United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Administration And
Resources Management
(3302)
EPA 205-S-97-001
January 1997
&EFA Summary Of The
1998 Budget
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CONTENTS
PAGE
Overview of the 1998 Budget 3
Operating Programs:
Environmental Programs and Management
- Air 11
- Water Quality 15
- Drinking Water 19
- Hazardous Waste 21
- Pesticides 25
- Radiation 29
- Multimedia 31
- Toxic Substances 35
- Management & Support 39
State, Tribal and Local Grants (STAG) 43
Buildings and Facilities 47
Science and Technology 49
Inspector General 55
Oil Spills 57
Trust Funds:
Superfund 63
LUST 69
Water Infrastructure Financing (STAG) 75
Appendix: Budget Tables 79
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NOTK: References to workyears refer to total workyears rather than only
"permanent" workyears. Additionally, some numbers may not add
due to independent rounding.
Cover Photos: John P. Scott, Victor Zambrano
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OVERVIEW
The 1998 President's Budget for the
Environmental Protection Agency presents a clear
and compelling illustration of the Administration's
commitment to 'protect the environment while
advancing the prosperity of the American people
and people throughout the world.' The policies
and programs of the last 25 years have proven
remarkably effective. However, the problems of
the future demand new, creative and innovative
solutions. The 1998 Budget continues building
this new era of environmental protection and
demonstrates again the dedication of this
Administration to environmental protection
efforts.
In 1998, EPA will strengthen its
commitment to protect the public health and the
environment. The Agency's focus is on the
President's environmental commitments made
in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and other significant
priorities, and implementation activities related
to the passage of new environmental legislation.
These efforts will address important issues such
as accelerating Superfund cleanups, expanding
brownfields redevelopment efforts, improving the
public's right to know about pollution in their
neighborhoods, assessing health risks to children,
revitalizing our urban areas, applying new
research tools to the state of the environment,
and ensuring the safety of the Nation's water and
food supplies.
EPA's 1998 budget request of $7.6 billion
and 18,283 workyears encompass a wide variety
of critical programs protecting the public health
and the environment. A clean environment
requires attention towards the traditional
programs that continue to protect our air, land,
and water, but also programs designed to address
more vulnerable populations and more polluted
geographical locations requiring either immediate
or specified attention.
HIGHLIGHTS
Protecting All Communities
from Toxic Pollution
The President made a new national
commitment in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to protect
communities from toxic pollution. The Agency is
making significant contributions to carry out the
Administration's commitments in four key areas.
First, EPA is working to accelerate toxic
waste cleanup. The Agency is requesting funds in
1998 to begin the work to clean up another 500
sites in the next four years, so that 900 (about
two-thirds) of the Nation's worst toxic waste sites
will be cleaned up through the year 2000.
Second, the Agency is proposing a major
expansion of the Brownfields Redevelopment
Initiative. This effort will expand EPA grants to
communities for site assessment and cleanup,
and for redevelopment planning of contaminated
and abandoned urban properties.
Third, the Agency is requesting funds to
improve the availability of information to all
citizens and communities about toxic pollution.
As a part of this commitment, EPA will work with
other federal, state, and local agencies to put in
place a nationwide network to monitor key
environmental health indicators in the air, land
and water. Americans will have access to this
timely health-related data to make informed
choices that directly affect their health. In
addition, the Agency is working to provide the
public with information on toxics and possible
environmental health risks, including cancer,
developmental, hormonal, and reproductive risks.
Finally, the Agency is continuing its
commitment to get tough on criminal polluters.
Prosecutors, police and investigators need better
tools to protect our communities from the threat
of toxic pollution. The Agency is requesting
resources to train state and local law enforcement
officers to investigate and detect environmental
crimes.
Implementing New Environmental Laws
Last year was a watershed year with the
enactment of two new environmental laws - the
Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments (SDWA)
of 1996 and the Food Quality Protection Act
(FQPA) of 1996. These two laws established new
approaches to improve the safety of our drinking
water and food. In addition, they established
aggressive schedules for EPA to implement new
requirements. In 1997, an $40 million was
appropriated for EPA to begin implementation.
In 1998, the President requests an additional $36
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OVERVIEW
million and 141 total workyears to address the
various new requirements within the statutory
time frames.
In 1998, EPA will further implement the
new requirements of the SDWA Amendments to
ensure that every American public water system
will provide safe drinking water. To accomplish
this, EPA will improve the way drinking water
safety standards are set and regulations
developed, emphasize prevention programs such
as protecting source waters, set regulatory
priorities based upon risk, and expand consumer
information about contaminants found in drinking
water. EPA will also provide technical and
financial assistance to state and local governments
to operate small drinking water systems. Finally,
EPA is requesting $725 million in capitalization
grants for states to issue loans to local
municipalities to improve their drinking water
systems.
EPA will also continue in 1998 to
implement the requirements of the FQPA designed
to improve the safety of America's food supply.
Strengthening its ability to ensure safer pesticides,
EPA will reassess existing pesticide tolerances,
streamline reviews of safer pesticides, review
pesticide registration for new health concerns
such as endocrine disrupters, and accelerate
review of existing pesticides. In addition, EPA
will develop and distribute more useful
information to the public to inform them about
the risks posed from adverse pesticide exposures.
To help pay for these new requirements, EPA will
increase pesticide reregistration and tolerance
fees.
Protecting Children from
Environmental Threats
Assessing health risks to children from
environmental pollutants is a major concern for
this Administration. The Administrator has
announced an Agencywide policy to ensure that
environmental health risks to children are
explicitly and consistently evaluated in our risk
assessments, risk characterizations, and
environmental and public health standards. The
Agencyalso issued a national agenda on children's
environmental health in late 1996. EPA will
support families with information under the
Right-to-Know principle about possible health
threats to their children and provide more public
information and education. Enforcement efforts
will also focus on our children, with coordinated
initiatives and case development and litigation to
protect our children from the dangers of lead-based
paint. Lastly, to fulfill the commitment made by
the President and the Administration, EPA will
reassess current information and approaches to
determining risks to children and, accordingly,
revise national standards that will provide greater
protection to our children.
Revitalizing Cities through
Urban Livability Endeavors
EPA is committed to making cities more
livable through environmental protection, by
expanding the urban revitalization efforts begun
by the Superfund's Brownfields program. The
Agency will produce guidelines for preventing
polluted runoff that threatens urban drinking
water sources and focus efforts to improve air
quality in urban communities. In addition, support
will be provided to cities for pilot projects in waste
minimization outreach and in coordinated
pollution prevention goals in reducing waste
generation, energy usage, and water usage.
Applying Advanced Technology
to Environmental Management
Technological developments in remote
sensing, information systems and computer
technologies have created new opportunities for
environmental monitoring and management. The
Advanced Measurement Initiative (AMI) will
guide the identification, research and application
of advanced monitoring tools and enabling
technologies to provide more timely, accurate,
comprehensive and cost-effective monitoring
information for assessing the status of the
environment and the health of people and
ecosystems. Fundamental to AMI are effective
partnerships — both intra-agency and inter-agency
(NASA, DoD, DoE, Dol and DoC), as well as
partnerships with the community, academia and
private industry. The Agency will leverage
partnerships, focusing on matching specific
environmental monitoring technology needs with
appropriate technology solutions. The goals of
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OVERVIEW
AMI include effective adoption of existing and
emerging technologies through integrated
planning and implementation that address
measurement, analysis, data management and
communication.
Regulatory Reinvention
The Agency's commitment to regulatory
reinvention is reflected in improvements in the
current system as well as innovative alternatives
to current practices. The Agency is proposing
activities designed to address problems with
today's regulatory programs. For example, EPA
is restructuring reporting requirements under
the National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES), reducing reporting from
facilities with the best compliance records, while
maintaining full reporting from facilities with
poorer compliance records.
EPA is continuing to seek alternatives to
the current regulatory system. Through efforts
like ProjectXL, the Agency is forming partnerships
with businesses, states, communities, and public
interest groups to test novel management
strategies for single facilities, industrial sectors,
or geographic areas. In addition, the Agency's
Environmental Leadership Program will continue
to work with federal and state partners to initiate
projects to test innovative approaches to
compliance. Funding will also continue in 1998
for mechanisms to assist small businesses,
including Small Business Assistance Centers that
help small businesses in specific industries comply
with their environmental requirements. EPA's
compliance with the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREF A) will steadily
increase the consideration and accommodation of
small business concerns in regulatory matters.
Increasing Support to State
and Tribal Partners
EPA will continue to pursue its strategy
of building and supporting state, local, and tribal
environmental protection programs. Since most
environmental laws envision a federal/state/local/
tribal partnership to fully implement our Nation's
environmental laws, EPA will continue to support
our partner's efforts to fully implement, operate,
and enforce environmental requirements. In
doing this, the Nation's environmental goals will
be achieved through the actions and commitments
of state, local, and tribal governments,
organizations, and local citizens.
EPA assistance to state and tribal
governments will continue to be provided through
both technical and financial assistance. The
Agency is requesting increased resources for the
states in the air, water, and multimedia
enforcement programs to address increasing
program requirements due to the Food Quality
Protection Act, new clean air standards, and
review of the quality of surface waters for Total
Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). Resource
increases are also requested for the tribes in most
categorical program grants to help them continue
to develop their environmental protection
programs.
In addition, EPA is continuing to pursue
new approaches to provide more flexibilities to
our state and tribal partners. EPA is attempting
to formalize Tribal/EPA Environmental
Agreements with every federally recognized
Indian tribe. In this way, EPA can support its
Indian partners in a manner consistent with
tribal priorities and statutory requirements.
Performance Partnership Grants
and Agreements
In 1996, Congress enacted the President's
proposal to establish permanent authority for
EPA to enter into Performance Partnership Grants
with the states and tribes. In 1998, EPA will work
with the states and tribes to combine individual
categorical grants (for air, water, hazardous waste,
etc.) into one or more consolidated grants. These
grants help to streamline administrative burdens,
while at the same time allowing governments to
better target their resources to the most pressing
environmental problems. In 1996, twenty states
used more flexible authority to combine grants in
an effort to reduce administrative burdens. As
states realize the benefits of these combined
grants, we expect more states to participate. The
Performance Partnership Grants build on the
National Environmental Performance
Partnership System (NEPPS), where states and
EPA can sign agreements for reduced EPA
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OVERVIEW
oversight in return for strong state performance.
In fiscal year 1997, we expect at least 24 states to
sign NEPPS agreements with EPA.
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
The Enforcement program will emphasize
a balanced approach between traditional activities
of compliance monitoring, civil enforcement and
criminal enforcement actions, as well as more
recent approaches such as compliance assistance
and compliance incentives. The key areas the
Enforcement program proposes for investment
and redirection of resources in 1998 support its
dual role to use both enforcement and compliance
tools to ensure adherence to environmental
regulations, particularly in high risk areas.
Accordingly, the budget will redirect resources
from the relatively low risk areas such as
Hazardous Waste Enforcement into programs for
protection of children's health from lead-based
paint and from pesticide misuse. The Enforcement
program will also provide additional resources to
protect public water systems and address the
unique water pollution problems of concentrated
animal feedlot operations.
EPA will reduce its request for federal
compliance assistance resources, as states assume
greater responsibility for providing assistance.
However, the Enforcement program will provide
additional resources for compliance incentives to
the regulated community. In 1998, the program
will emphasize and increase the resources devoted
to the new self-audit policy as a way of achieving
greater compliance levels at lower cost to the
public and private sectors, as well as industry/
federal agency partnerships.
Reducing Uncertainties Through Research
The 1998 budget supports strong science
and research which will bolster the Agency's
understanding in areas with major environmental
uncertainties. Research priorities were developed
in the context of the ORD strategic plan using a
risk-based priority process. One such area of
great risk and major uncertainty is Particulate
Matter (PM). PM is perhaps the largest single
contributor to adverse health effects caused by air
pollution, with estimates ranging from thousands
to tens of thousands of premature deaths per
year. PM research will focus on mortality risks,
exposure, and the mechanisms by which particles
affect human health. Increased resources are
also provided in response to growing scientific
concern about the unknown effects of
environmental exposure to substances that
interact with the endocrine system. Research in
this area will characterize the effects of
environmental exposure to various chemicals, in
two target populations, humans and wildlife.
Additionally, EPA will conduct research to obtain
better understanding and assessment of the
potential health risks and human exposures to
drinking water disinfection by-products and
microbial pathogens.
Climate Change Action Plan
The 1998 President's Budget supports
the implementation of the Climate Change Action
Plan (CCAP). The actions taken under the Climate
Change Action Plan are the means by which the
U.S. is striving to meet its commitment to reduce
annual greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels
by the year 2000. The heart of CCAP will remain
its reliance on voluntary partnerships between
EPA and organizations or individuals that join to
save energy and/or increase productivity while
reducing greenhouse gases. EPA currently has
on-going partnerships with entities such as states,
cities, farmers and large and small businesses.
Summary
EPA looks to protect all Americans from
environmental threats, whether a child or adult,
or a person living in an urban or rural community.
EPA seeks the most effective means for creating
a clean environment and protecting public health,
from providing grants to state, local, or tribal
agencies, to implementing Performance
Partnership Grants, and to providing innovative
and cost-effective means for governments and
industry to meet environmental regulations.
EPA's focus on toxic pollution in 1998 paves the
way for future generations to grow up in a clean
and safe environment. EPA also targets our
geographical areas hardest hit by pollution,
ensuring that even those living in the most
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OVERVIEW
environmentally disadvantaged communities still
have hope for the future. By addressing these
initiatives and programs, EPA will demonstrate
that its investments are in concert with America's
highest environmental priorities.
America's priorities also include a
government that works for the people. With
every environmental program, EPA emphasizes
achieving results through strong science and
better research, innovative cost-effective tools
and methods, and initiatives that aim to work
with industry, governments, and Americans as
partners. Most importantly, EPA works for the
American people by protecting the Nation's public
health and environment.
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In 1998, The Agency's Budget T>tals $7.6 Billion
I Operating Programs
I Trust Funds
I Water Infrastructure
$7,558M
$7,645 M
$6,515 M $6,459 M
$6,882 M
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
1998
Notes: State, Local, and Tribal grants previously captured in the Operating Programs
are accounted for in Water Infrastructure beginning in 1996
The Agency's V\forkyear Ceiling Increases in 1998
| Operating Programs
Trust Funds
1M15 .17>010,
/
12,814
/
4
/
13,291
/
I
17,280
X J
s
13,575
X
4
17,106
* 1
13,330
_____
s
A
17,508
/ S
13 801
4
17,082
/
13,580
s
A
17,951
/ /
14,207
••••••••••••••
J
18.28
/
14,409
*———•
3
/
4
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
8
1998
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THE
OPERATING
PROGRAMS
9
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10
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AIR
DOLLARS
+$59.8 M $313.0 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
1,657 -74
1,583
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
The overall quality of our Nation's air
continues to improve. Emissions of the Nation's
six major air pollutants have declined almost 30
percent since passage of the Clean Air Act in
1970, and recent trends show continued declines.
For all pollutants except ozone, 1995 air quality
levels were the best in a decade. But we still have
more to do before all Americans, especially our
children, have safe, fresh air to breathe. Air
pollution continues to be a widespread problem in
the United States, contributing to human illnesses
such as cancer, respiratory and reproductive
problems, and mental impairment. Air pollution
also reduces visibility, corrodes buildings, and
damages natural resources and ecosystems
through toxic accumulation and acidification of
soils and lakes. Through November 1996, more
than 170 areas, with a combined population of
approximately 124 million residents, didnotmeet
current air quality standards for one or more of
the six common "criteria" pollutants for which
EPA has established National Ambient Air
Quality Standards to protect human health and
the environment. Recent studies show that some
current standards may not be sufficient. The
studies recommend changes to the standards
that would increase the size of the population
living in areas designated as non-attainment.
The primary law authorizing EPA to
control air pollution is the Clean Air Act (CAA)
which was updated in 1990 to give EPA expanded
authority to control smog, air toxics, acid rain,
and other health threats. The CAA of 1990 also
gave EPA authority to develop regulations for the
phaseout of chemicals that destroy the earth's
ozone layer. EPA is also involved in the activities
of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), and EPA programs contribute
significantly to greenhouse gas emission
reductions accomplished under the
Administration's Climate Change Action Plan
(CCAP). EPA also addresses issues associated
with indoor air environments.
The President's Budget requests a total of
$313.0 million and 1,583 workyearsin 1998 in
the Air media under the EPM account. The 1998
request for the Air media does not include $11.3
million and 98 workyears the Agency is requesting
under the S&T appropriation in 1998, rather
than the EPM appropriation as in the past.
Considering the amount requested in the S&T
account, funding levels increase by $71.1 million
from 1997, and workyears increase by 23. The
Agency has established six program objectives for
1998 to help achieve clean air environmental
goals: 1) continue to review the adequacy of
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) and to work with states to attain the
standards; 2) reduce emissions of hazardous air
pollutants through setting federal standards and
developing an integrated urban air toxics strategy;
3) encourage the use of market-based approaches
(e.g., the highly successful, market-based acid
rain emissions trading system); 4) reduce energy
consumption and prevent pollution through
voluntary, profitable measures; 5) implement
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domestic rules and United States responsibilities
under the Clean Air Act and the revised Montreal
Protocol for reducing stratospheric ozone
depletion; and 6) provide technical support to
state and tribal air programs.
HIGHLIGHTS
Improving the Nation's Air Quality
EPA sets NAAQSs for pollutants that
endanger public health and the environment.
The Agency is required to review the NAAQSs
every five years and revise them as necessary.
The review process includes economic, risk, health,
and benefits analyses. EPA reviewed the ozone
and particulate matter standards in 1996, and
the Agency expects to decide the need for revised
standards in 1997. The President's Budget
requests a total of $66.3 million and 632 workyears
in 1998 for improving air quality. The 1998
request for this activity does not include $5.8
million and 51 workyears the Agency is requesting
under the S&T appropriation in 1998, rather
than the EPM appropriation as in the past.
Considering the amount requested in the S&T
account, funding levels are nearly unchanged
from 1997, and workyears increase by 13.
After a NAAQS is set, states must develop
clean air plans that reduce pollution and protect
public health and the environment. In 1998 EPA
will continue to assist states in meeting NAAQS,
and work with affected states to address the
persistent and widespread problem of ozone
transport.
EPA will provide direct assistance to
industry in 1998 by developing and refining
emission factors and providing technical guidance
on developing emission inventories. The demand
for new and refined factors is growing as sources
prepare to comply with new operating permit
requirements.
Enhancing Urban Livability
Continuing EPA's success in
demonstrating that economic renewal and
environmental protection go hand-in-hand, the
Agency will launch a new initiative in 1997 that
builds on current urban revitalization efforts while
helping cities meet future economic and
environmental challenges. In 1998 EPA will
coordinate Sustainable Development Challenge
Grants with the Urban livability initiative and
empower state and local governments to pursue
innovative approaches to local environmental
protection issues. The President's Budget requests
$14.3 million and 4 workyears under the EPM
appropriation to support these initiatives in the
Air media in 1998, an increase of $9.9 million and
an increase of four workyears from 1997.
