US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

UPDATED 2002 INVENTORY

for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

 

July 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I: Executive Summary 1

PART II: Table A: AAPI Participation in Major Programs and Services 3

PART III: Table B: Specific Projects and Initiatives for AAPIs 28

PART IV: Table C: Asian American and Pacific Islander Employment Profile 36

PART V: Agency Infrastructure to Support AAPI Activities 37

Appendix 49
1

PART I

Executive Summary

The mission of US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to protect human health

and safeguard the natural environment - air, water, and land - upon which life depends. The

Agency ensures that all Americans are protected from significant risks due to environmental

factors, such as air and water pollution, toxic chemicals, and hazardous waste, where they live,

learn, and work. (Appendix A lists EPA's mission, goals, and principles.)

EPA provides leadership in the nation's environmental science, research, education and

assessment efforts. Working closely with other Federal agencies, state and local governments,

and Indian tribes, it develops and ensures compliance with regulations under existing

environmental laws. It also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety

of voluntary pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts. EPA educates the

public on environmental issues and provides tools for Americans to make their own decisions

regarding acceptable levels of environmental and public health risks. The Agency has developed

cross-cutting programs to address the needs of vulnerable populations such as children, minority

and low-income communities, and others who may suffer disproportionately from adverse health

effects caused by certain environmental conditions. 

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) live in communities where they face the

same adverse environmental impacts as other residents. However, certain AAPI subgroups may

be more affected by these environmental factors due to their lifestyle, customs and practices,

living and working conditions, and other activities. Due to language barriers or other factors,

AAPIs may lack awareness of, or may not have full access to, the range of EPA programs,

services, environmental information, and opportunities available to them. 

EPA programs and services are administered through its headquarters offices located in

Washington, DC, and through its ten Regional offices (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta,

Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City, San Francisco, and Seattle). EPA also has 17 laboratories

across the country. In fiscal year (FY) 2001, the Agency had approximately 17,700 permanent

employees, with approximately 5.2 percent of this workforce of Asian or Pacific Islander

descent. The percent of AAPIs showed a slight improvement since FY 1999 and was about 1.3

percent higher than the civilian labor force and about .8 percent higher than the permanent

Federal workforce. Over 62 percent of AAPI employees occupied the "professional"

employment categories. A significant portion of AAPIs were at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels (20

percent and 45.5 percent, respectively), which is 6 to 10 percent higher than the percent of all

Agency employees at these grade levels. However, AAPIs held only 3 percent of the Agency’s

supervisory positions (including Senior Executive Service).

To ensure that AAPIs and other minorities have full access to EPA's programs and

services, the Agency has undertaken significant measures. While EPA programs specifically

designated for AAPIs are limited, the Agency strives to address AAPI needs through a wide array
2

of activities, initiatives, and other opportunities such as partnerships with community-based

organizations (CBOs), financial assistance, outreach, research and development, technical

assistance, educational internships and scholarships, and employment.

In September 2001, EPA published the Asian American and Pacific Islander Outreach

Strategy (EPA-202-K-01-003 or www.epa.gov/aapi/outreach.htm) which creates a

comprehensive framework for strengthening the Agency’s relationship with the nation’s diverse

and growing AAPI community. To develop and shape this strategy, EPA engaged in a

cooperative effort meeting with AAPI residents, community groups, academia, business, and

local governments in five US communities with diverse AAPI populations. These meetings, in

the spring and summer of 2000, were designed to provide attendees with information about

EPA’s work and to gather community input on the strategy. The voices and visions of these

sessions helped EPA set forth an integrated approach to improving the delivery of programs and

services of particular importance to AAPI communities.

The goals of the strategy are fourfold. First, it lays the foundation for building strong

community partnerships to respond effectively to the environmental and public health needs of

AAPIs and encourage public participation and informed decision-making. Second, it describes

EPA’s commitment to enhancing economic opportunities for AAPI-owned businesses. EPA

also is committed to promoting environmental education, encouraging AAPI youth to be

stewards of the environment and to consider the pursuit of environmental careers. Finally, this

strategy delineates how EPA intends to promote diversity in its own workforce by providing

employment opportunities for AAPI professionals and pathways for career growth. 

This strategy represents an important milestone in EPA’s efforts to provide all Americans

with the knowledge and resources needed to confront environmental and public health

challenges. This approach not only meets the Agency's goals, mandates, and budget constraints,

but also reflects EPA’s commitment to promote easy access and full utilization of its programs

and services by AAPIs. It also reflects EPA’s active support for the goals of the White House

Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

This 2002 Inventory responds to the White House Initiative’s request to update the

Inventory completed in calendar year 2000 that established a baseline for the Federal government

to measure progress. It displays the level of services that EPA provided to AAPIs based

primarily on FY 2001, the last full fiscal year for which data are available. EPA is pleased to

participate in this cross-agency collaboration to comprehensively address the multi-faceted

problems facing AAPI communities.
3

PART II

Table A

AAPI Participation in Major Programs and Services

(based on FY 2001 or the last year for which data are available)

Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

Children's Health Protection - focuses

on providing information, technical

assistance and other support to the

public to complement community

initiatives, public policy, regulations,

industrial and municipal practices

designed to improve children's

environmental health.

www.epa.gov/children/enter.htm

AO Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Potentially affected the AAPI

population and their children.

Title VI External Compliance - ensures

that recipients of EPA financial

assistance and others comply with the

relevant non-discrimination

requirements under Federal law and

handles complaints alleging violation of

Title VI. www.epa.gov/civilrights/

AO/

OCR

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Developed guidance for Title VI

implementation. EPA’s Plan by

which persons with limited

English proficiency can have

meaningful access to EPA

programs is under review by the

Department of Justice.

Title VII Internal Compliance - affords

all EPA employees and applicants for

employment equal employment and

advancement opportunities without

regard to race, color, national origin,

sex, age, religion, disability, reprisal,

sexual orientation, or parental status and

manages the Agency's Discrimination

Complaints Program.

www.epa.gov/civilrights/

AO/

OCR

17,707

(Total

permanent

EPA

employees)

927 Undetermined Developed tools to manage and

fully utilize a diverse workforce
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

4

Special Emphasis Programs (SEP)-

focus on the employment, development,

and advancement of members of the

protected groups in all disciplines,

including science and engineering,

secretarial and clerical, managerial, and

administrative positions.

www.epa.gov/civilrights

AO/

OCR,

Other

EPA

Offices

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Coordinated program and public

relations activities with

institutions serving AAPI

students through EPA’s national

and collateral-duty AAPI SEP

managers. Used SEP and

Environmental Justice and

Diversity Action Plans to target

activities to AAPI organizations

through listening sessions,

recruitment and outreach efforts.

Cooperative Environmental

Management - provides efficient and

effective operation and oversight of

EPA advisory committees authorized

under the Federal Advisory Committee

Act. www.epa.gov/ocempage/

AO/

OCEM

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Promoted the participation of

AAPIs as members in Federal

advisory committees.

Small and Disadvantaged Business

Utilization - stimulates involvement of

minority firms (including AAPIs) in the

procurement/grant process and sponsors

conferences, one-on-one counseling, and

group training. www.epa.gov/osdbu/

AO/

OSDBU

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Disseminated information on

procurement and grant

opportunities and provided

technical and management

assistance.

www.epa.gov/osdbu/smbusiness.htm
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

5

Indoor Air Quality - addresses problems

of indoor air pollution (from radon,

tobacco products, fuels, pesticides, etc.)

through efforts to inform the public and

through the Regional Radon Training

Centers.

www.epa.gov/air/indoorair/index.html

OAR Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Raised knowledge and

awareness of program issues.

Provided skills and resources to

CBOs that serve AAPI

communities (e.g., translation of

EPA related materials and

training on air issues for local

health affiliates working with

AAPI populations.)

Radiological Emergency Preparedness

and Response - monitors and assesses

offsite radiation exposures and provides

guidance during any coordinated Federal

response to radiological emergencies.

www.epa.gov/air/radiation/index.html

OAR Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Same as above.

Site Cleanup - develops risk assessment

tools and guidance for cleaning up sites

contaminated with radioactive materials

www.epa.gov/radiation/cleanup/

OAR Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Same as above.

Ambient Air Program - directs a

national program to provide scientific

and technical guidance to EPA

Headquarters and Regional Offices, and

State and local agencies regarding air

quality monitoring and works to assure

that various air quality management

programs and objectives required by the

Clean Air Act are implemented and that

the national Ambient Air Quality

Standards (NAQQS) are maintained. 

www.epa.gov/oar/oaqps/

OAR Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Same as above.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

6

Transportation and Air Quality Program

- protects public health and the

environment by controlling air pollution

from motor vehicles, engines, and the

fuels used to operate them, and by

encouraging travel choices that

minimize emissions.

www.epa.gov/air/transport/index.html

OAR Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Raised knowledge and

awareness of transportation and

air quality issues through

consumer information and

voluntary programs.

www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer.ht

m

Acquisition Management - responsible

for all contracting and related activities

to fulfill the Agency's mission to protect

and safeguard the environment through

its business relationships.

www.epa.gov/oam/

OARM Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Managed/tracked all prime and

subcontracts with contractors of

AAPI descent (see Appendix C).

Senior Environmental Employment

(SEE) Program - utilizes the skills and

expertise of older Americans (55 and

above), including AAPIs, and enables

them to contribute to the workforce.

www.epa.gov/ohros/see/brochure/

OARM/

OHROS

manages,

Program

&

Regions

utilize

1795 

(SEE

program

enrollees)

Undetermined 93 Partnered with communitybased organizations like the

National Asian Pacific Center on

Aging to employ retired AAPI

professionals in a variety of

environmental projects with

EPA.

Environmental Justice - addresses issues

related to the fair treatment of people of

all races, income and cultures with

respect to development, implementation,

and enforcement of environmental laws,

regulations and policy. 

www.epa.gov/compliance/environmental

justice/index.html

OECA/

OEJ

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Increased awareness/outreach

efforts by translating basic

environmental justice

information into Chinese and

Vietnamese languages
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

7

Environmental Justice Small Grants

Program - fosters collaborative efforts

directed at addressing and/or resolving

real life environmental justice issues.

The projects place a premium on

community and family health. 

www.epa.gov/compliance/environmental

justice/grants/ej_smgrants.html

OECA/

OEJ

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Four community-based

organizations served

Encouraged participation

through outreach, grant

workshops and application

information. In FY-2001, four

grants were awarded to

demonstrate how AAPI

communities come together in

different ways to solve local

problems. These reflected the

diversity of problems found in

AAPI communities across the

US.

Analysis and Dissemination of

Environmental Data - 

! provides technical assistance to

organizations that partner with EPA in

collecting data, analyzing data,

preparing statistical reports and making

the data usable and understandable.

! responds to program and Regional

requests for demographic,

environmental, economic, TRI and other

data that are available from EPA and

other Federal or state government

sources (e.g., 2000 Census data of AAPI

populations by US counties) and

provides data collection, mapping and

visualization of collected data.

OEI Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided technical assistance to

AAPI organizations who partner

with EPA’s AAPI program and

responded to EPA AAPI

program requests.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

8

Public Access - provides access to

quality data including:

! www.epa.gov , EPA’s gateway to

publicly accessible information.

