• The release notes contains changes and known deficiencies.
• The HDFT_REPORT.pdf contains the user manual and tutorial.

• HDFT Release Notes (PDF)(1 pg, 134 K)
  changes and known deficiencies
• HDFT Report (PDF)(94 pp, 6 MB)
  Users manual and tutorial

• Description
• Current State Geospatial Data
• National Geospatial Datasets
• Attains Program Data

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Description

Geospatial data for 303(d) Impaired Waters are available as prepackaged national downloads or as more current GIS web and and data services. EPA provides geospatial data in a variety of formats including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) compatible shapefiles and geodatabases, as well as ESRI and OGC web mapping services.

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Current State Geospatial Data

You may download geospatial files representing the most up-to-date publicly available Water program data by State (or custom area) from EPA's Environmental Dataset Gateway (EDG) Clip N Ship Site. For ATTAINS 303(d) geospatial data, the Table of Available Cycles in the RAD lists the most recent ATTAINS cycle for which GIS data are available for each state.

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National Geospatial Datasets

National geospatial datasets provided on this page are produced and periodically updated by EPA using state-submitted data. These datasets are created based on information in the Reach Address Database (RAD) on the date of extract. To be included in this dataset states and other jurisdictions must have submitted information to the program database and be indexed to NHDPlus reached hydrography. Due to the nature and complexity of providing a national snapshot of program data, EPA has provided a fact sheet to accompany and clarify the contents of each dataset.

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ATTAINS Program Data

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For ATTAINS 303(d) geospatial data, the Table of Available Cycles in the RAD lists the most recent ATTAINS cycle for which GIS data are available for each state. [Pending update to fact sheets: Users should now obtain state-level geospatial data at EPA's Environmental Dataset Gateway (EDG) Clip N Ship Site.]

• 303d Impaired Waters Available Cycles in RAD (PDF)(2 pp, 22 K)
• 303d Impaired Waters Fact Sheet (PDF)(2 pp, 485 K)
• 303d Impaired Waters Pollution Category Summary (PDF)(21 pp, 618 K)

Introduction

The Model Performance Evaluation and Scenario Analysis (MPESA) Tool was developed to provide users with the ability to assess the performance with which models predict time series data (e.g., streamflow). The tool was developed specifically for the Hydrological Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF) and the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) models, other models can also use it if they generate time series output data.

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Audience

The MPSA was developed primarily for hydrological and water quality modelers.

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Abstract

As the name implies, the tool consists of Model Performance Evaluation and Baseline and Scenario Analysis (MPESA) components. The Model Performance Evaluation and Diagnostics component calculates model performance evaluation measures such as descriptive statistics, error analysis, weighted ranks, serial and cross-correlation analysis, and Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency. The model performance evaluation is based on the time series separation and reconstruction (TSSR) paradigm whereby a time series data is separated into magnitude or duration curve and sequence components. It demonstrates if model performance is impacted by magnitude or sequence related errors and provides limited diagnostic feedback to modelers. The program has zooming and visualization capabilities. The Baseline and Scenario Comparison component of the tool provide the user with quantitative evaluation of baseline and scenario comparisons. The tool uses metrics such as low flow analyses, metrics of flashiness, flow magnitudes, as well as flow threshold analyses. The scenario analysis tool is useful for land use and climate change baseline and scenario comparisons.

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Applications and Possible Uses

The most common use of the web-based MPESA Tool is evaluating model performance through comparisons of observed and predicted time series data. The tool receives observed and predicted data and calculates evapotranspiration time series for hydrological and water quality models such as HSPF and SWMM. Applications include modeling green infrastructure performance assessment studies, climate change assessment studies, and water balance studies at different temporal and spatial scales. The tool requires regular Java runtime updates.

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Software History

This Beta Version has not been tested adequately with a range of modeling applications. Based on future test results and user requests, the calculator will have additional enhancements and new updates may become available.

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Technical Support and Training

Questions regarding the Model Performance Evaluation and Scenario Analysis (MPESA) can be directed to Yusuf Mohamoud at the Ecosystems Research Division of EPA’s National Exposure Research Laboratory in Athens, GA.  A tutorial is now available for download at MPESA Download. A document describing different MPESA methods will be available in 2015.

