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Region 9 FY07 Science Plan
This is the first Region 9 Science Plan and should be considered a living document that brings
together in one place a description of the critical science priorities and the key activities that can
advance top Program priorities. It was developed by the Regional Science Council in cooperation
with divisional staff and managers. It is divided into chapters that align with the Agency's five
strategic goals, and it concludes with a summary of key science support resources in the Region. Each
of the five goal chapters includes a section on key science priorities and another section on key
activities. The science priorities represent the 2 to 5 highest priority science needs. Efforts will be
taken during FY07 to obtain the needed resources and expertise to help address these priority needs. In
most cases, efforts are already underway to improve our science associated with these priorities, but
more effort is needed. This Plan will also be used to communicate Region 9 science needs outside of
Region 9 to promote collaborations with ORD, other federal agencies, states and tribes, and academic
institutions. The science activities sections describe specific, ongoing activities such as RARE projects
with active investments of regional resources and specific planned outcomes expected over the next
year or two. The following key science priorities are outlined in this document:
AIR
•	VOC air emissions from dairies
•	Pesticide (fumigant) reactivity in ozone formation
•	Ambient air monitoring of acrolein
•	Simpler methods to monitor and speciate mercury in air and after ground deposition
•	Methods for determining pollutant ratios for interpollutant trading (IPT)
WATER
•	Improved tools to assess air deposition of toxic pollutants to land and migration to water bodies
in support of total maximum daily loads (TMDL)
•	Microcytis blue green algae bloom in Klamath River and potentially the SF Bay Delta
•	Biocriteria/bioassessment to support the watershed approach
•	Improve the understanding of the occurrence of Naegleria fowleri in groundwaters throughout
Region 9 and develop an effective means of treatment
LAND
•	Vapor intrusion
•	Asbestos human health risk assessment issues
•	Groundwater remediation
•	Perchlorate: Investigating human exposure roots
COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS
•	Methodologies to identify and evaluate cumulative impacts/risks, esp. vulnerability
•	Improved understanding of mercury fate and transport and better mercury source control and
remediation technologies
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
•	Identify alternatives to chlorinated solvents and ways to reduce use of chlorinated solvents
•	Improved process for identifying, prioritizing and addressing emerging pollutants
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AIR
Region 9 experiences some of the worst air quality problems in the nation, which are
compounded by our unique geography and climate, rapid populations growth, and distinct mixes of
agricultural, rural, and urban sources. The science prioirties and activities below are a reflection of
these unquie and significant air pollution challenges.
AIR PRIORITY SCIENCE NEEDS
VOC Emissions from Dairies
Background: The San Joaquin Valley has some of the nation's worst air quality for both ozone and
particulate matter. According to a CARB study in 2004, livestock operations in the San Joaquin
Valley contribute approximately 63% of the statewide VOC emissions (about 29 tons per day), most of
which are emissions from dairies. In addition, the species of VOCs emitted from dairies vary widely
in type and in their reactivity for ozone formation. Substantial gaps in our knowledge of VOC
emissions from dairies remain, including:
1)	quantity of emissions from various portions of the dairy,
2)	transport within the Valley, and
3)	chemical species and their reactivity to form ozone.
What is Needed: Research is needed that will supplement the planned National Air Emissions
Monitoring Study (NAEMS) for animal feeding operations since this study will exclude the
measurement of VOC emissions from land application of manure and manure composting operations.
Research to develop a comprehensive understanding of VOC emissions from each part of the dairy,
i.e., cows, feed, manure, lagoons, barns, corrals, compost, and land application as well as the various
chemical species of VOC emitted from dairies is also needed. In addition, a better understanding of
the atmospheric fate and transport of the dairy VOC emissions in the San Joaquin Valley and the
reactivity of these emissions needs to be developed. California ARB also has two projects underway
to study dairy emissions. The scope and results of these studies need to be considered in further
research planning.
Pesticide (fumigant) Reactivity in Ozone Formation
Background: As ozone SIPs are developed for the San Joaquin Valley and other agricultural areas in
California, a better understanding of the impacts of pesticides on ozone formation is needed. The
ozone reactivity of many pesticide VOCs is not well known. Experimental measurements have been
made for only a few of the pesticide VOCs most commonly used nationally. Experimentally
determined reactivity factors for ozone formation will improve air quality modeling as well as the
development of scientifically defensible control strategies for pesticides. The California Air Resources
Board is currently funding atmospheric chamber research at UC Riverside on a limited set of pesticide
active ingredients to evaluate the reactivity and ozone forming potential of these compounds.
However, these studies are focused solely on the pesticide active ingredient and not on the entire
pesticide product.
What is Needed: VOC research must include the "inert" compounds or "carriers" included in
formulated pesticide product since many of these compounds may react to form ozone in the
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atmosphere. In addition, tank mixes of multiple ingredients also need to be addressed for ozone-
forming potential. The development of reactivity factors for ozone formation using environmental
chamber irradiation experiments for the most commonly used pesticide formulated products is also
needed. Compounds most likely to be measured include the major inert ingredients or carriers in
pesticide products containing the active ingredients chlorpyrifos, thiobencarb, EPTC, PCNB, and
DCPA. A validated approach to address composite reactivity to address multiple constituents in
formatted products and tank mixes should also be developed. Potentially relevant research has recently
been funded by California ARB at UC Riverside that needs to be evaluated.
Ambient Air Monitoring of Acrolein
Background: Acrolein is a respiratory irritant defined as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) by the 1990
Clean Air Act. According to the 1999 National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA), acrolein poses
the greatest relative hazard for non-cancer impacts nationally. Approximately 220 million people in
the United States are exposed to acrolein concentrations above the reference concentration. Eighty-one
of the top one hundred census tracts for acrolein concentrations in the country are found in California
all of which have modeled concentrations in excess of thirty times the reference concentration.
However, ambient air concentrations of acrolein are poorly understood due to the lack of a routine
monitoring method and potential inconsistency among measurements. Acrolein in the air is largely
due to combustion from mobile sources, such as on-road cars and diesel trucks and operations at
seaports and airports. Typical method detection limits are several times the acrolein reference
concentration.
