Personal Observations of Personal Observations of Environmental Engineering at Environmental Engineering at

the U.S. Environmental the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyProtection Agencyon the Occasion of on the Occasion of Rensselaer’s 50th Rensselaer’s 50th

Anniversary Environmental Anniversary Environmental Engineering ColloquiumEngineering ColloquiumK. Jack Kooyoomjian, Ph.D.K. Jack Kooyoomjian, Ph.D.

RPI Class of 1974RPI Class of 1974

EPA IMPLEMENTATION OF EPA IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIONLEGISLATION• Creating A Law Requires an Act of Congress and Creating A Law Requires an Act of Congress and Agreement by the President of the U.S.: Events & Agreement by the President of the U.S.: Events & Issues Create Such LegislationIssues Create Such Legislation

• The Agency Operates in a “Fishbowl”: It’s A Very The Agency Operates in a “Fishbowl”: It’s A Very “Public” Process“Public” Process

• Creating A Regulation Implements the Legislation Creating A Regulation Implements the Legislation • The Whole Process Creates a Need for Technical The Whole Process Creates a Need for Technical

Staff/Support Staff/Support • Must Study & Understand IssuesMust Study & Understand Issues• Stakeholder & Public InvolvementStakeholder & Public Involvement• Develop Federal Register Notices of Proposed & Develop Federal Register Notices of Proposed &

Final RulesFinal Rules• Prepare Technical Background Docs, Preamble, Prepare Technical Background Docs, Preamble,

Public Docket, etc.Public Docket, etc.• Effluent Guidelines ExampleEffluent Guidelines Example• Superfund & RCRA Regulatory Support ExamplesSuperfund & RCRA Regulatory Support Examples

ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIONLEGISLATION• 1899 Rivers and Harbors Act (Hazards to 1899 Rivers and Harbors Act (Hazards to

Navigation & Commerce)Navigation & Commerce)• 1947 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 1947 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and

Rodenticide ActRodenticide Act• 1948 Water Pollution Control Act (PL 80-845)1948 Water Pollution Control Act (PL 80-845)• 1955 Clean Air Act1955 Clean Air Act• 1965 Shoreline Erosion Protection Act1965 Shoreline Erosion Protection Act• 1965 Solid Waste Disposal Act1965 Solid Waste Disposal Act• 1965 Water Quality Act (PL 89-234)1965 Water Quality Act (PL 89-234)• 1966 Clean Waters Restoration Act (PL 89-753)1966 Clean Waters Restoration Act (PL 89-753)• 1969/70 National Environmental Policy Act:1969/70 National Environmental Policy Act: Signed into Law Jan 1,1970Signed into Law Jan 1,1970 EPA is created as well as NOAA and CEQEPA is created as well as NOAA and CEQ• 1970 Pollution Prevention Packaging Act1970 Pollution Prevention Packaging Act

ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIONLEGISLATION• 1970 Resource Recovery Act1970 Resource Recovery Act• 1970 Water Quality Improvement Act (PL 91-224)1970 Water Quality Improvement Act (PL 91-224)• 1971 Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act1971 Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act• 1972 Coastal Zone Management Act1972 Coastal Zone Management Act• 1972 Marine Protection, Research, and 1972 Marine Protection, Research, and

Sanctuaries ActSanctuaries Act• 1972 Ocean Dumping Act1972 Ocean Dumping Act• 1972 Water Pollution Control Act (PL 92-500) 1972 Water Pollution Control Act (PL 92-500) • 1973 Endangered Species Act1973 Endangered Species Act• 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act1974 Safe Drinking Water Act• 1974 Shoreline Erosion Control Demonstration Act 1974 Shoreline Erosion Control Demonstration Act

1975 Hazardous Materials Transportation Act1975 Hazardous Materials Transportation Act

Environmental LegislationEnvironmental Legislation

• 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act • 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (PL 94-469)1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (PL 94-469)• 1977 Clean Water Act (PL 95-217) & Its Amendments1977 Clean Water Act (PL 95-217) & Its Amendments• 1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act1977 Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act• 1978 Environmental Research, Development, and 1978 Environmental Research, Development, and

DemonstrationDemonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA, 42 USC 4365)Authorization Act (ERDDAA, 42 USC 4365)• 1978 Uranium Mill-Tailings Radiation Control Act1978 Uranium Mill-Tailings Radiation Control Act• 1978 Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act1978 Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act• 1980 Comprehensive Environmental Response, 1980 Comprehensive Environmental Response,

Compensation, and Liability ActCompensation, and Liability Act• 1982 Nuclear Waste Policy Act 1982 Nuclear Waste Policy Act • 1984 Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act1984 Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act

ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATIONLEGISLATION• 1986 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act1986 Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act• 1986 Emergency Planning and Community Right to 1986 Emergency Planning and Community Right to

Know ActKnow Act• 1987 Water Quality Act (PL 100-4)1987 Water Quality Act (PL 100-4)• 1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act• 1988 Lead Contamination Control Act1988 Lead Contamination Control Act• 1988 Medical Waste Tracking Act1988 Medical Waste Tracking Act• 1988 Ocean Dumping Ban Act1988 Ocean Dumping Ban Act• 1988 Shore Protection Act1988 Shore Protection Act• 1990 National Environmental Education Act1990 National Environmental Education Act• 1990 Oil Pollution Control Act1990 Oil Pollution Control Act• 1990 Pollution Prevention Act …others, and1990 Pollution Prevention Act …others, and• 2002 Homeland Security Act2002 Homeland Security Act

PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDERSORDERS

• Presidential Executive Orders Overlay the Process …see Presidential Executive Orders Overlay the Process …see examplesexamples

• Indian Tribal Governments Indian Tribal Governments belowbelow

• Marine Protected AreasMarine Protected Areas• To Protect Migrating BirdsTo Protect Migrating Birds• Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,

Distribution and UseDistribution and Use• Federal Workforce, TransportationFederal Workforce, Transportation• ““Greening” the Government & Transportation EfficiencyGreening” the Government & Transportation Efficiency• ““Greening” the Government thru Leadership in Greening” the Government thru Leadership in

Environmental ManagementEnvironmental Management• Environmental Review of Trade AgreementsEnvironmental Review of Trade Agreements• Developing & Promoting Bio-based & BioengineeringDeveloping & Promoting Bio-based & Bioengineering• ““Greening” the Government thru Efficiency Management Greening” the Government thru Efficiency Management

PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDERSORDERS

• ““Greening” the Government thru Waste Greening” the Government thru Waste Prevention, Recycling & Federal AcquisitionPrevention, Recycling & Federal Acquisition

• Coral Reef ProtectionCoral Reef Protection• Protection of Children from Environmental Health Protection of Children from Environmental Health

Risks & Safety Risks (Exec Order 13045 April 1997)Risks & Safety Risks (Exec Order 13045 April 1997)• Energy Efficiency & Waste Conservation at Federal Energy Efficiency & Waste Conservation at Federal

Facilities (Exec Order 12902, March 1994)Facilities (Exec Order 12902, March 1994)• Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice

in Minority Populations and Low-Income in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations (Exec Order 12898, Feb 1994)Populations (Exec Order 12898, Feb 1994)

• Federal Use of Alternative Fueled Cars (Exec Order Federal Use of Alternative Fueled Cars (Exec Order 13101, Nov. 1993) 13101, Nov. 1993)

• Presidential Executive Orders Can & Have Been Presidential Executive Orders Can & Have Been Issued & Recalled, Depending on Administration Issued & Recalled, Depending on Administration Policy Policy

CEQ Regs Implementing CEQ Regs Implementing NEPANEPA• NEPA of 1969 as amended (Pub. L. 91-190, NEPA of 1969 as amended (Pub. L. 91-190,

42 USC 4321-4347, Jan 1, 1970, as 42 USC 4321-4347, Jan 1, 1970, as amended by Pub. L. 94-54, July 3, 1975, …)amended by Pub. L. 94-54, July 3, 1975, …)