Establishing a Community
Right-to-Know Network
As part of the President's environmental
commitments made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the
President's Budget requests $5.0 million and 13
workyears under the EPM appropriation to
support the establishment of a Community
Right-to-Know Network, a new program in 1998.
The Agency will begin to build a National
Right-to-Know Network in 1998 to make real-
time air quality information available when
families need it to make decisions affecting their
activities and exposure to unhealthy air. Work
will begin with states to enhance air quality data
delivery systems and to upgrade monitoring
networks, where necessary, for the 75 largest
metropolitan areas. The 1998 effort will focus on
designing pilot systems for initial metropolitan
areas and purchasing equipment and software.
Implementing National Air Toxics
Strategies and Standards
In addition to the pollutants for which air
quality standards have been established, there
are hundreds of other hazardous air pollutants,
generally called air toxics. Over one million tons
of these air toxics are released annually to the
atmosphere from industrial facilities, automobiles,
and other sources.
To help reduce public exposure to air
toxics, EPA must develop technology-based
standards for 189 hazardous air pollutants from
174 industries. Under the requirements of the
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Clean Air Act, EPA must develop these Maximum
Achievable Control Techno logy (MACT) standards
on a phased schedule through the year 2000. At
that point, EPA will determine whether the
remaining public health risk warrants additional
regulation. EPA also is developing other air toxic
rules for combustion sources and developing and
implementing strategies to reduce public health
risks in urban areas, as well as to reduce
atmospheric deposition of toxics to the Nation's
water bodies, including the Great Lakes. The
President's Budget requests a total of $41.9 million
and 218 workyears in 1998 for the Air Toxics
program. The 1998 request for this activity does
not include $4.7 million and 38 workyears the
Agency is requesting under the S&T appropriation
in 1998, rather than the EPM appropriation as in
the past. Considering the amount requested in
the S&T account, funding levels increase by $276
thousand from 1997, and workyears increase by
four.
Controlling Acid Rain
Acid deposition and its precursors
adversely affect human health; damage lakes,
forests, and man-made structures; and reduce
visibility. EPA seeks to reduce sulfur deposition
by a range of 25 to 40 percent in the eastern U.S.
by the year 2005. The 1998 President's Budget
requests $12.9 million and 100 workyears under
the EPM appropriation for the Acid Rain program,
an increase of $681 thousand and an increase of
five workyears from 1997.
EPA has begun to reduce sulfur dioxide
(SO2) emissions by 10 million tons from 1980
levels and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by two
million tons. The Agency is achieving the SO2
emission reductions through an innovative
market-based emission allowance program that
provides affected sources with flexibility in
meeting required emission reductions. Successful
implementation of the allowance trading system
minimizes compliance costs, maximizes economic
efficiency, and allows for growth. The acid rain
program is seen as a model for regulatory reform
efforts both here and abroad. In 1998 EPA will
work with states to develop market-based
programs to reduce NOx.
Maintaining Voluntary Partnership
Programs to Prevent Pollution
To stabilize 'greenhouse' gases that
contribute to climate change, EPA promotes
voluntary partnership programs to prevent and
reduce emissions of air pollution. By
demonstrating the pollution prevention benefits
of energy efficiency, the program educates
manufacturers, designers, and consumers on the
purchase, installation and use of energy efficient
products in a manner that benefits the
environment while not imposing net increased
costs on participating organizations. The Climate
Change Action Plan also expands cooperative,
non-regulatory programs to profitably capture
and use methane and emissions of other potent
greenhouse gases by providing technical support,
removing institutional barriers such as property
rights issues and fair pricing from utilities, and
recruiting partners for these voluntary programs.
The 1998 President's Budget requests $91.9
million and 120 workyears under the EPM
appropriation for maintaining voluntary
partnership programs to prevent pollution, an
increase of $42.6 million and a decrease of one
workyear from 1997.
Reducing Stratospheric Ozone Pollution
The President's Budget requests $25.5
million and 26 workyears under the EPM
appropriation for EPA's Stratospheric Ozone
Depletion Program, an increase of $9.3 million
and a decrease of one workyear from 1997. To
restore the stratospheric ozone layer and protect
public health and the environment, EPA focuses
on four areas: domestic and international
phase-out of ozone depleting chemicals;
implementation of limitations on other ozone
depleters; more intensive recycling programs in
the U.S. and abroad; and earlier voluntary
phase-out of ozone depleting chemicals in
developing countries.
Included in the President's Budget for the
Stratospheric Ozone program is $21.0 million to
support the Montreal Protocol Facilitation Fund.
This fund is a treaty obligation that supports
developing countries' efforts to phaseout the use
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of ozone depleting substances. To date, the fund
has financed over 1,517 activities in 101 developing
countries. When fully implemented, these
activities will result in the annual prevention of
over 30,000 tons of ozone depleting substances.
Addressing Indoor Air Environments
EPA's primary strategy to reduce
exposure to unhealthy levels of indoor air
pollutants is to use voluntary approaches and
partnerships to educate audiences ranging from
consumers to building managers about indoor air
problems and solutions. The Agency develops
guidance about ways to reduce the health risks of
indoor contaminants such as radon, second-hand
tobacco smoke, and emissions from building and
consumer products and works through partner
organizations to create awareness and change
consumer and institutional behavior. The
President's Budget requests a total of $ 18.7 million
and 113 workyears in 1998 for the Indoor
Environments program.
Implementing Strong Compliance
and Enforcement Efforts
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$22.2 million and 293 workyears under the EPM
appropriation for the Stationary Source
Enforcement program, an increase of $2.4 million
and a decrease of ten workyears from 1997. The
program monitors compliance with the attainment
and maintenance of ambient standards for Clean
Air Act criteria and toxic pollutants. The program
also ensures the reduction of hazardous air
emissions by enforcing the stationary sources
requirements of state clean air plans, New Source
Performance Standards, National Emission
Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, the Acid
Deposition Control Program and Stratospheric
Ozone Protection Program.
In 1998, Stationary Source Compliance
Monitoring efforts will be focused on major
stationary sources in nonattainment areas, on
new sources, and on problem sources in attainment
areas. The regional program will support and
supplement the efforts of state and local air
pollution control agencies. Stationary Source
Civil Enforcement will target enforcement actions
to ensure the reduction of toxic air emissions and
implement the Title V Operating Permits program
to address hazardous air pollutants and enhance
state programs for improved urban air quality.
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WATER QUALITY
DOLLARS
$272.9 M +$2.0 M $274.9 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
1,830 -2 1,828
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
Since the passage of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act of 1972, the United States
has had tremendous success in reducing pollution
entering our surface waters. EPA's Water Quality
program has broadened its focus over the years by
examining entire watersheds and considering all
sources of water pollution to increase program
effectiveness. This broader 'place-based' approach
considers critical ecosystems affected,
stakeholders involved, strong science and data
available, and pollution prevention strategies in
developing effective solutions. In this way, point
and nonpoint source problems -- such as wet
weather runoff from farms, streets, lawns and
construction sites -- can be addressed in a coherent,
targeted strategy. This is critical since nonpoint
source pollution has become the Nation's most
significant remaining water quality problem.
The Water Quality program, mandated
by the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1987, has
improved water quality management and
enhanced the Agency's partnerships with the
states. This Act authorized the development of
new standards and guidelines to prevent and
control water quality pollution and authorized
new approaches to deal with nonpoint sources of
pollution. Other statutory mandates of this
program are found in the Great Lakes Critical
Programs Act; Water Resources Development
Act; the Marine Protection, Research and
Sanctuaries Act; the Shore Protection Act; and
the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Amendments.
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$274.9 million and 1,828 workyears for the
Water Quality program, an increase of $2.0 million
and a decrease of two workyears from 1997. In
1998, the Agency will continue its long-standing
focus on common sense, place-based approaches
that build on the basic water programs; in
particular, revising existing water quality criteria,
assisting stakeholders in incorporating a
risk-based approach, investigating emerging
priorities like air deposition pollutants into surface
waters, and providing increased support for tribal
water programs.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Water Quality program in 1998 will
increase funding for various programs to enhance
water quality. The Water Quality program will
participate in the President's Right-to-Know
Initiative by providing greater access to
comprehensive water quality data and by
educating the public regarding the risks from
contaminated water at beaches. As part of the
Administration's Urban Livability Initiative, the
Water Quality program will establish
partnerships and create tools to assist local
communities in addressing water quality
problems. In addition, the Agency is requesting
a significant increase in funding to support the
development of effluent guidelines and its
Nonpoint Source (NFS) programs. The Water
15
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WATER QUALITY
Quality program will also strengthen its
Community-Based Environmental Protection
(CBEP) efforts. Finally, increased assistance will
be provided to states in developing watershed-level
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and to
allow EPA to successfully backstop state efforts if
necessary.
Increasing the Public's Right-to-Know
In 1998, EPA is requesting $2.0 million
for the President's Right-to-Know Initiative to
increase public knowledge of the risks to human
health from exposure to contaminated water at
beaches and to provide accessible comprehensive
water quality information to the public. EPA will
work with environmental health officials from
state, county, city, and tribal agencies, as well as
concerned interest groups, to identify and collect
information on beach health protection activities
nationwide. EPA will develop and disseminate
information materials on the risks, particularly
to children, of exposure to waters contaminated
by disease-causing microorganisms. In addition,
investments in the recently created
Surf-Your-Watershed Internet page and the
National Watershed Assessment Project will build
on the Agency's information-gathering and
dissemination successes.
Revitalizing the Urban Environment
In 1998, to continue to successfully
demonstrate that economic renewal and
environmental protection go hand-in-hand, EPA
is requesting $2.3 million for an urban
revitalization initiative to address cities' special
environmental needs. As part of a multi-media
effort, the Water Quality program will apply
lessons learned in developing effluent limitation
guidelines and wet weather flow controls by
establishing partnerships and creating tools for
protecting and restoring polluted waterways that
hold vast potential for economic development.
Improving Effluent Guidelines
The Agency is requesting an increase of
$3.0 million to support development, revision,
and promulgation of effluent guidelines that have
the greatest potential for reducing risks to public
health. EPA will also provide a larger role to
stakeholders in identifying cost-effective pollution
control technologies which do not overburden the
regulated community, integrating wherever
possible a multi-media approach, and
incorporating pollution prevention principles.
Strengthening Community-Based
Environmental Protection
In 1998, the Agency will strengthen
Community-Based Environmental Protection
(CBEP) efforts through targeted geographic
initiatives and development of the tools our
partners need to make informed, effective
decisions in setting their own environmental goals.
EPA will support development and
implementation of national coastal strategies and
transfer lessons learned from established National
Estuary Programs to other coastal areas and
water bodies. The Chesapeake Bay Program will
expand its base of partners to meet ambitious
goals that include reducing nutrients entering
the Bay by 40% by the year 2000. The Gulf of
Mexico Program, through its broad network of
partners, will address critical issues in the Gulf
ecosystem like hypoxia, shellfish contamination,
and habitat loss. EPA's Great Lakes Program
will lead federal, state, tribal, local, and industry
efforts for Great Lakes protection and restoration.
Assisting States with Total Maximum
Daily Loads (TMDLs)
The Clean Water Act requires each state
to identify waters, within its boundaries, that do
not meet water quality standards after
technology-based pointsource controls are applied.
For these waters, states must establish Total
Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) which allocate
how many pollutant loadings are allowed from all
point and nonpoint sources in a watershed to
meet their water quality standards. In 1998, to
satisfy the national need for better tools, the
President is requesting an increase of $8.7 million
to enhance EPA's capabilities to directly assist
specific states in developing watershed level
TMDLs, and, if necessary, assist states by
promulgating TMDL rules. EPA will develop
specialized TMDL templates and customized
watershed tools that states can easily use to
quickly develop less-complex TMDLs, allowing
16
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WATER QUALITY
states to then focus on the more complex TMDL
court requirements. These tools will be made
available to all states to help prevent future
litigation or bolster state positions in potential
litigation. Finally, these increased resources will
also enable EPA to develop and promulgate
multi-state TMDLs where needed.
Addressing Nonpoint Sources
In 1998, the Agency is requesting $5.0
million to increase its support of the President's
commitment to bolster ongoing nonpoint source
pollution control and prevention programs. The
Agency will make program improvements in 1998,
including issuing better evaluation criteria for
upgraded state programs and working to improve
federal-state consistency under NFS programs.
In addition, the Agency will accelerate its efforts
with states to upgrade their NFS management
programs. The Agency will also reinvigorate its
public-private partnership efforts designed to
encourage the voluntary adoption and
implementation of NFS measures by those owners
and managers whose day-to-day decisions and
actions can result in NFS pollution.
Ensuring Environmental Accountability
through Setter Compliance
In 1998, EPA will promote a
comprehensive approach for Water Quality
compliance to ensure environmental
accountability in protection of the Nation's
waterways. The Water Quality Compliance
Monitoring program will continue to concentrate
compliance monitoring activities in targeted high
risk sectors, ecosystems, and populations. In
1998, the program will convert the Concentrated
Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) pilot initiated
in 1997 to a national program initiative. The
program will enhance its recently developed
place-based targeting approach which was first
implemented in 1996. Regions will work with
state, local, and tribal partners in identifying
stressed and threatened ecosystems in high-risk
sectors and geographic areas. The Water Quality
Civil Enforcement program will focus targeted
enforcement activities towards priority
watersheds, troubled waters and protection
against sewer overflows.
17
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18
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DRINKING WATER
DOLLARS
+$10.8 M $105.3M
$94.5 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
+79 714
635
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
The Drinking Water program was
established to ensure that the nation's public
water supplies are free of contaminants that may
pose unacceptable human health risks and to
protect our ground water resources. The Safe
Drinking Water Act (SDWA) creates nationwide
safeguards for drinking water and establishes
federal enforcement responsibility when
necessary. The SDWA Amendments of 1996
increase the ability of EPA, its state regulatory
partners, water suppliers, and the public to protect
our drinking water by emphasizing prevention,
sound science and risk-based priority setting, as
well as consumer information.
The 1996 Amendments will bring
substantial changes that will address today's
problems and assure the sustainable availability
of safe drinking water to the 240 million Americans
who get their drinking water from public water
systems. The Amendments focus on four major
areas of change: (1) improving the way EPA sets
drinking water safety standards and develops
regulations; (2) establishing new prevention
approaches, including provisions for operator
certification, capacity development, and source
water protection; (3) providing better information
to consumers; and (4) expanding funding for states
and communities to upgrade their public drinking
water systems through Drinking Water State
Revolving Funds (DW-SRF).
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$105.3 million and 714 workyears for the
Agency's Drinking Water program, an increase of
$10.8 million and 79 workyears over 1997. This
amount does not include an additional $725.0
million for the DW-SRF and $104.3 million for
state and tribal drinking water grants.
HIGHLIGHTS
With the recent passage of the 1996
Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act,
EPA will focus its resources on implementing the
new requirements of the law. This will entail
building upon the earlier drinking water
reinvention efforts to establish more risk-based
drinking water standards as well as conducting
source water protection efforts, implementing
consumer right-to-know provisions and providing
financial assistance to states to help upgrade
drinking water systems.
Implementing the New Safe
Drinking Water Act
EPA is responding quickly to the new
direction for drinking water protection established
by the 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking
Water Act (SDWA). In 1998, the President's
Budget requests an increase of $20.3 million and
70 workyears for all EPA programs to implement
the new law of which $17.9 million and 63
workyears will go to the Office of Water. The 1996
Amendments have reinvigorated the federal/state/
local government partnership to help ensure that
every American public water system will provide
19
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DRINKING WATER
water that is consistently safe to drink. EPA will
publish guidance in 1998 that describes ways to
help ensure that water systems have technical,
financial, and managerial capacity to comply with
drinking water regulations. The new statute also
requires EPA to publish national guidelines for
state certification programs for operators of public
water systems by February 1999. In 1998, EPA
will publish a compilation of the major drinking
water stakeholders' recommendations on operator
certification requirements. Finally, the Drinking
Water State Revolving Fund program will assist
water systems in financing the capital costs of
drinking water infrastructure improvements to
achieve or maintain compliance with SDWA
requirements.
The 1996 Amendments strengthen the
Agency's efforts to protect sources of drinking
water. In 1998, EPA will be working with the
states to conduct required source water
assessments that help determine the vulnerability
of each state's sources of drinking water to
contamination. The Source Water Protection
(SWP) program also emphasizes
community-based environmental protection. In
1998, the Agency will expand its efforts with the
55,000 community public water systems that
supply drinking water from both surface and
groundwater sources. These programs will be
coordinated with measures taken to protect and
enhance water quality under the Clean Water Act
and other Agency programs.
In 1998, EPA will greatly expand
consumer awareness activities. The 1996
Amendments direct the Agency to promulgate
regulations for an annual right-to-know program
for customers of all public water systems. The
Agency will be working with the states to ensure
that consumer confidence reports are issued.
Protecting Human Health
from Contaminants
In 1998, the Agency's highest priority in
the Drinking Water program is establishing
standards to protect human health from
microbiological contaminants and disinfectant/
disinfection byproducts (M-DBP). The Agency's
long-term endeavor of developing safety standards
and regulations that address the risk posed by
these contaminants will continue in 1998. EPA
will also work with states, water systems
(especially small systems), and equipment
suppliers to expand technology choices for treating
drinking water and preventing microbial
contamination. EPA will assist systems of all
sizes in implementing Composite Correction
Programs (CCP) to improve filtration
performance. The Agency will continue to work
with the 300 large drinking water systems
implementing the Information Collection Rule
(ICR) to collect and analyze occurrence and
treatment data.
Regulating Underground Injection Wells
In 1998, EPA will promulgate the final
rule for Class V underground injection wells. The
Agency is requesting an increase in funding of
$0.6 million for this activity. This rule is directed
to those states with primary enforcement
authority (primacy) for the Underground Injection
Control (UIC) program and by EPA in those
states without primacy or with partial primacy.
The Class V rule applies to the 120,000 shallow,
industrial injection wells that exist nationwide.
Through its multi-partner effort, EPA will work
with local government managers of source water
protection programs to incorporate both the
implementation of the Class V rule as well as
management of other Class V wells, especially
storm water and agricultural drainage wells, into
their ongoing activities.
Providing Strong Enforcement
EPA is committed to a strong enforcement
presence to ensure that drinking water supplies
meet SDWA requirements. The Drinking Water
Civil Enforcement program will endeavor to
protect surface and ground waters, deter
underground injection of hazardous pollutants
into groundwater, and address the 186,000 public
water systems regulated by the SDWA. In 1998,
the Drinking Water Compliance Monitoring
program will develop compliance monitoring
strategies and train inspectors under the recently
reauthorized Safe Drinking Water Act. The
program will seek to maximize compliance and
return violators to compliance as quickly as
possible using a variety of enforcement tools.
Targeted compliance monitoring and aggressive
responses to noncompliance will encourage the
regulated community to meet their obligations.
