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EPA's Environmental Information Symposium 2005
"Supporting Decisions to Achieve Environmental Results"
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Final Proceedings
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
| 8:00 AM | Training Sessions |
IT Security (PDF) (10pp, 130KB) All federal employees are required to take annual information technology security awareness training, and for those with significant security responsibilities, additional security training is required. The landscape of electronic security changes continually. This training will focus on current information security topics of concern to the Agency, and will contribute towards the annual IT Security training requirement. Recommended for: Information Security Officials (ISO), Systems Developers and Managers with significant IT security management responsibilities. |
GIS For EPA Managers (PDF) (35pp, 3.5MB) This seminar is directed at EPA managers and senior staff interested in better leveraging geospatial capabilities to support their programmatic needs. EPA's Enterprise License Agreement with ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) has made it easier for more EPA staff to acquire and use GIS software. Learn ways to more effectively leverage EPA's geospatial capabilities to support their specific business needs. See demonstrations of existing OEI applications as well as video clips from Federal Applications, EPA's CIO, Deputy CIO and Geospatial Information Officer (GIO). |
Regulations.gov and the Federal Docket Management System (PDF) (28pp, 2.3MB) eRulemaking is a federal-wide initiative aimed at facilitating access to proposed regulations, simplifying public comment submission, and eliminating duplicate systems across the federal government. Like EDOCKET/RME, this new system will allow the public to search, view, download, and submit comments on proposed EPA rules. This fall the federal-wide electronic docket management system (FDMS) that will use Regulations.gov as its public face, will replace EDOCKET. Learn how to use this new system to post proposed and final rules, notices of data availability and many other Federal Register publications. This course will be especially beneficial to Agency or Department Rulewriters, Docket Managers and Docket Administrators. |
Cross-Media Electronic Reporting & Rule (CROMERR) (PDF) (42pp, 112KB) Attendees will learn general information about CROMERR, why it was developed, and how it is being implemented. The majority of the course will focus on states, tribes, territories, and local governments that have delegated programs. Information about why the regulation is important to delegated programs, how to prepare an application (what should be included), and how the application will be reviewed for approval will be discussed. This will be an interactive course and participants will be provided with fact sheets, frequently asked questions, and other materials to assist them. |
Introduction to Performance Measurement (PDF) (67pp, 271KB) Through a combination of instruction and hands-on exercises, class participants will learn how to develop performance measures using a logic model approach. During the class, participants will: develop a common understanding of performance measurement terminology, learn about the different types of measures, and learn how to identify, assess and choose the appropriate measures. Through a combination of "homework" (completed prior to the workshop) and in-class work, participants will leave the workshop with two tangible products including: 1) a draft logic model of their program or project and, 2) a draft list of potential performance measures. |
| 10:15 AM | Training Sessions |
Enterprise Life-Cycle Management (PDF) (58pp, 271KB) The agency is moving towards an integrated enterprise lifecycle management approach for managing our information technology and information assets. New Agency policies governing enterprise architecture development, capital planning and investment control, systems lifecycle management, and information security compliment and, in some cases, replace existing policies. Who does what? When? Who manages it all? This session will focus on how enterprise lifecycle management can be implemented within EPA's Programs and Regions. Attendees will learn how to use enterprise lifecycle management to ensure IT investments generate positive programmatic performance. This training will be most beneficial to Information Management Officials, IT Project Managers, and Systems Developers. |
Environmental Information: The Big Picture (PDF) (12pp, 100KB) This session will provide an overview of environmental information management and technology for participants who are new to the topic or need a comprehensive, high-level understanding of the entire environmental Information Management (IM)/Information Technology (IT) landscape. It will include introductory level presentations on all of the principal components of EPA's information program: the Exchange Network, the Portal Project, the Report on the Environment and the Environmental Indicators Program, the Enterprise Architecture, IM/IT policy, the role of the Quality and Information Council (QIC), Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC)/CPIC lite, and the importance of information quality. Lean how the pieces of the Agency Information Program fit together. |
