Appointed to Administrative Law Judge in 2015.

• Honorable Christine Donelian Coughlin Appointment Certificate (PDF)(1 pg, 199 K)

AEMD Scientists Biographies

• Kristen Brown (PDF)(1 pg, 48 K)
• Tarsha Eason (PDF)(2 pp, 60 K)
• Chris Geron (PDF)(2 pp, 63 K)
• Brian Gullett (PDF)(2 pp, 68 K)
• James Jetter (PDF)(2 pp, 65 K)
• Carol Lenox (PDF)(2 pp, 58 K)
• Dan Loughlin (PDF)(2 pp, 58 K)
• Tiffany Yelverton (PDF)(2 pp, 64 K)

GWERD Scientists Biographies

• Junqi Huang (PDF)(2 pp, 60 K)
• Scott Huling (PDF)(2 pp, 59 K)
• Chunming Su (PDF)(2 pp, 29 K)

LMMD Scientists Biographies

• Carolyn Acheson (PDF)(2 pp, 62 K)
• Barbara Butler (PDF)(2 pp, 66 K)
• John McKernan (PDF)(2 pp, 63 K)
• David Meyer (PDF)(2 pp, 37 K)
• Kirk Scheckel (PDF)(2 pp, 36 K)

WSD Scientists Biographies

• Michael Elovitz (PDF)(2 pp, 220 K)
• Matthew Heberling (PDF)(2 pp, 63 K)
• Michael Schock (PDF)(2 pp, 32 K)
• Ariamalar Selvakumar (PDF)(2 pp, 60 K)
• Rajender Varma (PDF)(2 pp, 68 K)

The Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey results are used to gauge the attitudes and perceptions of employees in key work experience areas that drive satisfaction and commitment, ultimately boosting morale, productivity and capacity for mission success.

• 2018 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Results (PDF)(9 pp, 90 K)
• Summary of 2018 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (PDF)(4 pp, 420 K)

Appointed as the Chief Administrative Law Judge in May 1997.

• Honorable Susan L. Biro Appointment Certificate (PDF)(1 pg, 440 K)

Regional Administrator Mike Stoker has traveled to many parts of the Pacific Southwest since joining EPA in May of 2018. In addition to touring a number of Superfund sites and water infrastructure projects, he has visited several tribal nations, the U.S.-Mexico Border area, Arizona, Hawaii and Guam.

3/25/19

By: Alexandra Dunn, Assistant Administrator
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Today marks the beginning of National Farmworker Awareness Week. We depend on over 2 million agricultural workers in the U.S. to feed families around the world.

No farmworker should have to suffer harm caused by pesticide exposure. A serious farmworker injury changes lives forever, for families, friends and entire communities. The health and welfare of our farmworkers is also essential to our abundant and healthful food supply. When farmworkers get sick or injured because of preventable pesticide exposure, they can miss work, lose wages and incur expensive medical bills.

One of EPA’s goals is to ensure that farmworkers are protected from workplace hazards. We evaluate every pesticide to identify the risks to workers applying the pesticide. We also analyze data to assess risks to people who re-enter areas that have been treated with pesticides. We use monitoring data from exposure studies to determine how much pesticide people may be exposed to after application and how long workers must wait before reentering a treated area.

When we identify a risk concern for farmworkers, we require risk management measures — such as requiring personal protective equipment or requiring people to wait longer before re-entering treated fields.

EPA encourages the use of modifications such as special packaging designed to reduce exposure to workers who mix and load pesticide products.

Certain pesticides are designated as “Restricted Use Pesticides,” which means that they can only be applied by trained and certified applicators or someone under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. When a pesticide is particularly risky, EPA may require that only specially trained certified applicators can handle or apply it. Fumigants, for example, are gases that can move into the air around the application site and harm people nearby, making special training especially important. 

Regulations like EPA’s Worker Protection Standard are critical to the protection of farmworkers. The 2015 standard is aimed at informing workers about pesticide safety, providing protection from potential exposure to pesticides, and mitigating exposure. In 2017, EPA’s Certification and Training of Pesticide Applicators regulation finalized stronger standards for people who apply restricted-use pesticides, thereby reducing the likelihood of harm from the misapplication of toxic pesticides. EPA has awarded cooperative agreement funds to help carry out both regulations.

I encourage you to take a moment during National Farmworker Awareness Week, and throughout the year, to recognize the efforts of our farm workers and their numerous contributions to society.

• Status Update: Friday, March 29 | Helpful Online Flood Resources
• Status Update: Wednesday, March 27
• EPA Testing Drinking Water and Preventing Diesel Spill with Federal and State Partners

Status Update: Friday, March 29 - Midwest Flood Response

What is EPA doing?

