EPA 600/R-06/059

June 2007

www.epa.gov

EPA’s Regions and ORD

Putting Science to Work

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Research and Development

Washington, DC 20460
ii

The information in this document has been subjected to review by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, and has been approved for publication.

Approval does not signify that the contents reflect the views of the Agency, nor does mention of

trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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The Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) is a mechanism used by the Office of Research

and Development’s (ORD) Regional Science Program to respond to high-priority, near-term

research needs of EPA’s regional offices. Annually, ORD makes funds available to each EPA

region to develop research topics that are submitted to specific ORD laboratories or centers as

extramural research proposals. Regional Science Liaisons manage their region’s RARE process,

and coordinate all necessary interactions between regional technical staff and ORD project

managers throughout the life cycle of the projects, ensuring that regional expectations from the

research are fully met. The goals of RARE are to: (1) provide the regions with near-term

research on high-priority, region-specific needs; (2) improve collaboration between regions and

ORD laboratories and centers; (3) build the foundation for future scientific interactions; and

(4) develop useful tools for state, local, and tribal governments to address near-term environmental

issues.

This report highlights RARE accomplishments, providing one or two examples per Region, to 

demonstrate how RARE has contributed over the past decade to advancing EPA science. Now

more than ever, as environmental decision makers look for scientific and technological solutions to

environmental problems, RARE is a key component of ORD’s emphasis on providing science for

positive environmental outcomes.
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Notice............................................................................................................................................................... ii

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................... iii

Introduction..............................................................................................................................................1

RARE Highlights:

Region 1

Multiple Environmental Factors for Asthmatic Children in Public Housing..........................................3

Proof-of-Concept Demonstration for Near Real-Time In Situ Detection 

of Fecal Contamination in Fresh and Marine Waters......................................................................4

Region 2

Sediment Visualization and Data Modeling of Scattered Sediment Contaminant 

Data in New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuaries............................................................................5

Region 3

Development of Scientific Basis for Promulgation of Standards: 

Bay-wide Dissolved Oxygen, Light Penetration, Nutrient, and Suspended 

Sediment Water Quality Standards for Chesapeake Bay...............................................................6

Delaware Estuary PCB Model..................................................................................................................7

Region 4

Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Activity Factors Analysis.............................................................................8

Region 5

Tracking MTBE Diving Plumes .................................................................................................................9

Dioxin Soil Sampling Project..................................................................................................................10

Region 6

Remote Sensing of Airborne Pollutants in Baton Rouge.......................................................................11

Region 7

Water Quality Vulnerability in the Ozarks: An Assessment of the Upper 

White River Watershed..................................................................................................................... 12

Missouri-Type Charcoal Kiln..................................................................................................................13

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Region 8

Mercury Source Identification and Risk Management.....................................................................14

Prion Fate in Wastewater Systems......................................................................................................15

Region 9

Characterization of PM2.5 and Air Toxics Emissions..........................................................................16

Region 10

Wetland Management and Lentic Amphibian Communities...........................................................17

Summary.....................................................................................................................................................18
The Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) Program responds to high-priority, near-term

research needs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regional offices. Each year,

the Office of Research and Development (ORD) makes funds available for each EPA region to

develop research issues that are submitted to specific ORD laboratories or centers as research

proposals. Joint participation by ORD researchers and regional staff throughout the planning and

performance of these projects enhances communication and coordination between the Agency 

scientists and the ultimate users of the research in the EPA regional offices. The Regional Science

Liaisons (RSLs) facilitate the implementation of the RARE Program in their respective regions and

coordinate all necessary interactions between regional technical contacts and the ORD project 

managers throughout the life cycle of projects selected for RARE funding. 

The RARE process is initiated by a memorandum issued by ORD’s Assistant Administrator. Regional

staff (often collaborating with ORD researchers) develops a project proposal according to the

guidelines of their respective region, clearly articulating the issue to be pursued and the 

anticipated product. An intra-regional competition and selection process is managed by each RSL.

Once endorsed by senior regional management, the project proposal is sent to an ORD laboratory

or center division director, who verifies that the project falls within the scope of the division and is

consistent with the division’s objectives. The project is assigned to an ORD lead scientist who, 

collaborating with expert staff in the regional office, develops a full research proposal and related

funding package. The proposal and funding package are submitted to the Office of Science Policy

(OSP) for assignment of funds. OSP provides program oversight and fiduciary control, while the 

laboratory or center is responsible for all aspects of project management. 

Research topics pursued under RARE span the full spectrum of the environmental sciences. Many

projects have addressed human health concerns, while others have focused specifically on the 

ecological effects of various pollutants. Because RARE is designed to address near-term regional

issues, most projects are conceptually designed to be completed within a 2-year time period. 

OSP presently maintains a RARE Tracker database to track and notify all parties in the region,

ORD, and OSP at each point in the funding process. The database contains over 15 years of

RARE project information, representing approximately 200 projects and $20 million in funds. 