! www.epa.gov/enviro/index_java.html,

Envirofacts Data Warehouse, which

provides information about environmental activities anywhere in the US. 

! www.epa.gov/enviro/html/em/index.html,

EnviroMapper, a web-based, interactive

mapping tool, that provides a dynamic

way to visualize environmental

information in local settings.

! http://www.epa.gov/enviro/wme/,

Window to My Environment, which

uses interactive maps and powerful tools

to answer questions about environmental 

conditions in communities and what they

are doing protect the environment.

OEI Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined ! Provided technical support for

AAPI web site “usability”

testing so that members of the

AAPI community gain access to

EPA information resources. 

! EnviroMapper includes an

environmental justice application to assist communities that

may be disproportionately

affected by pollution sources. 

!Window to My Environment

currently covers Regions 3, 5, 6

and 8. 

Environmental Information Outreach -

promotes the availability of EPA

information resources.

OEI Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Promoted the availability of

EPA information resources.

Provided to AAPI communities

(both technical and general

interest audiences, e.g., provided

outreach to AAPI communities

about the availability of

“Window to My Environment”).
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

9

International Air Program - reduces

emissions from mobile sources in

Southeast Asia and China by

characterizing the air pollution in the

cities and developing emission control

strategies for both new and in-use motor

vehicles.

OIA,

OAR

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided technical assistance to

the Phillippines and Vietnam to

support efforts to remove lead

from gasoline. These

technology transfer projects will

benefit AAPI family members

still living in Asia.

The Washington Center for Internships

and Academic Seminars

OIA Universal

Benefit

Undetermined 2 per fiscal year Recruited and offered

internships to students from

colleges and universities with a

high percentage of AAPIs.

Pesticide Registration - evaluates the

potentially adverse effects of pesticides

on humans, the environment and nontarget species. Pesticides are found in

homes/businesses that impact AAPIs.

www.epa.gov/pesticides/chemreg.htm

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Included a dietary risk

assessment that analyzes data for

certain populations, e.g., AAPIs,

as part of the registration

process.

Pesticide Reregistration - reviews the

health and environmental effects of

pesticides registered before 1984 to

determine if they meet contemporary

health and safety standards. 

www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Same as above.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

10

Pesticide Special Review - reviews a

particular pesticide which may have

unreasonable adverse effect to people or

the environment. Certain pesticides may

warrant further review to reduce the

risks posed by a pesticide to an

acceptable level while taking into

consideration the benefits provided by

the use of the pesticide.

www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/specialreview.ht

ml

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Same as above.

Protecting Children from Pesticides -

studies pesticides to better understand

their effects on children since they are at

a greater risk for some pesticides. AAPI

children are part of the populations

which may experience increased risks.

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Same as above.

Pesticides and National Strategies for

Health Care Providers - helps health

care providers become better aware and

trained in pesticide health issues.

www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/healthcar

e/healthcare.htm

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Improved the recognition,

diagnosis, management, and

prevention of adverse health

effects from pesticide exposures.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

11

Pesticide Environmental Stewardship

Program (PESP) - forms voluntary

partnerships with pesticide users

(partners) and with organizations that

have significant influence over pest

management practices (supporters) to

reduce the health and environmental

risks associated with pesticide use and

implements pollution prevention

strategies. www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Opened to all organizations that

meet the program membership

criteria.

Certification and Training and Worker

Protection Program - funds cooperative

agreements to assist states, territories,

and tribes conduct certification and

training programs that cover safe

pesticide use for pesticide applicators to

reduce the risk of pesticide poisonings

and injuries among agricultural workers

and pesticide handlers, including AAPIs. 

http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/wor

kers/workers.htm

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Required the use of multiple

languages (including those of

AAPIs), information channels,

and organizational networks

(e.g., warning signs posted at

points of entry to pesticide

treated fields include

information in Cambodian,

Chinese, Korean, Laotian,

Filipino/ Tagalog, Thai, and

Vietnamese) to reach a diverse

and highly mobile population.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

12

Pesticides Education and Outreach -

ensures that the public has information it

needs to make responsible decisions

about pesticides and promotes public

health and environmental protection

goals (e.g., the "Citizens Guide to Pest

Control and Safety" teaches consumers

how to control pests in/around the home,

alternatives to chemical pesticides, how

to choose pesticides, and how to use,

store and dispose of them safely.)

www.epa.gov/pesticides/consumer.htm

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Translated many of these

documents into AAPI languages;

and employed translators for

better communication with

AAPIs and others (e.g.,

education materials written in

Chinese and other languages

about the safe use of pesticides

in the home).

Lead Risk Reduction Program - reduces

the hazards posed by lead-based paint

through regulation, education and

outreach.

www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/index.html

OPPTS,

R6

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Directed educational campaign

at both abatement workers and

parents, especially in lowincome areas and areas with a

high population of immigrants. 

A Vietnamese translation of the

lead brochure “Protect your

Family from Lead in your

Home” was published in 2002.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

13

Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program

- focuses on providing methods and

procedures to detect and characterize the

potential effects of chemicals

(pesticides, commercial chemicals, and

environmental contaminants) on the

endocrine system. These hormonedisrupting chemicals are widespread and

can cause adverse effects, even at low

levels, resulting in potentially serious

risks to the environment and public

health that could impact on AAPIs.

www.epa.gov/scipoly/oscpendo/index.htm

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Translated public documents

into AAPI languages, as

necessary.

Design for the Environment - helps

businesses, through voluntary 

partnerships, integrate environmental

concerns with everyday decision-making

on cost and performance. The program's

goal is to reduce the risk of chemicals to

workers, communities and the

environment. 

www.epa.gov/opptintr/dfe/

OPPTS,

R6, R9

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided translated materials for

Korean-American garment care

establishments:

www.epa.gov/opptintr/dfe/pubs/

allpubs.htm. VietnameseAmerican nail care salons in the

Houston, Texas are involved in

partnership program with EPA

Region 6 to determine best shop

practices.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

14

PBT Initiative - addresses the impacts

on people and the environment from

highly toxic, long lasting substances

such as mercury. OPPTS is working

with other EPA offices to assure that

monitoring plan developed for priority

persistent, biaccumulative, and toxics

reflects baselines affecting subsistence

fisher populations, including AAPIs.

www.epa.gov/opptintr/pbt/mercury.htm

OPPTS Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Included AAPI subpopulations

in definition of subsistence

fisher population group. This

program should help reduce the

risk of eating mercurycontaminated fish by AAPIs.

Science to Achieve Results (STAR)

Program - funds research grants and

graduate fellowships in numerous

environmental science and engineering

disciplines through a competitive

solicitation process and independent

peer review. http://es.epa.gov/ncer/grants/

ORD Universal

Benefit

Undetermined 3 graduate fellowships

10* research grants

principal investigators

STAR Peer Review - supports the STAR

program through a rigorous peer review

process that rates the quality of the

science proposed by the Principal

Investigators. 

ORD Universal

Benefit

Undetermined 75* Engaged (by contract) outside

experts in the specified field to

review STAR applications and

rate them according to the

quality of the science in the

proposal. Of those reviewers,

EPA estimates that about 75

AAPIs were engaged as peer

reviewers. Reviewers become

familiar with the application

process, understand the quality

of the proposals that succeed,

and, in the future, assemble their

own applications or encourage

others from their institutions to

do so.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

15

Small Business Innovation Research -

participates in the SBIR Program

established by the Small Business

Innovation Development Act of 1982.

http://es.epa.gov/ncer/sbir/

ORD Universal

Benefit

Undetermined 3 to 8* Made approximately forty Phase

I awards of $70,000 each and

ten to fifteen Phase II awards of

$250,000 each. EPA estimates

that between 10% and 25% of its

SBIR awards are AAPI small

businesses or businesses that

have a Principal Investigator

who is an AAPI.

Environmental Technology Verification

(ETV) Program - develops testing

protocols and verifies the performance

of innovative technologies to problems

that threaten human health or the

environment. www.epa.gov/etv/

ORD Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Accelerated the entrance of new

environmental technologies into

the domestic and international

marketplace. 

Small Drinking Water Treatment

Technology Evaluations

ORD Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided technical assistance on

evaluation and selection of

drinking water, wastewater, and

telemetry technologies in the

Pacific Islands.

Superfund Technical Assistance ORD,

R10,

OSWER

Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided technical support for

the Del Monte Superfund site in

Hawaii. 
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

16

Brownfields - addresses abandoned,

idled, or under-used industrial and

commercial properties which are not

Superfund sites. EPA works with

communities, states and municipalities

to revitalize brownfield properties by

mitigating potential health risks through

better site assessment and clean-up and

by restoring economic vitality through

local job development and training. 

www.epa.gov/epahome/hi-brownfields.htm

OSWER Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided cultural awareness and

sensitivity training for staff.

Resource Conservation and Recovery

Act (RCRA) - focuses on active

industrial facilities that treat, store, or

generate hazardous waste. EPA and its

state partners work together to address

releases from the facilities to drinking

water supplies or sensitive ecosystems. 

www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/ca/index.htm

OSWER Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided cultural awareness and

sensitivity training for staff.

Chemical Emergency Preparedness and

Prevention - provides leadership,

advocacy, and assistance to prevent and

prepare for chemical emergencies; 

respond to environmental crises; and

inform the public about chemical

hazards in their community. 

www.epa.gov/swercepp/

OSWER Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided cultural awareness and

sensitivity training for staff.

Oil Program - prevents, prepares for and

responds to oil spills that occur in and

around inland waters of the US.

www.epa.gov/oilspill/

OSWER Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided cultural awareness and

sensitivity training for staff.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

17

Underground Storage Tanks (UST) -

prevents and addresses releases from

USTs. Promotes compliance with EPA

and State requirements for leak

detection and the upgrading, replacing

or closure of substandard tanks. Cleans

up leaking UST contamination.

www.epa.gov/swerust1/index.htm

OSWER Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided compliance

information regarding USTs and

cleanup information regarding

leaking USTs as part of the UST

owners/ operators community,

including AAPIs.

Underground Injection Control Program

- provides safeguards so that injection

wells do not endanger current and future

underground sources of drinking water.

www.epa.gov/safewater/uic.html

OW Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Translated public information

materials in AAPI languages.

Beach Protection Program -funds grants

to strengthen beach standards and

testing, improve the scientific basis for

beach monitoring, and develop methods

to inform the public about beach

conditions

www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches/

OW Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Improved public notification in

Pacific Island states and

territories.

Fish Consumption/Advisory - supports

states and tribes through guidance,

scientific information and technical

assistance.

www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/

OW Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Provided translation of brochure

and/or information materials.

Public Water System Supervision

Program - implements and enforces

drinking water standards to protect

public health.

www.epa.gov/safewater/pws/pwss.html

OW Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Translated public information

materials in AAPI languages.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

18

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund -

makes funds available to drinking water

systems to finance infrastructure

improvements to ensure the provision of

safe drinking water to 250 million

customers.

www.epa.gov/safewater/dwsrf.html

OW Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Maintained, improved and

expanded information and

systems to support core public

health, program and right-toknow needs. Community water

systems that serve a large nonEnglish-speaking population

must include in their annual

water quality reports information

in the appropriate language

about the importance of the

report, or a telephone number

where residents may obtain a

translated copy of the report. 

