v>EPA
U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development and
Environmental Council of the States
Partners for Meeting State Research Needs
September 2017
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U.S. EPA's Office of Research and Development and
Environmental Council of the States
Partners for Meeting State Research Needs
The success of environmental protection and public health in the United States begins on the front lines at the
state and local levels. EPA's Office of Research and Development (EPA ORD) is a vital scientific and technical
resource to states and their communities, providing the technical support and training, science-based tools, and
innovative approaches and methods they need to meet their highest priority environmental and related public
health challenges, while also laying the groundwork for long-term health and prosperity.
Collaboration and teamwork with state environmental agencies make that all possible. EPA ORD has developed
critical partnerships to ensure our work is relevant to real-world environmental challenges and that scientific
findings and tools are delivered to decision makers in ways that make them immediately accessible and useful
EPA ORD has partnered with the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS, the national association of state
environmental agency leaders) and its research arm, the Environmental Research Institute of the States (ERIS),
to ensure that our research is useful and practical for states to help address their on-the-ground problems.
Our state partners provide significant insights into the environmental problems they face and how EPA can best
translate ORD science into well-informed decision tools for states and communities. Over the past six years, ERIS
and EPA ORD have strengthened the alignment of EPA's scientific and technical capabilities with state research
priorities and needs through a series of meetings and state surveys. As a result of this effort, EPA ORD better
understands the science needs of state environmental agencies, and states better understand EPA ORD's
research, tools and role within EPA. As recently as 2016, states identified their needs and grouped them into
broad topics, such as water, emerging contaminants/toxics, waste/remediation and air/ozone. EPA ORD values
the information the ERIS survey provides, as it will help us to continue to align our research program with state
science needs.
This document compiles summaries of how EPA ORD's work during the past five years, in partnership with state
agencies, counties, communities and universities, has supported states in their efforts to protect human health
and the environment. These stories highlight a wide range of research, development, decision support tools and
technical assistance efforts focusing on air and water pollution, chemicals, Superfund and other contaminated
site remediation, infrastructure and homeland security - all of which are vitally important to helping states
address the highest priority, on the ground problems.
We look forward to continuing to build our partnership with ERIS to develop the science that meets states'
immediate and long-term needs.
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Table of Contents
ALASKA 6
PFAS
Toxicity information for sulfolane
CALIFORNIA 8
Assessment model for new water technologies
Decontaminating subway railcars
Decision support tools to advance communities' priority projects
Evaluating chemicals
Population and land use projections
Reducing mercury methylation
Setting risk-based cleanup levels for toxicity values
Statistical evaluation of 40 years of monitoring data
Synthetic turf field safety
FLORIDA 17
Freshwater vegetation communities
Nitrogen pollution
GEORGIA. 19
Development of numeric nutrient criteria
Sustainable materials management
IDAHO 21
Modeling for agriculture, energy, water and air systems interactions
KANSAS 22
Prairie rangeland burning
Survey designs for stream monitoring
LOUISIANA 24
Cancer risk assessments
MAINE 25
Tribal risk assessment (sediment and water quality)
MARYLAND 26
Stormwater best management practices
MASSACHUSETTS 27
Evaluate robust management practices to improve water quality
MICHIGAN 28
Lead contamination technical support
MINNESOTA 29
Modeling bioaccumulation of PCBs and mercury in fish
Need for water quality guidelines
Sulfate standard development support
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MISSISSIPPI 32
Bacterial and viral indicators
Effects of industrial spills on ecosystem health
MISSOURI 34
Models and tools to reduce sewer overflows
MONTANA 35
Asbestos exposure following forest fires
IRIS assessment for Libby Amphibole Asbestos
NEVADA 37
Groundwater characterization and remediation
NEW HAMPSHIRE 38
Probabilistic survey designs
NEW JERSEY 39
PFAS
NORTH CAROLINA 40
Acceptance of bio-contaminated wastewater
Mapping PFAS levels
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education
Transportable gasifier technology
OHIO 44
Harmful algal blooms limiting drinking water
Managing algal toxins
OKLAHOMA ... 47
Chemical composition analysis
Evaluating water interactions at Superfund site
OREGON 49
Ocean acidification research
Reducing methyl mercury levels
Tools to help communities identify environmental issues
Water nitrate contamination
PENNSYLVANIA 53
Wide-spread freshwater fish disease
RHODE ISLAND 54
Analysis of nutrients and other parameters in water
SOUTH CAROLINA 55
Food waste reduction
TEXAS 56
Chemical contamination risks
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UTAH 57
Emissions measurement methods
Fine particle air pollution
Satellite-derived cyanobacteria detection
VERMONT 60
Impervious cover data for watersheds
VIRGINIA.-.....- 61
Stream condition assessments
WASHINGTON 62
Habitat suitability models
Managing nutrients in riparian ecosystems
Remedial investigation/feasibility study technical support
Stream temperature stress
Superfund site technical support
Watershed condition improvements
MULTI-STATE STORIES 68
Ammonia removal from drinking water (IL, IN, IA, OH)
Anthrax contamination cleanup (CA, DC, MA, NY, VA)
Characterizing urban background levels for contaminated site cleanup levels (FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN)
Community air quality monitoring (CT, DC, IL, KS, NC, OK, PA, TX)
Lake Michigan's ozone formation and transport (IL, IN, Ml, MN, OH, Wl)
Management of bio-hazardous wastes (MD, NY)
Managing stormwater treatment systems (MD, PA, VA)
Monitoring technologies (CA, CO, CT, KY, MD, NH, OR)
Planning for energy and air emissions (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, Rl, VT)
Predicting water quality at beaches (IL, IN, Ml, MN, NY, OH, PA, Wl)
Reducing harmful air pollutants (all states)
Risk assessment training (all states)
Simulating conditions in drinking water utilities (CO, FL, KY, Ml, NY, OH)
Small drinking water systems (all states)
Stormwater management planning support (MD, PA, VA)
Stream monitoring network development (AL, CT, DE, GA, KY, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, PA, Rl, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV)
Wide area radiologic incident (NY, OH)
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&EPA
science in ACTION
ALASKA
Partner: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC)
Challenge: Contaminated site due to PFAS issues at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (ongoing)
Resource: Technical support for site contamination in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force
"EPA's collaboration with the ADEC and the Air Force on PFAS sampling and analytical methods is key to ensuring
valid, defensible data are collected on these emerging contaminants that are being found in soil, groundwater
and drinking water in Alaska and elsewhere across the country. Extremely low concentrations, in the parts per
trillion levels, in drinking water may pose unacceptable health risks, thus, rigorous sampling and analytical
methods are critical in ensuring people have clean drinking water." - ADEC Commissioner Larry Hartig
With increased concern about the risk of per- and poly-fluorinated
alkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, it is important to identify
the source(s) of the contamination and manage/remediate the
risk. To date, PFAS contamination has been observed at landfills,
primary and secondary PFAS-related manufacturing sites, wastewater
treatment plants, and emergency response and training sites where
aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) were used for firefighting. The
Department of Defense has identified hundreds of sites with
potential AFFF contamination.
EPA ORD, in coordination with Region 10 (Pacific Northwest), is
providing technical support for PFAS site characterization at Joint
Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER) in Anchorage. ORD previously
provided a review of an Air Force work plan to collect groundwater
and soil samples at JBER for PFAS analysis. ORD scientists will observe
the collection of groundwater samples by an Air Force contractor, visit locations where samples have been
collected, and collect wastewater and creek samples. ORD scientists will analyze splits of some samples to
evaluate the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) analytical PFAS methods (ASTM 7968-14 and
ASTM 7979-15). This will provide an opportunity to apply the ASTM methods to additional environmental
matrices analyzed to date, as well as analyze samples for PFAS precursors. The resulting data from the Air Force
and ORD can be used to decide further site characterization priorities.
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&EPA
science in ACTION
Partner: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC)
Challenge: Toxicity information for sulfolane to inform cleanup levels (completed)
Resource: Peer review of the available reference doses (RfDs) and technical support
"EPA's technical experts played a vital part in assisting
the state of Alaska in understanding the risks of
sulfolane in groundwater and the potential impacts to
public health. EPA provided critical information on
sulfolane mobility, toxicity and human health exposures
that greatly assisted ADEC in making decisions on
protecting residents. ADEC appreciates EPA for all their
timely support and help by providing information on the
best available science which was significant in Alaska's
response actions for sulfolane." - ADEC Division of Spill
Prevention and Response Director Kristin Ryan
Sulfolane is an industrial solvent used in gasoline production and petroleum refining. The discovery in late 2009
of sulfolane in drinking water wells near the Flint Hills North Pole Refinery (about 15 miles east of Fairbanks, AK),
led to an extensive investigation of contaminated groundwater. The groundwater plume is approximately 2
miles wide, 3.5 miles long and over 300 feet deep, rendering it one of the largest in the state, with many private
properties impacted. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) began new animal studies on sulfolane in 2014.
EPA's Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) requested that ORD conduct a Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Value
(PPRTV) assessment for sulfolane. The information in PPRTV assessments can be used in combination with
exposure information to characterize the public health risks of a given substance at a particular hazardous waste
site. Importantly, these risk characterizations can form the basis for risk-based decision making, regulatory
activities, and other risk management decisions designed to characterize and protect public health. EPA ORD
finalized the PPRTV assessment in 2012.
At ADEC's request in 2014, EPA ORD scientists participated in an independent, expert peer review workshop to
discuss the available oral toxicity values/reference doses for sulfolane (including the PPRTV) and reach
conclusions based on the available science. EPA ORD scientists provided essential technical support in the peer
review workshop with respect to the scientific development process of the Sulfolane PPRTV assessment. This
technical support assisted ADEC in their consideration of cleanup levels for contaminated groundwater.
Ultimately, ADEC decided to wait to set a cleanup level for sulfolane until more data become available from the
new NTP studies (target 2019), in order to best protect people from exposure. EPA ORD's input provided ADEC
with important information that will be needed for making a final determination.
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science in ACTION
x=,EPA
CALIFORNIA
Partners: State of California and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
Challenge: Providing sufficient, quality water to meet increasing demands (ongoing)
Resource: Assessment model for introduction of novel water technologies
"SFPUC values the research being done by EPA ORD in the field
of decentralized non-potable water systems. ORD is building
upon completed research to provide much needed, additional
support—in terms of characterizing pathogen concentrations
and identifying potential surrogates that can be used to
monitor treatment process performance—towards the goal of
reducing exposure to pathogens." - SFPUC Director of Water
Resources Paula Kehoe
Through our collaborations with the state of California and the
SFPUC, EPA ORD is developing and testing assessment
methods to identify optimum technologies for using
alternative waters (sources) for non-potable and potable purposes. Changes in drinking water and wastewater
management strategies to meet state and local demands has led to new approaches (e.g. membrane bio-
reactors) for developing and implementing additions and improvement to current water treatment and delivery
schemes. In addition to these approaches, there is also interest in utilizing alternative waters (sources) in
community water systems. To utilize these alternative waters, communities are now faced with additional
challenges to ensure the same water quality is delivered, as well as optimizing resource recovery and system
efficiency when using alternative waters for non-potable and potable purposes.
SFPUC leads an effort to implement decentralized non-potable water systems that involves a group of
stakeholders from across the country, including a range of water utilities (Austin, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland,
Seattle and Washington, DC) and public health departments (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota,
Washington and New York City). EPA ORD is assisting by developing and assessing the risk-based log reduction
targets related to fit-for-purpose water use. This integrated assessment also includes life cycle costs, and
potential environmental (particularly energy) and human health impacts. EPA ORD's work will provide the state
and various utilities and public health departments with a system-level approach and framework that will
quantitatively evaluate the tradeoffs that exist among alternative processes and identify which configuration
delivers a robust and sustainable water system design.
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Partner: City of San Francisco
Challenge: Testing the decontamination of a Bay Area Rapid Transit railcar contaminated with a non-pathogenic
anthrax surrogate (completed)
Resources: Technical assistance and field support in collaboration with the U.S Department of Homeland
Security and U.S. Department of Energy labs
"The Underground Restoration Project has been
instrumental in assisting the San Francisco Bay
Area Rapid Transit (BART) District prepare for a
biological incident. BART does not have subject
matter experts on staff, who can plan, prepare,
develop and/or respond to a bio incident.
Underground Transport Restoration Guidance
prepares the agency for an unthinkable incident
to a 'do-able' response. The tabletop exercise and
guidance documents help us support and
coordinate the regional management and
response to an incident, allowing our service to be restored in a safe and timely manner. Without having the
opportunity to participate in the projectif there was an actual event, the San Francisco region would be
responding blindly, without plans in place, which would negatively impact lives, property and the environment."
-BART Police Department Security Programs Manager It. Kevin Franklin
Release of biothreat agents, such as Bacillus anthracis (Ba) spores, by terrorists into an underground subway
system could have devastating impacts on human health and the functioning of cities such as New York,
Chicago, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. This critical transportation infrastructure could be down for weeks
or months during the cleanup; in addition, the spores are likely to travel to street level, further affecting
people's lives and the economy.
As part of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Underground Transport Restoration (UTR) project, EPA
ORD, Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), in conjunction
with DHS, conducted a scientific study in July 2015 to evaluate methyl bromide as a fumigant for
decontaminating subway railcars contaminated with Ba using non-pathogenic Ba Sterne strain spores. The study
was conducted to gain large-scale information on the use of methyl bromide for the decontamination of Ba
spores, and to develop site-specific plans and guidance that could be modified and used during a real-world
incident. The fumigant, methyl bromide, was selected because it has shown to be effective in the inactivation of
Ba spores during laboratory testing, is less corrosive than most other fumigants, and can be captured on
activated carbon.
At the conclusion of the 36-hour fumigation period, the railcar was aerated and samples were collected and sent
for analysis. Results showed that none of the 40 fiberglass or 40 aluminum test samples contained viable spores
after fumigation while a few samples of the nylon carpet, rubber flooring sample, Mylar® and vinyl seating
showed low but positive residual spore levels. As a result of these findings, EPA recommends fumigating railcars
with methyl bromide for a 48-hour period to achieve complete decontamination.
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Partners: California State University System
Challenge: Framework and decision support tools to advance priority projects in local government work plans
(ongoing)
Resource: Supporting campus-community partnerships through the EPIC Framework and EPA tools
"This model shows us
how to work together
with the university to
create a meaningful
partnership to take
on projects the city
needs done. EPA has
been an integral part of making this happen. It gave credibility to the project, to our city manager.... we're very
thankful for their participation in bringing this together." - City of Chico Council Member and former Mayor Ann
Schwab
Environmental and public health impacts affect people most significantly at the community level. Local
governments and communities often lack capacity and need assistance managing pollution, natural resources,
energy, water and waste. Creative approaches are needed to supply expertise and assistance to communities.
An Educational Partnership for Innovation in Communities (EPIC) program is a partnership framework where a
university (campus) provides direct support to a city, tribe or other local government entity to implement
priorities and projects that align with local goals for protecting the environment while advancing public health,
environmental and economic outcomes. The EPIC framework systematically matches real-world interests and
needs with university capacity at a scale that can have lasting and sustainable impacts for all involved. EPA ORD
and Region 9 (Pacific Southwest) staff have been working together to convene and educate potential campus-
city partners about the framework; and leverage the EPIC network to more effectively share EPA resources and
science-based decision tools and strategies that can be used to advance local projects.
In July 2015, EPA sponsored a workshop in California that convened 76 participants including federal and local
government, university and industry representatives to educate them on the EPIC Framework and EPA tools for
protecting the environment while promoting local heath and economic goals. This event included a panel with
San Diego State University's EPIC Program, The Sage Project, and National City - their first local partner.
From this workshop, six new California EPIC programs formed between California State Universities and local
governments. These include Fresno, Chico and Sonoma State, and Cal State's Monterey Bay, San Marcos, East
Bay and Fullerton. The partnerships have allowed students and faculty to work on dozens of city priority
projects, gaining real-world learning experiences and applying tens of thousands of student hours to local
challenges. Some projects involving students will tap into their role as citizen scientist. Several partnerships are
also using EPA mapping tools, such as EnviroAtlas and the Community-Focused Exposure and Risk Screening Tool
(C-FERST), to help inform better decision making to enhance the well-being of local residents.
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Partners: California Environmental Protection Agency's (CalEPA) Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
Challenge: Evaluating chemicals for health effects (ongoing)
Resource: New technologies, models, tools, data and other chemical information
"California benefits significantly from our partnership with
EPA ORD. We use ToxCast data to provide valuable insight
into how chemicals may cause toxicity, and we use their
lifecycle analytic and exposure modeling and monitoring
for various state efforts including our work on safer
consumer products. EPA ORD resources are helping us to
make more informed decisions about the potential health
effects of chemicals." - CalEPA Secretary Matthew
Rodriquez
CalEPA's DTSC and OEHHA are collaborating with EPA ORD
on the following projects: 1) using ORD's new technologies
and computational modeling approaches to evaluate the potential health effects of chemicals; 2) improving and
using ORD science for evaluating the risk of chemical exposure to threatened and endangered species; and 3) a
collaboration which includes EPA's Region 9 (Pacific Southwest) and Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention to advance sustainable chemistry practices and activities.
ORD researchers have provided CalEPA staff training on the use and interpretation of the high-throughput
chemical testing data contained in the ToxCast Dashboard (http://actor.epa.gov/dashboard/): planned and
participated in a workshop to discuss an endangered species case study in the Sacramento River Basin; and
shared database architecture to help the state develop chemical information databases. This collaboration is
helping California use scientific advances to make more informed decisions about the potential health effects of
chemicals, as well as determine safer and more sustainable uses of chemicals found in products that consumers
buy and use.
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&EPA
V
science in ACTION
Partners: California Energy Commission
Challenge: Population and land use projections to the year 2100 consistent with emissions storylines
(completed)
Resource: Integrated Climate and Land Use Scenarios (ICLUS) version 2
"It is extraordinarily beneficial to climate planning in California to be able
to rely on tools like ICLUS v2 to provide a federally-vetted baseline for
coordinated climate assessment research." - California Natural Resources
Agency, Special Assistant for Climate Change JR De la Rosa
EPA ORD researchers developed national population, land use and
impervious surface projections that the state of California used in its Third
Climate Change Assessment. For the upcoming fourth assessment, the
state will use EPA's updated climate model, the Integrated Climate and
Land Use Scenarios version 2 (ICLUS v2), as a basis for land use scenarios
in California, with minor modifications as necessary. These scenarios will
be used across multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral research that informs the Fourth Assessment.
ICLUS v2 uses the latest census, land use and land cover datasets to model population growth, residential
housing changes, and commercial and industrial development nationally to the year 2100. Projections use
information on fertility, mortality and international immigration rates that are consistent with global storylines
(e.g., Shared Socioeconomic Pathways) used in climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation
assessments. In addition, ICLUS v2 projections use information on domestic migration, including how future
climate may make certain places more desirable Combined with the addition of commercial and industrial land
uses, the updated projections from ICLUS v2 will help the state of California better assess potential future
impacts from climate change and prepare adaptation and mitigation responses.