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Notice

This tutorial has been reviewed by the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL)-Ecosystems Research Division (ERD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Athens, Georgia and approved for publication. The MPESA Tool has not yet been tested extensively with different meteorological data sources and parameter sets. Additional quality assurance testing is needed and we will appreciate tool users reporting any inaccuracies. The authors and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are not responsible and assume no liability whatsoever for any results or any use made of the results obtained from this program, nor for any damages or litigation that result from the use of this tool for any purpose.

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Specifications

Text Files

Download Files

• WASP Preprocessor
• Post Processor
• WASP Model Information
• File Download Information

The Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP7) is an enhancement of the original WASP (Di Toro et al., 1983; Connolly and Winfield, 1984; Ambrose, R.B. et al., 1988). This model helps users interpret and predict water quality responses to natural phenomena and manmade pollution for various pollution management decisions. WASP is a dynamic compartment-modeling program for aquatic systems, including both the water column and the underlying benthos. WASP allows the user to investigate 1, 2, and 3 dimensional systems, and a variety of pollutant types. The state variables for the given modules are given in the table below. The time varying processes of advection, dispersion, point and diffuse mass loading and boundary exchange are represented in the model. WASP also can be linked with hydrodynamic and sediment transport models that can provide flows, depths velocities, temperature, salinity and sediment fluxes. This release of WASP contains the inclusion of the sediment diagenesis model linked to the Advanced Eutrophication sub model, which predicted sediment oxygen demand and nutrient fluxes from the underlying sediments.

WASP is one of the most widely used water quality models in the United States and throughout the world. Because of the models capabilities of handling multiple pollutant types it has been widely applied in the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL). WASP has capabilities of linking with hydrodynamic and watershed models which allows for multi-year analysis under varying meteorological and environmental conditions. WASP has been applied to all of the major estuaries in Florida where it was linked with a hydrodynamic and watershed model simulating 12 continuous years to aid US EPA in the development of numeric nutrient criteria. Other examples of its use are: eutrophication of Tampa Bay, FL; phosphorus loading to Lake Okeechobee, FL; eutrophication of the Neuse River Estuary, NC; eutrophication Coosa River and Reservoirs, AL; PCB pollution of the Great Lakes, eutrophication of the Potomac Estuary, kepone pollution of the James River Estuary, volatile organic pollution of the Delaware Estuary, and heavy metal pollution of the Deep River, North Carolina, mercury in the Savannah River, GA.

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WASP Preprocessor

The data preprocessor allows for the rapid development of input datasets. The ability to bring data into the model is as simple as cut and paste or queried from a database. The preprocessor provides detailed descriptions of all model parameters and kinetic constants. When linking WASP with hydrodynamic models it is as simple as pointing to the hydrodynamic linkage file.

• Import time series from WRDB, Spreadsheet, Text Files
• Automatically import hydrodynamic model interface information
• Multi-session capable
• Run time diagnosis

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Post Processor

The Post-Processor (MOVEM) provides an efficient method for reviewing model predictions and comparing them with field data for calibration. MOVEM has the ability to display results from all of the WASP models as well as others. MOVEM allows the modeler to displays the results in two graphical formats:

1. Spatial Grid . a two dimensional rendition of the model network is displayed in a window where the model network is color shaded based upon the predicted concentration.
2. x/y Plots -- generates an x/y line plot of predicted and/or observed model results in a window.

There is no limit on the number of x/y plots, spatial grids or even model result files the user can utilize in a session. Separate windows are created for each spatial grid or x/y plot created by the user.

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This file contains a Fact Sheet about the WASP Modeling System in PDF Format.

• WASP Fact Sheet (PDF)(2 pp, 682 K)

The entire WASP 7 Course(57 pp, 19 MB) is available for download as a 7-Zip, self-extracting, 18,726 KB, Windows executable.