What is Needed: Further research is needed to make measurements of acrolein increasingly reliable
over the range of conditions anticipated nationally. Ideally, this research would lead to method
detection limits below the reference concentration for respiratory impacts, 2xl0"5 mg/m3. It is
necessary to verify the modeled NATA ambient air concentrations for acrolein by local-scale
monitoring. Monitors should be placed in the vicinity of acrolein sources and in locations
representative of regional background concentrations, to better understand potential impacts.
Anticipated improvements in monitoring methods and model validation should be summarized, such as
via a white paper, so that it is most useful for informing voluntary and regulatory reduction activities in
California and throughout Region 9. Some recent work has been performed by UC Davis on
measurement methodologies for acrolein; this work needs to be part of an evaluation of new
monitoring options.
Simpler Methods to Monitor and Speciate Mercury in the Air and After Ground Deposition
Background: The Gold Mining operations in northwestern Nevada emit a significant amount of
mercury. While the mercury emissions have been reduced about 80% in the last several years through
a voluntary mercury reduction program with the four mining facilities responsible for more than 95%
of the total mercury emissions in that area, an estimated 4,000 lb/yr is still emitted. It is believed that
the vast majority of the mercury emissions from these mines is in the form of elemental mercury.
However, little is known about the conversion of elemental mercury in the near vicinity of emission
sources. Current models predict that elemental mercury contributes to the global pool as opposed to
having localized impacts. It has been hypothesized that there could be some atmospheric conversion
and hence impact within a 100 mile distance from the sources. There is also little known about the dry
deposition of mercury and the amount of this mercury that may be transported by runoff to the local
water bodies. There is a great deal of concern from the neighboring States that these emissions are
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contributing to excess levels of mercury in their nearby water bodies and are a cause of mercury fish
consumption warnings in some of the reservoirs.
What is Needed: Development of a simpler, less expensive approach to mercury speciation in the air
and the conversion of elemental to reactive mercury after dry deposition will assist in development of
TMDLs to reduce mercury in impacted water bodies. An easily deployable sampling system may be
used to determine mercury speciation in air, characterize total atmospheric mercury and reactive
gaseous mercury concentrations. An understanding of the potential for dry deposition of mercury in
western ecosystems and its retention and availability for transport to water bodies is also needed.
Methods for Determining Pollutant Ratios for Interpollutant Trading (IPT)
Background: The use of emission reductions of one pollutant to meet requirements for reducing
emissions of another pollutant has been used in the Air Program such as New Source Review (NSR)
and the Economic Incentives Program (EIP), and it is being considered in other program areas such as
general conformity. However, there has been little study or guidance on methods to determine the
appropriate ratio between pollutants. Given the interest in IPT, the Air Program would greatly benefit
from research aimed at assessing and comparing different methods for determining appropriate ratios
between pollutants.
What is Needed: Methods for determining the appropriate ratios between pollutants could be done by
modifying inputs to existing air quality model applications for ozone and/or PM2.5 State
Implementation Plans (SIPs). Variations to examine would include: source location, source size,
episode type, alternative calculation methods, and alternative metrics (such as ozone peak, population
exposure, etc.). The goal would be to assess the ability of various methods to provide robust
interpollutant ratios that are consistent with policy objectives and to help EPA in developing guidance
on IPT.
AIR SIGNIFICANT SCIENCE ACTIVITIES
Advanced Monitoring Initiative Project - Use of satellite data to evaluate PM^ formation and
transport in San Joaquin Valley, California - The SJV Air Basin experiences frequent and broadly
distributed high PM2.5 concentrations during the winter. These high concentrations of PM2.5 in SJV
result from the combined effects of geography and local sources, as well as specific climate conditions
(i.e., cold and humid) which are favorable to secondary particulate matter formation. The proposed
project has the capacity to contribute to a better understanding of the complex PM2.5 issues in the
region and thereby aid in the development of effective control strategies to reduce PM2.5
concentrations, alleviating the economic and health impacts associated with poor air quality. We are
also seeking further partners within ORD, ARB, and California EHTP to implement the integration of
health and environmental monitoring data during seasonal changes in air pollution.
Advanced Monitoring Initiative Project - Ground-Level Ozone Concentrations Based on Satellite
Observations and Ground Surface Monitoring Data in Support of Environmental Health
Decisions U.S. - Mexico Border 2012 Program - The U.S.-Mexico border is a dynamic region
extending more than 3,100 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean, and 100
kilometers on each side of the international border. Environmental pressures at the border have been
attributed to increased development, industrial and population growth, the increase in the number of
old vehicles, topographic and meteorological conditions. The most recent air quality data indicates
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that approximately three million people live in Border counties in where ozone concentrations
exceeded health-based air quality standards. This project seeks to supplement existing surface
monitoring network with satellite-derived observations to support environmental decisions through a
more complete understanding of ozone pollution.
Characterization of PM 2.5 and Air Toxics Emissions from Jet Aircraft Related to Los Angeles
Airport Operations - It has been estimated that aircraft emissions account for approximately 97% of
the total overall emissions of chemicals listed as toxic air pollutants at the Los Angeles Airport (LAX).
However, data on speciated hazardous air pollutants in gaseous and particulate phases of emissions
from commercial aircraft has been difficult to develop. Several efforts are underway to gather more
comprehensive data on aircraft exhaust. EPA (OAR, ORD, and Region 9), State of California, FAA,
and academic scientists continue to collaborate on ongoing efforts to address this concern. After
developing a partnership with NASA and securing the use of Edwards Air Force base as the location
for the aircraft engine tests, the research group measured aircraft emissions to simulate take-offs. In
ongoing efforts working with industry partners and the California Air Resources Board, measurements
were recently obtained near Oakland, CA airport for taxiing aircraft.
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WATER
The water quality challenges associated with both the arid southwest ecosystems and pacific
island ecosystems are especially challenging and unique relative to the rest of the nation. Much of the
Agency-level science developed for water quality has a bias toward the environments of the eastern
U.S. These science priorities and activities address issues that reflect the unique character of the
environments in Region 9 and which address some significant public health concerns.