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Partners: California Regional Water Control Board
Challenge: Reducing mercury methylation in the Nacimiento Reservoir (ongoing)
Resource: Technical investigation
"Understanding mercury methylation and cycling of mercury in the
aquatic environment is particularly important to states and
communities that oversee health advisories for fish consumption.
The Lake Nacimiento study could help to enhance our
understanding of mercury methylation and controls in reservoirs-
California EPA Environmental Engineer Carrie Austin
Although operations ended in 1970, the legacy of previous mercury
mining and processing activities at the Buena Vista, California
mining district still pose environmental and related public health
concerns. Mercury from the Buena Vista Superfund Site that enters the local watershed drains into the
Nacimiento Reservoir. Researchers have identified active zones of methylation—when mercury is converted into
a form that easily enters the food chain—in the reservoir's water columns and sediments.
Several remediation options are currently under consideration to protect the public from mercury exposure and
its detrimental impact on the nervous system. Researchers from EPA ORD are working closely with their
colleagues in Region 9 (Pacific Southwest) to identify the best ones. Together, they worked to determine how
much methyl mercury in the water column comes from methylation taking place in reservoir sediment, and to
identify the effect that higher dissolved oxygen levels in the water column can have on the methylation process.
Results showed that methylmercury production was primarily taking place within the water column, and that
reservoir sediment was not a significant contributor due to much lower methylation rates; additionally,
increased levels of dissolved oxygen would reduce overall water column methylation.
The information will help site managers focus on remediation activities that alter water column chemistry,
increase levels of dissolved oxygen, and utilize reservoir management strategies, thereby reducing seasonal
fluctuations of methyl mercury production.
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Partner: California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Challenge: Set a risk-based cleanup level for para-Chlorobenzene Sulfonic Acid (p-CBSA) (completed)
Resource: Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Value (PPRTV) for p-CBSA
"When a chemical that had not been well-studied
threatened an important drinking water aquifer in the
LA. Basin, scientists from ORD were important partners.
They worked collaboratively with our state scientists to
develop a risk assessment using the best available
science." - CalEPA Secretary Matthew Rodriquez
The potential toxic effects of para-Chlorobenzene
Sulfonic Acid (p-CBSA), a by-product of the production of
the "probable human carcinogen" DDT, present health
concerns, particularly for drinking water contamination
because the chemical is highly water soluble and mobile
in aqueous environments. It has been identified in
potential drinking water sources beneath and near sites in California, such as the former Montrose Chemical
Corporation where DDT was manufactured from the 1950s to the early 1980s.
Because of high interest in evaluating the potential human health effects of p-CBSA, CalEPA and EPA ORD, in
collaboration with Region 9 (Pacific Southwest), worked together in assembling existing study data leading to
the development of a Provisional Peer-Reviewed Toxicity Value (PPRTV). Importantly, the information in PPRTV
assessments can be used in combination with exposure metrics to characterize the public health risks of a given
substance at a particular Superfund site. These risk characterizations can form the basis for risk-based decision
making, regulatory activities and other risk management decisions designed to characterize and protect human
health.
EPA ORD's PPRTV assessment identified information sufficient for derivation of a provisional reference value
that informs risk associated with oral p-CBSA exposures. The impact of this work will be realized in the
facilitation of risk-based decision making and activities on sites contaminated with p-CBSA.
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Partners: San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI)
Challenge: Reduced ecosystem resilience and stability of San Francisco Bay from nutrient pollution (ongoing)
Resource: Statistical evaluation of 40 years of monitoring data in the San Francisco Delta region
"EPA ORD provided critical expertise in developing a
scientifically-defensible approach to estimating chlorophyll-a
concentrations in San Francisco Bay that would be protective of
designated uses. This work is forming a foundation of science
that will be ultimately used to develop nutrient management
strategies for San Francisco Bay, which is one of the most
nutrient-enriched estuaries in the United States." - Southern
California Coastal Water Research Project Authority,
Biogeochemistry Department Head Martha Sutula, PhD
San Francisco Estuary on the Pacific Coast of the U.S. is one of
the most prominent—and closely monitored—estuaries in the
western hemisphere. A robust database compiled over the past four decades has revealed that the Bay has
consistently high nutrient concentrations, yet has rarely experienced eutrophication. Recent changes in land use
and weather, however, could lead to changes from the historic norm.
Local management agencies have prioritized the analysis of the monitoring data collected over the years from
the Delta region surrounding San Francisco Bay, a complex mosaic of inflows that receive, process and export
nutrients from the watershed to the lower Bay, as a preliminary approach to understanding large-scale
properties of the Bay.
EPA researchers are helping to conduct the first comprehensive evaluation of the long-term monitoring dataset
in the Delta. In collaboration with SFEI researchers, they have applied statistical models for trend analysis to
better understand regional water quality dynamics. The Weighted Regressions on Time, Discharge and Season
(WRTDS) model was used to provide the descriptive potential of long-term data by describing variation in flow-
normalized concentrations, frequency of occurrence of extreme events, and nutrient response to historical
changes. Results will provide scientific support for nutrient criteria development, Total Maximum Daily Load
implementations, and routine condition assessments. Information provided by these models can also be used to
generate and test hypotheses of how responses to anthropogenic nutrient interacts with other environmental
changes to cause eutrophication.
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Partners: California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) Office of Environmental Health Hazard
Assessment (OEHHA)
Challenge: Addressing safety concerns of recycled tire crumbs used in synthetic turf fields and playgrounds
(ongoing)
Resource: Research for improved exposure assessment in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission
"Scientists at both U.S. EPA and our office are conducting comprehensive studies on crumb rubber and synthetic
turf to answer a very important public health question:'Is it safe for our children to play on synthetic turf?' The
U.S. EPA study complements and strengthens what ive are doing in California. Consultations with the U.S. EPA
scientists benefit our project team and help to improve the quality of the California synthetic turf study."
- CalEPA OEHHA Senior Toxicologist Dr. Patty Wong
EPA ORD is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National Center for
Environmental Health and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) and the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission to study key environmental and human health questions. To address the concerns that have
been raised about the safety of recycled rubber tire crumbs, a Federal Research Action Plan was developed to
investigate key factors that could have environmental and human health implications. EPA ORD was involved
with four elements described in the Federal Research Action Plan: conduct a literature review and data gaps
analysis, conduct outreach with key stakeholders, perform tire crumb rubber characterization research, and
perform human exposure characterization research.
The research supported by EPA ORD is intended to characterize a
wide range of chemical, physical and microbiological constituents
and properties for tire crumb rubber infill material collected from
tire recycling plants and synthetic turf fields around the U.S., and
to assess factors that may affect exposures to these constituents
by field users. Data collected will provide important information
about the types and amounts of chemical constituents in the tire
crumb rubber material to which humans might be exposed
through skin absorption, ingestion or breathing. Researchers will
also be looking at human activity parameters on synthetic turf
fields that may affect how they might be exposed to tire crumb
rubber constituents.
Researchers at CalEPA OEHHA are also conducting research aimed at reducing data gaps for tire crumb rubber
constituents and human exposures. The federal research team regularly consults with OEHHA scientists to
discuss how the two studies can be mutually informative. The federal and state researchers will identify and
implement methods and approaches that will, where feasible, produce comparable data. This could effectively
expand the overall U.S. research sample size and will provide additional insight into potential exposure
variability. There are also important differences between the federal and OEHHA studies that will provide
complementary data for improved exposure assessment.
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science in ACTION
x=,EPA
FLORIDA
Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD)
Challenge: Saltwater encroachment damaging freshwater vegetation communities in the floodplain (ongoing)
Resource: Time series salinity model as a tool for development and evaluation of restoration alternatives
"The salinity tool will allow the ecological sub-team of the
Loxahatchee River Watershed Restoration Project to
evaluate the various potential project features in order to
determine what grouping of features such as storage
reservoirs, storm water treatment facilities, and restored
wetlands performs the best for the restoration of flows to
the federally designated Northwest Fork of the
Loxahatchee River. The tool allows us to take the differing
flow scenarios from the watershed and predict how those
flows will change the salinity regimes in the river and
therefore affect the location, health and survival of key
indicator species such as juvenile fish, submerged aquatic vegetation and oysters- SFWMD Applied Science
Bureau, Coastal Ecosystems Section Science Supervisor Patti Gorman
Loxahatchee River contains a diverse array of aquatic and riparian ecosystems, with the upper reach being home
to one of the last remnants of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) floodplain swamp in southeast Florida. In
1985, a 16.6-km stretch of the river became Florida's first federally-designated National Wild and Scenic River,
The unique ecosystem of the Loxahatchee River, with its quiet beauty, has captured the attention and
imagination of residents and visitors, as well as agency and community leaders for many years. However,
anthropogenic alterations of the Loxahatchee River watershed, particularly the permanent opening of the
Jupiter Inlet and construction of drainage canals, have resulted in significant encroachment of a saltwater-
tolerant, mangrove-dominated community into the freshwater floodplain currently dominated by bald cypress.
Restoration of the ecosystem has become a priority for federal, state and local agencies and the general public.
Essential to the restoration of the Loxahatchee River ecosystem are technically sound modeling tools for the
development and screening of restoration alternatives. EPA ORD scientists developed a salinity modeling tool
implemented in a user-friendly Excel© platform. Salinity can be simulated with a given time series of freshwater
inflow associated with varying restoration alternatives developed during the planning process. Spatial features
of the tool also allow for estimation of salinities at any designated locations along the entire reach of the river.
The simulated salinity data are further used to quantify the ecological benefits with respect to habit lifts of
freshwater floodplain vegetation, fish larvae, oysters and seagrasses in response to these varying restoration
alternatives. Stakeholders from the SFWMD and Florida DEP are using this tool in the development of
restoration alternatives, while EPA ORD scientists continue to provide technical support for model development
and application.
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www.
science in ACTION
Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Escambia County
Challenge: Nitrogen pollution in urban environments (ongoing)
Resource: Isotopes as tracers to identify sources of nitrogen pollution
" " ¦* that have the greatest potential to
have a positive impact on our ability to attain our surface water quality goals. We hope to use this research in
the future as the basis for better resource management decisions." - Escambia County, Water Quality and Land
Management Division Manager Brent Wipf
Bayou Chico is part of the Pensacola Bay System in northwest Florida and the subject of a basin management
action plan by the Florida DEP to improve water quality through reductions in nitrogen loadings. Moreover, local
governments are investing heavily to restore Bayou Chico and spur economic development in the surrounding
area. Two creeks in the watershed provide an ideal urban setting to compare nitrogen loadings between
contrasting land use and land coverages. Jackson Creek traverses residential and business developments and is
listed as impaired for elevated fecal coliforms and nitrogen levels. Jones Creek originates in a reclaimed nature
preserve/greenway and rarely exceeds water quality standards for fecal coliforms and nitrogen.
EPA ORD scientists in collaboration with Region 4 (Southeast) and partners are collecting water and sediment
samples in the creeks and watershed to compare and contrast potential sources, fate and transport of nitrogen
in the two creeks. Sampling locations are located along the creeks, the bayou, adjoining lakes and wells for
groundwater sampling. Samples are collected on a quarterly basis for base flow measurements and more
frequently around rainfall events. Samples are analyzed for a suite of water quality chemical parameters
including nitrite, nitrate and chemical tracers of wastewater discharge. Elemental isotope (S15N and 8lbQ) data
will be analyzed using mixing models in conjunction with water quality data to provide estimates of N loading
and turnover in the two creeks and their contribution to the bayou. This project is providing the technical basis
for the County and Florida DEP to better understand nutrient loads and sources in the watershed and inform
decision making for the basin wide management action plan.
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science in ACTION
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GEORGIA
Partner: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Environmental Protection Division (EPD)
Challenge: Establishing a scientific framework to guide the development of numeric nutrient criteria for coastal
waters (completed)
Resource: Technical support in collaboration with academic experts from Southeastern U.S.
"Georgia EPD is currently working on a collaborative project with
the University of Georgia and EPA to collect data necessary to
develop a water quality model to aid in setting numeric nutrient
criteria for estuaries. The model will examine the sensitivity of
water quality to changes in land and water use. Specifically, it
combines watershed and hydrodynamic models to a water quality
model, and we're applying it to estuaries in Mcintosh County, GA.
The coupled modeling system will allow us to model nutrient
dynamics and the biological responses of algae, including chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen estimates, and
ultimately to predict changes in water quality associated with changes in land/water use and climate change.
EPA has been instrumental in guiding the collection and interpretation of data for the linked models- Georgia
DNR EPD, Watershed Planning Manager Victoria Booth
Coastal waters are an important resource driving coastal recreation, tourism, fisheries and other economic
activity. A number of states have recently taken significant steps to address nutrient pollution that threatens
these uses. For example, nutrient criteria and a bay-wide Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) has been
established for the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, and the state of Florida adopted numeric nutrient criteria
for nearly all of its estuaries and coastal waters. In both instances, widely recognized water quality issues such as
seagrass loss, hypoxia and harmful algal blooms were among the useful endpoints for criteria development. The
unique coasts of South Carolina and Georgia present a different challenge, however, as high tides, extensive salt
marshes and naturally turbid waters create a unique but valuable ecosystem.
As part of EPA's long-standing approach of supporting states to develop water quality criteria and nutrient
management approaches for their waters, EPA Region 4 (Southeast) convened the Georgia-South Carolina
Estuary Team (GASCET) to adapt the previously applied approaches in Florida and Chesapeake Bay to create a
unique framework appropriate for the ecology of the Georgia and South Carolina coast. EPA ORD provided
expertise in eutrophication and nutrient criteria development.
The team, which included local academic experts and agency representatives from both states, evaluated
available scientific information and produced a report in 2015 that identified three unique classifications for
coastal systems in Georgia and South Carolina. These include estuaries associated with Piedmont riverine
systems, blackwater systems with coastal plain headwaters, and coastal embayments with only local freshwater
inputs. The team also identified candidate criteria development approaches and evaluated their potential
applicability to coastal waters in the two states. The report is being used to inform early steps in criteria
development in both states, including guidance on new data to collect in support of anticipated future
requirements of the process.
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science in ACTION
Partner: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Environmental Protection Division (EPD)
Challenge: Sustainable materials management (ongoing)
Resource: Developing a model and web application to implement EPA's state-based sustainable materials
management prioritization framework
"Georgia recognizes the need to adopt a life-cycle holistic perspective in
managing materials. This project has given us the opportunity to input Georgia
economic data to determine environmental impacts to the state for a wide
number of sectors. We expect the model to allow us to consider a wide array of
environmental and economic impacts when considering strategies intended to
reduce waste and improve the health and environment within the state."-
Georgia DNR EPD, Solid Waste Program Manager William Cook
Through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Congress gives EPA the authority and
responsibility to assist states with properly managing solid and hazardous waste. The primary objectives of RCRA
are to minimize the risks to human health and the environment arising from waste disposal activities and
promote the conservation of valuable material and energy resources by minimizing waste.
EPA's Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) uses a sustainable materials management (SMM)
framework to fulfill the Agency's responsibilities under RCRA. ORCR assists states in voluntarily adopting the
SMM framework into their own efforts, promoting effective, efficient waste management while simultaneously
promoting economic growth, resiliency and jobs. SMM engages business, all levels of government, non-profits
and academia to enhance the economy and environment.
Georgia DNR/EPD expressed interest in testing EPA's SMM framework. A pilot study was initiated in 2014
involving Georgia DNR/EPD, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Georgia Recycling
Coalition, as well as EPA's Region 4, ORCR and ORD. EPA ORD is developing an open and transparent SMM
model, based on the framework, that identifies opportunities to reduce material use and potential human
health and environmental burdens associated with economic activity in Georgia. The EPA ORD SMM model
merges the principles of life cycle thinking with traditional economic theory and leverages data collected by EPA
and other federal agencies in a way that is easily adaptable for any state. The SMM model will be the first of its
kind to consider the production, use and disposal of materials within the context of human needs (e.g. food,
shelter and clothing) and wants (e.g., well-being and entertainment). The SMM model is being integrated into a
customizable web application using feedback from Georgia stakeholders. Once completed, Georgia DNR/EPD
will be able to prioritize opportunities for SMM in Georgia and assemble appropriate stakeholders from within
the state to develop potential policy alternatives that capitalize on these opportunities. The web application can
then be used to evaluate these alternatives and enable state officials to determine which option best satisfies
the priorities of Georgia.
Sustainable Materials Management
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IDAHO
Partners: Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), a partnership between Idaho National Laboratory (INL),
Boise State University, Idaho State University, University of Idaho and University of Wyoming
Challenge: Improve local management of interactions between agriculture, energy, water and air systems
(ongoing)
Resource: Advanced environmental and energy modeling expertise in collaboration with the U.S. Department of
Energy's Idaho National Laboratory
"The INL Energy Environment Science and Technology
Directorate and CAES is proud of its collaboration with EPA ORD
to develop innovative processes and strategies to improve
agricultural, commercialindustrial and water security sectors.
The impact of this EPA funded work will enhance energy and
productivity efficiency; thus improving profitability, safety and
environmental heath of regional and local communities while
increasing career opportunities in this exciting and important
area of research." - INL Program Manager Michael Carpenter
EPA is collaborating with the Department of Energy's INL and
four local universities engaged with CAES to address evolving interdependencies between energy development
and the environment through an Interagency Agreement (IA) established in 2014.
Through the IA, EPA and its partners are developing modeling and simulation tools that can be used to better
understand the interactions between agriculture, energy, water and air systems. This would enable local
decision makers to better evaluate environmental impacts of existing and future energy development,
identify potential unintended consequences of policy and management actions, and assess mitigation
approaches for energy development.
The partners are also conducting research to enhance the nation's water system's resiliency; studying ways
to beneficially reuse and recycle materials used in industrial production processes; and conducting a pilot
project to develop advanced mapping, modeling and interpretation tools for understanding nutrient
distributions in soil and water. Fertilizer use and irrigation practices can potentially increase nutrient loading
in soils, which in turn, can result in decreased water quality. These new tools will be used to inform nutrient
management strategies.
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KANSAS
Partner: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
Challenge: Understanding trade-offs associated with prairie rangeland burning
Resource: Multi-model framework and decision support tool in support of Kansas Flint Hills Smoke Management
"Kansas Department of Health and Environment is excited and
optimistic about the potential uses of this multi-model framework,
including predicted spatial and temporal patterns of surface fuel loads,
live biomass (forage), and soil moisture information that can be used
to supplement our existing Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan
modeling tool." -KDHE Division of Environment Director John Mitchell
The Flint Hills ecoregion of eastern Kansas and northern Oklahoma is
home to the largest (10,000 square miles) remaining contiguous
natural grassland prairie in the U.S. Throughout the region, land
managers frequently use controlled burns to sustain the natural prairie ecosystem from the encroachment of
eastern Red Cedar and other woody species, and to enhance the quantity and quality of the grasses for cattle
grazing. However, smoke from widespread prescribed spring burning has exceeded air quality limits and
impacted urban areas such as Kansas City, Topeka and Wichita.