1
This document is a collection of highlights from each region to demonstrate the near-term, high-priority,

region-specific nature of RARE research projects that can be linked to measurable environmental

outcomes. For additional information, EPA staff can access the following intranet site:

http://intranet.epa.gov/ospintra/scienceportal/ under “ORD Regional Science Program.”

Information also is available on the internet at: http://www.epa.gov/osp under “Regions.” 

2

ORD Laboratories, Centers, and Offices
3

in Public Housing

Background

Asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses in the United States today, and is particularly prevalent

among children from birth to 14 years of age. One of every three Americans with asthma is a child, and

the most severe cases are usually found in inner-city children. Asthma is a disease with many influencing 

factors, including genetics, available medical care, and environmental factors. Evaluations of the environmental

factors associated with pediatric asthma are fragmented and assessment has not been undertaken in a 

comprehensive manner. In urban areas, housing conditions as well as ambient air pollution have been

viewed as environmental factors that cause or exacerbate asthma. Because the primary outdoor air pollutants

have declined over the same period that asthma has increased, attention has shifted to the role of indoor

environmental risk factors. 

Science

Region 1 and ORD’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory collaborated with researchers from the

Tufts University School of Medicine, the Boston University Medical Center, the Committee for Boston Public

Housing, and the Harvard School of Public Health to conduct an intensive environmental evaluation of a small

number of inner-city public housing apartments in which asthmatic children lived. The goal was to evaluate

the relative importance of a wide range of environmental exposures based on a targeted set of measurements,

rather than on the diffuse records obtained by studies of larger populations. Interventions were tailored to each

apartment after a baseline assessment to test their effectiveness in the public housing setting. 

Measurements showed that nitrogen dioxide measurements in the apartments were higher than outdoor

concentrations and generally were above the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 50 parts per billion.

The higher levels were thought to be due to the use of gas stoves. Particulate matter (PM) levels also were

above the outdoor measurements and were attributed to tobacco smoking. Several volatile organic chemicals

(e.g., benzene and chloroform) were found at levels that indicated a high exposure risk. Analysis of the dust

samples indicate that cockroach, mouse, and pet antigen levels were variable and frequently high in settled

dust, while dust mite allergen levels were below the level of concern. Intervention results showed that

although none of the filtration units reduced the mean PM concentration, ongoing industrial cleaning did

reduce antigen levels. 

Outcome

The study demonstrated that asthma intervention must involve a multi-factorial approach, a paradigm now

being applied in a larger Boston study in which Region 1 is working with the tenant groups, the Boston Housing

Authority, industry groups, city government, and philanthropic foundations. This approach and new studies are

highlighted on the web site of the Healthy Public Housing Initiative at: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hphi/.

Region 1 has formed an Asthma Regional Coordinating Council with members from other federal agencies

(U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) to

address this issue.
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for Near Real-Time In Situ Detection of Fecal Contamination in Fresh and Marine Waters

Background

Fecal contamination of freshwater and marine beaches is a major public health concern. Current methods for

measuring fecal contamination require 24 to 48 hours to get test results. Consequently, when deciding

whether to open or close a beach, an environmental manager must use data that is at least 24 hours old. This

time lag interferes with making time-relevant decisions. Based on the results of the test taken a day prior, the

beach would likely be open. By the time the results of the tests are known 24 hours later (and the beach

could be closed), the results are back below the threshold, suggesting it is again safe to swim. This project is

part of multiple-pronged efforts of many researchers to address this problem through the development of a

more rapid test method. 

Science

ORD’s National Health and Environmental Effects

Research Laboratory Atlantic Ecology Division and

Region 1 collaborated with researchers from the

University of Rhode Island (URI) and the State of

Rhode Island Department of Health to produce a

proof-of-concept demonstration on a near real-time

in situ fecal contamination method. 

The first stage of research was to determine if 

laboratory-based optical detectors could detect the 

enzymatic activity-associated bacteria more quickly

than the minimum of 24 hours needed with the existing

method. For the next phase, a bench-top prototype

was built that automatically handled the sample

manipulation, reagent and temperature control, and

data processing. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the time needed to detect bacteria through improved 

temperature control and other means and for the detector to be modified so that it can be either moored

onsite or transported in a briefcase from site to site. 

Outcome

This technology has been demonstrated at national workshops and shows short-term promise that warrants

continued efforts.

The “Proof-of-Concept” figure demonstrates that bacteria could be detected in as little as 3 hours, depending

on bacteria density, and the bench-top prototype of the second phase resulted in the detection of bacteria

in approximately 9 hours.

The RARE project also served as seed money for the URI researchers to acquire additional funding from the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Southern California Coastal Water Resources

Project, and the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology to continue work

on the new technology. 

Proof-of-Concept

Demonstrated feasibility of combining existing

enzyme-based technologies with an ultra-sensitive

optical detection system.
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of Scattered Sediment Contaminant Data in New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuaries

Background

Over the last decade, several high-resolution sediment collection efforts

have been conducted in the New York/New Jersey Harbor estuary.