Download by presentation:

• Introduction
• Transport
• Water Quality
• Toxicants

Introduction

• Introduction to WASP(23 pp, 511 K) / PowerPoint
• Introduction to WASP Interface(28 pp, 5 MB) / PowerPoint
• WASP Interface Tutorial(35 pp, 7 MB) / PowerPoint
• WASP Boundary Conditions and Loads(14 pp, 1 MB) / PowerPoint
• WASP Environmental Time Functions and Segment Parameters(17 pp, 498 K) / PowerPoint

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Transport

• WASP Model Segmentation(16 pp, 2 MB) / PowerPoint
• WASP Short Intro to EFDC(23 pp, 766 K) / PowerPoint
• WASP Advective Flows(24 pp, 7 MB) / PowerPoint
• WASP Dispersion(3 pp, 2 MB) / Zip file containing PowerPoint and Audio (AVI)

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Water Quality

• WASP Introduction to Eutrophication(6 pp, 100 K) / PowerPoint
• WASP Dissolved Oxygen Processes(27 pp, 958 K) / PowerPoint
• WASP Eutrophication Processes(42 pp, 869 K) / PowerPoint

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Toxicants

• Introduction to TOXI-WASP(8 pp, 500 K) / PowerPoint
• WASP Solids Balance Sediment Transport(29 pp, 1 MB) / PowerPoint
• WASP Intro to Organic Chemical Model(24 pp, 991 K) / PowerPoint
• WASP Intro to Metals Modeling(18 pp, 325 K) / PowerPoint
• WASP Mercury Processes(14 pp, 605 K) / PowerPoint

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• Description
• Current State Geospatial Data
• National Geospatial Datasets
• Attains Program Data

Top of Page

Description

Geospatial data for 303(d) Impaired Waters are available as prepackaged national downloads or as more current GIS web and and data services. EPA provides geospatial data in a variety of formats including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) compatible shapefiles and geodatabases, as well as ESRI and OGC web mapping services.

Top of Page

Current State Geospatial Data

You may download geospatial files representing the most up-to-date publicly available Water program data by State (or custom area) from EPA's Environmental Dataset Gateway (EDG) Clip N Ship Site. For ATTAINS 303(d) geospatial data, the Table of Available Cycles in the RAD lists the most recent ATTAINS cycle for which GIS data are available for each state.

Top of Page

National Geospatial Datasets

National geospatial datasets provided on this page are produced and periodically updated by EPA using state-submitted data. These datasets are created based on information in the Reach Address Database (RAD) on the date of extract. To be included in this dataset states and other jurisdictions must have submitted information to the program database and be indexed to NHDPlus reached hydrography. Due to the nature and complexity of providing a national snapshot of program data, EPA has provided a fact sheet to accompany and clarify the contents of each dataset.

Top of Page

ATTAINS Program Data

Top of Page

For ATTAINS 303(d) geospatial data, the Table of Available Cycles in the RAD lists the most recent ATTAINS cycle for which GIS data are available for each state. [Pending update to fact sheets: Users should now obtain state-level geospatial data at EPA's Environmental Dataset Gateway (EDG) Clip N Ship Site.]

• 303d Impaired Waters Available Cycles in RAD (PDF)(2 pp, 22 K)
• 303d Impaired Waters Fact Sheet (PDF)(2 pp, 485 K)
• 303d Impaired Waters Pollution Category Summary (PDF)(21 pp, 618 K)

HSPF Data Formatting Tool (Desktop HDFT) Download Page

The Desktop HDFT is a tool for converting Time Series Data from character delimited file formats to formats compatible with other scientific applications.

• The release notes contains changes and known deficiencies.
• The HDFT_REPORT.pdf contains the user manual and tutorial.

• HDFT Release Notes (PDF)(1 pg, 134 K)
  changes and known deficiencies
• HDFT Report (PDF)(94 pp, 6 MB)
  Users manual and tutorial

This directory contains for following four manuals:

• EFDC_User_Manual_EPA_Ver-101.pdf
• EFDC_Hydrodynamics_&_Mass_Transport_Manual.pdf
• EFDC_Sediment_Contaminant_Transport_Manual.pdf
• EFDC_Water_Quality_Manual.pdf

• EFDC user manual EPA ver 101 (PDF)(231 pp, 1 MB)
• EFDC Hydrodynamics Mass Transport Manual (PDF)(60 pp, 411 K)
  This is the first volume of the theoretical and computational documentation for the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC). It describes the hydrodynamics and mass transport aspects of the EFDC three-dimensional computer code for environmental fluid flows.
• EFDC Sediment Contaminant Transport Manual (PDF)(96 pp, 631 K)
  This is the second volume of the theoretical and computational documentation for the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC). It describes the internally linked sediment and contaminant transport modules in EFDC.
• EFDC Water Quality Manual (PDF)(90 pp, 606 K)
  This is the third volume of the theoretical and computational documentation for the Environmen tal Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC). It describes the internally linked water quality module in EFDC.