To assist rangeland managers and local and state officials in better understanding the economic, ecological and
human health trade-offs of rangeland burning in Flint Hills, EPA Region 7 (Midwest) and ORD are collaborating
with KDHE and Kansas State University (www.ksfire.org) to establish a user-friendly, multi-model framework for
visualizing historical and hypothetical burning scenarios, including changes in the location, timing and frequency
of rangeland burning practices. Part of this effort involves characterizing the emissions from the Flint Hills
prescribed burning in both the spring and fall seasons. ORD is conducting aerial sampling with an instrumented,
tethered aerostat as well as ground sampling to derive emission factors that characterize the amount and nature
of the smoke. Tangible products of the research include computer-generated spatial and temporal maps of
predicted changes in rangeland productivity and air quality. Stakeholders and decision makers can use these
resources to identify best case scenarios for land management that strike a balance between the environmental,
economic and human health objectives of rural and urban communities.
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science in ACTION
Partners: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
Challenge: Efficient and defensible survey designs for stream monitoring (completed)
Resource: Probabilistic survey designs integrating national and state reporting requirements
"In my view, this collaboration with ORD is a very good
example of the state-national partnership we have had with
ORD. The Corvallis Lab provided the statistical expertise and
analytical framework, and we provided our local knowledge
and creativity and put our state level monitoring priorities on
the table. The result is a survey design that is better for
everyone involved."- KDHE Division of Environment Director
John Mitchell
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is
charged with reporting on the stream condition for all
streams in the Kansas Surface Water Register (KSWR), which
was developed in 1994.
It is a challenge for both state- and national-scale assessments to develop a survey design that ensures
representativeness when only a limited number of locations are available for sampling. If the state and national
monitoring efforts can be integrated, it not only supports inter-calibration but is efficient and cost-effective. EPA
ORD uses a probabilistic sampling design that ensures representativeness and allows the use of statistical tools
to determine condition values and the reliability of those estimates (uncertainty). This strategy has been
incorporated into the NARS, which includes national-scale assessments of rivers and streams, lakes, coastal
zones and wetlands. In working to refine the KSWR, KDHE was interested in whether it could be used in the
National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA).
In collaboration with EPA ORD, Kansas first conducted a study to determine if the KSWR included all the streams
with flowing water required by NRSA. After determining that was the case, EPA ORD used the Kansas Register of
streams as part of the NRSA 2018-19 survey design. By integrating state requirements for Kansas with NRSA
requirements, Kansas reached a cost-effective solution for meeting their state assessment needs and
simultaneously participating in the NRSA survey.
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science in ACTION
LOUISIANA
Partner: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and LaPlace, LA
Challenge: Potential cancer risks from emissions of chloroprene (completed)
Resource: IRIS assessment and air quality monitoring
"I want to thank EPA's Office of Research and Development for their
assistance in gathering and interpreting air quality data from around
the Denka Performance Elastomer facility in LaPlace, LA. The
information ORD provided helped the Louisiana DEQ design and
implement actions to reduce chloroprene emissions from the plant. The
multi-step Denka remedy is in the first stages of its implementation and
has already produced significant reductions in chloroprene emissions.
When agencies work together, everyone benefits/' - Louisiana DEQ
Secretary Dr. Chuck Carr Brown
EPA ORD scientists assisted Region 6 (South Central U.S.) and the state
of Louisiana with their evaluation of potential cancer risks from
emissions of chloroprene from the Denka Performance Elastomer facility in LaPlace. Based on the risk evaluation
and an engineering analyses, the company reached an agreement with Louisiana to install control equipment to
significantly reduce chloroprene emissions. The facility had been identified in the EPA's National Air Toxics
Assessment (December 2015) as the highest cancer risk facility in the U.S., leading to ambient air monitoring in
the vicinity of the facility. The air monitoring demonstrated high levels of chloroprene in the ambient air in the
surrounding neighborhood and at schools near the facility. ORD scientists and staff from the Louisiana DEQ,
EPA's Region 6 and Office of Air and Radiation met with the community at a public meeting in LaPlace. EPA
researchers characterized the potential health risks associated with chloroprene. The company initially
questioned the science basis of EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment, but following
additional communication the company has not pursued further challenges to the IRIS assessment. EPA directly
supported the state of Louisiana in achieving action to reduce public health risks from the chloroprene
emissions.
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MAINE
Partners: Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Penobscot Indian Nation
Challenge: Unique contaminant exposure scenarios for tribal risk assessment (completed)
Resource: EPA report of analyses of sediment and water quality in collaboration with the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
"The report validated our concern that Penobscot Nation
tribal members may be at risk simply by carrying out
cultural and traditional activities that our tribe has
practiced since time immemorial." - Penobscot Indian
Nation, Director of Natural Resources John Banks
The Penobscot Indian Nation of Penobscot Island, Maine,
was faced with high mercury levels in fish, triggering state
fish advisories for many years. A team of EPA ORD
scientists worked with the tribe to assess the
environmental and human health risks in the Penobscot
River watershed, which provides many of the cultural and
natural resources for the tribe. After four years of study, the team released a 125-page report that chronicles
the first tribal risk assessment by EPA, as well as the first study to examine the mutagenicity of environmental
samples from a tribal nation in the United States. Staff from Maine DHHS, which oversees fish consumption
advisories, served as peer reviewers for the assessment.
Unique to this risk assessment was the incorporation of Penobscot culture and traditions into exposure
assumptions. Hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering, basket-making, pottery and use of moccasins and birch-bark
canoes were among the considerations for exposure. For example, assessment scenarios included consideration
of cultural uses of fish, plants (fiddlehead ferns and medicinal plants), snapping turtles and wood ducks in
exposure estimates. Findings led researchers to conclude that consumption rates of most animal species, except
duck, carried a public health concern for mercury exposure. Consequently, the CDC issued a recommendation to
limit consumption of Penobscot River fish and turtles, but not ducks or plant life. The study also found that the
Penobscot River water, its sediments and drinking water from an underground aquifer showed no evidence of
mutagenicity from the classes of organic compounds known to be cancer-causing or mutagenic.
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science in ACTION
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MARYLAND
Partners: Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Montgomery County, City of Rockville
Challenge: Identifying the most cost-effective suite of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) to meet
both local sediment total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and downstream targets for Chesapeake Bay TMDL
(ongoing)
Resource: Case study application of EPA's Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool (WMOST) version
3
"One of Maryland's greatest challenges, and opportunities, is to
ensure its Phase I MS4"s meet permit and TMDL restoration
requirements in ways that are affordable and sustainable. This
study, in a small urban watershedis a cooperative effort among
state, county and city governments and EPA to develop a balanced
implementation strategy. EPA ORD's modeling tools used in this
study have unique features such as stormwater BMP runoff
reduction estimates and cost optimization modules to help us
achieve environmental results, while maximizing savings for
ratepayers."- MDE Secretary Ben Grumbles
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has
identified the Cabin John Creek watershed in Montgomery
County, MD as impaired by sediments, nutrients, bacteria,
chlorides, sulfates and impacts to biological communities. Cabin
John Creek drains to the Potomac River, part of the Chesapeake
Bay watershed. To help address these impairments, MDE is
providing guidance to local communities about applying cost-
effective best management practices (BMPs) to meet regulatory
targets set by the total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for
sediments.
EPA ORD is applying version 3 of EPA's Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool (WMOST) to the
Cabin John Creek watershed to determine the most cost-effective suite of stormwater BMPs (including green
infrastructure) for controlling sediment loading. Watershed managers are using the results of WMOST
calculations to identify solutions that will meet both local sediment targets and downstream loading targets for
total suspended solids (TSS), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) for the entire Chesapeake Bay
watershed.
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MASSACHUSETTS
Partners: Manomet, Audubon, Nature Conservancy, Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic
Development District (Tauton, MA),, nine townships in upper Taunton River Watershed in response to
recommendations from the state of Massachusetts
Challenge: Evaluate robust management practices to improve water quality, sustain water supply, and reduce
flooding under varying weather regimes and projected landscape development using conservation and
restoration of natural infrastructure and natural processes (ongoing)
Resource: Case study application of EPA's Watershed Management Optimization Support Tool (WMOST)
"iManomet is partnering with EPA ORD to apply the WMOST
model in the Taunton River Watershed in southeastern
Massachusetts. The WMOST analysis will provide insight on the
nutrient pollution ramifications of different degrees of
protection of the green infrastructure network identified by
Manomet and project partners. Without the support of EPA
ORD, the application of WMOST to quantify the value of the
green infrastructure network would not have been possible." -
Manomet, Senior Program Leader Climate Services Eric
Walberg
The Taunton River in Massachusetts is a designated Scenic River
with significant natural resources, but is located in a rapidly
developing region with water supply issues and degrading
water quality. The state of Massachusetts has recommended
conservation objectives for the watershed that include creation
of public forums on the economic value of purchasing (conservation) lands to control municipal budgets and the
development of a land purchase priority system. Based on this recommendation, EPA ORD is assisting the non-
governmental organization (NGO) Manomet with an application of the Watershed Management Optimization
Support tool (WMOST), to evaluate costs and benefits of natural and nature-based green infrastructure in
protecting property and drinking water quality. EPA ORD will also help communities in the upper Taunton by
demonstrating a new version of WMOST designed to support consideration of multiple objectives. This will
provide stakeholders information to evaluate tradeoffs. In addition, this case study is providing information that
will be used by the NGOs and regional planning commission for training workshops on green infrastructure in
surrounding communities.
>*
-*•
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science in ACTION
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MICHIGAN
Partner: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), City of Flint
Challenge: High lead levels and other water quality challenges in the Flint water system (ongoing)
Resource: Technical support, computer modeling and sampling equipment
"The information that our EPA colleagues shared was
critical to our understanding of water systems in Flint."
- Genesee County Health Department, Public Health
Division Director Suzanne Cupal, MPH
In April 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan, switched from
purchasing finished drinking water from the City of Detroit
to treating raw water from the Flint River. For several
reasons, the finished drinking water was corrosive
following this change. As a result, the water stripped the
protective mineral layer from pipes in the drinking water
system and caused lead to leach from the pipes, increasing
the lead levels in the water. In October 2015, Flint switched
back to purchasing finished water from Detroit, and EPA formed the Flint Safe Drinking Water Task Force to
provide technical assistance to the City and State. In January 2016, EPA started a large-scale sampling effort in
Flint for lead, water quality parameters, and chlorine residual throughout the distribution system.
EPA ORD scientists and engineers, in coordination with Region 5 and the Office of Water, provide technical
support for the Flint drinking water response effort and the Flint Safe Drinking Water Task Force. The Task Force
provides technical assistance to the Michigan DEQ and the City of Flint to inform decisions about a source of
drinking water and to optimize corrosion control for the Flint system. EPA researchers reviewed the treatment
history, corrosion control and water quality for the Flint water system and made treatment recommendations.
They also provided sampling equipment and advice in the field on sampling strategies and developed a
disinfectant residual monitoring plan to ensure that residual is maintained throughout the distribution system.
Pipe loop rigs were built that incorporated lead pipes removed from Flint homes for real-time monitoring of lead
and corrosion control assessment. In addition, an improved distribution system hydraulic model was built so the
city now has a better understanding of the quality of the water moving through the system.
ORD researchers continue to support the City of Flint and are currently working on lead service line detection
methodologies for identifying existing lead pipes, lead particle analysis and assessment, corrosion control
treatment optimization studies for water source change using the pipe rigs, lead source/release diagnostic
studies, and pipe analyses for long-term treatment assessment and mechanisms of lead and other metals
release (https://www.epa.gov/flint/flint-drinking-water-technical-support-team).
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science in ACTION
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MINNESOTA
Partner: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
Challenge: Addressing Beneficial Use Impairments through tracking and remediation of bioaccumulating
contaminants (ongoing)
Resource: Modeling bioaccumulation of PCBs and mercury in fish
"EPA ORD's Mid-Continent Ecology Division has been
instrumental in providing data, analytical expertise
and guidance to support MPCA's efforts to remove
Beneficial Use Impairments (BUI's) in the St. Louis
River Area of Concern (AOC) in Duluth, MN and
Superior, Wl. This AOC is the largest and most
complex of the 43 legacy pollution sites surrounding
the Great Lakes in the U.S. and Canada. EPA's work on aquatic macrophyte models, bioaccumulative compounds
in fish tissue, benthic invertebrate communities and spatial data sets has accelerated the implementation of our
plan to complete all project work in the AOC by 2020 so that BUI's can be removed by the target date of2025." -
MPCA Commissioner John Stine
The St. Louis River is listed as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC) under the Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement of 1987. This AOC has several Beneficial Use Impairments including loss of fish and wildlife habitat,
excess loadings of sediment and nutrients, degradation of aquatic invertebrate communities (benthos), and
restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption. MPCA conveyed a need to identify improvements and advance
progress toward removing use impairments and eventual AOC delisting.
One of the critical impairments identified for this AOC is restriction offish and wildlife consumption. Both
Minnesota and Wisconsin have posted fish consumption advisories for the St. Louis River because fish have
elevated mercury and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) concentrations. Bioaccumulation of dioxins and furans in
the Thomson and Scanlon reservoirs are also a concern for fish, wildlife and human health. MPCA identified the
need to develop approaches to establish remediation targets for these and other bioaccumulating
contaminants, and monitoring designs to track progress after sediment remediation has occurred.
EPA ORD researchers worked with state agency staff to develop a geospatial, habitat-based model offish
bioaccumulation of PCBs to help determine the extent of PCB contamination in the AOC, screen for
contamination "hot spots," and develop monitoring plans for future assessments. ORD researchers also led a
multi-federal/state agency team to apply cutting-edge chemical tracers to identify the source and pathways of
mercury contamination in the AOC. The tracers are being applied to determine the role of legacy mercury
contamination in the AOC, and aid in establishing a mercury-specific remedial target. Finally, an approach to
determine the effectiveness of remediation that was developed in other Great Lakes AOCs was brought to the
Thomson and Scanlon reservoirs to aid state agencies in implementing and tracking the success of a proposed
remediation of dioxins and furans in the reservoir sediments.
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Partners: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
Challenge: Complexity of waste water treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and lack of available water quality
guidelines or reference values for many of the chemicals (ongoing)
Resource: Biological effects-based monitoring of WWTP effluents using new science tools in collaboration with
the St. Cloud State University, the University of St. Thomas, the National Park Service and USGS Toxic Substances
Hydrology Program
"The information generated through this
collaborative work will help MPCA and local
wastewater treatment facilities better address
the contaminants in sewage treatment
discharges. Managing impacts of chemicals in
surface waters is especially important for MPCA
as Minnesotans highly value lakes and streams."
- MPCA Commissioner John Line Stine
While wastewater treatment infrastructure has
been critical for the improvement of water
quality nationwide, effluent from waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) often represents a highly complex
soup of chemical contaminants whose composition can vary daily and seasonally with human inputs as well as
plant operations. Due to both their complexity and the lack of available water quality guidelines or reference
values for many of the chemicals found in WWTP effluents, these sources pose a challenge for determining what
biological impacts these effluents may cause, which chemicals may be driving those responses, and where and
how to best allocate limited resources available for monitoring and management.
In collaboration with partners at the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District in Duluth, Minnesota, MPCA and
other federal and academic partners, EPA ORD studied WWTP effluents discharging into a diversity of surface
waters across Minnesota, ranging from urban and agriculture influenced watersheds, to large Great Lakes
tributary streams, to a highly pristine national scenic waterway. The group employed novel tools akin to clinical
diagnostic tests to look at fish caged in effluent impacted waters, and to estimate and measure both potential
and observed biological effects of tens to hundreds of chemicals. By comparing the observed effects of these
complex mixtures to expected effects housed in on-line databases, the scientists can better identify which
chemicals and biological effects might be of greatest concern, and also identify whether unknown constituents
may be contributing significantly to the responses. With this information, decision makers in Minnesota will be
able to strategically target follow up investigations that can generate solutions to these challenges.
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science in ACTION
Partner: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
Challenge: Development of an updated sulfate standard (completed)
Resource: Technical support to the state by expert consultation and peer review
"MPCA values the scientific expertise and partnership of EPA ORD, as we
have worked to understand the complex physical, chemical and biological
relationships that impact wild rice growth in Minnesota's lakes, stream
and wetlands. By cooperating with the ORD's Mid-Continent Ecology
Division and other scientific experts, the MPCA has developed ground-
breaking improvements in our understanding of these relationships." -
MPCA Commissioner John Stine
EPA ORD scientists supported an ongoing effort in Minnesota to better
understand and address the effects of sulfate and other substances on
wild rice, which is an important component of many of Minnesota's lake
and stream ecosystems, and a highly valuable economic and cultural
resource for many state residents. ORD researchers consulted with lead
scientists from MPCA on both the original study protocol and the technical j -J
aspects of the study, and then on the analysis and interpretation of the
resulting data. ORD also consulted with EPA Region 5 on aspects of sulfate water quality standards. These
improved understandings will help decision makers protect Minnesota's wild rice waters. MPCA is in the process
of amending the water quality sulfate standard to protect wild rice, and in 2017 MPCA will be publishing
proposed amendments and providing public comment opportunities.
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MISSISSIPPI
Partners: Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Turkey Creek Community Steering Committee
Challenge: Multiple sources of fecal contamination (ongoing)
Resource: Fecal bacterial and viral indicators for identification of pollution sources
"Along with these efforts in Turkey Creek, Mississippi DEQ feels very
fortunate to have benefited from our ongoing partnership with
EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program and ORD's Gulf Ecology Division. As
with all successful partnerships, we attribute these successes to the
dedicated staff at our respective agencies along with the
community leaders and their commitment to collaboration and
communication throughout the project. We look forward to future
opportunities for successful collaboration/' - Mississippi DEQ, Field
Services Division Chief Doug Upton
Turkey Creek in Gulfport, Mississippi, is listed as impaired due to
fecal contamination under the Clean Water Act. Pollution control
measures are only effective if the sources are identified. In 2007,
the Mississippi DEQ included three monitoring locations on Turkey Creek as part of an Ambient Recreational
Monitoring Network. As this contamination issue has persisted for some time, EPA ORD began assisting in 2016
by collecting samples at the monitoring stations and employing novel viral and community microbiology
techniques to compare with standard bacterial techniques.
These locations are sampled and evaluated for fecal coliform and E. coli during both the contact (May-October)
and non-contact (November-April) seasons. In August 2011, the local community's plans included the need to
identify and mitigate all pollution sources for both Turkey Creek and Bayou Bernard and establish regular
monitoring to ensure water quality.