These are data sets that have been generated from spatial monitoring

programs such as the EPA’s Regional Environmental Monitoring and

Assessment Program (REMAP) and the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration’s Status and Trends Program, as well as

sediment data collected as part of the Lower Passaic River Restoration

Study Superfund efforts. Large contaminated sediment data sets are 

difficult to resolve to a scale that can integrate different chemical attributes into a regional map that can assist in meaningful contaminant

assessments and source tracking for basin-wide management decisions.

A regional map may also help in remedial design for potential 

clean-ups. Historical sediment core sampling data in the New York/

New Jersey Harbor are poorly conditioned for data modeling because

the sampling locations are sparse and irregularly distributed. 

Science

Research was conducted by ORD’s National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory in 

partnership with the Department of Energy—Brookhaven National Laboratory. The scattered data modeling

technique used for this project has been successfully applied in high-resolution geophysical fluid dynamics.

The computational properties of this method, such as geometrical flexibility, high convergence rate, and 

suitability for parallel computing, make it a good choice for data modeling as well. 

Surficial and 3-dimensional plots of sediment contaminant data were developed. The 3-dimensional images

could be freely rotated to any desired angle to allow further examination of contaminant impacted areas or

“hot spots.” 

Outcome

The maps developed under this RARE project were successful in determining sediment trends, “hot spots,” and

data gaps. These maps have been extensively used during the ongoing Remedial Investigation/Feasibility

Study for the Passaic River Superfund Project, and for determining the magnitude and spatial extent of sediment contamination in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program. 

Citation

Hong Ma, Keith W. Jones, Eric A. Stern. “Scientific Visualization and Data Modeling of Scattered Sediment

Contaminant Data in New York/New Jersey Estuaries,” vis, p. 467, Ninth IEEE Visualization 1998 (Vis

’98), 1998.

Web Site

http://www.bnl.gov/wrdadcon/Publications/ image/status_jpg.htm

Surficial Sediment Concentration

of Total DDT in Newark Bay
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Bay-wide Dissolved Oxygen, Light Penetration, Nutrient, and Suspended 

Sediment Water Quality Standards for Chesapeake Bay

Background

The Chesapeake Bay Program emphasizes a multimedia approach to protecting the Chesapeake Bay,

focusing on point and nonpoint sources of pollution. The program targets implementation at the state,

subwatershed, and local jurisdiction levels. Observations through the bay-wide monitoring program of the

short- and long-term recovery of the bay ecosystem must be matched with more quantifiable definitions of

the water quality conditions that define a restored estuary. 

Science

This project is built upon ongoing efforts to revise the 1992 

submerged aquatic vegetation habitat requirements and dissolved

oxygen restoration goal research being funded under the

Chesapeake Bay Program, and the draft EPA Estuarine/Marine

Dissolved Oxygen Aquatic Life Criteria for the Virginia Province. 

This RARE project was the scientific basis for water quality criteria for

dissolved oxygen, light penetration, nutrient, and suspended sediment

aquatic life criteria applicable to Chesapeake Bay and other 

mid-Atlantic estuaries and coastal systems. 

Research was conducted to determine dissolved oxygen thresholds

for sensitive species in the Bay ecosystem in areas where warmer

water dissolved oxygen fluctuations were a special concern. Scientists

in ORD’s National Health and Environmental Effects Research

Laboratory, in cooperation with Region 3’s Chesapeake Bay

Program, generated data that were critical to understanding the

exposure effects on a range of organisms under conditions of cyclic

dissolved oxygen concentrations. ORD scientists developed an

experimental system that modeled a tidal cycle by exposing test

organisms to dissolved oxygen levels that fluctuate to simulate a 

typical tidal cycle. 

Outcome

These data were used by the Chesapeake Bay Dissolved Oxygen Criteria Task Group to recommend and

promulgate dissolved oxygen criteria. These criteria were developed to protect against short-term exposures that

could impact aquatic organisms, particularly during larval and juvenile life stages. The recommended dissolved oxygen concentrations include instantaneous minimums and multiple day mean criteria. 

This research also contributed to developing ecoregion-based estuarine water quality criteria for nutrients

(nitrogen and phosphorus) for the states to adopt estuarine water quality standards for nutrients by 2003.

This work in the Chesapeake Bay will serve as a prototype for the balance of the other estuaries in the 

Mid-Atlantic. 

Oxygen Needs of Key Species 
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Background

The Delaware River Basin Commission recently completed the first phase

of a program to develop and implement Total Maximum Daily Loads

(TMDLs) for toxic pollutants for the Delaware Estuary. This complex body

of water extends from Trenton, New Jersey, to the head of Delaware Bay at

Liston Point. Water quality problems in the estuary related to toxic pollutants have been documented, and fish consumption advisories issued by

the States of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are still in effect.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are the primary toxic pollutant of concern

because this class of compounds forms the basis for many of the advisories

currently in place in the estuary. The RARE project contributed to a larger

effort to establish TMDLs for total PCBs for the Delaware Estuary by

September 2003, as required by court orders or agreements between

EPA and the states bordering the estuary. 

