regulators are searching for ways to assess the likelihood of adverse ecological effects. An ecological risk assessment organizes and analyzes measurements and data related to problems including potential climate change, biodiversity loss, and the effects of multiple chemicals on ecological systems. It also incorporates assumptions and uncertainties needed to analyze potential ecological consequences. The proposed guidelines describe the general principles of an ecological risk assessment and provide examples of how the assessments can be applied to a range of ecological systems. In keeping with a 1996 report from the National Research Council, the proposal emphasizes the "critical" role of problem formulation to ensure that the assessment can be used for regulatory decision making. The agency began work on the guidance in 1989; since then, it has sought input from sources outside the agency. EPA plans to publish a series of documents addressing specific ecological risk assessment topics. The comment period closes on Dec. 9 (Federal Register 1996, 61 (175), 47552-631).
Electronic data reporting project launched A general policy regarding the receipt of environmental reports from the regulated community via computer was published as an interim final notice on Sept. 4 (Federal Register 1996, 61 (172), 46684-94). The policy allows companies that transact business using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to report information to the agency by the EDI system. EDI is a set of standards created by the American National Standards Institute that allows computers to communicate regardless of the technology in use. Many large firms, including petroleum producers, shippers, and railroad companies, conduct business with EDI. This "paperless" reporting system is less costly to businesses, EPA officials said, because most of the data are generated on computer, then transferred to paper forms for EPA. EDI will allow the reporting data to be reformatted, so information requests from other agencies or individuals can be handled faster. EPA hopes to offer electronic reporting to smaller companies via the Internet
and plans to experiment placing reporting forms and submissions on the Internet. The notice is intended to encourage uniformity among the program offices. After each office develops its own EDI reporting requirements, they will be published in the Federal Register. The reformulated gasoline program in the Office of Air and Radiation already uses paperless reporting, and plans are under way to extend the program to companies reporting discharge monitoring information to the Office of Water, according to David Schwarz, EDI team leader in the Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation. Although the policy became effective in September, the agency is accepting comments through Dec. 30.
$50 million in "hardship" wastewater grants A draft guidance outlining a $50 million annual program to provide "hardship" grants to poor, rural communities to upgrade or construct wastewater treatment facilities was released by EPA in early September. The four-year program was authorized in EPA's 1996 budget with funds to be drawn from the Clean Water Act state revolving fund (SRF) program. The grants are earmarked for rural communities of 3000 or fewer residents who are severely economically disadvantaged. Guidelines say the average per capita annual income of residents served by the project must not exceed $13,244; the local unemployment rate must be above the national rate by 1% or more; and without hardship assistance the average annual wastewater treatment cost per household would be unaffordable. States will administer the grants through the SRF program and will require communities to seek at least 15% of grant funds through the revolving fund's loan program. However, states may choose to waive that requirement if the community cannot afford it, according to the guidance. The grant program also requires a 20% state match. States have until Sept. 30, 1997, to notify EPA of their intention to take part in the program. The guidance may be obtained by calling (202) 260-2268 or through the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/OW/ hardship.html.
Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic Fields: Biological Interactions and Mechanisms This volume provides a comprehensive survey of the multifaceted issues raised by environmental electromagnetic fields. Its 26 chapters are divided into six sections covering: •
physical characteristics of environmental electromagnetic fields • intrinsic biological fields • health-related risks • therapeutic applications • biophysical aspects of transduction mechanisms • cellular mechanisms Electromagnetic Fields: Biological Interactions and Mechanisms offers a fascinating examination of an exciting area of research that could help control the potential exposure risks and harness the untold therapeutic benefits of low-energy EMFs. Martin Blank, Columbia University, Editor Advances in Chemistry Series No. 250 550 pages (1995) Clothbound ISBN 0-8412-3135-4 $129.95
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