemical agents, decision support for chemical agent remediation, fate and
transport of chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) agents in the environment as well
as research related to the treatment of decontamination wash water.
• (-$960.0 / +4.8 FTE) This net program change will result in prioritizing exercises and
training held with federal, state, and local partners. The Agency will continue to maintain
the operational status of ASPECT and PHILIS.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), §§ 104,
105, and 106; Homeland Security Act of 2002.
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Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and Infrastructure
Program Area: Homeland Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$5,400.2
$5,405.0
$4,986.0
-$419.0
Science & Technology
$415.0
$416.0
$500.0
$84.0
Building and Facilities
$5,921.7
$6,676.0
$6,176.0
-$500.0
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Total Budget Authority
$13,062.4
$13,465.0
$12,577.0
-$888.0
Total Workyears
8.0
9.6
12.2
2.6
Program Project Description:
The federal government develops and maintains Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans and
procedures that provide for the continued performance of its essential functions. The Homeland
Security COOP Program works with other government and non-government organizations to
ensure that Mission Essential Functions (MEFs) and Primary Mission Essential Functions
(PMEFs) continue to be performed during emergency situations. The Department of Homeland
Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Federal Continuity Directive
(FCD)-l requires EPA to develop a continuity plan that ensures that its ability to accomplish its
MEFs from an alternate site, during a national disaster, continues and that the Agency be able to
do so with limited staffing and without access to resources available during normal activities.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will undertake the
following:
• Conduct selected annual reviews of regional COOP plans, PMEFs and MEFs, and make
updates as needed.
• Monitor the continuity programs across the Agency, focusing on testing, training, and
exercises as related to general COOP awareness and procedures.
• Undergo a monthly evaluation of the headquarters COOP program, including Program
Plans and Procedures, Risk Management, Budgeting, and Essential Functions. Further,
FEMA performs an in-person biannual review of EPA's COOP program and provides the
results to the Administrator and to the Executive Office of the President.
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Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$53.0) This program change will result in reduced support for COOP assessment and
updates.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), §§ 104,
105, 106; Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004; Homeland Security Act of
2002; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat.
485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
436
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Information Exchange / Outreach
437
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Exchange Network
Program Area: Information Exchange / Outreach
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Streamline and Modernize
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$17,432.4
$15,956.0
$12,127.0
-$3,829.0
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Total Budget Authority
$18,761.0
$17,284.0
$13,420.0
-$3,864.0
Total Workyears
28.5
29.4
30.2
0.8
Program Project Description:
EPA's Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN) is a standards-based, secure approach
for EPA and its state, tribal and territorial partners to exchange and share environmental data over
the Internet. Capitalizing on advanced technology, data standards, open-source software, shared
services for the E-Enterprise business strategy, and reusable tools and applications, the EN offers
its partners tremendous capabilities for managing and analyzing environmental data more
effectively and efficiently, leading to improved decision making.
The Central Data Exchange (CDX)5 is the largest component of the EN Program and serves as the
point of entry on the EN for environmental data transactions with the Agency. CDX provides a set
of core shared services that promote a leaner and more cost-effective enterprise architecture for
the Agency by avoiding the creation of duplicative services. It enables faster and more efficient
transactions for internal and external EPA clients, resulting in reduced burden. Working in concert
with CDX are EPA's System of Registries which are shared data services, designed to enhance
efficiency, reduce burden on the regulated community, and improve environmental outcomes.
These shared data services catalog entities routinely referenced by EPA and EN partners, from
commonly regulated facilities and substances to the current list of federally recognized tribes. They
identify the standard or official names for these assets, which, when integrated into EPA and
partner applications, fosters data consistency and data quality as well as enabling data integration.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize in the FY
2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to support core functions for the
EN IT systems, which is in line with the President's Management Agenda for IT modernization
and data, accountability, and transparency.6
5 For more information on the Central Data Exchange, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/cdx/.
6 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/management/pma/.
438
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The potential for burden reduction and savings from IT improvements are significant. For example,
the Virtual Exchange Service (VES) used for facilitating large scale data transactions has been
implemented by 58 state and tribal partners. The electronic signature service has been adopted by
58 partners to date and six more expected to join in FY 2019. EPA estimates that implementation
of these services has reduced the cost overall for partners to develop, deploy, and operate these
services by approximately $7.25 million. These partners would otherwise need to build and
manage their own exchange services. EPA will continue to carry out the baseline support for the
adoption and onboarding of VES, signature services, and federated identity service for EPA and
its partners. In 2019, EPA will deploy EPA's Federal Regulation Finder, which will integrate
multiple shared services into a discovery tool that will help industry and the public more easily
identify potentially applicable regulations. The Federal Regulation Finder initially will integrate
three catalogs: a substance catalog (Substance Registry Services), an Enterprise Vocabulary, and
a catalog of federal statutes and regulations (Laws and Regulations Services) to enable a user to
search for laws and regulations by substance or keyword. Further, EPA will pursue the
development and roll out of a business workflow service that is built once and shared multiple
times to support automation of major EPA program initiatives and other streamlining efforts as a
result of EPA Lean Management System events. Building and managing a workflow service
centrally reduces potential for duplicate and independent development and maintenance of
solutions in the Agency.
Multiple performance efforts also use exchange services and registries (shared data services) to
improve data quality in EPA, state, and tribal program data, and to reduce reporting burden on the
regulated community. Beginning in FY 2019, EPA is promoting adoption of the Tribal
Identification (TRIBES) shared service by tracking its use by EPA systems that collect tribal
names.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$35.0) This program change is a decrease that reflects anticipated efficiencies in the
Central Data Exchange Program.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA); Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); Government Performance and Results
Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA).
439
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IT/ Data Management/ Security
440
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Information Security
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$7,016.5
$7,280.0
$13,773.0
$6,493.0
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Total Budget Authority
$7,762.3
$7,941.0
$18,855.0
$10,914.0
Total Workyears
16.0
16.6
12.8
-3.8
Program Project Description:
Digital information is a valuable national resource and a strategic asset that enables EPA to fulfill
its mission to protect human health and the environment. The Agency's Information Security
Program's mission is to protect the confidentiality, availability and integrity of EPA's information
assets. The information protection strategy includes, but is not limited to policy, procedure and
practice management; information security awareness, training and education; governance and
oversight; risk-based weakness management; operational security management; and incident
detection, response and recovery.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Cybersecurity is a serious challenge to
our nation's security and economic prosperity. Effective information security requires vigilance
and the ability to adapt to new challenges every day. As reported to the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS), in FY 2018, EPA experienced 145 known successful attacks against its systems.
EPA has identified significant gaps in its ability to detect, respond to, protect against and recover
from attacks. These gaps increase the risk to compromise Agency information.
According to the draft FY 2018 Q4 Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment from DHS, EPA
is one of the CFO Act agencies, whose cybersecurity posture is "At Risk." In response, in FY 2020
EPA will leverage new capabilities through the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM)
program to close existing gaps in the Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment areas of
identifying and alerting on the introduction of unauthorized hardware and software into the
Agency's networks and systems, checking outbound traffic for unauthorized exfiltration,
automated removal media prevention, and assessing systems with a Security Content Automation
Protocol (SCAP) product. In addition to protecting EPA information assets, CDM will help the
Agency identify and respond to federal-wide cybersecurity threats and incidents quicker and more
efficiently, thereby better protecting all federal information assets.
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EPA's cost to implement new and maintain existing CDM capabilities as mandated by the Office
of Management and Budget is estimated to be over $10 million in FY 2020 across all
appropriations. With available resources, EPA also will work to close non-CDM capability gaps
essential to adequately protect agency information assets. Such efforts include the Cybersecurity
Risk Management Assessment area of analyzing malicious email attachments, detecting and
mitigating effects of insider threats and advanced persistent threats, and conducting program
responsibilities, such as governance, oversight, and risk management.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Assessment metrics developed by the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) and industry best practices help prioritize action to adequately
protect agency information assets, and EPA's Information Security Program continues to provide
the Agency visibility on vulnerabilities. While EPA's cybersecurity posture is expected to remain
at risk in FY 2020, the Agency will continue to conduct risk assessments and alternatives analyses
to determine which protections EPA must maintain or implement. For example, the Agency is
assessing alternatives for Security Operations as a Service and cloud security options such as
Cloud Access Security Brokers Services for possible implementation.
In FY 2020, the Information Security Program will continue to collect Federal Information
Security Modernization Act (FISMA) metrics and evaluate related processes, tools, and personnel
to continue to identify areas of weakness and opportunities for improvement. The Program will
collect phishing test results and evaluate the effectiveness of awareness efforts. With these data,
the Agency will identify strategies and prioritize areas to mitigate risks. The Agency will expand
strategies for identifying and leveraging common controls and smartly managing system
boundaries to reduce associated compliance costs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,503.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a net increase due to the recalculation
of essential workforce support costs, including IT security and privacy.
• (+$1,918.0) This program change is an increase needed for mandatory cybersecurity
requirements,7 including CDM funding that will be used to close existing gaps by
improving audit capabilities, ensuring accountability, and adding protections directly
associated with the information. This change also supports CDM phase three, which will
continue implementation in FY 2020.
7 Including those found in Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 and Federal Information Security
Cybersecurity Act of 2015.
442
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Cybersecurity Act of 2015; Federal Information
Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA);
Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-Cohen Act (CCA); Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
443
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IT / Data Management
Program Area: IT / Data Management / Security
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$84,464.5
$83,256.0
$71,117.0
-$12,139.0
Science & Technology
$2,296.0
$3,089.0
$2,747.0
-$342.0
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Total Budget Authority
$100,886.5
$100,169.0
$87,307.0
-$12,862.0
Total Workyears
412.6
439.9
456.9
17.0
Program Project Description:
The work performed under the Information Technology/Data Management (IT/DM) Program is
partially funded by the Superfund program. The Program supports human health and the
environment by providing critical IT infrastructure and data management. It ensures: access to
scientific, regulatory, policy, and guidance information needed by the Agency, the regulated
community, and the public; analytical support for interpreting and understanding environmental
information; exchange and storage of data, analysis, and computation; and rapid, secure, and
efficient communication.
This program supports the maintenance of EPA's IT and Information Management (IT/IM)
services that enable citizens, regulated facilities, states, and other entities to interact with EPA
electronically to get the information they need on demand, to understand what it means, and to
share environmental data with the least cost and burden. The Program also provides support to
other IT development projects and essential technology to EPA staff, enabling them to conduct
their work effectively and efficiently. In the context of the Federal Information Technology
Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), EPA is examining its IT acquisition, portfolio review, and
governance processes to improve service and increase cost-effectiveness.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The goal of EPA's IT/DM services is to
enhance the power of information by delivering on demand data to relevant parties. The Agency's
increased investment in Technology Business Management (TBM) will further support its efforts
to make sound, data-driven IT investment decisions by providing increased IT spend information,
integrating this information into agency Chief Information Officer (CIO) portfolio reviews, and
using this information to optimize IT services funded through the Working Capital Fund.
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In FY 2020, the Agency will focus on improving customer experiences to allow EPA, its partners,
and the public to acquire, generate, manage, use, and share information as a critical resource. In
line with the President's Management Agenda for IT modernization and data, accountability, and
transparency,8 EPA will improve how it supports and manages the lifecycle of information and
information products. In addition, the Agency will continue to modernize IT/IM infrastructure,
applications and services, empower a mobile workforce using innovative and agile solutions, and
support state and tribal partnerships using innovative and agile solutions.
In FY 2020, EPA will further strengthen its IT acquisition review process as part of the
implementation of federal Common Baseline Controls for FITARA. FITARA controls include an
established communication and engagement strategy for the CIO with the Agency's programs and
regional offices to ensure that their IT plans are well designed, directly drive agency strategic
objectives, and follow best practices. These controls also enable the CIO to engage closely with
key IT stakeholders across EPA and to foster plans to refresh IT skills within the Agency.
In FY 2020, the following IT/DM activities will continue:
• Data Management and Collection: Data management and collection efforts include
support for a variety of essential information management programs, including the
National Records Management Program. These national activities include providing
regulations, policies/procedures, coordination, and support to help fulfill EPA's statutory
obligations to maintain records. Additionally, Discovery Services technology will continue
to support the search/collection of agency information needed to help respond to requests
for information from external stakeholders. EPA will continue to coordinate and oversee
the Agency's Information Collection Request development and approval process, helping
to ensure that data collections are approved by the Office of Management and Budget as
required by the Paperwork Reduction Act.
• Mission Software and Digital Services Capabilities: The FY 2020 budget includes a
funding request to enhance the Agency's software development and architecture capability,
including application development and deployment approaches and technical platforms.
This program continues EPA's adoption of transformative technologies and practices,
including cloud computing, agile development methodologies, and shared software
development services.
• Geospatial: In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to support the essential capabilities of
GeoPlatform, a shared technology enterprise for geospatial information and analysis. By
implementing geospatial data, applications and services, the Agency can integrate and
interpret multiple data sets and information sources to support environmental decisions.
GeoPlatform will continue to publish internal and public mapping tools, which will better
inform the public about EPA's programs to protect the environment and public health. As
of December 2018, EPA has over 4,400 GeoPlatform mapping applications created or
modified for public and internal use using the GeoPlatform. The number of GeoPlatform
users has increased from nearly two thousand users in early calendar year 2015 to over
eight thousand users at the end of calendar year 2018.
8 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-conteat/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-Maiiagemeat-
Agenda.pdf.
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• Information Access and Analysis: In FY 2020, EPA will focus on providing core support
to agency infrastructure and tools that will drive better environmental decision making with
data from across the Agency. EPA will provide partnership support to other agencies,
states, tribes, and academic institutions to propose innovative ways to use, analyze and
visualize data. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to support Envirofacts and data visualization
applications, which receives over 40 million annual application interface requests.
• Information Technology and Infrastructure: EPA will adjust the schedule for
replacement or upgrades to align with resources and will continue to maintain and provide:
desktop computing equipment, network connectivity, e-mail and collaboration tools,
hosting services, remote access, telephone services, web and network services, and other
IT-related equipment. In FY 2020, the Agency will continue efforts to consolidate EPA's
data centers and computer rooms and to optimize operations within EPA's remaining data
centers.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$93.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$474.0 / -4.0 FTE) This net program change reflects a reduction in support for enterprise
IT systems/tools and emergency response.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Information Technology Acquisition
Reform Act; Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA); Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA); Government Management Reform Act (GMRA); Clinger-
Cohen Act (CCA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA); Rehabilitation Act of 1973 § 508.
446
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Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
447
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Alternative Dispute Resolution
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$1,155.7
$1,150.0
$0.0
-$1,150.0
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Total Budget Authority
$1,900.0
$1,898.0
$0.0
-$1,898.0
Total Workyears
8.0
8.4
0.0
-8.4
Program Project Description:
EPA's General Counsel and Regional Counsel Offices provide environmental Alternative Dispute
Resolution (ADR) services and workplace conflict prevention. EPA utilizes ADR as a method for
preventing or resolving conflicts prior to engaging in formal litigation. ADR includes the provision
of legal counsel, facilitation, mediation and consensus building advice and support. This program
oversees a strategically-sourced contract for these services that provides mediation, facilitation,
public involvement, training, and organizational development support to all headquarters and
regional programs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measures Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$748.0 / -2.5 FTE) This program change eliminates the centralization of the conflict
prevention and ADR program. Programs across the Agency may pursue ADR support
services and training individually.
Statutory Authority:
Administrative Dispute Resolution Act (ADRA) of 1996; Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1996;
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
448
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Legal Advice: Environmental Program
Program Area: Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Create Consistency and Certainty
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$51,344.3
$50,886.0
$48,123.0
-$2,763.0
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Total Budget Authority
$52,258.4
$51,391.0
$48,702.0
-$2,689.0
Total Workyears
266.4
282.0
242.8
-39.2
Total workyears in FY 2020 include 5.5 FTE funded by TSCA fees.
Program Project Description:
This program provides legal representation, legal counseling, and legal support for environmental
activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA). Funding supports legal advice needed in the Superfund program's extensive work
with Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) and other entities and landowners. For example, this
program provides legal analysis and advice to help inform EPA's decisions regarding the
assessment of certain contaminants at a given Superfund site under federal law, and a party's
potential liability under CERCLA.
This program supports EPA's Superfund work at thousands of sites spanning the wide array of
Superfund legal issues regarding removal and remedial cleanups costing billions of dollars. This
program is essential to providing the high-quality legal work to ensure that EPA's decisions are
defensible and upheld by the courts against judicial challenges.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.2, Create Consistency and Certainty in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Program will prioritize its legal support
capabilities to focus support on high profile and critical CERCLA cases for the Superfund
program. The Program will work within available resources to support CERCLA activities, to
include analyzing defensibility of agency actions, drafting significant portions of agency actions,
and participating in litigation in defense of agency actions. Legal review is critical to the Superfund
program at many points throughout the cleanup process. For example, in support of Goal 1 of
EPA's Strategic Plan (Deliver real results to provide Americans with clean air, land, and water)
this program provides legal advice and counseling for final rules adding Superfund sites to the
National Priorities List.
The following examples illustrate this program's important role in implementing the Agency's
core priorities and mission.
449
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• Participating in and providing legal counsel on the Administrator's Superfund Initiative
Task Force including the development of the Task Force Report.
• Providing critical legal support and advice to the Superfund Remedial, Removal, and
Enforcement programs on complex, high visibility, expensive Superfund cleanups, such as
San Jacinto Waste Pits.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Legal Advice: Environmental
Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$14.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (+$60.0 / -0.2 FTE) This net program change is a decrease in FTE for legal advice and
counseling for the Agency's Superfund activities and a rebalancing of resources.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
450
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Operations and Administration
451
-------
Acquisition Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$27,441.3
$30,210.0
$28,032.0
-$2,178.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$6.5
$152.0
$138.0
-$14.0
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SJ5S.0
Total Budget Authority
$47,925.1
$51,545.0
$49,711.0
-$1,834.0
Total Workyears
263.2
275.1
259.5
-15.6
Program Project Description:
Superfund resources in the Acquisition Management Program support the Agency's contracts
activities for Superfund Emergency Response and Removal, Remedial, Emergency Preparedness,
and Federal Facilities Response programs. These resources enable the Agency to assess and
cleanup Superfund sites, as well as prepare and respond to natural disasters and terrorist incidents.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to process
contract actions in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and guidance from the
Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP). EPA is evaluating options for replacing the EPA
Acquisition System (EAS) with an approved government-wide Federal Shared Service Provider
(FSSP) for a contract writing system. The Agency is focusing on a solution that reduces costs while
increasing efficiency by standardizing federal procurement planning, contract award,
administration, and close-out processes. Once available, the Agency will plan to migrate to the
new contract writing system with a Fit Gap analysis and a "soft" pilot of the system, and will begin
data migration. At the same time, the Agency will begin to decommission the legacy EAS system.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to implement Best-in-Class (BIC) solutions to identify pre-vetted,
government-wide contracts as part of the Agency's effort to utilize more mature, market-proven
acquisition vehicles.9 Through BIC solutions, EPA will leverage acquisition experts to optimize
spending within the government-wide category management framework and increase the
transactional data available for agency level analysis of buying behaviors. In FY 2020, EPA also
will continue to maximize its Strategic Sourcing Program (SSP), thereby enhancing purchase
coordination, improving price uniformity and knowledge-sharing, and leveraging small business
capabilities to meet acquisition goals.
9 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/sitesAyhitehouse.gov/files/omb/memoranda/2017/M-
17-2 9 .pdf Best-in-Class Mandatory Solution -Package Delivery Services.
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The SSP allows the Agency to research, assess, and award contract vehicles that will maximize
time and resource savings. The SSP serves as a foundation for effective financial and resource
management because it simplifies the acquisition process and reduces costs. Long-term
implementation of the SSP can transform the Agency's acquisition process into a strategically
driven function, ensuring maximum value for every acquisition dollar spent. The Agency has
established a goal of obtaining at least five percent savings for all strategically sourced categories
of goods and services. Since the SSP's inception at the beginning of FY 2013 through FY 2018,
EPA has saved approximately $14.5 million from strategic sourcing initiatives focused on VoIP,
laboratory supplies, print, cellular services, shipping, office supplies, equipment maintenance, and
software. In FY 2020, EPA anticipates approximately $7.5 million in savings.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to focus on implementing the Financial Information Technology
Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) by:
• Avoiding vendor lock-in by letting contracts with multiple vendors or confining the scope
of the contract to a limited task; and
• Developing acquisition vehicles that support the Agency in FITARA implementation.
In FY 2020, EPA also will continue supporting the Superfund Remedial Acquisition Framework
(RAF), which modifies EPA's existing approach for acquiring services to support the Superfund
Remedial Program. The RAF consists of three suites of multiple award, indefinite quantity
contracts: Design and Engineering Services, Remediation Environmental Services, and
Environmental Services and Operations, as the primary means for acquiring remedial services. In
addition to providing a variety of acquisition tools for Superfund remedial services, RAF aligns
with government-wide directives, maximizes competition to realize cost efficiency, strengthens
the Agency's contract management processes, and helps to improve efficiency across the
Superfund Remedial Program. The Environmental Services and Operations suite of Remedial
Action Framework contracts was awarded on August 1, 2018. This suite was awarded as a total
small business set-aside.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Acquisition Management Program
under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$676.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$318.0 / -0.7 FTE) This program change streamlines contractor support for: helpdesk
services for the EPA's Acquisition System; the closeout of contracts; and the Defense
Contract Management Agency for Audit Services and the Virtual Acquisition Office (a
source for up-to-date government acquisition news, research, and analysis). It also
eliminates funding for Contracts Management Assessment Program Reviews which enable
453
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EPA to self-identify and remedy internal weaknesses, and reduces the Agency's training
for its acquisition community. In FY 2020, EPA will utilize available program resources
to prepare to transition from its commercial off-the-shelf acquisition system to an approved
federal shared service provider for a new contract writing system.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
454
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Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$70,053.3
$72,884.0
$71,100.0
-$1,784.0
I.caking I "ndorground Slorago Tanks
$390.3
$387.0
$434.0
$47.0
Hazardous Substance Sn/>i'r/niitl
$20,503.7
S 22.01 H.0
S21.340.0
-SO'S.O
Total Budget Authority
$90,947.3
$95,289.0
$92,874.0
-$2,415.0
Total Workyears
430.9
448.8
433.3
-15.5
Total workyears in FY 2020 include 1.0 FTE funded by TSCA fees and 1.0 FTE funded by e-Manifest fees.
Program Project Description:
EPA's financial management community maintains a strong partnership with the Superfund
program. EPA's Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) supports this continuing partnership
by providing a full array of financial management support services and systems necessary to pay
Superfund bills and recoup cleanup and oversight costs for the Trust Fund. EPA's OCFO manages
Superfund activities under the Central Planning, Budgeting and Finance Program in support of
integrated planning, budget formulation and execution, financial management, performance and
accountability processes, financial cost recovery, and the systems to ensure effective stewardship
of Superfund resources. This program supports the requirements of the Digital Accountability and
Transparency (DATA) Act of 2014 and the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform
Act (FITARA) of 2015.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will continue to provide resource
stewardship to ensure that all agency programs operate with fiscal responsibility and management
integrity, financial services are efficiently and consistently delivered nationwide, and programs
demonstrate results. EPA will continue to provide direction and support for the Superfund program
in financial management activities; implementing cost accounting requirements; financial payment
and support services; and Superfund-specific fiscal and accounting services. EPA will maintain
key planning, budgeting, and financial management activities. EPA will sustain basic operations
and maintenance of core agency financial management systems: Compass, PeoplePlus (Time and
Attendance), Budget Formulation System and related financial reporting systems.
EPA will continue to modernize and streamline business processes and operations to promote
transparency and efficiency. The Program will apply Lean principles and leverage input from
customer-focused councils, advisory groups and technical workgroups to continue improving as a
455
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high-performance organization. EPA will standardize and streamline internal business processes
and use additional federal and/or internal shared services when supported by business case
analysis. Since 2014, Department of Interior's (DOI) Interior Business Center (IBC) serves as
EPA's payroll and HR shared service provider. In FY 2020 or FY 2021, DOI will transition to the
New Pay System under GSA's Office of Shared Solutions and Performance Improvement. To
prepare for this transition, DOI must decouple its Federal Personnel and Payroll System to manage
payroll separately. The Agency may incur costs to facilitate this transition.
In FY 2020, the Program will continue to focus on core responsibilities in the areas of strategic
planning and budget preparation; financial reporting; transaction processing and Superfund Cost
Recovery. The Program will continue to implement FITARA requirements in accordance with
EPA's Implementation Plan.10 The Chief Information Officer will continue to be engaged
throughout the budget planning process to ensure that IT needs are properly planned and resourced
in accordance with FITARA.
During FY 2020, EPA will focus on the Financial Acquisition Modernization Effort (FAME)
project. The goal of FAME is to deliver a streamlined approach for the end-to-end delivery of
financial transactions for contracts and grants by taking advantage of federal shared
services. Among other benefits, EPA seeks to adopt accepted and standardized business processes
that will deliver greater streamlining and efficiency and achieve improved financial and
programmatic oversight. Equally important is the new system's ability to meet increased
transparency standards, such as those prescribed in the DATA ACT, as well as increased
compliance and reporting standards.
EPA will continue to follow OMB Circular A-123 guidance, conduct internal program reviews,
and use the results and recommendations from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to provide
evidence of the soundness of EPA's financial management program and identify areas for further
improvement. The Agency will collect key operational statistics for its financial management
program to further evaluate its operations and for management decision making. For example, in
FY 2018, EPA tracked the timeliness of employees submitting travel vouchers. Through monthly
review of performance, strategies were identified and implemented that resulted in improving
compliance from 60 percent to 80 percent.
EPA is dedicated to reducing fraud, waste, and abuse and strengthening internal controls over
improper payments. Since the implementation of the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002,
EPA has reviewed, sampled, and monitored its Superfund contract payments to protect against
erroneous payments. The Agency's payment streams are consistently well under the government-
wide threshold of 1.5 percent and $10 million of estimated improper payments. EPA conducts risk
assessments in its principal payment streams, including grants, contracts, commodities, payroll,
travel, and purchase cards. When overpayments are identified, they are promptly recovered. EPA
has expanded its risk assessments, performed statistical sampling, set appropriate
reduction/recovery targets, and implemented corrective action plans. The Agency conducts these
activities to reduce the potential for improper payments and ensure compliance with the Improper
Payments Information Act, as amended by the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act
10 For more information please see: http://www.epa.gov/open/fitara-implementation-plan-and-chief-information-officer-
assignment-plan.
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of 2010 (P.L. 111-204) and the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act of 2012 (P.L.
112-248).
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,402.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$2,080.0 / +0.7 FTE) This net program change reflects streamlining and efficiencies in
operational costs for travel and other workforce expenses, a rebalancing of resources across
the Superfund account, and the retirement of legacy financial feeder systems.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
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Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$292,535.1
$308,701.0
$308,335.0
-$366.0
Science & Technology
$70,101.6
$68,339.0
$67,274.0
-$1,065.0
Building and Facilities
$34,605.1
$27,791.0
$33,377.0
$5,586.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$1,056.6
$813.0
$773.0
-$40.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$753.8
$584.0
$665.0
$81.0
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N '5.253.0
S "i. 5-10.0
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Total Budget Authority
$475,113.4
$481,481.0
$483,964.0
$2,483.0
Total Workyears
321.8
327.6
308.0
-19.6
Program Project Description:
Superfund resources in the Facilities Infrastructure and Operations Program fund the Agency's
rent, utilities, and security. This program also supports centralized administrative activities and
support services, including health and safety, environmental compliance and management,
facilities maintenance and operations, space planning, sustainable facilities and energy
conservation planning and support, property management, printing, mail, and transportation
services. Funding for such services is allocated among the major appropriations for the Agency.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to invest
to reconfigure EPA's workspaces, enabling the Agency to release office space and reduce long-
term rent costs, consistent with HR 4465,11 the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016.
EPA is working toward the long-term performance goal in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan
to reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet nationwide. This has the
potential to provide a cumulative annual rent avoidance of nearly $28 million across all
appropriations. These savings help offset EPA's escalating rent and security costs. Planned
consolidations in FY 2020 will allow EPA to release an expected 146,477 square feet of space.
For FY 2020, the Agency is requesting $45.37 million for rent, $2.29 million for utilities, and
$6.82 million for security in the Superfund appropriation.
11 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.congress.gOv/bill/l 14th-congress/house-bill/4465. Federal Assets Sale
and Transfer Act of 2016.
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At the requested resource levels, EPA will continue to manage lease agreements with GSA and
other private landlords, maintain EPA facilities, fleet, equipment, and fund costs associated with
utilities and building security needs. EPA also will meet regulatory Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) obligations and provide health and safety training to field staff
(e.g., inspections, monitoring, On-Scene Coordinators), and track capital equipment of $25
thousand or more. In addition, the Agency will retire EPA's Personal Access and Security System
(EPASS) Program and shift to GSA's Managed Service Office, USAccess, for PIV card enrollment
and issuance. USAccess is a shared services solution which is in line with OMB's Federal IT
Shared Services Strategy and the President's Management Agenda.12
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Facilities Infrastructure and
Operations Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$86.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support,
and benefit costs.
• (+$7,922.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of rent, utilities, security, and transit subsidy.
• (-$9,721.0 / -4.0 FTE) This net program change reflects:
o an increase for moves and space reconfiguration to assist the Agency in reducing
its footprint;
o a decrease for core operations and maintenance costs at EPA-owned facilities and
laboratories; and
o a decrease in programs associated with environmental management systems,
comprehensive facility energy audits, re-commissioning, and sustainable building
design.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
12 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/iroloads/2018/03/Presidents-Management-
Agenda.pdf.
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Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$24,462.0
$24,729.0
$20,202.0
-$4,527.0
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Total Budget Authority
$26,960.6
$27,336.0
$22,857.0
-$4,479.0
Total Workyears
139.3
142.8
115.7
-27.1
Program Project Description:
Superfund resources in the Financial Assistance Grants and Interagency Agreement (IA)
Management Program support the management of grants and IAs, and suspension and debarment
activities. Resources in this program ensure that EPA's management of grants and IAs meets the
highest fiduciary standards, that grant and IA funding produces measurable results for
environmental programs, and that the suspension and debarment program effectively protects the
government's business interest. These objectives are critically important for the Superfund
program, as a substantial portion of this program is implemented through IAs with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and the U. S. Coast Guard.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In accordance with the overarching
2016-2020 EPA Grants Management Plan (GMP), and EPA's Strategic Plan, EPA will continue
to implement activities to achieve efficiencies while enhancing quality and accountability. In FY
2020, EPA will continue investment in modernizing grant and IA IT systems in support of the
President's Management Agenda.13
In FY 2019, EPA is preparing to deploy GrantSolutions software, an OMB-selected grants
business leader for end-to-end grants management services provided by the Department of Health
and Human Services. GrantSolutions will support the full 14 stages of the grants management
lifecycle. FY 2020 work will center on streamlining business processing in the new system, and
leveraging the full complement of system capabilities, including enhanced reporting and
dashboards. For IAs, EPA will maintain and operate an integrated business solution using EPA's
Interagency Agreement Payment Tracking System (I A PTS) IA Module, which will be deployed
in FY 2019. Benefits of this modernization include:
13 For more information, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-conteat/uploads/2018/03/Presidents-Manageniait-
Agenda.pdf.
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• Eliminating reliance on paper for records and improving records management. For Grants,
EPA will utilize the records management solution provided by the Federal Shared Service
- GrantSolutions. For IAs, EPA will evaluate options to integrate IA PTS with the
Agency's internal electronic records management tool using Documentum technology.
• Strengthening decision making with improved and standardized reporting capabilities. For
Grants, EPA will leverage common reporting tools and other capabilities provided by
GrantSolutions Enterprise Reporting System. For IAs, EPA will consolidate technology
and capabilities to leverage the Agency's existing financial reporting system.
In addition to IT-related investments, the GMP focuses on reducing the administrative burden on
EPA and grants recipients, and on improving grants management procedures. In FY 2020, the
Agency will continue to: 1) fully implement the streamlining reforms in OMB's Uniform Grants
Guidance; 2) streamline EPA's grants management policies through utilization of a new
comprehensive framework to guide policy development, implementation, compliance, and review;
3) use EPA's Lean Management System to refine grants management processes; and 4) move to a
risk-based method of pre- and post-award monitoring for grants to more effectively ensure
compliance and also reduce burden.
EPA is a recognized leader in suspension and debarment. The Agency will continue to make use
of discretionary debarments and suspensions as well as statutory debarments under the Clean Air
Act and Clean Water Act to protect the government's business interests. In FY 2020, EPA will
focus suspension and debarment activity to the most egregious violations. Congress and federal
courts have long recognized federal agencies' inherent authority and obligation to exclude non-
responsible parties from eligibility to receive government contracts and non-procurement awards
(for example: grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and loan guarantees). A number of recent
federal statutes, GAO reports, and OMB directives require that federal agencies administer
effective suspension and debarment programs in order to protect the public's interest and the
integrity of federal programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$89.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$41.0 / +0.5 FTE) This net program change reflects expected efficiencies in the
processing of grant and IA awards, lower requested grant funding levels throughout the
Agency, and a review of unliquidated obligations. EPA will target funds to core grant and
IA activities.
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act;
Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act § 2455; Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
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Human Resources Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$43,220.4
$44,227.0
$41,635.0
-$2,592.0
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S -.044M
S 5.444.0
-S IJiOO.O
Total Budget Authority
$49,499.8
$51,271.0
$47,079.0
-$4,192.0
Total Workyears
217.7
230.9
223.8
-7.1
Program Project Description:
Superfund resources for the Human Resources (HR) Management Program support human capital
(HC) activities throughout EPA. As requirements and initiatives change, EPA continually
evaluates and improves the Superfund program's human resource functions in recruitment, hiring,
and workforce development to help the Agency achieve its mission and maximize employee
productivity and job satisfaction. The Agency continues to implement its policy agenda, which
began in FY 2018 and guides progress in new and updated HR policies. EPA is on schedule in
meeting HR policy agenda milestones. In the first quarter of FY 2019, the Agency deployed
FedTalent as a Shared Service to manage employee training and development agencywide.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Effective workforce management is critical to EPA's
ability to accomplish its mission. EPA's efforts in HR enterprise risk management are focused on
sustaining the workforce, retaining critical expertise, and capturing institutional knowledge. The
Agency is developing and deploying management tools to assist EPA in ensuring the right staff
with the appropriate skills are placed in the most suitable positions. These tools also will be
valuable as an increasing percentage of the workforce becomes retirement eligible in the next five
years, which is estimated to be greater than 40 percent. EPA will continue to support efforts that
increase the quality of core operations, improve productivity, and achieve cost savings in mission
support functions including HC management.
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to build upon its performance, learning, and succession
management activities. EPA will maintain and operate FedTalent, a talent management system
provided through the Department of Interior (DOI)'s Interior Business Center (IBC), which was
deployed in FY 2019. FedTalent serves as a valuable tool that assists with developing, delivering,
and tracking high-impact training. EPA will continue to migrate and consolidate training data from
more than fifteen disparate training repositories to ensure FedTalent is a one-stop-shop for all
463
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training needs. The Agency is planning to procure and deploy two additional FedTalent modules
in FY 2020: the performance management module and the competency assessment module.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to maintain and operate two other recent workforce planning tools.
The Workforce Demographics Dashboard, deployed in FY 2018, provides data visualizations and
easy-to-understand information about the current workforce and succession planning and
management. It affords managers a strategic view of retirement eligibility, diversity information,
occupational series, and grade levels, as well as the ability to drill down and access data at lower
organizational levels. The dashboard assists EPA with succession planning by helping anticipate
workforce gaps due to anticipated retirements.
The Talent Enterprise Diagnostics (TED) tool, which EPA will fully implement in FY 2019,
advances human capital priorities by enhancing EPA's ability to make strategic workforce
decisions. TED data will serve a crucial role in EPA's Workforce Planning and Succession
Management process to identify potential competency gaps across the Agency and to increase
management's understanding of where needed skill sets reside within EPA.
This program also supports the transition from DOI's IBC payroll manager to GSA's New Pay
System. The Agency may incur costs to facilitate this transition.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$298.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support,
and benefit costs.
• (-$1,297.0 / -5.1 FTE) This program change is a decrease that reflects a focus on core
human capital activities (e.g. deliver employee services; streamline HR processes; and
strengthen performance management); modifies schedules for enhancements and/ or
maintenance of EPA's HR IT systems and EPA's University portal that provides online
training and professional development; and reduces centrally-provided, non-mandatory
training.
• (-$5.0) This program change is a decrease due to recalculation of sign language support
costs.
Statutory Authority:
Title 5 of the U.S.C.; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L.
98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
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Research: Sustainable Communities
465
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Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Program Area: Research: Sustainable Communities
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Science & Technology
$131,757.3
$134,327.0
$53,631.0
-$80,696.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$311.3
$320.0
$424.0
$104.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$695.6
$664.0
$511.0
-$153.0
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Total Budget Authority
$143,787.5
$146,774.0
$65,543.0
-$81,231.0
Total Workyears
439.1
440.9
294.1
-146.8
Program Project Description:
This area of EPA's Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program responds
directly to the Superfund law requirements for a comprehensive and coordinated federal "program
of research, evaluation, testing, development, and demonstration of alternative or innovative
treatment technologies...which may be utilized in response actions to achieve more permanent
protection of human health and welfare and the environment."14
SHC's research under the Superfund appropriation provides federal, regional, and community
decision-makers with: (1) engineering tools, methods, and information to assess current conditions
at Superfund sites; (2) decision support tools to evaluate the implications of alternative remediation
approaches and technologies, and reuse of sites; (3) the latest science to support policy
development and implementation; and (4) rapid access to technical support through EPA's
Superfund Technical Support Centers.
The SHC Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary national research programs. Each
program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the science needs of
agency program and regional offices, states and tribes and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement.
Recent accomplishments of the SHC Program include:
• Development of a Technical Support Team and Tools: In response to recommendation
Number 10 of the Superfund Task Force Report of July 2017,15 to inform Remedial Project
Managers regarding available resources to assist with best management practice (BMP)
14 42 U.S.C. § 9660(b).
15 For the report, see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-07/documeats/superfund task_force_report.pdf.
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applications, including scoping and targeted technical reviews. Specific accomplishments
include:
1. Finalized online catalog of in-house resources using TechHub SharePoint site.
2. Developed analytical and reporting capabilities to evaluate, document, and disseminate
information on pilot studies and other demonstrations of innovative tools and
technologies.
3. Increased awareness of and expand the existing ORD Technical Support Centers (TSC)
SharePoint site for requesting and tracking technical assistance requests for ORD TSCs
and Superfund and Technology Liaisons.
• Pre-remedy Baseline Characterization of the Ottawa River Using Physical,
Biological, and Chemical Lines of Evidence (Report):16 Building a weight-of-evidence
framework allows EPA to ensure remedies are effective and reduce the need for future
work at a Superfund site. The Great Lakes National Program Office selected environmental
dredging as the remedy of choice for remediation and cleanup of the Ottawa River (near
Toledo, Ohio) where the sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and lead.17 EPA researchers
implemented a comprehensive sustained research program (2009-2015) to evaluate and
optimize the data that can be used in a weight-of-evidence framework to assess sediment
remedies. This report summarizes the Phase 1 work and additional data reports will follow
for subsequent phases.
• Long-term Performance of Permeable Reactive Barriers for Treating Contaminated
Ground Water (Report):18 To use cleanup resources efficiently, EPA is developing
research that builds the Agency's understanding of remediation effectiveness and reduces
the need to revisit Superfund sites. This report is a key component for developing this
capability. It provides a review of the long-term performance of the East Helena Permeable
Reactive Barrier (PRB) for the treatment of arsenic in ground water and reviews
contaminant behavior at this PRB using data collected over 10 years. The results of this
study are highly significant because they represent the longest available performance
record of a PRB for treating arsenic in ground water. EPA will produce a fact sheet
summary in FY 2019.
• Superfund Technical Support Center for Engineering and Groundwater: EPA's
Engineering Technical Support Center (ETSC) services both National Priorities List
Superfund and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sites and prepares
Engineering Impact Papers on six critical topics of broad application to site remediation
across the United States. The ETSC typically responds to more than 300 requests each
fiscal year.19 The Ground Water Technical Support Center (GWTSC) consists of a group
of scientists and engineers with broad expertise who provide help with subsurface
contamination, contaminant fluxes from groundwater to other media, and ecosystem
16 Pre-remedy Baseline Characterization of the Ottawa River Using Physical, Biological, and Chemical Lines ofEvidence.
(EPA/600/R-17/355) September 2017.
17 For more information, please see: https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si public record report.cfm?Lab=NRMRL&dirEntryId=342250.
18 Field Application of a Permeable Reactive Barrier for Treatment ofArsenic in Ground Water (EPA/600/R-08/093) September
2008
19 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-technical-support-and-resource-centers.
467
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restoration issues. The GWTSC responds to about 100 requests for assistance each fiscal
20
year.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3 Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the FY
2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA research personnel and associated support staff will analyze
existing research data on vapor intrusion, contaminated groundwater and sediments, and
innovative technologies for site characterization and remediation; and publish scientific journal
articles to disseminate findings associated with the data.
Research Planning: EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) evaluates research
dimensions, performance and provides feedback to the Agency for the SHC Program. The SHC
Program, BOSC, and Science Advisory Board will meet regularly over the next several years to
seek input on topics related to research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance, and
impact. This includes advising EPA on developing its strategic research direction and StRAPs for
FY 2019-2022.
EPA collaborates with the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department
of Energy, Department of Agriculture and the White House's Office of Science and Technology
Policy to assess research performance. EPA's state engagement program is designed to inform
states about EPA's research programs and their role within EPA, and to better understand the
science needs of state environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council, as well as state media associations such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid
Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Sustainable and Healthy
Communities Program under the Science and Technology appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$129.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and
benefit costs.
• (-$615.0 / +9.6 FTE) This program change streamlines the Agency's scientific and
engineering expertise provided to address environmental problems via the three Technical
Support Centers.
20 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/water-research/ground-water-technical-support-center-gwtsc.
468
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Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute); Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
469
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Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
470
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Human Health Risk Assessment
Program Area: Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Science &. Technology
S3.?.568.7
S36.523.0
S22.689.0
-SI 3.834.0
Utizurtlims Substance Siiperjuml
$2,822.9
S 2. N2-t.il
SiJ3S.il
S2.5l-I.il
Total Budget Authority
$36,391.6
$39,347.0
$28,027.0
-$11,320.0
Total Workyears
152.8
150.2
111.6
-38.6
Program Project Description:
EPA's Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) Research Program supports the risk assessment
needs of the Agency's Superfund program and regional risk assessors. With funding from
Superfund, the HHRA Program provides Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values (PPRTVs)
and rapid risk assessments to respond to emergent scenarios, and technical support on the
application of human health and ecological risk assessment practices at hazardous waste sites for
Superfund. These assessment tools and activities support risk-based management decisions at
contaminated Superfund and hazardous waste sites.
The HHRA Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary national research programs.
Each program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the science
needs of agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their
active collaboration and involvement.
HHRA supports the Agency's mission to protect human health and the environment by identifying
and characterizing the health hazards of chemicals of concern to the Superfund program and
responding to technical requests on topics relevant to human health or ecological risk assessment
at hazardous waste sites. Scientists in the HHRA Program synthesize available scientific
information on the potential health and environmental impacts of exposures to individual
chemicals and chemical mixtures in the environment to assist in the Agency's chemical safety
work. PPRTVs are an important source of toxicity information and toxicity values to ensure
measurable improvements in environmental and human health in communities near Superfund
sites.
Priorities for PPRTV development are based on the needs of the Agency's Land and Emergency
Management Program and are evaluated annually. Active areas of research in the HHRA Program
include applying new data streams, read-across approaches and computational tools, enhancement
of the supporting data/knowledge bases, and efficiency of derivation for PPRTV values. Lessons
learned from this research are leveraged and applied to other assessments, including in support of
Toxic Substances Control Act implementation.
471
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There are over 1,300 Superfund sites on the National Priorities List (NPL).21 Communities near
Superfund sites or in emergency situations are faced with an urgent need for coordinated assistance
to assess and address issues of environmental contamination. In addition, these communities are
being presented with new sensing and monitoring information that is difficult to interpret and apply
to decision making. The HHRA Program develops approaches to respond to these emerging, often
crisis-level, environmental contamination issues, with scientific information that supports quick
action, decisions and effective solutions. The HHRA Program anticipates developing new
assessment approaches to enhance rapid response and screening capabilities, and to augment
toxicity value derivation procedures for health assessments.
Recent Accomplishments in the HHRA Research Program include:
• Completed six PPRTV documents22 based on needs and priorities of EPA's Superfund
program, including PPRTV Assessment for Technical Toxaphene, Weathered Toxaphene,
and Toxaphene Congeners.
• Fielded more than 25 requests for scientific support on human and ecological assessment
via the Superfund Health Risk Technical Support Center (STSC) and Ecological Risk
Assessment Support Center (ERASC).
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the FY
2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The HHRA Program's work in FY 2020 will focus explicitly on
efforts integral to achieving the Agency's priorities and informing EPA's implementation of key
environmental regulations. Examples of this work include:
• PPRTV Assessments: Provide at least six additional PPRTV assessments of variable scale
as prioritized by the Land and Emergency Management Program.
• Portfolio of Chemical Evaluation Products: Complement the PPRTVs by providing
additional fit-for-purpose assessment products for priority chemicals, such as for up to five
perfluorinated compounds and lead as prioritized by the Land and Emergency Management
Program.
• Linking Databases and Management Tools: Continue to collaborate with the Chemical
Safety for Sustainability (CSS) Research Program to link the architecture of assessment
databases and literature management tools, including Health and Environmental Research
Online (HERO), with the RapidTox Dashboard being developed in CSS. A case study
application developed for enhancing emergency response will be delivered in FY 2020.
• Rapid Risk Evaluations: Continue essential technical assistance across EPA to provide
rapid risk evaluations and technical support. This will combine problem formulation and
21 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa. gov/superfund/superfund-national-priorities-list-npl.
11 Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values for Toxaphene: https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/pprtv/recordisplav.cfm?deid=342137.
472
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tools with hazard information for evaluating chemical specific exposures at Superfund and
contaminated sites, and by evaluating case-specific information related to urgent situations.
Research Planning: EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) will evaluate this program's
performance and provide feedback. The BOSC will meet regularly to seek input on topics related
to research program design, science quality, innovation, relevance and impact. This includes
advising EPA on developing its strategic research direction and Strategic Research Action Plans
for FY 2019-2022.
EPA collaborates with several science agencies and the research community to assess our research
performance such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the
Department of Energy, and the Department of Agriculture. The Agency also will work with the
White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy. EPA's state engagement program is
designed to inform states about EPA's research programs and their role within EPA, and to better
understand the science needs of state environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, as well as state media
associations such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Human Health Risk Assessment
Program under the Science and Technology appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$74.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and benefit
costs.
• (-$68.0) This program change reduces support for Superfund related research within the
area of human health risk assessment.
• (+$2,508.0 / +15.2 FTE) This rebalances resources from the Science and Technology
appropriation to the Superfund appropriation for work related to IRIS Assessments.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
473
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Superfund Cleanup
474
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Superfund: Emergency Response and Removal
Program Area: Superfund Cleanup
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
S 200.-tVI.-t
SINV.VI '.<)
SI OS J'0.0
-.S 21.5-1'. tt
Total Budget Authority
$200,491.4
$189,917.0
$168,370.0
-$21,547.0
Total Workyears
302.5
231.0
244.7
13.7
Program Project Description:
The Emergency Response and Removal Program is a key part of the foundation of federal
emergency response to releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants and is
essential to managing the associated risks. In the case of a national emergency, EPA is charged
with preventing, limiting, mitigating, or containing chemical, oil, radiological, biological, or
hazardous materials released during and in the aftermath of an incident. Situations requiring
emergency response and removal actions vary greatly in size, nature, and location, and include
chemical releases, fires or explosions, natural disasters, and other threats to people from exposure
to hazardous substances. EPA's 24-hour-a-day response capability is a cornerstone element of the
National Contingency Plan.23 Further, this program is responsible for the Agency's only Primary
Mission Essential Function.
Over the last 10 years (FY 2009 - FY 2018), EPA completed or oversaw over 3,427 Superfund
(SF) removal actions across the country. SF Removal sites can be found in remote rural areas as
well as large urban settings. Approximately 11 million people live within three miles of 221 SF
Removal sites where EPA completed a removal action in FY 2016 - equal to about 3 percent of
the total U.S. population.24 SF Removal cleanups vary in complexity and contain a wide variety
of contaminants including mercury, lead, and asbestos.25
The Program provides technical assistance and outreach to industry, states, tribes, and local
communities as part of the Agency's effort to ensure national safety and security for chemical and
oil responses. EPA trains, equips, and deploys resources to manage, contain, and remove
contaminants. These substances, until contained or removed, have the potential to significantly
damage property, endanger public health, and have critical environmental impact on communities.
Agency On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) make up the core of this program. These trained and
equipped EPA personnel respond to, assess, mitigate, and cleanup up environmental releases
23 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/emergencv-response/national-oil-and-hazardous-substances-
24 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes (1) site information as of the
end of FY 2016 and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
25 Data from U.S. EPA's Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS).
475
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regardless of the cause. States, local, and tribal communities rely upon the OSCs' expertise and
support to deal with environmental emergencies that are beyond their capabilities and resources.
For example, in 2017 and 2018, EPA deployed its National Incident Management Assistance Team
(N-IMAT) to help with the long-term strategic planning and response efforts that occurred for
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and the California Wildfires. For Hurricane Harvey, N-IMAT staff
were responsible for working with the Texas Immediate Disaster Case Management Program,
developing health and safety plans for the cities of Houston and Corpus Christi. For Hurricanes Irma
and Maria, N-IMAT staff helped with long-term planning and response efforts that are still ongoing in
Puerto Rico and other parts of the Caribbean.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Superfund Removal
Program will:
• Respond to, and provide technical assistance for, emergency responses, removal
assessments, and limited time critical response actions (non-emergency responses).
• Conduct and participate in selected multi-media training and exercises for emergency
responders. These events ensure readiness by focusing on necessary coordination and
consistency across the Agency, enhance specialized technical skills and expertise, and
strengthen partnerships with state, local, tribal, and other federal responders.
• Support the Environmental Response Team (ERT), which provides nationwide assistance
and consultation for emergency response actions, including unusual or complex incidents.
In such cases, the ERT supplies the OSC, or lead responder, with special equipment and
technical or logistical assistance.
• Continue to deploy the N-IMAT to set up organizational systems that help with the long-term
strategic planning and response efforts.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 137) Number of Superfund removals completed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
275
275
275
175
175
141
Removals
Actual
278
226
255
242
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,047.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential
workforce support, and benefits costs.
• (-$23,594.0 / +13.7 FTE) EPA will prioritize its resources on sites which pose an
immediate threat to human health and the environment.
476
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Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) §§ 104,
105, 106.
All
-------
Superfund: EPA Emergency Preparedness
Program Area: Superfund Cleanup
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
S'.'-/-/.(I
S
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-S 2-IIU)
Total Budget Authority
$7,744.0
$7,636.0
$7,396.0
-$240.0
Total Workyears
30.7
33.8
37.4
3.6
Program Project Description:
The Superfund Emergency Preparedness Program provides for EPA's engagement on the National
Response Team (NRT) and Regional Response Teams (RRT) where it ensures federal agencies
are prepared to respond to national incidents, threats, and major environmental emergencies. EPA
implements the Emergency Preparedness Program in coordination with the Department of
Homeland Security and other federal agencies to deliver federal hazard assistance to state, local,
and tribal governments.
The Agency carries out its responsibility under multiple statutory authorities as well as the
National Response Framework (NRF), which provides the comprehensive federal structure for
managing national emergencies. EPA is the designated lead for the NRF's Oil and Hazardous
Materials Response Annex - Emergency Support Function #10 which covers responsibilities for
responding to releases of hazardous materials, oil, and other contaminants that are a threat to
human health and the environment. As such, the Agency participates and leads applicable
interagency committees and workgroups to develop national planning and implementation policies
at the operational level.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA continuously works to improve
its management of emergency response assets to be better prepared to handle large unprecedented
incidents in order to increase cost effectiveness and avoid costly cleanup actions. The Superfund
Emergency Preparedness Program participates in national and local exercises and drills,
coordinates with stakeholders to develop Area and Regional Contingency Plans (ACPs), and
provides technical assistance to industry, states, tribes, and local communities. Specific activities
include:
• Chair the NRT26 and co-chair the 13 RRTs. The NRT and RRTs are the only active
environmentally-focused interagency executive committees addressing oil and hazardous
26 For additional information, refer to: https://www.nrt.org/.
478
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substance emergencies. They serve as multi-agency coordination groups supporting
emergency responders when convened as incident specific teams.
• Participate in the development of limited, scenario-specific exercises and regional drills
designed to assess national emergency response management capabilities. These activities
will involve the RRTs, NRT, and/or principal level participants.
• Continue to implement the National Incident Management System (NIMS)27 which
provides the approach to manage incidents and works hand in hand with the NRF.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$62.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support,
and benefit costs.
• (-$302.0 / +3.6 FTE) This net program change will result in streamlined exercises and
training held with federal, state, and local partners.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), §§ 104,
105, 106; Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
27 For additional information, please refer to: http://www.fema.gov/national-iiicident-managemeiit-systeni.
479
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Superfund: Remedial
Program Area: Superfund Cleanup
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
S 506.Of,2.0
S -/'2.052.0
-SV-I.OIO.O
Total Budget Authority
$607,626.1
$566,062.0
$472,052.0
-$94,010.0
Total Workyears
928.0
876.1
868.8
-7.3
Program Project Description:
The Superfund Remedial Program addresses many of the worst contaminated areas in the United
States by investigating and implementing long-term cleanup remedies. The Program also oversees
response work conducted by potentially responsible parties (PRPs) at National Priorities List
(NPL) and Superfund Alternative Approach (SAA) sites. Completing relatively straightforward
response actions, such as soil excavation or capping remedies, can take a few months, while
implementing remedies at complex, large area-wide groundwater, sediment, or mining sites may
take decades.
By addressing the human health and environmental risks posed by releases at NPL and SAA sites,
the Superfund Remedial Program strengthens the economy and spurs economic growth by
returning Superfund sites to productive use. As of FY 2017, EPA data show that at 487 Superfund
sites in reuse, approximately 6,622 businesses are generating $43.6 billion in sales and employing
156,352 people who earn a combined income of $11.2 billion.28 While conducting cleanup at NPL
and SAA sites, Superfund remedial construction projects can enhance our national infrastructure
while addressing harmful exposures. Cleanup work under the Superfund Remedial Program also
improves property values. A study conducted by researchers at Duke University and University of
Pittsburgh found that residential property values within three miles of Superfund sites increased
between 18.7-24.4 percent when sites were cleaned up and deleted from the NPL.29
In July 2017, EPA's Superfund Task Force developed a report containing recommended actions
in five goal areas: 1) Expediting Cleanup and Remediation; 2) Re-Invigorating Responsible Party
Cleanup and Reuse; 3) Encouraging Private Investment; 4) Promoting Redevelopment and
Community Revitalization; and 5) Engaging Partners and Stakeholders.,0 Since then, Superfund
28 For more information on Redevelopment Economics, please see https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-
initiative/redevelopment-economics-superfund-sites.
29 Shanti Gamper-Rabindran and Christopher Timmons. 2013. "Does cleanup of hazardous waste sites raise housing values?
Evidence of spatially localized benefits," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management 65(3): 345-360,
30 The Superfund Task Force Report can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-
07/documents/superfund_task_force_report.pdf.
480
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Task Force workgroups have worked to efficiently implement the recommendations and reach
outcome-driven results aimed at expediting site cleanup, redevelopment, and community
revitalization. For example, EPA completed multiple soil gas, sub-slab, and indoor air sampling
events at 40 residences near the Galen Myers Dump/Drum Salvage Superfund site. The sampling
indicated that vapor intrusion (VI) was occurring at a number of residences via the presence of
volatile organic compounds above screening levels. EPA performed an emergency action to install
VI mitigation systems and the site was subsequently designated "Human Exposure Under Control
(HEUC)."
Key accomplishments to date under these goals include:
• Achieved HEUC at a net total of 24 sites in FY 2017 and 32 sites in FY 2018;
• Improved Public Access to Information on Human Exposure Status;
• Moved Sites Tovvard Deletion/Partial Deletion from the NPL;
• Implemented Administrator Review of Remedy Decisions Equal to or Greater than $50
million;
• Focused Optimization Evaluations on Priority Sites;
• Furthered use of new remediation technologies by developing technical information and
presenting webinars and training; and
• Made information on Superfund sites with reuse potential more widely available.
Additional Superfund Task Force accomplishments, including detailed information on
implementation efforts, can be found in the Superfund Task Force Recommendations 2018 Update
Report31 and the latest Superfund Task Force Quarterly Reports.,2
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. For example, EPA made 51 additional
Superfund sites ready for anticipated use in FY 2018 toward a two-year FY 2018-2019 Agency
Priority Goal of 102 sites. In FY 2020, EPA will prioritize resources to execute its non-delegable,
federal responsibility to clean up sites and protect human health and the environment. The
Superfund Remedial Program endeavors to maximize the use of special account resources
collected from PRPs for site-specific response actions as stipulated in settlement agreements. More
than half of non-federal sites on the final NPL do not have an associated open special account and
must rely on annually appropriated funds.
In FY 2020, EPA plans to fully implement the Superfund Task Force recommendations to expedite
cleanup while continuing to encourage private investment, promote Superfund site redevelopment,
and build and strengthen partnerships. EPA also will continue to prioritize ongoing fund-lead
investigation, remedial design, construction, and long-term response actions to bring human
exposure and groundwater migration under control. The following chart is a high-level description
31 The Superfund Task Force (SFTF) Recommendations 2018 Update Report can be found at:
https://www.epa. gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-recommendations-2018-update.
32 SFTF Quarterly Reports can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-task-force-status-
recommendations#quarterly.
481
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of Superfund remedial site activity that shows how sites progress through the remedial pipeline
from site assessment through NPL deletion.33
All Superfund Site Activity
(Includes Federal Facilities)
Site Assessment Accomplishments (53,688)
^ Pre-Screened from Active CERCLIS
Inventory - 7507
a NPL-1750
¦ Needs Non-NPL Response - 5203
11 Site Assessment Needed and
Proposed NPL -1632
y. No Federal Superfund Interest -
37596
7,507
37,596
1,750 NPL Sites (1,338 Final, 412 Deleted)
7 55 77 16
^ 63
Remedial Assessment Not
Begun - 7
Study Underway - 55
323
¦ Early Action - 77
5 Remedy Selected - 16
11 Design Underway - 63
¦Construction Underway-
323
¦ Deleted Deferred to Another
Authority - 4
N Construction Complete -
1205
EPA- & PRP-Lead Site Activity
(Excludes Federal Facilities)
Site Assessment Accomplishments (50,874)
^ Pre-Screened from Active CERCLIS
Inventory - 7292
a NPL-1576
¦ Needs Non-NPL Response - 4923
7,292
11 Site Assessment Needed and
Proposed NPL -1249
Z No Federal Superfund interest -
35834
35,834
1,576 NPL Sites (1,181 Final, 395 Deleted)
¦\ Remedial Assessment Not Begun
-7
^ Study Underway - 55
m Early Action - 74
V Remedy Selected -13
ii Design Underway - 63
¦ Construction Underway - 234
¦ Deleted Deferred to Another
Authority - 4
S Construction Complete - 1126
7 55
1,126
+ CC and
H CC and
+ CC and
H CC and
* Remedial Assessment Not Begun - Final NPL. No RI/FS, Removal, ROD, RD, RA, or CC.
* Study Underway - Final NPL. RI/FS action started. No Removal, ROD, RD, RA, or CC.
* Early Action - Final NPL. Removal action started. No ROD, RD, RA, or CC.
* Remedy Selected - Final NPL. ROD completed. No RD, RA, or CC.
* Design Underway - Final NPL. RD action started. No RA or CC.
* Construction Underway - Final NPL. RA action started. Not CC.
* Deleted Deferred To Another Authority - Deleted NPL and not CC.
* Construction Complete - CC flag and date
* Source: SEMS End-of-Year FY 2018 data
*The Superfund Federal Facilities program provides additional information on
Superfund Federal Facility Site Activity.
33 Chart was developed from Superfund Enterprise Management System data as of end of calendar year 2018.
482
1,205 Construction Completed Sites
Deleted - 408
not Deleted - 797
Aiiiiiiif JI I I
1,126 Construction Completed Sites
Deleted - 391
not Deleted - 735
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM S10) Number of Superfund sites made ready for anticipated use site-wide.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
60
55
45
45
45
51
51
51
Sites
Actual
56
45
45
41
43
51
(PM 151) Number of Superfund sites with human exposures brought under control.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
10
10
9
9
9
8
12
10
Sites
Actual
14
9
10
12
24
32
(PM 170) Number of remedial action pro jects completed at Superfund sites.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
115
115
105
105
105
95
95
80
Projects
Actual
121
115
104
105
97
86
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$4,105.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$98,115.0 / -7.3 FTE) This program change is a decrease to the Superfund Remedial
Program, reflecting the impact of the additional infrastructure funding provided by the
budget addendum in FY 2018. Funds will be prioritized for NPL sites that present the
highest risk to human health and the environment, while modifying timelines for
completing remedial investigation/feasibility study, remedial design and new construction
projects for other sites, and reducing discretionary activities.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
483
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Superfund: Federal Facilities
Program Area: Superfund Cleanup
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Utizurthms Substance Siiperjuml
S 21.300.3
N 21.125.1)
S 20.-16x0
-S/iMI.O
Total Budget Authority
$21,300.3
$21,125.0
$20,465.0
-$660.0
Total Workyears
106.8
105.0
111.7
6.7
Program Project Description:
The Superfund Federal Facilities Program oversees and provides technical assistance for the
protective and efficient cleanup and reuse of Federal Facility National Priorities List (NPL) sites,
pursuant to CERCLA Section 120. Program responsibilities include: 1) inventory and assess
potentially contaminated sites; 2) implement protective remedies; 3) facilitate early transfer of
property; and 4) ensure ongoing protectiveness of completed cleanups.
The Federal Facility NPL sites are among the largest in the Superfund program and can encompass
specialized environmental contaminants such as munitions and radiological waste, and
contaminants of emerging concern such as per-and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS). To ensure
efficiencies and consistent approaches to cleanup, the Program collaborates with the other federal
agencies and states. The Federal Facilities Program will continue to work with our federal partners
to target high priority sites, to consider best practices, to develop innovative solutions to emerging
and unique contaminants, to implement strategies to reach cleanup completion at sites, and to bring
contaminated land into beneficial reuse.34
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. One of the Agency's top priorities is
accelerating progress on Superfund sites. The Program will focus on Superfund Task Force
recommendations including engaging with state, local, and tribal partners; and creating sensible
approaches that enhance economic growth. A program goal is to achieve sites ready for anticipated
use (RAU) and promote the reuse and restoration of Federal Facility sites by prioritizing resources
to focus on remedial actions and construction completions to accelerate Site-Wide Ready for
Anticipated Use (SWRAU) determinations and deletions.
EPA also will continue to oversee complex cleanups at Federal Facility NPL sites, such as
contamination in groundwater, munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), and contamination
from legacy nuclear weapons development and energy research. While the Department of Energy
34 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/fedfac.
484
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(DOE) has completed cleanup work at many of its sites, DOE estimates that the remaining legacy
Cold War sites will take decades to complete, due to groundwater, soil, and waste processing.
Similarly, the Department of Defense's (DOD's) inventory includes sites that contain chemical
and explosive compounds which require special handling, storage, and disposal practices, as well
as cleanup. EPA will continue to provide oversight and technical assistance at DOD's military
munitions response sites and support DOD's development of new technologies to streamline
cleanups.
In FY 2018, the Program designated remedial decisions at 52 federal facility sites to address
environmental contamination. The Program also completed 27 Remedial Actions, ensuring
protective remedies are in place, and made over 100,000 acres ready for anticipated use over the
last two years. The Program also facilitated PFAS engagement at 63 Federal Facility NPL sites,
ensuring consistent and effective approaches to cleanups.
In FY 2020, the Federal Facilities Program will prioritize the highest risk sites and focus on
activities that bring human exposure and groundwater migration under control. In addition, EPA
manages the Federal Agency Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket (Docket) which contains
information reported by federal facilities that manage hazardous waste or from which hazardous
substances, pollutants, or contaminants have been or may be released. The Docket: 1) identifies
all federal facilities that must be evaluated through the site assessment process; 2) determines
whether they pose a risk to human health and the environment sufficient to warrant inclusion on
the NPL; and 3) provides a mechanism to make the information available to the public.35 The
Docket is updated semi-annually and has over 2,300 facilities listed. To ensure the long-term
protectiveness of the cleanup remedies, EPA will continue monitoring, overseeing progress, and
improving the quality and consistency of five-year reviews conducted at NPL sites where waste
has been left in place and land use is restricted as required under Section 121(c) of CERCLA. The
following chart is a high-level description of Superfund federal facilities universe that shows how
sites progress through the pipeline.36
35 EPA developed a website called FEDFacts, where all sites are mapped and linked to available environmental information,
which may be found at: https://www.epa.gov/fedfac/fedfacts.
36 Chart was developed from Superfund Enterprise Management System data as of end of calendar year 2018.
485
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2,304 Federal Facility Docket Universe
¦ NPL-FUD5 (4) ¦ NPL-BRAC |1B| ¦ NPL (122)
¦ Non-NPLFUDS|229) Noo-NPt BRAC |B4| ¦ Non-«PL (1,B17)
622 Active Non-NPL Federal Facilities
174 NPL Federal Facilities
¦ Requires completion of Preliminary Assessment 1312}
• Requires completion of Site Assessment |77)
• Hazard Ranking System (7)
¦ Assessment Complete Decision Needed |I5)
Other Cleanup Authority (211)
¦ Study Pending (0) Study underway (4)
• Remedy Selected (3) • Design Underway (1)
Construction Underway (87) Construction Completed (79)
79 Construction Completions Federal Facilities
¦ CC and Partially Deleted (26}
• CCand not Partially Deleted (53)
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Superfund Remedial Program under
the Superfund appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$1,119.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
486
-------
• (-$1,779.0 / -1.8 FTE) This program change reflects a reduction in funding and may modify
project schedules and cleanup milestones. The Program will prioritize resources on those
facilities that present the highest risk to human health and the environment.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) § 120.
487
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Superfund Special Accounts
Background
EPA has the authority to collect funds from parties to support Superfund investigations and
cleanups. Section 122(b)(3) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA) authorizes EPA to retain and use funds received pursuant to a settlement
agreement with a party to carry out the purpose of that agreement. Funds are deposited in
Superfund special accounts for cleanup at the sites designated in individually negotiated settlement
agreements. Through the use of special accounts, EPA ensures responsible parties pay for cleanup
so that annually appropriated resources from the Superfund Trust Fund are generally conserved
for sites where no viable or liable potentially responsible parties (PRPs) can be identified. Each
account is set up separately and distinctly and may only be used for the sites and uses outlined in
the settlement(s) with the party.
Special accounts are sub-accounts in the Superfund Trust Fund. Pursuant to the specific
agreements, which typically take the form of an Administrative Order on Consent or Consent
Decree, EPA uses special account funds to finance site-specific CERCLA response actions at the
site for which the account was established. Of the 1,338 Superfund sites listed as final on the
National Priorities List, more than half do not have special account funds available for use (as of
October 1, 2018). As special account funds may only be used for sites and uses specified in the
settlement agreement, both special account resources and annually appropriated resources are
critical to the Superfund program to clean up Superfund sites.
Special account funds are used to conduct many different site-specific CERCLA response actions,
including, but not limited to, investigations to determine the nature and extent of contamination
and the appropriate remedy, design, construction and implementation of the remedy, enforcement
activities, and post-construction activities. EPA also may provide special account funds as an
incentive to another PRP(s) who agrees to perform additional work beyond the PRP's allocated
share at the site, which EPA might otherwise have to conduct. Because response actions may take
many years, the full use of special account funds also may take many years. Pursuant to the
settlement agreement and in accordance with EPA policy, once site-specific work is complete and
site risks are addressed, special account funds may be used to reimburse EPA for site-specific costs
incurred using appropriated resources (i.e., reclassification), allowing the latter resources to be
allocated to other sites. Any remaining special account funds are transferred to the Superfund Trust
Fund, where they are available for future appropriation by Congress to further support response
work.
EPA, through the Superfund Task Force, is working to ensure that contaminated sites across the
country are remediated to protect human health and the environment and returned to beneficial use
as expeditiously as possible. Maximizing the use of special accounts to facilitate site cleanup
and/or redevelopment is one of the Task Force's recommendations we continue to work on. The
"Guidance on Disbursement of Funds from EPA Special Accounts to Entities Performing
CERCLA Response Actions" was issued on March 27, 2018.37 The guidance document addressed
1 For a copy of the guidance, please see: https://semspub.epa.gov/work/
488
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the Superfund Task Force report's recommendation specific to special accounts with a more robust
discussion about providing special account funds, as appropriate, to bona fide prospective
purchasers (BFPPs) and PRPs to facilitate site work and reuse.
FY 2018 Special Account Activity
Since the inception of special accounts through the end of FY 2018, EPA has collected over $7.0
billion from parties and earned more than $548.3 million in interest. Approximately 56 percent of
the funds have been disbursed or obligated for response actions at sites and plans have been
developed to guide the future use of the remaining 44 percent of available special account funds.
In addition, at sites with no additional work planned or costs to be incurred by EPA, EPA has
transferred approximately $33.1 million to the Superfund Trust Fund. As of the end of FY 2018,
approximately $3.8 billion has been disbursed for site response actions and $456.9 million has
been obligated but not yet disbursed.
The Agency continues to receive site-specific settlement funds that are placed in special accounts
each year, so progress on actual obligation and disbursement of funds may not be apparent upon
review solely of the cumulative available balance. In FY 2018, EPA deposited more than $197.3
million into special accounts and disbursed and obligated over $223.2 million from special
accounts (including reclassifications). At the end of FY 2018, the cumulative amount available in
special accounts was $3.28 billion.
Special accounts vary in size. A limited set represent the majority of the funds available. At the
end of FY 2018, 4 percent of open accounts had greater than $10 million available and hold more
than 72 percent of all available funds in open accounts. There are many accounts with lower
available balances. 73 percent of all open accounts with $1 million available represent only 6
percent of available funds in all open accounts.
The balance of more than $3.28 billion is not equivalent to an annual appropriation. The funds
collected under settlements are intended to finance future response work at particular sites for the
length of the project. EPA is carefully managing those funds that remain available for site response
work and develops plans to utilize the available balance. EPA will continue to plan the use of funds
received to conduct site-specific response activities, or reclassify and/or transfer excess funds to
the Superfund Trust Fund to make annually appropriated funds available for use at other Superfund
sites.
For some Superfund sites, although funds are readily available in a special account, remedial action
may take time to initiate and complete. This is due to site-specific conditions such as the specific
requirements for special account use set forth in the settlement agreement, the stage of site cleanup,
the viability of other responsible parties to conduct site cleanup, and the nature of the site
contamination. EPA has plans to spend approximately $1.3 billion of currently available special
account funds over the next 5 years, but funds also are planned much further into the future to
continue activities such as conducting five year reviews or remedy optimization where waste has
been left in place.
489
-------
In FY 2018, EPA disbursed and obligated more than $207.6 million from special accounts
(excluding reclassifications) for response work at more than 650 Superfund sites. Some examples
include more than $15.7 million to support work at the Welsbach & General Gas Mantle (Camden
Radiation) site in New Jersey, more than $12 million for the Cornell Dubilier Electronics Inc. site
in New Jersey, and more than $11.4 million for the U.S. Smelter and Lead Refinery, Inc. (East
Chicago) site in Indiana. Without special account funds being available, appropriated funds would
have been necessary for these response actions to be funded. In other words, EPA was able to fund
more than $207.6 million in response work at sites in addition to the work funded through
appropriated funds obligated or disbursed in FY 2018.
The summary charts below provide additional information on the status of special accounts.
Exhibit 1 illustrates the cumulative status of open and closed accounts, FY 2018 program activity,
and planned multi-year uses of the available balance. Exhibit 2 provides the prior year (FY 2018),
current year (FY 2019), and estimated future budget year (FY 2020) activity for special accounts.
Exhibit 3 provides prior year data (FY 2018) by EPA regional offices to exhibit the geographic
use of the funds.
490
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Exhibit 1: Summary of FY 2018 Special Account Transactions
and Cumulative Multi-Year Plans for Using Available Special Account Funds
Account Sliilns"
Number of Accounts
Cumulative Open
1,051
Cumulative Closed
373
I'Y 2018 Spcciiil Account Actmty
S in Thousands
Beginning Available Balance
$3,210,855.5
FY 2018 Activities
+ Receipts
$197,342.5
- Transfers to Superfund Trust Fund (Receipt Adjustment)
($1,711.1)
+ Net Interest Earned
$104,558.3
- Net Change in Unliquidated Obligations
$91,934.0
- Disbursements - For EPA Incurred Costs
($291,821.8)
- Disbursements - For Work Party Reimbursements under Final
Settlements
($7,717.9)
- Reclassifications
($15,564.4)
End of Fiscal Year (EOFY) Available Balance2
$3,287,875.2
\
ulli-Yciir Phins lor KOI-'Y 2018 A\;iil;ihlc IJiiliincc*
S in Thousands
2018 EOFY Available Balance
$3,287,875.2
- Estimates for Future EPA Site Activities based on Current Site Plans4
$3,054,364.6
- Estimates for Potential Disbursement to Work Parties Identified in
Final Settlements5
$57,590.3
- Estimates for Reclassifications for FYs 2019-20216
$119,145.1
- Estimates for Transfers to Trust Fund for FYs 2019-20216
$37,262.5
- Available Balance to be Planned for Site-Specific Response7
$19,512.7
1 FY 2018 data is as of 10/01/2018. The Beginning Available Balance is as of 10/01/2017.
2Numbers may not add due to rounding.
3Planning data were recorded in the Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS) as of 10/29/2018 in reference to
special account available balances as of 10/01/2018.
4 "Estimates for EPA Future Site Activities" includes all response actions that EPA may conduct or oversee in the future,
such as removal, remedial, enforcement, post-construction activities as well as allocation of funds to facilitate a settlement
to encourage PRPs to perform the cleanup. Planning data are multi-year and cannot be used for annual comparisons.
5 "Estimates for Potential Disbursements to Work Parties Identified in Finalized Settlements" includes those funds that
have already been designated in a settlement document, such as a Consent Decree or Administrative Order on Consent, to
be available to a PRP for reimbursements but that have not yet been obligated.
6 "Reclassifications" and "Transfers to the Trust Fund" are estimated for three FYs only. These amounts are only estimates
and may change as EPA determines what funds are needed to complete site-specific response activities.
7 These include resources received by EPA at the end of the fiscal year and will be assigned for site-specific response
activities.
491
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Exhibit 2: Actual and Estimated Special Account Transactions FY 2018 - FY 2020
FY 2018
FY 2019
estimate
FY 2020
estimate
$ in Thousands
Beginning Available Balance
$3,210,855.5
$3,287,875.2
$3,295,785.2
Receipts1
$197,342.5
$250,000.0
$250,000.0
Transfers to Trust Fund (Receipt Adjustment)2
($1,711.1)
($1,765.0)
($1,765.0)
Net Interest Earned3
$104,558.3
$41,000.0
$41,000.0
Net Obligations2 4
($207,605.7)
($284,865.0)
($284,865.0)
Reclassifications2
C$15.564.31
<"$19,460.01
<$19,460.01
End of Year Available Balance5
$3,287,875.2
$3,295,785.2
$3,303,695.2
'The estimates for Receipts are in line with more typical years.
2The estimates for Transfers to Trust Fund, Net Obligations, and Reclassifications are based on a 3-year historical average.
3Net interest earned for FY 2018 was approximately $40 million. However, in FY 2018 an update to the Agency's financial
system captured and made available net interest earned from FY 2016 ($26.4 million) and FY 2017 ($38.5 million). Net interest
earned in FY 2019 and FY 2020 are estimated utilizing economic assumptions for the FY 2020 President's Budget.
4Net Obligations reflect special account funds no longer available for obligation, excluding reclassifications and receipts
transferred to the Trust Fund.
'Numbers may not add due to rounding.
Exhibit 3: FY 2018 Special Account Transactions by EPA Regional Offices
(Dollars in Thousands)
Beginning
Available
Balance
Receipts
Transfers to
Trust Fund
(Receipt
Adjustment)
Net
Interest
Earned
Net
Obligations
Reclassifications
End of Year
Available
Balance2
Region 1
$218,058.4
$6,193.0
($1.2)
$11,452.7
($8,827.3)
($1,556.5)
$225,319.0
Region 2
$516,516.0
$51,337.8
$0.0
$15,960.6
($59,441.0)
$0.0
$524,373.3
Region 3
$144,868.5
$5,107.8
($713.9)
$3,788.1
($11,939.0)
($2,986.8)
$138,124.8
Region 4
$76,240.6
$4,077.6
($249.3)
$2,158.2
($2,523.6)
($4,795.6)
$74,907.9
Region 5
$381,396.7
$37,273.0
($283.6)
$11,904.8
($27,196.8)
($2,713.1)
$400,381.1
Region 6
$88,972.5
$25,727.5
$0.0
$2,739.2
($10,584.8)
($653.6)
$106,200.8
Region 7
$157,127.8
$14,500.9
($362.2)
$5,053.0
($24,660.4)
($918.9)
$150,740.2
Region 8
$209,456.7
$8,722.8
($1.1)
$7,768.4
($19,894.9)
($1,573.6)
$204,478.3
Region 9
$1,283,195.4
$22,320.6
($99.8)
$36,961.1
($24,287.8)
($296.0)
$1,317,793.5
Region 10
$135,022.9
$22,081.4
$0.0
$6,772.3
($18,250.0)
($70.3)
$145,556.2
Total
$3,210,855.5
$197,342.5
($1,711.1)
$104,558.3
($207,605.7)
($15,564.3)
$3,287,875.2
1 FY 2018 data is as of 10/01/2018. The Beginning Available Balance is as of 10/01/2017.
2 Numbers may not add due to rounding.
492
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Resource Summary Table 495
Program Projects in LUST 495
Enforcement 497
Civil Enforcement 498
Operations and Administration 500
Acquisition Management 501
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance 502
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 504
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST) 506
LUST/UST 507
LUST Prevention 510
LUST Cooperative Agreements 511
Research: Sustainable Communities 514
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities 515
493
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494
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2020 Pres
FY 2019
Budget v.
FY 2018
Annualized
FY 2020
FY 2019
Actuals
CR
Pres Budget
Annualized CR
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Budget Authority
$94,437.6
$91,941.0
$47,801.0
-$44,140.0
Total Workyears
46.9
48.6
40.7
-7.9
Bill Language: Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Program
For necessary expenses to carry out leaking underground storage tank cleanup activities
authorized by subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, $47,801,000, to remain available until
expended, of which $47,801,000 shall be for carrying out leaking underground storage tank
cleanup activities authorized by section 9003(h) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act: Provided, That
the Administrator is authorized to use appropriations made available under this heading to
implement section 9013 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide financial assistance to federally
recognized Indian tribes for the development and implementation of programs to manage
underground storage tanks.
Program Projects in LUST
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$619.8
$620.0
$470.0
-$150.0
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
$390.3
$387.0
$434.0
$47.0
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$1,056.6
$813.0
$773.0
-$40.0
Acquisition Management
$6.5
$152.0
$138.0
-$14.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$1,453.4
$1,352.0
$1,345.0
-$7.0
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
LUST / UST
$9,731.5
$9,240.0
$6,722.0
-$2,518.0
LUST Cooperative Agreements
$58,088.1
$55,040.0
$38,840.0
-$16,200.0
LUST Prevention
$24,233.5
$25,369.0
$0.0
-$25,369.0
Subtotal, Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
$92,053.1
$89,649.0
$45,562.0
-$44,087.0
495
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Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$311.3
$320.0
$424.0
$104.0
TOTAL LUST
$94,437.6
$91,941.0
$47,801.0
-$44,140.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund
account.
496
-------
Enforcement
497
-------
Civil Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$164,266.9
$171,283.0
$147,647.0
-$23,636.0
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
S'
S(>2(U)
S-l'0.0
-SI MO
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$2,464.8
$2,413.0
$2,373.0
-$40.0
Total Budget Authority
$167,351.5
$174,316.0
$150,490.0
-$23,826.0
Total Workyears
995.5
1,000.8
857.1
-143.7
Program Project Description:
The Civil Enforcement Program's goal is to ensure compliance with the Nation's environmental
laws to protect human health and the environment. The Program collaborates with the United
States Department of Justice, states, local agencies, and tribal governments to ensure consistent
and fair enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. The Civil Enforcement Program
develops, litigates, and settles administrative and civil judicial cases against violators of
environmental laws.
To protect our nation's groundwater and drinking water from petroleum releases from
Underground Storage Tanks (UST), the Civil Enforcement Program provides guidance, technical
assistance, and training to promote and enforce cleanups at sites with UST systems.1 The
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance program uses its Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
(LUST) resources to oversee cleanups by responsible parties.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this Program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will work with states and tribes on a case-
by-case basis to prioritize LUST enforcement goals for cleanup. The Agency will continue to
provide guidance, technical assistance, oversight, and training to enforce cleanups at LUST sites
by responsible parties.
1 For more information, refer to: www.epa.gov/swerust 1 /cat/index.htm.
498
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 434) Millions of pounds of pollutants and waste reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded
enforcement actions.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
325
325
325
Millions of
Pounds
Actual
1,425
1,221
1,030
62,223
461
810
(PM 436) Number of all referred no complaint (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
129
129
Cases
Actual
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$31.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is a reduction due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$119.0) EPA will target funds to the highest priority sites.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic authority); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
499
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Operations and Administration
500
-------
Acquisition Management
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$27,441.3
$30,210.0
$28,032.0
-$2,178.0
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
S(>.5
N IS 2.0
SIJS.O
-SI-1.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$20,477.3
$21,183.0
$21,541.0
$358.0
Total Budget Authority
$47,925.1
$51,545.0
$49,711.0
-$1,834.0
Total Workyears
263.2
275.1
259.5
-15.6
Program Project Description:
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) resources in the Acquisition Management Program
support the Agency's contract activities.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Acquisition Management resources in LUST support
information technology needs and the training and development of EPA's acquisition workforce.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Acquisition Management Program
under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$14.0) This program change reflects a reduction in contractual resources from more
effective business practices in the Acquisition Management Program.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
501
-------
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$70,053.3
$72,884.0
$71,100.0
-$1,784.0
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
SMU
SJS'.O
S-IJ-I.O
S4~.()
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$20,503.7
$22,018.0
$21,340.0
-$678.0
Total Budget Authority
$90,947.3
$95,289.0
$92,874.0
-$2,415.0
Total Workyears
430.9
448.8
433.3
-15.5
Total workyears in FY 2020 include 1.0 FTE funded by TSCA fees and 1.0 FTE funded by e-Manifest fees.
Program Project Description:
EPA's financial management community maintains a strong partnership with the Leaking
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) programs. Activities under the Central Planning, Budgeting
and Finance Program support the management of integrated planning, budgeting, financial
management, performance and accountability processes, and systems to ensure effective
stewardship of LUST resources. This includes developing, managing, and supporting a
performance management system consistent with the Government Performance and Results
Modernization Act of 2010 that involves: strategic planning and accountability for environmental,
fiscal, and managerial results; providing policy, systems, training, reports, and oversight essential
for the financial operations of EPA; managing the agencywide Working Capital Fund; providing
financial payment and support services for specialized fiscal and accounting services for the LUST
programs; and managing the Agency's annual budget process.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will continue to ensure sound
financial and budgetary management of the LUST programs through the use of routine and ad hoc
analysis, statistical sampling, and other evaluation tools. Building on the work begun in previous
years, EPA will continue to monitor and strengthen internal controls with a focus on sensitive
payments and property. In addition, the Agency is reviewing its financial systems for efficiencies
and effectiveness, identifying gaps, and targeting legacy systems for replacement.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Central Planning, Budgeting, and
Finance Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
502
-------
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$8.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of base
workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support and benefit costs.
• (+$55.0 / +0.3 FTE) This program change increases ad hoc analysis capability as part of
the LUST financial management efforts.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
503
-------
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$292,535.1
$308,701.0
$308,335.0
-$366.0
Science & Technology
$70,101.6
$68,339.0
$67,274.0
-$1,065.0
Building and Facilities
$34,605.1
$27,791.0
$33,377.0
$5,586.0
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
S1.!>>(,.(>
SSI 3.0
N
-.s mo
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$753.8
$584.0
$665.0
$81.0
Hazardous Substance Superfiind
$76,061.2
$75,253.0
$73,540.0
-$1,713.0
Total Budget Authority
$475,113.4
$481,481.0
$483,964.0
$2,483.0
Total Workyears
321.8
327.6
308.0
-19.6
Program Project Description:
EPA's Facilities Infrastructure and Operations Program in the Leaking Underground Storage Tank
(LUST) appropriation supports the Agency's rent, transit subsidy, and facilities management
services. Funding is allocated for such services among the major appropriations for the Agency.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Agency will continue to conduct
rent reviews and verify monthly billing statements for its lease agreements with the General
Services Administration and other private landlords. For FY 2020, EPA is requesting a total of
$0.60 million for rent in the LUST appropriation.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of transit
subsidy.
• (-$39.0) This program change is a decrease to basic operations and maintenance costs.
504
-------
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
505
-------
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST/UST)
506
-------
LUST / UST
Program Area: Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
Goal: C ore Mi s si on
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$10,812.6
$11,295.0
$5,996.0
-$5,299.0
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
sv. -jj.5
S V.240M
S (,.'22.0
-S2JIS.0
Total Budget Authority
$20,544.1
$20,535.0
$12,718.0
-$7,817.0
Total Workyears
96.5
98.5
68.8
-29.7
Program Project Description:
The Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) resources in the LUST/Underground Storage
Tank (UST) Program ensures that petroleum contamination is properly assessed and cleaned up.
Under this program, EPA issues, monitors, and oversees LUST cleanup cooperative agreements
to states.2 EPA also provides technical assistance and training to states and tribes on how to
conduct cleanups and improve the efficiency of state programs. As of September 2018,
approximately 65,450 LUST sites had not achieved cleanup completion.3
In addition, EPA has direct implementation authority and responsibilities in Indian Country. In
that role, EPA oversees cleanups by responsible parties, conducts site assessments, remediates
contaminated water and soil, and provides alternative sources of drinking water when needed.
EPA's funding for Indian Country is the primary source of money for these activities. With few
exceptions, tribes do not have independent program resources to pay for assessing and cleaning up
UST releases, and in many cases, there are no responsible parties available to pay for the cleanups
at sites in Indian Country.
Cleaning up LUST sites protects people from exposure to contaminants such as benzene, a known
carcinogen, and makes land available for reuse. In 2016, EPA released a study called "Property
Value Study of High-Profile UST Release Sites." The purpose of the study was to determine the
impact of high-profile UST releases on housing prices. The study found that high profile UST
releases decrease nearby property values 2 to 6 percent. Then, once a cleanup is completed, nearby
property values rebound by a similar margin.4 In FY 2018, cleanups were completed at 8,128
LUST sites.
2 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
3 Please see the EPA website at: http://www.epa.gov/ust/ust-performance-measures.
4 Guignet, D. R. Jenkins, M. Ranson, and P. Walsh. 2018. "Contamination and Incomplete Information: Bounding Implicit Prices
using High-Profile Leaks," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 88(C): 259-282,
https://d0i.0rg/l 0.1.01.6/lieeni.2017.1.2.003.
507
-------
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will continue to collect and
analyze information about the initiation and cleanup of UST releases. This information will chart
progress toward achieving its annual performance goal of completing 11,200 cleanups in FY 2020,
and inform EPA's work with its state partners to increase the number of cleanups completed. As
part of that effort, EPA and individual states may initiate kaizen process improvement events if
EPA and the state determine the kaizen event will help streamline a state's process.
In FY 2020, EPA will:
• Work with states and tribes within available resources to implement strategies to reduce
the number of sites that have not reached cleanup completion and to address new releases
as they continue to be confirmed.
• Provide targeted training to states and tribes, such as remediation process optimization and
rapid site assessment techniques.
• Monitor the soundness of financial mechanisms, in particular, insurance and state cleanup
funds that serve as financial assurance for LUST releases; ensuring that money is available
to pay for cleanups. In addition, EPA will continue to provide analysis and technical
assistance to states to help them improve the environmental and financial performance of
their cleanup funds.
• Provide support in Indian Country for site assessments, investigations, and remediation of
high priority sites; enforcement against responsible parties; cleanup of soil and
groundwater; alternate water supplies; cost recovery against UST owners and operators;
oversight of responsible party lead cleanups; and technical expertise and assistance to tribal
governments.
• Provide resources and support to states and tribes to quickly address emergency responses
from releases to the environment. Releases from USTs can result in imminent threats to
public safety when petroleum or petroleum vapors reach explosive levels in sewers, utility
corridors, underground parking structures, and basements near a LUST site. Emergency
response incidents across the country show that reporting, initial abatement measures, and
free product removal activities may need to be implemented immediately upon discovery
of a release to protect human health and the environment.5
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the LUST Cooperative Agreements
program under the LUST appropriation.
5 For more information, please see: http://astswmo.org/compendium-of-emergency-response-actions-at-underground-storage-
tank-sites-version-2/.
508
-------
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$267.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
• (-$2,785.0 / -8.2 FTE) This program change reflects a focus on cleaning up the highest
priority LUST sites in Indian Country and a reduction in resources that provide subject
matter and technical expertise to states and tribes.
Statutory Authority:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act §§ 8001, 9001-9014.
509
-------
LUST Prevention
Program Area: Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
.s.v.r.u.*
S
so.o
-S25J0V.0
Total Budget Authority
$24,233.5
$25,369.0
$0.0
-$25,369.0
Program Project Description:
The Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Prevention Program works to ensure that
groundwater is protected from petroleum and associated chemicals leaking from underground
storage tanks (USTs), while the LUST Cooperative Agreement Program provides funding to states
to assess and clean up LUST sites. This program has provided funding to states,6 tribes, and/or
intertribal consortia to inspect, prevent releases, ensure compliance with federal and state laws,
and enforce these laws for the 550,379 federally regulated active USTs.7 The Energy Policy Act
(EPAct) of 2005 requires EPA or states to inspect every UST once every three years.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. States could elect to maintain
core program work with state resources rather than federal.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$25,369.0) This program change proposes to eliminate the LUST Prevention Program.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1976, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act of 1986, § 2007(f); Energy Policy Act, § 9011.
6 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
7 Please see the EPA website at: http://www.epa.gov/ust/ust-performance-measures.
510
-------
LUST Cooperative Agreements
Program Area: Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
SiS.OSS. I
N 55M40M
SJS.S-IO.O
-SI (>.200.0
Total Budget Authority
$58,088.1
$55,040.0
$38,840.0
-$16,200.0
Program Project Description:
This funding is used to award cooperative agreements to states8 to implement the Leaking
Underground Storage Tank (LUST) Program. The LUST Program ensures that petroleum
contamination is properly assessed and cleaned up by providing states with funding to address
releases, including in groundwater.9 LUST funding supports states in managing, overseeing, and
enforcing cleanups at LUST sites. This is achieved by focusing on increasing the efficiency of
LUST cleanups nationwide, leveraging private and state resources, and enabling community
redevelopment. Cleaning up LUST sites protects people from exposure to contaminants and makes
land available for reuse.
EPA's backlog study characterized the national inventory of sites that have not reached cleanup
completion. The study found that almost half of the releases were 15 years old or older, and that
groundwater was contaminated at 78 percent of these sites. Remediating groundwater
contamination is often more technically complex, takes longer, and is more expensive than
remediating soil contamination.10 Potential adverse health effects from chemicals in gasoline such
as benzene as well as methyl-tertiary-butyl-ether (MTBE), alcohols, or lead scavengers contribute
to the importance of cleaning up these contaminants and increase the cost of cleaning up these
sites.11
In 2016, EPA released a study called "Property Value Study of High-Profile UST Release Sites."
The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of high-profile UST releases on housing
prices. The study found that high profile UST releases decrease nearby property values 2 to 6
percent. Once a cleanup is completed, nearby property values rebound by a similar margin.12
8 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
9 Almost half of the nation's overall population and 99 percent of the population in rural areas rely on groundwater for drinking
water. (See, EPA 2000 Water Quality Inventory Report, https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/20Q0report index.htmll
10 See The National LUST Cleanup Backlog: A Study Of Opportunities, September 2011, http://www.epa.gov/ust/national-lust-
cleanup-backlog-studv-opportunities.
11 See Technologies for Treating MtBE and Other Fuel Oxygenates, May 2004, pages 2-6 and 2-7, https://clu-
in.org/download/remed/542r04009/542r04009 .pdf.
12 Guignet, D. R. Jenkins, M. Ranson, and P. Walsh. 2018. "Contamination and Incomplete Information: Bounding Implicit
Prices using High-Profile 'Leeks," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 88(C): 259-282,
https://doi.Org/10.1016/i.ieem.2017.12.003.
511
-------
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will continue to collect and
analyze information about the initiation and cleanup of UST releases. This information will chart
progress toward achieving its annual performance goal of completing 11,200 cleanups in FY 2020
and inform EPA's work with its state partners to increase the number of cleanups completed. As
part of that effort, EPA and individual states may initiate kaizen process improvement events, if
EPA and the state determine the kaizen event will help streamline a state's process.
In FY 2020, EPA will:
• Collaborate with states to develop and implement flexible, state-driven strategies to reduce
the number of remaining LUST sites that have not reached cleanup completion. Through
the cooperative efforts between EPA and states, the backlog was reduced by 36 percent
between the end of FY 2008 and the end of FY 2018 (from 102,798 to 65,446). As of
September 2018, approximately 65,450 releases remain that have not reached cleanup
completion.13
• Provide resources to states to perform core cleanup work. Some states also may be able to
pursue other means to maximize the effectiveness or efficiency in protectively completing
cleanups and reducing their backlogs.
• Leverage funding by developing best practices and supporting management, guidance, and
enforcement activities through LUST Cleanup Cooperative Agreements. LUST Cleanup
Cooperative Agreements help achieve more than 8,000 cleanups annually, whereas, if EPA
were to apply the funding directly, only about 350 cleanups would occur annually
(assuming an average cleanup cost of $155,000 per site).14
• Provide resources and support to states to quickly address emergency responses from
releases to the environment. Emergency response incidents across the country show that
reporting, initial abatement measures, and free product removal activities need to be
implemented immediately upon discovery of a release to protect human health and the
environment.15
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 requires that states receiving LUST Cooperative
Agreements funding meet certain release prevention requirements, such as inspecting every
facility at least once every three years. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to factor state compliance
with EPAct requirements into LUST Cleanup Cooperative Agreement decisions.
13 Please see the EPA website at: http://www.epa.gov/ust/ust-performance-measures.
14 Average cleanup cost per site based on ASTSWMO's 2016 Annual State Fund Survey Results at: http://astswmo.org/annual-
state-fund-survev-results/.
15 For more information, please see: http://astswmo.org/compendium-of-emergencv-response-actions-at-underground-storage-
tank-sites-version-2/.
512
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 112) Number of LUST cleanups completed that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and
groundwater migration.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
10,100
9,000
8,600
8,600
8,600
11,200
11,200
11,200
Cleanups
Actual
11,582
10,393
9,869
8,977
8,775
8,128
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$16,200.0) This program change reflects a focus on cleaning up the highest priority sites.
Statutory Authority:
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act § 9003(h)(7).
513
-------
Research: Sustainable Communities
514
-------
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Program Area: Research: Sustainable Communities
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Science & Technology
$131,757.3
$134,327.0
$53,631.0
-$80,696.0
Leaking I nilcrgrounil Storage Tanks
S311J
S3 20.0
S424.0
SI 04.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$695.6
$664.0
$511.0
-$153.0
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$11,023.3
$11,463.0
$10,977.0
-$486.0
Total Budget Authority
$143,787.5
$146,774.0
$65,543.0
-$81,231.0
Total Workyears
439.1
440.9
294.1
-146.8
Program Project Description:
EPA's Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program under the Leaking
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST) appropriation provides federal, regional and community
decision-makers with tools, methods, and information to prevent and control pollution at LUST
sites. Specifically, this research enables decision-makers to better:
• Assess sites and evaluate the implications of alternative remediation techniques, policies,
and management actions to assess and cleanup leaks at fueling stations.
• Identify the environmental impacts and unintended consequences of existing and new
biofuels available in the marketplace.
• Protect America's land and groundwater resources and drinking water supplies that could
be impacted by the nation's more than 550 thousand underground fuel storage tanks.16
The SHC Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary national research programs. Each
program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the science needs of
agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement.
16 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/ust.
515
-------
Recent accomplishments in this research area include:
• Report evaluating gasoline composition, including expanded information for state
agency use: 17 In recent years, varying fuel composition has been associated with vapor
and liquid releases from underground storage tanks and corrosion of tank components. For
instance, not all underground storage tank (UST) equipment in the ground today,
especially older USTs, is totally compatible with some newer biofuel blends.18 This report
describes data on gasoline composition from various nationwide data sources to provide
better information for state program implementers.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Specifically, this work will aim to characterize sites and
contaminants released from leaking USTs identified under the LUST trust fund with an emphasis
on assisting the Agency and the states in addressing the backlog of sites for remediation. Also,
this research will help communities remediate contaminated sites at an accelerated pace and lower
costs while reducing human health and ecological impacts. Resulting methodologies and tools
will help localities and states return properties to productive use, thus supporting the Agency's
mission of protecting human health and the environment in the context of communities. Such
work is integral to achieving EPA's priority of revitalizing land and preventing contamination.
EPA scientists will continue to work with the Agency's USTs program to deliver improved
characterization and remediation methods for fuels released from leaking underground storage
tanks. Research will address contaminant plume elongation and the associated risks to
communities from the many USTs at fueling stations located near residences and residential water
supplies.19 This research will inform development of tools to assist communities, states, and tribes
to determine what remediation is needed to protect local ground water resources and reduce the
potential for vapor intrusion into buildings. The improved risk management and remediation
resulting from these tools will likely reduce long term costs to communities while better
protecting future drinking water resources and preventing vapor intrusion. EPA scientists produce
software and user guides for evaluating transport from released gasoline. These models will
provide technical guidance for LUST remediation efforts and inform future research.
Research Planning:
EPA's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) evaluates performance and provides feedback to
the Agency for the SHC Program. The SHC Program, BOSC, and Science Advisory Board will
meet regularly over the next several years to seek input on topics related to research program
design, science quality, innovation, relevance, and impact. This includes advising EPA on
developing its strategic research direction and Strategic Research Action Plans for FY 2019-2022.
17 Weaver, James W. Gasoline Composition in the U.S. from Three Datasets 1976-2017 (EPA/600/R-18/258). US EPA/NRMRL.
Ada, OK, August 2018.
18 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-07/documents/diesel-corrosion-
supplements.pdf.
19 For an example of groundwater contamination due to proximity of gas stations, please see:
https://www. des.iili.gov/orgaiiizatioii/coimiiissioiier/pip/factslieets/dwgb/docmiieiits/dwgb-22-20.pdf".
516
-------
EPA collaborates with the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department
of Energy, Department of Agriculture and the White House's Office of Science and Technology
Policy to assess research performance. EPA's state engagement program is designed to inform
states about EPA's research programs and role within EPA, and to better understand the science
needs of state environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council, as well as state media associations such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid
Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Sustainable and Healthy
Communities Program under the S&T appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$127.0) This change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and benefit
costs.
• (-$23.0) This program change decreases research to characterize and remediate
contaminated leaking UST sites.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute); Subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
517
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Inland Oil Spill Programs
Resource Summary Table 520
Program Projects in Inland Oil Spill Programs 520
Compliance 521
Compliance Monitoring 522
Oil 524
Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness and Response 525
Enforcement 527
Civil Enforcement 528
Operations and Administration 530
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations 531
Research: Sustainable Communities 533
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities 534
518
-------
519
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Inland Oil Spill Programs
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2020 Pres
FY 2019
Budget v.
FY 2018
Annualized
FY 2020
FY 2019
Actuals
CR
Pres Budget
Annualized CR
Inland Oil Spill Programs
Budget Authority
$18,727.0
$18,209.0
$15,962.0
-$2,247.0
Total Workyears
84.4
86.8
75.7
-11.1
Bill Language: Inland Oil Spill Programs
For expenses necessary to carry out the Environmental Protection Agency's responsibilities under
the Oil Pollution Act of1990, $15,962,000, to be derivedfrom the Oil Spill Liability trust fund, to
remain available until expended.
Program Projects in Inland Oil Spill Programs
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
$122.5
$139.0
$0.0
-$139.0
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$2,464.8
$2,413.0
$2,373.0
-$40.0
Oil
Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness and
Response
$14,690.3
$14,409.0
$12,413.0
-$1,996.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$753.8
$584.0
$665.0
$81.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy
Communities
$695.6
$664.0
$511.0
-$153.0
TOTAL Inland Oil Spill Programs
$18,727.0
$18,209.0
$15,962.0
-$2,247.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund
account.
520
-------
Compliance
521
-------
Compliance Monitoring
Program Area: Compliance
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
[Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Eii\ ii\44 0
-si: o:i o
Inland Oil Spill Programs
$122.5
SLiV.lt
Slt.lt
-SIJV.lt
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$943.0
$995.0
$991.0
-$4.0
Total Budget Authority
$102,364.7
$102,799.0
$90,635.0
-$12,164.0
Total Workyears
485.9
489.0
428.7
-60.3
Program Project Description:
The Compliance Monitoring Program is a component of EPA's Compliance Assurance Program
that allows the Agency to detect noncompliance and promotes compliance with the Nation's
environmental laws.
Under this program, EPA integrates the data from the Facility Response Plans and Spill
Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure systems into EPA's Integrated Compliance Information
System. As a result of this data integration, EPA is able to focus compliance monitoring resources
on areas of highest risk and increase transparency to the public. It also provides a more complete
set of information for this program and improves data quality.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination from this program in FY 2020. Work will be
maintained under the Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Program under the Inland
Oil Spill Programs appropriation.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 409) Number of federal on-site compliance monitoring inspections and evaluations and off-site
compliance monitoring activities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
17,000
17,000
15,500
15,500
14,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Inspections
and
Evaluations
Actual
18,000
16,000
15,400
13,500
11,800
10,600
522
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$139.0 / -0.6 FTE) This eliminates funding to the Compliance Monitoring Program under
the Inland Oil Spill Programs appropriation.
Statutory Authority:
Oil Pollution Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-
80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute).
523
-------
Oil
524
-------
Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness and Response
Program Area: Oil
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Inland Oil Spill Programs
S N.fiVtU
N N.-IO'KO
S I2.-IU.0
-S I.'MkO
Total Budget Authority
$14,690.3
$14,409.0
$12,413.0
-$1,996.0
Total Workyears
71.2
72.6
62.3
-10.3
Program Project Description:
The Oil Spill Prevention, Preparedness and Response Program protects the American people by
preventing, preparing for, responding to, and monitoring inland oil spills. EPA is the lead federal
responder for inland oil spills, including transportation related spills from pipelines, trucks,
railcars, and other transportation systems. In addition, the Program may provide technical
assistance, assets, and outreach to industry, states, and local communities as part of the Agency's
effort to ensure national safety and security for chemical and oil incidents.1
There are approximately 540,000 Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC)
facilities, including a subset of 3,800 Facility Response Plan (FRP) facilities identified as high risk
due to their size and location. The Oil Pollution Act requires certain facilities that store and use oil
to prepare response plans that are reviewed by EPA to ensure availability of response resources in
the event of a discharge.