The Evapotranspiration Calculator estimates evapotranspiration time series data for hydrological and water quality models. The tool was developed specifically for the Hydrologic Simulation Program - Fortran (HSPF) and the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM), but can be used with other models if they use time series ET data as input.

Barber, M.C. 2001. Bioaccumulation and Aquatic System Simulator (BASS) User's Manual Beta Test Version 2.1. EPA/600/R-01/035  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Athens, GA.

• Bioaccumulation and Aquatic System Simulator ( BASS ) User's Manual Beta Test Version 2.1 (PDF)(155 pp, 5 MB, April 2001, 600/R-01/035)
  T his report describes the theoretical development, parameterization, and application software of a generalized, community-based, bioaccumulation model called BASS (Bioaccumulation and Aquatic System Simulator). This model is designed to predict the populationand bioaccumulation dynamics of age-structured fish communities that are exposed to hydrophobic organic chemicals and class B and borderline metals that complex with sulfhydryl groups.

Abstract

ORD numerical models for pesticide exposure include a model of spray drift (AgDisp), a cropland pesticide persistence model (PRZM), a surface water exposure model (EXAMS), and a model of fish bioaccumulation (BASS). A unified climatological database for these models has been assembled from several National Weather Service (NWS) datasets, including Solar and Meteorological Surface Observation Network (SAMSON) data for 1961-1990 (versions 1.0 and 1.1), combined with NWS precipitation and evaporation data. Together these NWS products provide coordinated access to solar radiation, sky cover, temperature, relative humidity, station atmospheric pressure, wind direction and speed, and precipitation. The resulting hourly and daily weather parameters provide a unified dataset for use in coordinated exposure modeling. The data files, which include some derived data of use to exposure modeling (e.g., short-grass crop standard evapotranspiration ET ) are publicly available
0
(gratis) on EPA's Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM) web site at http://www.epa.gov/exposure-assessment-models/meteorological-data . By using observational data for models, “trace-matching” Monte Carlo simulation studies can transmit the effects of environmental variability directly to exposure metrics, by-passing issues of correlation (covariance) among external driving forces.
This report covers a period from May 2, 2001 to December 27, 2004 and work was completed as of December 27, 2004.

• United States Meteorological Data: Daily and Hourly Files to Support Predictive Exposure Modeling (PDF)(397 pp, 2 MB, December 2004, EPA/600/R!07/053)
  The resulting hourly and daily weather parameters provide a unified dataset for use in coordinated exposure modeling.

Multimedia, Multi-pathway, Multi-receptor Exposure and Risk Assessment (3MRA)

http://www2.epa.gov/exposure-assessment-models/3mra-source-code

Abstract:

As a result of their regulatory reform efforts, the Office of Solid Waste (OS) in November 1999 introduced a new open-architecture, multimedia, multi-pathway, and multi-receptor exposure and risk assessment methodology designed to support their Hazardous Waste Identification Rule (HWIR). The new modeling system, referred to as the 3MRA technology, is envisioned as the foundation for eventually integrating other regulatory support decision tools in the future. Toward that end, and with the goal of integrating predictive modeling needs across the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) rule-makings and a variety of other agency Program Office regulatory thrusts, there is a need to build upon the 3MRA technology system in several directions. Among these are 1) a collection of science support research activities focused on improving, and making more realistic, some of the existing physical, chemical, and biological processes algorithms found in the current system; 2) adapting the methodology for use at larger spatial scales, or for use in concert with larger spatial scale modeling systems; 3) adding provisions to make the methodology applicable to a variety of related regulatory support problems such as the surface impoundment study and other emerging needs (e.g., mining waste, RCRA Corrective Action, waste management/leaching/modeling, etc.); 4) adding the front-end capability for the user to input data for a specific site; 5) enhancing the technology with more comprehensive uncertainty assessment capabilities; 6) implementing a comprehensive independent testing and validation program; and 7) establishing an easily accessible, Internet-based distribution and support network for the user community.

Objective:

The primary objective of the research program is to develop, test, and apply a multimedia, multi-pathway, multi-receptor exposure and risk assessment modeling system (3MRA) in support of regulatory-based applications.

