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Regional Methods (RM) Program
The Regional Methods (RM) Program works like EPA's RARE Program in that it provides the regions with near-term research support on high-priority, region-specific science and increases collaboration between ORD and regional staff. But while the RARE Program emphasizes the research as a whole, the RM Program focuses on developing the methods necessary for the regions to meet their monitoring and enforcement objectives.
Each year, ORD designates approximately $600,000 to support RM. As part of the program, the Regional Science and Technology Directors, with input from the regional laboratories and EPA's Biological Advisory Committee, sponsor an annual ranking of environmental measurement (method) needs from across the 10 regions. Regional and ORD scientists jointly develop the individual research projects to address those needs, helping to improve the cooperation and understanding between the two groups. As in the RARE Program, the RSLs facilitate the implementation of the RM Program within the regions and communicate the research results to regional scientists and managers by serving as program contacts.
Past RM research projects have included the development of assessment protocols, biological and diagnostic indicators, toxicity evaluation and analytical methods, and improved sampling methodologies.