20
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HAZARDOUS WASTE
DOLLARS
$174.0 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
1,312 +8 1,320
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
The manufacturing processes of large and
small industries, and everyday domestic
consumption, have resulted in an increase in
hazardous and municipal solid wastes. Last year
the Nation generated approximately 210 million
tons of municipal solid wastes, averaging 4.4
pounds per person per day. Improper waste
disposal practices can cause environmental and
public health problems. The Hazardous Waste
program was established to meet the overall goal
of proper prevention, management and disposal
of hazardous and municipal solid wastes
generated nationwide.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA) of 1976, as amended by the Hazardous
and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) of 1984,
provides the legislative mandate to ensure safe
management and disposal of solid and hazardous
wastes, minimize the generation of new wastes,
and prevent and detect the leakage from
underground storage tanks (UST). Under the
RCRA program, EPA has worked with state and
local partners to establish regulations, national
policies and provide guidance for regulated
entities. These regulated entities include those
who generate, treat, store, or dispose of waste.
The Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act, Title III of the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986,
established guidelines to address risks posed by
hazardous chemicals in communities.
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$181.1 million and 1,320 workyears for the
Hazardous Waste program, an increase of $7.1
million and 8 workyears over 1997. In the
regulatory area, the Hazardous Waste program
will emphasize the establishment of national
waste management standards that match
requirements more closely to risk. The program
will also improve the scientific basis for decisions
relevant to the disposal of wastes. Another Agency
focus is increased and wider involvement in
environmental protection. For example, the
Agency will strengthen the participation of
communities in the cleanup decision-making
process. Training and direct technical assistance
will help tribal governments become more active
in improving the safety of their waste management
programs.
HIGHLIGHTS
In 1998, the Agency will continue to assist
states and tribal governments in establishing
and maintaining efficient and effective hazardous
waste programs through an emphasis on risk
reduction and regulatory reinvention. The Agency
will develop new environmental indicators and
improve public access to information through the
President's environmental commitment made in
Kalamazoo, Michigan to the Right-to-Know
Initiative. EPA will also provide cities with
solutions for reducing environmental barriers for
the renewal of contaminated properties, by
21
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HAZARDOUS WASTE
providing support to the Urban Livability
Initiative.
Strengthening the National RCRA Program
Through Regulatory Reinvention
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$63.9 million and 283 workyears to support the
hazardous waste regulatory program, an increase
of $2.5 million and three workyears over 1997.
The Agency will continue to protect human health
and the environment from the effects of
uncontrolled exposure to hazardous and solid
wastes.
The President's environmental
commitment made in the Right-to-Know Initiative
will provide the public with better access to
environmental information. The RCRA program
efforts on this initiative will focus on informing
the public of waste-site risks. The Agency will
also develop enhanced environmental indicators
for the public to monitor environmental impacts
as well as health effects and integrate them into
the existing public information system.
In 1998, the Agency will expand the Urban
Livability Initiative. This program will provide
cities with the tools and information needed to
develop community-based responses for renewing
contaminated properties. The program will also
assist communities in correcting environmental
barriers to redevelopment of these properties. In
the RCRA program, the Urban Livability Initiative
will expand successful small business pilot projects
in waste minimization outreach that coordinate
pollution prevention goals across media.
RCRA reinvention efforts aim to
fundamentally change the way RCRA is managed
and implemented. Fundamental changes will be
made by simplifying definitions and
implementation procedures, and by achieving a
greater match between the level of risk and the
management standards imposed. Utilizing recent
scientific information to re-examine RCRA
program definitions will eliminate unnecessary
requirements as well as identify gaps in
environmental protection. The implementation
of recommendations made by the Permit
Improvement Team (PIT) will be emphasized in
order to reduce regulatory burden and costs for
industry and the Agency. These PIT
recommendations include general permits for
lower-risk facilities and a possible electronic or
paperless permit.
As part of the Common Sense Initiative,
the RCRA program will explore solutions and
alternatives in the metal plating and electronics
sector. By 1998, RCRA will complete a benchmark
study of metal finishing sludges which will provide
the basis for the consideration of alternatives for
optimizing recycling in the industry.
Implementing Hazardous and
Solid Waste Policy
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$63.1 million and 546 workyears to support the
implementation of the regional RCRA program,
an increase of $2.6 million and ten workyears
over 1997. As part of the Agency's efforts to put
decision-making in the hands of those closest to
the problems, EPA will continue to form
partnerships with state, local, and tribal
governments and integrate the community-based
approach to environmental protection.
Permitting, corrective actions, and waste
minimization will also continue to be important
priorities of the Agency.
The RCRA program will continue to offer
technical assistance and support to the states. To
assist in implementation, the Agency will develop
work-sharing agreements and provide site-specific
technical assistance. The Agency will also continue
assisting states in innovative customer service
pilot programs (e.g. in one pilot, a group of
permitting specialists has been formed that will,
at a state's request, assist in eliminating
permitting backlogs). In 1998, the Agency will
continue to provide valuable information to states
for implementing the RCRA program.
The RCRA program will continue to
explore other practical implementation
improvements through participation in XL
projects. These projects will build on the
willingness of facilities and generators to achieve
superior environmental performance while finding
alternative, often less expensive, methods of
preventing hazardous releases.
Permitting activities, which are a key
pollution prevention method, will continue to be
22
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HAZARDOUS WASTE
a high priority of the Agency. One of the significant
areas for permitting efforts will be the chemical
demilitarization program, which is a priority for
risk reduction. Through a continuing corrective
action program, the Agency will ensure cleanups
of hazardous spills or releases at operating
facilities are conducted appropriately. The 1998
President's request will help to address the
corrective action backlog of high and medium risk
facilities that remains to be addressed. Waste
minimization efforts such as the Jobs Through
Recycling and the WasteWi$e program will
maintain support for local ventures that improve
the market for recycled and recyclable materials.
Promoting Sound Management Practices
for Underground Storage Tanks
The 1998 President's Budget requests a
total of $6.7 million and 57 workyears to support
the prevention, detection and correction of releases
from underground storage tanks, an increase of
$419,600from 1997. EPA will support compliance
with the 1998 deadline for upgrading, replacing
or closing tanks; support the Agency's Private
Sector Initiative to prevent another generation of
leaking tanks; and continue to work with states to
obtain state program approval, as well as tribal
and state implementation support.
Improving Local Level Accident
Prevention and Planning, and
Conducting Accident Investigations
The 1998 President's Budget requests a
total of $ 13.8 million and 74 workyears to support
the Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) program. In 1998,
the Agency will concentrate the program's efforts
in three areas: implementing state and local
chemical accident risk management prevention
programs; continuing to assist industries in
meeting risk management plan requirements;
and conducting joint EPA/OSHA accident
investigations of major facility chemical accidents.
Under the auspices of the Clean Air Act,
EPA recently completed the Risk Management
Plan (RMP) rule. In 1998, EPA will concentrate
on working with states in the implementation of
their accidental release prevention programs. By
getting states to operate a program, they will be
prepared to receive individual risk management
plans that will be submitted by facilities in 1999.
In 1998 the Agency will also support the
RMP effort by providing technical assistance,
guidance, outreach and training to individual
facilities required to develop individual risk
management plans. EPA will also ensure that
information on the RMP program is made
available electronically, through small business
networks and the EPCRA Hotline.
Accident investigations of major facility
chemical accidents will be conducted by the EPA
and the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) to determine cause and
issue recommendations to enhance chemical safety
at individual facilities as well as industrywide.
To prevent future accidents, activities in 1998
will focus on the exchange of information between
stakeholders. EPA and OSHA will also support
an external expert panel to review accident
investigation reports and make additional
recommendations for future prevention and safety
efforts.
Focusing Enforcement Activities on
Higher Risks
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$33.1 million and 353 workyears to support the
Hazardous Waste Enforcement program, an
increase of $1.0 million and a decrease of four
workyears from 1997. Compliance monitoring
efforts will enhance and complement state efforts
as the states increasingly assume the
responsibility for the bulk of the mandated
inspection and enforcement work. The program
will direct its compliance monitoring activities in
1998 toward reducing risks from priority industry
sectors such as petroleum refining and primary
non-ferrous metals.
The Hazardous Waste Civil Enforcement
program will continue to prevent and reduce
pollution from high-risk hazardous wastes
through activities targeted toward combustion
facilities, fuel burners and generators who are
out of compliance. The Agency will also implement
enforcement of labeling and transportation
requirements associated with the Battery
Recycling Act to ensure proper disposal of batteries
containing heavy metals.
23
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24
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PESTICIDES
DOLLARS
$104.5 M +$1.3 M $105.8 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
941
WORKYEARS
+64 1,005
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
Pesticides are used in a remarkably
diverse array of products, such as insect repellents,
crop weed killers, household and commercial
disinfectants, and swimming pool chemicals. They
are found and used in nearly every home and
business in the United States. They are designed
to be intentionally applied in the environment
rather than occurring as a byproduct of industry
or other human activity. The uses of pesticides in
the United States contribute to increased and
diversified agricultural production and improved
public health through the control of
disease-carrying pests. However, acute and
chronic human health and environmental risks
can be associated with the use of many of these
chemicals. EPA, therefore, is responsible for
balancing the 'risks' to the Nation's public health
and environment with the 'benefits' posed from
the use of pesticides.
The Pesticides program derives its
statutory authority from the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), and the
Food Quality and Protection Act (FQPA). These
laws prescribe the criteria for Agency decisions
on registration of new pesticide products or
reregistration of existing pesticide products.
Registration and reregistration decisions
prescribe permissible uses, conditions for
application, levels of residues permissible on or in
foods, and other measures designed to ensure
that the pesticide when used as directed will not
pose an unacceptable risk to public health and the
environment.
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$105.8 million and 1,005 workyears for the
Pesticides program. This is an increase of $1.3
million and 64 workyears over 1997. Included in
this net change is a $ 10.2 million reduction for the
Pesticide Data program which is being funded by
the United States Department of Agriculture in
1998 and an offsetting increase for the new FQPA
(+$7.1 million and 58 workyears). To implement
the new FQPA, EPA will reassess existing
pesticide tolerances, streamline reviews of safer
pesticides, and review pesticide registrations for
new health concerns such as endocrine disrupters.
This program will continue to reduce risks from
adverse exposures to pesticides on and in food and
the workplace and prevent pollution by
encouraging the use of new, safer nonchemical
pesticides.
HIGHLIGHTS
In 1998, the Administration will continue
to improve the safety of America's food supply by
registering new pesticides, reregistering existing
pesticides, setting and reviewing tolerance levels
for pesticide residues found on and in food
commodities, and taking actions on those
pesticides with adverse risks. With the passage
of the new FQPA of 1996, EPA is investing in the
Pesticides program to strengthen its ability to
ensure safer pesticides. Complimenting these
investments will be a new initiative, 'Assessing
Health Risks to Children,' designed to improve
25
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PESTICIDES
food consumption data on infants and children for
purposes of assessing and managing the risks
from pesticides. Additional resources will support
the President's Right-to-Know Initiative that
improves the amount, quality, and access to public
information on public health and environmental
risks from pesticides. EPA will also increase
support for state groundwater plans to protect
our Nation's groundwater from pesticide
contamination.
Focusing on New Statutory
(FQPA) Requirements
The 1998 President's Budget requests a
total increase of $16.1 million and 71 workyears
for all programs to implement the new Food
Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996. Of this
total 1998 increase, $7.1 million and 58 workyears
are requested for the Office of Pesticides programs.
In 1997 an increase for all programs of $16.2
million was appropriated and EPA redirected
from its base a total of $2.7 million to implement
the FQPA. Increased funding in 1998 will support
the reassessment of the 9,000 pesticide tolerances
within ten years and an accelerated reregistration
of existing pesticides. EPA will also develop new
streamlined regulatory review processes and
information systems for antimicrobial pesticides.
EPA will also collect new information and develop
new tools useful to screen and evaluate pesticides
suspected of adversely disrupting human
endocrine systems. EPA will streamline the
reviews of safe, less toxic pesticides and encourage
reduced usage of existing chemical pesticides.
Finally, EPA will develop and distribute more
useful information to the public to inform them
about the risks posed from adverse pesticide
exposures.
Improving Data to Assess Health
Risks to Children
In 1998, increased emphasis in the
Pesticides program will be placed on improving
the federal government's information on the
dietary habits of infants and children. This
emphasis responds to concerns raised in the 1993
National Academy of Science report about
pesticides found in children's diets. The 1998
President's Budget requests a total of $ 1.5 million,
which is an increase of $1.0 million over 1997, to
evaluate current risk assessment protocols and
methods so they can take into account unique
multi-pathway exposures of children. This new
Agency initiative called 'Assessing Health Risks
to Children' is being coordinated and carried out
with other Agency offices to improve food
consumption data on infants and children. These
risk assessments then can be used to assess
national public health and environmental
standards to ensure that they adequately address
risks to children's health.
Supporting President's Commitment
on Right-to-Know Initiative
EPA will support the President's
commitment, made in August 1996 in Kalamazoo,
Michigan, to communities' right-to-know by
expanding the type and quality of information
available to the public about the hazards and
benefits of pesticides. The 1998 President's
Budget requests a total of $0.7 million, which is
an increase of $0.7 million over 1997. The
Pesticides program will expand public access to
information on health and environmental risks
from pesticides. In addition, EPA will work with
other EPA programs and federal agencies to
improve public access to pesticide hazard
information.
Supporting State Groundwater Plans
Groundwater is the source of drinking
water for about half the United States population
and because it flows into lakes and rivers,
groundwater helps support fish and wildlife
habitats and commercial activity. EPA's pesticide
groundwater strategy is based on a cooperative
effort with the states and EPA regions to develop
State Management Plans to prevent groundwater
pollution from pesticides. Starting in 1998, states
will develop pesticide-specific groundwater
protection management plans. The 1998
President's Budget requests a total of $2.1 million,
which is an increase of $0.4 million over 1997, to
provide guidance and technical assistance to the
states especially in identifying vulnerable areas
for monitoring. Mapping groundwater flows and
determining the conditions of groundwater
aquifers will be the focus for state management
groundwater plans in 1998.
26
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PESTICIDES
Focusing on Pesticide Enforcement
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$4.7 million and 68 workyears for the
Pesticides Enforcement program. This is an
increase of $1.3 million and eight workyears
over 1997. The Pesticides Compliance
Monitoring program will seek environmental
accountability of pesticide use and help build
the capacity of states and tribal governments
to protect public health and safety from
pesticide misuse. This program will continue to
manage the state pesticide enforcement
cooperative agreement program and continue to
encourage participation of state and tribal
governments not currently involved in the
program. This program will also conduct
inspections in states without pesticide
enforcement cooperative agreements. In 1998,
these inspections will include import/export
inspections to address "circle of poison"
concerns.
The Pesticides Civil Enforcement
program will continue to protect our Nation's
children, homes and workplaces against
ineffective/unregistered pesticides and
pesticides misuse. Enforcement efforts will
focus on ensuring compliance with pesticide
registration and efficacy requirements of
antimicrobials used in disinfection of critical
care areas, such as hospital operating and
emergency rooms. About 70% of hospital
sterilants and 800 hospital disinfectants
registered by EPA have failed recent testing for
effectiveness. The Agency will also focus on
urban areas where indoor use of pesticides has
caused health concerns. Finally, EPA will
continue to enforce Pesticide Worker Protection
Standards.
Focusing on Pesticide User Fees
In 1998, EPA will work to implement
user fees for pesticide registration and
reregistration activities as directed by FIFRA
and FQPA. Ten years ago, Congress suspended
Pesticide Registration fees through 1997. EPA
will work to reinstate these fees in 1998. EPA
expects to collect $18 million in Tolerance and
Pesticide Reregistration fees.
27
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28
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RADIATION
DOLLARS
$17.7 M -$0.8 M
$16.9 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
126 -13
113
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
Radioactive materials are used or stored
at thousands of federal facilities, over 100 nuclear
reactors, and many thousands of other locations.
EPA guidance and standards for the cleanup and
management of radioactive materials will ensure
that the federal government does not spend billions
of dollars in unnecessary cleanup costs. Another
key component of the radiation program is EPA's
oversight of the Department of Energy's (DoE)
operation of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
(WIPP), a planned radioactive waste disposal
site.
The EPA program to address radiation
issues is derived from a number of statutes. These
include the Clean Air Act of 1990, the Waste
Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and Land Withdrawal
Act, the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the Atomic
Energy Act, the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation
Control Act, and the Superfund Amendments
and Reauthorization Act of 1986.
The President's Budget requests a total of
$16.9 million and 113 workyears in 1998 in the
Radiation media under the EPM account. The
1998 request for the Radiation media does not
include $210 thousand and two workyears the
Agency is requesting under the Science and
Technology appropriation in 1998, rather than
the EPM appropriation as in the past. Considering
the amount requested in the S&T account, funding
levels increase by $209 thousand from 1997, and
workyears decrease by 11. The four major program
objectives established for the Agency's radiation
programs include: reducing adverse health effects
from radiation exposure through a program of
standards and guidelines; assessing and
quantifying existing and emerging radiation
problems and their potential impacts on health
and the environment; responding to radiation
issues of serious public concern; and responding
to emergencies, if needed, and development and
testing of federal, state and local plans for
emergency response.
HIGHLIGHTS
Overseeing DOE Waste Disposal at the
Waste Isolation Pilot Project
The WIPP is a disposal site in New Mexico
for high-level waste from the production of nuclear
weapons. Under the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
and Land Withdrawal Act of 1992, EPA has
certification and oversight responsibilities for
DoE's waste disposal activities at the WIPP. EPA
is currently reviewing DoE's application for
completeness as well as conducting technical
analyses and studies. The Agency expects to
complete its review in June 1997. Public hearings
and stakeholder meetings are currently being
held. The final certification process, which should
be complete by November 1997, will include
technical analyses, and more public hearings and
stakeholder meetings.
29
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RADIATION
If the Agency grants certification to the
WIPP in 1997, during 1998 EPA will continue to
conduct audits and inspections of the WIPP site
and DOE's radioactive waste generator sites to
assess implementation of procedures as waste
generator sites come on-line and prepare to
transport waste to the WIPP. The President's
Budget requests $5.4 million and 26 total
workyears for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
program, nearly no change in requested funding
and a decrease of one workyear from 1997.
Cleaning up Federal Facilities
The President's Budget requests $4.0 million and
18 workyears for addressing radiation cleanup at
federal facilities in 1998. This is nearly no change
in requested funding levels from 1997, and a
decrease of 3 from 1997 workyear levels. There
are approximately 250 Federally owned sites in
the U.S. that are contaminated with radioactive
materials. These sites include nuclear material
production plants, bombing and gunnery ranges
contaminated with depleted uranium, and
laboratories. The radioactive contamination at
these sites ranges from small, slightly
contaminated laboratory rooms to very large,
highly contaminated facilities. A significant
challenge in cleaning up such sites is the high cost
of managing radioactive waste, due in part to the
limited number of disposal facilities for low-level
radioactive waste.
EPA will also continue to provide
coordination, oversight, and technical support to
ensure that radioactively contaminated Federal
facilities are cleaned up and waste disposed
consistent with EPA risk levels. This effort is
composed of two primary elements, (1)
development of overall guidance that is applicable
to all Federal facility sites and (2) investigation of
alternate disposal options for low-level radioactive
waste generated primarily from clean-up of
Federal facilities.