To minimize the potential impacts to human health and the environment, the Agency will target
inspection at facilities that pose the highest risk. The Agency currently inspects approximately
0.08 percent of SPCC facilities per year. In FY 2018, EPA found 87 percent of SPCC and 62
percent of FRP facilities to be out of compliance at the time of the inspection.2 Inspections are
essential in ensuring that facility staff is knowledgeable about prevention and response plans, and
quickly able to put these plans into action.
EPA is the lead federal response agency for oil spills occurring in inland waters. EPA receives all
spill notifications at the National Response Center and retains the responsibility to ensure that all
inland oil spills are responded to within 12 hours. EPA works closely with state and local first
responders on smaller spills and leads the response on larger spills. EPA accesses the Oil Spill
Liability Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, to obtain reimbursement funds for
site specific oil spill response activities. In FY 2018, EPA has responded to approximately 80 oil
spills across the nation.
1 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/oil-spills-preveiitioii-aiid-preparediiess-regulatioiis.
2 Information from EPA Oil database.
525
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Oil Spill Prevention,
Preparedness and Response Program will:
• Inspect oil facilities to ensure compliance with preventive measures. Inspections involve
reviewing the facility's preparedness and response plans, discussing key aspects of these
plans with facility staff, and conducting unannounced exercises that test the facility
owner's ability to put these preparedness and response plans into action. EPA will focus
inspections at high risk FRP facilities.
• Maintain the National Contingency Plan's Subpart J product schedule, which identifies a
list of products that may be used to clean oil spills.
• Maintain the National Oil Database, which compiles data for the Program. The database
manages information obtained from new and historical inspections and has streamlined the
process for assisting facilities with compliance and equip inspectors with more efficient
inspection processes.
• Deliver required annual oil spill inspector training to federal and state inspectors.
EPA is proposing to develop a new program that would authorize EPA to collect and use fees for
compliance assistance to assist FRP and SPCC facilities in complying with EPA regulations. This
fee and service will be voluntary.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$263.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to the adjustments in salary, essential
workforce support, and benefit costs.
• (-$2,259.0 / -10.3 FTE) This program change is to focus on SPCC and FRP facility
inspections on facilities that pose the highest risk. It also reduces specialized training
opportunities for the Agency's On Scene Coordinators and updates to regional Area
Contingency Plans.
Statutory Authority:
Oil Pollution Act.
526
-------
Enforcement
527
-------
Civil Enforcement
Program Area: Enforcement
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Compliance with the Law
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$164,266.9
$171,283.0
$147,647.0
-$23,636.0
T.eakinuT iKleiui'iiMiul Sioiauc Tanks
S(. 10 s
S(._Y) 0
$470.0
-S 1 50 o
Inland (HI Spill Programs
S2.a
S 2.-113.1)
S 2 J'.1.0
-S-l 0.0
Total Budget Authority
$167,351.5
$174,316.0
$150,490.0
-$23,826.0
Total Workyears
995.5
1,000.8
857.1
-143.7
Program Project Description:
The Civil Enforcement Program's goal is to ensure compliance with the nation's environmental
laws to protect human health and the environment. The Program collaborates with the United
States Department of Justice, states, local agencies, and tribal governments to ensure consistent
and fair enforcement of environmental laws and regulations. The Civil Enforcement Program
develops, litigates, and settles administrative and civil judicial cases against violators of
environmental laws.
The Civil Enforcement Program's enforcement of Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, as amended
by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, is designed to ensure compliance with the prohibition against oil
and hazardous substance spills, as well as the oil spill prevention, response planning, and other
regulatory requirements. The Civil Enforcement Program develops policies, issues administrative
orders or penalty actions, and refers civil judicial actions to the Department of Justice to address
spills, violations of spill prevention regulations, response planning regulations and other violations
(e.g., improper dispersant use or noncompliance with orders). The Program also assists in the
recovery of cleanup costs expended by the government. The Program provides support for field
investigations of spills, Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure, Facility Response Plan
and other requirements.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.1, Compliance with the Law in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to streamline the Civil
Enforcement Program, prioritize resources to achieve regulatory compliance, and address oil or
hazardous substance spills in violation of the statute and deter future spills. Civil Enforcement
efforts will focus on facilities where enforcement will promote deterrence, and ensure that spills
are prevented, cleaned up, and, where appropriate, mitigated. The Civil Enforcement Program also
will continue to coordinate with the Criminal Enforcement Program, as appropriate.
528
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM 434) Millions of pounds of pollutants and waste reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded
enforcement actions.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
325
325
325
Millions of
Pounds
Actual
1,425
1,221
1,030
62,223
461
810
(PM 436) Number of all referred no complaint (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
129
129
Cases
Actual
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$87.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary and benefit costs.
• (-$127.0 / -0.2 FTE) This change reflects efficiencies gained through improved
coordination with the Criminal Enforcement Program in carrying out enforcement of the
Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Oil Pollution Act.
529
-------
Operations and Administration
530
-------
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Program Area: Operations and Administration
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Environmental Programs & Management
$292,535.1
$308,701.0
$308,335.0
-$366.0
Science & Technology
$70,101.6
$68,339.0
$67,274.0
-$1,065.0
Building and Facilities
$34,605.1
$27,791.0
$33,377.0
$5,586.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$1,056.6
$813.0
$773.0
-$40.0
Inland (HI Spill Programs
s-.vu
S5H-l.lt
SMo.lt
SSI.O
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$76,061.2
$75,253.0
$73,540.0
-$1,713.0
Total Budget Authority
$475,113.4
$481,481.0
$483,964.0
$2,483.0
Total Workyears
321.8
327.6
308.0
-19.6
Program Project Description:
EPA's Facilities Infrastructure and Operations Program in the Inland Oil Spill Programs
appropriation supports the Agency's rent, transit subsidy, and facility operations. Funding is
allocated for such services among the major appropriations for the Agency.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3/Objective 3.5, Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Agency will continue to conduct
rent reviews and verify monthly billing statements for its lease agreements with the General
Services Administration and other private landlords. For FY 2020, EPA is requesting $0.50 million
for rent in the Inland Oil Spill Programs appropriation.
Performance Measures Target:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3.0) This change to fixed and other costs is a decrease due to the recalculation of transit
subsidy.
• (+$84.0) This program change is an increase for facility operations.
531
-------
Statutory Authority:
Federal Property and Administration Services Act; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485 (codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic
statute); Oil Pollution Act.
532
-------
Research: Sustainable Communities
533
-------
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Program Area: Research: Sustainable Communities
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Prioritize Robust Science
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Science & Technology
$131,757.3
$134,327.0
$53,631.0
-$80,696.0
T.cakiimT iKleiui'iiiiiul Sioiauc Tanks
S'l 1 '
$320.0
S424 0
S104 0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
SOVxfi
SM-/.0
$511.0
-s ixi.o
Hazardous Substance Superfund
$11,023.3
$11,463.0
$10,977.0
-$486.0
Total Budget Authority
$143,787.5
$146,774.0
$65,543.0
-$81,231.0
Total Workyears
439.1
440.9
294.1
-146.8
Program Project Description:
EPA is the lead federal on-scene coordinator for inland oil spills and provides technical
assistance, when needed, for coastal spills.3 EPA therefore is charged with responsibilities for oil
spill preparedness and response and associated research. EPA's research, planned in concert with
partner agencies (United States Coast Guard, United States Department of the Interior, United
States Department of Transportation, and United States Department of Commerce), is an
important part of EPA's lead role in developing protocols for testing spill response products and
agents.
The Sustainable and Healthy Communities (SHC) Research Program for inland oil spills, funded
through the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund,4 provides federal, regional, state, tribal, and
community decision-makers with analysis and tools to protect human and ecosystem health from
the negative impacts of oil spills. EPA provides assistance to communities by supporting local
officials in their response to a spill. As a result of EPA research, responders can make more
informed decisions on approaches and methods to reduce the spread and impact of coastal and
inland oil spills, including pipeline and railway spills. Additionally, EPA's remediation
expertise is critical in addressing potential impacts to communities and their environmental
resources associated with pipeline and railway oil spills.
In support of these response efforts, EPA conducts research related to the Agency's National
Contingency Plan (NCP) Product Schedule.5 The NCP is used nationwide by emergency
responders and federal agencies in responding to oil spills. EPA's role is to develop and evaluate
response approaches involving bioremediation, dispersants, and other additives, and to assess
impacts to surface water and groundwater, especially as they affect drinking water supplies. EPA
3 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response/epas-scene-coordiiiators-oscs.
4 For more information, please see: https://www.uscg.mil/Mariners/National-Pollution-Funds-Center/About NPFC/OSLTF/.
5 For more information, please see: http://www2.epa.gov/emergency-response/national-contingency-plan-subpart-j.
534
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relies on this research to provide testing procedures that inform cleanup decisions during an
emergency spill response.
The SHC Program is one of six integrated and transdisciplinary national research programs. Each
program is guided by a Strategic Research Action Plan (StRAP) that reflects the science needs of
agency program and regional offices, states, and tribes, and is implemented with their active
collaboration and involvement.
Accomplishments in this research area include:
• Published report6 on wave tank simulations characterizing the effect of dispersant on
dispersion effectiveness during surface and deep ocean spills. Dispersants are key tools
for addressing oil spills, though there are ongoing questions about how they behave in the
water. SHC found that the dispersion of oil (both natural and enhanced) due to dispersants,
is influenced by factors such as water temperature, dispersant type and concentration, and
jet release pressure. Undersea jet oil plumes simulated within wave/flume tanks offer an
opportunity to monitor the movement of dispersed oil droplets. The results further inform
aquatic spill preparedness efforts by EPA. End users are states, EPA program and regional
offices, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Coast Guard,
United States Department of the Interior-Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
(DOI-BSEE) and the oil industry.
• Screening of two potential reference oils for dispersant effectiveness, chemical
characterization and toxicity.7 Because different types of oil respond differently to
various dispersants, oil spill cleanup crews need concrete information to guide their
decisions about the dispersants they use and how they can inform the public about the
cleanup process. This effort helps to build that knowledge and directly responds to EPA
needs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3 Objective 3.3, Prioritize Robust Science in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Specifically, SHC's FY 2020 research will focus on
conducting research to support regulatory activities and protocol development for EPA's program
and regional offices, and in support of state-delegated programs. The SHC research program will
provide on-demand technical support at federal, tribal, or state-managed cleanup sites, as well as
assistance during emergencies. The Program conducts health, environmental engineering, and
ecological research; and prepares planning and analysis tools for localities nationwide to use in
facilitating regulatory compliance and improving environmental and health outcomes.
6 For more information, please see: SHC Poster - Actionable Science for Communities: Wave Tank Oil Plume Simulations.
https://www.epa. gov/sites/productioii/files/201.6-1 l/documents/bosc_3_62_hot topic poster_conmy.pdf.
7 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/land-research/oil-spills-research-recent-publications.
535
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Specific SHC activities in FY 2020 include:
• Developing or revising protocols to test oil spill control agents or products for listing on
the NCP Product Schedule and other research, as needed by EPA oil programs.
• Conducting studies on the effectiveness of bioremediation of petroleum-based oil,
vegetable oil, and biodiesel. Bioremediation is a treatment that uses naturally occurring
organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or nontoxic substances
to improve clean up.
• Researching dispersants' performance and behavior in deep water and arctic spills, in
collaboration with DOI-BSEE and Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
EPA scientists will produce a report on surface washing agents, solidifiers, and oil herding agents
used in salt and freshwater responsive to Subpart J of the NCP. EPA also will expand research
efforts regarding oil biodegradation and the characterization of crude oil.
Research Planning:
EPA is reconstituting a subcommittee under the Agency's Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC)
for the SHC Program to evaluate its performance and provide feedback to the Agency. The SHC
Program will meet regularly with both the BOSC and Science Advisory Board over the next
several years to seek their input on topics related to research program design, science quality,
innovation, relevance and impact. This includes advising EPA on developing its strategic research
direction and StRAP for FY 2019-2022.
EPA collaborates with the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation,
Department of Energy, and U.S. Department of Agriculture to assess research performance. EPA's
state engagement program is designed to inform states about EPA's research programs, and to
enable EPA to better understand the science needs of state environmental agencies.
Key partners at the state level include the Environmental Council of the States, with its
Environmental Research Institute of the States and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory
Council, as well as state media associations such as the Association of State and Territorial Solid
Waste Management Officials.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Sustainable and Healthy
Communities Program under the Oil appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$11.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation of
base workforce costs due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce support, and benefit
costs.
536
-------
• (-$164.0) This program change streamlines research to study the performance and behavior
of oil dispersants in deep water and arctic spills, as well as revised protocols for testing oil
spill control agents pursuant to the NCP Product Schedule.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5 App.) (EPA's organic statute); Oil Pollution Act.
537
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Resource Summary Table 540
Program Projects in STAG 543
Categorical Grants 545
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection 546
Categorical Grant: Brownfields 547
Categorical Grant: Environmental Information 549
Categorical Grant: Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance 552
Categorical Grant: Lead 554
Categorical Grant: Multipurpose Grants 555
Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319) 557
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Enforcement 558
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Program Implementation 560
Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec. 106) 563
Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention 566
Categorical Grant: Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) 567
Categorical Grant: Radon 570
Categorical Grant: State and Local Air Quality Management 571
Categorical Grant: Toxics Substances Compliance 575
Categorical Grant: Tribal Air Quality Management 577
Categorical Grant: Tribal General Assistance Program 579
Categorical Grant: Underground Injection Control (UIC) 582
Categorical Grant: Underground Storage Tanks 584
Categorical Grant: Wetlands Program Development 585
State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) 587
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program 588
Brownfields Projects 590
Infrastructure Assistance: Alaska Native Villages 593
Infrastructure Assistance: Clean Water SRF 596
Infrastructure Assistance: Drinking Water SRF 599
GKM Water Monitoring 604
Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border 605
538
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Targeted Airshed Grants 606
Safe Water for Small & Disadvantaged Communities 607
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water 608
Lead Testing in Schools 609
Healthy Schools 611
Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability 613
Drinking Fountain Lead Testing 615
Technical Assistance for Treatment Works 617
Sewer Overflow Control Grants 619
Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment 621
539
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Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020
Pres Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019
Annualized CR
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Budget Authority
$4,067,093.9
$4,212,161.0
$2,774,602.0
-$1,437,559.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
-$96,198.0
-$142,000.0
-$45,802.0
Budget Authority Post Cancellation of
Funds
$4,115,963.0
$2,632,603.0
-$1,483,360.0
Total Workyears
5.5
6.6
0.4
-6.2
Bill Language: State and Tribal Assistance Grants
For environmental programs and infrastructure assistance, including capitalization grants for
State Revolving Funds and performance partnership grants $2,774,602,000, to remain available
until expended, of which—
(1) $1,119,772,000 shall be for making capitalization grants for the Clean Water State Revolving
Funds under title VI of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and of which $863,233,000 shall
be for making capitalization grants for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds under section
1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act: Provided, That notwithstanding section 603(d)(7) of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the limitation on the amounts in a State water pollution
control revolving fund that may be used by a State to administer the fund shall not apply to amounts
included as principal in loans made by such fund in fiscal year 2020 and prior years where such
amounts represent costs of administering the fund to the extent that such amounts are or were
deemed reasonable by the Administrator, accounted for separately from other assets in the fund,
and used for eligible purposes of the fund, including administration:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2020, notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (g)(1),
(h), and (I) of section 201 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, grants made under title II
of such Act for American Samoa, Guam, the commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the United
States Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia may also be made for the purpose ofproviding
assistance: (1) solely for facility plans, design activities, or plans, specifications, and estimates for
any proposed project for the construction of treatment works; and (2) for the construction, repair,
or replacement of privately owned treatment works serving one or more principal residences or
small commercial establishments:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2020, notwithstanding the provisions of such subsections
(g)(l), (h), and (I) of section 201 and section 518(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
funds reserved by the Administrator for grants under section 518(c) of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act may also be used to provide assistance: (1) solely for facility plans, design activities,
or plans, specifications, and estimates for any proposed project for the construction of treatment
540
-------
works; and (2) for the construction, repair, or replacement of privately owned treatment works
serving one or more principal residences or small commercial establishments:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2020, notwithstanding any provision of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act and regulations issued pursuant thereof, up to a total of $2,000,000 of the
funds reserved by the Administrator for grants under section 518(c) of such Act may also be used
for grants for training, technical assistance, and educational programs relating to the operation
and management of the treatment works specified in section 518(c) of such Act:
Providedfurther, That for fiscal year 2020, funds reserved under section 518(c) of such Act shall
be available for grants only to Indian tribes, as defined in section 518(h) of such Act, andformer
Indian reservations in Oklahoma (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior) and Native
Villages as defined in Public Law 92-203:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2020, notwithstanding the limitation on amounts in section
518(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, up to a total of 2 percent of the funds
appropriated, or $30,000,000, whichever is greater, and notwithstanding the limitation on
amounts in section 1452(i) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, up to a total of 2 percent of the funds
appropriated, or $20,000,000, whichever is greater, for State Revolving Funds under such Acts
may be reserved by the Administrator for grants under section 518(c) and section 1452(i) of such
Acts:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2020, notwithstanding the amounts specified in section
205(c) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, up to 1.5 percent of the aggregate funds
appropriated for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program under the Act less any sums
reserved under section 518(c) of the Act, may be reserved by the Administrator for grants made
under title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for American Samoa, Guam, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, and United States Virgin Islands:
Provided further, That for fiscal year 2020, notwithstanding the limitations on amounts specified
in section 1452(j) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, up to 1.5 percent of the funds appropriated for
the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act may be
reserved by the Administrator for grants made under section 1452(j) of the Safe Drinking Water
Act:
Provided further, That notwithstanding 22 U.S.C. 1383(i)(3)(A), not less than 10 percent but not
more than 20 percent of the funds made available under this title to each State for Clean Water
State Revolving Fund capitalization grants and not less than 20 percent but not more than 30
percent of the funds made available under this title to each State for Drinking Water State
Revolving Fund capitalization grants shall be used by the State to provide additional subsidy to
eligible recipients in the form offorgiveness of principal, negative interest loans, or grants (or any
combination of these), and shall be so used by the State only where such funds are provided as
initial financing for an eligible recipient or to buy, refinance, or restructure the debt obligations
of eligible recipients only where such debt was incurred on or after the date of enactment of this
Act;
541
-------
(2) $3,000,000 shall be for grants to the State of Alaska to address drinking water and wastewater
infrastructure of rural and Alaska Native Villages: Provided, That of these funds: (A) the State of
Alaska shall provide a match of 25 percent; (B) no more than 5 percent of the funds may be used
for administrative and overhead expenses; and (C) the State of Alaska shall make awards
consistent with the Statewide priority list established in conjunction with the Agency and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture for all water, sewer, waste disposal, and similar projects carried out
by the State of Alaska that are funded under section 221 of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. 1301) or the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et
seq.) which shall allocate not less than 25 percent of the funds provided for projects in regional
hub communities;
(3) $62,000,000 shall be to carry out section 104(k) of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), including grants, interagency
agreements, and associated program support costs shall be for grants under title VII, subtitle G
of the Energy Policy Act of2005;
(4) $580,347,000 shall be for grants, including associated program support costs, to States,
federally recognized tribes, interstate agencies, tribal consortia, and air pollution control agencies
for multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control and abatement and related activities,
including activities pursuant to the provisions setforth under this heading in Public Law 104-134,
and for making grants under sections 103 and 105 of the Clean Air Act for particulate matter
monitoring and data collection activities subject to terms and conditions specified by the
Administrator, of which: $31,791,000 shall be for carrying out section 128 of CERCLA;
$6,422,000 shall be for Environmental Information Exchange Network grants, including
associated program support costs; $11,884,000 of the funds available for grants under section
106 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act shall be for State participation in national- and
State-level statistical surveys of water resources and enhancements to State monitoring programs;
and $10,000,000 shall be for Multipurpose Grants to States andfederally recognized Indian tribes
for the implementation of mandatory statutory duties in delegated environmental programs;
(6) $50,000,000 shall be for grants to States, federally recognized Indian tribes, public pre-
schools, local educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801(30), and non-profit
organizations, for detection, assessment, prevention, control, or abatement of pollution and other
environmental hazards in school buildings as defined in 20 U.S.C. 3610(6), and related activities:
Provided, That the Federal share of the costs of such activities shall not exceed 75 percent:
Provided further, That the Administrator may waive such cost share requirement in the case of
schools located in economically distressed communities;
(7) $2,000,000 shall be for grants under section 1459A(l) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42
U.S.C. 300i-19a(l)), as amendedby section 2005 of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-270);
(8) $5,000,000 shall be for grants under section 1465 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C.
300j-25'), as added by section 2006(b) of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (Public
Law 115-270);
542
-------
(9) $7,500,000 shall be for grants under section 104(b)(8) of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act (33 U.S.C. § 1254(b)(8)), as added by section 4103 of the America's Water Infrastructure Act
of 2018 (Public Law 115-270);
(10) $61,450,000 shall be for grants under section 221 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(33 U.S.C. 1301), as amended by section 4106 of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-270);
(11) $300,000 shall be for grants authorized in section 4304 of the America's Water Infrastructure
Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-270); and
(12) $10,000,000 shall be for grants under section 1464(d) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42
U.S.C. 300j-24(d)), as amended by section 2107 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the
Nation Act (Public Law 114-322) and section 2006(a) of the America's Water Infrastructure Act
of 2018 (Public Law 115-270).
Program Projects in STAG
[Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Infrastructure Assistance: Alaska Native
Villages
$19,543.0
$20,000.0
$3,000.0
-$17,000.0
Brownfields Projects
$84,310.3
$80,000.0
$62,000.0
-$18,000.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Clean Water SRF
$1,657,428.2
$1,693,887.0
$1,119,772.0
-$574,115.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Drinking Water SRF
$1,128,161.0
$1,163,233.0
$863,233.0
-$300,000.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border
$11,524.6
$10,000.0
$0.0
-$10,000.0
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program
$72,668.1
$75,000.0
$10,000.0
-$65,000.0
Targeted Airshed Grants
$29,479.0
$40,000.0
$0.0
-$40,000.0
GKM Water Monitoring
$3,092.6
$4,000.0
$0.0
-$4,000.0
Safe Water for Small & Disadvantaged
Communities
$0.0
$20,000.0
$0.0
-$20,000.0
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
$0.0
$10,000.0
$0.0
-$10,000.0
Lead Testing in Schools
$0.0
$20,000.0
$10,000.0
-$10,000.0
Healthy Schools
$0.0
$0.0
$50,000.0
$50,000.0
Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and
Sustainability
$0.0
$0.0
$2,000.0
$2,000.0
Drinking Fountain Lead Testing
$0.0
$0.0
$5,000.0
$5,000.0
Technical Assistance for Treatment Works
$0.0
$0.0
$7,500.0
$7,500.0
Sewer Overflow Control Grants
$0.0
$0.0
$61,450.0
$61,450.0
Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment
$0.0
$0.0
$300.0
$300.0
Subtotal, State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
$3,006,206.8
$3,136,120.0
$2,194,255.0
-$941,865.0
Categorical Grants
543
-------
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319)
$167,592.8
$170,915.0
$0.0
-$170,915.0
Categorical Grant: Public Water System
Supervision (PWSS)
$98,978.8
$101,963.0
$67,892.0
-$34,071.0
Categorical Grant: State and Local Air Quality
Management
$229,030.4
$228,219.0
$151,961.0
-$76,258.0
Categorical Grant: Radon
$8,198.0
$8,051.0
$0.0
-$8,051.0
Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec. 106)
Monitoring Grants
$17,766.8
$17,848.0
$11,884.0
-$5,964.0
Categorical Grant: Pollution Control
(Sec. 106) (other activities)
$211,267.6
$212,958.0
$141,799.0
-$71,159.0
Subtotal, Categorical Grant: Pollution Control
(Sec. 106)
$229,034.4
$230,806.0
$153,683.0
-$77,123.0
Categorical Grant: Wetlands Program
Development
$15,111.2
$14,661.0
$9,762.0
-$4,899.0
Categorical Grant: Underground Injection
Control (UIC)
$10,130.3
$10,506.0
$6,995.0
-$3,511.0
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Program
Implementation
$12,728.1
$12,701.0
$8,457.0
-$4,244.0
Categorical Grant: Lead
$13,016.2
$14,049.0
$0.0
-$14,049.0
Categorical Grant: Hazardous Waste Financial
Assistance
$97,994.5
$99,693.0
$66,381.0
-$33,312.0
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Enforcement
$17,924.6
$18,050.0
$10,531.0
-$7,519.0
Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention
$4,115.9
$4,765.0
$0.0
-$4,765.0
Categorical Grant: Toxics Substances
Compliance
$4,685.5
$4,919.0
$3,276.0
-$1,643.0
Categorical Grant: Tribal General Assistance
Program
$65,266.1
$65,476.0
$44,233.0
-$21,243.0
Categorical Grant: Underground Storage Tanks
$1,320.0
$1,498.0
$0.0
-$1,498.0
Categorical Grant: Tribal Air Quality
Management
$12,767.9
$12,829.0
$8,963.0
-$3,866.0
Categorical Grant: Environmental Information
$9,550.3
$9,646.0
$6,422.0
-$3,224.0
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection
$9,552.0
$9,549.0
$0.0
-$9,549.0
Categorical Grant: Brownfields
$46,941.8
$47,745.0
$31,791.0
-$15,954.0
Categorical Grant: Multipurpose Grants
$56.1
$10,000.0
$10,000.0
$0.0
Categorical Grant: Sector Program
$103.4
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Subtotal, Categorical Grants
$1,054,098.3
$1,076,041.0
$580,347.0
-$495,694.0
Congressional Priorities
Congressionally Mandated Projects
$6,788.8
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Cancellation of Funds
$0.0
-$96,198.0
-$142,000.0
-$45,802.0
TOTAL STAG
$4,067,093.9
$4,115,963.0
$2,632,602.0
-$1,483,361.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund
account.
*** Fact Sheet tables do not include applicable cancellation of funds ***
544
-------
Categorical Grants
545
-------
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S V.552.H
S 9..v/V.«
so.o
Total Budget Authority
$9,552.0
$9,549.0
$0.0
-$9,549.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Beaches Protection Program awards grants to eligible coastal states, territories, and tribes
to monitor water quality at beaches and to notify the public, through beach advisories and closures,
when water quality exceeds applicable standards.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. EPA will encourage states to
continue beach monitoring and notification programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$9,549.0) This program change eliminates the Beaches Protection Grant Program, which
is a mature well-established program supporting state beach monitoring and notification
programs that can continue to be implemented at the local level.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 406; Beach Act of 2000; Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141).
546
-------
Categorical Grant: Brownfields
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S-/6.
-------
agreement recipients. In FY 2020, the Program will continue to use the results of the kaizen event
to improve brownfields data reporting.
States and tribes may use categorical grant funding provided under this program in the following
ways:
• Conducting site-specific activities, such as assessments and cleanups at brownfields sites;4
• Developing mechanisms and resources to provide meaningful opportunities for public
participation;
• Developing mechanisms for approval of cleanup plans, and verification and certification
that cleanup efforts are complete;
• Creating an inventory of brownfields sites;
• Capitalizing a Revolving Loan Fund for brownfields-related work;
• Developing a public record;
• Developing oversight and enforcement authorities, or other mechanisms and resources;
• Purchasing environmental insurance;
• Developing state and tribal tracking and management systems for land use, institutional
and engineering controls; and
• Conducting public education and outreach efforts to ensure that tribal communities are
informed and able to participate in environmental decision-making.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Brownfields Projects Program under
the STAG appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$15,954.0) This program change reduces federal resources for cleanup oversight by states
and tribes. EPA will work with states and tribes to prioritize funds to establish core
capabilities, enhance their response programs, and identify program efficiencies.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) § 128(a).
4 For more information, please see Brownfields State & Local Tribal Information.
548
-------
Categorical Grant: Environmental Information
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Rule of Law and Process
Objective(s): Streamline and Modernize
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SV.xVU
s v.(>-i(>.o
S0.-I22.lt
-S.1.22-I.O
Total Budget Authority
$9,550.3
$9,646.0
$6,422.0
-$3,224.0
Program Project Description:
Funds provided under this categorical grant support the Environmental Information Exchange
Network (EN) which is a critical component of the Agency's data strategy. The EN is a standards-
based, secure approach for EPA and its state, tribal and territorial partners to exchange and share
environmental data over the Internet. Through its use of technology and data standards, open-
source software, shared services and reusable tools and applications, the EN, in tandem with the
Agency's E-Enterprise efforts, offers its partners tremendous potential for managing, accessing,
and analyzing environmental data more effectively and efficiently.
The Exchange Network Grants Program provides funding to states, territories, federally
recognized Indian tribes, and tribal consortia to support their participation in the EN. These grants
help EN partners acquire and develop the hardware and software needed to: connect to the EN;
use the EN to collect, report and access the data they need with greater efficiency; conduct
mappings from one system to another with XML schemas; and integrate environmental data across
programs. In collaboration with EPA, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) agreed
upon the EN as the standard approach for EPA, state, tribe, and territorial data sharing. The
Exchange Network Grant Program provides the funding to make this approach a reality.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 3 / Objective 3.4, Streamline and Modernize in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Environmental Information programs and
activities will continue focus on state, local, and tribal partnerships in supporting government
agencies' delivery of environmental protection. Under this strategy, the Agency will continue to
advance its business processes and systems to reduce reporting burden on states and regulated
facilities, as well as to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of environmental protection
programs for EPA, states, and tribes. Currently a total of sixty-three state, tribal, and territorial
partners administer qualified EN grants projects. Many will apply results of Lean efforts conducted
by those agencies to implement these projects. EPA anticipates awarding fifteen EN grants in FY
2020 that will assist states, tribes, and territories to perform the following activities, which will be
prioritized based on core requirements:
549
-------
• Data Access and Availability: These activities create services and tools that make state,
tribal, or territorial data available on demand to other partners. Providing data through web
services and application programming interfaces (APIs) helps facilitate the sharing of
information with the public, with private sector entities, and among state, tribal, and
territorial agencies and EPA. The development of an API and web services approach, in
collaboration with EN partners, advances the EN's goal of expanding access to
environmental data and enhancing inter- and intra-partner data sharing. Grant activities
may include mobile and desktop applications, executive and program dashboards, and
publishing environmental information to public sites.
• New EPA Reporting Data Flows: Grant projects will support developing and implementing
new EN data flows that enable automated reporting to EPA systems (e.g., NPDES).
• Partner Data Sharing: These activities support the partners' ability to share cross-state,
cross-tribal or state-tribal data, such as institutional controls at contamination sites, data on
cleanup sites, and datasets of national significance to tribes (e.g., open dumps).
• Virtual Exchange Services (VES) support for states, tribes, and territories: This program
supports EN Partners transitioning from using individually-operated nodes to leveraging
EPA-hosted VES. Moving to VES supports the transition to a cloud-based network
infrastructure, which provides more cost-efficient ways for EN partners to manage nodes,
thereby decreasing development and operational costs (including licensing, server, and
administration costs). This cloud-based model provides a simplified and standardized
development environment, creates greater economies of scale, and reduces the
administration burden on partners.
• Sharing Cross-Media Electronic Reporting Rule (CROMERR) services and components:
This supports state and tribal adoption and implementation of a suite of Central Data
Exchange services that EPA has centrally developed for CROMERR functions. Specific
Shared Services include electronic signature for submissions from regulated entities, Copy
of Record management, and identity management within the registration process. States
and tribes will use these services that are centrally hosted by EPA, replacing individually
developed system functions. The use of shared services will reduce states and tribes' time
to prepare and review applications and develop systems, and the cost to develop, operate,
and maintain CROMERR-compliant e-reporting systems.
• Support for the EN and E-Enterprise business strategy through a cooperative agreement
with ECOS under the associated program support cost authority (Public Law 113-765).
This includes direct support to both EN and E-Enterprise joint governance, each of which
represents a cross-section of EPA, state, and tribal organizations.
The "National Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant Program Solicitation Notice"
sets forth the process for awarding grant funding to states, tribes, and territories.6 It is an annual
5 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-1.1.3publ76/pdf/PLAW-1.1.3publ76.pdf
6 For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/exchangenetwork/exchange-network-grant-program.
550
-------
guidance document that describes eligibility requirements, the process for application preparation
and submission, evaluation criteria, award administration information, and post-award monitoring
procedures.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,224.0) This focuses funding for states, tribes, and territories to develop tools, services,
and core capabilities, to increase their ability to share data through the EN and to improve
the effectiveness and efficiency of their environmental program management.
Statutory Authority:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970, 84 Stat. 2086, as amended by Pub. L. 98-80, 97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title 5, App.) (EPA's organic statute); Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-
141).
551
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Categorical Grant: Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SV.W-/.5
SVV./iVj.O
SfifiJM.O
-.S 33J12.0
Total Budget Authority
$97,994.5
$99,693.0
$66,381.0
-$33,312.0
Program Project Description:
The Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance Grants help states7 implement the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Through RCRA, EPA and states protect human health
and the environment by minimizing waste generation, preventing the release of millions of tons of
hazardous wastes, and cleaning up land and water. Authorized states conduct the direct
implementation of permitting, corrective action, and enforcement components of the RCRA
Hazardous Waste Management Program.
This grant funding supports all 50 states and six territories. Currently, 48 states and two territories
are authorized to implement the RCRA program. In addition, EPA directly implements the RCRA
program in the states of Iowa and Alaska. To ensure statutory requirements are successful, EPA
partners with state and local governments, as well as American businesses and non-governmental
organizations, to significantly improve waste and material management practices. In FY 2019 EPA
will begin revising the state allocation formula for Hazardous Waste Financial Assistance Grants
that will take effect in FY 2021. The Agency will pursue appropriate updates, including using the
most recent data, to better align cooperative agreement funding to state needs, maximizing the
environmental benefits and program performance of this funding.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Agency (and authorized
states) will:
• Issue and renew permits to a portion of the 6,600 hazardous waste treatment, storage and
disposal facilities. This includes working with industry, the public, and states to address
issues related to management of hazardous waste through development and application of
standards, permits, guidance, and training;
7 When appropriate, these grants also are used to support tribes in conducting hazardous waste work in Indian Country. For
additional information, refer to: https://www.epa.gov/tribal/solid-and-hazardous-waste-indian-countrv-resource-conservation-and-
recoverv-act-rcra.
552
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• Process permit modifications to keep pace with evolving business practices, technology,
market conditions, and cleanup decisions;
• Update controls to encourage facilities to modernize technological systems, expand waste
management capability, improve hazardous waste management practices, and make timely
cleanup decisions;
• Inspect facilities to ensure compliance and safety;
• Oversee cleanups at hazardous waste management facilities, and focus on completing
cleanup of the 3,779 priority 2020 Baseline facilities;
• Oversee cleanups at high priority contaminated hazardous waste management facilities and
return cleaned up property to productive use. This includes working with state partners to
ensure that responsible parties conduct effective and efficient cleanups that are protective
of human health and the environment, and reduce the burden on federal taxpayers;
• Draft implementation documents such as permits and orders, review site assessment plans
and results, review remedy selection documents, oversee remedy implementation, oversee
public participation, and track progress of cleanups;
• Continue to improve cleanup approaches, share best practices and cleanup innovations,
such as RCRA FIRST,8 and address issues of emerging science; and
• Under EPA's Lean Management System, EPA will monitor progress in issuing permits
more quickly without sacrificing permit integrity. This includes progress towards meeting
the Agency's goal of reaching all permitting-related decisions in a timely manner.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program also supports performance results in the RCRA Corrective Action
Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$33,312.0) This program change modifies timelines for reaching cleanup milestones and
reviewing facility data, cleanup plans, and permit modifications. Assistance to tribal
communities also is curtailed. EPA will work with states and tribes to target funds to core
requirements while providing flexibility to address particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act § 3011;
Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141).
8 For more information, visit: https: //www, epa. go v/hw/toolbox-corrective-action-resource-conservation-and-reco verv-act-
facilities-investigation-remedv.
553
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Categorical Grant: Lead
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S IJ.IHO.J
S14.04VM
so.o
-SI4.04V.0
Total Budget Authority
$13,016.2
$14,049.0
$0.0
-$14,049.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Lead Paint Program is working to reduce the number of children with blood lead levels of
five micrograms per deciliter or higher. The Program also works to reduce the disparities in blood
lead levels between low-income children and non-low-income children,9 and provides support to
authorized states and tribal programs that administer training and certification programs for lead
professionals and contractors.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. Lead paint certification will
continue under the Chemical Risk Review and Reduction Program.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$14,049.0) This program change eliminates the Categorical Grant: Lead Program.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) §§ 401-412.
9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fourth Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, Updated Tables,
(September, 2012). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ht tp: //www, cdc. go v/expo surereport/.
554
-------
Categorical Grant: Multipurpose Grants
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S5f>. 1
SI0,000.0
SI 0.000.0
S 0.0
Total Budget Authority
$56.1
$10,000.0
$10,000.0
$0.0
Program Project Description:
EPA and its partners have made enormous progress in protecting air, water, and land resources.
The recently created Multipurpose Grants Program will differ from prior iterations by supporting
states, tribes, and territories in the implementation of mandatory statutory duties in environmental
programs delegated by EPA. Recognizing that environmental challenges differ due to variations
in geography, population density, and other factors, the Program provides EPA's partners with
flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human health and the
environment.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports multiple objectives under Goal 1, Core Mission in the
FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, these funds will support the implementation of
mandatory statutory duties delegated by EPA under pertinent environmental laws. States, tribes,
and territories will have the flexibility to apply the funds toward activities required in a broad array
of environmental statutes, depending on local needs and priorities. Results will be tracked as
required by the Environmental Results Order and could support critical work across multiple
environmental programs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• No change in program funding.
Statutory Authority:
Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141); Indian Environmental General Assistance
Program Act (GAP); Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
555
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Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); Clean Air Act (CAA); Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Clean Water Act (CWA); Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA);
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Comprehensive Environmental Response, and
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA); Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act
(MPRSA); Indoor Radon Abatement Act.
Note: EPA is currently seeking appropriations language to support this program: "Providedfurther; That of the funds
otherwise available under the heading State and Tribal Assistance Grants; $27,000,000 shall be for multi-purpose
grants for the implementation of mandatory statutory duties in delegated environmental programs. "
556
-------
Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319)
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S lf>~.5V2.N
s/ -<>.<>1x0
so.o
-.s / 'o.v/xo
Total Budget Authority
$167,592.8
$170,915.0
$0.0
-$170,915.0
Program Project Description:
Section 319 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) authorizes states, territories, and tribes to use a range
of tools to implement their Nonpoint Source Programs.10 Grants under Section 319 are provided
to states, territories, and tribes to help them implement their EPA approved Nonpoint Source
Management Programs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources for this program are proposed for elimination in FY 2020. The Agency will continue to
coordinate with the United States Department of Agriculture (USD A) on targeting funding where
appropriate to address nonpoint sources.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$170,915.0) This program change eliminates the Nonpoint Source Grant Program. There
are other sources of funding that support this type of work across government and the
Agency will partner with USD A to target such efforts.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 319.
10 For more information, see: https://www.cfda.gov.
557
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Categorical Grant: Pesticides Enforcement
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
si f,
SIN. 05 0.0
S I0.5M.0
-S '.51V.0
Total Budget Authority
$17,924.6
$18,050.0
$10,531.0
-$7,519.0
Program Project Description:
The Pesticides Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Cooperative Agreement Program
supports pesticide product and user compliance with provisions of the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) through cooperative agreements11 with states and tribes.
The cooperative agreements support state and tribal compliance and enforcement activities under
FIFRA. Enforcement and pesticides program cooperative agreement guidance is issued to focus
regional, state, and tribal efforts on the highest priorities. EPA's support to state and tribal pesticide
programs12 emphasizes reducing chemical risks by ensuring compliance with: worker protection
standards, pesticide applicator certification and training requirements, pesticide use requirements
designed to protect water quality, pesticide product integrity, and border compliance.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will prioritize and award state and tribal
pesticides cooperative agreements for implementing the compliance monitoring and enforcement
provisions of FIFRA within our resource levels.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$7,519.0) This change reflects EPA's efforts to work with states and tribes to target funds
to core requirements while providing flexibility to address particular priorities.
11 For additional information, please refer to: http://www2.epa.gov/compliance/federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act-
state-and-tribal-assistance-grant.
12 For additional information, please refer to: http://www2.epa.gov/pesticide-advisoiy-coimiiittees-aiid-regulatoiy-partiiers/tribal-
pesticide-pro grains.
558
-------
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) §23(a)(l); Appropriation Act: FY
2018 (Public Law 115-141).
559
-------
Categorical Grant: Pesticides Program Implementation
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Stale and Tribal Assistance (irants
SI2. \\S'./
SI2. ~OI.O
SS.-lf.O
-S -1.2-1-1.0
Total Budget Authority
$12,728.1
$12,701.0
$8,457.0
-$4,244.0
Program Project Description:
The purpose of the pesticide program implementation grants is to translate pesticide regulatory
decisions made at the national level into results at the local level. Under the pesticide statutes,
responsibility for ensuring proper pesticide use is in large part delegated to states and tribes. Grant
resources allow states and tribes to be more effective regulatory partners.
EPA's mission, as related to pesticides, is to protect human health and the environment from
pesticide risk and to realize the value of pesticide availability by considering the economic, social,
and environmental costs and benefits of the use of pesticides.13 The Agency provides grants to
states, tribes, and other partners, including universities, non-profit organizations, other federal
agencies, pesticide users, environmental groups, and other entities, as necessary, to assist in
strengthening and implementing EPA's pesticide programs. This STAG program focuses on areas
such as worker safety activities (including worker protection and certification and training of
pesticide applicators), protection of endangered species,14 protection of water resources from
pesticides, protection of pollinators, and promotion of environmental stewardship and Integrated
Pest Management related activities. These Agency activities are achieved through implementation
of EPA statutes and regulatory actions by states and tribes.
EPA supports implementation of Tribal Pesticide Programs through grants. Tribal Program
outreach activities support tribal capacity to protect human health by reducing risks from pesticides
in Indian Country. This task is challenging given that certain aspects of Native Americans'
lifestyles, such as subsistence fishing or consumption of plants that were not grown as food and
possibly exposed to pesticides, may increase exposure to some chemicals or create unique
chemical exposure scenarios.15
13 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, as amended. Section 3(a), Requirement of Registration (7 U.S.C. 136a).
Available online at https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act.
14 The Endangered Species Act of 1973 sections 7(a) 1 and 7 (a)2; Federal Agency Actions and Consultations, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1536(a)). Available at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Act of 1973 internet site:
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/section-7.html
15 For additional information, please see http://www.epa.gov/pesticide-advisorv-committees-and-regulatorv-partners/tribal-
pesticide-pro grams.
560
-------
The Agency also funds a multi-year grant in support of the State Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Issues Research and Evaluation Group. The grant ensures the close
coordination of states and EPA on pesticide issues.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan.
Worker Protection Standard and Certification and Training Program
Through the Certification and Training Program and the Worker Protection Standard, EPA protects
workers, pesticide applicators and handlers, employers, and the public from the potential risks
posed by pesticides in their work environments. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to provide
assistance and grants to implement the Certification and Training Program and Worker Protection
Standard, and to address changes to the federal regulations for these programs. In FY 2020, states,
territories, and tribes will have submitted their revised Certification and Training plans to address
the new regulations and will begin planning for implementation to their certification programs that
may be needed to comply with the 2017 final rule. For worker protection, the states, territories,
and tribes also will train their program and inspection staff on the 2017 final revisions to the
Worker Protection Standard, conduct outreach and training programs, and plan for inspections
under the new rule.16
Endangered Species Protection Program
The Endangered Species Protection Program protects federally listed, threatened or endangered
animals and plants whose populations are threatened by risks associated with pesticide use.17 EPA
complies with Endangered Species Act requirements to ensure that its regulatory decisions will
not likely jeopardize the continued existence of species listed as endangered and threatened, or
destroy or adversely modify habitat designated as critical to those species' survival. EPA will
provide grants to states and tribes, as described above, for projects supporting endangered species
protection. Program implementation includes outreach, communication, education related to use
limitations, review and distribution of endangered species protection bulletins, and mapping and
development of endangered species protection plans. In FY 2020, these activities will continue to
support the Agency's mission to protect the environment from pesticide risk.
Protection of Water Sources from Pesticide Exposure
Protecting the nation's water sources from possible pesticide contamination is another component
of EPA's environmental protection efforts. In FY 2020, EPA will provide funding, through
cooperative agreements, to states, tribes, and other partners to investigate and respond, as needed,
to address water resources contaminated by pesticides. Stakeholders and partners, including states
and tribes, are expected to evaluate local pesticide uses that have the potential to contaminate water
16 For more information, please see: fattps://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safetY/liow-epa-protects-workers-pesticide-risk.
17 For more information, please see: http://www.epa.gov/oppfeadl/endanger/species-info.htm.
561
-------
resources and take steps to prevent or reduce contamination where pesticide concentrations
approach or exceed levels of concern.
Integrated Pest Management
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to support risk reduction by providing assistance to promote the
use of safer alternatives to traditional chemical pest control methods including Integrated Pest
Management techniques.18 EPA supports the development and evaluation of new pest
management technologies that contribute to reducing both health and environmental risks from
pesticide use.
Pollinator Health
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to work with state and tribal agencies to promote the development
of locally-based plans to help improve pollinator health. State pollinator protection plans in place
in several states have been an effective communication and collaboration mechanism between
stakeholders at the local level that can lead to reduced pesticide exposure and protection of honey
bees, while maintaining the flexibility needed by growers. EPA believes that these plans,
developed through a robust stakeholder engagement process at the local level, serve as good
models for enhanced local communication and can help accomplish EPA's overall goal of
mitigating exposure of bees to acutely toxic pesticides.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,244.0) This program change will streamline core activities, find efficiencies, and
leverage available resources. EPA will work with states and tribes to target funds to core
requirements while providing flexibility to address particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) § 23(a)(1); Federal Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act (FFDCA); Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996; Endangered Species Act
(ESA).
18 For additional information, please see http://www.epa.gov/pesp/.
562
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Categorical Grant: Pollution Control (Sec. 106)
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S 22V.UJ-/.-I
S230.m>.t)
S Ixl.OSJ.O
-S".I2.\0
Total Budget Authority
$229,034.4
$230,806.0
$153,683.0
-$77,123.0
Program Project Description:
Section 106 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) authorizes EPA to provide federal assistance to states
(including territories and the District of Columbia), tribes qualified under CWA section 518(e),
and interstate agencies to establish and maintain adequate programs for the prevention and control
of surface and groundwater pollution from point and nonpoint sources. Prevention and control
activities supported through these grants include: providing National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permits, conducting ambient water quality monitoring, assessing
and listing impaired waters, developing water quality standards and Total Maximum Daily Loads
(TMDLs), surveillance, and enforcement.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The Section 106 Grant Program supports prevention and
control measures that improve water quality. In FY 2020, EPA will focus on core statutory
requirements while continuing to provide states and tribes with flexibility to best address their
specific priorities.
Monitoring and Assessment
EPA is working with states and tribes to provide monitoring and assessment information to support
multiple CWA programs in a cost-efficient and effective manner. The intent is to have
scientifically defensible monitoring data that is needed to address priority problems at state, tribal,
national, and local levels and to track national water quality improvements over time.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue working with states and tribes to support their water quality
monitoring programs. Monitoring Initiative funds for states and tribes will support the National
Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) and the enhancement of state and tribal monitoring
programs.19 In FY 2020, the Monitoring Initiative will be funded at $11.9 million for participation
in the NARS and for monitoring program priority enhancements. EPA is implementing
19 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/water-pollution-control-section-106-grants/monitoriiig-initiative-
grants-under-section-106-clean.
563
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recommendations from a Lean exercise to improve the timeliness of monitoring data processed for
NARS partnerships. Through the Monitoring and Assessment Partnership, EPA will work with
states to develop and apply innovative and efficient monitoring tools and techniques to optimize
availability of high-quality data to support priority CWA program needs.
Reviewing and Updating Water Quality Standards
States and authorized tribes will review and update their water quality standards as required by the
CWA and EPA regulations at 40 CFR part 131. EPA also will work with tribes that want to
establish water quality standards. Through EPA's Lean Management System, the Agency will
continue to monitor the number of backlogged water quality standards actions. The Agency is
working to decrease the number of state and tribal standards revisions that EPA neither approved
nor disapproved within the first 60 days after submittal and that have yet to be so acted upon. The
Agency also is tracking progress by states in completing the triennial reviews of applicable
standards on time as required by the CWA.
Developing Total Maximum Daily Loads
EPA will work with states, territories, and authorized tribes to develop and implement TMDLs for
CWA section 303(d) listed impaired waterbodies as a tool for meeting water quality restoration
goals. TMDLs focus on achieving clearly defined environmental standards and establishing a
pollutant budget, which is then implemented via permit requirements and through local, state, and
federal watershed plans and programs to restore waters. EPA will continue to track state progress
in completing TMDLs, alternative restoration approaches or projection plans with a goal of 100
percent of priority plans in place at state identified priority waters under the State-EPA 303(d)
Program Vision by 2022.20 As of the end of FY 2018, 33,135 square miles, or 33 percent of state
priority waters, were addressed by a priority TMDL, other restoration plan or protection approach.
Issuing Permits
The NPDES Program requires point source dischargers to be permitted and pretreatment programs
to control discharges from industrial and other facilities to the nation's wastewater treatment
plants. Through EPA's Lean Management System, this program is working with the states21 to
balance competing opportunities; identify opportunities to enhance the integrity and effectiveness
of NPDES permits, set schedules to address significant action items, and map out programmatic
permitting reforms and revisions. After Lean Management improvements, the FY 2018 backlog of
EPA-issued new NPDES permits decreased from 106 to 62.
Conducting Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
EPA will work with NPDES-authorized states to implement the 2014 CWA Act NPDES
Compliance Monitoring Strategy (CMS).22 The NPDES CMS establishes national standards for
20 Read more on the 303(d) Program Vision at: https://www.epa.gov/tmdUnew-vision-implementiiig-cwa-section-303d-impaired-
waters-program-responsibilities.
21 Currently there are no tribes having authority to implement the NPDES Program.
22 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/clean-water-act-national-pollutant-discharge-
elimination-system-compliance-monitoring.
564
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allocation of inspection resources across all NPDES regulated entities in order to best protect water
quality.
EPA works with states on advanced technologies, such as remote water monitoring sensors to
collect discharge data, to more efficiently identify problem areas. The Agency expects that these
technologies will improve the analytical capabilities of both EPA and states and enhance the
public's knowledge about the quality of their environment.
Currently, EPA and states are implementing the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule through the
Integrated Compliance Information System.23 Phase 1 of the rule was implemented in FY 2017
for NPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports, and Phase 2 began cooperatively with our state
partners in FY 2018. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to work with states in the development of
electronic reporting tools and data sharing. For example, approximately 22 states currently use
EPA's electronic reporting tool to collect Discharge Monitoring Reports. This saves a significant
amount of resources in development, and operations and maintenance costs for state programs.
Working with Tribal Water Pollution Control Programs
In FY 2020, EPA will work with tribal programs on activities that address water quality and
pollution problems on tribal lands. Tribes will continue to implement and expand their Water
Pollution Control Programs pursuant to section 518(e) of the CWA.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM SWP-01) Reduction in the number of square miles of watershed with surface water not meeting
standards (cumulative).
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(.
I V 20 r
1 Y 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
No Target
listablished
9,000
18,000
Square Miles
Actual
N/A
(PM TMDL-02) Progress in putting priority TMDLs, Alternative Restoration plans, and protection
approaches in place.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
50
67
Percent
Actual
Numerator
Square Miles
Denominator
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$77,123.0) This program change reduces the Section 106 grants. EPA will work with
states and tribes to target funds to core requirements while providing flexibility to address
particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 106.
23 For more information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/npdes-ereporting.
565
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Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S-I.Ux'J
S-/.
so.o
-.W.
Total Budget Authority
$4,115.9
$4,765.0
$0.0
-$4,765.0
Program Project Description:
The Pollution Prevention (P2) Categorical Grants Program augments the counterpart P2 Program
under the Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) account.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. Based on previous
investments in P2 solutions made under this program project, partners are expected to be able to
continue to share best practices and pursue additional pollution prevention solutions.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,765.0) This program change eliminates the Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention
Program.
Statutory Authority:
Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (PPA) § 6605; Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-
141).
566
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Categorical Grant: Public Water System Supervision (PWSS)
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SVS.VS.S
S1M.'*(>3.0
srr.svj.o
-s.t-i.tr i.n
Total Budget Authority
$98,978.8
$101,963.0
$67,892.0
-$34,071.0
Program Project Description:
The Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) Program provides grants to states and tribes with
primary enforcement authority (primacy) to implement and enforce the National Primary Drinking
Water Regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These grants support the safety of the
Nation's drinking water resources. EPA works closely with states and tribes to implement the Safe
Drinking Water Act and to protect public health and the environment. Under the Safe Drinking
Water Act, EPA grants the states with primary enforcement responsibility of their drinking water
program.
The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations set forth health-based standards, monitoring,
reporting and record keeping, sanitary surveys, compliance tracking, and enforcement elements to
ensure that the Nation's drinking water supplies do not pose adverse health risks. The PWSS
Program supports state and tribal roles in partnering with EPA to ensure safe drinking water
supplies to the public. States and tribes with primary enforcement authority use these grant funds
to fund drinking water program personnel who:
• Provide training and technical assistance to owners and operators of public water systems;
• Conduct sanitary surveys {i.e., on-site reviews conducted to determine and support a
facility's capacity to deliver safe drinking water) and address significant deficiencies that
may compromise the quality of the finished water;
• Train and certify public water system operators;
• Manage public water system data, facilitate electronic reporting of compliance monitoring
data, and submit compliance data to the database of record, the Safe Drinking Water
Information System (SDWIS);
• Ensure that public water systems conduct the required public notifications to consumers,
so they are aware of problems with their drinking water;
• Respond to violations and issue enforcement actions;
• Certify laboratories;
• Conduct laboratory analyses; and
• Provide training and technical assistance to public water system operators and managers to
build water system technical, managerial, and financial capacity.
567
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Some states and tribes do not have primary enforcement authority. Funds allocated to the State of
Wyoming, the District of Columbia, and Indian tribes without primacy are used to support direct
implementation activities by EPA or for developmental grants to Indian tribes to develop capacity
for primacy.24
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will work with states and tribes to target
funds to core statutory requirements while providing states and tribes with flexibility to best address
their priorities. In addition, EPA will provide funds to support state and tribal efforts to assist the most
vulnerable water systems in meeting drinking water regulations and in developing financial and
managerial capacity needed to protect federal investments that remedy aging or inadequate
infrastructure (e.g., pipe replacement to prevent failures in distribution systems, installation of
treatment to remove drinking water contaminants). Through these activities, EPA will encourage
states and tribes to use funds to focus, to the extent possible, on the most immediate challenges
public water systems are currently facing.
EPA also is seeking efficiencies within the PWSS Program by working with states to pursue a
reduction of the number systems that have health-based non-compliance events. This includes
striving to decrease the number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based
standards. Over the 5-year period of the FY 2018- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan, EPA is pursuing a 25
percent reduction in the number systems that have health-based violations from 3,508 in FY 2017
to 2,700 by FY 2022. At the end of FY 2018, 3,480 community water systems were out of
compliance with health-based standards. The PWSS Program helps to facilitate this effort by
supporting state drinking water programs, tribal drinking water officials, and technical assistance
providers in achieving and maintaining compliance at drinking water systems, developing best
practices, strengthening state capacity, and certifying drinking water operators.
Finally, EPA is partnering with states to increase the number of community water systems that had
a sanitary survey within the last three years. SDWA requires that primacy agencies conduct a
sanitary survey for each drinking water system every three years (five years for outstanding
performance). The Agency is working toward the goal of improving the proportion of community
water systems that had a sanitary survey within the last three years to 98 percent by FY 2022 from
the 3-year rolling average of 92 percent in FY 2017. Information gained during on-site sanitary
surveys comprise the backbone of state understanding of performance challenges that drinking
water systems face and potential public health risks.
24 For more information, please see:
http://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/public-water-svstem-supervision-pwss-grant-program and
https://www.cfda. gov/index?s=program&mode=form&tab=stepl&id=cca066b833c552bdOc9ffQlle576c7f.
568
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM DW-01) Number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
CWSs
Actual
3,480
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$34,071.0) This program change reflects a reduction in the PWSS Grants Program. EPA
will work with states and tribes to target funds to core requirements while providing
flexibility to address particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act § 1443.
569
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Categorical Grant: Radon
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
s X.IVX.V
N,N!.«.*/.«
so.o
-SS.051.0
Total Budget Authority
$8,198.0
$8,051.0
$0.0
-$8,051.0
Program Project Description:
Title III of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizes EPA to undertake a variety of
activities to address the public health risks posed by exposures to indoor radon. Under the statute,
EPA has assisted states and tribes through technical support and the State Indoor Radon Grants
(SIRG) Program, which provided categorical grants to develop, implement, and enhance programs
that assess and mitigate radon risk. For over 30 years, EPA's Radon Program has provided
important guidance, technical assistance, and funding to help states establish and support their own
programs. EPA also provided technical support to transfer "best practices" among states that
promote effective program implementation across the nation.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$8,051.0) Resources for this program are proposed for elimination in FY 2020.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) § 306; Clean Air Act (CAA); Radon Gas and Indoor Air
Quality Research Act; Title IV of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA).
570
-------
Categorical Grant: State and Local Air Quality Management
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S 22V.HMU
S22S.2IV.O
S 151.V01.0
-S~t>.25X.<)
Total Budget Authority
$229,030.4
$228,219.0
$151,961.0
-$76,258.0
Program Project Description:
This program provides funding for state air programs, as implemented by state, multi-state, and
local air pollution control agencies. Section 103 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) provides EPA with
the authority to award grants to air pollution control agencies, other public or nonprofit private
agencies, institutions, and organizations, to conduct and promote certain types of research,
investigations, experiments, demonstrations, surveys, studies, and training related to air pollution.
Section 105 of the CAA provides EPA with the authority to award grants to state and local air
pollution control agencies to develop and implement continuing environmental and public health
programs, such as: prevention and control of air pollution, implementation of National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set to protect public health and the environment, and improving
visibility in our national parks and wilderness areas (Class I areas). The continuing activities
funded under Section 105 include: development and implementation of preconstruction permit
programs; emission reduction measures; development and operation of air quality monitoring
networks, and other air program activities, including training. Section 106 of the CAA provides
EPA with the authority to fund interstate air pollution transport commissions to develop or carry
out plans for designated air quality control regions.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This program also supports the Agency Priority Goal, "Improve Air
Quality by Implementing Pollution Control Measures to Reduce the Number of Nonattainment
Areas," and the long-term performance goal, "By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of
nonattainment areas to 101."[1] In FY 2020, at least $5 million in state and local air quality
management grant funding will support efforts to improve children's health through state, local,
and tribal efforts to attain and maintain the NAAQS.
States will continue to be responsible for State Implementation Plans (SIPs), which provide a
blueprint for the programs and activities that states carry out to attain and maintain the NAAQS
and comply with visibility improvement obligations. In FY 2020, EPA anticipates submission of
SIPs addressing the Northeast States' Ozone Transport Region requirements for the 2015 ozone
NAAQS. Also, affected states will be completing development or revision of attainment SIPs for
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areas classified "Moderate" or higher for the 2015 ozone NAAQS, and reclassified to "Serious"
for the 2008 ozone NAAQS; and areas designated nonattainment effective April 2018 for the 2010
sulfur dioxide (SO2) NAAQS. States also have SIP obligations associated with visibility
improvement requirements, among other requirements identified in the CAA. In FY 2020, EPA
will work with states to prioritize activities needed to meet obligations for SIP development and
in implementing their plans for attaining and maintaining the NAAQS and achieving regional haze
goals, adjusting schedules, and identifying streamlining options. In FY 2020, states will work
collaboratively to support SIP submissions associated with the second planning period of the
regional haze program under the visibility improvement requirements of the CAA. Comprehensive
regional haze SIP revisions are due in FY 2021. In addition, states will be implementing control
measures required from their first planning period SIPs.
States also will continue implementing the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS, the 2008 lead NAAQS,
the 2010 1-hour nitrogen dioxide (NO2) NAAQS, and the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS. As
appropriate, states also will continue implementing the previous PM2.5 and ozone NAAQS,
including the 1997 annual and 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS, the 2012
annual PM2.5 NAAQS, and the 1-hour and 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS (through anti-backsliding
requirements).
States, as part of their continuing environmental programs, will operate and maintain their air
monitoring networks to the extent possible, balancing competing priorities. Air monitoring is
typically the largest part of a state's overall air program, and includes the collection, quality
assurance, and submittal of ambient air quality data. In FY 2020, for purposes of implementing
the 2010 1-hour SO2 NAAQS, states will continue operating monitoring networks in accordance
with the requirements of the SO2 NAAQS Data Requirements Rule in certain locations.
The multi-pollutant monitoring site network (NCore) serves multiple objectives such as measuring
long-term trends of air pollution, validating models, and providing input to health and atmospheric
science studies. EPA will provide assistance to states to operate this network of approximately 80
stations across the nation that provides measurements for particles, including filter-based and
continuous mass for PM2.5; chemical speciation for PM2.5; and PM10 - PM2.5 mass. Stations also
measure gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), SO2, NO2, and ozone, and record basic
meteorology.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to work with states to support the operation of monitoring sites in
the near-road environment - a source of concentrated mobile source emissions. Data collected
from these monitoring sites implemented under phases 1 and 2 of the near-road monitoring
network requirements will be used to assess compliance with the NAAQS, support public
information based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), and support short- and long-term studies of
health impacts of near-road exposure. EPA also proposes to transition the funding of the PM25
monitoring network from Section 103 authority of the CAA, which provides 100 percent federal
funding, to Section 105 authority of the CAA, which provides a maximum federal share of 60
percent.
In FY 2020, states will continue to implement approved or delegated air permitting programs. EPA
will continue to undertake actions, as necessary, in accordance with the Supreme Court's 2014
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decision on EPA's Tailoring Rule, as well as the April 2015 D.C. Circuit Amended Judgment
implementing the Supreme Court's decision.
In FY 2020, states will continue to develop emission inventories and submit data to EPA under an
adjusted schedule for the next release of the National Emission Inventory (NEI). EPA plans to
release the 2017 NEI in calendar year 2020. The development of a complete emission inventory is
an important step in an air quality management process. These inventories are used to help
determine significant sources of air pollutants and establish emission trends over time, target
regulatory actions, and estimate air quality through dispersion and photo-chemical modeling. An
emission inventory includes estimates of the emissions from various pollution sources in a specific
geographical area.
State and local agencies also will use federal funding to support capabilities to provide air quality
forecasts for ozone and PM2.5 that provide the public with information they can use to make daily
lifestyle decisions to protect their health. This information allows people to take precautionary
measures to avoid or limit their exposure to unhealthy levels of air quality. In addition, many
communities use forecasts for initiating air quality "action" or "awareness" days that allow for
public action to reduce pollution and improve local air quality. EPA will update data on an adjusted
schedule to allow for state and local agencies to provide important public health information to the
public.
This program also supports state and local efforts to characterize air toxics problems and take
measures to reduce health risks to children and to the population at large from air toxics. This
funding also supports characterization work that includes collection and analysis of emissions data
and monitoring of ambient air toxics. In FY 2020, funds also will support the National Air Toxics
Trends Stations, consisting of 27 air toxics monitoring sites operated and maintained by state and
local air pollution control agencies across the country, including the associated quality assurance,
data analysis, and methods support.
In FY 2020, states and multi-jurisdictional organizations will continue to use this funding to
establish and maintain training priorities for air quality-related subjects; develop new and update
existing air quality-related training materials; and, provide classroom and other types of training
for air quality professionals.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Federal Support for Air Quality
Management Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
573
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$76,258.0) This program change is a reduction to state environmental programs
responsible for carrying out air quality implementation activities. EPA will work with
states to target funds to core requirements while providing flexibility to address particular
state priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act, §§ 103, 105, 106.
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Categorical Grant: Toxics Substances Compliance
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S-/.0H5.5
S-/.VIV.V
S 3.2'(>.<)
-SI. (>-13.0
Total Budget Authority
$4,685.5
$4,919.0
$3,276.0
-$1,643.0
Program Project Description:
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Compliance Monitoring Program builds environmental
partnerships25 with states, tribes, and territories to strengthen their ability to address environmental
and public health threats from toxic substances. This assistance is used to prevent or eliminate
unreasonable risks to health or the environment and to ensure compliance with toxic substance
regulations. The grants support inspection programs associated with lead-based paint (§402(a),
§406(b), and the Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule), the Asbestos Hazard Emergency
Response Act, and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhanced Shared Accountability in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to award state and tribal
assistance grants to assist in the implementation of compliance and enforcement provisions of
TSCA.
Over the past two years, the Agency has consulted with its state partners in the development of a
new allocation formula for the TSCA State and Tribal Assistance Grants. EPA will begin
implementing the new formula in FY 2019, using a phased approach over three fiscal years (FY
2019 - FY 2021). This approach establishes a new weighted formula that better aligns the
distribution of funding with the national program priorities including reducing risks from: (1) lead
poisoning or elevated blood-lead levels; (2) exposure to asbestos, and (3) exposure to PCBs.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
25
For additional information, please refer to: https://www.epa.gov/compliance/toxic-substances-compliance-monitoring-grant-
guidance-fiscal-year-2018.
575
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,643.0) This change reflects a focus on reducing risks from lead-based paint and
maximizing environmental benefits and program performance. EPA will work with states
and tribes to target funds to core requirements while providing flexibility to address
particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Toxic Substances Control Act.
576
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Categorical Grant: Tribal Air Quality Management
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SI J.
SI2.S2V.fi
SS.'JO.KI
-M..SY,f,.(l
Total Budget Authority
$12,767.9
$12,829.0
$8,963.0
-$3,866.0
Program Project Description:
This program includes funding for tribal air pollution control agencies and/or tribes implementing
projects and programs to address air pollution issues in Indian Country. Using section 105 authority
of the CAA, tribal air pollution control agencies and tribes may develop and implement programs
for the prevention and control of air pollution and implementation of national primary and
secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Using section 103 authority of the
CAA, tribal air pollution control agencies or tribes, colleges, universities, and multi-tribe
jurisdictional air pollution control agencies may conduct and promote research, investigations,
experiments, demonstrations, surveys, studies, and training related to ambient or indoor air
pollution in Indian Country. EPA provides technical assistance and resources to help tribes build
their program capacity and ensure successful project completion.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Tribes will assess environmental and public health conditions in
Indian Country by developing emission inventories and, where appropriate, siting and operating
air quality monitors. Tribes will continue to develop and implement air pollution control
programs for Indian Country to prevent and address air quality concerns. EPA will continue to
fund organizations for the purpose of providing technical support, tools, and training for tribes to
build capacity to develop and implement programs at reduced levels. Currently, there are
573 federally recognized tribes. Of those, 53 tribes have treatment in a manner similar to a state
status or Treatment as a State (TAS) with regard to implementing functions pertaining to the
management and protection of air resources within reservation boundaries or other areas under the
tribe's jurisdiction and have the capability to implement the CAA program(s) for which they have
received approval. In addition, EPA awards financial support under Sections 103 and 105 of the
Clean Air Act to help build tribal knowledge and increase tribes' capacity to manage air quality
issues and encourages tribes to partner with EPA to carry out Clean Air Act protections within
reservations and tribal communities.
In FY 2020, a key activity is to work to reduce the number of days in violation of the NAAQS.
This program supports the Agency's priority of building strong partnerships with individual tribes
577
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and with the National Tribal Air Association (NTAA), whose priorities include tribes' ability to
collect and provide monitoring data and to protect the health of their tribal members.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to implement the Tribal New Source Review rule. Under this
rule, tribes may opt to take an active role in implementation by developing a Tribal
Implementation Plan, managing the Program under EPA's authority, or by actively participating
in the permit review and outreach process.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Federal Support for Air Quality
Management Program under the Environmental Programs and Management appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,866.0) This program change is a reduction in federal support for CAA grants to tribal
air pollution control agencies and/or tribes. EPA will work with tribes to target funds to
core requirements, while providing flexibility to best address tribal priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act §§ 103, 105.
578
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Categorical Grant: Tribal General Assistance Program
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Cooperative Federalism
Objective(s): Enhance Shared Accountability
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
Sfo.JOfi.l
S -/-/.2M.0
-.S 21.2-1X1)
Total Budget Authority
$65,266.1
$65,476.0
$44,233.0
-$21,243.0
Program Project Description:
In 1992, Congress established the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) that
provides grants and technical assistance to tribes to plan, develop, and establish tribal
environmental protection programs consistent with other applicable provisions of law
administered by EPA. The Agency works collaboratively with tribal partners on mutually
identified envrionmental and health priorities to achieve these aims. Funding provided under GAP
is for the administrative, technical, legal, enforcement, communication, and outreach capacities
tribes need to effectively administer environmental regulatory programs that EPA may delegate to
tribes. Please see https://www.epa.gov/tribal/indian-environmental-general-assistance-program-
gap for more information.
Some uses of GAP funds include:
• Assessing the status of a tribe's environmental conditions;
• Developing appropriate environmental programs, codes and ordinances;
• Developing the capacity to administer environmental regulatory programs that EPA may
delegate to a tribe;
• Conducting public education and outreach efforts to ensure that tribal communities
(including non-members residing in Indian Country) are informed and able to participate
in environmental decision-making; and
• Establishing tribal program capacity to communicate and coordinate with federal, tribal,
state, and local government officials on environmental and public health actions and issues.
GAP supports tribal capacity development through financial assistance to approximately 525 tribal
governments and inter-tribal consortia. GAP has helped tribes receive 78 program delegations to
administer a variety of programs across a number of statutes, including the Clean Water Act, Safe
Drinking Water Act, and the Clean Air Act. Tribes also have developed their capacity to assist
EPA in implementing federal environmental programs in the absence of an EPA-approved tribal
program through Direct Implementation Tribal Cooperative Agreements (DITCAs). In FY 2018
there were 22 active DITCAs supporting EPA's direct implementation activities. Furthermore,
GAP funds have helped to train tribal government inspectors who are able to conduct compliance
monitoring activities under tribal laws and also may have EPA federal inspector credentials. In
579
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addition, GAP also supports tribes with the development of their waste management programs
with over 241 tribes having Integrated Waste Management Plans.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared Accountability, in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, GAP grants will continue to assist tribal
governments in developing environmental protection program capacity to assess environmental
conditions, use relevant environmental information to improve long-range strategic environmental
program development planning, and develop programs tailored to tribal government needs
consistent with those long-range strategic plans.
The Agency's Guidance on the Award and Management of General Assistance Agreements for
Tribes and Intertribal Consortia26 establishes an overall framework for tribes and EPA to follow
in developing tribal environmental program capacity under GAP. Specifically, the guidance
strengthens joint strategic planning through development and implementation of EPA-Tribal
Environmental Plans (ETEPs) to document intermediate and long-range tribal environmental
program development priorities. These tribe-specific strategic planning documents inform funding
decisions by linking annual GAP assistance agreement work plans to ETEP goals and provide a
mechanism to measure tribal progress in meeting their program development goals.
In FY 2018 and 2019, EPA is evaluating implementation of the Program under the current GAP
guidance to identify improvements. The evaluation involves gathering evidence from EPA project
officers and tribal recipients of GAP funding based on their experience using the current guidance.
This evidence will inform EPA's understanding of how the program guidance and implementation
approaches are contributing to intended results of tribal capacity development related to EPA-
administered programs. The evidence will ultimately be used to inform decisions on whether and
how to revise the GAP guidance and make improvements to national program implementation
activities. During the evaluation, EPA is specifically requesting input related to using the guidance
to develop work plans, connecting GAP funding to tribal environmental program goals, and
approaches for national program performance measurement and reporting.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to implement GAP under a national framework set forth in program
guidance, as modified during FY 2019, and maintain an emphasis on training (internal and
external) to support nationally consistent GAP guidance interpretation and implementation. In
supporting a strong GAP management framework (as referenced under Tribal Capacity Program
[EPM Appropriation]), EPA will continue to establish and refine tools to track the progress tribes
achieve toward developing and implementing environmental protection programs in Indian
Country.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
26 The GAP Guidance is available at https:/Avww.epa.gov/tribal/201.3-guidaiice-award-aiid-iiiaiiageiiieiit-geiieral-assistai
agreements-tribes-and-intertribal.
580
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$21,243.0) This reduces funding for tribes to develop the capacity to implement
environmental protection programs in Indian Country. EPA will work with states and tribes
to target funds to core requirements while providing flexibility to address particular
priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act.
581
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Categorical Grant: Underground Injection Control (UIC)
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S J O.J JO. J
N/ 0,500.0
SO.'W.O
-S 3.511.0
Total Budget Authority
$10,130.3
$10,506.0
$6,995.0
-$3,511.0
Program Project Description:
EPA's Underground Injection Control (UIC) Grant Program funds federal, state, and tribal
government agencies that oversee underground injection activities to prevent contamination of
underground sources of drinking water from fluid injection practices, as established by the Safe
Drinking Water Act.
EPA regulates the permitting, construction, operation, and closure of injection wells used to place
fluids underground for storage, disposal, enhanced recovery of oil and gas, and mineral recovery.
In FY 2020, EPA will provide financial assistance in the form of grants to states and tribes that
have primary enforcement authority (primacy) to implement and manage UIC programs and
ensure safe injection well operations that prevent contamination of underground source of drinking
water. Eligible Indian tribes that demonstrate an intent to achieve primacy also may receive grants
for the initial development of UIC programs and be designated for "Treatment as a State" if their
programs are approved. Where a jurisdiction does not have primacy, EPA uses these funds for
direct implementation of federal UIC requirements.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The requested funding supports implementation of the
UIC Program, which manages approximately 740,000 injection wells27 across six well types to
protect our groundwater resources. EPA directly implements UIC programs in eight states and two
territories and shares responsibility in eight states and two tribes. EPA also administers the UIC
programs for all other tribes and for Class VI wells in all states but North Dakota.28 EPA will
continue its support of state oil and gas programs as they implement or assume responsibility for
UIC Class II programs.
The UIC Program is improving efficiency by reducing the UIC permit application processing time
to 180 days or fewer. The Program will continue implementing the UIC Class II well permit review
27As represented in calendar year 2017 annual inventory.
28 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/uic/prinMry-enforcement-authority-underground-iiiiection-control-
582
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process developed as part of the Agency's 2018 kaizen process in both its headquarters and
regional offices. EPA's kaizen, or rapid improvement process, is the fundamental step of all Lean
Management/production activities that focuses on eliminating waste, improving productivity, and
achieving sustained continual improvement in targeted activities and processes. For the UIC
Program, this includes applying identified permit review and processing efficiencies from the
Class II effort to all other well classes, modifying common definitions, as appropriate, to provide
greater clarity for all well classes so that improvements in processing permit applications can be
attained. In FY 2018, the backlog of EPA-issued new UIC permits decreased from 44 to 36.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$3,511.0) This program change reduces UIC grants. EPA will work with states and tribes
to target funds to core statutory requirements while providing flexibility to address
particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act § 1443.
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Categorical Grant: Underground Storage Tanks
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SJJ20.lt
SI.4VH.lt
S lt.lt
-Sl.-IVS.lt
Total Budget Authority
$1,320.0
$1,498.0
$0.0
-$1,498.0
Program Project Description:
Releases of petroleum from underground storage tanks (UST) can contaminate groundwater, the
drinking water source for many Americans. The State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG)
program provides funding to states29 to bring UST systems into compliance with release
prevention and release detection requirements.
STAG funds are used by states to fund such activities as: seeking state program approval to operate
the UST program in lieu of the federal program; approving specific technologies to detect leaks
from tanks; ensuring that tank owners and operators are complying with notification and other
requirements; ensuring equipment compatibility; conducting inspections; and implementing
operator training.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources and FTE are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. States could elect
to maintain core program work with state resources rather than federal.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$1,498.0) This funding change proposes to eliminate the Categorical Grant: Underground
Storage Tanks Program.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act § 2007(f); Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141).
29 States as referenced here also include the District of Columbia and five territories as described in the definition of state in the
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
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Categorical Grant: Wetlands Program Development
Program Area: Categorical Grants
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S 15.111.:
N /-/.(>(< 1.0
S'A '(>2.0
-S-/..SWVM
Total Budget Authority
$15,111.2
$14,661.0
$9,762.0
-$4,899.0
Program Project Description:
The Wetland Program Development Grants Program assists states, tribes, and local governments
with building or enhancing their wetland protection and restoration programs. The Program's
grants are used to develop new or refine existing state and tribal wetland programs in one or more
of the following areas: (1) monitoring and assessment; (2) voluntary restoration and protection;
(3) regulatory programs, including Section 401 certification and Section 404 assumption;30 and
(4) wetland water quality standards.
States and tribes develop program elements based on their goals and resources. The grants support
development of state and tribal wetland programs that further the goals of the Clean Water Act
(CWA) and improve water quality in watersheds throughout the country. The grants are awarded
on a competitive basis under the authority of Section 104(b)(3) of the Clean Water Act. The grant
funding is split among EPA's ten Regional Offices according to the number of states and territories
per region. Each region is required, by regulation, to compete the award of these funds to states,
tribes, local governments, interstate agencies, and inter-tribal consortia.31 In addition, EPA sets
aside 10 percent of the appropriation for a grant competition specifically for tribes and inter-tribal
consortia.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. EPA will continue to assist states and tribes in their efforts
to protect and manage wetlands through documenting stresses or improvements to wetland
condition, developing tools for wetland restoration and the use of natural infrastructure to mitigate
flooding hazards, and developing regulatory controls to avoid, minimize, and compensate for
30 State and tribal assumption of Section 404 is an approach that can be useful in streamlining 404 permitting in coordination with
other environmental regulations. When states or tribes assume administration of the federal regulatory program, Section 404 permit
applicants seek permits from the state or tribe rather than the federal government. States and tribes are in many cases located closer
to the proposed activities and are often more familiar with local resources, issues, and needs. Even when a state assumes permitting
under Section 404, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers retains jurisdiction for a certain portion of waters under the CWA as well as
those waters subject to Section 10 of the River and Harbors Act for permits.
31 For more information, please see: http://water.epa.gov/grants funding/wetlands/estp.cfm.
585
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wetland impacts. EPA also will work with interested states and tribes to develop and improve their
wetland program capacity and will track progress on an annual basis at the program level.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,899.0) This program change reduces the Wetland Program Development Grants
Program. EPA will work with states and tribes to target funds to core requirements while
providing flexibility to address particular priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Water Act § 104(b)(3).
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State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
587
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Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
sa. i
S '5.000.0
SI 0.000.0
-SfO.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$72,668.1
$75,000.0
$10,000.0
-$65,000.0
Program Project Description:
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Grant Program provides support for emission
reductions from existing diesel engines through engine retrofits, rebuilds, and replacements;
switching to cleaner fuels; idling reduction; and other clean diesel strategies. The DERA Program
was initially authorized in Sections 791-797 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and reauthorized
by the Diesel Emission Reduction Act of 2010.
Diesel engines are the modern-day workhorse of the American economy (e.g., goods movement,
construction, public transportation). Diesel engines are extremely efficient and power nearly every
major piece of equipment on farms, construction sites, in ports, and on highways. As the Agency's
heavy-duty highway and nonroad diesel engines emissions standards came into effect in 2007
and 2008 respectively, new cleaner diesel engines started to enter the nation's fleet. However,
there are still more than 10 million older engines in use that will continue to emit large amounts
of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. EPA's DERA Program promotes strategies to reduce
these emissions and protect public health by working with manufacturers, fleet operators, air
quality professionals, environmental and community organizations, and state and local officials.
While the DERA grants accelerate the pace at which dirty engines are retired or retrofitted,
pollution emissions from the legacy fleet also will be reduced over time as portions of the fleet
are replaced with new engines that meet modern emission standards. However, even with
attrition through fleet turnover, the Agency estimates that more than one million old diesel
engines will remain in use in 2030.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.1, Improve Air Quality in the FY 2018
- 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, EPA will continue to target its discretionary funding to
direct DERA grants and rebates to reduce diesel emissions in priority areas and areas of highly
concentrated diesel pollution with a primary focus on ports and school buses. Specifically, the
Agency is prioritizing at least $5 million to be used for clean school bus retrofits and rebates to
support improved children's health by reducing harmful emissions from older school buses.
588
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EPA estimates that about 39 million people in the U.S. currently live close to ports. These people
can be exposed to air pollution associated with emissions from diesel engines at ports including
particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and air toxics, which can contribute to significant health
problems—including premature mortality, increased hospital admissions for heart and lung
disease, increased cancer risk, and increased respiratory symptoms - especially for children, the
elderly, outdoor workers, and other sensitive populations.32 School buses provide the safest
transportation to and from school for more than 25 million American children every day. However,
diesel exhaust from these buses has a negative impact on human health, especially for children,
whose lungs are not yet fully developed and who have a faster breathing rate than adults.33
Using the formula outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, eligible states and territories receive
30 percent of the annual DERA appropriation for the establishment of clean diesel grant, rebate
and loan programs. The remaining DERA funding is split into two categories. The first category
allocates funds to a rebate program that was first established under DERA's 2010
reauthorization. Through the rebate mechanism, the Agency will more efficiently and precisely
target the awards toward improving children's health and turning over the nation's school bus
fleet. In addition, this rebate mechanism can be used to provide funding directly to private fleets.
The second category allocates funds toward national grants focusing on areas with poor air
quality, especially those impacted most severely by ports and goods movement. EPA also will
continue to track, assess, and report the results of DERA grants, such as numbers of engines,
emissions benefits, and cost-benefit information.34 Finally, EPA will continue to provide diesel
emission reduction technology verification and evaluation and provide that information to the
public.35
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$65,000.0) This program change is a reduction in the overall amount of DERA grant
funding, directing DERA grants and rebates to reduce diesel emissions in priority areas,
such as clean school bus retrofits and rebates.
Statutory Authority:
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act; Energy Policy Act of 2005, Title VII, Subtitle G.
32 EPA's National Port Strategy Assessment report of 2016, found at: https://www.epa.gov/ports-initiative/national-port-strategy-
assessment.
33 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-school-bus.
34 List of all grant awards under DERA can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants.
35 For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.
589
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Brownfields Projects
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SS-/JI0.J
S SO.000.0
Sf>2.000.0
-SIS.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$84,310.3
$80,000.0
$62,000.0
-$18,000.0
Program Project Description:
The Brownfields Program awards grants and provides technical assistance to help states, tribes,
local communities, and other stakeholders involved in environmental revitalization and economic
redevelopment to work together to plan, inventory, assess, safely cleanup, and reuse brownfields.
Approximately 129 million people (roughly 40 percent of the U.S. population) live within three
miles of a brownfields site that received EPA funding.36 This idle land drags down property values
and can slow down a local economy. Brownfields redevelopment is a key to revitalizing main
streets, neighborhoods, and rural communities; increasing property values and creating jobs. Since
its inception, the Brownfields Program has fostered a community-driven approach to the reuse of
contaminated sites. As of November 2018, grants awarded by the Program have led to over 77,000
acres of idle land made ready for productive use and over 141,300 jobs and $26.8 billion
leveraged.37 By awarding brownfields grants, EPA makes investments in communities so that they
can realize their own visions for land reuse, infrastructure development, economic growth, and job
creation.
Under this program, EPA will focus on core activities, providing funding for: 1) assessment
cooperative agreements and Targeted Brownfields Assessments (TBAs); 2) cleanup and
Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) cooperative agreements; and 3) research, training, and technical
assistance to communities for brownfields-related activities, including land revitalization.
A 2017 study found that housing property values increased 5 to 15.2 percent near brownfield sites
when cleanup was completed.38 Analysis of the data near 48 brownfields sites shows that an
estimated $29 to $97 million in additional tax revenue was generated for local governments in a
single year after cleanup. This is 2 to 7 times more than the $12.4 million EPA contributed to the
cleanup of those brownfields.39 In addition, based on historical data provided by the Assessment
36 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate 2017. Data collected includes: (1) site information as of the
end of FY 2016; and (2) census data from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey.
37 EPA's ACRES database.
38Haninger, K., L. Ma, andC. Timmins. 2017. The Value of Brownfield Remediation. Journal of the Association of Environmental
and Resource Economists, 4(1): 197-241. https://www.joumals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdfplus/10.1086/689743.
39 Sullivan, K. A. 2017. Brownfields Remediation: Impact on Local Residential Property Tax Revenue. Journal of Environmental
Assessment Policy and Management, 19(3), http://dx.doi.org/1.0.1.1.42/S 1.46433321.7500132.
590
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Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) database, $1 of EPA's Brownfields
funding leverages between $16 and $17 in other public and private funding.40
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.3, Revitalize Land and Prevent
Contamination, in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. For example, EPA made 861 additional
brownfields sites ready for anticipated use in FY 2018 toward a two-year FY 2018-2019 Agency
Priority Goal of 1,368 sites. In FY 2020, EPA will build on current work to revitalize communities
across the country by providing financial and technical assistance to assess, cleanup, and plan reuse
at brownfields sites. The Brownfields Program will continue to foster federal, state, tribal, local,
and public-private partnerships to return properties to productive economic use. The activities
described below will leverage approximately 5,500 jobs and $1 billion in other funding sources.41
• Funding will support at least 71 assessment cooperative agreements that recipients may use
to inventory, assess, and conduct cleanup and reuse planning at brownfields sites.
Approximately 420 site assessments will be completed under these agreements.
• EPA will provide funding for TBAs in up to 40 communities without access to other
assessment resources or those that lack the capacity to manage a brownfields assessment
grant. There is special emphasis for small and rural communities to submit requests for this
funding to ensure equal access to brownfields assessment resources. These assessments
will be performed through contracts and interagency agreements.
• Funding will support 20 direct cleanup cooperative agreements to enable eligible entities
to clean up recipient owned properties.
• The Agency will provide funding for 10 new RLF cooperative agreements. The funding
enables recipients to make loans and subgrants for the cleanup of brownfield sites and
establishes a sustainable RLF program. Additionally, the Agency will provide
supplemental funding to approximately 13 existing high performing RLF recipients. These
awards will lead to approximately 20 and 26 additional sites cleaned up, respectively.
• Funding will support 20 Environmental Workforce Development & Job Training
cooperative agreements. This funding will provide environmental job training for citizens
to take advantage of new jobs created as a result of brownfield assessment, cleanup, and
revitalization in their communities. The request will lead to approximately 980 people
trained and 680 placed in jobs.
• Funding also will support assessment and cleanup of abandoned underground storage tanks
and other petroleum contamination found on brownfields properties for up to 66
brownfields assessment cooperative agreements and two cleanup cooperative agreements,
as authorized under CERCLA 104(k)(2) and (3).
40 For more information, please visit: www, epa. gov/brownfields.
41 U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Estimate. All estimates of outputs and outcomes are supported by the
data that is entered by cooperative agreement recipients via EPA's ACRES database.
591
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• Funding also will support training, research, technical assistance cooperative agreements,
interagency agreements, and contracts to support states, tribes, and communities for both
the Brownfields and Land Revitalization programs and other assistance mechanisms, as
authorized under CERCLA 104(k)(7).
• Funding will be provided for technical assistance to an estimated 75 small and
disadvantaged communities as defined in the recently passed BUILD Act and as authorized
in Section 128(a)(B)(III).
In FY 2018, the Brownfields Program participated in a kaizen performance improvement event
which led to increased reporting of sites made ready for reuse by cooperative agreement recipients.
In FY 2020, the Program will continue to use the results of the kaizen event to improve brownfields
data reporting. All estimates of outputs and outcomes are supported by the data that is entered by
cooperative agreement recipients via the ACRES database and analyzed by EPA. Maintenance of
ACRES, focus on the input of high quality data, and robust analysis regarding program outcomes
and performance will continue to be priorities during FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PM B30) Number of brownfields sites made ready for anticipated use.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 201"'
1 Y 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
684
684
684
Sites
Actual
861
(PM B37) Billions of dollars of cleanup and redevelopment funds leveraged at brownfields sites.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
1.2
1.2
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.3
1.3
Billions of
Dollars
Actual
1.2
1.54
1.71
1.47
1.7
2.2
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$18,000.0) This program change reflects a focus on assessment and direct cleanup grants,
while reducing TBAs and other program activities.
Statutory Authority:
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) §§
101(39), 104(k), and 128(a)(l)(B)(ii)(III).
592
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Infrastructure Assistance: Alaska Native Villages
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S IVj-I.I.H
S20.000.0
S3.000.0
-SI '.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$19,543.0
$20,000.0
$3,000.0
-$17,000.0
Program Project Description:
A priority for this administration is modernizing the outdated water infrastructure on which the
American public depends. The Alaska Rural and Native Village (ANV) Program reduces disease
and health care costs by providing critical basic drinking water and sanitation infrastructure {i.e.,
flushing toilets and running water) in vulnerable rural and Native Alaska communities that lack
such services disproportionately when compared to the rest of the country. Alaskan rural and native
water and sewer systems face not only the typical challenges associated with small system size,
but also the challenging climactic and geographic conditions, such as permafrost, shortened
construction seasons, and extremely remote locations.
EPA's grant to the State of Alaska funds improvements and construction of drinking water and
wastewater treatment facilities for these underserved communities. Investments in wastewater and
drinking water infrastructure in rural Alaskan communities contributed to an increase of access to
water and sewer service from 60 percent in the late 1990s to 97 percent more recently.42 While the
gains in the Program have been significant, ANV communities continue to trail behind the non-
tribal/non-native population in the U.S. in access to water and sanitation. In Alaska, approximately
3 percent of native and rural serviceable households1 are without complete indoor plumbing, a
much higher figure than the national average of 0.4 percent43 of occupied homes that lack complete
indoor plumbing.
ANV communities are often looking to EPA as a last-resort funding source when they or the State
of Alaska are not able to fully finance the needed water infrastructure improvements. The Program
serves communities that often lack the debt capacity to apply for other funding sources, including
EPA State Revolving Loan Funds. The results from the Indian Health Service's (IHS) November
2018 analysis exemplify the need to assist these communities - the IHS identified $248 million of
need for water and wastewater infrastructure in Alaska in FY 2018. Many communities on the
prioritized list have not been able to advance their projects due to lack of funding.
In addition to funding system upgrades and construction to address the aforementioned challenges
Alaskans face, the ANV Program, uniquely supports training, technical assistance, and educational
42 Based on data from IHS and the State of Alaska (2018).
43 See, U.S. Census Survey, 2012.
593
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programs to improve the financial management and operation and maintenance of sanitation
systems. This is done through leveraging prioritization and implementation expertise from the
State of Alaska44 with ANV program funds.
The ANV technical assistance program helps to improve the long-term sustainability of the rural
utilities, creating transferable job skills in construction, operation and maintenance activities. The
Program also has helped to nearly double the number of properly certified drinking water treatment
plant operators in Alaskan rural villages since FY 1992, and the number of non-compliant systems
has decreased by close to 80 percent since FY 2006.45 Since 2005, the Program, in collaboration
and combination with other federal agencies, has shown significant progress documenting the
number of projects and ANV homes with increased access to safe water and sanitation. Over this
period, the ANV Program contributed about 35 percent46 of all available funding from federal
agencies.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The FY 2020 request of $3 million will provide water
services for additional homes and maintain the existing level of wastewater and drinking water
infrastructure that meets public health standards. Based on data from the past three years of funding
to the ANV Program, it is expected that $3 million in ANV funds in FY 2020 would improve the
drinking water and/or wastewater services to about 350 homes in rural Alaska and continue to
support training, technical assistance, and educational programs that protect existing federal
investments in infrastructure by improving operation and maintenance of the systems.
In FY 2020, the Agency will continue to work with the State of Alaska to address sanitation
conditions and maximize the value of the federal investment in rural Alaska. EPA will continue to
implement the Alaska Rural and Native Village "Management Controls Policy," adopted in June
2007, to ensure efficient use of funds by allocating them to projects that are ready to proceed or
progressing satisfactorily. The Agency has made great strides in implementing more focused and
intensive oversight of the ANV grant program through cost analyses, post-award monitoring, and
timely closeout of projects.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
44 The State of Alaska uses a risk-based prioritization process to fund projects that will have the greatest public health and
environmental benefit. Further, the State delivers these services to ANV communities by coordinating across federal agencies and
programs to achieve a holistic series of solutions.
45 As reported by the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Remote Maintenance Worker program outcome
reports (November 2018).
46 Including the required state match.
594
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FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$17,000.0) This program change reduces support for the Alaska Rural and Native
Villages Program. EPA estimates that the remaining request level ($3 million) will improve
the drinking water and/or wastewater services to approximately 350 homes in rural Alaska.
The State Revolving Funds are an additional source of infrastructure funding that can
continue to fund water system improvements in Alaska.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 § 303; Clean Water Act § 1263a.
595
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Infrastructure Assistance: Clean Water SRF
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S/,f>'J.\SS~.0
S I.I IV, 2.0
-S 5-J.I IxO
Total Budget Authority
$1,657,428.2
$1,693,887.0
$1,119,772.0
-$574,115.0
Total Workyears
3.8
3.9
0.0
-3.9
Program Project Description:
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program capitalizes state revolving loan funds
in all 50 states and Puerto Rico to finance infrastructure improvements for public wastewater
systems and projects to improve water quality. These funds directly support the Agency's goal to
ensure waters are clean through improved water infrastructure and sustainable management.
The CWSRF is the largest source of federal funds for states to provide loans and other forms of
assistance for water quality projects including construction of wastewater treatment facilities,
water and energy efficiency projects, green infrastructure projects, and agricultural best
management practices. The Program also includes a provision for set-aside funding for tribes to
address serious wastewater infrastructure needs and associated health impacts. It also provides
direct grant funding for the District of Columbia and for territories. This federal investment is
designed to be used in concert with other sources of funds to address water quality needs.47
Additional tools, such as additional subsidization, are available to assist small and disadvantaged
communities. The CWSRF Program is a key component of EPA's efforts to achieve innovative
solutions to wastewater infrastructure needs and realize economic and environmental benefits that
will continue to accrue for years in the future.
The revolving nature of the funds and substantial state contributions have greatly multiplied the
federal investment. EPA estimates that for every federal dollar contributed thus far the nation has
received approximately three dollars of investment in water infrastructure. As of June 2018, the
state CWSRFs have provided nearly $133 billion in affordable financing for a wide variety of
wastewater infrastructure and other water quality projects.48 In the past year alone, over 1,500
assistance agreements went to communities of all sizes, funding nearly $6.8 billion in projects
aimed at treating wastewater, addressing stormwater runoff, tackling non-point source pollution,
and addressing a myriad of other environmental issues.49
47 For additional information, please see: http: //www.epa. gov/cwsrf.
48 Clean Water State Revolving Fund National Information Management System. U.S. EPA, Office of Water, National Information
Management System Reports: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Washington, DC (As of June 30,2018).
49 Clean Water State Revolving Fund National Information Management System. U.S. EPA, Office of Water, National Information
Management System Reports: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Washington, DC (As of June 30,2018).
596
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FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. This federal investment will continue to enable progress
toward the Nation's clean water needs and infrastructure priorities and will contribute to the long-
term environmental goal in the reduction in the number of square miles of watershed with surface
water not meeting standards. EPA continues to work with states to meet several key objectives,
such as:
• Linking projects to environmental results;
• Targeting assistance to small and underserved communities with limited ability to repay
loans; and
• Ensuring the CWSRFs remain reliable sources of affordable funding.
The Agency is requesting over $1,119 billion in the FY 2020 President's Budget to provide
funding for critical wastewater infrastructure. In FY 2020, EPA requests nearly $2.0 billion for the
Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRFs), combined. These funding levels
further infrastructure repair and replacement and would allow states, municipalities, and private
entities to continue to finance high-priority infrastructure investments that protect human health.
EPA requests that 10-20 percent of the total CWSRF funds made available to each state be used
to provide additional subsidization to eligible recipients in the form of forgiveness of principal,
negative interest loans, or grants (or any combination of these). The CWSRF Program also
implements American Iron and Steel requirements, as required by law.
In addition to capitalizing the CW SRF, a portion of the appropriation also will provide direct grants
to communities within the tribes and territories. These communities are in great need of assistance
given that their sanitation infrastructure lags behind the rest of the country, causing significant
public health concerns. To ensure that sufficient resources are directed toward these communities
that face additional challenges, EPA continues to request a tribal set-aside of 2 percent, or $30
million, whichever is greatest, of the funds appropriated in FY 2020. EPA also continues to request
a territories set-aside of 1.5 percent of the funds appropriated from the CWSRF for American
Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, and the United States Virgin Islands.
EPA requests that up to $2 million of the tribal set-aside be used for training and technical
assistance related to the operation and management of tribal wastewater treatment works. EPA
also requests the ability to use the tribal and territorial set-asides to support planning and design
of treatment works and for the construction, repair, or replacement of privately owned
decentralized wastewater treatment systems serving one or more principal residences or small
commercial establishments (e.g., septic systems), authority similar to that already available to
states. Expanded support for planning and design will protect the federal investment in wastewater
infrastructure and ensure access to safe wastewater treatment for tribes and territories that face
significant challenges with sanitation infrastructure. The ability for both the tribes and territories
to construct, repair, or replace decentralized wastewater treatment systems will allow the flexibility
that these communities require to provide wastewater infrastructure that is appropriate for the
unique circumstances of each community.
597
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EPA will partner with states to ensure that the CWSRF continues to play an important role in
promoting efficient system-wide planning; improvements in technical, financial and managerial
capacity; and the design, construction and ongoing management of sustainable water
infrastructure. To streamline data collection and reduce reporting burden, EPA is working to
redesign the databases currently used to collect performance information about the CWSRF and
the DWSRF Programs. The aim is for this effort to reduce reporting burden by eliminating
redundancy and providing a more user-friendly interface for states to submit data.
Elsewhere in the FY 2020 budget, EPA requests $25 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance
and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program. Through WIFIA, EPA will make direct loans to regionally
or nationally significant water infrastructure projects. These combined investments, the SRFs and
WIFIA, further the Agency's ongoing commitment to infrastructure repair and replacement. These
investments also will complement infrastructure funding requested through the President's
Infrastructure Initiative.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PMINFRA-01) Billions of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs
(CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 20 r
1 Y 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
8.0
8.0
8.0
Billions of
Dollars
Actual
9.7
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
The FY 2020 capitalization of the SRFs would supplement more than $171.2 billion in assistance
provided over the life of the programs. The assistance provided in 2018 from capitalization and
the state's current revolving levels was $9.6 billion. Changes from levels included in the FY 2019
Annualized Continuing Resolution include:
• (-$129,434.0) This reflects a shift in resources from the Clean Water SRF Program to
priority infrastructure activities authorized under the new AWIA legislation and a targeted
initiative to support healthy schools.
• (-$444,681.0 / -3.9 FTE) This program change reflects a decrease to the Clean Water SRF
Program, in large part from the additional infrastructure funding provided by the budget
addendum in FY 2018 and carried forward in the FY 2019 Annualized CR, which EPA
will apply based on the Clean Water Act formula. Investments in the two SRFs, combined
with the WIFIA Program, promote water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
Statutory Authority:
Title VI of the Clean Water Act; Title V of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act
of2014.
598
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Infrastructure Assistance: Drinking Water SRF
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
SI.I2S.I6I.0
si.i(>s.:s3.o
S.SV
-SJOO.OOO.O
Total Budget Authority
$1,128,161.0
$1,163,233.0
$863,233.0
-$300,000.0
Total Workyears
0.7
0.9
0.4
-0.5
Program Project Description:
EPA's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is designed to assist public water systems
to finance the costs of drinking water infrastructure improvements needed to achieve or maintain
compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements, to protect public health, and to
support state and local efforts to protect drinking water. The 2015 Drinking Water Infrastructure
Needs Survey and Assessment (DWINSA), conducted every four years, indicated a 20-year capital
investment need of $472.6 billion for public water systems that are eligible to receive funding from
state DWSRF programs. The capital investment need covers 49,250 community water systems
(CWSs), 21,400 not-for-profit non-community water systems (NPNCWSs), American Indian
water systems, and Alaska Native Village (ANV) water systems. The 2015 DWINSA was
primarily a statistical survey of public water systems with a response rate of 99.7 percent, the
highest response rate in the history of the assessment, providing a high degree of confidence in the
statistical precision of the assessment's findings.50 The need reflects costs for repairs and
replacement of leaking transmission pipes and deteriorated storage and treatment equipment, as
well as new infrastructure and other projects required to protect public health and to ensure
compliance with the SDWA. The DWSRF can help communities replace lead service lines by
providing principal forgiveness and low interest loans, and the DWSRF set-asides could be used
to fund corrosion control studies for water systems when an action level exceedance is triggered.
To reduce public health risks and to help ensure safe and reliable delivery of drinking water
nationwide, EPA makes capitalization grants to states so that they can provide low-cost loans and
other assistance to eligible public water systems and maintain robust drinking water protection
programs. The Program emphasizes that, in addition to maintaining the statutory focus on
addressing the greatest public health risks first, states can utilize set-asides to assist small systems
and those most in need on a per household basis according to state affordability criteria.
The DWSRF Program provides communities access to critical low-cost financing and offers a
limited subsidy to help utilities address long-term needs associated with water infrastructure. Most
DWSRF assistance is offered in the form of loans which water utilities repay from the revenues
50 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/driiikingwatersrf/epas-6th-driiiking-water-iiifrastructure-iieeds-survey-
and-assessment.
599
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they generate through the rates they charge their customers for service. Water utilities in many
communities may need to evaluate the rate at which they invest in drinking water infrastructure
repair and replacement to keep pace with their aging infrastructure, much of which may be
approaching the end of its useful life.
To protect public health and wellbeing, utilities must provide continuous access to safe drinking
water. The delivery of safe drinking water is often taken for granted and is frequently undervalued,
which presents considerable challenges to the completion of infrastructure upgrades that are
necessary to protect public health. More than 149 thousand public water systems provide drinking
water to the approximately 320 million persons in the U.S. More than 97 percent of these public
water systems serve fewer than ten thousand persons.51 While most small systems consistently
provide safe, reliable drinking water to their customers, many small systems face a few significant
challenges in their ability to achieve and maintain system sustainability. EPA is focusing on the
needs of these small community systems, while retaining state flexibility in the management of
their funds. EPA continues its small systems emphasis by working closely with state programs to
improve public water system sustainability and public health protection for persons served by
small water systems.
State Set-Asides
States have considerable flexibility to tailor their DWSRF Program to their unique circumstances.
