&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

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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

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