Science

The goal of this RARE project was to help address toxic pollutants that

strongly adsorb to particulates (i.e., sediments and soils) and have a

significant contribution from both point sources and nonpoint sources.

PCBs are an example of this type of pollutant and have been identified

using low-level, congener-specific analytical methods in several tributaries,

including the Schuylkill River, and in effluents from six large municipal

wastewater treatment plants. 

The research supported the water quality modeling efforts, initiated under the Delaware Estuary Toxics

Management Program, by developing a hydrodynamic sediment and water quality model for PCBs that

can be used to apportion the TMDLs. A critical component of the water quality model for PCBs was the

interaction of PCBs with suspended and bottom sediments. Such sediments are both a sink and source of PCBs

in the estuary. 

Outcome

The Delaware River Basin Commission, in cooperation with EPA Region 3, ORD’s National Exposure Research

Laboratory and the states bordering the estuary, developed a strategy to address the PCB contamination in

the estuary that included monitoring of potential sources and living resources, and developing models to

attribute risk and provide a basis for mitigation.

This RARE project contributed to the model that was used for determining PCB loadings into the Delaware

Estuary and for developing risk management alternatives. This model is a key component of the ongoing

Delaware Estuary PCB Strategy and directly supports the goal of reducing, and hopefully eliminating, the

PCB contamination of the Delaware Estuary.

Delaware Estuary
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Background

Emissions from cars and small trucks, known as light-duty vehicles, have been controlled for many years,

with emission controls first required on cars in the 1968 model year. Developed and refined over a period

of more than 30 years, these controls have resulted in today’s light-duty vehicles being more than 90 percent cleaner than vehicles were in 1969. 

As emissions from light-duty vehicles have decreased, the relative importance of emissions from heavy-duty diesel

vehicles (HDDV) has increased significantly. HDDV engines have not been as rigorously controlled as light-duty

gasoline engines, with the first emission standards and transient testing requirements for oxides of nitrogen (NOx)

and particulate matter (PM) being implemented in 1988. HDDVs in that year were allowed to emit approximately

50 times more NOx than a similar vehicle produced in 2007 will be allowed to emit. HDDVs typically produce

large amounts of NOx and PM and are kept in service for much longer periods of time than light-duty vehicles. 

Science

Region 4, ORD’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory, and the Georgia Institute of Technology

collaborated on a RARE project to develop an HDDV module that could be incorporated into the Mobile

Emissions Assessment System for the Urban and Regional Evaluation

(MEASURE) model used to estimate mobile source emissions. MEASURE is

used for research purposes to evaluate improved methods for estimating

mobile source emissions. This RARE project supported the development of

improved methods to represent spatial and temporal distribution of HDDV

activity in MEASURE. 

The information and model developed from this

project provide a mechanism to evaluate potential

control strategies that could lead to reduced HDDV

emissions. These strategies are based on variables

that were included in the emissions module and

include restrictions on idling time, time-of day operation restrictions, and improvements in traffic flow.

Outcome

Region 4 has used the results from this project to provide input for national-scale models, provide state-of-the-art

information to interested organizations, and evaluate possible control strategies. Because the emissions

module that was developed as part of this project provides a high level of detail regarding HDDVs, it has

been offered to EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality to be evaluated for inclusion into its MOBILE

model. 

The information developed through this project is being shared with public and private groups whose

actions could result in reduced diesel emissions. Region 4 is able to reach a large number of relevant

groups through its Southeastern Diesel Collaborative Network. The goal of the network collaboration is to

improve air quality by encouraging the use of clean, renewable energy and by reducing diesel emissions

from existing engines and equipment from the agriculture, heavy construction, and on-road sectors.

Diesel Exhaust in

the United States
9

Background

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) from various sources, but mainly from leaking underground storage tanks (LUST),

has contaminated the groundwater in many areas. In some cases, drinking water has been impacted forcing

communities to adopt expensive alternatives. One of the physical properties of MTBE is that it is very soluble in

water. It has been demonstrated that MTBE can “dive” below monitoring well networks that are designed to

detect other petroleum chemicals near the surface, leading some sites to miss the contamination.

Science

This project was designed to provide specific tools or models to help state and federal environmental regulators

overseeing LUST corrective action projects. The tools were designed to help predict the site-specific conditions

that may indicate plume diving. The study represented a cooperative effort among ORD’s National Risk

Management Research Laboratory, Region 5, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Wisconsin

Department of Natural Resources, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Site work was conducted to assess MTBE plumes at three locations (Spring Green, Wisconsin; Milford,

Michigan; and East Alton, Illinois) using an ORD-owned direct push rig to collect groundwater samples from

discreet depths along transects perpendicular and downgradient to the contamination plume. Various samples

also were collected from community water supply wells. 