• Environmental Impact StatementEnvironmental Impact Statement• NEPA & Agency PlanningNEPA & Agency Planning• CommentingCommenting• Pre-Decision Referrals to the Council of Pre-Decision Referrals to the Council of

Proposed Federal Actions Determined to be Proposed Federal Actions Determined to be EnvironmentalEnvironmental

• Agency Compliance with NEPAAgency Compliance with NEPA

State/Local Government Role State/Local Government Role in Environmental Programsin Environmental Programs

• States Administrate Many Environmental Statutes & RegulationsStates Administrate Many Environmental Statutes & Regulations

• StateState Laws, Administrative Rules, Regulations, Codes & Statutes Laws, Administrative Rules, Regulations, Codes & Statutes

• Standards Cannot be Less Restrictive than the Federal Government, Standards Cannot be Less Restrictive than the Federal Government, but May be More Restrictivebut May be More Restrictive

• Localities Administer Ordinances, Codes & Statutes, Comprehensive Localities Administer Ordinances, Codes & Statutes, Comprehensive Plan ProcessPlan Process

• States & Localities Deal With All Manner of Issues:States & Localities Deal With All Manner of Issues: e.g., e.g., Agriculture, Air Pollution & Air Quality, Acid Deposition, Dams, Agriculture, Air Pollution & Air Quality, Acid Deposition, Dams, Ecosystem Management, Endangered Species, Energy Conservation, Ecosystem Management, Endangered Species, Energy Conservation, Environmental Conservation, Environmental Remediation, Environmental Conservation, Environmental Remediation, Environmental Treaties, Fisheries Conservation & Management, Environmental Treaties, Fisheries Conservation & Management, Environmental Health, Hazardous Waste Management, Land-Use, Environmental Health, Hazardous Waste Management, Land-Use, Municipal Landfills, Natural Resource Management, Non-Point Sources, Municipal Landfills, Natural Resource Management, Non-Point Sources, Public Health, RCRA Implementation & Compliance, Solid Waste Public Health, RCRA Implementation & Compliance, Solid Waste Management, “Smart-Growth,” Storm-Water Management, Suburban Management, “Smart-Growth,” Storm-Water Management, Suburban Sprawl, Sustainability, Superfund Site Cleanups, Transportation Sprawl, Sustainability, Superfund Site Cleanups, Transportation Issues, Water, Wildlife Management – & many others.Issues, Water, Wildlife Management – & many others.

Environmental Protection Environmental Protection AgencyAgency

• A Decentralized Organization: 10 Regions, Labs & A Decentralized Organization: 10 Regions, Labs & Field OfficesField Offices

• ““Stove Pipe” Legislation Still Does Heavily Drive Stove Pipe” Legislation Still Does Heavily Drive ProgramsPrograms

• Work With the States in Implementation of Work With the States in Implementation of Programs (e.g., RCRA Permitting, NPDES Permits, Programs (e.g., RCRA Permitting, NPDES Permits, Wetlands issues, etc.) is EssentialWetlands issues, etc.) is Essential

• Other Agencies, Dept., Commissions are Involved Other Agencies, Dept., Commissions are Involved [e.g., CDC, HDS, DOD (includes U.S. Army Corps of [e.g., CDC, HDS, DOD (includes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers), DOE, DOI, NIH, NRC, NIST, USDA, etc.]Engineers), DOE, DOI, NIH, NRC, NIST, USDA, etc.]