• EPA is working with its four state partner environmental and health agencies, including deploying emergency response personnel to both the Nebraska and Iowa state emergency operations centers. All four state EOCs have been activated.
• EPA has identified Superfund sites impacted by floodwaters. At those sites impacted, the contamination is well below the surface and/or beneath engineered caps, which protect public health and the environment.
• EPA has confirmed the status of each Superfund site in the flooded areas.
• EPA and the Potentially Responsible Parties continue monitoring the sites.

What are the next steps?

• EPA personnel will further evaluate each site impacted by floodwaters to determine if any additional actions are required.
• EPA will direct agency and private resources to take any required actions that may be needed to protect public health.
• The actions may include testing for potential releases if site conditions have changed, including any damage to an engineered cap or significant soil disturbance.

What can you do to assist during the flood?

• If your house or building was flooded, follow local instructions on disposal. For example, it is necessary to separate household hazardous waste items from carpet, furniture, or other damaged materials. You can also help improve recycling of other goods. Here’s a quick list of how to separate materials:
  • Household hazardous waste - common household items that contain hazardous ingredients
  • White goods - can include refrigerant-containing appliances such as freezers, refrigerators and air conditioners, and other large appliances such as ranges, ovens, dishwashers, washers and dryers
  • Electronic equipment - can include computers, televisions, game consoles, music equipment and stereo equipment
• The best way to protect yourself and your family is to stay out of floodwaters. They can contain chemicals and other hazardous material; electrical shock hazards from powerlines; human and livestock waste; household, medical, and industrial hazardous waste; and wastes that can contain arsenic, chromium, and mercury.
• While it isn’t possible to always know exactly what is in floodwater, commercial and government drinking water systems are tested continuously and are required to ensure drinking water meets health standards. If you drink private well water, you should have it tested if it was impacted by floodwaters. Some state agencies and local communities are offering well water testing in the Midwest. Check with your state environmental and public health agencies.
• EPA and your state environmental agencies need your help. If you witness oil or chemical spills, abandoned containers you suspect may contain chemicals, or other potentially hazardous material in floodwaters, report them. You can call your local authorities or the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.
• Continue to listen for updates and announcements from local and state authorities for guidance on what to do if there is a chemical release.

Helpful Online Flood Resources:

• http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb/Disaster
• http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/flooding

• https://iowafloodcenter.org/
• https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/Social-Media-Press-Room/Disaster-Assistance
• https://idph.iowa.gov/flooding 
• https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/SearchTag/flood

• https://dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm
• https://recovery.mo.gov/

• http://www.kdheks.gov/disaster_recovery.htm
• http://www.kdheks.gov/wellwateraware/index.htm

• https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding
• https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-assists-states-midwest-flood-zone
• https://www.epa.gov/privatewells/potential-well-water-contaminants-and-their-impacts
• https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/P1001569.PDF?Dockey=P1001569.PDF

• https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/index.html

• https://water.weather.gov/ahps
• https://noaa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=1af9f59592ec4db5b25ae50d662eb38c

Status Update: Wednesday, March 27 - EPA Region 7: Managing Superfund Sites Affected by Midwest Flood

• EPA has not issued any public health advisories or alerts due to the Midwest floods.
• EPA is working closely with our four state partners (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska) in response to the Midwest floods. We have personnel deployed to both the Nebraska and Iowa state emergency operations enters.

Among EPA’s actions, the Agency responded to the Midwest floods by tracking and monitoring Superfund sites.

Superfund Sites Requiring Action:

EPA identified two Superfund sites affected by the flooding in the Midwest that required actions:

• Nebraska: At the Nebraska Ordnance Plant, near Mead, the site owner temporarily shut down treatment plants and extraction wells.
• Missouri: At the Conservation Chemical Corporation in Kansas City, the site owner maximized the volume of the groundwater extraction system to prevent migration of the groundwater contaminant plume. EPA continues to closely monitor these two sites.

Additional background information is provided on these two sites below.

EPA will continue to work with state and local response and emergency management officials to protect public health and the environment.

Sites Not Requiring Action:

EPA has identified two additional sites that had water on the properties but did not require any actions by the Agency or site owners:

• Mid-America Tanning, Sergeant Bluffs, Iowa: This is a deleted National Priorities List site. Part of the site is underwater, but significant erosion is not anticipated at this time. EPA will assess if further action is needed after water recedes.
  • Additional information about the site is available on its Site Profile Page.
• Railroad Avenue Groundwater, Des Moines, Iowa: EPA has not identified major impacts to the site.  There is some standing water on part of the site. EPA will assess if further action is needed after flood water recedes.
  • Additional information about the site is available on its Site Profile Page.