An assessment of the data indicates that well pumping plays an important role in plume behavior at all

three sites. It appears that there is a downward push on the plume by rainwater recharge only at Spring

Green, which was not detected at the other two locations. Evidence shows that although the plume tends

to follow the bottom of an upper confining layer, biodegradation is occurring along the top of the plume

at all three locations. Another interesting development is the presence of tert butyl alcohol (an MTBE

degradation by-product) only at East Alton, which appears to be due to a greater anaerobic effect.

There also are greater concentrations of ferrous iron at East Alton compared to the other two locations. 

Outcome

As a direct result of the RARE project, a technical paper entitled “Site Characterization to Determine the

Influence of Stratigraphy on a Diving Plume of MTBE in a Municipal Well Field” was prepared and published

in 2005 in the journal Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation.

The results of this research were provided to various audiences of state and federal regulators, environmental

consultants, and responsible parties. The developed models for predicting the movement of MTBE from leaking

gasoline tanks into the groundwater were demonstrated to state and regional staff dealing with leaking underground storage tanks, resulting in modified site characterization investigation guidance documents. 

The data showing the movement of MTBE deeper into the groundwater assisted program and enforcement

staff in convincing responsible parties of the impact from local leaking tanks. Demonstrations at state offices

have assisted enforcement officers in developing proper monitoring plans with responsible parties to avoid

missing groundwater contaminated by MTBE. 
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Background

The Columbus Municipal Waste-to-Energy (WTE) incinerator facility in Columbus, Ohio, released an estimated

1,000 grams of dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQ) per year until it was shut down in December 1994. This release

by the Columbus WTE is significant considering the 1994 estimate of 9,300 grams of dioxin TEQ per year from

all sources emitting dioxins into the air in the United States. 

In response to a petition by state and local agencies to the EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances and

Disease Registry (ATSDR), a multi-agency workgroup was formed in 1995 to address the possible human health

impact of the incinerator’s emissions. The workgroup recommended a study to assess residual dioxin/furan soil

contamination in the vicinity of the WTE incinerator. 

Science

This RARE project supported the study recommended by the workgroup. The study represented a cooperative

effort among ORD’s National Center for Environmental Assessment; ORD’s National Exposure Research

Laboratory, EPA Region 5, ATSDR, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Health,

and other state and local agencies. 

During the first phase of soil sampling at the Columbus WTE, four samples were taken on the site of the

incinerator, 20 samples within about 3 km of the incinerator, and three samples at a background, upwind

site 45 km away. Phase II soil sampling was undertaken in August 1996. Samples were taken at sites

ranging from 2 km to 8 km from the incinerator. The purpose of Phase II was to ascertain whether a background concentration for Columbus could be determined. In all, Phase II included four soil samples taken in

the city of Columbus and three background samples taken 45 km away. 

With the exception of the off-site cluster near the Columbus WTE, the operation of the WTE incinerator

does not appear to have resulted in elevated soil concentrations of dioxin in the Columbus urban area

above typical urban concentrations. Therefore, the local population is not expected to receive significant

exposure from the soil. 

Outcome

This study was extremely useful to the region, state, and local agencies in answering the question of residual

health risk from dioxin soil deposition and in addressing the high level of public concern. Results of the first phase

of the project were presented in a report, Columbus WTE Municipal Incinerator Dioxin Soil Sampling Project,

released by EPA Region 5 in May 1996. The study findings also were discussed with community members at a

public meeting. In addition to addressing public concerns, the soil data gathered at the Columbus site helped to

further the technical understanding of dioxin fate and transport. 

A complete analysis of the Columbus soil data is published in: Lorber, M., Pinsky, P., Gehring, P., Braverman, 

C., Winters, D., and Sovocool, W. (1998), “Relationships Between Dioxins in Soil, Air, Ash, and Emissions from a

Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Emitting Large Amounts of Dioxins,” Chemosphere, 37(9-12):2173-2197. 
Background

The Baton Rouge area currently is classified as being in severe non-compliance with the National Ambient

Air Standard for ozone. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) has worked to identify

the root causes of ozone exceedance. Several of the exceedances within the previous 2 years had come on

days that ozone was not expected to be a problem. 

Science

ORD’s National Exposure Research Laboratory used this RARE project to assess the feasibility of using a

hand-held infrared hyper-spectral remote sensor, operated during flyovers or on the ground, to identify

pollutants from various sources that normally may not be monitored. Through the use of the HAWK®

surveying instrumentation from a helicopter flying low over the pipelines, barges, and railcars, and by tying

that information into LDEQ’s existing GIS databases, it was possible to identify the leakers immediately and

request to have them repaired. This information also is invaluable in determining if the existing regulations are

sufficient to protect the environment and the public from unauthorized releases of hazardous chemicals. 