Outreach to AAPI community leaders - 

increases the dialogue with AAPI

community residents and organizations.

R1 Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Identified issues and discussed

strategies through meetings with

leadership, organizations and

residents.

Urban Environmental Program -

addresses environmental justice issues.

R1 Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Communicated in Laotian,

Hmong and Vietnamese as part

of the Northern Rhode Island

Conservation District - Public

Education Campaign for the

Woonasquatucket River. 

Produced in Cambodian an

informational brochure for the

Keep Providence Beautiful

campaign. Sponsored the

Chinese Progressive Association

in the Campaign to Protect

Chinatown.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

19

Children’s Health R3 Universal

Benefit

Undetermined 40* 0 40* Circulated AAPI language

materials on lead and asthma

through Region 3's grantees.

Ombudsperson for Small & 

Disadvantaged Businesses Utilization

R3 Universal

Benefit

Undetermined 50* 50* Held open house for minorityowned businesses to promote

mission of the office. 

Children’s Environmental Health State

Coordination, Outreach and Education

Program - develops capacity within

Region 4 states to address children’s

environmental health hazards. A major

component of this project is children’s

environmental health outreach, training

and educational programs. 

R4 Universal

Benefit

Same as AAPIs Served 725,487 24,221 749,708 Impacted AAPIs living in highrisk neighborhoods that tend to

be poor, minority, urban, lowincome, and older housing

neighborhoods. *Estimates derived from Census

2000 data located at US Census

Bureau web site, State and

County QuickFacts

The Presidential Task Force on

Environmental Health & Safety Risks to

Children - encourages Federal agencies

to give more support to states to combat

childhood asthma. The Region is

facilitating the development and

implementation of state strategies to

reduce exposures to environmental

triggers of childhood asthma.

R4 Universal

Benefit

Same as AAPIs Served 725,487 24,221 749,708 Impacted AAPI populations

living in high-risk

neighborhoods. Many of the

high-risk areas for asthma are

poor, minority, urban, lowincome areas. *Estimates derived from Census

2000 data located at US Census

Bureau web site, State and

County QuickFacts
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

20

Children’s Pesticide, Asbestos, and Lead

(PAL) Environmental Education and

Outreach Initiative - minimizes

children’s exposure to environmental

health hazards through a communitybased program.

R4 Universal

Benefit

Same as AAPIs Served 725,487 24,221 749,708 Trained health professionals,

developed educational and

outreach material and resulted in

the establishment of community 

intervention programs. AAPI

children in poor, minority,

urban, low-income and older

housing neighborhoods have

high-risks for lead-poisoning,

asthma and environmental

hazards. 

*Estimates derived from Census

2000 data located at US Census

Bureau web site, State and

County QuickFacts

Children’s Environmental Health Lead

Based Paint Regulatory Compliance

Assistance and Education Project -

provides outreach, compliance

assistance and information to the

regulated community and the public on

the EPA regulatory requirements

associated with lead-based paint. The

project focuses on low income and

minority communities where the greatest

number of children have been found

with elevated blood lead levels.

R4 Universal

Benefit

Same as AAPIs Served 725,487 24,221 749,708 Impacted children, including

AAPI children, especially in

high-risk neighborhoods 

(low-income areas

and areas with potentially a high

population of immigrants) in

helping to reduce childhood

lead. 

*Estimates derived from Census

2000 data located at US Census

Bureau web site, State and

County QuickFacts

Lead-Based Paint Real Estate

Notification and Disclosure Program -

entitles home buyers and renters of pre1978 housing to receive lead poisoning

prevention information pamphlet and

disclosure from the owner/landlord of

the property of knowledge of lead-based

paint in housing before lease or

purchase.

R4 Universal

Benefit

Same as AAPIs Served 725,487 24,221 749,708 Targeted compliance inspections

toward areas at high-risk for

lead-poisoned children, which

are urban, low-income, older

housing neighborhoods. AAPI

populations living in high-risk

neighborhoods will be impacted. 

*Estimates derived from Census

2000 data located at US Census

Bureau web site, State and

County QuickFacts
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

21

Lead-Based Paint Training and

Certification Program - funds

cooperative agreements to assist states

and tribes, as well as directly

implements in some states and tribes, a

program to conduct certification and

training which conveys appropriate

techniques to conduct paint inspections,

risk assessments and safe paint removal

in housing, in order to reduce the risk of

lead poisoning among children,

including AAPI children.

R4 Universal

Benefit

Same as AAPIs Served 725,487 24,221 749,708 Impacted children, including

AAPI children, especially in

high-risk neighborhoods 

(low-income areas

and areas with potentially a high

population of immigrants) in

helping to reduce childhood lead

poisoning.

*Estimates derived from Census

2000 data located at US Census

Bureau web site, State and

County QuickFacts

Worker Protection Standard (W PS) - 

informs agricultural workers and

handlers about the hazards of pesticides;

provides protections to employees in the

form of notification and personal

protective equipment (PPE); and

mitigates exposures and provides

emergency assistance in the event of

pesticide exposure. EPA and the states

are responsible for ensuring that

employers are complying with the WPS

requirements.

R4 Universal

Benefit

Same as AAPIs Served 941,600 Informed workers of WPS

requirements and the points of

contacts to report violations and

to obtain more information. 

Each of the states has outreach

underway under the WPS and

many of the outreach materials

are translated into languages

other than English.

*Estimate of farm workers in

Region 4 based on the 1990

census and a National

Agricultural Workers Survey

conducted in 1994-1995 that

showed that fewer than 1% of the

farm workers in the United States

were Asian born.

Superfund Community Involvement

Activities - plans and implements

community relations/public involvement

programs in accordance with CERCLA

and RCRA.

R4 Universal

Benefit

Same as AAPIs Served 725,487 24,221 749,708 Informed and educated affected

AAPIs that live in affected

areas.

*Estimates derived from Census

2000 data located at US Census

Bureau web site, State and

County QuickFacts
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

22

RCRA Enforcement - provides technical

assistance and other support to the

owners/operators of the industrial

facilities in selection of compliance

alternatives to return to compliance.

R5 Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Distributed information to

persons/businesses in the AAPI

directory.

Water Enforcement and Compliance

Assurance Programs - 

! provides scientific and technical

assistance to the Region 5 States to

assure that various water programs and

objectives required by various water

statutes (such as clear water act, safe

drinking water act, underground

injection control, etc.) are implemented. 

! provides technical assistance and

other support to the operators for owners

of the industrial facilities personnel in

selection of compliance alternatives to

return to compliance. Several Asians

own and operate printed circuits boards.

!provides technical assistance and

necessary documents to community

groups, concerned citizens, regarding

compliance status of various industries

and publicly owned treatment workers.

R5 Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Created dialogue between the

states, community groups and

private sector. Designated

program specific individuals,

hosted meetings and provided

speakers.

Regional AAPI Outreach Strategy - 

concentrates outreach efforts on the

large Vietnamese community in

Houston, Texas, as part of the national

AAPI outreach initiative.

R6 Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Translated various EPA

outreach brochures to

Vietnamese and attended Asian

community activities to

distribute outreach material. 

The program lead is fluent in

Vietnamese.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

23

Team Houston - partnership of twentythree Federal, state, and local

governments and AAPI community in

Houston, Texas formed on June 6, 2001. 

The team has monthly conference calls

to discuss on-going activities aimed at

resolving AAPI issues in Houston,

Texas. Team Houston’s activities

continue in FY2002.

R6 Universal

Benefit

300,000*

(Estimated at 56.8% of

Houston population, a

majority of whom are

Vietnamese)

300,000*

(Estimated at 56.8% of

Houston population, a

majority of whom are

Vietnamese)

Funded activities individually by

agency or local governments. 

EPA participated in the Design

for the Environment nail salon

project and assisted the Fish and

Wildlife Service (FWS) with

their first Vietnamese

translation. Five thousand

copies have been distributed to

the Vietnamese community in

Houston as well as other FWS

offices in the US. Participated

in 2002 community outreach

efforts during the Vietnamese

New Year Celebration and

during a summer festival both at

the Lavang Church in Houston.

Safe Drinking Water - ensures drinking

water meets health based standards for

more than 90 contaminants and protects

drinking water from contamination

sources.

R6 Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Made available, as appropriate,

drinking water consumer

confidence reports in foreign

languages if a significant portion

of the service population is nonEnglish speaking. Recruited

bilingual staff (Vietnamese).

Fish Consumption Advisories - reduce

consumption of contaminated fish and

shellfish.

R6 Universal

Benefit

Undetermined Undetermined Posted an advisory limiting the

consumption of crabs and catfish

in the Houston Ship Channel,

which is heavily fished by

Asians.

Children’s Health Project R7 Universal

Benefit 

Undetermined Undetermined Visited pre-schools and day care

centers to educate children and

network with communities.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

24

Indoor Air Quality R7 Universal

Benefit 

Undetermined Undetermined Raised public awareness through

information booths, answering

telephone calls, presentations,

Kids’ web page.

State Indoor Radon Grants - encourage

people to test their homes for radon, to

fix them if radon levels are elevated, and

to build new homes to be radonresistant. 

R9,

OAR

Universal

Benefit 

Undetermined Undetermined Provided grants to Guam EPA. 

Guam has the highest levels of

radon in Region 9 (>100pCi/L in

homes and schools). Guam EPA

built a radon lab (reducing time

and inefficiency of mainland

testing). Besides increasing

radon awareness, it expanded

testing to day care centers and is

conducting a lottery to provide a

free mitigation system to two

homeowners. 

Pesticides - works with state, tribal, and

Pacific Island partners to implement an

enforcement and public outreach

strategy to eliminate the import, sale,

and use of insecticide chalk that is

produced in China and often found in

Asian markets.

R9 Universal

Benefit 

Undetermined Undetermined Developed and translated

(internally) into Vietnamese and

Chinese a brochure highlighting

the hazard to children. Region

9, states, tribes, and the Pacific

Islands continue to distribute

over 500 brochures to retail

establishments that may be

selling chalk.

www.epa.gov/Region9/toxic/pes

t/chalk/index.html
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

25

Pesticides/Farm Worker Protection

Program - manages and implements the

Region's program as directed by the

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,

Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

R9 Universal

Benefit 

Undetermined Undetermined Distributed materials in AAPI

languages to state inspectors and

Pacific Island territory

inspectors e.g., Multilingual

Inspector Language phrase cards

and audio cassettes that were

produced by the EPA Office of

Compliance in 1999. The card

and cassette are intended to

assist state pesticide inspectors

in gathering information about

how well the Worker Protection

Standard is implemented by

aiding them in communicating

with non-English speaking farm

workers (Cambodian, Chinese,

Ilocano, Korean, Laotian,

Tagalog, Thai-Female, ThaiMale and Vietnamese).

Superfund - plans and implements

community relations and public

involvement programs in accordance

with CERCLA and RCRA.