• Need for More Integrated Cross-Media Problem-Need for More Integrated Cross-Media Problem-Solving and Issue Management, as Risk Solving and Issue Management, as Risk Assessment/Risk Management CoordinationAssessment/Risk Management Coordination

• Emphasis on Risk Reduction, Harmonization, Emphasis on Risk Reduction, Harmonization, Integrated Risk, Benchmarking & SustainabilityIntegrated Risk, Benchmarking & Sustainability

• Since 9/11, More Emphasis on Homeland Security Since 9/11, More Emphasis on Homeland Security Issues (Water Supply, Wastewater Treatment Issues (Water Supply, Wastewater Treatment Plants, Information Security, Web Access, etc)Plants, Information Security, Web Access, etc)

SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARDSCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD• Established by Congress in 1978 by the Established by Congress in 1978 by the

Environmental Research, Development, and Environmental Research, Development, and Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA, 42 USC Demonstration Authorization Act (ERDDAA, 42 USC 4365)4365)

• Emphasis on Providing the Administrator & the U.S. Emphasis on Providing the Administrator & the U.S. Congress with outside, independent advice on Congress with outside, independent advice on scientific, engineering &, economics & social science scientific, engineering &, economics & social science issues that impact the technical basis for EPA issues that impact the technical basis for EPA positions, regulations, research plans, etc.positions, regulations, research plans, etc.

• Since It’s Inception, the SAB has Published over 600 Since It’s Inception, the SAB has Published over 600 Reports, Commentaries, Advisories, Consultations, Reports, Commentaries, Advisories, Consultations, etc. etc.

• Among Many of the SAB “Messages” is that Among Many of the SAB “Messages” is that Ecosystem Health is as Important as Public Health, Ecosystem Health is as Important as Public Health, More Attention Needs to be Paid to Cross-Media More Attention Needs to be Paid to Cross-Media Issues, and Integrated Risk Assessment is Difficult to Issues, and Integrated Risk Assessment is Difficult to Achieve, but is to be Encouraged.Achieve, but is to be Encouraged.

SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARDSCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

• The Board (Currently around 35 members)The Board (Currently around 35 members)

• Standing Committees Include DWC, EPEC, EEAC, Standing Committees Include DWC, EPEC, EEAC, EEC, EHC/IHEC, RAC, & Separately Chartered EEC, EHC/IHEC, RAC, & Separately Chartered CASAC & COUNCIL (totals around 100)CASAC & COUNCIL (totals around 100)

• Many Ad Hoc Panels: (Includes Approx. 300)Many Ad Hoc Panels: (Includes Approx. 300) (e. g. Children’s Health, Regulatory Environmental (e. g. Children’s Health, Regulatory Environmental

Models, Second Generation Model, etc.)Models, Second Generation Model, etc.) For SAB Reports, Meetings, etc. go to For SAB Reports, Meetings, etc. go to

www.epa.gov/sabwww.epa.gov/sab

Fresh Water Institute Fresh Water Institute BeginningsBeginnings• 1965- 1975 Time-Frame1965- 1975 Time-Frame• ““Gull Bay” on East Side of Lake George (Town of Gull Bay” on East Side of Lake George (Town of

Putnam) leased from Mr. Harold Strang (RPI Trustee Putnam) leased from Mr. Harold Strang (RPI Trustee & VP GE, Retired)& VP GE, Retired)

• Dr. Richard Folsom, President of RPI & Dr. Richard Folsom, President of RPI & • Dr. Clayton Dohrenwend, Provost of RPI Dr. Clayton Dohrenwend, Provost of RPI • Obtained NY State Science & Technology Foundation Obtained NY State Science & Technology Foundation

Grant to purchase Specialty Laboratory EquipmentGrant to purchase Specialty Laboratory Equipment• Research Theme was discussed with & endorsed by Research Theme was discussed with & endorsed by

Dr. C. Mervin Palmer, Dr. Cornelius Weber & Mr. Dr. C. Mervin Palmer, Dr. Cornelius Weber & Mr. Kenneth Mackenthun of the US PHS/ FWPCA Kenneth Mackenthun of the US PHS/ FWPCA

• RPI’s Proposal for the FWI was taken to Wash., DC RPI’s Proposal for the FWI was taken to Wash., DC and received funding through US DOI’s OWRR & US and received funding through US DOI’s OWRR & US PHS FWPCA (later FWQA – the pre-US EPA PHS FWPCA (later FWQA – the pre-US EPA Organization) Organization)