Significant numbers of previously unreported—and evidently

large—leaks were observed on many of the hydrocarbon

transportation barges in the area. These barges were

observed during transportation on the Mississippi River as

well as when tied to shore facilities. Leaks were observed

both with helicopter flyovers at various distances as well as

observations taken from on-shore (ground-based) infrared

imaging. Some plumes extended well beyond the boundaries of the barges and at times were observed to be

directly impacting barge personnel. 

Various storage tank configurations were observed leaking.

Examples of various colors of tanks showed that detection

using infrared imaging can be accomplished with both

black or dark-roofed tanks as well as light-colored tanks.

These plumes normally are invisible to the naked eye. 

Outcome

The information from this RARE project was compiled in a report by LSI Corporation titled Leak Detection

using LSI Infrared Gas Imaging—Cajun Cloud. The report included both still shots and video images from the

work done. The accompanying photograph shows the black-and-white infrared imaging with the black

plume from a leak. 

The findings and video images were used in discussions with the various barge and tank owners, who were

surprised that not only were these leaks a significant pollutant source, but also a significant loss of their product.

In the short time since these findings, considerable progress has been made in correcting these leaks. 

Plume from Barge Using Infrared Technology

(plume appears as “black smoke”)

11
12

An Assessment of the Upper White River Watershed

Background

The White River provides hydroelectric power, water resources,

and physical beauty for the residents of, and visitors to, the

Ozark Mountains. Residential and other areas of human

activity are interspersed within the riparian forests and other

natural areas of the White River Watershed. 

This RARE project was designed to address stakeholder’s

expressed concerns about water quality, and to optimize

application of ecological restoration efforts throughout the

Upper White River Watershed, expressly to induce behavioral changes that result in positive environmental outcomes.

Key issues addressed by this research are the cumulative

impacts of land cover alteration on surface water quality,

in support of the Region 7 watershed planning activities

and associated planning groups.

Science

ORD’s National Exposure Research Labratory and Region 7 have collaborated to map and interpret

landscape-scale (i.e., broad-scale) ecological metrics among watersheds of the Upper White River in

southwestern Missouri and northwestern Arkansas, and have produced the first geospatial models of water

quality vulnerability for the Ozarks. These models have been developed by using partial least squares (PLS)

analyses, existing field water quality monitoring data, satellite and other remote sensing data, a priori information about landscape conditions, and the water quality of streams and rivers in the associated watershed(s) of the Upper White River Watershed. 

Outcome

The outputs of this project will assist in White River ecological restoration efforts and may help to focus

such efforts in areas that are most likely to result in environmental and societal benefits. A key item

addressed by this research is the cumulative impact of land cover alteration on surface water quality,

which supports the watershed planning activities of the EPA and other associated planning groups.

The results of this project provide watershed managers with the first broad-scale predictions of surface water

quality that effectively utilize information about land cover type, land cover configuration, environmental

change, and human activities for the entire Upper White River Watershed. Environmental practitioners in

Missouri, Arkansas, and Region 7 are piloting the use of the results of this RARE project to prioritize specific

locations within the Upper White River basin for ecological restoration and for the implementation/assessment of best management practices.

Additional information about this RARE project and other ecological vulnerability analyses in the White

River Watershed is available on the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/nerlesd1/land-sci/mississippi.htm.

White River Watershed in Branson,

Missouri 
13

Background

A “Missouri-type” charcoal kiln is a brick, cement, or metal structure (approximately 40 feet wide, 60 feet long,

and 16 feet high) used to produce charcoal by burning wood in a limited supply of air. When the State of

Missouri developed emission limits for air pollution sources in the 1970s, charcoal kilns were explicitly exempted.

However, preliminary monitoring by EPA’s Region 7, utilizing both particulate samplers and aerial photography,

indicated significant potential impact to sensitive receptors in close proximity to these types of charcoal kilns.

Region 7 requested ORD’s help to characterize the chemical and physical properties of the emission plumes

from these facilities. 

Science

Because performance and operation data of full-scale

kilns are scarce in the scientific literature, ORD’s National

Risk Management Research Laboratory agreed to develop

a small-scale simulator that would allow Region 7 to better

understand the emissions from full-scale operations. ORD

undertook a two-phase RARE study to characterize the

particle size distribution and the chemical composition of

any pollutants released by the process. In phase one of

the project, the simulator was constructed and used to

measure various volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds and dust particles released to the atmosphere. In

phase two, an afterburner was attached to the simulator

and evaluated for its ability to destroy any pollutants

before passing them to the outside. This information

helped assess the extent of pollution contributed by

Missouri-type charcoal kilns. 

Outcome

The State of Missouri and Region 7 used the results of this RARE research project to require that air pollution

emissions from these charcoal kilns be reduced to Best Achievable Control Technology-like levels or be further

tested by the operators to show the absence of harmful emissions. The charcoal kiln operators are complying

with the requirements to control and reduce these emissions. 