This flexibility ensures that each state can carefully and strategically consider how best to achieve
the maximum public health protection. To achieve this, states may set aside and award funds for
targeted activities that can help them implement and expand their drinking water programs. The
four DWSRF set-asides52 are: Small System Technical Assistance (up to 2 percent),
Administrative and Technical Assistance53 (up to 4 percent, $400,000 or l/5th percent of the
current valuation of the fund, whichever is greater), State Program Management (up to 10 percent),
and Local Assistance and Other State Programs (up to 15 percent). Taken together, approximately
31 percent of a state's DWSRF capitalization grant may be set aside for activities other than
infrastructure construction. These set asides enable states to improve water system operation and
management, emphasizing institutional capacity as a means of achieving sustainable water system
operations. Historically, the states have set aside an annual average of 16 percent of the funds
awarded to them for program development, of which approximately 4 percent is used to administer
the program; however, over the past three years, states have increased their set-asides taken to
around 20 percent.
The federal investment is designed to be used in concert with other sources of funds to address
drinking water infrastructure needs. States are required to provide a 20 percent match for their
capitalization grant. Some states elect to leverage their capitalization grants through the public
debt markets to enable the state to provide more assistance. These features, including state match
leveraging, and the revolving fund design of the Program, have enabled the states to provide
assistance equal to 195 percent of the federal capitalization invested in the Program since its
51 For more information, please see:
https://obipublicl l.epa.gov/analytics/saw.dll?Porta1Pages&Poita1Path=/shared/SFDW/_portal/Public&Page=Summary.
52 For more information, please see: https://www.epa.gov/drinkingwatersrf/how-drinking-water-state-revolving-fund-works#tab-
5.
53 For more information, please see: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/612/text.
600
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inception in 1997. In other words, for every one dollar the federal government invests in this
program, the states, in total, have been able to deliver $1.95 in assistance to water systems. In
addition, the DWSRFs rate of funds utilized54 was 96 percent in 2018, meeting its target of 96
percent.
National Set-Asides
Prior to allotting funds to the states, EPA is required to reserve certain national level set-asides.55
Two million dollars must, by statute, be allocated to small systems monitoring for unregulated
contaminants to facilitate small water system compliance with the monitoring and reporting
requirements of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation (UCMR). Historically, a
three-year sampling period occurs within each five-year monitoring cycle. During the sampling
period, fund utilization exceeds the annual appropriation of $2 million and the carry-over reserve
funds from non-sampling years become essential to complete the small system monitoring efforts.
EPA will reserve up to 2 percent, or $20 million, whichever is greater, of appropriated funds for
tribes and ANVs. These funds are awarded either directly to tribes or, on behalf of tribes, to the
Indian Health Service through interagency agreements. Additionally, EPA will continue to set
aside up to 1.5 percent for territories.
In addition, the Law requires that none of the funds made available by a state DWSRF as
authorized by SDWA Section 1452 (42 U.S.C. 300J-12) shall be used for a project for the
construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public water system unless all of the iron and
steel products used in the project are produced in the United States. The Administrator may retain
up to 0.25 percent of the funds appropriated in this Act for the Clean Water and Drinking Water
State Revolving Funds for carrying out the provisions for management and oversight of the
requirements of this section.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. For FY 2020, EPA requests $863 million for the DWSRF
to help finance critical infrastructure improvement projects to public drinking water systems. In
FY 2020, EPA requests over $2.1 billion for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving
Funds (SRFs), combined. The budget provides robust funding for critical drinking and wastewater
infrastructure. These funding levels further the President's ongoing commitment to infrastructure
repair and replacement and would allow states, municipalities, and private entities to continue to
finance high priority infrastructure investments that protect human health. In addition, these funds
directly support the Agency's goal to ensure waters are clean through improved drinking water
infrastructure and sustainable drinking water infrastructure management.
The requested funding level reflects the documented needs for drinking water infrastructure and
the need to improve infrastructure in small communities, and will help the programs reach more
communities due to the revolving nature of the funds. EPA will continue to foster its strong
54 The cumulative dollar amount of loan agreements divided by cumulative funds available for projects.
55 Safe Drinking Water Act Sections 1452(i)(l), 1452(i)(2), 1452(j), and 1452(o), as amended.
601
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partnership with the states to provide small system technical assistance, with a focus on compliance
with rules, operational efficiencies, and system sustainability to ensure clean and safe water. In FY
2020, EPA also will continue its effort to build the capacity of local utilities and existing state
programs to expand their knowledge of the wide array of funding options available to meet future
infrastructure needs. The requested funding for this program will support critical infrastructure
investments to rebuild and enhance America's drinking water infrastructure.
In FY 2020, appropriated DWSRF funds will be allocated to the states in accordance with each
state's proportion of total drinking water infrastructure need based on the latest DWINSA. EPA
also has published data concerning the drinking water infrastructure needs of water systems
serving tribes and ANVs. The statutory requirement that each state and the District of Columbia
receive no less than one percent of the allotment will be met.
EPA will continue to work to target a significant portion of assistance from SRFs to small and
underserved communities with limited ability to repay loans. In FY 2020, EPA will work with
states to ensure not less than 20 and not more than 30 percent of a state's capitalization grant is
provided as additional subsidization. EPA encourages states to utilize subsidization to assist
disadvantaged communities and sustainability efforts. In addition, the America's Water
Infrastructure Act of 2018 requires that states provide subsidization to assist disadvantaged
communities of 6 percent to 35 percent of the state's capitalization grant.
EPA's efforts with state governments to fully utilize available DWSRF funds, resulted in
unliquidated obligations (ULOs) decreasing by 80 percent, or approximately $1.6 billion, from FY
2012 to FY 2018. EPA will continue to work with states with higher ULOs to address institutional
obstacles to eliminate or minimize their ULO amounts on an ongoing basis.
In FY 2020, the DWSRF Program will continue to: implement the Clean Water and Drinking
Water Infrastructure Sustainability Policy. This policy focuses on promoting system-wide
planning that helps align water infrastructure system goals, analyzing a range of infrastructure
alternatives, including energy efficient alternatives, and ensuring that systems have the financial
capacity and rate structures to construct, operate, maintain, and replace infrastructure over time.
As part of that strategy, the federal dollars provided through the SRFs also will act as a catalyst
for efficient system-wide planning, improvements in technical, financial and managerial capacity;
and the design, construction and ongoing management of sustainable water infrastructure.
In FY 2020, EPA is continuing emphasis on strengthening small system technical, managerial and
financial capability through the implementation of the Capacity Development Program, the
Operator Certification Program, the Public Water System Supervision state grant program, and the
DWSRF. The Capacity Development Program establishes a framework within which states and
water systems can work together to help these small systems achieve the SDWA's public health
protection objectives. The state Capacity Development Programs are supported federally by the
Public Water System Supervision state grant funds and the set-asides established in the DWSRF.
Since the 1996 Amendments, states have implemented a variety of activities to assist small systems
with their compliance challenges and enhance their technical, managerial, and financial capacity.
602
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In addition to the robust funding for critical drinking and wastewater infrastructure, EPA requests
$25 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program in the FY
2020 budget request. Through WIFIA, EPA will make direct loans to regionally or nationally
significant water infrastructure projects. These combined investments, the SRFs and WIFIA,
further the Agency's ongoing commitment to infrastructure repair and replacement.
EPA also is seeking more efficient use of federal infrastructure funds by empowering communities
to increase water infrastructure investments and non-federal dollars leveraged by water
infrastructure finance programs (Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF and WIFIA) to repair and
modernize the outdated American water infrastructure. In addition, EPA is working to increase the
fund utilization rate for the DWSRF. The rate of funds utilization is calculated as funds in executed
loans as a percent of funds available. The measure is indicative of states maximizing application
of grant dollars to infrastructure projects that support the public health of the nation's drinking
water consumers. At the end of FY 2018, DWSRF programs had executed loans accounting for 96
percent of all funds available nationally.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PMINFRA-01) Billions of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs
(CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 20 r
1 Y 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
8.0
8.0
8.0
Billions of
Dollars
Actual
9.7
(PM DW-01) Number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
CWSs
Actual
3,480
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
The FY 2020 capitalization of the SRFs would supplement more than $171.2 billion in assistance
provided over the life of the programs. The assistance provided in 2018 from capitalization and
the state's current revolving levels was $9.6 billion. Changes from levels included in the FY 2019
Annualized Continuing Resolution include:
• (+$64.0 / +0.4 FTE) This change provides FTE and funds to implement American Iron and
Steel requirements.
• (-$300,064.0 / -0.9 FTE) This program change is a decrease to the Drinking Water SRF
Program, in large part from the additional infrastructure funding provided by the budget
addendum in FY 2018. Investments in the two SRFs, combined with the WIFIA Program,
promote water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
Statutory Authority:
Safe Drinking Water Act § 1452.
603
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GKM Water Monitoring
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S3.IW2.0
s-j,oim.o
SO.I)
-S -1.01)0.0
Total Budget Authority
$3,092.6
$4,000.0
$0.0
-$4,000.0
Total Workyears
1.0
0.6
0.0
-0.6
Program Project Description:
The Gold King Mine Water Monitoring Program supports the development and implementation
of a monitoring program for rivers contaminated by the Gold King Mine Spill.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$4,000.0 / -0.6 FTE) This program change eliminates the Gold King Mine Water
Monitoring Program. There are other sources of funding that support water monitoring
activities, including the Pollution Control (Section 106) Grants Program.
Statutory Authority:
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Title IV, § 5004(d); Clean Water Act §
106.
604
-------
Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
S H.52-U>
SI <).()<)<).()
so.o
-SI 0.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$11,524.6
$10,000.0
$0.0
-$10,000.0
Program Project Description:
The U.S.-Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Program supports the planning, design, and
construction of water and wastewater treatment facilities along the border with all projects
benefiting communities on the U.S. side of the border.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020. The State Revolving Funds
are a source of infrastructure funding that can continue to fund water system improvements in U. S.
communities along the border.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$10,000.0) This program change proposes to eliminate the U.S.-Mexico Border Water
Infrastructure Program. Other sources of funding are available to support these efforts in
U.S. communities along the border, most notably the Clean Water and Drinking Water
State Revolving Funds.
Statutory Authority:
Treaty entitled "Agreement between the United States of America and the United Mexican States
on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Border Area,
August 14, 1983."
605
-------
Targeted Airshed Grants
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Improve Air Quality
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
N 2V,4'V.O
S -10.000.0
s 0.0
-.S 40.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$29,479.0
$40,000.0
$0.0
-$40,000.0
Program Project Description:
In FY 2017, this program awarded approximately $30 million in competitive grant funding to
reduce air pollution in nonattainment areas that were ranked as the top five most polluted areas
relative to annual ozone or PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); as well as
the top five areas relative to the 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. In FY 2018, an additional $40 million in
competitive grant funds was allocated for this program for the same purpose. This program assists
air control agencies in developing plans, conducting demonstrations, and implementing projects
to reduce air pollution in these nonattainment areas.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$40,000.0) This funding change eliminates the Targeted Airshed Grants program.
Statutory Authority:
Clean Air Act § 105; Appropriation Act: FY 2018 (Public Law 115-141).
606
-------
Safe Water for Small & Disadvantaged Communities
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
S20.000.0
so.o
-S20.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$20,000.0
$0.0
-$20,000.0
Total Workyears
0.0
0.4
0.0
-0.4
Program Project Description:
The Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities Program provides grants to eligible
entities for use in carrying out projects and activities to assist public water systems.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$20,000.0 / -0.4 FTE) EPA will continue to work on awarding funds appropriated by
Congress in FY 2018 and FY 2019; however, in FY 2020, EPA will continue to request
flexible subsidization funding to target small and disadvantaged communities through the
State Revolving Funds.
Statutory Authority:
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Title IV, Section 2104; Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2018, P. L. 115-141.
607
-------
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
SI 0.000.0
S 0.0
-.S 10.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$10,000.0
$0.0
-$10,000.0
Total Workyears
0.0
0.4
0.0
-0.4
Program Project Description:
The Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Program provides grants to eligible entities for lead
reduction projects in the United States.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Resources are proposed for elimination for this program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$10,000.0 / -0.4 FTE) EPA will continue to work on awarding the funds appropriated by
Congress in FY 2018 and FY 2019. In FY 2020, lead reduction efforts may continue
through the State Revolving Fund mechanisms, WIFIA, and the newly proposed America's
Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 programs.
Statutory Authority:
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Title IV, Section 2105; Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2018, P. L. 115-141.
608
-------
Lead Testing in Schools
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
S20,000.0
SI 0.000.0
-.S 10.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$20,000.0
$10,000.0
-$10,000.0
Total Workyears
0.0
0.4
0.0
-0.4
Program Project Description:
The Nation must rebuild portions of its aging water infrastructure, and a priority for this
administration is modernizing the outdated water infrastructure on which the American public
depends. The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 (WIIN) was enacted
to help communities address numerous drinking water and wastewater infrastructure issues. WIIN
includes the Water Resource Development Act of 2016, which includes provisions to improve
water infrastructure around the country. The Act specifically authorizes $100 million for
communities facing drinking water emergencies, including helping communities recover from lead
contamination. In addition, WIIN amended several parts of the Safe Drinking Water Act including
provisions regarding the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program, the Tribal Drinking
Water Infrastructure Grants funds, and aspects of public notification. The America's Water
Infrastructure Act (AWIA) also strengthened many existing programs within EPA and various
sections of WIIN while creating new programs to tackle significant public health concerns and
environmental needs.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
theF7 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The FY 2020 President's Budget requests $10 million for
the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing grant program established in Section 2107 of
WIIN and amended by Section 2006 of AWIA. Funding will be used to provide grants to assist
local educational agencies in voluntary testing of lead contamination in drinking water at schools
and child care programs. Objectives of the grant program are to reduce childhood exposure to lead
in drinking water, help states target funding to schools unable to pay for testing, establish best
practices for preventing lead in drinking water, and foster sustainable relationships at the state and
local level to allow for efficient use of existing resources and information sharing among
educational and health care experts.
States had until mid-February 2019 to respond to EPA's invitation to participate in the Program.
EPA plans to award the grant(s) for this new program in FY 2020.
609
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (-$10,000.0 / -0.4 FTE) This program change reflects a decrease to the Lead Testing in
Schools Program. Investments in the two SRFs, combined with the WIFIA Program, are
expected to promote water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in ways that will
allow this program to refocus on schools with the greatest lead testing needs.
Statutory Authority:
Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, Title IV, § 5004(d); Clean Water Act §
106.
610
-------
Healthy Schools
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
so.o
S 50.000.0
S 50.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$50,000.0
$50,000.0
Program Project Description:
EPA is committed to protecting children where they live, learn, and play. The Agency understands
that to be protective of children's health, as highlighted by the President's Task Force on
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, it is essential that children be safe from
environmental hazards. Although EPA provides grant funding to a wide range of initiatives
focused on addressing risks to children's health, the Agency has no comprehensive environmental
health management program to support school administrators and others in identifying and
addressing some of the most common areas of environmental health concerns found in schools.
The newly proposed Healthy Schools Grant Program is intended to address potential gaps in school
environmental health information by supporting states, federally recognized Indian tribes, public
pre-schools, local educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801(30), and non-profit
organizations, in the identification and mitigation of potential environmental health issues.
Recognizing that school environmental health challenges differ due to variations in geography,
age of school infrastructure, population density, and other factors, the Program would provide EPA
and its partners with flexibility to target funds to their highest priority efforts to protect human
health and the environment in school settings. Under this program, funding would be available to
identify and help prevent, reduce and/or resolve environmental hazards and/or prevent childhood
lead exposure, reduce asthma triggers, promote integrated pest management, and reduce or
eliminate childhood exposure to one or more toxics in schools across all environmental media.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program supports Goal 1/Objective 1.4, Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the
Marketplace in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, funds would support the
implementation of mandatory statutory duties delegated by EPA under pertinent environmental
laws in relation to comprehensive school environmental health programs. States, federally
recognized Indian tribes, public pre-schools, local educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C.
7801(30), and non-profit organizations would have the flexibility to apply the funds toward school
environmental health activities required in a broad array of environmental statutes, depending on
local needs and priorities. Results would be tracked as required by the Environmental Results
611
-------
Order and could support critical children's health work across multiple environmental programs
in school settings.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$50,000.0) This provides grant funding focused on addressing risks to children's health
across multiple environmental programs to identify and help prevent, reduce, and/or
resolve environmental hazards in schools in ways responsive to local needs and priorities.
Statutory Authority:
Annual Appropriation Acts; Indian Environmental General Assistance Program Act (GAP);
Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
(1972), Section 20; Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Section 10; the Safe Drinking Water
Act (SDWA), as amended by section 2104, 2105 and 2107 of the Water Infrastructure
Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of
1976, enacted as amendments to SWDA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, and
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Note: EPA is currently seeking appropriations language to support this program: "$50,000,000 shall be for grants
to States, federally recognized Indian tribes, public pre-schools, local educational agencies as defined in 20 U.S.C.
7801(30), and non-profit organizations, for detection, assessment, prevention, control, or abatement of pollution and
other environmental hazards in school buildings as defined in 20 U.S.C. 3610(6), and related activities; Provided,
that the Federal share of the costs of such activities shall not exceed 75 percent; Provided further, that the
Administrator may waive such cost share requirement in the case of schools located in economically distressed
communities."
612
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Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
so.o
S2.000.0
S2.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$2,000.0
$2,000.0
Program Project Description:
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and small rural communities. EPA looks
forward to implementing the Act, which strengthens the federal government's ability to invest in
water infrastructure in communities in every state, so that all Americans can continue to have
access to safe drinking water and our nation's waterways can remain clean and free from pollution.
AWIA strengthens many existing programs within EPA while creating new programs to tackle
significant public health concerns and environmental needs. These programs are vital to protecting
public health, continuing to grow the American economy and ensuring that rural and urban
communities from coast-to-coast can thrive. New mandates range from the creation of grant
programs to promoting water quality workforce development. The FY 2020 President's Budget
requests $2 million to create the new Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability
competitive grant program. Section 2005 of AWIA requires EPA to establish a competitive grant
program to assist eligible entities in the planning, design, construction, implementation, operation,
or maintenance of a program or project that increases resilience to natural hazards. AWIA
mandates will be critical to achieving the Administrator's agenda by increasing water
infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water quality across the country.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Authorized activities in FY 2020 include the conservation
of water or the enhancement of water use efficiency; the modification or relocation of existing
drinking water system infrastructure made, or that is at risk of being, significantly impaired by
natural hazards, including risks to drinking water from flooding; the design or construction of
desalination facilities to serve existing communities; the enhancement of water supply through the
use of watershed management and source water protection; the enhancement of energy efficiency
or the use and generation of renewable energy in the conveyance or treatment of drinking water;
or the development and implementation of activities to increase the resilience of the eligible entity
to natural hazards. EPA plans to award the grant(s) for this new program in FY 2020.
613
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Performance Measure Targets:
(PM DW-01) Number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
CWSs
Actual
3,480
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$2,000.0) This funds the creation of the new Drinking Water Infrastructure Resilience
and Sustainability Program under AWIA in support of section 2005 of the Law.
Statutory Authority:
America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), P.L. 115-270, Section 2005.
614
-------
Drinking Fountain Lead Testing
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
so.o
S 5.000.0
S 5.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$5,000.0
$5,000.0
Program Project Description:
The Nation must rebuild portions of its aging water infrastructure and a priority for EPA is
modernizing the outdated water infrastructure on which the American public depends. The
America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and small rural communities. EPA looks
forward to implementing the Act, which strengthens the federal government's ability to invest in
water infrastructure in communities in every state, so that all Americans can continue to have
access to safe drinking water and our nation's waterways can remain clean and free from pollution.
AWIA strengthened many existing programs within EPA while creating new programs to tackle
significant public health concerns and environmental needs. These programs are vital to protecting
public health, continuing to grow the American economy and ensuring that rural and urban
communities from coast-to-coast can thrive. New mandates range from the creation of grant
programs to promoting water quality workforce development. The FY 2020 President's Budget
requests $5 million to create the new Drinking Water Fountain Replacement and Lead Testing
grant program. Section 2006 of AWIA requires EPA to establish a grant program to provide
assistance to local educational agencies for the replacement of drinking water fountains
manufactured prior to 1988. AWIA mandates will be critical to achieving the Administrator's
agenda by increasing water infrastructure investment and improving drinking water and water
quality across the country, while also supporting the Administrator's commitment to protecting
children where they live, learn, and play.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, priority will be given to local educational
agencies based on economic need. Funds awarded under this grant program will be used to pay
the costs of replacement of drinking water fountains in schools. In addition, the funds may be used
to pay the costs of monitoring and reporting of lead levels in the drinking water of schools and
local educational agencies receiving the funding. EPA plans to award the grant(s) for this new
program in FY 2020.
615
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$5,000.0) This funds the creation of the new Drinking Water Fountain Lead Testing
Program under AWIA in support of section 2006 of the Law.
Statutory Authority:
America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), P.L. 115-270, Section 2006.
616
-------
Technical Assistance for Treatment Works
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
so.o
S '.500.0
S '.500.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$7,500.0
$7,500.0
Program Project Description:
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and small rural communities. EPA looks
forward to implementing the Act, which strengthens the federal government's ability to invest in
water infrastructure in communities in every state, so that all Americans can continue to have
access to safe drinking water and our nation's waterways can remain clean and free from pollution.
AWIA strengthens many existing programs within EPA while creating new programs to tackle
significant public health concerns and environmental needs. These programs are vital to protecting
public health, continuing to grow the American economy and ensuring that rural and urban
communities from coast-to-coast can thrive. New mandates range from the creation of grant
programs to promoting water quality workforce development. AWIA mandates will be critical to
achieving the Administrator's agenda by increasing water infrastructure investment and improving
drinking water and water quality across the country.
The FY 2020 President's Budget requests $7.5 million to create the new Technical Assistance for
Treatment Works Grant Program. Section 4103 of AWIA authorizes EPA to provide grants to
nonprofit organizations to help rural, small, and tribal municipalities obtain Clean Water State
Revolving Fund (CWSRF) financing, protect water quality and ensure Clean Water Act
compliance, and share information on planning, design, construction, and operation of wastewater
systems.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. In FY 2020, the Program will provide grants to nonprofit
organizations to help rural, small, and tribal municipalities obtain CWSRF financing, protect water
quality and ensure Clean Water Act compliance, and share information on planning, design,
construction, and operation of wastewater systems. EPA plans to issue grant awards for this new
program in FY 2020.
617
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund under the STAG appropriation and the Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program under the WIFIA appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$7,500.0) This funds the creation of the new Technical Assistance for Treatment Works
Program created by AWIA Section 4103.
Statutory Authority:
America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), P.L. 115-270, Section 4103.
618
-------
Sewer Overflow Control Grants
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
so.o
S ft 1,-150.0
SOI.-150.0
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$61,450.0
$61,450.0
Program Project Description:
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and small rural communities. EPA looks
forward to implementing the Act, which strengthens the federal government's ability to invest in
water infrastructure in communities in every state, so that all Americans can continue to have
access to safe drinking water and our nation's waterways can remain clean and free from pollution.
AWIA strengthened many existing programs within EPA while creating new programs to tackle
significant public health concerns and environmental needs. These programs are vital to protecting
public health, continuing to grow the American economy and ensuring that rural and urban
communities from coast-to-coast can thrive. New mandates range from the creation of grant
programs to promoting water quality workforce development. AWIA mandates will be critical to
achieving the Administrator's agenda by increasing water infrastructure investment and improving
drinking water and water quality across the country.
The FY 2020 President's Budget requests $61.45 million to create the Sewer Overflow Control
Grants Program. This program will support grants to fund projects at treatment works that will
reduce the incidence of combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and stormwater
problems.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Section 4106 of AWIA re-authorizes and amends the
Clean Water Act grant program components for addressing sewer overflows and stormwater
management. EPA would award grants with a to-be-developed formula that captures stormwater
needs. To the extent eligible projects exist, 20 percent of the appropriated funds must be for
projects utilizing green infrastructure, water and energy efficiency improvements, or other
innovative activities. EPA plans to issue grant awards for this new program in FY 2020.
619
-------
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund programs under the STAG appropriation and the
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program under the WIFIA appropriation.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$61,450.0) This change reflects the creation of the new Sewer Overflow Control Grants
program.
Statutory Authority:
America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), P.L. 115-270, Section 4106.
620
-------
Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment
Program Area: State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Si tile anil Tribal Assistance (iranls
so.o
so.o
SMtO.O
SMtO.O
Total Budget Authority
$0.0
$0.0
$300.0
$300.0
Program Project Description:
The America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) was enacted to help address numerous
drinking water and wastewater issues at large projects and small rural communities. EPA looks
forward to implementing the Act, which strengthens the federal government's ability to invest in
water infrastructure in communities in every state, so that all Americans can continue to have
access to safe drinking water and our Nation's waterways can remain clean and free from pollution.
AWIA strengthens many existing programs within EPA while creating new programs to tackle
significant public health concerns and environmental needs. These programs are vital to protecting
public health, continuing to grow the American economy and ensuring that rural and urban
communities from coast-to-coast can thrive. New mandates range from the creation of grant
programs to promoting water quality workforce development. AWIA mandates will be critical to
achieving the Administrator's agenda through increasing water infrastructure investment and
improving drinking water and water quality across the country. The FY 2020 President's Budget
requests $300 thousand to create the new Water Infrastructure and Workforce Investment Grant
Program.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Section 4304 of AWIA requires EPA, in consultation with
the United States Department of Agriculture, to establish a competitive grant program to promote
water utility workforce development and increase public awareness of water utilities and careers.
AWIA authorizes EPA to select non-profit, labor, or educational institutions that are experienced
and qualified and that will address diverse types of water utilities. EPA plans to issue the grant
awards for this new program in FY 2020.
Performance Measure Targets:
Work under this program supports performance results in the Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund Programs under the STAG appropriation and the
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program under the WIFIA appropriation.
621
-------
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$300.0) This funds the creation of the new Water Infrastructure and Workforce
Investment Program under AWIA in support of Section 4304 of the Law.
Statutory Authority:
America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA), P.L. 115-270, Section 4304.
622
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Fund
Resource Summary Table 625
Program Projects in WIFIA 625
Water Quality Protection 626
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation 627
623
-------
624
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Fund
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020
Pres Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019
Annualized CR
Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Fund
Budget Authority
$12,235.8
$63,000.0
$25,000.0
-$38,000.0
Total Workyears
11.7
12.8
12.0
-0.8
Bill Language: WIFIA
For the cost of direct loans and for the cost of guaranteed loans, as authorized by the Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, $20,000,000, to remain available until
expended: Provided, That such costs, including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be as
defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of1974: Providedfurther, That these funds
are available to subsidize gross obligations for the principal amount of direct loans, including
capitalized interest, and total loan principal, including capitalized interest, any part of which is to
be guaranteed, not to exceed $4,170,000,000.
In addition, fees authorized to be collected pursuant to sections 5029 and 5030 of the Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 shall be deposited in this account, to remain
available until expended, for the purposes provided in such sections.
In addition, for administrative expenses to carry out the direct and guaranteed loan programs,
notwithstanding section 5033 of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014,
$5,000,000, to remain available until September 30, 2021.
Program Projects in WIFIA
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Pro ject
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Water Quality Protection
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
$12,235.8
$63,000.0
$25,000.0
-$38,000.0
TOTAL WIFIA
$12,235.8
$63,000.0
$25,000.0
-$38,000.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund account.
625
-------
Water Quality Protection
626
-------
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
Program Area: Water Quality Protection
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Provide for Clean and Safe Water
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
II ulcr Iii/ru.\lrnctnn• i'immce anil
Innovation I'untl
soj.ooo.o
S
-S3 S.000.0
Total Budget Authority
$12,235.8
$63,000.0
$25,000.0
-$38,000.0
Total Workyears
11.7
12.8
12.0
-0.8
Program Project Description:
The WIFIA Program provides and services direct loans to cover up to 49 percent of eligible costs
for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects of regional or national significance. The
Program also is designed to offer credit assistance with flexible terms in order to attract private
participation, encourage new revenue streams for infrastructure investment, and allow public
agencies to get more projects done. The WIFIA Program requires a small appropriation compared
to its potential loan volume and is expected to leverage significant funding for infrastructure. For
instance, the second round of selections from the FY 2018 appropriations has the potential, when
combined with other funding sources, to support over $10 billion in water infrastructure projects.
With the $25 million, including $20 million in credit subsidy, proposed in the FY 2020 President's
Budget, EPA could provide up to $2 billion in direct credit assistance, which, when combined with
other funding sources, could potentially help spur over $4 billion in total infrastructure
investment.1 This makes WIFIA Program credit assistance a powerful tool to help address a variety
of water infrastructure needs.
For the FY 2018 appropriated funds, EPA issued a Notice of Funding Availability on April 12,
2018, requesting prospective borrowers to submit Letters of Interest (LOI). EPA received 62 LOIs
for direct loans and selected 39 projects to continue with the application process.2 Once reviewed
and approved, the selected projects could benefit approximately 22 million people in 16 states and
Washington D.C., and they address two national water priorities: (1) providing for clean and safe
drinking water (including reducing exposure to lead and other contaminants) and (2) addressing
aging water infrastructure. As the Program grows and matures, EPA will seek opportunities to
introduce efficiencies in the review processes for WIFIA LOIs and loan applications.
Eligible assistance recipients include: corporations and partnerships, municipal entities, and State
Revolving Fund (SRF) programs. The WIFIA Program will complement the existing SRF
programs as an additional source of low-cost capital to help meet the growing water infrastructure
needs of the United States and address key national infrastructure priorities. Entities with complex
1 The actual subsidy cost will be determined on a loan-by-loan basis.
2 For more information, please see: fattps://www. epa. gov/wifia.
627
-------
water and wastewater projects are attracted to the WIFIA Program, and EPA expects to provide
assistance to a diverse set of projects.
FY 2020 Activities and Performance Plan:
Work in this program directly supports Goal 1/Objective 1.2, Provide for Clean and Safe Water in
the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan. The FY 2020 request of $25 million supports WIFIA
drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects (following the requirements of the Federal
Credit Reform Act of 1990 and OMB Circulars A-ll and A-129). While the WIFIA Program
provides expansive project eligibilities, particular project attributes will be emphasized in the
project selection process. These attributes will be identified in the Notice of Funding Availability,
published after appropriations, and may include attributes such as the extent of private financing,
the ability to serve regions with significant water resource challenges, the regional or national
significance, the likelihood that the project can proceed at an earlier date due to WIFIA financing,
and the extent to which the project uses new or innovative approaches, among others.
Of the total $25 million request to implement the Program, $5 million is for EPA's management
and operation administrative expenses, including contract support and associated program payroll.
The request level coupled with the fee expenditure authority allows EPA to undertake the
independent aspects of loan intake and origination; project technical evaluation, including credit
review, engineering feasibility review, and loan term negotiation; risk management; portfolio
management and surveillance; and loan servicing for an initial set of projects. The funds associated
with the management and operation of the program will be available for two years.
The FY 2020 budget also includes authority to use fee revenue as outlined in Water Resources
Reform and Development Act, Sections 5029(a), 5030 (b), and 5030(c). EPA plans to collect fees
in FY 2020.3 Fee revenue is for the cost of contracting with expert services such as financial
advisory, legal advisory, and engineering firms. The fee expenditure authority for the Program is
in addition to the $5 million request for management and operations administrative expenses.
Performance Measure Targets:
(PMINFRA-01) Billions of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs
(CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(.
I V 20 r
1 Y 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Target
8.0
8.0
8.0
Billions of
Dollars
Actual
9.7
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+$192.0) This net change to fixed and other costs is an increase due to the recalculation
of base workforce costs for existing FTE due to adjustments in salary, essential workforce
support, and benefit costs.
3For more information, please see EPA Fee Rule: https://www.federa1register.gov/documents/2017/06/28/2017-13438/fees-for-
water-infrastructure-project-applications-uader-wifia.
628
-------
• (-$38,192.0 / -0.8 FTE) This program change reflects a decrease to the amount of credit
subsidy funding available to make loans and the management and operation of the WIFIA
program. This change reflects a decrease due in large part from the additional infrastructure
provided by the budget addendum in FY 2018 and carried forward in the FY 2019
Annualized CR.
Statutory Authority:
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014.
629
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund
Resource Summary Table 632
Program Projects in e-Manifest 632
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 633
RCRA: Waste Management 634
630
-------
631
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
APPROPRIATION: Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund
Resource Summary Table
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020
Pres Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019
Annualized CR
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
System Fund
Budget Authority
$2,146.2
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Total Workyears
7.4
7.9
11.0
3.1
Bill Language: E-Manifest
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate
fees in accordance with section 3024 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6939g) for fiscal
year 2020.
Note —This language is proposed under the FY 2020 Administrative Provisions.
Program Projects in e-Manifest
(Dollars in Thousands)
Program Project
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA)
RCRA: Waste Management
$2,146.2
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
TOTAL e-Manifest
$2,146.2
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
*For ease of comparison, Superfund transfer resources for the audit and research functions are shown in the Superfund
account.
632
-------
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
633
-------
RCRA: Waste Management
Program Area: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Goal: Core Mission
Objective(s): Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
(Dollars in Thousands)
FY 2018
Actuals
FY 2019
Annualized
CR
FY 2020 Pres
Budget
FY 2020 Pres
Budget v.
FY 2019 Annualized
CR
Tn\ ii\
-------
e-Manifest system and will collect and deposit user fees into the Hazardous Waste Electronic
Manifest System Fund (approximately $24 million is anticipated). Fees will be used to operate the
system and address necessary program expenses, including agency personnel. The authority to
collect and spend fees requires authorization from Congress in annual appropriations bills.
In FY 2020, EPA plans to perform the following key activities:
• Operate the e-Manifest system and accept both electronic and paper manifests. The Agency
will explore considerations for (and, potentially, a timeline for) phasing out the use of paper
manifests;
• Provide outreach to stakeholders on the e-Manifest system;
• Operate appropriate accounting and financial reporting interfaces needed to collect and
manage user fees, manage and adjust fees as appropriate, and comply with the auditing
requirements of the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Act;
• Hold periodic meetings of the e-Manifest Advisory Board, consisting of state and industry
stakeholders and IT experts, to provide input on system operation and implementation of
the user fee regulation; and
• Develop and enhance the e-Manifest system software to expand capabilities, improve user
acceptance, and enhance overall program efficiencies.
Performance Measure Targets:
EPA's FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan does not include annual performance goals specific to
this program.
FY 2020 Change from FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution (Dollars in Thousands):
• (+2.1 FTE) This net program change reflects an increase in fee-funded reimbursable FTE
that will support and enhance the e-Manifest program in FY 2020.
Statutory Authority:
Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
and the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act.
635
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Performance Plan
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan
Goal 1 Core Mission 638
Goal 2 Cooperative Federalism 652
Goal 3 Rule of Law and Process 655
636
-------
637
-------
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
Goal 1 Core Mission: Deliver real results to provide Americans with clean air, land, and water, and ensure chemical safety.
Objective 1.1 - Improve Air Quality: Work with states and tribes to accurately measure air quality and ensure that more
Americans are living and working in areas that meet high air quality standards.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of nonattainment areas to 1011.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM NA1) Number of Nonattainment Areas.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
138
136
Nonattain-
ment Areas
Decrease
Metric Details: This measure tracks the status of 166 areas that were designated nonattainment and listed in 40 CFR Part 81 as of the end of FY 2017. Areas
designated nonattainment after October 1, 2017 are not included. Nonattainment areas are areas that EPA has determined do not meet a primary or secondary
NAAQS, or that contribute to air quality in a nearby area that does not meet a non-revoked primary or secondary NAAQS. Areas are considered redesignated
based on the effective date of the redesignation. For multi-state nonattainment areas, all state portions of the area must be redesignated to attainment for the area
to be removed from the list of nonattainment areas. Under the CAA, states are responsible for initiating the redesignation process and EPA's authority to approve
a state's request to redesignate nonattainment areas hinges on the state meeting the minimum requirements of the CAA, which include: (1) a demonstration that
the area has air quality that is attaining the NAAQS; (2) establishing that pollution reductions are due to implementing permanent and enforceable measures; (3)
a 10-year maintenance plan that includes contingency measures to be triggered in the event of a re-violation of the NAAQS; and (4) satisfying any other
applicable and outstanding attainment planning and emissions control requirements. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority
Goal.
(PM CRT) Number of certificates of conformity issued that demonstrate that the respective engine, vehicle, equipment, component, or system conforms
to all of the applicable emission requirements and may be entered into commerce.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
5,000
5,000
Certificates
Increase
Metric Details: This measure reports the number of certificates of conformity issued in a given year. The CAA requires that engines, vehicles, equipment,
components, or systems receive a certificate of conformity which demonstrates compliance with the applicable requirements prior to introduction to U.S.
commerce. EPA reviews all submitted requests and issues certificates of conformity when the manufacturer has demonstrated compliance with all applicable
1 The baseline is 166 nonattainment areas as of 10/1/2017.
638
-------
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
requirements. This measure illustrates EPA's annual certification workload. The number of certification requests is dictated by the product planning of
manufacturers and will fluctuate from year to year.
639
-------
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
Objective 1.2 - Provide for Clean and Safe Water: Ensure waters are clean through improved water infrastructure and, in
partnership with states and tribes, sustainably manage programs to support drinking water, aquatic ecosystems, and
recreational, economic, and subsistence activities.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of community water systems out of compliance
with health-based standards to 2,7002.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM DW-01) Number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
3,380
3,280
CWSs
Decrease
Metric Details: This measure tracks CWSs out of compliance with the health-based National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (Maximum Contaminant
Level or treatment technique) during any part of the year. A CWS is a public water system that supplies water to the same population year-round. There are
approximately 50,000 CWSs. Data are derived from the Safe Drinking Water Information System Federal Data Warehouse (SDWIS-FED), which contains
information about violations by public water systems as reported to EPA by the primacy agencies (states and tribes with EPA-delegated enforcement
responsibility).
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase by $40 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA
water infrastructure finance programs (CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA)3.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM INFRA-01) Billions of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs (CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
8.0
8.0
Billions of
Dollars
Increase
Metric Details: Combined, the three primary water infrastructure programs, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), Clean Water State Revolving Fund
(CWSRF), and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program, represent the largest federal source of funds to address this critical
2 Baseline is 3,508 community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards as of FY 2017. (Footnote updated from /• ) 2018-2022 EPA
Strategic Plan.)
3 Baseline is $32 billion in non-federal dollars leveraged from the CWSRF and DWSRF between FY 2013 and FY 2017 (i.e., loans made from recycled loan
repayments, bond proceeds, state match, and interest earnings). The baseline does not include WIFIA leveraged dollars because no loans were closed prior to FY
2018. (Footnote updated from /• ) 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan)
640
-------
FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
component of our nation's drinking water and clean water infrastructure. Non-federal dollars are loans made from recycled loan repayments, bond proceeds, state
match, and interest earnings. The baseline is $32 billion in non-federal dollars leveraged from the DWSRF and CWSRF between FY 2013 and FY 2017. SRF
data are tracked in the Clean Water and Drinking Water National Information Management Systems (NIMS). The baseline does not include WIFIA leveraged
dollars. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019
Agency Priority Goal.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of square miles of watershed with surface water
not meeting standards by 37,000 square miles4.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM SWP-01) Reduction in the number of square miles of watershed with surface water not meeting standards (cumulative).
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
9,000
18,000
Square
Miles
Increase
Metric Details: This measure will track the progress of water quality standards attainment in waters previously identified as impaired in the Integrated Report as
of October 1, 2018. Progress will be evident by a positive trend in previously impaired waters attaining water quality standards. Water quality standards
attainment means that (1) the impairments have been effectively removed; and (2) the waterbody now either fully supports the use or meets the water quality
criterion for that particular pollutant or stressor for which it had been impaired. Data will be tracked in the Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Load Tracking
and Implementation System (ATTAINS). States will submit to EPA their Integrated Report which will include information on the status of their waters, and state
geospatial data will be used to calculate results.
(PM TMDL-02) Progress in putting priority TMDLs, Alternative Restoration plans, and protection approaches in place.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
50
67
Percent
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks state priority waters with a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), alternative restoration or protection plan in place. EPA,
states and tribes cooperatively developed A Long-Term Vision for Assessment, Restoration and Protection under the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d)
Program, which encourages focused attention on priority waters and acknowledges that states have flexibility in using available tools - TMDLs, alternative
restoration plans, and protection approaches - to restore and protect water quality. The calculation method provides 0.5 credit for plans under development and
full credit when EPA approves a plan. The goal is to have 100% of priority waters with plans approved or accepted by 2022. Data are tracked in ATTAINS. In
4 Draft baseline is 464,020 square miles of impaired waters as of September 2017, to be updated in FY 2019. (Footnote updated from /• ) 2018-2022 EPA
Strategic Plan.)
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2018, 33.3% of state priority waters had TMDLs, alternative restoration or protection plans in place. The universe of waters associated with this measure is
subject to change to better reflect state priorities.
(PM NPDES-03) EPA Permit Backlog - Existing NPDES.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
360
240
Permits
Decrease
Metric Details: This measure tracks existing EPA-issued NPDES individual permits that are administratively continued because they have passed their expiration
date and are awaiting reissuance. The CWA limits the length of NPDES permits to five years. A permit can be administratively continued if the facility reapplies
more than 180 days before the permit expires, and EPA does not renew the permit before its expiration date through no fault of the permittee. This means that the
conditions of the expired permit continue in force until the effective date of the new or reissued permit. For purposes of this measure, permits are removed from
the backlog as soon as the agency takes final action on the permit (issuance or denial). Data are tracked in EPA's ICIS-NPDES Database.
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Objective 1.3 - Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination: Provide better leadership and management to properly clean up
contaminated sites to revitalize and return the land back to communities.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, make 255 additional Superfund sites ready for anticipated use (RAU)
site-wide5.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM S10) Number of Superfund sites made ready for anticipated use site-wide.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
51
51
Sites
Increase
Metric Details: The SWRAU measure tracks EPA's progress in cleaning up and preparing Superfund sites for reuse, while ensuring human health and
environmental protection. It measures the number of construction complete National Priorities List (NPL) or Superfund Alternative Approach (SAA) sites for
which all cleanup goals in the Record(s) of Decision (ROD) or other remedy decision document(s) have been achieved for media that may affect current and
reasonably anticipated future land uses of the site, so that there are no unacceptable risks; and that all institutional or other controls required in the ROD or other
remedy decision document(s) have been put in place. The SWRAU determination is made directly in Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS) once it
is determined that the site meets all required criteria and has been approved by appropriate EPA regional personnel. The universe of sites tracked for this measure
includes final and deleted NPL sites and, since FY 2014, non-NPL sites with SAA agreements. Through FY 2017, EPA ensured that a total of 836 sites,
including 828 final and deleted sites and 8 non-NPL sites with SAA agreements in place, met the criteria to be determined SWRAU. As of the end of FY 2017,
there were 1,342 sites on the NPL and 51 non-NPL sites with active SAA agreements. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-
term performance goal. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
(PM 170) Number of remedial action projects completed at Superfund sites.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
95
80
Projects
Increase
Metric Details: This measure augments the construction completion measure and documents the completion of a discrete scope of activities supporting a
Superfund cleanup. The measure documents incremental progress in reducing risk to human health and the environment at Superfund cleanups. Multiple
remedial action projects may be necessary to achieve site-wide construction completion. Regional remedial action project completion (RAPC) data are tracked in
SEMS. The universe of sites tracked for this measure includes final and deleted NPL sites and, since FY 2014, non-NPL sites with SAA agreements. The target
decreases in FY 2020 due to lower funding levels.
5 By the end of FY 2017, 836 Superfund sites had been made RAU site-wide.
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(PM 151) Number of Superfund sites with human exposures brought under control.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
12
10
Sites
Increase
Metric Details: This measure documents progress achieved in controlling unacceptable human exposures to contamination at sites and denotes a site-wide
accomplishment. Human exposure determinations for sites can change over time as conditions across portions (operable units) of a site change. EPA regional
offices enter human exposure determinations and supporting data into SEMS. It is important to note that results are expressed as a net accomplishment as sites
can shift between human exposure under control to human exposure not under control or human exposure insufficient data. The change in status often occurs
when a previously unknown exposure pathway (e.g., vapor intrusion) or contaminant is discovered and a reasonable expectation exists that people could be
exposed or there is insufficient data to make such a determination until further investigation takes place. The universe of sites tracked for this measure includes
final and deleted NPL sites and since FY 2014, non-NPL sites with SSA agreements. The FY 2019 target was increased from 8 to 12 sites due to higher
performance in FY 2017 and FY 2018 because of the Superfund Task Force's emphasis placed on this measure. However, the target decreases in FY 2020 due to
lower funding levels.
(PM 137) Number of Superfund removals completed.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
175
141
Removals
Increase
Metric Details: This measure is a tabulation of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) removal-related
hazardous waste cleanups, known as Superfund removal actions, including those that are Superfund-lead and PRP-lead. There is no pre-established universe of
removal sites, as removal actions take place after a release has occurred. Data are tracked in SEMS. The target decreases in FY 2020 due to lower funding levels.
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Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, make 3,420 additional brownfields sites RAU6.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM B30) Number of brownfields sites made ready for anticipated use.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
684
684
Sites
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of properties/sites benefiting from EPA brownfields funding that have been assessed and determined not to
require cleanup, or where cleanup has been completed and institutional controls are in place if required, as reported by cooperative agreement recipients into the
Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) database. This activity is expected to result in additional sites available for productive
reuse, while also helping to quantify the impact of funding from EPA's Brownfields Program. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022
long-term performance goal. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
(PM B37) Billions of dollars of cleanup and redevelopment funds leveraged at brownfields sites.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
1.3
1.3
Billions of
Dollars
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of additional dollars leveraged by assessment or cleanup activities conducted with EPA brownfields funding, as
reported by cooperative agreement recipients at a specific property into the ACRES database. The FY 2019 target increased from $1.1 to $1.3 billion dollars
based upon a review of results trends and data cleanup efforts. The data cleanup initiative has resulted in greatly exceeding the FY 2018 target for this measure
and is anticipated to have an impact on FY 2019 results, as well. This effort, once completed, will clean up the backlog of data in ACRES to ensure data reported
in future fiscal years is as up-to-date as possible.
6 From FY 2006 through the end of FY 2017, 5,993 brownfields properties/sites had been made RAU. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic
Plan.)
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Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, make 536 additional Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) corrective action facilities RAU7.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM RSRAU) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities made ready for anticipated use.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
91
107
Facilities
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of RCRA corrective action facilities made RAU. To be determined RAU, facilities must meet the following
criteria: human exposure under control, final cleanup goals achieved for media that would impact the anticipated use, and if needed, controls in place to ensure
long-term protectiveness. The universe for this measure is the Agency's list of 3,779 high priority facilities subject to RCRA corrective action. Information is
entered into the RCRAInfo database by authorized states and/or EPA regional offices overseeing cleanups.
(PM CA5RC) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
98
98
Facilities
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed. The universe is the Agency's list of 3,779
high priority facilities. Information is entered into RCRAInfo by authorized states and/or EPA regional offices overseeing cleanups. This measure tracks a mid-
term step in the progression toward completing facility cleanup.
(PM HW5) Number of permit renewals issued at hazardous waste facilities.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
64
64
Facilities
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks RCRA hazardous waste permit renewals or clean-closures in the universe of permitted facilities using EPA's RCRAInfo
system. This does not include all permit maintenance since permit modifications cannot be projected and are not included. Maintaining updated permits ensures
that permitted facilities have consistent and protective standards to prevent release; proper standards for waste management can protect human health, prevent
land contamination/degradation and other releases, and avoid future cleanups and associated substantial costs. Annual targets for the number of permit renewals
or clean-closures are estimated from projections of available workload, such as pending permit applications.
7 From FY 1987 through FY 2017, 1,232 of the universe of 3,779 high priority RCRA corrective action facilities had been made RAU site-wide. (Footnote
updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete 56,000 additional leaking underground storage tank (LUST)
cleanups that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration8.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM 112) Number of LUST cleanups completed that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
11,200
11,200
Cleanups
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of petroleum-contaminated sites where the states, tribes and EPA have completed cleanup activities. The states
and EPA regional offices report the number of cleanups completed within the reporting period (every six months based on the fiscal year). The state totals and
EPA regional totals of cleanups completed in Indian country are added together to determine the national number of cleanups completed for the reporting period
and the fiscal year. EPA uses the LUST4 database to track progress. The universe totals of confirmed releases pending cleanup will change over time as releases
are found and cleanups are completed. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal.
8 By the end of FY 2017, 469,898 LUST cleanups had been completed.
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Objective 1.4 - Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace: Effectively implement the Toxic Substances Control Act, and
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, to ensure new and existing chemicals and pesticides are reviewed for
their potential risks to human health and the environment and actions are taken when necessary.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations for existing
chemicals in accordance with statutory timelines9.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM TSCA1) Number of final EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations completed within statutory timelines.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
N/A
10
Evaluations
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks new risk evaluation activity under TSCA, as amended in 2016 by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st
Century Act. A risk evaluation is considered complete when the final risk evaluation is published in the Federal Register. The risk evaluation process is the
second step, following prioritization and before risk management, in EPA's existing chemical process under TSCA. The purpose of risk evaluation is to
determine whether a chemical substance presents an unreasonable risk to health or the environment, under the conditions of use. As part of this process, EPA
must evaluate both hazard and exposure, and ensure decisions are based on the weight-of-scientific-evidence. To count toward the target, an evaluation must be
completed within three years. While the statute allows for a six-month extension, this measure tracks performance against the initial deadline. Accordingly, the
expected completion date for the first 10 risk evaluations, which were commenced on December 19, 2016, is December 19, 2019. The baseline is zero in FY
2017, as the Program is operating under new statutory authority. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA risk management actions for existing chemicals in
accordance with statutory timelines10.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM TSCA2) Number of final existing chemical TSCA risk management actions completed within statutory timelines.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
N/A
N/A
Actions
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of risk management actions promulgated within statutory limits under TSCA, as amended by the Lautenberg
Act. Statute requires EPA to propose a rule under TSCA Section 6 for certain PBT chemicals by June 21, 2019 (in FY 2019), with a final rule to be issued by
December 21, 2020 (in FY 2021). For risk management actions following identification of unreasonable risk to human health or the environment in a risk
9 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
10 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
evaluation, final risk management actions must be completed within two years after publication of the final risk evaluation. While the statute allows for a two-
year extension, this measure tracks the performance against the initial deadline only. This measure also encompasses TSCA risk management actions
promulgated for other reasons, such as to address risks from exposure to chemicals for which risk assessments were completed prior to enactment of the
Lautenberg Act. The baseline is zero in FY 2017, as the Program is operating under new statutory authority. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-
2019 Agency Priority Goal.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA pre-manufacture notice final determinations in
accordance with statutory timelines11.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM TSCA3) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial
Commercial Activity Notices completed within the initial 90-day statutory timeframe.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
80
80
Percent
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks a subset of EPA's new chemicals review activity under TSCA, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for
the 21st Century Act - the review of Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (but not new chemicals
reviews covered by exemptions). EPA conducts these reviews prior to approving new chemicals or microbial substances in commerce, or new uses for existing
chemicals that are subject to a Significant New Use Rule, to determine whether the chemical substance or significant new use presents an unreasonable risk to
human health or the environment. The statute requires a base review period of 90 days and allows EPA to extend this period another 90 days. While EPA has the
authority to agree to voluntary suspensions at the request of a submitter to provide additional time to complete the required review pending receipt of additional
information that is needed, this measure tracks performance against the initial 90-day deadline only. This measure tracks final determinations for submissions
received by EPA in a single fiscal year. Additional information and statistics about the New Chemicals Program are available at: https://www.epa.gov/reviewing-
iiew-cheniicals-uiider-toxic-snbstances-control-act-tsca/statistics-new-cheniicals-review. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority
Goal.
(PM TSCA3b) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial
Commercial Activity Notices completed within the full timeframes allowable by statute.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
Percent
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks a subset of EPA's new chemicals review activity under TSCA, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for
the 21st Century Act - the review of Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (but not new chemicals
11 Baseline is 58.4% of determinations made within 90 days in FY 2018. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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reviews covered by exemptions). EPA conducts these reviews prior to approving new chemicals or microbial substances in commerce, or new uses for existing
chemicals that are subject to a Significant New Use Rule, to determine whether the chemical substance or significant new use presents an unreasonable risk to
human health or the environment. EPA has the authority to agree to voluntary suspensions at the request of a submitter; these provide additional time to complete
the required review pending receipt of additional information that is needed. This measure tracks performance against the full timeframes authorized under the
statute. A performance result of 100% indicates that there were no instances in which EPA failed to complete a final determination within the period of review
agreed to, including any voluntary suspensions. The baseline is 100% of determinations made within full timeframes allowable by statute in FY 2017.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all cases of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA)-mandated decisions for the pesticides registration review program12.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM FIFRA1) Number of FIFRA decisions completed through pesticides registration review.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
75
75
Decisions
Increase
Metric Details: Through the Pesticide Registration Review Program, EPA is reviewing each registered pesticide every 15 years to determine whether it still
meets the FIFRA standard for registration. FIFRA requires that all pesticides intended for use in the U.S. be registered (licensed) by EPA to ensure that they do
not cause "unreasonable adverse effects on man or the environment." FIFRA defines unreasonable adverse effects as "any unreasonable risk to man or the
environment, taking into account the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide." By law, EPA must complete the first
15-year cycle of registration review by October 1, 2022. The baseline is 239 decisions of a known universe of 725 cases (33%) completed through FY 2017.
Universe is finite. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal.
(PM FIFRA2) Number of FIFRA registration review draft risk assessments completed.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
72
75
Risk
Assessments
Increase
Metric Details: Through the Pesticide Registration Review Program, EPA is reviewing each registered pesticide every 15 years to determine whether it still
meets the FIFRA standard for registration. FIFRA requires that all pesticides intended for use in the U.S. be registered (licensed) by EPA to ensure that they do
not cause "unreasonable adverse effects on man or the environment." FIFRA defines unreasonable adverse effects as "any unreasonable risk to man or the
environment, taking into account the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide." By law, EPA must complete the first
12 Baseline is 239 decisions completed by the close of FY 2017 out of the known universe of 725. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan)
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
15-year cycle of registration review by October 1, 2022. The baseline is 351 draft risk assessments of a known universe of 725 cases (48%) completed through
FY 2017.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA)
registration decision timeframe by an average of 60 days13.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM PRIA1) Average number of days to complete PRIA decisions for new active ingredients.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
631
619
Days
Decrease
Metric Details: To expedite the review and licensing of pesticides' new active ingredients, EPA will reduce the incidence of PRIA negotiations, improve meeting
the timeframes specified in PRIA, and expedite the overall processing of reduced risk pesticides. The baseline is an average timeframe of 655 days (range: 93-
2,086 days) for PRIA decisions for 68 new active ingredients completed in FY 2015-2017. There are 36 different PRIA categories that relate to new active
ingredients, with statutory time frames ranging from 7-24 months.
(PM 091) Percentage of decisions (registration actions) completed on time (on or before PRIA or negotiated due dates).
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
99
99
Percent
Increase
Metric Details: Whereas PM PRIA1 tracks performance for new active ingredient decisions only, this measure relates to all PRIA categories described in the fee
tables in FIFRA section 33(b)(3). Additionally, FIFRA section 33(f)(5) allows that EPA and the applicant may mutually agree to extend a decision time review
period. Decisions completed on or before the negotiated due date but after the original PRIA due date are still considered "on-time" under this measure. More
information on PRIA can be found on https://www.epa.gov/pria-fees/pria-overview-and-historv. The baseline is 94% average of decisions completed on-time
from FY 2014-2016.
13 Baseline is an average timeframe of 655 days (range: 93-2,086 days) for PRIA decisions for 68 new active ingredients completed in FY 2015-2017.
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
Goal 2 Cooperative Federalism: Rebalance the power between Washington and the states to create tangible
environmental results for the American people.
Objective 2.1 - Enhance Shared Accountability: Improve environmental protection through shared governance and enhanced
collaboration with state, tribal, local, and federal partners using the full range of compliance assurance tools.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the number of grant commitments achieved by states, tribes,
and local communities14.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM ST1) Number of grant commitments achieved by states, tribes, and local communities.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
No Target
Established
TBD
Commit-
ments
Increase
Metric Details: Grant commitments are jointly negotiated by EPA and the state, tribal, or local grant recipient. The objective of this measure is to provide a clear
and up-to-date report-out of state-EPA grant commitments. The universe (number of commitments contained in PPGs) and FY 2020 target will be determined in
FY 2019. No target is established for FY 2019, but results will be reported.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the use of alternative shared governance approaches to
address state, tribal, and local community reviews15.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM ST2) Number of alternative shared governance approaches to address state, tribal, and local community reviews.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
3
3
Alternative
Approaches
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of program areas where EPA has launched the new oversight framework. EPA will define, develop, pilot,
evaluate, and launch a comprehensive system to evaluate state and local implementation of federal environmental programs by 2020. The "comprehensive
system" is defined as the overarching principles as laid out in the principles memo, coupled with a template populated with state-and regional specific details on
14 Universe (number of commitments contained in Performance Partnership Grants) and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019. (Footnote updated from
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
15 There is no baseline for this measure. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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the review activity in question. The purpose of this effort is twofold: to begin to standardize EPA's oversight work across EPA regions, and to maximize state
and federal resources by focusing on the most important work. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 2.1:
Annual performance goal:
(PM 409) Number of federal on-site compliance monitoring inspections and evaluations and off-site compliance monitoring activities.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
10,000
10,000
Inspections
&
Evaluations
Increase
Metric Details: This measure includes new data elements, such as off-site compliance monitoring activities (e.g., record reviews), not previously tracked or
counted, and reflects a recognition that states conduct the vast majority of inspections and an EPA focus on direct implementation programs. The target is the
same for FY 2019 and FY 2020 based on available resources.
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Objective 2.2 - Increase Transparency and Public Participation: Listen to and collaborate with impacted stakeholders and
provide effective platforms for public participation and meaningful engagement.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, eliminate the backlog and meet statutory deadlines for responding to
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests16.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM FOl) Percentage reduction in overdue FOIA requests from the April 2018 baseline.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
25
50
Percent
Increase
Metric Details: For purposes of this measure, overdue requests are defined as those that are not indicated as closed in EPA's FOIAonline tracking system after
20 working days. EPA will focus on reducing the FOIA backlog the Agency has built up over the years and enhancing the FOIA process which gives the public
the right to make requests for federal agency records. The complexity and volume of electronic documents that must be searched, collected, and reviewed has
increased over time. The Agency will ensure that it can support the timely searching and collection of electronically-stored information for purposes of
responding to FOIA requests and other information needs in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. This should not only help the Agency provide the public
with the information requested, but also reduce the fees and lawsuits the Agency incurs from missing FOIA response deadlines. As of April 2018, there were
2,537 overdue FOIA requests in the backlog. In FY 2019, EPA will reduce that number by 25% (635) to 1,902, and by 50% (1,269) to 1,268 in FY 2020.
16 As of April 2018, there were 2,537 overdue FOIA requests in the backlog. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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Goal 3 Rule of Law and Process: Administer the law as Congress intended, to refocus the Agency on its
statutory obligations under the law.
Objective 3.1 - Compliance with the Law: Timely enforce environmental laws to increase compliance rates and promote
cleanup of contaminated sites through the use of all of EPA's compliance assurance tools, especially enforcement actions to
address environmental violations.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the average time from violation identification to correction.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM 436) Number of all referred no complaint (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
129
129
Cases
Decrease
Metric Details: This measure represents the number of all open civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old without a complaint filed. 2.5 years is the
average time from referral to complaint for a complaint filed between FY 2013 and FY 2017. Excludes Superfund, bankruptcy collection action, and access order
cases. This measure is still early in the implementation and therefore the target remains the same until it is demonstrated that results can be improved.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the environmental law compliance rate17.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM 432) Percentage of Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance with their
permit limits.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
TBD
TBD
Percent
Decrease
Metric Details: This measure tracks the annual SNC/Category 1 noncompliance rate among individually permitted major and non-major (minor) NPDES
permittees. Major and minor permittees that were in SNC/Category 1 noncompliance at any time during the one-year period will be counted in the percentage
denominator. SNC/Category 1 noncompliance are a specific type of violation, the severity of which are classified based on duration, severity, and type of
violation. For more information, see: https://echo.epa.gov/helD/facilitv-searcli/npdes-program-search-criteria-help. EPA is updating the baseline and related
17 This concept will be piloted by focusing initially on decreasing the percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit limits. The baseline and targets
will be determined in FY 2019. Other program areas may be included in this Long-Term Performance Goal during the FY 2018-2022
timeframe. (Footnote updated from /• ) 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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targets due to the discovery of facilities erroneously included in the universe of regulated entities counted in the denominator. The baseline and targets will be
determined in FY 2019. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 3.1:
Annual performance goals:
(PM 434) Millions of pounds of pollutants and waste reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded enforcement actions.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
325
325
Millions of
Pounds
Increase
Metric Details: This measure combines environmental benefits from pounds of air, water, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and toxics/pesticides pollutants
reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded enforcement actions. Prior to FY 2018, pounds of pollutants reduced, treated, or eliminated for different media
were tracked using separate measures.
(PM 441) Number of enforcement tools completed to address cleanup and/or long-term protection, including reuse, of contaminated sites.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
170
170
Tools
Increase
Metric Details: For Superfund private sites, this measure includes: completed private party enforcement agreements for the performance of site study and
cleanup, agreements that make cash payments toward future site work cost recovery settlements with funds dedicated for future work; completed agreements
with third-party prospective purchasers to help remove liability barriers to contaminated properties and facilitate redevelopment; and assurances to parties
interested in cleaning up, purchasing and developing certain properties (comfort/status letter). This measure also counts Superfund Federal Facility Agreements
(FFAs) and FFA amendments, Record of Decision (RODs) and ROD amendments, Explanation of Significant Differences (ESDs), and RCRA Corrective Action
cleanup orders. Potentially Responsible Parties and other parties made an average of 170 commitments to perform or pay for cleanup and/or reuse of
contaminated sites from FY 2014 to FY 2018. The target is the same for FY 2019 and FY 2020 based on available resources.
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
Objective 3.2 - Create Consistency and Certainty: Outline exactly what is expected of the regulated community to ensure good
stewardship and positive environmental outcomes.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, meet 100% of legal deadlines imposed on EPA18.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM RG1) Percentage of legal deadlines met by EPA.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
No Target
Established
TBD
Percent
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks progress toward EPA meeting its statutory, regulatory, and court-ordered deadlines. EPA is reinvigorating its approach to
regulatory development and prioritizing meeting legal deadlines to ensure that expectations for the regulated community and the public are clear and
comprehensive and that the Agency can achieve its core mission in a manner that is defensible and consistent with its authorities. This measure will not track
critical deadlines and duties reported elsewhere, e.g., legal obligations relating to: Clean Air Act (CAA) State Implementation Plans (SIPs), Title V Petitions, and
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permits; Clean Water Act (CWA) Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs); FOIA responses; and legal obligations
under Consent Decrees. Baseline and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019. No target is established for FY 2019, but results will be reported.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, eliminate unnecessary or duplicative reporting burdens to the
regulated community by 10,000,000 hours19.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM RG2) Hours of unnecessary or duplicative reporting burden to the regulated community eliminated.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
2,000,000
2,000,000
Hours
Increase
Metric Details: To promote the Agency's goal of efficiency, the measure will not track critical deadlines and duties reported in other Agency measures. These
include, for example, legal obligations relating to: CAA SIPs, Title V Petitions, and the PSD permits; CWA TMDLs; FOIA responses; and legal obligations
under Consent Decrees. EPA will engage in continuous improvement for managing the paperwork burden on regulated entities associated with EPA's
Information Collection Rules and reduce the burden where possible with a goal of eliminating 2,000,000 hours of unnecessary or duplicative reporting per year
toward the goal of 10,000,000 hours by the end of FY 2022. Annual increments represent permanent changes in reporting burden. The data are tracked in OMB's
RegInfo.gov database. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal.
18 Baseline will be determined in FY 2019. (No footnote in FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
19 Baseline is estimated at 173,849,665 information collection and reporting hours.
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
Other Core Work supporting Objective 3.2:
Annual performance goals:
(PM RG3) Number of EO 13771 regulatory actions issued.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
Actions
Increase
Metric Details: This measure is an OMB requirement based on Presidential Memorandum M-17-23 which outlines the requirements of EO 13771, including a
two-for-one requirement that agencies must issue two deregulatory actions for every regulatory action issued. No targets are established, but results are reported.
(PM RG4) Number of EO 13771 deregulatory actions issued.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
Actions
Increase
Metric Details: This measure is an OMB requirement based on Presidential Memorandum M-17-23 which outlines the requirements of EO 13771, including a
two-for-one requirement that agencies must issue two deregulatory actions for every regulatory action issued. No targets are established, but results are reported.
(PM RG5) Total incremental cost of all EO 13771 regulatory and deregulatory actions.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
-50
No Target
Established
Millions of
Dollars
Decrease
Metric Details: This measure is an OMB requirement based on Presidential Memorandum M-17-23. In FY 2017, the total incremental cost of all EO 13771
regulatory and deregulatory actions was -$21.5 million. The incremental cost values are annualized values in 2016 dollars applying a 7% discount rate,
discounted to the year 2016 and assuming a perpetual time horizon. Incremental benefits are not included in this total.
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
Objective 3.3 - Prioritize Robust Science: Refocus the EPA's robust research and scientific analysis to inform policy making.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the percentage of research products meeting customer
needs20.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM RD1) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer needs.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
77
80
Percent
Increase
Metric Details: Beginning in FY 2018, ORD initiated a survey to measure customer satisfaction of users of its research products. Customer satisfaction is derived
through the distribution of over 200 surveys to key users of ORD products, evaluating the scientific rigor of the research products, relevance of the products, and
timeliness of the product delivery to support the continuous improvement of research product development. The survey is estimated at a 90% confidence interval
of ±10 products. ORD is evaluating modifications to improve its survey methodology and is considering modifications to the measure that will take effect
beginning in FY 2020 reporting.
20 Measure text updated from "By September 30, 2022, increase the number of research products meeting customer needs." Based on a pilot survey, 77% of
products were delivered in FY 2018 that met customer needs. (Footnote updated from FT 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan)
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
Objective 3.4 - Streamline and Modernize: Issue permits more quickly and modernize our permitting and reporting systems.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reach all permitting-related decisions within six months21.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM PE2) Number of permit applications in backlog.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
No Target
Established
TBD
Permits
Decrease
Metric Details: This measure tracks the sum of new permit applications that are over six months old, and existing permits that have passed their expiration date
and are awaiting reissuance. The time for a permitting-related decision is calculated from the date a permit application is received or as soon as an existing permit
passes its expiration date, to the date of a permit issuance or denial. No FY 2019 target is established, but results will be reported. The baseline and FY 2020
target will be determined in FY 2019. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
21 Baseline and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019. (No footnote in FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
Objective 3.5 - Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness: Provide proper leadership and internal operations management to
ensure that the Agency is fulfilling its mission.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet22.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM FA1) Reduction in EPA Space (sq. ft. owned and leased).
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
163,626
146,477
Square Feet
Increase
Metric Details: This measure tracks usable square feet of office and warehouse space released with data collected from EPA facility manager notifications, and
reports generated when there is a modification to an Occupancy Agreement. Space consolidation efforts will result in EPA becoming a more efficient and
effective Agency by reducing lease, utility, security and other facility management costs, which will enable the Agency to direct resources to core environmental
work.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce procurement processing times by achieving 100% of
procurement action lead times (PALT)23.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM PR1) Percentage of contract actions processed within the Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT) Standards.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
85
90
Percent
Increase
Metric Details: For FY 2018, this measure tracked the timeliness of the Agency's processing of contract actions for Simplified Acquisitions (SA), Competitive
Proposals (CP), and Funding and Administrative Actions (FAA) with data collected from EPA's Acquisition System (EAS) and information from EPA contract
officer representatives (CORs) and contract officers (COs). Timeliness is measured in processing days from the time the procurement request (PR) is released in
EAS to the date the contract is awarded. PALT Standards are outlined in Section 7.1.1 of the EPA Acquisition Guide. As a result of these efforts, EPA will
become a more efficient and effective agency by reducing processing time and costs. Beginning in FY 2019, EPA will begin reporting results for all acquisition
categories in a single percentage, not just SA, CP, and FAA. Baseline as of January 1, 2018 is: 47% SA; 65% CP; and 67% FAA. Baseline as of September 30,
2018 is 77% for all contract actions awarded within PALT.
22 Baseline is 5,264,846 square feet as of FY 2017.
23 Baseline, as of September 30, 2018 is 77% for all contract actions awarded within PALT. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, improve 250 operational processes.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM OP1) Number of operational processes improved.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
50
50
Operational
Processes
Increase
Metric Details: EPA is applying Lean principles to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its operations. An operational process is a sequence of
activities that results in the delivery of a service. Initially, EPA counted an operational process as improved following a completed Lean/Kaizen event that meets
a three-part test: (1) the work of the process has been standardized; (2) visual management has been put in place and used; and (3) performance has improved.
EPA completed 11 of these events in FY 2018. EPA is currently refining the definition to include other key tools of ELMS, in addition to Lean/Kaizen events, to
achieve process improvements that meet a more stringent requirement for improvement.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase enterprise adoption of shared services by four24.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM CF1) Number of administrative shared services.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
7
8
Shared
Services
Increase
Metric Details: EPA will use additional federal and/or internal shared services when supported by business case analysis. Enterprise adoption of shared services
will ensure consistency and scalability in tools and services, enabling the Agency to standardize internal operational processes, control costs, and improve data
quality. The five administrative shared services in place as of the end of FY 2017 were: Interior Business Center (HR/payroll), Concur (travel), Compass (core
financial management), human resources shared service centers, and finance centers.
24 Baseline is five administrative systems/operations shared services in FY 2017.
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FY 2020 Annual Performance Plan Table
(PM CF2) Number of Agency administrative subsystems.
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
22
20
Subsystems
Decrease
Metric Details: Reducing the number of administrative system interfaces allows EPA users to more easily input and access data and standardizes reporting as
payment processing is moved to a federal shared service provider. This has a positive impact on streamlining operational processes and drives the integration of
financial transactions across multiple administrative systems, reducing manual entry, and improving data quality. The focus is currently on establishing an
integrated end-to-end delivery of financial transactions for contracts, grants, and Interagency Agreements into Compass. In FY 2017, the Agency had 26
administrative subsystems.
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Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents -Program Performance and Assessment
Introduction 666
Goal 1 Core Mission 673
Goal 2 Cooperative Federalism 712
Goal 3 Rule of Law and Process 722
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FY 2018 Annual Performance Report
Introduction
EPA's FY 2018 Annual Performance Report (APR) describes the first year of progress toward the
strategic goals and objectives in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan, available at
https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/strategicplan. This APR presents results against the annual
performance goals and targets in the Agency's FY 2018 Annual Performance Plan and
Congressional Justification (APP/CJ) as updated in the FY 2019 APP/CJ. Please also refer to
EPA's FY 2018 Agency Financial Report (AFR), available at
https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/fv-2018-agencv-financial-report. for information on
financial performance results.
In FY 2018, EPA's Chief of Operations introduced the EPA Lean Management System (ELMS),
which has enhanced the Agency's performance management framework. ELMS is a set of
practices and tools that supports Agency employees in identifying and solving problems for
optimal performance results. As part of ELMS, the Agency's senior leaders hold monthly business
meetings to discuss performance results and actions needed to make improvements.
Organization of the FY 2018 APR
The Program Performance and Assessment section (Tab 14) is the primary component of EPA's
FY 2018 APR. This section is organized by strategic goal. For each strategic goal, there is a Goal-
at-a-Glance Overview and a detailed multi-year table with results, graphs, and key takeaways for
the Agency's strategic objectives and annual performance goals. This section adopts the
terminology and color coding used to
measure progress under ELMS. FY 2018
performance results are also integrated
throughout the FY 2020 APP/CJ.
FY 2018 Performance Data
FY 2018 Annual Performance Goal
Results
EPA met 74% of the targets in their
entirety for annual performance goals
with FY 2018 targets and data available
(68 of 92). For 14 of its annual
performance goals (15%), the Agency
achieved between 75-99% of the target.
For 10 of its annual performance goals
(11%), the Agency achieved less than
75% of the target.
Federalism and Process
Performance toward target by goal
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No data (ND)
~ No target (NT)
3 (NT)
6 (ND)
8(Y)
41 (G)
1 (R)
Goal 1
Core Mission
2 (ND)
5 (NT)
5(G)
1 (Y)
Goal 2
Cooperative
Goal 3
Rule of Law
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The Agency strives to set ambitious, yet realistic targets. While EPA is making significant progress
toward a broad range of policy outcomes, some results show less progress than expected due to
delays in program implementation, Agency focus on other priorities, or factors outside of the
Agency's control. More detail is available in the multi-year table that follows this introduction.
No data were available for 16 of the Agency's annual performance goals as of March 2019.
Reasons for missing data include additional time needed for data collection from external sources,
out of sync reporting cycles, and data quality assurance/quality control processes. As additional
data are received for FY 2018 annual performance goals, the Agency will include the results in
future APRs.
Fiscal Year 2017 Data Now Available
EPA has received final results for four of the 41 annual performance goals with missing data at
the end of FY 2017. EPA met the targets in their entirety for three of these annual performance
goals and achieved less than 75% of the target for the other annual performance goal. The Agency
has no data for the other 37 annual performance goals.
Yerification/YalMatlon of Performance Data
EPA maintains Data Quality Records (DQRs) to ensure consistency and quality of data used for
annual performance goal reporting. These DQRs outline the results being measured; data sources
and limitations; methods for calculating results; and controls to ensure good data quality. The
Agency has developed DQRs for all 26 of the long-term performance goals in the FY 2018-2022
EPA Strategic Plan, available at https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/results.
FY 2(118-2019 Agency Priority Goals
EPA met FY 2018 targets for three of the six FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goals (APGs) in the
FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan (water infrastructure, site cleanups, and permitting decisions)
and missed FY 2018 targets for two of the six APGs (air quality attainment, and chemical safety).
Data are incomplete for one of the APGs (environmental compliance). Complete FY 2018-2019
APG Action Plans and Quarterly Progress Updates are available at
https://www.performance.gov/EPA/APG epa l.html.
• Improve air quality by implementing pollution control measures to reduce the
number of nonattainment areas. By September 30, 2019, EPA, in close collaboration
with states, will reduce the number of nonattainment areas to 138 from a baseline of 166.
Missed FY 2018 target. At the end of FY 2018, the number of nonattainment areas was
159. EPA took final action on state requests to redesignate 11 areas to attainment with
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as projected, but fell short of meeting
the FY 2018 target of 155 areas in nonattainment because four of the 11 redesignations
became effective after September 30, 2018. Looking forward, EPA is poised to: (1) work
with states to update nonattainment area projections and identify states that intend to submit
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redesignation requests; (2) encourage states with eligible nonattainment areas that are
eligible to seek redesignation to attainment through submission of approvable requests and
accompanying 10-year maintenance plans, as required by the Clean Air Act (CAA); and
(3) prioritize approval of state-submitted redesignation requests.
• Empower communities to leverage EPA water infrastructure investments. By
September 30, 2019, EPA will increase by $16 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by
EPA water infrastructure finance programs (Clean Water and Drinking Water State
Revolving Funds and the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act).
Met FY 2018 target. EPA and its partners leveraged $9.7 billion in non-federal dollars
through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Water
Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program, exceeding the FY 2018 target
of $8 billion. EPA deployed strategies to increase leveraging by conducting 25 water
infrastructure community engagements; providing 15 tools, trainings, and resources; and
conducting all 102 state reviews for the State Revolving Funds. EPA will continue to
implement effective strategies to engage with partners to meet the two-year APG target of
$16 billion.
• Accelerate the pace of cleanups and return sites to beneficial use in their communities.
By September 30, 2019, EPA will make an additional 102 Superfund sites and 1,368
brownfields sites ready for anticipated use (RAU).
Met FY 2018 targets. EPA returned 51 Superfund sites to RAU, meeting the FY 2018
target, and exceeded the brownfields target of 684 by making 861 brownfields sites RAU.
The Agency continues to implement recommendations from EPA's Superfund Task Force
Report, including completion of nearly 20 optimization projects and project scoping best
management practices to accelerate site cleanup progress; launching a mapping tool to
support redevelopment; and developing a Regional Best Management Practices document.
Utilizing Lean practices, EPA reduced brownfields data entry backlogs and provided
training to communities, states, and tribes on use of the Assessment, Cleanup and
Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) database. The Agency has committed to
conducting additional redevelopment training and providing brownfield communities with
technical assistance for redevelopment plans.
• Meet new statutory requirements to improve the safety of chemicals in commerce. By
September 30, 2019, EPA will complete in accordance with statutory timelines (excluding
statutorily-allowable extensions): 100% of required EPA-initiated Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluations for existing chemicals; 100% of required TSCA risk
management actions for existing chemicals; and 80% of TSCA pre-manufacture notice
final determinations.
Missed FY 2018 target; some data not available. EPA achieved 58.4 of TSCA
premanufacture notice final determinations within 90 days, falling short of the FY 2018
target of 65% due to the increased complexity of new chemical reviews under amended
TSCA. The Agency streamlined processes by implementing recommendations from Lean
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events, which yielded significant performance improvements with 33% of final
determinations made within 90 days in FY 2018 Q4, and 71.4% made within 90 days in
September 2018. EPA maintains a perfect record of completing final determinations within
the timeframe allowable by law, including any EPA-approved submitter requests for
suspension of review.
FY 2018 results are not reported for risk evaluations or risk management actions because
the first of these are not expected until FY 2019.
• Increase environmental law compliance rate. Through September 30, 2019, EPA will
increase compliance by reducing the percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance
with their permit limits to 21% from a baseline of 24%.
Incomplete data. EPA is updating the baseline and related targets due to the discovery of
facilities erroneously included in the universe of regulated entities counted in the
denominator. The Agency will update the APG baseline and targets based on these
revisions. The Agency also established an EPA-state workgroup to outline strategies for
achieving long-term reductions while addressing permits with significant impacts on the
environment. Some challenges include EPA's and the states' limited capacity to inspect,
enforce, or provide compliance assistance; and infrastructure needs and availability of
skilled operators for publicly-owned wastewater facilities which constitute a large portion
of the facilities in significant noncompliance with their permit limits. EPA has identified a
problem with the data used to calculate the baseline and targets for this measure and is
working to revise these calculations, we will update the APG baseline and targets once we
are able to correct for the erroneous data.
• Accelerate permitting-related decisions. By September 30, 2019, EPA will reduce by
50% the number of permitting-related decisions that exceed six months.
Met target. EPA reduced the number of backlogged permit decisions in FY 2018 to 136,
an 18% reduction from the baseline of 166 as of June 30, 2018. Building on experience in
EPA and state environmental agencies, the Agency developed strategies and shifted
resources to address the backlog of new applications. Specifically, EPA created standard
work templates for use by permit writers, established communities of practice, and work-
sharing agreements for improved utilization of permit writers' expertise. EPA has
developed a centralized system to track pending permit applications and an approach to
render timely decisions on incomplete permit applications to improve permitting efficiency
agencywide.
Evidence and Evaluation
Summaries of program evaluations completed during FY 2018, and additional FY 2018
contributions to EPA's portfolio of Evidence are available at
https://www.epa.gov/planandbudget/results. EPA uses program evaluations and other evidence to
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ensure programs are meeting Agency goals, to improve mission delivery, and to bring evidence to
bear in decision making. Program evaluations and other evidence help EPA identify activities that
benefit human health and the environment, provide the roadmap needed to replicate successes, and
identify areas needing improvement. This is particularly important for fostering transparency and
accountability.
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1
*
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
\S3E2
WASHINGTON, D i: J04RO
THE ADMINISTRATOR
Reliability of the EPA's Performance Data
I attest to the reliability and completeness of the performance data presented iri the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Performance Report, Because
improvements in human health and the environment mav not become immediate!) apparent, there
miyhi be delavs between she actions ue have taken and results we can measure. Additional!), we
cannot provide results data for some of our performance measures lor this reporting \ ear. W ben
possible, however, we have port raved trend data 10 illustrate progress over time. We also report
filial performance results for previous vears that became available m 1A 201 X.
MAR -7 1818
Andrew R. Wheeler
Administrator
Date
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Key to Multi-Year Table Annual Performance Goal Data Presentation
(PM #) Annual performance goal language here.
Targets by Fiscal
Year (Line)
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
15
13
13
13
No Target
Established
11
9
Sites
Increase
rmr
Actual
8
14
13
10
12
Gray = No Annual
Performance Goal
Red = <75%
of Target Met
Green = 100%
of Target Met
Yellow = 75-99%
of Target Met
White =
No Data
Purple =
No Target
Actuals by Fiscal
Year (Bars)
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Goal 1 at a Glance
Core Mission: Deliver real results to provide Americans with clean air, land, and water, and ensure chemical safety.
FY 2018 Enacted Budget (in thousands) by goal and objective
Goal 1 Core Mission
Obj 1.1 Improve Air Quality
$6,751,484
(of $8,824,488
EPA total)
$789,367
Obj 1.2 Provide Clean and Safe Water
$4,388,076
Obj 1.3 Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination
$1,333,325
Obj 1.4 Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace $240,716
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Performance toward target by objective
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No data (ND)
~ No target (NT)
4 (ND)
3(Y)
4(G)
Obj 1.1
Obi 1.2
Obj 1.3
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Objective 1.1 - Improve Air Quality: Work with states and tribes to accurately measure air quality and ensure that more Americans are
living and working in areas that meet high air quality standards.
Obj 1.1 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No data (ND)
1(Y)
1(Y)
¦ MR) 1
4(G)
4(G)
5(G)
5(G)
4(G)
FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Took final action on state requests to redesignate 11 areas to attainment with
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), as projected. Four of the
redesignations became effective after September 30, 2018 (FY 2018-2019 APG).
• More than 85% of counties in the U.S. met the 2015 ozone NAAQS and 94% of
counties met the 2010 sulfur dioxide (S02) NAAQS.
• Took timely action on State Implementation Plans (SIPs) consistent with Clean
Air Act (CAA) deadlines and reducing the SIP backlog by working closely with
state and local air agencies. Acted on 360 SIPs, 182 of which were in the backlog.
• Issued over 4,800 certificates of conformity for engines, vehicles, and
complementary pieces of equipment allowing manufacturers to enter products
into commerce in the U.S.
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) consumption is well below levels required
by Montreal Protocol, showing that the U.S. continues to outperform international
commitments. U.S. consumption lias fallen more than 74% in the past five years.
• Proposed Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule, which would reduce carbon
dioxide (C02) emissions in 2025 by up to 30 million short tons.
• Proposed Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years
2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks, to adjust national automobile fuel
economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards.
• Proposed targeted improvements to 2016 New Source Performance Standards for
oil and gas industry that streamline implementation, reduce duplicative EPA and
state requirements, and decrease burdens on domestic energy producers.
• Reviewed New Source Review (NSR) Program and identified opportunities for
streamlining and clarifying regulatory permitting requirements.
• In 2016, ENERGY STAR helped Americans save over $30 billion in energy costs
and 400 billion kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity with reductions of 320 million
metric tons of GHG emissions, 300,000 short tons of S02, 220,000 short tons of
NOX, and 23,000 short tons of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (most recent data).
Challenges:
• While EPA is making steady and expected progress redesignating areas to
NAAQS attainment, under the CAA, states are responsible for initiating the
redesignation process, a process that demands time and resources from states.
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of nonattainment areas to 1011.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM NA1) Number of Nonattainment Areas.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
155
138
136
Nonattain-
ment Areas
Decrease
Actual
159
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2018, EPA took final action on state requests to redesignate 11 nonattainment areas to attaimnent as projected. The effective date for seven of these areas occurred in
FY 2018, and the effective date for four of those areas occurred in the first month of FY 2019.
• Focusing efforts on reducing the number of nonattainment areas helps ensure that states and EPA, in the spirit of cooperative federalism prioritize taking timely and necessary
actions to improve air quality in nonattainment areas through the implementation of permanent and enforceable pollution control measures, so that states can submit, and EPA
can approve, redesignation requests for areas once they attain a NAAQS.
• Looking ahead, EPA will: (1) work with States to update FY 2019 - FY 2022 nonattainment area projections to identify which states intend to submit approvable redesignation
requests; and (2) continue to encourage states with nonattainment areas that are eligible for redesignation to attaimnent to develop and submit approvable redesignation
requests and accompanying 10-year maintenance plans, as required by the CAA.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the status of 166 areas that were designated nonattaimnent and listed in 40 CFR Part 81 as of the end of FY 2017. Areas designated
nonattainment after October 1, 2017 are not included. Nonattaimnent areas are areas that EPA lias determined do not meet a primary or secondary NAAQS, or that contribute to air
quality in a nearby area that does not meet a non-revoked primary or secondary NAAQS. Areas are considered redesignated based on the effective date of the redesignation. For
multi-state nonattaimnent areas, all state portions of the area must be redesignated to attaimnent for the area to be removed from the list of nonattaimnent areas. Under the CAA,
states are responsible for initiating the redesignation process and EPA's authority to approve a state's request to redesignate nonattaimnent areas hinges on the state meeting the
minimum requirements of the CAA, which include: (1) a demonstration that the area lias air quality that is attaining the NAAQS; (2) establishing that pollution reductions are due
to implementing permanent and enforceable measures; (3) a 10-year maintenance plan that includes contingency measures to be triggered in the event of a re-violation of the
NAAQS; and (4) satisfying any other applicable and outstanding attaimnent planning and emissions control requirements. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019
Agency Priority Goal.
(PM NA2) Percentage of U.S. Population Living in Nonattainment Areas.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
36
Percent
Decrease
Actual
37
Numerator
114,329,000
People
Denominator
308,746,000
1 The baseline is 166 nonattaimnent areas as of 10/1/2017.
676
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Key Takeaways:
• As described in PM NA1, EPA took final action to redesignate 11 nonattainment areas to attainment. The effective date for seven of these areas occurred in FY 2018, and the
effective date for four of those areas occurred in the first month of FY 2019.
• Most of the seven areas that were redesignated to attainment effective in FY 2018 were small population centers.
Metric Details: The percentage of the U.S. population living in a nonattainment area represents the number of people out of the total U.S. population living in an area that is
designated nonattainment for at least one of the NAAQS. If an area is designated nonattainment for multiple NAAQS, the population residing in the area is counted only once. For
example, the Los Angeles area is currently in nonattainment for five NAAQS, but the population living in the area is counted only once. This measure tracks population living in
areas that remain in nonattainment from the baseline population of 37 percent living in nonattainment areas and listed in 40 CFR Part 81 as of the end of FY 2017. Areas
designated nonattainment after October 1, 2017, and areas designated nonattainment for revoked NAAQS, are not included in this measure. The data source for this measure is
EPA's "Summary Nonattainment Area Population Exposure Report," available at (https://www.epa.gov/green-book), which groups nonattainment areas by geographic locations
and estimates the total population for nonattainment areas for a single NAAQS, and across all NAAQS. The percentage of the estimated population for nonattainment areas and
across all NAAQS is calculated based on the U.S. population from the 2010 census.
(PM DV) Percent of measured air quality improvement in counties not meeting the NAAQS from the 2016 baseline.
I V 2013
I V 2014
I V 2015
I V 201(,
I V 201"'
I V 20IS
I V 201<)
I V 2020
I nils
Preferred
l)i reel ion
No Trend
Data
1 arsicl
:
1'orcein
1 no re; iso
Actual
3
l);il;i \\;nl
i: :ui<>
Key Takeaways:
• EPA continues to make progress in reducing pollutant concentrations in counties not meeting one or more NAAQS.
• The 2017 average design value concentration among the baseline counties improved for all pollutants, except for ozone which remained the same, resulting in an aggregate
improvement of 3% from the 2016 baseline.
• A design value is a statistic that describes the air quality status of a given location relative to the level of the NAAQS.
Metric Details: This measure shows progress in reducing pollutant concentrations in counties not meeting one or more NAAQS relative to the 2016 calculated baseline. The
measure is presented as the aggregate percent change in design value concentrations - a statistic that describes the air quality status of a given location relative to the NAAQS -
since the baseline year. The aggregate percent change is weighted by the number of counties violating for each pollutant, so more weight is given to pollutants with more violating
counties. All counties met the NAAQS for carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in 2016, so those two pollutants are not considered in this measure. The other criteria pollutants
(ozone, PM2.5, PM10, S02, and lead) are part of this measure. For ozone and PM2.5, targets are based on predictions of future year concentrations resulting from the Community
Multi-Scale Air Quality model which estimates the impact of existing and future control strategies. For the other pollutants (PM10, S02, and lead), such modeling predictions are
unavailable. Therefore, targets for those pollutants are based on a regression curve using historical data. The results for this measure are updated annually based on design values
computed from actual monitored concentrations. Counties are used for this measure to provide finer resolution in the air quality data.
677
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM SIP) Number of SIPs acted on by the regional offices.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
150
SIPs
Increase
Actual
360
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2018, EPA acted on 360 SIPs. Of those 360, 182 were backlogged at the time of final action (about 51%).
• Over the past year, EPA worked collaboratively with state and local air agencies on setting priorities to ensure EPA took action on the SIPs that matter most for cleaner air.
• The Agency also focused on improving the efficiency of the SIP review and approval process, including development of an electronic system to facilitate SIP submittal and
processing.
• Looking ahead, EPA expects that implementation of 2018 Lean event recommendations will result in more consistently timely SIP approvals and further reductions in the SIP
backlog.
Metric Details: The CAA requires states to develop a general plan to attain and maintain the NAAQS in all areas of the country and a specific plan to attain the standards for each
area designated nonattaimnent for a NAAQS. These plans, known as State Implementation Plans (SIPs), are developed by state and local air quality management agencies and
submitted to EPA for approval. SIPs vary in type and complexity. The CAA requires EPA to review SIP submittals consistent with applicable requirements, and to take action on
submissions within 18 months of receipt before they are considered backlogged (The CAA provides EPA six months to determine submission completeness and an additional 12
months to act upon the submission.). Each year, EPA identifies the number of active SIPs, current and backlogged, and considers a range of anticipated incoming SIPs for that
year. The number of SIPs in the pipeline changes year to year depending on actions taken in the prior year as well as new SIP submittals. The estimated number of actions will also
vary year to year depending on the status of EPA rulemakings, state priorities identifying the SIPs on which they want actions taken, and potential new SIPs or SIP revisions.
(PM M92) Cumulative percentage reduction in the number of days with Air Quality Index (AQI) values over 100 since 2003, weighted by population and AQI value.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
80
80
80
81
83
67
Percent
Increase
(Greater
Reduction)
If
nr
Actual
74
79
82
82
62
Data Avail
12/2019
Numerator
7.0 Billion
Days
Denominator
11.2 Billion
Key Takeaways:
• The overall trend is largely driven by national ozone and PM2.5 concentrations which have generally decreased at a rate consistent with the estimated impacts of existing and
future control strategies, continuing the trend of long-term improvement. The national 2017 result was influenced by large wildfires in the northwestern U.S. and parts of
California in 2017 which contributed to higher AQI values.
• Results can also vary from one year to the next because meteorological and exceptional events, like wildfires, can play a significant role in ozone and PM2.5 formation, both
of which impact the respiratory system.
Metric Details: The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the NAAQS standard and are generally thought of as satisfactory
for each of the five pollutants (ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide) included in the index. When AQI values are above 100, air quality
is considered unhealthy for certain sensitive groups of people and then for everyone as AQI values get higher. This measure assigns more weight to higher AQI values and counties
678
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
with more people. Because ozone and PM2.5 typically account for the vast majority of AQI values above 100, this measure largely tracks changes in those two pollutants. The
targets for this measure are based on a regression curve using historical data. The results are updated annually based on the actual monitored concentrations. (Note: Since the
original development of this measure, three data inputs have changed, and this measure reflects those new inputs, starting with the calculation of the FY 2017 result (data became
available in December 2018) and FY 2018 and subsequent targets. First, EPA has revised the ozone and PM2.5 standards, along with their respective AQI breakpoints. An AQI
value or breakpoint of 100 generally corresponds to the national air quality standard for the pollutant, which is the level EPA lias set to protect public health. The AQI is revised
when the air quality standards are revised and if the standards are more stringent, the AQI breakpoints are lower, effectively increasing the number of days with AQI greater than
100. Second, the population numbers used for weighting are now updated to 2010 census data from 2000 census data. Third, data from continuous PM2.5 monitors are now
included. Data from these monitors was not included when the measure was initially developed, but they now make up a large part of the PM2.5 network.
(PM CRT) Number of certificates of conformity issued that demonstrate that the respective engine, vehicle, equipment, component, or system conforms to all of the
applicable emission requirements and may be entered into commerce.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
mir
Target
5,200
5,000
5,000
Certificates
Increase
Actual
4,225
4,360
4,453
5,109
4,869
¦ 1111
Key Takeaways:
• The total number of certificates issued by EPA in FY 2018 was 240 less than in FY 2017 (when 5,109 certificates were issued) and reflects approximately 220 fewer
manufacturer applications for certification.
• EPA continues to issue vehicle and engine certificates of conformity in a timely manner and in pace with the numbers of requests received.
Metric Details: This measure reports the number of certificates of conformity issued in a given year. The CAA requires that engines, vehicles, equipment, components, or systems
receive a certificate of conformity which demonstrates compliance with the applicable requirements prior to introduction to U.S. commerce. EPA reviews all submitted requests
and issues certificates of conformity when the manufacturer has demonstrated compliance with all applicable requirements. This measure illustrates EPA's annual certification
workload. The number of certification requests is dictated by the product planning of manufacturers and will fluctuate from year to year.
(PM NOX) Ozone Season emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from electric power generation sources.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
lir
Target
590,000
Tons
Decrease
Actual
735,799
683,409
616,815
554,206
466,237
Data Avail
04/2019
Key Takeaways:
• These reductions have occurred while electricity demand (measured as heat input) remained relatively stable, indicating that the emission reductions were not driven by
decreased electric generation.
• These emission reductions are a result of actions taken at affected sources such as power generators installing or improving operation of controls, switching to lower emitting
fuels, or otherwise reducing their ozone season NOx emissions while meeting relatively steady electricity demand.
Metric Details: EPA operates seven nationwide and/or multi-state Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs that help address air pollutants from large stationary sources. This
measure tracks the ozone season NOx emissions from sources in four of those programs: an annual NOx Budget Trading Program and two ozone season NOx Budget Trading
679
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Programs operated by EPA on behalf of 27 states in the eastern U.S. under Title I of the CAA, as well as a national NOx Emissions Reduction Program for the power sector
operated by EPA under Title IV of the CAA, the Acid Rain Program. NOx emissions are precursors for PM2.5 and ground-level ozone (03). Researchers associate PM2.5 and 03
exposure with adverse health effects in toxicological, clinical, and epidemiological studies. Lowering exposure to PM2.5 and 03 contributes to human health benefits. The ozone
season corresponds to the warm summer months when ozone formation is highest (May 1 - September 30). Reductions in NOx emissions during the ozone season help areas attain
ozone standards.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 1.1
Annual performance goals:
(PM G18) Percentage of Annual Greenhouse Gas Emission Reports verified by EPA before publication.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
mmm
Target
93
95
95
95
95
65
Percent
Increase
m
III
Actual
96
98
97
97
96
97
Numerator
7,827
Reports
Denominator
8,061
Key Takeaways:
• EPA continues to meet its performance targets for this activity, providing high quality, timely, and verified data to the public.
Metric Details: The GHG Reporting Program requires reporting of GHG data and other relevant information from large GHG emission sources, fuel and industrial gas suppliers,
and C02 injection sites in the U.S. These data can be used by businesses and others to track and compare facilities' greenhouse gas emissions, identify opportunities to reduce
pollution minimize energy use, and save money. The GHG Reporting Program lias 41 sectors that include more than 8,000 facilities and suppliers. Both facilities and suppliers are
required to report their data annually by March 31st. After submission of the data, the Agency conducts a verification review that lasts approximately 150 days and includes a
combination of electronic checks; staff review; and follow-up with facilities to identify any reporting errors and have them corrected before publication. The 150-day period
includes 60 days for EPA to review reports and identify potential data quality issues, 75 days for reporters to resolve these issues, and 15 days for EPA to review responses or
resubmitted reports. EPA typically publishes the data by October 1st each year (see: https://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting).
(PM SOI) Remaining US Consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chemicals that deplete the Earth's protective ozone layer, measured in tons of Ozone
Depleting Potential (ODP).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
3,700
3,700
1,520
1,520
1,520
1,520
Tons
Decrease
Actual
1,640
1,374
584
486
375
Data Avail
12/2019
ll...
Key Takeaways:
• FY 2017 results show that the U.S. continues to significantly outperform international commitments under the Montreal Protocol, and is on track to meet future obligations.
• The results are achieved primarily through limits achieved by EPA in cooperation with industry on the amount of HCFCs that can be produced and imported in a given
calendar year.
680
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
• EPA supports the transition to safer alternative to HCFCs by reviewing and listing alternatives for HCFCs under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program, as
well as developing regulations establishing refrigerant management, labeling, and other HCFC requirements.
• Industry innovation in developing new alternatives to meet the needs of consumers and industry sectors continues to be critical as the U.S. adopts and promotes these new
alternatives in the transition from ODS.
Metric Details: The base of comparison for assessing progress is the domestic consumption cap of Class II HCFCs as set by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol. Each ozone-
depleting substance is weighted based on its ODP, the damage it does to the stratospheric ozone layer. The natural layer of ozone in the stratosphere shields and protects the
Earth's surface from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to more cases of skin cancer, cataracts and other health problems. Beginning on January 1, 1996, the
cap was set at the sum of 2.8% of the domestic ODP-weighted consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in 1989 plus the ODP-weighted level of HCFCs in 1989 (a total of
15,240 tons). As defined by the Montreal Protocol, the amount of consumption equals the amount of production plus imports minus exports.
(PM R35) Level of readiness of radiation program personnel and assets to support federal radiological emergency response and recovery operations.
Preferred
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Direction
h
Target
90
93
93
93
93
80
Score
Increase
Actual
99
94
93
95
96
83.4
111111
Key Takeaways:
• The decrease in readiness from FY 2017 to FY 2018 is a function of the changes in the assessment methodology upon which this measure is based and does not indicate an
actual year-to-year drop in emergency response readiness.
• At a score of over 83, the FY 2018 results show that EPA continues to be ready for a radiological emergency.
Metric Details: The emergency response readiness assessment provides a measure of key aspects of EPA's Radiological Emergency Response Program. The level of readiness of
radiation personnel and assets is based on preparedness metrics such as exercise and drill performance, training completed, procedures developed, and equipment maintained. The
level of readiness is based on a score ranging from 0-100 and is dependent upon an annual evaluation of specific criteria that identify progress in six categories: (1) RadNet; (2)
Field Support; (3) Analytical Support; (4) Public Information; (5) Data Management; and (6) Science Team. In FY 2018, EPA refined the measure methodology for determining
OAR readiness of radiological assets to more accurately reflect EPA's current Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Program's resources, readiness and better
identify areas for improvement.
(PM R36) Average number of days before availability of quality assured ambient radiation air monitoring data during an emergency.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
0.5
0.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Days
Decrease
Actual
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.1
0.1
111111
Key Takeaways:
• Over time, improvements in data processing and review processes have reduced the time to release data to the public.
Metric Details: EPA's RadNet system has 140 radiation air monitors in 50 states. RadNet runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week collecting near-real-time measurements of
gamma radiation. Over time, RadNet sample testing and monitoring results demonstrate the normal background levels and fluctuations of enviromnental radiation. RadNet has
tracked radiation from both atmospheric nuclear weapons tests and nuclear reactor accidents, including Chernobyl (Ukraine) and Fukushima (Japan). During a radiological
incident, public officials use RadNet data to help make science-based decisions about protecting the public. In emergencies, EPA provides quality assured data as quickly as
681
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
possible. Scientists use RadNet air monitoring data to help estimate the potential radiation dose to humans. In 2005, the average time between collection and availability of data for
release by EPA during emergency operations was 2.5 days.
682
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Objective 1.2 - Provide for Clean and Safe Water: Ensure waters are clean through improved water infrastructure and, in partnership with
states and tribes, sustainably manage programs to support drinking water, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational, economic, and subsistence
activities.
Obj 1.2 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No data (ND)
~ No target (NT)
KY)
FY 2013
5(G)
FY 2014
KY)
5(G)
FY 2015
2 (Y)
4(G)
FY 2016
3(Y)
3(G)
FY 2017
KNT)
2 (ND)
2 (Y)
8(G)
FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Leveraged $9.7 billion in non-federal funds for water infrastructure, exceeding
$8 billion target. Of the $9.7 billion the Water Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program leveraged $1.1 billion in nonfederal funds
(creating up to 5,500 jobs) and the State Revolving Funds leveraged $8.6 billion
in non-federal funds. (FY 2018-2019 APG)
• The backlog of EPA-issued new Underground Injection Control (UIC) and
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits decreased
from 44 to 36 and 106 to 62 after EPA Lean improvements.
• Assisted emergency response during Hurricanes Harvey, Inna and Maria by
assessing public health risks and water sector damages.
• Trained more than 6,000 utilities, state officials, and federal emergency
responders on resilience to natural or mamnade events that endanger water and
wastewater services.
• Initiated several rulemakings to provide clarity and regulatory certainty
regarding the jurisdictional scope of "Waters of the US" under the Clean Water
Act (CWA).
• Planned potential rulemaking to advance state and tribal assumption of the CWA
404(g) Program to protect wetlands from dredge and fill.
Challenges:
• The 2015 Drinking Water Needs Survey, released in FY 2018, showed $472.6
billion is needed to maintain and improve the nation's drinking water
infrastructure over the next 20 years.
• Nutrient pollution remains an EPA priority because it is one of America's most
widespread, costly and challenging enviromnental problems. EPA worked with
all states to help them make progress on this challenging problem.
• EPA's enhanced oversight of the Lead and Copper Rule for drinking water lias
resulted in an increased rate of non-compliance with this rule.
• Drinking water rule compliance is more difficult during wanner months due to
microbial growth and greater use of disinfection chemicals, leading to harmful
disinfection by-products. Extreme weather events add additional pressures.
• The rate at which new waters are listed for water quality impairments exceeds
the pace at which restored waters are removed from the list.
683
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of community water systems out of compliance with health-
based standards to 2,7002.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM DW-01) Number of community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
3,510
3,380
3,280
CWSs
Decrease
Actual
3,480
Key Takeaways:
• EPA met the FY 2018 target but faces challenges relative to the Long-Term Performance Goal due to increased oversight of the Lead and Copper Rule implementation. Of the
3,508 community water systems (CWS) with health-based violations in FY 2017, 1,919 had all their FY 2017 health-based violations corrected in FY 2018, and 216 had at
least 1 corrected. Separately, 1,416 had at least one new health-based violation since July 1, 2017. These two sets are not mutually exclusive.
• Lead enters drinking water primarily through plumbing materials. Exposure to lead and copper may cause health problems ranging from stomach distress to brain damage. The
treatment technique for the rule requires systems to monitor drinking water at customer taps. If lead concentrations exceed an action level of 15 parts per billion in more than
10% of customer taps sampled, the system must undertake additional actions to control corrosion.
• Drinking water rule compliance is more difficult during wanner months due to microbial growth and greater use of disinfection chemicals, leading to harmful disinfection by-
products.