Supporting Emergency Preparedness
As part of its emergency preparedness
efforts and the Agency environmental goal for
preventing accidental releases, EPA will continue
its classroom and field training programs to
maintain and improve the capabilities of the EPA
Radiological Emergency Response Team. The
Agency will also continue to coordinate with other
Federal agencies and the international community
on formal agreements dealing with
communications, coordination of response efforts,
and mutual assistance for responding to
emergencies and the potential of terrorist events
involving radioactive materials. The President's
Budget requests $1.1 million and 12 total
workyears for the emergency preparedness efforts,
an increase of $563 thousand and seven workyears
over1997.
30
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MULTIMEDIA
DOLLARS
+$32.6M $307.4 M
$274.8 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
1,739
WORKYEARS
+53
1,792
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
Traditional single-media responses to
environmental problems have brought the Nation
a long way from burning rivers and smog choked
skies. But today's environmental challenges are
increasingly complex and difficult to address. The
Agency is developing multimedia approaches
which emphasize comprehensive solutions by
targeting entire ecosystems, working across media
and addressing whole industrial sectors and
communities. These multimedia activities are
carried out through the efforts of the Office of
Enforcement and Compliance Assurance; the
American Indian Environmental Office; the Office
of International Activities; the Office of the
Administrator; the Office of Policy, Planning and
Evaluation; the Office of Prevention, Pesticides
and Toxic Substances; the Office of General
Counsel and the Executive Steering Committee
for Information Resources Management.
The Enforcement program balances
traditional enforcement actions targeting serious
polluters with new multimedia inspection
techniques, sector-based compliance assistance
efforts to help the regulated community
understand its responsibilities, and compliance
incentives such as Project XL and the
Environmental Leadership Program. In addition,
Agency activities foster pollution prevention
through dissemination of information and support
of state and local prevention efforts, and instill an
environmental ethic in youth, educators, activists
and decision-makers through environmental
education. The Agency provides technical
assistance and grants to Tribes and continues to
address environmental issues facing communities
along the US-Mexico Border.
In 1998, EPA requests a total of $307.4
million and 1,792 workyearsfor Multimedia
programs. This represents an increase of $32.6
million and 53 workyears from 1997.
HIGHLIGHTS
Improving Environmental Protection
in Tribal Lands
In 1998, EPA will continue to develop
government-to-government relations with tribes
in fulfillment of the Federal government's
statutory and trust responsibilities and expand
program support to assist tribal governments in
developing their own environment programs.
EPA's American Indian Environmental Office
(AIEO) will assist over 500 tribal governments to
identify and address areas of greatest risk and
priority to public health and the environment in
Indian Country. The AIEO will continue to assist
tribes in addressing multimedia environmental
issues through the following activities: 1)
developing Tribal/EPA Environmental
Agreements (TEAs) to assess environmental
conditions and identify long and short-term
priorities for environmental management on tribal
31
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MULTIMEDIA
lands; and 2) providing outreach, training and
education to better assist tribes in developing
their environmental assessment and
management capabilities.
Balancing Effective Enforcement Actions
with Compliance Assistance and Incentives
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$124.9 million and 1,093 workyears under the
EPM appropriation for the Multimedia
Enforcement program, an increase of $7.6 million
and 48 workyears over 1997. The program will
balance traditional activities such as compliance
monitoring, civil enforcement and criminal
enforcement actions with compliance assistance
and compliance incentives.
In 1998, the Multimedia Enforcement
program will increase funding by $3.2 million and
21 workyears for additional criminal investigators
mandated by the Pollution Prosecution Act. The
program will also increase funds for
implementation of the Agency's self-audit policy
as a way of achieving greater compliance levels at
lower cost to the public and private sectors. The
Multimedia Enforcement program will continue
important reinvention projects such as CSI,
Project XL, and the Environmental Leadership
Program (ELP), with additional resources targeted
for XL and ELP.
In addition, the Agency is requesting $1.0
million in 1998 for the President's commitment
on Environmental Crimes and Enforcement made
in Kalamazoo. These resources will support the
urgent need expressed by state, local, and tribal
officials for additional Federal training in the
investigation of environmental crimes.
The Multimedia Enforcement program
will work with other Federal agencies to improve
their compliance with environmental
requirements. The Agency will work with other
Federal agencies to achieve national
environmental goals and increase pollution
prevention by identifying and either eliminating
or mitigating the potential adverse environmental
impacts of proposed actions. The Agency will also
target efforts to strengthen policies and reviews
relevant to the protection of ecological resources.
Resolving Environmental Problems
at the Community Level
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$25.4 million and 23 workyears for multimedia
program activities in the Office of the
Administrator. This is a decrease of $ 1.6 million
and 6 workyears from 1997. The 1998 Budget
includes $12.9 million for the Regional
Multi-Media Program. Under this program,
funding will be provided for projects that are
identified as high priority by EPA Regions, states,
and localities, pose high human health or
ecosystem risks, and have significant potential
for risk reduction. The problems addressed by
this program are multimedia in nature and the
initiatives showcase innovative multimedia
solutions to resolve them.
Additionally, the Agency's environmental
education program fosters educational
partnerships among government, business,
academic institutions, and community groups to
both improve basic science literacy and inform
the general public about the environmental
consequences of their individual and collective
actions. The 1998 budget requests $6.2 million
and 9.7 workyears for this effort. These
investments demonstrates the Administration's
commitment to help local governments and public
citizens resolve environmental problems in their
communities.
Protecting U.S. Interests and
Upholding International Agreements
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$2.7 million and 13 workyears for multimedia
activities of the Office of International Activities
(OIA). This represents an increase of $0.1 million
and one workyear over 1997. In 1998, OIA efforts
will focus on implementing the Border XXI
Program. The Border XXI Program is designed to
resolve the complex, multi-media environmental
problems facing communities along the
U.S.-Mexican border. This program funds
community grants, emphasizes public
participation, and promotes sustainable
development. These efforts will be supported by
the operation of two border offices in the cities of
San Diego, California and El Paso, Texas. Both
32
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MULTIMEDIA
offices play important roles in coordinating EPA
activities with the International Boundary and
Water Commission, the Pan American Health
Organization, the Border Environmental
Cooperation Commission, and the North American
Development Bank.
Promoting Multimedia Policy Development,
Economics, and Program Implementation
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$64.9 million and 228 workyears for multimedia
programs managed by the Office of Policy,
Planning and Evaluation. This represents an
increase of $14.7 million and a decrease of 3
workyears from 1997.
In 1998, the budget provides OPPE $35.3
million and 33 workyears to continue the
implementation of the President's Climate Change
Action Plan (CCAP). This represents an increase
of $14.8 million over 1997, with no change in
workyears and demonstrates a continued
commitment to address the buildup of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere. Funds requested in the
1998 budget will allow OPPE to continue to
implement partnership and capacity building
programs. The Climate Wise, Waste Wi$e and
Transportation Partners program work directly
with industry to identify and implement
cost-effective emissions reductions. Funding of
other CCAP activities positions OPPE to develop
low-cost emissions reduction opportunities
internationally. The Country Studies program
will expand assistance to ten additional developing
countries in implementing their international
commitments under the Framework Convention
on Climate Change. The U.S. Initiative on Joint
Implementation will continue to support high
quality projects with U.S. companies and
developing countries while increasing the diversity
of sectors, technologies, and world regions covered.
The State and Local Outreach program will work
with additional states and cities in conducting
greenhouse gas emissions inventories, developing
outreach programs, and implementing
demonstration programs.
In 1998, OPPE is also provided $4.2
million and 38 workyears for Project XL. Project
XL is a centerpiece of the Administration's
commitment to reinvent environmental
regulation. Project XL resources will support
technical analysis for project selection, the
management of the XL selection process,
participation in the XL selection process, and
independent evaluation of the program. This
program is an integral step in EPA's attempts to
craft new approaches to environmental protection
for the 21st century.
OPPE will continue to focus on sprawl
and development issues, implementing the Smart
Growth Network in 1998. The network will
concentrate on transportation and development
sectors and create coalitions at the national,
regional, and local levels to encourage more
environmentally responsible land use,
transportation investment, regional growth and
development. In 1998, $1.3 million and 12
workyears are allocated to this effort to address
sprawl and development, an increase of $0.2
million and one workyear over 1997. OPPE will
also continue support of other EPA regulatory
reinvention efforts. Through its regulatory
management activities, OPPE will continue to
improve the Agency's rulemaking process,
promoting compliance with Executive Order 12866
that adequate risk and benefit/cost analysis lie
behind the Agency's most significant regulatory
actions. Finally, three additional workyears are
provided in 1998 for implementation activities
associated with the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act.
Investing in Strategic Information
Resources Management
The 1998 President's Budget requests a
total of $34.6 million and 10 workyears for the
Executive Steering Committee for Information
Resources Management (ESC). This is an increase
of $5.0 million and 2 workyears from 1997. In
1998 the ESC will provide the overall leadership
and coordination needed to implement the
President's environmental commitment that was
made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on America's
Right-to-Know. The ESC will provide the
framework for making right-to-know information
available to families and communities. It will
develop the infrastructure and foundation that
brings together the data, information, and
applications that help families in assessing and
avoiding unique environmental health risks to
33
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MULTIMEDIA
children from products and chemicals. The ESC,
working with the Agency's other program efforts,
will develop applications to use and display and
create products with the data and information.
The ESC will also redirect $2.0 million of
its base resources to implement computer system
modifications designed to address issues
associated with the upcoming date change to the
Year 2000. This supplements other resources
being devoted to the Year 2000 problem.
Additionally, the ESC will continue with its
community-based environmental protection effort
that provides easy access to environmental
information for state and local governments to
allow them to act on local issues and protect
ecosystems.
Increasing Legal Support Services
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$29.7 million and 299 workyears under the
multimedia program to provide legal advice and
assistance to both Headquarters and Regional
managers. This is an increase of $2.9 million and
17 workyears over 1997. In 1998 the General
Counsel will focus new resources on providing
legal support and assistance to the Agency in its
implementation of the amended Safe Drinking
Water Act and the Food Quality Protection Act.
In addition, the General Counsel will provide
additional legal support and advice in a number
of program areas with complex legal and factual
issues. These include programs involving Tribal
environmental programs, programs designed to
improve urban air quality, and programs to
develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for
pollutants in waters that do not meet water quality
standards.
Promoting Pollution Prevention
The Agency requests a total of $17.5
million and 84 workyears for the multimedia
Pollution Prevention program. This is an increase
of $6.6 million and 2 workers from 1997. With the
principle of pollution prevention institutionalized
within the Agency since the Pollution Prevention
Act of 1990, EPA is expanding its efforts to
establish pollution prevention as the strategy of
first choice in addressing human health and
environmental concerns. Working cooperatively
with the industry to build the principle of pollution
prevention into their design of chemicals and
products, EPA's will expand its 'Design for the
Environment' program by $4 million. Recognizing
that pollution disproportionally affects
communities, EPA will also increase by $2 million
its Pollution Prevention/Environmental Justice
Grants designed to assist local communities
address their unique environmental problems.
Finally, EPA is expanding its support with the
private sector through Pollution Prevention
Partnerships. Under these Partnerships, EPA
will help companies identify and capitalize on
pollution prevention opportunities within their
businesses.
In 1998, the Pollution Prevention program
will continue to promote pollution prevention
within the public and private sectors. Within
EPA, the program will continue to integrate
pollution prevention options into key air, water,
and solid waste rulemakings. For small
businesses, states, and local governments, EPA
will continue to provide technical assistance and
support pollution prevention demonstration
projects. The Agency will continue to work with
industry in the Voluntary Industrial Toxics
Reduction program. The effort builds on the
successful 33/50 Program with a new program to
encourage further voluntary reductions in the
production, emission, and use of toxic chemicals.
Finally, EPA will help industry identify incentives
and barriers to pollution prevention practices.
Ensuring Environmental Justice
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$3.5 million and 11 workyears for the National
Environmental Justice program, an increase of
$0.1 million over 1997. The National program,
distinct from the environmental justice activities
in each EPA office, will continue to coordinate the
Agency's environmental justice programs. The
program will support the National Environmental
Justice Advisory Council which advises the
Administrator on environmental problems in low
income and minority communities. The program
will also fund grants to community groups and
universities to address environmental justice
issues.
34
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Toxic SUBSTANCES
$78.9 M
DOLLARS
+$7.5M $86.4 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
589
610
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
Americans and our environment are
exposed each year to many chemical substances
and mixtures. The United States chemical
industry manufactures or imports more than
50,000 commercial chemicals annually. Each
year the chemical industry adds approximately
2,200 new chemicals to this list of existing
chemicals. Some of these chemicals in
manufacture, use, or disposal may present an
unreasonable risk of injury to public health or the
environment. Accordingly, Congress has charged
EPA with protecting the public and the
environment from unreasonable risks associated
with the manufacture, use, and disposal of all
commercial toxic chemicals.
The Toxic Substances Program is
governed by five major statutes that emphasize
the prevention or elimination of unreasonable
risks to public health and the environment from
exposures to toxic chemicals. The statutes are the
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), Asbestos
School Hazard Abatement Act, Asbestos Hazard
Emergency Response Act, Emergency
Preparedness and Community Right-to-Know Act
(EPCRA), and the Residential Lead-based Paint
Hazard Reduction Act.
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$86.4 million and 610 workyearsfor the Toxic
Substances program. This is an increase of $7.5
million and 21 workyears from 1997. The Toxic
Substances program in 1998 proposes investments
to protect our Nation's children from chemicals of
national concern, such as lead and PCBs. It will
also expand public access to information about
toxic chemicals through new investments
including the President's Right-to-Know
Initiative.
HIGHLIGHTS
In 1998, the Toxic Substances Program
proposes investments to increase every American's
right-to-know access to information about toxic
chemical pollution in their communities. Other
investments will build partnerships between
government and industry by sharing information,
knowledge, and tools and to provide incentives for
industry to protect the environment. This program
will further EPA's commitment to improve the
quality of science by investing in testing chemicals
for endocrine disrupters, a new area of human
health concern. This program will also reform
PCB regulations and save billions of dollars in
PCB disposal costs while maintaining the current
level of environmental protection. EPA will also
continue to provide its technical expertise and
financial support to local communities, states,
and tribal governments.
Expanding Communities' Right-to-Know
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$27.4 million and 120 workyears for the
Community Right-to-Know program. This
35
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Toxic SUBSTANCES
includes the President's Right-to-Know Initiative,
announced in Kalamazoo, Michigan last year, to
improve the quality and access of information to
the public about toxic chemicals. This is an
increase of $2.3 million and 6 workyears from
1997. The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program
will continue to expand the list of chemicals
reported for the TRI to include groups of chemicals
such as persistent bioaccumulators. It will also
continue expanding theindustrial groups and
facilities that EPA requires to report about
chemical releases. EPA is also investigating
whether the types of data collected should be
expanded to include chemical use data. Under
the President's Right-to-Know Initiative, EPA
will increase the amount of useful information on
toxic chemicals and provide guidance to Americans
on common practices to reduce or prevent
unnecessary exposures. Also major upgrades in
information technology will expand the
capabilities of the Agency's electronic systems to
provide one-stop public access to information.
Protecting Citizens from Lead Poisoning
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$16.6 million and 116 workyears for the Lead
Abatement Program. This is an increase of $0.4
million and 21 workyears from 1997. EPA regional
offices will play an increased role in implementing
regulations with states to ensure that individuals
engaged in lead-based paint abatement activities
are properly trained, that training programs are
accredited, and that contractors are certified.
EPA will also work with the Department of
Housing and Urban Development to implement
rules requiring disclosure to the public on
lead-based paint hazards in housing constructed
before 1978 which are offered for sale or lease. An
important component of EPA's lead strategy is
communicating the risks of lead exposure to
citizens, health professionals, and lead-based
paint abatement workers so they may take action
to protect themselves from potential lead
poisoning. EPA will also improve and expand
outreach of materials and information on lead
poisoning and risk reduction measures such as
through its lead hotline and lead clearinghouse.
Addressing Toxic Chemical Risks
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$31.8 million and 261 workyears for the Agenda
for Toxics. This is an increase of $ 1.4 million and
a decrease of 11 workyears from 1997. These
programs include chemical testing, the review of
new chemicals and biotechnology products, and
the management of risks posed by existing
chemicals. In 1998, the Chemical Testing Program
will continue to concentrate on chemicals of
concern identified by the TSCA Interagency
Testing Committee. The New Chemicals /
Biotechnology Program will review more than
2,200 new chemical and biotechnology products
submitted to the Agency for human health and
environmental concerns. The Existing Chemicals
Program will continue to identify risks, assess
alternatives, and identify pollution prevention
opportunities for chemicals currently sold and
used in the United States. Risk management
resources will be redirected to place more emphasis
on voluntary, non-regulatory strategies reserving
regulatory approaches to those cases clearly
requiring regulatory controls. Also the Green
Chemistry Program will continue to challenge
industry to develop and substitute
environmentally safe chemicals. Since PCBs and
asbestos are chemicals of national concern that
create harmful human health effects, the PCB
Program will continue to develop coordinated
action plans for the manufacture, processing,
distribution, use, and environmentally sound
disposal of PCBs. The Asbestos Program will
continue many activities, including operating a
central directory of asbestos training course
providers and approved courses.
Enforcing Toxic Substances Laws
President's Budget requests $7.9 million
and 90 workyears for the Toxic Substances
Enforcement program. This is an increase of $2.2
million and 4 workyears from 1997. The Toxic
Substances Compliance Monitoring Program will
conduct inspections addressing sections 5 and 8 of
TSCA with particular emphasis in 1998 on worker
protection, pre-manufacturing notification, and
36
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Toxic SUBSTANCES
environmental effects reporting requirements.
In those states without cooperative enforcement
agreements, this program will continue to conduct
risk-based compliance inspections for toxic
chemical requirements, including inspections for
the high-risk chemicals such as PCB and asbestos
in public/commercial buildings programs. Civil
enforcement will focus on implementation of the
lead-based paint regulations to protect the health
of as many as three million children from lead
poisoning. Enforcement of high-risk chemical
manufacturing and reporting requirements.
Finally, EPA's regions will conduct inspections to
monitor compliance with the Good Laboratory
Practices regulations at laboratories that perform
toxics substances testing.
The 1998 President's Budget also requests
$2.6 million and 23 workyears for the EPCRA
Enforcement program. This is an increase of $ 1.3
million and 3 workyears from 1997. The EPCRA
Enforcement Compliance Monitoring Program
will continue to conduct compliance inspections
of chemical facilities that manufacture, use, or
process potentially harmful chemicals and are
required to report under EPCRA. In 1998, data
obtained from these inspections will inform the
public and the Agency of toxic chemicals at
manufacturing facilities and document the release
of toxic chemicals into the local environment.
Regions will continue to utilize this information
to develop TRI inspections. EPCRA Civil
Enforcement activities will continue to address
reporting violations of hazardous chemical
releases to ensure adequate emergency planning,
release notification, and reliable community
right-to-know data are maintained to keep the
public and the Agency informed of toxic chemicals
being manufactured or released into the local
environment.
37
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38
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MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT
DOLLARS
$481.7 M +$15.2 M $496.9 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
2,650 -19 2,631
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
The Management and Support program
provides leadership, executive direction and policy
oversight for all Agency programs, as well as
those administrative and support services that
are not assigned to a specific program. These
programs are designed to meet the Agency's
growing demand for sophisticated technology,
analytical expertise, comprehensive matrix
management and efficient sup port services. These
activities are carried out primarily through the
efforts of the Office of the Administrator; the
Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation; the
Office of International Activities; the Office of the
Chief Financial Officer; and the Office of
Administration and Resources Management.