EPA ORD scientists and partners are collaborating on research to identify the sources of fecal pollution in Turkey
Creek, leveraging the current successful community citizens' science bacterial monitoring program established
by EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program. Collaborators from the Gulf of Mexico Program are in regular communication
with Mississippi DEQ. Through a monthly sampling scheme, fecal sources are being identified through
characterization of viral genotypes and microbial communities in the water column and sediment. The project
also evaluates land use, stream hydrology and urban sewage treatment in the landscape for the identification of
point and non-point pollution sources. Data from this project will be shared to better inform decisions made by
Mississippi DEQ and the local Turkey Creek Steering Committee to control fecal-contamination in Turkey Creek.
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Partners: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR), Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
(GBNERR)
Challenge: Better understanding acute and chronic effects of industrial spills on ecosystem health in a coastal
reserve (ongoing)
Resource: Analysis often years of monitoring data to describe water quality changes from industrial spills, in
collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
"When there's an industrial spill, we want to be able to respond
appropriately. Analyzing effects of prior spills on things we measure in
our long-term water quality and nutrient monitoring program helps us
plan for such situations by understanding the past. ORD staff has been
incredibly helpful in analyzing the data - bringing both statistical and
software expertise to the project. Through the process, they've helped
us get a better idea of how to analyze and interpret our long-term
monitoring data. This is also helping with other data analyses and will
be used by other state agencies." - Mississippi DMR GBNERR
Monitoring Coordinator Kimberly Cressman
Grand Bay is part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (GBNERR) established as a federal
partnership with the Mississippi DMR to address long-term research, monitoring, education and stewardship
goals. The reserve includes 18,400 acres of protected areas that cover several coastal habitats including pine
savannas, salt marshes, seagrass meadows and oyster reefs. Researchers at GBNERR work collaboratively to
advance science-based management and appreciation of the reserve's unique resources. Although GBNERR is
relatively pristine, industrial activities have negatively affected the health of the bay. One of the largest fertilizer
production facilities in Mississippi is located in the nearby city of Pascagoula. Extreme weather caused two spill
events in 2004 and 2011. Highly acidic and phosphorus-rich wastewater entered GBNERR, causing dramatic
changes in water quality and observed fish kills. Understanding the immediate and potentially long-term effects
of these events is a priority for effective management of GBNERR.
Understanding long-term changes in water quality is critical to describing historical impacts and developing
expectations of future changes of the ecosystem health of GBNERR. Research staff at GBNERR have been
collecting routine monitoring data at several locations since 2004. After attending an EPA ORD workshop on
time-series analysis, GBNERR staff initiated a collaborative effort to describe the response of nutrient
parameters in GBNERR in relation to acute and chronic effects of each spill event, as well as spatial changes in
these parameters among the monitoring sites. Previous studies have been limited in the amount and quality of
data used to describe such spill events. Results from this analysis provide critical information on estuarine
response to industrial impacts—most estuaries are nitrogen-limited so the effects of phosphorus inputs are not
well understood. This collaborative work not only addresses a critical research gap, but also describes potential
changes in GBNERR water quality that can guide more effective management of this unique and valued
ecosystem.
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MISSOURI
Partner: Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR); City of Kansas City
Challenge: Defensible models to reduce sewer overflows and improve regional water quality in a cost effective
manner (completed)
Resource: Storm Water Management Model
"States are focusing on ways to address storm water
and tools like the Storm Water Management Model are
essential to a successful outcome. This model makes
analyses of best management practice options readily
available. In addition, the climate adjustment addition
helps cities reach sustainable solutions- Missouri
DNR Sara Parker Pauley (former director)
States and municipalities heavily use EPA ORD's Storm
Water Management Model (SWMM) to model
stormwater flows and the performance of water
infrastructure in urban areas. SWMM's Climate
Adjustment Tool can also be used to consider potential
future changes in temperature and precipitation that
will influence the runoff volumes. SWMM is the engine for the basis of almost all consent decree and other
future water infrastructure design. SWMM runoff and flow predictions are used for multi-billion dollar decisions
for foreign, federal, state and municipal governments. The city of Kansas City, Missouri, designed its $10 million,
100-acre Middle Blue River pilot on SWMM predictions, and the City will design its $2 billion, 20-year consent
decree based on its performance.
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MONTANA
Partner: Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Challenge: Asbestos exposure following forest fires (completed)
Resource: Computer modeling in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service
"The modeling results were used to scope and plan for the
potential socio-political and management challenges resulting
from a wildfire occurring in or threatening a portion of the Libby
Asbestos Super fund Site. These results will also be used to assist
the Montana DEQ in evaluating proposed remedies, and are
important in informing local and Montana Department of
Natural Resources and Conservation firefighters in developing
response actions to protect firefighters and the citizens of Libby
and the surrounding area." - Montana DEQ, Remediation
Division Lisa Dewitt
As noted above, Libby amphibole asbestos (LAA) has been
found to co-occur with the vermiculite ore that was mined in
Libby, Montana starting in the 1920s. Due to the presence of
asbestos, additional concerns have been raised about the potential for forest fires near the Libby Asbestos site
to spread asbestos fibers, exposing firefighters and those living adjacent to the Libby site.
To address this potential health hazard, EPA ORD, in collaboration with Region 8 (Mountains and Plains),
provided technical support to Montana DEQ in assessing the health risks associated with potential forest fires
near the Libby Asbestos site in Montana. Specifically, ORD conducted experiments to understand the potential
asbestos emissions, and Region 8 used these data in a model to assess whether these emissions would result in
potential exposures. To obtain emissions data, ORD first burned forest floor material from a portion of the Libby
Asbestos site, simulating a forest fire. During these simulated burns, particulate matter and gaseous emissions
were measured and samples of the ash were analyzed to determine whether these samples contained asbestos.
These data suggested that only a small fraction of the asbestos in the forest floor material was released into the
gas phase. EPA Region 8 then used these data, along with direct measurements of asbestos in the forest floor at
the Libby site, and estimated combustion and meteorological conditions in a model to estimate potential
asbestos exposures under various scenarios. Because of these modeling efforts, EPA was then able to provide
Montana DEQ with the range of potential exposures for these scenarios. In addition, EPA is now able to model
forest fires when they do occur to more accurately estimate exposures and health risks to firefighters and to the
surrounding communities
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Partners: Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Challenge: Addressing human health risks of exposure to Libby amphibole asbestos (completed)
Resource: IRIS assessment
"EPA ORD establishing the toxicity of the Libby amphibole asbestos
(LAA) was key to completing the multipathway risk analysis that was
necessary for the remedial action to move forward and provide
confidence for the public that a decade of EPA removal actions was
protective."- Montana DEQ, Remediation Division Lisa Dewitt
Libby amphibole asbestos (LAA) has been found to co-occur with the
vermiculite ore that was mined in Libby, Montana starting in the
1920s. When the mining and milling operations were active, residents of the Libby region were exposed to high
air concentrations of LAA. Local clinics began to observe incidences of respiratory disease in the Libby area that
were much higher than the national average for these asbestos-related diseases. After mining and milling
operations ceased, exposures still occurred from soils and vermiculite home insulation contaminated with LAA;
from roads, driveways and recreational areas where mine tailings containing LAA had been used; and from
former vermiculite processing facilities located in Libby. In 2002, the Libby mining and milling operations site
(Libby Asbestos) was placed on the Superfund National Priorities List.
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The community had great concerns about the risks posed by the asbestos contamination in the town, with a
significant portion of residents concerned that the particular kind of asbestos in Libby was more toxic than other
forms of asbestos. In 2009, EPA announced that a public health emergency existed at the Libby asbestos site
this was the first time EPA had made a determination under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) that conditions at a site constituted a public health emergency.
EPA ORD, in collaboration with Region 8 (Mountains and Plains), developed an Integrated Risk Information
System (IRIS) assessment of the asbestos mixture found in Libby (referred to as Libby amphibole asbestos).
Based on epidemiological analyses of workers exposed to LAA, the assessment concluded that inhalation
exposure to LAA could lead to thickening of the membranes that envelop the lungs, which could decrease lung
function. The assessment was able to identify a level of exposure that, over a lifetime, would be unlikely to
cause such effects on the lung membranes. This was the first quantitative toxicity estimate of adverse non-
cancer health effects for any type of asbestos. The assessment also established that the asbestos found in Libby
produced cancer, and importantly for the community, was able to show it was similar in potency to other forms
of asbestos.
With the IRIS assessment of LAA, along with site-specific exposure data, decisions could be made to protect
human health and to address community concerns about the toxicity of the specific form of asbestos found in
their area. EPA's Libby Superfund Site Human Health Risk Assessment, using the IRIS assessment, showed that
the cleanup actions EPA has taken since 1999 have reduced LAA exposures and risks at the Libby Asbestos site.
The asbestos ambient air concentrations there today are about 100,000 times lower than when mine and
processing facilities were in operation, making today's air quality in Libby similar to other Montana cities.
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NEVADA
Partners: Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Challenge: Groundwater characterization and remediation at the Anaconda Mine Site (Lyon County)
(completed)
Resource: Technical assistance and review of groundwater background conditions and groundwater
characterization to assess the amount and type of groundwater contamination
"ORD's technical assistance has been essential
in characterizing the complex hydrogeological
conditions and extent of groundwater
contamination at the Anaconda Mine Site,
setting the stage for evaluation of remedial
options." - Nevada DEP Administrator Greg
Lovato
The Anaconda Mine Site has uranium and
sulfate groundwater contamination related to
previous copper ore mining. Hydrology at the
Anaconda Mine Site is complex and subject to significant uncertainty, particularly with respect to the effects of
local hydrology on long-term contaminant migration. Establishing background concentrations of uranium and
sulfate in groundwater are also critical to understanding the extent and magnitude of groundwater
contamination. Groundwater modeling provides a useful tool for better understanding current conditions and
potential remedial options, but the performance of any selected remediation strategy must ultimately be
determined by a properly designed performance monitoring network.
Groundwater modeling of this site has the potential to reduce the cost of monitoring by helping to pinpoint
where monitoring wells are most needed. EPA ORD has provided technical assistance on and reviews of
groundwater characterization and modeling efforts, as well as technical analyses that will be used to evaluate
possible remediation options. Nevada DEP Abandoned Mine Lands Program, in conjunction with EPA Region 9
(Pacific Southwest), is using the analyses provided by ORD to help design both better remediation strategies and
better monitoring systems for the abandoned mine complex.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
Partners: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES)
Challenge: Stream assessment integration and efficiency (completed)
Resource: Probabilistic survey designs integrating national and state reporting requirements
"The partnership between EPA ORD and NHDES on the
national stream assessments has created synergies that allow
both organizations to meet their respective goals. Using each
organization's strengths - NH DES'familiarity with streams in
the state and EPA's skill with survey sampling design - the
result is far greater than either could achieve alone." - NHDES
Water Pollution Division, Watershed Management Bureau
Biomonitoring Program Andy Chapman
The NHDES Water Quality Assessment Program is responsible
for reporting on the quality of the streams in New Hampshire
under the Clean Water Act. It is impossible to sample every stream, so NHDES sought a means to subsample
streams in such a way that was representative of all state streams. EPA researchers have developed a
statistically robust protocol for doing just that. EPA ORD scientists have developed a probabilistic survey design
that ensures that results from sampled locations are representative of the condition of all streams in the survey
area. This strategy has been incorporated into the National Aquatic Resources Surveys (NARS), which includes
national-scale assessments of rivers and streams, lakes, coastal zones and wetlands.
NHDES assembled a geographic data layer that identifies all streams within the state that must be assessed.
They requested that EPA ORD integrate this stream data layer into the NARS National Rivers and Stream
Assessment (NRSA). Using their stream network instead of the NRSA network enables the state to use the
results of the state survey for the national dataset. Consequently, the state will conduct a state-level survey
design for 2018-22 and integrate it with NRSA. This integration of the state and national survey designs is a cost-
effective option for participating in NRSA while also meeting state assessment requirements.
In 2004, EPA partnered with states to provide national and regional level assessments for Clean Water Act
reporting. EPA ORD has assisted 53 different states, tribes and territories since 2012 to develop sample survey
designs and biological, chemical and physical habitat indicators. The survey designs provide statistical rigor for
small sample sizes, which allow states to report on more of their waterbodies than previously possible.
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NEW JERSEY
Partner: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Challenge: PFAS contamination (ongoing)
Resource: Water, soil and sediment analyses
"EPA ORD's studies have provided critical information needed to
develop PFAS human health risk assessments. In particular, we
appreciate your foresight in initiating studies ofPFNA several
years before it was widely recognized as a potential concern. Also,
we especially thank you for your ongoing willingness to share your
knowledge of PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) in general, to
answer all of our questions about your studies, and to continue
working with us on identifying PFAS sources." - New Jersey DEP
Research and Environmental Health, Division of Science, Gloria B.
Post, PhD, DABT
A concern of New Jersey DEP is the ongoing presence of poly- and
perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the drinking water resources of southwestern New Jersey. New Jersey DEP
reached out to EPA ORD when they were faced with relatively high contaminant levels of a specific PFAS
(perfluorononanoic acid, PFNA). New Jersey DEP continues to study the potential routes PFAS might be
following in finding its way into these water resources. The chief questions are where the contamination is
originating and whether it is getting into the water through direct discharge or through the air. Previous analysis
of water samples suggests that by looking at the ratios of different PFAS, it might be possible to identify a source
signature that could help determine the contaminant's origin. The goals of this study are to confirm that PFAS
contamination is occurring, establish specific PFAS source signatures, and evaluate the potential for impacts due
to air deposition.
New Jersey DEP has requested that ORD continue to work with them to analyze water, sediment and soil
samples for PFAS and their byproducts. In addition, ORD will collaborate with New Jersey DEP to evaluate the
data and summarize the study's findings in a joint publication.
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NORTH CAROLINA
Partners: NC Department of Environmental Quality, City of Charlotte, City of Raleigh
Challenge: Acceptance of bio-contaminated wastewater by Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs)
Resource: Technical support in the area of pathogens in wastewater infrastructure
"The question of how wastewater plants deal with bio-
contaminated waste needs to be addressed before a
potential health emergency surfaces. EPA's proactive work
to assist wastewater operators before the next emergency
occurs is not only prudent, but critical in order to protect
public health." - NC DEQ Assistant Secretary Sheila
Holman
In October 2014, EPA held a forum on pathogens in
wastewater infrastructure for state and POTW
representatives. The forum focused on providing
recommendations, technical information and potential solutions to the wastewater industry, particularly for
emergencies.
EPA is investigating data needs that, if filled, would assist wastewater plant operators in making decisions about
whether and how to accept wastewater contaminated with pathogens (e.g. anthrax bacteria, Ebola virus) during
an emergency. EPA is also in the process of performing research projects to address needs associated with
POTW acceptance of wastewater potentially contaminated with pathogens.
The forum was organized around the following questions: How do we deal with wastewater contaminated with
biological agents such as Bacillus anthracis or Ebola virus? What is needed/required for utilities to accept bio-
contaminated wastewaters? What sorts of tests, protocols and regulatory guidance are needed? What is needed
for permit authorities in NC to guide/allow utilities to accept these wastes? How should these (tests, protocols
and regulatory guidance) be designed or implemented? Who should design and evaluate these? Are there other
"simpler" tests and protocols? What is needed to address concerns and issues raised by the public, wastewater
workers and operators? What are the data gaps and what type of research is needed?
As a result of this forum, EPA and the Water Environment Research Foundation held a national workshop on this
topic in 2016. In turn, this led to several research projects being planned and implemented to address the key
research gaps and needs brought up in the workshop.
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science in ACTION
Partners: NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Town of Pittsboro,
Fayetteville, NC State Highway and Public Works Commission
Challenge: Mapping PFAS levels across an entire river basin
Resource: Methods development and laboratory analyses
"We are extremely grateful for EPA ORD's work as we analyze these chemical compounds. EPA's analyses will be
crucial to our efforts in protecting public health and the environment as we learn more about these emerging
substances." - NC DEQ Assistant Secretary Sheila Holman
Because of concerns about long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which persist in the
environment, their use began being phased out in 2006. In 2007, EPA ORD began a first-ever effort in the U.S. to
map PFAS levels in an entire watershed, focusing on North Carolina's Cape Fear River Basin. This mapping effort
demonstrated that there were multiple sources of many different PFAS throughout the basin, suggesting that
since the basin is a major drinking water resource, it could potentially be responsible for human exposures to
PFAS throughout the entire region. As part of this effort, EPA ORD also developed research based methods to
measure PFAS in drinking water.
EPA ORD's PFAS research in the Cape Fear Basin has continued since the 2007 mapping effort, specifically
focusing on continued tracking of PFAS in surface and drinking water samples while discovering the emergence
of novel PFAS using high resolution mass spectrometry non-targeted analysis approaches. This work was
highlighting the ongoing presence not only of many of the old, legacy PFAS compounds (such as PFOS/PFOA),
but also of a suite of new PFAS (such as GenX) that came into production after the legacy PFAS were phased out.
Most recently, ORD researchers showed conclusively that these new PFAS were present in the drinking water in
Wilmington, NC. Based on the results of this and other work, the discharge of the chemicals into the watershed
have been reduced resulting in significant reduction in exposures to these potentially hazardous chemicals.
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Partners: US2020, Citizen Schools, Durham Public Schools, WakeEd Partnership, NC Science Mathematics and
Technology Education Center, NC Science Festival, East Durham Children's Initiative, North Carolina State
University Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership
Challenge: Preparing the future environmental health workforce by providing STEM (science, technology,
engineering and math) education, especially in K~12 schools with low-income populations (ongoing)
Resource: EPA Research Triangle Park's (RTP) STEM Outreach Program
"The EPA STEM Outreach program not only has been a source of ideas for our own outreach program
improvement but also serves as a model STEM outreach organization in the region, because of its impactful work
in schools, museums, and on-site for students of all ages through speed mentoring, job shadowing, and hands-on
STEM activities." - The Research Triangle Foundation, US2020 STEM Outreach Program Manager Sarah Council
Windsor
EPA RTP's STEM Outreach program provides guest speakers
and judges at science competitions, engages in impactful
community partnerships, and provides hands-on educational
programming for students and teachers in central NC and
beyond. Most of the programming takes place in schools where
at least 50 percent of students are on free or reduced lunch.
The partners strive to inspire all students to consider STEM
careers with the understanding that a diverse workforce is
essential in addressing future environmental challenges.
EPA ORD develops hands-on activities and interactive
discussions to engage student STEM learning and promote
environmental awareness. Through participation in local, state
and national education conferences, the partnership offers K-12 educator trainings that provide teachers with
hands-on STEM strategies for their classrooms and shares the partnership model with other agencies and
businesses. Additionally, EPA RTP's campus hosts many educational events each year, including a week-long
science workshop for high school students. EPA RTP was recently recognized as the US2020 Industry Partner of
the Year for making a significant impact on RTP's STEM community during the 2015-2016 school year by
increasing access to STEM through focused volunteerism and on-site visits.