WATER PRIORITY SCIENCE NEEDS
Improved Tools That Assess Air Deposition of Toxic Pollutants to Land and Migration to Water
Bodies in Support of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL)
Background: Several studies have implicated air deposition as a major source of toxic pollutant
delivery in urban environments and subsequent delivery to impaired waterways. Likely sources are
both mobile and stationary sources, and include local, regional, and far-field sources. Depending upon
the form of toxicants deposited, local climate conditions, and proximity to waterways, different
percentages of air-deposited toxicants reach impaired waterways. The TMDL process provides the
principal framework under the Clean Water Act through which pollutant sources are targeted for
reductions needed to restore and maintain water body uses. However, managers of urban stormwater
conveyance systems object to receiving TMDL wasteload allocations (allocations of responsibility)
that create responsibility for air-borne contaminants over which they have no regulatory authority.
Estimation of air deposition of toxicants is difficult because monitoring is limited and modeling tools
are not well established. Complicating the analysis is the lack of proven tools to evaluate the fate of
air-deposited toxicants and their transport to waterways. The limitations in currently available tools
and monitoring programs has made it difficult to complete several high profile TMDLs addressing
metals and organic toxicants in northern and southern California. Public and discharger acceptance of
TMDLs would be improved if tools were available that address air sources of toxicants and support the
assessment of the relative importance of air sources.
What is Needed: Improved air deposition monitoring for toxicants is needed in a broader range of
land uses for longer periods of time, to assist in evaluating air deposition variability over time and
space. Support is needed to compile and analyze available air deposition data for toxicants, and
develop and validate use of air deposition and pollutant fate models to support estimation of air
deposition and subsequent runoff in unmonitored areas. In addition, research is needed to better
understand and characterize the fate of different forms of air-deposited toxicants (e.g., sediment-bound
and wet vs. dry deposition) to different land surfaces (e.g., permeable vs. impermeable) and their
likelihood of being transported to waterways.
Microcvtis Blue Green Algae Bloom in Klamath River and Potentially the SF Bay Delta
Background: The Karuk tribe, Yurok tribe and FWS conducted monitoring during the summer of
2005 that showed microcystis blue green algae in high concentrations in the Klamath River, up to 1600
times the World Health Organization guidelines for probable health effects. Algal blooms and water
recreation activities were observed to occur during the summer and early fall months. Microcystis is a
liver toxin that could cause significant health effects to recreational users of the Klamath River.
CalFed is studying the effect of lower concentrations of microcystis in the Bay Delta system for its
possible impacts on fish and drinking water supplies.
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What is Needed: Additional monitoring, QA/QC of monitoring data and possible methods
development/review is needed. Assistance in evaluating existing health effects literature and
developing scientifically defensible trigger levels for posting advisories is needed as well as access to
our national experts. Assistance in designing appropriate health effects monitoring protocols and
determining needs for additional research/studies and priorities would also be useful.
Biocriteria/bioassessment to support the watershed approach.
Background: The Clean Water Act charges EPA with restoring and maintaining the chemical,
physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters. Water quality standards, NPDES permit
limits, and decisions concerning water quality-limited segments are currently determined almost
exclusively based upon chemical measures. Improved biological assessment methodologies and
metrics will help EPA meet the mandate of the Clean Water Act since biocriteria and bioassessment
directly address the biological integrity goals and integrate physical habitat metrics. In addition,
biocriteria generally are better integrative measures of the status and condition of waters because
inferences can be made about all factors affecting water quality.
What is Needed: More work is needed to ensure that meaningful metrics are developed and
consistently applied. Specifically, additional tolerance value work to better correlate stressors to
community metrics, evaluation of the comparability between bioasessment methods, and comparison
of predictive versus multi-metric indicators is needed. In addition, training of staff and managers so
they better understand the technical factors and methods of bioassessment approaches and metrics is
needed. Work is also needed to support biocriteria development for Pacific coral reefs. Recent
workshops identified the following needs for coral biocriteria: pilot testing the EPA Rapid
Bioassessment Method for Stony Corals in high diversity Pacific reefs; compilation of existing coral
bioassessment data and development of methods for identifying sensitive metrics and defensible
biocriteria; and evaluation of comparability between bioassessment methods for corals.
Improve the Understanding of the Occurrence of Naesleria fowleri in Groundwaters Throughout
Region 9 and Develop an Effective Means of Treatment.
Background: Naegleria fowleri is a waterborne parasite that is found in soil and water. In late
October 2002, two fatal cases of primary amoebic meningioencephalitis (PAM) in previously healthy
five-year old boys in Arizona were linked to N. fowleri. The public water supply system was the
apparent source of the infections. Infection by N. fowleri may occur when water is forced up the nose
during swimming, diving, or bathing.. Preliminary occurrence data collected by researchers in Arizona
indicates that the pathogen Naegleria fowleri is found in approximately 10% of groundwater supply
wells sampled throughout the state. It is not known whether TV. fowleri occurs in groundwaters
elsewhere in Region 9. The scientific literature also suggests that N. fowleri is fairly resistant to
chlorine based disinfection. Additional work is needed to determine occurrence of N. fowleri in other
areas of the Region and to determine effective means of treatment.
What is Needed: Occurrence data for N. fowleri in groundwater in other warm weather areas of
Region 9 should be developed. Regional staff should be involved in organizing sampling events.
More basic research to determine effective means of treating groundwater to inactivate N. fowleri cysts
and trophozoites is also needed, as well as research to assess the risk posed by N. fowleri in
groundwater supply systems. In addition, the development of a public health message to water
suppliers that have had N. fowleri detected in their groundwater supply sources would be helpful.
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WATER SIGNIFICANT SCIENCE ACTIVITIES
Marine and Freshwater Contaminated Sediments Workgroup for National Regional Science
Council - Regional staff have been actively involved with the workgroup formed by the National
Regional Science Council and ORD to identify and address short term science needs related to
contaminated sediments. This group has worked with ORD to clarify the issues, collaborated with an
existing OSWER working group on the contaminated sediment issues related to remediation, and is
currently focusing on identifying the Water Program issues with contaminated sediments.