Sites Not Impacted by Floodwaters:

EPA identified four sites that are not impacted by floodwaters, but have limited access due to flooded roadways. In coordination with our state and local partners, we will continue to monitor the floodwaters and the sites closely in the days ahead. No immediate actions are required at these sites:

• Iowa-Nebraska Light & Power, Norfolk, Nebraska: The site is not directly impacted by floodwaters, but fieldwork is delayed due to road closures.
  • Additional information about the site is available on its Site Profile Page.
• Old Hwy 275 and N. 288th Street, Valley, Nebraska: The site is not directly impacted by floodwaters, but fieldwork is delayed due to road closures.
  • Additional information about the site is available on its Site Profile Page.
• St. Joseph City Landfill, St. Joseph, Missouri: On Friday, March 22, aerial photos showed some floodwaters on top of an asphalt-covered area of the site. The site is currently not directly impacted by floodwaters. 
  • This is not a National Priority List site.
• Lawrence Todtz Farm, Camanche, Iowa: The site not directly impacted by floodwaters, but site access is limited due to road closure.
  • Additional information about the site is available on its Site Profile Page.

Additional Background on the Two Impacted Sites:

Nebraska Ordnance Plant, near Mead

Treatment plants at the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant treat approximately 2,680 gallons per minute to remove trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination from groundwater produced by eight extraction wells. Wellhead ultraviolet units treat groundwater contamination resulting from historical explosives manufacturing at the site. The treatment plants and extractions wells can be operated remotely.

To prevent potential impacts due to a lack of access, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) shut down all treatment plants and extraction wells on March 13. Operation of nearly all plants and extraction wells resumed on March 15. Operation of one extraction well was delayed until March 18, due to water in an underground electrical conduit (resulting from saturated ground conditions, not actual flooding).

EPA remains in daily contact with USACE, which manages treatment operations at the site to ensure protection of human health and the environment. Because the contamination being addressed at the site is in the groundwater, exposure to contamination as a result of floodwater is not expected.

EPA will assess if further action is needed at the conclusion of the flood event.

Additional information about the site is available on its Site Profile Page.

Conservation Chemical Corporation, Kansas City, Missouri

The Conservation Chemical Corporation site is situated within the floodplain of the Missouri River, on the river side of the levee. As such, the site has experienced infrequent flooding previously. During previous flood events, there were no releases of hazardous contaminants from the site.

During this flood event, water is present inside the perimeter fence but remains isolated from, and does not cover, soil above the in-place hazardous waste. Stone riprap is in place around the site to protect against erosion from floodwaters. Because the contamination being addressed at the site is in the groundwater well below the surface, exposure to contamination as a result of floodwater is not expected.

The groundwater extraction system is operating at maximum capacity and has maintained inward gradient during this flood event to ensure that groundwater contamination will not spread.

EPA will assess if further action is needed at the conclusion of the flood event.

Additional information about the site is available on its Site Profile Page.

EPA Testing Drinking Water and Preventing Diesel Spill with Federal and State Partners

EPA is operating in the 2019 Nebraska flood zone with federal and state partners. After a request from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) in March 2019, EPA deployed a mobile laboratory and staff to sample private drinking water wells for E. coli contamination. Meanwhile, at Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha, EPA on-scene coordinators have been working with the U.S. Air Force and response officials to prevent a diesel spill from one of the 1-million-gallon diesel fuel tanks that had been inundated by floodwaters.

Water Testing for E. coli

EPA Region 7’s Science and Technology Center provides laboratory testing support to states whenever possible.

“The key thing is our ability to respond, even without an immediate mission assignment, because of the need of the citizens of Nebraska to be able to characterize their drinking water wells and private drinking water supplies,” said Mike Davis, EPA Region 7 monitoring and environmental sampling branch chief. “We’re testing for E. coli, which is the major contaminant of concern for private drinking water wells in a flood situation.”

The EPA Region 7 mobile laboratory conducts E. coli sampling in Fremont to test private drinking water supplies, in response to the flooding event.EPA received the request for assistance from NDHHS on the afternoon of March 19, 2019. EPA scientists and mobile lab technicians prepared to deploy the mobile water testing laboratory on March 20, and deployed to Fremont early on March 21. The mobile laboratory is accredited to test for E. coli in drinking water supplies. This is the first time that EPA Region 7’s mobile laboratory has deployed to sample private drinking water supplies as part of a flooding event.