R9 Universal

Benefit 

Undetermined Undetermined Produced outreach materials in

various AAPI languages in order

to inform, educate and involve

affected AAPI communities at 

these sites.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

26

Pacific Islands Office (PIO)- manages

EPA’s involvement and activities in the

Pacific Island areas: the US flag areas

of American Samoa, the Commonwealth

of the Northern Mariana Islands and

Guam; and the freely associated states of

the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the

Federated States of Micronesia, and the

Republic of Palau. PIO endeavors to

maintain a current and comprehensive

understanding of the circumstances 

(environmental, political, social,

economic, etc.) that affect these areas

(with an emphasis in the flag areas) in

order to inform the Agency's activities.

www.epa.gov/region09/cross_pr/islands/

index.html

R9 Universal

Benefit

300,000* 

(Population mostly PI) 

300,000* 

(Population mostly PI) 

Awarded to area environmental

protection agencies consolidated

environmental program grants

which enable program designs

that reflect the priorities and

needs of each area << 

www.epa.gov/Region9/cross_pr/

islands/intro.html >> and

provided ongoing technical

assistance. Sponsored annual

Pacific Islands environmental

conference with participation

from local governments, elected

officials, private sector

representatives, academia and

non-profit and community-based

organizations. 

Superfund technical assistance grant - 

awarded to the Waste Action Project

Advisory Group for work on a

Superfund site located in a major Puget

Sound waterway from which AAPIs

harvest shellfish.

R10 Universal

Benefit 

Undetermined Undetermined Arranged for the Department of

State to translate the Advisory

Group’s brochure into

Vietnamese, Cambodian and

Laotian.
Major Program/Service Lead

Entity

Total 

Population

Eligible

Total AAPIs Eligible Total AAPIs Served Efforts to Broaden Service

Delivery to AAPIs

Asian NHOPI Total Asian NHOPI Total

27

Student Educational Employment

Program, Volunteer Program, and

Internships - enrich educational

programs; relate education to the

occupational needs of both EPA and

participating students; provide students

the opportunity for early career

exploration and work exposure; and

encourage interest in environmental

studies and careers.

www.epa.gov/epahome/jobs.htm

All Universal

Benefit 

Undetermined Undetermined Recruited at institutions with

high percentage of AAPIs.

* Estimate

Note: All of the EPA Regions work with states, tribes and other entities in their Regions to implement air, water, waste, and other environmental programs. These

programs are listed in the table above only if the Region indicated specific efforts to broaden service delivery to AAPIs.

Appendix B-1 provides a key to Table A (Lead Entity Acronyms).
28

PART III

Table B

Specific Projects and Initiatives for AAPIs

(based on FY 2001 or the last year for which data are available)

Project/Initiative Program

Category

Total Funding Total AAPIs

Served

Funding

Mechanism

Formula to

Determine Funding

Level 

Air Program - efforts to characterize air pollution in cities

and to develop emission control strategies for both new and

in-use motor vehicles in China and Southeast Asia, and to

remove lead from gasoline in Vietnam and the Philippines. 

3 Undetermined Undetermined 7 

World Bank

1

Environmental Justice Small Grant - award to Boat People

SOS, Inc., Camden, NJ. Through a series of outreach

activities including information workshops, radio talk

shows, and monthly newsletters, Boat People SOS is

targeting Vietnamese refugees in Camden, New Jersey in

order to build community capacity and enhance community

understanding of lead paint hazards faced in Camden

homes.

1 $15,000 Community

based

organization

1 4

Subject to available

funds

Environmental Justice Small Grant - award to

Vietnamese Community Southeastern of Virginia, Inc.,

Hampton, VA. The Community Health Awareness

Project’s focus is Vietnamese refugees in Hampton Roads,

Virginia who live in old buildings that are subject to high

levels of carbon monoxide and lead. The project’s goals

are to raise health risk awareness, identify and assess

pollution sources, and recruit and train environmental and

health community advocates through health advocate

training, information workshops, a Vietnamese-language

newsletter mailed to the specific families, and

flyers/brochures.

1 $15,000 Community

based

organization

1 4

Subject to available

funds
Project/Initiative Program

Category

Total Funding Total AAPIs

Served

Funding

Mechanism

Formula to

Determine Funding

Level 

29

Environmental Justice Small Grant - award to

Asian Pacific Environmental Network , Oakland, CA.. 

The Asian Pacific Environmental Network launched the

first community capacity building effort in the Laotian

community of West Contra Costa County in 1995. The

goal is to bring together different ethnic groups of the

Laotian community to organize, develop indigenous

leadership, and build community capacity to work for

social and environmental justice. This project focuses on

improving the county’s disclosure of the release of toxic

substances and their impact on human health, and the

delivery of this information to Laotian and other nonEnglish speaking communities.

1 $14,285 Community

based

organization

1 4

Subject to available

funds

Environmental Justice Small Grant - award to 

My Service Mind Of the Northwest, Lakewood, WA. 

This project addresses environmental pollution in the daily

life of low-income Korean populations in Pierce, South

King, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties; and serves to

educate them about the dangers, proper use and disposal of

household products; hazards of incorrect disposal; and the

harmful effects of radiation. The project promotes critical

thinking and action to develop and improve access to this

information due to language barriers of affected

community.

1 $14,999 Community

based

organization

1 4

Subject to available

funds

Environmental Justice Small Grant - award to the Korean

Women’s Association in Region 10 for AAPI youth to learn

about proper shellfish harvesting.

1 $15,000 40,000

(Estimate)

 1 4

Lead Risk Reduction Program - translation of the lead

brochure, “Protect your Family from Lead in your Home,”

into Vietnamese.

1 $2,000 Undetermined 6 4
Project/Initiative Program

Category

Total Funding Total AAPIs

Served

Funding

Mechanism

Formula to

Determine Funding

Level 

30

Design for the Environment - outreach to Korean dry

cleaners associations by EPA and state agencies

1 N/A 1500

(Estimate)

N/A 7

Meetings with dry

cleaner associations 

Design for the Environment - education of nail salon

workers about the dangers of the chemicals present in their

workplace through literature reviews and development of

Vietnamese-translated fact sheets. EPA will work with

nine pilot nail salons in order to develop best management

practices for the industry.

1 $75,000 200,000

(Estimate)

6 4

Post Doc Program - one Asian-American post doc hired in

FY 2002.

2 $90,000 1 7 

Salary dollars

4

Research Program - Memorandum of Understanding with

the Kwangiu Institute of Science and Technology to

conduct cooperative research and exchanges of personnel. 

In FY 2002, hired two post docs from the Institute and an

undergraduate student from Korea spent 4 months working

with two researchers on metals transport research in the

subsurface.

2 $300,000 2 4 4

STAR Research Grant - award to the University of Illinois

at Champaign entitled “Friends’ Children’s Environmental

Health Center,” to undertake basic science research and a

community-based project in a Hmong- and LaotianAmerican community in the Midwest. 

2 Undetermined 1 4

STAR Research Grant - award to the Universities of Guam

and Hawaii and the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences

entitled “Integrating Coral Reef Ecosystem Integrity and

Restoration Options with Watershed-based activities in the

Tropical Pacific Islands and the Societal Costs of Poor

Land-use Practices.”

2 $249,500 Undetermined 1 4
Project/Initiative Program

Category

Total Funding Total AAPIs

Served

Funding

Mechanism

Formula to

Determine Funding

Level 

31

RCRA Focus series on Dry Cleaning - translation into

Korean.

1 Undetermined Undetermined N/A 5

UST Compliance - grants to states, territories, and tribes to

implement the UST program..

3 $270,000

(HI, GU, AS,

CNM I)

Undetermined 2 4 

Cleanup of Leaking UST Contamination - cooperative

agreements to states, territories, and tribes to implement the

LUST program.

3 $480,000

(HI, GU, AS,

CN)

Undetermined 4 4

Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program - grants to

ensure effective public health protection by preventing

contamination of the nation’s drinking water supplies.

1, 2, 3 $10,476,900

(All) 

Undetermined 1 3 

Formula based on

populations,

geographical area

and the number of

injections wells in

the five well types or

Classes

Public Water Supply Supervision (PWSS) Program - grants

to ensure public health protection by providing effective

oversight and by maximizing the use of available resources

in the implementation of SDWA programs and regulations.

1, 2, 3 $93,100,200

(All)

Undetermined 1 3 

Formula based on 

populations,

geographical area

and number of

different types of

water systems

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) - grants to

implement and oversee drinking water infrastructure

financing and establish future infrastructure needs.

1, 2, 3 $823,185,000

(All)

Undetermined 1 3 

Formula based on

the results of the

statutorily-required

DW infrastructure

Needs Survey

Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants (DWIG) - grants to

implement and oversee drinking water infrastructure

financing and establish future infrastructure needs.

1, 2, 3 Undetermined
Project/Initiative Program

Category

Total Funding Total AAPIs

Served

Funding

Mechanism

Formula to

Determine Funding

Level 

32

Drinking Water Outreach - publications and outreach to

increase public involvement and consumer awareness of

drinking water issues

1, 3 $616,000 Undetermined 1 2

National Forum on Contaminants in Fish -

state/federal/tribal conference on fish advisories. 

3, 5 $100,000 Undetermined 2 4

Fish Consumption/Advisory - distribution of multilanguage outreach brochures on fish advisories to high risk

communities.

1 $55,000 Undetermined 7

Interagency

Agreement 

4

Beach Protection Program - grants to strengthen beach

standards and testing, improve the scientific basis for beach

monitoring, and develop methods to inform the public

about beach conditions.

2,3,5 $236,000 Undetermined 2 5

Program grant

allocation formula

Recycling Program - a solid waste recycling program

established as well as storm water education for an adopted

school in Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

3 $0 200

(Estimate)

N/A N/A

Team Houston - partnership of twenty-three Federal, state,

and local governments and AAPI community in Houston,

Texas formed on June 6, 2001. The team has monthly

conference calls to discuss on-going activities aimed at

resolving AAPI issues in Houston, Texas. Team Houston’s

activities continue in FY2002.

1 Undetermined 300,000

(Estimated at

56.8% of

Houston

population) 

7

Each Agency

/local govt. funds

their activities

Undetermined

Pesticides Program - translation of pesticide safety

outreach materials in AAPI languages. Materials include

pesticide application warning signs in Mandarin, Tagalog

and Samoan, pesticide safety poster in Laotian and

Tagalog, and pesticide safety workbook in Chamorro.

1 $10,000 Undetermined 4 4
Project/Initiative Program

Category

Total Funding Total AAPIs

Served

Funding

Mechanism

Formula to

Determine Funding

Level 

33

Pesticide Program - funding to the State of Hawaii for

pesticide safety training for non-English speaking farmers

from Southeast Asian and the Philippines. Training

conducted in Tagalog, Laotian and Korean.

5 $40,000 Undetermined 4 4

Pesticide Program - two week Intergovernmental Personnel

Act assignment to the Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam to provide technical

support and training to both CNMI-Department of

Environmental Quality and Guam EPA in Pesticide

Inspection & Enforcement procedures. Region 9 staff lead

an 8-day hands-on FIFRA inspectors workshop on Saipan

addressing such topics as: neutral inspection scheme

development; legal authorities for entry; evidence

collection; and case development activities. 

3 $3,000 Undetermined 4 4

Seafood Consumption Study - data from a 1999 Region 10

AAPI seafood consumption study was prepared in an

accessible, user-friendly format via the EPA web site: 

www.epa.gov/Region10/offices/oea/risk/a&pi.pdf

1 $3,000 and R10

in-kind services

Undetermined Contract 5

 Internal budget 

 

 

Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program -

cooperative agreement with the National Asian Pacific

Center on Aging (NAPCA) which employs AAPI and other

individuals in a variety of activities from clerical to

professional services (e.g., engineers, chemists,

statisticians, etc.) to support EPA activities.