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) Team for National Regional Science
Council - Regional staff from the Water Program and P2 groups have been actively involved in this
cross-Regional workgroup which has worked with ORD on various activities, including broadening
the scope of a 2005 ORD Conference/workshop to include issues relevant to Regions, identifying
appropriate Regional sites for ORD research into the fate and transport of PPCPs, and most recently,
developing a webinar that will raise awareness in EPA, States, Tribes, and local agencies of the issues
around PPCPs.
Full-Scale Development of Ballast Water Treatment on Ships Workgroup for the National
Regional Science Council - Regional Staff from the Water Program are involved in this workgroup
that has been enlarging the scope of the original issue and moving beyond ballast water treatment to
include the invasive species issues relating to ballast water. This team will identify the long term and
short term research needs relating to this issue and work with ORD to facilitate placing them within the
ORD planning process.
RARE Project: Methods Development and Preliminary Application for Leptospira Spirochetes -
Leptospirosis is the sixth most common zoonosis in the world and is increasingly important in Hawaii
and the Pacific Trust Territories. Since the beginning of 2004, there has been a fivefold increase in the
number of cases since the same time last year. Hawaii and the Pacific Trust Territories recently had
three deaths attributed to leptospirosis and a CDC epidemiological study of American Samoa showed
17.0 % of the sample population had been exposed to Leptosira. The project goal is to develop a
method to sample environmental waters and detect specific pathogenic serovars of Leptospira.
RARE Project: Preparation of an Updated Design and Performance Guidance for Municipal
Wastewater Stabilization Pond (Lagoon) Systems: A Multi-Regional Project - Finding cost
effective and sustainable solutions to wastewater treatment needs is a continuing challenge for small
communities nationwide and especially in the rapidly expanding U.S.-Mexico Border Region. Waste
stabilization ponds have a proven record, but the implementation of new effluent standards and doubts
as to whether ponds can meet them, have led many communities to avoid ponds in favor of
unnecessarily expensive and operationally infeasible mechanical treatment plants. This project will:
1) Review and evaluate data related to the advances in waste stabilization pond design and advances
in pond performance; 2) Incorporate this information into a new and revised pond design manual; and
3) Develop training materials and outreach strategies to publicize the manual.
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Activities on Biocriteria Metrics
RARE Project: Determination of Protective Dietary Selenium Benchmarks to Assist in the
Development of Wildlife Criteria for the San Francisco Bay-Delta - As U.S. EPA is proposing to
publish national acute and chronic criteria for selenium, Region 9 must develop California specific
criteria, including site-specific criteria for the San Francisco Bay-Delta region, as required by
agreements made in consultation with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) in response to concerns
regarding the California Toxics Rule. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-Menlo Park has been
contracted to provide guidance as to the range of concentrations that would be protective of wildlife for
Region 9 to develop acute and chronic water quality criteria in the San Francisco Bay-Delta.
RARE Project: Field Verification of Toxic Threshold Concentrations of Selenium in Mallard
Eggs, Part I - The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWLS) position that U.S. EPA's chronic water
quality criterion of 5 ug/L is not protective enough is based on mallard duck feeding studies performed
during the 1980s and 1990s to determine a toxic threshold point, based on reduced egg viability
(California Toxics Rule Biological Opinion). Since that time, industry consultants have argued that the
data do not support such a low threshold, based on alternative statistical treatment and data screening.
The original studies do lack statistical power because the sample sizes of the original feeding
experiments were small. However, Region 9 has an opportunity to resolve this controversy by
conducting an analysis and determination of hatchability of a large number of mallard eggs for three
seasons. This will produce a statistically powerful, field-based set of data, which can be used to
determine a more definitive toxic threshold upon which EPA could base a protective chronic water
quality criterion.
RARE Project: Field Verification of Toxic Threshold Concentrations of Selenium in Mallard
Eggs, Part II - Through the RARE Grant Program, EPA has provided funding to FWS for three
sampling seasons (2002-2005). This has supported the collection of a more statistically robust, field-
based data set to better determine the toxic threshold of selenium for mallards, which are a widely
distributed and selenium-sensitive species of aquatic-dependent wildlife,. This would provide EPA
with an improved basis for criteria recommendations. The final phase of this work, data analysis and
interpretation, will provide a report documenting the findings of the field study and laboratory
analyses.
RARE Project: Testing of Dust Suppressants for Water Quality Impacts - The use of dust
suppressants not only enhances dust control but can also significantly reduce the amount of water
needed to effectively control dust. Application of dust suppressants may impact the quality of
underground water and surface water bodies through infiltration or storm water runoff. This research
proposal intends to investigate the potential impacts from dust suppressant application. This research
will address needs identified by EPA, local air quality districts in Arizona and Nevada, as well as the
regulated communities that are subject to fugitive dust controlling requirements in these areas.
RARE Project: Identification and Characterization of Microbial Communities within Warm
Water Aquifers - In late October 2002, two fatal cases of meningioencephelitis in previously healthy
5-year old boys in Arizona were linked to the amoebic parasite, Naegleria fowleri. The two cases,
related both temporally and spatially, comprised an extremely rare event, prompting an investigation
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During the investigation of the outbreak,
split sampling of the groundwater source, and of water within components of the water distribution
system, confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri in the municipal public water supply system, but
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it is still unclear where the contamination of the water supply originated. A water sample from a
wellhead at a neighboring water supply system, before chlorination or entry into the distribution
system, showed the amoeba, and suggests that Naegleria fowleri may exist within the aquifer material
or well bore area. Naegleria fowleri is a free-living thermophilic amoeba commonly found in soil and
that thrives best in waters ranging from 78 to 80o F. Based on a recent sampling episode, it is
estimated that over 75% of the wells in the area of Arizona where the two Naegleria fowleri deaths
occurred produce water over 78o F in temperature. Elevated groundwater temperatures can occur in
areas where vulcanism has produced hot springs or other geothermal features. If the risks associated
with warm water aquifers are to be understood, it must be determined whether pathogenic
microorganisms, including Naegleria fowleri, can be found within aquifer material or whether they
must be introduced into the drinking water system through flaws in the well bore or other parts of the
delivery system.