Primary activities include planning,
budgeting, accountability, executive direction,
legislative analysis, Congressional relations,
financial management, health and safety,
intergovernmental and international relations,
information and human resources management,
and security. Key statutes being addressed in
1998 include the Government Performance and
Results Act (GPRA), the Federal Managers'
Financial Integrity Act, the Chief Financial
Officers' Act, and Executive Orders on Customer
Service and Labor-Management Partnerships.
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$496.9 million and 2,631 workyearsunder the
EPM account for the Management and Support
program. This is an increase of $ 15.2 million and
a decrease of 19 workyears from 1997.
HIGHLIGHTS
Providing Leadership and Direction
for the Agency
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$51.2 million and 511 workyears for activities of
the Office of the Administrator (OA). This
represents an increase of $3.6 million and 8
workyears over 1997. In 1998, OA will provide
oversight and coordination for two significant
Agency initiatives. First, OA will provide overall
coordination and public outreach efforts for the
Agency's initiative on Assessing Health Risks to
Children. Under this initiative, EPA will evaluate
current risk assessment protocols and methods to
ensure they take into account the unique
multi-pathway exposure for children, and update
and disseminate information specifically about
children's exposure to pollution threats. Second,
OA will coordinate support and public outreach
efforts in support of the Right-to-Know Initiative
announced by the President in Kalamazoo,
Michigan. This initiative is designed to improve
and expand the quality and availability of
information for families and the public regarding
toxics in their communities.
The President's Budget also includes $1.0
million in 1998 to support the GLOBE program,
an interagency effort designed to bring school
children, educators, and scientists together to
observe and monitor environmental conditions
39
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MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT
worldwide. Other OA resources in 1998 will
provide for a wide variety of activities intended to
ensure strong and effective leadership and
direction at the Agency. This includes the Agency's
Science Advisory Board, the Environmental
Appeals Board, and the Administrative Law
Judges. Resources will also support civil rights
compliance efforts, Congressional and legislative
analysis, assistance to small and disadvantaged
businesses, and outreach to states, localities and
the public.
Protecting U.S. Interests
Through International Efforts
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$13.6 million and 69 workyears for the Office of
International Activities (OIA) to protect U.S.
interests in the global environment. This is an
increase of $0.9 million and 5 workyears over
1997. In 1998, the Agency requests $2.0 million
to launch a new Environmental Security Initiative
(ESI) to respond to emerging environmental
threats to the health and safety of U.S. citizens,
the foreign policy interests of the United States,
and the environmental problems associated with
the legacy of the Cold War. The goal of the ESI is
to identify, prioritize, and manage international
environmental threats before they pose a risk to
national security. OIA will also continue to focus
on coordinating the international efforts of EPA
with an eye towards reducing the cost of
environmental protection; strengthening
environmental protection overseas; removing
trade barriers for U.S. companies; promoting
U.S. technologies and services abroad; and
protecting citizens from environmental threats
along U.S. borders.
Achieving Agency Objectives
Through Innovative Policies
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$14.2 million and 143 workyears for activities of
the Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation
(OPPE). This represents an increase of $1.0
million and 13 workyears over 1997. In 1998,
OPPE will continue to play an important role in
the management of Agency efforts to develop
alternative policy approaches to achieve the
Agency's strategic objectives in ways that are
consistent with economic and environmental
trends and advance cross-media efforts. OPPE
efforts will focus on improving the quality of the
Agency's statistical data and public access to
information, and continuing efforts to reengineer
the Agency's regulatory process.
Streamlining Management Services
and Information Systems
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$96.4 million and 1,293 workyears for
management activities of the Office of
Administration and Resources Management. This
represents an increase of $1.5 million and a
decrease of 33 workyears from the 1997 level.
OARM will continue to focus its efforts and
resources on providing management services,
infrastructure, operations, and workforce support
for the environmental programs and priorities of
EPA.
In 1998, OARM will direct additional
resources to address vulnerabilities in the Agency's
management of grants and contracts. Particular
focus will be placed on improving the Agency's
post-award grant management practices,
including timely closeout of grants. In the area of
information systems and services, OARM will
work to improve access to EPA information by
states, local governments, and the public. In
addition, OARM will implement computer system
modifications designed to address issues
associated with the upcoming date change in the
year 2000. OARM will also provide technical
assistance on financial issues associated with
state and tribal implementation of Performance
Partnership grants. OARM will continue work
begun in 1997 to streamline and automate the
Agency's administrative systems with a particular
emphasis on human resources systems.
Ensuring Health and Safety
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$249.7 million and 14 workyears under the EPM
account to address essential infrastructure needs
of the Agency. This represents an increase of $7.2
million over 1997. This includes providing for the
Agency's national support costs, such as rent
payments; direct leases; utility costs; move and
40
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MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT
related costs associated with space consolidation;
and national health and safety support. In 1998,
resources will be directed at additional building
security and guard services to ensure the safety of
the public and EPA employees as outlined in the
President's Executive Order regarding upgrading
security at federal buildings.
Integrating Strategic Planning, Budgeting,
Financial Management, and Accountability
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$41.5 million and 362 workyears for activities of
the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO).
This represents an increase of $1.0 million and a
decrease of 8 workyears from 1997. The Agency
is committed to making better use of scientific
information in setting priorities; improving the
link between long-term environmental planning
and resource management; and implementing a
new accountability system to assess
accomplishments and improve feedback for future
decision-making. In close coordination with other
EPA offices, the OCFO will lead the effort to
establish and manage this new Agencywide
planning, budgeting, financial management,
analysis and accountability system. In 1998, the
OCFO will continue to focus on the development
of Agency goals and program objectives for all
Agency programs, the Agencywide strategic plan,
and development of program performance plans,
measures and reporting mechanisms required
under GPRA. The OCFO will continue to develop
and implement the management processes and
information systems needed to improve EPA's
ability to manage for results. The OCFO will also
continue to provide the core budget, financial,
and resource management services essential to
the Agency's management and operation.
Improving Efficiency Through A
Working Capital Fund
The Working Capital Fund (WCF) begins
its second year of operation in FY 1998. EPA's
WCF is a revolving fund to finance operations
where the costs for goods or services provided are
charged to the users. With the creation of the
WCF, funding and management of administrative
services has been decentralized, thereby giving
customers a strong voice in determining the
amount and type of services they receive. EPA's
WCF will ensure increased efficiency of resource
utilization through reliance on market force
mechanisms and will also increase accountability
through audited financial statements.
The Agency will provide two services in
1998 under the WCF: computer and
telecommunication services at the National Data
Processing Division (NDPD), Research Triangle
Park, NC, and postage services. These services
are provided to all EPA offices. While the WCF is
administered through the Management and
Support program, the resources are requested in
the individual offices participating in the WCF.
Under the 1998 President's Budget, the WCF will
provide $101.0 million in services, a decrease of
$500 thousand from 1997. NDPD operations are
funded at $95.9 million and Postage at $5.2 million.
There are also 66 workyears associated with
these activities.
Strengthening Executive Direction
Through Matrix Management
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$30.4 million and 239 workyears for this activity,
which includes executive direction, policy
development, program development and
oversight, planning, budgeting, financial
management, human resource management, and
information resources management for each of
the Agency's major offices. These include the
Offices of Air and Radiation, Water, Enforcement
and Compliance Assurance, International
Activities, General Counsel, Solid Waste and
Emergency Response, Prevention, Pesticides and
Toxic Substances, and Policy, Planning and
Evaluation. These core services are essential for
the overall management, coordination, and
direction of these offices.
41
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42
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STATE, LOCAL, & TRIBAL GRANTS
$715 M
$491 M
/
/
/
$468 M
/
s
/
$548 M
/
/
/
$643 M
/
/
/
$665 M
/
/
/
$645 M
/
s
/
JJB/4 M
/
/
/
/
/
/
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
In 1998, EPA will continue to give more
flexibility to state and tribal governments to
manage their environmental programs as well as
provide technical and financial assistance. Two
specific efforts in 1998 demonstrate this flexibility.
First EPA has, with the states, established a
National Environmental Performance
Partnership System (NEPPS) which recognizes
the states' growing capacity to operate their own
environmental protection programs. In return,
states will measure and report progress in
achieving environmental results within their
state. Second, Performance Partnership Grants
(PPGs) allow states and tribes flexibility to
combine two or more "categorical" program grants
(e.g., Air, Water) into one or more multimedia
grants used to address the environmental
priorities of their state or tribe. Performance
Partnership Grants (PPGs) will be encouraged
and utilized by state and tribal government in
1998 as they were in 1996 and 1997. In 1996, 20
states have signed PPGs for 1996 funding and at
least 24 states have signed PPGs in 1997. As
more states recognize the benefits, we expect
most, if not all, states will participate.
In 1998, the President's Budget requests
a total of $ 715.3 million for 17 'categorical' program
grants for state and tribal governments. This is
an increase of $41.0 million (6%) over 1997.
These grants are part of EPA's Operating
Programs even though they are funded in the
State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG)
appropriation account. EPA will continue to
pursue its strategy of building and supporting
state, local, and tribal capacity to implement,
operate, and enforce the Nation's environmental
laws. Most environmental laws envision
establishment of a decentralized nationwide
structure to protect public health and the
environment. In this way, environmental goals
will ultimately be achieved through the actions,
programs, and commitments of state and local
tribal governments, organizations, and citizens.
HIGHLIGHTS
Fostering State and Tribal Programs
EPA state and tribal grants help these
governments develop and implement the
technical, managerial and enforcement capacity
to manage and operate their own environmental
protection programs. This includes helping them
address air pollution requirements, implement
water quality standards, develop and maintain
drinking water systems, promote and monitor
the safe use of pesticides and toxic substances
(e.g., lead), regulate hazardous waste treatment
and disposal, and assure compliance with federal
environmental laws and regulations. Funding
also is provided to assist states and tribal
government address multi-media pollution
problems.
43
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STATE, LOCAL, & TRIBAL GRANTS
The emphasis in 1998 will be to increase
Federal financial assistance to meet increased
environmental program requirements and to help
tribal governments better establish their
environmental protection programs. Increases in
1998 for the states will be in the Air, Water
Quality, and Multimedia Enforcement programs.
For tribal governments, increases in 1998 will be
in the Air, Water Quality, Drinking Water,
Pesticides, Toxic Substances, Hazardous Waste,
Multimedia Enforcement, and Multimedia
General Assistance Program (GAP) programs.
These changes are described below.
Air and Radiation Program Grants
Air and Radiation Program grants help
state and tribal governments address air and
radiation program requirements. In 1998, the
President's Budget requests a total of $175.5
million for three Air and Radiation Program
grants. This is an increase of $8.3 million from
1997. Priority in 1998 will be on funding programs
which meet clean air standards, particularly those
for ozone ('smog') and particulate matter ('soot').
Increases of $4 million will assist state, local and
tribal governments deploy new monitoring
equipment to obtain background information on
the nature and origin of fine particles. EPA will
provide technical and financial support to
multi-state organizations and implement
recommendations resulting from their joint efforts,
including a nitrogen oxides allowance trading
system. EPA will join with states in the 'MACT
Partnership' program designed to develop MACT
standards for sources or toxics of particular
concern to participating states. In addition, EPA
will target $750 thousand for Alaskan Native
Villages to assess the effect of nuclear waste
disposal by the Former Soviet Union and the
disposition of any radioactive pollutants from
nuclear accidents in other countries. Radon
Program grants will be maintained at the 1997
level ($8.2 million).
Water Quality Program Grants
Water Quality Program grants help states
and tribes implement their water pollution control
programs. In 1998, the President Budget requests
a total of $230.5 million for four Water Program
grants. This is a total increase of $14.8 million
from 1997 all of which is in the Water Pollution
Control (section 106) grants. Of this total increase,
$5.0 million will be directed to help states develop
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) which
consider point, nonpoint source, and natural
background pollution in addressing complex water
quality problems. The other $9.8 million will be
to assist tribal governments establish and
maintain adequate water pollution control
programs on tribal lands. Grants to help states
and tribal governments address non-point source
pollution problems ($100 million), implement
protections for wetlands ($15 million), and address
water permit program concerns - especially wet
weather- ($20 million) will be maintained at 1997
levels .
Drinking Water Program Grants
Drinking Water Program grants help
states and tribes operate Drinking Water
programs to ensure water systems meet national
drinking water standards especially now with
enactment of the 1996 Amendments to the Safe
Drinking Water Act. In 1998, the President Budget
requests a total of $104.3 million for the two
Drinking Water grants. This is an increase of
$3.8 million from 1997 for tribes. The emphasis
in 1998 will be to support tribal governments as
they develop a capacity to build and maintain
their own Public Water Systems Supervision
(PWSS) Program. The biggest single deterrent to
tribes assuming primacy for the Drinking Water
Program is their lack of capacity. EPA will
endeavor to help tribal governments build
sufficient capacity to assume 'primacy' of the
Drinking Water Program. For states, the
emphasis in 1998 will be to implement the
requirements of the 1996 Amendments to the
Safe Drinking Water Act. Funding to support
state activities related to the PWSS and
Underground Injection Program (UIC) will
continue at 1997 levels.
Pesticides and Toxic Substances
Program Grants
Pesticides and Toxic Substances Program
grants help state and tribes develop and manage
programs to ensure they comply with pesticide
use and lead program requirements. In 1998, the
President requests a total of $26.8 million for two
44
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STATE, LOCAL, & TRIBAL GRANTS
grants in this program area. This is an increase
of $1.5 million from 1997. The emphasis in 1998
(+$0.3 million) will be to help tribal governments
develop programs to manage pesticide use, such
as the training and certification of commercial
pesticide applicators on tribal lands and develop
their own lead poisoning prevention programs
(+$1.2 million). Support to states will be
maintained at the 1997 levels of $24.7 million.
Hazardous Waste Program Grants
The Hazardous Waste Program will
continue to support state and tribal government
hazardous waste programs to issue permits,
conduct compliance monitoring inspections, and
initiate enforcement actions. In 1998, the
President requests a total of $109.1 million for
two Hazardous Waste Program grants. This is an
increase of $0.3 million from 1997. The increases
will assist tribal governments to develop their
capacity to implement the Hazardous Waste
program. Emphasis with the states will be on
further streamlining the permit process and on
identifying and implementing measures to reduce
the spread of contamination of hazardous wastes
at high-risk facilities. Underground Storage Tank
Program grants, at a stable funding from 1997 of
$10.5 million, will focus on encouraging and
enforcing compliance with the 1998 deadline for
upgrading, replacing, or closing underground
storage tanks.
Pollution Prevention Program Grants
EPA will also continue to support
programs that address multiple sources of
pollution. In 1998, the President Budget requests
a total of $6.0 million for Pollution Prevention
state grants, the same level as in 1997. These
grants support pollution prevention
demonstration projects by local communities to
help them identify and deal with multiple
environmental pollution concerns
Enforcement Program Grants
In 1998, financial assistance will continue
to sup port state and tribal enforcement programs.
A total of $24.4 million is requested for Pesticides
and Toxic Substances Enforcement grants, an
increase of $1.8 million from 1997. With the
recent enactment of the Food Quality Protection
Act of 1996, an additional $ 1.0 million is requested
specifically for increased state enforcement since
states are the primary enforcement component of
the Pesticide Program. Increased support will
also help tribal governments develop capabilities
to operate and manage their tribal pesticide
enforcement capabilities. For the Toxic
Substances Enforcement program, the 1998
emphasis will be on developing partnerships with
the states and tribes to establish comprehensive
toxic substances enforcement authorities.
Indian General Assistance Program Grants
For the Indian Environmental General
Assistance Program (GAP), the Agency is
requesting a total of $38.6 million for these GAP
grants. This is an increase of $10.6 million
(+40%) from 1997. This increase is requested to
help tribal governments establish Tribal/EPA
Environmental Agreements (TE As) which identify
environmental management needs, establish
program priorities, and build tribal environmental
programs. EPA believes that supporting the
development of tribal environmental programs is
the most effective way to protect public health
and the environment on tribal lands.
45
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STATE, LOCAL, & TRIBAL GRANTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE*
AIR
STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE $153,190.0
TRIBAL ASSISTANCE 5,882.2
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS/RADON 8,158.0
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
$157,190.0
10,168.8
8,158.0
1998-1997
DIFFERENCE
+$4,000.0
+4,286.6
0.0
WATER QUALITY
POLL. CONTROL (SECTION 106) 80,700.0
NONPOINT SOURCE 100,000.0
WETLANDS PROGRAM 15,000.0
WATER QUALITY
COOPERATIVE AGRMTS 20,000.0
DRINKING WATER
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
SUPERVISION 90,000.0
UNDERGROUND INJECTION
CONTROL 10,500.0
HAZARDOUS WASTE
HAZ.WASTE FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE 98,298.2
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
TANKS 10,544.7
PESTICIDES
PESTICIDES PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION 12,814.6
TOXIC SUBSTANCES
LEAD GRANTS 12,500.0
MULTIMEDIA
POLLUTION PREVENTION 5,999.5
PESTICIDES ENFORCEMENT 16,133.6
TOXIC SUBST. ENFORCEMENT 6,486.2
TRIBAL GENERAL ASSISTANCE 28,000.0
PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIPS II 0.0
95,529.3
100,000.0
15,000.0
20,000.0
93,780.5
10,500.0
98,598.2
10,544.7
13,114.6
13,712.2
5,999.5
17,511.6
6,864.2
38,585.4
0.0
+ 14,829.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
+3,780.5
0.0
+300.0
0.0
+300.0
+ 1,212.2
0.0
+ 1,378.0
+378.0
+ 10,585.4
0.0
TOTAL
$674,207.0
$715,257.0
+ $41,050.0
* Current Estimate does not include 1996 carryover resources.
II Funding for Performance Partnership Grants is unknown at this time. Finds will be
reprogrammed from 17 categorical grants above during 1997 and 1998.
46
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BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
The Buildings and Facilities (B&F)
account funds the design, construction, repair,
and improvement of buildings occupied by EPA.
The Agency currently has ten Regional offices
with associated Regional laboratories, two large
research and development laboratory complexes,
a number of field stations with laboratory facilities
and a Headquarters operation in nine locations in
the Washington, D.C. area.
This program provides a safe and healthy
work environment for EPA employees by providing
for renovation and repair or replacement of our
facilities. Through its facilities master plan, the
Agency will continue to implement intermediate
and long-range plans that assess alternative
housing options for EPA operations and also
continue a repair program that protects the
Agency's investment in EPA real property
holdings. EPA is modifying current facilities to
more adequately and efficiently address the
Agency's changing programs as well as
implementing cost-effective energy and water
conservation measures at EPA-occupied,
federally-owned buildings. The Agency will
continue to emphasize environmental compliance
and health and safety efforts in EPA facilities by
removing asbestos and PCBs, upgrading fire and
life safety systems, and upgrading heating,
ventilation and air conditioning systems to meet
the most current ventilation and CFC removal
standards.