Test Before You Post (PDF) (60pp, 2.1MB) Learn some basic best practices to make Web sites usable. This session will showcase examples of different methods for conducting Web Site Usability tests and provide a checklist to help measure site usability, or the quality of the user's experience. Designed for web developers, managers, content coordinators and others who are responsible for information dissemination via the World Wide Web. |
Information Quality Guidelines (PDF) (38pp, 408KB) This training session will address the origins and implementation of EPA's Information Quality Guidelines (IQG). Learn how the Agency manages challenges received under the IQG process and how your organization can use Pre-dissemination Reviews to ensure that information products meet the expectations of the IQGs. This session is intended for EPA managers and staff. |
Ensuring Section 508 Compliance (PDF) (35pp, 1MB) This training session will provide an overview of the Section 508 Standards and how they impact Federal employees. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that Federal agencies' electronic and information technology (EIT) is accessible to people with disabilities, including employees and the public. Section 508 establishes requirements for any electronic and information technology developed, maintained, procured, or used by the Federal government. |
1:00 PM |
Opening Plenary Session Welcome and Opening (PDF) (1pg, 27KB) Headquarters Perspective (PDF) (13pp, 235KB) Regional Perspective (PDF) (14pp, 269KB) Keynote Address: Regional Perspective (PDF) (10pp, 485KB) State Perspective EPA's Big Decisions: Meeting the Information Needs of Environmental Programs |
3:00 PM |
Break |
3:30 PM |
Flagship Sessions |
Track 2 - Extreme IT "IT Future" (PDF) (20pp, 125KB) The future of the IT Industry, including explosive growth in personal and mobile computing devices, demand, and power; document management needs; consolidation of storage for Continuity of Operations Planning/Disaster response reasons, and security trends, with some analysis of impacts on EPA. |
Track 4 - Achieving Results "Transforming Strategic Priorities into Goals and Actions" (PDF) (2pp, 92KB) Newly developed information management tools have the potential to strengthen the link between high-level strategic goals and operational decisions. As the EPA and States work to improve their capacity to measure and document results, good information management solutions become increasingly important. This panel of senior state and EPA leaders will discuss efforts that are underway to use environmental indicators to set strategic goals and to measure outcomes. Speakers will discuss current efforts and future direction and will give examples of opportunities for leveraging existing enterprise-wide information management tools. Linking Environmental Indicators and Strategic Planning (PDF) (7pp, 48KB) Wonder Data: Building Strong Programs 12 Ways (PDF) (32pp, 625KB) Information Access and the Decision Making Process as Demonstrated by the Wadeable Streams Assessment (PDF) (10pp, 385KB) |
4:30 PM |
Flagship Sessions |
Track 1 - Bringing Knowledge to Your Desktop "Using Geographically Enhanced Data and Tools to Address Priority Areas" (PDF) (24pp, 2MB) OEI's "Big Decisions" project has highlighted the importance of information to the myriad of decisions facing EPA HQ, Regions, State and Local Government. In this session you will hear from representatives from EPA's Pesticides programs and EPA Region 5 as they describe their priority areas and the value of better information in environmental decision-making. In addition, the Agency's Geographic Geospatial Information Officer will highlight the recent explosive growth in GIS technology, and its important role in environmental decision-making. The value of geographically enhanced information and other information tools to improve pesticide decisions under the Endangered Species Act The importance of better information for solving problems at the Local or Regional level The explosive growth of GIS technology, and its important role in environmental decision making |
Track 3 - Smart Program Management "Exchanging Data: Future Strategies for the Exchange Network" (PDF) (7pp, 280KB) Steve Thompson, Former President of ECOS, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality John Chelen (PDF) (7pp, 51KB), President of Hampshire Research Institute Over the last several years the Environmental Information Exchange Network infrastructure has blossomed into a robust mechanism that supports EPA and 40 state and tribal partners, and flows environmental data across all major media areas. Where are the future opportunities for this partnership? Should we create an Exchange "Macro-Network" that extends our infrastructure and partnership to health organizations, local governments, and the private sector? What are the new value-added services (geospatial, data publishing, identity management, quality control) that we might provide to our Network partners? Does facility data present an opportunity for new approaches to environmental data management among Network partners? This session will highlight new opportunities to extend the Network and will invite discussion on strategic issues. |