RARE Project: Western Tolerance Values Expert Panel Workshop - Western states and other
federal agencies have gathered a tremendous amount of biological data but are struggling with their
ability to interpret it. This inability affects the states' use of biological data in making aquatic life use
determinations and leads to an under-utilization of biological data. Refined Tolerance Values would
allow better use of biological data in determining whether a water is impaired and can serve as a
weight of evidence for making determinations of aquatic life use attainment. This proposal focuses on
the development of Tolerance Values for macroinvertebrates where sediment is the primary stressor as
the product of a panel of Experts and Practitioners from the Western U.S., especially Region 9 States.
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LAND
Hazardous waste cleanups in Region 9 have often taken on environmental problems over large
geographic regions with unique technical challenges. The science needs and priorities identified below
represent important science issues associated with several of our largest and most significant land
cleanup challenges as well as recurring technical issues impacting both large and small sites. These
issues involve large scale concerns in Region 9, such as naturally occurring asbestos and perchlorate
contamination, as well as recurring challenges associated with our many groundwater remediation sites
and an increasing concern associated with vapor intrusion of contaminants into buildings.
LAND PRIORITY SCIENCE NEEDS
Vapor Intrusion
Background: Vapor intrusion is the migration of volatile chemical vapors in buried waste or
contaminated groundwater that may migrate through subsurface solids and into air spaces of overlying
buildings. In extreme cases, the vapors may accumulate in dwellings or occupied buildings to levels
that may pose near-term safety hazards, acute health effects or aesthetic problems. Contamination of
homes, offices or other occupied buildings by vapor intrusion is a relatively new, but increasingly
common pathway of concern at CERCLA, RCRA and UST cleanup sites. The technical complexities
associated with this pathway have resulted in significant challenges and uncertainties in conducting
proper site investigations, characterizing risks, and selecting an appropriate remedy. Mathematical
modeling is being used to better understand the potential for vapor intrusion and the factors affecting
it. An uncertainty and sensitivity analysis of the primary model is currently underway at ORD, but that
analysis is not completed.
What is Needed: There is a short term research need for improved methods for vapor intrusion
pathway site investigation. Also, there is a need for better conceptual models and improved mitigation
technologies. Additional vapor intrusion data compilation and analysis by HQ with regional
involvement is needed, especially of field data from sites with potential vapor intrusion concerns. The
conceptual models need to establish protocols for a rational approach to investigating sites. The model
sensitivity analysis should be supported and continued by ORD with regional involvement. The goal
should be to try and make the models more predictive, based on the type of data, the existing Johnson
and Ettinger Model (with validated assumptions) and knowing how to deal with preferential pathways.
We need a better understanding of the groundwater to capillary fringe to vadose zone mass transfer and
more innovative tools for measuring vapor flux (flow and concentration) in the subsurface.
Additionally, training of staff and managers is also needed so they can better understand the technical
factors that impact cleanup decisions associated with vapor intrusion.
Asbestos Human Health Risk Assessment Issues
Background: Asbestiform minerals occur naturally in rock and soil as the result of natural geologic
processes, often in veins near earthquake faults in the coastal ranges and the foothills of the Sierra
Nevada mountains and in other areas of the country. Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) can take the
form of long, thin, separable fibers and there is no health threat if these fibers remain undisturbed and
do not become airborne. However, natural weathering or human disturbance can break NOA down to
microscopic fibers, easily suspended in air. When inhaled, these thin fibers irritate tissues and resist
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the body's natural defenses. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, causes cancers of the lung and the lining
of internal organs, as well as asbestosis and other diseases that inhibit lung function. Region 9 is
conducting assessments of airborne asbestos exposure in California's El Dorado Hills and Clear Creek
Management Area. With recent increased development pressures in some of these areas, the soil does
become disturbed and asbestos exposure chances are increased. Scientists do know that long-term
exposure to relatively high concentrations of airborne asbestos is a potential cause of disease.
What is Needed: There are a number of research needs which critically impact Region 9's ability to
make sound, scientifically-defensible public health judgments regarding exposure to the naturally-
occurring asbestos (NOA) which is prevalent within the Region. These issues include:
1.	Clarification of the cancer potency of amphibole-type asbestos in comparison to chrysotile. There is
scientific consensus that amphiboles are more potent carcinogens, but the quantitative extent has not
been clarified to the point of being useful for risk assessment.
2.	Determination of the toxicity, if any, of short asbestos fibers. There is suggestive evidence that
shorter (less than 5 microns) fibers significantly contribute to non-cancer disease, in contrast to the
current view that they are relatively non-toxic.
3.	Determination of the relative toxicities of fiber-like cleavage fragments versus true asbestos fibers.
Some scientists, mainly geologists, claim there should be a significant difference in toxicity between
these similar asbestos structures, although there are no biological/toxicological studies which directly
address this issue. ATSDR has recently asked the National Toxicology Program to address this
question; EPA should enthusiastically endorse this effort.
4.	Determination of the relative toxicity of intermittent, short-term exposures (typical of outdoor
activities) versus the continuous exposure health data underlying the current EPA risk assessment
methods. Because of the persistence of asbestos structures in body, intermittent short-term exposures
may create a disproportionately higher health risk (on a time-weighted basis).
Groundwater Remediation
Background: There are many contaminated groundwater aquifers in Region 9, mostly under either
the Superfund or RCRA cleanup programs. Much of the contamination is from chlorinated solvents.
Pump and treat systems and other active remedies have been implemented at many of the sites. While
there has been some effort to optimize existing systems, they are not always effective at cleanup due to
a number of reasons, including incomplete characterization and hydrogeologic limitations. The
challenges in particular for Region 9, are often because of the presence of DNAPLs, a subsurface made
up of fractured bedrock, or the presence of extremely long plumes (e.g. San Gabriel). Mines are also
prevalent in Region 9 and remain one of our biggest groundwater cleanup challenges.