This RARE project is fully described in two reports. Phase one of the project is described in Emissions of Air Toxics

from a Simulated Charcoal Kiln, EPA 600/R-99/054, June 1999. The second phase of the project is reported in

Emissions of Air Toxics from a Simulated Charcoal Kiln Equipped with an Afterburner, EPA 600/ R-01/011,

February 2001. 

Diagram of a Missouri-Type Charcoal Kiln

Simulator Used in This Experiment
14

Background

In a collaborative 3-year study with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Department of Environmental Protection

(CRST DEP) and EPA’s Emergency Response Team and Region 8, elevated levels of mercury were detected in

fish tissues from the Cheyenne River and Lake Oahe in northwestern South Dakota. From these findings, the

CRST DEP in 2000 released a fish advisory recommending less consumption of fish, especially for pregnant

and elderly individuals. As an alternative to fish consumption from the Cheyenne River and Lake Oahe, the

CRST DEP recommended its members consume fish from livestock ponds located on tribal lands. Elevated

mercury levels, however, also were detected in these fish. A RARE project was initiated to determine the

source of mercury in fish tissues from livestock ponds on tribal lands and provide risk management recommendations to reduce mercury exposure of tribal members. 

Science

Scientists in ORD’s National Exposure

Research Laboratory in Athens, Georgia,

along with Region 8 and the CRST DEP,

collected field data for input into a model to

simulate mercury fate and the dynamics of

bioaccumulation within these livestock ponds.

The primary focus was to determine if the

source of mercury was related to atmospheric

deposition or naturally occurring sources of

geologic formation. Given the many factors

that influence the fate and transport of mercury,

these livestock ponds were an opportunity to

better understand mechanisms of mercury bioaccumulation when there are no apparent point sources.

Livestock ponds present unique challenges to static mercury models due to:

High pH, high conductivity, hyper-eutrophy, and high surface area-to-volume ratio.

High degree of water fluctuation on an annual basis.

Little to no flushing or outflow of surface water.

Shallow and well-mixed with no summer stratification.

Losses of elemental mercury via evaporation tending to be high.

Particulate and dissolved organic matter being critical inputs into the model.

Fish tissue results show that larger fish like the Northern Pike have higher amounts of methyl mercury that

are greater than the national average.

Outcome

Risk management recommendations to the CRST DEP include reviewing existing fish advisories, limiting intake

of larger fish species like the Northern Pike, and giving consideration to the analysis of blood and hair to

monitor past mercury exposures. Additional benefits from these research results include the use of these farm

ponds as model ecosystems for EPA’s mercury benefits analysis in the Clean Air Mercury Rule and the use of

this information in risk management decisions for a nearby Superfund site remedial investigation.

Mercury in Fish Species on CRST Lands
15

Background

Prions are thought to be the causative agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in animals,

including chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk, scrapie in sheep and goats, and mad cow disease in

cattle (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, BSE). Transmission appears to be by an abnormally folded form of a

host-encoded protein. 

CWD in North American deer and Rocky Mountain elk has been detected within EPA Region 8 in Colorado,

Wyoming, Utah, Montana, and South Dakota. Additionally, CWD has been identified in Region 2 (New York);

Region 5 (Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota); Region 6 (New Mexico, Oklahoma); and Region 7 (Nebraska,

Kansas). Because CWD poses a threat to the hunting and ranching of these species (and related industries),

most states with affected herds have responded aggressively to monitor, control, and if possible, eliminate

the disease. EPA supports these efforts and is employing the same aggressive approach to the management

of potentially CWD-contaminated waste including research in an attempt to understand the fate of prions in the

environment and in engineered systems to develop options for managing waste streams generated from infected

animals and associated waste materials. 

Science

Supported by RARE funding, scientists at ORD’s National

Risk Management Research Laboratory in Cincinnati,

Ohio, and researchers at the University of WisconsinMadison (UW) worked in collaboration with EPA Region

8 to identify risks involved with handling and disposing of

CWD-contaminated waste and increasing understanding

of the fate of prions in the environment. This project

involved evaluating the potential for CWD-bearing wastes

to enter the environment via wastewater treatment systems,

primarily POTWs and/or septic tank systems. The study

also is providing preliminary data on whether CWD

prions are removed or altered during treatment; and if

not, whether they leave the systems in the effluent or

waste sludge or both; and whether they are aerosolized

by the biological treatment aeration process. 

These studies are being performed using the solids from a municipal wastewater treatment plant and are

conducted in laboratory microcosms. An extraction method has been developed that is able to extract prion

protein experimentally spiked into various solids. It is anticipated that this research will enable the quantitative

tracking of prion protein through simulated treatment processes. 

Outcome

Initial results indicate that if prions were to enter wastewater streams, most would partition to the solid

phase. Preliminary findings also suggest that a small fraction of prions would remain in the liquid phase.