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science in ACTION
x=,EPA
Partners: North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS)
Challenge: Disposal of contaminated animal carcasses following an agricultural emergency (completed)
Resource: A prototype transportable gasifier technology for on-farm disposal of animal carcasses
"EPA has served as the coordination point for both the research and
the response efforts related to mass disposal. Actual event response
and field testing identify real problems that cannot be properly
identified or solved when designing or modeling in an office.
Environment, material handling, human factors, size and volumes of
actual events must be experienced not perceived. EPA understands
these challenges and continues to assist states and industry in
attempting to solve the problems and bring workable technologies.
Continued research and development efforts of this type are critical
to assisting industry in their efforts to protect the food chain." -
NCDA&CS Jim Howard (retired)
Agricultural emergencies, such as foreign animal disease outbreaks, could result in the need to dispose of many
contaminated animal carcasses. The environmental impacts of carcass disposal are site-specific. Some
technologies (e.g., burial) are not viable in areas with a high water table, such as North Carolina. Multiple
disposal options are necessary. Gasification has the potential to be a technology for on-farm use, which reduces
risk associated with transporting the carcasses to an off-site location (e.g., landfill, incinerator). It also has the
potential to generate energy at agricultural sites during non-emergency times, and burns more cleanly thus
requiring less pollution control equipment than conventional incineration.
As part of an interagency effort involving several federal agencies and the state of North Carolina, EPA built a
prototype transportable gasifier intended to process 25 tons per day of carcasses (scalable to 200 tons per day)
for on-farm disposal of animal carcasses. A demonstration was conducted to determine the feasibility of
gasification for carcass disposal and to identify technical challenges and improvements to simplify and improve
the gasifier as a mobile response tool. Past testing of the prototype demonstrated partial success, in that the
transportability and rapid deployment requirements were met; however, the throughput of animal carcasses
was approximately one-third of the intended capacity.
Significant modifications were made to various gasifier components, including the burner system, feed system,
control system, power distribution and ash handling system, in order to increase its operating capacity to the
rated design throughput. In September 2015, a series of tests were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of
the design modifications at increasing the system's throughput, as well as to demonstrate the unit's ability to
operate around the clock for an extended period of time. While the ash removal system and the system to move
material across the bed failed during the tests, the new
burner, feed, control and power distribution systems all functioned in an acceptable manner. The test and
evaluation showed that improved alloys would be needed in some of the parts to achieve the desired results.
EPA ORD's support has helped the NCDA&CS focus on which areas of the system require repair and additional
modifications to achieve overall design goals.
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OHIO
Partner: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the City of Toledo
Challenge: Harmful algal bloom preventing access to drinking water (completed)
Resource: Innovative drinking water testing to help restore drinking water availability
¦ "When we were faced with an emergency in Toledo last August due to
cyanobacterial toxins detected in their treated drinking water, EPA
ORD staff was a great partner and exceeded our expectations in
understanding science and helping optimize treatment and restore
safe drinking water to our residents." - Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler
On August 2, 2014, the Mayor of Toledo, Ohio, issued a "Do Not
Drink" order for the 500,000 people of the City of Toledo and
neighboring communities because the water utility detected
cyanobacterial toxins in their treated drinking water. The City's
drinking water source, Lake Erie, was experiencing a large
cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom at the time. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, is particularly
tricky because toxins are released from the bacteria when they are damaged, so boiling the water only makes
the situation worse. The water ban set in motion a number of emergency actions, including Ohio Governor John
Kasich declaring an emergency in the area, the mobilization of the Ohio National Guard to distribute bottled
water, and the closure of hundreds of water dependent businesses in the Toledo metro area.
Working in conjunction with the City of Toledo, Ohio EPA officials immediately reached out to EPA ORD's
Cincinnati-based research laboratory for technical assistance. This laboratory is known as a world leader in the
evaluation and development of innovative drinking water testing, monitoring, and treatment technologies. Ohio
EPA asked for assistance with laboratory analyses for the presence of cyanobacterial toxins in their treated
drinking water, and with identifying the optimal approach for controlling cyanobacterial toxins in the drinking
water treatment plant and distribution system.
EPA ORD assembled a team of scientists and engineers to work throughout the weekend. The ORD team led
discussions regarding sample handling and procedures and facilitated an agreement between Ohio EPA and the
City of Toledo as to how they would collect and handle samples. Samples were handled per the protocol, and
chemical analyses were run by an agreed upon procedure between Ohio EPA, the City of Toledo and EPA.
Following the initial set of samples, the City of Toledo collected additional water samples throughout their
treatment plant to assess the effectiveness of various treatment processes in reducing the cyanotoxin
concentrations. The ORD team assessed sample results as the analyses were completed, and discussed what the
results indicated about their current treatment processes with Ohio EPA and Toledo's Department of Public
Works. ORD scientists recommended treatment plant adjustments to further reduce cyanotoxin levels in the
finished drinking water, and communicated the issues to local and state officials in real time during the event.
ORD's efforts to produce timely and accurate results were critical for the Mayor of Toledo and the Governor of
Ohio when making their decision to lift the "Do Not Drink" order two days later on August 4, restoring safe
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drinking water to some half a million people. Soon after the order was lifted, EPA's Office of Water consulted
with the ORD team and Ohio EPA to identify the lessons learned from the Toledo incident, particularly with
regard to the sample preservation and handling procedures for cyanotoxin samples, identifying areas where
improved guidance could be provided to U.S. drinking water systems performing cyanotoxin monitoring to
assure samples are appropriately preserved for transport and prepared for analysis. The state of Ohio has long
enjoyed a strong relationship with ORD.
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Partners: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and public water utilities along Lake Erie
Challenge: Managing algal toxins in drinking water treatment plants (ongoing)
Resource: Algal toxin and water quality studies at drinking water treatment plants using Lake Erie as their source
"Ohio and EPA ORD continue to lead the nation in working with
public water systems to ensure safe drinking water and
minimize the threat of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and other
emerging contaminants. Research that EPA ORD is doing is
providing Ohio with immediate and practical information as we
implement first in the nation rules on HABs, and we are
grateful and fortunate and thankful for the collaboration on
these important issues." - Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler
Increasingly, drinking water treatment plants are challenged by
changes in the quality of their source waters and their aging
treatment and distribution system infrastructure. Individually or in combination, factors such as decreasing
water and financial resources, climate change, agricultural runoff, harmful algal blooms and landscape
development increase the probability that algal toxins, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products,
endocrine disrupting compounds and other contaminants of emerging concern will remain after treatment,
ending up in people's drinking water.
In cooperation with public water utilities along Lake Erie, EPA ORD and Office of Water are conducting studies to
improve our understanding of the propagation of contaminants of emerging concern (particularly cyanotoxins)
through the drinking water treatment process, and to identify the best approaches for removing them. The
recent sampling campaign provided a unique opportunity to characterize the development of Lake Erie's
cyanobacterial bloom and its associated toxins at a high level of analytical detail. Researchers were able to
provide utilities and regulators with treatment recommendations that will help them make better informed
long-term decisions regarding the operation and modification of treatment processes to optimize removals.
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&EPA
science in ACTION
OKLAHOMA
Partner: Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Challenge: Fish kills and unknown contamination (completed)
Resource: Chemical composition analysis
"The ORD National Exposure Research Laboratory in Las Vegas was a
valuable asset during Oklahoma DEQ's investigation into the Red
River fish kills. This facility's expertise and analytical technologies
assisted with researching potential causative agents related to these
fish kills. In addition, I strongly support the mission of ORD to conduct
valuable research that leads to improvements in the continued
protection of public health and the environment." - Oklahoma DEQ
Executive Director Scott Thompson
Between 2011 and 2013 there were several incidents of concern in
the Red River watershed and Red Creek. There were four fish kills
with unknown contaminants present in the water, and stray gas bubbling between fish kill events. Oklahoma
DEQ requested EPA ORD assistance in identifying the unknown contaminants, and the source of the
indeterminate stray gas.
EPA ORD scientists, in collaboration with Region 6 (South Central U.S.) set out to use state-of-the-art analytical
tools to identify the contaminants, and to oversee an isotopic analysis of the gases sampled by a private
company.
Through these techniques, ORD was able to make conditional chemical assignments of the contaminants and
help determine that the stray gases were from a biogenic (natural) source. This assistance provided information
to Oklahoma DEQ to assist in understanding and managing these incidents.
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Partners: Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Challenge: Evaluation of groundwater and surface water interactions at the Oklahoma Refining Co. Superfund
site (ongoing)
Resource: Technical evaluation of remediation plans for the site
"EPA ORD provided concrete recommendations on data
acquisition that have been incorporated into the ongoing
investigation at the refinery. This access to experts really
augments our ability to focus our resources to obtain the right
information to support decision making."- Oklahoma DEQ
Executive Director Scott Thompson
The Oklahoma Refining Co. Superfund site is located in Cyril,
Oklahoma. Gladys Creek adjoins the site along its northern and
eastern borders. The 160-acre abandoned site, which was
operated by several different owners as a refinery until 1984,
had generated wastes in approximately 50 impoundments (many unlined) and several buried waste areas.
Shallow groundwater beneath the site flows away from the Cyril community and discharges into Gladys Creek.
Approximately 1,600 people on public or private drinking water wells live within three miles of the site, with the
closest well (private) within 1000 feet of the site.
Site operations contaminated soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater with polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metals. Wastes had been placed in surface pits on
the refinery property, and wastewater had been sent through an oil-water separator to remove oils and then
treated in a series of surface impoundments. Treated water from the surface impoundments was discharged
into Gladys Creek.
Cleanup of impoundments and waste sources was conducted between 1996 and 2001 on the southern portion
of the site; most removal activities were completed in 2006 on the northern site. The remaining work, including
the piece that EPA ORD helped with, includes groundwater, surface water, north side soil, and sediments.
Previous site investigations provided extensive information on contaminant concentrations in groundwater,
surface water, soil and sediments. This information has indicated where contaminants are found and where they
exceed the relevant standards. However, an estimation of the mass flux of contaminants in either groundwater
or surface water is necessary to determine the magnitude, rate and significance of adverse impacts on Gladys
Creek and to evaluate what actions need to be taken regarding those impacts. The strategy to conduct this
effort consists of identifying all major routes of groundwater discharge into Gladys Creek, quantifying
groundwater and surface water discharge, estimating the contaminant mass flux in the surface water and
groundwater, and evaluating the overall hydrology of the Gladys Creek watershed. ORD has provided technical
review comments to the state and EPA Region 6 (South Central U.S.) for the Plan Development to Evaluate the
Impacts of the Ground-Water/Surface Water Interactions on Contaminant Migration at the Oklahoma Refining
Company Superfund Site, Cyril, Oklahoma. It is anticipated that this information provided by ORD researchers
will assist Oklahoma DEQ in developing a remedial design for the remainder of the site.
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OREGON
Partner: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)
Challenge: Acidification in estuaries harming clam and crab fisheries (ongoing)
Resource: Ocean acidification research
iwww
"The expertise of the scientists at the Newport USEPA
lab has been valuable as we evaluate how to improve
monitoring of ocean acidification-related parameters
and the value of seagrasses in buffering the effects of
ocean acidification. Oregon's shellfish aquaculture
industry - and likely our wild marine species - are at risk
from current ocean conditions, which are projected to
become more corrosive over the next several decades." -
Oregon DFW, Marine Resources Program Manager
Caren Bra by
Increasing acidification of offshore ocean waters has harmed the oyster aquaculture industry in Oregon and
threatens the state's recreational and commercial fisheries for bay clams and Dungeness crabs. Governors of
California, Oregon and Washington have joined with stakeholders through the Pacific Coast Collaborative to
develop coordinated solutions to address the adverse effects of ocean acidification. In Oregon, the Oregon Coast
Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Workgroup formed to advance recommendations from the Collaborative. This
workgroup, led by the Oregon DFW, includes representatives from Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality, Oregon Department of Agriculture, EPA ORD, Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership, Tillamook
Estuaries Partnership, several tribes and watershed councils, the oyster aquaculture industry and universities.
In addition to participating in the interagency workgroup, ORD scientists are conducting research on the
contribution of excess nutrients to acidification of estuarine waters, methods to distinguish human from natural
sources of nutrients in estuaries, and the use of seagrass meadows as a method to reduce the effects of
acidification to shellfish. The research is being conducted at ORD's Pacific Coastal Ecology Laboratory in Newport
and in Tillamook Bay - site of Oregon's largest inshore shellfisheries. The results of this research will provide
state agencies with tools to reduce the causes and effects of acidification in Pacific Northwest estuaries, thereby
enhancing the environment and economies that depend on the shellfisheries.
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Partners: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Challenge: Determine the influence of water level fluctuations on the seasonal production of methyl mercury in
the Cottage Grove Reservoir (completed, but continued interactions)
Resources: Technical Investigation to help reduce methyl mercury levels
"I think this is valuable information for understanding
potential methyl mercury loading contributions and
methylation mechanisms related to water level fluctuations
in Cottage Grove Reservoir. Looking ahead, this study
suggests some potential considerations related to reservoir
flow management that could help mitigate mercury
methylation potential." - Oregon DEQ, Water Quality
Monitoring Manager Aaron Borisenko
The Cottage Grove Reservoir located south of the Historic
Black Butte Superfund Site has received historical and
ongoing loading of mercury and transport of contaminated
mercury sediments resulting in strict fish consumption advisories. Cottage Grove Reservoir operates as a flood
control reservoir, and lower water levels during the fall and winter expose 60-80 percent of the reservoir
sediments,
EPA ORD researchers designed an investigation at Cottage Grove to determine whether the seasonal exposure
of reservoir sediments was contributing to the elevated level of methyl mercury within the reservoir water
column. Results from the investigation identified that the seasonal lowering of the water level corresponded
with increased production of methyl mercury in sediments that were exposed to the atmosphere. Currently,
discussions for altering reservoir management strategies to control seasonal production of methyl mercury are
underway. By lowering the loading of mercury to the reservoir, Oregon DEQ hopes to benefit communities that
catch and eat fish.
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Partner: Multnomah County
Challenge: Help communities identify local environmental issues (completed)
Resource: EPA's Community-Focused Exposure and Risk Screening Tool (C-FERST) and technical support
"Environmental consultants and business owners have the means to
conduct environmental assessments but communities often don't. C-FERST
changes that paradigm by making information about Brownfields (former
commercial or industrial sites) accessible% thus placing decision making
back into the hands of communities. It allows them to leverage resources
that turn sites like Brownfields into something good for the community.
What is powerful about C-FERST is that it advances EPA's responsibility to
the public by taking public record and technical EPA documents and
making them accessible for communities." - Multnomah County's Senior
Program Specialist Matthew Hoffman
EPA's Community-Focused Exposure and Risk Screening Tool (C-FERST) is an online tool that helps communities
identify environmental issues around them, learn about these issues, and then explore ways to reduce their
health risks.
Officials from Multnomah County and the nonprofit organization, Groundwork Portland, used C-FERST to
identify brownfields in their area and determine possible uses for these properties. The partners used C-FERST
to conduct a community livability study assessing transit accessibility, food retail resources, and other issues as
part of a neighborhood redevelopment plan in the county.
Students from Concordia University used C-FERST to conduct a children's health and wellness study in Portland.
Students used the tool's community data to identify potential sources of social and environmental stress,
including exposure to diesel pollution, poverty and access to medical care. Recommendations from their
assessment were presented to community and government representatives.
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Partners: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ); Oregon Department of Agriculture
Challenge: Improve surface and groundwater nitrate contamination from agriculture (completed)
Resource: Collaborating with farmers to assess the effectiveness of fertilizer best management practices
"EPA ORD scientists have made significant contributions to the
monitoring program in the southern Willamette Valley Groundwater
Management Area. Their technical expertise has enhanced analyses of
complex hydrological systems, as well as informed Oregon DEQ
synthesis of multi-scale factors impacting nitrate concentrations in the
southern Willamette Valley."-Oregon DEQJoni Hammond (former
acting director)
Groundwater nitrate contamination affects thousands of households in
the Southern Willamette Valley Groundwater Management Area in
Oregon. To reduce non-point source loading of nitrogen to
groundwater and surface water, successful approaches are needed within affected communities to integrate
science, outreach and management efforts, A partnership was formed that brings together commercial farmers,
Oregon Department of Agriculture, soil and water conservation districts and EPA to assess the current state of
groundwater in the Valley, and to evaluate best management practices (BMPs) in fertilizer management.
In this collaborative project, scientists measured nitrate leaching from 15 fields in the Valley. They shared the
data with farmers and discussed BMPs for fertilizer application that would reduce the leaching. Farmers have
instituted some of these BMPs on their fields, and are now seeing positive results for nutrient use efficiency and
less contamination.
In addition, EPA ORD scientists have provided stable isotopic analyses to identify the causes of high temporal
nutrient variability within local wells. These efforts have helped illuminate complex groundwater-surface water
interactions and greatly improved Oregon DEQ's monitoring program for the groundwater management area.
ORD efforts helped to reduce potential new inputs of nitrate into the groundwater system and understand the
complex dynamics of groundwater in general.
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PENNSYLVANIA
Partner: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP)
Challenge: Wide-spread freshwater fish disease (completed)
Resource: Causal Analysis/Diagnosis Decision Information System (CADDIS)
"I am confident that our science-based partnership with EPA
ORD and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will help
us determine the causes of impacts to aquatic health in the
Susquehanna. Science guides our work in assessing the overall
health of the river, and in partnership with these agencies, we
will be able to create a strategy that matches our challenges to
conserve and protect this river, which is important to the
recreational vitality and economic prosperity of Pennsylvania."
- PA DEP John Quigley (former secretary)
Unusual mortality events and outbreaks of disease have been
observed annually in young-of-the-year Smallmouth Bass in the
mid to lower Susquehanna River since 2005, resulting in poor recruitment of juvenile fish into the adult
population. The Susquehanna River Smallmouth Bass Technical Committee, including representatives from PA
DEP and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), was formed in 2007 to characterize the potential
causes of the problems. Numerous water-quality and fish health variables were evaluated, but no definitive
associations emerged. Additional research and monitoring efforts continued, and in 2012 PA DEP initiated a
large study of the river. In 2014, PA DEP and its partners looked to EPA ORD's expertise and innovative tool, the
Causal Analysis/Diagnosis Decision Information System (CADDIS), to help organize and synthesize the data.
EPA assisted PA DEP and its partners in implementing the CADDIS causal assessment process, providing a means
to utilize the data collected to date and winnow the long list of hypothesized causes of the poor recruitment of
Smallmouth Bass. Candidate causes evaluated included abiotic stressors such as high flows, low dissolved
oxygen, high pH, and toxicity from exposure to ammonia or toxic chemicals. Biotic candidate causes included
food quality changes from non-native species and cyanobacteria. Diseases caused by pathogens or parasites
were considered, as well as the possibility that stressors have increased Smallmouth Bass susceptibility to
disease. Over 50 worksheets, comprising 400 pages, that described data collections and analyses were
developed and evaluated during the course of assessment.