What is Needed: Short term research needs include more research in the fields of DNAPL
characterization and remediation, alternatives for offgas treatment that do not have the chance of
dioxin formation, and more study in the general optimization of existing systems. Electronic
"toolboxes" (previously proposed in other programs) could assist the project managers with the design
and analysis of capture zones and estimation and analysis of aquifer parameters. Innovative treatment
technologies for NAPLs, chlorinated solvents, chlorinated pesticides, dioxin, wood treated wastes and
metals also top the list of needs. Research related to mining includes sound mine waste management,
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determination of lead ore concentrate bioavailability rates, determination of the long term stability of
phosphate stabilized lead, and contaminated soils and mining waste.
Perchlorate: Investigating Human Exposure Roots
Background: EPA's Office of Research and Development formally adopted a reference dose for
perchlorate in 2005 and published the dose on the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS).
However, the National Academy of Sciences Perchlorate Report, which formed the basis for EPA's
reference dose, raised a number of scientific questions complicating the use of this number for cleanup
decisions. The NAS committee suggested that the health-protective oral exposure for humans is
approximately 0.7 microgram per kilogram body weight per day, or about 50 micrograms per day for a
70 kilogram (150 pound) adult. If all the perchlorate exposure came only from contaminated drinking
water, this dose would translate to between 20 and 25 micrograms per liter (ppb), using a standard
assumption of an adult consuming 2 liters per day. The January 26, 2006, memo from OSWER
Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine confirmed this calculation as 24.5 ppb.
What is Needed: Continued collaboration between the experienced Regional scientists and the
research community is essential. Considerable scientific evidence shows that perchlorate is present in
many foods consumed by Americans (for example, see the special issue of the journal Analytica
Chimica Acta devoted to perchlorate: Volume 567, Issue 1, May 2006). Region 9 scientists and
project managers have been collaborating with academic and government scientists to provide an
objective estimate of the exposure to perchlorate from non-drinking water sources. Most of the effort
has involved formal and informal advisory roles, such as with Santa Clara Valley Water District, the
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, ATSWMO, and various academic and professional
conferences. Some financial support is being provided to university and federal researchers in a
pioneering effort to provide a site-specific exposure estimate as recommended in the OSWER
guidance, capitalizing on an existing Superfund Basic Research Program study and state-of-the-science
analytical methods developed by ORD and the National Center for Environmental Research.
LAND SIGNIFICANT SCIENCE ACTIVITIES
Mine Waste Management Techniques Using Automated Treatment Systems and Remote
Telemetry Monitoring Techniques Workgroup for the National Regional Science Council -
Regional staff has been actively involved in this group. They have discussed with ORD how to better
identify and transfer ORD information from the Mining Program out to the Regions. The group has
also discussed developing a pilot project that would link a passive remediation technology at a mining
remediation site with remote monitoring and/or telemetry to determine how well this approach would
work in ensuring that remote or seasonally inaccessible sites could operate year-round. A pilot study
has been developed that would evaluate the components needed to build an onsite system that could
monitor specific parameters and communicate the results via telemetry to offices far removed from
mine sites. The goal is to provide the information that project managers would need to build an "off
the shelf' monitoring system that provides critical monitoring information from the mining site to their
desktops.
RARE Project: Green Cleanup Practices: Using Renewable Energy and Cleaner Diesel
Equipment at Waste Cleanup Sites - This project will finalize an inventory of renewable energies
and cleaner diesel-powered equipment for use at hazardous waste sites. In 2006, an energy and diesel
equipment needs assessment will be conducted at all Region 9 Superfund sites and assistance provided
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to the Superfund Program Office in developing the criteria for a special services contract mechanism
that can be widely implemented. The utility of the energy and diesel equipment needs assessment and
the criteria for a special services mechanism will be pilot tested at a minimum of two Region 9
Superfund sites. A "Renewable Energy & Clean Diesel Equipment Implementation Resource Guide"
will be developed as a guide for other EPA programs in Region 9 and nationally, as well as States and
industry.
RARE Project: Modifying EPA Method 314.0 for Analysis of Perchlorate in Aqueous Samples
Containing High Total Dissolved Solids - The ultimate goal of this project is to modify EPA Method
314.0 so that aqueous samples high in total dissolved solids (TDS) can be analyzed for perchlorate
contamination at 1 ppb or less. Low levels of perchlorate (4-16 ppb) have been detected in the
Colorado River and Lake Mead in Nevada. These source waters produce drinking water for over 12
million people in Nevada, California and Arizona. This project includes performance of necessary
testing to publish a rapid inexpensive field procedure/approach for measuring perchlorate in water.
Activity Related to Vapor Intrusion Need
Compile and Analyze Existing Vapor Intrusion Data and Evaluation Methods Workgroup for
the National Regional Science Council - Regional staff has been actively involved in this group but
also were instrumental in writing the original issue paper. This workgroup is reviewing new guidance
being developed by ORD for vapor intrusion (U.S. EPA document, "Uncertainty and the Johnson-
Ettinger Model for Vapor Intrusion Calculations") with the author, identifying information from ORD
that could be transferred to the Regions, identifying long and short term research needs, and looking at
ways to improve training of regional staff on vapor intrusion related issues and improving the transfer
of ORD information and technologies out to the Regions.
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COMMUNITIES & ECOSYSTEMS
The populations of Region 9 are among the most diverse in the nation and include large
segments of population that are uniquely impacted by enivironmental pollution or which are
underserved by basic environmental infrastructure. Our ecosystems are also uniquely diverse and
varied from the rest of the nations. The science priorities and activities below reflect these unique
charactersitics and challenges facing Region 9.