1, 2, 3 $6,330,332 Undetermined 4 4

Subject to available

funds
Project/Initiative Program

Category

Total Funding Total AAPIs

Served

Funding

Mechanism

Formula to

Determine Funding

Level 

34

!Student Career Experience Program - a Federal program

that exposes students to public service and work experience

directly related to the students’ academic programs and

career goals.

!High school student volunteer program - unpaid EPA

training opportunities that provide high school students

work experience related to their academic programs.

!Alliance for Learning and Vision of Under-represented

Americans - an educational program that supports local

AAPI students attending the University of Nevada at Las

Vegas.

5 $30,000 26 7 

Internal budget

4 

Subject to available

funds

Environmental Careers Organizations - an internship

program which targets students from minority and lowincome populations, such as AAPIs. 

5 $270,000

(Estimated cost

of stipends)

8% of the total

ECO Interns

7 

Internal budget

4

 The Washington Center for Internships and Academic

Seminars - an organization that recruits and offers

internships to students from colleges and universities with a

high percentage of AAPIs.

7 Internships $17,867 2 per fiscal year 7

Internal budget

4

Recruitment Events - participation in FY 2001 and FY

2002 in national conferences and/or career fairs of the

Organization of Chinese Americans, Federal Asian Pacific

American Council, and National Association of Asian

American Professionals, as well as the Asian Diversity

Conference and Job Fair.

1 $12,150 Undetermined 6 5 

National and local

recruitment budgets

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Awareness -

OPPTS training, OSWER speaker sponsorship on the topic

of Japanese internment in WWII, Region 2 cultural

awareness seminars, Regions 4, 5 and 9 professional

development and other events, Region 7 “Asian Ancestors

in the Americas” video and lecture by Chen Yi, and

cultural food , entertainment and lectures in Headquarters.

5, 7 ~$16,500 Undetermined 

 

4, 5, 6, 7

 Internal budget

4, 5
Project/Initiative Program

Category

Total Funding Total AAPIs

Served

Funding

Mechanism

Formula to

Determine Funding

Level 

35

AAPI Program and Career Enhancement Training - training

and professional development for AAPI employees in

OPPTS, ORD, OSWER, Region 4 and Region 5. 

5 ~$16,000 85 6, 7

Internal budget

4, 5

Diversity training offered to staffs in OSWER, Region 4

and Region 5. 

5 $29,200 N/A N/A 5

Nationwide networking at training conferences. 5 $3,000 2 7

AAPI training

conference

N/A

NOTE: Appendix B-2 provides a key to Table B (Numerical Codes for Program Category, Funding Mechanism and Formula). Appendix D provides a summary

of EPA community grant programs and award amounts for FY 2001.
36

PART IV

Table C

Asian American and Pacific Islander Employment Profile

Grade

Level

Occupational Categories

Supervisory

Professional Administrative Technical Clerical Other

Total

AAPIs

Total

EPA

Total

AAPIs

Total

EPA

Total

AAPIs

Total

EPA

Total

AAPIs

Total

EPA

Total

AAPIs

Total

EPA

Total

AAPIs

Total

EPA

GS 1-4 0 2 4 82 7 28

GS 5 2 8 0 9 2 17 3 91 1 7

GS 6 1 55 3 97

GS 7 1 46 7 88 10 236 6 288 2 14

GS 8 0 1 7 139 5 207

GS 9 14 112 17 316 4 120 4 113 1 6

GS 10 0 5 1 67 1 47

GS 11 11 261 14 505 1 29 0 2 1 4

GS 12 117 1035 67 1416 0 10 0 1 1 2

GS 13 297 3483 125 2658 0 1

GS 14 94 1662 35 1261 18 446

GS 15 35 874 13 962 23 837

SES 1 81 6 178 7 240

Other* 5 102 1 38 0 17

TOTAL 577 7664 285 7437 26 675 26 928 13 76 48 1541

* Includes Senior Level, Science/Technical, Administrative Law Judges, Administratively Determined, Executive Schedule, and PHS Commissioned Officers. 

NOTE: This table reflects permanent employees as of 9/22/01 except for fifteen wage grade employees.
37

PART V

Agency Infrastructure to Support AAPI Activities

Understanding AAPI Needs

A. Has your agency conducted any needs assessments, reports or other documents within the

last five years (produced internally or through an award or contract) to identify, quantify, and

evaluate AAPI service needs (such as the needs of Southeast Asians in the Midwest, Pacific

Islanders in the mainland, etc.)? If yes, please list and describe.

The Environmental Protection Agency has conducted several assessments and issued

several reports and other documents concerning the United States as a whole and, in some cases,

target populations such as AAPIs. In addition, there are a number of Agency efforts with

particular geographic focus with a predominantly AAPI population such as insular areas and on

mainland urban areas where the majority of AAPIs reside. Furthermore, EPA conducts periodic

assessments of the diversity of its workforce, including the representation of the AAPI population.

! In September 2001, EPA published the Asian American and Pacific Islander Outreach

Strategy (EPA-202-K-01-003 or www.epa.gov/aapi/outreach.htm) which creates a

comprehensive framework for strengthening the Agency’s relationship with the nation’s

diverse and growing AAPI community. This Strategy described a number of activities

focusing on AAPI populations. These included: a seafood consumption study in the

Pacific Northwest, environmental justice for Philadelphia’s Chinatown, working with the

Asian Pacific Environmental Network to augment AAPIs’ voice on environmental issues,

reaching out to Korean dry cleaners through EPA’s Design for the Environment’s Garment

and Textile Care Program, educating families about lead poisoning in Milwaukee’s

Southeast Asian communities, taking actions to reduce “Chinese Chalk” use, raising

awareness of indoor air pollutants in partnership with the Association of Asian Pacific

Community Health Organizations, protecting coral reefs in the Pacific, and raising

environmental awareness in Hawaii. 

! In FY 2001, under the Design for the Environment Program, Region 6 defined the market

profile of the nail care salon industry in Houston, Texas as well as its environmental and

health and safety issues. It has partnered with Vietnamese-American nail salons in

Houston to determine best shop practices.

! A number of offices are using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to

conduct studies with an AAPI focus: (1) The Office of Environmental Information and the

Office of Environmental Justice are working on a project to be completed in September

2002 to develop GIS maps of the Pacific Insular Areas (US territories), showing facilities

with environmental permits. This effort promotes public awareness and environmental

right-to-know. Eventually, the interactive EnviroMapper software, which is available on

the EPA web site, will incorporate this information. (2) In the past year or so, Region 7

used Census Bureau data and GIS mapping technology in an effort to identify the greatest
38

concentration of AAPI populations in the Region. It also identified the colleges and

universities within the Region that have a significant percentage of AAPI students. 

Region 7 will use this information to establish networks with community leaders and

student groups for future outreach and recruitment purposes. (3) Region 2 conducted a

GIS study in order to identify the Region's largest concentrations of low-income Southeast

Asian communities. This study constituted an initial stage in Region 2's outreach effort to

determine community needs. 

! Since January 2000, EPA has been funding a study of the health of coral reef ecosystems

in Pacific Island communities. The coral reef ecosystems are ecologically and

economically important to coastal and island inhabitants. Coral reefs buffer the shore

against wave damage and erosion, support a variety of fish and plant species and sustain

fisheries that supply food and employment, and provide income from recreational and

tourist dollars. 

! The Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances included a dietary risk

assessment that analyzes data for certain populations, e.g., AAPIs, as part of the pesticide

registration process.

! Region 10 conducted a seafood consumption study (published in 1999, EPA 910/R-99-003

or www.epa.gov/Region10/offices/oea/risk/a&pi.pdf) among ten AAPI subpopulations in

the vicinity of Seattle and Puget Sound to determine their seafood consumption rates,

including cooking methods and commonly consumed seafood varieties and parts. The

study was a first step towards helping the AAPI community better understand and balance

potential risks from seafood consumption with its significant health benefits and cultural

importance.

! The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations coordinated efforts with

several EPA offices to address environmental and public health issues raised by the

governments of Insular Areas (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the

US Virgin Islands). In support of the Interagency Group on Insular Affairs (led by the

Department of Interior), EPA's response to issues raised in this dialogue was documented

in a report resulting in economic development initiatives for the Insular Areas. 

! Region 5 developed a directory of Asian community organizations and leaders in several

Midwestern states in preparation for a Regional Pesticides Conference that alerted the

Asian community to the health hazards associated with a chalk used for pest control in

private homes.

! The Office of Cooperative Environmental Management conducted an internal study to

assess the diversity of Federal Advisory Committees. The study cited the need for

increased representation by AAPIs in several advisory groups, particularly on topics for

which active community participation is most warranted (e.g., environmental justice).
39

! The Office of Water conducted its first Clean Water Needs Survey for infrastructure under

the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1997. Included in the assessment were several million

dollars for water infrastructure development in areas with a preponderantly AAPI

population.

! As part of the annual Affirmative Employment Program (AEP) report, the Agency

periodically conducts workforce analyses that focus on issues such as under utilization and

under representation of women, minorities and persons with disabilities. Based on these

reports, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) provides recommendations to Headquarters

program offices and Regions to design programs and activities that promote and encourage

workforce diversity. EPA’s AEP Plan outlines the Agency’s effort to improve the

employment and advancement opportunities for under represented women, minorities and

persons with disabilities. The report also documents the status of significant program

objectives and action items directed towards achieving parity in the workforce.

Cultural and Linguistic Competency

B. Does your agency have regulations, policies or guidance memoranda on compliance with

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act for the limited-English proficient? If yes, please describe or

attach.

EPA does not have an Agency-wide policy for translations in AAPI languages although

Region 2 developed a translation policy to ensure that residents with limited English proficiency

are able to understand documents containing general information about EPA programs. (This

policy does not include documents that are subject to legal interpretation.) 

However, EPA has developed a plan by which persons with limited English proficiency

can have meaningful access to EPA programs. Currently, this plan is under review by the

Department of Justice. Also, "The Model Plan for Public Participation" developed by the Public

Participation and Accountability Subcommittee of the National Environmental Justice Advisory

Council (NEJAC) calls for the meaningful involvement of all stakeholders in all aspects of the

environmental decision-making process. So that the stakeholders can be meaningfully and

appropriately involved in all stages of the process, information should be made available to the

stakeholders in an accessible form. This means that when it is appropriate, materials are to be

made available in an appropriate language format for those with limited English proficiency.

C. Does your agency have any informational materials translated in AAPI languages? If yes,

please list and describe.

EPA offices have translated environmental information when there is evidence of a

minority population with limited English proficiency and which may experience adverse

environmental and health impacts. Some documents are consumer-oriented while others focus on

worker health and safety. These translations include publications, fishing advisories, and warning

signs, and Internet (HTML/PDF) documents. Translations are provided in Cambodian, Chinese,
40

Hmong, Ilocano (Philippine dialect), Korean, Lao, Filipino/Tagalog, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Appendix E lists EPA's current information materials that are translated in Asian languages.