The 1998 B&F program continues major
initiatives to correct deficiencies in the Agency's
facilities' infrastructure. Ongoing new
construction will be managed through the design
and construction phases. Included in these plans
is the build-out of a new government-owned
Headquarters facility in the newly constructed
Ronald Reagan Building and the Ariel Rios
Building, continued construction of the
Consolidated Laboratory at Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina.
The Agency is requesting a total of $ 141.4
million for 1998 in the B&F appropriation
account. This is an increase of $54.2 million over
1997.
+$54.2 M $141.4 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
HIGHLIGHTS
Investing in New Facilities
The Agency is requesting $125.0 million
in 1998 for New Facilities, an increase of $52.2
million over 1997. The investment in New
Facilities will dramatically impact the Agency's
ability to address the complex environmental
issues of the 1990's and beyond.
The Agency is requesting $122.0 million
for the construction of a consolidated laboratory
and office complex at Research Triangle Park,
NC. This facility will integrate several spaces
that EPA currently leases. The Agency is also
requesting $3 million to renovate and occupy its
new Headquarters facility in downtown
Washington, D.C. The new facility is responsive
to the needs of EPA's employees and reflective of
the Agency's environmental mission.
Repairing and Improving
Existing Facilities
The Agency requests $ 16.4 million in 1998
for the Repairs and Improvements program, an
increase of $2.0 million over 1997. The increase
funds modifications to the Alternative Fuels
47
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BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
Dispensing System at the Agency's Ann Arbor,
Michigan laboratory. Other activities within this
program are engineering studies, design, and
construction related to the repair and
improvement of buildings occupied by EPA.
Funding in 1998 will address critical
repairs related to employee health and safety;
ensuring EPA facilities are in compliance with
environmental statutes; energy and water
conservation improvements; and alterations
related to moves and program required changes
as well as emergency repairs and maintenance
for laboratory facilities.
48
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DOLLARS
+$62.3 M $614.3 M
$552
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
2,327
WORKYEARS
+88 2,415
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
The Science and Technology (S&T)
account, created in 1996, funds the operating
programs of the Office of Research and
Development (ORD), the Office of Air and
Radiation's (OAR) Office of Mobile Sources, and
the Program Office laboratories. These
organizations provide significant scientific and
technical expertise in meeting the Agency's broad
array of environmental goals. ORD scientists and
engineers, as well as universities and the
extramural research and development
community, seek to increase our understanding
of the risks to human health of the American
public and our nation's ecosystems. OAR
contributes to the goal of clean air by controlling
air pollutants such as particulate matter,
implementing the Clean Air Act's vehicle, engine
and fuels requirements and by reducing emissions
from in-use vehicles through state programs. The
program laboratories directly sup port the Agency's
regulatory programs, including the
implementation of drinking water regulations,
and are the primary source of multimedia technical
expertise for civil and criminal enforcement.
As a result of the Agency's risk-based
science planning process, a number of new and
critical areas with significant uncertainties and
great opportunities will be funded in the S&T
account in 1998: Assessing Health Risks to
Children, the President's Commitment made in
Kalamazoo on Americans' Right-to-Know, the
Advanced Measurement Initiative and
implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act
Amendments of 1996 and the Food Quality
Protection Act of 1996. The Agency's support in
these areas underscores our national leadership
in addressing emerging environmental issues and
in advancing the science and technology of risk
assessment and risk management.
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$614.3 million and 2,415 workyears for the
Science and Technology appropriation account,
an increase of $62.3 million and 88 workyears
over 1997. In addition to this amount, $39.8
million will be transferred from the Hazardous
Substance Superfund appropriation.
The S&T account also includes resources
for cross-program research that pertains to two or
more distinct media, and infrastructure needs
such as operating expenses and the working
capital fund. The S&T account also requests $ 115
million to continue support for the Science to
Achieve Results (STAR) program. This includes
$ 15 million for academic fellowships.
Reducing Air Pollution through Research
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$91.1 million and 411 workyears for the Air
Research program, an increase of $9.1 million
and a decrease of 15 workyears from 1997.
Research and development will be conducted in
many different areas of air pollution.
49
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Air Toxics research investigates and
assesses the risks posed by toxic air pollutants in
urban and indoor environments and those
generated as a result of mobile sources. In 1998,
the Agency will significantly increase efforts in
the urban toxics research area to better
understand the health impacts of exposure to air
toxics in the urban setting, where most risks are
anticipated to occur. Research in this area includes
support for the development of health assessments
from chronic and acute exposures and cancer risk
determinations.
The Criteria Air Pollution research
program supports EPA in its mandatory review of
the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for
ambient exposures to certain widespread air
pollutants. The program will increase efforts on
understanding the risks associated with
particulate matter (PM), a significant Agency
initiative, which may be the largest single
contributor to adverse effects caused by ambient
air pollution. Researchers will continue to identify
the mechanisms by which particles affect human
health. Tropospheric ozone resources will support
ajoint public/private effort to improve the scientific
basis for both future ozone attainment strategies
and health and ecological effects research.
The Global Change research program will
focus on integrated assessments of the potential
ecological risks of climate change on coastal,
freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems from
different regions throughout the U.S., and extend
the analysis to include the implications for human
health. In addition, EPA will consider future
regional vulnerabilities for coastal ecosystems by
developing a conceptual model to (1) identify the
principal driversof change in selected U.S. Atlantic
watersheds and estuaries and (2) evaluate
ecological risks that may be associated with
climate change in the context of other future
coastal zone precursors, such as resource
exploitation and coastal zone build-out.
Strengthening Air Standards
and Regulations
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$87.5 million and 424 workyears for OAR's Office
of Mobile Sources (OMS) and Radiation Program
Laboratories, an increase of $22.9 million and 98
workyears over 1997. The 1998 request
consolidates all resources for OMS in the S&T
appropriation. Previously, the resources were
split with the EPM appropriation.
The Ozone/Carbon Monoxide/Nitrogen
Oxides program will conduct a wide range of
activities designed to reduce these pollutants
from vehicles, engines and fuels. These activities
include promulgating mobile source rules under
the Clean Air Act, involving industry in numerous
cooperative emission reduction or process
streamlining initiatives, and providing support
to states. Rulemaking activities include finalizing
the highway heavy-duty engine, locomotive, and
evaporative test procedure rules, and proposing
rules for reengineering vehicle compliance,
motorcycle weight limits and nonroad diesels.
The Particulate Matter/Visibility/
Regional Haze/Lead program supports engine
standards development and PM emissions
inventory and modeling. Reducing the mobile
source PM emissions will contribute to attainment
of the PM ambient air quality standard. By
reducing these emissions, these initiatives will
provide added protection for children and other
sensitive populations from respiratory illness and
premature death. In the area of fuels, the Agency
will implement low sulfur diesel regulations,
including the Alaska waiver request and the
anticipated bio-diesel waiver request.
The Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP)
directly supports the goal of stabilizing U.S.
greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide,
at 1990 levels by the year 2000. One element
funded through CCAP is the Clean Car program,
which represents EPA's contribution to the
Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles, a
Presidential initiative. Under this program, the
Federal government will work closely with the
domestic automobile industry to develop
technology which will triple automotive fuel
economy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by
67 percent, while maintaining vehicle performance
and affordability. EPA will also work to provide
information to the public on ways in which
transportation alternatives can be used to reduce
air pollution and to decrease emissions of gases
that contribute to global warming.
50
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Two program laboratories support the
Radiation and Indoor Environments programs by
carrying out a broad range of policy,regulatory,
and compliance functions. The National Air and
Radiation Environmental Laboratory and the
Radiation and Indoor Air National Laboratory
both provide technical support and guidance to
assist the Agency in carrying out its responsibility
to protect public health and the environment
from adverse effects of radiation exposure and to
reduce human exposure to harmful levels of indoor
pollution.
Mitigating Health and Environmental
Problems Through Waste/Site/Risk
Characterization Research
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$14.0 million and 68 workyears for the Waste/
Site/Risk Characterization research program, an
increase of $3.2 million and a decrease of 10
workyears from 1997. The goal of the program is
to provide the regions, states and localities with
data, methods, and models to assess the potential
human and environmental health risks associated
with exposures to contaminants encountered at
Superfund sites.
In 1998, Waste/Site/Risk Characteri-
zation research will include the Superfund
Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE)
program, which will continue to demonstrate the
backlog of commercially available characterization
technologies, and the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) program, which will focus
on reducing uncertainties in exposure estimates
and developing more sensitive analytical methods
for RCRA waste constituents. Superfund site
characterization research will focus on
technologies and methods that are more
field-oriented.
Providing Strong Scientific and Technical
Support Through Waste Management and
Site Remediation Research
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$27.2 million and 95 workyears for the Waste
Management and Site Remediation research
program, an increase of $4.0 million and a decrease
of seven workyears from 1997. The goal of the
program is to improve EPA's understanding of
the science controlling the fate of contaminants in
soils and groundwater through risk management
research which focuses on the remediation of
surface and subsurface contaminated soils,
sludges, sediments, buildings, debris, and
groundwater.
In 1998, the Waste Management and Site
Remediation research program will support major
activities in groundwater research and the SITE
program. In the groundwater area, EPA will
expand its field evaluation of innovative extraction
technologies for contaminants. The SITE program
will continue to focus on identifying solutions
where remediation problems indicate the need
for more cost-effective cleanup technologies.
Strengthening the Scientific Basis for
Drinking Water Regulations and Standards
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$35.9 million and 184 workyears for the Drinking
Water research program, a decrease of $3.5 million
and 9 workyears from 1997. The research under
this program seeks to increase our understanding
of the health effects, exposure, assessment, and
risk management issues associated with
contaminants in drinking water from a public
health basis. EPA's drinking water research also
focuses on the potential health risks and human
exposures to microbial pathogens and disinfection
by-products (DBFs).
In 1998, the Drinking Water research
program will provide the scientific data necessary
to provide a sound basis for promulgation of
necessary regulation. This research will expand
our understanding of the impacts of drinking
water contamination on sensitive subpopulations,
adverse reproductive effects of drinking water
contaminants, mechanistic research on selected
DBFs and arsenic, and waterborne disease
occurrence studies, as well as treatment and
distribution system development.
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$1.7 million and 21 workyears for EPA's Drinking
Water Technical Support Center (TSC), an
increase of $65 thousand over 1997. TSC will
continue to implement drinking water regulations,
particularly the information collection rule that
51
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
was promulgated in May 1996. This rule requires
about 300 large public water systems to collect
occurrence and treatment data on disinfectants,
disinfection by-products, and microorganisms.
TSC also has lead responsibility in implementing
the composite correction program, which assists
large, medium, and small systems in improving
filtration performance.
Focusing On Ecosystem Protection Research
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$105.5 million and 490 workyears for the
Ecosystem Protection research program, a
decrease of $1.7 million and an increase of 1
workyear over 1997. In addition to addressing
several National Environmental goals, such as
clean air, clean waters, healthy terrestrial
ecosystems and reducing global and regional
environmental risks, this program will investigate
three Agency objectives: the scientific basis of
environmental indicators of stressors; the risk
assessment links between ecosystem and human
health; and integration of information through
risk management models.
Ecosystems Protection research will focus
on exposure and effects measurements, long-term
monitoring, and regional surveys, development
of tools and methods to enable assessment and
management of the greatest threats, and intensive
research in selected ecoregions of national interest
and concern, such as the Pacific Northwest. The
impact of chemical stressors (e.g., nutrients, toxic
metals) and non-chemical stressors (e.g., climate
change, regional vulnerability) on threatened
ecosystems is a primary area for investigation.
EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Program (EMAP), for example, is used as a vehicle
for understanding ecosystem integrity and
sustainability.
EPA will continue a major program in the
development of ecological indicators and our work
with the National Park Service to upgrade
monitoring sites in 13 National Parks to assess
the impacts of environmental stressors, including
toxic chemicals and metals. In addition, research
will expand on Contaminated Sediments to better
understand the cause and effect relationships of
persistent chemicals that exist in our Nation's
waterways. EPA will explore cost-effective
approaches to mitigate contamination of
sediments in the Nation's waterways.
Reducing Exposure Through Human
Health Protection Research
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$53.6 million and 251 workyears for the Human
Health Protection research program, an increase
of $ 11.1 million and a decrease of 1 workyear from
1997. People are exposed to avariety of potentially
harmful agents in the air they breathe, the food
they eat, the liquids they drink, the products they
use, and the surfaces they touch. The Human
Health Protection research program's goal is to
identify, reduce and prevent exposures and risks
from environmental contaminants that contribute
to increased rates of disease, disability and
premature death.
In 1998, the Human Health Protection
research program will support studies on the
health effects and exposure of sensitive
subpopulations exposed to pesticides and toxic
substances. Research will be expanded to support
implementation of the Food Quality Protection
Act of 1996 to better address the health of infants
and children, including re-evaluation of pesticide
chemical tolerances for children.
The Agency will also reassess current
information and approaches to determining risks
specifically to children. This is in direct support
of EPA's initiative of Assessing Health Risks to
Children and its strategic goal of determining
how individuals vary in their responses to toxic
insults.
Understanding and Evaluating Emerging
Special Environmental Hazards
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$15.9 million and 71 workyears for the Special
Environmental Hazards research program, an
increase of $3.8 million and four workyears over
1997. This program primarily supports research
on endocrine disrupters, where a great deal of
52
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
uncertainty exists. This research will investigate
the effects of environmental exposure to various
chemicals, focusing on health effects and exposure
assessment in humans and ecosystems. The
results of these efforts support the implementation
of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA), and the recently enacted
Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) and Safe
Drinking Water Act (SD WA) amendments of 1996.
In addition, the 1998 President's Budget
requests $3.4 million and 35 workyears for the
Office of Pesticides Program Laboratory, an
increase of $200 thousand over 1997. The
laboratory performs testing and other activities
in support of EPA's Safe Food environmental
goal.
Using New Tools and Technology to
Prevent Pollution
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$58.0 million and 147 workyears for the New
Technology and Pollution Prevention research
program, an increase of $21.6 million and 22
workyears over 1997. The goal of the program is
to research and develop new tools and methods,
techniques and approaches to be used to prevent
pollution and to set environmental standards and
regulations.
In 1998, the major activities of the New
Technology and Pollution Prevention Research
program will include the President's Commitment
made in Kalamazoo to Americans' Right-To-Know
and the Advanced Measurement Initiative (AMI).
The Right-To-Know commitment will provide the
75 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. with
access to information on local environmental
quality and tools to interpret and evaluate
potential impacts and risks. Through AMI, EPA
will identify new ways to apply advanced
technologies to current and emerging
environmental needs in air, land, and water
pollution. The initiative will also enhance
environmental measurement and monitoring
capabilities by accelerating the application of
advanced technologies. In addition, the Agency
will support the Environmental Technology
Verification program and the Common Sense
Initiative.
Developing Credible Evidence
for Enforcement Actions
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$8.9 million and 79 workyears for the National
Enforcement Investigations Center (NEIC), an
increase of $100 thousand and a decrease of 4
workyears from 1997. The Civil and Criminal
Enforcement programs will continue to develop
defensible, legal evidence for successful case
prosecution. The scientific and technical staff will
collect evidence, perform lab analysis, detect
environmental data fraud through computer
forensics, and develop graphics and re port services
to communicate environmental findings in the
courtroom. NEIC will assist in case development
and support by providing technical input to
enforcement actions including: Consent decree
development, negotiations, affidavits,
Supplemental Environmental Projects,
interrogatories, and support for litigation actions.
Additionally, the Center will be conducting several
compliance monitoring activities.
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OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
DOLLARS
$28.5 M $0.0 M $28.5 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
297 -3 294
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
is responsible for conducting and supervising
independent audits and investigations of EPA's
programs and administrative and financial
activities to ensure that the Agency's programs
are delivered in an effective, efficient, and
economical manner and in compliance with all
applicable laws and regulations. OIG audits and
investigations assist the Agency in identifying
areas of potential risk and necessary
improvements that can significantly contribute
to EPA fulfilling its complex mission. The OIG
will also provide consultative services, working in
partnership with Agency management, to find
cleaner, cheaper, and smarter solutions for solving
environmental problems.
The 1998 request for the OIG
appropriation is $28.5 million and 294
workyears. In addition to this amount, $11.6
million and 103 workyears will be transferred
from the Hazardous Substance Superfund
appropriation. The total requested for the OIG is
therefore $40.1 million and 397 workyears, an
increase of $0.1 million and a decrease of 11
workyears from 1997. A portion of this funding
($4.1 million) is assigned to the Office of
Administration and Resources Management to
provide appropriate support services.
Operations of the OIG are funded through
two appropriations: Inspector General and
Hazardous Substance Superfund. The Inspector
General account is appropriated from General
Revenue funds and covers the activities of the
Agency's operating and construction grants
programs. The Superfund portion is appropriated
from the Hazardous Substance Trust Fund and is
for OIG activities related specifically to the
Superfund program. The Agency is not requesting
that any dollars or workyears be transferred from
the LUST appropriation due to a decreased LUST
program workload. Any remaining or future
LUST audits and investigations will be funded
from the Inspector General appropriation.
Additionally, in 1998,EPAisrequestingatwo-year
appropriation for the OIG.
HIGHLIGHTS
Inspector General
In 1998, the General Revenue fund
request for the Inspector General is $28.5 million
and 294 workyears, of which $25.8 million is for
the program and $2.7 million is for support costs.
This represents a decrease of 3 workyears from
1997. The OIG will continue to concentrate its
workyears on areas that provide the greatest
performance results to the Agency.
The OIG will continue its audits of Agency
procurement practices and contracts performed
by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) to
ensure that EPA's contract dollars are used most
effectively and efficiently and expand its audits of
major assistance programs such as Performance
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OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL
Partnership Grants and State Revolving Funds.
This will provide a balanced and sustained audit
presence in conducting performance audits in all
major programs, strengthening internal controls,
improving operational efficiency and effectiveness,
and ensuring the integrity of Agency procurement
to achieve the maximum environmental benefit
with available resources. The OIG will continue
to invest in procurement and program integrity
investigations to prevent and detect the possible
loss of EPA resources from fraud, abuse, and
other violations. In addition, the OIG will provide
resources to implement a consolidated OIG
information system addressing the Year 2000
data problem. The OIG will also provide financial
audit work supporting the Chief Financial Officers
(CFO) Act of 1990 to ensure that the accounting
systems and financial reports are accurate and
reliable.
The OIG will continue its audits of EPA's
construction grants program to assist the Agency
in meeting its goal of substantially closing out
this program. In addition, the OIG will focus its
resources on improving the integrity of scientific
data, research, and analysis crucial to EPA. The
OIG will emphasize investigations of procurement
fraud and continue aggressively pursuing fraud
in Agency funded research. The OIG will also
continue its efforts in fraud prevention by
publicizing its activities, helping EPA employees
identify areas sensitive to fraud, and developing
and applying new fraud detection tools and
methods.