COMMUNITIES & ECOSYSTEMS PRIORITY SCIENCE NEEDS
Better Methods to Identify and Evaluate the Most Vulnerable Communities and the Cumulative
Impacts and/or Risks These Communities May Face
Background: EPA's Framework for Cumulative Risk Assessment laid out several key concepts to
address cumulative risks from environmental pollution within communities. The National
Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) embraced this Framework and provided EPA with
specific recommendations on how to begin addressing this issue. NEJAC recommended the
development and adoption of an interim approach to identify communities with higher pollution
burdens and where risk reduction activities could be initiated while other scientific tools are being
developed. A "Pollution Burden Matrix" (PBM) approach was proposed that offers a suite of proxy
indicators of neighborhood-scale cumulative emissions, exposure and health effects. Region 9's
Environmental Justice (EJ) Program has begun the development of a tool, based on PBM, to identify
overburdened communities in Region 9, but they lack the expertise to evaluate vulnerability, as defined
by NEJAC. This definition presents the idea that disadvantaged, underserved, and overburdened
communities start with pre-existing deficits of both a physical and social nature which make the effects
of environmental pollution more burdensome.
What is Needed: Better methodologies are needed to help EPA staff evaluate the multiple, aggregate
and cumulative risks and impacts experienced by environmental justice communities. Most critical is
research to better understand vulnerability and, more specifically, what vulnerability factors, such as
effects of aging, discrimination, poor nutrition, poor community services, etc. are most important to
understanding the links between environmental exposures and adverse health outcomes.
Improved Understanding of Mercury Fate and Transport and Better Mercury Source Control
and Remediation Technologies
Background: Mercury has been recognized as a potentially serious environmental contaminant for
more than a century. Mercury is an element (and therefore doesn't degrade in the environment) that
bioaccumulates as it moves up the food chain, and it is a significant neurotoxin. World-wide releases
of mercury to the environment are increasing, and mercury concentrations in fish are likewise
increasing. It is becoming increasingly clear that widespread mercury contamination may be having
public health and environmental consequences. Further, the public is expressing increasing concerns
about the health implications of mercury exposure. Releases of mercury come from a variety of
sources, including gold mining, coal fired power plants, chlor-alkali plants, cement plants, waste
incineration plants, and from electrical switches and relays.
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What is Needed: In order to effectively address this global issue, there is a need to better understand
the sources of mercury, its fate and transport in the environment, and mercury control and remediation
technologies. Specifically, additional mercury data compilation and analysis, including an improved
global emissions inventory is needed. More basic research into the factors that affect mercury fate and
transport, mercury source control technologies, mercury remediation strategies and technologies is
needed. In addition, training for staff and managers to improve understanding of mercury fate and
transport, and mercury source control and remediation is also needed
COMMUNITIES & ECOSYSTEMS SIGNIFICANT SCIENCE ACTIVITIES
RARE Project: Transport Pathways of Invasive Species Across Pacific Estuaries - The proposed
research aims to determine whether the San Francisco Bay is acting as a local source for secondary
invasion events across other Pacific estuaries. Studies suggest that invasion events may follow a
stepping stone model, where invasive species are introduced to new habitats from recently invaded
areas. San Francisco Bay is the likeliest launching pad for invasive species since it is the most highly
invaded estuary in North America, if not the world. The proposed research will test the hypothesis that
the Bay has acted as a source pool of invasive species that are already established in the Bay and other
Pacific estuaries. We will also determine whether regional shipping originating from San Francisco
Bay is a predominant transport vehicle moving invasive species to other Pacific estuaries.
Development of Standard Procedures for Pyrethroids - Region 9 garnered funding through
the Regional Method Program for an IAG with USGS to develop standard procedures for pyrethroids.
Pyrethroids have replaced diazinon and chlorpyrifos as the most common pesticides in the urban
marketplace. Pyrethroids have also increased in usage in many agricultural applications of diazinon
and chlorpyrifos. Since pyrethroids are highly toxic to aquatic organisms and researchers have
detected pyrethroids in ambient surface water toxicity and (more frequently) in sediments, more
agencies are seeking to routinely test for pyrethroids at environmental relevant concentrations in their
routine monitoring programs. At present, there is a need for a standard procedure for collecting,
transporting, storing, and handling surface water and sediment samples that are to be tested for
pyrethroids and pyrethroid-related toxicity. Losses of pyrethroids on sampling equipment and
sampling and testing container walls may be as high as 50%, confounding interpretation of analytical
and toxicity test results. Determining the optimum procedures and types of containers and
disseminating a uniform and validated standard operation procedure (SOP) to laboratories and surface
water monitoring programs will ensure that data collected will be as meaningful as possible. The main
objective is to develop a standard written procedure for surface water and sediment sample collection,
storage, and handling appropriate for samples containing pyrethroids and validate these methods to
ensure minimal losses of pyrethroids on sampling equipment and container surfaces. The research
approach involves literature review, study design to address priority information gaps, conducting a
study to optimize the procedures and address information gaps, prepare draft procedure, submit draft
procedure for peer review, and preparation of final procedure.
Activities on Community Vulnerability
RARE Project: How Vulnerability Indicators Affect the Association between Adverse Birth
Outcomes and Air Pollution and Traffic Exposures - This project allows EPA to participate in a
project that will examine whether vulnerability indicators have an impact on the potential association
between outdoor air pollution exposure and adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and infant
mortality. This RARE proposal would fund two add-ons to an ongoing current project. One is a traffic
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exposure add-on. and the other is a collaboration with the California Environmental Health Tracking
Program to obtain geocoded address level data for the birth outcomes.