Pathogens and parasites were identified as likely contributors to the problem: disease prevalence was strongly
and negatively correlated with survival of juvenile fish. Endocrine disruptors and herbicides were also judged to
be likely contributors by increasing disease susceptibility, although only limited evidence was available to
evaluate these candidate causes. The CADDIS process was particularly beneficial for optimizing further data
collection and analysis efforts. The financial and personnel resources of the state were redirected to the
priorities identified by assessment: endocrine disrupters, parasites and pathogens.
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RHODE ISLAND
Partners: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (Rl DEM), Rhode Island Department of
Health, City of Newport
Challenge: Establish target phosphorous and chlorophyll-o concentrations necessary to restore and protect the
Newport Water Supply Reservoirs (completed)
Resource: Analysis of nutrients and other parameters in water
"EPA ORD's contributions to the effort - spanning from its
inception to its end - were critical to its success. Of utmost
significance was the ORD Atlantic Ecology Division's
involvement in securing analytical chemistry support from
ORD's Mid-Continent Ecology Division in Duluth, MN, and in
performing certain instrumented analyses critical in enabling Rl
DEM to pursue a comprehensive monitoring program to
evaluate relationships between nutrients, algae and
cyanobacteria production, total organic carbon and disinfection
by-product formation that serve as the foundation for setting
TMDL targets for these critical water supply reservoirs." -
Rl DEM Office of Water Resources Deputy Chief Elizabeth Scott
In 2014, Rl DEM identified all nine Newport Water Supply Reservoirs as impaired, citing low water clarity, low
levels of dissolved oxygen, frequent algal and cyanobacteria blooms, and elevated levels of total phosphorus,
total organic carbon and chlorophyll-o. Rl DEM added each of the reservoirs to the List of Impaired Waters
under the Clean Water Act, and initiated a Total Maximum Daily Load study to address their degraded water
quality. The goal of the study was to establish target phosphorus and chlorophyll-o concentrations that will
ensure algal growth and total organic carbon concentrations are reduced to a level that supports safe drinking
water and protects aquatic life as required under the Clean Water Act.
To assist Rl DEM, EPA ORD collected water quality monitoring data biweekly from early May through mid-
October 2015, from the nine impaired reservoirs located in Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Little Compton
and Tiverton - all towns in southeastern Rhode Island. Rl DEM, in consultation with the Rhode Island
Department of Health, will use the analytical chemistry data results to help establish the target total
phosphorous and chlorophyll-o concentrations necessary to restore and protect the Newport Water Supply
Reservoirs.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Partners: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC), South Carolina
Department of Commerce (Commerce), and the City of Columbia
Challenge: Food waste reduction and landfill diversion (ongoing)
Resource: Food Waste Tracker Technology in collaboration with the U.S. Army (Fort Jackson)
"EPA ORD's proposal of the Lean Path demonstration came at an
optimal time for Fort Jackson. In the installation's efforts to meet
Net Zero Waste initiatives, we have explored ways to divert solid
waste from the landfill via off-site composting and food donations.
With the implementation of the Lean Path scales, we are able to
collect data that supports these measures. Additionallythere is
the opportunity to critically assess our dining operations and
identify ways to improve operations and make fiscally-sound
decisions. EPA ORD has been very engaging and more than helpful
during the demonstration." - U.S. Army Garrison Fort Jackson
DPW-Environmental Division, Senior Project Manager Tameria
Warren
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that one out of six people struggle with hunger in the United
States, yet food waste is the single largest component being sent to landfills and accounted for 21 percent (35.2
million tons) of the nation's waste in 2013. South Carolina alone produced an estimated 607,000 tons of food
waste in 2015.
In 2014, researchers with EPA ORD's Net Zero program initiated a partnership with SC DHEC, SC Commerce and
the U.S. Army to better manage organic waste in the Columbia, SC region. ORD's Net Zero partnerships work
with communities and military installations to develop and apply innovative approaches to reduce energy,
landfill waste and water use. Collaborators in this South Carolina partnership included representatives who work
on waste management issues from local businesses, municipal officials, non-governmental organizations and the
Fort Jackson Army base. The partnership provided opportunities to share ideas and best practices through
conferences and face-to-face meetings. EPA also conducted a feasibility study for the partnership that
recommended strategies for optimizing recycling, repurposing and recovery of organic materials in the region.
Since the partnership was created, South Carolina has launched several educational and food waste diversion
campaigns, including the "Don't Waste Food SC" state-wide campaign:
(www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Recycling/FoodWaste/).
As a follow-on activity, in March 2017, EPA provided technical expertise, community outreach and funding to
conduct a technology demonstration study using the Lean Path 360 food waste prevention technology at the
Fort Jackson Army base - one of the largest military training installations in the nation. LeanPath is an
automated food waste tracking system that helps companies and organizations reduce food waste
(www.leanpath.com ;. The project is ongoing, but to date, it has resulted in over 4,000 pounds of food being
donated to South Carolina food donation and composting programs.
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TEXAS
Partner: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
and City of Corpus Christi
Challenge: Chemical contamination in Corpus Christi's water supply (completed)
Resources: Determine health risks and action level
"The water situation in Corpus Christi last December was a good example of cooperation between Texas and EPA
and the success we have when all work towards solving an environmental issue." - TCEQ Chairman Bryan W.
Shaw, PhD, PE
In December 2016, EPA ORD scientists, in coordination with
Region 6 (South Central U.S.), responded to a request for
assistance in Texas after an asphalt emulsifying agent,
Indulin AA-86, contaminated Corpus Christi's water supply.
Toxicity information along with treatment options to
remove this chemical from water was lacking. ORD
researchers provided assistance early in the response
concerning decontamination approaches that might be
suitable for use in removing the contaminant from the
system. In addition, EPA helped dissect and understand the
toxicity of the chemical and possible risks associated with
ingestion of contaminated water and the water soluble salt
from the product. Texas state agencies, TCEQ and the Texas DSHS, along with ORD researchers worked together
to establish a health-based action level for the contaminant and supported an immediate need to protect public
health.
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science in ACTION
x=,EPA
UTAH
Partners: Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Oil and Gas Cooperators
Challenge: Support efficient development of U.S. energy resources while protecting human health (ongoing)
Resource: Next generation measurement methods
"EPA ORD has been a valuable partner in our efforts to advance needed
energy development while improving air quality in the Uinta Basin." - Utah
DEQ Executive Director Alan Matheson
Oil and natural gas production has increased significantly within Utah's Uinta
Basin and across the United States over the last decade. Approximately
three-quarters of the production in the Uinta Basin is on Indian Country
within the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. Oil and natural gas extraction and
production activities co-emit volatile organic compounds, a subset of which
consists of air pollutants that are hazardous to human health, and
greenhouse gases directly to the atmosphere.
EPA ORD researchers in collaboration with Region 8 (Mountains and Plains)
are working with state officials and oil and gas operators to conduct emissions research on pneumatic
controllers used in upstream production for improved process control and safety functions. Because of the very
large number of these devices, they contribute significantly to air emissions, however some uncertainty remains
regarding the real-world emissions from these devices. In 2016, research was conducted in cooperation with oil
and gas operators in the Uinta Basin, Utah on assessing emissions from pneumatic controllers
(http://www.scirp.org/Journal/Paperlnformation.aspx?PaperlD=75669).
The ongoing collaboration between EPA, the state of Utah, and oil and gas operators will improve understanding
of these devices and measurement methods, and ultimately support better development of U.S. energy assets in
ways that also protect human health and the environment.
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science in ACTION
x=,EPA
Partner: Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Challenge: Fine particle air pollution (ongoing)
Resource: Ground-based and remote sensing air measurements for the Utah Winter Fine Particulate Study in
collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other partners
"The in-kind funding EPA providedincluding the sophisticated
instrumentation, lab analysis and project management support, was
invaluable in making [the 2017 Utah Winter Fine Particulate Study] a
success. The nature of fine particle pollution during northern Utah's
periodic winter inversions presents a complex scientific problem [which
Utah] has been analyzing for many years, and the insight and technical
expertise of EPA researchers will certainly help in our efforts to tackle this
difficult problem. We are hopeful the measurements and analysis of the
complex atmospheric chemical reactions this study captured will enhance
our ability to create effective policy tools to improve Utah's air quality
during these winter episodes." - Utah DEQ Executive Director Alan Matheson
During the winter in Utah's northern valleys, cold air inversions trap pollution emitted from vehicles, industry
and agriculture. This allows atmospheric chemicals to mix and leads to the formation of fine particulate matter
(PM;. 5), which is an air pollutant that is harmful to health when it is concentrated at high levels.
In 2017, EPA ORD is providing support to the Utah in its Utah Winter Fine Particulate Study - one of the most
comprehensive efforts to date to determine the chemical processes in the atmosphere that lead to the
formation of PM2.5. During January and February, ORD scientists collected ground-based air measurements using
new techniques they developed in the lab and remote sensing technology. The data are being combined with
measurements of the upper atmosphere. NOAA is taking these measurements using aircraft to obtain a
complete analysis of atmospheric chemistry in the valleys. The data from the study will be used by Utah DEQ to
develop effective strategies for their State Implementation Plan to reduce PM2.5 levels during the winter
months. The study will help to improve air quality for the more than two million residents who live in the area.
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Partners: Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Challenge: Satellite-derived cyanobacteria detection in support of public health protection in Utah (ongoing)
Resource: Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN) in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS)
"The images we've been receiving through the CyAN project have been
tremendously helpful to the Utah Division of Water Quality (UDWQ), providing
the foundation for a wide range of useful outputs. It allows UDWQ to better
target field sampling and more efficiently use our limited resources to protect
public health. Finally, images are easily shared with response agencies as a
useful visual communication aid."- UDWQ Biological Assessment and Harmful
Algal Bloom Programs Coordinator Benjamin M. Holcomb
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when ideal conditions spark the
uncontrolled growth of colonies of toxin-containing cyanobacteria—simple,
aquatic organisms more commonly known as blue-green algae. Such blooms
can make water unsafe for people, pets and wildlife. To better protect them,
EPA ORD, in partnership with NASA, NOAA, and the USGS, are developing the
Cyanobacteria Assessment Network's (CyAN) early warning system. The system
uses historical and current satellite data to detect algal blooms in U.S.
freshwater systems.
Based on the severity of cyanobacteria blooms in 2016, EPA ORD, in collaboration with Region 8 (Mountains and
Plains), provided technical assistance to the state of Utah to use CyAN to monitor freshwater resources across
the state. Utah DEQ issued an advisory about a cyanobacteria bloom, warning the public to keep themselves and
their pets safe by staying out of Provo Bay. Local news articles related to the Utah DEQ press release also
acknowledge the bloom was first detected via satellite imagery.
The CyAN project focused on selected states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont in 2016-17. It has already begun to expand to continental U.S.
coverage in 2017 using the MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) archive from 2002-2012. Weekly
composites of the European Space Agency (ESA) Sentinel-3 Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) sensor
data will soon be made available to collaborators for initial review and validation when the data becomes
publically available by ESA. Researchers aim to continue to expand CyAN's capabilities to report state-level
concentrations and extent of cyanobacteria.
>
Sentiriel-3 Image (above)
Photo credit: European Space
Agency, processed by NOAA
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VERMONT
Partner: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Challenge: Prioritization of developed areas for retrofit stormwater best management practices (completed)
Resource: High resolution impervious cover data for Vermont watersheds
"The impervious cover data we received from EPA saved me one to two days of work in our efforts to bring
increased awareness of the negative impacts on water quality of impervious surfaces which are directly
connected to surface waters in developed areas. Increased awareness of problem areas helps us work with
municipalities to mitigate impacts." - Vermont DEC Watershed Management Division, Hank (David) Ainley
EPA ORD has developed methods for high accuracy
classification of high resolution (1-meter) imagery for
impervious cover from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP)
imagery for impervious cover with the understanding that
such data are needed by states and local communities for
infrastructure and development planning. Vermont DEC was
looking for mapping data to quickly prioritize developed
areas for stormwater best management practices retrofits.
ORD was able to provide copies of the in-house developed
high resolution impervious cover data, developed in-house,
to Vermont DEC's Watershed Management Division.
Vermont DEC staff are now using these data in conjunction with mapped sewer drainages to quantify connected
impervious cover in municipalities with wastewater treatment plants. Vermont DEC is also comparing the
condition of streams in watersheds with differing levels of connectivity and using this information to inform
decision on where to retrofit. Together Vermont and EPA are exploring ways in which ongoing ORD research on
watershed-scale effects of nature-mimicking infrastructure development can complement the state's efforts.
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VIRGINIA
Partners: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Challenge: Integration of state and national stream condition assessments (completed)
Resource: Probabilistic survey designs integrating national and state reporting requirements
"Virginia DEQ has found it very helpful to integrate our state
stream condition assessment into the National Streams and Rivers
Assessment. With technical assistance from ORD, we were able to
apply robust statistical analysis to calculate a picture of stream
health for the entire state from a small, manageable set of field
samples." -Virginia DEQ Director David Paylor
Virginia DEQ is charged with reporting stream condition for the
state, presenting a challenge to strategically conduct sampling
protocols that will accurately represent stream water quality
across the state's many streams without overwhelming state
resources, EPA researchers have pioneered the design of just such
survey techniques to assist water quality analysis across large areas. The EPA-developed strategy of probabilistic
surveying has been incorporated into the National Aquatic Resources Surveys (NARS), which includes national-
scale assessments of rivers and streams, lakes, coastal zones and wetlands.
Virginia DEQ took steps to integrate the state stream condition assessment requirements with the NARS
National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA). To achieve this, Virginia DEQ collaborated with EPA ORD to
develop and interpret probabilistic survey designs specifically for their state stream condition assessments. The
resulting survey design ensures representativeness of sampling locations, which then facilitates the use of
statistical tools to determine condition values that incorporate acceptable levels of uncertainty. Virginia also
adopted NRSA stream condition field and laboratory procedures to further integrate with the NRSA approach.
Because of common measurements and survey design, Virginia will use the stream sites from their state
program for the NRSA 2018-19 monitoring, thus promoting inter-calibration and efficiency.
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WASHINGTON
Partner: Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Challenge: Selecting sites for restoration of native seagrass beds and managing invasive species (ongoing)
Resource: Habitat suitability models for native and invasive seagrasses in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers
"The eelgrass biomass production model, developed by EPA ORD's Newport lab, is a critical module in the
eelgrass site selection model. A multi-faceted team of state, federal and private sector scientists integrated an
existing Puget Sound coupled physical and biogeochemical mode! with the eelgrass biomass production model to
identify sites where the biomass of transplanted eelgrass would increase over time. Knowledge of these
parameters vastly improve eelgrass restoration site selection and transplant success." - Washington DNR,
Aquatic Biologist Dr. Jeffrey Gaeckle
Seagrass meadows are valued by coastal communities and tribes as
nursery habitats for fisheries species (such as Dungeness crabs, bay
clams, Chinook and Coho salmon) and habitat for multitudes of forage
species that support fisheries and wildlife in the Pacific bays and
estuaries. Washington has a goal to increase the area of native seagrass
beds in the Puget Sound by 20 percent by the year 2020. This requires
knowledge of where restoration and habitat conservation efforts will be
most successful. Washington DNR, working with Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory as part of the Puget Sound Partnership, has been
using EPA ORD research on seagrass physiology to help identify
locations where native seagrass (Zostera marina) are likely to thrive. These sites were then prioritized for further
assessment and the potential for seagrass restoration. Sites with favorable environmental conditions based on
model output are more likely to be successfully restored with eelgrass.
In Washington, Japanese eelgrass has been identified by the shellfish aquaculture industry as a noxious weed
that disrupts the growth and harvest of Manila clams. ORD has also been conducting research on the ecology of
Japanese eelgrass and developed a habitat suitability model to determine where this invasive species has the
potential to become established. Knowing where the invasive seagrass is likely to colonize can assist aquaculture
biologists in developing efficient surveillance and eradication plans.
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Partner: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)
Challenge: Managing nutrients in riparian ecosystems for fish and wildlife benefits (ongoing)
Resource: Science synthesis of nutrient processes in riparian ecosystems
"EPA's willingness to co-author the nutrient chapter of the
Washington DFW's riparian science synthesis document was critical to
providing the best science to biologists, managers and policy makers
throughout Washington. We viewed EPA as an essential partner that
provided a very high level of expertise that Washington DFW simply
did not have."- Washington DFW, Chief Scientist Dr. Timothy Quinn
Riparian ecosystems and their streams are critically important
locations for sustaining a healthy balance of nutrients -primarily
carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) - across watersheds and
far downstream. Vegetated riparian areas can be efficient natural
filters by storing, removing and "fixing" potentially harmful excess nutrients that flow into aquatic ecosystems
from uplands dominated by human activities, such as agriculture and urbanization.
To assist Washington DFW, EPAORD scientists provided state-of-the-science information on nutrients and
riparian ecosystems as a chapter in an upcoming guidance manual designed for states, tribes and commercial
interests responsible for managing riparian zones. The chapter provides a basic understanding of nutrient (C, N
and P) cycling in riparian zones, including stream channels and Pacific Northwest groundwater. In highlighting
the well-studied effects of various land uses, this chapter provides for state officials the key factors they need to
consider for maintaining conditions needed for optimal nutrient transport, such as hydrologic connection,
vegetation type, soil condition and salmon use of streams.
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science in ACTION
Partners: Washington State Department of Ecology
Challenge Upper Columbia River contaminated site (ongoing)
Resource: Technical support for remedial investigation/feasibility study
"Washington is addressing surface soil legacy smelter-emission
impacts across a range of communities and settings spanning the
state. The assessment of state-of-the-art, minimally disruptive
exposure reduction surface treatment technologies for rural-
residential and rural tribal-use settings common to the upper
Columbia River Valley is a fundamental step toward identifying long-
term cleanup measures. ORD's participation is highly valued to
ensure honest assessment, input and multi-disciplinary scientific
oversight." - Washington State Department of Ecology, Toxics
Cleanup Program, Upper Columbia River Site Project Coordinator John Roland
EPA ORD, in coordination with Region 10 (Pacific Northwest), is providing technical support for the Upper
Columbia River (UCR) Valley Superfund Site's remedial investigation/feasibility study. EPA ORD is a member of
the UCR Soil Amendment Technologies Evaluation Study technical team established through the interaction of
the Coleville Confederated Tribes, Washington State Department of Ecology, Teck Resources Limited, Ramboll
Environ and EPA Region 10. EPA ORD is engaged as a third-party to provide an unbiased, scientific assessment
of, and expertise on, soil amendment alternatives for soil lead and associated metals in the UCR
area. Amendment alternatives being evaluated include phosphate, magnesium oxides, ECOBOND®, compost,
biochar and other widely accepted treatment options for lead in soil. At this point, EPA has provided input on
potential alternative treatments for the site, and provided input on testing that could be done to predict
treatment suitability/effectiveness at the site. EPA ORD also participates in site meetings and teleconferences
with the region, state and potentially responsible party to discuss the site soils and alternative soil remediation
approaches.