Metric Details: This measure tracks CWSs out of compliance with the health-based National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (Maximum Contaminant Level or treatment
technique) during any part of the year. A CWS is a public water system that supplies water to the same population year-round. There are approximately 50,000 CWSs. Data are
derived from the Safe Drinking Water Information System Federal Data Warehouse (SDWIS-FED), which contains information about violations by public water systems as
reported to EPA by the primacy agencies (states and tribes with EPA-delegated enforcement responsibility).
(PM DW-02) Number of community water systems without a sanitary survey within the last three years (five years for outstanding performance).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
4,473
CWSs
Decrease
Actual
3,281
Key Takeaways:
• EPA and states are working together to identify ways to accelerate the completion and reporting of sanitary surveys into SDWIS. This effort is evident by the fact that
reporting of sanitary surveys tripled in the last quarter. The Agency will continue to work with states to provide sanitary survey training and address questions regarding rule
requirements.
• States consistently prioritize sanitary surveys as a tool to encourage, and assist, drinking water systems to use proper monitoring and sampling procedures.
2 Baseline is 3,508 community water systems out of compliance with health-based standards as of FY 2017. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Metric Details: A sanitary survey is an on-site review of the water sources, facilities, equipment, operation, and maintenance of a public water system for the purpose of evaluating
the adequacy of the facilities for producing and distributing safe drinking water. The Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (IESWTR) and the Ground Water Rule
(GWR) require primacy agencies to conduct a sanitary survey of each CWS at least once every three years (or every five years for CWSs with outstanding performance).
(PM DW-03) Percentage of population served by CWSs that receive drinking water that meets all applicable health-based drinking water standards through approaches
including effective treatment and source water protection.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
¦¦¦
Target
92
92
92
92
92
92
Percent
Increase
in
m
Actual
92
93
91
91.2
91.8
91
Numerator
282,504,970
People
Denominator
310,445,023
Key Takeaways:
• Six out of 10 EPA regions had above 92% population served that met all standards. However, Region 2 faced additional compliance challenges exemplified by a system
violation in New York City which serves 8.2 million customers.
• The Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproduct Rule can pose challenges to consecutive water systems, those who purchase treated water from another public water
system as they have little control over the treatment processes of the water they receive, yet they must comply with maximum contaminant levels for total trihalomethanes and
haloacetic acids. Approximately 30% of the CWSs are categorized as consecutive systems. EPA continues to work jointly with our state and tribal partners to evaluate this
compliance challenge and share lessons learned and best practices among primacy agencies.
Metric Details: This measure tracks percentage of population served by CWSs not out of compliance with health-based drinking water standards during any part of the year. Data
are derived from SDWIS-FED.
(PM DW-04) Percentage of population in Indian Country served by community water systems that receive drinking water that meets all applicable health-based
drinking water standards.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
87
87
87
87
87
87
Percent
Actual
77
89
88
88
90.5
89.1
Increase
Numerator
918,562
People
1 1 1 1 1 1
Denominator
1,030,934
Key Takeaways:
• The tribal population affected by GWR violations in EPA Region 6 increased from 5,945 in FY 2017 to 36,419 in FY 2018.
• Many of the additional GWR violations stem from completion of sanitary surveys which identified more significant deficiencies at tribal water systems. Deficiencies that
require funding often aren't corrected until financial resources become available.
• Small ground water systems face limited financial capacity to hire certified/qualified operators that can address the degradation of sources of drinking water, pressures from
extreme weather events and the ability to make operational changes to the water treatment to address unexpected changes in water quality that will result in finished water that
meets the national primary drinking water regulations.
685
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Metric Details: This measure tracks percentage of population served by CWSs not out of compliance with health-based drinking water standards during any part of the year. Data
are derived from SDWIS-FED.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase by $40 billion the non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water
infrastructure finance programs (CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA)3.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PMINFRA-01) Billions of non-federal dollars leveraged by EPA water infrastructure finance programs (CWSRF, DWSRF and WIFIA).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
8.0
8.0
8.0
Billions of
Dollars
Increase
Actual
9.7
Key Takeaways:
• The WIFIA Program closed four transactions totaling over $ 1 billion in loans. The $ 1 billion in WIFIA loans leveraged a total of $ 1.1 billion in non-federal funds to help
finance $2.1 billion for water infrastructure projects and create up to 5,500 jobs.
• The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) programs made 1,532 assistance agreements that provided $6.8 billion for wastewater infrastructure and other water quality
projects, of which $5.5 billion were non-federal dollars leveraged by this Program. In addition to the $5.5 billion in non-federal CWSRF dollars, the Program leveraged $500
million in non-federal funds from sources outside the CWSRF, including state grants, local contributions, and other sources of non-SRF funding.
• The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs made 814 assistance agreements that provided $2.8 billion for drinking water infrastructure, of which $2.2
billion were non-federal dollars leveraged by this Program. In addition to the $2.2 billion in non-federal DWSRF dollars, the Program leveraged $400 million in non-federal
funds from sources outside the DWSRF, including state grants, local contributions, and other sources of non-SRF funding.
Metric Details: Combined, the three primary water infrastructure programs, DWSRF, CWSRF, and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program represent
the largest federal source of funds to address this critical component of our nation's drinking water and clean water infrastructure. Non-federal dollars are loans made from
recycled loan repayments, bond proceeds, state match, and interest earnings. The baseline is $32 billion in non-federal dollars leveraged from the DWSRF and CWSRF between
FY 2013 and FY 2017. SRF data are tracked in the Clean Water and Drinking Water National Information Management Systems (NIMS). The baseline does not include WIFIA
leveraged dollars. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency
Priority Goal.
3 Baseline is $32 billion in non-federal dollars leveraged from the CWSRF and DWSRF between FY 2013 and FY 2017 (i.e., loans made from recycled loan repayments, bond
proceeds, state match, and interest earnings). The baseline does not include WIFIA leveraged dollars because no loans were closed prior to FY 2018. (Footnote updated from /• )
2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
686
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM INFRA-02) Fund utilization rate for the DWSRF.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
89
89
89
89
89
96
Percent
itttti
Actual
91
92
94
95
96
96
Increase
Numerator
38.2
Billions of
111111
Denominator
39.8
Dollars
Key Takeaways:
• The fund utilization rate continues to be strong. Since FY 2014 states signed a record amount of funds into new loans. This resulted from EPA and state implementation of the
FY 2014 Unliquidated Obligation (ULO) Strategy, which led many states to develop agile cash flow models to more accurately balance fund inflows and outflows.
Metric Details: The fund utilization rate shows dollars of assistance provided for each dollar made available for projects. It measures all funds (federal and non-federal) signed into
loans against all funds (federal and non-federal) made available for projects. Data are collected annually from all 51 state DWSRF programs (50 states and Puerto Rico), reported
by municipal and other facility operators, and EPA's regional staff to the NIMS database.
(PM INFRA-03) Fund utilization rate for the CWSRF.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
94.5
94.5
94.5
95
95
98
Percent
rrrm
Actual
97
98
98
98
98
99
Increase
Numerator
133.0
Billions of
¦ 11111
Denominator
134.7
Dollars
Metric Details: The fund utilization rate shows dollars of assistance provided for each dollar made available for projects. It measures all funds (federal and non-federal) signed into
loans against all funds (federal and non-federal) made available for projects. Data are collected annually from all 51 state CWSRF programs (50 states and Puerto Rico), reported
by municipal and other facility operators, and EPA's regional staff to the NIMS database. In FY 2002, the fund utilization rate was 91%.
(PM INFRA-04) Number of American Indian and Alaska Native homes provided access to safe drinking water in coordination with other federal agencies (cumulative).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
148,100
Homes
Increase
Actual
162,016
Key Takeaways:
• EPA exceeded the target because the projects that were completed covered more homes than expected.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of homes provided with access to potable water as a result of receiving federal assistance, based on data obtained from the Indian
Health Service's (IHS) Project Data System (PDS). Many benefiting communities are in remote regions that cannot easily connect to larger water systems and, due to their small
population sizes, often lack economies of scale and capacities found in larger utilities. Additionally, many of these communities experience arid or permafrost conditions, which
make water sources difficult to find. EPA's Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants Tribal Set-Aside (DWIG-TSA) is used to provide additional sources of drinking water, construct
687
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
or update treatment and storage facilities, install or upgrade transmission and distribution lines, provide homes with initial access to drinking water, and replace aged water system
infrastructure. As of FY 2014, 113,656 American Indian and Alaska Native homes had access to safe drinking water. There were 400,096 American Indian and Alaska Native
homes as of January 1, 2017.
(PMINFRA-05) Number of American Indian and Alaska Native homes provided access to basic sanitation in coordination with other federal agencies (cumulative).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
105,764
Homes
Increase
Actual
107,462
Key Takeaways:
• EPA exceeded the target because the projects that were completed covered more homes than expected. 6,398 homes were provided access in FY 2018. The project types could
range from a large wastewater treatment plant that will treat wastewater for hundreds of homes, to a smaller project to build on-site septic systems for 2 or 3 homes.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of homes provided with access to basic sanitation (wastewater treatment service) as a result of federal assistance, based on data
obtained from IHS's PDS. There was a total of 400,096 American Indian and Alaska Native homes as of January 1, 2017.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the number of square miles of watershed with surface water not meeting
standards by 37,000 square miles4.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM SWP-01) Reduction in the number of square miles of watershed with surface water not meeting standards (cumulative).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
9,000
18,000
Square Miles
Increase
(Greater
Reduction)
Actual
N/A
Key Takeaways:
• At the end of FY 2018, 50 state 303(d) lists of impaired waters remain to be submitted to EPA, out of a total of 70 outstanding lists (i.e., 14 from 2016 or prior + 56 303(d)
lists, which were due April 1, 2018). EPA lias been working to improve the reporting process and facilitate communication regarding water quality attaimnent by moving
towards electronic reporting. During FY 2018, states began submitting integrated reports electronically.
• A baseline will be established in FY 2019.
Metric Details: This measure will track the progress of water quality standards attaimnent in waters previously identified as impaired in the Integrated Report as of October 1,
2018. Progress will be evident by a positive trend in previously impaired waters attaining water quality standards. Water quality standards attaimnent means that (1) the
impairments have been effectively removed; and (2) the waterbody now either fully supports the use or meets the water quality criterion for that particular pollutant or stressor for
4 Draft baseline is 464,020 square miles of impaired waters as of September 2017, to be updated in FY 2019. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
688
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
which it had been impaired. Data will be tracked in the Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Load Tracking and Implementation System (ATTAINS). States will submit to EPA
their Integrated Report which will include information on the status of their waters, and state geospatial data will be used to calculate results.
(PM TMDL-01) Square miles associated with state priority waters addressed by a TMDL, other restoration plan, or protection approach.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
35,000
Square Miles
Increase
Actual
33,135
Key Takeaways:
• EPA increased the percentage of state priority water with progress toward putting a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), alternative restoration or protection plan in place
from 25% in May 2018 to 33% in September 2018, narrowly missing the target.
• Results were lower than expected as the target does not reflect shifting state priorities during the year. States requested an opportunity to update their long-term priorities under
the State-EPA 303(d) Program Long-Term Vision to reflect shifting water quality needs and goals. EPA provided the states an "open season" to submit updated priorities.
• Some results may have been delayed by manual data entry and calculation of results. The Agency is updating the ATTAINS database to streamline reporting and calculate
results automatically.
Metric Details: This measure tracks state priority waters projected to have a TMDL, alternative restoration or protection plan in place. EPA, states and tribes cooperatively
developed a Long-Term Vision for Assessment, Restoration and Protection under the CWA Section 303(d) Program which encourages focused attention on priority waters and
acknowledges that states have flexibility in using available tools - TMDLs, alternative restoration plans, and protection approaches - to restore and protect water quality. The
calculation method provides 0.5 credit for plans under development and full credit when EPA approves a plan. The goal is to have 100% of priority waters with plans approved or
accepted by 2022. Data are tracked in ATTAINS. In 2017, there were 100,275 square miles of state priority waters.
(PM TMDL-02) Progress in putting priority TMDLs, Alternative Restoration plans, and protection approaches in place.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
50
67
Percent
Increase
Actual
Numerator
Square Miles
Denominator
Metric Details: This measure tracks state priority waters with a TMDL, alternative restoration or protection plan in place. EPA, states and tribes cooperatively developed A Long-
Term Vision for Assessment, Restoration and Protection under the CWA Section 303(d) Program, which encourages focused attention on priority waters and acknowledges that
states have flexibility in using available tools - TMDLs, alternative restoration plans, and protection approaches - to restore and protect water quality. The calculation method
provides 0.5 credit for plans under development and full credit when EPA approves a plan. The goal is to have 100% of priority waters with plans approved or accepted by 2022.
Data are tracked in ATTAINS. In 2018, 33.3% of state priority waters had TMDLs, alternative restoration or protection plans in place. The universe of waters associated with this
measure is subject to change to better reflect state priorities.
689
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM NPDES-01) Percentage of high-priority state NPDES permits that are issued in the fiscal year.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
80
80
80
80
80
80
Percent
Increase
ill
II
Actual
55
80
82
80
77.7
N/A
Numerator
Permits
Denominator
Key Takeaways:
• No data are available for FY 2018 as this measure is discontinued. The Agency has shifted focus to making all permitting decisions within 180 days, with initial efforts
focused on reducing the backlog of new EPA-issued permits.
• The priority permits measures focused on backlog reduction but only for permits expired for two years or more that were deemed high priority. This limited focus is no longer
sufficient to meet Agency goals as described in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. As a result, data collection efforts and work planning have also shifted focus to
examining all causes for delay in issuing permits, and EPA regions are developing backlog elimination strategies to address these for all EPA-issued permits.
Metric Details: Results are calculated by dividing the number of high-priority NPDES permits issued during the current fiscal year by the total number of permits selected by
states as high-priority for that fiscal year. High-priority permits are those in need of reissuance that have been identified by states as environmentally or programmatically
significant. Data are derived from EPA's Permit Management Oversight System (PMOS) database, which incorporates data from EPA's NPDES Database, and the Integrated
Compliance Information System (ICIS-NPDES).
(PM NPDES-02) Percentage of high-priority EPA and state NPDES permits (including tribal) that are issued in the fiscal year.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
80
80
80
80
80
80
Percent
Increase
ill
II
Actual
55
77
81
78
74.3
N/A
Numerator
Permits
Denominator
Key Takeaways:
• No data are available for FY 2018 as this measure is discontinued. The Agency has shifted focus to making all permitting decisions within 180 days, with initial efforts
focused on reducing the backlog of new EPA-issued permits.
• The priority permits measures were focused on backlog reduction, but only for permits expired for two years or more that were deemed high priority. This limited focus is no
longer sufficient to meet Agency goals as described in the FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan. As a result, data collection efforts and work planning have also shifted focus to
examining all causes for delay in issuing permits, and EPA regions are developing backlog elimination strategies to address these for all EPA-issued permits.
Metric Details: Results are calculated by dividing the number of high-priority NPDES permits issued during the current fiscal year by the total number of permits selected as high-
priority for that fiscal year. High-priority permits are those in need of reissuance that have been identified by states or EPA regional offices as environmentally or
programmatically significant. Data are derived from EPA's Permit Management Oversight System (PMOS) database, which incorporates data from EPA's ICIS-NPDES Database.
690
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM NPDES-03) EPA Permit Backlog - Existing NPDES.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
360
240
Permits
Decrease
Actual
Metric Details: This measure tracks existing EPA-issued NPDES individual permits that are administratively continued because they have passed their expiration date and are
awaiting reissuance. The CWA limits the length of NPDES permits to five years. A permit can be administratively continued if the facility reapplies more than 180 days before the
permit expires, and EPA does not renew the permit before its expiration date through no fault of the permittee. This means that the conditions of the expired permit continue in
force until the effective date of the new or reissued permit. For purposes of this measure, permits are removed from the backlog as soon as the agency takes final action on the
permit (issuance or denial). Data are tracked in EPA's ICIS-NPDES Database.
691
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Objective 1.3 - Revitalize Land and Prevent Contamination: Provide better leadership and management to properly clean up contaminated
sites to revitalize and return the land back to communities.
Obj 1.3 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
3(Y)
nn
13 (G)
13 (G)
2 (R)
3 (R)
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Made 51 Superfund sites Ready for Anticipated Use (RAU), meeting the target,
and 861 brownfields RAU, exceeding target of 684. (FY 2018-2019 APG). Also
made 117 RCRA corrective action sites RAU, exceeding target of 75.
• Continued to implement the 42 Superfund Task Force recommendations to
streamline and improve the cleanup process. Completed nearly 20 optimization
projects and project scoping Best Management Practices; and launched a new site
mapping tool to support site redevelopment.
• EPA brownfields funding leveraged 11,197 jobs (60% above target) and $2.2
billion in cleanup and redevelopment funding (100% above target).
• Used the EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) to improve effectiveness and
efficiency: increased coordination among the Agency's national and regional
offices on five-year reviews of federal facility National Priorities List (NPL) sites;
improved the RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI) and Remedy Selection process;
and reduced the backlog of brownfield grants' open work packages.
Challenges:
• Complex enviromnental problems persist at many contaminated properties, such
as the presence or perceived presence of hazardous substances in soil, sediment,
and groundwater, and can threaten the health of American families and hamper
economic redevelopment. There are 188 million people living within three miles
of a Superfund, RCRA Corrective Action or brownfield site - equal to 59% of
the U.S. population.
• EPA faces cleanup delays due to emerging contaminants. The Agency has
activated a senior-level per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) workgroup to
develop an action plan and is evaluating PFAS analytes to understand their toxic
effects. Also, EPA has issued updated recommendations to address the effects of
human exposures to lead contamination.
• Federal, state, tribal and local enviromnental land and emergency management
programs face reductions in capacity.
• EPA completed 8,128 Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) cleanups,
missing the ambitious target of 11,200 cleanups. Many remaining LUST releases
have greater challenges such as no responsible party, technically difficult
cleanups and lack of available funds. EPA lias intensively engaged state partners
to identify long-term strategies to meet the long-term performance goal.
692
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, make 255 additional Superfund sites ready for anticipated use (RAU) site-wide5.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM S10) Number of Superfund sites made ready for anticipated use site-wide.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
in
r
Target
60
55
45
45
45
51
51
51
Sites
Increase
Actual
56
45
45
41
43
51
Key Takeaways:
• EPA developed a Regional Best Management Practices document based on regional input and Site-Wide Ready for Anticipated Use (SWRAU) Lean event recommendations.
Emphasis on early planning and a SWRAU team approach were critical to meeting the FY 2018 target; the team approach will continue to be critical for meeting the targets in
FY 2019 and beyond.
• Institutional control implementation and/or the need for a site decision document calling for institutional controls present the greatest site barriers for achieving SWRAU.
Headquarters, the SWRAU workgroup and the Office of Site Remediation Enforcement are continuing to work with EPA regions to determine what assistance can be
provided and where informational institutional controls can be appropriately applied.
• As the Agency learns more about certain contaminants' human health effects and toxicity values, cleanup standard changes may be necessary for protectiveness; these changes
could affect future targets and retractions.
• By the end of FY 2018, 887 Superfund sites had been determined to be SWRAU out of a total 1,836 Superfund sites: there were 1,338 sites on the NPL and 48 non-NPL sites
with active Superfund Alternative Approach (SAA) agreements.
Metric Details: The SWRAU measure tracks EPA's progress in cleaning up and preparing Superfund sites for reuse, while ensuring human health and enviromnental protection. It
measures the number of construction complete NPL or SAA sites for which all cleanup goals in the Record(s) of Decision (ROD) or other remedy decision document(s) have been
achieved for media that may affect current and reasonably anticipated future land uses of the site, so that there are no unacceptable risks; and that all institutional or other controls
required in the ROD or other remedy decision document(s) have been put in place. The SWRAU determination is made directly in Superfund Enterprise Management System
(SEMS) once it is determined that the site meets all required criteria and has been approved by appropriate EPA regional personnel. The universe of sites tracked for this measure
includes final and deleted NPL sites and, since FY 2014, non-NPL sites with SAA agreements. Through FY 2017, EPA ensured that a total of 836 sites, including 828 final and
deleted sites and 8 non-NPL sites with SAA agreements in place, met the criteria to be determined SWRAU. As of the end of FY 2017, there were 1,342 sites on the NPL and 51
non-NPL sites with active SAA agreements. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal. This measure tracks progress toward
an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
(PM 115) Number of Superfund remedial site assessments completed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
llllll
Target
650
700
850
675
675
650
Site
Assessments
Increase
Actual
772
794
869
703
747
664
5 By the end of FY 2017, 836 Superfund sites had been made RAU site-wide.
693
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
Key Takeaways:
• Accomplishments under this measure were supported by implementation of Superfund Task Force recommendations development of the Administrator's Emphasis list, and a
greater focus on reviewing assessments at federal facility Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket sites.
• States continue to perform a significant portion of the pre-NPL Superfund remedial site assessments: States accounted for 449 of the 664 (68%) assessments completed in FY
2018 with 276 of the 449 (76%) being pre-CERCLA screening assessments at new sites or sites residing in state programs.
• Of these 664 assessments, 386 (58%) resulted in no further federal Superfund interest; 226 (34%) require more complex assessment; and 52 (8%) were determined to need
attention using a NPL or non-NPL cleanup approach.
• EPA expects resource constraints, both funding and staff, to reduce assessment production in FY 2019 and beyond.
• An expected FY 2019 decline in assessments may be partially offset by an anticipated increase in assessment reports submitted by other federal agencies. This measure
includes EPA review and approval of these reports, a process that can often be completed with relatively fewer Agency resources.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of screening-level assessments at sites submitted to the Superfund Program for potential placement on the NPL. The measure
includes the number of site assessment reports completed at non-federal sites by EPA and its state and tribal partners, and the number of EPA reviews of site assessment reports
completed by other federal agencies at federal facility sites. Assessment data are tracked in SEMS. Assessment results are used to determine whether cleanup may be warranted
under a Superfund managed or monitored program. The SEMS active site inventory included approximately 1,750 sites that needed one or more assessments at the beginning of
FY 2018, plus around 300 new sites are assessed each year for potential inclusion in this inventory.
(PM 170) Number of remedial action projects completed at Superfund sites.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
^
Direction
Trnrr*
Target
115
115
105
105
105
95
95
80
Projects
Increase
Actual
121
115
104
105
97
86
111111
Key Takeaways:
• The year-to-year performance variability reflects a variety of challenges, including the complexity of the remaining sites; funding and staffing reductions; emerging
contaminants; and changing screening/toxicity values.
• More than 68% of remedial action project completions (RAPCs) over the last four years were federal facility and Potentially Responsible Party (PRP)-lead projects; EPA is
dependent on remedial action work performed by third parties at these sites. EPA teams performed work on under 32% of RAPCs over the last four years.
• Challenges include limited construction seasons, reduced work force (e.g., attrition), uncertain remedial action funding and unpredictable weather-related events/disasters (e.g.,
hurricanes, fires).
Metric Details: This measure augments the construction completion measure and documents the completion of a discrete scope of activities supporting a Superfund cleanup. The
measure documents incremental progress in reducing risk to human health and the enviromnent at Superfund cleanups. Multiple remedial action projects may be necessary to
achieve site-wide construction completion. Regional remedial action project completion (RAPC) data are tracked in SEMS. The universe of sites tracked for this measure includes
final and deleted NPL sites and, since FY 2014, non-NPL sites with SAA agreements. The target decreases in FY 2020 due to lower funding levels.
694
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM 141) Number of Superfund sites with remedy construction completed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
19
15
13
13
13
11
Sites
Increase
,ir
Actual
14
8
14
13
10
12
¦ 11111
Key Takeaways:
• At the end of FY 2018, 1,205 NPL and eight SAA sites had reached the construction completion milestone. There are 545 NPL sites where studies are underway, remedies are
being selected or designs are being developed. At 324 of these sites, active construction projects are ongoing.
• The performance trend reflects a variety of challenges, including the remaining sites' complexity; funding and staffing reductions; emerging contaminants; and changing
screening/toxicity values.
• Challenges include limited construction seasons, reduced work force (e.g., attrition), uncertain remedial action funding and unpredictable weather-related events/disasters (e.g.,
hurricanes, fires).
Metric Details: This measure tracks site-wide completion of physical construction of all cleanup actions, including actions to address all immediate threats and to bring all long-
term threats under control. EPA regional offices document construction completion (CC) in a Preliminary Close Out Report (PCOR) which is reviewed by EPA headquarters. The
PCOR signature date is entered in SEMS by the region and EPA headquarters enters the achievement of the CC in SEMS. The universe includes final and deleted NPL sites and,
since FY 2014, non-NPL sites with SAA agreements.
(PM 151) Number of Superfund sites with human exposures brought under control.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
,1
Target
10
10
9
9
9
8
12
10
Sites
Increase
hiil**
Actual
14
9
10
12
24
32
111111
Key Takeaways:
• EPA significantly exceeded the target of eight with a net total accomplishment of 32. This achievement was primarily due to the elevated emphasis placed on sites where
human exposure was not under control nationally as mandated in Superfund Task Force Recommendations.
• The Agency implemented several actions to bring additional sites under control: identifying sites where human exposure was not under control and steps to bring these sites
under control; launching a public human exposure dashboard; and identifying best management practices to bring additional sites under control.
• Regions identified primary challenges to sites reaching key milestones, including: time required to eliminate remaining human exposure pathways (e.g., fish tissue
contamination or lengthy remedy implementation); difficulties reaching consensus with other parties on cleanup implementation; and resources needed for site cleanup.
• Challenges include the health effects of emerging contaminants, the growing understanding of which may lead the Agency to adjust toxicity values and cleanup standards to
ensure protectiveness.
Metric Details: This measure documents progress achieved in controlling unacceptable human exposures to contamination at sites and denotes a site-wide accomplishment.
Human exposure determinations for sites can change over time as conditions across portions (operable units) of a site change. EPA regional offices enter human exposure
determinations and supporting data into SEMS. It is important to note that results express as a net accomplishment as sites can shift between human exposure under control to
human exposure not under control or human exposure insufficient data. The change in status often occurs when a previously unknown exposure pathway (e.g., vapor intrusion) or
contaminant is discovered, and a reasonable expectation exists that people could be exposed or there is insufficient data to make such a determination until further investigation
takes place. The universe of sites tracked for this measure includes final and deleted NPL sites and since FY 2014, non-NPL sites with SAA agreements. The FY 2019 target
695
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GOAL 1: Core Mission
increased from 8 to 12 sites due to higher performance in FY 2017 and FY 2018 because of the Superfund Task Force's emphasis placed on this measure. However, the target
decreases in FY 2020 due to lower funding levels.
(PM 152) Number of Superfund sites with contaminated groundwater migration brought under control.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
15
15
13
13
13
11
Sites
Increase
nttn
Actual
18
11
15
17
14
29
Key Takeaways:
• EPA significantly exceeded the target of 11. with a net total accomplishment of 29. This was primarily due to work by two regions to define the extent of groundwater
contamination at several additional sites based on the installation of additional wells coupled with the completion of other pipeline activities.
• Challenges include the complexity of remaining sites, resource reductions, emerging contaminants, and changing screening/toxicity values.
Metric Details: This measure documents progress achieved in controlling groundwater contamination to protective, risk-based levels or stabilizing the groundwater contamination
so there is no unacceptable discharge to surface water. This measure denotes a site-wide accomplishment and reflects a net accomplishment as sites can shift between groundwater
migration under control to groundwater migration not under control or to groundwater migration insufficient data determinations. Monitoring is conducted to confirm that affected
groundwater remains in the original area of contamination. The change in status often occurs when data from a remedial investigation indicate that contaminated groundwater
migration is occurring at a site. Regions enter groundwater migration determinations and supporting data into SEMS. The universe of sites tracked for this measure includes final
and deleted NPL sites and, since FY 2014, non-NPL sites with SAA agreements.
(PM 137) Number of Superfund removals completed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
flHx
Target
275
275
275
175
175
141
Removals
Increase
P
Actual
278
226
255
242
1111
Key Takeaways:
• EPA responds to threats as they arise; predicting how many threats will arise in an individual year is challenging but the targets include assessment of longer-term trends,
resource planning, and incorporation of new program approaches. Specifically, the target reflects recent years' shift in the expected allocation of resources toward large time
critical removals that cannot be listed on the National Priorities List (NPL).
• The experience and expertise of EPA's On-Scene Coordinators allow EPA to quickly and effectively respond to emergencies as they occur.
Metric Details: This measure is a tabulation of Comprehensive Enviromnental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) removal-related hazardous waste cleanups,
known as Superfund removal actions, including those that are Superfund-lead and PRP-lead. There is no pre-established universe of removal sites, as removal actions take place
after a release lias occurred. Data are tracked in SEMS. The target decreases in FY 2020 due to lower funding levels.
696
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM FF1) Percentage of Superfund federal facility sites construction complete.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
86
87
88
85
83
Percent
fim
Actual
84
84
84
85
82
Increase
Numerator
430
Sites
¦ 1111
Denominator
522
Key Takeaways:
• FY 2018 represents the lowest result in the past five years. The number of Operable Units (OUs) being addressed lias increased recently due to site discovery, the Military
Munitions Response Program, and emerging contaminants.
• In FY 2018, EPA used Lean techniques to streamline coordination among the Agency's national and regional offices on five-year reviews of federal facility NPL sites.
• In addition to meeting the national target, EPA selected actions at 51 federal facility NPL Sites through Decision Documents and completed construction or implementation of
remedial actions at 24 sites. Tracking activity on 35 OUs were added to the national Superfund Program in FY 2018 through general site discovery and/or emerging
contaminants such as PFAS.
Metric Details: This measure represents the percent construction complete covering the 174 federal facility Superfund NPL sites. The measure is calculated in SEMS using data
from the 2,114 OUs at federal facilities. Results are calculated as the sum of: (1) the percentage of OUs construction complete for each individual federal facility Superfund NPL
site, converted into a range of 1 to 0; (2) the percentage of actions within an OU complete for each individual federal facility Superfund NPL site, considering completed Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility Studies (RI/FS), Decision Documents, Action Memos, ROD Amendments, Remedial Designs, Remedial Actions and FF lead Removals, converted into a
range of 1 to 0; and (3) the sum of the percentage complete of the planned duration of those actions for each individual Superfund NPL site, converted into a range of 1 to 0; all
divided by three times the number of facilities in the Program.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, make 3,420 additional brownfields sites RAU6.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM B30) Number of brownfields sites made ready for anticipated use.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
684
684
684
Sites
Increase
Actual
861
Key Takeaways:
• Used Lean techniques to reduce a backlog of open work packages.
• A data cleanup initiative allowed EPA to exceed this year's target. At the start of FY 2018, there was a large backlog of data awaiting EPA review and approval. EPA worked
to reduce this backlog, and as a result, sites that were functionally RAU before FY 2018 contributed to the FY 2018 count of properties RAU.
• This initiative resulted in EPA starting to reduce the backlog of data in FY 2018, with targets to reduce the backlog by 50% by December 3, 2018 and 100% by June 30, 2019;
the project also established standard operating procedures to ensure timely reporting of future data.
6 From FY 2006 through the end of FY 2017, 5,993 brownfields properties/sites had been made RAU. (Footnote updated from /•') 20IH-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
697
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
• Results are dependent on many factors outside of EPA's control, and are influenced by market conditions and community decisions.
• From FY 2006 through the end of FY 2018, a cumulative total of 6,854 brownfields properties/sites had been made RAU.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of properties/sites benefiting from EPA brownfields funding that have been assessed and determined not to require cleanup, or
where cleanup has been completed and institutional controls are in place if required, as reported by cooperative agreement recipients into the Assessment, Cleanup and
Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) database. This activity is expected to result in additional sites available for productive reuse, while also helping to quantify the impact
of funding from EPA's Brownfields Program. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal. This measure tracks progress toward
an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
(PM B29) Number of brownfields properties assessed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
HtttI
Target
1,200
1,200
1,300
1,400
1,400
1,300
Properties
Increase
Actual
1,528
1,659
1,320
1,392
1,419
1,919
i i i i i i
Key Takeaways:
• A data cleanup initiative allowed EPA to exceed this year's target. At the start of FY 2018, there was a large backlog of data awaiting EPA review and approval. EPA worked
to reduce this backlog, and as a result, sites that were functionally assessed before FY 2018 contributed to the FY 2018 count of properties assessed.
• This initiative resulted in EPA starting to reduce the backlog of data in FY 2018, with targets to reduce the backlog by 50% by December 3, 2018 and 100% by June 30, 2019;
the project also established standard operating procedures to ensure timely reporting of future data.
• Results are dependent on many factors outside of EPA's control, and are influenced by market conditions and community decisions.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of properties that have been environmentally assessed for the first time using EPA brownfields funding, as reported by cooperative
agreement recipients into the ACRES database. This activity will result in identifying which brownfields are ready to be redeveloped for productive reuse, and which brownfields
need to be cleaned up to a regulatory risk-based standard prior to redevelopment.
(PM B32) Number of properties cleaned up using brownfields funding.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
huh
Target
120
120
120
130
130
130
Properties
Increase
Actual
122
132
150
136
137
143
Key Takeaways:
• A data cleanup initiative allowed EPA to exceed this year's target. At the start of FY 2018, there was a large backlog of data awaiting EPA review and approval. EPA worked
to reduce this backlog, and as a result, sites that were functionally cleaned up before FY 2018 contributed to the FY 2018 count of properties cleaned up.
• This initiative resulted in EPA starting to reduce the backlog of data in FY 2018, with targets to reduce the backlog by 50% by December 3, 2018 and 100% by June 30, 2019;
the project also established standard operating procedures to ensure timely reporting of future data.
• Results are dependent on many factors outside of EPA's control, and are influenced by market conditions and community decisions.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of properties that have been cleaned up to a regulatory risk-based standard using EPA brownfields funding, as reported by
cooperative agreement recipients into the ACRES database. This typically occurs under one of two conditions: (1) a clean or no further action letter (or equivalent) has been issued
by the state or tribe under its voluntary response program (or equivalent) for cleanup activities at the property; or (2) the cooperative agreement recipient or property owner, upon
698
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
the recommendation of an enviromnental professional, lias determined and documented that on-property work is finished. Ongoing operation and maintenance activities or
monitoring may continue after a cleanup completion designation lias been made.
(PM B34) Jobs leveraged from brownfields activities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
lllltJ
Target
5,000
5,000
5,000
7,000
7,000
7,000
Jobs
Increase
fftffl
Actual
10,141
12,376
11,229
9,661
8,472
11,197
111111
Key Takeaways:
• A data cleanup initiative allowed EPA to exceed this year's target. A data cleanup initiative allowed EPA to exceed this year's target. At the start of FY 2018, there was a large
backlog of data awaiting EPA review and approval. EPA worked to reduce this backlog, and as a result, jobs leveraged from Brownfields activities before FY 2018
contributed to the FY 2018 jobs leveraged from Brownfields activities.
• This initiative resulted in EPA starting to reduce the backlog of data in FY 2018, with targets to reduce the backlog by 50% by December 3, 2018 and 100% by June 30, 2019;
the project also established standard operating procedures to ensure timely reporting of future data.
• Results are dependent on many factors outside of EPA's control, and are influenced by market conditions and community decisions.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of cleanup and redevelopment jobs leveraged by assessment or cleanup activities conducted with EPA brownfields funding, as
reported by cooperative agreement recipients at a specific property into the ACRES database. These are actual numbers reported by recipients that are based on jobs resulting from
enviromnental work at the site or the redevelopment of the site.
(PM B37) Billions of dollars of cleanup and redevelopment funds leveraged at brownfields sites.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
_aJ.lL_
Target
1.2
1.2
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.3
1.3
Billions of
Increase
mill
Actual
1.2
1.54
1.71
1.47
1.7
2.2
Dollars
111111
Key Takeaways:
• A data cleanup initiative allowed EPA to exceed this year's target. At the start of FY 2018, there was a large backlog of data awaiting EPA review and approval. EPA worked
to reduce this backlog, and as a result, sites that were functionally cleanup and redevelopment funds leveraged before FY 2018 contributed to the FY 2018 cleanup and
redevelopment funds leveraged.
• This initiative resulted in EPA starting to reduce the backlog of data in FY 2018, with targets to reduce the backlog by 50% by December 3, 2018 and 100% by June 30, 2019;
the project also established standard operating procedures to ensure timely reporting of future data.
• Results are dependent on many factors outside of EPA's control, and are influenced by market conditions and community decisions.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of additional dollars leveraged by assessment or cleanup activities conducted with EPA brownfields funding, as reported by
cooperative agreement recipients at a specific property into the ACRES database. The FY 2019 target increased from $1.1 to $1.3 billion dollars based upon a review of results
trends and data cleanup efforts. The data cleanup initiative has resulted in greatly exceeding the FY 2018 target for this measure and is anticipated to have an impact on FY 2019
results, as well. This effort, once completed, will clean up the backlog of data in ACRES to ensure data reported in future fiscal years is as up-to-date as possible.
699
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, make 536 additional Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective
action facilities RAU7.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM RSRAU) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities made ready for anticipated use.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
75
91
107
Facilities
Increase
Actual
117
Key Takeaways:
• EPA exceeded the target through improved data processing for previously unlogged sites.
• From FY 2017 through FY 2018, 1,349 of the universe of 3,779 high priority RCRA corrective action facilities had been made RAU site-wide.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of RCRA corrective action facilities made RAU. To be determined RAU, facilities must meet the following criteria: human
exposure under control, final cleanup goals achieved for media that would impact the anticipated use, and if needed, controls in place to ensure long-term protectiveness. The
universe for this measure is the Agency's list of 3,779 high priority facilities subject to RCRA corrective action. Information is entered into the RCRAInfo database by authorized
states and/or EPA regional offices overseeing cleanups.
(PM CA1) Percentage of RCRA corrective action facilities with human exposures to toxins under control.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
85
87
90
92
94
94
Percent
mm
Actual
85
87
90
92
94
95
Increase
Numerator
3,170
3,299
3,392
3,465
3,534
3,571
Facilities
111111
Denominator
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
Key Takeaways:
• Program improvements initiated in past years continue to benefit this measure, resulting in increased performance FY 2013 through FY 2018.
• By the end of FY 2018, 3,612 RCRA corrective action facilities had human exposures to toxins under control.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the percentage of RCRA corrective action facilities that have met the RCRA enviromnental indicator for human exposure under control. The
universe is the Agency's list of 3,779 high priority facilities. Information is entered into RCRAInfo by authorized states and/or EPA regional offices overseeing cleanups. This
measure tracks an early step in the progression toward completing facility cleanup.
7FromFY 1987 through FY 2017, 1,232 of the universe of 3,779 high priority RCRA corrective action facilities had been made RAU site-wide. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-
2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
700
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM CA2) Percentage of RCRA corrective action facilities with migration of contaminated groundwater under control.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
73
77
80
84
88
88
Percent
ITTTTT
Actual
76
79
82
84
87
89
Increase
Numerator
2,840
2,991
3,097
3,191
3,276
3,347
Facilities
111111
Denominator
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
Key Takeaways:
• Program improvements initiated in past years continue to benefit this measure, resulting in increased performance FY 2013 through FY 2018.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the percentage of RCRA corrective action facilities that have met the RCRA enviromnental justice indicator for groundwater migration under
control. The universe is the Agency's list of 3,779 high priority facilities. Information is entered into RCRAInfo by authorized states and/or EPA regional offices overseeing
cleanups. This measure tracks an early step in the progression toward completing facility cleanup.
(PM CA5) Percentage of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
mill
Target
51
55
60
64
69
70
Percent
Increase
Actual
51
56
60
64
67
70
Numerator
1,925
2,114
2,290
2,420
2,547
2,630
Facilities
Denominator
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
Key Takeaways:
• Program improvements initiated in past years continue to benefit this measure, resulting in increased performance FY 2013 through FY 2018.
• EPA achieved progress in FY 2018 (after slowed progress in FY 2017) by applying Lean improvements to the RFI and Remedy Selection processes; EPA will continue to
develop program improvements using Lean tools.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the percentage of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed. The universe is the Agency's list of 3,779 high priority
facilities. Information is entered into RCRAInfo by authorized states and/or EPA regional offices overseeing cleanups. This measure tracks a mid-term step in the progression
toward completing facility cleanup.
(PM CA6) Percentage of RCRA corrective action facilities with corrective action performance standards attained.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
mn
Target
21
24
30
32
33
Percent
Increase
Actual
24
28
31
34
36
Numerator
905
1,067
1,176
1,271
1,341
Facilities
Denominator
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
3,779
701
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
Key Takeaways:
• Program improvements initiated in past years continue to benefit this measure, resulting in the trend of improved performance through FY 2018; EPA will continue to develop
program improvements using Lean tools.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the percentage of RCRA corrective action facilities with have met final corrective action standards. Facilities at this milestone may still require
long-term controls to ensure protectiveness. The universe is the Agency's list of 3,779 high priority facilities. Information is entered into RCRAInfo by authorized states and/or
EPA regional offices overseeing cleanups. This measure tracks a late step in the progression towards completing facility cleanup.
(PM CA5RC) Number of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
98
98
Facilities
Increase
Actual
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of RCRA corrective action facilities with final remedies constructed. The universe is the Agency's list of 3,779 high priority
facilities. Information is entered into RCRAInfo by authorized states and/or EPA regional offices overseeing cleanups. This measure tracks a mid-term step in the progression
toward completing facility cleanup.
(PM HW4) Percentage of hazardous waste units with initial controls in place to prevent release.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
45
Percent
Increase
Actual
35
55
Numerator
188
254
Facilities
Denominator
541
463
Key Takeaways:
• At the end of FY 2018, 55% of units (254 of 463) in need of controls had initial controls in place. This is an increase over FY 2017, in which 35% of units (188 of 541) in
need of controls had initial controls in place.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the facilities that need an initial permit or other initial control. The measure tracks the percentage of those units that have been permitted,
clean-closed, or otherwise had initial controls to prevent release (using EPA's RCRAInfo system). Issuance of controls decreases the risk of future releases and enhances protection
of human health and the enviromnent. The baseline of facilities in need of controls was assessed in 2014.
(PM HW5) Number of permit renewals issued at hazardous waste facilities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Hull-
Target
64
64
64
Facilities
Increase
Actual
113
110
100
89
125
109
Key Takeaways:
• At the end of FY 2018, 963 (72%) of a universe of 1,330 permitted facilities had permits not past expiration.
702
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
Metric Details: This measure tracks RCRA hazardous waste permit renewals or clean-closures in the universe of permitted facilities using EPA's RCRAInfo system. This does not
include all permit maintenance since permit modifications cannot be projected and are not included. Maintaining updated permits ensures that permitted facilities have consistent
and protective standards to prevent release; proper standards for waste management can protect human health, prevent land contamination/degradation and other releases, and
avoid future cleanups and associated substantial costs. Annual targets for the number of permit renewals or clean-closures are estimated from projections of available workload,
such as pending permit applications.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete 56,000 additional leaking underground storage tank (LUST) cleanups that
meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration8.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM 112) Number of LUST cleanups completed that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
htifT
Target
10,100
9,000
8,600
8,600
8,600
11,200
11,200
11,200
Cleanups
Increase
Actual
11,582
10,393
9,869
8,977
8,775
8,128
¦ 11111
Key Takeaways:
• The states and EPA continue to complete cleanups but the trend in number of cleanups completed continued downward in FY 2018.
• As part of the ELMS process, EPA is working with the states to develop strategies to address issues regarding cleanup progress.
• As the universe of available cleanups decreases, many of the remaining releases are ones with greater challenges such as a lack of responsible party, technically difficult
cleanups and lack of available funds.
• By the end of FY 2018, 478,080 LUST cleanups had been completed, out of a cumulative universe of 543,812 confirmed releases.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of petroleum-contaminated sites where the states, tribes and EPA have completed cleanup activities. The states and EPA regional
offices report the number of cleanups completed within the reporting period (every six months based on the fiscal year). The state totals and EPA regional totals of cleanups
completed in Indian country are added together to determine the national number of cleanups completed for the reporting period and the fiscal year. EPA uses the LUST4 database
to track progress. The universe totals of confirmed releases pending cleanup will change over time as releases are found and cleanups are completed. Targets represent annual
increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal.
(PM 113) Number of LUST cleanups completed in Indian country that meet risk-based standards for human exposure and groundwater migration.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
lilm
Target
42
37
30
26
26
16
Cleanups
Increase
Actual
18
26
32
30
21
16
Key Takeaways:
• EPA met the FY 2018 target of 16 cleanups completed in Indian country.
8 By the end of FY 2017, 469,898 LUST cleanups had been completed.
703
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
• As part of the ELMS process, EPA is working to develop strategies to address cleanup progress. EPA conducted a study of the remaining open releases in Indian country to
identify opportunities for additional cleanup completions in the coming years.
• By theendofFY 2018, 1,166 LUST cleanups had been completed in Indian Country.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of petroleum-contaminated sites in Indian country where EPA lias completed cleanup activities. EPA regional offices report the
number of cleanups completed within the reporting period (every six months based on the fiscal year). The EPA regional totals of cleanups completed in Indian country determine
the national number of cleanups completed for the reporting period and the fiscal year. EPA uses the LUST4 database to track progress. The universe totals of confirmed releases
pending cleanup will change over time as releases are found and cleanups are completed.
(PM 114) Number of confirmed releases at UST facilities in Indian country.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
11
Releases
Decrease
Actual
11
Key Takeaways:
• EPA met the target of 11 or fewer confirmed releases in Indian country. The cumulative number of confirmed releases in Indian country is 1,424.
• There is a potential for a higher number of confirmed releases over the next few years due the requirement to investigate additional parts of the tank under EPA's 2015
regulations. Most of these newly discovered releases are likely to be the result of prior contamination, not a new release.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of new confirmed releases at Underground Storage Tank (UST) facilities in Indian country. This measure lias a direct relation to
releases needing to be cleaned up ("backlog" of cleanup sites). EPA regional offices report the number of confirmed releases within the reporting period (every six months based
on the fiscal year). EPA uses the LUST4 database to track progress. The universe totals will change over time as releases are found and confirmed.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 1.3
Annual performance goals:
(PM PCB) Number of approvals issued for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) cleanup, storage and disposal activities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
hm
Target
150
200
200
200
160
Approvals
Increase
Actual
254
218
182
190
194
Key Takeaways:
• EPA improved results and met the FY 2018 target due in part to permit process improvements introduced as the result of a Lean event.
• Approval applications are submitted by the regulated community on an as-needed basis, making it very difficult to accurately estimate upcoming targets.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of PCB approvals under Section 761 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The approvals are issued by EPA and tracked
by EPA regional offices and headquarters. There is no universe for the number of approvals because facilities choose to submit approvals, as needed. PCB permit approval
activities are not delegated to the states.
704
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM 438) Number of inspections conducted at oil facilities subject to the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure regulation.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
410
Inspections
Increase
Actual
465
Key Takeaways:
• Percentage of inspected facilities found to be in compliance at initial inspection is low, at approximately 13%.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of EPA inspections occurring at Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) facilities. There are approximately 540,000
facilities in the SPCC universe. Data are tracked in EPA's Oil database.
(PM 437) Number of inspections conducted at oil facilities subject to the Facility Response Plan regulation.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
200
Inspections
Increase
Actual
257
Key Takeaways:
• Percentage of inspected facilities found to be in compliance at initial inspection is low, at approximately 35%.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of EPA inspections occurring at Facility Response Plan (FRP) facilities. There are approximately 4,600 facilities in the FRP
universe. Data are tracked in EPA's Oil Database.
(PM CH2) Number of risk management plan inspections conducted.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
iTiTlL
Target
500
460
460
460
460
175
Inspections
Increase
Ml
Actual
539
466
376
343
397
316
111111
Key Takeaways:
• EPA focuses inspection resources on high-risk Risk Management Plan (RMP) facilities (e.g., RMP facilities with a history of accidents or with very large quantities of
regulated substances on site).
• Accidents at RMP facilities have declined since the inception of the Program by an average of approximately 3 -4% per year.
Metric Details: The RMP Program implements section 112(r) of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The RMP Program requires facilities (approximately 12,500) that use
extremely hazardous substances to develop a RMP. The information required from facilities under the RMP Program helps local fire, police, and emergency response personnel
prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies. Data are tracked in EPA's RMP database. EPA aims to conduct inspections at 3% of approximately 11,000 RMP facilities each
year.
705
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
Objective 1.4 - Ensure Safety of Chemicals in the Marketplace: Effectively implement the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, to ensure new and existing chemicals and pesticides are reviewed for their potential risks to
human health and the environment and actions are taken when necessary.
Obj 1.4 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ No target (NT)
I 1(Y) |
FY 2013
I MY) |
FY 2014
I KG) I
FY 2015
I KG) I
FY 2016
I KG) |
FY 2017
2 (NT)
100
5(G)
FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• On track to meet statutory requirements for timely completion of chemical risk
evaluations and risk management actions under the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA), as amended. Released problem formulation documents for all 10 EPA-
initiated risk evaluations released for public comment; and completed peer review
for use, hazard, and exposure information for five Persistent, Bioaccumulative
and Toxic (PBT) chemicals. Published a white paper explaining how it will
identify the next group of chemicals for prioritization. (FY 2018-2019 APG)
• Making progress on all Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA) and Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) performance
measures. EPA exceeded its percentage of decisions completed on time targets
(on or before negotiated due date) on a monthly tracking basis, while beginning to
reduce average PRIA registration timeframes through improved processes that
will continue to evolve and ensure meeting the long-term performance goals.
Challenges:
• TSCA amendments instituted new requirements and ambitious schedules for
reviews of existing chemicals and the requirement for an affirmative safety
determination for new chemical reviews. Long-term performance targets for these
technically complex review processes are ambitious.
• Completed 58.4% of TSCA pre-manufacture notice final determinations for new
chemicals within 90 days, missing 65% target. Reached all final determinations
within allowable statutory timeframes. Implementing Lean recommendations to
improve performance. (FY 2018-2019 APG)
• EPA lias developed a maintenance fee surplus due to FIFRA's "one-to-one"
provision that requires every maintenance fee dollar expenditure to be matched
with an appropriated dollar. PRIA 4 would eliminate this requirement but its
prospects are uncertain.
• A potential lapse of PRIA authority and phase out provisions would impede
registration review and result in impacts to personnel.
• Meeting the Endangered Species Act requirements for FIFRA risk assessments
continues to be a significant challenge. EPA is working with the Fish and Wildlife
Service and the National Marine Fisheries Services on the first three pilot
nationwide pesticide endangered species consultations. Once those consultations
have been completed, EPA plans to apply the knowledge gained from the first
three pilot pesticides to subsequent consultations.
706
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations for existing chemicals in
accordance with statutory timelines9.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM TSCA1) Number of final EPA-initiated TSCA risk evaluations completed within statutory timelines.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
N/A
10
Evaluations
Increase
Actual
N/A
Metric Details: This measure tracks new risk evaluation activity under TSCA, as amended in 2016 by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. A risk
evaluation is considered complete when the final risk evaluation is published in the Federal Register. The risk evaluation process is the second step, following prioritization and
before risk management, in EPA's existing chemical process under TSCA. The purpose of risk evaluation is to determine whether a chemical substance presents an unreasonable
risk to health or the enviromnent, under the conditions of use. As part of this process, EPA must evaluate both hazard and exposure, and ensure decisions are based on the weight-
of-scientific-evidence. To count toward the target, an evaluation must be completed within three years. While the statute allows for a six-month extension, this measure tracks
performance against the initial deadline. Accordingly, the expected completion date for the first 10 risk evaluations, which were commenced on December 19, 2016, is December
19, 2019. The baseline is zero in FY 2017, as the Program is operating under new statutory authority. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA risk management actions for existing chemicals in accordance
with statutory timelines10.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM TSCA2) Number of final existing chemical TSCA risk management actions completed within statutory timelines.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
N/A
N/A
Actions
Increase
Actual
N/A
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of risk management actions promulgated within statutory limits under TSCA, as amended by the Lautenberg Act. Statute requires
EPA to propose a rule under TSCA Section 6 for certain PBT chemicals by June 21, 2019 (in FY 2019), with a final rule to be issued by December 21, 2020 (in FY 2021). For risk
management actions following identification of unreasonable risk to human health or the enviromnent in a risk evaluation, final risk management actions must be completed within
two years after publication of the final risk evaluation. While the statute allows for a two-year extension, this measure tracks the performance against the initial deadline only. This
measure also encompasses TSCA risk management actions promulgated for other reasons, such as to address risks from exposure to chemicals for which risk assessments were
9 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
111 There is no baseline for this measure, as the program is operating under new statutory authority.
707
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
completed prior to enactment of the Lautenberg Act. The baseline is zero in FY 2017, as the Program is operating under new statutory authority. This measure tracks progress
toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all TSCA pre-manufacture notice final determinations in accordance with
statutory timelines11.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM TSCA3) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity
Notices completed within the initial 90-day statutory timeframe.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
65
80
80
Percent
Increase
Actual
58.4
Numerator
45
Final Deter-
minations
Denominator
77
Key Takeaways:
• EPA missed the FY 2018 target as TSCA amendments added more complexity to the new chemical review process. Specifically, an affirmative safety determination for all
new chemical reviews greatly increased workload making it more difficult to achieve the performance target.
• Performance improved significantly over FY 2018, with 65.2% of final determinations made within 90 days during the 4th quarter. The number of new chemical cases over 90
days pending final determinations at the end of FY 2018 was 315.
• EPA will implement recommendations from a 2018 Lean event to expedite the risk assessment phase of the review process and will initiate a Lean event in FY 2019 to
identify efficiencies in the risk management phase.
Metric Details: This measure tracks a subset of EPA's new chemicals review activity under TSCA, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21 st Century
Act - the review of Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (but not new chemicals reviews covered by exemptions).
EPA conducts these reviews prior to approving new chemicals or microbial substances in commerce, or new uses for existing chemicals that are subject to a Significant New Use
Rule, to determine whether the chemical substance or significant new use presents an unreasonable risk to human health or the enviromnent. The statute requires a base review
period of 90 days and allows EPA to extend this period another 90 days. While EPA has the authority to agree to voluntary suspensions at the request of a submitter to provide
additional time to complete the required review pending receipt of additional information that is needed, this measure tracks performance against the initial 90-day deadline only.
This measure tracks final determinations for submissions received by EPA in a single fiscal year. Additional information and statistics about the New Chemicals Program are
available at: https://www.epa.gov/reviewing-new-chemicals-under-toxic-substances-control-act-tsca/statistics-new-chemicals-review. This measure tracks progress toward an FY
2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
11 Baseline is 58.4% of determinations made within 90 days in FY 2018. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
708
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM TSCA3b) Percentage of final TSCA new chemical determinations for Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity
Notices completed within the full timeframes allowable by statute.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
100
100
Percent
Increase
Actual
Numerator
Final Deter-
minations
Denominator
Metric Details: This measure tracks a subset of EPA's new chemicals review activity under TSCA as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21 st Century
Act - the review of Pre-Manufacture Notices, Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices (but not new chemicals reviews covered by exemptions).
EPA conducts these reviews prior to approving new chemicals or microbial substances in commerce, or new uses for existing chemicals that are subject to a Significant New Use
Rule, to determine whether the chemical substance or significant new use presents an unreasonable risk to human health or the enviromnent. EPA lias the authority to agree to
voluntary suspensions at the request of a submitter; these provide additional time to complete the required review pending receipt of additional information that is needed. This
measure tracks performance against the full timeframes authorized under the statute. A performance result of 100% indicates that there were no instances in which EPA failed to
complete a final determination within the period of review agreed to, including any voluntary suspensions. The baseline is 100% of determinations made within full timeframes
allowable by statute in FY 2017.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, complete all cases of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)-
mandated decisions for the pesticides registration review program12.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM FIFRA1) Number of FIFRA decisions completed through pesticides registration review.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
58
75
75
Decisions
Increase
Actual
65
Key Takeaways:
• EPA exceeded its FY 2018 target, now having completed 42% of the known universe of chemical cases at the close of FY 2018.
• The Program continues to look for process efficiencies to meet or exceed future targets.
Metric Details: Through the Pesticide Registration Review Program EPA is reviewing each registered pesticide every 15 years to determine whether it still meets the FIFRA
standard for registration. FIFRA requires that all pesticides intended for use in the U.S. be registered (licensed) by EPA to ensure that they do not cause "unreasonable adverse
effects on man or the enviromnent." FIFRA defines unreasonable adverse effects as "any unreasonable risk to man or the enviromnent, taking into account the economic, social,
and enviromnental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide." By law, EPA must complete the first 15-year cycle of registration review by October 1, 2022. The baseline is 239
12 Baseline is 239 decisions completed by the close of FY 2017 out of the known universe of 725. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
709
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
decisions of a known universe of 725 cases (33%) completed through FY 2017. Universe is finite. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term
performance goal.
(PM FIFRA2) Number of FIFRA registration review draft risk assessments completed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
70
72
75
Risk
Assessments
Increase
Actual
113
Key Takeaways:
• EPA exceeded its FY 2018 target, now having completed 64% of the known universe of draft risk assessments at the close of FY 2018.
• This result was due in part to several assessments in the queue that were determined to require only minimal administrative actions to be marked final.
• The Program continues to look for process efficiencies to meet, if not continue to exceed, future targets.
Metric Details: Through the Pesticide Registration Review Program, EPA is reviewing each registered pesticide every 15 years to determine whether it still meets the FIFRA
standard for registration. FIFRA requires that all pesticides intended for use in the U.S. be registered (licensed) by EPA to ensure that they do not cause "unreasonable adverse
effects on man or the environment." FIFRA defines unreasonable adverse effects as "any unreasonable risk to man or the enviromnent, taking into account the economic, social,
and enviromnental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide." By law, EPA must complete the first 15-year cycle of registration review by October 1, 2022. The baseline is 351
draft risk assessments of a known universe of 725 cases (48%) completed through FY 2017.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) registration decision
timeframe by an average of 60 days13.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM PRIA1) Average number of days to complete PRIA decisions for new active ingredients.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
643
631
619
Days
Decrease
Actual
603
Key Takeaways:
• EPA exceeded the FY 2018 target, demonstrating solid progress toward the long-term performance goal of reducing the PRIA registration timeframe for new active
ingredients by an average of 60 days by September 30, 2022.
Metric Details: To expedite the review and licensing of pesticides' new active ingredients, EPA will reduce the incidence of PRIA negotiations, improve meeting the timeframes
specified in PRIA, and expedite the overall processing of reduced risk pesticides. The baseline is an average timeframe of 655 days (range: 93-2,086 days) for PRIA decisions for
68 new active ingredients completed in FY 2015-2017. There are 36 different PRIA categories that relate to new active ingredients, with statutory time frames ranging from 7-24
months.
13 Baseline is an average timeframe of 655 days (range: 93-2,086 days) for PRIA decisions for 68 new active ingredients completed in FY 2015-2017.
710
-------
GOAL 1: Core Mission
(PM PRIA2) Average number of days exceeding the PRIA decision timeframes for new active ingredients where original PRIA due date was not met.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
303
Days
Decrease
Actual
117
Key Takeaways:
• EPA exceeded its target, demonstrating progress toward the long-term performance goal of reducing PRIA registration timeframes by an average of 60 days by September 30,
2022.
• EPA ensured consistent utilization of the preliminary technical screen resulting in deficient packages being identified earlier in the review process. The applicant either
corrected the identified deficiencies so that review could continue, or those applications were rejected under the screen. This allowed Agency resources to be directed to more
complete applications.
Metric Details: To expedite the review and licensing of pesticides' new active ingredients, EPA will reduce the incidence of PRIA negotiations, improve meeting the timeframes
specified in PRIA, and expedite the overall processing of reduced risk pesticides. The baseline is an average of 316 days exceeding the PRIA decision timeframes in the statute
(range: 15-1,538 days) for 42 new active ingredients completed in FY 2015-2017.
(PM 091) Percentage of decisions (registration actions) completed on time (on or before PRIA or negotiated due dates).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
99
97.0
96
96
97
99
99
99
Percent
Mill
Actual
98.8
85
98.4
99
99
99.7
Increase
Numerator
2,023
1,627
2,078
2,157
2,008
2,193
Decisions
1 1 1 1 1 1
Denominator
2,048
1,919
2,111
2,174
2,026
2,199
Key Takeaways:
• EPA continues to meet its target of 99% of all PRIA decisions completed on time (on or before PRIA or negotiated due date). EPA exceeded the target for the fourth straight
year while achieving the highest rate of on-time PRIA decisions to date: Only six decisions out of 2,199 were not completed on time for a completion rate of 99.7%.
• EPA lias streamlined the registration process by using preliminary technical screening under PRIA of 2012 (PRIA 3), allowing the Agency to identify deficiencies early, and
applicants to correct these deficiencies at the front end of the process.
Metric Details: Whereas PM PRIA1 and PM PRIA2 track performance for new active ingredient decisions only, this measure relates to all PRIA categories described in the fee
tables in FIFRA section 33(b)(3). Additionally, FIFRA section 33(f)(5) allows that EPA and the applicant may mutually agree to extend a decision time review period. Decisions
completed on or before the negotiated due date but after the original PRIA due date are still considered "on-time" under this measure. More information on PRIA can be found on
https://www.epa.gov/pria-fees/pria-overview-and-liistorv. The baseline is 94% average of decisions completed on-time from FY 2014-2016.
711
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
Goal 2 at a Glance
Cooperative Federalism: Rebalance the power between Washington and the states to create tangible environmental results for
the American people.
Goal 2 Cooperative Federalism
FY 2018 Enacted Budget (in thousands) by goal and objective
$322,751
(of $8,824,488
EPA total)
Obj 2.1 Enhance Shared Accountability
$306,554
Obj 2.2 Increase Transparency and
Public Participation
$16,197
712
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
713
Performance toward target by objective
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
3 (NT)
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
1 (Y)
~ No target (NT)
5(G)
2 (NT)
Obj 2.1
Obj 2.2
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
Objective 2.1 - Enhance Shared Accountability: Improve environmental protection through shared governance and enhanced collaboration
with state, tribal, local, and federal partners using the full range of compliance assurance tools.
Obj 2.1 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ No target (NT)
I K6) I
FY 2013
| MY) |
FY 2014
| 1(Y) |
FY 2015
1 (Y)
1 (Y)
2(G)
2
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
EPA, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted this
objective as a focus area for improvement given significant challenges in developing
performance goals and baselines for grant commitments, and implementation plans to
meet the objective.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Developed, in coordination with the Enviromnental Council of the States, a draft
memo to guide Agency oversight of delegated federal programs. The memo
underscores four principles: deference to states, effective communication, clear
standards of review, and elevation of issues.
• After conducting an internal and external survey, EPA took steps to overcome
potential barriers to the use of multi-media Performance Partnership Grants
(PPGs) by developing an improved method to calculate state and tribal fiscal PPG
utilization.
• Developed a model of shared governance with states on enforcement and
compliance by issuing guidance to set consistent standards for joint planning,
work sharing, and enhanced communication. EPA will become a true partner with
states - sharing information technology, and work.
• Completed an Indian Enviromnental General Assistance Program (GAP)
evaluation procedure to identify opportunities to deliver enviromnental and health
improvements in Indian country. The Agency consulted with hundreds of tribal
representatives in developing the procedure.
Challenges:
• EPA and states share the challenge of determining an appropriate balance of
federal and state responsibilities, given statutory authorities and available
resources.
• EPA needs a broad, agencywide collaboration effort to determine and prioritize a
measurable suite of national grant commitments. This work will continue in FY
2019.
• Shared governance between EPA and each of the 573 federally-recognized tribes
requires active engagement to identify shared priorities, and coordination across
EPA to determine roles and responsibilities.
• EPA retains responsibility for directly implementing federal enviromnental
programs in much of Indian country where eligible tribes do not have delegable
authorities.
714
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the number of grant commitments achieved by states, tribes, and local
communities14.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM ST1) Number of grant commitments achieved by states, tribes, and local communities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
TBD
Commit-
ments
Increase
Actual
N/A
Key Takeaways:
• No results are available for FY 2018.
• In FY 2019, EPA will evaluate commitments associated with state grants to develop a measurable suite of commitments for this measure.
• The Agency is exploring the use of a new reporting tool which will reduce reporting burdens while enhancing transparency in commitment setting across EPA regions.
• Potential challenges include the initial transition to a new reporting tool.
Metric Details: Grant commitments are jointly negotiated by EPA and the state, tribal, or local grant recipient. The objective of this measure is to provide a clear and up-to-date
report-out of state-EPA grant commitments. The universe (number of commitments contained in PPGs) and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019. No target is established
for FY 2019, but results will be reported.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the use of alternative shared governance approaches to address state,
tribal, and local community reviews15.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM ST2) Number of alternative shared governance approaches to address state, tribal, and local community reviews.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
3
3
Alternative
Approaches
Increase
Actual
0
Key Takeaways:
• EPA established a set of key principles to guide Agency oversight of federal programs delegated to states and tribes, and a template to guide co-regulator discussions around
oversight activities. The key principles include deference to states, effective communication, clear standards of review, and elevation of issues.
"Universe (number of commitments contained in Performance Partnership Grants) and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022
EPA Strategic Plan.)
15 There is no baseline for this measure. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
715
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
• EPA tested the template with three EPA region-state pairs for Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) real-time reviews. For the Clean
Air Act Title V Operating Permit Program EPA looked retrospectively at the work done in FY 2018 and aligned the process with the new framework.
• In FY 2019, EPA will solicit feedback from states before launching the new framework in all 10 EPA regions (for NPDES real-time review and Title V), and work with states
to select additional programs to target next. Each EPA region will use the template in at least one state, in both programs (for a total of 20 templates) in FY 2019.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of program areas where EPA lias launched the new oversight framework. EPA will define, develop, pilot, evaluate, and launch a
comprehensive system to evaluate state and local implementation of federal enviromnental programs by 2020. The "comprehensive system" is defined as the overarching
principles as laid out in the principles memo, coupled with a template populated with state-and regional specific details on the review activity in question. The purpose of this effort
is twofold: to begin to standardize EPA's oversight work across EPA regions, and to maximize state and federal resources by focusing on the most important work. Targets
represent annual increments needed to reach the FY 2022 long-term performance goal.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 2.1
Annual performance goals:
(PM 409) Number of federal on-site compliance monitoring inspections and evaluations and off-site compliance monitoring activities.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
mii^
Target
17,000
17,000
15,500
15,500
14,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Inspections &
Increase
n
Actual
18,000
16,000
15,400
13,500
11,800
10,600
Evaluations
Key Takeaways:
• Given the reduction in enforcement resources, EPA is using data to target its efforts so that fewer inspections are needed to find noncompliance. EPA also is expanding
incentives for self-audit/disclosure.
Metric Details: This measure includes new data elements, such as off-site compliance monitoring activities (e.g., record reviews), not previously tracked or counted, and reflects a
recognition that states conduct the vast majority of inspections and an EPA focus on direct implementation programs. The target is the same for FY 2019 and FY 2020 based on
available resources.
(PM 426) Number of compliance assurance actions in accordance with EPA's civil enforcement response policies.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
Actions
Increase
Actual
N/A
Key Takeaways:
• EPA used significant resources in FY 2018 to implement other new measures and was not able to finalize definitions such as "informal enforcement actions," a key component
of this measure.
Metric Details: This measure includes both EPA's formal civil enforcement action conclusions and informal enforcement actions. Definitions of formal and informal enforcement
vary depending on the statute. Formal actions are generally used to address more serious violations while informal actions are for less serious violations. An example of a formal
enforcement action is a judicial action. An example of an informal enforcement action is a warning letter.
716
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
(PM 427) Number of regulatory sectors served by national web-based compliance assistance centers.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
17
Sectors
Increase
Actual
16
Key Takeaways:
• The food processing compliance assistance center has been deactivated because the grant expired, and additional funds were not available to re-compete the grant. EPA will
explore opportunities for third-party partners interested in supporting a re-launch of a food processing compliance assistance center.
• EPA funded a cooperative agreement with the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences to develop a new compliance assistance portal to help small and medium-sized oil
and natural gas extraction companies that may not have the resources to acquire their own enviromnental experts, to comply with their enviromnental regulatory options. This
portal will become active in FY 2019.
Metric Details: As of FY 2017, EPA had 17 national web-based compliance assistance centers, providing access to information through web sites, telephone assistance lines, and
e-mail discussion groups. This allows businesses; colleges and universities; tribes; local governments and federal facilities to understand and comply with enviromnental
requirements and save money through pollution prevention techniques. These centers serve regulatory sectors, or facilities with similar operations, processes or practices that are
subject to a similar set of regulatory requirements.
(PM 428) Number of in-person and live webinar trainings provided to states to expand capacity building.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
100
Trainings
Increase
Actual
290
Key Takeaways:
• Offered 150 free online training courses and 38 enforcement and compliance training webinars for state/federal regulators.
• Trained 100 state and federal personnel to identify cleanup parties.
• Held specialized compliance education workshops for federal partners.
Metric Details: This measure includes all in-person and live webinar trainings conducted throughout the fiscal year by EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance to
grow infrastructure and leadership necessary for states to implement enviromnental enforcement programs.
(PM 429) Percentage of projects with early Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) engagement.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
60
Percent
Increase
Actual
71
Numerator
100
Projects
Denominator
141
717
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
Key Takeaways:
• Decisions to engage early are based on available resources and anticipated environmental impacts of the project.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the percentage of projects for which EPA participates with the lead agency on the proposed project prior to publication of the Draft EIS. EPA's
policy is to participate early in National Enviromnental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance efforts of other federal agencies to the fullest extent practicable to identify EPA matters of
concern and assist in resolving these concerns at the earliest possible stage of project development. EPA is making a concerted effort to resolve project concerns through early
coordination, where possible, rather than rely on submission of critical comments on completed documents. Early engagement activities include, but are not limited to, the
following: providing scoping comments; participating in Pre-DEIS project meetings or site-visits to understand project components and context; sharing EPA's pre-DEIS input and
expertise through phone calls, emails, or in-person communications with the lead agency; providing feedback to the lead agency on drafts of project descriptions or plans;
reviewing technical reports, administrative draft chapters, or drafts of DEIS; and reaching out to the lead agency to discuss significant comments prior to sending them in writing to
ensure accuracy and to provide context and an opportunity for questions.
(PM AD4) Cumulative number of state, tribal, and community partners that have integrated data, models, information, and other decision-support tools developed by
EPA for climate resiliency into their planning processes.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
I
Target
50
120
150
Partners
Increase
J(\
Actual
50
120
395
n i
Key Takeaways:
• EPA lias been particularly successful building the capacity of water utilities to increase their resilience to extreme weather events (e.g., more intense storms) using EPA's
Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT).
Metric Details: A key goal of EPA's work on climate resiliency is to build and strengthen the capacity of states, tribes, and local communities to anticipate, prepare, and adapt to a
changing climate. This measure focuses on providing the tools, training, technical assistance, data, models, and other information they need to build their adaptive capacity. EPA
delivers these resources to all communities across the nation through its innovative web-based Climate Adaptation Resource Center (ARC-X).
(PM AD5) Cumulative number of state, tribal, and community partners that have incorporated climate resiliency into the implementation of their environmental
programs supported by major EPA financial mechanisms (grants, loans, contracts, and technical assistance agreements).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Jl
Target
50
100
150
Partners
Increase
Actual
50
100
256
Key Takeaways:
• EPA programs are successfully supporting climate-resilient investments by states, tribes, and local communities through existing grant mechanisms. These primarily include
Brownfields grants. State Revolving Loan Funds (SRF), and Climate Ready Estuaries Partner Projects.
Metric Details: This measure focuses on supporting climate-resilient investments across the nation.
718
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
Objective 2.2 - Increase Transparency and Public Participation: Listen to and collaborate with impacted stakeholders and provide effective
platforms for public participation and meaningful engagement.
Obj 2.2 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ No target (NT)
FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
EPA, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted this
objective as a focus area for improvement given significant challenges responding to
FOIA requests, and developing performance goals and strategies to meet the objective.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Reorganized the Agency's national and regional Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) programs into the General Counsel's and Regional Counsel's offices to
improve accountability and transparency. Required all managers with FOIA
responsibilities to have performance appraisal language holding them accountable
for FOIA response quality, staffing, and training.
• EPA's Office of Community Revitalization used an EPA investment of roughly
$500,000 to leverage m
• ore than $ 1 million in funds from other agencies and deliver contractor-supported
community workshops. The action plans that emerge from this work have enabled
many communities to attract additional public and private sector funds for project
implementation.
• Held two Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC) meetings.
The Administrator and EPA's program offices worked to identify relevant and
important issues for EPA and children's enviromnental health.
• Formed the Enviromnental Justice and Community Revitalization Council
(EJCRC) with senior decision-makers to establish regional frameworks to
improve internal coordination of EPA community-based activities and more
efficiently identify resources to address community needs.
Challenges:
• EPA faced significant challenges in responding to FOIA requests including a
significant increase in requests, data quality management challenges, and
challenges maintaining sufficiently trained staff to process FOIA requests. Data
sources are incomplete as the Agency migrates to an updated tracking system.
• While EPA's Office of Community Revitalization held technical assistance
workshops in 44 communities over the past year, the Agency was unable to
satisfy the more than 300 letters requesting assistance.
• Sustained work is needed to improve coordination among EPA programs to
advance enviromnental justice and meet community demand for public meetings.
719
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, eliminate the backlog and meet statutory deadlines for responding to Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) requests16.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM FOl) Percentage reduction in overdue FOIA requests from the April 2018 baseline.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
25
50
Percent
Increase
(Greater
Reduction)
Actual
-9
Numerator
-224
Requests
Denominator
2,537
Key Takeaways:
• EPA's FOIA backlog increased from 2,537 to 2,761 (the increase is expressed in the result as a negative reduction), due to a significant increase in requests, data quality
management challenges, and challenges maintaining sufficiently trained staff to process FOIA requests.
• Laid a foundation to improve efficiency and accountability by increasing the centralization of FOIA work into a reorganized National FOIA Office (NFO).
• Developed a tool for implementation in early FY 2019 to provide requesters with immediate responses to initial site-specific FOIA requests.
• Began to enhance hiring, training, and management performance improvement to develop an efficient work force for managing FOIA requests.
Metric Details: For purposes of this measure, overdue requests are defined as those that are not indicated as closed in EPA's FOIAonline tracking system after 20 working days.
EPA will focus on reducing the FOIA backlog the Agency has built up over the years, and enhancing the FOIA process which gives the public the right to make requests for
federal agency records. The complexity and volume of electronic documents that must be searched, collected, and reviewed lias increased over time. The Agency will ensure that it
can support the timely searching and collection of electronically-stored information for purposes of responding to FOIA requests and other information needs in a cost-effective
and sustainable manner. This should not only help the Agency provide the public with the information requested, but also reduce the fees and lawsuits the Agency incurs from
missing FOIA response deadlines. As of April 2018, there were 2,537 overdue FOIA requests in the backlog. In FY 2019, EPA will reduce that number by 25% (635) to 1,902, and
by 50% (1,269) to 1,268 in FY 2020.
(PM F02) Percentage of FOIA requests completed within statutory deadlines.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
Percent
Increase
Actual
N/A
Numerator
Requests
Denominator
16 As of April 2018, there were 2,537 overdue FOIA requests in the backlog. (Footnote updated fmrnFY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
720
-------
GOAL 2: Cooperative Federalism
Key Takeaways:
• EPA faced significant challenges in responding to FOIA requests including a significant increase in requests, data quality management challenges, and challenges maintaining
sufficiently trained staff to process FOIA requests.
• Laid a foundation to improve efficiency and accountability by increasing the centralization of FOIA work into a reorganized National FOIA Office (NFO).
• Developed a tool to be implemented in early FY 2019 to provide requesters with immediate responses to initial site-specific FOIA requests.
• Began to enhance hiring, training, and management performance improvement to develop an efficient work force for managing FOIA requests.
Metric Details: This measure tracks EPA's timeliness in responding to FOIA requests. Currently, data needed to establish a baseline are not available as the Agency upgrades to its
updated tracking system, FOIAonline 3.0.
721
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Goal 3 at a Glance
Rule of Law and Process: Administer the law as Congress intended, to refocus the Agency on its statutory obligations under the
law.
Goal 3 Rule of Law and Process
Obj 3.1 Compliance with the Law
Obj 3.2 Create Consistency and Certainty
Obj 3.3 Prioritize Robust Science
Obj 3.5 Improve Efficiency and
Effectiveness
$68,981
$37,583
$403,350
$481,723
$907,464
$1,899,101
(of $8,824,488
EPA total)
Performance toward target by objective
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
¦ <75% of target met (R)
~ No data (ND)
~ No target (NT)
JJ
lTi
NT] I
ndTJ
5(G)
Obj 3.1
3 (NT)
2(G)
Obj 3.2
8(G)
Obj 3.3
T7NTT
3(G)
Obj 3.4
4 (Y)
4(G)
Obj 3.5
722
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Objective 3.1 - Compliance with the Law: Timely enforce environmental laws to increase compliance rates and promote cleanup of
contaminated sites through the use of all of EPA's compliance assurance tools, especially enforcement actions to address environmental
violations.
Obj 3.1 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No data (ND)
~ No target (NT)
1 (NT)
1 (ND)
3(G)
FY 2013
3(G)
FY 2014
3(G)
FY 2015
3(G)
FY 2016
3(G)
FY 2017
5(G)
FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Transformed National Enforcement Initiatives into National Compliance
Initiatives (NCIs) to better align with Agency long-term performance goals,
enhance engagement with states, and apply a broader set of compliance assurance
tools.
• Issued guidance establishing clear, uniform timeframes for finalizing inspection
reports to provide facilities with results, improving certainty and speeding up
correction of violations.
• Far exceeded the target on pollutants and waste reduced, due to EPA's focus on
high-priority cases with the most significant health and enviromnental impacts.
• Obtained over $500 million in new private potentially responsible party (PRP)
commitments to fund site cleanups at 112 Superfund sites and reached agreements
for cleanups at 32 federal facility National Priorities List (NPL) sites.
• Modified agreements with five municipalities to remedy sewer overflows at lower
costs with greater enviromnental benefits: St. Louis, MO; Akron, OH; Evansville,
IN; Northeast Ohio; and Lynn, MA.
• Reached $300 million settlement with ExxonMobil that will eliminate thousands
of tons of harmful air pollution in TX and LA.
• Obtained 69 years of incarceration for criminal violators of enviromnental laws.
Challenges:
• Numbers of inspections and enforcement actions continue to decline. EPA and
states are focusing on staff development and priority-setting for better results with
limited resources.
• EPA did not begin activities under new enforcement pilot measures as planned.
Instead, resources were put toward developing new measures for FY 2019.
723
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce the average time from violation identification to correction.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM 430) Average time to move EPA civil cases referred to the Department of Justice in FY 2013 or later to settlement or having a complaint filed.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
Years
Decrease
Actual
2.25
Key Takeaways:
• The civil judicial timeliness measure lias been in place since June 1. 2018. The purpose of the measure is to reduce the time that a facility is in violation of an enviromnental
standard by reducing the amount of time from the referral of an enforcement case to its conclusion.
• When EPA initiated this measure, there were 129 referred cases with no complaint filed (RNCF) more than 2.5 years old. By the end of FY 2018, EPA had reduced the
number of RNCF cases to 109 under aggressive case management. Close cooperation between EPA headquarters and regions and with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
ensures that cases move toward resolution at an appropriate speed. EPA is making progress to more quickly return violators to compliance.
Metric Details: This measure is calculated, for the civil judicial referrals settled during a given year, as the average time from the date of referral to the DOJ to settlement or having
a complaint filed. Cases included in this measure are those referred in FY 2013 or later. Data for this measure are tracked in EPA's Integrated Compliance Information System.
From FY 2010 through FY 2017, the average time to move EPA civil judicial referrals to settlement or having a complaint filed was 3.2 years.
(PM 436) Number of all referred no complaint (RNCF) civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
129
129
Cases
Decrease
Actual
Metric Details: This measure represents the number of all open civil judicial cases that are more than 2.5 years old without a complaint filed. 2.5 years is the average time from
referral to complaint for a complaint filed between FY 2013 and FY 2017. Excludes Superfund, bankruptcy, collection action, and access order cases. This measure is still early in
the implementation and therefore the target remains the same until it is demonstrated that results can be improved.
724
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
(PM 431) By FY 2018, identify one or two direct implementation programs that use administrative and informal enforcement tools to pilot for reducing the time between
identification of a violation to correction. Also in FY 2018, gather data to establish baselines against which to measure progress.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
Identify Pilot
Program(s)
and Establish
Baselines
N/A
N/A
Actual
No Pilot
Identified
Key Takeaways:
• EPA did not identify a specific pilot. However, EPA instituted a number of activities to improve the timeliness between violation identification and correction, including:
requesting that inspectors flag compliance concerns with a facility at the time of inspection; improving the timeliness of completing inspection reports; and providing the final
reports to facilities.
Metric Details: Informal enforcement tools may include Notices of Violation (NOV), Notices of Noncompliance, and violation letters.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the environmental law compliance rate17.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM 432) Percentage of Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit limits.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
24
TBD
TBD
Percent
Decrease
Actual
Data Avail
09/2019
Numerator
Permittees
Denominator
Key Takeaways:
• EPA worked with states to improve compliance data completeness in EPA's Integrated Compliance Information System (ICIS)-NPDES data system.
• EPA identified this goal as a NCI in August 2018. An EPA-state workgroup is developing additional strategies and an implementation plan to reduce noncompliance.
• EPA has identified a problem with the data used to calculate the baseline and targets for this measure and is working to revise these calculations.
17 This concept will be piloted by focusing initially on decreasing the percentage of Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permittees in significant noncompliance with their permit limits. The baseline and targets will be determined in FY 2019. Other program areas may be included in this Long-Term
Performance Goal during the FY 2018-2022 timeframe. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
725
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Metric Details: This measure tracks the annual SNC/Category 1 noncompliance rate among individually permitted major and non-major (minor) NPDES permittees. Major and
minor permittees that were in SNC/Category 1 noncompliance at any time during the one-year period will be counted in the percentage denominator. SNC/Category 1
noncompliance are a specific type of violation the severity of which are classified based on duration, severity, and type of violation. For more information see:
https://echo.epa.gov/help/facilitv-searcli/npdes-program-search-criteria-help. EPA is updating the baseline and related targets due to the discovery of facilities erroneously included
in the universe of regulated entities counted in the denominator. The baseline and targets will be determined in FY 2019. This measure tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019
Agency Priority Goal.
(PM 433) By FY 2018, develop a compliance rate pilot in a second program (in addition to NPDES) and implement in FY 2019.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
Identify Pilot
N/A
N/A
Actual
No Pilot
Identified
Key Takeaways:
• EPA did not develop a compliance rate pilot in a second program. Instead, resources were put toward developing PM 432 for implementation in FY 2019.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 3.1
Annual performance goals:
(PM 434) Millions of pounds of pollutants and waste reduced, treated, or eliminated through concluded enforcement actions.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
h.i
Target
325
325
325
Millions of
Increase
Nil —
Actual
1,425
1,221
1,030
62,223
461
810
Pounds
Key Takeaways:
• Results far exceeded target, due to a few larger than expected cases.
• The target for this measure is an estimate based on cases in development and past year results. Results in any given year are dependent on actual case outcomes, which are
quite variable and difficult to predict.
Metric Details: This measure combines enviromnental benefits from pounds of air, water, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, and toxics/pesticides pollutants reduced, treated, or
eliminated through concluded enforcement actions. Prior to FY 2018, pounds of pollutants reduced, treated, or eliminated for different media were tracked using separate
measures.
726
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
(PM 435) Number of potentially responsible party (PRP) and other party commitments to perform or pay for cleanup and/or reuse of contaminated sites.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
110
Commit-
ments
Increase
Actual
158
Key Takeaways:
• Superfund enforcement efforts resulted in cleanups and redevelopment at more than 110 sites. EPA obtained over $500M in private PRP commitments to carry out or fund site
cleanups.
• Reached agreement on approximately 50 decision documents addressing extensive contamination at 32 federal facility Superfund NPL sites.
• Led efforts to implement 21 Superfund Task Force recommendations to incentivize settlements and engage PRPs.
Metric Details: The focus of this cleanup measure is to encourage Regions to complete orders, settlements and other agreements with responsible parties and third parties that
facilitate the cleanup and reuse of contaminated Superfund sites and RCRA Corrective Action facilities. This measure counts the following: completed Superfund private party
enforcement agreements for the performance of cleanup and agreements that make cash payments toward future site work (Judicial Consent Decrees, Administrative Orders on
Consent, Unilateral Administrative Orders, "Cash out" Agreements, bankruptcy settlements and amendments); completed Superfund Bona Fide Prospective Purchaser Agreements
with non-liable parties; assurances to parties interested in cleaning up, purchasing, and developing certain properties (comfort/status letters); RCRA Corrective Action cleanup
orders; and Federal Facility Agreements, Records of Decision and their amendments. PRPs and other parties made an average of 100 commitments to perform or pay for cleanup
and/or reuse of contaminated sites from FY 2013 to FY 2016.
(PM 441) Number of enforcement tools completed to address cleanup and/or long-term protection, including reuse, of contaminated sites.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
170
170
Tools
Increase
Actual
Metric Details: For Superfund private sites, this measure includes: completed private party enforcement agreements for the performance of site study and cleanup, agreements that
make cash payments toward future site work cost recovery settlements with funds dedicated for future work; completed agreements with third-party prospective purchasers to help
remove liability barriers to contaminated properties and facilitate redevelopment; and assurances to parties interested in cleaning up, purchasing and developing certain properties
(comfort/status letter). This measure also counts Superfund Federal Facility Agreements (FFAs) and FFA amendments. Records of Decision (RODs) and ROD amendments.
Explanation of Significant Differences (ESDs), and RCRA Corrective Action cleanup orders. Potentially Responsible Parties and other parties made an average of 170
commitments to perform or pay for cleanup and/or reuse of contaminated sites from FY 2014 to FY 2018. The target is the same for FY 2019 and FY 2020 based on available
resources.
727
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
(PM 418) Percentage of criminal cases having the most significant health, environmental, and deterrence impacts.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
- ¦ M
Target
43
43
45
45
45
65
Percent
fjiM
Actual
44
48
62
68
72
75
Increase
nTr
Numerator
311
Cases
¦ 11111
Denominator
413
Key Takeaways:
• EPA increased compliance with environmental laws by punishing and remediating harm associated with significant enviromnental offenses and deterring future violations.
• A defendant was sentenced to serve 63 months of incarceration for fraudulently obtaining fuel credits designed to reduce American dependence on foreign oil.
• A urea manufacturing plant in Oregon was convicted for failing to report ammonia releases that trigged numerous complaints of foul odors, eye irritation, and difficulty
breathing from nearby citizens.
• A chicken processing plant in Missouri was sentenced to pay a $2 million criminal fine and pay $500,000 to directly remedy harm caused when it violated the CWA which led
to the death of over 100,000 fish.
• As an example of a valuable case that does not fall into the higher tiered criteria, a former Suzuki employee was convicted for submitting false motorcycle emissions standards
reports to EPA. The company also paid a separate $2 million civil penalty in FY 2017.
Metric Details: The mission of EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program is to investigate, help prosecute, and thereby deter the most egregious enviromnental offenders. The
Criminal Enforcement Program collects data on a variety of case attributes to evaluate the range, complexity, and quality of our national docket. The Program uses a case selection
methodology to ensure the identification, investigation, and prosecution of cases with significant enviromnental, human health, and deterrence impact. The data elements used in
this tiering methodology include information about human health and enviromnental impacts, the nature of the pollutant and the release, and the profile and compliance history of
the subject(s). Since EPA instituted the tiering system in 2010, the percentage of "higher tier" cases lias steadily risen. Nevertheless, there are some valuable cases which do not fit
into the higher tiered criteria. Tiering parallels U.S. sentencing guidelines for criminal cases.
(PM 419) Percentage of criminal cases with individual defendants.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
- ¦ -
Target
75
75
75
75
75
75
Percent
Increase
in
m
Actual
80
87
83
85
90
87
Numerator
52
Cases
Denominator
60
Key Takeaways:
• Through the prosecution of individuals for their illegal acts, EPA holds not only corporations accountable but those who make the conscious decisions to put human health and
the enviromnent in jeopardy by violating enviromnental laws. Often these individuals are placing profits over the safety of the communities where we live.
• Two individuals were convicted for illegally importing products, including pesticides that posed a serious risk to animals and humans.
• A Volkswagen senior manager was sentenced to 84 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy to cheat U.S. vehicle emissions tests.
• A Tenninix branch manager pled guilty to illegally applying methyl bromide fumigant which caused permanent injuries to a family vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
728
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Metric Details: Pursing criminal cases against individual defendants increases the deterrent value of EPA enforcement. EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program emphasizes
prosecution of individual defendants as high up the corporate hierarchy as the evidence permits. The reason for this focus on individual liability is simple: corporate managers will
think twice about deliberately breaking the law if they understand that they face incarceration and personal criminal fines for criminal conduct, rather than consequences that will
be borne solely by the company. During the early years of EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program, organizational defendants made up approximately 70% of the total defendants
charged and individual defendants made up the remaining 30%. By FY 2017, these figures had greatly changed: 90% of cases had an individual charged and 10% were cases
where only an organizational defendant(s) was charged.
(PM 421) Percentage conviction rate for criminal defendants.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
85
85
85
85
85
85
Percent
Actual
94
95
92
94
91
92
Increase
Numerator
88
Defendants
1 1 1 1 1 1
Denominator
96
Key Takeaways:
• EPA works to maintain the historically high conviction rate for defendants charged with enviromnental crimes, which is a critical ingredient of deterrence. The conviction rate
for defendants consistently runs over 90%, a strong affirmation that the government is prosecuting the right cases.
Metric Details: While case outcomes fluctuate based on their specific characteristics, as well as the prosecutorial and sentencing decisions made by DOJ and federal courts, EPA
has maintained a historically high conviction rate for defendants charged with enviromnental crimes.
729
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Objective 3.2 - Create Consistency and Certainty: Outline exactly what is expected of the regulated community to ensure good stewardship
and positive environmental outcomes.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Made progress by defining the scope of the long-term performance goal for legal
deadlines to include statutory duties to propose/finalize regulations for which the
statute lias established date-certain deadlines. EPA will begin tracking and
reporting results in FY 2019.
• Per EO 13771: Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs, EPA
issued three regulatory actions and 10 deregulatory actions (see PM RG4),
exceeding the EO 13771 two-for-one requirement.
• Met the annual target of reducing burden hours by 2,000,000.
Challenges:
• Burden hours change every month given changes to estimates, new rules, etc.
• While the trend in reducing burden hours is positive, high-level leadership
involvement will be needed to maintain progress over the course of the FY 2018-
2022 EPA Strategic Plan. Most efforts to reduce burden hours will require a
regulation. The Agency might be unable to undertake a regulation for the sole
purpose of reducing burden hours given other priorities and resources.
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, meet 100% of legal deadlines imposed on EPA18.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM RG1) Percentage of legal deadlines met by EPA.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
TBD
Percent
Increase
Actual
N/A
Numerator
Legal
Deadlines
Denominator
Obj 3.2 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ No target (NT)
3 (NT)
2(G)
FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018
18 Baseline will be determined in FY 2019. (No footnote in FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
730
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Key Takeaways:
• In FY 2018, EPA evaluated ways to develop an inventory of statutory and regulatory deadlines.
• Determining the scope of the inventory was more complex than anticipated. Consequently, original benchmarks were adjusted to allow for refinement of the measure's scope
and accuracy of the baseline inventory.
• Results will be reported for FY 2019; and baseline and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019.
• EPA met all of its court-ordered deadlines in FY 2018.
Metric Details: This measure tracks progress toward EPA meeting its statutory, regulatory, and court-ordered deadlines. EPA is reinvigorating its approach to regulatory
development and prioritizing meeting legal deadlines to ensure that expectations for the regulated community and the public are clear and comprehensive and that the Agency can
achieve its core mission in a manner that is defensible and consistent with its authorities. This measure will not track critical deadlines and duties reported elsewhere, e.g., legal
obligations relating to: Clean Air Act (CAA) State Implementation Plans (SIPs), Title V Petitions, and Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permits; Clean Water Act
(CWA) Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs); FOIA responses; and legal obligations under Consent Decrees. Baseline and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019. No
target is established for FY 2019, but results will be reported.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, eliminate unnecessary or duplicative reporting burdens to the regulated community
by 10,000,000 hours19.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM RG2) Hours of unnecessary or duplicative reporting burden to the regulated community eliminated.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
2,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
Hours
Increase
(Greater
Reduction)
Actual
2,026,627
Key Takeaways:
• EPA met the annual target of reducing record keeping and reporting burden by 2,000,000 hours. These reductions came from a variety of actions (consolidating Information
Collection Rules, changes in estimates, court cases, etc.), but primarily from the CWA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and CAA New Source
Review (NSR) Programs.
• To reduce reporting burden a regulation is usually, but not always, required.
• High-level management focus on reducing reporting and record keeping burden will be important if EPA is to continue meeting annual targets.
• EPA is able to use the Regulatory Reform Task Force to prioritize actions to reduce record keeping and reporting burden in ongoing or new regulatory actions
Metric Details: To promote the Agency's goal of efficiency, the measure will not track critical deadlines and duties reported in other Agency measures. These include, for
example, legal obligations relating to: CAA SIPs, Title V Petitions, and the PSD permits; CWA TMDLs; FOIA responses; and legal obligations under Consent Decrees. EPA will
engage in continuous improvement for managing the paperwork burden on regulated entities associated with EPA's Information Collection Rules and reduce the burden where
possible with a goal of eliminating 2,000,000 hours of unnecessary or duplicative reporting per year toward the goal of 10,000,000 hours by the end of FY 2022. Annual
19 Baseline is estimated at 173,849,665 information collection and reporting hours.
731
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
increments represent permanent changes in reporting burden. The data are tracked in OMB's RegInfo.gov database. Targets represent annual increments needed to reach the FY
2022 long-term performance goal.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 3.2
Annual performance goals:
(PM RG3) Number of EO 13771 regulatory actions issued.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
Actions
Increase
Actual
3
Key Takeaways:
• Per EO 13771, EPA issued three regulatory actions and 10 deregulatory actions (see PM RG4), exceeding the EO 13771 two-for-one requirement.
Metric Details: This measure is an OMB requirement based on Presidential Memorandum M-17-23 which outlines the requirements of EO 13771, including a two-for-one
requirement that agencies must issue two deregulatory actions for every regulatory action issued. No targets are established, but results are reported.
(PM RG4) Number of EO 13771 deregulatory actions issued.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
No Target
Established
Actions
Increase
Actual
10
Key Takeaways:
• Per EO 13771, EPA issued 10 deregulatory actions and three regulatory actions (see PM RG3), exceeding the EO 13771 two-for-one requirement.
Metric Details: This measure is an OMB requirement based on Presidential Memorandum M-17-23 which outlines the requirements of EO 13771, including a two-for-one
requirement that agencies must issue two deregulatory actions for every regulatory action issued. No targets are established, but results are reported.
(PM RG5) Total incremental cost of all EO 13771 regulatory and deregulatory actions.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
-40
-50
No Target
Established
Millions of
Dollars
Decrease
Actual
-75
Key Takeaways:
• EPA is committed to reducing the regulatory burden faced by the American people while still fulfilling its mission of protecting human health and the enviromnent.
732
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Metric Details: This measure is an OMB requirement based on Presidential Memorandum M-17-23. In FY 2017, the total incremental cost of all EO 13771 regulatory and
deregulatory actions was -$21.5 million. The incremental cost values are annualized values in 2016 dollars applying a 7% discount rate, discounted to the year 2016 and assuming
a perpetual time horizon. Incremental benefits are not included in this total.
733
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Objective 3.3 - Prioritize Robust Science: Refocus the EPA's robust research and scientific analysis to inform policy making.
Obj 3.3. Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No target (NT)
2 (Y)
5 (Y)
4 (Y)
11(G)
8(G)
7(G)
6(G)
6(G)
2 (R)
3(R)
3(R)
5 (R)
I 1 (NT) I
1(V)
8(G)
FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016
FY 2017 FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include
measures that previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• EPA lias made significant progress to align its science and research portfolio with
the needs of its customers, by engaging extensively within the Agency and with
other federal, state, and local stakeholders to re-direct research priorities and
improve research translation efforts.
• The Office of Research and Development (ORD) lias developed draft FY 2019-
2022 Strategic Research Action Plans, which will guide multi-year research
efforts and facilitate stronger engagement with customers.
Challenges:
• EPA's research capabilities are at risk due to the challenge of sustaining its
workforce and retaining specialized expertise in mission critical positions. EPA is
aligning the hiring process with the most critical anticipated gaps in expertise,
while considering overarching strategic direction and Administration priorities.
Maintaining the Agency's Title 42 hiring authority in FY 2020 will contribute to
recruiting and retention of world class enviromnental scientists and engineers.
• Delays in the award of contracts and other financial vehicles are introducing
uncertainty and research delays. EPA is conducting a Lean event focused on
targeted contract efficiencies such as the release of unliquidated obligations
(ULOs) to provide greater support to the highest priority research projects.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase the percentage of research products meeting customer needs20.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM RD1) Percentage of Office of Research and Development (ORD) research products meeting customer needs.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
77
80
Percent
Increase
Actual
77
Numerator
171
Products
Denominator
222
211 Measure text updated from "By September 30, 2022, increase the number of research products meeting customer needs." Based on a pilot survey, 77% of products were
delivered in FY 2018 that met customer needs. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
734
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Key Takeaways:
• Based on a pilot survey, ORD calculated that 171 products delivered in FY 2018 met customer needs. When statistically applied to the entire suite of products delivered in FY
2018, approximately 77% of products met needs of partners.
• For the purpose of the pilot survey, a research product qualifies as "meeting customer needs" based on a scoring system that takes account of usability, product quality, and
timeliness.
Metric Details: Beginning in FY 2018, ORD initiated a survey to measure customer satisfaction of users of its research products. Customer satisfaction is derived through the
distribution of over 200 surveys to key users of ORD products, evaluating the scientific rigor of the research products, relevance of the products, and timeliness of the product
delivery to support the continuous improvement of research product development. The survey is estimated at a 90% confidence interval of ±10 products. ORD is evaluating
modifications to improve its survey methodology and is considering modifications to the measure that will take effect beginning in FY 2020 reporting.
(PM AC1) Percentage of planned research products completed on time by the Air and Energy research program.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
mmm
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Increase
III
m
Actual
92
87
87
100
100
91
Numerator
11
10
Products
Denominator
11
11
Key Takeaways:
• Included among these products were upgrades to the Smoke Sense mobile application which makes health risks of wildfire smoke more accessible to the public.
• Also included among these products was a collaboration with EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program Office to estimate air-to-water nutrient deposition to the Chesapeake Bay
watershed for historical and future conditions.
• The one product, titled "Performance evaluation of high time-resolution, hyperlocal air quality monitoring platforms using multiple mobile monitoring vehicles," listed as
"undelivered," was canceled due to unforeseen staff loss.
Metric Details: A research product is a deliverable that results from a specific research project or task. Research products may require translation or synthesis before integration
into an output ready for partner use. This secondary performance measure tracks the timely completion of research products. Working with its partners, the Program develops a list
of planned research products and their associated outputs. The list reflects high priority products the Program plans to complete by the end of each fiscal year. The Program strives
to complete 100% of its planned products each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
(PM AC2) Percentage of planned research outputs delivered to clients for use in improving air quality.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Actual
83
92
74
85
100
100
Increase
Numerator
6
5
Outputs
1 1 1 1 1 1
Denominator
6
5
735
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Key Takeaways:
• Among the research outputs delivered to customers was a report providing emission factors from spray guided, wall guided, and complex guided Gas Direct Injection (GDI)
light-duty vehicles. These data will provide improvements to mobile source emissions factors for GDI light-duty vehicles and inform the MOtor Vehicle Emission Simulator
(MOVES) model with respect to existing data gaps.
• The Air and Energy Program held a State of the Science webinar for an external audience on emerging technology research findings from the 2014-2018 period; conducted an
internal synthesis summarizing current air sensor research; and released several publications. These were among the many efforts ORD initiated to communicate research and
technology developments to key partners and stakeholders.
Metric Details: Research outputs result from the translation or synthesis of one or more research products into the format compatible with the partner's decision needs. "Delivery of
a research output" means that the output is transferred to ORD's research partner ready for the intended use. EPA identifies and describes the planned outputs in the Program's
Strategic Research Action Plan. At the end of the fiscal year, the Program reports on its success in meeting its planned annual outputs. The Program strives to complete 100% of its
planned outputs each year to best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
(PM CS1) Percentage of planned research products completed on time by the Chemical Safety for Sustainability research program.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Actual
100
100
100
100
100
100
Increase
Numerator
15
13
Products
111111
Denominator
15
13
Key Takeaways:
• Among these products was a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) chemical release database in support of EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
(OCSPP) conducting the evaluation phase of systematic source review activities.
• ORD added new tools to improve data mining, visualization and interpretability capabilities to the Agency's ECOTOXicology (ECOTOX) knowledgebase, which is a
comprehensive, publicly available online application providing single chemical enviromnental toxicity data on aquatic life, terrestrial plants and wildlife. The ECOTOX
knowledgebase is used by OCSPP to inform implementation of TSCA and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), by the Endocrine Disruptor
Screening Program and by EPA's Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM) for the implementation of the Comprehensive Enviromnental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). ECOTOX data use includes support to develop and validate models to extrapolate data from in vitro (cell-based) to in vivo
(whole organism) effects and across species to evaluate the safety of chemicals.
Metric Details: A research product is a deliverable that results from a specific research project or task. Research products may require translation or synthesis before integration
into an output ready for partner use. This secondary performance measure tracks the timely completion of research products. Working with its partners, the Program develops a list
of planned research products and their associated outputs. The list reflects high priority products the Program plans to complete by the end of each fiscal year. The Program strives
to complete 100% of its planned products each year so that it can best meet EPA and other partners' needs.
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
(PM CS2) Percentage of planned research outputs delivered to clients and partners to improve their capability to advance the environmentally sustainable development,
use, and assessment of chemicals.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
¦¦
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Increase
in
nr
Actual
100
100
100
100
100
0
Numerator
3
0
Outputs
Denominator
3
2
Key Takeaways:
• The two outputs that were listed as "undelivered" were delayed for FY 2019 delivery due to unplanned work related to TSCA implementation. The output delivery dates were
revised to FY 2019 Ql.
Metric Details: Research outputs result from the translation or synthesis of one or more research products into the format compatible with the partner's decision needs. "Delivery of
a research output" means that the output is transferred to ORD's research partner ready for the intended use. EPA identifies and describes the planned outputs in the Program's
Strategic Research Action Plan. At the end of the fiscal year, the Program reports on its success in meeting its planned annual outputs. The Program strives to complete 100% of its
planned outputs each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
(PM HC1) Percentage of planned research products completed on time by the Sustainable and Healthy Communities research program.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Increase
iil
m
Actual
83
81
100
100
100
100
Numerator
16
10
Products
Denominator
16
10
Key Takeaways:
• Included among these products was the publication of a series of eco-health relationships in the EnviroAtlas interactive online tool. This project supports state-of-the-science
reviews and original research on statistical relationships between both urban green space and natural environments, and critical health issues such as physical fitness; cognitive
and mental health; and premature mortality.
• The Sustainable and Healthy Communities Research Program also conducted an analysis to identify gaps in decision science and tools to improve community sustainability
assessment and inform management decisions.