Fresh Water Institute Fresh Water Institute BeginningsBeginnings• Multi-Disciplinary, multi-institutional Proposal to US Multi-Disciplinary, multi-institutional Proposal to US

National Committee of the International Biological National Committee of the International Biological Program (IBP)Program (IBP)

• Lake George was Selected as a Study Site in the Lake George was Selected as a Study Site in the Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome (EDFB) within the US Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome (EDFB) within the US IBPIBP

• Management for the EDFB resided with the Oak Ridge Management for the EDFB resided with the Oak Ridge National Lab, with Dr. Stanley I. Auerbach as the National Lab, with Dr. Stanley I. Auerbach as the Biome DirectorBiome Director

• The US IBP Received Multi-Year Funding from NSF’s The US IBP Received Multi-Year Funding from NSF’s Ecosystem Analysis DivisionEcosystem Analysis Division

• Many Graduate Students were supported by the FWI, Many Graduate Students were supported by the FWI, not only at RPI, but also at other district-area not only at RPI, but also at other district-area universitiesuniversities

Fresh Water Institute Fresh Water Institute BeginningsBeginnings• Dr. Alfred E. Emerson. Noted Pioneering (retired) Dr. Alfred E. Emerson. Noted Pioneering (retired)

Ecologist from the University of Chicago was Ecologist from the University of Chicago was “Honorary Advisor” to the IBP Research at Lake “Honorary Advisor” to the IBP Research at Lake George, where he Resided George, where he Resided

• Mr. David M. Darrin Visited “Gull Bay” Lab & become Mr. David M. Darrin Visited “Gull Bay” Lab & become benefactor (and later Mrs. Peggy Darrin) for the Lake benefactor (and later Mrs. Peggy Darrin) for the Lake George Water Research Center (LGWRC), later George Water Research Center (LGWRC), later named the Fresh Water Institute, which continues named the Fresh Water Institute, which continues todaytoday

• Dr. Ruth Patrick (noted Limnologist) & President of Dr. Ruth Patrick (noted Limnologist) & President of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences visited the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences visited the FWI & favorably received its missionthe FWI & favorably received its mission

• An Endowment was Obtained for the FWI from the An Endowment was Obtained for the FWI from the UPS Foundation (formerly the 1907 Foundation), and UPS Foundation (formerly the 1907 Foundation), and continues today. UPS Funded Workshops at Lake continues today. UPS Funded Workshops at Lake George with Acadame, Gov’t & Industry. These George with Acadame, Gov’t & Industry. These Workshops were hosted by Dr. Emil. Mrak, Workshops were hosted by Dr. Emil. Mrak, Chancellor Emeritus, UC Davis Chancellor Emeritus, UC Davis

THANKS TO PROF. KILCAWLEY THANKS TO PROF. KILCAWLEY & THOSE THAT FOLLOWED, & & THOSE THAT FOLLOWED, & THOSE THAT CONTINUE THE THOSE THAT CONTINUE THE LEGACY, ENVIRONMENTAL LEGACY, ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AT RPI HAS A ENGINEERING AT RPI HAS A LEGENDARY, NOBLE & LEGENDARY, NOBLE & COMMENDABLE PAST, AS WELL COMMENDABLE PAST, AS WELL AS A BRIGHT & SUSTAINABLE AS A BRIGHT & SUSTAINABLE FUTURE !FUTURE !

– End of TalkEnd of Talk

Identification of Future Problem, Initiating Event,or Public Policy Mandate

Formulate the Problem

Define Risk ManagementObjectives

Identify and EvaluateRisk Management Options

Risk ManagementDecision

ImplementDecision

Measure Environmental andPublic Health Improvement

Reduced Environmentaland/or Public Health Risk

• Public Health Considerations• Statutory/Legal Considerations• Social Factors• Economic Factors• Political Considerations

Develop EnvironmentalIndicators

RISK MANAGEMENT

Dose-ResponseAssessment

HazardIdentification

ExposureAssessment

RiskCharacterization

RISK ASSESSMENT