These results have assisted Region 8 in the development of best management practices for disposal options

for potentially CWD-infected animal material.

Chronic Wasting Disease in North America
16

Background

The fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions from aircraft operations at large airports in non-attainment areas

are of major environmental concern. It has been estimated that aircraft emissions account for approximately

97 percent of the total overall emissions of chemicals listed as toxic air pollutants at Los Angeles International

Airport (LAX). In addition, no chemical source profile currently exists for aircraft engines, which is a critical

need for use in receptor modeling used in the State Implementation Plan (SIP) development process. Finally,

the International Civil Aviation Organization is currently taking steps toward the regulation of PM emissions

from commercial aircraft engines to replace the older smoke standard. 

Science

In this RARE study, ORD’s National Risk Management Research Laboratory measured the PM and gas-phase

toxic emissions from a commercial aircraft engine in collaboration with NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and both the

engine and airframe manufacturer. Three different fuels (base Jet A1 fuel, high sulfur fuel, and high aromatic fuel)

were tested under varying engine operating conditions. During a second test sponsored by the California Air

Resources Board, two additional engine types were evaluated for in-service aircraft operated by a commercial

air carrier. Planning is underway for a third round of experiments, which will be conducted at NASA’s Glenn

Research Center. This program will involve up to seven different engine types, including a regional jet and a

business aircraft. Future testing also is planned as part of activities being conducted under the Federal Aviation

Administration’s “National Particulate Matter Roadmap for Aviation.” 

Outcome

These profiles are intended to improve the ability of

regulatory agencies to distinguish and properly apportion

the sources of fine PM and air toxic compounds in ambient

air in localities of concern. Additionally, the profiles are

expected to improve the apportioning of such pollutants

to the emissions sources associated with airports, for

example, jet aircraft exhaust, diesel-powered service

vehicles, aircraft fueling operations, airport highway

traffic, and airport food service operations. 

Results of this RARE study will be used to develop a modeling approach to estimate concentrations of air toxics

attributable to airport operations, which, in turn, will be

used to develop strategies for reducing air toxics at the

airport and its neighboring communities. 

APEX1 Sampling Probes
17

Background

In the past two decades, scientists around the world have increasingly noted losses of amphibian populations.

Although declines have been noted in wilderness populations, it is particularly chronic in multiple use landscapes

where resource managers face complex conservation problems and must make decisions that affect amphibians.

The purpose of this RARE project was to develop recommendations for use by resource managers to mitigate the

loss of seasonal wetlands and conserving native wetland amphibians. 

Science

This study evaluated the relationships between amphibian communities and hydrology, exotic predators, and

landscape context in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Regional patterns in amphibian communities of managed

and naturally occurring wetlands were examined. In addition, the influences of site-level and landscape-level

wetland characteristics on lentic community composition in the lowlands of western Oregon were studied. The

study was co-sponsored by ORD’s National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory and the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS). 

Research indicated that the occurrence for four of five native

amphibians in this study had negative associations with the

presence of non-native fish. Non-native fish appeared to be

more detrimental to native amphibians than bullfrogs, and

they also appeared to facilitate bullfrog invasion. Furthermore,

mitigation wetlands containing a disproportionate amount of

more permanent, deeper water habitats seemed to favor

invasion of non-native fish and bullfrogs. 

Outcome

Wetland mitigation recommendations resulting from this

work were incorporated into the Willamette Valley hydrogeomorphic wetland functional assessment. Wetland

managers should know that creating wetlands with seasonal

or permanent connections to streams or permanent wetlands

may result in fish invasion, thereby rendering the wetland

unsuitable for most native amphibians. 

Results of this assessment were used to design appropriate mitigation necessary to compensate for functional

loss at impacted sites. In addition, the recommendations were used by the Oregon Division of State Lands and

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of their mitigation design guidance.

Relationship Between Non-Native Fish,

Bullfrogs, and Dragonfly Nymphs

Solid arrows represent direct negative effects;

dashed arrow is an indirect positive effect. 
18

The Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) is an important mechanism to put science to work in EPA’s

regions and produce noteworthy environmental outcomes. As environmental decision makers look for 

scientific and technological solutions to environmental problems, this document serves as confirmation of

the partnership between ORD and the regions to provide a well-built and treasured approach for 

producing results.

The RARE Program has supported a significant number of projects that reach across the environmental 

sciences, from human health impacts to the ecological effects of various pollutants. The RARE Program is a

robust tool that can be used to address any type of scientific issue or problem that a region identifies as a

high-priority research need, and for which ORD has the necessary expertise and capability to address.

RARE is one approach EPA takes to promote collaboration between the regions and ORD. For additional

details about RARE and other initiatives under the “ORD Regional Science Program,” EPA staff can access

our intranet web site at: http://intranet.epa.gov/opintra/scienceportal/ under “ORD Regional Science

Program.” Information also is available on the internet at: www.epa.gov/osp under “Regions.”