Metric Details: A research product is a deliverable that results from a specific research project or task. Research products may require translation or synthesis before integration
into an output ready for partner use. This secondary performance measure tracks the timely completion of research products. Working with its partners, the Program develops a list
of planned research products and their associated outputs. The list reflects high priority products the Program plans to complete by the end of each fiscal year. The Program strives
to complete 100% of its planned products each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
(PM HC2) Percentage of planned research outputs delivered to clients, partners, and stakeholders for use in pursuing their sustainability goals.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Increase
ih
III
Actual
68
100
50
92
100
71
Numerator
5
Outputs
Denominator
7
Key Takeaways:
• Among the research outputs delivered to customers was the development of a range of approaches and tools for communities to: (1) identify and prioritize enviromnental
concerns; (2) assess options and inform alternative enviromnental management decisions related to their priority community concerns; (3) evaluate impacts of sustainable
solutions on public health incorporating valuation approaches; and (4) reduce risks and promote public health and well-being.
• The two outputs that were listed as "undelivered" were delayed due to refocusing product development in response to customer engagement through Strategic Research Action
Plan development. They are set to be delivered in FY 2019.
Metric Details: Research outputs result from the translation or synthesis of one or more research products into the format compatible with the partner's decision needs. "Delivery of
a research output" means that the output is transferred to ORD's research partner ready for the intended use. EPA identifies and describes the planned outputs in the Program's
Strategic Research Action Plan. At the end of the fiscal year, the Program reports on its success in meeting its planned annual outputs. The Program strives to complete 100% of its
planned outputs each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
(PM HS1) Percentage of planned research products completed on time by the Homeland Security research program.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
MB
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Increase
in
in
Actual
100
100
100
100
100
100
Numerator
4
4
Products
Denominator
4
4
Key Takeaways:
• Among these products was a report summarizing the latest in research and development on anthrax decontamination strategies.
• Also included among these products was a technical brief reporting out on the installation of the RTXLINK tool in Flint, MI. This tool provides real-time modeling of the
Flint, MI water system to improve drinking water management in evolving circumstances.
Metric Details: A research product is a deliverable that results from a specific research project or task. Research products may require translation or synthesis before integration
into an output ready for partner use. This secondary performance measure tracks the timely completion of research products. Working with its partners, the Program develops a list
of planned research products and their associated outputs. The list reflects high priority products the Program plans to complete by the end of each fiscal year. The Program strives
to complete 100% of its planned products each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
738
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
(PM HS2) Percentage of planned research outputs delivered to clients and partners to improve their capabilities to respond to contamination resulting from homeland
security events and related disasters.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Increase
in
ni
Actual
100
100
100
100
100
100
Numerator
8
7
Outputs
Denominator
8
7
Key Takeaways:
• Among the research outputs delivered to customers was the development of the Waste Estimation Support Tool (WEST) that uses a Geographic Information System (GIS)-
based approach to look at the tradeoffs between decontamination and waste management from a biological incident. WEST looks at the affected infrastructure and
composition of biological incidents and helps assess the implications of decontamination.
• Improvements to the Decontamination Support Tool were also released in FY 2018. This tool provides decontamination experts with pros and cons, provides estimates of
waste and cost, and compares different options for improved decision-making after chemical incidents.
Metric Details: Research outputs result from the translation or synthesis of one or more research products into the format compatible with the partner's decision needs. "Delivery of
a research output" means that the output is transferred to ORD's research partner ready for the intended use. EPA identifies and describes the planned outputs in the Program's
Strategic Research Action Plan. At the end of the fiscal year, the Program reports on its success in meeting its planned annual outputs. The Program strives to complete 100% of its
planned outputs each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
(PM RA1) Percentage of planned research products completed on time by the Human Health Risk Assessment research program.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Increase
1
I.I
ll
Actual
88
80
45
68
85
70
Numerator
11
7
Products
Denominator
13
10
Key Takeaways:
• Among these high-priority products was a release of Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Assessment Plans; a new version of the Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS)
to include additional analysis techniques; and a summary of the significant technical support provided to the Superfund Program.
• The Human Health Risk Assessment Program also integrated new systematic review tools into the Health and Enviromnental Research Online (HERO) database to improve
literature search and screening protocols, including development of new modules, protocols, and capabilities.
• The three products listed as "undelivered" are associated with the IRIS Program. To meet the priorities of EPA programs, ORD instituted a process to reaffirm the needs of
EPA programs and regions - outlining exactly what they need and why, plus a timeline. This new process ensures greater accountability from both ORD and program and
regional offices and will bring further stability, confidence, and accountability to the IRIS Program in the long term. IRIS scientists provided support to high priority needs of
EPA programs including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) toxicity evaluations and TSCA risk evaluations.
• The outputs listed as not delivered have been off-ramped from the IRIS workflow and will not be developed.
739
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Metric Details: A research product is a deliverable that results from a specific research project or task. Research products may require translation or synthesis before integration
into an output ready for partner use. This secondary performance measure tracks the timely completion of research products. Working with its partners, the Program develops a list
of planned research products and their associated outputs. The list reflects high priority products the Program plans to complete by the end of each fiscal year. The Program strives
to complete 100% of its planned products each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
(PM RA2) Percentage of planned research outputs delivered to clients and partners for use in informing human health decisions.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
r
Actual
100
67
60
67
100
67
Increase
Numerator
2
2
Outputs
¦ 11111
Denominator
2
3
Key Takeaways:
• Among the research outputs delivered to customers was the release of the final Integrated Science Assessment for sulfur oxides to support the primary National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS) for S02 and the final IRIS assessment for Hexahydro-l,3,5-trinitro-l,3,5-triazine (RDX), to support numerous site-specific remediation efforts.
• The one output listed as "undelivered" is the finalization of provisional peer-reviewed toxicity value (PPRTV) assessments for Superfund. ORD completed its work on this
output, but the final output was delayed by contracting issues. During this delay, staff were redirected to competing priorities (including addressing high priority, urgent needs
of the Agency related to PFAS). This output will not be delivered as described. It will be recast as part of the new HHRA Strategic Plans.
Metric Details: Research outputs result from the translation or synthesis of one or more research products into the format compatible with the partner's decision needs. "Delivery of
a research output" means that the output is transferred to ORD's research partner ready for the intended use. EPA identifies and describes the planned outputs in the Program's
Strategic Research Action Plan. At the end of the fiscal year, the Program reports on its success in meeting its planned annual outputs. The Program strives to complete 100% of its
planned outputs each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
(PM RA8) Annual progress score for finalizing IRIS health assessments, Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Values, and Integrated Science Assessments.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
20
15
15
15
15
5
Score
Increase
Actual
8
0
5
5
4
2
Key Takeaways:
• The Agency finalized one assessment, RDX, in FY 2018. IRIS also provided a completed assessment of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) to OCSPP for use in the
development of a TSCA risk evaluation.
• The missed target is associated with a process instituted by ORD to meet the priorities of EPA programs - outlining exactly what they need and why, plus a timeline. The new
process ensures greater accountability from both ORD and program and regional offices and will bring further stability, confidence, and accountability to the IRIS Program in
the long term.
• The outputs listed as not delivered have been off-ramped from the IRIS workflow and will not be developed.
Metric Details: This measure was designed to track EPA's progress in releasing (posting) final IRIS assessments. Based on an approach developed over 10 years ago (and prior to
the 2011 NAS report), an annual score for final IRIS assessments was based on the relative weighting of each chemical using a 3-tier system (assigning a weight of 1, 2, or 5
740
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
points) that considered at that time, client interest, perceived complexity of the science, and level of effort estimated. In FY 2018, IRIS processes were changed to develop more
targeted, timely, and responsive products, including assessment products that are not intended to produce finalized IRIS assessments such as interim products provided for support
of TSCA or other statutory mandates.
(PM SW1) Percentage of planned research products completed on time by the Safe and Sustainable Water Resources research program.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Increase
ill
m
Actual
70
90
100
100
100
100
Numerator
7
6
Products
Denominator
7
6
Key Takeaways:
• The Safe and Sustainable Water Resources (SSWR) Research Program completed 100% (6/6) of its high-priority research products as planned.
• Key among these products was a series of studies on emerging concerns in surface water chemical and microbial contamination. This work was completed thanks to several
cross-agency collaborations and included research advancing the science on PFAS remediation.
Metric Details: A research product is a deliverable that results from a specific research project or task. Research products may require translation or synthesis before integration
into an output ready for partner use. This secondary performance measure tracks the timely completion of research products. Working with its partners, the Program develops a list
of planned research products and their associated outputs. The list reflects high priority products the Program plans to complete by the end of each fiscal year. The Program strives
to complete 100% of its planned products each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
(PM SW2) Percentage of planned research outputs delivered to clients and partners to improve the Agency's capability to ensure clean and adequate supplies of water
that support human well-being and resilient aquatic ecosystems.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
100
100
100
100
100
100
Percent
Actual
100
100
100
100
100
100
Increase
Numerator
1
2
Outputs
111111
Denominator
1
2
Key Takeaways:
• The Safe and Sustainable Water Resources (SSWR) Research Program completed 100% (2/2) of its research outputs as planned.
• Key among these outputs was the integration of monitoring methods, modeling, and toxicity indicators to produce assessments that can be used to: (1) identify potential
improvements needed in wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, and other water infrastructure; (2) target human disease-causing pathogens, weighing dosing with
potential health burden, and integration of exposure/dose characterization with predictive models; and (3) securing and analyzing human health data to estimate a population-
based, public health burden of waterborne disease.
Metric Details: Research outputs result from the translation or synthesis of one or more research products into the format compatible with the partner's decision needs. "Delivery of
a research output" means that the output is transferred to ORD's research partner ready for the intended use. EPA identifies and describes the planned outputs in the Program's
741
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Strategic Research Action Plan. At the end of the fiscal year, the Program reports on its success in meeting its planned annual outputs. The Program strives to complete 100% of its
planned outputs each year so that it can best meet EPA's and other partners' needs.
(PM RD2) Number of peer-reviewed journal articles published.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
II
It
Target
336
Articles
Increase
Actual
654
619
562
Key Takeaways:
• ORD exceeded the target by publishing 562 peer reviewed journal articles, due to more resources available than were anticipated during target-setting.
• These articles include many that were published in high impact scientific journals, including five high-priority journal articles aimed at adding to the body of scientific
knowledge surrounding Integrated Science Assessments (ISAs). ORD also published multiple journal articles focusing on the application of novel immunoassays to evaluate
the health impacts of drinking water-related infections and support Agency actions to address contaminated drinking water exposure.
Metric Details: Publishing journal articles is one of the key methods through which EPA disseminates the results of its enviromnental research. Through the publication of journal
articles, EPA can make its research findings available to the scientific community and the general public, and to contribute to the development of many scientific fields.
742
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GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Objective 3.4 - Streamline and Modernize: Issue permits more quickly and modernize our permitting and reporting systems.
Obj 3.4 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ No target (NT)
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
EPA, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted this
objective as a focus area for improvement given the backlog in permit approvals, the
need to streamline the approval process, and challenges in the development of
strategies to the meet the objective.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Reduced the backlog of new applications by nearly 18% (from 166 to 136
applications) between June and September 2018, through a series of targeted Lean
events to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of permitting programs. (FY
2018-2019 APG)
• Developed a centralized system to track pending permit applications and an
approach to allow the Agency to deny permits based on incomplete applications,
to improve permitting efficiency agencywide.
• EPA's regional offices made significant shifts in resources to address the backlog
of new applications.
• Created standard work products for permit writers, established communities of
practice, and developed work-sharing agreements to better utilize permit writer
expertise.
• Developed an electronic system to receive and collaborate on review of Clean Air
Act (CAA) Title V operating permits from state air agencies, replacing a paper-
based process. This system will significantly improve the efficiency and
timeliness of EPA's reviews.
• Exploring the possibility of automating the Clean Water Act (CWA) National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit application form.
• Planning work with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to elevate Endangered
Species Act consultation issues related to permitting.
Challenges:
• FTE and contract resource challenges may prevent EPA from reaching its goal.
• Some permit applications may take more time due to complex issues, public
interest, and required consultations.
743
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reach all permitting-related decisions within six months21.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM PE1) Percentage of permitting-related decisions issued within 6 months.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
Percent
Increase
Actual
N/A
Numerator
Decisions
Denominator
Key Takeaways:
• EPA is tracking the number of permit applications that are over six months old rather than the percentage of permitting-related decisions issued within six months. For this
measure, the FY 2018 baseline number is 166 (as of June 30, 2018), and the actual is 136 (as of September 30, 2018).
• EPA conducted comprehensive Lean business process improvement events to streamline and optimize the Agency's key permitting programs: Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) Underground Injection Control (UIC); CWA NPDES; and CAA Title V operating permits and New Source Review (NSR). The permitting programs are continuing
to implement recommendations to improve processes that were identified during those events.
• As part of this effort, the Agency lias developed a central system to track pending permit applications. Each month the Agency tracks and reports the status of pending permits
(date of application receipt, date of permit decision).
• EPA lias identified incomplete information submitted by applicants as a key reason for delays in making permit decisions. EPA has improved internal procedures by
developing an approach to allow the Agency to deny applications based on incomplete information. This approach is for applicants who refuse or are unable to provide
information necessary for EPA to process a permit application.
Metric Details: The time for a permitting-related decision is calculated from the date a permit application is received to the date of a permit issuance or denial. This does not
include renewals or modifications of existing permits.
(PM PE2) Number of permit applications in backlog.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
No Target
Established
TBD
Permits
Decrease
Actual
Metric Details: This measure tracks the sum of new permit applications that are over six months old, and existing permits that have passed their expiration date and are awaiting
reissuance. The time for a permitting-related decision is calculated from the date a permit application is received or as soon as an existing permit passes its expiration date, to the
date of a permit issuance or denial. No FY 2019 target is established, but results will be reported. The baseline and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019. This measure
tracks progress toward an FY 2018-2019 Agency Priority Goal.
21 Baseline and FY 2020 target will be determined in FY 2019. (No footnote in FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
744
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Other Core Work supporting Objective 3.4
(PM 052) Number of major EPA environmental systems that use the CDX electronic requirements enabling faster receipt, processing, and quality checking of data.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
jj
Target
75
80
77
80
90
85
Systems
Increase
ml
Iti
Actual
73
89
107
125
174
181
Key Takeaways:
• Among the new flows introduced were eManifest, the Electronic Permit System (EPS), Burial at Sea, Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Virtual Exchange
Services, and the Pesticide Submission Portal (PSP) Voluntary Data Submission Module.
Metric Details: The unit of measure "system" is defined as the number of data flows/exchanges that occur through EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX) by EPA program offices,
states and tribes. The CDX Program enables states, tribes and others to send enviromnental data to EPA through a centralized electronic process, enabling faster receipt,
processing, and quality checking of data. The CDX Program estimates its results as the net of new systems using CDX services (increase) and retirement of older systems that are
being phased out (decrease). As a result, these results may increase or decrease in subsequent years.
(PM 053) Number of states, tribes and territories able to exchange data with CDX through nodes in real time, using standards and automated data-quality checking.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
iriffl
Target
95
98
103
140
140
110
States, Tribes
Increase
Actual
97
102
104
140
157
149
& Territories
111111
Key Takeaways:
• Usage of Virtual Nodes increased by 10 while the number of Physical Nodes in operation remained constant. The number of Physical Nodes in a Test State was reduced by 18
as anticipated. EPA expects to see the shift toward virtual nodes continue in the future.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the total number of physical and virtual nodes in production and test.
(PM 999) Number of active unique users from states, tribes, laboratories, regulated facilities and other entities that electronically report environmental data to EPA
through CDX.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
Target
70,000
75,000
84,000
90,000
100,000
100,000
Users
Increase
IT|
Actual
79,818
96,000
85,894
116,636
116,837
137,132
1 1 1 1 1 1
Key Takeaways:
• The number of active users increased significantly as eManifest and NEPDES E-Reporting were brought online.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the number of unique users of the CDX system whose accounts have been active in the last two years and eliminates duplicate registrations
under the same email address. Because many EPA regulations require periodic reporting, i.e., once every two, three or five years, a two-year span was utilized to capture the
majority of users without overstating their "active" status.
745
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Objective 3.5 - Improve Efficiency and Effectiveness: Provide proper leadership and internal operations management to ensure that the
Agency is fulfilling its mission.
EPA, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted this
objective as a focus area for improvement given significant challenges in meeting the
Agency's contracting and procurement needs, and ongoing work to improve these
processes.
Obj 3.5 Performance toward target over time
Number of measures by percent of target achieved
~ 100% of target met (G)
~ 75-99% of target met (Y)
~ <75% of target met (R)
~ No data (ND)
I 1(ND) I
1 i (R) ¦
¦ i(R) 1
3(G)
4(G)
4(G)
4(G)
3(G)
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
Counts are of measures that exist in FY 2018. Chart does not include measures that
previously existed but were eliminated prior to FY 2018.
Summary of progress toward strategic objective:
• Improved the percentage of simplified acquisitions (SA), competitive proposals
(CP), and funding and administrative actions (FAA) processed within the
Procurement Acquisition Lead Time (PALT).
• Released nearly 150,000 square feet of EPA space, for $5.9M in annual savings.
• Improved 25 Agency processes by deploying EPA Lean Management System
(ELMS) principles to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Began or continued partnerships to implement shared services for Agency grants
and security systems, for more efficient processes and more effective programs.
• Demonstrated the Continuous Diagnostic Monitoring (CDM) data exchange
model; was the first federal agency to successfully exchange information with the
Department of U.S. Homeland Security's federal CDM dashboard.
• Deployed systems and tools to streamline EPA business practices and save
Agency resources, including OneDrive computer file storage, a cloud-based
Business Automation Platform, EZ Desktop Records to manage electronic records
efficiently, and advanced audio conferencing.
• Laid groundwork toward reorganization of the new Office of Mission Support,
which was implemented in FY 2019 Ql.
Challenges:
• Deploying enterprise-wide systems and tools that balance business needs across
the Agency and improve efficiency while meeting the Agency's goals.
• General Services Administration (GSA) delays in leasing actions and contract
processing make it difficult to meet space consolidation goals. EPA is working
with GSA to address the backlog of transactions and improve processing time.
• Late appropriations lead to an unbalanced workload during the fiscal year and
pose a challenge for meeting PALT standards. EPA is implementing contracting
process improvements to reduce delays.
• EPA continues to face delays in completing a plan to manage known high-risk
cybersecurity vulnerabilities. However, the Agency has improved its capability to
analyze open vulnerabilities and has identified additional steps it will take to
improve operational readiness and responses.
746
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce unused office and warehouse space by 850,641 square feet22.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM FA1) Reduction in EPA Space (sq. ft. owned and leased).
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
241,000
163,626
146,477
Square Feet
Increase
(Greater
Reduction)
Actual
149,278
Key Takeaways:
• EPA released space at nine facilities for $5.9M estimated annual rent avoidance.
• EPA was unable to meet the target due to GSA delays on leasing actions and processing contracts which are required to support EPA's consolidation efforts. Approximately
128,000 square feet of space originally planned for release in FY 2018 will be released in FY 2019.
• EPA continues to work with GSA to identify obtainable space release goals given their backlog of transactions, as well as opportunities to improve transaction processing
time.
• EPA expects planned releases for FY 2019, FY 2020, and FY 2021 to exceed targets and maintain progress toward the FY 2022 long-term performance goal.
Metric Details: This measure tracks usable square feet of office and warehouse space released with data collected from EPA facility manager notifications, and reports generated
when there is a modification to an Occupancy Agreement. Space consolidation efforts will result in EPA becoming a more efficient and effective Agency by reducing lease, utility,
security and other facility management costs, which will enable the Agency to direct resources to core enviromnental work.
22 Baseline is 5,264,846 square feet as of FY 2017.
747
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, reduce procurement processing times by achieving 100% of procurement action
lead times (PALT)23.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM PR1) Percentage of contract actions processed within the Procurement Action Lead Time (PALT) Standards.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
SA: 75
CP: 65
FAA: 80
85
90
Percent
Increase
Actual
SA: 70
CP: 88
FAA: 76
Numerator
SA:704
CP: 21
FAA: 3,038
Actions
Denominator
SA: 1,007
CP: 24
FAA: 4,002
Key Takeaways:
• Though it did not meet all FY 2018 PALT targets, EPA made progress in processing more incoming actions within PALT and did not significantly add to the backlog of
actions.
• EPA faces challenges meeting the PALT targets for two primary reasons: agencywide budgeting and funding practices that lead to an unbalanced workload during the fiscal
year, and a lack of standard funding and administrative modifications that lead to processing inefficiencies and delays.
• EPA plans to complete deployment of the EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) across the Office of Acquisition Services (OAS) by the end of FY 2019 Q2. Use of ELMS
is providing additional insights into business processes and is leading to increased knowledge sharing, standard work and timely processing of transactions.
• OAS is engaging Agency senior leadership on the challenges that current enterprise-wide budgeting and funding practices impose on acquisition processing.
Metric Details: For FY 2018, this measure tracked the timeliness of the Agency's processing of contract actions for Simplified Acquisitions (SA), Competitive Proposals (CP), and
Funding and Administrative Actions (FAA) with data collected from EPA's Acquisition System (EAS) and information from EPA contract officer representatives (CORs) and
contract officers (COs). Timeliness is measured in processing days from the time the procurement request (PR) is released in EAS to the date the contract is awarded. PALT
Standards are outlined in Section 7.1.1 of the EPA Acquisition Guide. As a result of these efforts, EPA will become a more efficient and effective agency by reducing processing
time and costs. Beginning in FY 2019, EPA will begin reporting results for all acquisition categories in a single percentage, not just SA, CP, and FAA. Baseline as of January 1,
2018 is: 47% SA; 65% CP; and 67% FAA. Baseline as of September 30, 2018 is 77% for all contract actions awarded within PALT.
23 Baseline, as of September 30, 2018 is 77% for all contract actions awarded within PALT. (Footnote updated from FY 2018-2022 EPA Strategic Plan.)
748
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
(PM PR2) Acquisition costs avoided through use of strategic sourcing.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
3.0
Millions of
Dollars
Increase
Actual
2.7
Key Takeaways:
• Acquisition costs avoided through the use of strategic sourcing came within 10% of meeting the FY 2018 target.
• The Agency did not launch any new strategic sourcing initiatives. The $2.7 million in avoided costs is a result of maintenance of prior-year strategic sourcing initiatives that
continue to save the Agency money.
• Annual costs avoided through the use of strategic sourcing depend on EPA's contracting needs in a given year.
• EPA expects to see greater cost avoidance in the next few fiscal years as strategic sourcing is used in an increasing number of Agency acquisitions and as the Agency launches
new strategic sourcing initiatives.
Metric Details: This measure tracks the Agency's avoided acquisition costs through use of the Strategic Sourcing Program (SSP) with data collected from EPA's spend-save tool.
Avoided costs achieved by SSP contract vehicles result in EPA becoming a more efficient and effective agency by reducing expenditures, processing time and labor. This will
enable the Agency to direct resources to core enviromnental work. In FY 2018, EPA obligated $1,521 billion in contracts.
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, improve 250 operational processes.
Annual performance goal that supports this long-term performance goal:
(PM OP1) Number of operational processes improved.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
25
50
50
Operational
Processes
Increase
Actual
Data Avail
04/2019
Key Takeaways:
• EPA made progress by improving processes across the Agency in mission and mission-support areas, including faster processing of permits, improved acquisitions, reduction
in non-attaimnent areas, and increased numbers of formerly contaminated sites Ready for Anticipated Use (RAU).
• EPA experienced some challenges determining the methodology used for certifying that a process has improved. EPA lias refined the criterion and now have multiple ways for
determining if a process lias improved, which includes monitoring the status of metrics in the "ELMS bowling charts" and counting those targets that have moved from
severely behind (red) for several months to current (on-time/green) status.
Metric Details: EPA is applying Lean principles to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its operations. An operational process is a sequence of activities that results in
the delivery of a service. Initially, EPA counted an operational process as improved following a completed Lean/Kaizen event that meets a three-part test: (1) the work of the
process lias been standardized; (2) visual management has been put in place and used; and (3) performance has improved. EPA completed 11 of these events in FY 2018. EPA is
currently refining the definition to include other key tools of ELMS, in addition to Lean/Kaizen events, to achieve process improvements that meet a more stringent requirement
for improvement.
749
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Long-Term Performance Goal - By September 30, 2022, increase enterprise adoption of shared services by four24.
Annual performance goals that support this long-term performance goal:
(PM CF1) Number of administrative shared services.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
6
7
8
Shared
Services
Increase
Actual
5
Key Takeaways:
• While EPA did not complete the adoption of any shared services in FY 2018, the Agency successfully migrated two existing operations to federal shared service providers in
the first quarter of FY 2019: the U.S. Department of the Interior's FedTalent System (employee training); and the General Services Administration's USAccess Program
(employee credentials).
Metric Details: EPA will use additional federal and/or internal shared services when supported by business case analysis. Enterprise adoption of shared services will ensure
consistency and scalability in tools and services, enabling the Agency to standardize internal operational processes, control costs, and improve data quality. The five administrative
shared services in place as of the end of FY 2017 were: Interior Business Center (HR/payroll), Concur (travel). Compass (core financial management), human resources shared
service centers, and finance centers.
(PM CF2) Number of Agency administrative subsystems.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
24
22
20
Subsystems
Decrease
Actual
26
Key Takeaways:
• EPA did not complete the consolidation of the Agency's Document Collection System (DCS) and Assistance Information Management System (AIMS) into Grant Payment
Allocation System (GPAS Consolidation Project), or consolidation of Interagency Agreements (IAs) into the new Payment Tracking System (PTS)-Interagency Document
Online Tracking System (IDOTS) application in FY 2018 as planned. This work will be completed in FY 2019.
Metric Details: Reducing the number of administrative system interfaces allows EPA users to more easily input and access data and standardizes reporting as payment processing
is moved to a federal shared service provider. This lias a positive impact on streamlining operational processes and drives the integration of financial transactions across multiple
administrative systems, reducing manual entry, and improving data quality. The focus is currently on establishing an integrated end-to-end delivery of financial transactions for
contracts, grants, and Interagency Agreements into Compass. In FY 2017, the Agency had 26 administrative subsystems.
24 Baseline is five administrative systems/operations shared services in FY 2017.
750
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
(PM CF3) Average cost per payment transaction.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
No Trend
Data
Target
34.99
Dollars
Decrease
Actual
33.48
Key Takeaways:
• EPA met the target through an emphasis on staff training and a strategic focus on cross-functional support during invoice payment peak weeks. Key staff met regularly to
discuss and implement strategies to create efficiencies in the invoice payment process.
Metric Details: EPA is working to reduce the cost of contract and Simplified Acquisition Purchasing (SAP) transactions to the estimated cost level of an agencywide shared
service solution by FY 2020. Data are tracked in the Agency's Compass system. In FY 2017, the cost per payment transaction was $38.28, which includes personnel and
Information Technology (IT) costs for processing payments. The significant target reduction in FY 2020 is based on expected automation of the invoicing process, and additional
IT modernization efforts underway.
Other Core Work supporting Objective 3.5
Annual performance goals:
(PM 35A) Environmental and business actions taken for improved performance or risk reduction.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
illlfi
Target
307
248
268
274
274
196
Actions
Increase
Actual
215
324
296
285
204
103
Key Takeaways:
• The decrease in results and missed target are related to the increase in mandatory work combined with a decrease in resources. The mandatory work is often focused on
compliance and not long-term enviromnental benefits, so the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) does not typically find significant issues that require recommendations to
the Agency.
Metric Details: This measure captures implemented corrective actions taken by the Agency based on OIG recommendations to improve EPA programs and/or processes. Results
are typically from prior years' recommendations and may fluctuate depending on the Agency's ability to complete agreed-upon corrective actions. The target is developed by
taking the actual performance for two or three fiscal years, adjusted to reflect any significant changes in priorities.
(PM 35B) Environmental and business recommendations or risks identified for corrective action.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
mill
Target
786
687
967
1,094
1,094
460
Risks
Increase
Actual
1,003
944
1,110
1,127
1,150
759
751
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
Key Takeaways:
• OIG identified 235 recommendations for improvement, including: preventing deaths and serious injuries from residential fumigations; improving oversight of purchase cards
avoiding inappropriate purchases; reducing risk of information security breaches by conducting required background investigations for information systems contractor
personnel; and periodic verification that air monitoring agencies are implementing EPA's recommended criteria for ambient air quality.
• OIG identified seven unimplemented recommendations to include properly reconciling tens of millions of dollars accounts receivable and properly recording millions in
interest.
• OIG identified 462 findings in 119 external reports involving EPA for effective administration of millions of dollars in grants and assistance agreements throughout the U.S.
Metric Details: This measure captures the number of OIG outputs (recommendations for improvement; outreach activities to plan and promote OIG work; congressional
testimonies delivered; best practices identified; and risks identified). One key activity during an OIG audit/evaluation is identifying risks to EPA operations and programs. Risk
identification is based on federal standards for internal control. Internal control is a process for assuring achievement of an organization's objectives in operational effectiveness
and efficiency; reliable reporting; and compliance with laws, regulations and policies. Ultimately effective internal controls assure that operations run efficiently and effectively.
The target reflects the average of actual performance for two or three fiscal years, adjusted to reflect any significant changes in priorities.
(PM 35C) Return on the annual dollar investment, as a percentage of the OIG budget, from audits and investigations.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
¦
Target
125
132
220
220
220
160
Percent
1
Actual
248
734
1,656
2,098
722
588
Increase
jMjj
Numerator
122.00M
380.00M
852.00M
1,070.00M
849.17M
473.07M
Dollars
Denominator
49.19M
51.77M
51.45M
5 LOOM
117.58M
80.43M
Key Takeaways:
• OIG questioned nearly $3.2 million on 11 grants and assistance agreements including $2.4M of unaccounted EPA funds.
• OIG identified more than $375 million in potential benefits, such as improved acquisition planning that will help EPA reduce hundreds of millions of dollars in high-risk
contracts.
• OIG identified nearly $91 million of monetary actions were taken or resolved by the Agency prior to report issuance; this figure represents corrections during the EPA
financial statement audit.
• EPA saved more than $935,000 in annual costs in response to OIG reports, including about $900,000 that the Administrator decided to stop providing for fitness centers in
EPA space.
• OIG achieved cost savings totaling nearly $1.3 million due to investigative work.
Metric Details: Results under this measure identify the potential return on investment and do not include actual recoveries. The OIG's role is to question costs and identify cost
efficiencies and funds put to better use (recommended efficiencies). The target reflects the average of actual performance for two or three fiscal years, adjusted to reflect any
significant changes in priorities and removing reports from the average calculation with recommended efficiencies in excess of $200M. The reports excluded from the average are:
FY 2014-$230 million; FY 2015-$571 million; FY 2016-$886 million; FY 2017-$774 million; and FY 2018-$375 million.
752
-------
GOAL 3: Rule of Law and Process
(PM 35D) Criminal, civil, administrative, and fraud prevention actions.
FY 2013
FY 2014
FY 2015
FY 2016
FY 2017
FY 2018
FY 2019
FY 2020
Units
Preferred
Direction
ijll
Target
90
125
175
145
145
87
Actions
Increase
Htm
Actual
256
213
304
181
298
330
1 1 1 1 1 1
Key Takeaways:
• OIG recovered over $527,000 in administrative costs resulting from 87 administrative actions and 19 suspensions/debarments.
• OIG recovered over $ 1 million in fines related to 10 criminal actions, including 85 months total in prison time, 96 months total in probationary time and six months of home
detention.
• OIG recovered nearly $362,000 resulting from one civil action.
• OIG conducted 128 fraud awareness briefings to internal and external stakeholders.
Metric Details: This measure captures criminal, civil, and administrative actions resulting from OIG investigations on fraud, waste, and abuse. To a large extent, results are
influenced by factors outside the control of OIG (e.g., judges, juries).
753
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
2020 Annual Performance Plan and Congressional Justification
Table of Contents - Appendix
Coordination with Other Federal Agencies 756
Environmental Programs 756
Internal Operations Programs 777
Major Management Challenges 785
EPA User Fee Programs 791
Working Capital Fund 795
Environmental Protection Agency 796
Acronyms for Statutory Authority 796
FY 2020 STAG Categorical Program Grants 800
Environmental Protection Agency 812
Program Projects by Program Area 812
Eliminated Programs 822
Eliminated Program Projects 822
Eliminated Sub-Program Projects 826
Expected Benefits of E-Government Initiatives 828
FY 2020 Administrator's Priorities 833
Proposed FY 2020 Administrative Provisions 834
Attorney Fee and Cost Payments 839
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan 840
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Worksheet 843
IT Resource Statements 844
IG's Comments on the FY2020 President's Budget 847
EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office 849
S. 2276 - Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act 853
754
-------
755
-------
Coordination with Other Federal Agencies
Environmental Programs
Air and Radiation Programs
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) Implementation
EPA cooperates with other federal, state, tribal and local agencies to achieve goals related to
ground level ozone and particulate matter (PM), and to ensure the actions of other agencies are
compatible with state plans for attaining and maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS). EPA works closely with the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the
Department of the Interior (DOI), and the Department of Defense (DOD) on issues such as
prescribed burning at silviculture and agricultural operations. EPA, the Department of
Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) also work with state and
leal agencies to integrate transportation and air quality plans, reduce traffic congestion, and
promote livable communities.
Air Quality in the Agricultural Sector
To improve EPA's understanding of environmental issues related to the agricultural sector, EPA
works closely with the USDA and others to improve air quality while supporting a sustainable
agricultural sector.
Regional Haze
EPA works with the DOI, National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in
implementing its regional haze program and operating the Interagency Monitoring of Protected
Visual Environments (IMPROVE) visibility monitoring network. The operation and analysis of
data produced by this air monitoring system is an example of the close coordination of efforts
between EPA and state and tribal governments. EPA also consults with the DOI's Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on potential endangered species issues.
Air Quality Assessment, Modeling, and Forecasting
For pollution assessments and transport, EPA works with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) on technology transfer using satellite imagery. EPA further distributes
NASA satellite products and NOAA air quality forecast products to states, local agencies and tribes
to provide a better understanding of daily air quality and to assist with air quality forecasting. EPA
works with NASA to develop a better understanding of PM formation using satellite data. EPA
also has worked with the Department of the Army on advancing emission measurement technology
and with NOAA for meteorological support for our modeling and monitoring efforts. EPA collects
real-time ozone and PM measurements from state and local agencies, which are used by both
NOAA and EPA to improve and verify Air Quality Forecast models.
756
-------
EPA's AIRNow Program (the national real-time Air Quality Index reporting and forecasting
system) works with the National Weather Service (NWS) to coordinate NOAA air quality forecast
guidance with state and local agencies for air quality forecasting efforts and to render the NOAA
model output in EPA Air Quality Index (AQI), which helps people determine appropriate air
quality protective behaviors. In wildfire situations, EPA and the USFS work closely with states to
deploy monitors and report monitoring information and other conditions on AIRNow. EPA also
has worked with USFS by providing new science on the impacts of smoke on health to inform
smoke management practices and intervention strategies to reduce health impacts. The AIRNow
Program also collaborates with the NPS and the USFS in collecting air quality monitoring
observations, in addition to observations from over 130 state, local, and tribal air agencies.
AIRNow also collaborates with NASA in a project to incorporate satellite data with air quality
observations.
EPA, the USD A, and the DOI established a collaborative framework to address issues pertaining
to wildland fire and air quality. The agreement recognizes the key roles of each agency, as well as
opportunities for collaboration. For example, the partnership explains that the agencies seek to
reduce the impact of emissions from wildfires, especially catastrophic wildfires, and the impact of
those emissions on air quality. In addition, the partnership highlights opportunities for enhancing
coordination among the agencies through information sharing and consultation, collaboration on
tools and information resources, and working together to collaborate with state and other partners,
among other goals.
Mobile Sources
EPA works with the DOT's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the
coordinated national program establishing standards to improve fuel efficiency and reduce GHG
emissions for light-duty vehicles. Specifically, EPA, in coordination with the DOT's fuel economy
and fuel consumption standards programs, implements vehicle and commercial truck greenhouse
gas standards with a focus on industry compliance to ensure the standards are realized.
To address criteria pollutant emissions (such as nitrogen oxide) from marine and aircraft sources,
EPA works collaboratively with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as with other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Coast
Guard (USCG) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). EPA also collaborates with the
USCG in the implementation of Emission Control Area (ECA) around the United States, and with
Mexico and Canada in the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) to
evaluate the benefits of establishing a Mexican ECA.
To better understand the sources and causes of mobile source pollution, EPA works with the DOE
and DOT to fund applied research projects including transportation modeling projects. EPA also
has worked closely with the DOE on refinery cost modeling analyses to support clean fuel
programs. EPA also coordinates with the DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA)
regarding fuel supply during emergency situations. For mobile sources program outreach, the
Agency has participated in a collaborative effort with DOT's Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to educate the public about the impacts of
transportation choices on traffic congestion, air quality, and human health. This community-based
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public education initiative also includes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
EPA also has worked with FHWA to develop and deliver training on modeling emissions from
cars and trucks and with other federal agencies, such as the USCG, on air emission issues. Other
programs targeted to reduce air toxics from mobile sources are coordinated with the DOT. These
partnerships can involve policy assessments and toxic emission reduction strategies in different
regions of the country. EPA works with the DOE, DOT and other agencies, as needed, on the
requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of
2007, such as the Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA also has worked with other agencies on biofuel
topics through the Biomass Research and Development Institute.
To develop air pollutant emission factors and emission estimation algorithms for military aircraft,
ground equipment, and vehicles, EPA partners with the DOD. This partnership provides for the
joint undertaking of air-monitoring/emission factor research and regulatory implementation.
Air Toxics
EPA works closely with other health agencies such as the CDC, the National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) on health risk characterization for both toxic and criteria air pollutants. EPA also
contributes air quality data to the CDC's Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, which
is made publicly available and used by state and local public health agencies.
Addressing Transboundary Air Pollution
In developing regional and international air quality programs and projects, and in working on
regional agreements, EPA works with the Department of State (DOS), NOAA, NASA, DOE,
USD A, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB), as well as with regional organizations. In addition, EPA has partnered with other
organizations and countries worldwide, including the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP), the European Union (EU), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the CEC, Canada,
Mexico, China, and Japan.
EPA partners with environment and public health officials and provides technical assistance
through UNEP to facilitate the development of air quality management strategies to other major
emitters and/or to key regional or sub-regional groupings of countries.
Stratospheric Ozone
EPA works closely with the Department of State (DOS) and other federal agencies in international
negotiations among Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
and in developing the implementing regulations. The environmental goal of the Montreal Protocol
is to protect the ozone layer and, the ozone depleting substances (ODS) it controls also are
significant greenhouse gases. EPA has worked on several multinational environmental agreements
working closely with the DOS and other federal agencies, including OMB, Office of Science
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Technology and Policy (OSTP), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), USD A, Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Department of Commerce, NOAA and NASA.
EPA works with other agencies, including the Office of the United States Trade Representative
(USTR) and the Department of Commerce (DOC), to analyze potential trade implications in
stratospheric protection regulations that affect imports and exports. EPA has coordinated efforts
with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of
Treasury (U.S. Treasury) and other agencies to curb the illegal importation of ODS.
In addition, there have been further efforts on a number of other issues. For example, EPA has had
discussions with the DOD, U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), and NASA to assist in
the effective transition from ODS. EPA has worked with USDA and the DOS to facilitate research,
development and adoption of alternatives to methyl bromide. EPA also has consulted with USDA
on domestic methyl bromide needs. EPA has coordinated with NASA and NOAA to monitor the
state of the stratospheric ozone layer and to collect, analyze, and disseminate Ultraviolet (UV)
data. EPA has coordinated with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to ensure that proposed
rules are developed in accordance with the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act (SBREFA).
Radiation and Radiation Preparedness and Response
EPA works primarily with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), DOE, and the DHS on
multiple radiation-related issues. EPA has ongoing planning and guidance discussions with DHS
on general emergency response activities, including exercises responding to nuclear related
incidents. As the regulator of DOE's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) facility, EPA is charged
with coordinating oversight activities with DOE to ensure the facility is operating in compliance
with EPA regulations. EPA is a member of the Interagency Radiation Source Protection and
Security Task Force, established in the Energy Policy Act, to improve the security of domestic
radioactive sources. EPA also is a working member of the interagency Nuclear Government
Coordinating Council (NGCC), which coordinates across government and the private sector on
issues related to security, communications and emergency management within the nuclear sector.
For emergency preparedness purposes, EPA coordinates closely with other federal agencies
through the Federal Radiological Preparedness Coordinating Committee and the Advisory Team
for Environment, Food and Health which provides federal scientific advice and recommendations
to state and local decision makers such as governors and mayors during a radiological emergency.
EPA has participated in planning and implementing table-top and field exercises including
radiological anti-terrorism activities, with the NRC, DOE, DOD, Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS) and DHS.
EPA is a charter member and co-chairs the Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation
Standards (ISCORS), which was created at the direction of Congress. Through quarterly meetings
and the activities of its six subcommittees, member agencies are kept informed of cross-cutting
issues related to radiation protection, radioactive waste management, and emergency preparedness
and response. ISCORS also helps coordinate U.S. responses to radiation-related issues
internationally.
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During radiological emergencies EPA works with expert members of the International Atomic
Energy Agency's (IAEA). Additionally, EPA works with OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)
on two committees: the NEA Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC) and the
Committee on Radiation Protection and Public Health (CRPPH) as necessary during the response
and remediation including those incidents involving significant waste issues. Through
participation on the CRPPH and its working groups, EPA has been successful in bringing a U.S.
perspective to international radiation protection policy, and benefits from having other countries'
perspectives.
Research Supporting the Air and Radiation Program
EPA continues to strengthen interactions with other agencies, including NOAA, DOE, USD A,
National Institutes of Health (NIH) and FHWA to improve understanding and develop sustainable
approaches to manage risks from air pollution. For example, EPA worked with NOAA and NASA
to relate satellite-based air quality data to ambient monitoring, which resulted in several
publications1 from this collaboration.
Water Programs
Collaboration with Public and Private Partners on Water Infrastructure Preparedness, Response
and Recovery
EPA coordinates with other federal agencies, primarily DHS, CDC, FDA, and DOD, on biological,
chemical, and radiological contaminants of high concern, and how to detect and respond to their
presence in drinking water and wastewater systems. EPA maintains a close linkage with the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Intelligence Analysis Directorate in DHS, particularly
with respect to ensuring the timely dissemination of threat information through existing
communication networks.
EPA works with US ACE and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to refine
coordination processes among federal partners engaged in providing emergency response support
to the water sector. EPA works with US ACE and FEMA to maintain clear roles and responsibilities
under the National Disaster Recovery Framework. In addition, EPA continues to work with FEMA
and US ACE, as well as other agencies, on the Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task
Force regarding water resources and floodplain management.
Drinking Water Programs
EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established an Interagency Agreement to coordinate
activities and information exchange in the areas of unregulated contaminants occurrence, the
environmental relationships affecting contaminant occurrence, protection area delineation
methodology, and analytical methods. This collaborative effort improves the quality of
information to support risk management decision-making at all levels of government, generates
valuable new data, and eliminates potential redundancies.
1 For more information, please see: https: //discover-aq. larc .nasa. gov/.
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EPA also collaborates with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop
strategies to decrease drinking water lead exposure in homes. The partnership shares information,
leverages funding and reviews processes to facilitate better-informed decisions and coordinate
investments.
Sustainable Rural Drinking and Wastewater Systems
EPA and USD A work together to increase the sustainability of rural drinking water and wastewater
systems to ensure the protection of public health, water quality, and sustainable communities. The
two agencies facilitate coordinated funding for infrastructure projects that aid in the compliance
of national drinking water and clean water regulations.
National Water Sector Workforce Development: Department of Veterans Affairs
EPA and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Service (VR&E) jointly promote activities that will help advance and improve employment
opportunities for veterans with disabilities while supporting the development of a trained and
competent workforce for the water sector.
Tribal Access Coordination
EPA, and USD A, HUD, DHHS, Indian Health Service (IHS), and DOI work together to maintain
and improve coordination in delivering water and wastewater infrastructure services and financial
assistance to American Indian communities. The agencies work together to increase the number
of American Indian homes provided access to safe drinking water. In implementation of the Indian
set-aside grant program under Title VI of the CWA, EPA works closely with IHS to administer
grant funds to the various Indian tribes, including determination of the priority ranking system for
the various wastewater needs in Indian Country. EPA and the USDA Office of Rural Development
partner to provide coordinated financial and technical assistance to tribes.
Source Water Protection and Harmful Algal Blooms
To combat harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Amendments Act of 2014 (HABHRCA 2014, P.L. 113-124) emphasizes the mandate
to advance the scientific understanding and ability to detect, predict, control, mitigate, and respond
to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. This legislation established the Interagency Working Group
on HABHRCA (IWG-HABHRCA). It tasked the group with coordinating and convening Federal
agencies to discuss Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and hypoxia events in the United States, and to
develop action plans, reports, and assessments of these situations. The Working Group is co-
chaired by EPA and NOAA and includes the: FDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
CDC, USACE, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, U.S. Navy, National Science Foundation
(NSF), NASA, National Park Service, USDA, USGS and NIEHS.
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Water Technology and Innovation
EPA works with federal departments to lead or support work to catalyze Technology and
Innovation in work for Clean and Safe Water. Examples of EPA collaborations include working
with:
• DOS to advise on efficient and innovative water infrastructure design at U.S. Embassies;
• DOE in researching opportunities to address the Food-Water-Energy Nexus, as well as
research focused on optimally targeting resources to water/wastewater utilities with the
greatest needs;
• Bureau of Reclamation to support Technology Challenges to catalyze the development of
low-cost, high-performance water sensors;
• NOAA in the development of the National Water Data Center and the National Water
Model;
• The interagency National Drought Resilience Partnership, to fast-track solutions to long-
term drought;
• NSF, DOE, as well as non-federal entities in the development of the National Testbed
Network ("FAST Network"), to test water technologies and provide crucial information to
local decision-makers;
• FEMA to research innovative stormwater control approaches to mitigate urban flooding;
• NASA in assessing emerging water treatment technologies;
• Multi-agency efforts related to water data interoperability through the Open Water Data
Initiative and the Internet of Water; and
• Department of the Army in assessing emerging water service technologies.
Watersheds Restoration and Nonpoint Source Pollution
Protecting and restoring watersheds depends largely on the direct involvement of many federal
agencies as well as state, tribal, and local governments who manage the multitude of programs
necessary to address water quality on a watershed basis. Federal agency involvement includes the
USDA (including the National Resource Conservation Service [NRCS], US Forest Service
[USFS], and the Agriculture Research Service [ARS]) in agricultural areas as well as USDA,
USACE, NOAA, and DOI in coastal waters. EPA and USDA are co-implementing the National
Water Quality Initiative in about 200 watersheds nationwide. Other EPA partners might include
DOI (including the Bureau of Land Management [BLM], Office of Surface Mining, USGS, FWS,
NPS, and Bureau of Indian Affairs), NOAA, DOT, DOD (including USACE), and FEMA. EPA
co-implements with NOAA the coastal nonpoint source pollution program under CZARA. EPA
also co-chairs, with NOAA, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force's Watershed Working Group to reduce
land-based source pollutants to coral reef watersheds.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program
Since inception of the NPDES Program under Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), EPA
and the authorized states maintain relationships with various federal agencies to implement
pollution controls for point sources under NPDES. EPA works with the FWS and NMFS on
consultation for protection of endangered species. EPA works with the Advisory Council on
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Historic Preservation on National Historic Preservation Act implementation. EPA and the states
rely on monitoring data from the USGS to help inform pollution control decisions. The Agency
also works closely with SBA and OMB to ensure that regulatory programs are fair and reasonable.
The Agency coordinates with NOAA on efforts to ensure that NPDES programs support coastal
and national estuary efforts and with the DOI on mining issues. The Agency also coordinates with
the FHWA to reduce the impacts of stormwater from roads.
Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
EPA's State Revolving Fund programs work with HUD and USD A to foster collaboration on
jointly funded infrastructure projects. In many states, coordination committees have been
established with representatives from the three programs.
Monitoring and Assessment of Nation's Waters
EPA is co-chair, along with the USGS, of the National Water Quality Monitoring Council, a
national forum for scientific discussion of strategies and technologies to improve water quality
monitoring and data sharing. The council membership includes other federal agencies, state and
tribal agencies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector.
Under an MOU, EPA and the USGS developed and are now operating the national Water Data
Portal, a web portal serving data from the USGS and EPA ambient water quality data warehouses
in a common format through the internet. EPA has an Interagency Agreement with the USGS for
the development of NHDPlus version 2, which is complete for the lower 48 states. EPA also
collaborates with the USGS and NOAA, National Park Service (NPS), USD A, FWS, BLM, and
the USFS on implementation, analysis and/or interpretation of the results of the National Aquatic
Resource Surveys - an EPA, state and tribal partnership to assess and report on the condition of
the nation's waters and changes over time using nationally consistent and regionally relevant
methods.
Wetlands
EPA, and FWS, USACE, NOAA, USGS, USDA's NRCS, USFS, FEMA, and Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) coordinate on a range of wetlands activities. These activities include:
studying and reporting on wetlands trends in the United States, diagnosing causes of coastal
wetland loss and identifying opportunities to stem the losses, statistically surveying the condition
of the nation's wetlands, and developing methods for better protecting wetland function.
Additionally, EPA and USACE work very closely together in implementing the regulatory
program under the CWA Section 404 and CWA jurisdiction. EPA also works with the FWS and
NOAA on regulatory matters involving permits.
Natural Resources Damage Assessment and the Restore Council
EPA works in partnership with fellow federal and state trustees and their representatives to support
the ongoing Natural Resources Damage Assessment and the Restore Council (Gulf Coast
Ecosystem Restoration Council). Partners include NOAA, DOI, and USD A.
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Research to Support Water Programs
While EPA is the federal agency mandated to ensure safe drinking water, other federal and non-
federal entities conduct research that complements EPA's research on priority contaminants in
drinking water. Much of this research has been conducted in collaboration with EPA scientists.
Cooperative research efforts have been ongoing with the American Water Works Association,
Water Research Foundation, and other stakeholders to coordinate drinking water research where
the private sector, particularly the water treatment industry, is conducting research in such areas
as analytical methods, treatment technologies, and the development and maintenance of water
resources. EPA also has worked with the USGS to evaluate performance of newly developed
methods for measuring microbes in potential drinking water sources.
Interagency coordination in research also is occurring in developing sediment criteria. Here, EPA
has developed joint research initiatives with the NOAA and USGS for linking monitoring data and
field study information with available toxicity data and assessment models for developing
sediment criteria.
Land and Emergency Management Programs
Brownfields
EPA's Brownfields and Land Revitalization Programs partner with the Department of Labor
(DOL) and NIEHS to support environmental workforce development and fund job training and
placement programs in brownfield communities. The programs work with the USD A, DHHS, and
the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to identify ways communities
can work with federal programs to increase food access in all communities and improve access to
quality health care, in response to community requests. Improved access to healthy food and health
care services can catalyze redevelopment and employment that contributes to healthier and more
sustainable communities. The Brownfields and Land Revitalization programs also partner with the
NPS's River, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program to support Groundwork USA and
individual Groundwork Trust organizations in their efforts to engage youth in brownfields
redevelopment and community revitalization. The Program participates with DOC's Economic
Development Administration's (EDA's) Economic Development Integration (EDI) team to
identify opportunities for greater interagency collaboration for coordinated and effective
investment of federal economic development resources. EPA leads the Brownfields Federal
Partnership, which includes more than 20 federal agencies dedicated to the cleanup and
redevelopment of brownfields properties. Partner agencies work together to prevent, assess, safely
clean up, and redevelop brownfields.
Economically Distressed Communities
EPA has expertise on the importance of downtown revitalization, the use of green infrastructure
strategies, green demolition, and sustainable development strategies for the federal government to
help economically distressed communities. EPA's efforts positively impact the work of HUD,
DOT, DOC, DHHS, DHS, DOJ, SBA, DOL, and many other agencies and departments.
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Superfund Remedial Program
The Superfund Remedial Program maintains ongoing coordination with the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences (NIEHS) to promote information sharing and greater efficiencies. ATSDR provides
valued advice to EPA through the preparation of public health assessments, site specific
consultations, and preparation of toxicological profiles. There are several areas where
collaboration and sharing resources are of mutual benefit. For example, ATSDR has a statutory
mandate to complete health assessments on sites listed on EPA's National Priorities List (NPL),
while EPA conducts site characterization and performs site work. Moreover, EPA site managers
strive to work with their ATSDR and state counterparts to coordinate messages for the public.
The NIEHS is a valuable partner in collaborating with universities and conducting research related
to the toxicity of contaminants, site characterization, and site remediation. NIEHS has a research
translation component that focuses on the explanation of site risk information for communities and
other parties. In addition, multiple grant recipients have supported communities in understanding
the hazards posed by waste materials.
USACE substantially contributes to Superfund site cleanups by providing a wide range of
technical, management, and acquisition support functions to implement or oversee responsible
party Superfund project implementation for the remedial and removal programs. Most notably, the
USACE has the technical design and construction expertise and contracting capability needed to
assist EPA regional Superfund programs in implementing complex Superfund remedial action
projects. USACE also provides technical on-site support to regional offices in the enforcement
oversight of numerous construction projects performed by private Potentially Responsible Parties.
Superfund Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Program
The Superfund Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Program coordinates closely with federal
agencies, states, tribes, state associations, and others to implement its statutory responsibilities to
ensure protective and efficient cleanup and reuse of federally contaminated land on the NPL. In
addition, EPA continues to work to streamline and improve the Superfund process through the
Superfund Task Force recommendations. Successful implementation of these recommendations
requires strengthening partnerships and increasing engagement with other federal agencies.
EPA participates in a dialogue with the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) and DOE for
the purpose of improving/enhancing ongoing working relationships among senior leaders involved
in the cleanup of DOE Environmental Management sites. The Dialogue is an example of how each
agency can advance the cleanup at DOE sites and foster an understanding of challenges and
successes at the national level.
EPA participates with other federal agencies on the Federal Mining Dialogue (FMD) which
provides a national level forum for federal agencies to identify and discuss lessons learned and
technical mining impact issues associated with the cleanup and reuse of abandoned and inactive
hard rock and abandoned uranium mines across the country. EPA's Abandoned Mine Lands
Program has coordinated through the Agency's National Mining Team (NMT) which has
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representatives on each of the FMD workgroups: Data Standards, Best Practices, Cost Recovery
and Watershed Strategy. EPA also participates with other federal agencies on the Munitions
Response Dialogue (MRD), partners with DOD research and development programs (SERDP and
ESTCP) on the munitions management track and participates on the Intergovernmental Data
Quality Task Force (IDQTF) which works to address data quality concerns.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
Poly chlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Programs
The RCRA Corrective Action Program coordinates closely with other federal agencies, primarily
DOD and DOE, which have many sites in the corrective action universe. An Agency top priority
is to assist federal facilities meet the RCRA Corrective Action Program's goals of investigating
and cleaning up hazardous releases. EPA also coordinates with other agencies, primarily DOD, on
cleanup and disposal issues posed by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) under the authority of the
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Emergency Preparedness and Response
EPA plays a major role in reducing the risks that accidental and intentional releases of harmful
substances and oil pose to human health and the environment. EPA's leadership in federal
preparedness begins with its co-chairing the National Response Team (NRT) and the 13 Regional
Response Teams with the U.S. Coast Guard. These teams, which have member participation from
other key federal agencies, deliver federal assistance to state, local, and tribal governments to plan
for and respond to natural disasters and other major environmental incidents. This requires
coordination with many federal, state, and local agencies. The Agency participates with other
federal agencies to develop national planning and implementation policies at the operational level.
The National Response Framework (NRF), under the direction of the DHS, provides for the
delivery of federal assistance to states to help them deal with the consequences of terrorist events,
acts of malfeasance, as well as natural and other significant disasters. EPA maintains the lead
responsibility for the NRF's Emergency Support Function #10 (covering inland hazardous
materials and petroleum releases) and participates in the Federal Emergency Support Function
Leaders Group which addresses NRF planning and implementation at the operational level. As an
example of the NRF functionality, EPA closely collaborated with FEMA, and other federal
agencies in responding to the FY 2017/2018 hurricane season and the wildfires in California.
Oil Spills
Under the Oil Spill Program, EPA provides assistance to agencies such as FWS and the USCG
and works in coordination to address oil spills nationwide. EPA also assists agencies with judicial
referrals when enforcement of violations becomes necessary. In addition, EPA and the USCG work
in coordination to address oil spills nationwide.
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Strengthen Human Health and Environmental Protection in Indian Country
EPA has a long history of working with other federal agencies to address shared environmental
and human health concerns. EPA, DOI, DHHS, USD A, and HUD, have worked through several
MOUs as partners to improve infrastructure on tribal lands.
All five federal partners have committed to continue federal coordination in delivering services to
tribal communities. The Infrastructure Task Force has built on prior partner successes, including
improved access to funding and reduced administrative burden for tribal communities through the
review and streamlining of Agency policies, regulations, and directives as well as improved
coordination of technical assistance to water service providers and solid waste managers through
regular coordination meetings and web-based tools.
Homeland Security
EPA's Homeland Security, Preparedness and Response Program continues to develop and
maintain Agency assets and capabilities to respond to and support nationally significant incidents
with emphasis on those involving chemical warfare agents. The Program implements a broad range
of activities for a variety of internal and multi-agency efforts that are consistent with the
Department of Homeland Security's NRF and the various Homeland Security Presidential
Directives EPA is lead on and or supports. This includes being the lead analytical agency for
environmental sampling during a CWA incident.
EPA coordinates its preparedness activities with DHS, FEMA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), and other federal agencies, states and local governments. EPA will continue to clarify its
roles and responsibilities to ensure that Agency Homeland Security activities are consistent with
the national homeland security strategy.
Research to Support Homeland Security
EPA collaborates with numerous agencies on Homeland Security research in order to leverage
funding across multiple programs to produce synergistic results. EPA's Homeland Security
Research Program has worked closely with the DHS to assure that EPA has the science to back
decisions made in its role as a lead agency responsible for cleanup during a Stafford Act declaration
under ESF-10 and as the lead agency for water infrastructure. In its research work related to
biological and chemical warfare agents, EPA has worked closely with the DOD and its sub-
organizations. To identify and support such collaborations, EPA has participated in a tri-agency
research partnership (Technical Coordination Working Group - TCWG) with the DOD and DHS
that focuses on chemical and biological defense needs and gaps as they relate to homeland security.
TCWG activities include: information sharing, joint science and technology research projects and
complementing policies. In conducting biological agent research, EPA also collaborates with the
CDC.
EPA also works with these entities and others to address areas of mutual interest and concern
related to both cleanup and water infrastructure protection. The Program also has conducted joint
research with USD A and DOI focusing on addressing homeland security threats at the intersection
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of the environment/public health and agriculture/natural resources. EPA also has worked with
DOE to access and conduct research at the DOE's National Laboratories specialized research
facilities, such as to establish the Water Security Test Bed and develop analytical capabilities for
biological and chemical agents in environmental matrices.
Research to Support Land and Emergency Management Programs
Consistent with the broad scope of EPA's ecosystem research efforts, EPA has complementary
and joint programs with the USFS, USGS, USD A, NOAA, BLM, non-government organizations
(NGOs), and many others specifically to minimize duplication, maximize scope, and maintain a
real-time information flow. For example, these organizations have worked together to produce the
National Land Cover Data used by all landscape ecologists nationally. Each contributed funding,
services, and research to this uniquely successful effort.
EPA has expended substantial effort coordinating its research to support a range of environmental
priorities at other federal agencies, including work with DOD in its SERDP and the Environmental
Security Technology Certification Program, DOE, and its Office of Health and Environmental
Research. EPA also has conducted collaborative laboratory research with DOD, DOE, DOI
(particularly the USGS), and NASA to improve characterization and risk management options for
dealing with subsurface contamination.
EPA, USACE, and the U.S. Navy signed an MOU to increase collaboration and coordination in
contaminated sediments research. Additionally, EPA works through the Interstate Technology
Regulatory Council (ITRC) in defining continuing research needs through its teams on topics
including permeable reactive barriers, radionuclides, and Brownfields. EPA has developed a
MOU2 with several other agencies (such as the DOE, DOD, NRC, USGS, NOAA, and USD A) for
multi-media modeling research and development.
EPA has collaborated with many the Institutes within the NIH and CDC on research on variability
and susceptibility in risks from exposure to environmental contaminants. EPA has collaborated
with NIEHS in supporting the Centers for Children's Environmental Health and Disease
Prevention, which study whether and how environmental factors play a role in children's health
and with the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) on the
development and implementation of the National Children's Study. Additionally, EPA, the
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), NIEHS, and NICHD co-
fund the Centers of Excellence for Research on Environmental Health Disparities. This funding
has broadened research on disadvantaged communities and the impacts of greater exposures of
ambient hazards.
2 For more information, please see: Interagency Steering Committee on Multimedia Environmental Models MOU, at:
http://www.iscmem.org/Memorandum.htm.
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Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Programs
General Coordination for Chemical Safety
Following enactment of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) amendments in June 2016,
EPA established an Interagency Policy Group comprised of other federal agencies with interest
and expertise in chemical issues to hold periodic meetings to obtain input on significant actions
such as the TSCA Framework rules and potential existing chemical candidates for Prioritization
under TSCA. The agencies on the Interagency Policy Group include: The Department of Defense
(DOD), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), Department of Labor (DOL), Small Business Administration (SBA),
National Institutes of Health (NIH), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In FY 2020, EPA intends to
use this group to review TSCA materials including, but not limited to: risk evaluations for the first
chemicals undergoing risk evaluation, and documents related to prioritization of existing
chemicals for risk evaluation.
The Agency also engages in biannual meetings with the OMNE3 Committee, which includes the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mining Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The OMNE Committee exists to
provide a venue for federal agencies to share information and coordinate activities regarding
proposed rules, risk assessments, and risk management strategies for controlling exposure to
chemicals. In FY 2020, this Committee will hold their regular biannual meetings for mid-level
technical staff. These meetings comprise discussions on topics not solely pertaining to TSCA, but
on technical subjects of interest across member agencies.
Participation in International Agreements addressing Chemical Safety
To participate more effectively in international agreements addressing chemical safety (e.g.,
persistent organic pollutants [POPs] and mercury), EPA continues to coordinate with other federal
agencies, including the Department of State (DOS), Department of Commerce (DOC), and the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). EPA also coordinates with federal agencies
such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), NIH and the Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on matters relating to the work of the (Organisation for
Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) on test guideline harmonization and other
chemical safety program work. EPA also engages in bilateral cooperation and information
exchange with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Canada, China, Australia, and others.
EPA works closely with the DOS in leading the technical and policy engagement for the United
States in the Minamata Convention on Mercury, as well as with the Department of Energy (DOE),
FDA and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
3 The OMNE Committee is named for the first letter in each participating agency's name.
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Certification and Training, Worker Protection, IPM, and Environmental Stewardship
EPA's Pesticide Program will continue to coordinate with USD A, DOD, Department of the
Interior (DOI), and state lead agencies for pesticides, in order to implement the Certification and
Training Program for pesticide applicators who use the riskiest pesticides. EPA's Regional Offices
also have provided technical guidance and assistance to the states and tribes in the implementation
of all pesticide program activities, such as protecting workers, promoting Integrated Pest
Management and environmental stewardship. EPA also provides grants to states, tribes and other
partners, including universities, non-profit organizations, other federal agencies, pesticide users,
environmental groups, and other entities, as necessary, to assist in strengthening and implementing
EPA's pesticide activities, such as worker protection, promoting environmental stewardship and
Integrated Pest Management.
Assessing Potential Pesticide Risks with Supplemental Data
EPA has relied on data from DHHS and USD A to supplement data from the pesticide industry in
order to assist the Agency to assess the potential risks of pesticides in the diets of adults and
children. Specifically, EPA relies on food consumption data developed by the DHHS as part of
their NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Survey) survey, and is a part of EPA's dietary risk
assessment for pesticides and pesticide residue (concentration) data in food commodities, which
is generated by the USDA in its Pesticide Data Program (PDP).
Endangered Species & Pollinator Protection
EPA's Pesticides Program will continue collaborating with the USDA, FWS, and NMFS on
developing methods for assessing potential risks and effects of pesticides to endangered and
threatened species. EPA, in cooperation with USDA, other federal agencies, state agencies, and
other entities, will continue to address pesticide risks to bees and other pollinators which are critical
to our environment and the production of food crops.
Homeland Security - Protecting Food & Agriculture Sectors
EPA has collaborated with the DOD, DHS, USDA, FDA, FEMA and other federal, tribal and state
organizations on a variety of technical and policy homeland security issues. These issues focus on
protecting the public and food and agriculture sectors from threats associated with use of chemical
and biological agents or from natural disasters. EPA has collaborated with these organizations on
research pertaining to effective disinfectants for high threat microorganisms, planning for response
to various potential incidents, training and development of policies and guidelines. EPA continues
to partner with the OSHA, NIOSH, and CPSC on risk assessment and risk mitigation activities.
Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC)
One of the Agency's methods for receiving stakeholder input on pesticide issues has been the
Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC), a Federal Advisory Committee, that brings
together a broad cross-section of knowledgeable individuals from organizations that represent
divergent views in order to discuss pesticide regulatory, policy, and implementation issues. The
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PPDC consists of members from federal and state government agencies, industry/trade
associations, pesticide user and commodity groups, consumer and environmental/public interest
groups, and others. The PPDC has provided a structured environment for meaningful information
exchanges and discussions, and keeping the public involved in decisions that affect them. Dialogue
with outside groups is essential if the Agency is to remain responsive to the needs of the affected
public, growers, and industry organizations.
General Research to Support Chemical Safety
EPA's Toxicity Forecaster (ToxCast™) is part of an ongoing multi-agency effort under the Tox21
collaboration MOU. Tox21 has pooled chemical research, data and screening tools from multiple
federal agencies including EPA, the NIH and FDA. ToxCast™ has utilized existing resources to
develop faster, more thorough predictions of how chemicals may affect human and environmental
health. Tox21 and ToxCast™ are currently screening nearly 10,000 environmental chemicals for
potential toxicity in high-throughput screening assays at the NIH National Center for Advancing
Translational Sciences (NCATS). EPA also has an agreement to provide NCATS funding to
support the effort.
Research to Support the Amended Toxic Substances Control Act
EPA is actively collaborating with international groups on research to accelerate the pace of
chemical risk assessment and provide greater regulatory certainty for the public and industry.
EPA's Chemical Safety for Sustainability (CSS) research program is working with Health Canada
and the European Joint Research Center on the development and testing of new non-animal
approach methodologies to quickly and cost-effectively evaluate chemicals for safety. The use of
these new approach methods will be a critical part of implementing the TSCA strategic plan to
reduce, refine and replace the use of vertebrates in toxicity testing and evaluation. EPA also has
commenced work with Health Canada and ECHA to promote sharing of non-confidential chemical
safety information with the intent of advancing application of chemical evaluations and
evaluations across regulatory jurisdictions. This collaborative approach will help the Agency
screen, prioritize and evaluate existing chemicals under TSCA Section 6, potentially improve and
expedite the evaluation of new chemicals under TSCA Section 5, and promote implementation of
alternative methods to replace vertebrate animal testing under TSCA Section 4. Finally, EPA is
actively engaged in multiple OECA chemical safety groups. The various groups share information,
expertise, and research results related to chemical safety. Ultimately, these international efforts
will work towards creating transparent data requirements for industry and reducing the regulatory
uncertainty of multiple regulatory environments internationally.
Research to Support Agencywide Risk Assessment Activities
EPA consults and collaborates routinely with other federal agencies about the science of individual
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessments, as well as efforts to prioritize and
coordinate chemical evaluations. IRIS maintains an interagency working group that consists of
public health agencies (e.g., CDC, ATSDR, NIOSH, and NIEHS), many other agencies (e.g.,
DOD, NASA, SBA, DOT, DOE, DOI, etc.), and White House offices (e.g., OMB, OSTP, and
CEQ). EPA also has coordinated with ATSDR through an MOU on the development of
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toxicological reviews and toxicology profiles, respectively. In addition, EPA has contracted with
the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council (NRC) on very difficult and
complex human health risk assessments through consultation or review. Most recently, EPA
convened an interagency working group, co-chaired by EPA and the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in OMB, to review the IRIS Program's progress and enhancements
following the 2014 NAS report recommendations. In FY 2018, the NRC convened a public
meeting and independently reviewed the progress of the IRIS Program's implementations of the
latest NRC recommendations. The NAS concluded that: "overall, EPA has been responsive and
has made substantial progress in implementing National Academies recommendations." EPA also
participates in the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods
(ICCVAM) to work towards increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. federal agency test
method review, eliminating unnecessary duplication of effort, sharing experience among U.S.
federal regulatory agencies, and reducing, refining, and replacing the use of animals in testing
where feasible.
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Programs
General Enforcement Coordination
The Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program has coordinated closely with:
• DOJ on all civil and criminal environmental enforcement matters. In addition, the Program
has coordinated with other agencies on specific environmental issues as described herein;
• The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, OSHA, and ATSDR in preventing
and responding to accidental releases and endangerment situations;
• DOI's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and DHHS's IHS on issues relative to compliance
with environmental laws in Indian country;
• The DOC and SBA on the implementation of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act (SBREFA). In addition, it has collaborated with the SBA to maintain current
environmental compliance information at Business.gov, a website initiated as an e-
government initiative in 2004, to help small businesses comply with government
regulations. The IRS on cases that require defendants to pay civil penalties, thereby
assisting the IRS in assuring compliance with tax laws;
• USACE on wetlands issues; and,
• USDA on the regulation of animal feeding operations and on food safety issues arising
from the misuse of pesticides and shares joint jurisdiction with the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) on pesticide labeling and advertising.
International Trade
EPA has worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on implementing the secure
International Trade Data System across all federal agencies and on pesticide imports and on
hazardous waste and Cathode Ray Tube exports, as well as on a variety of other import/export
issues under the various statutes (e.g., imports of vehicles and engines).
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Coordination on Issues Involving Shared Jurisdiction
EPA and the FDA share jurisdiction over general-purpose disinfectants used on non-critical
surfaces and some dental and medical equipment surfaces. EPA and FDA also have collaborated
and shared information on Good Laboratory Program inspections to avoid duplication of
inspections and maximize efficient use of limited resources. The Agency has entered into an
agreement with the HUD concerning enforcement of the TSCA lead-based paint notification
requirements. The Agency has coordinated with the USCG under the Act to Prevent Pollution from
Ships, and on discharges of pollutant from ships and oil spills under the CWA. The Enforcement
and Compliance Assurance Program also works with the DOI on CWA permit enforcement on the
Outer Continental Shelf, as well as both the Interior and Transportation Departments on
enforcement of CWA requirements for offshore facilities.
Criminal Enforcement
EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program coordinates with the FBI, CBP, DOL, U.S. Treasury,
USCG, DOI and DO J and with international, state, tribal, and local law enforcement organizations
in the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes. EPA also has actively worked with
DOJ to establish task forces that bring together federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement
organizations to address environmental crimes. EPA has an Interagency Agreement with DOJ's
Environment and Natural Resources Division, to develop the first federal Environmental Crime
Victim Assistance Program. This allows both Agencies to meet their statutory obligations under
the Crime Victims' Rights Act (CVRA) and the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA), to
make sure that environmental crime victims are notified of and accorded their rights under the
CVRA and VRRA. In addition, the Program has an Interagency Agreement with the DHS to
provide specialized criminal environmental training to federal, state, local, and tribal law
enforcement personnel at the Federal Law Enforcement Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.
Monitoring the Environmental Compliance of Federal Agencies
Executive Order 12088 on Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards directs EPA to
monitor compliance by federal agencies with all environmental laws. The Federal Facility
Enforcement Program has coordinated with other federal agencies, states, tribes, and local
governments to ensure compliance by federal agencies with all environmental laws. EPA works
through the Federal Facilities Environmental Stewardship and Compliance Assistance Center
(www.fedcenter. gov), which is now governed by a board of more than a dozen contributing federal
agencies. EPA also partners with other federal agencies to identify ways to expedite cleanup of
Superfund sites and prevent and address regulatory compliance issues. For example, EPA meets
quarterly with the DOD on general compliance matters and participates in a periodic dialogue with
the DOE on cleanup matters.
The Enforcement and Compliance Assurance programs, together with EPA's International
Program, has provided training and capacity building to foreign governments to improve their
compliance and enforcement programs. This support has helped create a level playing field for
U.S. businesses engaged in global competition, helped other countries improve their
environmental conditions, and ensured U.S. compliance with obligations for environmental
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cooperation as outlined in various free trade agreements. In support of these activities, EPA has
worked closely with DOS, USAID, USTR, DOJ, USFS, DOI and the International Law
Enforcement Academies. EPA also has participated in the OECD Mutual Acceptance of Data
program, designed to garner international recognition of testing data in support of pesticides and
chemical registrations.
Superfund Enforcement
The Enforcement and Compliance Assurance program coordinates with other federal agencies in
their use of CERCLA enforcement authority. This includes the coordinated use of CERCLA
enforcement authority at individual hazardous waste sites that are located on both nonfederal land
(EPA jurisdiction) and federal lands (other agency jurisdiction). As required by Executive Order
13016 amending Executive Order 12580, EPA also reviews and concurs on the use of CERCLA
Section 106 authority by other departments and agencies. In addition, EPA coordinates closely
with Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs), such as BLM and USFS at mixed ownership
sites {i.e., those sites located partially on privately-owned land and partially on federally-owned
land) pursuant to Executive Order 12580. EPA frequently enters into Memoranda of
Understanding with FLMAs designed to provide a framework for agencies to coordinate response
actions (e.g., EPA to be the lead agency [as defined in the NCP 300.5] for response actions
involving a parcel, project, or operable unit located on the privately-owned portion of a site, and
the FLMA to be the lead agency for response actions involving a parcel, project, or operable unit
located on federally-owned lands). Most recently, as part of the Superfund Task Force
Recommendations, EPA has been working on a memorandum with FLMAs to improve to improve
the efficient and effective use of federal resources to cleanup at mixed ownership mining sites.
EPA also meets quarterly with DOI and USDA, as part of the Federal Mining Dialogue (an
interagency working group), to discuss developments arising out of the CERCLA work at mixed
ownership sites.
EPA also coordinates with Natural Resource Trustees (DOI, USDA, DOC, DOE and DOD) to
ensure that appropriate and timely notices, required under CERCLA, are sent to the Natural
Resource Trustees notifying them of potential damages to natural resources. EPA also coordinates
with Natural Resource Trustees on natural resource damage assessments, investigations, and
planning of response activities under Section 104 of CERCLA. When an enforcement action is
initiated at a site where hazardous substances are found to have caused damages to natural
resources, EPA coordinates with the Natural Resource Trustees by including them, where
appropriate, in negotiations with potentially responsible parties concerning the releases that have
caused those damages.
EPA has an interagency agreement with DOJ for ongoing legal representation, litigation, and
associated costs related for the Superfund Enforcement Program. DOJ also provides assistance to
EPA with judicial referrals seeking recovery of response costs incurred by the U.S., injunctive
relief to implement response actions, or enforcement of other CERCLA requirements.
Under Executive Order 12580, EPA's Superfund Federal Facilities Enforcement Program assists
federal agencies in complying with CERCLA, and ensured that: (1) all federal facility sites on the
National Priorities List have interagency agreements, also known as Federal Facility Agreements
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(FFAs) with enforceable cleanup schedules; (2) FFAs are monitored for compliance; (3) federal
sites are transferred to new owners in an environmentally responsible manner; and (4) compliance
assistance is available to the extent possible. This program also ensures that federal agencies
comply with Superfund cleanup obligations "in the same manner and to the same extent" as private
entities. To enable the cleanup and reuse of such sites, the Federal Facilities Enforcement Program
also has coordinated creative solutions that help restore facilities, so they can once again serve an
important role in the economy and welfare of local communities, and the country.
International and Tribal Affairs Programs
Supporting Global Policy Reducing Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic Chemicals
EPA has developed a strong network of government, private sector and non-governmental partners
working to achieve reductions in global mercury use and emissions, particularly when adverse
U.S. impacts would be likely. EPA works closely with the DOS in leading the technical and policy
engagement for the United States in the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the multi-
stakeholder Global Mercury Partnership. In addition to the DOS, EPA collaborates closely with
several federal agencies including USGS and USAID to advance robust implementation of the
Minamata Convention by other countries. EPA also continues to share information through the
Arctic Council on reducing releases of mercury which disproportionally impact indigenous arctic
communities. Similarly, EPA is engaged in a multi-pronged effort to address the growing global
problem of marine litter. In this effort we work closely with the DOS, NOAA, Peace Corps, and
USAID to advance policy and technical solutions in global fora including the G7, the G20 and the
United Nations Environment Assembly.
Supporting Environmental Priorities in Global Trade Policy and Implementation of
Environmental Cooperation Agreements
EPA has played a key role in ensuring that trade-related activities sustain environmental protection
since the 1972 Trade Act mandated interagency consultation by USTR on trade policy issues. EPA
is a member of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) and the Trade Policy Review Group
(TPRG), interagency mechanisms that are organized and coordinated by USTR to provide advice,
guidance, and clearance to the USTR in the development of U. S. international trade and investment
policy.
EPA either leads or cooperates with DOS and other USG agencies to support implementation of
environmental, ecosystems and human health protections in environmental cooperation
agreements, or their equivalent, associated with U.S Free Trade Agreements. In North America,
EPA represents the USG on the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and collaborates with
the U.S. interagency (NOAA, CDC, DOI, FWS, DOS, USTR, DOC, and others) to develop and
implement environmental, ecosystem, human health and sustainable growth cooperation with
Canada and Mexico. EPA also works with the DOC to promote the export of U.S. environmental
technologies, and with the U.S. Treasury to ensure adherence to environmental safeguards in the
context of multilateral development bank project lending.
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Addressing Transboundary Pollution
EPA collaborates with countries around the world to address foreign sources of pollution. This
includes collaboration with China, West Africa, and U.S. neighbors Canada and Mexico and is
done coordinated with DOS, USAID, DOJ, Treasury, and other USG agencies.
The World Health Organization recognizes air pollution as a major global health threat.4 EPA
works closely with the DHHS to advance recognition of environmental risk factors of non-
communicable diseases (NCDs) and how to mitigate the risks, including from lead and mercury.
In addition, EPA will continue to strengthen our activities in the Arctic by working with Alaska,
tribes, federal agencies, and the private sector to build international support for U.S. environmental
policy objectives through the Arctic Council. These objectives cover a range of topics, including
reducing emissions and exposure to mercury and short-lived climate pollutants - black carbon,5 in
particular.
Working in Indian Country
To better coordinate the federal government's efforts in providing access to safe drinking water
and basic wastewater facilities for tribal communities, EPA works under a five-federal agency
MOU. EPA, DOI, DHHS, USD A, and HUD work as the Federal Tribal Infrastructure Task Force
(TITF) to use their combined authorities to maintain a framework to enhance interagency
efficiency and coordination, and to cultivate greater cooperation in carrying out their tribal
infrastructure responsibilities.
Specifically, since 2007, the TITF has: maintained procedures necessary for a common
understanding of the programs pertaining to funding infrastructure construction, solid waste
management efforts, and technical assistance to tribes; worked together to improve the capacity of
tribal communities to operate and maintain sustainable infrastructure; enhanced the efficient
leveraging of funds; worked directly with tribes to promote an understanding of federal programs;
identified ways to improve construction, operation, and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure;
and worked to allow and facilitate the exchange of data and information amongst the partners.6
4 Political Declaration adopted at the 3rd High Level Meeting on Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases and by
the U.N General Assembly (UNGA) on 10 October 2018 (littp://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view doc.asp?svmbol=A/RES/73/2');
World Health Organization, "Air Pollution Exposure and Noncommunicable Diseases" background document. October 2018.
https://www.wlio.iiit/aiipollutioii/eveiits/coiiference/AP exposure and NCDs background.pdf?ua=l.
5 For more information, please see: https://0aarchive.arctic-c0uncil.0rg/handle/l1.374/1.936.
6 For more information, please see https://www.epa.gov/tribal/federal-infrastructure-task-force-improve-access-safe-drinking-
water-and-basic-sanitation.
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Internal Operations Programs
Central Planning, Budgeting and Finance Programs
Working with Federal Partners on Improving Management and Accountability throughout the
Federal Government
EPA participates and makes active contributions to standing interagency management committees,
including:
• the Chief Financial Officers Council focuses on improving resources management and
accountability throughout the federal government;
• the Performance Improvement Council coordinates and develops strategic plans,
performance plans, and performance reports as required by law;
• numerous OMB-led E-Government initiatives such as the Financial Management and
Budget Formulation and Execution Lines of Business;
• the Bureau of Census maintains the Federal Assistance Awards Data System; and
• the President's Management Council oversees developing and implementing Cross-
Agency Priority (CAP) goals. CAP goals are designed to overcome barriers and achieve
better performance than one agency can achieve on its own.
Provide Government-to-Government Employee Relocation Services
EPA provides government-to-government employee relocation services via interagency
agreements through EPA's Federal Employee Relocation Center (FERC) as a Working Capital
Fund (WCF) activity. EPA-FERC provides "one-stop shop" domestic and international relocation
services to other federal agencies to increase operational efficiency and save the government
money. EPA-FERC currently provides relocation services internally to all EPA regions and
program offices, and externally to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department
of Labor (DOL), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), United States Patent and Trademark
Office (USPTO), DHHS and the USDA. EPA also coordinates appropriately with Congress and
other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Treasury, the Government Accountability Office (GAO),
and GSA.
Administration and Resources Management Programs
Working with Federal Partners on Improving Management and Accountability throughout the
Federal Government
EPA provides leadership and expertise to government-wide activities in various areas of human
resources, grants management, contracts management, suspension and debarment, and homeland
security. These activities include specific collaboration efforts with federal agencies and
departments through:
• The Chief Human Capital Officers Council, a group of senior leaders that discuss human
capital initiatives across the federal government.
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The Legislative and Policy Committee, a committee comprised of other federal agency
representatives who assist the OPM in developing plans and policies for training and
development across the government.
The Chief Acquisition Officers Council, the principal interagency forum for monitoring
and improving the federal acquisition system. The Council also is focused on promoting
the President's specific initiatives and policies in all aspects of the acquisition system.
The Award Committee for E-Government (E-Gov) provides strategic vision for the
portfolio of systems/federal wide supporting both federal acquisition and financial
assistance. Support also is provided to the associated functional community groups,
including the Procurement Committee for E-Gov, the Financial Assistance Committee for
E-Gov, and the Intergovernmental Transaction Working Group.
The Interagency Suspension and Debarment Committee (ISDC), a representative
committee of federal agency leaders in suspension and debarment. The Committee
facilitates lead agency coordination, serves as a forum to discuss current suspension and
debarment related issues, and assists in developing unified federal policy. Besides actively
participating in the ISDC, EPA: 1) provides instructors for the National Suspension and
Debarment Training Program offered through the Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center, and 2) supports the development of coursework and training on the suspension and
debarment process for the Inspector General Academy and the Council of the Inspectors
General on Integrity and Efficiency.
The Financial Management Line of Business (FMLoB) has been expanded to also
encompass the Grants Management Line of Business. The combined FMLoB, with the
Department of Treasury as the managing partner, will more closely align the financial
assistance and financial management communities around effective and efficient
management of funds. EPA also participates in the Grants.gov Users' Group, as well as the
Federal Demonstration Partnership which is designed to reduce the administrative burdens
associated with research grants.
The Partnership for Sustainable Communities initiative, a collaborative effort with HUD
and DOT, improves the alignment and delivery of grant resources to communities
designated under certain environmental programs. It also helps identify cases in the
program that may warrant consideration of suspension and debarment.
The Interagency Committee on Federal Advisory Committee Management (Committee
Management Officer Council) provides leadership and coordination on federal advisory
committee issues and promotes effective and efficient committee operations government-
wide. In addition to serving on the Council, EPA works with the GSA Committee
Management Secretariat to establish and renew advisory committees, conduct annual
reviews of advisory committee activities and accomplishments, maintain committee
information in a publicly accessible online database, and develop committee management
regulations, guidance, and training. Further, the Office of Mission Support (OMS)
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participates on the GSA Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) Attorney Council
Interagency Workgroup to keep abreast of developments in the statutory language, case
law, interpretation and implementation of the FACA.
• The Interagency Security Committee (ISC) is the leading organization for nonmilitary
federal departments and agencies in establishing policies for the security and protection of
federal facilities, developing security standards and ensuring compliance with those
standards. EPA participates in the ISC as a primary member and in sub-committees and
workgroups to facilitate EPA's compliance with ISC standards for facilities nationwide.
• The Office of Personnel Management Background Investigations Stakeholder Group
(BISG) is a collaborative organization that is derived from the Intelligence Reform and
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The BISG is comprised of senior security officials
across the federal government who are responsible for the submission, adjudication and/or
oversight of personnel security programs. EPA works with this group regularly to discuss
topics regarding back ground investigations, focusing on standardizing and improving the
Agency's personnel security program.
• EPA manages the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program's interagency
agreements with other federal agencies. The interagency agreements are with the White
House Council on Environmental Quality, the Federal Highway Administration, the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Gulf Coast Ecosystem
Restoration Council. SEE participants provide administrative, technical, and professional
support to these agencies for projects relating to pollution prevention, abatement, and
control.
• EPA's Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) partners with the Patent & Trademark
Office, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the Alcohol and
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission to serve as Presiding Officers for proceedings to
adjudicate complaints brought before the partner organizations. This collaboration allows
partner organizations the ability to provide constitutionally guaranteed legal due process
and review without staffing and supporting their own office of Administrative Law Judges,
while EPA's judges expand their experience and knowledge in the area of Administrative
Law. The services OALJ provides to other agencies are reimbursed by the borrowing
organization.
Collaboration in Implementing GrantSolutions Software
Starting in FY 2018, EPA began working with the DHHS in implementing GrantSolutions, an
OMB-selected grants business leader for end-to-end grants management services. EPA will join
ten other Cabinet Level and Independent Partner Agencies in adopting GrantSolutions software,
which supports the full 14 stages of the Grants Management Lifecycle and interfaces with EPA's
financial system for award processing and close out actions.
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Work with the Department of Interior's Interior Business Center
In addition, throughout FY 2019 and FY 2020, OMS will continue working with DOI's Interior
Business Center (IBC), an OPM and OMB approved Human Resources Line of Business shared
service center. IBC offers HR transactional processing, compensation management and payroll
processing, benefits administration, time and attendance, HR reporting, talent acquisition systems,
and talent management systems. EPA also continues its charter membership on the OPM HR Line
of Business Multi Agency Executive Strategy Committee (MAESC), providing advice and
recommendations to the Director of OPM as well as additional government-wide executive
leadership, for the implementation of the HR Line of Business vision, goals, and objectives.
Partnering with GSA on the US Access Program
EPA also is partnering with GSA on: the USAccess Program for Personal Identity Verification
cards and identity credential solutions, which provides an efficient, economical and secure
infrastructure to support agencies' credentialing needs, and migrations to the Enterprise Physical
Access Control System, which allows the Agency to control access in EPA space, including
restricted and secure space.
Environmental Information Programs
To support EPA's overall mission, EPA collaborates with a number of other federal agencies,
states, and tribal governments on a variety of initiatives, including making government more
efficient and transparent, protecting human health and the environment, and assisting in homeland
security. OEI is primarily involved in the information technology (IT), information management
(IM), and information security aspects of the projects on which it collaborates.
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) Council
The CIO Council is the principal interagency forum for improving practices in the design,
modernization, use, sharing, and performance of federal information resources. The Council
develops recommendations for IT/IM policies, procedures, and standards; identifies opportunities
to share information resources; and assesses and addresses the needs of the federal IT workforce.
eRulemaking
The eRulemaking Program's mission encompasses two areas: (1) to improve public access,
participation in, and understanding of the rulemaking process; and (2) to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of Agency partners' notice and comment process when promulgating
regulations. The eRulemaking Program maintains a public website, http://www.regulations.govA
which enables the public to access and submit comments on various documents that are published
in the Federal Register, including proposed regulations and Agency-specific notices. The Federal
Docket Management System (FDMS) is the agency side of Regulations.gov. FDMS enables
agencies to administer public submissions regarding regulatory and other documents posted by the
agencies on the Regulations.gov website. The increased public access to the agencies' regulatory
process enables a more informed public to provide supporting technical/legal/economic analyses
to strengthen the agencies' rulemaking vehicles. The PMO, located at EPA, coordinates the
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operations of the eRulemaking Program through its 40 partner departments and independent
agencies (comprising more than 178 agencies, boards, commissions, and offices). The
administrative committee structure works with the PMO on day-to-day operations, ongoing
enhancements and long-range planning for program development. The Executive Steering
Committee and the Advisory Board have representative members from each partner agency and
deal with contracts, budget, website improvements, improved public access, records management,
and a host of other regulatory concerns that were formally only agency-specific in nature.
Coordination and leadership from the OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, and
partner agencies allows for a more uniform and consistent presentation of rulemaking dockets
across government. This coordination is further demonstrated by the fact that more than 90 percent
of all federal rules promulgated annually are managed through the eRulemaking Program. In FY
2020, EPA will work with the OMB and the General Services Administration (GSA) towards
transferring management services to GSA.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
EPA serves as the lead for the FOlAonline, a multi-agency solution that enables EPA and partner
agencies to meet their responsibilities under FOIA while creating a repository of publicly released
FOIA records for reuse. Partner agencies include, but are not limited to, DOC, CBP, DOD, SB A,
and DOJ. Through FOlAonline, the public has the ability to submit and track requests, search and
download requests and responsive records, correspond with processing staff, and file appeals.
Agency users are provided with a secure, login-access website to receive and store requests, assign
and process requests (and refer to other agencies), post responses online, produce the annual FOIA
report to DOJ, and manage records electronically.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Improvement Act of 2016 directed OMB and DOJ to
build a consolidated online request portal that allows a member of the public to submit a request
for records to any agency from a single website. DOJ is managing the development and
maintenance of the National FOIA Portal. EPA and other federal agencies will be expected to
contribute to this effort.
The National Environmental Information Exchange Network (EN)
EPA's EN Program and CBP are coordinating on using the Automated Commercial Environment
(ACE) system. This coordination will lead to automated processing of over 2.8 million EPA-
related electronic filings needed to clear legitimate imports and exports at the ports. With the move
from paper filings to electronic filings combined with automated processing through ACE, filing
time can be reduced from weeks/days to minutes/days. This significant processing improvement
directly impacts the movement of goods into commerce and the economy while helping to ensure
compliance with environmental and CBP laws and regulations. It also helps the U.S. Government
keep pace with the speed of business.
The EN also is coordinating with multiple agencies via the Broadband Interagency Working Group
chaired by the National Transportation and Information Agency to increase broadband access.
Access to broadband is critical to fully participating in the EN and is of particular concern for
tribes who often lack this access. EPA will participle on current and future workgroups to
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implement Presidential actions to promote the use of broadband in rural America. This includes
tribal lands. EPA is currently represented on the workgroup, Leveraging Federal Assets (co-
chaired by DOI and GSA).
Automated Commercial Environment/International Trade Data System (ACE/ITDS)
ITDS is the electronic information exchange capability, or "single window," through which
businesses will transmit data required by participating agencies for the import or export of cargo.
ACE is the system built by CBP to ensure that its customs officers and other federal agencies have
the information they need to decide how to handle goods and merchandise being shipped into or
out of the United States. It also will be the way those agencies provide CBP with information about
potential imports/exports. ITDS eliminates the need, burden and cost of paper reporting. It also
allows importers and exporters to report the same information to multiple federal agencies with a
single submission, and facilitates movement of cargo by automating processing of the import and
exports. ITDS provides the capability for industry to consolidate reporting for commodities
regulated by multiple agencies. For these consolidated reports, the industry filers will receive the
appropriate status response when their filings meet each agency's reporting requirements. Once
all agency reporting requirements have been met, filers can receive a coordinated single U.S.
government response to proceed into the commerce of the United States.
EPA has the responsibility and legal authority to make sure pesticides, toxic chemicals, vehicles
and engines, ODS, and other commodities entering and hazardous waste exiting the country meet
its human health and environmental standards. EPA's ongoing collaboration with CBP on the
ACE/ITDS effort will improve the efficiency of processing these shipments through information
exchange between EPA and CBP and automated processing of electronic filings. As resources
permit, EPA will continue to work with CBP towards the goal to automate the current manual
paper review process for admissibility so that importers and brokers (referred to collectively as
Trade) can know before these commodities are loaded onto an airplane, truck, train, or ship if their
shipment meets EPA's reporting requirements. Because of this automated review, trade can greatly
lower its cost of doing business and customs officers at our nation's ports will have the information
on whether shipments comply with our environmental regulations.
Geospatial Information
EPA works with DOI, NOAA, USGS, NASA, USD A, and DHS on developing and implementing
geospatial approaches to support various business areas. It also works with 25 additional federal
agencies through the activities of the federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and the OMB
Geospatial Line of Business (Geo LoB), for which EPA leads several key initiatives. EPA also
participates in the FGDC Steering Committee and Executive Committee and is part of the
Geospatial Data Act Implementation Tiger Team. A key component of EPA's work with FGDC
is developing and implementing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the National
GeoPlatform. The key objective of the NSDI is to make a comprehensive array of national spatial
data - data that portrays features associated with a location or tagged with geographic information
and can be attached to and portrayed on maps - easily accessible to both governmental and public
stakeholders. Use of this data, in tandem with analytical applications, supports several key EPA
and government-wide business areas. These include ensuring that human health and environmental
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conditions are represented in the appropriate contexts for targeting and decision making; enabling
the assessment, protection and remediation of environmental conditions; and aiding emergency
first responders and other homeland security activities. EPA supports geospatial initiatives through
efforts such as EPA's Geospatial Platform, EPA's Environmental Dataset Gateway, the EN,
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Assist, EPA Metadata Editor, Facilities Registry
System (FRS) Web Services, and My Environment. EPA also works closely with its state, tribal,
and international partners in a collaboration that enables consistent implementation of data
acquisition and development, standards, and technologies supporting the efficient and cost-
effective sharing and use of geographically-based data and services.
The Administrator's Office
Overall Operations
EPA's Office of the Administrator (AO) supports the leadership of the Agency's programs and
activities. Several program responsibilities include congressional and intergovernmental relations,
regulatory management and economic analysis, program evaluation, intelligence coordination, the
Science Advisory Board, children's health, the small business program, environmental training,
and outreach.
Regulatory Management
EPA's Office of Policy (OP) interacts with many federal agencies during its rulemaking activities.
Per governing statutes and agency priorities, OP submits "significant" regulatory actions to OMB
for interagency review prior to signature and publication in the Federal Register. In addition, OP
coordinates EPA's review of other agency's regulatory actions submitted to OMB for review.
Under the Congressional Review Act, rules are submitted to each House of Congress and to the
Comptroller General of the United States. OP reviews, edits, tracks, and submits regulatory actions
and other documents that are published by the Office of the Federal Register. For regulations that
may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, OP collaborates
extensively with the Small Business Administration and OMB. Finally, OP also leads EPA's
review of draft Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda.
Economic Analysis
From time to time, OP collaborates with other federal regulatory and natural resource agencies
(e.g., the USDA, the DOE, DOI, and NOAA) to collect economic data used in the conduct of
economic cost-benefit analyses of environmental regulations and policies and to foster improved
interdisciplinary research and reporting of economic information. This is achieved in several ways,
such as representing EPA on interagency workgroups or committees tasked with measuring the
economic costs and benefits of federal policies and programs.
Children's Health
The Administrator of EPA and the Secretary of DHHS co-chair the President's Task Force on
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children. The Task Force comprises 17 federal
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departments, agencies and White House offices. A senior staff steering committee, co-chaired by
the Director of EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection (OCHP), coordinates interagency
cooperation on Task Force priority areas. As part of this effort, this program may coordinate with
other related agencies to improve federal government-wide support in implementing children's
health legislative mandates and children's health outreach. This may include providing children's
environmental health expertise on interagency activities and coordinating expertise from program
offices.
The Inspector General
Work with the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE)
EPA's Inspector General is a member of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and
Efficiency (CIGIE), an organization comprised of federal Inspectors General (IGs), GAO, and the
FBI. The CIGIE coordinates and improves the way IGs conduct audits, investigations, and internal
operations. The CIGIE also promotes joint projects of government-wide interest and reports
annually to the President on the collective performance of the IG community.
Activity Coordination, Information Exchange and Training
EPA's OIG coordinates criminal investigative activities with other law enforcement organizations
such as the FBI, Secret Service, and DOJ. In addition, the OIG participates with various inter-
governmental audit forums and professional associations to exchange information, share best
practices, and obtain or provide training. The OIG also promotes collaboration among EPA's
partners and stakeholders in its participation of disaster response and its outreach activities.
Collaborative Work with Inspectors General and Other Partners
EPA's OIG initiates and participates in collaborative audits, program evaluations, and
investigations with OIGs of agencies with an environmental mission such as the DOI, USD A, as
well as other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as prescribed by the IG Act, as
amended.
Statutory Duties
As required by the IG Act, EPA's OIG coordinates and shares information with the GAO. EPA's
OIG currently serves as the Inspector General of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard
Investigations Board (CSB). EPA's OIG will continue to perform its duties with respect to the
CSB until otherwise directed.
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Introduction
Major Management Challenges
Consistent with requirements in the Reports Consolidation Act of 2000, the Office of Inspector
General (OIG) identifies what they consider the most serious management challenges facing the
Agency and assesses the Agency's progress in addressing those challenges. The Environmental
Protection Agency has established procedures for addressing its major management challenges.
The Agency uses audits, reviews, and program evaluations conducted internally and by the OIG,
the Government Accountability Office, and the Office of Management and Budget to assess
program effectiveness and identify potential management issues. The Agency recognizes that
management challenges, if not addressed adequately, may prevent the Agency from effectively
meeting its mission. EPA remains committed to addressing all management issues in a timely
manner and to the fullest extent of its authority.
The following discussion summarizes each of the FY 2018 management challenges identified by
the OIG and presents the Agency's responses.
1. EPA Needs to Improve Oversight of States, Territories and Tribes Authorized to
Accomplish Environmental Goals
Summary of Challenge: The OIG believes that EPA's oversight of states, territories and tribes
authorized to implement environmental programs under several statutes remains a key
management challenge. The OIG notes that while progress has been made, challenges remain
throughout Agency programs and many recommendations have not been fully implemented.
Agency Response: EPA recognizes states have the primary role in implementing many federal
programs, while EPA maintains responsibility and accountability for upholding the rule of law,
advancing national environmental goals and ensuring that federal statutes are consistently
implemented and enforced. As part of the Agency's reform plan on tailoring oversight of delegated
federal programs, EPA will define, develop, pilot, evaluate and launch a comprehensive system to
evaluate implementation of federal environmental programs by 2020. In FY 2018, EPA established
an Oversight Workgroup comprised of headquarters and regional representatives, charged with
baselining the current state of the Agency's oversight activities, analyzing the variations of
oversight activities between regions and states and working to standardize work flows. With input
from the Environmental Council of States (ECOS), EPA will streamline, reduce and tailor its
oversight activities to focus on national program integrity and technical assistance as needed.
EPA is working to design a comprehensive and consistent shared governance approach to evaluate
the implementation of delegated federal programs. Shared governance is the concept where
management of federal environmental programs is shared with state, tribal, or local governments.
In collaboration with the Environmental Council of the States, EPA is developing a new oversight
framework that tests this concept across the regions for the NPDES and Title V programs. This
framework is comprised of two documents: 1) Principles to guide oversight of the delegated
federal programs, including recognition of primacy, standards of review, effective communication,
and elevation of issues, and 2) Template to guide region-state/tribal discussion around oversight
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activities including standard work, timelines, and the process for dispute resolution. Together,
these will document the shared governance approach.
Efforts the Agency has taken to address this management challenge include the following:
- Baselined statutorily-required and discretionary oversight activities.
- Establishing a principles document to guide oversight of federal environmental programs
delegated to states, territories and tribes.
- Piloted a template to establish clear expectations on oversight activities for an air
permitting program (Title V) and a water permitting program.
In consultation with ECOS, EPA will make changes to the templates, before rolling out the new
oversight processes in FY 2019 for the air and water permitting programs. As a goal for 2020, EPA
also will work with ECOS to decide on the next set of program areas to target. With ECOS, EPA
will use these identified program areas to gradually implement additional programs to utilize the
template and apply the oversight principles captured in the principles memo.
EPA has a long-term performance goal supporting Goal 2/Objective 2.1, Enhance Shared
Accountability in the FY 2018 - 2022 EPA Strategic Plan: "By September 30, 2022, increase the
use of alternative shared governance approaches to address state, tribal, and local community
reviews" and a supporting FY 2020 annual performance goal "Number of alternative shared
governance approaches to address state, tribal, and local community reviews."
Responsible Agency Official: Robin Richardson, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator,
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations
2. EPA Needs to Improve Its Workload Analysis to Accomplish Its Mission Efficiently and
Effectively
Summary of Challenge: The OIG believes that EPA has not fully implemented controls and a
methodology to determine workforce levels based upon analysis of the Agency's workload. EPA's
program and regional offices have not conducted a systematic workload analysis or identified
workforce needs for budget justification purposes. EPA's ability to assess its workload and
estimate workforce levels necessary to carry out that workload is critically important to mission
accomplishment.
Agency Response: EPA believes it has effectively used workload analyses to examine several
critical processes, including grants and IT security. EPA Lean Management System efforts, and
multi-year planning initiatives will offer additional options for addressing priority work. Current
kaizen efforts include state oversight, EPA's field presence, flexibility in state and tribal assistance,
community and infrastructure investments, FOIA responses, reporting requirements, EPA
laboratories, environmental permitting, and acquisitions
The Agency agrees with prior OIG recommendations about the importance of grants
management,7 since grants are the largest type of Agency spending with the most direct effect on
7 For more information see: https://www.epa.gov/office-inspector-general/report-improved-oversight-epas-grant-monitoring-
pro gram-will-decrease-risk.
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our state and tribal partners. In the last few years, the Agency conducted workload analyses related
to the Agency's management of grants to examine workload by Project Officer, Grants Specialists
and other metrics and used results to update policies, processes and procedures.
The Superfund program will develop a multi-year FTE plan, review Army Corps of Engineers and
Naval Facilities Engineering Command workload management and FTE distribution practices, and
implement a national risk-based prioritization of all sites. The Agency will explore how to
coordinate certain enforcement functions where specialists in one region provide expertise to
several other regions.
In addition to these efforts, in the last few years, EPA conducted workload analysis for:
IT security officers - Information Security Task Force analyses of Information Security
Officer duties
- Funds Control Officers - FCO workload including contracts, payroll, travel, etc.
- Fee-related duties within the OCFO - Existing and new fees workload
Targeted analyses will also contribute to the Agency's multi-year approach to resource and
workforce planning by helping identify potential investment opportunities and informing
workforce decisions. The multi-year effort will advance the Agency's planning capabilities and
identify strategic priorities and opportunities and help inform decisions of how best to align
resources and FTE with the Agency's priorities.
Additionally, the budget process incorporates FTE reviews and allocations. In 2018, FTE were re-
allocated to better align with the Agency's new strategic goals and objectives.
