&EPA Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Fact Sheet Why Develop a UAS Policy for EPA? UAS technology will allow EPA to meet its mission goals with additional data collection capabilities while increasing safety, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. The EPA UAS Policy will create a framework through which EPA Regions and Program offices can take advantage of UAS technology. UAS Policy Materials accessible at EPA UAS Policy SharePoint Site What Does EPA's UAS Policy Contain? • Current Limitations on Using UAS at EPA o No program at EPA may purchase or own any type of UAS. o Leasing of UAS is also not currently permissible o Only programs supported by EPA's Environmental Programs and Management (EPM) funds may "maintain" and/or "operate" UAS. o Balloons, while not considered UAS, are considered aircraft and fall under the same Agency restrictions, requirements and regulations. • UAS Contract Options for EPA Projects o Contracts and work plans appropriately funded by EPM funds o Interagency Agreements (lAs): EPA may use EPM funds to pay another federal agency to maintain and operate a UAS on EPA's behalf o Grants (including Cooperative Agreement): EPA grantees are not restricted from using grant funds for UAS-related costs. • Requirements for UAS Data Collection and Management o Privacy, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Protections ¦ UAS projects that collect data that may have PI I must complete a PIA o IT Security Requirements o Data Management Requirements • Roles and Responsibilities o EPA Office of Mission Support - Administration and Resources Offices o EPA Office of Mission Support - Environmental Information Offices o EPA Program Offices and Regions Additional Materials (Coming Soon) • EPA UAS Website • EPA UAS Handbook/Desk Guide o Guidance o Templates o Checklists and Forms ------- EPA UAS Use Case Examples • Reconnaissance, response & mapping o Ability to operate in hazardous situations • Structural integrity assessment • Releases and chemical, biological, radiological, events • Logistics and planning support • Site mapping (aerials for pre- post or ongoing site documentation, volume/3D) • Terrain modeling (erosion, deforestation, forest mapping, river banks) Technologies that may be used with UAS • Photo/Video: High resolution, infrared/thermal/FLIR, and multispectral cameras • Gas Sensors: H2S, S02, NO, N02. VOCs (PID), CO, CI, HCI, HCN, NH3, PH3, particulates, other air sampling capabilities • ERT VIPER integration possible for real-time data collection and transmission • Remote Sensing: LiDAR, 3D models, volume measurement (landfill assessment/excavation areas), vegetation analysis, POV depiction of event for situation or management briefings EPA UAS Policy Development Timeline • Fall 2018: UAS Policy Workgroup Formed • Spring 2019: Draft UAS Policy Developed • Fall/Winter 2019: UAS Policy Expected to be Complete Contact Ana Greene - Greene.Ana@epa.gov - 202-566-2132 Harvey Simon - Simon.Harvey@epa.gov - 202-566-0917 ------- |