EPA uses a wide variety of computational models to support the scientific analyses that inform our decisions and policies. These models increase the level of understanding about natural systems and the way in which they react to varying conditions, including the spread of toxic substances in various media, the short- and long-term effects of exposure to hazardous substances, and other forms of prediction and risk assessment. They estimate the environmental fate of pollutants, their impacts on human health and the environment, and the costs and benefits of alternative policies. Frequently, these models become the basis for environmental cleanup, protection, or regulation. Models therefore underlie how the Agency chooses to address a multitude of environmental questions.
EPA offices, labs and centers maintain a number of websites that provide information about modeling activities that support research and regulatory programs:
Drinking Water, Surface Water and Ground Water
Ecosystems and Landscape Ecology
Pesticides and Toxic Substances
Waste Management and Emergency Response
Pollutant Fate and Transport, Human Exposure, Toxicology and Risk Assessment
The best place to search for and learn about the models upon which EPA relies is in the Models Knowledge Base, a central repository developed by EPA's Council for Regulatory Environmental Modeling (CREM).
For each model included in the Models Knowledge Base, information is provided on:
its development;
its conceptual basis, scientific detail and evaluation;
technical requirements and how to use it;
information on the its inputs and outputs; and
directions for downloading it and links to further information.
EPA established CREM in 2000 to support the development and use of high quality computational models to inform EPA decision making. The CREM council consists of senior managers from across the Agency, while CREM workgroup members include modelers and scientists from the program offices and Regional offices. CREM Web site
Assessing the health and environmental impacts of clean air regulations. Issues include: ozone, particulate matter, and multi-pollutant approaches.
Improving our understanding of linkages between health and drinking water, focusing on the quality and sustainability of water resources.
Investigating how to protect and restore ecosystem "services:" life-sustaining benefits we receive from nature. Examples include clean air and water, fertile soil for crop production, pollination, and flood control.
Studying how global change--particularly in our climate -- affects air and water quality, ecosystems, human health, and socioeconomic systems. Providing information to decision-makers to help adapt to a changing climate.
Assessing risks to people's health from environmental pollutants. Developing biological indicators to determine how regulatory decisions affect public health.
Developing ways to preserve land, restore contaminated properties, and protect the public from contaminants. Issues include: contaminated sediments, groundwater contaminant transport and remediation, and mine waste technology.
Developing tools to evaluate the potential of pesticides and industrial chemicals to hurt people and wildlife.
More about the Pesticides and Toxic Substances Research Program >>
Helping to provide measurable improvement in water quality. Developing water quality criteria to protect people's health and aquatic life.
Provides advice on technical and economic aspects of reports EPA prepares on the Clean Air Act's effects.
More about the Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis >>
Provides advice on the technical bases for EPA's national ambient air quality standards program.
Enhances communication and coordination of all EPA technology activities.
Advises the EPA Administrator on a broad range of environmental policy, technology and management issues.
More about the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology >>
Coordinates and shares information among EPA's laboratories and centers, and provides expert advice on the use of scientific information.
Leads cross-Agency science and science policy development and implementation to ensure the best possible use of science.
Provides peer review and other types of expert advice on a wide range of topics in science and technology.
Addresses EPA's significant science policy issues that go beyond regional and program boundaries. Contributes guidance for selected EPA regulatory and enforcement policies and decisions.