Landscape-Scale Analysis of Cumulative Environmental Impacts in Arizona's Rapidly-
Urbanizing Arid Watersheds - Several large-scale developments (5,000 acres and greater) in the
Hassayampa and San Pedro River watersheds are presently moving through the CWA and NEPA
regulatory processes. Of these two watersheds, the upper San Pedro has an existing rich dataset of
habitat and land-use geographical information and is likely to face acute environmental crises related
to ground and surface water resources and habitat conservation over the next 20-50 years. EPA
Region 9, EPA ORD Landscape Ecology Branch, and USD A Agricultural Research Service will
perform a pilot project in the San Pedro River watershed to support improvement of federal
environmental analyses pursuant to NEPA and CWA Sec. 404. Using GIS tools, the demonstration
study will analyze alternative development options relative to their impact on surface-water conditions
(e.g., surface runoff and sediment yield) and potential habitat for selected species. Hydrological
outputs and predicted habitat changes will be estimated for the baseline year 2000 using the Southwest
Regional GAP Analysis Project spatial information. Watershed condition in 2020 will then be
extrapolated as a demonstration of how new geospatial modeling tools can be used to evaluate impacts
associated with urban growth patterns on surface-water hydrology and biodiversity. The project is
scalable, and if successful would be exported to analyze the ~100,000-acre development envelope
presently planned for the lower Hassayampa River watershed.
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ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Region 9 has been on the forefront of identifying several emerging environmental contaminants
over the past several years and has been an active voice for pollution prevention. Identified below are
science concerns associated with better identifying emerging pollutant concerns and development of
safe, non-toxic alternatives to hazardous chemicals.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP PRIORITY SCIENCE NEEDS
Identify Alternatives to Chlorinated Solvents and Ways to Reduce Use of Chlorinated Solvents
Improved Process for Identifying, Prioritizing and Addressing Emerging Pollutants
Background: Over the last century many chlorinated solvents have been developed and their usage
has become ubiquitous. Unfortunately, vast amounts of these solvents have been released to the
environment. Because of the known toxicity of chlorinated solvents, it would be environmentally
beneficial to develop non-halogenated alternative solvents to replace existing chlorinated solvents.
While many chlorinated solvents are highly effective, they have three significant disadvantages: they
are 1) more toxic, 2) more persistent in the environment, and 3) in general, much more difficult to
remove from soils and ground water than their non-halogenated analogue compounds. .
What is needed: More basic research into alternatives to chlorinated solvents, educational and/or
training materials necessary to promote the alternatives and encourage users to switch from the
chlorinated solvent to the alternative solvent, and outreach strategies to affect the changeover to
alternative solvents is needed.
Improved Process for Identifying, Prioritizing and Addressing Emerging Pollutants
Background: Over the last three decades a number of new contaminants have emerged to become
significant health and environmental concerns. Among these are MTBE, perchlorate, 1-4 dioxane,
PCBs, dioxins/furans and brominated flame retardants. This phenomenon is the result of advances in
knowledge about contaminants and their effects, new chemicals, and new applications of "old"
chemicals, as well as improvements in the amount and kinds of information that is readily available.
Given the history of newly emerging pollutants, we can anticipate that there will always be new
pollutants of concern that will need to be addressed Work needs to be done to develop more efficient
methods to quickly identify and address these emerging contaminants so that regulators are no longer
placed in the position of having to make important decisions about usage with minimal health effects
and exposure information. A more efficient system is needed to identify significant contaminants of
concern, prioritize their significance, and gather exposure and health effects data.
What is needed: Develop more effective ways to identify and monitor significant environmental
contaminants as part of a more formalized "early warning system". Develop more efficient ways to
identify health threats, exposure pathways and gather toxicological data on compounds that are being
released in significant quantities. The goal should be rapid identification and prioritization of high risk
chemicals, and the funding of key studies. While there are programs to compile and evaluate
information on compounds being released to the environment, their efficiency needs to be improved.
Try to identify patterns that could allow compounds to be addressed by groups/categories (and even
standard mixtures) instead of individually.
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Activity on Chlorinated Solvent Alternatives
Viable Alternatives to Chlorinated Solvents Workgroup for the National Regional Science
Council - Regional staff are working with this NRSC workgroup. Several ORD computer programs
exist which may help Regions identify alternatives to chlorinated solvents. Discussions are underway
to determine how best to determine which approach may work best and transfer the appropriate
techniques to the Regions.
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REGION 9 SCIENCE SUPPORT
Region 9 Science Staff:
EPA's science staff is a core resource to the successful accomplishment of the Agency's mission. Of
the 875 positions currently in Region 9, there are 285 scientist and engineer positions. These 285
positions are divided among 8 job series as follows:
Regional Science Council:
The Regional Science Council (RSC) is part of a network of RSCs across the Regions. The RSC
provides focused leadership on science in Region 9 to strengthen science resources available to Region
9 and to expand the science knowledge of staff in the Region. The current RSC program
representatives are as follows:
Co-Chairs:	Jan Baxter
Environmental Scientists
Environmental Engineers
Life Scientists
Toxicologists
Chemists
Geologists
Cartographers (GIS)
Industrial Hygenists
129
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5
7
0 (4 Hydrogeologists included in Env Sci)
1
2
Management Science Lead:
Air Division:
Allan Ota
Tom Huetteman
Sean Hogan,
Periann Wood
Communities & Ecosystem
Division:
Regional Laboratory:
Debbie Lowe
Brenda Bettencourt
Christopher Cagurangan
Carl Brickner
Eugenia McNaughton
Jan Baxter
QA Program:
Science Advisors:
Water Division:
Waste Division:
Superfund Division:
Bobbye Smith (RSL)
Winona Victery
Allan Ota
Mary Blevins
Matt Small
Harry Ball
Mike Gill (HSTL)
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Region 9 Laboratory Program:
The Region 9 Laboratory in Richmond, CA is a full service, state-of-the-art facility specializing in
chemical analysis, biological analysis and field sampling services. The laboratory performs more than
10,000 analyses a year of air, water, soil and biota samples (avian, fish and occasionally mammalian
tissue).
Quality Assurance Program:
The Region 9 Quality Assurance Office's primary mission is to effectively oversee and carry out the
EPA Region 9 Quality System and Quality Management Plan, and project-level quality assurance and
quality control (QA/QC) activities. The Office's primary responsibilities include providing training and
information on data quality; conducting Quality System oversight of EPA Regional programs, grantees
(states, tribes and locals), contractors, other federal agencies, and the regulated community; conducting
project level QA/QC oversight; providing QA and technical support to Regional Programs, States,
Tribes, and local governments; and carrying out programs to ensure quality laboratory testing.
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