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science in ACTION
x=,EPA
Partners: Washington State Department of Ecology, Nooksack Indian Tribe, Lummi Nation
Challenge: Anticipating stream temperature stress on cold water fishes (salmon) in the Northwest (ongoing)
Resource: Long-term outlook models for rising stream temperatures to determine potential impacts of elevated
temperatures and to examine potential mitigation strategies, in collaboration with the University of
Washington, the U.S. Forest Service, NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Geological Survey
"Increased temperature and habitat degradation
are a major threat to the many types offish that
live in this watershed. Through the process of
research and data collection, we learned we must
do everything we can to keep water quality
conditions stable over the next few decades. We
never would have had the ability to look into the
future without the help of ORD."- Washington
Hood
Stream temperatures in the Pacific Northwest are projected to increase under future long-term weather
scenarios due in part to increases in air temperature and in part to changes in water levels and water flow
caused by altered rain and snowmelt patterns. Combined, these changes in stream temperature and hydrology
could have substantial negative effects on cold-water fish species such as salmon. To better understand the
potential impact of long-term weather changes on the potential to achieve water quality and salmon recovery
goals, EPA ORD, in collaboration with Region 10 (Pacific Northwest) and the Office of Water, launched a
collaborative research project in the South Fork Nooksack River with the Washington State Department of
Ecology.
The research plan incorporates the total maximum daily load (TMDL) for temperature, which was developed by
the Washington State Department of Ecology for the South Fork Nooksack River, as a pilot for integrating future
weather scenarios into a watershed-specific plan to improve water quality for cold-water fish species. An
overarching goal is to ensure that relevant findings and methodologies related to future stream temperature
scenarios inform the South Fork Nooksack River Temperature TMDL Implementation Plan under development by
EPA Region 10 and the state of Washington.
State Department of Ecology, Water Quality Engineer Steven
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Partners: Washington State Department of Ecology
Challenge: Bunker Hill Superfund Site (ongoing)
Resource: Technical support
"The Washington State Department of Ecology appreciates ORD's involvement in the Bunker Hill Superfund Site.
The tools being developed by ORD will not only ensure that lakes and marshes receive appropriate cleanups and
reduce contaminant transport into Washington, but also may assist us in determining the best remedial
strategies at our own cleanup sites."- Washington State Department of Ecology, Toxics Cleanup Program
Hydrogeologist Sandra Treccani
The Bunker Hill Superfund Site, often referred
to as the Coeur d'Alene River Basin Cleanup
Site, is located in northern Idaho and eastern
Washington where early mining and milling
methods led to environmental contamination
from mine wastes. EPA ORD is providing
technical support for a portion of the site
including the lakes, wetlands, flood plains and
Coeur D'Alene river west of Bunker Hill. EPA
ORD scientists continue to assist with
document reviews for capping proposals, as
well as other remedial design input for this
mega-site. This site will be studied by EPA ORD soil scientists to identify remedial alternatives for Coeur d'Alene
side lakes and marshes utilizing a historically heavily used marsh, Lane Marsh, for migratory birds. Successful
pilot studies developed at Lane Marsh will be eventually be tested at other locations within this portion of the
site.
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Partners: Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Department of Ecology, Nisqually Land
Trust, Nisqually Tribe
Challenge: Improve watershed condition for salmon recovery, clean drinking water and other ecosystem
services (ongoing)
Resource: EPA watershed restoration planning tools (VELMA, Penumbra) and technical support
"Guided by sophisticated new modeling from EPA ORD's Western
Ecology Division in Corvallis, combined with modeling used by the
Nisqually Tribe for salmon recovery, the community forest's
management team will selectively thin the property's timber stands to
encourage old-growth forest characteristics and increase stream flow
during the fall spawning season." - Nisqually Land Trust Executive
Director Joe Kane
Intensive forest management in the Pacific Northwest during the past century has emphasized clearcutting on
short harvest intervals (40-50 years). This highly profitable practice has converted the region's vast pre-
settlement old-growth forests to young forest landscapes. This has fundamentally changed the functioning
forest watersheds and their capacity to sustainably provide essential ecosystem services (nature's benefits) for
local and downstream communities, Provisioning of drinking water, flood protection, fish and wildlife habitat,
and recreational and cultural opportunities have been significantly degraded in many places.
Indicative of these widespread changes, Puget Sound salmon populations have declined sharply from historic
levels. For example, 22 of at least 37 Chinook populations are now extinct, and many other species are listed as
endangered. Communities, tribes and state agencies (Departments of Natural Resources and Ecology) are now
collaborating throughout the region to implement salmon recovery plans that aim to restore hydrological and
ecological processes critical to salmon recovery, and more broadly, to the functioning of entire watersheds and
the ecosystem services they provide. A prime example is the Nisqually Community Forest (NCF), a novel
collaboration of communities in southern Puget Sound (http://nisquallvlandtrust.org/our-lands-and-
proiects/nisquallv-communitv-forest/) aimed at acquiring private forest industry lands from willing sellers. The
NCF is a working forest owned and managed for the benefit of local communities.
EPA ORD has developed and transferred modeling tools to NCF to support their salmon-recovery planning in the
Mashel River watershed, a once prime salmon producing sub-basin of the Nisqually River. NCF staff are currently
using EPA's Visualizing Ecosystem Land Management Assessments (VELMA) watershed simulator to quantify
long-term effects of alternative management and climate scenarios on key salmon habitat and water quality
variables. A key NCF goal is to design sustainable management plans that emphasize forest thinning and robust
riparian buffers, a strategy shown by VELMA simulations to restore greater summer stream flows favorable to
salmon spawning. Other ongoing NCF projects using VELMA include prioritization of land acquisitions,
community-based best management practices and long-term management strategies.
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MULTI-STATE STORIES
Partners: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Ohio
Challenge: Cost-effective removal of ammonia from drinking water (completed)
Resource: New cost-effective treatment technologies for small drinking water systems
"Given the array of challenges faced by small drinking water systems, ORD's
development of an affordable and easy to use ammonia treatment technology
is very helpful to Iowa and many other states. Technical and research support
of small drinking water systems is very important to Iowa." - Iowa DN R
Environmental Services Division Director Bill Ehm
EPA ORD has developed new, affordable and easy-to-use biological drinking
water treatment systems to implement in small drinking water systems.
Ammonia is found at high levels in many agricultural areas where
groundwater is the primary drinking water source. And while ammonia itself
is not a regulated contaminant, it can be a significant source for nitrate—a
regulated contaminant—within the pipes of drinking water distribution
systems. When nitrate exceeds regulated levels, it poses significant health
risks to infants with symptoms that include shortness of breath and blue baby
syndrome.
The biological treatment technologies developed by EPA ORD engineers have been tested at the pilot scale in
Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. The systems were tested under a number of challenging conditions for their
ability to remove ammonia, as well as elevated iron, manganese and arsenic levels. The new treatment
technology, recently patented by EPA ORD and licensed to a private company, provides a solution to small
drinking water systems in areas with high groundwater ammonia levels.
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Partners: California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New York and Virginia
Challenge: Cleanup of an anthrax contaminated subway (ongoing)
Resources: Full scale demonstration of technologies
"The work being done with the Underground Transportation Restoration
Operational Technology Demonstration project has been critically
important to helping Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
and other mass transit properties face the daunting preparedness
challenges associated with an accidental or intentional release of a
biological agent in the underground transportation environment. The
project has helped inform our leadership in determining operational
strategies that will lead to a more rapid return to service following such
an event." - Homeland Security Investigations and Intelligence Bureau
Metro Transit Police Department, CBRN Coordinator Brandon W. Graham
Following the 2001 anthrax attacks, cleanup of the Hart Senate Office Building and Brentwood postal facility cost
in excess of $1 billion, and resulted in the Brentwood postal facility being closed for over two years. Since that
time, EPA ORD has done a great deal of work to improve the nation's ability to cleanup buildings contaminated
with anthrax or other biological agents. In recognition of the complexities that would be involved, and the
number of cities that have underground rail systems, EPA along with the Department of Homeland Security, the
Department of Defense and several national laboratories turned their attention to the cleanup of subway
systems that could be contaminated with anthrax.
The Underground Transportation Restoration (UTR) Operational Technology Demonstration (OTD) was
conducted during September 2016 at Fort A.P. Hill's Asymmetric Warfare Training Center to evaluate
decontamination technologies that could be used in the event of an anthrax incident in a subway system. The
project used a non-pathogenic surrogate that behaves much like anthrax spores in terms of how it is transported
in the air, settles and how it can be killed.
The project consisted of two rounds of background sampling, agent release, decontamination, sampling, waste
removal and decontamination, and post-decontamination sampling. The technologies that were evaluated
included a fogger that produced a fog from diluted bleach and a skid mounted sprayer that sprayed a liquid pH
adjusted bleach solution. Both technologies were selected because they are off-the-shelf and could easily be
purchased in an emergency.
Thousands of post decontamination samples were collected and are currently being analyzed, and a report is
expected to be published in 2018. The success of the decontamination efforts will not be known until the
samples are processed and results available and studied, but the demonstration was helpful in defining the
many challenges that could be faced during a real incident including sealing portions of a subway tunnel,
sampling unique surfaces such as railway ballast, and managing wastes that cannot be decontaminated in situ.
Watch the Underground Transportation Restoration Project video to learn more.
69
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*>EPA
science in ACTION
Partners: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Kentucky
Department of Environmental Protection, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, South Carolina
Department of Health and Environmental Control and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Challenge: Characterizing urban background levels for contaminated site cleanup levels (ongoing)
Resource: Sampling protocol
"Having a data set like the one gathered during the urban background
study is invaluable. It is very helpful to now have a comprehensive
data set that we can use to make scientific determinations regarding
appropriate urban background concentrations for many
constituents."- Tennessee Department of Environment and
Conservation Environmental Consultant Merrie Embry, in the
Memphis Environmental Field Office, who also noted that the benefit
of working with EPA ORD and the other Southeastern states has
helped to ensure consistency in their sampling approach and data
evaluation.
In 2015, EPA scientists partnered with several Region 4 (Southeast) states to figure out how urban background
contaminants differ from industrial waste at urban sites. Initial efforts were focused on creating a process for
both soil sample collection and analysis that could be consistently applied across southeastern cities.
Soil samples collected from Louisville, KY; Lexington, KY; Memphis, TN; Raleigh, NC; and Winston-Salem, NC,
were analyzed in EPA laboratories and added to a growing urban background database for metals and PAHs. The
data and sampling process can be used by EPA, state agencies and local authorities to assess hazardous waste
and brownfield sites and make decisions around cleanup. The database will provide a general range of urban
background contaminant levels to be expected from sites in Region 4 cities. It can also serve as a screening tool
for comparison of potential sites. The utility of the tool is improved as coverage of data for comparison over
broader areas increases and more urban background data are added.
The success of the project has allowed sampling efforts to expand to additional cities in Tennessee, Georgia and
Florida. Recently, EPA and the state of Tennessee have used the study protocol to conduct an urban background
sampling effort in Chattanooga, TN. Additional regions, states and universities, including Georgia State
University in Atlanta, have expressed interest in the results and established sampling process. Professors and
students at the University of Florida in Gainesville have already used the sampling process in two urban areas in
central Florida.
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SEPA
science in ACTION
Partners: Participating pilot locations including the cities of Chicago, IL; Durham, NC; Hartford, CT; Houston, TX;
Kansas City, KS; Oklahoma City, OK; Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC
Challenge: Air quality monitoring for community awareness (ongoing)
Resource: Village Green Project
"The Village Green station is a helpful tool in educating the public,
and particularly children, about the importance of air quality in our
everyday lives. We are thankful to be one of several cities across the
country to have such an innovative tool." - Oklahoma DEQ
Executive Director Scott Thompson (referring to the Village Green
Project in Oklahoma City)
The Village Green Project (VGP) is a novel air and weather
measurement station originally developed by EPA ORD scientists.
The station is a compact, solar-powered system that incorporates
air and weather instrumentation into a park bench. The project
builds upon the need to enhance transparency and showcases
next-generation air measurement technology by providing quality-assured data to the public on a near real-time
basis, updating to a public data website every minute.
The original prototype was field-tested outside a public library in Durham, NC. Following the successful
prototype test, EPA created a pilot VGP expansion and engaged with state, local and tribal agencies in placing
new park bench stations in various community environments, There are currently eight Village Green stations in
the U.S. located in a variety of environments selected by the grant recipients, such as libraries, a public garden,
and high foot-traffic tourist areas. In addition to Oklahoma City, OK and Durham, NC, participating cities include
Hartford, CT, Kansas City, KS, Houston, TX, Washington, DC, Chicago, IL, and most recently Houston, TX. The
state and local agencies have used the stations as an opportunity to host public outreach events, including
ribbon-cutting ceremonies and informational sessions.
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71
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Partner: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Lake Michigan Air Directors Consortium (L.ADCO)
Challenge: Better understanding of Lake Michigan's ozone formation and transport (ongoing)
Resource: Reference methods, optical and remote sensing analyses and federal research vessel in collaboration
with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, the University of Iowa, the University
of Northern Iowa, the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin via the National Science Foundation,
and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
"This study will improve the
models that we use to inform
science-based decision
making/'- Wisconsin DNR,
Environmental Management
Division Pat Stevens
Ozone is formed when
compounds such as nitrogen
dramatic reductions in these
ozone precursor emissions, many areas bordering Lake Michigan continue to experience elevated ozone
concentrations. This long-standing issue is one of the more challenging air quality issues in the eastern U.S.
A problem that is hindering states and stakeholders addressing this challenge is that Lake Michigan's unique
meteorology and ozone chemistry, including the transport of ozone and ozone precursors in the region, are not
completely understood. Photochemical models are important tools for understanding such transport issues.
However, these models historically have been unable to reproduce the lake breeze effect present around Lake
Michigan, making it difficult for states, the LADCO and EPA to accurately predict and address ozone
concentrations along the Lake Michigan lakeshore. LADCO is a regional planning organization that includes
representation from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin
(http://www.ladco.org/about/index.phpi.
In the summer of 2017, EPA ORD, LADCO, academic institutions, and other state and federal agencies pooled
their expertise and resources to commence a field study to collect information that will be used to better inform
air quality models and ultimately help understand ozone formation around Lake Michigan. EPA ORD, in
conjunction with NOAA and NASA, outfitted a NOAA research vessel with EPA instruments to support over-the-
water measurements. NASA and EPRI are providing airborne remote sensing measurement to complement EPA
and state surface measurements to help understand pollutant transport over Lake Michigan. These
measurements will be combined with satellite data to better understand ozone chemistry and transport over
the area, and better inform efforts to reduce ozone formation along the shoreline.
oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react with sunlight. Despite
72
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Partners: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)
Challenge: How best to decontaminate materials and manage waste and wastewater contaminated with the
Ebola virus (completed)
Resources: Technical assistance
"During the 2001 and 2006 anthrax
incidents in New York City and the 2014
Ebola crises, New York state reached out
to EPA ORD and Region 2 staff for their
experience and acumen to collaborate on
creating a 'complete waste solution.'
This involved designing training sessions,
developing a computerized decision
support tool (I-WASTE), a NYC
Environmental Response and
Remediation Plan for Biological
Incidents, and conducting and publishing research on the ability of commercial autoclaves to treat thermally
resistant anthrax spores and the triple packaging used for transport of highly infectious agents. EPA ORD and
Region 2 staff have been responsive to all of our state's requests for assistance. Collaborative efforts by EPA and
the NYSDEC have contributed significantly in the management of biohazardous waste that has been both timely
and crucial to protecting public health and the environment in New York State and nationally." - NYSDEC Division
of Materials Management Research Scientist Alan Woodard, PhD
In 2014, there was an outbreak of Ebola cases in the United States. EPA ORD researchers were called upon to
provide technical support to states in responding to the emergency. EPA ORD scientists provided technical
support related to decontamination products and best ways to use them. They also delivered expert
recommendations for best decontamination methods for personal protective equipment, a critically important
issue for health care workers and others who came into contact with Ebola patients. EPA ORD provided
instruction on how waste contaminated with the Ebola virus should be managed and the fate of the virus in
wastewater. In addition, EPA ORD participated in a workshop with the Maryland DHMH and contributed to the
National Security Council's development of the Multi-Agency Interim Guidance on Management of Wastes
containing Category A Infectious Agents, such as Ebola. With EPA ORD technical support and assistance,
Maryland and New York were in a better position to address the challenges associated with managing waste
from the Ebola crisis.
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Partners: Alliance for Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Dauphin County Conservation District,
Lancaster County Clean Water Consortium, Lancaster County Conservancy, Lebanon County Conservation
District, Pennsylvania State University and Susquehanna River Basin Commission
Challenge: Managing stormwater treatment systems to protect and to restore water quality in the Chesapeake
Bay (ongoing)
Resource: Center for Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Management
"An ounce of stormwater pollution prevention is worth a pound of
cure, particularly when it adds multiple benefits through green
infrastructure and natural treatment systems. The Center helps
Chesapeake Bay states and stakeholders find solutions to some of
our most challenging water quality problems through science-based
innovation and collaboration." - Maryland Department of the
Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles
The EPA ORD-supported Center for Green Infrastructure and
Stormwater Management was established to conduct
interdisciplinary research to understand and to influence how
decisions are made at multiple spatial and jurisdictional scales to manage stormwater treatment systems that
protect and restore water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, By the time indicators of impairment are measured
within the Chesapeake Bay, the opportunity for adaptive management to alleviate the degradation of water
quality may have already passed. It is therefore imperative to identify headwater landscapes that are
particularly vulnerable to stress from high pollutant loads, population growth and changes in land management.
The Center serves as a focal point to bring together stakeholders and researchers from multiple disciplines to
improve stormwater management in urban and suburban settings; to reduce pollutant loads of nutrients,
sediments, organics and metals; and to minimize stormwater volume and energy use across a range of storm
event magnitudes. To accomplish these objectives, the Center identified the cognitive and institutional barriers
preventing communities from adopting green infrastructure measures to manage stormwater. Additionally, the
Center designed green infrastructure and developed methods to help stakeholders visualize alternative
infrastructures. It modeled the environmental and financial benefits of these alternative infrastructures and
served as a forum for stakeholder discussions.