Internal Agency Infrastructure

D. AAPI-Specific Workgroups and Advisory Bodies: Does your agency have any ongoing

mechanisms for focusing on AAPI issues, such as advisory bodies and workgroups? If yes,

please list and describe.

EPA has several mechanisms in place to focus on AAPI issues. The Office of Civil Rights

has established six Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs) to address the concerns, needs, and career

aspirations of the traditionally under represented groups. These SEPs, which include a National

Asian American and Pacific Islander Special Emphasis Program Manager, provide assistance and

guidance in the recruitment, development and advancement of women, minorities and persons

with disabilities. These programs are a necessary and integral part of the Agency's Equal

Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Employment Programs. 

The National SEPs are managed by full-time employees. In addition, each Headquarters

office and Region has collateral-duty employee representatives for local programs. SEP Managers

assist management in: 

! establishing contacts and coordinating program and public relations activities with

educational institutions with a high percentage of AAPI students;

! involving EPA managers with these educational institutions, providing technical

assistance and participating in recruitment trips, speaking engagements, and training

conferences;

! educating selecting officials about recruitment and outreach opportunities and sources;

! educating managers and employees about constituent groups' cultures and contributions, as

well as barriers to employment and career development opportunities;

! educating job applicants and employees about employment opportunities;

! developing and implementing a Diversity Action Plan in each office; and

! organizing the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month observance events for the purpose

of developing cultural awareness about the contributions, legacy, heritage and concerns of

the AAPI community.

The Asian Pacific American Council (APAC), as a private non-labor employee group, has

received Agency approval to provide recommendations to management on matters concerning

equity and diversity in the hiring and career advancement of AAPI employees. 
41

E. General Workgroups and Advisory Bodies: Does your agency have a process in place to

receive input from AAPIs and AAPI community-based organizations? In particular, identify

workgroups and advisory bodies tied to your agency's major programs and services. List the

ratio of AAPIs constituting those bodies. 

The Agency maintains or participates on several general, external advisory groups that

welcome input from AAPI individuals and/or community-based organizations. For example:

! The National Environmental Justice Advisory Council receives input from all minority

and low-income communities, including AAPIs, on environmental justice issues. NEJAC

specifically seeks the representation of AAPIs on environmental and public health issues

for which their communities may be impacted.

! EPA's program and Regional offices conduct numerous public meetings and request public

comment on regulatory and non-regulatory actions. AAPI groups and individuals are free

to participate in this stakeholder consultation process. For example, on June 26, 2002,

Region 2 held a dialogue with members of the AAPI community to discuss the World

Trade Center (WTC) clean-up efforts in lower Manhattan. Several community

representatives from the Chinatown district and other parts of New York City were

invited. Region 2 is coordinating a massive assistance effort in which the occupants of

some 39,000 homes in the proximity of the WTC are being offered assistance including

free cleaning and testing by certified asbestos contractors. EPA's World Trade Center web

site << www.epa.gov/wtc/ >> offers a wide range of information in English, Spanish and, 

in some cases, Chinese. 

! Several EPA Regions participate on the Federal Executive Board (Regions 1 & 3), Federal

Regional Council (Region 9) or the equivalent which are a consortia of different Federal

departments and agencies in those Regions working in partnership to better serve the

public. They focus on broad issues of diversity, including AAPIs. The Federal Executive

Board in Philadelphia has a local Partners In Equality Council that organizes multi-agency

programs featuring speakers regarding various EEO and diversity issues as well as an

annual EEO Day of Training for managers. The Federal Regional Council in San

Francisco has established three committees to give attention and focus to needs specific to

special populations in the Region. The Outer Pacific Committee focuses on the Pacific

Islands. 

Appendix F lists the major Federal Advisory Committees. Although an EPA internal

study cited a general difficulty in garnering adequate AAPI (and other minority) representation in

Federal Advisory Committees, it did not address the specific number of representatives required

to overcome this deficiency.

EPA also has several general, internal advisory groups on which AAPI employees

participate.
42

! The Honor Awards Board includes a member from the Asian Pacific American Council

(non-labor employee advisory group) to provide input on diversity and equity in the

awards consideration process.

! As an outgrowth of the Diversity Action Plans, a number of offices have established

Diversity Steering Groups, Recruitment Councils, or Position Review Panels which

perform a variety of tasks to promote diversity awareness and initiatives or process

changes to increase diversity in the organization.

F. Identify FTE equivalents in your agency that specifically focus on AAPI issues. If

responsibilities and duties involving AAPI issues are parceled out as collateral duties to one or

more employees, please compute what the FTE equivalent would be.

! The Pacific Islands Office (PIO) in Region 9 dedicates 7 FTEs to manage the Agency's

involvement and activities in the Pacific Island areas: the US flag areas of American

Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam; and the

freely associated states (FAS) of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Federated

States of Micronesia (FSM), and the Republic of Palau (ROP).

! EPA uses around 6.0 FTE to focus mainly on AAPI workforce issues, although a small

percentage focuses on programmatic issues related to AAPIs. This commitment primarily

comprises one FTE serving as the National Asian American and Pacific Islander Special

Emphasis Program Manager as well as collateral-duty employees serving as SEP managers

in the various program offices and Regions who are authorized to work up to 20% of their

total work hours on AAPI employment and career advancement issues.

G. Were there any grant programs in FY 2001/FY 2002 for which AAPIs were listed as a

funding priority? Please list.

! The Office of Environmental Justice's (OEJ) Small Grants Program provided funds to

non-profit organizations, states, cities, counties, or local government organizations for

activities that address environmental justice issues in minority and low-income

communities, including AAPIs. 

! OEJ also manages a Pollution Prevention Grants Program with funding for non-profit

organizations, states, cities, counties, local government organizations, or academic

institutions to provide pollution prevention education, outreach, and technical assistance in

minority communities.

! Region 9 awards to Pacific Island area environmental protection agencies consolidated

environmental program grants which enable program designs that reflect the priorities and

needs of each area.
43

Representation and Workforce Issues

H. Has your agency identified or implemented any strategies for improving workforce diversity

and the representation of AAPIs within the workforce? If yes, please describe.

In the Spring 2001, EPA published Investing in Our People, EPA’s Strategy for Human

Capital 2001 through 2003 which focuses on enhancing the value of EPA employees. It

recognizes that as the value of the Agency’s people increases through investment and

development, the performance capacity of the organization increases and therefore so does its

value to the public. Its first goal is to “attract and retain a diverse and highly skilled workforce.” 

To that end, EPA has undertaken a number of diversity efforts over the past several years that

build on or are incorporated within its human capital foundation. EPA’s Federal Equal

Opportunity Recruitment Program Plan reflects these efforts. 

EPA’s national recruitment program - - a key component in EPA’s Strategy for Human

Capital - - serves as the focal point for coordinating and planning recruitment activities Agencywide. Its objectives are to: 

! locate the best qualified applicants while adhering to merit system principles and EEO

requirements; 

! establish a framework for HR offices to implement recruitment initiatives; 

! help reestablish relations with minority organizations, including institutions with high

percentages of AAPIs;

! implement recruitment aspects of outreach strategies, including the Asian American and

Pacific Islander Outreach Strategy which has an “Employment and Professional

Advancement” component; and 

! support offices in implementing Diversity Action Plans (DAP).

Integral to the program are the development and dissemination of tools, development and

implementation of outreach strategies, and monitoring and evaluation of results. These include

development of training materials for recruiters and on-line tools to assist managers in their

recruiting efforts; enhancement of the web site to attract and inform applicants about job

opportunities; participation at national recruiting events (e.g., sponsored by the Organization of

Chinese Americans, Federal Asian Pacific American Council, and National Association of Asian

American Professionals, as well as the Asian Diversity Conference and Job Fair); and production

and maintenance of state-of-the-art recruitment booths and materials to use at these events. 

EPA’s comprehensive recruitment program incorporates both national and local diversity

efforts to identify and hire entry-level people to senior specialists with the use of outreach, special

hiring authorities, incentives, internships, fellowships, or other programs, including: 

! EPA Intern Program, a comprehensive entry level, permanent employment and career

development program designed to recruit and nurture the next generation of EPA leaders. 
44

Interns enter a two year process to help them develop their potential. Since 1998, EPA has

hired a total of 111 Interns, including a significant percent of women, persons with

disabilities, and minorities, including AAPIs. In FY 2002, the Agency received over 2000

applications for the new class of 20 to 30 Interns who will start work in August and early

September.

! Federal Career Intern Program, excepted service appointments (Schedule B) not to

exceed two years. Individuals are hired at GS-5, GS-7 or GS-9 to two grade interval

positions, and upon successful completion of the program, including a two-year formal

training component, are eligible for noncompetitive conversion to career or careerconditional appointments. This program is an excellent vehicle for targeted recruitment

(e.g., at institutions with a high percentage of AAPIs and career fairs sponsored by

professional organizations, etc.).

! Outstanding Scholar, a special hiring authority established for entry-level administrative

positions at the GS-5 and GS-7 level for college graduates with a GPA of 3.45 or better or

who have graduated in the upper 10 percent of their class. (This authority, authorized

under the terms of the Luevano Consent Decree, can only be used for specific series and

job titles).

! Student Career Experience Program (SCEP), a work-study program that provides

opportunity for students in academic institutions to blend periods of study with periods of

career-related employment. Besides being able to non-competitively convert students to

permanent positions once they graduate, EPA can foster a working relationship with the

academic institutions, including those with a high percentage of AAPIs, that will enhance

the success of EPA’s college recruitment. 

! AAPI Community Internship Program, announced by EPA’s Administrator in May

2002. This fully-funded internship is the first of its kind in the Federal government, in

which interns work on projects to benefit the AAPI community. This program was

established by the Office of International Activities and is open to sponsorship from all

program offices. The program is administered by the Washington Center for Internships

and Academic Seminars.

To develop students for environmental careers and to promote environmental studies as

well as to find potential recruits, EPA managers and human resources specialists establish

contacts with local high schools and institutions of higher learning, especially those with large

minority populations. For example:

! In FY 2002, Region 6 conducted recruitment and outreach at the University of Houston

(20% AAPI enrollment); University of Texas at Dallas (20% AAPI enrollment); and

Houston Baptist University (16% AAPI enrollment).

! EPA’s National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL) in

Research Triangle Park is developing strong, cooperative relationships with institutional
45

organizations and programs designed to enhance interaction with NHEERL research

programs. It solicits input from organizations representing various minority groups,

including AAPIs, and makes recommendations for enhancing opportunities.

! For more than 11 years, EPA has worked with the University of Arizona, an institution

with a high percentage of AAPIs, to recruit qualified and culturally diverse people into the

Agency’s workforce. The Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response works in

partnership with the University of Arizona under the College Relations Program, which

includes a summer internship program funded through an EPA cooperative agreement.

EPA has funded internships for approximately 70 undergraduate and graduate students, of

which about 14 percent have been AAPIs. Typically, OSWER’s interns work in EPA

Headquarters and Regional hazardous waste management offices. The internship program

provides students with an opportunity to apply their academic skills and knowledge in a

professional environment as well as to receive academic credit.