Superfund
In 1998, the Hazardous Substance
Superfund request for the OIG is $11.6 million
and 103 workyears, of which $10.2 million is for
the program and $1.4 million is assigned to OARM
to provide support costs. This represents an
increase of $0.6 million and a decrease of 3
workyears from 1997. The increase will fund
additional audit coverage of Superfund
cooperative agreements and fund pre-award,
interim, and final audits of Superfund contracts
by the DCAA. The OIG will continue to focus its
resources on financial and performance audits
and investigations of the Superfund program,
particularly in the area of procurement and
acquisition management. The OIG will also
comply with the audit requirements of the CFO
Act and the Superfund Amendments and
Reauthorization Act to ensure that Superfund
programs are operated as efficiently as possible
and that the risk of financial loss is minimized.
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OIL SPILLS
DOLLARS
$15.0 M $0.0 M $15.0 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
104 0 104
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
Oil spills pose a constant threat to public
health and the environment. The federal
government receives reports on more than 20,000
oil spills each year. These reports can range from
minor discharges to major catastrophes. More
than 100 spills reported in 1996 were over 10,000
gallons and another dozen spills exceeded 100,000
gallons. These accidental discharges impact the
Nation in a variety of ways. Oil spills contaminate
drinking water and food supply, expose families
to toxic emissions, kill marine and wildlife, and
devastate local economies dependent on natural
resources. Environmental damage from these
spills can be long term and, in some cases,
irreversible. The Oil Spill Program has been
established to prevent, prepare for, and rapidly
respond to this threat.
The Oil Spill Program is authorized under
Section 311 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), as
amended by the Oil Protection Act (OPA) of 1990.
OPA strengthened the Federal government's
prevention, preparedness, and response
capabilities. The Agency responds to oil spills
that affect or threaten the inland waterways of
the United States and regulates a wide range of
onshore facilities, from hospitals to large tank
farms. An interagency agreement between the
Agency and United States Coast Guard (USCG)
is used to coordinate joint responses along the
coastal zone and Great Lakes, where warranted.
The USCG manages the Oil Spill Liability Trust
Fund which provides direct funding for response
activities and is financed through a five cents per
barrel tax on domestic crude and imported oil.
The goal of the Agency's Oil Spill Program is to
reduce or eliminate accidental releases of oil that
endanger our communities or wildlife, and to
ensure that releases that do occur cause negligible
harm to people, local economies, and the
environment.
The President's Budget requests $15.0
million and 104 workyears to meet the
environmental goals of the Oil program; this is no
change from the Agency's 1997 levels. The Oil
program will continue to meet OPA requirements
by implementing the Spill, Prevention, Control,
and Countermeasures (SPCC) program and
reviewing facility response plans (FRPs) for
specified high risk facilities to ensure they have
the capability to address a worst case discharge.
In 1996, EPA began cleanup at an estimated 69
oil spill sites with reimbursement from the Oil
Spill Liability Trust Fund and monitored 130
responsible party cleanups. The Oil program will
also support many of the Nation's priorities, i.e.,
Clean Waters, Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems,
Safe Drinking Water, and Safe Homes, Schools
and Workplaces by preventing releases of harmful
substances into the environment and protecting
the environment for our children and our children's
children.
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OIL SPILLS
HIGHLIGHTS
In 1998, the Oil program will concentrate
on prevention and preparedness, and rapid
response to an accidental release. The Agency
will maintain and reinforce the emergency
response infrastructure to include revising area
contingency plans, continued work on the Oil
Spill Program Information System (OPIS) that
electronically tracks a facility's history,
development of a geographic information system
(GIS), thereby highlighting the facility's most
sensitive areas, and conducting emergency
response exercises. These activities will better
prepare high risk facilities and regions for a worst
case scenario.
Preventing and Preparing
for Accidental Discharges
In 1998, the President's Budget requests
$7.7 million and 56 workyears for prevention and
preparedness activities. This will be accomplished
in three areas: implementing the SPCC program;
reviewing FRPs; and executing the National
Preparedness for Response Exercise Program
(PREP). The Agency performs SPCC inspections
to ensure that specified oil storage facilities can
properly control and prevent accidental spills.
Currently, the Agency regulates about 435,000
facilities with approximately 500 SPCC
inspections targeted for review in 1998. Above
ground oil storage facilities are subject to further
prevention measures in order to be in compliance
with the statute. The SPCC inspections and
compliance measures have been effective in
reducing the number and scope of accidental oil
discharges.
The second key activity for prevention
and preparedness is reviewing FRPs. The Agency
is responsible for the periodic review and approval
of FRPs at 5,000 high risk facilities. In 1998, EPA
will conduct an estimated 500 FRP inspections.
An FRP review requires evaluating each plan for
completeness and accuracy, inspecting the
facility's response equipment, verifying data in
the response plan, and validating the facility's
capability to effectively respond to a worst case
discharge.
The Agency will continue working with
state and local government officials to develop
area contingency plans and coordinate with other
Federal authorities to implement the PREP.
PREP drills entail testing response procedures
and the performance of facilities. In 1998, the
Agency will lead one inland area PREP exercise
and plans to participate in several exercises led
by the Coast Guard, other Federal agencies, and
industry.
Responding Rapidly to
Accidental Discharges
The President's Budget requests a total
of $4.1 million and 30 workyears to conduct and
monitor rapid responses to significant oil spills,
and to provide specialized site support through
the Environmental Response Team (ERT). This
team consists of scientists and engineers that are
available to provide technical expertise 24 hours
a day to On-scene Coordinators, Remedial Project
Managers, state and local res ponders, and foreign
countries during the time of an environmental
crisis. The program will also continue to maintain
the current Emergency Response Notification
System (ERNS) so that release information on an
oil spill is available for state, local, industry, and
Federal authorities to quickly access. The Agency
will direct or oversee response actions for incidents
involving onshore facilities where the spill or
threat of a spill represents a substantial threat to
public health or welfare of the environment, and
continue to provide technical and response support
to the USCG on oil spills outside of EPA's
jurisdiction.
Taking Action Against
Non-Complying Facilities
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$1.6 million and 16 workyears under the Oil Spill
appropriation for the Oil Spill Enforcement
program; this is no change from 1997. The Agency
will bring administrative actions and judicial
referrals against facilities for failure to comply
with oil pollution spill prevention control and
countermeasures regulations and response plan
regulations, including final facility response plan
regulations. The program will enforce cleanups of
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OIL SPILLS
spills by responsible parties. These resources will
also allow the Agency to coordinate enforcement
activities with other Federal and state
governmental agencies.
Encouraging Innovative Research
The 1998 President's Budget requests $1
million and 1 workyear for the Oil Spill Trust
Fund, an increase of $5 thousand and a decrease
of 1 workyear from 1997. The program develops
and evaluates the applicability of remediation
options to spills of crude oils and fuels. In 1998,
the objective of the Agency's research program
will be to determine the risk management option
that most appropriately addresses spill
remediation. The Agency will apply the best
science available to focus our research efforts on
the use of bioremediation and chemical
countermeasures.
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TRUST FUNDS
61
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62
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SUPERFUND
DOLLARS
+$700.0 M $2,094.2 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
3,650
WORKYEARS
+138 3,788
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
Soil that is unsafe to live, work or play on;
water that is unfit to drink; and air that is
dangerous to breathe are the result of improper
disposal of hazardous waste. This contamination
often migrates, threatening a growing number of
people, communities, and sensitive ecosystems.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) or
Superfund was enacted in 1980 to address public
health and environmental threats from abandoned
toxic waste dumps and releases of hazardous
substances. The Superfund program is unique in
that it provides the first Federal cleanup authority
to address the problem of uncontrolled hazardous
waste sites. CERCLA also requires EPA to step
beyond its traditional regulatory role and pursue
potentially responsible parties (PRPs) to ensure
that they contribute their equitable share toward
cleaning up Superfund hazardous waste sites.
CERCLA and the Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of
1986 have given EPA authority to pursue those
responsible for cleanups and to recover costs
incurred if the Agency cleans up the
contamination. Where negotiations with PRPs
fail, the Agency will take enforcement actions to
require cleanup or use Federal dollars, from the
Hazardous Substance Trust Fund, to clean up
sites until these costs can be recovered from the
polluter. The Trust Fund was established to pay
for cleanups where PRPs cannot be found or
cannot or will not pay for the cleanup and has
been supported through excise taxes on the
chemical and petroleum industries and a
broad-based corporate environmental tax. This
has provided a stable source of funding which
allows the Agency to move forward to protect the
public and the environment while PRP
responsibility is worked out.
The Superfund program continues to use
the Trust Fund and enforcement authority to
make strides in addressing the risks posed by
contaminated sites. To date, EPA and the public
have identified over 40,000 potential hazardous
waste sites across the Nation. Over 35,000 of
these sites have been assessed with approximately
28,000 being removed from EPA's inventory,
requiring no further action. EPA has developed
its capability to respond to emergencies such as
train derailments, natural disasters and other
accidents involving chemical spills. Removal of
these and other emergency threats has resulted
in over 4,000 completed removal actions at
approximately 3,100 sites.
Once identified, the Superfund program
studies and assesses sites to determine if they
merit inclusion on the National Priorities List
(NPL) -- the Nation's worst sites. The Superfund
assessment program has placed almost 1,400
sites on the NPL. Ninety-five percent of these
sites have been investigated to determine the
extent of contamination. Construction is underway
at nearly 500 sites with an additional 410 NPL
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SUPERFUND
sites being 'construction complete' as of the end of
1996. EPA's enforcement program has achieved
an average PRP participation of greater than 70%
for the past few years at construction cleanups
saving Trust Fund resources that can be used to
support other response actions.
In addition to cleanup and enforcement
activities, EPA is linking environmental protection
with economic redevelopment and community
revitalization, commonly referred to as the
Brownfields Initiative. Brownfields are
abandoned, contaminated and/or underused land
that is often found in the inner city, but occurs in
rural communities as well. It is estimated that
there are up to 500,000 brownfields sites in the
United States, affecting virtually every
community in the Nation. The President has
committed to help redevelop brownfields sites
and has requested additional funds in the 1998
Budget for grants to cities, states and Federally
recognized Indian tribes for assessment and
capitalization of revolving funds. Cleveland,
Detroit and Pittsburgh are among the 76
communities that are currently cleaning up
brownfields sites as a strategy for revitalizing
their local economies. By targeting economic
redevelopment in otherwise wasted brownfields
areas, these cities are hoping to create jobs,
generate tax revenue, and improve environmental
quality for their citizens.
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$2,094.2 million and 3,788 workyears, an
increase of $700 million and 138 workyears over
1997. Of the total budget request, $39.8 million
and 126 workyears will be transferred to the
Science and Technology account for research and
development efforts and $11.6 million and 103
workyears will be transferred to the Inspector
General for audit activities. The 1998 Budget
also includes extensions of the Superfund excise
and corporate environmental taxes and proposes
mandatory spending for costs allocated to
identifiable, but financially nonviable parties
(known as orphan shares). Funding orphan shares
will increase fairness as PRPs are compensated
for a portion of the orphan share contribution to
site cleanup. Since the orphan share funding is
mandatory and would be sought as part of
comprehensive Superfund reauthorization
legislation, it is not included in the program and
Agency request for discretionary funding.
The President's Budget request includes
$700.0 million to implement his environment
initiative announced in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
This initiative includes $650.0 million to accelerate
Superfund cleanups, the first installment of a
total of $ 1,300.0 million. This funding will enable
cleanup of an additional 250 NPL sites through
the year 2000, in order to achieve the overall goal
of 900 cleanups (or two-thirds of all currently
listed sites). The President's initiative also
includes $50 million to expand the Brownfields
Economic Redevelopment Initiative to help
cleanup and redevelop contaminated, former
industrial sites.
HIGHLIGHTS
The President's Budget requests $1,594.7
million and 1,586 workyears for Superfund's
cleanup program, an increase of 77% and 104
workyears over 1997. To implement the
President's environmental commitment to protect
communities from toxic pollution, the 1998 Budget
provides additional resources to accelerate the
number of Superfund cleanups and promote
cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields sites.
Funds will also be provided to continue program
priorities such as state and tribal government
support, and community outreach. In addition,
the Budget provides 148 workyears, which are
funded through a reimbursable agreement with
the Department of Defense, to assist with the
cleanup and restoration of federally owned
facilities and bases as part of the Base Realignment
and Closure Act of 1990. In 1998, Superfund's
Federal facility program will also respond to
requests to facilitate and assist with the transfer
of Federal properties for use and redevelopment.
Strengthening Cleanups
through Partnerships
As part of the President's environmental
initiative, the 1998 Budget requests an additional
$641.2 million and 67 workyears which will go to
Superfund's Response program to begin
construction at an additional 150 National
Priorities List (NPL) cleanups in 1998. This
further supports completion of an additional 250
sites to achieve the overall goal of 900 NPL
cleanups through theyear 2000. The 1998 increase
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SUPERFUND
represents the first of two installments designed
to strengthen the Agency's commitment to address
contaminated sites and put them back into
economic use. By cleaning up contaminated sites,
the threat to human health and the environment
will be reduced and contaminated land will be put
back into economic use at approximately
two-thirds of all sites on the NPL through the
year 2000. Addressing sites earlier in the process
reduces overall health risks of individuals living
near these sites as well as construction costs
because the Agency is able to begin construction
before circumstances at sites deteriorate.
The President's Budget requests $86.4
million and 57 workyears to implement and
expand the Brownfields Initiative. Economic
redevelopment at contaminated sites will remain
a high priority for the Superfund Response
program and the 1998 Budget requests an
additional $50.0 million for brownfields as part of
the President's environmental initiative. In 1998,
the Agency will provide assessment grants to 75
cities and capitalization of revolving loan fund
grants for cleanup in 106 cities. In addition,
funds will be used to support expansion of job
training and workforce activities related to
brownfields; to perform targeted site assessments;
and to expand, enhance and develop state
voluntary cleanup programs. EPA is committed
to help revitalize brownfields as a way to breathe
new economic life into communities across the
Nation.
The Agency recognizes that communities,
states and Federally recognized Indian tribes are
major stakeholders in the assessment, cleanup
and redevelopment of contaminated land. Public
involvement in the Superfund program is a natural
outcome of our democratic system and from our
belief that without stakeholder support and
understanding, no project will satisfy the needs of
the community it is designed to help. Soliciting
early stakeholder input on land use, reasonable
exposure pathways, characteristics of affected
populations, remedy selection, and risk helps
develop cleanup options tailored to communities'
unique requirements. The 1998 Budget requests
$21.7 million and 31 workyears to perform
community relations activities. These funds will
be used to continue promoting early, meaningful
public involvement in the Superfund cleanup
process. The President's Budget also requests
funds for states and Federally recognized Indian
tribes to help implement hazardous waste cleanup
programs. In 1998, $29.2 million and ISworkyears
will be requested to support the development and
enhancement of state and tribal governments'
hazardous waste programs.
Making Polluters Pay While
Emphasizing Fairness
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$174.6 million and 1,239 workyears for the
Superfund Enforcement program, an increase of
$3.4 million and 23 workyears. The Agency will
continue its efforts to obtain PRP response actions
to ensure that responsible parties cooperatively
contribute their equitable share toward cleaning
up Superfund hazardous waste sites. Where PRP
negotiations fail, the Agency will either take
enforcement actions to compel PRP cleanup or
use Trust Fund dollars to remediate sites.
The Civil Enforcement program will assist
in CERCLA case development by providing
support for litigation actions including affidavits
and depositions. The program will also apply
legally defensible scientific procedures and
technical and financial analysis to support
Superfund enforcement cases.
The Cost Recovery program will recoup
moneys expended from the Trust Fund from viable
responsible parties. Where settlement
negotiations and previous enforcement actions
have failed to achieve PRP response, and Trust
Fund dollars are used to clean up sites, the
program takes actions against PRPs to recover
past expenditures. Recovered funds are returned
to the Trust Fund so they can be available to clean
up other contaminated sites. The program will
achieve cost recovery through administrative
settlements, CERCLA section 107 case referrals
to the Department of Justice, and alternative
dispute resolutions to improve early case
resolution.
In 1998, the Enforcement program will
devote $2.8 million and 33 workyears to support
the President's environmental initiative to
accelerate the number of cleanups at the worst
hazardous waste sites. These resources will be
used to achieve fair share settlements at
65
-------
SUPERFUND
pre-remedial design and pre-construction sites,
and for assuring compliance of PRPs conducting
cleanups.
The Agency will also implement various
Superfund pilot reforms to increase fairness and
reduce transaction costs in 1998. The program
will make orphan share determinations, expedite
settlements to facilitate early de minimis
agreements, arrange settlements with parties
with limited ability to pay, and compensate PRPs
for a portion of the orphan share contribution for
remedial design/remedial action settlements.
The Agency will ensure PRP compliance
with orders and consent decrees at non-Federal
and Federal facilities through the Compliance
Assurance program. The program will monitor
PRP compliance with orders for remedial
investigation/feasibility studies and removals and
with remedial design/remedial actions undertaken
by PRPs. The Agency will continue negotiations
with Federal Facilities to reach CERCLA Section
120 agreements for NPL cleanups. The Agency
also expects to revise many of the existing
agreements in 1998 due to decisions of the Federal
Facilities Environmental Restoration Dialogue
Committee and changes in cleanup goals at
Federal facilities. The Agency will assist federal
agencies and sites in controlling costs and in
obtaining regulatory flexibility.
The strongest possible sanctions for
egregious violations of Superfund will be brought
to bear through the criminal enforcement program.
The Agency's criminal investigators will pursue
investigative leads of CERCLA violations, develop
information to support grand jury inquiries and
decisions, and refer leads to other agencies or
pursue joint investigations as appropriate. The
program will refer cases to the U.S. Attorney's
Offices or the Department of Justice for
prosecution.
Integrating Other Federal Agency Partners
The Agency works with several Federal
agencies to perform essential services in areas
where the Agency does not possess the specialized
expertise. The 1998 President's Budget requests
$152.1 million for our Federal Agency Partners.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR), the National Institute for
Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and
the Department of Justice receive 93% of
Superfund resources allocated to other Federal
Agencies.
The President's Budget requests $64.0
million for ATSDR to conduct public health
assessments at NPL and non-NPL sites; maintain
toxicology databases for chemicals found at sites;
and provide health education to health care
providers, local and national health organizations,
and state and local health departments. The
Agency anticipates that an additional 150
construction starts in 1998 will heighten the
awareness of the citizenry surrounding Superfund
sites on potential health effects. The 1998 Budget
requests as part of the President's environmental
initiative, $6.0 million for ATSDR to address
community concerns regarding how the
implementation of cleanup designs associated
with the additional construction starts affects
their health and the surrounding environment.
The President's Budget requests $48.5
million for NIEHS to manage a worker training
grants program which trains workers who are, or
may be, working with hazardous waste. NIEHS
will also continue to fund a maturing basic
research program which focuses on assessing the
impacts of complex chemical mixtures on humans;
however, the 1998 Budget provides for a modest
decrease in the basic research program at NIEHS
in recognition of this maturing program.
The President's Budget requests $29.7
million for the Department of Justice (DOJ). DOJ
plays a critical role in Superfund's 'Enforcement
First' strategy. In 1998, DOJ will continue to
litigate and settle cleanup agreements and cost
recovery cases and seek civil penalties if necessary.