Background:

This research program has been selected and designed to be explicitly integrated with other EPA Ecosystems Research programs with the overall goal of establishing an integrated approach to multimedia-based exposure and risk assessment. The following discussion provides a brief description of the genesis of this EPA vision in order to provide context for this particular research and development program.

In 1997 EPA's Ecosystems Research program embarked on a four step process to understand and satisfy Agency needs for science-based tools to support increasingly complex assessments of human and ecological exposure and risk.

Step 1 involved the development of a comprehensive view of the integrated system of activities within the Agency that results in the bi-directional flow of knowledge and information between science, on one end of the continuum, and regulation on the opposite end. This effort provided a framework for understanding Agency needs for science-based products and, perhaps more importantly, provided a clear picture of the relationship between and among the myriad of science products developed to ultimately support the Agency's mission. Understanding this relationship has become extremely important due to the increasingly complex questions posed by regulators and the related need to integrate research results across virtually all disciplines in order to provide answers.

Step 2 focused on a formal "needs assessment", the necessary step before pursuing a formal research program. After years of supporting various Program Offices in the conduct of regulatory assessments it became increasingly clear that there was significant common scientific and technological ground emerging among the assessments. Program Offices previously focused on exposures and risks occurring within a single medium of concern were being pushed more and more to consider secondary impacts of contamination originating within their medium of interest. For example, the Office of Air, in the development of their regulations were increasingly criticized for not addressing the transfer to watersheds and waterbodies of pollutants emitted to the atmosphere and the exposures that occur via these additional pathways. The Office of Solid Waste was criticized for assessing only groundwater pathway impacts of land-based disposal units. The reality of an integrated environment was now being expressed through the regulatory process. In an attempt to document this move to holistic or multimedia-based regulatory assessment ERD undertook a study to formally survey the EPA Program and Regional Offices (as well as other Federal Agencies and State Agencies) to determine the exact extent of this emerging common ground. This effort provided a clear picture of the common need for science-based tools to address issues involving the integrated multimedia fate and transport of chemicals in the context of human and ecological exposure and risk assessment.

The next step was to respond to this need. Heretofore, no research and development program was specifically designed to directly link science and regulation with multimedia-based tools. While it was clear that new technologies involving national environmental databases, multimedia models, GIS, uncertainty assessment, etc. were needed it was not so clear exactly what form the technologies would take and to what extent the technologies could be configured for application to multiple clients (EPA Program/Regional Offices, ORD scientists/engineers).

ERD's response was to develop a research program focused on designing, building, testing, and applying modeling-based technologies. These technologies will serve to 1) integrate the results of research efforts throughout the environmental community, and 2) form the bridge that directly links science and regulation. These technologies must : 1) be scientifically current, 2) allow for consistent application of the science across program office assessments, 3) allow user's representing decision makers (i.e., model/database developers) to use the technology as a platform for further development, and 4) be designed to allow for a smooth transition from existing technology (i.e., legacy models) to a much more powerful application of emerging computer-based technologies.

To implement this program ERD has designed an approach that serves both the relatively short-term needs of specific clients (i.e., 2-5 years) and prepares the ground for development of assessment technologies that will serve the same client community, and more, in the future (i.e., 5-15 years out).

The essence of the implementation plan is for ERD to participate intimately in the conduct of three representative assessments and to focus on providing the science and modeling technology. ERD believes that the best way to design a technology is to first work intimately with the eventual user's of the technology in solving real problems. Thus, ERD will be an active participant in these assessments and be accountable for delivering the needed science and technology in a timely manner (i.e., within a timeframe dictated by the client office and it's responsibilities to meet real deadlines). ERD will use these assessments to design and implement prototypes of key technological components (models, databases, software integration tools) that will be needed in the future. From this experience will come the necessary information concerning what common technologies are needed and how best to design and build them in/for the future.