EPA’s ability to respond to state partners’ requests for drinking water sampling assistance is an example of the Agency’s cooperative federalism priority. Working together with the state of Nebraska, EPA will address the citizens’ immediate concerns about private drinking water supplies.

The mobile lab will travel from Fremont to Norfolk on the morning of March 22, where the team will continue to test private wells until the morning of March 23. That afternoon they will travel to Verdigre, where they will conduct additional testing of private drinking water supplies through the morning of March 24.

In addition to sending the mobile laboratory to sample private drinking water supplies, EPA is sending additional personnel to collect samples to return to EPA’s Science and Technology Center laboratory located in Kansas City, Kansas.

Turnaround time for samples analyzed by both the mobile lab and the Kansas City lab is 24 hours. EPA’s ability to quickly collect and analyze drinking water samples for E. coli plays a critical role in protecting public health during flooding events.

The state of Nebraska is also analyzing public drinking water samples at the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory, which has currently committed to sampling at least 100 private drinking water samples.

“It’s a true partnership between us and the state of Nebraska and the NDHHS,” Davis said.

Preventing Diesel Spill at Offutt Air Force Base

A fuel tank overturns at the Offutt Air Force Base tank farm near Omaha, as a result of floodwaters. The tank was empty at the time, and EPA officials observed no discharge of fuel or oil from any of the tanks.EPA's assistance to Nebraska extends beyond sampling private drinking water supplies. The Agency also deployed two on-scene coordinators (OSCs) to Offutt Air Force Base near Omaha on March 18, in response to a reported oil spill.

At the base, EPA OSCs met with Air Force officials about the flooding and inspected a 1-million-gallon diesel fuel tank containing more than 44,000 gallons of diesel that was listing as a result of high waters. The OSCs oversaw Offutt officials placing 3,400 feet of containment boom around the tank farm and pumping floodwaters from secondary containment areas, in case of a release from one of the fuel tanks.

“The Superfund program stands ready to assist our partners throughout Region 7 when potential releases threaten human health and the environment,” said EPA Region 7 Superfund Division Director Mary Peterson. “Our OSCs worked closely with the Air Force and response officials to ensure that diesel fuel in the tanks remained contained.”

With no release of diesel fuel from the tanks observed at the base, and the containment boom in place along with ongoing pumping of secondary containment areas, the EPA OSCs demobilized and returned to EPA Region 7 Headquarters on March 20. EPA remains ready to assist the base, if a release or threat of release from the tanks requires additional response actions.

• Railroad Avenue Groundwater, Des Moines, Iowa: EPA has not identified major impacts to the site.  There is some standing water on part of the site. EPA will assess if further action is needed after flood water recedes.
  • Additional information about the site is available on its Site Profile Page.

EPA's Lean Management System (ELMS) is a means to promote continuous improvement. It consists of Lean tools and behaviors that assist organizations with sustaining lean activities and ultimately leads to an efficient organization. Our Lean Management System is a complement to Lean activities and is seen as a constant driver towards excellence. Read more in the fact sheet PDF below.

Read about EPA's Office of Continous Improvement (OCI).

• EPA Lean Management System (ELMS) Fact Sheet (PDF)(2 pp, 4 MB)

4/23/19

By: Alexandra Dunn, Assistant Administrator
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Happy Earth Week everyone! 

I’m privileged to be marking Earth Week in my new role as Assistant Administrator of the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP)! In honor of Earth Week, I’d like to celebrate my amazing staff and all the work they do each day to protect human health and the environment for all Americans. 

OCSPP’s mission is to use sound science as a compass to protect you, your family, and the environment from potential risks from pesticides and chemicals. Through innovative partnerships and collaboration we also work to prevent pollution before it begins. This reduces waste, saves energy and natural resources, and leaves our homes, schools, and workplaces cleaner and safer. 

There is no better time than this week to reflect on some specific examples of how we are fulfilling this mission and making a difference across the country. Some examples include:

• Prioritizing and reviewing existing chemicals using a risk-based approach to ensure that chemicals for sale and use in the U.S. do not harm human health and the environment.
• Reviewing the safety of new chemicals before they’re allowed on the market.
• Providing information to the public on how and where chemicals are used and managed—in their communities and across the nation—through the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI).
• Establishing maximum levels for pesticide residues in food.
• Providing label standards and other safety measures that protect more than 2 million farmworkers, preserves pollinator habitats, minimizes pesticide runoff to rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans.
• Promoting and providing education on the judicious use of pesticides through integrated pest management approaches that encourage the use of pesticides from natural sources, as opposed to synthetic chemicals.
• Participating  in a variety of partnerships that work to prevent pollution and promote safe pesticide use.
• Coordinating the external experts that provide us with independent advice and recommendations to help EPA make sound scientific decisions about pesticides and chemical management.