The remaining Federal agencies that support
Superfund activities are the United States Coast
Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the Department of Interior, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency and the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Providing Support Services
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$86.5 million and 289 workyears for management
66
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SUPERFUND
and support services essential to the operation of
the Superfund program, an increase of $5.6 million
and five workyears over 1997. Major Agency
management activities include Facilities
Management, Contracts and Grants
Management, Information Systems and Services,
and Human Resources Management. Major
Agency infrastructure activities include
nationwide services to maintain and enhance
agency facilities (rent and utilities), and provide
office, building, and maintenance services
(security, printing, equipment maintenance).
The Agency's priority is to provide
management services, infrastructure, operations,
and workforce support. Specifically, the Agency
will focus on its highest priorities: reinventing
EPA management; supporting strong science and
data; fostering effective partnerships;
strengthening our stewardship and fiscal integrity
of the Agency's contracting and grant assistance
resources; and maintaining essential
infrastructure support.
Providing Core Financial Services
The Agency requests a total of $25.5
million and 238 workyears to perform Agency-wide
resource management and control functions
including budget development, budget utilization,
financial accounting and fiscal operations.
Resources will also support the development of
Agency-wide resource management policies and
national guidance and operation and maintenance
of the Integrated Financial Management System.
In addition, resources will enable the Agency to
provide assistance to the Superfund cost recovery
program. Further, the Agency will provide
leadership for the development of performance
based management tools consistent with the
National Performance Review, the Government
Performance and Results Act, the Government
Management Reform Act, and the Chief Financial
Officers' Act; devote resources to EPA's own
streamlining and administrative reform
initiatives; and continue to develop and implement
the management processes and information
systems needed to improve EPA's ability to
manage for results.
67
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68
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LUST
DOLLARS
+$11.2 M $71.2 M
$60.0 M
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
WORKYEARS
94 -8
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
Leaks of petroleum and other products
from underground storage tanks can pose a serious
threat to human health and the environment.
These leaks can cause fires and/or explosions and
contaminate the public's groundwater supplies.
Underground storage tanks are found at gas and
service stations, convenience stores, bus depots
and federal facilities.
States have reported that leaking
underground storage tanks (LUSTs) are the
leading source of groundwater pollution, and
petroleum is the most prevalent contaminant.
Over two million underground storage tanks are
regulated by EPA, and approximately 317,000
confirmed releases have been discovered since
1990. Of the cumulative number of confirmed
releases, over 150,000 cleanups have been
completed, leaving over 160,000 cleanups that
need to be initiated. As owners and operators
comply with the December 31, 1998 deadline for
upgrading, replacing or closing tanks, the Agency
estimates an additional 100,000 releases may be
discovered.
The LUST program operates under the
authority of Subtitle I of the Hazardous and Solid
Waste Amendments of 1984, as amended by the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
(SARA) of 1986. The LUST Trust Fund excise tax,
a one-tenth of one cent per gallon tax on motor
fuels, was authorized by SARA and reauthorized
by the Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of
1990. The excise tax expired in December of 1995.
The Administration is proposing to reinstate the
LUST tax effective upon enactment.
The LUST program was established to
provide resources for the oversight and
enforcement of cleanup of releases from
underground storage tanks. Resources can also
be used to pay for cleanups where the owner/
operator is unknown or is unable to conduct the
cleanup. The goal of the LUST program is to
ensure rapid and effective responses to releases
from underground storage tanks and to restore
contaminated sites to their beneficial use. The
vast majority (85%) of the program's federal
resources are given directly to the states and
tribes. States use this money to provide technical
oversight of responsible party-lead cleanups,
address emergency response actions, and perform
state-lead cleanups. The LUST funding will be
used to support cleanups in all 50 states and six
territories. (Florida, for the first time, will apply
for funding in 1997). EPA will work in
partnerships with state, local, and tribal
governments to develop the capacity to implement
the LUST program, develop alternative
approaches to increasing regulatory compliance,
and increase enforcement capabilities.
The 1998 President's Budget requests a
total of $71.2 million and 86 workyears for the
Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST)
Appropriation, an increase of $ 11.2 million (nearly
69
-------
LUST
19%) from 1997. In 1998 there are no dollars or
workyears transferred to the Inspector General
Account for audit support activities as a result of
a reduced LUST workload. Eighty-five percent of
the funding will go directly to state and tribal
governments to assist in cleanup, oversight,
state-lead cleanups and release identification.
The remaining funding is used by the Agency to
provide State LUST technical assistance
programs, to sustain a strong Agency enforcement
program, to promote further innovative technology
research, and to provide central Agency
administrative support.
The Administration is proposing to expand
the uses of the LUST Trust Fund to include
several related EPA programs, including the
Underground Storage Tank Program, the
Underground Injection Control Program and the
Groundwater Protection Program. The
Administration believes that these existing
programs should be funded from the LUST Trust
Fund because they also address groundwater
protection from underground sources of
contamination. The $53 million needed to
implement these programs in 1998 would continue
to be requested through the Environmental
Programs and Management and State and Tribal
Assistance Grants appropriations accounts.
However, the General Fund will be reimbursed
for the cost of these programs through a $53
million payment from the LUST Trust Fund.
Authorizing and appropriations language will be
required.
HIGHLIGHTS
Investing in State Cooperative
Agreements in 1998 will allow states and Indian
tribes to initiate 27,000 cleanups and to complete
22,000 cleanups. The funding increment reflects
the Agency's anticipation that the number of
confirmed releases will increase in 1998 as owners
and operators comply with the December 31,
1998 deadline for upgrading, replacing or closing
tanks.
Supporting State Assistance
The 1998 President's Budget requests a
total of $67.2 million and 65 workyears to
implement the LUST response program, an
increase of over $11 million (nearly 20%) from
1997. The grounds for this investment is
underscored by the Agency's anticipation that an
additional 100,000 releases will be discovered as
owners and operators comply with the December
31, 1998 deadline for upgrading, replacing, or
closing tanks. In addition, the State of Florida,
which has a large regulated universe of
underground storage tanks but had not previously
requested funding, will now receive funding from
the LUST Program.
Eighty-five percent of LUST resources
are provided directly to states and tribes in order
to support implementation of strong corrective
action programs. A priority in 1998 will be to
provide national program direction, policy
interpretations, technical cleanup assistance and
outreach support to state and tribal governments.
The states will identify leaking tanks, encourage
and compel owners and operators to respond to
the leaks and take response actions where owners
and operators are unknown, unable or unwilling
to respond.
The Agency will continue to assist states
in redesigning their corrective action processes to
incorporate risk-based decision making.
Risk-based corrective action processes help state,
local and tribal governments focus cleanup and
oversight activities on the highest risk sites. The
Agency will continue to provide technical support
to the states and seed money to the American
Society of Testing and Materials for
comprehensive training and implementation
support to state and tribal governments. In
addition, continued outreach by the states will be
provided to tribal governments through Regional
technical assistance. Specific projects will include
the development and implementation of a
risked-based corrective action process along with
corrective action training and support.
In an effort to further privatize the LUST
program, EPA will continue to involve the private
sector more directly in major functions at the
federal and state level. This will be conducted by
developing private sector incentives for good tank
management as well as timely, cost-effective
cleanups. The Agency will continue to assist
states in developing licensed site professional
programs to review and approve corrective action
plans and analyze site assessment reports at
lower risk LUST sites. This will enable states to
70
-------
LUST
increase the number of cleanups completed
without increases in their own staffing. For
further support to the states, EPA will work with
the real estate, banking and insurance industries
to inform customers and clients about the UST
requirements when they buy or sell property or
apply for loans or insurance.
Encouraging Voluntary Compliance
through Enforcement
In 1998, the LUST enforcement program
will continue to target responsible parties to
finance or conduct corrective actions. The 1998
President's Budget requests $0.5 million and a
total of six workyears for LUST enforcement, an
increase of more than $ 186 thousand over 1997 in
enforcement funding. The Agency will provide
technical assistance for state site enforcement
with minimal Federal oversight and involvement.
Evaluating New Technologies
The Agency requests a total of $ 0.7 million
and two workyears for LUST research and
development, an increase of $27 thousand over
1997. EPA will continue engineering cost analysis
of corrective action options to allow for a sounder
evaluation of costs in making corrective action
decisions. In addition, the Agency's Leak Detection
and Prevention Research Program will continue
research on a variety of leak detection methods
with particular emphasis on aboveground tanks
and large pipelines.
Providing Fundamental
Support Services
The 1998 President's Budget requests
$1.3 million and three workyears for management
and support services essential to the operation of
the trust fund program, an increase of $0.2 million
over 1997. Resources will ensure that Agency
facilities are maintained, modified and/or built to
an environmentally efficient, safe and healthy
standard. In addition, resources will provide at
least six Project Officer (PO) Training classes to
certify program staff responsible for monitoring
and technical oversight of assistance agreements.
The Agency will perform at least two regional/
recipient oversight visits to ensure fiscally
responsive management of EPA's assistance
agreements.
Providing Core Financial Services
The Agency requests a total of$0.7million
and ten workyears, an increase of $0.3 million
over 1997, to perform Agency-wide resource
management and control functions including
budget development, budget utilization, financial
accounting and fiscal operation, in addition to
Agency priorities such as reinvention of EPA
management and administrative processes. Major
activities include annual planning and budgeting,
financial management, as well as support for a
full range of accounting and fiscal services to
program offices including time and attendance,
travel and commercial payments. Core financial
services are also provided and include all EPA
payroll processing and accounting, contracts,
interagency agreements, program assistance
agreements, and working capital fund
agreements.
71
-------
72
-------
WATER
INFRASTRUCTURE
FINANCING
73
-------
74
-------
WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING
$2,236.0 M -$158.0M
/
$625.0 Clean
Water SRF
1,275.0 Drinking
Water SRF
150.0 Mexican
Border
186.0 Needy
Communities
/
/
/ A
$2,078.0 M
\ V / s
1998
DECREASE
$1,075.0 Clean
Water SRF
725.0 Drinking
Water SRF
150.0 Mexican
Border
128.0 Needy
Communities
/
1997 1998
CURRENT PRESIDENT'S
ESTIMATE BUDGET
With approximately $137 billion in
documented needs over the next 20 years for
wastewater infrastructure alone, the Nation's
cities are faced with an enormous price tag for
keeping our rivers, streams, and beaches free
from untreated sewage. Vast quantities of
pollution contaminate residential areas and
wildlife habitats along our border with Mexico. In
Alaska native villages, more than 20,000 people
lack even the most rudimentary 20th century
sanitation facilities and technology.
In hundreds of cities and towns, the
systems for ensuring safe drinking water lag
behind modern demands. In some cases, the costs
associated with meeting national standards for
drinking water quality ('maximum contaminant
levels') have outstripped a community's
investment in drinking water treatment and
distributions systems. In other cases, aging and
deteriorated systems need to be restored to ensure
continued protection of public health.
The State and Tribal Assistance Grants
(STAG) Appropriation provides financial
assistance to states, municipalities and tribal
governments to fund a variety of drinking water,
water, and wastewater infrastructure projects.
These funds are essential to fulfill the federal
government's commitment to help our state, tribal
and local partners obtain adequate funding to
construct the facilities required to comply with
federal environmental requirements. States and
localities rely on a variety of revenue sources to
finance their environmental programs and to pay
for the facilities needed to keep the water clean
and safe from harmful contaminants.
Providing STAG funds through State
Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, EPA works in
partnership with the states to provide low-cost
financial assistance to municipalities for
infrastructure construction. SRF funds are also
provided as grants to tribal governments to help
them address their water, drinking water, and
wastewater needs. Special Needs projects also
provide focused wastewater grant assistance to
local areas facing extraordinary needs.
EPA's U.S./Mexico Border program
provides funds to support the planning, design
and construction of high priority water and
wastewater treatment projects along the U.S./
Mexico Border and for wastewater projects in the
U.S. colonias (principally in the state of Texas).
The goal of this program is to reduce the incidence
of waterborne diseases and enhance water quality
along the Mexico border and in the U.S. colonias.
The President's Budget requests a total of
$2,078.0 million in 1998 for EPA's Water
Infrastructure programs, a decrease of $158.0
million from 1997. This decrease is the net result
of a $ 100.0 million reduction in the SRF program,
a $85.0 million reduction in 1997 Congressional
earmarks, and a $27.0 million increase for Special
Needs projects.
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WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING
HIGHLIGHTS
The President's Budget provides a total of
$1.8 billion for State Revolving Funds (SRFs)
within the State and Tribal Assistance Grants
Appropriation, a decrease of $100.0 million from
1997. These programs provide Federal financial
assistance to states, localities, and tribal
governments to protect the nation's water
resources by providing funds for the construction
of drinking water and wastewater treatment
facilities. The SRFs are two of the Agency's
premier tools for building the financial capacity of
our partners.
Capitalizing Clean Water State
Revolving Funds (CW-SRF)
As part of the President's environmental
initiatives, the Administration will continue to
capitalize the Clean Water State Revolving Funds
(CW-SRF) which have over $20 billion in assets
and are in place in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
The Administration's goal is to continue to
capitalize the SRF so that it will be able to provide
approximately $2.0 billion annually in assistance
to communities to help fund critical water quality
projects. The $100.0 million decrease in this
program will not have a significant effect on
meeting the $2.0 billion revolving goal. Because
of the revolving nature of the SRF program, every
dollar invested will result in four dollars' worth of
financing available for environmental protection
over the next 20 years.
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund
program is a true partnership between states,
localities, and the federal government. In 1998,
the President is requesting $1,075.0 million for
the CW-SRF. The federal government provides
financial assistance for wastewater and other
water projects, including nonpoint sources,
estuaries, stormwater, and combined sewer
overflows. Water infrastructure projects
contribute to direct ecosystem improvements
through reduced loadings of nutrients and toxic
pollutants in all types of surface waters.
Capitalizing Drinking Water State
Revolving Funds (DW-SRF)
In 1998, the President is requesting $ 72 5.0
million for the DW-SRF. Through the Drinking
Water State Revolving Fund program, states will
provide loans to finance improvements to
community water systems and to restructure
small systems so that they can achieve compliance
with the mandates of the new Safe Drinking
Water Act (SDWA). Some non-state recipients,
such as the District of Columbia and Indian
tribes, will receive their DW-SRF allocations in
the form of grants. The DW-SRFs will be
self-sustaining in the long run and will directly
help offset the rising costs of ensuring safe drinking
water supplies and assist small communities in
meeting their responsibilities. With the
authorization of the DW-SRF in the 1996 SDWA
Amendments, the Agency has undertaken the
development of interim guidance for the
administration of this loan program. A Needs
Survey to determine the full extent of drinking
water improvements required nationwide will be
released in early 1997 and will be used in the
development of the 1998 state allocation formula.
Continuing Mexico Border Efforts
The President's Budget requests a total of
$150.0 million for water infrastructure projects
along the U.S./Mexico Border. The communities
along both sides of the Border are facing unusual
human health and environmental threats because
of the lack of adequate wastewater and drinking
water facilities. The President requests $100.0
million for drinking water and wastewater
treatment projects reviewed and approved by the
Border Environment Cooperation Commission
(BECC). Funding at the level of $50.0 million is
being requested to bring wastewater treatment
to the U.S. colonias settlements along the Border
in Texas. These funds will be matched by an
equal amount of state funds.
76
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WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING
Supporting Alaskan Native Villages
The President's Budget requests $15.0
million for Alaska rural and native villages for
the construction of wastewater and drinking water
facilities to address very serious sanitation
problems. EPA will continue to work with the
Department of Health and Human Services'
Indian Health Service, the State of Alaska, and
local communities to provide needed financial
and technical assistance.
Assisting Needy Communities
The President's Budget requests $113.0
million for the construction of wastewater
treatment facilities for Boston Harbor, MA, Bristol
County, MA, and New Orleans, LA. Funds are
targeted to these areas because of special
circumstances including financial hardship and
unique sewer system problems.
77
-------
78
-------
APPENDIX:
BUDGET TABLES
79
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
SUMMARY OF AGENCY RESOURCES
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
PROGRAM
Environmental Programs and Management
-Air
- Water Quality
- Drinking Water
- Hazardous Waste
- Pesticides
- Radiation
- Multimedia
- Toxic Substances
Support
Management
- Subtotal Management & Support
State, Local, and Tribal Grants (STAG)
Buildings and Facilities
Science and Technology
Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
Oil Spills
SUBTOTAL OPERATING PROGRAMS
Hazardous Substance Response
Trust Fund (Superfund)
OIG Superfund
Superfund Research
SUBTOTAL SUPERFUND
Leaking Underground Storage
Tank Trust Fund (LUST)
OIG LUST
SUBTOTAL LUST
Water Infrastructure Financing (STAG)
GRAND TOTAL
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
$253,206.4
272,847.4
94,512.9
174,007.3
104,526.1
17,689.2
274,818.7
78,892.8
[242,540.0]
[239,180.2]
481,720.2
$674,207.0
$87,220.0
$552,000.0
28,500.0
15,000.0
$3,109,148.0
$1,348,245.0
11,000.0
35,000.0
$1,394,245.0
$59,423.0
577.0
$60,000.0
$2,236,000.0
$6,799,393.0
80
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
$312,980.3
274,865.4
105,317.9
181,061.2
105,824.5
16,846.5
307,425.1
86,397.0
[249,663.9]
[247,209.1]
496,873.0
$715,257.0
$141,420.0
$614,269.4
28,500.0
15,000.0
$3,402,037.3
$2,042,847.8
11,641.3
39,755.9
$2,094,245.0
$71,210.7
0.0
$71,210.7
$2,078,000.0
$7,645,493.0
1998-1997
DIFFERENCE
TOTAL
DOLLARS
+$59,773.9
+2,018.0
+ 10,805.0
+7,053.9
+ 1,298.4
-842.7
+32,606.4
+7,504.2
[+7,123.9]
[+8,028.9]
+ 15,152.8
+$41,050.0
+$54,200.0
+$62,269.4
0.0
0.0
+$292,889.3
+$694,602.8
+641.3
+4,755.9
+$700,000.0
+$11,787.7
-577.0
+$11,210.7
-$158,000.0
+$846,100.0
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
SUMMARY OF AGENCY RESOURCES
(WORKYEARS)
PROGRAM
Environmental Programs and Management
-Air
- Water Quality
- Drinking Water
- Hazardous Waste
- Pesticides
- Radiation
- Multimedia
- Toxic Substances
- Management
Science and Technology
Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
Oil Spills
SUBTOTAL OPERATING PROGRAMS
Hazardous Substance Response
Trust Fund (Superfund)
OIG Superfund
Superfund Research
SUBTOTAL SUPERFUND
Leaking Underground Storage
Tank Trust Fund (LUST)
OIG LUST
SUBTOTAL LUST
1997
CURRENT
ESTIMATE
1,657
1,830
635
1,312
941
126
1,739
589
2,650
2,327
297
104
14,207
3,417
106
127
3,650
88
6
94
1998
PRESIDENT'S
BUDGET
1,583
1,828
714
1,320
1,005
113
1,792
610
2,631
2,415
294
104
14,409
3,559
103
126
3,788
86
0
86
1998-1997
DIFFERENCE
TOTAL
FTE
-74
-2
+79
+8
+64
-13
+53
+21
-19
+88
-3
0
+202
+ 142
-3
-1
+ 138
-2
-6
-8
GRAND TOTAL
17,951
18,283
+332
81
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i
-
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