! Recognizing the need to develop the EPA employees of the future, Region 9 established a

Memorandum of Understanding in November 1999 with the Galileo Academy of Science

and Technology in San Francisco. The EPA-Galileo Partnership provides environmental

education and mentoring to a predominately minority student population. Ninety percent

of the students are minority and/or low-income and over sixty percent are AAPIs. In FY

2001, the Region 9 staff volunteered their time to participate in various activities with

Galileo students enrolled in the Academy’s Environmental Science Career Pathway as

well as held a “Career Day” for students at the Regional office.

EPA’s Strategy for Human Capital also contains a strategy to “institute processes to

recognize and embrace differences that each employee brings to the organization.” Some of the

action items include continuing to implement the Diversity Action Plans (DAP) and including in

the core curriculum for supervisors and managers a module on ensuring equal opportunity and

equitable treatment within their organizations. Responsibility for human capital investment and

effective human resources management is shared by all Offices and Regions, managers and

supervisors, and staff across the Agency. 

! The National Diversity Action Plan represents the Agency's comprehensive strategy to

ensure that all employees, regardless of race, creed, national origin, gender, disability, or

sexual orientation, are afforded equitable treatment. Through the DAP, the Agency strives

to educate its employees about the facts surrounding issues of diversity; to promote a

dialogue within every office to confront and work through these concerns; to recruit,

develop, and maintain a diverse workforce; and to find, develop, and implement concrete

solutions to its diversity issues. Each EPA program office and Region have developed

DAPs with goals and actions specific to their office.

! In FY 2001 all EPA supervisors and managers underwent mandatory civil rights training. 

The training provided an opportunity to learn about the legal framework for civil rights in

the Federal sector and to gain a clear understanding of management’s general equal

employment opportunity responsibilities. 
46

I. Is there an AAPI Federal employee organization in your agency? If yes, please describe

ways in which your agency utilizes and supports the efforts of this group. Also describe any

other strategies in place to support the professional development and career advancement of

AAPI employees.

EPA recognizes employee groups, such as the Asian Pacific American Council (APAC),

so that it can better manage its communications with groups and their members on matters of

mutual interest. The Agency issued guidance on the "Recognition of Non-Labor Employee

Groups," which: (1) documents the regulatory authority supporting non-labor employee groups;

(2) clarifies the responsibilities and privileges of Agency groups; and (3) highlights the

distinctions between voluntary, non-labor groups and employee unions -- only the unions have

sole bargaining authority for the employees they represent. 

APAC advises the Agency on issues of diversity and employment equity. APAC works

with the Office of Civil Rights to help identify and address career advancement and other

workforce issues (such as training opportunities and adequate publicity of vacancy

announcements). OCR and other program offices and Regions co-sponsor activities with APAC

for the observance of Asian Pacific Heritage Month such as professional development training,

panel discussions, and other special events. The Agency encourages all employees to attend these

programs.

In 2000, APAC nominated EPA for the Federal Asian Pacific American Council’s

(FAPAC’s) Outstanding Agency of the Year Award. The award recognizes the work of Federal

agencies to improve representation, promotion, and recognition of AAPIs. For many years,

FAPAC has given a similar award to recognize individual contributions to the AAPI community. 

EPA was one of two agencies to receive the award in the first year it was presented to honor the

management achievements of agencies.

The Asian American and Pacific Islander Outreach Strategy has an “Employment and

Professional Advancement” component. Under the Strategy for Human Capital’s goal for

“EPA’s people to perform to their highest potential” are strategies to link employee development

to mission needs and to instill a culture of continuous learning, ethical behavior and

professionalism in all EPA employees, including AAPIs. It identifies as action items

implementation of the Workforce Development Strategy which offers a series of targeted

developmental programs including the:

! Mid-Level Development Program, that focuses on mid-level employees (i.e., GS-7

through non-supervisory GS-14) who represent the essential core of the Agency and

encumber over 75% of EPA positions. This program will train and develop EPA midlevel employees around the competencies required to achieve EPA’s shared vision and

mission as they progress in their careers and within the next five to ten years, advance into

leadership, decision-making, supervisory, and management positions throughout EPA.

! Management Development Program, that helps EPA address its emerging leadership

needs. The goal of this program is to create leadership excellence - - EPA supervisors,
47

managers and executives who "live" EPA's leadership philosophy and management

expectations. The program redirects emphasis of management training away from

guidance and toward self-assessment, competency development, and demonstration and

effective role modeling. 

! New Skills/New Options Program, a career development initiative designed to improve

job performance, professionalism, and satisfaction of EPA’s administrative and clerical

support staff. It facilitates development of a strategy for career enhancement, personal

visioning, and development. 

Data Collection and Evaluation

J. List your agency's main data sets. Indicate for each data set whether: 

1. aggregated AAPI data are collected and analyzed;

2. disaggregated AAPI data are collected and analyzed (specify which subpopulations are

identified); 

3. aggregated AAPI data are collected but not analyzed; 

4. disaggregated AAPI data are collected but not analyzed (specify which subpopulations

are identified);

5. AAPI data are not collected. 

EPAYS is the official payroll system which tracks all workforce data. Aggregate AAPI

employment data are collected and analyzed. 

HR Pro is EPA's new automated human resources information system which will increase

HR performance and productivity. When fully implemented, this system will provide easy access

to information needed by management and HR professionals to manage EPA’s human capital and

make strategic decisions related to the workforce. 

The Equal Employment Opportunity Assistant (EEO Assistant) is a database which tracks

complaints data. Aggregate data on AAPIs (and other minority communities) are collected and

analyzed.

Offices and Regions also have collected aggregate and disaggregate AAPI data, as needed,

to target communication and outreach efforts in populations living in local areas where possible

environmental and public health risks have been identified. In some instances, disaggregate AAPI

data was collected to study specific health effects caused by environmental impacts (e.g.,

consumption of fish contaminated with mercury and other pollutants).

In 2001, EPA started asking new contract awardees to voluntarily identify the specific

racial or ethnic category that best describes their business ownership. EPA will treat the data as

confidential information, using them internally for general statistical purposes or to help focus

outreach initiatives to minority-owned businesses unaware of EPA contracting opportunities.
48

K. What is the current status for implementing the collection of AAPI data into the two

categories, "Asian" and "Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI)," under the

new standards for the classification of Federal data on race and ethnicity? Describe the process

and strategies for complying with the new standards by 2003? Please attach any relevant

documents.

EPA is working to comply with these standards.

L. Does your agency have any performance measures specifically for AAPIs? If yes, please

describe.

EPA has aggressively implemented the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)

through its strategic goals and performance measures (see Appendix A). Each line item

mentioned in Tables A & B complies with one or more of EPA's strategic goals. Furthermore,

EPA developed cross-Agency programs, such as Community-Based Environmental Protection and

Environmental Justice, to address the specific needs of children, Native Americans, and minority

and low-income individuals who suffer disproportionately from adverse health effects cause by

some environmental conditions. Key objectives, strategies, and performance measures were

developed to address the unmet needs of these groups. Although some of these programs target

minority populations, EPA does not have performance measures specifically for AAPIs.
49

APPENDIX

Appendix A: EPA's Mission, Goals, and Principles

Appendix B-1: Table A: Lead Entity Acronyms

Appendix B-2: Table B: Numerical Codes for Program Category, Funding Mechanism and

Formula

Appendix C: Funding to Pacific Islands for Environmental Programs 

Appendix D: Summary of EPA Community Grant Programs

Appendix E: Information Materials Translated in Asian Languages 

Appendix F: Federal Advisory Committees

 

 
50

Appendix A

EPA's Mission, Goals, and Principles

The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and

to safeguard the natural environment – air, water, and land – upon which life depends.

EPA's purpose is to ensure that:

! All Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment

where they live, learn and work.

! National efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific

information. 

! Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and

effectively.

! Environmental protection is an integral consideration in US policies concerning natural

resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry,

and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing

environmental policy. 

! All parts of society – communities, individuals, business, state and local governments,

tribal governments – have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively

participate in managing human health and environmental risks. 

! Environmental protection contributes to making our communities and ecosystems diverse,

sustainable and economically productive. 

! The United States plays a leadership role in working with other nations to protect the

global environment. 

EPA's mission reflects the will of the American people as expressed through Congress and

seven successive Presidents. To remain focused on these mandates and to establish guideposts for

its employees today and in the future, EPA has defined a series of ten strategic, long-term goals.

These goals, together with the underlying principles that will be used to achieve them, will define

EPA's planning, budgeting, analysis, and accountability process.

EPA's Goals

1. Clean Air: The air in every American community will be safe and healthy to breathe. In

particular, children, the elderly, and people with respiratory ailments will be protected
51

from health risks of breathing polluted air. Reducing air pollution will also protect the

environment, resulting in many benefits, such as restoring life in damaged ecosystems and

reducing health risks to those whose subsistence depends directly on those ecosystems.

2. Clean and Safe Water: All Americans will have drinking water that is clean and safe to

drink. Effective protection of America's rivers, lakes, wetlands, aquifers, and coastal and

ocean waters will sustain fish, plants, and wildlife, as well as recreational, subsistence, and

economic activities. Watersheds and their aquatic ecosystems will be restored and

protected to improve public health, enhance water quality, reduce flooding, and provide

habitat for wildlife.

3. Safe Food: The foods Americans eat will be free from unsafe pesticide residues. 

Children especially will be protected from the health threats posed by pesticide residues,

because they are among the most vulnerable groups in our society.

4. Preventing Pollution and Reducing Risk in Communities, Homes, Workplaces and

Ecosystems: Pollution prevention and risk management strategies aimed at

cost-effectively eliminating, reducing, or minimizing emissions and contamination will

result in cleaner and safer environments in which all Americans can reside, work and

enjoy life. EPA will safeguard ecosystems and promote the health of natural communities

that are integral to the quality of life in this nation.

5. Better Waste Management, Restoration of Contaminated Waste Sites, and

Emergency Response: America's wastes will be stored, treated, and disposed of in ways

that prevent harm to people and to the natural environment. EPA will work to clean up

previously polluted sites, restoring them to uses appropriate for surrounding communities,

and respond to and prevent waste-related or industrial accidents.

6. Reduction of Global and Cross-Border Environmental Risks: The United States will

lead other nations in successful, multilateral efforts to reduce significant risks to human

health and ecosystems from climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion, and other

hazards of international concern.

7. Expansion of Americans' Right to Know About Their Environment: Easy access to a

wealth of information about the state of their local environment will expand citizen

involvement and give people tools to protect their families and their communities as they

see fit. Increased information exchange between scientists, public health officials,

businesses, citizens, and all levels of government will foster greater knowledge about the

environment and what can be done to protect it.

8. Sound Science, Improved Understanding of Environmental Risk, and Greater

Innovation to Address Environmental Problems: EPA will develop and apply the best

available science for addressing current and future environmental hazards, as well as

approaches toward improving environmental protection.
52

9. A Credible Deterrent to Pollution and Greater Compliance with the Law: EPA will

ensure full compliance with laws intended to protect human health and the environment.

