The Nation's aquatic resources are among its most valuable assets. Although environmental protection programs in the United States have improved water quality during the past 35 years, many challenges remain. Significant strides have been made in reducing the impacts of discrete pollutant sources, but some aquatic ecosystems remain impaired, due in part to complex pollution problems caused by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Of special concern are the problems in our streams, lakes, estuaries, aquifers, and other water bodies caused by runoff that is inadequately controlled or treated. These...

This document provides guidance on how to conduct the offsite consequence analyses for Risk Management Programs required under the Clean Air Act (CAA). Section 112(r)(7) of the CAA directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue regulations requiring facilities with large quantities of very hazardous chemicals to prepare and implement programs to prevent the accidental release of those chemicals and to mitigate the consequences of any releases that do occur. This guidance document provides a simple methodology for conducting offsite consequence analyses. It provides generic...

In December 1986, U.S. EPA's Assistant Administrator for Water initiated a major study of the Agency's surface water monitoring activities. The resulting report, entitled "Surface Water Monitoring: A Framework for Change," emphasizes the restructuring of existing monitoring programs to better address the Agency's current priorities, e.g., toxics, nonpoint source impacts, and documentation of "environmental results." The study also provides specific recommendations on effecting the necessary changes. Principal among these are: 1. To issue guidance on cost-effective approaches to problem...

The diffuse nature of nonpoint sources (e. g., agriculture, forestry, urban areas) and the variety of pollutants generated by them create a challenge for their effective control. Although progress has been made in the protection and enhancement of water quality, much work is still needed to identity nonpoint source management strategies that are both effective and economically achievable under a wide range of conditions. Monitoring will play an important role in this effort. This nonpoint source monitoring and evaluation guide is written for use by both those who monitor and those who...

With an increased focus on air quality in this country, there are more and more incentive programs available to diesel equipment and vehicle owners to encourage them to replace older equipment with newer, cleaner ones, to rebuild old engines, or to retrofit current engines with new technologies that help lower emissions. However, in order to apply for funding from many of these programs, you must collect detailed information on your current equipment and/or vehicle(s). Gathering all of the necessary information for program application can prove daunting, as the information requested is not...

EPA has developed the Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems to raise the level of performance of onsite and clustered wastewater treatment systems through improved management programs. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems are defined here as individual onsite or clustered wastewater systems (commonly referred to as septic systems, private sewage systems, individual sewage treatment systems, onsite sewage disposal systems, or "package" plants) used to collect, treat, and disperse or reclaim wastewater from...

Across the country, state and local governments are searching for ways to create vibrant communities that attract jobs, foster economic development, and are attractive places for people to live, work, and play. Increasingly, these governments are seeking more cost-effective strategies to install or maintain infrastructure, protect natural resources and the environment, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. What many are discovering is that their own land development codes and ordinances are often getting in the way of achieving these goals. Fortunately, there is interest in tackling these...

Have you ever been bitten by a flea or mosquito? Treated your dog for fleas? Had head lice? Been stung by a wasp or bee? Watched weeds overtake your garden? Fought to keep cockroaches out of your school building? We've all been bugged at one time or another by pests. For many of us, our first reaction is to reach for the nearest can of bug spray. But, pesticides and fertilizers that run off from lawns and other locations are a significant source of pollution in our environment. There's a better way to solve pest problems called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is an effective and...

Most rural communities want to maintain their rural character while also strengthening their economies. Many fast-growing rural areas are now at the edge of major metropolitan regions and face metropolitan-style development pressures. They seek to manage new growth in a way that promotes prosperity yet is sustainable over the long run. But even slow-growing or shrinking rural areas, which often suffer from faltering economies and population decline, might find that their growth management policies are not resulting in the prosperity they seek. Fortunately, a variety of proven tools and...