As the OIG acknowledges, EPA's highly variable, multi-year, and non-linear functions and
activities limit the utility of detailed FTE-based workload analyses to determine precise FTE
levels. The Agency deliberately discontinued using comprehensive workload analyses because
they require substantial work to develop, maintain and refine, and quickly become out of date,
particularly when the Agency is in the midst of numerous efforts to improve processes. The
Agency believes these difficulties are why it has been unable to find examples of agencies similar
to EPA using comprehensive workload models in their budget formulation FTE decision-making
processes. However, EPA believes there is value in using trend and macro-level workload reviews
to estimate program needs and using workload analyses of task-driven functions.
Responsible Agency Official: Maria Williams, Acting Director, Office of Budget
3. Enhancing Information Technology Security to Combat Cyber Threats
Summary of Challenge: The OIG acknowledges that the Agency continues to initiate actions to
further strengthen or improve its information security program. However, the Agency lacks a
holistic approach to managing accountability over its contractors, and lacks follow-up on
corrective actions taken.
Agency Response: The Agency is committed to protecting its information and technology assets.
EPA understands the prevalence and complexity of the ever-growing cyber security attacks and is
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aware of the potential impact to the Agency's mission if information assets are compromised. The
Agency has established and implemented adequate processes for tracking audit recommendations
and the status of corrective actions that will help address concerns associated with this
management challenge.
The Agency is working internally to develop a process to train Contract Officer Representatives
on their responsibilities for monitoring the contractors to ensure they meet specified information
security responsibilities. This includes:
- Monitoring contractors that operate information systems on behalf of EPA to ensure they
perform the mandated information security assessments.
- Ensuring that contractors with significant information security responsibilities complete
role-based training.
EPA's Office of Mission Support (OMS), in coordination with the Office of General Counsel,
developed standard security language to help ensure contractors implement and follow EPA and
federal information security directives. The language is incorporated in the Agency's
Environmental Protection Agency Acquisition Guide (EPAAG). During Federal Information
Technology Acquisition Reform Act review, staff in the Office of Information Security and
Privacy check for the inclusion of the EPAAG Subsection 39.1.2 Cybersecurity Tasks8 in the
appropriate documents.
Additional efforts the Agency has taken to address this management challenge include the
following:
- Requires Senior Information Officials to annually submit a written certification of the
status of security training for all contractors with significant security responsibility in the
SIOs areas of responsibility. The certifications are tracked and maintained by staff that
report to the Chief Information Security Officer.
- Developed and is following an Information Security Strategic Plan to improve the
Agency's security posture. To facilitate plan implementation, EPA is working closely with
the Department of Homeland Security and the General Services Administration to leverage
to the greatest extent possible all Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation phases.
Chartered an information security task force to identify how best to implement CISO
improvement recommendations. The Agency implemented ISTF implementation
recommendations for centralizing and consolidating cyber security functions.
- Developed and published procedures covering all agency information and information
systems to include information and information systems used, managed, or operated by
contractors, other agencies, or other organizations on behalf of EPA.
Responsible Agency Official: Robert McKinney, Director, Office of Information Security and
Privacy
8 For more information see: littps://oamintra.epa.gov/?q=EPAAG.
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4. EPA Needs to Improve on Fulfilling Mandated Reporting Requirements
Summary of Challenge: OIG believes the Agency faces challenges in tracking and submitting
reports mandated by law that contain key program information for Congress, the Administrator
and the public. The Agency needs to make a comprehensive effort to address this issue.
Specifically, EPA leadership needs to develop and implement a process for tracking and
submitting required reports, including devoting the people and resources required to reduce risks,
and establishing processes for reporting and accountability.
Agency Response: The OIG identified instances across five programs where EPA has failed to
meet legal reporting requirements to Congress between 2010 and 2018. EPA leadership is
committed to making a comprehensive effort to address this issue across the Agency by reducing
the missing reports, identifying the causes of not issuing reports, with targeted plans to address the
causes, and implementing corrective actions to address these issues.
EPA recognizes the importance of tracking and submitting Congressionally-mandated reports to
ensure legislative requirements are achieved. Working internally, the Agency has determined that
the ADP Tracker is a viable system to capture and store the comprehensive reporting as provided
in environmental statutes. Currently, the Agency is exploring how the system can be expanded to
include the universe of reports that are identified in EPA's annual appropriations process. To date,
the Agency has:
- Met with stakeholders to identify the Agency systems with functionality to capture and
report on the required tracking
- Reminded all agency decision makers that all new legislative reporting requirements need
to be included in the ADP Tracker.
- Working with internal stakeholders to determine and better define the universe of
information that needs to be included in the system.
Responsible Agency Official: Robin Richardson, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator,
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations
5. EPA Needs to Improved Data Quality for Program Performance and Decision-Making
Summary of Challenge: According to recent OIG reports poor data quality negatively impacts
EPA 's effectiveness in overseeing programs that directly impact public health. These reports point
to a systemic problem with data quality, making data analysis more difficult and less reliable.
Agency Response: Under the Clinger Cohen Act (1996), EPA Chief Information Officer in the
Office of Mission Support (OMS) has delegated authority for information quality including
oversight responsibility for EPA's mandatory Quality Program. OMS issues the Agency's Quality
Policy and Procedure for Environmental Programs that mandate implementation of a Quality
Management System for all EPA programs involved with environmental data operations and
organizations funded by EPA submitting data and information for EPA's use in programmatic
decisions. The Agency's Quality Program is decentralized and implemented by the National
Program Offices and regions with specific responsibilities for assuring the quality of data produced
and used are appropriate for their programmatic decisions.
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OMS routinely assesses implementation for conformance to the Agency's Quality Policy and
effectiveness of the QA practices and management controls implemented by the individual
organization. These Quality System Assessments identify best practices, opportunities for
improvement and vulnerabilities that may potentially impact the agencywide Quality Program.
OMS develops tools and processes to guide consistent implementation of quality across the
Agency. One such tool is the Quality Assurance Project Plan that defines a systematic approach
for planning, collecting, assessing and documenting quality assurance requirements at the project
level. The organization determines the quality and utility of the results of the data and information
based on program needs. Organizations report annually to OMS on their QA accomplishments.
Cross-cutting issues on agencywide vulnerabilities, risks, success, areas for continuous
improvement or resources needs are reported to the CIO.
OMS does not view the data quality issue raised by the OIG as a management challenge. It is
critical that the data supporting enforcement, regulatory and other program decisions be based on
sound, defensible data. OMS plans to revise the Agency's Quality policy to clarify that it is the
responsibility of program and regional offices senior management to ensure that these data are of
the appropriate quality for those uses.
Responsible Agency Official: Vincia Holloman, Director, Enterprise Quality Management
Division
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EPA User Fee Programs
In FY 2020, EPA will have several user fee programs in operation. These user fee programs and
proposals are as follows below.
Current Fees: Pesticides
Fee collection authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1988, as
amended by Public Law 112-177 Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act (PRIA-3),
expired on February 15, 2019. The Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018
(PRIA-4) reauthorizing these fee authorities through fiscal year 2023 and adjusting fee amounts
for certain registration activities was signed into law by the President on March 8, 2019.
• Pesticides Maintenance Fee (7 U.S.C. §136a-l(i))
The Maintenance Fee provides funding for the Registration Review programs, and a certain
percentage supports the processing of applications involving inert ingredients and expedited
processing of some applications, such as fast track amendments. PRIA-4 reauthorized collection
of this fee through 2023 and raised the collection target by $3.2 million to $31 million.
• Enhanced Registration Services (7 U.S.C. §136w-8(b))
Entities seeking to register pesticides for use in the United States pay a fee at the time the
registration action request is submitted to EPA, setting specific timeframes for the registration
decision service. This process has introduced new pesticides to the market more quickly. PRIA-4
reauthorized collection of these fees through 2023 and adjusted fee amounts for certain types of
registrations. In FY 2020, EPA expects to collect approximately $18 million from this fee program.
Current Fees: Other
Clean Air Part 71 Operating Permits Program
Title 40 CFR Part 71 § 71.9 authorizes and establishes requirements for the Clean Air Part 71
program - a comprehensive federal air quality operating permit program for air pollution control
agencies that do not have a delegated Title V program - on charging and collecting user fees, as
required by Section 502(b)(3) of the Clean Air Act. All sources subject to the operating permit
requirements of Title V shall have a permit to operate that assures compliance with all applicable
requirements. The owners or operators shall pay annual fees that are sufficient to cover the permit
program costs, in accordance with the procedures described in this section.
Service Fees for the Administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA Fees Rule)
On June 22, 2016, the "Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act" (P.L. 114-
182) was signed into law, amending numerous sections of TSCA, including providing authority
for the establishment of a new, broader TSCA User Fee program that replaces the former Section
5 Pre-Manufacturing Notification Fee. The law authorizes the Agency to collect fee revenues
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amounting to an estimated 25 percent of the Agency's costs for administering Sections 4, 5, 6 and
14 of TSCA, as amended, and enables the revenues to be deposited in the TSCA Service Fee Fund
for direct use by EPA. Fees are charged for: issuance of Test Orders, Test Rules and Enforceable
Consent Agreements under TSCA Section 4; submission of Pre-Manufacturing Notices,
Significant New Use Notices and Microbial Commercial Activity Notices and certain submissions
for exemptions under TSCA Section 5; and development of Risk Evaluations (EPA-Initiated and
Manufacturer-Requested) under TSCA Section 6.
EPA finalized a rule implementing these fee collection authorities on September 27, 2018 and
began to charge fees on October 1, 2018. In FY 2020, fee revenues are expected to exceed $30
million due to collections from the planned commencement of 20 EPA-Initiated Risk Evaluations
in December 2019. Fee revenues are estimated to return to $7 million to $10 million in FY 2021,
since no new EPA-initiated risk evaluations are planned to begin that year. Despite the fluctuations
in annual fee receipts, the fees are structured to collect 25 percent of associated program total costs
(including agency indirect costs), averaging $15 million to $20 million per year. These fee
estimates do not include fees for manufacturer-requested risk evaluations, which can recover 50
percent to 100 percent of the costs of these evaluations.
• Lead Accreditation and Certification Fee
Title IV, Section 402(a)(3), mandates the development of a schedule of fees to cover the costs of
administering and enforcing the standards and regulations for persons operating lead training
programs accredited under the Section 402/404 rule and for lead-based paint contractors certified
under this rule. The training programs ensure that lead paint abatement and renovation
professionals are properly trained and certified. Fees collected for this activity are deposited in the
U.S. Treasury. EPA estimates that $4.6 million will be deposited in FY 2020.
• Motor Vehicle and Engine Compliance Program Fee
This fee is authorized by the Clean Air Act of 1990 and is administered by the Office of
Transportation and Air Quality. Fee collections for manufactures of light-duty vehicles, light- and
heavy-duty trucks, and motorcycles began in August 1992. In 2004, EPA promulgated a rule that
updated existing fees and established fees for newly-regulated vehicles and engines. The fees
established for new compliance programs also are paid by manufacturers of heavy-duty and non-
road vehicles and engines, including large diesel and gas equipment (earthmovers, tractors,
forklifts, compressors, etc.), handheld and non-handheld utility engines (chainsaws, weed-
whackers, leaf-blowers, lawnmowers, tillers, etc.), marine (boat motors, watercraft, jet-skis),
locomotive, aircraft and recreational vehicles (off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles,
snowmobiles) for in-use testing and certification. In 2009, EPA added fees for evaporative
emissions requirements for non-road engines. EPA intends to apply certification fees to additional
industry sectors as new programs are developed. In FY 2020, EPA expects to collect
approximately $23.1 million from this fee program based upon a projection of the original
rulemaking cost study adjusted for inflation. EPA is not authorized to expend these collected funds.
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• Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
The Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act (Public Law 112-195) provides EPA
with the authority to establish a program to finance, develop, and operate a system for the
electronic submission of hazardous waste manifests supported by user fees. In accordance with the
Act, EPA established the e-Manifest program. EPA finalized the user fee rule, Hazardous Waste
Management System: User Fees for the Electronic Hazardous Waste Manifest System and
Amendments to Manifest Regulations, in December 2017, and the e-Manifest system launched in
June 2018.
In FY 2020, EPA will continue to operate the e-Manifest system and the Agency anticipates
collecting and depositing approximately $24 million in e-Manifest user fees into the Hazardous
Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund. Based upon authority to collect and spend e-Manifest
fees provided by Congress in annual appropriations bills, the fees will fully support the e-Manifest
program, including the operation of the system, necessary program expenses, and future
development costs.
• WIFIA Program Fees
As was previously authorized, the FY 2020 Budget requests authorization for the Administrator to
collect and obligate fees established in accordance with title V, subtitle C, sections 5029 and 5030,
of Public Law 113-121, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014. These funds
shall be deposited in the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account and remain
available until expended. WIFIA fee regulations were promulgated in FY 2017. Fee revenue is for
the cost of contracting with expert services such as financial advisory, legal advisory, and
engineering firms. The requested WIFIA program fee expenditure authority would be in addition
to the $5 million request for administrative and operations expenses. Fee revenue does not take the
place of the request for WIFIA administration. The appropriated administrative level and the
anticipated fee revenue are both needed to successfully implement the WIFIA Pprogram. In FY
2020, EPA estimates that upward of $5 million in WIFIA fees could be collected.
Fee Proposals: Other
• ENERGY STAR
By administering the ENERGY STAR program through the collection of user fees, EPA would
continue to provide a trusted resource for consumers and businesses who want to purchase products
that save them money and help protect the environment. Product manufacturers who seek to label
their products under the program would pay a fee that would support EPA's work to set voluntary
energy efficiency standards and to process applications. The fee collections provide funding to
cover an upfront appropriation of $46 million, and continued expenses to develop, operate, and
maintain the ENERGY STAR program.
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• FIFRA and PRIA Fee Spending Restrictions
Current statutory language in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
and Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) restricts what activities EPA can fund from
collections deposited in the Reregi strati on and Expedited Processing Revolving Fund and Pesticide
Registration Fund. The FY 2020 request carries forward the proposed statutory language from the
FY 2019 President's Budget to expand the range of activities that may be funded with these fees.
Language for pesticide registration service fees is included in the proposed Administrative
Provisions; since pesticide maintenance fees are mandatory, separate language has been prepared
for those fees that will be transmitted at a later date.
• Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness, and Response
The FY 2020 Budget requests authorization for the Administrator to collect and obligate fees to
provide compliance assistance services for owners or operators of a non-transportation related
onshore or offshore facility located landward of the coastline required to prepare and submit Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans or Facility Response Plans under section 311 (j) of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. There are approximately 3,800 FRP facilities and over
540,000 SPCC facilities. Allowing these facilities to voluntarily request and pay for a service will
help expand awareness and understanding of accident prevention processes, improve the safety of
industrial operations, and reduce inadvertent regulatory compliance violations. These fees will be
deposited in the Inland Oil Spill Programs account and remain available until expended for the
expenses of providing compliance assistance services. These fees are discretionary, and the
proposed language is included in the Administrative Provisions section. When the Agency receives
Congressional authorization, the Administrator will establish procedures for making and accepting
a facility's request for voluntary assistance.
• State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
The FY 2020 Budget requests authorization for the Administrator to collect and obligate fees to
provide compliance assistance services for owners or operators of a stationary source required to
prepare and submit a Risk Management Plan under Section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act. There
are close to 12,300 RMP facilities. Allowing these facilities to voluntarily request and pay for a
service will help expand awareness and understanding of accident prevention processes, improve
the safety of industrial operations, and reduce inadvertent regulatory compliance violations. These
fees will be deposited in the Environmental Programs and Management account and remain
available until September 30, 2021 for the expenses of providing compliance assistance services.
These fees are discretionary, and the proposed language is included in the Administrative
Provisions section. When the Agency receives Congressional authorization, the Administrator will
establish procedures for making and accepting a facility's request for voluntary assistance.
794
-------
Working Capital Fund
In FY 2020, the Agency will be in its 24th year of operation of the Working Capital Fund (WCF).
The WCF is a revolving fund authorized by law to finance a cycle of operations in which the costs
for goods or services provided are charged to the users. The WCF operates like a commercial
business within EPA where customers pay for services received, thus generating revenue.
Customers include EPA program and regional offices and other federal agencies. EPA's WCF was
implemented under the authority of Section 403 of the Government Management Reform Act of
1994 and the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997. EPA received permanent WCF
authority in the Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1998.
EPAs Chief Financial Officer (CFO) initiated the WCF in FY 1997 as part of an effort to: (1) be
accountable to Agency offices, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress; (2) increase
the efficiency of the administrative services provided to program offices; and (3) increase customer
service and responsiveness. The Agency has a WCF Board which provides policy and planning
oversight and advises the CFO regarding the WCF financial position. The Board, chaired by the
Associate Chief Financial Officer, is comprised of twenty-three voting members from program
and regional offices.
In FY 2020, there will be nine agency activities provided under the WCF. These are the Agency's
information technology, telecommunications operations and data services; agency postage costs,
Cincinnati voice services, and background investigations managed by the Office of Mission
Support; financial and administrative systems, employee relocations, and a budget formulation
system managed by the Chief Financial Officer; the Agency's continuity of operations site,
managed by the Land and Emergency Management program; and regional information technology
service and support managed by Region 8.
The Agency's FY 2020 budget request includes resources for these nine activities in each National
Program Manager's submission, totaling approximately $270 million. These estimated resources
may be adjusted during the year to incorporate any program office's additional service needs
during the operating year. To the extent that these increases are subject to Congressional
reprogramming notifications, the Agency will comply with all applicable requirements. In FY
2020, the Agency will continue to perform relocation services for other federal agencies in an
effort to deliver high quality services external to EPA, which will result in lower costs to EPA
customers.
It is anticipated that budget constraints will continue to impact operations in FY 2020 with minor
increases and decreases due to several IT improvements, including increased cloud computing,
cyber security requirements, continuous diagnostic and mitigation program implementation, and
bandwidth enhancements. Other funding shifts have been included in the FY 2020 WCF plan that
relate to the necessary telecommunications and computer support needed by every employee. As
part of an overall review and rebalancing of these costs, funds have been shifted across programs
to reflect FTE changes as well.
795
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
Acronyms for Statutory Authority
The following is not an exhaustive list of [U.S.] statutory authorities, but includes those commonly
referred to by acronym in this document.
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
ADEA: Age Discrimination in Employment Act
AEA: Atomic Energy Act, as amended, and Reorganization Plan #3
AHERA: Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
AHPA: Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act
APA: Administrative Procedures Act
ARRA: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
ASHAA: Asbestos in Schools Hazard Abatement Act
ASTCA: Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act
AWIA: America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018
BEACH Act of 2000: Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act
BRERA: Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act
BUILD Act: Brownfields Utilization, Investment, and Local Development Act
CAA: Clean Air Act
CAAA: Clean Air Act Amendments (1970 and 1990)
CCA: dinger Cohen Act
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (1980)
CFOA: Chief Financial Officers Act
CICA: Competition in Contracting Act
CRA: Civil Rights Act
CSA: Computer Security Act
CWA: Clean Water Act (1972)
CWPPR: Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act of 1990
CZARA: Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments
CZMA: Coastal Zone Management Act
DPA: Deepwater Ports Act
DREAA: Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
ECRA: Economic Cleanup Responsibility Act
796
-------
EFOIA: Electronic Freedom of Information Act
EISA: Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
EPAct: Energy Policy Act of 2005
EPAA: Environmental Programs Assistance Act
EPCA: Energy Policy and Conservation Act
EPCRA: Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (1986)
ERD&DAA: Environmental Research, Development and Demonstration Authorization Act
ESA: Endangered Species Act
ESECA: Energy Supply and Environmental Coordination Act
FACA: Federal Advisory Committee Act
FAIR: Federal Activities Inventory Reform Act
FASA: Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (1994)
FCMA: Fishery Conservation and Management Act
FEPCA: Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972, enacted as amendments to FIFRA
FFDCA: Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
FGCAA: Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act
FIFRA: Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (1972)
FLPMA: Federal Land Policy and Management Act
FMFIA: Federal Managers' Financial Integrity Act (1982)
FOIA: Freedom of Information Act
FPA: Federal Pesticide Act
FPAS: Federal Property and Administration Services Act
FQPA: Food Quality Protection Act (1996)
FRA: Federal Register Act
FSA: Food Security Act
FSMA: Food Safety Modernization Act
FTTA: Federal Technology Transfer Act
FUA: Fuel Use Act
FWCA: Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
FWPCA: Federal Water Pollution and Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act [CWA])
GISRA: Government Information Security Reform Act
GMRA: Government Management Reform Act
GPRA: Government Performance and Results Act (1993)
797
-------
GPRAMA: Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010
HMTA: Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
HSWA: Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, enacted as amendments to RCRA
IGA: Inspector General Act
IPA: Intergovernmental Personnel Act
IPIA: Improper Payments Information Act
ISTEA: Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
ITMRA: Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996-aka Clinger/Cohen Act
MPPRCA: Marine Plastic Pollution, Research and Control Act of 1987
MPRSA: Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act
NAWCA: North American Wetlands Conservation Act
NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act
NHPA: National Historic Preservation Act
NISA: National Invasive Species Act of 1996
ODA: Ocean Dumping Act
OPA: Oil Pollution Act of 1990
OWBPA: Older Workers Benefit Protection Act
PBA: Public Building Act
PFCRA: Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act
PHSA: Public Health Service Act
PLIRRA: Pollution Liability Insurance and Risk Retention Act
PPA: Pollution Prevention Act
PR: Privacy Act of 1974
PRA: Paperwork Reduction Act
PRIA: Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2003
PREA: Pesticide Registration Extension Act of 2012 (also known as PRIA 3)
PRIRA: Pesticide Registration Improvement Renewal Act
QCA: Quiet Communities Act
RCRA: Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, enacted as amendments to SWDA
RFA: Regulatory Flexibility Act
RICO: Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
RLBPHRA: Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act
SARA: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
798
-------
SBLRBRERA: Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization and
Environmental Restoration Act
SBREFA: Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996
SDWA: Safe Drinking Water Act
SICEA: Steel Industry Compliance Extension Act
SMCRA: Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
SPA: Shore Protection Act of 1988
SWDA: Solid Waste Disposal Act
TSCA: Toxic Substances Control Act
UMRA: Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
UMTRLWA: Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Land Withdrawal Act
USTCA: Underground Storage Tank Compliance Act
WIFIA: Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
WIIN: Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act
WQA: Water Quality Act of 1987
WRDA: Water Resources Development Act
WSRA: Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
WWWQA: Wet Weather Water Quality Act of 2000
799
-------
FY 2020 STAG Categorical Program Grants
Statutory Authority and Eligible Uses
(Dollars in Thousands)
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Sta Le and
Tocal Air
Quality
Management
CAA, Section
103.
Air pollution
control agencies
as defined in
section 302(b)
of the CAA
S/L monitoring
and data
collection
activities in
support of the
PM2.5 monitoring
network and
associated costs.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.1
$43,254.9
$41,968.0
$41,968.0
$29,313.0
State and
Tocal Air
Quality
Management
CAA, Section
103.
Air pollution
control agencies
as defined in
section 302(b)
of the CAA
S/L monitoring
and data
collection
activities in
support of air
toxics
monitoring.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.1
$6,806.0
$4,959.0
$4,959.0
$6,271.0
State and
Tocal Air
Quality
Management
CAA, Section
103.
Air pollution
control agencies
as defined in
section 302(b)
of the CAA
S/L monitoring
procurement
activities in
support of the
NAAQS.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.1
$4,798.0
$4,772.0
$4,772.0
$2,780.0
9 Does not reflect STAG rescissions.
800
-------
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n 2o2o
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Aulhiirilk-s
ki'iipii'iiis
Dollars (\I000)
Dollars'" (\I000)
Anniiali/.i'd
Ciiiiiiiiuin^
Ki'soliilimi
(\I000)
Pivsiili-iii's
|}iul»il (\I000)
Sta Le and
CAA, Sections
Air pollution
Carrying out the
Goal 1,
$173,532.5
$175,881.0
$175,881.0
$113,177.0
Local Air
103, 105, 106.
control agencies
traditional
Section 105
Section 105
Section 105
Quality
Management
as defined in
prevention and
Obj. 1.1
Section 105
section 302(b) of
the CAA; Multi-
jurisdictional
organizations
(non-profit
organizations
whose boards of
directors or
membership is
made up of CAA
section 302(b)
agency officers
and whose
mission is to
support the
continuing
environmental
programs of the
States); Interstate
air quality control
control programs
required by the
CAA and
associated program
support costs,
including all
monitoring
activities, including
PM 2.5 monitoring
and associated
program costs
(Section 103 and/or
105); Coordinating
or facilitating a
multi-jurisdictional
approach to
carrying out the
traditional
prevention and
control programs
grants
grants
grants
grants
region designated
required by the
pursuant to
CAA (Sections 103
$639.0
$639.0
$639.0
$420.0
section 107 of the
and 106);
CAA or of
Supporting training
Section 106
Section 106
Section 106
Section 106
implementing
for CAA Section
grants
grants
grants
grants
section 176A, or
302(b) air pollution
section 184
control agency staff
NOTE: only the
(Sections 103 and
Ozone Transport
105); Supporting
Total:
Total:
Total:
Total:
Commission is
eligible.
research,
investigative, and
demonstration
projects (Section
103).
$229,030.4
$228,219.0
$228,219.0
$151,961.0
801
-------
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Dollars (\I000)
n 201S l.naili-d
Dollars'" (\I000)
i \ 201')
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n 201 s r.n;iiu-(i
DiilhilV"<\l 000)
i \ 201')
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(\I000)
n 2020
Pivsiili-iii's
(\I000)
Multipurpose
Grants
Appropriation
Act: FY 2018
(Public Law
115-141) and
all other major
environmental
legislation
including but
not limited to
CAA, CWA,
SDWA and
CERCLA
State Agencies,
Tribes
Implementation of
mandatory
statutory duties
delegated by EPA
under pertinent
environmental
laws.
Goal 1
Obj.: Multiple
$56.1
$10,000.0
$10,000.0
$10,000.0
Water
Pollution
Control
(Section 106)
FWPCA, as
amended,
Section 106;
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia,
Interstate
Agencies
Develop and carry
out surface and
ground water
pollution control
programs,
including NPDES
permits, TMDLs,
WQ standards,
monitoring, and
NPS control
activities.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$229,034.4
$230,806.0
$230,806.0
$153,683.0
Nonpoint
Source (NPS -
Section 319)
FWPCA, as
amended,
Section 319(h);
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Implement EPA-
approved State
and Tribal
nonpoint source
management
programs and
fund projects as
selected by the
state.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$167,592.8
$170,915.0
$170,915.0
$0.0
803
-------
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Diilkirs (\I000)
n 201 s r.n;uu-(i
DiilhilV"<\l 000)
i \ 201')
.\llllll;ili/.i'(l
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Result! liu n
(\I000)
n 2020
Pivsiili-iii's
|}iul»il (\I000)
Wetlands
Program
Development
FWPCA, as
amended,
Section 104
(b)(3); TCA in
annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Local
Governments,
Tribes, Interstate
Organizations,
Intertribal
Consortia, Non-
profit
Organizations
To develop new
wetland programs
or enhance
existing programs
for the protection,
management, and
restoration of
wetland resources.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$15,111.2
$14,661.0
$14,661.0
$9,762.0
Public Water
System
Supervision
(PWSS)
SDWA, Section
1443(a); TCA
in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Assistance to
implement and
enforce National
Primary
Drinking Water
Regulations to
ensure the safety
of the Nation's
drinking water
resources and to
protect public
health.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$98,978.8
$101,963.0
$101,963.0
$67,892.0
Underground
Injection
Control (UIC)
SDWA, Section
1443(b); TCA
in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Implement and
enforce
regulations that
protect
underground
sources of
drinking water
by controlling
Class I-V
underground
injection wells.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.2
$10,130.3
$10,506.0
$10,506.0
$6,995.0
804
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Aulhiirilk-s
ki'iipii'iiis
Diilkirs (\I000)
DiilhilV"<\l 000)
.\llllll;ili/.i'(l
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Ki'soliilimi
(\I000)
Pivsiili-iii's
lilldm-l (\I000)
Beaches
BEACH Act of
States, Tribes,
Develop and
Goal,
$9,552.0
$9,549.0
$9,549.0
$0.0
Protection
2000; TCA in
Intertribal
implement
Obj. 1.2
annual
Consortia,
programs for
Appropriations
Local
monitoring and
Acts.
Governments
notification of
conditions for
coastal recreation
waters adjacent
to beaches or
similar points of
access that are
used by the
public.
Hazardous
Solid Waste
States, Tribes,
Development &
Goal 1,
$97,994.5
$99,693.0
$99,693.0
$66,381.0
Waste
Disposal Act,
Intertribal
Implementation
Obj. 1.3
Financial
as amended by
Consortia
of Hazardous
Assistance
the Resource
Waste Programs
Conservation
and Recovery
Act §3011;
Appropriation
Act: FY 2018
(Public Law
115-141).
805
-------
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Diilkirs (\I000)
n 201 s r.n;iiu-(i
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.\llllll;ili/.i'(l
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(\I000)
n 2020
Pivsiili-iii's
lilldm-l (\I000)
Brownfields
Comprehensive
Environmental
Response,
Compensation,
and Liability Act
(CERCLA) §
128(a).
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Establish and
enhance state and
tribal response
programs which
will survey and
inventory
brownfields sites;
develop oversight
and enforcement
authorities to
ensure response
actions are
protective of
human health and
the environment;
develop ways for
communities to
provide
meaningful
opportunities for
public
participation; and
develop
mechanisms for
approval of a
cleanup plan and
verification and
certification that
cleanup is
complete.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.3
$46,941.8
$47,745.0
$47,745.0
$31,791.0
806
-------
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Dollars (\I000)
n 201S l.naili-d
Dollars'" (\I000)
i \ 201')
Anniiali/.i'd
Coiiiiiiuin^
Ki-so In lion
(\I000)
n 2020
Pivsiik-iii's
|}iul»ii (\I000)
Underground
Storage Tanks
(UST)
Solid Waste
Disposal Act of
1976, as
amended by the
Superfund
Amendments
and
Reauthorization
Act of 1986, §
2007(f); Energy
Policy Act, §
9011.
States
Provide funding
for States'
underground
storage tanks and
to support direct
UST
implementation
programs.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.3
$1,320.0
$1,498.0
$1,498.0
$0.0
Pesticides
Program
Implementation
FIFRA,
Sections
23(a)(1);
Federal Food,
drug and
Cosmetic Act
(FDCA); Food
quality
Protection Act
(FQPA);
Endangered
Species Act
(ESA).
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Implement the
following
programs through
grants to States,
Tribes, partners,
and supporters for
implementation of
pesticide
programs,
including:
Certification and
Training (C&T);
Worker
Protection;
Endangered
Species Protection
Program (ESPP)
Field Activities;
Pesticides in
Water; and tribal
Programs.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.4
$12,364.7
- States formula
$11,423.0
- States formula
$11,423.0
- States formula
$7,350.0
- States formula
$363.4
HQ Programs:
- Tribal
-PREP
- School IPM
$1,278.0
HQ Programs:
- Tribal
-PREP
- School IPM
$1,278.0
HQ Programs:
- Tribal
-PREP
- Pollinator
Protection
$1,107.0
HQ Programs:
- Tribal
-PREP
- Pollinator
Protection
Total: $12,728.1
Total: $12,701.0
Total: $12,701.0
Total: $8,457.0
807
-------
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n 20IS .Ulual
Dollars (\I000)
n 201S l.naili-d
Dollars'" (\I000)
i \ 201')
Anniiali/.i'd
Coiiiiiiuin^
Ki-so In lion
(\I000)
n 2020
Pivsiili-iu's
liml^i-i (\I000)
Lead
TSCA, Sections
401-412.
States, Tribes,
Intertribal
Consortia
Aid states,
territories, the
District of
Columbia, and
tribes to develop
and implement
authorized lead-
based paint
abatement
programs and
authorized
Renovation,
Repair, and
Painting (RRP)
programs. EPA
directly
implements these
programs in all
areas of the
country that are
not authorized to
do so, and will
continue to
operate the
Federal Lead-
based Paint
Program Database
(FLPP) of trained
and certified lead-
based paint
professionals.
Goal 1,
Obj. 1.4
$11,917.6
404(g) State/
Tribal
Certification
$12,384.0
404(g) State/
Tribal
Certification
$12,384.0
404(g) State/
Tribal
Certification
$0.0
404(g) State/
Tribal
Certification
$1,098.6
404(g) Direct
Implementation
Total:
$13,016.2
$1,665.0
404(g) Direct
Implementation
Total:
$14,049.0
$1,665.0
404(g) Direct
Implementation
Total:
$14,049.0
$0.0
404(g) Direct
Implementation
Total:
$0.0
808
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n 2020
Aulhiiriiii-s
ki'iipii'iiis
Diilkirs (\I000)
DiilhnV"<\l 000)
.\llllll;ili/.i'(l
Ciiiiiiiiuin^
ki'soliiiiiiii
(\I000)
Pivsiili-iii's
lilldm-l (\I000)
Toxic
Toxic
States, federally
Assist in
Goal 2,
$4,685.5
$4,919.0
$4,919.0
$3,276.0
Substances
Substances
recognized
developing,
Obj.2.1
Compliance
Control Act;
Indian Tribes,
maintaining, and
TCA in annual
Appropriations
Acts.
Intertribal
Consortia, and
Territories of the
U.S.
implementing
compliance
monitoring
programs for
PCBs, asbestos,
and Lead Based
Paint. In addition,
enforcement
actions by: l)the
Lead Based Paint
program and 2)
States that
obtained a
"waiver" under
the Asbestos
program.
Pesticide
FIFRA §
States, federally-
Assist with
Goal 2,
$17,924.6
$18,050.0
$18,050.0
$10,531.0
Enforcement
23(a)(1);
recognized
implementation
Obj.2.1
FY2000
Indian Tribes,
of cooperative
Appropriations
Intertribal
pesticide
Act (P.L. 106-
Consortia, and
enforcement
74); TCA in
annual
Territories of the
U.S.
programs.
Appropriations
Acts.
809
-------
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n 201 s r.n;iiu-(i
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ki'iipii'iiis
Diilkirs (\I000)
DiilhilV"<\l 000)
.\llllll;ili/.i'(l
Ciiiiiiiiuin^
Ki'soliilimi
(\I000)
Pivsiili-iii's
(\I000)
Pollution
Pollution
States, Tribes,
Provides
Goal 2,
$4,115.9
$4,765.0
$4,765.0
$0.0
Prevention
Prevention Act
Intertribal
assistance to
Obj.2.1
of 1990,
Consortia
States and State
Section 6605;
entities (z. e.,
TSCA Section
colleges and
10; FY 2000
universities) and
Appropriations
federally-
Act (P.L. 106-
recognized T ribes
74); TCA in
and intertribal
annual
consortia to
Appropriations
deliver pollution
Acts.
prevention
technical
assistance to small
and medium-sized
businesses. A goal
of the program is
to assist
businesses and
industries with
identifying
improved
environmental
strategies and
solutions for
reducing waste at
the source.
Tribal General
Indian
Tribal
Plan and develop
Goal 2,
$65,266.10
$65,476.0
$65,476.0
$44,233.0
Assistance
Environmental
Governments,
Tribal
Obj.2.1
Program
General
Intertribal
environmental
Assistance
Consortia
protection
Program Act
programs.
(42 U.S.C. §
4368b); TCA in
annual
Appropriations
Acts.
810
-------
(¦null lilk-
Sl;illlliir\
Aulhiiriiii-s
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Diilkirs (\I000)
n 201 s r.n;iiu-(i
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i \ 201')
.\llllll;ili/.i'(l
Ciiiiiiiiuin^
Ki'soliilimi
(\I000)
n 2020
Pivsiili-iii's
(\I000)
National
Environmental
Information
Exchange
Network
(NEIEN, aka
"the Exchange
Network")
Reorganization
Plan No. 3 of
1970, 84 Stat.
2086, as
amended by
Pub. L. 98-80,
97 Stat. 485
(codified at Title
5, App.) (EPA's
organic statute)
Appropriation
Act: FY 2018
(Public Law
115-141)
States, U.S.
Territories,
Federally
Recognized
Tribes and Native
Villages,
Interstate
Agencies, Tribal
Consortia, Other
Agencies with
Related
Environmental
Information
Activities.
Helps States,
U.S. Territories,
Tribes, and
intertribal
consortia
develop the
information
management and
technology
(EM/IT)
capabilities they
need to
participate in the
Exchange
Network, to
continue and
expand data-
sharing
programs, and to
improve access
to environmental
information.
Goal 3,
Obj. 3.4
$9,550.3
$9,646.0
$9,646.0
$6,422.0
811
-------
Environmental Protection Agency
FY 2020 Annual Performance and Congressional Justification
Program Projects by Program Area
(Dollars in Thousands)
Science & Technology
n 2019
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Qean Air
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
Atmospheric Protection Program
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
Federal Vehicle and Fuels Standards and Certification
Subtotal, Clean Air
$7,543.1
$8,572.7
$5,722.3
$90,650.1
$112,488.2
$7,569.0
$8,018.0
$6,714.0
$94,240.0
$116,541.0
$5,739.0
$0.0
$3,776.0
$77,826.0
$87,341.0
-$1,830.0
-$8,018.0
-$2,938.0
-$16,414.0
-$29,200.0
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
Radiation: Protection
Radiation: Response Preparedness
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
Subtotal, Indoor Air and Radiation
$133.5
$2,407.4
$3,259.5
$40.0
$5,840.4
$159.0
$2,246.0
$3,266.0
$326.0
$5,997.0
$0.0
$990.0
$3,793.0
$0.0
$4,783.0
-$159.0
-$1,256.0
$527.0
-$326.0
-$1,214.0
Enforcement
Forensics Support
$12,016.5
$13,669.0
$10,883.0
-$2,786.0
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and
Infrastructure
Subtotal, Homeland Security
$9,504.5
$22,767.3
$415.0
$32,686.8
$9,788.0
$22,918.0
$416.0
$33,122.0
$7,457.0
$24,847.0
$500.0
$32,804.0
-$2,331.0
$1,929.0
$84.0
-$318.0
IT / Data Management / Security
IT / Data Management
$2,296.0
$3,089.0
$2,747.0
-$342.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Workforce Reshaping
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$70,101.6
$0.0
$70,101.6
$68,339.0
$0.0
$68,339.0
$67,274.0
$5,994.0
$73,268.0
-$1,065.0
$5,994.0
$4,929.0
Pesticides Licensing
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
$2,888.3
$2,309.7
$362.0
$2,531.0
$3,072.0
$424.0
$2,401.0
$2,257.0
$615.0
-$130.0
-$815.0
$191.0
812
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S5,560.0
S6,02~.0
S5,2~3.0
-S~54.0
Research: Air and Energy
Research: Air and Energy
$87,503.9
$91,906.0
$31,707.0
-$60,199.0
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
$104,163.5
$106,257.0
$69,963.0
-$36,294.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$131,757.3
$134,327.0
$53,631.0
-$80,696.0
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Human Health Risk Assessment
$33,568.7
$36,523.0
$22,689.0
-$13,834.0
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Endocrine Disrupters
$12,501.0
$16,253.0
$10,346.0
-$5,907.0
Computational Toxicology
$21,153.1
$21,409.0
$17,630.0
-$3,779.0
Research: Chemical Safety and
Sustainability (other activities)
$45,933.8
$52,745.0
$35,901.0
-$16,844.0
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
$79,587.9
$90,407.0
$63,877.0
-$26,530.0
Subtotal, Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
$113,156.6
$126,930.0
$86,566.0
-$40,364.0
Water: Human Health Protection
Drinking Water Programs
$3,458.2
$3,519.0
$4,094.0
$575.0
Congressional Priorities
Water Quality Research and Support Grants
$4,094.0
$4,100.0
$0.0
-$4,100.0
Total, Science & Technology
$685,123.0
$713,823.0
$463,060.0
-$250,763.0
Environmental Program & Management
dean Air
Clean Air Allowance Trading Programs
$14,720.4
$15,270.0
$13,292.0
-$1,978.0
Atmospheric Protection Program
$92,753.7
$95,436.0
$13,965.0
-$81,471.0
Federal Stationary Source Regulations
$19,618.3
$21,028.0
$17,311.0
-$3,717.0
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$128,588.0
$128,001.0
$107,298.0
-$20,703.0
Stratospheric Ozone: Domestic Programs
$4,601.1
$4,637.0
$3,948.0
-$689.0
Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund
$8,326.0
$8,736.0
$0.0
-$8,736.0
Subtotal, Clean Air
$268,607.5
$273,108.0
$155,814.0
-$117,294.0
Indoor Air and Radiation
Indoor Air: Radon Program
$2,575.1
$3,136.0
$0.0
-$3,136.0
Radiation: Protection
$9,286.8
$9,180.0
$2,307.0
-$6,873.0
Radiation: Response Preparedness
$1,774.5
$1,952.0
$2,219.0
$267.0
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air
$13,489.6
813
$13,369.0
$0.0
-$13,369.0
-------
Siililnliil, Indoor Air and U.Hli.ili'lll
IA 201S Ulihil-.
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S4,520.11
-S23,111.0
Brownflelds
Brownfields
$24,175.6
$25,593.0
$16,728.0
!,865.0
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
Criminal Enforcement
Environmental Justice
NEPA Implementation
Subtotal, Enforcement
$101,299.2
$164,266.9
$44,334.2
$6,436.5
$15,751.2
$230,788.8
$101,665.0
$171,283.0
$44,995.0
$6,737.0
$17,622.0
$240,637.0
$89,644.0
$147,647.0
$44,582.0
$2,739.0
$16,598.0
$211,566.0
-$12,021.0
-$23,636.0
-$413.0
-$3,998.0
-$1,024.0
-$29,071.0
Geographic Programs
Geographic Program: Chesapeake Bay
Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico
Geographic Program: Lake Champlain
Geographic Program: Long Island Sound
Geographic Program: Other
Lake Pontchartrain
S.New England Estuary (SNEE)
Geographic Program: Other (other activities)
Subtotal, Geographic Program: Other
Great Lakes Restoration
Geographic Program: South Florida
Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay
Geographic Program: Puget Sound
Subtotal, Geographic Programs
$67,542.4
$9,122.9
$8,395.0
$11,753.9
$947.0
$4,934.5
$1,507.4
$7,388.9
$307,739.4
$1,674.5
$1,763.7
$27,961.9
$443,342.6
$73,000.0
$12,542.0
$8,399.0
$12,000.0
$948.0
$5,000.0
$1,445.0
$7,393.0
$300,000.0
$1,704.0
$4,819.0
$28,000.0
$447,857.0
$7,300.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$30,000.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$37,300.0
-$65,700.0
-$12,542.0
-$8,399.0
-$12,000.0
-$948.0
-$5,000.0
-$1,445.0
-$7,393.0
-$270,000.0
-$1,704.0
-$4,819.0
-$28,000.0
-$410,557.0
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Communication and Information
Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Protection
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and
Infrastructure
Subtotal, Homeland Security
$4,471.8
$908.7
$5,400.2
$10,780.7
$3,910.0
$880.0
$5,405.0
$10,195.0
$3,514.0
$1,188.0
$4,986.0
$9,688.0
-$396.0
$308.0
-$419.0
-$507.0
Information Exchange / Outreach
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
TRI / Right to Know
Tribal - Capacity Building
Executive Management and Operations
$14,799.1
$13,796.8
$13,979.6
$49,458.4
$14,760.0
$12,783.0
$14,547.0
$49,842.0
$10,524.0
$7,811.0
$13,201.0
$41,771.0
-$4,236.0
-$4,972.0
-$1,346.0
-$8,071.0
814
-------
Environmental Education
Exchange Network
Small Minority Business Assistance
Small Business Ombudsman
Children and Other Sensitive Populations: Agency
Coordination
Subtotal, Information Exchange / Outreach
International Programs
US Mexico Border
International Sources of Pollution
Trade and Governance
Subtotal, International Programs
IT / Data Management / Security
Information Security
IT / Data Management
Subtotal, IT / Data Management / Security
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Integrated Environmental Strategies
Administrative Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Civil Rights Program
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
Legal Advice: Support Program
Regional Science and Technology
Science Advisory Board
Regulatory/Economic-Management and Analysis
Subtotal, Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Acquisition Management
Human Resources Management
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management
Workforce Reshaping
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
Pesticides Licensing
Science Policy and Biotechnology
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
n 201S Ulual-
$ 10,223.4
$17,432.4
$1,598.1
$1,799.8
$2,645.5
$6,619.8
$5,290.1
$14,555.4
$7,016.5
$84,464.5
$91,481.0
$9,529.8
$4,706.5
$1,155.7
$8,848.2
$51,344.3
$14,616.0
$1,094.6
$3,531.8
$14,270.7
$109,097.6
$70,053.3
$292,535.1
$27,441.3
$43,220.4
$24,462.0
$0.0
$457,712.1
$1,604.1
$56,288.2
n 2oi')
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$8,702.0
$15,956.0
$1,574.0
$1,826.0
$6,496.0 $6,548.0
$129,583.6 $126,538.0
$3,033.0
$6,904.0
$5,463.0
$15,400.0
$7,280.0
$83,256.0
$90,536.0
$10,653.0
$4,753.0
$1,150.0
$9,335.0
$50,886.0
$15,455.0
$1,205.0
$3,787.0
$14,190.0
$111,414.0
$72,884.0
$308,701.0
$30,210.0
$44,227.0
$24,729.0
$0.0
$480,751.0
$2,040.0
$58,016.0
n 2020 rn..
liiidurl
$0.0
$12,127.0
$0.0
$1,918.0
$0.0
$5,339.0
$0.0
$5,339.0
$13,773.0
$71,117.0
$84,890.0
$8,828.0
$4,812.0
$0.0
$9,003.0
$48,123.0
$17,151.0
$0.0
$3,763.0
$16,162.0
$107,842.0
$71,100.0
$308,335.0
$28,032.0
$41,635.0
$20,202.0
$25,003.0
$494,307.0
$0.0
$49,440.0
n 2020 I'll-
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\miii:ili/cd ( U
-$8,702.0
-$3,829.0
-$1,574.0
$92.0
$2,545.0 -$4,003.0
$89,897.0 -$36,641.0
-$3,033.0
-$1,565.0
-$5,463.0
-$10,061.0
$6,493.0
-$12,139.0
-$5,646.0
-$1,825.0
$59.0
-$1,150.0
-$332.0
-$2,763.0
$1,696.0
-$1,205.0
-$24.0
$1,972.0
-$3,572.0
-$1,784.0
-$366.0
-$2,178.0
-$2,592.0
-$4,527.0
$25,003.0
$13,556.0
-$2,040.0
-$8,576.0
815
-------
Pesticides: Prolocl Ihe Environment Jrom Pesticide Kisk
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
Subtotal, Pesticides Licensing
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
RCRA: Corrective Action
RCRA: Waste Management
RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling
Subtotal, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA)
Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Endocrine Disruptors
Pollution Prevention Program
Toxic Substances: Chemical Risk Review and
Reduction
Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program
Subtotal, Toxics Risk Review and Prevention
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
LUST/UST
n 201S Ulual-
S38,380.7
$7,004.6
$103,277.6
$328.4
$37,118.1
$58,434.1
$6,782.4
$102,334.6
$4,583.1
$10,353.0
$65,947.8
$12,523.5
$93,407.4
$10,812.6
n 2oi')
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$41,081.0
$8,226.0
$109,363.0
$39,052.0
$60,791.0
$9,534.0
$109,377.0
$7,553.0
$11,236.0
$61,105.0
$12,627.0
$92,521.0
$11,295.0
n 2020 I'll-
liiidurl
$30,668.0
$5,571.0
$85,679.0
$33,202.0
$46,813.0
$0.0
$80,015.0
$0.0
$0.0
$66,418.0
$0.0
$66,418.0
$5,996.0
n 2020 I'll-
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-$10,413.0
-$2,655.0
-$23,684.0
-$5,850.0
-$13,978.0
-$9,534.0
-$29,362.0
-$7,553.0
-$11,236.0
$5,313.0
-$12,627.0
-$26,103.0
-$5,299.0
Water: Ecosystems
National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways
Wetlands
Subtotal, Water: Ecosystems
Water: Human Health Protection
Beach / Fish Programs
Drinking Water Programs
Subtotal, Water: Human Health Protection
Water Quality Protection
Marine Pollution
Surface Water Protection
Subtotal, Water Quality Protection
Congressional Priorities
Water Quality Research and Support Grants
Total, Environmental Program & Management
$25,187.6
$18,528.7
$43,716.3
$1,777.0
$91,494.4
$93,271.4
$10,242.6
$192,705.9
$202,948.5
$25,400.0
$2,584,046.9
$26,723.0
$21,065.0
$47,788.0
$2,014.0
$96,493.0
$98,507.0
$11,065.0
$199,352.0
$210,417.0
$12,700.0
$2,643,299.0
$0.0
$21,578.0
$21,578.0
$0.0
$89,808.0
$89,808.0
$0.0
$188,233.0
$188,233.0
$0.0
$1,845,268.0
-$26,723.0
$513.0
-$26,210.0
-$2,014.0
-$6,685.0
-$8,699.0
-$11,065.0
-$11,119.0
-$22,184.0
-$12,700.0
-$798,031.0
Inspector General
816
-------
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Total, Inspector General
Building and Facilities
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and
Infrastructure
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Total, Building and Facilities
Hazardous Substance Superfund
Indoor Air and Radiation
Radiation: Protection
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Audits, Evaluations, and Investigations
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
Enforcement
Criminal Enforcement
Environmental Justice
Forensics Support
Superfund: Enforcement
Superfund: Federal Facilities Enforcement
Subtotal, Enforcement
Homeland Security
Homeland Security: Preparedness, Response, and
Recovery
Homeland Security: Protection of EPA Personnel and
Infrastructure
Subtotal, Homeland Security
Information Exchange / Outreach
Exchange Network
n 201 s wiuiii-.
$40,328.4
$40,328.4
$5,921.7
$34,605.1
$40,526.8
$2,176.9
$9,159.7
$943.0
$7,336.3
$617.0
$1,999.6
$151,915.5
$5,810.9
$167,679.3
$31,102.4
$1,325.5
$32,427.9
$1,328.6
n 2oi')
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$41,489.0
$41,489.0
$6,676.0
$27,791.0
$34,467.0
$1,985.0
S:778.0
$995.0
$7,502.0
$758.0
$1,824.0
$150,048.0
$6,243.0
$166,375.0
$31,648.0
$968.0
$32,616.0
$1,328.0
n 2020 I'll-
liiidurl
$38,893.0
$38,893.0
$6,176.0
$33,377.0
$39,553.0
$1,933.0
$9,586.0
$991.0
$8,198.0
$0.0
$1,144.0
$155,059.0
$6,956.0
$171,357.0
$31,054.0
$915.0
$31,969.0
$1,293.0
n 2020 I'll-
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\iiiiu:ili/ril ( U
-$2,596.0
-$2,596.0
-$500.0
$5,586.0
$5,086.0
-$52.0
$808.0
-$4.0
$696.0
-$758.0
-$680.0
$5,011.0
$713.0
$4,982.0
-$594.0
-$53.0
-$647.0
-$35.0
IT / Data Management / Security
817
-------
n 2HI') i-wiizurn-N
1^ 20IX Ulna!" \llllll;ili/ril ( U lilltlli.il
Information Security $745.8 $661.0 $5,082.0
IT / Data Management $14,126.0 $13,824.0 $13,443.0
Subtotal, IT / Data Management / Security $14,871.8 $14,485.0 $18,525.0
Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review
Alternative Dispute Resolution $744.3 $748.0 $0.0
Legal Advice: Environmental Program $914.1 $505.0 $579.0
Civil Rights Program $60.0 $0.0 $0.0
Subtotal, Legal / Science / Regulatory / Economic Review $1,718.4 $1,253.0 $579.0
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance $20,503.7 $22,018.0 $21,340.0
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations $76,061.2 $75,253.0 $73,540.0
Acquisition Management $20,477.3 $21,183.0 $21,541.0
Human Resources Management $6,279.4 $7,044.0 $5,444.0
Financial Assistance Grants / IAG Management $2,498.6 $2,607.0 $2,655.0
Subtotal, Operations and Administration $125,820.2 $128,105.0 $124,520.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities $11,023.3 $11,463.0 $10,977.0
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
Human Health Risk Assessment $2,822.9 $2,824.0 $5,338.0
Superfund Cleanup
Superfiind: Emergency Response and Removal $200,491.4 $189,917.0 $168,370.0
Superfund: EPA Emergency Preparedness $7,744.0 $7,636.0 $7,396.0
Superfund: Federal Facilities $21,300.3 $21,125.0 $20,465.0
Superfiind: Remedial $607,626.1 $566,062.0 $472,052.0
Subtotal, Superfund Cleanup $837,161.8 $784,740.0 $668,283.0
Total, Hazardous Substance Superfund $1,207,133.8 $1,154,947.0 $1,045,351.0
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$4,421.0
-$381.0
$4,040.0
-$748.0
$74.0
$0.0
-$674.0
-$678.0
-$1,713.0
$358.0
-$1,600.0
$48.0
-$3,585.0
-$486.0
$2,514.0
-$21,547.0
-$240.0
-$660.0
-$94,010.0
-$116,457.0
-$109,596.0
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$619.8
$620.0
$470.0
-$150.0
Operations and Administration
Central Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
Acquisition Management
Subtotal, Operations and Administration
$390.3
$1,056.6
$6.5
$1,453.4
$387.0
$813.0
$152.0
$1,352.0
$434.0
$773.0
$138.0
$1,345.0
$47.0
-$40.0
-$14.0
-$7.0
Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
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$9,731.5
$9,240.0
$6,722.0
-$2,518.0
LUST Cooperative Agreements
$58,088.1
$55,040.0
$38,840.0
-$16,200.0
LUST Prevention
$24,233.5
$25,369.0
$0.0
-$25,369.0
Subtotal, Underground Storage Tanks (LUST / UST)
$92,053.1
$89,649.0
$45,562.0
-$44,087.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$311.3
$320.0
$424.0
$104.0
Total, Leaking Underground Storage Tanks
$94,437.6
$91,941.0
$47,801.0
-$44,140.0
Inland Oil Spill Programs
Compliance
Compliance Monitoring
$122.5
$139.0
$0.0
-$139.0
Enforcement
Civil Enforcement
$2,464.8
$2,413.0
$2,373.0
-$40.0
Oil
Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness and Response
$14,690.3
$14,409.0
$12,413.0
-$1,996.0
Operations and Administration
Facilities Infrastructure and Operations
$753.8
$584.0
$665.0
$81.0
Research: Sustainable Communities
Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
$695.6
$664.0
$511.0
-$153.0
Total, Inland Oil Spill Programs
$18,727.0
$18,209.0
$15,962.0
-$2,247.0
State and Tribal Assistance Grants
State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG)
Infrastructure Assistance: Alaska Native Villages
$19,543.0
$20,000.0
$3,000.0
-$17,000.0
Brownfields Projects
$84,310.3
$80,000.0
$62,000.0
-$18,000.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Clean Water SRF
$1,657,428.2
$1,693,887.0
$1,119,772.0
-$574,115.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Drinking Water SRF
$1,128,161.0
$1,163,233.0
$863,233.0
-$300,000.0
Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border
$11,524.6
$10,000.0
$0.0
-$10,000.0
Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Program
$72,668.1
$75,000.0
$10,000.0
-$65,000.0
Targeted Airshed Grants
$29,479.0
$40,000.0
$0.0
-$40,000.0
GKM Water Monitoring
$3,092.6
$4,000.0
$0.0
-$4,000.0
Safe Water for Small & Disadvantaged Communities
$0.0
$20,000.0
$0.0
-$20,000.0
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
$0.0
$10,000.0
$0.0
-$10,000.0
Lead Testing in Schools
$0.0
$20,000.0
$10,000.0
-$10,000.0
Healthy Schools
$0.0
$0.0
$50,000.0
$50,000.0
819
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Total, State and Tribal Assistance Grants
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$4,067,093.9
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$4,212,161.0 $2,774,602.0 -$1,437,559.0
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
RCRA: Waste Management
$2,146.2
Total, Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System
Fund
$2,146.2
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Fund
Water Quality Protection
Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
$12,235.8
$63,000.0
$25,000.0
-$38,000.0
Total, Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation
Fund
$12,235.8
$63,000.0
$25,000.0
-$38,000.0
Subtotal, EPA
$8,751,799.4 $8,973,336.0 $6,295,490.0 -$2,677,846.0
Cancellation of Funds
-$148,848.0
-$227,000.0
-$78,152.0
TOTAL, EPA
$8,751,799.4 $8,824,488.0 $6,068,490.0 -$2,755,998.0
*For ease of comparison, Super&nd transfer resources for the audit and research fiinctions are shown in the Superfond account
821
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Eliminated Programs
Eliminated Program Projects
Alternative Dispute Resolution (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $1,898 M, 8.4 FTE)
This program provides alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services to EPA Headquarters, EPA
Regional Offices, and external stakeholders. This elimination of funding reflects the
centralization of conflict prevention and the ADR program. Programs across the Agency may
pursue ADR support services and training individually.
Beach / Fish Programs (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $2,014 M, 4.1 FTE)
This program provides science, guidance, technical assistance and nationwide information to state,
Tribal, and federal agencies on the human health risks associated with eating locally caught
fish/shellfish or wildlife with excessive levels of contaminants, as well as beach monitoring and
notification programs. The Agency will encourage states to continue this work within ongoing
core programs.
Categorical Grant: Beaches Protection (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $9,549 M, 0.0 FTE)
Grants authorized under the BEACH Act support continued development and implementation of
coastal recreational water monitoring and public notification programs. After over 17 years of
technical guidance and financial support, state and local governments now have the technical
expertise and procedures to continue beach monitoring without federal support.
Categorical Grant: Lead (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $14,049 M, 0.0 FTE)
The program provides support to authorized state and tribal programs that administer training and
certification programs for lead paint professionals and contractors. Lead paint certification will
continue under the Chemical Risk Review Reduction program.
Categorical Grant: Nonpoint Source (Sec. 319) (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $170,915 M,
0.0 FTE)
This program provides grants to assist states and tribes in implementing approved elements of
Nonpoint Source Programs including: regulatory and non-regulatory programs, technical
assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfers, and demonstration
projects. The Agency will continue to coordinate with the United States Department of Agriculture
to target funding where appropriate to address nonpoint sources.
Categorical Grant: Pollution Prevention (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $4,765 M, 0.0 FTE)
The Pollution Prevention (P2) program is a tool for advancing environmental stewardship by
federal, state and Tribal governments, businesses, communities and individuals. In FY 2020, EPA
will focus its resources on core statutory environmental work.
Categorical Grant: Radon (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $8,051 M, 0.0 FTE)
The program provides funding for the development of state radon programs and disseminates
public information and educational materials. The program also provides information on
equipment training, data storage and management, and toll-free hotlines. For over 30 years EPA's
radon program has provided important guidance and funding to help states establish their own
822
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programs. States could elect to maintain core program work by using state resources rather than
using federal resources.
Categorical Grant: Underground Storage Tanks (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $1,498 M, 0.0 FTE)
The program provides funding for petroleum and hazardous substance release prevention and
detection activities including: compliance assistance, state program approvals, and technical
equipment reviews and approvals. States could elect to maintain core program work with state
resources rather than federal.
Endocrine Disruptors (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $7,553 M, 7.7 FTE)
The program develops and validates scientific test methods for the routine, ongoing evaluation of
pesticides and other chemicals to determine their potential interference with normal endocrine
system function. The program recently developed and validated some tier 1 and tier 2 testing
approaches for endocrine disruption. The ongoing functions of the program will be absorbed into
the pesticides program using the currently available tiered testing.
Environmental Education (EE) (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $8,702 M, 10.3 FTE)
This program promotes delivery of environmental education through science-based methodologies
that promote public engagement. In recognition of the significant guidance and financial support
the EE program has provided to non-profit organizations, local education agencies, universities,
community colleges, and state and local environmental agencies, funding for some of the
environmental stewardship activities could be leveraged at the state or local level.
Geographic Program: Gulf of Mexico (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $12,542 M, 13 .1 FTE)
The program is a partnership of the five Gulf states, Gulf coastal communities, citizens,
nongovernmental organizations, and federal agencies working together to initiate cooperative
actions by public and private organizations to achieve specific environmental results. EPA will
encourage the five Gulf of Mexico states to continue to make progress in restoring the Gulf of
Mexico from within core water programs.
Geographic Program: Lake Champlain (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $8,399 M, 0.0 FTE)
The program creates a pollution prevention, control, and restoration plan for protecting the Lake
Champlain Basin. EPA will encourage New York and Vermont to continue to make progress in
restoring Lake Champlain from within core water programs.
Geographic Program: Long Island Sound (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $12,000 M, 0.0 FTE)
The program supports the implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management
Plan for the Long Island Sound National Estuary Program. EPA will encourage Long Island Sound
states and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the Sound from within core water
programs.
Geographic Program: Other (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $7,393 M, 4.6 FTE)
The program provides funding to develop and implement community-based approaches to mitigate
diffuse sources of pollution and cumulative risk for geographic areas including: Lake
Pontchartrain, Southern New England Estuary (SNEE), and the Northwest Forest Program. EPA
will encourage states and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring these aquatic
ecosystems from within core water programs.
823
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Geographic Program: Puget Sound (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $28,000 M, 6.5 FTE)
The program works to protect and restore the Puget Sound, focusing on environmental activities
consistent with the State of Washington's 2020 Puget Sound Action Agenda. EPA will encourage
state, tribal, and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring the Puget Sound from
within core water programs.
Geographic Program: San Francisco Bay (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $4,819 M, 2.3 FTE)
The program is aimed at protecting and restoring water quality and ecological health of the San
Francisco Bay estuary through partnerships, interagency coordination, and project grants. EPA
will encourage the state of California and local entities to continue to make progress in restoring
the San Francisco Bay from within core water programs.
Geographic Program: South Florida (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $1,704 M, 1.8 FTE)
The program leads special initiatives and planning activities in the South Florida region, which
includes the Everglades and Florida Keys coral reef ecosystem. EPA will encourage state, tribal,
and local entities to continue to make progress in protecting and restoring sensitive aquatic
ecosystems in South Florida from within core water programs.
Gold King Mine Water Monitoring (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $4,000 M, 0.6 FTE)
This non-recurring program provided grants that supported the development and implementation
of a program for monitoring of rivers contaminated by the Gold King Mine Spill. The Agency will
continue coordinating with the involved states and tribes from within core water programs.
Indoor Air: Radon Program (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $3,295 M, 9.0 FTE)
Within this program, EPA studies the health effects of radon, assesses exposure levels, sets an
action level, provides technical assistance, and advises the public of steps they can take to reduce
exposure to radon. For over 30 years EPA's radon program has provided important guidance and
funding to help states establish their own programs.
Infrastructure Assistance: Mexico Border (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $10,000 M, 0.0 FTE)
The program provides for the planning, design, and construction of water and wastewater treatment
facilities along the U.S. Mexico border. The State Revolving Funds are a source of infrastructure
funding that can continue to fund water system improvements in U.S. communities along the
border.
LUST Prevention (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $25,369 M, 0.0 FTE)
The program provides resources to states, tribes, territories, and intertribal consortia for their
Underground Storage Tank (UST) programs, with a focus on inspections, enforcement,
development of leak prevention regulations, and other program infrastructure. States could elect
to maintain core program work with state resources rather than federal.
Marine Pollution (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $11.065 M, 42.5 FTE)
The program funds the implementation of regulatory and support activities relating to ocean
discharges and related marine ecosystem protection activities. EPA will continue to meet statutory
mandates through the core national water program.
824
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National Estuary Program / Coastal Waterways (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $26,723 M,
36.9 FTE)
The program works to restore the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of estuaries and
coastal watersheds. EPA will encourage states to continue this work and continue to implement
conservation management plans.
Pollution Prevention Program (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $11.236 M, 46.2 FTE)
The program promotes environmentally sound business practices and the development of safer
(green) chemicals, technologies, and processes. Partners can continue the best practices that have
been shared through this program and continue efforts aimed at reducing pollution.
RCRA: Waste Minimization & Recycling (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $9,534 M, 47.6 FTE)
The program establishes a framework for redirecting materials away from disposal and towards
beneficial uses, such as composting food waste, increasing the recycling of electronics, and
reducing waste from federal facilities. EPA will focus its resources on core environmental work.
Reduce Lead in Drinking Water (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $10,000 M, 0.4 FTE)
The Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program provides grants to eligible entities for lead
reduction projects. EPA will continue to work on awarding the funds appropriated by Congress in
FY 2018 and FY 2019. In FY 2020 lead reduction efforts may continue through the State
Revolving Fund (SRF) mechanisms, WIFIA, and the newly proposed America's Water
Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) programs.
Reduce Risks from Indoor Air (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $13,695 M, 46.0 FTE)
This program addresses indoor environmental asthma triggers, such as secondhand smoke, dust
mites, mold, cockroaches and other pests, household pets, and combustion byproducts through a
variety of outreach, education, training and guidance activities.
Regional Science and Technology (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $1,205 M, 2.0 FTE)
The program supplies laboratory analysis, field monitoring and sampling, and builds Tribal
capacity for environmental monitoring and assessment. Central approach will be replaced with ad
hoc efforts.
Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $20,000 M,
0.4 FTE)
The Safe Water for Small and Disadvantaged Communities Program provides grants to eligible
entities for use in carrying out projects and activities to assist public water systems. EPA will
continue to work on awarding the funds appropriated by Congress in FY 2018 and FY 2019. In
FY 2020, EPA will continue to request flexible subsidization funding to target small and
disadvantaged communities through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) mechanism.
Science Policy and Biotechnology (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $2,040 M, 7.2 FTE)
The Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) organizes and conducts reviews (typically six to ten each
year) by independent, outside scientific experts of science documents, science policies, and/or
science programs that relate to EPA's pesticide and toxic program activities. Statutory
requirements will be absorbed by the pesticides and toxics programs.
825
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Small Minority Business Assistance (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $1,574 M, 8.9 FTE)
This program provides technical assistance to small businesses, headquarters, and regional office
employees to ensure that small minority businesses and minority academic institutions receive a
fair share of EPA's procurement dollars and grants, where applicable. The Agency will integrate
its resources for Small and Disadvantaged Business activities under the Small Business
Ombudsman program.
Stratospheric Ozone: Multilateral Fund (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $8,736 M, 0.0 FTE)
This program promotes international compliance with the Montreal Protocol by financing the
incremental cost of converting existing industries in developing countries to cost-effective ozone
friendly technology. EPA will continue domestic ozone-depleting substances reduction work.
Targeted Airshed Grants (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $40,000 M, 0.0 FTE)
This program offers competitive grants to reduce air pollution in the top five most polluted
nonattainment areas relative to annual ozone or PM2.5. This program is regional in nature, and
affected states can continue to fund work through EPA's core air grant programs and statutes.
Toxic Substances: Lead Risk Reduction Program (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $12,627 M, 66.0 FTE)
The program addresses exposure to lead from lead-based paint through regulations, certification,
and training programs and public outreach efforts. Lead paint certifications will continue under
Chemical Risk Review Reduction program. Other forms of lead exposure are addressed through
other targeted programs such as the State Revolving Funds to replace lead pipes.
Trade and Governance (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $5,463 M, 15.9 FTE)
This program promotes trade related activities focused on sustaining environmental protection. In
FY 2020 EPA will focus its resources on core statutory work.
U.S. Mexico Border (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $3,033 M, 13.9 FTE)
The program addresses environmental protection of the U.S Mexico border in partnership with the
ten (10) Border States, U.S. Tribal government, and the Government of Mexico. In FY 2020, EPA
will continue to engage both bilaterally and through multilateral institutions to improve
international cooperation to prevent and address the transboundary movement of pollution. The
State Revolving Funds also may continue to fund water system improvements in U.S. communities
along the border.
Water Quality Research and Support Grants (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $16,800 M, 0.0 FTE)
The program focuses on the development and application of water quality criteria, the
implementation of watershed management approaches, and the application of technological
options to restore and protect water bodies. States have the ability to develop technical assistance
plans for their water systems using Public Water System Supervision funds and set-asides from
the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
Eliminated Sub-Program Projects
Atmospheric Protection Program (FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution:
Estimated $66,000 M)
The following voluntary climate-related partnership programs are proposed for elimination:
AgSTAR, Center for Corporate Climate Leadership, Coalbed Methane Outreach Program,
826
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Combined Heat & Power Partnership, Global Methane Initiative, GreenChill Partnership, Green
Power Partnership, Landfill Methane Outreach Program, Natural Gas STAR, Responsible
Appliance Disposal Program, SF6 Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems, SmartWay,
State and Local Climate Energy Program, and Voluntary Aluminum Industrial Partnership. (Note:
The FY 2020 President's Budget includes a proposal to authorize EPA to administer the ENERGY
STAR program through the collection of user fees.)
Global Change Research (Research: AE) (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $19,014 M, 47.3 FTE)
The program develops scientific information that supports policy makers, stakeholders, and
society-at-large as they respond to climate change. This elimination prioritizes activities that
support decision-making related to core environmental statutory requirements.
STAR Research Grants (Research: AE, CSS, SSWR, SHC) (FY 2019 Annualized CR:
$28,536 M, 0.0 FTE)
The Science to Achieve Results, or STAR, funds research grants and graduate fellowships in
environmental science and engineering disciplines through a competitive solicitation process and
independent peer review. EPA will prioritize activities that support decision-making related to core
environmental statutory requirements, as opposed to extramural activities.
WaterSense (Surface Water Protection) (FY 2019 Annualized CR: $3,100 M, 8.0 FTE)
WaterSense is a voluntary partnership program to label water-efficient products as a resource for
helping to reduce water use.
827
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Expected Benefits of E-Government Initiatives
eRulemaking
The eRulemaking Line of Business is designed to: enhance public access and participation in the
regulatory process through electronic systems; reduce the burden on citizens and businesses in
finding relevant regulations and commenting on proposed rulemaking actions; consolidate
redundant docket systems; and improve agency regulatory processes and the timeliness of
regulatory decisions. EPA is currently the managing partner for this Line of Business; however, in
FY 2019, EPA will work with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General
Services Administration (GSA) towards transferring management services to GSA by the
beginning of FY 2020.
The eRulemaking Program's Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) currently supports
more than 178 federal entities including all Cabinet-level Departments and independent
rulemaking agencies, which collectively promulgate approximately 90 percent of all federal
regulations each year. FDMS has simplified the public's participation in the rulemaking process
and made EPA's rulemaking business processes more accessible as well as transparent. FDMS
provides EPA's approximately 501 active users with a secure, centralized electronic repository for
managing agency rulemaking development via distributed management of data and robust role-
based user access. EPA posts regulatory and non-regulatory documents in Regulations.gov for
public viewing, downloading, bookmarking, email notification and commenting. Overall, EPA
currently provides public access to 1,220,433 documents in Regulations.gov.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Service Fee
(in thousands)
2018
020-99-99-99-99-0060-24
$1,000.0
2019
020-99-99-99-99-0060-24
$1,000.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-0060-24
$1,000.0
Geospatial Line of Business
The Geospatial Line of Business is an intergovernmental project to improve the ability of the
public and government to use geospatial information to support the business of government and
facilitate decision-making. This initiative will reduce costs and improve agency operations in
several areas.
With the implementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Strategic Plan, the geospatial
data sets known as National Geospatial Data Assets (NDGA) and associated analytical services
have become available on the National Geospatial Platform. These additional datasets and services
are easily accessible by federal agencies, their partners, and stakeholders. EPA uses the National
Geospatial Platform to obtain data and services for internal analytical purposes as well as to publish
outward-facing geospatial capabilities to the public.
While the Department of the Interior is the managing partner, EPA is a leader in developing the
vision and operational plans for the implementation of the Geospatial Data Act as well as OMB
828
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guidance on Coordination of Geographic Information and Related Spatial Data Activities and the
National Geospatial Platform which incorporates many national geospatial data and analytical
services for federal agencies, their partners, and stakeholders. EPA is expected to contribute to the
operation of the National Geospatial Platform in FY 2020. The intent is to reduce base costs by
providing an opportunity for EPA and other agencies to share approaches on procurement
consolidation and include shared services for hosting geospatial data, services and applications.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2018
020-99-99-99-99-3100-24
$225.0
2019
020-99-99-99-99-3100-24
$225.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-3100-24
$225.0
USA Jobs
U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) USA Jobs simplifies the process of locating and
applying for federal jobs. USA Jobs is a standard job announcement and resume builder website.
It is the one-stop for federal job seekers to search for and apply to positions on-line. This integrated
process benefits citizens by providing a more efficient process to locate and apply for jobs, and
assists federal agencies in hiring top talent in a competitive marketplace. The OPM USA Jobs
initiative has increased job seeker satisfaction with the federal job application process and is
helping the Agency to locate highly-qualified candidates and improve response times to applicants.
The Agency is required to integrate with USA Jobs, to eliminate the need for applicants to maintain
multiple user IDs to apply for federal jobs across agencies. The vacancy announcement format is
improved for easier readability. The system can maintain up to five resumes per applicant, which
allows them to create and store resumes tailored to specific skills. In addition, USA Jobs has a
notification feature that keeps applicants updated on the status of the application and provides a
link to the Agency's website for detailed information. This self-help USA Jobs feature allows
applicants to obtain up-to-date information on the status of their application upon request.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Service Fee
(in thousands)
2018
020-00-01-16-04-1218-24
$125.0
2019
020-00-01-16-04-1218-24
$105.0
2020
020-00-01-16-04-1218-24
$130.0
Financial Management Line of Business
The Financial Management Line of Business (FM LoB) is a multi-agency effort whose goals
include: achieving process improvements and cost savings in the acquisition, development,
implementation, and operation of financial management systems. By incorporating the same FM
LoB-standard processes as those used by central agency systems, interfaces among financial
systems are streamlined and the quality of information available for decision-making is improved.
829
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Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2018
020-00-01-01-04-1100-24
$96.0
2019
020-00-01-01-04-1100-24
$96.0
2020
020-00-01-01-04-1100-24
$96.0
Grants.gov
The Grants.gov initiative benefits EPA and its grant programs by providing a single location to
publish grant opportunities and application packages, and by providing a single site for the grants
community to apply for grants using common forms, processes and systems. EPA believes that the
central site raises the visibility of its grants opportunities to a wider diversity of applicants.
The grants community benefits from savings in postal costs, paper and envelopes. Applicants save
time in searching for agency grant opportunities and in learning the application systems of various
agencies. In order to streamline the application process, EPA offers Grants.gov application
packages for mandatory state grants {i.e., Continuing Environmental Program Grants).
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2018
020-00-04-00-04-0160-24
$307.0
2019
020-00-04-00-04-0160-24
$276.0
2020
020-00-04-00-04-0160-24
$331.0
Budget Formulation and Execution Line of Business
The Budget Formulation and Execution Line of Business (BFELoB) allows EPA and other
agencies to access budget-related benefits and services. The Agency has the option to implement
LoB-sponsored tools, training and services.
EPA has benefited from the BFELoB by sharing valuable information on how systems and
software being developed by the LoB have enhanced work processes. This effort has created a
government-only capability for electronic collaboration (Wiki) in which the Budget Community
website allows EPA to share budget information internally, with OMB, and with other federal
agencies. The Agency also made contributions to the Human Capital Workgroup, participating in
development of on-line training modules for budget activities - a valuable resource to all agency
budget staff. The LoB has developed the capability to have secure, virtual on-line meetings where
participants can view budget-related presentations from their workspace and participate in the
discussion through a conference line. The LoB provides regularly scheduled symposia as an
additional forum for EPA budget employees.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2018
020-99-99-99-99-3200-24
$110.0
2019
020-99-99-99-99-3200-24
$110.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-3200-24
$110.0
830
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Federal Human Resources Line of Business
OPM's Human Resources Line of Business (HR LoB) provides the federal government the
infrastructure to support pay-for-performance systems, modernized HR systems, and the core
functionality necessary for the strategic management of human capital.
The OPM HR LoB offers common solutions that will enable federal departments and agencies to
work more effectively, and to provide managers and executives across the federal government an
improved means to meet strategic objectives. EPA will benefit by supporting an effective program
management activity which evaluates provider performance, customer satisfaction, and
compliance with program goals, on an ongoing basis.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2018
020-00-01-16-04-1200-24
$68.0
2019
020-00-01-16-04-1200-24
$68.0
2020
020-00-01-16-04-1200-24
$69.0
Integrated Acquisition Environment
The Integrated Acquisition Environment (IAE) is currently comprised of nine government-wide
automated applications and/or databases that have contributed to streamlining the acquisition
business process across the government. In FY 2012, GSA began the process of consolidating the
systems into one central repository called the System for Award Management (SAM). Until the
consolidation is complete, EPA continues to leverage these systems via electronic linkages
between EPA's Acquisition System (EAS) and the IAE shared systems. Other IAE systems are
not linked directly to EAS but benefit the Agency's contracting staff and vendor community as
stand-alone resources.
EAS uses data provided by SAM to replace internally maintained vendor data. Contracting officers
can download vendor-provided representation and certification information electronically via
SAM as well, which allows vendors to submit this information once rather than separately for
every contract proposal. Contracting officers are able to access the Excluded Parties List (EPLS)
via SAM to identify vendors that are debarred from receiving contract awards.
Contracting officers also can link to the Wage Determination Online to obtain information required
under the Service Contract Act and the Davis-Bacon Act. EAS links to the Federal Procurement
Data System (FPDS) for submission of contract actions at the time of award. FPDS provides public
access to government-wide contract information. The Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System
supports vendor submission of subcontracting data for contracts identified as requiring this
information. EPA submits synopses of procurement opportunities over $25,000 to the Federal
Business Opportunities website, where the information is accessible to the public. Vendors use
this website to identify business opportunities in federal contracting.
Further, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) requires agencies to
unambiguously identify contract, grant, and loan recipients and determine parent/child relationship
831
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and address information. The FFATA taskforce determined that using both the Dun and Bradstreet
DUNS Number (standard identifier for all business lines) and Central Contractor Registration
(CCR, the single point of entry for data collection and dissemination) are the most appropriate
ways to accomplish this. This fee will pay for EPA's use of this service while reporting grants
and/or loans. Funds also may be used to consolidate disparate contract and grant systems into the
new SAM.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Service Fee
(in thousands)
2018
020-00-01-16-04-0230-24
$874.0
2019
020-00-01-16-04-0230-24
$944.0
2020
020-00-01-16-04-0230-24
$720.0
Federal Pkl Bridge
Federal Public Key Infrastructure (FPKI) provides the government with a common infrastructure
to administer digital certificates and public-private key pairs, including the ability to issue,
maintain, and revoke public key certificates. FPKI leverages a security technique called Public
Key Cryptography to authenticate users and data, protect the integrity of transmitted data, and
ensure non-repudiation and confidentiality.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2018
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$32.0
2019
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$93.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$41.0
Freedom of Information Act Portal
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Improvement Act of 2016 directed the OMB and the
Department of Justice (DOJ) to build a consolidated online request portal that allows a member of
the public to submit a request for records to any agency from a single website. DOJ is managing
the development and maintenance of this National FOIA Portal. EPA and other federal agencies
were asked to contribute to this effort.
Fiscal Year
Account Code
EPA Contribution
(in thousands)
2018
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$0.0
2019
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$34.0
2020
020-99-99-99-99-0090-24
$43.0
832
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FY 2020 Administrator's Priorities
Funding for the Administrator's priorities are allocated by program project in the FY 2020
President's Budget with a total of $2,375 million in the Environmental and Program Management
Account and $125 thousand in the Science and Technology Account.
These funds, which are set aside for the Administrator's priorities, are used to address unforeseen
issues that may arise during the year. These funds are used by the Administrator to support critical
unplanned issues and the amounts shown in the below table will be reallocated as needed, in
accordance with reprogramming limits.
FY 2020 President's Budget Funding for Administrator's Priorities
Appropriation
Program Project
Dollars in
Thousands
EPM
Acquisition Management
$150
EPM
Brownfields
$25
EPM
Civil Enforcement
$150
EPM
Civil Rights / Title VI Compliance
$75
EPM
Compliance Monitoring
$100
EPM
Criminal Enforcement
$145
EPM
Drinking Water Programs
$100
EPM
Exchange Network
$75
EPM
Federal Stationary Source Regulations
$100
EPM
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$130
EPM
Human Resources Management
$25
EPM
International Sources of Pollution
$50
EPM
IT / Data Management
$175
EPM
Legal Advice: Environmental Program
$100
EPM
Legal Advice: Support Program
$75
EPM
NEPA Implementation
$100
EPM
Pesticides: Protect Human Health from Pesticide Risk
$150
EPM
Pesticides: Protect the Environment from Pesticide Risk
$150
EPM
Pesticides: Realize the Value of Pesticide Availability
$100
EPM
RCRA: Waste Management
$25
EPM
Science Advisory Board
$100
EPM
State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
$100
EPM
Surface Water Protection
$50
EPM
TRI / Right to Know
$75
EPM
Tribal - Capacity Building
$50
S&T
Federal Support for Air Quality Management
$25
S&T
Research: Air and Energy
$50
S&T
Research: Chemical Safety and Sustainability
$50
Total
$2,500
833
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Proposed FY 2020 Administrative Provisions
To further clarify proposed Administrative Provisions that involve more than a simple annual
extension or propose a modification to an existing provision, the following information is
provided.
Establishment of Authority for Energy Star Fee Collection and Use
The FY 2020 Budget includes a proposal to authorize EPA to administer the ENERGY STAR
Program through the collection of user fees. Fee collections would begin after EPA undertakes a
rulemaking process to determine which products would be covered by fees and the level of fees,
and to ensure that a fee system would not discourage manufacturers from participating in the
program or result in a loss of environmental benefits. The fee collections would provide funding
to cover an upfront appropriation, and continued expenses to develop, operate, and maintain the
ENERGY STAR Program. The legislative proposal to authorize collection and spending of the
fees is as follows:
Section 131 of The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §6294A, is
amended by inserting after paragraph (d):
"(e) User Fees
(1) In General
In accordance with paragraph (a), the Administrator may prescribe by regulation,
for application in fiscal year 2020 and in subsequent fiscal years, reasonable fees
as the Administrator determines to be necessary to defray costs incurredfor entities
that participate in the ENERGY STAR program. The regulation will ensure that the
fee imposed on each entity is sufficient and not more than reasonably necessary to
cover a proportional share of ENERGY STAR program costs incurred in operating
and maintaining the Energy Star program, including collection and processing
fees. The Administrator shall amend this regulation periodically so as to ensure
that the schedule of fees covers such program costs.
(2) Collection of Fees. The Administrator shall prescribe procedures to collect the
fees.
(3) Availability of Fees.
(A) Such fees shall be collected and available for ENERGY STAR program
administration functions performed by the Agency in an amount and to the extent
provided in advance in appropriations acts. "
FIFRA and PRIA Fee Spending Restrictions
Statutory language in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and
Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018 (PRIA-4), signed into law by the
President on March 8, 2019, restricts what activities EPA can fund from collections deposited in
the Reregi strati on and Expedited Processing Revolving Fund and Pesticide Registration Fund. The
FY 2020 Budget carries forward the proposed statutory language from the FY 2019 President's
Budget to clarify the Agency's authority to utilize resources in the funds, to review existing
pesticide registrations for their compliance within current FIFRA standards, and to ensure market
834
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access for pesticide registrants. Specifically, fees collected would be available for the following
activities as they relate to pesticide licensing: processing and review of data submitted in
association with a registration; information submitted pursuant to Section 6(a)(2) of FIFRA;
supplemental distributor labels, transfers of registrations and data compensation rights, additional
uses registered by states under Section 24(c) of FIFRA; data compensation petitions, review of
minor amendments and notifications; laboratory support and audits; administrative support;
development of policy and guidance; rulemaking support; information collection activities; and
the portions of salaries related to work in these areas.
Statutory language would ease spending restrictions related to both the FIFRA pesticide
maintenance fees and the PRIA registration fees. Since the FIFRA fees are mandatory, separate
language has been prepared that will be transmitted at a later date.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in addition to the activities specified in section 33 of
the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (7 U.S.C. 136w-8), fees collected
in this and prior fiscal years under such section shall be available for the following activities as
they relate to pesticide licensing: processing and review of data submitted in association with a
registration;, information submitted pursuant to section 6(a)(2) of FIFRA; supplemental
distributor labels, transfers of registrations and data compensation rights; additional uses
registered by States under section 24(c) of FIFRA; data compensation petitions, review of minor
amendments, and notifications; laboratory support and audits; administrative support;
development of policy and guidance; rulemaking support; information collection activities; and
the portions of salaries related to work in these areas.
Note: PRIA-4, signed into law by the President on March 8, 2019 subsequent to formulation of the Budget, addresses
a portion of this proposal by allowing the use of maintenance fees deposited in the Reregistration and Expedited
Processing Fund for Endangered Species Act reviews, tracking and implementation of registration review decisions,
laboratory inspections and data audits, and information systems enhancements. This proposal would further expand
these allowable uses of pesticide maintenance and registration service fees.
Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest
The Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest Establishment Act (Public Law 112-195) provides EPA
with the authority to establish a program to finance, develop, and operate a system for the
electronic submission of hazardous waste manifests supported by user fees. In FY 2020, EPA will
operate the e-Manifest system and the Agency anticipates collecting and depositing approximately
$24 million in e-Manifest user fees into the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System Fund.
Based upon authority to collect and spend e-Manifest fees provided by Congress in annual
appropriations bills, the fees will be utilized for the operation of the system and necessary program
expenses. Fees will fully support the e-Manifest Program, including future development costs. The
legislative proposal to authorize collection and spending of the fees is as follows:
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate
fees in accordance with section 3024 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6939g) for fiscal
year 2020.
835
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Issuing grants for PM 2.5 monitoring network under Clean Air Act Sections 103 and 105
Per the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115-141), EPA is directed to use Section 103
of the Clean Air Act to provide grants to states for the PM 2.5 monitoring network. Accordingly,
EPA continues to issue grants to states for the network exclusively under Section 103. EPA
requests the flexibility to use both Sections 103 and 105 authorities under the Clean Air Act to
issue grants to states for the PM 2.5 monitoring network.
$151,961,000 shall be for grants, including associated program support costs, to states, federally
recognized tribes, interstate agencies, Tribal consortia, and air pollution control agencies for
multi-media or single media pollution prevention, control and abatement and related activities,
including activities pursuant to the provisions set forth under this heading in Public Law 104-134,
and for making grants under Sections 103 and 105 of the Clean Air Act for particulate matter
monitoring and data collection activities subject to terms and conditions specified by the
Administrator.
Current statutory language directs EPA to issue grants in support of the PM 2.5 monitoring under
Section 103 of the Clean Air Act. However, given the maturity of the PM 2.5 monitoring network,
it is appropriate for EPA to provide grants to states to fund the network under Section 105 of the
Clean Air Act. The PM 2.5 monitoring network is a continuing activity in support of air quality
management, which aligns with authorized activities under Section 105, whereas Section 103 is
intended to fund research, demonstration, and other similar activities. The proposed language gives
the Agency more flexibility to award grants under Section 103 and 105 authorities. The Clean Air
Act Section 105 authority provides for cost-sharing between EPA and the states with up to 60
percent of costs provided by EPA.
Service Fees for the Administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA Fees Rule)
On June 22, 2016, the "Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act" (P.L. 114-
182) was signed into law, amending numerous sections of the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA). The amendments provide authority to the Agency to establish fees for certain activities
under Sections 4, 5 and 6 of TSCA, as amended, to defray 25 percent of the costs of administering
these Sections and requirements under Section 14. The amendments removed the previous cap that
the Agency may charge for pre-manufacturing notification reviews. Fees collected under the
TSCA Fees Rule will be deposited in the TSCA Service Fee Fund for use by EPA. Fees under this
structure began to be incurred through EPA rulemaking on October 1,2018 and replaces the former
Pre-Manufacturing Notification Fees. The legislative proposal to authorize collection and
spending of the fees is as follows:
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is authorized to collect and obligate
fees in accordance with section 26(b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2625(b)) for
fiscal year 2020.
Oil and Chemical Facility Compliance Assistance
The FY 2020 Budget requests authorization for the Administrator to collect and obligate fees to
provide compliance assistance services for facilities who are required to prepare and submit Spill
836
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Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans or Facility Response Plans under section 311 (j) of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and for facilities who are required to prepare and submit
a Risk Management Plan under Section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act. These fees are discretionary
and would start in FY 2020 after the Agency establishes procedures for making and accepting a
facility's request for voluntary assistance. The fees are offsetting collections and would provide
for necessary expenses, including the development, operation, and maintenance of this voluntary
compliance assistance service.
The legislative proposals to authorize collection and spending of the fees are as follows:
• Oil Spill: Prevention, Preparedness, and Response
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may collectfees to provide compliance
assistance services for owners and operators of a non-transportation related onshore or offshore
facility located landward of the coastline required to prepare and submit Spill Prevention Control
and Countermeasure Plans or Facility Response Plans under section 3 ll(j) of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 132 l(j)): Provided, That fees collected for compliance assistance
services pursuant to the authority provided in this paragraph by the Administrator in fiscal year
2020 shall be deposited in the Inland Oil Spill Programs account and shall remain available until
expendedfor the expenses of providing compliance assistance services: Providedfurther, That the
amount of such fees shall be based on the amount of compliance assistance services provided by
the agency: Providedfurther, That the owner or operator of a non-transportation related onshore
or offshore facility located landward of the coastline required to prepare and submit a Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan or a Facility Response Plan under section 311(j) of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321(j))may request that the Administrator
conduct an on-site walk-through of the facility to assist the owner or operator in complying with
such section: Provided further, That the walk-through shall be conducted within one year of an
accepted request: Providedfurther, That the Administrator may establish procedures for making
and accepting such a request: Provided further, That observations, findings, conclusions, and
recommendations made by the Administrator when conducting an on-site walk-through, including
any report after an on-site walk-through, shall not in any private action or suit for damages or
bodily injury, or in any action under section 505 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1365), be used or admitted as evidence: Providedfurther, That the Administrator may, by
guidance, establish policies for the use of such evidence in actions under the Act.
• State and Local Prevention and Preparedness
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency may collectfees to provide compliance
assistance services for owners or operators of a stationary source required to prepare and submit
a Risk Management Plan under section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7412(r)(7)):
Provided, That fees collected for compliance assistance services pursuant to the authority
provided in this paragraph by the Administrator in fiscal year 2020 shall be deposited in the
Environmental Programs and Management account and shall remain available until September
30, 2021for the expenses of providing compliance assistance services: Providedfurther, That the
amount of such fees shall be based on the amount of compliance assistance services provided by
the agency: Provided further, That the owner or operator of a stationary source required to
prepare and submit, or that has prepared and submitted, a Risk Management Plan under section
837
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112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7412 (r) (7)) may request that the Administrator conduct
an on-site walk-through of the stationary source to assist the owner or operator in complying with
such section: Provided further, That the walk-through shall be conducted within one year of an
accepted request: Provided further, That the Administrator may establish procedures for making
and accepting such a request: Providedfurther, That the observations, findings, conclusions, and
recommendations made by the Administrator when conducting an on-site walk-through, including
any report after an on-site walk-through, shall not in any private action or suit for damages or
bodily injury, or in any action under section 304 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7604), beusedor
admitted as evidence: Provided further, That the Administrator may, by guidance, establish
policies for the use of such evidence in actions under the Act.
Title 42 Authority
EPA currently has authority to appoint up to 50 persons under 42 U.S.C. section 209 (f) - (h),
which is separate and apart from the Title 5 General Schedule and Senior Executive Service
system. The Title 42 hiring authority allows EPA's Office of Research and Development to meet
the Agency's current, critical research needs by competing for the best and the brightest
environmental researchers in academia, private industry, and other government agencies. Title 42
provides EPA with the ability to direct hire world-renowned scientists and engineers and offer
them competitive, market-based salaries.
For the sole purposes of extending the authority, the current proposal is:
Proposed Language to Add to FY 2020:
The fourth paragraph under the heading "Administrative Provisions " in title II of Public Law 113-
235 is amended by striking "2020 " and inserting "2025. "
Authority language would read:
For fiscal years 2020 through 2025, the Administrator may, after consultation with the Office of
Personnel Management, employ up to fifty persons at any one time in the Office of Research and
Development under the authority provided in 42 U.S.C. 209.
838
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Attorney Fee and Cost Payments Obligated in FY 2018 Under Equal Access for Justice
Date of
Final fee
agreement
or court
disposition
Case Name
Court
Case
Number
Judge
Case
Disposition
Amount of
Fees
and/or
Costs Paid
Source of
Funds
Was
amount
negotiated
or court
ordered?
Recipients
Nature of Case
Hourly Rate of
Attorney
Hourly
Rate of
Expert
Witness
5/10/2018
Waterkeeper
Alliance, Sierra
Club, The
Humane
Society of the
United States,
Environmental
Integrity
Project, and the
Center for Food
Safety
District of
Columbia
Circuit
Court
09-1017
Stephen
Williams
Court Ordered
$243,699.67
EPA
Appropriations
Court Ordered
after litigation
of fees
Earthjustice
Petitioners
success&lly
challenged a final
rule which
provided a lull
CERCLA § 103
reporting
exemption and
partial EPCRA §
304 reporting
exemption for
releases of
hazardous
substances into the
air from animal
waste at farms.
Attorney Range:
$174.77 - $200.20
Paralegal/Clerk
Range:
$152-$195
No expert
witnesses
6/26/2018
Center for Food
Safety,
International
Center for
Technology
Assessment vs.
EPA
9th Circuit
15-72312
Judges
Melloy,
Clifton,
Watford
Court vacated
EPA's
registration
decision;
DOJ/EPA
negotiated fee
settlement
$45,000.00
EPA
Appropriations
Negotiated
Center for
Food Safety
Petitioners
challenged EPA's
conditional
registration of a
new nanosilver
active
ingredient.in a
pesticide product
intended for use in
textile and
plastics.
We did not agree on
an hourly rate to
reach the $45,000
settlement. But the
highest hourly rate
given was for the
senior attorney,
George Kimbrell at
$550/hour, and the
lowest junior
attorney at
$235/hour
No expert
witnesses.
9/20/2018
A Community
Voice-
Louisiana vs.
EPA
Northern
District of
California
3:17-cv-06293
Judge
Jeffrey
S. White
Court vacated
the challenged
portion of
EPA's action;
DOJ/EPA
negotiated fee
settlement
$75,000.00
EPA
Appropriations
Negotiated
Earthjustice
(on behalf of
A
Community
Voice-
Louisiana)
Petitioners
successfiilly
challenged a final
rule's one-year
extension of a
compliance date
for the TSCA
formaldehyde rule
on composite
wood products.
We did not agree on
an hourly rate to
reach the $75,000
settlement.
No expert
witnesses.
839
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Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan
Department and component:
Environmental Protection Agency
Purpose: The purpose of this document is to describe the Agency's plan for implementing the
Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) program. Per 5 CFR 595.107, the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) must approve this plan prior to the Agency entering into any
PCA service agreement. Changes to this plan must be reviewed and approved by OMB in
accordance with 5 CFR 595.107.
Reporting: In addition to the plan, each year, components utilizing PCA will include their PCA
worksheet in the OMB Justification (OMBJ), typically in September. OMB and OPM will use this
data for Budget development and congressional reporting.
Plan for Implementing the PCA program:
la) Identify the categories of physician positions the Agency has established are covered by
PCA under § 595.103. Please include the basis for each category. If applicable, list and
explain the necessity of any additional physician categories designated by your agency (for
categories other than I through IV-B). List Any Additional Physician Categories
Designated by Your Agency: Pursuant to 5 CFR 595.107, any additional category of
physician receiving a PCA, not covered by categories I through IV-B, should be listed and
accompanied by an explanation as to why these categories are necessary.
Category of Physician
Position
Covered by Agency
(mark "x" if covered)
Basis for Category
Category I Clinical Position
Number of
Physicians
Receiving PCAs
by Category
(non-add)
Category II Research
Position
X
The small population of EPA
Research Physicians
experiences modest turnover.
The value of the physicians'
comparability allowance to
EPA is as a retention tool. We
are told regularly that absent the
allowance, some EPA research
physicians would seek
employment at federal agencies
that provide the allowance.
Category III Occupational
Health
Category IV-A Disability
Evaluation
Category IV-B Health and
Medical Admin.
840
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Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Plan (continued)
2) Explain the recruitment and retention problem(s) for each category of physician in your
agency (this should demonstrate that a current need continues to persist). § 595 of 5CFR
Ch. 1 requires that an agency may determine that a significant recruitment and retention
problem exists only if all of the following conditions apply:
- Evidence indicates that the Agency is unable to recruit and retain physicians for the
category;
- The qualification requirements being sought do not exceed the qualifications necessary
for successful performance of the work;
- The Agency has made efforts to recruit and retain candidates in the category; and
- There are not a sufficient number of qualified candidates available if no comparability
allowance is paid.
Category of Physician Position
Recruitment and retention problem
Number of
Physicians
Receiving
PCAs by
Category
(non-add)
Category I Clinical Position
Category II Research Position
The small population of EPA Research Physicians
experiences modest turnover. The value of the
physicians' comparability allowance to EPA is as a
retention tool. We are told regularly that absent the
allowance, some EPA research physicians would seek
employment at federal agencies that provide the
allowance.
Category III Occupational Health
Category IV-A Disability
Evaluation
Category IV-B Health and Medical
Admin.
3) Explain how the Agency determines the amounts to be used for each category of
physicians.
Category of Physician Position
Basis of comparability allowance amount
Number of
Physicians
Receiving
PCAs by
Category
(non-add)
Category I Clinical Position
Category II Research Position
EPA reviews the experience and technical expertise of
the candidates. Combined with other salary ranges in the
private sector and in review of other federal agencies, we
try to be within a range that allows us to retain the
employees.
Category III Occupational Health
Category IV-A Disability
Evaluation
Category IV-B Health and Medical
Admin.
841
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4) Does the Agency affirm that the PCA plan is consistent with the provisions of 5 U.S.C.
5948 and the requirements of § 595 of 5 CFR Ch. 1?
| Yes
842
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Physicians' Comparability Allowance (PCA) Worksheet
1) Department and component:
Environmental Protection Agency
2) Explain the recruitment and retention problem(s) justifying the need for the PCA pay
authority.
(.Please include any staffing data to support your explanation, such as number and duration of
unfilled positions and number of accessions and separations per fiscal year.)
Historically, the number of EPA Research Physicians is between three and seven positions. This
small population experiences modest turnover. The value of the physicians' comparability allowance
to EPA is as a retention tool.
3-4) Please complete the table below with details of the PCA agreement for the following
years:
PY 2018
(Actual)
CY 2019
(Estimates)
BY* 2020
(Estimates)
3 a) Number of Physicians Receiving PC As
3
4
4
3b) Number of Physicians with One-Year PCA
Agreements
3 c) Number of Physicians with Multi-Year PCA
Agreements
3
4
4
4a) Average Annual PCA Physician Pay (without PCA
payment)
$141,457
$144,759
$147,509
4b) Average Annual PCA Payment
$26,667
$26,667
$26,667
*BY data will be approved during the BY Budget cycle. Please ensure eac
l column is
completed.
5) Explain the degree to which recruitment and retention problems were alleviated in your
agency through the use of PC As in the prior fiscal year.
(.Please include any staffing data to support your explanation, such as number and duration of
unfilled positions and number of accessions and separations per fiscal year.)
We are told regularly that absent the allowance, some EPA research physicians would seek
employment at federal agencies that provide the allowance.
6) Provide any additional information that may be useful in planning PCA staffing levels
and amounts in your agency.
An agency with a very small number of physician positions and a low turn-over rate among them
still needs the allowance authority to maintain the stability of the small population. Those who opt
for federal employment in opposition to private sector employment still want the maximum pay
available in the federal sector. Were it not for the PCA, EPA would regularly lose some of its
physicians to other federal agencies that offer the allowance, requiring EPA to refill vacant positions.
Turn-over statistics should be viewed in this light.
843
-------
IT Resource Statements
IT Resource Statements
Environmental Protection Agency
IT Resource Statements for FY 2020 PB Budget Submission
-.cm-mrnt
EPA Statement
Sijn,iii;n;l>,iU-
A statement thai ihc CIO uilabomted
wii ail component CIO® and Is
Office of if Cief fimaciil Officer
(OCFO)mithelT Budget
Submissions, and that IT includes
appropriate estimates of all IT
ranges included in the Isudgei
raiuestMdeti's budget.
The CIO collaborates regularly with Senior IT
Leaden on IT service and resource priorities.
For tie BY20 Prca'dcit'i Budget planning
cycle, the OCIO reviewed ill investments in the
Agency IT Portfolio Summary (AHPS) with the
Office of die Chief Rtiiieiil Officer {OCFO)
and provided feedback to ill Program offices'
piping their iijor IT Investments, The CiO
also conducted IT poniiia Bfiem will OCFO
participation, In cowed all CPIC investments
aid their projected FY! Presidential budget
figures, The FY20 CPIC major estimates«this
budget submission are consistent with data
nesented in the IT Portfolio Renews.
fllVj'{/ 5" 6'$
Holly Gri|e Dale
Chief Fimncii! Officer
Vaughn Nogs Date
Clef Information Officer
A SUM from the CIO Willing
the extent to whfcb the CIO to
reviewed and lad significant input in
approving IT irocsimcats included in
lis budget request. For example, if
the CIO reviewed ml approved all
investments from
Biiftiii/CwnpiffltfOpfaiiBg
Dtvijion/Mode A, 1, aid C, but not
D. then lie statement must identify
that li« CIO reviewed and approved
Investment* from
Biiresu/Conpiicni/Opriliii
DifiiiiilWi A, 1, and C.
The CIO' bis significant irpt in approving IT
investments operated by fa Office ofMissun
Sipprt {(11), As noted above, the CIO is©
reviewed ill CPIC investments annually is part
of the Prsieif i Budget process. Additionally,
the CIO annually reviews thetopllne budget
iimkrs for the Agency's 11 Investment
Portfolio with a locus on topliies by IflCk by
CPIC Investment Category fevdL by Put, 1,1
and 3 of lT Portfolio, by appropriation, by IT
spend type, by IT Twer, and by program. CIO
also reviews il new, consolidated, eliminated
and retired investments.
\j ~~*p 3 ¦'2 *'» ' "1
Vaughn Noga Date
Chief Information Officer
844
-------
[OMB'.uiilj ii l
1' 1' \ *¦' it. hk :.!
Niyulut-a'DaN
h jni"'i rian ins f HT'f> niitl
OCIO ifaiiff in§ the @teil 1® which
the CK> p!ud t role in
reviewing i)hnii«l IT itiwrcci for
nipr propii and safaifscani
ircM* :nhlrfi,'iSrt nil RNHras
in lis budget
;
Ik ono ni OCR) nee! repMr ft* imw
top ism ton ! a*lir.y 1U OCFO md with
ik OCIO per to the BY2I President's Budget
submission I® mh&e Hi IT budget silnisstai
fw planned IT rcsnuas for injur prog nil
•uiJ <. n iiwiscs and fawn in the
overall IT budget
MyureL. !
Chief Flniwial Olftasr
|/-*7 I'll-2sif
Viigln Nop Date
tiiclTft'innialkwi OlViOJ
An update of tie ClO'l common
baseline ritiiif for Element DICIO
ttviltt s ,ii»d ojximts major IT
portion of budget request} to show
i the iliS'if®! (HitccnK ill*!