74
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Partners: Maryland Department of Environment (MDE), California, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, New
Hampshire and Oregon
Challenge: Identifying appropriate opportunities to use advanced monitoring tools, new data collection and
analysis techniques to create improvements and gain efficiencies in environmental monitoring (ongoing)
Resources: Development, pilot testing, and evaluation of advanced monitoring technologies
"Our partnership with EPA on advanced monitoring is extremely important. With new sensors entering the
market every day, understanding if they work and how to communicate the data they generate is a critical need
for state environmental agencies. In 2017, two major sensor studies are taking place in Baltimore, where
hundreds of stationary and mobile sensors will be collecting data on multiple air pollutants and greenhouse
gases. This partnership with EPA is both critical and timely."- MDE Secretary Ben Grumbles
Environmental monitoring is in the midst of a paradigm shift from data
¦ being collected, stored, distributed and communicated by the
government to data being collected by anyone, anywhere and at any
I , time. This shift is driven by recent technological advances, ubiquitous
j ,rjfc data communications and the reduced cost of monitoring technology.
im EPA and the Maryland Department of Environment are co-leading a
state-EPA effort to determine how to fully take advantage of rapid
__ • _T ¦- i changes in environmental monitoring technology. New advanced
monitoring technologies are already available that are smaller, more
portable, and less expensive than traditional methods. However, the
¦ " rapid evolution of monitoring technology also presents challenges to
government agencies, the public and the regulated community because the performance (i.e., accuracy,
precision and reliability) of new technologies is largely uncharacterized. Communities, citizens, industry and
local, state, federal and tribal agencies are asking the same question: "How good is it?"
In April 2016, the state-tribal-EPA collaborative E-Enterprise for the Environment Leadership Council
recommended five actions for joint EPA-state work: 1) perform a detailed options and feasibility analysis on the
creation of an independent third-party evaluation/certification for new technologies; 2) develop scanning and
screening procedures within EPA and the states to help users make decisions on which equipment they should
purchase or pilot; 3) develop messaging and tools to support the interpretation of monitoring results to ensure
that data are properly interpreted and communicated to the public; 4) develop data standards for advanced
monitoring technologies to facilitate distribution, sharing and integration of data; and 5) identify and implement
efficiencies in current technology approval processes. EPA ORD is supporting these joint efforts, while continuing
research on the use and performance of new monitoring technologies. For example, an EPA-supported research
center will deploy a large, distributed network of low-cost air quality monitors in Baltimore and will collect data
to assess variability in pollutant concentrations, source contributions and exposures across in the city.
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Partners: Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), an association of eight
Northeastern States including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Rhode Island and Vermont
Challenge: Northeastern states' planning for energy and air emissions (completed)
"EPA ORD, through its research programs, is well-positioned to support us in
better understanding the numerous multi-state origins and inter-state
transfer of air pollution and how it evolves as it travels to Rhode Island. No
individual state in the Northeast is capable of studying this complicated
issue alone." - Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Director Janet Coit
The MARKet ALIocation (MARKAL) tool is used to model the nation's energy
system and evaluate different energy technology options for reducing air
quality emissions. The tool uses energy and water technology data to create
future scenarios or options for optimizing water and energy consumption
and management. City planners can run simulations on a variety of policy
options to evaluate the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable
solutions for providing energy- and water-related services such as heating,
cooling, and water and wastewater treatment.
EPA ORD has collaborated with NESCAUM in the further development of a
MARKAL model tailored specifically to the energy infrastructure of the Northeast. This NE-MARKAL model was
based on ORD's U.S.-scale 9 region MARKAL/TIMES optimization model database used by decision makers for
coordinated energy and air emissions planning. ORD provided expertise and support for the development of
state-level model database(s) and implementation of the modeling framework and case studies. The NE-
MARKAL framework will be used by decision makers to examine energy policy options and their resultant
impacts on energy services in the region.
Resource: Energy system database
76
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&EPA
science in ACTION
Partners: Local and regional beach managers across states that border the Great Lakes, as well as other states
Challenge: Predicting water quality at beaches (completed)
Resource: Virtual Beach software
"This reliable, predictive water quality model is key to
protecting health and promoting recreational enjoyment of our
beaches. The model provides same-day public notifications of
beach conditions at a lower cost than traditional monitoring.
Communities that use Virtual Beach can dedicate more of their
resources to locating and correcting sources of contamination
and improving local beaches. The (Wisconsin DNR's)
partnership with EPA in the development of this practical
scientific tool offers a great pay off." - Wisconsin DNR Cathy
Stepp (former secretary)
To protect public health, beach managers need to continually assess the level of potentially harmful microbes
(primarily bacteria) in the water. However, traditional, culture-based testing methods take a full 24 hours to get
results - preventing same-day, proactive beach closures and leaving many recreational swimmers open to
sickness or infection. EPA's Virtual Beach tool offers a solution.
Virtual Beach (VB) is a Windows desktop-based software package designed by EPA researchers that provides
rapid, real-time assessments of microbial water quality with model accuracy typically exceeding 80 percent.
Beach managers use VB to develop site-specific statistical models for predicting fecal contamination based on
readily-available data on such as wind direction/speed, rainfall and cloud cover as well as wave height, water
turbidity and sunlight intensity. Once a model is developed for a site using historical data, environmental
information can be collected at a site in the morning, and moments later the model can produce a prediction to
guide decisions about closing the beach for the day or for issuing advisories.
VB is used to assist in advisory issuances in the Great Lakes states and to forecast water conditions in numerous
locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. VB supports
efforts to support the local economy while protecting the health of residents.
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77
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SEPA
science in ACTION
Partner: Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) and other state air agencies
Challenge: Need for effective strategies to reduce harmful air pollutants (ongoing)
Resource: EPA's Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) Modeling System
CM AO predicted ozo«ie for June 1, 2013
!
"Maryland has made dramatic progress over the past 10
years in reducing ozone and fine particle pollution. We
have invested heavily into research and modeling and this
investment has been one of the reasons we have been
successful. The CMAQ photochemical model has been the
key tool we have used to design and refine control
strategies. It has helped us find least cost solutions to
reduce ozone and fine particle pollution." - MDE Secretary
Ben Grumbles
For more than 15 years, EPA and states have been using EPA's Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ)
Modeling System, a powerful computational tool for air quality management. CMAQ simultaneously models
multiple air pollutants, including ozone, particulate matter and a variety of air toxics to help air quality managers
determine the best air quality management scenarios for their states and communities.
State agencies that control air pollution use CMAQ to develop and assess implementation actions needed to
attain National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) mandated by the Clean Air Act. States use the tool to
identify sources of air quality problems and to assist in the design of effective strategies to reduce harmful air
pollutants. Using data about land use, meteorology and emissions, CMAQ provides detailed information about
the concentrations of air pollutants in a given area for any specified emissions or air quality scenario. With
information generated by CMAQ, states are able to examine the estimated impacts of different air quality
policies.
The National Weather Service also uses the model to produce air quality forecasts twice daily, and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention uses CMAQ data in two community-focused tools that allow users to access
county-specific air quality information on pollutants, such as ozone and particulate matter.
CMAQ has a worldwide user community with users in 125 countries. The system brings together three kinds of
models including: meteorological models to represent atmospheric and weather activities; emission models to
represent man-made and naturally-occurring contributions to the atmosphere; and an air chemistry-transport
model to predict the atmospheric fate of air pollutants under varying conditions. The newest version of the
model (CMAQ 5.2) is expected to be released in June 2017.
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Partner: Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC)
Challenge: Need for specialized risk assessment training (completed)
Resource: Training module, Decision Making at Contaminated Sites: Issues and Options in Human Health Risk
Assessment
"The experience and knowledge of EPA scientists were essential to
the success of this important training used by state risk assessors
and others to address complex challenges at contaminated sites."
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control (State Co-
Chair) Claudio Sorrentino
"The ITRC risk training is more robust as a result of our partnership
with EPA experts on this effort." - South Dakota Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (State Co-Chair) John McVey
EPA ORD partnered with ITRC, a program of the Environmental
Research Institute of the States, to develop specialized training for
state risk assessors responsible for the cleanup of chemicals released into the environment. Based on feedback
from EPA's Risk Assessment and Training Experience (RATE) program, ORD scientists reached out to ITRC and
proposed that ITRC create training modules on the harmonization of risk assessment approaches across state
regulators. EPA experts provided materials developed for its RATE program for the ITRC effort. These materials
provide up-to-date and comprehensive training for human health risk assessment, ranging from beginner to
expert classes.
The ITRC team of approximately 75 representatives from various environmental sectors completed a
comprehensive web-based training module entitled, Decision Making at Contaminated Sites: Issues and Options
in Human Health Risk Assessment. ORD scientists provided expert technical support as needed along the
development processes and extensive peer reviews before release of the final product. Currently, all interested
risk assessors in the U.S. and around the globe have free access to this important training material
(http://www.itrcweb.org/risk-3/j. To date, more than 2,100 people have taken the online course and the
associated guidance document is available to download.
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science in ACTION
x=,EPA
Partner: Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, New York and Ohio
Challenge: Simulating and monitoring conditions in drinking water utilities (ongoing)
Resources: Technical assistance and field support
"Having access to my operational data in real-time keeps me on top of the system performance even when I am
not at the plant. This tool helps me manage my staff and resources by providing greater flexibility and real-time
information." - Milford, OH Water Department Supervisor Matt Newman
EPANET-RTX (real-time extension) and RTXiLINK are software
tools that have helped states and their drinking water utilities by
allowing continuous monitoring of their operations to improve
water quality and respond to incidents. Together states and their
utility partners use the tools to better understand and help
improve drinking water system operations.
EPANET-RTX was developed to allow utilities to link their raw
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) data with the
EPANET distribution system hydraulic model to evaluate
conditions in the system in real time. The development of real-
time analytics can provide utilities with the necessary tools to enhance system operations including emergency
response, improved pressure management, leak detection and water quality. EPANET-RTX is currently in use in
many locations including Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan and New York.
To make real-time monitoring available to small systems that lack powerful computing capability, RTX:LINK
provides access to the SCADA data through mobile applications and desktop computers. RTX:LINK software
provides simple and secure access to key water utility operational data streams, using web-based dashboards
for trending and alerting. With RTX:LINK drinking water utilities have the ability to better understand water
quality and operational conditions in their system at any point in time.
RTX:LINK software is easy to install on popular SCADA systems and has been tested in several
locations. RTX:LINK has been piloted in the Milford, Ohio, water system, where it has provided 24 hour access to
current and historical tank levels, pump statuses and distribution system flows via mobile or desktop devices.
RTX:LINK is also being tested in the city of Flint, Michigan, where it is being used to provide the same benefits as
those in Milford along with a continuous, real-time understanding of water age. Using this technology has
helped these water systems optimize operation, identify water losses or low pressure areas, and help predict
available pressure for firefighting should any disruption occur in the distribution system.
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science in ACTION
Partners: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Association of State Drinking Water Administrators
(ASDWA) and other state contributors
Challenge: Providing information, technical assistance and training to small drinking water systems (ongoing)
Resource: Webinars, workshops and workgroup to address challenges and treatment solutions for small systems
"It's very important that we provide small water systems with timely, easy
to use, and accessible tools and training to assist in operating these critical
public water systems, and the webinars and one-on-one meetings are
perfectly suited to meet this need." - Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler
EPA ORD and Office of Water, in coordination with Ohio EPA and ASDWA,
began hosting a monthly webinar series in 2015 targeted for state agencies
on challenges and treatment solutions for small water systems. Because
they have fewer resources than larger systems, small systems face
enormous challenges in consistently providing safe and reliable drinking
water. The series allows EPA to provide training and foster collaboration and dissemination of information,
which, in turn, will help state agencies communicate the latest scientific advancements and current guidance to
their small systems. It also serves as a forum for the invaluable flow of information, providing critical insight
about the problems small water systems are currently encountering in their day-to-day interactions. With that
increased awareness, ORD experts can then modify their research to solve real-world problems that small
systems are experiencing.
As of July 2017, the series has attracted 24,374 participants from all 50 states, tribal nations, U.S. territories and
international participants, and has provided 13,651 continuing education credit certificates (supported by Ohio
EPA). Presenters include representatives from state drinking water agencies to help encourage communication
between the states. For the webinar series schedule, registration and past recordings, visit EPA's website at
(www.epa.gov/water-research/small-svstems-monthlv-webinar-series).
In addition to the webinar series, EPA hosts an annual small drinking water systems workshop in collaboration
with ASDWA. This free, face-to-face workshop offers in-depth training and information for handling small
drinking water systems problems and compliance challenges. It is primarily designed for state personnel
responsible for drinking water regulations compliance and treatment technology permitting. The workshop
typically attracts between 200-400 attendees from across the nation. This year's workshop will be held August
22-24 in Cincinnati; registration is available at (www.epa.gov/water-research). Formed during the 2011
workshop, ORD also leads a small drinking water systems technical communications workgroup to focus on
targeted communication efforts between EPA and the states, taking into account the different needs system
operators. In addition to EPA staff, the workgroup includes state regulatory agency and small water utility
representatives from 13 states. A successful lead free communications tool has been developed, and the
workgroup meets on a regular basis to decide on needed topics for the webinar series and to discuss the
development of new tools.
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Partners: Stafford County, VA; City of Baltimore, MD; York, PA
Challenge: Methods to address the effects of current and future changes in storm intensity, heavy precipitation
events, and more frequent and severe floods in stormwater management planning (completed)
Resource: Technical support to identify barriers and provide tools, data, methods and actions to facilitate
planning for impacts of more frequent and severe storms and floods in collaboration with the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and their partners
/ >
"Effective planning requires a clear understanding of the
science. To that end, the help we are receiving from EPA
scientists is critical to enabling us to come up with short and
long range plans that will protect our lands and our waterways.'
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Director David
Paylor
Changes in storms and heavy precipitation events, along with
land use changes such as development, can significantly affect
the volume of stormwater runoff that municipalities must
manage to protect public health and water quality. Local
decision makers have identified the need for information that
would be useful for planning and adapting local stormwater management plans and controls to account for
these changes.
To address this need, EPA ORD scientists and colleagues from NOAA held workshops and led other community-
level efforts across states within the Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes regions. The collaborations resulted in
jointly derived insights into how scientific information on weather and climate can be most effectively
disseminated to help communities increase the resiliency of stormwater systems in the face of current and
future land use changes and more intense storms and floods. In particular, discussions focused on opportunities
to implement infrastructure based on low-impact development practices, such as rain gardens that collect and
absorb runoff from rooftops, sidewalks and streets, and other alternative management strategies. A summary
report was prepared to inform states and communities on implementing stormwater management plans
((https://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/global/recordisplav.cfm?deid=310045).
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Partners: Depts. of Environmental Protection (KY, MA, ME, NJ, PA and WV); Depts. of Environmental
Management (AL and Rl); CT Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection; DE Dept. of Natural Resources and
Environmental Control; Depts. of Natural Resources (GA, MD and Red Lake Nation (tribal)); MA Dept. of Fish &
Game; NH Dept. of Environmental Services; Depts. of Environmental Conservation (NY and VT); Depts. of
Environmental Quality (NC and VA); SC Dept. of Health & Environmental Control; TN Dept. of Environment &
Conservation; VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries; Susquehanna River Basin Commission; TN Valley Authority
Challenge: Develop a baseline monitoring network to detect long-term trends (ongoing)
Resource: Technical support to states and tribes through workshops and stream monitoring network
development, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey
"As an interstate agency, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC)
certainly recognizes the value of the regional partnership EPA has
assembled to address the need for collecting the data necessary for
detecting changes to water quality and aquatic life communities over time,
especially as it relates to any regional trends that may result from climate
change effects. The establishment of an effective regional network is a
bigger task than any single agency can undertake given the resources
involvedand EPA's staff provided the needed leadership to establish and
guide the partnership, as well as the scientific expertise on the study methods for characterizing any future
changing conditions." - SRBC Executive Director Andrew Dehoff
EPA ORD is working with our regional offices, states, tribes, river basin commissions and other entities to
establish Regional Monitoring Networks (RMNs) for freshwater wadeable streams. The objectives of the RMNs
are to collect long-term biological, thermal, hydrologic, physical habitat and water chemistry data to document
baseline conditions across sites and detect long-term changes. Consistent methods are being used to increase
the comparability of data, minimize biases and variability, and ensure that the data meet data quality objectives.
Continuous sensors are being employed when possible. RMN surveys build on existing state and tribal
bioassessment efforts with annual sampling of a limited number of sites that can be pooled at a regional level.
Pooling data enables more robust regional analyses and improves the ability to detect trends over shorter time
periods. The collaborations across states, tribes and other entities resulted in the development of RMNs, some
of which have collected data since 2012. Recently, EPA Regions 1, 2, 3 and 5, in coordination with their states
and tribes, began developing RMNs for lakes and wetlands with the same objectives as the stream RMNs.
RMN data can be used for many purposes, over short and long-term timeframes. These applications include
informing water quality and biological criteria development and protection planning priorities, refining lists of
biological, thermal and hydrologic indicators, and detecting trends in commonly-used water quality and
biological indicators. The RMN data also are important for detecting climate change effects in the context of
biomonitoring. There are a number of climate change projections that are relevant to aquatic life condition,
including increasing temperatures and changing frequency and magnitude of extreme precipitation events and
frequency of summer low flow events. Managers will be able to use the monitoring data to help inform adaptive
management.
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Partner: New York City, Ohio EPA, Columbus, OH City Council
Challenge: Cleaning up after a wide area radiologic incident
Resources: Full scale demonstration of technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security (DHS)
"It's a great advantage to us to have the federal authorities look at
these products, be able to test them, with input obviously from the
local response organizations that are going to respond, to see what is
the best product on the market." - Charlotte, NC Emergency
Management Planner Michael Tobin
EPA ORD, in collaboration with DHS, conducted the Wide-Area Urban
Radiological Contaminant, Mitigation and Cleanup Technology
Demonstration in Columbus, OH in June 2015.
This demonstration provided first responders with options for response to a wide area radiological incident,
such as a dirty bomb explosion or a nuclear accident, by showing the responders the operation feasibility of the
tools in real time.
Five radiological decontamination technologies (including strippable coatings, gels and chemical foam) were
demonstrated on an urban building. Decontamination technologies were applied to remove contaminants from
the building's surfaces by physical and chemical methods. In addition, vehicle wash technologies as well as
several approaches to contain wash water and radioactive particles were demonstrated. "Radiological
contaminant mitigation" technologies are measures taken to reduce adverse impacts of radiological
contamination on people and the environment, and to facilitate restoration of first responder services and
critical infrastructure. Radiological contaminant mitigation technologies are designed for containing and
removing radiological contamination on the surface in the first hours or days following a radiological event. Such
technologies include "radiological particle containment," which is designed to prevent the spread of particles
that might result from vehicle or foot traffic. Radiological particle containment technologies are applicable for
early phase response to contain the radionuclides and to reduce radiation dose to responders and the public.
Radiological contaminant mitigation also includes "gross decontamination," which is performed with the goal of
reducing contamination levels. This reduction may not meet final cleanup levels but may be useful to mitigate
some public hazard or to contain contamination.
While no live radiological agents were employed in this demonstration, critical operational insight was gained by
the response community. This event continues the applied radiological cleanup research conducted by EPA ORD
at bench and pilot scales over the last several years. In attendance were senior officials from Ohio EPA,
Columbus, OH City Council, first responders from the U.S. and Canada, as well as representatives from New York
City, the Navajo Nation, the United Kingdom, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Battelle Memorial
Institute and others. Watch the Toolbox of Technolog video to learn more.
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