The list goes on and shows the richness, diversity, and impact of the work we do in OCSPP. It is a privilege to work on these significant environmental issues with OCSPP’s capable and talented staff. 

Gregory Sopkin serves as the Regional Administrator for Region 8.

5/23/19

By: Alexandra Dunn, Assistant Administrator
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Spring is in full swing! With warmer temperatures and nature in bloom, it’s time to get ready for more outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and enjoying barbecues. Spending time outside also means pesky pests like mosquitoes and ticks.

Itchy bites can spoil an otherwise pleasant afternoon, and you can even get sick from mosquito and tick bites. Insect repellents can reduce the risk of bites and help prevent disease. Under the law, before registering a repellent, EPA is required to review scientific studies and data to make sure that there is evidence that supports the effectiveness of the product.

It is also important to note that some repellents do not have to be registered and the producers of these repellents are not required to submit supporting evidence to the EPA. These products do not require registration because the active ingredients in these products were reviewed by EPA and it was determined that they posed minimal risk to human health.

Since not all insect repellents operate the same way, it’s important to find one that best suits your needs. With so many products available, how can you find the repellent that is right for you?

Consider these factors when choosing a repellent:

The Petition requests that EPA reconsider and rescind EPA’s final rule, Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act, Section 112(r)(7) (“RMP Amendments Rule”), 82 FR 4594 (January 13, 2017) and stay the effective date of the final rule.

• Petition for Reconsideration and Request for Agency Stay Pending Reconsideration and Judicial Review of Final Rule entitled Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act (PDF)(24 pp, 10 MB)

The Petition requests that EPA reconsider EPA’s final rule, Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act, Section 112(r)(7) (“RMP Amendments Rule”), 82 FR 4594 (January 13, 2017) and stay the effective date of the final rule.

• Petition for Reconsideration and Stay Request filed on behalf of the Chemical Safety Advocacy Group for the Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act (PDF)(148 pp, 1 MB)
• Supplemental Information for Petition and Reconsideration and Stay Request filed on behalf of the Chemical Safety Advocacy Group for the Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act (PDF)(11 pp, 435 K)

The Petition requests that EPA reconsider EPA’s final rule, Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act, Section 112(r)(7) (“RMP Amendments Rule”), 82 FR 4594 (January 13, 2017), stay the effective date of the final rule and toll compliance dates until 18 months from March 21, 2017.

• Petition for Reconsideration and Stay with respect to Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act; Final Rule, 82 Fed. Reg. 4594 (Jan. 13,2017), Docket No. EPA-HQ-OEM-2015-0725 (PDF)(10 pp, 5 MB)

The petitioner requests to amend the categorical non-waste fuels classification criteria for creosote treated railroad ties and other treated railroads ties, and the definition of paper recycling residuals.

• Petition for rulemaking to amend the legitimacy criteria in 40 C.F.R Part 241, the categorical non-waste fuels classification criteria for creosote treated railroad ties and other treated railroad ties, and the definition of paper recycling residuals (PDF)(23 pp, 350 K)

The petitioner requests the following fuels to be considered a categorical non-hazardous secondary materials (NHSM) when used as a fuel in a cement kiln combustion unit: paper cardboard, pre-consumer plastics, post-consumer plastics, and fabric and filter materials.

• Petition for Determination Identifying Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials as Non-Waste for Categorical Listing under 40 CFR 241.4(a) (PDF)(16 pp, 418 K)

David Zeckman

David Zeckman

David Zeckman serves as the Associate DAA in the Office of Mission Support. Prior to joining EPA, Mr. Zeckman worked for the State of Florida, serving as the Chief of Staff at the Florida Department of Management Services where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency, which administratively housed multiple divisions including; State Purchasing, Real Estate Development Management, Telecommunications, Retirement, State Group Insurance, Human Resources Management, People First - Florida’s web-based human resources information system, Fleet Management, and Private Prison Management. Mr. Zeckman also served in Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity, where he managed the compliance audits of economic development incentive agreements, to ensure the State received its projected return-on-investment, based on job creation, wages paid, and capital investment.

Mr. Zeckman started his career in the private sector, where he worked in the property management industry, in a sales and management capacity, and the surety bond industry. In the surety bond industry, he assisted small and minority contractors by providing sound business advice and prequalifying clients for surety bond capacity to bid and perform work on Government-funded projects.

Mr. Zeckman received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from East Carolina University.