The assessments selected for this program include 1) a site-based national assessment of human and ecological risks posed by the disposal of industrial wastes in land-based units (Multi-media, Multi-receptor, Multi-stressor Risk Assessment - 3MRA), 2) a watershed-based assessment of the assimilative capacity of aquatic systems (Total Maximum Daily Loads - TMDLs), and 3) the assessment of ecosystem sustainability/vulnerability to both chemical and non-chemical stressors (.... - BASE). Interacting with all of the assessment teams will be a computer-based technology team charged with facilitating the design and implementation of software systems that contain the models and databases needed in the assessments and more importantly to extract from these assessments the detailed design requirements for future integrated technologies (this effort is referred to as the Multimedia Integrated Modeling System - MIMS).

Given this background it is the purpose of this research plan to detail activities associated with the future of the 3MRA component of the overall ERD modeling-based research and development program. The 3MRA modeling system is designed to underpin decisions establishing constituent specific exit levels for low risk hazardous wastes that would amend existing regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). These amendments are being considered under the general heading of the Hazardous Waste Identification Rule (HWIR) originally proposed by OS in December 1995, with a different, underlying model support methodology. Wastes applicable under HWIR were those designated as hazardous because they were listed, or had been mixed with, derived from, or contained the listed wastes. Under the HWIR proposal, waste generators of listed wastes that could meet the new exit level criteria defined by the HWIR methodology, would no longer be subject to the hazardous waste management system specified under Title C of RCRA for those wastes. Basically, this established a risk based "floor" for low risk hazardous wastes that would encourage pollution prevention, waste minimization, and the development of innovative waste treatment technologies. The purpose of the rule-making was to reduce possible over-regulation arising from the older "mixture" and "derived-from" rules promulgated earlier. In a number of cases, wastes were listed on the basis of containing both toxic hazardous constituents and exhibiting one or more of the hazardous waste characteristics that do not relate to chemical toxicity (e.g., ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity). If such a waste still exhibits any characteristic after complying with the exemption criteria proposed in the HWIR, it must continue to be managed as a characteristically hazardous waste. The "mixture" rule and the "derived-from" rule were promulgated as part of the first comprehensive regulatory program for the management of hazardous wastes under RCRA in May of 1980. The mixture rule defined as a hazardous waste any solid waste that is mixed with one or more listed wastes, and the derived-from rule labeled as hazardous waste any solid waste generated from the treatment, storage or disposal of a listed hazardous waste. Both were/are considered important definitions in regulating the disposal of hazardous wastes consistent with reducing risk to human health and the environment; however, since they apply regardless of the concentrations or mobilities of hazardous constituents associated with the solid wastes, the potential for over-regulation is a possibility.

Conceptual Approach:

The conceptual foundation of the technical approach to achieving the HWIR goals is the risk paradigm and the associated relationship between a source of contaminant, its release to and transport through the environment, subsequent contact (i.e., exposure) with human and ecological receptors, and the resulting risk of health effects. The following general statement reflects the most essential features of the technical approach taken to achieve the HWIR objectives.

The HWIR assessment is a screening-level risk-based assessment of potential human and ecological health risks resulting from long-term (chronic) exposure to HWIR chemicals released from land-based waste management units (WMUs) containing currently 'listed' waste streams. The assessment of potential human and ecological health risks is site-based and include, for each site statistically sampled from a national database of WMUs, the simultaneous release of chemicals from the WMU to each environmental medium, the fate and transport of the chemical through a multimedia environment, and the receptor-specific exposures that result. The assessment includes an estimation of the potential exposures, per exposure pathway/receptor, and an estimation of the resulting carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects. The end point of the assessment is the establishment of chemical-specific exit levels representing threshold waste concentrations below which the associated waste stream is not considered hazardous and therefore does not require Subtitle C type disposal. The exit levels are applicable to all waste streams and all locations, i.e., nationally.

Specific Approach:

There are five principal activities involved in this task: Model development (science-based), Model development (technology-based), Development of uncertainty assessment methods, Model applications, and Model distribution and user support. The goal of the model development (science-based) activity is to enhance existing and develop new science modules to be contained in the modeling system. Input to this activity will include insights from the conduct of the Model application activity as well as feedback from the user's community (i.e., Program and Regional Office clients and the public). This activity is critical in the context of providing users with a technology that grows in response to the evolving needs of it's users and availability of new science. The goal of the model development (technology-based) activity is to enhance and update the modeling system from a software engineering perspective. To keep the modeling system efficient, user friendly, and Internet aware will require the application of computer science principles on an ongoing basis. Capabilities related to database management, cross-platform simulation, GIS interfaces, etc. will require 3MRA technology developers to remain current with the state-of-the-art related to computer science. The direction for the technology-based model development is coordinated, and eventually integrated, with the larger NEAL-based technology development under the MIMS research area. The goal of the uncertainty assessment activity is to research and develop innovative methods for quantifying uncertainty in the context of performing complex exposure and risk assessments. The uncertainty assessment activity will address issues related to sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis, and model validation. The methods developed within this activity area will be presented to the Model developers (science-based) for incorporation into the 3MRA modeling system. The goal of the model application activity is to establish a modeling team consisting of multimedia modelers and database experts and charge the team with selecting and executing key Agency assessments related to multimedia-based exposure and risk. The primary criteria for selecting assessments will be based on the uniqueness and complexity. These assessments may be site-specific, regional, or national in scale. The purpose of this activity is to apply the 3MRA technology to new and important assessments in order to determine what new modeling capabilities should be added in the future. The goal for the model distribution and user support activity is to establish a computer-based and science-based support system that will provide users with technical support needed to acquire and install the modeling technology and access experts to answer detailed questions related to the science contained in the modeling system. In providing user support it may become necessary to establish a model application support team to go beyond answering individual questions from users and actually engage users in the conduct of their assessments. Finally, it is anticipated that user support will include conducting training courses for users.

Collaboration-based Approach:

Finally, the 3MRA model development will be conducted in conjunction with the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense/Corps of Engineers (DOD/COME), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These three agencies have joined EPA in an effort to develop site-scale multimedia modeling technologies that are scientifically defensible and, as important, consistent among the Agencies. This collaborative effort has been ongoing for three years and is anticipated to expand to other agencies in the future. By cooperating, each Agency will be assured that their assessments are facilitated with commonly accepted modeling technologies and also each Agency will directly benefit by each other's model development activities, thus increasing each Agency's modeling capability and reducing, if not eliminating, unnecessary duplication in the context of model development.

Staff involved in 3MRA:

Lead: Gerry Laniak

Others: Justin Babendreier

Further information:

SuperMUSE

Rashleigh, B., M.C. Barber, M.J. Cyterski, J.M. Johnston, R. Parmar, and Y. Mohamoud. 2004. Population models for stream fish response to habitat and hydrologic alteration: the CVI Watershed Tool. EPA/600/R-04/190 (PDF), (102pp,7.0MB,About PDF) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, Georgia.

• Population models for stream fish response to habitat and hydrologic alteration: the cvi watershed tool (PDF)(102 pp, 7 MB, September 2004, EPA/600/R-04/190)

Foreword

Streams and rivers provide important ecological services, including habitat for fishes and other organisms, and drinking water supplies, yet these ecosystems are among the most impaired across the country. Management of these ecosystems involves the assessment of probable causes of impairments and remediation/restoration alternatives, as well as forecasting future condition in a scientifically defensible fashion to more effectively protect valued ecosystems. Communities, watershed groups and states require decision support tools for managing the quality of aquatic systems. Community-based environmental management is a long-term goal of the Agency, and providing the methods/tools and technical transfer mechanisms to achieve this goal are critical to the role of ORD. Effective client collaborations are the most efficient means to achieve this result.

This report is the result of collaboration with the Canaan Valley Institute (CVI) in which a decision analysis toolkit was produced in order to support management of fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic Highlands. Although there are many ecological endpoints that are important indicators of the condition of aquatic communities and their associated watersheds, fish health is arguably one of the most important, since fishability is a principal designated use for surface waters under the Clean Water Act. The approach used here can be applied to aid CVI and other agencies in the management of aquatic resources in the Mid-Atlantic Highlands, and may serve as a model for management tools for aquatic systems in other regions.

• Watershed Health Assessment Tools Investigating Fisheries WHAT IF Version 2 A Manager’s Guide to New Features (PDF)(94 pp, 3 MB, September 2006, EPA/600/R-06/109)

Virtual Beach version 3 (VB3) is a decision support tool that constructs site-specific statistical models to predict fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations at recreational beaches. VB3 is primarily designed for beach managers responsible for making decisions regarding beach closures or the issuance of swimming advisories due to pathogen contamination.

• Virtual Beach v3.0.6 User Guide (PDF)(83 pp, 3 MB)