10. Effective Management: EPA will establish a management infrastructure that will set and

implement the highest quality standards for effective internal management and fiscal

responsibility. 
53

Appendix B-1

 Table A: Lead Entity Acronyms

Acronym Lead Entity

AO

OAR

OARM

OCFO

OCR

OCEM

OECA

OEI

OEJ

OHROS

OIA

OIG

OPPTS

ORD

OSDIBU

OSWER

OW

RTP

R1

R2

R3

R4

R5

R6

R7

R8

R9

R10

Office of Administrator

Office of Air and Radiation

Office of Administration and Resources Management

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Office of Civil Rights

Office of Cooperative Environmental Management

Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance

Office of Environmental Information

Office of Environmental Justice

Office of Human Resources and Organizational Services

Office of International Activities

Office of the Inspector General

Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances

Office of Research and Development

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response

Office of Water

Research Triangle Park

Region 1, Boston

Region 2, New York

Region 3, Philadelphia

Region 4, Atlanta

Region 5, Chicago

Region 6, Dallas

Region 7, Kansas City

Region 8, Denver

Region 9, San Francisco

Region 10, Seattle
54

Appendix B-2

Table B: Numerical Codes for Program Category, Funding Mechanism and Formula

Program Category

1 – Direct Services and Outreach

2 – Research, Development and Evaluation

3 – Technical Assistance

4 – Facilities and Equipment

5 – Training and Professional Development

6 – Fellowships, Scholarships, and Other Aid

7 – Other (with brief description)

Funding Mechanism

1 – Competitive grant

2 – Non-competitive or sole-source grant

3 – Competitive cooperative agreement

4 – Non-competitive or sole source cooperative agreement

5 – Competitive contract

6 – Non-competitive or sole-source contract

7 – Other method (with brief description)

Formula to Determine Funding Level

1 – Tied to the percentage of AAPIs in the population

2 – Tied to a funding goal

3 – Legislated amount (specified in appropriations)

4 – Negotiated budget

5 – Other method (with brief description)
55

Appendix C

Funding to Pacific Islands for Environmental Programs 

(FY 2001)

Program Samoa CNMI* Guam

Consolidated Environment $1,477,565 $1,595,515 $2,613,450

Wastewater Construction $1,206,300 $560,600 $874,800

Drinking Water Construction $ 192,800 $251,800 $606,900

Total $2,876,665 $2,407,915 $4,095,150

* Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)

Note: This table reflects the major funding by EPA Region 9 for programmatic support dedicated to

environmental activities in the Pacific Islands. This does not account for the total amount funded by EPA.
56

 Appendix D

Summary of EPA Community Grant Programs

Grant Program Purpose Eligible

Applicants

Award

Amounts

FY 2001

Brownfields

Assessment

Demonstration

Pilots

To empower States, communities,

tribes, and other stakeholders in

economic redevelopment to work

together in a timely manner to

prevent, assess, and safely clean up

brownfields to promote their

sustainable reuse. EPA’s Brownfields

Assessment Demonstration Pilots are

directed toward environmental

activities preliminary to cleanup, such

as site assessments, site

identification, site characterization,

and site response or cleanup planning

States and US territories,

political subdivisions (including

cities, towns, and counties) and

Federally recognized Indian

tribes.

Up to 

$200,000

for 2 years

Brownfields Job

Training and

Development

Demonstration

Pilots

To facilitate cleanup of brownfields

sites contaminated with hazardous

substances and prepare trainees for

future employment in the

environmental field. The pilot projects

must prepare trainees in activities that

can be usefully applied to a cleanup

employing an alternative or innovative

technology.

Colleges, universities, nonprofits, training centers,

community-based job training

centers, states, cities, towns,

counties, US territories,

and Federally recognized

Indian tribes. Generally,

entities with experience in

providing job training and

placement programs are invited

to apply.

Up to 

$200,000

over 2

years

Children’ s

Health

Protection

To support community-based and

regional projects that enhance public

outreach and communication; to

assist families in evaluating risks to

children and in making informed

consumer choices.

Community groups, public

nonprofit organizations, tribal

governments, and

municipal/local governments.

$35,000 to

$135,000

Environmental

Education

To provide financial support for

projects that design, demonstrate, or

disseminate environmental education

practices, methods, or techniques.

Local, tribal, or state education

agencies, colleges and

universities, nonprofit

organizations, state

environmental agencies, and

noncommercial educational

broad-casting agencies.

~ $1,000 to

$100,000

Environmental

Justice

Small Grants

To provide financial assistance to

eligible community groups and

Federally recognized tribal

governments that are working on or

plan to carry out projects that address

environmental justice issues.

Any affected community group,

nonprofit organization, university, or tribal government.

Organizations must be incorporated to receive funds.

Up to

$20,000

each
Grant Program Purpose Eligible

Applicants

Award

Amounts

FY 2001

57

Environmental

Protection:

Consolidated

Research

To support environmental research

based on excellent science as

determined through peer review by

experts drawn nationally from the 

scientific community.

States, local governments,

Federally recognized Indian

tribes, territories and

possessions, public and private

universities and colleges,

hospitals, laboratories, public

and private non-profit

institutions, and highly qualified

individuals.

$6,000 to

$1,500,000

National

Estuary

Program

To promote the development of

comprehensive conservation and

management plans for designated

estuaries.

Grants are issued only for

those estuaries designated as

"nationally significant" by EPA.

EPA is authorized to make

grants to State, interstate, and

regional water pollution control

agencies and entities, State

coastal zone management

agencies, interstate agencies,

other public and nonprofit

private agencies, institutions,

organizations, and individuals

(Section 320(g)(l)). Profit

making organizations are not

eligible for grants.

$10,000 to

$795,000

Pollution Prevention

Incentives for States

To support state, tribal, and regional

programs addressing the reduction or

elimination of pollution across all

environmental media: air, land, and 

water.

State agencies (including the

District of Columbia),state

instrumentalities such as

universities, Federally

recognized tribes, and US

territories and possessions.

States are encouraged to form

partnerships with local

governments, businesses, and

other environmental assistance

providers.

$20,000 to

$200,000

(50%

matching

grant

requirement)

Solid Waste

Management

Assistance

To promote use of integrated solid

waste management systems to solve

municipal solid waste generations and

management problems at the local,

regional, and national levels.

Nonprofit entities, 

government agencies, and

Indian tribes.

$5,000 to

$250,000

Superfund

Technical

Assistance Grants

To enable groups of individuals

affected by Superfund National

Priorities List (NPL) sites to obtain

technical assistance in interpreting

site information.

Groups affected by an NPL

site. All groups must be

incorporated as nonprofit

organizations.

Up to

$50,000
58

Appendix E

EPA Informational Materials Translated in Asian Languages

Title Document

Number

English

Cam

b

o

dian

Chinese

H

m

ong

K

orean

Laotian

Vietnamese

Asthma, Air Quality and Environmental Justice EPA-402-F-95-001 x x x

Children and Secondhand Smoke x x

Cleaner Technology Substitutes Assessment for

Professional Fabricare

EPA-744-5-98-011 x x

Design for the Environment: Frequently Asked

Questions About Dry Cleaning

EPA-744-F-98-011 x x

Design for the Environment: Garm ent and Textile Care

Program Fact Sheet: Cleaner Clothes, Cleaner

Neighborhoods, and Cleaner Solutions

EPA-744-F-98-012 x x

Environmental Justice at EPA EPA-300-F-97-008 x x x

Environmental Justice Health Education Project EPA-300-F-97-008 x x x

Environmental Justice Interagency Working Group EPA-200-F-95-009 x

Environmental Violations EPA-300-F-97-007 x x x

EPA: Serving a Diverse Society EPA-300-K-97-015 x x x

Insecticide Chalk ("Chinese Chalk") - 

This Product is Unsafe and Illegal

x x

Lead in Drinking Water x x

Plain Korean Guide for Perc Dry Cleaners: Step-byStep Approach to Understanding Federal

Environmental Regulations

EPA-305-B-97-001 x x

Pocket Guides for Pesticide Safety for Use by

Agricultural Workers

x x

Principles of Environmental Justice not specified x x x

Proper Pesticide Usage x x

Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home EPA-747-K-99-001 x x

Protecting Children from Environm ental Threats EPA-100-F-99-010 x x

Protecting Your Family and Yourself from Carbon

Monoxide Poisoning

EPA-402-F-99-004 x x x x

Radon Charcoal Canister Procedures EPA-402-F-98-013 x x x

Resource Guide for Garm ent and Textile Care

Professionals

EPA-744-K-96-004 x x
Title Document

Number

English

Cam

b

o

dian

Chinese

H

m

ong

K

orean

Laotian

Vietnamese

59

Roaches in the Home EPA-735-F-98-015 x x

Second-Hand Smoke: W hat You Can Do About

Second-Hand Smoke as Parents, Decision-Makers,

and Building Occupants

EPA-402-F-93-004 x x x

Should I Eat the Fish I Catch? EPA-823-F-98-018 x x x x x

Steps to Protect Yourself from Pesticides EPA-735-F-95-004 x x x

Ten Tips To Protect Children from Pesticides and

Lead Poisonings around the Home 

x x x

Other documents m ay have been translated but were not available as of June 2002. More information is

available from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) which maintains and

distributes EPA publications in hardcopy, CD ROM and other multi-media formats. Search the NSCEP

Catalog; review a listing of translated titles available from the NSCEP; or order EPA Publications,

including the EPA Asian American & Pacific Islander Outreach Strategy, by telephone at 1-800-490-9198

or online << http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/ >>.
60

Appendix F

 EPA Federal Advisory Committees

EPA Advisory Committee Designated Federal

Officer

Telephone

Number

Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis Angela Nugent 202-564-4562

Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee Joanne Rodman 202-564-2708

Clean Air Act Advisory Committee Paul Rasmussen 202-564-1306

Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee Robert Flaak 202-564-4546

Environmental Financial Advisory Board Stan Meiburg

Vanessa Bowie*

404-562-8357

202-564-5186

Environmental Laboratory Advisory Board Edward Kantor 702-798-2690

EPA Board of Scientific Counselors Shirley Hamilton 202-564-6853

EPA Science Advisory Board Robert Flaak 202-564-4546

EPA-USDA Committee to Advise on Reassessment and

Transition

Margie Fehrenbach 703-308-4775

FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel Larry Dorsey 202-564-8376

Good Neighbor Environmental Board Elaine Koerner 202-564-1484

Governmental Advisory Committee to the United States

Representative to the North American Commission for

Environmental Cooperation

Mark Joyce 202-564-9802

Gulf of Mexico Policy Review Board Gloria Car 228-688-2421

Industrial Non-Hazardous Waste Policy Dialogue Committee Paul Cassidy 703-308-7281

Local Government Advisory Committee Paul Guthrie 202-564-3649

Microbial Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Advisory

Committee

Crystal Rodgers 202-564-5275

National Advisory Committee to the United States

Representative to the North American Commission for

Environmental Cooperation

Mark Joyce 202-564-9802

National Advisory Committee for Acute Exposure Guideline

Levels for Hazardous Substances

Paul Tobin 202-564-8557

National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and

Technology

Gwen Whitt 202-564-5982
EPA Advisory Committee Designated Federal

Officer

Telephone

Number

61

National Drinking Water Advisory Council Brenda P. Johnson 202-564-3791

National Environmental Education Advisory Council Ginger Keho 202-564-0453

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council Charles Lee

Marva King*

202-564-2515

202-564-2599

Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee Margie Fehrenbach 703-308-4775

Urban Wet Weather Sanitary Sewer Overflows Advisory

Committee

Kevin Weiss 202-564-0742

* DFO’s Assistant

 
62