:
;
1, liciiiiffcifi- Agency has not
Fully implemented - EPA In develops .md
!Biplc«ieiid its p-jn v amm Hit fcrCoiimflu
Baseline Element D ("CIO «*ie#i mi
itppmm major IT intntmeai portion tf'fatiJp
repast"), all PTFARA sfijiiwliliies we in
place.
lj ' 3-11
' .'I'l igll- '
Clief iiftiiiitifii Officer
j siirtcd rfcvclopiiietii ©fa pten |
j Itiniliif dimpsilwil j
I i
lis? iiiw Fl'TARA ;
Bspciiilililisii? in place.
2, |%iitIIfaci«SMS-A|fncf
[¦I 'A«rl:i.4 lt» Jesdap t plili
describing I* changes it will
nwkc to ensure (hat all
teielitt FITARA
responsibilities m » place.
.1 Fully iftplcaeiiftl - Agency
hasdcvcJpppd a»td ,
845
-------
iaplcfBiPitaitepliiioeKuK
llwi p,1 i-wrjim baseline
PITARA responsibilities are ia
pim.
n'A
l>.ik
The citenl tt wiicti fa CIO tan
oniff the use of iittreiflental
development. I'oi example,. if the CIO
en certify that ill ip-fstmenif fa®
birau/ainipieriiA, 11, C, fail nel 1)
tie iiaiif inenaneniat iefdoptftal
practices, iliiii the itatewrert must
icrtiff thai the CIO certifies lilt
f»»i bureaus A, ft, and C
are using riicteioiil ItfelffpiiiK
practices.
I-.PA l'i% oik major invaiine.i! tn ^ k\«
Cftci'-ii.ial -a tiiiptep«|liifOlcnlil
development, and the five iiMiliiiil inijtw
investments 3ia« seif-ctrtlflrf »employing
iaqreroenut development. EPA wilt elude md
document f 00 ecriificaiioi! jmu» w ? uv
e! fiiaaiienii deve lop wit,
During FtTARA acquisition reviews ifii 11
Portfolio Review* CMS b» identified sevent
system thai use nurture Ayk Jm-kiwrci'i
p*iits EPA activities to piiiiM* Agile
practices include an IT Fellowship pra^am stitl
standing up « Developer's Olil,. In addition,
EP awarded « Agile ooachiig aid
training contract » help program* adopt Apfe
rnclhodaloj
1
fiUfliiNop
Clifef Infofniiini Officer
Date
^otes:
846
-------
IG's Comments on the FY2020 President's Budget
-8 2019
The Honorable Mick Mulvaney
Director
Office of Management and Budget
Executive Office of the President
725 17* Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20303
Dear Mr. Mulvaney:
Pursuant to Section 6{,g)(3) of (be Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, I aaa submitting
conan.ien.ts concerning the- President's proposed fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency"* (EPA's) Office of Inspector General (OIG-).. Section 6{ei( 3 *- j?f
the Inspector General. Act of 1978 provides that:
The President shall include in each budget of tlie United States Government submitted, to
Congress- (E) any comments of the affected. Inspector General with respect to the
proposal if the Inspector General conctode® that die budget submitted tsy the President
would substantially inhibit the Inspector Geneial from performing the duties o-f the office.
The President's proposed FY 2020 budget would, create a significant challenge for the EPA OlCi's
ability to accomplish its mission. Tlie President's FY202©budget proposes a. $48.5 million fbndiag
levd fbr tlie EPA OIG, wliicli. is $1..S million less than our SS 0.3 million FT 2018 enacted
appropriations.
Tlie proposed FY 2020 funding level would have a negative impact on our production capacity And our
ability to respond to efver-demandiBg and increased woxfclond requirements. As such, I do not agree witli
the President's budget request, because such a pioposal would substantially inhibit the OIG from folly
perforating its dirties. "Hmmms duties are to cond&ct audits and .investigations of EPA programs and
operations; promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of" those programs; and
detect and prevent waste, fraud and abuse.
Tbe EPA GICS's primary products are audits, evaluations and investigations of EPA programs and
operations. Such activity is labor intensive and most of our budget goes to pay for the salaries o-f our
employees. The EPA OIG also is obligated to carry out many aii.di.ts mandated by statute, which
necessarily reduces our resources to conduct discretionary audits.
While tlie- EPA OIG tries to balance its workload with a tight FY 2018 enacted appropriation of $59.3
million, the proposed tadgel of $48.5 million, would further hinder oar ability to -perform, discretionary
audits and evaluations. Tlie discretionary work that we do fulfills our obligation nder the IG Act in
keeping: EPA
847
-------
leadership and Congress apprised ofpnMons nod deficiencies relating to the agency's pogum and
operations, pcoirides vifaxble management tools to EPA leadership, and produces a positive return on
investment to taxpayers. The impact of a. 141.5 million budget would create great risk for the agency and
reduce tnptyo^ return on ssnHtmeot.
Hie EPA OIG receives multiple and varied inquiries to review' EPA actions or inaction. During 'the past
fiscal year, requests for ©or services far exceeded our ability to handle them. For example,, we had to
inform congressional requesters and otfa.es. that we could, either not undertake their requested review,
only do a portion of the requested work or try to do the requested work eventually. These requests
iKtnde projects that we believe have agmfjcmt value. However, we ware fetccd to forego them
because out: lack of resources resulted, in a opacity to adequately respond.
I respectfully request that the President's budget recognize the important wodc that Hie EPA OIG'
coataaw to perform and tlie increased risk to flw EPA and its mission if our fiiiiding levels are ttdbctd
to $48.5 million. I request that the EPA OIG's initial budget request of $58 million be recogniawl If ctw
budget request is not going to be recognized,. pursuant to Section 6(g)(3 )(E) of the JG Act, these
comments should then be included when 'the President's budget is transmitted to Congress.
If yow or your staff have any questions or would lite to meet to discuss 'this mattes, please feel free to
contact me at (20.2) 566-0841 -or at
Sincerely,.
iMt j.
Charles Slfcetian
Acting Inspector General
cc: Michael Horowitz, Chair, Cnacii of the Inspectors General on Integrity and 'Efficiency
Matthew Z. Leopold, General Counsel, EPA
Holly W. Giwrves, Chief Financial Officer, EPA
848
-------
EPA Budget by National Program Manager and Major Office
Dollars in Thousands
FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution
FY 2020 President's Budget
NPM
Major Office
Pay($K)
Non-Pay ($K)
Total ($K)
FTE
Pay($K)
Non-Pay ($K)
Total ($K)
FTE
OA
Immediate Office
$6,305
$687
$6,992
36.4
$3,798
$536
$4,334
22.1
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations
$7,029
$481
$7,510
45.9
$6,848
$206
$7,054
40.3
Office of Public Affairs
$6,297
$410
$6,707
37.0
$5,142
$147
$5,289
30.5
Office of Public Engagement
$1,158
$76
$1,234
5.8
$2,024
$53
$2,077
12.0
Office of Policy
$23,084
$4,456
$27,541
125.1
$26,511
$5,844
$32,355
136.2
Children's Health Protection
$2,503
$2,889
$5,392
14.4
$1,416
$50,610
$52,026
7.9
Environmental Education
$849
$7,330
$8,179
5.5
$0
$0
$0
0.0
Office of Civil Rights
$3,218
$699
$3,918
19.8
$3,318
$346
$3,664
18.5
Executive Secretariat
$1,740
$119
$1,859
12.4
$1,854
$42
$1,896
11.0
Executive Services
$3,263
$507
$3,770
20.7
$2,511
$161
$2,672
14.9
Homeland Security
$1,930
$480
$2,410
5.2
$1,986
$305
$2,291
5.3
Science Advisory Board
$3,334
$542
$3,876
17.5
$3,649
$104
$3,753
18.7
Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
$1,599
$1,090
$2,689
11.3
$440
$651
$1,090
2.4
Regional Resources
$27,515
$2,319
$29,834
172.5
$35,425
$2,584
$38,009
212.3
TOTAL
$89,824
$22,087
$111,911 ....
535.5
$94,922 .
$61,590
$156,512
536.1
OAR
Immediate Office
$9,300
$74,871
$84,171
54.1
$8,704
$53,046
$61,750
47.7
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
$51,970
$42,835
$94,805
343.9
$39,965
$43,207
$83,171
240.7
Office of Atmospheric Programs
$35,702
$71,080
$106,782
213.8
$21,306
$13,646
$34,952
117.4
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
$54,323
$121,247
$175,570
341.8
$50,863
$35,485
$86,348
296.7
Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
$24,108
$13,457
$37,565
148.9
$11,880
$5,253
$17,133
72.0
Regional Resources
$83,927
$210,848
$294,775
567.8
$69,925
$82,837
$152,763
435.3
TOTAL
$259,330
$534,337
$793,667
1,670.3
$202,643
$233,474
$436,117
1,209.8
OCFO
Immediate Office
$1,603
$1,406
$3,009
10.0
$1,583
$539
$2,123
10.0
Centerfor Environmental Finance
$0
$0
$0
0.0
$0
$0
$0
0.0
Office of Budget
$6,411
$2,537
$8,948
40.0
$6,017
$2,005
$8,022
38.0
Office of Planning, Analysis and Accountability
$3,526
$284
$3,810
22.0
$3,484
$347
$3,831
22.0
Office of Financial Management
$0
$0
$0
0.0
$0
$0
$0
0.0
Office of Technology Solutions
$7,998
$24,577
$32,575
49.9
$7,300
$27,371
$34,671
46.1
Office of Financial Services
$0
$0
$0
0.0
$0
$0
$0
0.0
Office of Resource and Information Management
$2,084
$1,651
$3,734
13.0
$1,742
$836
$2,577
11.0
Office of the Controller
$21,782
$2,216
$23,998
135.9
$21,123
$2,930
$24,053
133.4
OCFO eEnterprise
$1,045
$300
$1,345
5.0
$731
$300
$1,031
4.0
Regional Resources
$28,661
$1,692
$30,353
202.1
$29,321
$1,199
$30,521
196.0
TOTAL
$73,109
$34,664
$107,773
477.9
$71,301
$35,528 ,
$106,829
J58.5
OCSPP
Immediate Office
$5,864
$2,127
$7,992
32.7
$5,795
$771
$6,566
30.5
Office of Pesticide Programs
$72,800
$24,084
$96,884
445.1
$72,365
$3,420
$75,785
410.9
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
$51,195
$27,630
$78,826
313.6
$36,549
$32,602
$69,151
212.7
Office of Science Coordination and Policy
$3,516
$6,486
$10,002
20.3
$918
$13
$931
4.9
Regional Resources
$21,399
$31,320
$52,719
147.6
$11,522
$8,230
$19,751
75.7
TOTAL
$154,774
$91,648
$246,422
959.3
$127,148
$45,036
$172,184
/-1./
OECA
Immediate Office
$7,267
$1,740
$9,006
40.5
$7,455
$1,372
$8,827
40.0
Office of Civil Enforcement
$22,669
$11,260
$33,929
121.4
$19,590
$4,373
$23,963
58.9
Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics, and Training
$56,040
$10,488
$66,528
296.0
$52,043
$10,318
$62,361
256.3
849
-------
FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution
FY 2020 President's Budget
NPM
Major Office
Pay($K)
Non-Pay ($K)
Total f$K)
FTE
Pay($K)
Non-Pay ($K)
Total ($K)
FTE
Office of Compliance
$17,146
$46,737
104.5
Office of Environmental Justice
53,570
51,647
$5,216
22.0
$0
$0
$0
0.0
Office of Federal Activities
$2,877
51,476
$4,353
16.8
$0
$0
$0
0.0
Federal Facilities Enforcement Office
52,344
$586
$2,930
13.3
$2,424
$398
$2,822
12.7
Office of Site Remediation Enforcement
511,510
$24,443
$35,953
55.1
$12,347
$25,736
$38,083
55.4
Regional Resources
5306,104
$44,511
$350,616
1,995.8
$280,564
$14,447
$295,011
1,708.3
TOTAL
5431,998
$113,298
$545,296
2,683.5
$393,580
$84,223
$477,803
2,286.1
OGC
Immediate Office
52,822
$28
$2,850
15.7
$2,296
$46
$2,342
11.8
Air and Radiation Law Office
58,484
$5
$8,489
44.0
$6,778
$17
$6,795
33.8
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Law Office
54,157
$4
$4,161
18.9
$3,496
$16
$3,512
17.7
Solid Waste and Emergency Response Law Office
52,807
$17
$2,824
16.0
$2,270
$25
$2,295
11.5
Water Law Office
53,715
$118
$3,834
19.6
$3,437
$10
$3,447
17.4
Civil Rights-Title VI
52,031
$161
$2,193
12.0
$1,631
$300
$1,931
5.0
Other Legal Support
518,389
$976
$19,365
108.8
$18,966
$2,524
$21,490
58.6
Regional Resources
$557
$27,551
149.6
$26,617
$991
$27,608
137.4
TOTAL
569,400
$1,866
$71,266
384.6
$65,491
53,929
$69,420
337.2
OIG
Immediate Office
5666
$69
$735
3.0
$633
575
$708
3.0
Office of Audit
524,951
$828
$25,779
153.0
$23,708
5684
$24,392
138.0
Office of Congressional, Public Affairs and Management
53,204
$79
$3,283
19.0
$3,044
5362
$3,406
17.0
Office of Chief of Staff
56,042
$2,585
$8,627
38.0
$5,741
52,821
$8,562
35.0
Office of Investigations
510,732
$1,112
$11,844
53.0
$10,198
51,213
$11,411
49.0
TOTAL
545,595
$4,672
$50,267
266,0
$43,324
55,155
$48,479
242.0
OITA
Immediate Office
51,016
$89
$1,105
5.0
$421
555
$476
2.0
Office of Regional and Bilateral Affairs
53,501
$2,721
$6,222
20.7
$962
51,101
$2,063
5.0
Office of Global Affairs and Policy
53,400
$227
$3,627
20.1
$962
51,089
$2,051
5.0
Office of Management and International Services
51,962
$594
$2,556
11.6
$782
5719
$1,501
4.0
American Indian Environmental Office
52,621
$647
$3,269
15.5
$2,662
51,001
$3,663
14.3
Regional Resources
511,823
$66,820
$78,644
79.2
$9,183
544,604
$53,787
55.9
TOTAL
524,324
$71,099
$95,423
153.1
$14,973
548,568
$63,541
36.2
OLEM
Immediate Office
57,876
$5,142
$13,018
43.7
$5,803
54,901
$10,705
30.4
Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office
52,258
$825
$3,084
13.4
$2,357
5626
$2,983
13.2
Office of Communication, Partnership, and Analysis
52,341
$1,656
$3,998
12.9
$2,073
51,313
$3,387
11.1
Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
523,739
$69,948
$93,687
139.8
$26,725
569,224
$95,950
146.3
Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery
524,809
$13,483
$38,292
147.9
$19,128
57,795
$26,924
109.5
Office of Underground Storage Tanks
54,406
$2,541
$6,947
24.3
$3,137
5261
$3,398
16.3
Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
52,420
$12,738
$15,159
14.9
$2,206
511,211
$13,417
12.1
Office of Emergency Management
512,043
$29,380
$41,423
58.0
$11,150
524,696
$35,846
59.6
Regional Resources
5262,500
$829,451
$1,091,951
1,739.4
$252,464
5587,094
$839,558
1,575.0
TOTAL
>342,394
$965,164
$1,307,558
2,204.3
$325,043
5707,123
$1,032,166
1,973.5
OMS*
Immediate Office
513,442
$46,914
$60,356
79.3
$14,180
527,096
$41,277
31.6
Environmental Appeals Board
52,916
$128
$3,045
14.0
$2,261
527
$2,288
11.3
Administrative Law Judges
51,547
$171
$1,717
5.2
$2,547
535
$2,582
12.5
Office of Human Resources
518,148
$313,128
$331,276
51.0
$18,623
5327,177
$345,801
35.6
Office of Administration
520,369
$5,869
$26,238
51.0
$19,569
57,440
$27,009
58.6
OARM - Research Triangle Park
510,892
$30,879
$41,770
59.9
$10,591
532,921
$43,512
78.9
850
-------
FY 2019 Annualized Continuing Resolution
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
FY 2020 President's Budget
Pay ($K) Non-Pay ($K) Total ($K) FTE
NPM Major Office
Office of Grants and Debarment
$10,210
$4,423
$14,633
62.0
$9,545
$4,184
$13,729
53.5
OARM - Cincinnati
$10,636
$19,378
$30,014
77.7
$10,259
$17,601
$27,860
70.5
Office of Acquisition Solutions
$29,152
$9,992
$39,144
191.8
$29,599
$8,668
$38,266
181.9
Office of Enterprise Information Programs
$5,841
$8,546
$14,388
33.5
$6,212
$5,632
$11,844
33.4
Office of Information Management
$9,746
$31,430
$41,176
54.9
$10,654
$21,284
$31,937
56.5
Office of Digital Services & Technical Architecture
$3,332
$2,569
$5,901
18.5
$4,154
$1,707
$5,862
22.1
Office of Customer Advocacy, Policy & Portfolio Management
$5,514
$3,044
$8,558
32.3
$5,435
$2,146
$7,581
30.5
Office of Information Security & Privacy
$3,105
$6,339
$9,444
19.2
$2,404
$17,040
$19,444
13.9
Office of Information Technology Operations
$1,928
$3,630
$5,559
10.7
$1,868
$2,483
$4,351
10.0
Regional Resources
$57,514
$133,987
485.6
$52,834
$123,607
430.5
TOTAL
$223,250
$543,954
$767,204
1,340.6
$218,674
$528,274
$746,948
1,261.3
ORD
ORD Headquarters
$48,382
$60,181
$108,564
300.9
$37,149
$21,784
$58,933
221.5
National Center for Environmental Research
$6,747
$43,216
$49,963
40.9
$646
$2,363
$3,009
3.8
National Exposure Research Laboratory
$47,446
$31,337
$78,782
294.3
$37,217
$14,242
$51,459
217.7
National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory
$65,550
$46,118
$111,668
434.9
$54,383
$23,575
$77,958
319.2
National Homeland Security Research Center
$7,638
$10,618
$18,256
44.1
$5,065
$7,348
$12,413
29.6
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
$41,148
$26,284
$67,431
268.0
$34,490
$12,672
$47,162
200.3
Office of the Science Advisor
$2,752
$2,339
$5,092
14.2
$1,836
$824
$2,660
10.8
National Center for Computational Toxicology
$5,334
$16,121
$21,455
31.0
$4,044
$6,906
$10,950
21.7
National Center for Environmental Assessment
$25,387
$11,424
$36,811
147.0
$15,336
$4,906
$20,242
S4.2
TOTAL
$250,38*
$247,638
$498,022
1,575,3
$190,166
594.620 .
5284.786
1,108.8
OW
Immediate Office
$10,458
$6,359
$16,817
60.3
$10,874
$3,688
$14,562
59.1
Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
$25,725
$41,538
$67,263
157.7
$28,093
$41,931
$70,024
163.5
Office of Science and Technology
$19,003
$16,793
$35,796
110.6
$18,846
$9,593
$28,438
103.5
Office of Wastewater Management
$19,013
$77,837
$96,850
115.4
$21,445
$102,109
$123,554
120.5
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds
$18,837
$24,617
$43,454
109.9
$14,453
$19,666
$34,118
78.8
Regional Resources
$185,669
$3,932,678
$4,118,346
1,259.7
$168,114
$2,261,893
$2,430,008
1,064.7
TOTAL
s'/K./li..
$4,099,821
$4,378,527
1,813.6
$261,824
$2,438,881
$2,700,705
1,590.1
Subtotal Agency Resources
$2,243,088
$6,730,248 $8,973,336
14,064.0
$2,009,089
$4,286,401
$6,295,490
11,824.3
Less Rescission of Prior Year Funds
($148,848)
($227,000)
Reimbursable FTE
312.1
590.3
Total Agency Resources
$2,243,088
$6,730,248
$8,824,488
14,376.1
$2,009,089
$4,286,401
$6,068,490
12,414.6
* The Office of Mission Support (OMS) reflects a merger of the Office of Environmental Information (OEI) and the Office of Administration & Resource Management (OARM)
851
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Fiscal Year 2020: Consolidations, Realignments, or Other Transfers of Resources
There are no consolidations, realignments or other transfers of resources from one program-
project to another associated with the FY 2020 budget submission.
852
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
S. 2276 - Good Accounting Obligation in Government Act
Public Law No: 115-414, January 3, 2019
In accordance with the reporting requirements of the act, Agencies are to submit reports on
outstanding recommendations in the annual budget submitted to Congress.
For the FY 2020 budget justification, two reports have been developed using available
information sources:
• A report listing each open public recommendation of the Government Accountability
Office
• A report listing each open public recommendation for corrective action from the Office
of the Inspector General
The Government Accountability Office Open Recommendations Report is from data collected
from the GAO's website, www.GAO.gov. on March 5, 2019.
The Office of the Inspector General Open Recommendations Report is from data collected from
the EPA's Management Audit Tracking System (MATS) on March 5, 2019.
Due to the only recent enactment of the GAO-IG Act, EPA is in the process of standing up
procedures for reporting GAO and IG recommendation in the budget justification. The
Agency plans to provide updated information in the FY 2021 budget justification.
853
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GAO Open Recommendations
(>.\() I'lihliciilion
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Superfund. LP A Should
Improve the Reliability
of Data on National
Priorities List Sites
Affecting Indian Tribes
GAO-19-1: 3
July- ul-23
flic Director of
EPA's Office of
Superfund
Remediation and
Technology
Innovation should
develop a regular
review process to
ensure the quality
of Superfund
Enterprise
Management
System (SEMS)
data identifying
NPL sites on tribal
property and revise
automated reports
used to check the
accuracy of SEMS
data to include on
tribal property data.
(Recommendation
1)
Coninieiib for I'Y 19
GAO Reports will be
provided after
completion of GAO's
Biannual Open
Recommendations
Update process
scheduled, April 1,
2019
Superfund: EPA Should
Improve the Reliability
of Data on National
Priorities List Sites
Affecting Indian Tribes
GAO-19-123
2019-01-23
The Assistant
Administrator of
EPA's Office of
Land and
Emergency
Management
should clarify
guidance to
regional offices on
how to determine
whether sites have
Native American
Interest (NAI),
including by
adding criteria for
when a site should
be designated as
having NAI in the
SEMS database
and how, if at all,
to adjust SEMS
data if a tribe is no
longer interested in
a site.
Comments for FY 19
GAO Reports will be
provided after
completion of GAO's
Biannual Open
Recommendations
Update process
scheduled, April 1,
2019
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Kccdiiiiiioiidiilious
( OIllllK-lllS
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(Recommendation
2)
Superfund: EPA Should
Improve the Reliability
of Data on National
Priorities List Sites
Affecting Indian Tribes
GAO-19-123
2019-01-23
The Director of
EPA's Office of
Superfund
Remediation and
Technology
Innovation should
clarify agency
guidance regarding
tribal consultation
for the Superfund
program to clearly
identify the
circumstances
under which the
agency should
consider consulting
with tribes.
(Recommendation
3)
Comments for FY 19
GAO Reports will be
provided after
completion of GAO's
Biannual Open
Recommendations
Update process
scheduled, April 1,
2019
Superfund: EPA Should
Improve the Reliability
of Data on National
Priorities List Sites
Affecting Indian Tribes
GAO-19-123
2019-01-23
The Assistant
Administrator of
EPA's Office of
International and
Tribal Affairs
should develop or
revise existing
guidance to clearly
direct regional
officials to
document all
invitations to
consult with tribes
in the Tribal
Consultation
Opportunity
Tracking System
database and
provide the
guidance to those
officials.
(Recommendation
4)
Comments for FY 19
GAO Reports will be
provided after
completion of GAO's
Biannual Open
Recommendations
Update process
scheduled, April 1,
2019
Drinking Water:
Approaches For
Identifying Lead
Service Lines Should
Be Shared With All
States
GAO-18-620
2018-09-21
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water of EPA's
Office of Water
should share
information with
all states about the
approaches that
some states and
Comments for this
GAO Report will be
provided after
completion of GAO's
Biannual Open
Recommendations
Update process
scheduled, April 1,
2019
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Water systems ai'c
using to
successfully
identify and
publicize
information on lead
service lines,
including responses
to potential
challenges.
(Recommendation
1)
Columbia River Basin:
Additional Federal
Actions Would Benefit
Restoration Efforts
GAO-18-561
2018-08-24
The Administrator
of the EPA should
develop a program
management plan
that includes a
schedule of the
actions EPA will
take and the
resources and
funding it needs to
establish and
implement the
Columbia River
Basin Restoration
Program, including
formation of the
associated
Columbia River
Basin Restoration
Working Group,
and submit this
plan to the
appropriate
congressional
authorizing
committees as part
of the fiscal year
2020 budget
process.
(Recommendation
1).
As of December 2018,
EPA had reconvened
the Columbia River
Toxics Reduction
Working Group to
begin implementing its
responsibilities and
actions outlined in the
Columbia River Basin
Restoration Act. Some
of their actions include
developing a program
management plan,
developing a "report
card" on the
implementation of
actions identified in the
2010 Columbia River
Basin Toxics Reduction
Action Plan, and re-
examining a list of
contaminants developed
for a prior USGS State
of the River Report.
Federal Chief
Information Officers:
Critical Actions Needed
to Address
Shortcomings and
Challenges in
Implementing
Responsibilities
GAO-18-93
2018-08-02
The Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should ensure that
the agency's IT
management
policies address the
role of the CIO for
key responsibilities
When we confirm what
actions the agency has
taken in response to this
recommendation, we
will provide updated
information.
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in the six areas we
identified.
(Recommendation
19)
Puget Sound
Restoration: Additional
Actions Could Improve
Assessments of
Progress
GAO-18-453
2018-07-19
The EPA Region
10 Administrator
should work with
the management
conference on
future updates to
the CCMP to help
prioritize among
the indicators that
currently lack
measurable targets
and ensure that
such targets are
developed for the
highest priority
indicators where
possible.
(Recommendation
1)
EPA agreed with this
recommendation and
stated that it has begun
working with partners
from the management
conference to determine
how to address it. We
will provide updated
information once EPA
informs us of the status
of these efforts and any
specific actions taken in
response to this
recommendation.
Puget Sound
Restoration: Additional
Actions Could Improve
Assessments of
Progress
GAO-18-453
2018-07-19
The EPA Region
10 Administrator
should work with
the appropriate
members of the
federal task force
regional
implementation
team to clearly
link, such as
through the
tracking tool, the
Federal Action
Plan's priority
federal actions to
the CCMP's
framework for
assessing progress
toward Puget
Sound restoration.
(Recommendation
2)
EPA agreed with this
recommendation and
identified steps it plans
to take to implement it
beginning in 2019. We
will provide updated
information once EPA
informs us of the status
of these efforts and any
specific actions taken in
response to this
recommendation.
Long Island Sound
Restoration: Improved
Reporting and Cost
Estimates Could Help
Guide Future Efforts
GAO-18-410
2018-07-12
The Director,
working with the
Study, should
ensure that as the
Study finalizes its
reporting format, it
fully incorporates
leading practices of
GAO and EPA are still
in discussion on
comments provided,
updates will be
provided after GAO's
Biannual Open
Recommendations
Update process
857
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( OIllllK-lllS
( lose Diilo
(nil))
performance
reporting.
(Recommendation
1)
scheduled, April 1,
2019
Long Island Sound
Restoration: Improved
Reporting and Cost
Estimates Could Help
Guide Future Efforts
GAO-18-410
2018-07-12
The Director,
working with the
Study, should
develop cost
estimates that
include analyses of
uncertainties for
each of the targets
in the 2015 plan.
(Recommendation
2)
GAO and EPA are still
in discussion on
comments provided,
updates will be
provided after GAO's
Biannual Open
Recommendations
Update process
scheduled, April 1,
2019
Long Island Sound
Restoration: Improved
Reporting and Cost
Estimates Could Help
Guide Future Efforts
GAO-18-410
2018-07-12
The Director,
working with the
Study, should
estimate the range
of potential costs
for all
implementation
actions and include
the estimates in
future supplements
to the 2015 plan.
(Recommendation
3)
GAO and EPA are still
in discussion on
comments provided,
updates will be
provided after GAO's
Biannual Open
Recommendations
Update process
scheduled, April 1,
2019
K-12 Education: Lead
Testing of School
Drinking Water Would
Benefit from Improved
Federal Guidance
GAO-18-382
2018-07-05
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water of EPA's
Office of Water
should promote
further efforts to
communicate the
importance of
testing for lead in
school drinking
water to address
what has been a
varied approach by
regional offices.
For example, the
Assistant
Administrator
could direct those
offices with limited
involvement to
build on the recent
efforts of several
regional offices to
provide technical
assistance and
EPA agreed with this
recommendation. The
agency reported that its
Office of Ground Water
and Drinking Water is
holding regular
meetings with regional
offices on drinking
water in schools and
will continue this
collaboration. EPA also
plans to use
implementation of the
new congressional
appropriation for lead
testing in schools as a
means to improve
consistency in the
agency's approach.
858
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guidance, and other
forms of support.
(Recommendation
1)
K-12 Education: Lead
Testing of School
Drinking Water Would
Benefit from Improved
Federal Guidance
GAO-18-382
2018-07-05
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water of EPA's
Office of Water
should provide
interim or updated
guidance to help
schools choose an
action level for
lead remediation
and more clearly
explain that the
action level
currently described
in the 3Ts for
Reducing Lead in
Drinking Water in
Schools: Revised
Technical
Guidance is not a
health-based
standard.
(Recommendation
2)
EPA agreed with this
recommendation. The
Office of Ground Water
and Drinking Water is
holding regular
meetings with regional
offices, the Office of
Research and
Development and the
Office of Children's
Health Protection to
obtain input to improve
the 3Ts guidance.
Potential revisions
include updates to
implementation
practices, the sampling
protocol, and clarifying
descriptions of different
action levels and
standards.
K-12 Education: Lead
Testing of School
Drinking Water Would
Benefit from Improved
Federal Guidance
GAO-18-382
2018-07-05
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water of EPA's
Office of Water
should, following
the agency's
revisions to the
Lead and Copper
Rule (LCR),
consider whether to
develop a health-
based level, to
include in its
guidance for school
districts, that
incorporates
available scientific
modeling regarding
vulnerable
population
exposures and is
consistent with the
LCR.
(Recommendation
3)
EPA generally agreed
with this
recommendation. While
it has not yet
determined the role of a
health-based
benchmark for lead in
drinking water in the
revised LCR, it sees
value in providing
states, drinking water
systems, and the public
with a greater
understanding of the
potential health
implications for
vulnerable populations
of specific levels of
lead in drinking water.
The EPA notes that
states and local districts
may set lower trigger
levels as a part of their
efforts to further protect
children from lead
859
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(>.\() I'lihliciilion
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Kccdiiiiiioiidiilious
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exposure. Their
objective in reviewing
the 3Ts guidance is to
provide an updated,
informative toolkit to
better help schools and
childcare facilities with
their efforts to reduce
exposure to lead in
drinking water.
K-12 Education: Lead
Testing of School
Drinking Water Would
Benefit from Improved
Federal Guidance
GAO-18-382
2018-07-05
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water of EPA's
Office of Water
should provide
information to
states and school
districts concerning
schedules for
testing school
drinking water for
lead, actions to
take if lead is
found in the
drinking water, and
costs of testing and
remediation.
(Recommendation
4)
EPA agreed with this
recommendation. The
agency stated that it
would continue to reach
out to states and
schools to provide
information, technical
assistance, and training
and will continue to
make the 3Ts guidance
available. In addition,
EPA reported that its
Office of Water and
Office of Children's
Health Protection are
currently collaborating
to develop additional
resources for schools
including a website to
support the 3Ts
guidance and case
studies of school
districts that have tested
for lead. The agency
plans to work with the
Department of
Education to ensure that
school districts and
other stakeholders are
aware of this resource
and continue to provide
training and updated
information to help
schools and childcare
facilities reduce lead in
drinking water,
including schedules for
testing and actions to
take if lead is found.
K-12 Education: Lead
Testing of School
Drinking Water Would
GAO-18-382
2018-07-05
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water of EPA's
Office of Water
EPA agreed with this
recommendation. The
agency noted that
increased collaboration
860
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(>.\() I'lihliciilion
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( OIllllK-lllS
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Ueneiil from liiipi'o\ ed
Federal Guidance
and llie Director of
the Office of
Children's Health
Protection should
collaborate with
Education to
encourage testing
for lead in school
drinking water.
This effort could
include further
dissemination of
EPA guidance
related to lead
testing and
remediation in
schools or sending
letters to states to
encourage testing
in all school
districts that have
not yet done so.
(Recommendation
6)
betweeniis> Office of
Water and Office of
Children's Health
Protection, and between
EPA and the
Department of
Education, could
improve school
districts' awareness of
resources on lead in
drinking water. The
agency will continue to
provide training and
updated information to
better assist schools and
childcare facilities in
their efforts to reduce
lead in drinking water,
including schedules for
testing and actions to
take if lead is found.
Drinking Water and
Wastewater
Infrastructure:
Opportunities Exist to
Enhance Federal
Agency Needs
Assessment and
Coordination on Tribal
Projects
GAO-18-309
2018-05-15
The Administrator
of EPA, in
cooperation with
other members of
the tribal
infrastructure task
force, should
review the 2011
task force report
and identify and
implement
additional actions
to help increase the
task force's
collaboration at the
national level.
(Recommendation
8)
As of October 2018,
EPA had begun
discussing the 2011
task force report with
the other member
agencies to identify and
implement additional
actions to increase
collaboration at the
national level. We will
evaluate EPA's actions
once they are complete.
Drinking Water and
Wastewater
Infrastructure:
Opportunities Exist to
Enhance Federal
Agency Needs
Assessment and
Coordination on Tribal
Projects
GAO-18-309
2018-05-15
The Administrator
of EPA, in
cooperation with
other members of
the tribal
infrastructure task
force, should direct
EPA regional
offices to identify
and pursue
additional
As of October 2018,
EPA was exploring
options and
opportunities with its
regional offices to
improve regional
interagency
collaboration. We will
evaluate EPA's actions
once they are complete.
861
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(>.\() I'lihliciilion
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mechanisms to
increase their
collaboration.
(Recommendation
14)
Critical Infrastructure
Protection: Additional
Actions Are Essential
for Assessing
Cybersecurity
Framework Adoption
GAO-18-211
2018-02-15
The Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should take steps to
consult with
respective sector
partner(s), such as
the SCC, DHS and
NIST, as
appropriate, to
develop methods
for determining the
level and type of
framework
adoption by entities
across their
respective sector.
(Recommendation
4)
When we confirm what
actions the agency has
taken in response to this
recommendation, we
will provide updated
information.
Water and Wastewater
Workforce: Recruiting
Approaches Helped
Industry Hire
Operators, but
Additional EPA
Guidance Could Help
Identify Future Needs
GAO-18-102
2018-01-26
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water should direct
EPA's Office of
Water to amend its
Safe Drinking
Water Act and
Clean Water Act
inspection
guidance
documents to add
questions on
strategic workforce
planning topics-
such as the number
of positions needed
in the future, skills
needed in the
future, and any
potential gaps in
water operator
positions.
(Recommendation
1)
In commenting on the
report, EPA stated that
it agrees with GAO's
recommendation as it
applies to sanitary
surveys for drinking
water utilities. It is in
the process of updating
the survey guidance
manual and it plans to
add questions related to
workforce needs. As the
recommendation
applies to wastewater
utilities, EPA did not
agree or disagree. It
said that inspectors may
be limited in the
information related to
workforce planning that
they can assess because
there is no utility
management section of
the permit compliance
inspection guidance for
wastewater utility
inspections. EPA stated
that where it identifies
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studies or documents oil
adequate staffing of
wastewater facilities, it
will incorporate that
information into its
existing guidance
documents.
Information Technology
Reform: Agencies Need
to Improve Certification
of Incremental
Development
GAO-18-148
2017-11-07
The Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) should
ensure that the CIO
of EPA establishes
an agency-wide
policy and process
for the CIO's
certification of
major IT
investments'
adequate use of
incremental
development, in
accordance with
OMB's guidance
on the
implementation of
FITARA, and
confirm that it
includes: a
description of the
CIO's role in the
certification
process; a
description of how
CIO certification
will be
documented; and a
definition of
incremental
development and
time frames for
delivering
functionality,
consistent with
OMB guidance.
(Recommendation
11)
The Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) concurred with
our recommendation
and stated that it
planned to develop a
policy to implement
this recommendation
and other FITARA
issues. Specifically,
EPA officials reported
in August 2018 that
policy and process
documents were being
developed and would
be finalized in 2019.
We will continue to
monitor EPA's progress
on these efforts.
Stormwater
Management: EPA
Pilot Project to Increase
Use of Green
Infrastructure Could
GAO-17-750
2017-09-28
The Director of
EPA's Office of
Wastewater
Management
should, when
EPA generally agreed
with the
recommendation and
said it will utilize the
collaborative practices
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JJenelil from
Documenting
Collaborative
Agreements
work my with
municipalities and
other stakeholders
to develop long-
term stormwater
plans, document
agreements on how
they will
collaborate, such as
in a memorandum
of understanding,
aligned with our
key considerations
for implementing
interagency
collaborative
mechanisms.
(Recommendation
1)
recommended b\ GAO
in the pilot projects
which are projected to
take place over the next
12-18 months. When
we confirm what
actions EPA has taken
in response to this
recommendation, we
will provide updated
information.
Drinking Water:
Additional Data and
Statistical Analysis
May Enhance EPA's
Oversight of the Lead
and Copper Rule
GAO-17-424
2017-09-01
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water of EPA's
Office of Water
should require
states to report
available
information about
lead pipes to EPA's
Safe Drinking
Water Information
System
(SDWIS)/Fed (or a
future redesign
such as SDWIS
Prime) database, in
its upcoming
revision of the
LCR.
(Recommendation
1)
In August 2017, EPA
said that it would
consider GAO's
recommendation to
require states to report
available information
about lead pipes along
with those of other
stakeholders as part of
the development of the
revisions to the Lead
and Copper Rule. EPA
officials estimate that
these revisions will be
final in 2020.
Drinking Water:
Additional Data and
Statistical Analysis
May Enhance EPA's
Oversight of the Lead
and Copper Rule
GAO-17-424
2017-09-01
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water of EPA's
Office of Water
should require
states to report all
90th percentile
sample results for
small water
systems to EPA's
SDWIS/Fed (or a
future redesign
such as SDWIS
In August 2017, EPA
said that it would
consider GAO's
recommendation to
require states to report
all 90th percentile
sample results for small
systems along with
those of other
stakeholders as part of
the development of the
revisions to the Lead
and Copper Rule. EPA
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Prime; database, in
its upcoming
revision of the
LCR.
(Recommendation
2)
officials estimate llial
these revisions will be
final in 2020.
Drinking Water:
Additional Data and
Statistical Analysis
May Enhance EPA's
Oversight of the Lead
and Copper Rule
GAO-17-424
2017-09-01
The Assistant
Administrator for
Water of EPA's
Office of Water
and the Assistant
Administrator of
EPA's Office of
Enforcement and
Compliance
Assurance should
develop a statistical
analysis that
incorporates
multiple factors-
including those
currently in
SDWIS/Fed and
others such as the
presence of lead
pipes and the use
of corrosion
control-to identify
water systems that
might pose a higher
likelihood for
violating the LCR
once complete
violations data are
obtained, such as
through SDWIS
Prime.
(Recommendation
3)
In August 2017, EPA
stated that GAO's
recommendation to
develop a national
statistical analysis that
could identify water
systems with a higher
likelihood of violating
the Lead and Copper
Rule (LCR) would be a
challenge to develop,
but highly beneficial to
both the agency and
states. EPA also
indicated that the
agency is seeking
opportunities to build
tools and resources to
enhance oversight of
the LCR. GAO will
leave this
recommendation open
until information about
such actions are made
available.
Small Business
Contracting: Actions
Needed to Demonstrate
and Better Review
Compliance with Select
Requirements for Small
Business Advocates
GAO-17-675
2017-08-25
To address
demonstrated
noncompliance
with section 15(k)
of the Small
Business Act, as
amended, the
Administrator of
Environmental
Protection Agency
should comply
with section
15(k)(15) or report
to Congress on
For section 15(k)(15),
related to collateral
duties, on September
10, 2018, an agency
official stated that the
agency is in the process
of transferring
responsibility of the
Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise
Program from the
OSDBU to the Office
of Grants and
Debarment. The official
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w lis the agenc} ha;>
not complied,
including seeking
any statutory
flexibilities or
exceptions believed
appropriate.
dialed llial the os>unialod
completion date for the
transfer is October 1,
2018. We will continue
to monitor EPA's
efforts to address this
recommendation.
Data Center
Optimization: Agencies
Need to Address
Challenges and
Improve Progress to
Achieve Cost Savings
Goal
GAO-17-448
2017-08-15
The Secretaries of
Agriculture,
Commerce,
Defense,
Homeland
Security, Energy,
HHS, Interior,
Labor, State,
Transportation,
Treasury, and VA;
the Attorney
General of the
United States; the
Administrators of
EPA, GSA, and
SBA; the Director
of OPM; and the
Chairman of NRC
should take action
to, within existing
OMB reporting
mechanisms,
complete plans
describing how the
agency will
achieve OMB's
requirement to
implement
automated
monitoring tools at
all agency-owned
data centers by the
end of fiscal year
2018.
The Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) described
planned actions to
address our
recommendation.
Specifically, the agency
detailed plans to
address OMB's
requirements, such as
leveraging EPA's
current investment in a
network monitoring
tool and the intent to
procure and deploy a
data center
infrastructure
management tool by the
end of fiscal year 2018.
However, in December
2018, EPA determined
it will leverage its
current network
monitoring tool for
server utilization
monitoring. The agency
expects to have most
data center servers
monitored by the end of
CY 2019. Once servers
are monitored, the
agency said that it will
follow the most current
OMB guidance to
report required metrics.
We will continue to
monitor the agency's
progress in taking these
actions.
Small Business
Research Programs:
Most Agencies Met
Spending
Requirements, but
DOD and EPA Need to
GAO-17-453
2017-05-31
To ensure full
compliance with
SBIR and STTR
spending and
reporting
requirements, the
Secretary of
In its comments on the
draft report, EPA
concurred with the
recommendation and
stated that EPA will
work with SBA to
develop an alternative
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lllipi'ON c Dalu
Reporting
Defence and die
EPA Administrator
should establish
procedures to
collect and submit
obligations data or-
-through SB A,
independently, or
through a working
group of agencies
participating in the
SBIR and STTR
programs-propose
to Congress an
alternative
methodology for
calculating
spending
requirements for
their agencies.
methodology for
calculating spending
requirements. As of
June 2018, EPA
officials said they have
initiated discussions
with SB A on this topic,
including holding a
meeting with SBA
officials in January
2018.
Data Center
Optimization: Agencies
Need to Complete Plans
to Address
Inconsistencies in
Reported Savings
GAO-17-388
2017-05-18
The following 17
agencies (the
Secretaries of the
Departments of
Commerce,
Defense, Energy,
Health and Human
Services, Interior,
Labor, State,
Transportation,
Treasury, and
Veterans Affairs;
the Attorney
General; and the
Administrators of
the Environmental
Protection Agency,
National
Aeronautics and
Space
Administration,
Small Business
Administration,
and U.S. Agency
for International
Development; the
Chairman of the
Nuclear Regulatory
Commission; and
the Commissioner
of the Social
Security
Administration)
The Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) has not yet taken
steps to implement our
recommendation. As of
June 2018, EPA has not
updated its Data Center
Optimization Strategic
Plan to include
achieved closures or
cost savings and
avoidances for fiscal
years 2016 through
2018. We will continue
to monitor and evaluate
the agency's progress in
implementing this
recommendation.
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should each take
action to complete
the missing
elements in their
respective DCOI
strategic plan,
including
addressing any
identified
challenges, and
submit their
completed strategic
plan to OMB.
Data Center
Optimization: Agencies
Need to Complete Plans
to Address
Inconsistencies in
Reported Savings
GAO-17-388
2017-05-18
Finally, the
following 11
agencies (the
Secretaries of the
Departments of
Commerce,
Education, Health
and Human
Services, Interior,
Labor, State,
Transportation, and
Treasury; the
Administrators of
the Environmental
Protection Agency,
General Services
Administration,
and the U.S.
Agency for
International
Development)
should also each
take action to
ensure that the
amounts of
achieved data
center cost savings
and avoidances are
consistent across
all reporting
mechanisms,
including the
quarterly data
submissions and
DCOI strategic
plans.
The Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) has not yet taken
any action to implement
our recommendation.
As of June 2018, EPA
has not updated its Data
Center Optimization
Initiative Strategic Plan
or quarterly data reports
to include achieved cost
savings and avoidances
for fiscal years 2016
through 2018. In
addition, while the
quarterly data reports
have listed historical
cost savings for fiscal
years 2012-2015, these
savings are not listed in
the Data Center
Optimization Initiative
Strategic Plan. We will
continue to monitor and
evaluate the agency's
progress in
implementing this
recommendation.
Grants Management:
EPA Has Taken Steps
to Improve Competition
for Discretionary
GAO-17-161
2017-01-23
To improve the
quality of EPA's
internal records
and the information
In written comments on
this report, EPA stated
that there are
opportunities to explore
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Gruiib bill Could Make
Information More
Readily Available
LPA can
communicate to
internal and
external decision
makers, the EPA
Administrator
should direct the
Assistant
Administrator for
the Office of
Administration and
Resources
Management to
direct the Director
of the Office of
Grants and
Debarment (OGD)
to provide clear
guidance to EPA
staff to help ensure
that staff correctly
identify all EPA
discretionary grant
programs in the
agency's internal
grants management
system.
how lo boiler de\ elop
guidance for tracking
grants and determine
how to make more
complete information
on discretionary grants
publicly available. In
June 2017, EPA
reported that it intends
to be involved in efforts
in 2017 to improve the
Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance
(CFDA) descriptions,
which may include
changes to the CFDA
template language to
improve clarity of
discretionary grant
designations. EPA
stated that also in 2017
the agency will assess
whether other actions
are necessary to help
staff better identify
discretionary grant
programs in the
agency's internal grants
management systems,
including training and
reconciling any
inconsistencies in
defining discretionary
grants. In January 2018,
EPA reported that the
agency is working to
ensure that its internal
grants management
systems use a consistent
definition of
discretionary grant
programs. In June 2018,
EPA reported that the
agency has taken the
following steps to
address this
recommendation:
updating its list of
active discretionary
grants programs to be
posted on both internal
and external agency
websites, indicating in
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CFDA descriptions by
September 2018
whether discretionary
funds are expended, and
including definitions of
discretionary grants in
training materials to
ensure a consistent
interpretation in the
agency.
Grants Management:
EPA Has Taken Steps
to Improve Competition
for Discretionary
Grants but Could Make
Information More
Readily Available
GAO-17-161
2017-01-23
To better enable
Congress and other
decision makers to
monitor EPA's
management of
discretionary
grants, the EPA
Administrator
should direct the
Assistant
Administrator for
the Office of
Administration and
Resources
Management to
direct the Director
ofOGDto
determine how to
make more
complete
information on
EPA's
discretionary grants
publicly available,
such as by posting
timely and
complete reports
on its website.
In June 2017, EPA
reported that in 2017
the agency will begin to
examine whether and
how it can use its new
internal Next
Generation Grants
System to generate
more timely and
complete reports related
to discretionary grants
and make them publicly
available. EPA also
stated that it plans to
explore the ability to
use the system to (1)
generate more timely
and complete
information that can be
publicly posted on the
number of applications
received and types of
entities submitting
applications for open
competitive
opportunities, and (2)
produce an annual
report on the amount of
funds per discretionary
grant program and
whether such funds
were for new awards or
amendments. In
January 2018, EPA
reported that the agency
is working to identify
and update its
discretionary grant
programs so that it can
produce reports on
discretionary funds
expended per program.
In June 2018, EPA
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reported llial the agency
is using its grants
system to generate
more timely and more
frequent publicly
available information
on grants competition.
EPA also reported that
it has updated its list of
active discretionary
grant programs and that
this should facilitate its
ability to report on
discretionary funds
expended per program.
EPA reported that the
agency hopes to
complete this effort by
September 2018, but
this may be subject to
change.
Grants Management:
EPA Partially Follows
Leading Practices of
Strategic Workforce
Planning and Could
Take Additional Steps
GAO-17-144
2017-01-09
To help ensure that
EPA has people
with the right skills
to meet the goals of
its 2016-2020
Grants
Management Plan,
the Administrator
should direct the
Assistant
Administrator for
the Office of
Administration and
Resources
Management and
regional and
national program
offices, as
appropriate, to
review project
officer critical
skills and
competencies and
determine training
needs to address
any gaps.
EPA officials told us
that they surveyed
project officers in fiscal
years 2017 and 2018 to
identify areas where
additional or new
training was required.
They also told us that
they have conducted in-
person and webinar-
based trainings in
response to the survey
results and continue to
develop annual training
agendas to meet the
evolving needs of the
project officer
workforce. They agreed
to provide examples of
training materials they
have used to address
skill and competency
gaps among project
officers.
Grants Management:
EPA Partially Follows
Leading Practices of
Strategic Workforce
Planning and Could
Take Additional Steps
GAO-17-144
2017-01-09
To enhance EPA's
ability to identify
performance
shortfalls and
appropriate
corrective actions,
In 2018, EPA provided
documentation showing
that it is collecting data
related to the
recruitment and
retention of grant
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llie Administrator
should direct the
Assistant
Administrator for
the Office of
Administration and
Resources
Management to
develop
performance
measures to track
the effectiveness of
the recruitment and
retention efforts for
grant specialists
and collect
performance data
for these measures.
specialist. llo\\e\er,
this documentation
does not clearly
illustrate which
performance measures,
if any, the agency is
using to track the
effectiveness of these
recruitment and
retention efforts. EPA
officials told us that it
would be possible to
establish a performance
measure that, for
example, tracks the
percent of grant
specialists with less
than 2 years of
experience managing
grants.
Information
Technology: Agencies
Need to Improve Their
Application Inventories
to Achieve Additional
Savings
GAO-16-511
2016-09-29
To improve federal
agencies' efforts to
rationalize their
portfolio of
applications, the
heads of the
Departments of
Agriculture,
Commerce,
Education, Energy,
Health and Human
Services, Housing
and Urban
Development, the
Interior, Labor,
State,
Transportation, the
Treasury, and
Veterans Affairs;
and heads of the
Environmental
Protection Agency;
National
Aeronautics and
Space
Administration;
National Science
Foundation;
Nuclear Regulatory
Commission;
Office of Personnel
Management;
Small Business
We reported that the
Environmental
Protection Agency had
fully met three of the
four practices to
establish a complete
application inventory,
and partially met one.
Specifically, the agency
partially met the
practice for including
application attributes in
the inventory, as
although EPA did not
identify the business
function for every
application. In March
2018, Environmental
Protection Agency
officials stated that
while they have made
progress in addressing
the key practice, their
efforts are not yet
completed. We will
continue to monitor the
agency's efforts.
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Administration;
Social Security
Administration;
and U.S. Agency
for International
Development
should direct their
Chief Information
Officers (CIOs)
and other
responsible
officials to improve
their inventories by
taking steps to fully
address the
practices we
identified as being
partially met or not
met.
Federal Chief
Information Security
Officers: Opportunities
Exist to Improve Roles
and Address Challenges
to Authority
GAO-16-686
2016-08-26
To ensure that the
role of the SAISO
is defined in
agency policy in
accordance with
FISMA 2014, the
Administrator of
the Environment
Protection Agency
should define the
SAISO's role in
agency policy for
ensuring that plans
and procedures are
in place to ensure
recovery and
continued
operations of the
department's
information
systems in the
event of a
disruption.
The Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) concurred with
our recommendation.
However, as of
February 2019, the
department has not yet
provided sufficient
evidence that it has
implemented the
recommendation.
Grants Management:
EPA Could Improve
Certain Monitoring
Practices
GAO-16-530
2016-07-14
The EPA
Administrator
should direct the
Office of Grants
and Debarment
(OGD) and
program and
regional offices, as
appropriate, as part
of EPA's ongoing
streamlining
In correspondence to
GAO, EPA reiterated
its agreement with this
recommendation. EPA
also stated that its
vision for grants
management includes
having grant recipients
submit performance
reports and other
information to the
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imualiv cs and die
development of a
grantee portal, to
incorporate
expanded search
capability features,
such as keyword
searches, into its
proposed web-
based portal for
collecting and
accessing
performance
reports to improve
their accessibility.
agenc} through a web-
based portal. The portal
would incorporate
capabilities such as key
word searches to allow
for easier access to
performance report
information. EPA
expects this
recommendation to be
addressed by its new
grants management
system
(GrantsSolutions). As
of December 2018,
EPA expects to deploy
Grants Solutions in
fiscal year 2019.
Grants Management:
EPA Could Improve
Certain Monitoring
Practices
GAO-16-530
2016-07-14
The EPA
Administrator
should direct OGD
and program and
regional offices, as
appropriate, as part
of EPA's ongoing
streamlining
initiatives and the
development of a
grantee portal, to
identify grant
programs where
existing program-
specific data
reporting can meet
EPA's performance
reporting
requirements for
grants management
purposes to reduce
duplicative
reporting by
grantees.
In correspondence to
GAO, EPA reiterated
its general agreement
with this
recommendation and
stated it will work with
recipient partners to
identify where
duplicative reporting
can be reduced.
However, EPA also
noted that program-
specific data cannot be
relied upon to meet all
grants management
requirements, and
performance reports
often contain other
information that allows
project officers to
monitor a recipient's
progress. Further, EPA
mentioned it will need
to consider the
feasibility of expanding
project officer access to
certain program
databases to enhance
grant performance
monitoring. In
December 2018, EPA
stated that its EPA-
State Grant Subgroup
did not identify any
areas where they
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thought there was
overlap between
performance reporting
and program-specific
data reporting.
Additionally, EPA's
new emphasis on
increasing the number
of state grant
commitments met by
focusing state grant
commitments on a core
set of outcome-oriented
measures, reduces the
likelihood of
duplicative reporting
going forward,
according to EPA.
Grants Management:
EPA Could Improve
Certain Monitoring
Practices
GAO-16-530
2016-07-14
The EPA
Administrator
should direct OGD
and program and
regional offices, as
appropriate, as part
of EPA's ongoing
streamlining
initiatives and the
development of a
grantee portal, once
EPA's new
performance
system is in place,
to ensure that the
Office of Water
adopts software
tools, as
appropriate, to
electronically
transfer relevant
data on program
results from
program-specific
databases to EPA's
national
performance
system.
In correspondence to
GAO, EPA reiterated
its general agreement
with this
recommendation and
stated that it will apply
it, where appropriate
and cost effective, to
program-specific
databases, not only the
Office of Water
databases. EPA noted
that not all data from
program-specific
databases may be
appropriate for direct
electronic transfer to
the national
performance system;
some individual grant
data may need to be
analyzed before being
rolled up into national
data. As of December
2018, EPA officials
said that continued
work on this
recommendation is
dependent upon EPA's
Office of the Chief
Financial Officer's
deployment of a new
performance tracking
system and individual
program funds for
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developing svslcnis dial
interact with it.
Grants Management:
EPA Could Improve
Certain Monitoring
Practices
GAO-16-530
2016-07-14
The EPA
Administrator
should direct OGD
and program and
regional offices, as
appropriate, as part
of EPA's ongoing
streamlining
initiatives and the
development of a
grantee portal, to
clarify the factors
project officers
should consider
when determining
whether
performance
reports are
consistent with
EPA's
environmental
results directive.
In correspondence to
GAO, EPA reiterated
its agreement with this
recommendation and
stated that it will make
conforming changes to
the implementation
guidance for the
Environmental Results
Order (directive). In
December 2018, EPA
stated that its existing
environmental results
directive may be
superseded or
incorporated into a
different policy as part
of the agency's
migration to a new
grants management
system
(GrantsSolutions).
However, EPA stated
that it will incorporate
the recommendation
into its new policy.
EPA expects to
implement
GrantsSolutions in
fiscal year 2019.
Grants Management:
EPA Could Improve
Certain Monitoring
Practices
GAO-16-530
2016-07-14
The EPA
Administrator
should direct OGD
and program and
regional offices, as
appropriate, as part
of EPA's ongoing
streamlining
initiatives and the
development of a
grantee portal, to
expand aspects of
EPA's policy for
certain categorical
grants, specifically,
the call for an
explicit reference
to the planned
results in grantees'
work plans and
their projected time
In correspondence to
GAO, EPA reiterated
its agreement with this
recommendation and
stated that it will make
conforming changes to
existing policy. In
December 2018, EPA
stated that its existing
policies may be
superseded or
incorporated into
different policies as part
of the agency's
migration to a new
grants management
system
(GrantsSolutions).
However, EPA stated
that it will incorporate
the recommendation
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frames lor
completion, to all
grants.
into its new policy.
EPA expects to
implement
Grants Solutions in
fiscal year 2019.
Grants Management:
EPA Could Improve
Certain Monitoring
Practices
GAO-16-530
2016-07-14
The EPA
Administrator
should direct OGD
and program and
regional offices, as
appropriate, as part
of EPA's ongoing
streamlining
initiatives and the
development of a
grantee portal, to
incorporate built-in
data quality
controls for
performance
reports into the
planned web-based
portal based on
EPA's
environmental
results directive.
In correspondence to
GAO, EPA reiterated
its general agreement
with this
recommendation.
However, EPA
emphasized that
identifying and
deploying appropriate
data quality controls is
a long-term effort
subject to budgetary
considerations,
completion of its new
grants management
system, and extensive
collaboration with
internal and external
stakeholders. EPA
officials said that the
agency expects this
recommendation to be
addressed by its new
grants management
system
(GrantsSolutions). As
of December 2018,
EPA expects to
implement
GrantsSolutions in
fiscal year 2019.
IT Dashboard: Agencies
Need to Fully Consider
Risks When Rating
Their Major
Investments
GAO-16-494
2016-06-02
To better ensure
that the Dashboard
ratings more
accurately reflect
risk, the Secretaries
of the Departments
of Agriculture,
Commerce,
Defense,
Education, Energy,
Health and Human
Services,
Homeland
Security, State,
Transportation, the
Treasury, Veterans
Affairs; the
The agency disagreed
with the
recommendation and,
as of January 2019, has
not provided an update
on its actions to address
the recommendation.
We will continue to
monitor the
implementation of this
recommendation.
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Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency;
and the
Commissioner of
the Social Security
Administration
should direct their
CIOs to ensure that
their CIO ratings
reflect the level of
risk facing an
investment relative
to that investment's
ability to
accomplish its
goals.
Government Purchase
Cards: Opportunities
Exist to Leverage
Buying Power
GAO-16-526
2016-05-19
To ensure that
good practices are
shared within
agencies, the
Secretaries of
Defense, Veterans
Affairs, the
Interior, Homeland
Security, and
Energy, and the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should develop
guidance that
encourages local
officials to
examine purchase
card spend patterns
to identify
opportunities to
obtain savings and
to share
information on
such efforts. Where
applicable, we
further recommend
that these agencies
determine the
feasibility for
broader application
of these efforts
across the agency
or organization.
The agency provided
comments indicating its
concurrence with this
recommendation,
noting that it looks
forward to
opportunities to
benchmark with other
agencies and share
information on
approaches taken to
identify opportunities
which led to positive
strategic sourcing
outcomes. In August
2018, the EPA reported
that it has established
savings and spending
dashboards as well as
an electronic contract
depository to provide
contracting officials and
other staff with insight
into agency spending
patterns and active
contracts to help ensure
savings when using
purchase cards. Further,
according to officials,
the EPA is developing
an additional system for
its contracting officers
that will provide further
information and tools
for analyzing agency
purchases to include
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purchase uiii'd spending.
According to officials,
guidance for this new
system will encourage
officials to review
purchase card spending
to identify sources for
potential savings.
High-Containment
Laboratories:
Comprehensive and
Up-to-Date Policies and
Stronger Oversight
Mechanisms Needed to
Improve Safety
GAO-16-305
2016-03-21
To ensure that
federal departments
and agencies have
comprehensive and
up-to-date policies
and stronger
oversight
mechanisms in
place for managing
hazardous
biological agents in
high-containment
laboratories and are
fully addressing
weaknesses
identified after
laboratory safety
lapses, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) should
revise existing
EPA policies for
managing
hazardous
biological agents in
high-containment
laboratories to
contain specific
requirements for
inventory control,
or direct the
Director of the
Office of Pesticide
Programs to
incorporate this
requirement into its
policy.
EPA agreed with this
recommendation in its
February 2016
comments on the draft
report, but maintains
that agency, or senior-
level policies, exist that
include this
requirement. EPA
officials cited a
Microbiology
Laboratory Branch
standard operating
procedure (SOP) as
containing inventory
control requirements for
the agency's one high-
containment laboratory.
However, in July 2016,
EPA officials told us
that it disagreed with
our assessment that the
SOP, as a laboratory-
level document, was
insufficient to meet our
expectations for senior-
level policies. In
November 2016, EPA
officials reiterated its
position stating that the
SOP had been approved
by senior agency
management and, as the
requirements in it are
universally applied by
all laboratory staff,
appropriately represents
an agency-level policy.
EPA further noted that
the Office of Pesticide
Policy, in which the
Microbiology
Laboratory Branch is
located, is a sub-office
within EPA's Office of
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Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention
(OCSPP), an Assistant
Administrator-level
office. We continue to
believe that senior-level
policies~in this case,
either those policies
issued at the EPA level
or at the OCSPP/OPP
level-that include all of
the policy elements we
analyzed reflect critical
management
commitment to and
support for a culture of
laboratory safety
throughout the
organization, regardless
of the number of
agency laboratories.
According to EPA
officials, in 2017 EPA
initiated activities to
create an agency-wide
Biosafety &
Biosecurity Advisory
Board (BBAB) as part
of the Homeland
Security Collaborative
Network (HSCN).
These activities are
being led by EPA's
Office of Research and
Development and
Office of Homeland
Security. This program,
described as
comprehensive and
robust, was expected to
provide oversight and
ensure a culture of
responsibility for life
sciences research at
EPA. As of May 2018,
OCSPP reported that it
had no updates on the
activities of the BBAB.
High-Containment
Laboratories:
Comprehensive and
Up-to-Date Policies and
Stronger Oversight
GAO-16-305
2016-03-21
To ensure that
federal departments
and agencies have
comprehensive and
up-to-date policies
In July 2016, EPA
reported that the
policies and procedures
for both the facility that
houses its microbiology
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Mccliaiubiiib Needed lo
Improve Safety
and bironger
oversight
mechanisms in
place for managing
hazardous
biological agents in
high-containment
laboratories and are
fully addressing
weaknesses
identified after
laboratory safety
lapses, the
Administrator of
EPA should review
and update EPA's
outdated policies
for managing
hazardous
biological agents in
high-containment
laboratories and
establish a regular
schedule for
reviewing and
updating EPA and
Office of Pesticide
Programs policies.
laboratory and the
laboratory itself are
reviewed and updated
on a bi-yearly or yearly
basis consistent with
the EPA schedules for
biosafety and laboratory
plans set in policy.
However, EPA did not
provide us with the
policy that sets the EPA
schedules. In addition,
our analysis focused on
policy documents
issued by EPA or its
senior-level offices,
such as EPA's Safety,
Health, and
Environmental
Management Program
manual, dated
November 2012. When
we analyzed that policy
for the report, we were
unable to determine
whether it was up-to-
date because it did not
include a review and
update schedule or a
specific recertification
date. As of November
2016, EPA maintained
that this
recommendation has
been completed,
because the office
revised the standard
operating procedure
that provides guidance
for establishing the
receipt, expiration
dates, and disposal of
biological inventory
used in the laboratory.
As of April 2017, GAO
had reached out to EPA
for documentation of
the agency's actions.
Further, according to
EPA officials, in 2017
EPA initiated activities
to create an agency-
wide Biosafety &
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IJiosccurilv Advisory
Board (BBAB) as part
of the Homeland
Security Collaborative
Network (HSCN).
These activities are
being led by EPA's
Office of Research and
Development and
Office of Homeland
Security. This program,
described as
comprehensive and
robust, was expected to
provide oversight and
ensure a culture of
responsibility for life
sciences research at
EPA. As of May 2018,
OCSPP reported that it
had no updates on the
activities of the BBAB.
Data Center
Consolidation:
Agencies Making
Progress, but Planned
Savings Goals Need to
Be Established
[Reissued on March 4,
2016]
GAO-16-323
2016-03-03
The Secretaries of
the Departments of
Agriculture,
Commerce,
Defense,
Education, Energy,
Health and Human
Services,
Homeland
Security, Housing
and Urban
Development, the
Interior, Labor,
State,
Transportation, the
Treasury, and
Veterans Affairs;
the Attorney
General of the
United States; the
Administrators of
the Environmental
Protection Agency,
General Services
Administration,
National
Aeronautics and
Space
Administration,
and U.S. Agency
for International
The Environmental
Protection Agency
agreed with our
recommendation and
has taken initial steps to
implement it. In May
2016, the agency stated
in correspondence to
GAO that it had
directed data center
stakeholders to place an
emphasis on
virtualizing physical
servers and moving
server-based
applications to the
cloud or a core data
center. The agency
added that the estimated
increase for each
optimization metric
would be determined
after data consolidation
plans were finalized.
However, in August
2016, the Office of
Management and
Budget (OMB)
announced changes to
the optimization metrics
that we analyzed in our
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Director of the
Office of Personnel
Management; the
Chairman of the
Nuclear Regulatory
Commission; and
the Commissioner
of the Social
Security
Administration
should take action
to improve
progress in the data
center optimization
areas that we
reported as not
meeting OMB's
established targets,
including
addressing any
identified
challenges.
report. Specifically,
OMB dropped seven of
the metrics we
originally reviewed,
added three new
metrics, and retained
two (facility utilization
and power usage
effectiveness). OMB
further clarified that the
two retained metrics
applied only to agency-
owned tiered data
centers. We are no
longer tracking agency
progress against the
seven metrics that were
dropped, and only
monitoring progress
against the two metrics
that were retained.
Subsequently, as of
June 2018, the agency
reports on OMB's IT
that while it does meet
the power usage
efficiency metric, it
does not yet meet the
target for facility
utilization. We will
continue to monitor and
evaluate the
department's progress
in implementing this
recommendation.
Drinking Water: EPA
Needs to Collect
Information and
Consistently Conduct
Activities to Protect
Underground Sources
of Drinking Water
GAO-16-281
2016-02-26
To help ensure
protection of
underground
drinking water
from the injection
of wastewater
associated with
domestic oil and
gas production, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should require and
collect well-
specific data on
inspections from
state and EPA-
managed programs,
In February 2018, EPA
said that it is working
toward establishing a
complete, regularly
updated data set. It will
work toward expanding
the agency's access to
well-specific data and
will expand the data it
has in its national
Underground Injection
Control database. In
addition, the agency
said that it will continue
to work with DOE and
the Groundwater
Protection Council to
develop a national oil
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including w lien 1 lie
wells were
inspected, the types
of inspections
conducted, and the
results of the
inspections in order
to track progress
toward state and
EPA-managed
annual inspection
goals.
and gas gale\\a\ lor
well-specific data. Until
such data are made
available, we will leave
this recommendation as
open.
Drinking Water: EPA
Needs to Collect
Information and
Consistently Conduct
Activities to Protect
Underground Sources
of Drinking Water
GAO-16-281
2016-02-26
To help ensure
protection of
underground
drinking water
from the injection
of wastewater
associated with
domestic oil and
gas production, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should complete
the aquifer
exemption database
and establish a way
to update it to
provide EPA
headquarters and
regions with
sufficient
information on
aquifer exemptions
to oversee state and
EPA-managed
programs.
In December 2016,
EPA published a map
of aquifer exemptions
online, with the
exception of region 9
data. The public dataset
shows the data in two
dimensions and
includes information
such as depth of
injection, surrounding
geology and injectate
characteristics. EPA
plans to update the
database annually. We
will continue to keep
this recommendation
open until EPA
completes work on
region 9.
Drinking Water: EPA
Needs to Collect
Information and
Consistently Conduct
Activities to Protect
Underground Sources
of Drinking Water
GAO-16-281
2016-02-26
To help ensure
protection of
underground
drinking water
from the injection
of wastewater
associated with
domestic oil and
gas production, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should clarify
guidance on what
data should be
In February 2018, EPA
said that it had
developed a web-based
7520 database that can
be used to report,
aggregate and
summarize 7520 data.
According to EPA
officials, EPA is in the
process of updating its
guidance for reporting
data on the 7520-4 and
hope to standardize and
incorporate 7520-4 data
into the 7520 database.
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reporied oil the
7520-4 form to
help ensure that the
data collected are
complete and
consistent across
state and EPA-
managed programs
and to provide the
information EPA
needs to assess
whether it must
take enforcement
actions.
Uiiul die revised
guidance is finalized
and shared with state
programs, and 7520-4
data have been
incorporated into the
7520-4 database, we
will keep this
recommendation open.
Drinking Water: EPA
Needs to Collect
Information and
Consistently Conduct
Activities to Protect
Underground Sources
of Drinking Water
GAO-16-281
2016-02-26
To help ensure
protection of
underground
drinking water
from the injection
of wastewater
associated with
domestic oil and
gas production, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should conduct a
workforce analysis
to identify the
human capital and
other resources
EPA needs to carry
out its oversight of
state and EPA-
managed programs.
In February 2018, EPA
disagreed and said that
the best approach is to
expand its evaluation of
agency oversight to
include elements of
inspection and
enforcement. Once the
evaluation is complete,
EPA will consider its
oversight of state
programs. We will keep
this recommendation
open until EPA
completes its review
and determines what it
will do with its
oversight.
Bee Health: USD A and
EPA Should Take
Additional Actions to
Address Threats to Bee
Populations
GAO-16-220
2016-02-10
To better ensure
that EPA is
reducing the risk of
unreasonable harm
to important
pollinators, the
Administrator of
EPA should direct
the Office of
Pesticide Programs
to develop a plan
for obtaining data
from pesticide
registrants on the
effects of
pesticides on
nonhoney bee
species, including
In September 2018,
EPA said that its plan
for obtaining data on
the effects of pesticides
on nonhoney bees is to
adhere to the existing
process that it follows
for other taxonomic
groups. More
specifically, in its
response to GAO, EPA
emphasized that it
routinely uses surrogate
species to evaluate risks
from pesticides and that
it has used honey bees
as a surrogate for
nonhoney bee species.
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wild, native bees.
LP A acknow lodged
that, ideally, risk
evaluations would be
made using as many
species as would likely
be exposed. However,
EPA stated that doing
so would be impractical
on a routine basis. EPA
also maintained that
existing data indicate
that honey bees
continue to represent a
reasonable surrogate for
nonhoney bee species.
Additionally, EPA said
that when acceptable
data on nonhoney bees
are available, the
agency uses the
information to
characterize the relative
sensitivity of honey
bees and nonhoney bees
and to determine
whether additional data
are needed on
nonhoney bees to
inform risk
management decisions
and ensure that the use
of a pesticide does not
represent an
unreasonable risk to the
environment. Finally,
EPA said that if data
support that honey bees
are not serving as
suitable surrogates for
nonhoney bees for a
particular compound,
then the agency would
consider whether the
risk management
decision warrants
calling in additional
data. In April and
September 2018, EPA
said that it has
continued to work
toward the development
of suitable protocols for
assessing exposure and
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effects of pesticide on
nonhoney bees. We
note that those efforts
may contribute to
EPA's ability to obtain
data from pesticide
registrants on the
effects of pesticides on
nonhoney bee species
when necessary. GAO
acknowledges that EPA
may require registrants
to provide data on the
effects of pesticides on
nonhoney bee species
on a case-by-case basis.
However, EPA has not
met the intent of our
recommendation that it
developed a plan to
routinely obtain such
data from pesticide
registrants.
Bee Health: USD A and
EPA Should Take
Additional Actions to
Address Threats to Bee
Populations
GAO-16-220
2016-02-10
To help comply
with the directive
in the White House
Pollinator Health
Task Force's
strategy, the
Administrator of
EPA should direct
the Office of
Pesticide Programs
to identify the
pesticide tank
mixtures that
farmers and
pesticide
applicators most
commonly use on
agricultural crops
to help determine
whether those
mixtures pose
greater risks than
the sum of the risks
posed by the
individual
pesticides.
EPA has taken steps to
partially implement this
recommendation. In
September 2018, EPA
officials said that in
response to our
recommendation, the
agency had conducted a
pilot study to evaluate
pesticide tank mixes
used on almonds in
California during
bloom. EPA selected
almonds because
almond growers
contract for the services
of roughly 67 percent of
the nation's managed
honey bee colonies and
because almonds are
grown primarily in
California where
growers are required to
report pesticide use
under state law. As part
of the pilot study, EPA
worked in collaboration
with the California
Department of Pesticide
Regulation and the
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California Almond
Board, and used data
contained in the
California Pesticide Use
Report. EPA said that
although it was able to
identify pesticide tank
mixes applied during
almond bloom, the
number and variability
in those combinations
led the agency to
conclude that is it not
feasible to do so at a
national level given the
number of factors that
influence such
combinations even
within a relatively
localized area. EPA
said it was unaware of
similar data on tank
mixes for states other
than California. With
respect to evaluating
the potential for some
combinations of
pesticide active
ingredients to result in
synergistic effects, EPA
said that it has been
taking a closer look at
pesticides for which
registrants are making
patent assertions of
synergistic effects. EPA
believes data supporting
these patents likely
represent the most
compelling evidence of
synergistic effects.
When warranted based
on these patent
assertions and the
supporting evidence,
EPA may require
additional data or
incorporate the patent
evidence into its risk
assessments on a case-
by-case basis. While we
appreciate EPA's efforts
to gather data on tank
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mixtures in California
almond orchards and
note EPA's statement
that the agency does not
believe a national
analysis of mixtures is
feasible, we cannot
conclude that the
agency has fully
implemented the
recommendation.
Water Infrastructure:
EPA and USD A Are
Helping Small Water
Utilities with Asset
Management;
Opportunities Exist to
Better Track Results
GAO-16-237
2016-01-27
As EPA and USD A
continue to
consider ways to
track and promote
water utilities'
implementation of
asset management,
the Administrator
of EPA should
direct the Office of
Groundwater and
Drinking Water
and Office of
Wastewater
Management to
continue to include
questions on water
utilities' use of
asset management
in the clean water
needs assessment
and consider
including questions
about water
utilities' use of
asset management
in future drinking
water infrastructure
needs assessment
surveys.
As of February 2018,
EPA is planning the
next Drinking Water
Infrastructure Needs
Survey and Assessment
that will begin in 2019.
EPA officials said that
they would work with
industry and states to
consider questions
related to water utilities'
use of asset
management in the
survey. At this time,
EPA does not plan to
do another Clean Water
Needs Survey. GAO
will continue to review
this recommendation.
Critical Infrastructure
Protection: Sector-
Specific Agencies Need
to Better Measure
Cybersecurity Progress
GAO-16-79
2015-11-19
To better monitor
and provide a basis
for improving the
effectiveness of
cybersecurity risk
mitigation
activities, informed
by the sectors'
updated plans and
in collaboration
with sector
stakeholders, the
The 2015 water and
wastewater sector-
specific plan includes a
segment on measuring
the effectiveness of
sector activities that
describes the overall
principles for collecting
data and using the
National Annual Report
data calls as a tool for
assessing performance
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Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should direct
responsible
officials to develop
performance
metrics to provide
data and determine
how to overcome
challenges to
monitoring the
water and
wastewater systems
sector's
cybersecurity
progress.
and reporting oil
progress within the
sector. However, the
plan does not state
specific measures and
the agency
acknowledged in its
response to our report
that it does not collect
performance metrics on
the effectiveness of its
cybersecurity programs
for the sector. In 2017,
the Environmental
Protection Agency
worked through the
sector and government
coordinating councils to
develop a sector
security and resilience
roadmap which
includes sector
cybersecurity concerns
and strategies but no
metrics. According to
agency officials, the
development of
performance metrics in
collaboration with
sector partners is
underway. We will
continue to follow up to
identify any specific
metrics developed and
implemented and
resulting outcome-
based reports.
Information Technology
Reform: Billions of
Dollars in Savings
Have Been Realized but
Agencies Need to
Complete Reinvestment
Plans
GAO-15-617
2015-09-15
To improve the
agency's IT savings
reinvestment plans,
the Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should direct the
CIO to ensure that
the agency's
integrated data
collection
submission to
OMB includes, for
all reported
initiatives,
The Environmental
Protection Agency
agreed with our
recommendation but
has not yet taken steps
to implement it.
Specifically, as of May
2018, the agency's
quarterly integrated
data collection
submission to the
Office of Management
and Budget did not
include reinvestment
plans for 2 of the 3
reported cost savings
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complete plans lo
reinvest any
resulting cost
savings and
avoidances from
OMB-directed IT
reform-related
efforts.
and avoidance
initiatives. For
example, the agency
reported about $3.9
million in cost savings
and avoidances related
to two shared services
initiatives but did not
provide information
regarding how it plans
to reinvest these
savings and avoidances.
We will continue to
evaluate the agency's
progress in
implementing this
recommendation.
Grants Management:
EPA Has Opportunities
to Improve Planning
and Compliance
Monitoring
GAO-15-618
2015-08-17
The EPA
Administrator
should direct OGD
to develop a
timetable with
milestones and
identify and
allocate resources
for adopting
electronic records
management for all
10 regional offices.
According to EPA
officials, the Office of
Grants and Debarment
(OGD) established an
agency-wide electronic
grants record
workgroup in fiscal
year 2016. The
workgroup identified
the contents of the
electronic grant file,
technical options, and
evaluation criteria.
OGD completed its
alternatives analysis for
scope, general
approach, and
requirements in fiscal
year 2017 and EPA
expects this
recommendation to be
addressed by its new
grants management
system
(GrantsSolutions). As
of December 2018,
EPA expects to deploy
GrantsSolutions in
fiscal year 2019.
Grants Management:
EPA Has Opportunities
to Improve Planning
and Compliance
Monitoring
GAO-15-618
2015-08-17
The EPA
Administrator
should direct OGD
to implement plans
for adopting an up-
to-date and
comprehensive IT
Implementation efforts
are ongoing. According
to EPA officials, OGD
is conducting a multi-
modular project to
upgrade the agency's
grants management IT
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ileni b\ Jul"
that will provide
accurate and timely
data on
agencywide
compliance with
grants management
directives.
bleni. LPA expecb
this recommendation to
be addressed by its new
grants management
system
(GrantsSolutions). As
of December 2018,
EPA expects to deploy
GrantsSolutions in
fiscal year 2019.
Grants Management:
EPA Has Opportunities
to Improve Planning
and Compliance
Monitoring
GAO-15-618
2015-08-17
Until the new IT
system is
implemented, the
EPA Administrator
should direct OGD
to develop ways to
more effectively
use existing web-
based tools to
better monitor
agencywide
compliance with
grants management
directives.
Implementation efforts
are ongoing. As of July
2018, EPA stated that it
had implemented a new
web-based system
(Grants Reporting and
Information Portal) to
provide grants
managers with
cumulative annual
baseline monitoring
data. However, full
implementation of the
recommendation will
depend on EPA's
deployment of its new
grants management
system
(GrantsSolutions). As
of December 2018,
EPA expects to deploy
GrantsSolutions in
fiscal year 2019.
State Revolving Funds:
Improved Financial
Indicators Could
Strengthen EPA
Oversight
GAO-15-567
2015-08-05
To improve EPA's
review and
oversight of the
SRF program, the
Administrator of
EPA should direct
the Office of Water
to use information
on SRF funds' past
performance to
develop projections
of SRF programs
by forecasting
future lending
capacity during
regional office
reviews of states'
SRF programs
using factors such
as future interest
As of February 2018,
EPA officials said that
they recently enhanced
the agency's Financial
Planning Model to align
future loan projections
with target cash
balances. Officials also
said that they plan to
update their annual
guidance to states to
promote the importance
of SRF financial
modeling. They also
plan to ask regional
staff to discuss with
states their efforts to do
financial planning for
SRF funds. EPA also
plans to hold webinars
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earnings and
inflation rates.
in lilt next year lu help
show how the Financial
Planning Model can be
used. GAO will review
EPA's progress by
reviewing regional
annual SRF reviews
and webinars, as
appropriate, and
determine if this
recommendation can be
closed.
EPA's Science Advisory
Board: Improved
Procedures Needed to
Process Congressional
Requests for Scientific
Advice
GAO-15-500
2015-06-04
To better ensure
compliance with
ERDDAA when
handling
congressional
requests for
scientific advice
from EPA's SAB,
the EPA
Administrator
should clarify in
the charter when it
is renewed which
offices should
receive and process
congressional
requests.
In September 2016,
EPA finalized
procedures for
reviewing
congressional
committee requests for
advice from the Science
Advisory Board (SAB).
According to EPA
officials, the agency
will also make
modifications to the
SAB charter to be
consistent with the
process. EPA renewed
the SAB's charter in
September 2017, but
the renewed charter
does not specify which
EPA office should
receive and process
congressional requests
for scientific advice
from the SAB.
EPA's Science Advisory
Board: Improved
Procedures Needed to
Process Congressional
Requests for Scientific
Advice
GAO-15-500
2015-06-04
To better ensure
compliance with
ERDDAA when
handling
congressional
requests for
scientific advice
from EPA's SAB,
the EPA
Administrator
should document
procedures for
reviewing
congressional
committee requests
to determine which
questions should be
In September 2016,
EPA finalized
procedures for
reviewing
congressional
committee requests for
advice from the Science
Advisory Board (SAB)
to determine which
questions should be
taken up by the SAB.
These procedures,
however, do not ensure
compliance with the
Environmental
Research,
Development, and
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taken up by ihe
SAB and criteria
for evaluating such
requests.
Demonstration
Authorization Act
(ERDDAA) because
they fail to recognize
that under ERDDAA,
the SAB is required to
provide requested
scientific advice to
select committees. The
procedures lay out a
process and criteria for
reviewing
congressional requests
for SAB advice which
include: (1) the scope of
EPA's legal authorities;
(2) whether the
requested advice is
related to the science
and technical aspect of
the environmental
issue, rather than a
question of public
policy; and (3) EPA
priorities and strategic
plan. The relevant
criterion for
determining whether
the SAB should take up
a question, however, is
whether it is scientific
in nature. The other
criteria may be relevant
to EPA's prioritization
of requests to the SAB
in light of the SAB's
limited resources.
T elecommunications:
Agencies Need Better
Controls to Achieve
Significant Savings on
Mobile Devices and
Services
GAO-15-431
2015-05-21
To help the agency
effectively manage
spending on mobile
devices and
services, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should ensure
procedures to
monitor and
control spending
are established
agency-wide.
Specifically, ensure
that (1) procedures
As of November 2018,
the Environmental
Protection Agency had
not implemented this
recommendation. In
July 2016, the agency
stated that program
offices received
quarterly mobile device
usage reports to review.
However, as of
November 2018, the
agency had not
provided documented
procedures that address
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include abbCbbing
devices for zero,
under, and over
usage;(2)
personnel with
authority and
responsibility for
performing the
procedures are
identified; and (3)
the specific steps to
be taken to perform
the process are
documented.
die elenieiib of our
recommendation.
Hazardous Waste:
Agencies Should Take
Steps to Improve
Information on U SD A's
and Interior's
Potentially
Contaminated Sites
GAO-15-35
2015-01-16
To help resolve
disagreements
between EPA and
USD A and Interior
regarding which
remaining docket
sites require
preliminary
assessments, the
Administrator of
EPA should direct
the Office of
Federal Facilities
Restoration and
Reuse to review
available
information on
USD A and Interior
sites where EPA's
Superfund
Enterprise
Management
System indicates
that a preliminary
assessment has not
occurred to
determine the
accuracy of this
information, and
update the
information, as
needed.
In response to this
recommendation, EPA
Federal Facilities
Restoration and Reuse
Office (FFRRO)
generated a spreadsheet
with information from
EPA's Superfund
Enterprise Management
System showing the
status of USD A and
Interior sites on the
docket. In January 2016
FFRRO sent letters to
USD A and Interior
which included
information from the
spreadsheet showing
the status of each
department's sites and
requested that the
departments work with
EPA to determine the
accuracy of the data. In
addition, the
departments were to~
for those sites where
EPA believed that a
preliminary assessment
was needed-provide a
schedule for completion
of the sites. In a June
2016 letter to EPA,
USD A responded that
with help from EPA
regions they were able
to substantially
reconcile the list,
complete preliminary
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assessments or iheir
equivalent, and provide
a status to EPA on its
251 sites. In an October
2016 letter to EPA,
Interior responded that
79 sites have one or
more areas of
uncertainty regarding
their status within the
Federal Facilities
Docket system. Interior
stated that it had
developed a work plan
for obtaining additional
information on the
sites, which is
scheduled for
completion in March
2018. We will continue
to monitor EPA's and
Interior's progress to
address this
recommendation.
Hazardous Waste:
Agencies Should Take
Steps to Improve
Information on USDA's
and Interior's
Potentially
Contaminated Sites
GAO-15-35
2015-01-16
To help resolve
disagreements
between EPA and
USD A and Interior
regarding which
remaining docket
sites require
preliminary
assessments, the
Administrator of
EPA should direct
the Office of
Federal Facilities
Restoration and
Reuse to work with
the relevant USD A
and Interior offices
to obtain any
additional
information needed
to assist EPA in
determining the
accuracy of the
agency's data on
the status of
preliminary
assessments for
these sites.
According to EPA
officials and
documents, in response
to this recommendation,
EPA's Federal
Facilities Restoration
and Reuse Office
(FFRRO) has been
meeting quarterly with
USD A and Interior to
discuss, among other
issues, any additional
information needed to
assist EPA in
determining the
accuracy of the
agency's data on the
status of preliminary
assessments for these
sites. According to a
June 2016 letter USD A
sent to EPA,
preliminary
assessments or their
equivalent have been
completed for its 251
sites. Interior informed
EPA in an October
2016 letter that it has
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developed a plan-
scheduled for
completion in March
2018—for obtaining
additional information
on the sites. After the
updated list of sites is
developed, Interior
plans to work with EPA
to determine the final
steps necessary to
complete a preliminary
assessment for each
site. We will continue
to monitor EPA's and
Interior's progress to
address this
recommendation.
Hazardous Waste:
Agencies Should Take
Steps to Improve
Information on U SD A's
and Interior's
Potentially
Contaminated Sites
GAO-15-35
2015-01-16
To help resolve
disagreements
between EPA and
USD A and Interior
regarding which
remaining docket
sites require
preliminary
assessments, the
Administrator of
EPA should direct
the Office of
Federal Facilities
Restoration and
Reuse to, after
completing this
review, inform
USD A and Interior
whether the
requirement to
conduct a
preliminary
assessment at the
identified sites has
been met or if
additional work is
needed to meet this
requirement
According to EPA
officials and
documents, in response
to this recommendation,
EPA's Federal
Facilities Restoration
and Reuse Office
(FFRRO) has been
meeting quarterly with
USD A and Interior to
discuss, among other
issues, whether the
requirement to conduct
a preliminary
assessment at the
identified sites has been
met or if additional
work is needed to meet
this requirement.
According to a June
2016 letter USD A sent
to EPA, preliminary
assessments or their
equivalent have been
completed for its 251
sites. Interior informed
EPA in an October
2016 letter that it has
developed a plan-
scheduled for
completion in March
2018—for obtaining
additional information
on the sites. After the
updated list of sites is
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developed, Interior
plans to work with EPA
to determine the final
steps necessary to
complete a preliminary
assessment for each
site. We will continue
to monitor EPA's and
Interior's progress to
address this
recommendation.
Environmental
Regulation: EPA
Should Improve
Adherence to Guidance
for Selected Elements
of Regulatory Impact
Analyses
GAO-14-519
2014-07-18
To improve future
adherence to OMB
guidance for
conducting RIAs,
the EPA
Administrator
should enhance the
agency's review
process for RIAs to
ensure the
transparency and
clarity of
information
presented for
selected elements
in and across RIAs.
In May 2017, EPA
reported that it is
committing to have its
National Center for
Environmental
Economics in the
Office of Policy review
regulatory impact
analyses (RIAs) for
economically
significant rules and
provide a written
review prior to their
submission to OMB,
indicating progress
toward implementing
this recommendation.
As of January 2019,
GAO is keeping this
recommendation open
until seeing how EPA
implements this
commitment, including
any written
documentation or
guidance to support this
process and the type of
criteria the agency
plans to use for these
reviews to ensure the
transparency and clarity
of information
presented for selected
elements in and across
EPA's RIAs.
Environmental
Regulation: EPA
Should Improve
Adherence to Guidance
for Selected Elements
of Regulatory Impact
Analyses
GAO-14-519
2014-07-18
In addition, to
enhance the
usefulness of
EPA's RIAs, the
EPA Administrator
should identify and
prioritize for
As of May 2017, EPA
said that it continues to
make progress in the
spirit of this
recommendation,
including its
consideration of the
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research kc\
categories of
benefits and costs
that the agency
cannot currently
monetize that, once
monetized, would
most enhance the
agency's ability to
consider economic
trade-offs
associated with
different regulatory
alternatives.
Science Ad\ imjin
Board's (SAB) April
2017 draft report and
research
recommendations
regarding the use of
economy-wide
modeling in benefit-
cost analysis for
environmental
regulations. As of
January 2019, GAO is
keeping this
recommendation open
until it is clearer how
EPA is using the SAB's
work to develop its
regulatory impact
analyses.
Drinking Water: EPA
Program to Protect
Underground Sources
from Injection of Fluids
Associated with Oil and
Gas Production Needs
Improvement
GAO-14-555
2014-06-27
To ensure that
EPA's oversight of
the class II
program is
effective at
protecting drinking
water sources from
the underground
injection of large
amounts of
wastewater that
will be produced
with increasing
domestic oil and
gas production, and
to ensure that EPA
maintains
enforcement
authority of state
program
requirements, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should (1) conduct
a rulemaking to
incorporate state
program
requirements, and
changes to state
program
requirements, into
federal regulations,
and (2) at the same
EPA agrees with GAO's
analysis that state
program requirements
and changes should be
approved and codified
in federal regulations.
However, EPA does not
agree with GAO's
recommendation to
conduct one
comprehensive
rulemaking to achieve
this. In February 2018,
EPA officials said that
the agency explored
alternative methods for
maintaining federal
enforceability under the
current statutory
provisions and
determined that there
were no viable
alternatives to
approving and
codifying changes to
state program
requirements into
federal regulations.
Officials also told us
that EPA has not
determined which states
have regulations or
changes to regulations
that have not been
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lime, evaluate and
consider alternative
processes to more
efficiently
incorporate future
changes to state
program
requirements into
federal regulations
without a
rulemaking.
codified and has> no
plans to conduct a
rulemaking at this time.
Federal Software
Licenses: Better
Management Needed to
Achieve Significant
Savings Government-
Wide
GAO-14-413
2014-05-22
To ensure the
effective
management of
software licenses,
the Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should develop an
agency-wide
comprehensive
policy for the
management of
software licenses
that addresses the
weaknesses we
identified.
In April 2018, the
Environment Protection
Agency reported that it
is currently taking steps
to develop a
comprehensive policy
that will address a
centralized
management program
of licenses, an analysis
to inform decision
making, education and
training goals and
overall management
throughout the
lifecycle. In addition,
The Agency stated that
it is still leveraging the
efforts of the
Continuous Diagnostics
and Mitigation project
as well as its Office of
Acquisition
Management's
consolidation of its
Microsoft suite. We
will follow up with the
agency to obtain
supporting documents
and continue to monitor
its progress in
implementing this
recommendation.
Federal Software
Licenses: Better
Management Needed to
Achieve Significant
Savings Government-
Wide
GAO-14-413
2014-05-22
To ensure the
effective
management of
software licenses,
the Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should employ a
In April 2018, the
Environment Protection
Agency reported that it
is currently taking steps
to develop a
comprehensive policy
that will address a
centralized
management program
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centralized
software license
management
approach that is
coordinated and
integrated with key
personnel for the
majority of agency
software license
spending and/or
enterprise-wide
licenses.
ol licenses. In addition,
the agency stated that it
is still leveraging the
efforts of the
Continuous Diagnostics
and Mitigation project
as well as leveraging its
Office of Acquisition
Management's
consolidation of
enterprise licenses. We
will follow up with the
agency to obtain
supporting documents
and continue to monitor
its progress in
implementing this
recommendation.
Federal Software
Licenses: Better
Management Needed to
Achieve Significant
Savings Government-
Wide
GAO-14-413
2014-05-22
To ensure the
effective
management of
software licenses,
the Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should establish a
comprehensive
inventory of
software licenses
using automated
tools for the
majority of agency
software license
spending and/or
enterprise-wide
licenses.
In April 2018, The
Environmental
Protection Agency
reported that it is
currently leveraging its
Continuous Diagnostics
and Mitigation program
for a comprehensive
software license
inventory. The Agency
also reported that this
comprehensive
inventory will be
provided via an
automated dashboard.
We will follow up with
the agency to obtain
supporting documents
and continue to monitor
its progress in
implementing this
recommendation.
Federal Software
Licenses: Better
Management Needed to
Achieve Significant
Savings Government-
Wide
GAO-14-413
2014-05-22
To ensure the
effective
management of
software licenses,
the Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should regularly
track and maintain
a comprehensive
inventory of
software licenses
In April 2018, the
Environment Protection
Agency reported that it
is currently leveraging
its Continuous
Diagnostics and
Mitigation program for
an automated tool that
will establish a
comprehensive
software license
inventory. We will
follow up with the
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(nil))
using aulomated
tools and metrics.
agency lo obtain
supporting documents
and continue to monitor
its progress in
implementing this
recommendation.
Federal Software
Licenses: Better
Management Needed to
Achieve Significant
Savings Government-
Wide
GAO-14-413
2014-05-22
To ensure the
effective
management of
software licenses,
the Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should analyze
agency-wide
software license
data, such as costs,
benefits, usage, and
trending data, to
identify
opportunities to
reduce costs and
better inform
investment
decision making.
In April 2018, the
Environment Protection
Agency reported that it
is currently leveraging
its Continuous
Diagnostics and
Mitigation program for
a comprehensive
software license
inventory by the second
quarter of fiscal year
2018. However, no
supporting
documentation was
provided. The agency
also stated that it is
currently conducting an
analysis of licenses and
maintenance with
regards to category
management to
determine the current
spend environment and
visibility within the
agency to develop
strategies for addressing
each platform. We will
follow up with the
agency to obtain
supporting
documentation and
continue to monitor its
progress in
implementing this
recommendation.
Federal Software
Licenses: Better
Management Needed to
Achieve Significant
Savings Government-
Wide
GAO-14-413
2014-05-22
To ensure the
effective
management of
software licenses,
the Administrator
of the
Environmental
Protection Agency
should provide
software license
management
training to
In April 2018, the
Environment Protection
Agency reported that it
is working to develop a
robust training
curriculum that
addresses all software
license requirements
including but not
limited to negotiations,
laws and regulations,
and contract terms and
902
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appropriate agency
personnel
addressing contract
terms and
conditions,
negotiations, laws
and regulations,
acquisition,
security planning,
and configuration
management.
condition!* department
wide. We will follow
up with the agency to
obtain supporting
documents and continue
to monitor its progress
in implementing this
recommendation.
Chemical Safety:
Actions Needed to
Improve Federal
Oversight of Facilities
with Ammonium
Nitrate
GAO-14-274
2014-05-19
To strengthen
federal oversight of
facilities with
ammonium nitrate,
the Secretary of
Labor and the
Administrator of
EPA should direct
OSHA and EPA,
respectively, to
consider revising
their related
regulations to
cover ammonium
nitrate and jointly
develop a plan to
require high risk
facilities with
ammonium nitrate
to assess the risks
and implement
safeguards to
prevent accidents
involving this
chemical.
In January 2017, EPA
issued a final rule to
modify its Risk
Management Program
(RMP) regulations. The
agency decided not to
propose any revisions
to the list of regulated
substances and
therefore, did not
address ammonium
nitrate in the revised
regulations.
Clean Water Act:
Changes Needed If Key
EPA Program Is to
Help Fulfill the Nation's
Water Quality Goals
GAO-14-80
2013-12-05
To enhance the
likelihood that
TMDLs support
the nation's waters'
attainment of water
quality standards
and to strengthen
water quality
management, the
Administrator of
EPA should
develop and issue
new regulations
requiring that
TMDLs include
additional
elements~and
In February 2018, EPA
officials stated that it
has taken several
actions that change the
focus of the total
maximum daily loads
(TMDL) program to
focus efforts on
implementing TMDLs.
First, EPA developed a
TMDL Vision
document to focus on
integrating and
implementing different
efforts to restore and
protect the nation's
aquatic resources.
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consider requiring
the elements that
are now optional-
specifically,
elements reflecting
key features
identified by NRC
as necessary for
attaining water
quality standards,
such as
comprehensive
identification of
impairment and
plans to monitor
water bodies to
verify that water
quality is
improving.
Second, LPA liu;> held
regional meetings to
discuss different TMDL
topics such as
monitoring,
implementation, and
reasonable assurance.
Included in these
discussions were good
practices and examples.
EPA officials stated
that these actions have
changed the focus of
the program in the place
of regulations. We
agree that these actions
are helpful and can take
the agency and states in
the direction of
improving the TMDL
program. However, the
actions do not carry the
force of regulations and
we believe that the
problems of nonpoint
source pollution require
stronger action such as
regulations to be
resolved.
Information
Technology: Additional
OMB and Agency
Actions Are Needed to
Achieve Portfolio
Savings
GAO-14-65
2013-11-06
To improve the
agency's
implementation of
Portfolio Stat, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should direct the
CIO to develop a
complete
commodity IT
baseline.
In September 2016, we
reported that the
Environmental
Protection Agency's
(EPA) Registry of
Environmental
Protection Agency
Applications, Models
and Databases (READ)
system had a complete
inventory of enterprise
IT and business
systems-two of three
categories of IT assets
that make up a
commodity IT baseline-
and that the agency had
processes in place to
regularly update this
inventory to ensure its
completeness (see
GAO-16-511). We are
following up with EPA
to obtain its inventory
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of IT infrastructure
systems-the third
commodity IT
category~and
determine the agency's
process to ensure the
completeness of this
inventory.
Information
Technology: Additional
OMB and Agency
Actions Are Needed to
Achieve Portfolio
Savings
GAO-14-65
2013-11-06
To improve the
agency's
implementation of
Portfolio Stat, in
future reporting to
OMB, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should direct the
CIO to folly
describe the
following
Portfolio Stat action
plan elements: (1)
consolidate
commodity IT
spending under the
agency CIO; (2)
establish targets for
commodity IT
spending
reductions and
deadlines for
meeting those
targets; and (3)
establish criteria
for identifying
wasteful, low-
value, or
duplicative
investments.
In November 2016, the
Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) reported making
progress in addressing
the three action plan
elements through
implementation of the
Federal Information
Technology Acquisition
Reform Act (FITARA)
and efforts to assess
applications in its
inventory. However,
EPA did not provide
documentation
describing the action
plan items. We are
following up with the
agency to obtain this
documentation.
Information
Technology: Additional
OMB and Agency
Actions Are Needed to
Achieve Portfolio
Savings
GAO-14-65
2013-11-06
To improve the
agency's
implementation of
Portfolio Stat, the
Administrator of
the Environmental
Protection Agency
should direct the
CIO to report on
the agency's
progress in
consolidating the
managed print
Between July and
December 2016, the
Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA) reported that it
had implemented a
managed print service
contract for
headquarters in 2014
and was preparing to
award a new contract to
also cover its regions.
The agency also
905
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s>or\ iceb and
strategic sourcing
of end user
computing to
shared services as
part of the OMB
integrated data
collection quarterly
reporting until
completed.
reported llial il plaiib lo
use one of the
government-wide
contracts identified in
OMB's policy on
improving the
acquisition and
management of
common IT for its end
user computing needs.
EPA, however, did not
provide documentation
supporting these efforts.
We are following up
with the agency to
obtain this
documentation.
Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative: Further
Actions Would Result
in More Useful
Assessments and Help
Address Factors That
Limit Progress
GAO-13-797
2013-09-27
To address
challenges the Task
Force faces in
producing
comprehensive and
useful assessments
of progress and
addressing factors
that may limit
GLRI progress, the
EPA
Administrator, in
coordination with
the Task Force, as
appropriate, should
establish an
adaptive
management plan
that includes all of
the key elements of
adaptive
management and
provides details on
how these elements
will be
implemented.
In March 2018, EPA
provided to GAO a
draft of the final report
from the Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative
Adaptive Management
Pilot Project. The report
did not recommend
changing the adaptive
management plan from
what was in use when
GAO issued this
recommendation. GAO
will review the final
report when it is issued.
Pesticides: EPA Should
Take Steps to Improve
Its Oversight of
Conditional
Registrations
GAO-13-145
2013-08-08
To improve EPA's
management of the
conditional
registration
process, the
Administrator of
EPA should direct
the Director of the
Office of Pesticide
Programs to
In fiscal year 2017,
EPA reported that until
upgrades to the Office
of Pesticide Programs'
(OPP) database
architecture are
complete in fiscal year
2018, the agency cannot
complete plans to
automate data related to
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complete plans lu
automate data
related to
conditional
registrations to
more readily track
the status of these
registrations and
related registrant
and agency actions
and identify
potential problems
requiring
management
attention.
conditional
registrations. The
agency informed us that
plans are currently
underway to improve
the functionality and
accuracy of OPP
databases, including the
tracking of information
on conditional
registration. As of May
2018, we are continuing
to review EPA's efforts
to respond to this
recommendation.
Chemical Assessments:
An Agencywide
Strategy May Help
EPA Address Unmet
Needs for Integrated
Risk Information
System Assessments
GAO-13-369
2013-05-10
To ensure that EPA
maximizes its
limited resources
and addresses the
statutory,
regulatory, and
programmatic
needs of EPA
program offices
and regions when
IRIS toxicity
assessments are not
available, and once
demand for the
IRIS Program is
determined, the
EPA Administrator
should direct the
Deputy
Administrator, in
coordination with
EPA's Science
Advisor, to develop
an agencywide
strategy to address
the unmet needs of
EPA program
offices and regions
that includes, at a
minimum: (1)
coordination across
EPA offices and
with other federal
research agencies
to help identify and
fill data gaps that
preclude the
agency from
As of September 2018,
EPA's Integrated Risk
Information System
(IRIS) Program
officials told GAO that
they are working with
EPA program and
regional offices to build
capacity for applying
systematic review in
toxicity and risk
assessments. To date,
EPA has not provided
GAO with
documentation of an
agencywide strategy for
identifying data gaps or
coordinating systematic
review procedures;
rather, the efforts led by
the IRIS Program are ad
hoc. EPA has also not
produced agencywide
guidance on alternative
sources of toxicity
information when IRIS
values are not available,
applicable, or current.
According to interviews
with program and
regional offices, some
offices have developed
their own hierarchies
and criteria for
alternative sources of
toxicity information;
while these hierarchies
may be similar, they are
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coiiducliiig IRIS
toxicity
assessments, and
(2) guidance that
describes
alternative sources
of toxicity
information and
when it would be
appropriate to use
them when IRIS
values are not
available,
applicable, or
current.
nol agency wide
guidance. Until EPA
produces
documentation that
shows (1) coordination
across EPA offices and
with other federal
research agencies to
help identify and fill
data gaps that preclude
the agency from
conducting IRIS
toxicity assessments,
and (2) guidance on
alternative sources of
toxicity information
and when it would be
appropriate to use them
when IRIS values are
not available,
applicable, or current,
GAO will keep this
recommendation open.
