![[logo] US EPA](../gif/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
EPA Science Resources
Office of Research and Development
EPA relies on sound science to safeguard both human health and the environment. The Office of Research and Development (ORD) is the scientific research arm of EPA. ORD's leading-edge research helps provide the solid underpinning of science and technology for the Agency. ORD conducts research on ways to prevent pollution, protect human health, and reduce risk. The work at ORD laboratories, research centers, and offices across the country helps improve the quality of air, water, soil, and the way we use resources. Applied science at ORD builds our understanding of how to protect and enhance the relationship between humans and the ecosystems of Earth.
- Perform research and development to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems.
- Provide responsive technical support to EPA's mission.
- Integrate the work of ORD's scientific partners (other agencies, nations, private sector organizations, and academia).
- Provide leadership in addressing emerging environmental issues and in advancing the science and technology of risk assessment and risk management.
Models, Methods and Databases
This Office of Research and Development (ORD) web page contains a list of key ORD and EPA research models, methods, databases, software, and tools.
Office of Science Policy
The Office of Science Policy (OSP) in the EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) integrates and communicates scientific information generated by or for ORD's laboratories and centers, as well as ORD's expert advice on the use of scientific information. EPA and the scientific community at large use this information to ensure that EPA's decisions and environmental policies are informed by sound science. EPA functions as both a scientific and regulatory agency in the United States. Research conducted under ORD provides the basis for the formulation of environmental policies and programs. OSP plays a vital role by providing expert advice and evaluation on the use of scientific knowledge and science policy to support sound science in the Agency. OSP accomplishes this mission by leading efforts in science integration, coordination and communication across ORD, and between ORD and the Agency's programs, regions, and external parties.
National EPA Tribal Science Council
The National EPA-Tribal Science Council, commonly referred to as the Tribal Science Council (TSC), was created in partnership with tribal representatives to help integrate Agency and tribal interests, specifically with respect to environmental science issues. The TSC provides a forum for tribes and EPA to identify priority environmental science issues and collaboratively design effective solutions. The Council seeks to increase tribal involvement in EPA's scientific activities by building bridges between tribal and Agency programs.
Science Inventory (SI)
SI is a searchable database of EPA science activities and scientific/technical work products. The Science Inventory provides information about current or recently completed activities, providing a snapshot of EPA science being conducted in its research laboratories and centers, program and regional offices, and through grants and other assistance agreements to universities and other institutions.
Window to My Environment
A powerful web-based tool that provides a wide range of federal, state, and local information about environmental conditions and features in an area of your choice.
Center for Subsurface Modeling Support (CSMoS)
The Center for Subsurface Modeling Support (CSMoS) provides public domain ground-water and vadose zone modeling software and services to public agencies and private companies throughout the nation. This research encompasses the transport and fate of contaminants in the subsurface, the development of methodologies for protection and restoration of ground-water quality, and the evaluation of subsurface remedial technologies. As a result, a major focus of CSMoS entails coordinating the use of models for risk assessment, site characterization, remedial activities, wellhead protection, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) application.
Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM)
The EPA Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM) was established in 1987 to meet the scientific and technical exposure assessment needs of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) as well as state environmental and resource management agencies. CEAM provides proven predictive exposure assessment techniques for aquatic, terrestrial, and multimedia pathways for organic chemicals and metals.
Data Finder
Data Finder is a single place to find EPA's data sources so people can access and understand environmental information. All of the data sources are available on the Internet and have been organized by topics such as air, water, and chemicals.
Onsite On-line Calculators for Subsurface Contaminant Transport Site Assessment
The purpose of these calculators is to provide methods and data for common calculations used in assessing impacts from subsurface contamination. Parameter estimates are included in OnSite for the convenience of experienced personnel, the education of inexperienced personnel, and for the potential to provide consistency among a diverse user community. The simple transport models were developed for two purposes - to demonstrate concepts of ground water flow and contaminant transport and to calculate concentrations given a set of input parameters. Unit conversions were provided for unit sets unique to subsurface transport calculations. These were intended to facilitate the correct application of transport formulas, because some of the units and conversions included are unfamiliar to many people. The scientific demos were outgrowths of modeling courses, where general concepts of transport need to be introduced.
Window to Readily-Available Analytical Products (WRAP)
WRAP is a tool used to aggregate data on models, statistical tools, mapping tools, etc. and make the data accessible via an easy to use search interface. The application allows users to quickly find hundreds tools that can assist them in their scientific work.
Collaborative Research & Development Centers
In recognition of the breadth and complexity of the research challenges posed by environmental issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is exercising its position of leadership by advancing a new, more collaborative business model for conducting environmental research. With its valuable and highly specialized research facilities located in laboratories and research centers across the country, EPA aims to foster research partnerships with other federal agencies, states, private sector companies, utilities, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions interested in addressing environmental issues. By sharing its skills, knowledge, and research facilities and equipment, EPA will serve as a catalyst for progress in efforts to identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems. This Web site highlights a few of EPA's unique facilities where opportunities for productive research alliances exist.
Council for Regulatory Environmental Modeling (CREM)
CREM is a council of senior managers from across the United States Environmental Protection Agency, established in 2000 to promote consistency and consensus among environmental model developers and users.
Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) - GEOSS is a large national and international cooperative effort to bring together existing and new hardware and software, making it all compatible in order to supply data and information at no cost.
EPA Science Forum
An agency-wide Science Forum was started in May 2002 to demonstrate EPA's commitment to quality science while highlighting EPA's scientific accomplishments and the impact of science in EPA decision-making.