Toxic Substances: EPA
Has Increased Efforts to
Assess and Control
Chemicals but Could
Strengthen Its
Approach
GAO-13-249
2013-03-22
To better position
EPA to collect
chemical toxicity
and exposure-
related data and
ensure chemical
safety under
existing TSCA
authority, while
balancing its
workload, and to
better position EPA
to ensure chemical
safety under
existing TSCA
authority, the
Administrator of
EPA should direct
the appropriate
offices to develop
strategies for
addressing
challenges that
impede the
agency's ability to
meet its goal of
ensuring chemical
safety. At a
minimum, the
strategies should
As of December 2018,
while there have been
fundamental changes in
EPA's approach to
chemicals management,
this recommendation
remains open.
Specifically, Congress
amended the Toxic
Substances Control Act
TSCA (TSCA) of 1976
by passing the Frank R.
Lautenberg Chemical
Safety for the 21st
Century Act in 2016 in
ways that
fundamentally changed
and expanded EPA's
approach to domestic
chemicals management,
including authorizing
EPA to review existing
and new chemicals.
According to EPA, in
carrying out the
statutory requirements
for conducting risk
evaluations for
chemicals, the Office of
Chemical Safety and
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Issued
Kecoiinneiithil ions
( oiniiionls
addict challenges
associated with: (1)
obtaining toxicity
and exposure data
needed to conduct
ongoing and future
TSCA Work Plan
risk assessments,
(2) gaining access
to toxicity and
exposure data
provided to the
European
Chemicals Agency,
(3) working with
processors and
processor
associations to
obtain exposure-
related data, (4)
banning or limiting
the use of
chemicals under
section 6 of TSCA
and planned
actions for
overcoming these
challenges-
including a
description of other
actions the agency
plans to pursue in
lieu of banning or
limiting the use of
chemicals, and (5)
identifying the
resources needed to
conduct risk
assessments and
implement risk
management
decisions in order
to meet its goal of
ensuring chemical
safety.
Pollution Pre\ eiiuon
(OSCPP) (the EPA
office that oversees the
TSCA program) has
engaged other EPA
offices in a variety of
ways to obtain
information necessary
to conduct risk
evaluations and to
leverage expertise and
experience of other
experts within EPA. In
addition, according to
EPA, OCSPP has
implemented other
ways of addressing
challenges associated
with the following,
which were identified
in our original
recommendation: (1)
obtaining toxicity and
exposure data needed to
conduct ongoing and
future TSCA Work
Plan risk assessments
for existing chemicals;
(2) gaining access to
toxicity and exposure
data provided to the
European Chemicals
Agency; (3) working
with processors and
processor associations
to obtain exposure-
related data; (4)
banning or limiting the
use of chemicals under
section 6 of TSCA; and
(5) identifying the
resources needed to
conduct risk
assessments and
implement risk
management decisions
in order to meet its goal
of ensuring chemical
safety. Although EPA
officials believe that
our 2013 findings and
recommendations
regarding impediments
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to the agency's ability
to assess and control
toxic chemicals under
the previous statute
have less relevance now
than they did when
issued, we have
ongoing concerns about
the sufficiency of
resources to implement
TSCA, as amended. In
our report, we noted
that many of the
challenges EPA faced
were rooted in TSCA's
regulatory framework,
and that we had
previously suggested
that Congress consider
making statutory
changes. Until such
changes were made, we
recommended that EPA
take certain actions, but
the statute has now
been amended. EPA's
implementation of the
new law will determine
whether this
recommendation can be
closed. We remain
particularly concerned
that EPA has not
demonstrated a
commitment to identify
resources needed to
conduct risk
assessments and
implement risk
management decisions.
The Lautenberg Act
increased EPA's
responsibility for
regulating chemicals
and in turn, its
workload. Partially due
to the increased
workload, some EPA
officials told us they
have concerns about
staff capacity. Staff in
the office that
implements TSCA said
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they do not have
sufficient resources to
do their work. This
office is also drawing
on the staff of other
EPA offices such as the
IRIS Program in order
to meet deadlines. EPA
recently used authority
under the Lautenberg
Act to finalize a rule
collecting fees from
companies, but EPA
officials are uncertain
how much the fees rule
will generate the first
year, though they
believe that over the
course of a few years,
the amount of money
generated should
stabilize.
Organizational
Transformation:
Enterprise Architecture
Value Needs to Be
Measured and Reported
GAO-12-791
2012-09-26
To enhance federal
agencies' ability to
realize enterprise
architecture
benefits, the
Secretaries of the
Departments of
Agriculture, the Air
Force, the Army,
Commerce,
Defense,
Education, Energy,
Homeland
Security, the
Interior, Labor, the
Navy, State,
Transportation, the
Treasury, and
Veterans Affairs;
the Attorney
General; the
Administrators of
the Environmental
Protection Agency,
General Services
Administration,
National
Aeronautics and
Space
Administration,
and Small Business
As of February 2018,
the Environmental
Protection Agency had
not implemented this
recommendation and
did not have a specific
plan to do so. In March
2014, the agency
submitted its Enterprise
Roadmap to the Office
of Management and
Budget, which included
metrics associated with
potential outcomes
related to its enterprise
architecture efforts,
such as cost savings
gained from
consolidating and
sharing services.
However, the agency
had not established
steps to be followed for
measuring architecture
outcomes. Furthermore,
according to its May
2015 Enterprise
Roadmap, the agency
no longer planned to
measure architecture-
related outcomes.
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Administration, die
Commissioners of
the Nuclear
Regulatory
Commission and
Social Security
Administration;
and the Directors
of the National
Science Foundation
and the Office of
Personnel
Management
should fully
establish an
approach for
measuring
enterprise
architecture
outcomes,
including a
documented
method (i.e., steps
to be followed) and
metrics that are
measurable,
meaningful,
repeatable,
consistent,
actionable, and
aligned with the
agency's enterprise
architecture's
strategic goals and
intended purpose.
\onedieless, we will
continue to monitor the
agency's efforts to
implement the
recommendation.
Organizational
Transformation:
Enterprise Architecture
Value Needs to Be
Measured and Reported
GAO-12-791
2012-09-26
To enhance federal
agencies' ability to
realize enterprise
architecture
benefits, the
Secretaries of the
Departments of
Agriculture, the Air
Force, the Army,
Commerce,
Defense,
Education, Energy,
Homeland
Security, the
Interior, Labor, the
Navy, State,
Transportation, the
Treasury, and
The Environmental
Protection Agency has
not implemented this
recommendation. In
March 2014, the agency
submitted to the Office
of Management and
Budget its Enterprise
Roadmap, which
identified outcomes
associated with its
enterprise architecture
efforts. For example,
the agency reported
cost savings achieved in
fiscal year 2013 related
to consolidating and
sharing services.
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Veteran;, Allaire,
the Attorney
General; the
Administrators of
the Environmental
Protection Agency,
General Services
Administration,
National
Aeronautics and
Space
Administration,
and Small Business
Administration; the
Commissioners of
the Nuclear
Regulatory
Commission and
Social Security
Administration;
and the Directors
of the National
Science Foundation
and the Office of
Personnel
Management
should periodically
measure and report
enterprise
architecture
outcomes and
benefits to top
agency officials
(i.e., executives
with authority to
commit resources
or make changes to
the program) and to
OMB.
However, die agenc}
did not demonstrate that
it reliably measured the
outcome (i.e., it did not
provide supporting
documentation). More
recently, according to
its May 2015 Enterprise
Roadmap, the agency
no longer planned to
measure architecture-
related outcomes. As of
February 2018, the
agency had not
demonstrated that it had
taken additional actions
to address this
recommendation.
Nonetheless, we
continue to believe that
it is important that the
agency measure the
value of its enterprise
architecture and will
monitor its efforts to
implement the
recommendation.
Nonpoint Source Water
Pollution: Greater
Oversight and
Additional Data Needed
for Key EPA Water
Program
GAO-12-335
2012-05-31
To help protect the
quality of our
nation's water
resources, and to
strengthen EPA's
implementation of
its responsibilities
under the Clean
Water Act's section
319 nonpoint
source pollution
control program,
the Administrator
of EPA should, in
In July 2016, we issued
an update on our
recommendations
saying that EPA
planned to change the
program's measures of
effectiveness. In June
2018, an EPA official
said that the agency is
working to significantly
reduce the number of
measures reported by
the Office of Water by
two-thirds, which will
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revising seeliuii
319 guidelines to
states, and in
addition to existing
statutorily required
reporting measures,
emphasize
measures that (1)
more accurately
reflect the overall
health of targeted
water bodies (e.g.,
the number, kind,
and condition of
living organisms)
and (2)
demonstrate states'
focus on protecting
high-quality water
bodies, where
appropriate.
lllipaul llle 319
program's ability to
maintain current or
create new measures.
As a result, the 319
program will not pursue
adding a new measure
as we recommended.
However, according to
the official, the program
is seeking to revise and
broaden its measures in
line with GAO's
recommendation.
Specifically, EPA
revised its WQ-10
measure to capture
varying types of
nonpoint source success
stories and to better
account for removing
nonpoint source
impairments in
individual waterbodies.
According to EPA, the
changes also enable it
to report on different
forms of water quality
improvement, including
those water quality
standards restored that
are based on state-
specific biocriteria.
Additionally, the
program has made
changes to its GRTS
program to track work
that is conducted to
protect high-quality
waters. According to
EPA officials, they will
also develop in 2019 a
compendium of 319-
funded protection
projects and approaches
to further inform
nonpoint source
protection activities.
This will allow the
agency to report on this
work over time as it
gathers more robust
data.
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CI ion ileal As>s>os>s>nioiiLs.
Challenges Remain
with EPA's Integrated
Risk Information
System Program
gau-i:-4:
Jul 1-iJ-uy
To boiler ensure
the credibility of
IRIS assessments
by enhancing their
timeliness and
certainty, the EPA
Administrator
should require the
Office of Research
and Development
to assess the
feasibility and
appropriateness of
the established
time frames for
each step in the
IRIS assessment
process and
determine whether
different time
frames should be
established, based
on complexity or
other criteria, for
different types of
IRIS assessments.
As> of September JlUlS,
EPA's Integrated Risk
Information System
(IRIS) Program
officials have begun
producing "fit for
purpose" chemical
assessments, intended
to help the Program
produce more targeted
assessments on a faster
timeline for EPA
Program Offices. In
addition, IRIS staff
have begun using
project management
software to better plan
assessment timelines
and to better allocate
staff time to work on
assessments and related
tasks. However, GAO
has not received further
documentation from
IRIS Program officials,
such as published
guidance or other
materials outlining the
new "fit for purpose"
timeframes, including
documentation showing
the scope of
assessments currently
underway and how that
scope will translate to
timeframes (e.g.,
evidence maps, level of
effort assessments, and
project plans for
assessments in
progress). GAO will
leave this
recommendation open
until such
documentation is
available as well as
information
communicating
assessments' progress
and demonstrating a
commitment to adjust
timeframes based on
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complexity or other
criteria.
Chemical Assessments:
Challenges Remain
with EPA's Integrated
Risk Information
System Program
GAO-12-42
2011-12-09
To better ensure
the credibility of
IRIS assessments
by enhancing their
timeliness and
certainty, the EPA
Administrator
should require the
Office of Research
and Development,
should different
time frames be
necessary,to
establish a written
policy that clearly
describes the
applicability of the
time frames for
each type of IRIS
assessment and
ensures that the
time frames are
realistic and
provide greater
predictability to
stakeholders.
As of September 2018,
EPA's Integrated Risk
Information System
(IRIS) Program
officials have begun
producing "fit for
purpose" chemical
assessments, intended
to help the Program
produce more targeted
assessments on a faster
timeline for EPA
program and regional
offices. Interviews with
EPA Program Offices
indicate that IRIS
"clients" (EPA program
and regional offices)
are aware of new
timelines and receive
monthly updates on
assessment progress via
a conference call.
However, EPA has not
produced a formal
memo or
documentation from
IRIS Program
management
identifying how
timelines are decided
for each assessment
(including the goal to
complete all of the
internal Program and
National Center for
Environmental
Assessment stages of
the assessment process
within 2 years). GAO
will leave this
recommendation open
until such
documentation is
available.
Chemical Assessments:
Challenges Remain
with EPA's Integrated
Risk Information
System Program
GAO-12-42
2011-12-09
To ensure that
current and
accurate
information on
chemicals that EPA
plans to assess
As of September 2018,
EPA's Integrated Risk
Information System
(IRIS) Program was
waiting on results of an
EPA-wide survey of
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lluough IRIS ib
available to IRIS
users-including
stakeholders such
as EPA program
and regional
offices, other
federal agencies,
and the public-the
EPA Administrator
should direct the
Office of Research
and Development
to annually publish
the IRIS agenda in
the Federal
Register each fiscal
year.
chemical a^eiMiieiil
needs to incorporate
information into the
IRIS workload (as
appropriate) and the
"Assessments in
Development" page on
the IRIS Website. GAO
will leave this
recommendation open
until such information
is available.
Chemical Assessments:
Challenges Remain
with EPA's Integrated
Risk Information
System Program
GAO-12-42
2011-12-09
To ensure that
current and
accurate
information on
chemicals that EPA
plans to assess
through IRIS is
available to IRIS
users-including
stakeholders such
as EPA program
and regional
offices, other
federal agencies,
and the public-the
EPA Administrator
should direct the
Office of Research
and Development
to indicate in
published IRIS
agendas which
chemicals EPA is
actively assessing
and when EPA
plans to start
assessments of the
other listed
chemicals.
As of September 2018,
EPA's Integrated Risk
Information System
(IRIS) Program was
waiting on results of an
EPA-wide survey of
chemical assessment
needs to incorporate
information into the
"Assessments in
Development" page on
the IRIS Website. GAO
will leave this
recommendation open
until the IRIS Program
can demonstrate that it
is communicating to the
public current and
accurate information on
which chemicals EPA
is actively assessing
and when EPA plans to
start assessments of the
other listed chemicals.
Chemical Assessments:
Challenges Remain
with EPA's Integrated
Risk Information
System Program
GAO-12-42
2011-12-09
To ensure that
current and
accurate
information on
chemicals that EPA
plans to assess
As of September 2018,
EPA's Integrated Risk
Information System
(IRIS) Program website
indicated that the
information previously
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through IRIS is
available to IRIS
users-including
stakeholders such
as EPA program
and regional
offices, other
federal agencies,
and the public-the
EPA Administrator
should direct the
Office of Research
and Development
to update the IRIS
Substance
Assessment
Tracking System
(IRISTrack) to
display all current
information on the
status of
assessments of
chemicals on the
IRIS agenda,
including projected
and actual start
dates, and
projected and
actual dates for
completion of steps
in the IRIS process,
and keep this
information
current.
contained in IRISTrack
has been moved to a
public-facing IRIS
website, which includes
a list of chemicals
currently under
assessment and
identifies their stage of
assessment. GAO will
leave this
recommendation open
until the agency
demonstrates that
updates are routinely
posted in a timely
manner.
Drinking Water:
Unreliable State Data
Limit EPA's Ability to
Target Enforcement
Priorities and
Communicate Water
Systems' Performance
GAO-11-381
2011-06-17
To improve EPA's
ability to oversee
the states'
implementation of
the Safe Drinking
Water Act and
provide Congress
and the public with
more complete and
accurate
information on
compliance, the
Administrator of
EPA should
resume data
verification audits
to routinely
evaluate the quality
of selected
As of May 2017, EPA
reported that it had not
resumed its data
verification audits due
to budgetary
constraints, but was
continuing on-site file
reviews to support
efficient and effective
state programs. EPA
completed 5 file
reviews in 2015, 7 in
2016, and was planning
to complete 10 in 2017.
According to EPA,
budgetary constraints
may affect its ability to
reach this goal.
According to the
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drinking water data
on health-based
and monitoring
violations that the
states provide to
EPA. These audits
should also
evaluate the quality
of data on the
enforcement
actions that states
and other primacy
agencies have
taken to correct
violations.
agenc}, LP A conlinuesj
to focus on developing
its Safe Drinking Water
Information System
(SDWIS) Prime
database, which it
claims will reduce state
burden, support
effective management
and prioritization of
resources, and will
enhance data quality
and support the
possibility of building
an electronic data
verification protocol.
EPA said it plans to
have the system
operational in 2018. In
addition, EPA said that
it continues to provide
training sessions as well
as identify best
practices that file
reviewers can use to
enhance file review
implementation. For
2017-2018, EPA plans
to continue quarterly
national training events.
A July 2017 report by
EPA's Office of the
Inspector General
concluded that
limitations to EPA's
oversight tools impede
the agency's ability to
conduct consistent
oversight of the
national drinking water
program and reduce the
reliability of its
monitoring and
reporting data. The
Inspector General did
not make any
recommendations
because it concluded
the agency is taking
steps to address the
shortcomings. For
example, according to
the Inspector General's
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report, EPA released
the Compliance
Monitoring Data Portal
in September 2016.
EPA water officials
said the portal will
enable public water
systems and
laboratories to report
drinking water data
electronically to
primacy agencies. Utah
became the first state to
use the portal in March
2017 and EPA staff
anticipate that five
additional states will
begin using the portal
by the end of 2017.
EPA anticipates this
system will lead to
fewer reporting errors,
improved data quality,
and reduced time
needed to report state
data to EPA.
Drinking Water:
Unreliable State Data
Limit EPA's Ability to
Target Enforcement
Priorities and
Communicate Water
Systems' Performance
GAO-11-381
2011-06-17
To improve EPA's
ability to oversee
the states'
implementation of
the Safe Drinking
Water Act and
provide Congress
and the public with
more complete and
accurate
information on
compliance, the
Administrator of
EPA should work
with the states to
establish a goal, or
goals, for the
completeness and
accuracy of data on
monitoring
violations. In
setting these goals,
EPA may want to
consider whether
certain types of
monitoring
violations merit
As of May 2017, EPA
has not worked with
states to establish a
national goal for the
quality of monitoring
violations. EPA stated
that, without the ability
to conduct on-site data
verifications using a
statistically-based
sample size, it is unable
to derive a goal that
would capture both
completeness of state
reporting to EPA and
whether the states
correctly assigned a
violation for missed
monitoring. EPA said
that it intends to work
with states to evaluate
the establishment of a
monitoring data quality
goal once the new Safe
Drinking Water
Information System
(SDWIS) NextGen data
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specific lurgcb. l or
example, the
agency may decide
that a goal for the
states to
completely and
accurately report
when required
monitoring was not
done should differ
from a goal for
reporting when
monitoring was
done but not
reported on time.
s>iciii hab been
developed and
electronic data
verification functions
are incorporated into
the system. In April
2015, EPA indicated
that the agency intends
to separate monitoring
violations from
reporting violations in
the new SDWIS
Primacy Agency
(Prime) data system.
According to EPA, this
will enable the primacy
agencies and EPA to
better understand the
nature of system
violations and with the
violations delineated in
this manner, EPA will
be able to consider
developing goals for
monitoring and
reporting violations. As
of May 2017, EPA is
scheduled to have
SDWIS Prime available
for testing in September
2017 and available for
state users at the end of
March 2018. EPA will
consider GAO's
recommendation once
SDWIS Prime is fully
operational and it is
able to better establish
such a goal.
Drinking Water:
Unreliable State Data
Limit EPA's Ability to
Target Enforcement
Priorities and
Communicate Water
Systems' Performance
GAO-11-381
2011-06-17
To improve EPA's
ability to oversee
the states'
implementation of
the Safe Drinking
Water Act and
provide Congress
and the public with
more complete and
accurate
information on
compliance, the
Administrator of
EPA should
In August 2017, EPA
told GAO that it
continues to use a
variety of tools and
resources to identify
strategies that will
enhance how the
agency conveys to the
public information on
drinking water quality
and potential health
risks associated with
exposure to
contaminants. With
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consider w licllicr
EPA's performance
measures for
community water
systems could be
constructed to
more clearly
communicate the
aggregate public
health risk posed
by these systems'
noncompliance
with SDWA and
progress in having
those systems
return to
compliance in a
timely manner.
regard lo GAO's
recommendation, EPA
told us it had previously
collaborated with the
EPA Regional
managers to identify
language that would
enhance the
communication of
aggregate public health
risk to consumers in
regards to community
water system measures.
EPA developed the
measure because it
describes the
percentage of people
served by community
water system that
receive drinking water
that meets all health-
based drinking water
standards, accounting
for the duration of
violations that occurred.
EPA piloted this
measure in Fiscal Year
2007 as an indicator
measure. In Fiscal Year
2008, the measure was
elevated to a strategic
plan measure with
established targets.
After receiving positive
response regarding this
measure, in Fiscal Year
2015, the agency
developed a measure
for tribal community
water systems.
According to the
agency, EPA will
continue to take
comments on existing
and future measures
during its 5 year
strategic plan reviews.
Safe Drinking Water
Act: EPA Should
Improve
Implementation of
Requirements on
Whether to Regulate
GAO-11-254
2011-05-27
To increase EPA's
consistency,
transparency, and
clarity in
implementing the
Safe Drinking
As of June 2018, EPA
has taken no further
action on this
recommendation; as a
result it remains open
and GAO will continue
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Additional
Contaminants
Water Act in a w a\
that better assures
the public of safe
drinking water, and
to systematically
implement the
statutory
requirement to
consider for
regulation the
contaminants that
present the greatest
public health
concern, the EPA
Administrator
should require that
the Office of Water
to develop a
coordinated
process for
obtaining both the
occurrence and
health effects data
that may be needed
for the agency to
make informed
regulatory
determinations on
these priority
contaminants.
to monitor LPA'b
progress. In May 2017,
while EPA cited the
January 2016
document, "EPA's
Protocol for the
Regulatory
Determinations 3," that
includes clearer, more
explicit description of
the occurrence data
EPA uses and the
health assessment
sources, it does not
address the
recommendation's
intent that EPA develop
a coordinated process
for obtaining both the
occurrence and health
effects data that may be
needed for the agency
to make informed
regulatory
determinations on
priority contaminants.
Since most, if not all of
the sources cited are
data that EPA was
using at the time the
report was issued, GAO
is keeping this
recommendation open.
As GAO reported, the
approach EPA currently
uses does not provide
the agency with all of
the data it needs in a
timely manner to
support determinations
for some priority
contaminants.
Safe Drinking Water
Act: EPA Should
Improve
Implementation of
Requirements on
Whether to Regulate
Additional
Contaminants
GAO-11-254
2011-05-27
InlightofEPA's
decisions to issue
health advisories in
conjunction with
determinations to
not regulate certain
contaminants that
have been detected
in some public
water systems at
levels of public
As of June 2018, EPA
has taken no further
action on this
recommendation; as a
result it remains open
and GAO will continue
to monitor EPA's
progress. In May 2017,
EPA indicated that its
Drinking Water
Standards and Health
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health concern, the
EPA Administrator
should (1)
determine whether
the Office of
Water's use of
health advisories
provides sufficient
information on
these unregulated
contaminants to
support timely and
effective actions by
states, localities,
public water
systems, and the
public to ensure the
safety of public
drinking water, and
(2) if not, direct the
Office of Water to
develop a plan to
more effectively
communicate such
information to
these entities.
Ad\ is>ories> iables>
provide a summary of
previously published
concentrations of
drinking water
contaminants that are
protective of public
health, and that the
agency periodically
updates these tables to
summarize health
advisories and
regulations published to
date. Since the table
was last updated in
2012, and work is
underway to revise it
and make the
information more
accessible, GAO will
monitor EPA's progress
before closing this
recommendation.
Environmental
Protection Agency:
EPA Needs to
Complete a Strategy for
Its Library Network to
Meet Users' Needs
GAO-10-947
2010-09-30
To ensure that
EPA's library
network continues
to meet its users'
needs, the
Administrator of
EPA should, in
future assistance
agreements, make
explicit that EPA
can include in the
agency's public
online database,
without obtaining
prior permission
from the copyright
holder, any
documents
produced under the
agreements.
EPA released its Plan to
Increase Access to
Results of EPA-Funded
Scientific Research;
dated November 29,
2016. According to the
plan, its purpose is to
describe steps that EPA
will take to increase the
availability of the
results of EPA-funded
research to the
scientific community,
environmental policy
makers, other
stakeholders, and the
public in order to
accelerate scientific
breakthroughs that
support the agency's
mission and policy
making efforts. The
plan notes that EPA
will create a Forum on
Increasing Public
Access to EPA
Research to implement
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the plan, and the forum
should be established
within 4 months after
approval of the plan.
The plan includes
language stating that
regulatory licenses for
grants, contracts, and
cooperative agreements
allow the agency to
provide the public with
access. Upon full
implementation, EPA
plans to develop
extramural award terms
and provide guidance to
future award recipients
and contractors
regarding public access
to publications,
including refraining
from signing any
agreements with
publishers that purport
to restrict EPA?s
license rights,
according to EPA.
Environmental
Protection Agency:
EPA Needs to
Complete a Strategy for
Its Library Network to
Meet Users' Needs
GAO-10-947
2010-09-30
To ensure that
EPA's library
network continues
to meet its users'
needs, and for
future assistance
agreements where
EPA cannot make
such an
arrangement, EPA
should digitize
documents
produced under the
agreements and
make them
available to federal
employees and
other authorized
users for federal
government
purposes.
EPA released its Plan to
Increase Access to
Results of EPA-Funded
Scientific Research;
dated November 29,
2016. According to the
plan, its purpose is to
describe steps that EPA
will take to increase the
availability of the
results of EPA-funded
research to the
scientific community,
environmental policy
makers, other
stakeholders, and the
public in order to
accelerate scientific
breakthroughs that
support the agency's
mission and policy
making efforts. The
plan notes that within 4
months of the approval
of the plan, EPA will
begin developing
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additional processes,
infrastructure,
language, and training
needed to increase
public access to EPA-
funded extramural
research publications
and data. Once adopted,
implementation will
begin prospectively
with 2018 funded
extramural requests for
applications for grants,
contracts, and
cooperative/assistance
agreements, according
to the plan.
Chemical Assessments:
Low Productivity and
New Interagency
Review Process Limit
the Usefulness and
Credibility of EPA's
Integrated Risk
Information System
GAO-08-440
2008-03-07
To develop timely
chemical risk
information that
EPA needs to
effectively conduct
its mission, the
Administrator,
EPA, should
require the Office
of Research and
Development to re-
evaluate its draft
proposed changes
to the IRIS
assessment process
in light of the
issues raised in this
report and ensure
that any revised
process
periodically
assesses the level
of resources that
should be
dedicated to this
significant program
to meet user needs
and maintain a
viable IRIS
database.
As of September 2018,
EPA's Integrated Risk
Information System
(IRIS) Program
officials told GAO that
they have drafted and
sent for Agency review
a "Handbook for
Developing IRIS
Assessments," intended
to guide staff through
the sequential stages of
the IRIS assessment
process. Since January
2017, IRIS Program
staff have used project
management techniques
and software intended
to help Program
leadership better
understand and utilize
resources and monitor
assessment progress.
However, until the IRIS
Program provides
documentation
demonstrating a stable
IRIS process that
periodically assesses
the level of resources
that should be dedicated
to the program to meet
user needs and maintain
a viable IRIS database,
and finalizes the
Handbook, GAO will
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leave this
recommendation open.
Drinking Water: EPA
Should Strengthen
Ongoing Efforts to
Ensure That Consumers
Are Protected from
Lead Contamination
GAO-06-148
2006-01-04
The Administrator,
EPA, should take a
number of steps to
further protect the
American public
from elevated lead
levels in drinking
water. Specifically,
to improve EPA's
ability to oversee
implementation of
the lead rule and
assess compliance
and enforcement
activities, EPA
should ensure that
data on water
systems' test
results, corrective
action milestones,
and violations are
current, accurate,
and complete.
In June 2017, EPA
reported to GAO that
the agency had been
working with states
through face-to-face
trainings and webinars
on the reporting of
milestone data. GAO
will continue to monitor
these efforts and
reevaluate whether
water systems'
test results, corrective
action milestones and
violations are current,
accurate and complete
subsequent to the
completion of the
Compliance Monitoring
Data Portal and the Safe
Drinking Water
Information System
(SDWIS) Prime,
described briefly below.
However, until these
new tools are complete,
the status of this
recommendation
remains open.
According to EPA,
SDWIS Prime will be
available for testing in
September 2017 and for
state use at the end of
March 2018. In an
earlier update to GAO
in June 2016, EPA
highlighted several of
its efforts to improve
data quality, noting that
it had given greater
scrutiny to such
improvements due to
recent concerns about
elevated lead in
drinking water. For
example, its SDWIS
regional coordinators
review all SDWIS data
submissions for
accuracy and timeliness
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before approving
submittals to the
agency. In addition,
EPA provides the
Regions and the States
with a data quality
matrix report that gives
metrics on the accuracy
and timeliness of the
last submission, after
each quarterly
submission. The agency
has also focused on
promoting electronic
reporting of drinking
water data through
development of the
Compliance Monitoring
Data Portal and is
developing SDWIS
Prime to improve state
program efficiency,
automate candidate
violation notifications,
increase data
submission quality, and
promote reporting of
compliance monitoring
data.
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Date
15-P00290-007
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Chief Information Officer:
5. Implement the recommendation of the EPAs Information
Security Task Force to manage the vulnerability management
program.
2015-09-21
Corrective Action 1-1: 2. Half of the Information Security Officer
(ISO) Role-Based Training (RBT) program was implemented in FY
2017. The complete ISO RBT program will be implemented by
9/30/2018. Contractor oversight training will be implemented by
9/30/2018. Status: Delayed
17-P00344-007
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Environmental Information:
3. Work with the Assistant Administrator for Administration and
Resources Management to implement a process that requires
appropriate Agency personnel to maintain a listing of contractor
personnel who have significant information security responsibilities
required to take role-based training. Status: TBD
2017-07-31
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OEI agrees with the revised
recommendation, with a few clarifications. First, we would ask that
the recommendation be changed from "Implement a
process" to state that "OEI will work with the Assistant
Administrator for Administration and Resources
Management to implement a process." Status: TBD
10-100029-130
Recommendation 1: 27. We recommend that OCFO ensure that all new
financial management systems (including the IFMS replacement
system) and those undergoing upgrades include a system
requirement that the fielded system include an automated control to
enforce separation of duties. Status: TBD
2009-11-16
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2015-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
27.9(REVISED) OTS will modify Compass user profiles to create
specific security roles to allow Compass Security Officers to better
manage user access.
Update 1/7/2016 Notified OIG 1/7/2016 that, Per OTS, the date for
CA is extended to 12/31/2017, "Due to other high priority projects
such as Compass Version Enhancement and the Accounting Code
Structure, OCFO was not able to allocate resources for this task.
OTS will seek resources and enhance the Access Request Form
application to add additional controls and logic to comply with the
separation of duties policy." Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2015-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
27.10 (REVISED) OTS will enhance the Access Request Form
application to add additional controls and automatic logic to check
for approved waivers on File to prevent users to submit security
options that violated the separation of duties policy.
Update 1/7/2016 Notified OIG 1/7/2016 that, Per OTS, the date for
CA is extended to 12/31/2017, "Due to other high priority projects
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such as Compass Version Enhancement and the Accounting Code
Structure, OCFO was not able to allocate resources for this task.
OTS will seek resources and enhance the Access Request Form
application to add additional controls and logic to comply with the
separation of duties policy." Status: Delayed
16-F00040-130
Recommendation 1: 26. Implement an internal control process for
transferring the management of an applications user access to the
Application Management Staff.
2015-11-16
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2017-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
26.1 Upon availability of resources and completion of other high
priority IT projects (i.e., CVE and Account Code Structure Project),
OCFO will transfer the management of all application user access
processes to the Office of Technology Solutions, Application
Management Staff. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: 27. Conduct an inventory of OCFO systems
managed by the Application Management Staff and create or
update supporting access management documentation for each
application.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2017-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
27.1 Upon availability of resources and completion of other high
priority IT projects (i.e., CVE and ACS), OCFO will conduct an
inventory of OCFO systems managed by OTS/AMS and create or
update supporting access management documentation for each
application. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3: 36. Complete the corrective actions previously
identified in Table 4.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2016-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
36.1 See below for information for Recommendations 37 thru 39
for the agency's planned actions to complete these
recommendations. (Note: This CA will complete once all the CAs
37 thru 39 are completed.) December 2017 Update: CR 3020
which will address CA 28 has been deferred until further notice.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 4: 38. Follow the terms in the legal source documents
when recording interest by ensuring interest is recorded in the
system when a receivable becomes past due, either through
Compass automatic calculations or manual interest calculations
prepared by CFC.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2016-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
38.1 CFC will work with OTS to explore the level-of- effort needed
for Compass to automatically accrue interest when a Superfund
debt becomes delinquent. Until this is changed in Compass, staff
will continue to manually uncheck the waiver flag once a debt
becomes delinquent. December 2017 Update: CR 3020 will address
this CA and is currently deferred until further notice.
Status: Delayed
16-P00333-130
Recommendation 1: Rec. 4-4. Modify the EPAs payroll and time and
attendance system to include the enhanced internal controls,
2016-09-27
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preventing employees from accumulating Religious Compensatory
Time hours inconsistent with revised policies and procedures.
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
The OCFO will coordinate with the Office of Administration and
Resources Management and the Department of Interior's Interior
Business Center, a shared service payroll provider, to implement
necessary changes to the payroll system based on the revised Office
of Human Resources policy. Once the requirements are defined, the
OCFO will align the time and attendance system to interface with
the modified payroll system. Status: Delayed
17-F00046-130
Recommendation 1: Prepare a comprehensive quarterly reconciliation
of Superfund special accounts general ledger balances to the special
accounts database detail.
2016-11-15
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2016-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
3.1- The agency will conduct the quarterly reconciliation of
Superfund Special Accounts general ledger to the Special Accounts
database detail. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Work with the Compass Financials service
provider to establish controls for creating and locking
administrative accounts.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2021-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
9.1- The agency will work with the service provider to analyze
alternatives for controls and establish an action plan. Status: TBD
Recommendation 3: Work with the Compass Financials service
provider to develop and implement a methodology to monitor
accounts with administrative capabilities.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2021-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
10.1 - The agency will work with the service provider to analyze
alternative methodologies and establish an action plan. Status: TBD
19-F00003-130
Recommendation 1: Recommendation # 1: Ensure that the special
account reclassification entry include a review to determine
whether previously reported earned revenue for future costs
incurred, expenses incurred, unbilled oversight costs and special
account collection movements should or should not be included,
and include supporting documents identifying the accounts and
amounts reviewed.
2018-11-14
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-03-29 Completed: 0000-00-00
The EPA agreed to modify the accounting model in Compass
Financials, the agency's accounting system, and to prepare a
comprehensive quarterly reconciliation of Superfund special
accounts general ledger balances to the special accounts database.
The accounting models are developed and will be implemented in
the second quarter of FY 2019. The conversion of prior accounting
data into the approved process will be made at that time. Pending
the implemented solution, journal vouchers to reclassify special
accounts and earned/unearned revenue activity were processed to
ensure the accuracy of the accounts. Status: Delayed
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Recommendation 2: Recommendation #2: Require the Accounting and
Cost Analysis Division, and the Las Vegas and Cincinnati Finance
Centers, to research and resolve cash differences.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-03-29 Completed: 0000-00-00
The agency will continue to review processes and research old cash
balance differences. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3: Recommendation #6: Update the policy for the
proper accounting and recognition of gains or losses from
marketable securities based on the sale of stock.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-03-29 Completed: 0000-00-00
The agency will issue an administrative update to RMDS 2550D-14
"Superfund Accounts Receivable and Billings". Status: Delayed
11-P00701-140
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Air and Radiation update the 2004 fees rule to increase the
amount of MVECP costs it can recover.
2011-09-23
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
3/15/12 - OAR will begin planning for a new fees rule as part of the
2013 program prioritization and budget processes, and initiate
formal work on rule making early in calendar year 2014
Status: Delayed
13-P00161-140
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Air and Radiation:
2. Prioritize and update existing oil and gas production emission
factors that are in greatest need of improvement and develop
emission factors for key oil and gas production processes that do
not currently have emission factors.
2013-02-20
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
2.4 The EPA will set forth procedures for developing emissions
factors based on data collected with non-traditional measurement
techniques and incorporate those procedures into WebFIRE.
Status: Delayed
16-P00275-140
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Air and Radiation:
3. Determine whether additional action is needed to mitigate any
adverse air quality impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard as
required by the Energy Independence and Security Act.
2016-08-18
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2024-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation, and we acknowledge the
statute's requirement to determine whether additional action is
needed to mitigate any adverse air quality impacts in light of the
anti-backsliding study. That study, discussed in Corrective Action
2, would need to be completed prior to any such determination
taking place. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Air and Radiation:
2. Complete the anti-backsliding study on the air quality impacts of
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the Renewable Fuel Standard as required by the Energy
Independence and Security Act.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2024-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation, and we acknowledge the
statutory obligation for an anti-backsliding study under Clean Air
Act section 21 l(v) (as amended by EISA section 209). EPA has
already taken a number of time-consuming and resource-intensive
steps that are important prerequisites for the anti-backsliding study.
Status: Delayed
17-P00249-140
Recommendation 1: Revise the benzene regulations to require that
attest engagements verify annual average benzene concentrations
and volumes with batch reports, to ensure that credits needed or
generated are correct.
2017-06-08
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees that this recommendation could further enhance our
oversight of the gasoline benzene program but addressing this
recommendation requires a change to our compliance regulations,
which necessitates the promulgation of a rule. OAR agrees to
propose specifications to address this recommendation in the next
appropriate proposed fuels rule. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Revise the annual benzene report so that facilities
must report the number of benzene deficits or credits at the end of
the current reporting year.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees that this recommendation could further enhance our
oversight of the gasoline benzene program but addressing this
recommendation requires a change to our compliance regulations,
which necessitates the promulgation of a rule. OAR agrees to
propose specifications to address this recommendation in the next
appropriate proposed fuels rule. Status: Delayed
18-P00105-140
Recommendation 1: Develop a process to provide assurances that data
reported to the Air Quality System database have met the approved
zero- and span-check validation criteria.
2018-02-28
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
The Office of Air and Radiation believes that the most important of
the three critical criteria quality control checks
Update 9/27/18- In progress. Though the needed QA/QC checks
have recently been completed, they've not yet been incorporated
into AQS due to competing priorities. Status: Delayed
18-P00181-140
Recommendation 1: (1) Define performance measures to assess the
performance of the EPAs light-duty vehicle compliance program.
2018-05-15
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2021-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR will implement this recommendation in four phases: 1)
develop the performance measures; 2) implement, gather data, and
evaluate; 3) revise measures as informed by evaluation, then fully
implement measures; and 4)use those measures to inform program
management moving forward. We project that this will be a three-
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year process. Step one will be completed by the end of Q2,
FY2019. Step two will be completed at the end of Q2, FY2020, and
step three will be completed at the end of Q2, FY2021. Step 4 is
ongoing. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: (3) Develop internal procedures or guidance on
how special testing should be incorporated into certification,
production and in-use testing programs to formalize the role of
special testing in the EPAs light-duty vehicle compliance program.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation and recognizes that it is
important to have a formal process in place to memorialize the use
of special testing in the light-duty vehicle compliance test
programs.
OTAQ anticipates preparing a document that describes how special
testing is and will be integrated into our compliance oversight
activities. Status: TBD
Recommendation 3: (7) Develop protocols for sharing information with
the California Air Resources Board to facilitate sharing of
emissions testing and other information for compliance assurance
and enforcement purposes.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OTAQ will engage CARB in developing two products to enhance
the agencies' ability to take advantage of this information sharing
provision. First, OTAQ and CARB will create and exchange
documents to formalize the current understanding and application
of 40 CFR 2.301(h)(3). Then the agencies will create and
disseminate training materials and guidance for staff that clearly
articulate the types of information that can be shared and the
circumstances under which the information can be shared.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 4: (2) Conduct and document a formal risk
assessment for the EPA's light-duty vehicle compliance program
that prioritizes risk and links specific control activities to specific
risks. Update the risk assessment on a scheduled and periodic basis.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR will expand and formalize this process and will develop
protocols for its implementation and documentation.
Status: Delayed
18-P00241-140
Recommendation 1: Develop standard operating procedures for the
review and approval process for revising preferred air quality
dispersion models.
2018-09-05
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Update 9/27/18 -
3. In progress. OAQPS will not meet the expected AERMOD
Development and Update Plan release date of September 30, 2018
given workload issues in meeting other Agency priorities.
Status: Delayed
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Recommendation 2: Train the Air Quality Modeling Group staff
concerning the standard operating procedures of preferred air
quality dispersion model review and approval and EPA Quality
System requirements.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
1. The AQMG Manager will work with staff in the DMT to define
the annual review of SOPs by the team and coordinate with the
OAQPS QA Manager to identify the
appropriate training materials on the EPA Quality System
requirements. Status: TBD
Recommendation 3: Revise the Office of Air Quality Planning and
Standards Quality Management Plan to state whether the agency is
developing quality assurance project plans or equivalent documents
to meet EPA Quality System requirements for developing or
revising preferred air quality dispersion models.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1. The AQMG Manager will coordinate with the OAQPS QA
Manager to modify the OAQPS QMP so that it clearly states how
the process for developing and revising
preferred air quality models is conducted and adheres to EPA
Quality System requirements. Status: TBD
Recommendation 4: Develop a quality assurance project plan or
equivalent documents describing the results of systematic planning
before developing a new air quality dispersion model or
undertaking any significant revisions in the future to existing
preferred air quality dispersion models, which are codified in
Appendix A to Appendix W of 40 CFR Part 51.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
In response to this recommendation, EPA proposes the following
action:
1. EPA will develop the AERMOD System Development and
Update Plan. The plan serves several functions. In addition to
generally describing the SOPs for model development, the plan will
provide detailed descriptions of the model development and update
process outlined in EPA's Guideline which relies upon EPA's ADP
requirements for the federal rulemaking process. The ADP process
provides a robust process and documentation that ensures quality of
its regulatory actions such that the model development and update
process meets EPA's Quality System requirements.
2. As noted in the OIG report, EPA provides extensive
documentation on model performance, function, and application
(e.g., the AERMOD User's Guide, the AERMOD Formulation and
Evaluation Document, and the AERMOD Implementation Guide).
We believe these documents provide the documentation necessary
to meet EPA's Quality System requirements. The connections
between these documents and these requirements will be spelled
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out in updates to the OAQPS QMP (see response to
recommendation 3). Status: TBD
18-P00283-140
Recommendation 1:1. Develop and distribute a supplement to the
existing National Program Manager Guidance metrics to
specifically identify state vehicle inspection and maintenance
reports for regions to review. Include biennial program evaluation
reports and verify that report quality complies with statutory
requirements.
2018-09-25
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation. As part of the next National
Program Guidance negotiation between Headquarters and the EPA
Regional Offices (ROs), OAR will develop and advocate for the
distribution of a measure for applicable ROs to review these
required reports within a fixed period after receipt and verify that
such reports comply with statutory requirements. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2:2. Confirm that biennial program evaluation
reports are submitted by states with enhanced inspection and
maintenance programs and that EPA regions review the reports,
sharing best practices and providing additional clarification.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation. While OAR's response to
Recommendation 1 will significantly address Recommendation 2,
to ensure that the ROs remain on track to meet the revised or new
National Program Guidance measure described above, OAR will
direct OTAQ to solicit regular updates from the ROs as part of its
monthly Regional I/M Contacts Calls. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3:3. Revise the vehicle inspection and maintenance
rule to remove the cross reference to Title 40 51,353(b)( 1) of the
Code of Federal Regulations, and provide defined evaluation
methodology guidance to enable states to quantify emission
reductions.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation and - as noted by OIG in its
draft report - intends to direct OTAQ to revise the I/M rule to
remove the reference the next time the rule is revised for more
substantial revisions. Additionally, and in the interim, OAR will
direct OTAQ to issue guidance to clarify this provision as well as
that enhanced I/M programs that are not already using some other
approved program evaluation methodology should be using the
OTAQ guidance document issued in July 2004, Guidance on Use of
Remote Sensing for Evaluation of I/M Program Performance
(EPA420-B-04-010). Status: Delayed
Recommendation 4: 4. Verify whether states are performing mandatory
on-road testing, or determine the reason why they are not and offer
assistance to obtain compliance.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation and will respond by
directing OTAQ to issue guidance that clarifies that on-road testing
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is required by the Clean Air Act (CAA) for all mandatory,
enhanced I/M programs, that testing using Remote Sensing Devices
(RSD) meets the definition of on-road testing, and that using RSD
to perform program evaluation testing can be used to meet both the
Act's on-road testing requirement for enhanced I/M areas as well as
the biennial program evaluation requirement for enhanced I/M
programs. OTAQ will also ask the EPA ROs to provide the status
of applicable states performing mandatory on-road testing, to
determine the reason(s) for any problems, and to identify technical
assistance as needed to obtain
compliance. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 5:5. Develop and implement guidance on the
calculation of individual test statistics in state reports to provide
consistency in state reports across regions.
Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation and will respond by
directing OTAQ to issue guidance clarifying how program statistics
such as the rates of vehicle failures, waivers, and disappearing
vehicles should be calculated. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 6: 6. Conduct outreach to states with deficiencies in
program implementation to determine whether there are any
methods whereby inspection and failure rates, waiver rates and no
known final outcome vehicles can comply with the rates claimed
for the program in the approved State Implementation Plan, as
required by the inspection and maintenance rule and/or above
national averages.
Corrective Action 6-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with this recommendation. In addition to existing and
ongoing outreach efforts that are already occurring in the field,
OTAQ and the ROs will meet on an annual basis to identify and
discuss such deficiencies, including a discussion of the reasons why
certain areas greatly exceed the national average and what
corrective actions might be taken. The results of these internal EPA
meetings will help identify recommendations for additional
outreach to specific areas, including how to address identified
program deficiencies. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 7:7. Issue guidance to address any trends or common
problems identified by the outreach conducted to states with
deficiencies in program implementation.
Corrective Action 7-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAR agrees with the recommendation and views the appropriate
response to it as an extension of our response to Recommendation
6, with appropriate OTAQ guidance to be issued to address
identified deficiencies. Status: Delayed
17-P00407-150
Recommendation 1: 2. Issue new policy on retention incentives,
including requirements for quarterly monitoring and performance
ratings.
2017-09-26
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Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OARM will issue a new policy that includes requirements for
quarterly monitoring and performance ratings. The new policy will
be a part of the agency's recruitment, relocation and retention (3Rs)
policy. Status: Delayed
18-P00176-150
Recommendation 1:9. Update the EPA Personal Property Manual with
timeframes for sanitizing and excessing information technology
property and verify that EPA regions and program offices are
following the new disposal procedures.
2018-05-09
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-11-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Once timeframes have been established with OEI, OARM will
provide a Bulletin to update the EPA 4832 manual. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2:10. Verify that approved language on the
responsibilities for managing government property has been
included in employee performance standards for all staff
responsible for managing government property at the supervisory
level or below.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-01-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Provide language and direct managers to include property roles in
employee performance standards for staff responsible for managing
government personal property at the supervisory level or below.
Status: Delayed
18-P00207-150
Recommendation 1:1. Develop a plan that establishes a baseline to
measure the future program operational efficiency of human
resources operations.
2018-05-31
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-02-28 Completed: 0000-00-00
OARM will also engage the Human Resources Shared Service
Centers Customer Advisory Group (CAG) and the PMO/RHRO
community to review the posted Customer Service Standards to
determine if they are effective measurements for customer service.
The SSCs will evaluate the feasibility of measurement for these
standards and as
necessary establish standards that are both impactful and
measurable. Based on this review the 18-P-0207 24 existing
standards may be restructured, replaced or eliminated. Status: TBD
Recommendation 2:2. Establish a workgroup comprising regional and
program representatives to develop a baseline level of human
resources support necessary for each program and regional office.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OARM will engage the PMO/RHRO community and others to
understand the type of work/support being provided by those
individuals, analyze best practices; ensure there are defined roles
and responsibilities of all SSCs/programs/regions; and develop
guidelines on core functions and necessary support staffing levels
that program and regional offices can use in evaluating their current
organizations. Status: TBD
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Recommendation 3:3. Review human resources policies, prioritize the
policies requiring updates, and update the policies with stakeholder
input.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OARM will have a subject matter expert reviewed draft ready for
Directive Clearance Review and/or union negotiation for the
following policies:
Classification (target FY2018)
Recruitment, Relocation and Retention (target FY2018)
Merit Promotion (target CY2019)
Premium Pay (target CY2019)
Leave (target CY2019)
Pay Setting (target CY2019) Status: Delayed
18-P00231-150
Recommendation 1:2. Develop and implement measurable controls in
coordination with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer for each
office's role in processing contract invoices and contract
modifications to address the various administrative and processing
errors.
2018-08-16
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-10-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
A closer examination and analysis of the number and nature of
errors for a time period, to identify the type, prevalence, and
potential commonality of their systemic root causes (i.e., other than
random human error) could pinpoint where specific actions should
be taken for process improvement given the respective roles of our
two offices. Within the next 60 days from this response, the OARM
will coordinate with the OCFO representatives to explore a joint
approach to developing and implementing measurable controls
towards error reduction. Based on the results of analysis, each
office will then establish new or reinforce existing control
mechanisms. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: 5. Verify contracting officers are performing
oversight responsibilities as agreed in prior report corrective actions
and implement agencywide measurable controls to address
nonperformance of similar contractor officer duties, for the invoice
process in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart
1.6; EPA Acquisition Guide Subsection 32.9.1; and the EPAs
Performance Appraisal and Recognition System, as applicable.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
In addition, the OAM will enhance EP AAG Subsection 1.1.1,
Performance Measurement and Management Program, to require
that all acquisition offices ensure the inclusion in their internal
assessment plan a specific requirement to verify compliance with
EPAAG Subsection 32.9.1-Invoice Review. The OAM's Cincinnati
Procurement Operations Division is already working on a training
session and will provide training materials to the OAM University
when completed. Status: Delayed
18-P00232-150
Recommendation 1:1. Conduct an assessment and determine how to
enhance controls, reduce confusion and achieve compliance.
2018-08-20
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Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-10-05 Completed: 0000-00-00
OARM will establish a work group consisting of representatives
from the OAM/Purchase Card Team, Card Holders, and Approving
Officials to conduct an assessment on the information from this
audit and brainstorm how to enhance controls, reduce confusion,
and achieve compliance with existing federal and agency purchase
card regulations and guidance documents. Within the same time
period, and using the results from the work group, OARM will
issue a formal memorandum to the Senior Resource Officials
(SROs) and Junior Resource Officials (JROs) requiring them to
enhance more control, reduce confusion, and achieve compliance.
As the controls are in place, it is the responsibility of the
Cardholder (CH) to carry them out along with the Approving
Official (AO). Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2:8. Provide detailed training on EPA purchase card
guidance, policy and expectations to cardholders and approving
officials.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
As a result of this draft audit, the OARM has proactively started
revising the Purchase Card Supplemental Training Course to
address training issues raised in the report. OAM expects to finalize
this training by August 2018. The training course will be available
on the EPA Skillport site. OAM will also require all Cardholders
and Approving Officials to complete the updated Purchase Card
Supplemental Course in FY2019, 1st quarter. Status: TBD
Recommendation 3: 9. Take steps to rectify purchases made without
prior funding approval.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
For the thirteen (13) incidents of purchase card and three (3)
incidents of convenience check internal control lapses, OAM would
need to identify the exact transactions, and further investigate the
facts and circumstances of the purchases (e.g., whether or not funds
were in fact available or whether vendors were paid) in order to
take appropriate action. EPAAG 13.3.1.15 Financial Issues Related
to Purchase Card, item (a) states that the before placing orders,
cardholders must coordinate with their Funds Control Officer
(FCO) to ensure funds are available. EPAAG 13.3.1.6 (d) states
that FCOs are to certify to the availability of funds, ensure that the
financial transaction complies with agency financial policy and
procedures, and that all of the accounting data is accurate and
complete. However, it also states that the method for funding
purchase card orders will vary according to established office
procedures, and that any method is acceptable as long as the
cardholder ensures funds are available before making a purchase.
OAM agrees to conduct factfinding and investigation on the
transactions cited with funds availability verification issues and
take the appropriate action(s) deemed necessary. Status: TBD
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Recommendation 4:10. Implement a policy regarding the appropriate
number and categories of purchase cardholders.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OAM will analyze the number of cardholders per program office to
determine if it is appropriate and in proportion to the recorded
number of purchase card transactions for that office, and will
implement a policy or guidance. Status: TBD
18-P00288-150
Recommendation 1:2. Develop a policy for fellowships funded through
EPA cooperative agreements. The policy should include citizenship
requirements for such fellowships.
2018-09-26
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-10-01 Completed: 0000-00-00
OARM, in consultation with OGC and ORD, will revise EPA"s
December 2014 policy on EPA"s involvement in selecting fellows
for cooperative agreement funded fellowship programs. The revised
policy will specify that the terms and conditions of fellowship
cooperative agreements require that program participants be U.S.
citizens or permanent residents. Status: TBD
Recommendation 2: 1. Stipulate in future grants and cooperative
agreements that result in fellowship awards that the fellowships can
only be awarded to U.S. citizens or those holding a visa permitting
permanent residency in the United States, consistent with
citizenship requirements for fellowships awarded directly by the
EPA.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
In future cooperative agreements, ORD will include programmatic
terms and conditions requiring that fellowship program participants
be citizens or permanent residents. It would be inappropriate for
EPA to unilaterally revise the terms and conditions of current
agreements. Status: TBD
Recommendation 3: 3.Perform advanced administrative monitoring
reviews for the American Association for the Advancement of
Science and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public
Health, to ensure that recipients complied with cooperative
agreement terms and conditions. The results of each review must be
transmitted to the recipient and recorded in the Integrated Grants
Management System database.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OARM will perform advanced monitoring reviews to include
transaction testing of a sample of drawdowns documentation to
ensure that payments to the cooperative agreement recipients are
accurate and adequately supported by source documentation.
Status: TBD
10-P00066-164
Recommendation 1: 2-4 Establish criteria and procedures outlining
what chemicals or classes of chemicals will undergo risk
assessments for low-level and cumulative exposure. Periodically
update and revise risk assessment tools and models with latest
research and technology developments.
2010-02-17
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Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2017-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCSPP will initiate work on assessing phthalates under the TSCA
Work Plan by December 31, 2017. Status: Delayed
16-P00316-164
Recommendation 1: Develop a risk-based antimicrobial testing strategy
to assure the effectiveness of public health pesticides used in
hospital settings once products are in the marketplace. At a
minimum, the strategy should:
a. Include a framework for periodic testing to assure products
continue to be effective after registration.
b. Define a program scope that is flexible and responsive to current
and relevant public health risks.
c. Identify risk factors for selecting products to test.
d. Identify the method to be used for obtaining samples for testing.
e. Designate a date to commence risk-based post-registration
testing.
2016-09-19
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-11-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Timeframe: By November 2018, OCSPP will develop a risk-based
strategy to assure the effectiveness of public health pesticides used
in hospital settings once products are in the marketplace.
Status: Delayed
17-P00053-164
Recommendation 1: Rec 2: Provide label language that clearly defines
the criteria for meeting the applicator stewardship training
requirement, including the frequency of training.
2016-12-12
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2017-11-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Within one year of the final OIG report, by November 30, 2017,
OCSPP will create additional (interim) guidance language which
clarifies the criteria for meeting the applicator stewardship training
requirement, including the frequency of training. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Rec 3: Conduct an assessment of clearance devices
to validate their effectiveness in detecting required clearance levels,
as part of the Office of Pesticide Programs' ongoing re-evaluation
of structural fumigants.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2018-11-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Within two years of the final report, by November 30, 2018,
OCSPP will validate and implement new device clearance
guidance. Status: Delayed
17-P00278-164
Recommendation 1: Consider requiring mechanisms of action be
included on relevant herbicide labels.
2017-06-21
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Corr Act 1 ~ By June 2019, OCSPP will consider whether
initiating a rulemaking to place MOA information on labels might
be appropriate or needed to advance this effort. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Determine whether synergistic effects data should
be required for the pesticide registration process, and document the
results of that determination.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Rec 2 -- [OCSPP initially disagreed with this recommendation but]
after further discussions, OCSPP amended its response. OCSPP
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stated that synergy is not related to herbicide resistance
management, but it is a factor that should be considered in
evaluating risk. OCSPP will consider how best to use this type of
information in future evaluations and decisions by June 2019.
Status: Delayed
17-P00294-164
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement management controls that
formalize the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Preventions
processes for collaborating with the Office of Research and
Development to maintain current products and develop future
products.
2017-06-23
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-05-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
By May 31, 2018, OCSPP will develop a document that describes
and formalizes OCSPP's processes for consistently collaborating
with ORD to most effectively utilize its revised CSS product
development process for current and future products. This effort
will be led by OCSPP's Office of Science Coordination and Policy
in cooperation with ORD, OPPT and OPP. This document will
specify that the processes described therein will be implemented by
all three OCSPP offices within 6 months, or by November 30,
2018. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Conduct a needs assessment that identifies and
addresses the challenges, timeframes, training and resources
necessary to effectively incorporate Office of Research and
Development products into Office of Chemical Safety and
Pollution Prevention programs.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2018-05-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
By May 31, 2018, OCSPP will conduct a needs assessment which,
at a minimum, identifies and addresses the challenges, timeframes,
training, and resources necessary to effectively incorporate Office
of Research and Development products into OCSPP's programs.
This effort will be led by OCSPP's Office of Science Coordination
and Policy (OSCP) in cooperation with ORD, OPPT and OPP.
Status: Delayed
17-P00395-164
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement a plan to reduce excess
Pesticides Reregistration and Expedited Processing Fund and
Pesticide Registration Fund balances within the established target
range.
2017-09-18
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Assess progress in achieving 2019 spend down projections, as
described in 11/13/17 memo from OCSPP to OIG entitled
"Response to Final Report: EPA Needs to Manage Pesticide Funds
More Efficiently," Report No. 17-P-0395. Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Assess progress in achieving 2020 spend down projections, as
described in 11/13/17 memo from OCSPP to OIG entitled
"Response to Final Report: EPA Needs to Manage Pesticide Funds
More Efficiently," Report No. 17-P-0395. Status: Delayed
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Corrective Action 1-3: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Assess progress in achieving 2021 spend down projections, as
described in 11/13/17 memo from OCSPP to OIG entitled
"Response to Final Report: EPA Needs to Manage Pesticide Funds
More Efficiently," Report No. 17-P-0395. Status: Delayed
18-P00281-164
Recommendation 1:2. Determine which application review
performance target for emergency exemption applications the
Office of Pesticide Programs plans to meet, and make that target
consistent between its Annual Performance Goal and its internal
controls governing the emergency exemption process.
2018-09-25
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-07-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
By July 2019, OCSPP will consistently reference the 45-day
decision period, as is reflected in EPA's Annual Performance
Assessment Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: 3. Update and finalize the draft standard operating
procedure that the Office of Pesticide Programs uses to guide the
emergency exemption process.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-07-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCSPP will update and finalize the standard operating procedures
and/or guidance for emergency exemptions by July 2019.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3:4. Develop formal emergency exemption
application review procedures that detail specific data collection,
management and reporting control steps, as well as procedures that
require specific management controls for accurately and
consistently updating the Office of Pesticide Programs Section 18
database.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-07-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCSPP will update and finalize the standard operating procedures
and/or guidance for emergency exemptions by July 2019.
Status: Delayed
17-P00378-166
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Research and Development:
1. Review the Community-Focused Exposure and Risk Screening
Tool and develop an action plan with timeframes to address issues
identified, including considerations on whether to retain the tool. If
retained:
a.Develop metrics for measuring the tools performance and
establish a regular schedule for performance evaluations.
b.Survey users to obtain feedback on tool utilization and any
needed improvements.
2017-09-07
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
11/27/18 Update: ORD re-visited the originally proposed corrective
action for Recommendation I and will no longer retain C-FERST.
ORD initiated activities to identify unique aspects of C-FERST to
be incorporated into other EPA tools. Once these actions are
complete, the remaining pages of the C-FERST website and the
tool itself will be archived. Status: Delayed
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Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Research and Development:
3. Review new and existing Office of Research and Development
research tools to determine the applicability of the agency's
information technology requirements.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
11/27/18 Update: ORD agrees, and as stated in the response to
recommendation #2, The CIO signed the Agency wide policy and
implementation is forthcoming. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Research and Development:
4. Work with agency offices responsible for other geospatial
mapping tools to develop a decision support matrix for when to use
certain tools and for what purposes.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
ORD agrees that such a decision matrix is valuable and will work
other offices, predominantly OEI on this effort. ORD has started to
develop ORD controlled tools and will coordinate with OEI for a
wider review in 2017 and 2018, with a final assessment by
3/31/2019. Status: Delayed
18-P00240-166
Recommendation 1: Build capacity for managing the use of citizen
science, and expand awareness of citizen science resources, by:
a. Finalizing the checklist on administrative and legal factors for
agency staff to consider when developing citizen science projects,
as well as identifying and developing any procedures needed to
ensure compliance with steps in the checklist;
b. Conducting training and/or marketing on the EPAs citizen
science intranet site for program and regional staff in developing
projects; and
c. Finalizing and distributing materials highlighting project
successes and how the EPA has used results of its investment in
citizen science.
2018-09-05
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
ORD will consult with OGC and other relevant EPA programs and
regions to finalize the checklist on administrative and legal factors
for agency staff to consider when developing citizen science
projects. ORD will conduct training and marketing for program and
regional staff. Finally, ORD will have an active communication and
outreach strategy that will include communications materials
highlighting project successes and how EPA has used results of its
investment in citizen science. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Finalize, in coordination with the Office of
Environmental Information and Region 1, the Draft Quality
Assurance Handbook for Citizen Science, and communicate to
agency staff and citizen science groups the availability and content
of this handbook.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
ORD and OEI will jointly finalize the Draft Quality Assurance
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Handbook for Citizen Science because the EPA's Office of
Environmental Information has the responsibility for the Agency's
Quality System - including issuance of national Quality Assurance
guidance - and EPA's Office of Research and Development has the
responsibility for building the Agency's capacity for managing the
use of citizen science. After issuing the report, EPA will implement
an external and internal outreach and communications plan to help
EPA, states and tribes, and citizen science groups to strengthen
quality assurance practices. Status: Delayed
12-P00253-167
Recommendation 1: Id. Improve oversight of facilities regulated by
EPAs oil pollution prevention program by: Producing a biennial
public assessment of the quality and consistency of SPCC Plans
and FRPs based on inspected facilities.
2012-02-06
Corrective Action 1-1,1-2,1-3: Planned: 2013-10-0
Completed: 0000-00-00
OEM is initiating work on the SPCC corrective action and will
complete it by the end of December 2018. OEM will then, based on
the process developed for the SPCC corrective action, initiate and
complete the FRP corrective action by the end of June 2020.
However, reduced extramural resources, available personnel,
program implementation priorities (including program/inspection
support and training) and new program priorities delay completion
of this milestone. In addition, while the regulatory work associated
with and the SPCC rule amendments due to the Water Resources
Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) have been put on hold,
any regulatory changes to the SPCC rule due to the pending
FUELS ACT may also shift priorities on the SPCC program.
Status: TBD
12-P00289-167
Recommendation 1: Require EPA and states to enter into MOAs that
reflect program changes from the 2005 Energy Policy Act and
address oversight of municipalities conducting inspections.
2012-02-15
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2013-08-01 Completed: 0000-00-00
By August 1, 2013, by which time the regulations are expected to
be finalized, we will share the specific date on which the MOAs
will be in place. The new proposed completion date is April 12,
2019 Status: TBD
13-P00178-167
Recommendation 1: Revise inspection guidance to recommend
minimum inspection scope for the various types of facilities
covered under the program and provide more detailed examples of
minimum reporting.
2013-03-21
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2014-07-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Publish final guidance which specifies minimum inspection scope
and examples for various types of inspections to assist Regions in
focusing their limited resources on the most significant issues at
facilities.
The OLEM Acting AA approved the revision of this milestone date
from February 28, 2019 to June 30, 2022. The new date is based on
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the completion date of RMP Reconsideration rule. OLEM will need
at least 2 years after its completion to start the development of
guidance which will specify the minimum inspection scope for each
of the facility types regulated by the RMP program and revise
reporting guidance to provide detailed examples of compliance.
Following completion of the final regulation, EPA will be required
to revise the RMP on-line reporting system and over a dozen
guidance documents to incorporate the regulatory changes. This
effort will take 2-3 years and must be completed in that timeframe
to give facilities time to review the guidance and comply with the
new requirements under the RMP program. Status: TBD
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement an inspection monitoring
and oversight program to better manage and assess the quality of
program inspections, reports, supervisory oversight, and
compliance with inspection guidance.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2014-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
September 30, 2019. This action requires the development on an
on-line system for the Regions to file/submit each of their
inspection reports.
17-P00397-167
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Land and Emergency Management:
1. In coordination with the Chief Financial Officer, develop and
implement actions to address past obstacles that have affected the
EPAs ability to make progress on the allocation of human
resources. Obstacles include managements unwillingness to change
its human resource allocation process and perceived short-term
disruptions that would result from such a change. Status: TBD
2017-09-19
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.2 OLEM will partner with OCDO to develop a multi-year
regional FTE distribution plan for the Superfund program to
facilitate EPA"s ability to make progress on the allocation of human
resources.
For recommendations 1.2 and 3; OLEM will need additional time
to coordinate with partners to develop a multi-year national FTE
distribution plan for the Superfund program. The revised
completion date is March 29, 2019. Status: TBD
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Land and Emergency Management:
3. Implement a national prioritization of all sites including risk and
other factors in the prioritization and regularly distribute regional
full-time equivalents according to the national prioritization.
Status: TBD
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
3.1 OLEM will work with OECA, OCFO and the regions to
develop a multi-year national FTE distribution plan for the
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Superfund program. Distribution of FTE will occur regularly
according to the national prioritization.
For recommendations 1.2 and 3; OLEM will need additional time
to coordinate with partners to develop a multi-year national FTE
distribution plan for the Superfund program. The revised
completion date is March 29, 2019. Status: TBD
18-P00059-167
Recommendation 1: Conduct a study to qualitatively and quantitatively
analyze and evaluate the program effectiveness and resource
requirements to EPA of the corporate self-insurance instruments,
including the financial test and corporate guarantee, in the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act regulations and the Superfund
Program for current settlements and orders. Assess adequacy of
self-insurance instruments for companies with multiple
environmental liabilities and the nature and extent of any problems
identified.
2017-12-22
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1 .a. OLEM, with support from OECA, will conduct a study to
qualitatively and quantitatively analyze and evaluate the program
effectiveness and resource requirements to EPA of the corporate
self-insurance instruments, including the financial test and
corporate guarantee, in the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act Subtitle C regulations. Assess adequacy of self-insurance for
companies with multiple environmental liabilities and the nature
and extent of any problems identified. Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
l.b. OECA, with support from OLEM/OSRTI, will conduct an
analysis of the Superfund Program's use of corporate self-insurance
instruments for current settlements and orders at sites where the
Superfund program follows the general framework of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Action regulations for financial
assurance. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Once the study in Recommendation 1 is complete,
use the information to develop appropriate risk management actions
to mitigate any identified problems in line with Agency practices
for enterprise risk management under Office of Management and
Budget Circular A-123, and determine whether additional controls,
such as the requirement for full disclosure of all self-insured
environmental liabilities over corporate self-insurance, should be
implemented and if corporate self-insurance should continue as an
option
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
2. Once Recommendation 1 is complete, OLEM, with support from
OECA, will use the information to develop appropriate risk
management actions to mitigate any identified problems in line
with Agency practices for enterprise risk management under OMB
Circular A-123, and determine whether additional controls, such as
a requirement for full disclosure of all self-insured environmental
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liabilities in corporate self-insurance demonstrations and/or
disallowance of corporate self-insurance, should be pursued at that
time. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3: Update standard operating procedures and data
systems to accommodate the implemented risk management
actions.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2021-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
3. OLEM, with support from OECA, will update standard operating
procedures and data systems to accommodate the implemented risk
management actions. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 4: Train staff on the implemented risk management
actions.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
4. OLEM, with support from OECA, will train staff on the
implemented risk management actions. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 5: Develop and include procedures for checking with
other regions for facilities/sites with multiple self-insured liabilities
in the standard operating procedures created for Recommendation
5.
Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
6. In the RCRA program, EPA will inventory and assess existing
guidance and/or SOPs, outline OLEM and OECA roles and
responsibilities for overseeing the validity of RCRA financial
assurance instruments, communicate existing guidance and/or SOPs
to financial assurance community, and develop or update SOPs and
provide to financial assurance community.
The RCRA program will develop and include procedures for
checking with other regions or states when facilities/sites with
multiple self-insured liabilities exist. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 6: Develop standard operating procedures that
outline the Office of Land and Emergency Management and Office
of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance roles and
responsibilities for overseeing the validity of Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act and Superfund financial assurance
instruments.
Corrective Action 6-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
5. EPA will, for the RCRA program, inventory and assess existing
guidance and/or SOPs, outline OLEM and OECA roles and
responsibilities for overseeing the validity of RCRA financial
assurance instruments, communicate existing guidance and/or SOPs
to financial assurance community, and develop or update SOPs and
provide to financial assurance community. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 7: Develop and include instructions on the steps to
take when an invalid financial assurance instrument (expired,
insufficient in dollar amount, or not provided) is identified in the
standard operating procedures created for Recommendation 5 and
collect information on the causes of invalid financial assurance.
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Corrective Action 7-1: Planned: 2020-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
7. In the RCRA program, EPA will inventory and assess existing
guidance and/or SOPs, outline OLEM and OECA roles and
responsibilities for overseeing the validity of RCRA financial
assurance instruments, communicate existing guidance and/or SOPs
to financial assurance community, and develop or update SOPs and
provide to financial assurance community.
The RCRA program will develop and include in the guidance
and/or SOPs: (1) instructions on the steps to take when an invalid
financial assurance instrument (expired, insufficient in dollar
amount, or not provided) is identified and (2) where and when to
collect and document causes of invalid financial assurance.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 8: Train staff on the procedures and instructions
developed for Recommendations 5 through 7.
Corrective Action 8-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
8. In the RCRA program, EPA will hold webinar for EPA regions
and states, add SOPs to existing training materials, and evaluate
financial assurance training needs and develop training plan for
recommendations 5 through 7. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 9: Develop and distribute to EPA regions and states
annual reports that include progress on the reduction of financial
assurance that is expired, insufficient and/or not provided.
Corrective Action 9-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
10. For RCRA, annually track progress to improve financial
assurance data in RCRAInfo to reduce the number of facilities that,
based on available data, have financial assurance that is expired,
insufficient in amount and/or not provided; and distribute to EPA
regions and states, as applicable. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 10: Work with EPA regions and states to identify and
implement appropriate metrics, including metrics to help identify,
track, and correct, on a facility level, where there are monetary gaps
in the amount of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
financial assurance required and provided. Develop and distribute
in EPA regions and states annual reports in these metrics.
Corrective Action 10-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
9.a. Develop and distribute to EPA regions and states annual
reports that include the total dollar amount of Superfund financial
assurance required and provided. Status: TBD
Corrective Action 10-2: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
9.b. ORCR, with support from OECA, will work with EPA regions
and states to identify and implement appropriate metrics, including
metrics to help identify, track, and correct, on a facility level, where
there are monetary gaps in the amount of Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act financial assurance required and provided.
Develop and distribute to EPA regions and states annual reports on
these metrics. Status: TBD
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1S-P00217-167
Recommendation 1: In coordination with the EPA Office of
Environmental Information and the National Institute of Standards
and Technology, determine whether the Electronic Manifest
systems hazardous material information should be handled as
Pollution Prevention and Control Information or Inventory Control
Information with special considerations for hazardous materials,
and re-evaluate the security categorization accordingly.
2018-06-21
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OLEM will coordinate with the EPA Office of Environmental
Information and, as necessary, the National Institute of Standards
and Technology to determine whether the Electronic Manifest
system's hazardous waste information should be handled as
Pollution Prevention and Control Information or Inventory Control
Information with special considerations for hazardous wastes, and
determine whether re-evaluation of the security categorization,
independent of the annual re-evaluation, is necessary. Status: TBD
18-P00227-167
Recommendation 1: Work with EPA regions to identify and track rules
for which states have not sought authorization under the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle C hazardous waste
program and identify the reason authorization has not been pursued
by the state, and then prioritize rules for authorization by the states
2018-07-31
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OLEM will interview regional staff from all ten EPA regions and
document the reasons why states have not pursued authorization for
specific rules. OLEM will also prioritize rules for authorization by
the states as appropriate and track them. Status: TBD
Recommendation 2: Develop and implement a plan to collect the
necessary data on state authorizations to identify the cause of
delays and make informed decisions on how to improve the
process.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OLEM will interview staff from all ten EPA regions and document
the cause of delays in authorization. These data will be factored
into the Agency's Lean process reform efforts, which will include
national recommendations to improve the authorization process.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3: Improve data quality for state authorizations under
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle C hazardous
waste program by implementing internal controls to verify the
accuracy and completeness of the data.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OLEM will develop data reporting standards and deadlines for the
regional offices to ensure that new data events are fully reported
and entered into the State Authorization Tracking Systems
(StATS). Status: TBD
Recommendation 4: Develop and implement state authorization
performance measures for the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act Subtitle C hazardous waste program to track annual progress.
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Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OLEM will develop and implement RCRA state authorization
performance measures to track annual progress. Status: TBD
15-P00295-168
Recommendation 1: Develop and implement an approved system
authorization package (i.e., a risk assessment, System Security
Plan, and Authorization to Operate), and perform annual security
assessments for the PMOS application.
2015-09-24
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2016-05-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Based on OMB Circular A-130 and NIST 800-1, the application
system (PMOS) has an agency approved Application Security
Certification form which sets forth any and all requirements
applicable for OWs PMOS system to operate. (See Attachment 1).
TTie current OW PISO and the OEI PISO concur that this minor
application system (PMOS) is categorized as low and does not
require nor have in effect any omitted application specific controls
that would require any additional system security authorizations
(i.e., a risk assessment, System Security Plan, and Authorization to
Operate) . The security controls for this minor application are
captured in the GSS security plan, based on OMB Circular A-130
and NIST 800-18. It is requested that if there are deficient controls
found by the OIG that they be explicitly supplied to OEI/OW in
order to review and comply. Status: Delayed
17-P00174-168
Recommendation 1:1. Provide updated guidance to states and tribes on
clear and effective risk communication methods for fish advisories,
especially for high-risk groups. This guidance could recommend
posting fish advisory information at locations where fish are
caught; and using up-to-date communication methods that include
social media, webinars, emails, newsletters, etc.
2017-04-12
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Develop a draft updated version of Volume 4: Risk Communication
of the Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use
in Fish Advisories. Status: TBD
Recommendation 2: 2. Working with states and tribes, develop and
disseminate best practices they can use to measure evaluate the
effectiveness of fish advisories in providing risk information to
subpopulations, such as subsistence fishers, tribes and other high
fish-consuming groups.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-03-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
EPA concurs with the end goal of the recommendation - making
sure high-risk subpopulations receive information on risks of eating
certain fish. EPA understands the benefits of evaluating the
effectiveness of fish advisory programs and agrees that working
with the states and tribes in that area would benefit the fish
advisory programs as well as the fishing population. Status: TBD
Recommendation 3:3. Develop and implement methods to ensure that
tribal members receive current fish advisory information.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2017-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
EPA agrees with the goal of tribes receiving fish advisory
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information and thinks EPA can facilitate that communication.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 4: 4. Conduct an assessment for methylmercury to
determine whether the reference dose requires updating, as
indicated by the Integrated Risk Information System, and as
proposed in the systems 2012 and 2015 agendas.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Following discussion with OIG, we have come to an understanding
of OIG's use of the term "assessment" as presented in the existing
recommendation. ORD generally concurs with the recommendation
pending clarifications to the report language, including OIG
conclusions as noted below and in the Technical Comments
Attachment. Status: Delayed
17-P00352-168
Recommendation 1:1. Share WaterSense program practices in program
design, implementation and reporting with the agency's Program
Management Improvement Officer.
2017-08-01
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
The EPA concurs with the goal of the recommendation. Over the
past several years, program staff have met with staff in other parts
of the agency to share how a third party certification program
works. Staff will continue to share best practices with other
interested parts of the agency and the new Program Management
Improvement Officer when that person is appointed to the position.
Status: TBD
18-P00221-168
Recommendation 1:2. Include in the revised Lead and Copper Rule the
most protective protocols for monitoring and corrosion control.
2018-07-19
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-02-28 Completed: 0000-00-00
OW concurs with this recommendation regarding the importance of
proper implementation of the protocol for monitoring and corrosion
control, and we continue to work on the long-term revisions to the
existing LCR. Most recently, OW engaged stakeholders as part of a
federalism consultation. The Agency is evaluating input we
received from our state, local and tribal partners as well as the best
available peer-reviewed science to ensure the Rule reflects the best
ways to improve public health protection. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2:7. Implement a system to identify management
risks in state drinking water programs, including elements such as
atypical events, emerging public health concerns, environmental
justice concerns and public health analyses.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
EPA has initiated a workgroup with participation from OECA, OW
and the Regions. The workgroup will explore
how best to use drinking water data and measures to identify public
water systems that present or are likely to present a significant risk
to public health. The workgroup will develop procedures and
strategies to ensure timely and effective intervention where risks to
public health are identified. Status: Delayed
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Recommendation 3:8. Create a system that tracks citizen complaints
and gathers information on emerging issues. The system should
assess the risk associated with the complaints, including efficient
and effective resolution.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Identify potential enhancements to existing systems and/or identify
new system requirements that can support tracking of citizen
complaints. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 4:8. Create a system that tracks citizen complaints
and gathers information on emerging issues. The system should
assess the risk associated with the complaints, including efficient
and effective resolution.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Identify potential enhancements to existing systems and/or identify
new system requirements that can support
tracking of citizen complaints. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 5:6. Provide regular training for EPA drinking water
staff, managers and senior leaders on Safe Drinking Water Act
tools and authorities; state and agency roles and responsibilities;
and any Safe Drinking Water Act amendments or Lead and Copper
Rule revisions.
Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
As noted during our May 7,2018 teleconference with OIG, OECA
and OW share responsibility
for such trainings and plan to work together to implement this
recommendation. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 6:9. Improve oversight by establishing a clear and
credible escalation policy for EPA intervention in states. The policy
should provide steps the EPA will take when states do not act.
Corrective Action 6-1: Planned: 2019-07-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA expects to make a decision after this engagement process by
July 2019. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 7: 1. Establish controls to annually verify that states
are monitoring compliance with all Lead and Copper Rule
requirements, including accurately identifying tier 1 sampling sites
and maintaining continuous corrosion control.
Corrective Action 7-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
In December 2018, EPA will hold a meeting with the regional
branch chiefs to review and update the protocol used for the
FY2018 annual Public Water System program reviews. The
changes made will be implemented in the FY2019 and future
annual program reviews. Status: TBD
10-P00224-180
Recommendation 1: 2-2 Develop a systematic approach to identify
which States have outdated or inconsistent MOAs, renegotiate and
update those MOAs using the MOA template, and secure the active
involvement and final, documented concurrence of Headquarters to
ensure national consistency.
2010-09-14
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Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2017-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Revised due date: 9/28/18
(The OW received an extension approval from the OIG to complete
this correct action). The revised due date is 9/30/2020. Per OC.
Completion date: pending Status: Delayed
15-P00156-180
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention and the Assistant
Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance:
2. Ensure that required FIFRA project officer training is conducted
periodically and the above guidance is included in the training.
2015-05-15
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-12-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
November 2018 - Together OPP and OC are working on the
eLearning course and require more time for completion.
Convert 3 day training content to E-learning module to post online
and make available to FIFRA POs. Status: Delayed
17-P00412-180
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance:
1. Establish national compliance monitoring goals based on
assessment and consideration of available regional resources.
2017-09-28
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Assessment and consideration of available regional resources for
inspections are already conducted and is represented by Annual
Commitment System. (For non-inspection import related
compliance assurance activities, identify opportunities for
strengthening internal controls, establishing goals, communicating
progress of regional accomplishments). Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance:
2. Implement internal controls to monitor and communicate
progress on regional goals.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Assessment and consideration of available regional resources for
inspections are already conducted and is represented by Annual
Commitment System. (For non-inspection import related
compliance assurance activities, identify opportunities for
strengthening internal controls, establishing goals, communicating
progress of regional accomplishments). Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance:
4. Direct each EPA region to develop guidance or protocols that
define how the region will coordinate with local U.S. Customs and
Border Protection offices on illegal pesticides that are imported
without Notices of Arrival.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
September 2018 - OCE requested additional time to complete
regional coordination to develop the required protocols.
Status: TBD
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1S-P00001-180
Recommendation 1:2. After the implementation of mandatory
electronic Discharge Monitoring Reports, review the usefulness of
the Discharge Monitoring Report Comparison Dashboard for
identifying possible unpermitted surface water dischargers using
Toxics Release Inventory data, and modify as appropriate
2017-10-05
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
October 2018: OC requires additional time to complete the
corrective action, an extension until 12/28/18, has been updated in
MATS. Status: TBD
18-P00059-180
Recommendation 1: Conduct a study to determine the costs associated
with modifying the existing regulations to include (a) a requirement
for full disclosure of all self-insured environmental liabilities; and
(b) eliminating the use of corporate self-insurance instruments,
including the financial test and corporate guarantee, for Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act and Superfund financial assurance.
2017-12-22
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
IB - OECA w/support from OLEM, will conduct an analysis of the
SF program's use of corporate self-insurance instruments for
current settlements and orders at sites where the SF program
follows the general framework of the RCRA regulations for FA.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Once the study in Recommendation 1 is complete,
implement the selected measure (la or lb).
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
2) Once recommendation 1 is complete, OLEM with support from
OECA, will use the information to develop appropriate risk
management actions to mitigate any identified problems in line
with Agency practices for enterprise risk management under OMB
Circular A-123, and determine whether additional controls, such as
a requirement for full disclosure of all self-insured environmental
liabilities in corporate self-insurance demonstrations and/or
disallowance of corporate self-insurance, should be pursued at that
time. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3: Update standard operating procedures and data
systems to accommodate the changes implemented for
Recommendation 2
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2021-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
3) OLEM, w/support from OECA, will update SOPs and data
systems to accommodate the implemented risk management
actions. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 4: Train staff on the changes implemented for
Recommendation 2.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
4) OLEM, w/support from OECA will train staff on the
implemented risk management actions Status: Delayed
Recommendation 5: Develop or update existing standard operating
procedures to outline the Office of Land and Emergency
Management and Office of Enforcement and Compliance
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Assurance roles and responsibilities for overseeing the validity of
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Superfund financial
assurance instruments, where needed.
Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
5-7) Develop CERCLA SOPs that include:
1) Roles and responsibilities for overseeing the validity of SF FA
instruments; 2) procedures for checking w/other regions for
facilities/sites w/multiple self-insured liabilities; 3) instructions on
the steps to take when an invalid FA instrument (expired,
insufficient, in dollar amount, or not provided) is identified; and 4)
where and when to collect and document causes of invalid FA.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 6: Develop and include procedures for checking with
other regions for facilities/sites with multiple self-insured liabilities
in the standard operating procedures created for Recommendation
5.
Corrective Action 6-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
5-7) Develop CERCLA SOPs that include:
1) Roles and responsibilities for overseeing the validity of SF FA
instruments; 2) procedures for checking w/other regions for
facilities/sites w/multiple self-insured liabilities; 3) instructions on
the steps to take when an invalid FA instrument (expired,
insufficient, in dollar amount, or not provided) is identified; and 4)
where and when to collect and document causes of invalid FA.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 7: In the standard operating procedures created for
Recommendation 5, develop and include instructions on (1) the
steps to take when an invalid financial assurance instrument
(expired, insufficient in dollar amount, or not provided) is identified
and (2) how to collect information on the causes of invalid financial
assurance.
Corrective Action 7-1: Planned: 2019-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
5-7) Develop CERCLA SOPs that include:
1) Roles and responsibilities for overseeing the validity of SF FA
instruments; 2) procedures for checking w/other regions for
facilities/sites w/multiple self-insured liabilities; 3) instructions on
the steps to take when an invalid FA instrument (expired,
insufficient, in dollar amount, or not provided) is identified; and 4)
where and when to collect and document causes of invalid FA.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 8: Train staff on the procedures and instructions
developed for Recommendations 5 through 7.
Corrective Action 8-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
8) Train staff on procedures and instructions developed for
recommendations 5 through 7. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 9: Train staff on how to use the new data field created
for Recommendation 11.
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Corrective Action 9-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Com pie led: ()()()()-()()-()()
December 2018: Extension requested...The financial assurance
training will be incorporated into a SEMS enforcement data entry
webinar planned for Spring 2019, and will address other SEMS
data entry topics. There are plans to record the webinar so that it
can be used as an ongoing training resource.
12) Train staff on how to use the system modifications
implemented for recommendation 11. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 10: Develop and distribute to EPA regions and states
annual reports that include progress on the reduction of financial
assurance that is expired, insufficient and/or not provided.
Corrective Action 10-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
10)Annually track progress on the reduction of SF FA that, based
on available data, is expired, insufficient in amount and/or not
provided; and distribute to EPA regions, as applicable.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 11: Develop and distribute to EPA regions and states
annual reports that include the total dollar amount of Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act and Superfund financial assurance
required and provided.
Corrective Action 11-1: Planned: 2019-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
9A2) Develop and distribute to EPA regions annual reports that
include the total dollar amount of SF FA required and provided.
Status: Delayed
18-P00079-180
Recommendation 1:1. Develop and implement additional Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act guidance to assist
Project Officers in evaluating whether funding is reasonable given
projected work plan tasks.
2018-02-13
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-11-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Develop additional FIFRA guidance to assist POs in evaluating
whether funding is reasonable given projected work plan tasks.
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2:2. Conduct a national review of state work plans
and performance for Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act cooperative agreements to verify the consistent
application of agency guidance and achievement of agency goals
and requirements.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-05-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA is prepared to expand its existing national review of state
cooperative agreements to include an analysis of grantee
performance as it relates to agency guidance/goals. Status: Delayed
18-P00221-180
Recommendation 1:6. Provide regular training for EPA drinking water
staff, managers and senior leaders on Safe Drinking Water Act
tools and authorities; state and agency roles and responsibilities;
and any Safe Drinking Water Act amendments or Lead and Copper
Rule revisions.
2018-07-19
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCE will re-evaluated training needs:
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OCE has provided and will continue to provide regular training
nationally to staff and managers about SDWA tools and authorities,
like Sections 1414 and 1431, and various NPDWRs, including
LCR. EPA will also make these trainings available to senior
leaders.
As part of ongoing Agency efforts to enhance national
implementation of the LCR, EPA has been providing training on
the Rule's optimal corrosion control treatment and optimal water
quality parameter requirements. The workshops provide a review of
LCR requirements and emphasize the tools and authorities drinking
water programs can leverage to implement the requirements more
effectively. The training has been delivered through in-person
workshops at each of the EPA Regions, as well as through special
conference sessions. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2:9. Improve oversight by establishing a clear and
credible escalation policy for EPA intervention in states. The policy
should provide steps the EPA will take when states do not act.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OCE has initiated a workgroup with participation from OECA, OW
and the Regions. The workgroup will develop procedures and
strategies to ensure timely and effective EPA intervention where a
state's response to the risk is insufficient to protect the public's
health.
Interim due dates for seeking
State input 6/30/18
Public Comment 11/30/18
Decision 7/31/19 Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3:1. Establish controls to annually verify that states
are monitoring compliance with all Lead and Copper Rule
requirements, including accurately identifying tier 1 sampling sites
and maintaining continuous corrosion control.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2019-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
February 2019 - OW confirmed OW meet with regional branch
chiefs. Corrective action expected to be completed by 9/30/19, as
provided by OW email (S. Moore on 2/11/19).
In December 2018, EPA will hold a meeting with the regional
branch chiefs to review and update the protocol used for the FY
2018 annual Public Water System Supervision program reviews. As
part of this review, EPA will amend the Public Water System
program review protocol as needed to verify that states are
implementing Lead and Copper Rule requirements. The changes
will be implemented in FY 2019 and the future annual program
reviews. Status: Delayed
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1S-P00270-180
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance:
2. Inform local educational agencies, in coordination with the EPA
regions, that they must comply with the requirements of the
Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule, 40 CFR 763.93, to
develop and maintain an asbestos management plan, regardless of
the presence of an exclusion statement, and monitor compliance.
2018-09-17
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-09-29 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA will issue a reminder and clarification to the regions that 1)
ACS Measure "TSCA 01 OC" requires a program breakdown of
projected inspections; 2) ACS Measure "TSCA 02 OC" requires a
program breakdown for other compliance. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the Assistant Administrator
for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance:
1. Require the EPA regions, through the National Program Manager
Guidance, to incorporate asbestos strategies in their Toxic
Substances Control Act compliance monitoring efforts.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-06-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
OECA will develop compliance assistance material specifically
focused on compliance with schools maintaining an asbestos
management plan (40 CFR 763.93). Status: Delayed
12-300444-320
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Action Official confirm
that the recipient took the corrective action identified in the single
audit report. If the recipient has not implemented/completed its
corrective action, EPA needs to obtain a corrective action plan,
with milestone dates, for addressing the findings in the report.
2012-05-03
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2014-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Region 2 has received and accepted the recipient's Corrective
Action Plan.
Update 9/20/2018: The above referenced review continues.
Completion of corrective action is now estimated for September 30,
2019. Status: Delayed
15-P00137-320
Recommendation 1: To improve oversight of the UST/LUST program,
establish an updated UST/LUST Memorandum of Agreement with
the USVI that reflects changes and new provisions resulting from
the EPAct 2005. The Memorandum of Agreement should also
outline roles, responsibilities and expectations
2015-04-17
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Update 9/27/18: October 13, 2018 is the effective date of EPA's
2015 UST regulation revision, and the date that states which have
State Program Approval (SPA) must re-apply for SPA. Region 2's
MOU with VIDPNR is targeted for execution on October 13, 2018.
Update 12/7/18: Region 2 is awaiting final comments from DPNR
on the draft MOU. During the programmatic call scheduled for next
week, Region 2 will ask DPNR for an update on the status.
Status: Delayed
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Recommendation 2: Develop a plan to address currently uncompleted
tasks and activities and develop a schedule for reprogramming
grant funds to accomplish these tasks if USVI does not or cannot
complete them. Upon completion of the financial management
corrective actions, follow the Office of the Chief Financial
Officer's Resource Management Directive System 2520-03 to
determine whether any of the current unspent funds of
approximately $37 million under the USVI assistance agreements
could be put to better use.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2018-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Region 2 anticipates performing an onsite review sometime in the
Fall of FY 2019 to verify and confirm that VIDPNR has fully
implemented the required corrective actions, with issuance of a
report sometime in the Winter of FY 2019. Status: Delayed
17-P00402-320
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Regional Administrator,
Region 2:
4. Determine whether the cooperative agreements under Grant
Numbers 99206921 and 99206922 have the proper support for the
fringe benefit costs requested for car allowances.
2017-09-25
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-03-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
Region 2 will make the appropriate determination of support for the
costs and take necessary action.
Update 12/7/18: CCSJBE will resolve the issue of questioned costs
by reimbursing EPA in full for the funds drawn down and not
supported with proper documentation. Region 2 is working with
CCSJBE to return the funds to EPA. Status: Delayed
13-R00297-360
Recommendation 1: Recover federal funds of $2,904,578 unless the
foundation provides a verifiable and enforceable remedy to reduce
diesel emissions in the Baton Rouge ozone nonattainment area, as
required by the cooperative agreement.
2013-06-20
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Two of the five rebuilt locomotives will continue to operate in the
Baton Rouge nonattainment area.
Per William Rhea on February 5, 2018: Table and pie charts in 4th
qtr. 2017 reports show two locomotives continuing to operate in the
Baton Rouge non-attainment area Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
The remaining three rebuilt locomotives will continue to operate
between Baton Rouge and New Orleans until economic conditions
in Baton Rouge necessitate moving as many locomotives as
possible back to the Baton Rouge non-attainment area. Status of
RRF October 1 through December 31, 2017 report. Table and pie
charts in 4th qtr. 2017 reports show three locomotives operating in
the exception area Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 1-3: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
RRF will provide locomotive location data to EPA on a quarterly
basis showing where the five locomotives were operated.
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Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting for the Period October 1, 2017
through December 31, 2017 as of 1/15/18: Table and pie charts in
4th qtr. 2017 reports show location of the 5 locomotives, 2 in Baton
Rouge and 3 in excepted area. Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 1-4: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
As a penalty for noncompliance, RRF will remit to the U.S. EPA
$4,841 for each locomotives for each month any of the five
locomotives are operated outside of the restricted area for more
than 10 plus consecutive days, outside the Baton Rouge non-
attainment area and the Exception area (for other than
maintenance).
Status of RRF Quarterly Reporting for the Period October 1, 2017
through December 31, 2017 as of 1/15/18: Table and pie charts 4th
quarter 2017 report show location of all of the locomotives. None
have been stationed more than 10 plus days outside of the
Exception area unless they were in maintenance. Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 1-5: Planned: 2020-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Each of the five locomotives will operate in Baton Rouge area or
the Exception area for 10 years after the date each engine was
placed back into service.
Table and pie charts in 4th quarter 2017 reports show that all five of the
locomotives are operating in the Baton Rouge area or the exception
area. Status: Delayed
14-P00109-360
Recommendation 1: Direct COs to require that the contractor adjust all
its billings to reflect the application of the correct rate to team
subcontract ODCs.
2014-02-04
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2024-09-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Region 6 concurs with Recommendation No. 3 and agrees to
require the contractor to adjust all of its past billings to reflect the
application of the composite rate to team-subcontractor ODCs that
were arranged for and paid for by the team-subcontractor. We
intend to implement the corrective action when final indirect cost
rates (OCR) are established. Therefore, the CO will be directed to
defer past billing adjustments until the Defense Contract Audit
Agency (DCAA) audits the indirect cost rates and the EPA
Financial Administrative Contracting Officer (FACO) approves and
issues a Final Indirect Cost (ICR) Agreement for the past billing
periods (i.e. Years 2007 to 2013). Status: Delayed
18-P00233-360
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the EPA Regional
Administrators, Regions 6 and 9:
1. Complete the necessary removal site evaluations and engineering
evaluations/cost analyses.
2018-08-22
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.1 Complete removal site
evaluations (RSEs).
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As of January 30, 2019 post-Government Shutdown:
Yes, Regions 6/9 would be allowed an extension for the length of
the shutdown, which was 5 weeks, or 35 days. In MATS, you can
revise your completion dates as such, and please also include a note
indicating the reason for the added extension (government
shutdown) - - thank you - - Pat
No written approval necessary. You are requesting a 6 month
extension and therefore no written request or approval needed - the
additional 3 5-day extension is granted based on the exceptional
circumstance of a government shutdown.
Patrick J. Milligan
US EPA - Office of Inspector General
Project Manager
Phone: (215) 814-2326
Fax: (215) 814-2351 Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 1-2: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.2 Complete engineering
evaluations/cost analyses. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the EPA Regional
Administrators, Regions 6 and 9:
2. Fully develop and implement prioritization and resource
allocation methodologies for the Tronox abandoned uranium mine
sites on or near Navajo Nation lands.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2018-12-31
1.1 Complete development of
prioritization methodology.
Completed: 0000-00-00
As of January 30, 2019 post-Government Shutdown: see 1-1, above
Corrective Action 2-2: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.2 Refine prioritization
methodology Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 2-3: Planned: 2020-12-31
1.3 Conduct mine cleanup
prioritization. Status: Delayed
Completed: 0000-00-00
Corrective Action 2-4: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.4 Complete development and implementation of resource
allocation methodology following the cost analysis of the preferred
remedies. Status: Delayed
12-100560-380
Recommendation 1: Ensure the grantee addresses the recommendations
and recover questioned and unsupported costs
2007-09-24
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 0000-00-00 Completed: 0000-00-00
3/20/15: OGD and the Region are discussing contents of proposed
Final Determination Letter and need for a waiver request. Projected
completion date is June 30, 2015. Status: TBD
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I6-P00218-390
Recommendation 1:1. Reevaluate the status of the fundable projects
and Hawaii DOH's progress on implementing the corrective action
plan items prior to awarding the FY 2016 allotment of $8,312,000
and any future award. The reevaluation should continue until
Hawaii DOH meets the agency's funding utilization target.
2016-06-28
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2017-07-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
On 2/14/19, Region 9 notified HDOH by letter that EPA will be
conducting its annual review and will focus on the HDOH progress
in implementing the LGTS system. The target date for corrective
action and review will be revised to 8/30/2019. Status: Delayed
16-P00320-390
Recommendation 1: Disallow ineligible costs of $178,030 claimed by
the Manchester Band of Pomo Indians and recover the ineligible
federal share of $174,970.
2016-09-21
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 0000-00-00 Completed: 0000-00-00
As of 2/6/19,comments from both the LVFC and the EPA Claims
Officer in HQ advised the re-payment schedule be set up on a
monthly, quarterly, or annual payment basis. On 2/4/19 Grants
office notified the tribal contact and tribal Attorney to consult with
the Manchester Tribal Council as to which of these methods would
work best for the tribe. Once the Tribal Council meets, later this
month re-payment schedule will be off for review and concurrence.
Status: TBD
Recommendation 2: Disallow unsupported costs of $172,691 and
recover the unsupported federal share of $169,970, unless the
Manchester Band of Pomo Indians provides supporting
documentation that meets federal requirements.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 0000-00-00 Completed: 0000-00-00
As of 2/6/19,comments from both the LVFC and the EPA Claims
Officer in HQ advised the re-payment schedule be set up on a
monthly, quarterly, or annual payment basis. On 2/4/19 Grants
office notified the tribal contact and tribal Attorney to consult with
the Manchester Tribal Council as to which of these methods would
work best for the tribe. Once the Tribal Council meets, later this re-
payment schedule will be off for review and concurrence.
Status: TBD
Recommendation 3: Disallow all remaining costs claimed, currently
determined to be $27,959, for grant tasks that remain incomplete
under the two EPA grants for the Manchester Band of Pomo
Indians, and recover the federal share of $27,778, unless
Manchester provides adequate documents to substantiate
completion of grant tasks.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 0000-00-00 Completed: 0000-00-00
As of 2/6/19,comments from both the LVFC and the EPA Claims
Officer in HQ advised the re-payment schedule be set up on a
monthly, quarterly, or annual payment basis. On 2/4/19 Grants
office notified the tribal contact and tribal Attorney to consult with
the Manchester Tribal Council as to which of these methods would
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work best for the tribe. Once the Tribal Council meets, later this
monthly re-payment schedule will be off for review and
concurrence. Status: TBD
Recommendation 4: Designate the Manchester Band of Pomo Indians
as a high-risk grantee, in accordance with 40 CFR 31.12, and place
appropriate special conditions upon any future awards until
Manchester implements policies and procedures to make sure:
a. Timekeeping support for labor charges meets federal
requirements.
b. Travel is properly reviewed and approved, and sufficient
documentation is maintained to support allowable travel expenses.
c. Direct versus indirect costs are properly identified and charged.
d. Tribal management and staff responsible for federal grant
activities have adequate knowledge and skills to implement and
monitor grant program activities, including application of federal
laws, regulations and cost principles.
Corrective Action 4-1: Planned: 0000-00-00 Completed: 0000-00-00
The Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG), 2 CFR Part 200, replaced 40
CFR Part 31 on December 26, 2014. The UGG no longer refers to
recipients as "high-risk"; however, the UGG allows Federal
agencies to impose specific terms and conditions as needed (e.g. for
recipients who have a history of failure to comply with the general
or specific terms and conditions of a Federal award). 2 CFR
§200.207. Region 9 will ensure that future grant and cooperative
agreements awarded to Manchester will include specific terms and
conditions as shown in EPA's Response to Recommendation 5. The
corrective action is not applicable since there has not been any new
awards issued to Manchester. Status: TBD
Recommendation 5: Implement special grant conditions for future
awards to the Manchester Band of Pomo Indians requiring
completion of grant tasks before grant payments are made.
Corrective Action 5-1: Planned: 0000-00-00 Completed: 0000-00-00
EPA Region 9 concurs with the recommendation to implement a
special grant conditions for future awards. For example, the
following condition will be added to future awards issued to
Manchester:
The corrective action is not applicable since there has not been any
new awards issued to Manchester. Status: TBD
18-P00233-390
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the EPA Regional
Administrators, Regions 6 and 9:
1. Complete the necessary removal site evaluations and engineering
evaluations/cost analyses.
2018-08-22
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Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.2 Complete engineering evaluations/cost analyses-12/31/2020
Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: We recommend that the EPA Regional
Administrators, Regions 6 and 9:
1. Complete the necessary removal site evaluations and engineering
evaluations/cost analyses.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
2.1.1 Complete removal site evaluations -12/31/18
Due to the government shutdown, the completion date is delayed to
8/4/19. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 3: We recommend that the EPA Regional
Administrators, Regions 6 and 9:
2. Fully develop and implement prioritization and resource
allocation methodologies for the Tronox abandoned uranium mine
sites on or near Navajo Nation lands.
Corrective Action 3-1: Planned: 2018-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
2.1.1 Complete development of prioritization methodology-
12/31/18
Due to the government shutdown, the completion date is delayed to
6/4/19. Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 3-2: Planned: 2021-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.4 Complete development and implementation of resource
allocation methodology following the cost analysis of the preferred
remedies-12/31/2021 Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 3-3: Planned: 2020-12-31 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.2 Refine prioritization methodology-12/31/2020 Status: Delayed
Corrective Action 3-4: Planned: 2020-12-20 Completed: 0000-00-00
1.3 Conduct mine cleanup prioritization-12/31/2020
Status: Delayed
19-S00034-410
Recommendation 1: Recover the $28,705 in questioned ineligible costs.
2018-11-30
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-05-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
12/17/2018: Initial follow-up letter mailed to tribe requesting
corrective action/response by 01/30/2019. Status: Delayed
Recommendation 2: Confirm the corrective action the recipient
identified in the single audit report was implemented. If the
corrective action has not been implemented, EPA needs to obtain a
corrective action plan, with milestone dates, for addressing the
finding in the report.
Corrective Action 2-1: Planned: 2019-05-30 Completed: 0000-00-00
Finding: Ensure timely filing of financial statements.
12/17/2018: Initial follow-up letter mailed to tribe requesting
corrective action/response by 01/30/2019. The Uniform Guidance
states that the reporting package must be submitted no later than 30
days after the reports are received from the auditors but no later
than 9 months after the end of the audit period. Status: Delayed
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N-S00051-410
Recommendation 1: We recommend that the Action Official confirm
the corrective action the recipient identified in the single audit
report was implemented. If the corrective action has not been
implemented, EPA needs to obtain a corrective action plan, with
milestone dates, for addressing the finding in the report.
2018-12-18
Corrective Action 1-1: Planned: 2019-06-18 Completed: 0000-00-00
12/18/2018: Initial follow-up corrective action letter mailed to
grantee requesting: 1) assurance of internal controls to ensure
compliance with federal Davis-Bacon Act (prevailing wage) and
suspension & debarment requirements; 2)FY2016, District did not
obtain written certification, insert a clause into the contract or
review EPLS to verify contractor not suspended/disbarred.
Status: Delayed
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