6:30 PM |
Adjourn |
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
8:30 AM |
Track Sessions |
Track 1- Bringing Knowledge to Your Desktop Understanding the Linkages Between Environment and Health Linking environmental data and information to health outcomes remains a challenge. This session will present background information on a number of efforts to link environmental and health data, including perspectives from EPA, States, and other Federal Agencies. Participants will learn how identified data needs are being met and how officials at all levels of government are trying to leverage each others' data to meet their own needs. Environmental Public Health Tracking: Building a Sustainable Standard based National Network (PDF) (26pp, 1.1MB) Linking Ambient Air and Health Information Using Network Technology (PDF) (12pp, 370KB) Using Information to Direct Planning in an EPA Regional Office (PDF) (22pp, 869KB) |
Track 2 - Extreme IT EPA Portal Concepts, Capabilities, and Content (PDF) (51pp, 3.4MB) This session will be a panel discussion focusing on the functional objectives of the EPA Portal and its relationship to EPA's target technical architecture. Explore the concept of "communities" within the Portal with specific reference to the content and capabilities offered by the first two media-specific communities scheduled for inclusion in the Portal -- the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) Air Analysis Community and the Office of Research and Development (ORD) Scientist Community. Particular emphasis will be placed on the benefits of the Portal with respect to its ability to enhance information discovery and facilitate a "build it once, use it everywhere" culture whereby the tools developed by one community can be leveraged across the Agency. The Air Analysis Community The Office of Research and Development Scientist Connection Community Portal Technical Project |
Track 3 - Smart Program Management Protecting Our Nation's Waters (PDF) (6pp, 126KB) This session focuses on the environmental benefits of implementing the Watershed Protection Strategy and associated technical challenges. The audience will learn about the varied set of federal, state and local efforts to collect, manage, and share data to support watershed protection. National Water Quality: Completing the National Picture (PDF) (16pp, 213KB) Non-Point Source Best Management Practice information Exchange in the Chesapeake Bay (PDF) (26pp, 210KB) Exchanging Water Program Data Over the Network (PDF) (14pp, 551KB) |
Track 4 - Achieving Results Planning and Priority Setting - Strategic Use of Data and Indicators to Define and Achieve Environmental Outcomes (PDF) (72 pp, 3.9MB) This session will examine new approaches to strengthen joint planning and priority setting processes between EPA and the States. Topics discussed will be: preparing information for public display; using environmental information to focus program implementation strategically on the highest risk areas; linking information to priority setting on a State level; and using the Web to develop and share information. Preparing Indicators for Public Display on the Web Using Spatial Analysis for Strategic Program Implementation Linking Information and Program Priority-Setting at the State Level Developing Environmental Indicators with our States |
10:30 AM |
Track Sessions |
Track 1 - Bringing Knowledge to Your Desktop Statistics: It Worked for Las Vegas and It Can Work For You Learn the usefulness of implementing statistical reasoning and proper sampling to make better and cheaper environmental decisions. This will not be a technical session, but rather a plain English panel discussion of the benefits of sampling design and established techniques to derive results even with very limited data. Specific successes will be discussed. The Increasing Importance of Statistics for Air Pollution Programs (PDF) (34pp, 2.1MB) You did WHAT with only ten samples? (PDF) (13pp, 271KB) The Use of the Visual Sampling Plans (PDF) (16pp, 434KB) Successful Uses of Statistics in Region 5 (PDF) (20pp, 1.4MB) |
Track 2 - Extreme IT Visualizing Solutions: Using Geospatial Technologies to Improve Decision Making (PDF) (10pp, 99KB) This session will provide an overview of the use of Geospatial Technologies throughout the EPA. A panel of GIS representatives from EPA Programs, Regions and Research Laboratories will demonstrate how wide spread Geospatial Technologies are throughout the agency and how agency programs are using these technologies. Learn about the different types of GIS support provided by different groups within the agency and how environmental programs can utilize geospatial technologies. Panel Members: Cary McElhinney (PDF) (16pp, 1.6MB), Office of Water, EPA Steve Goranson (PDF) (78pp, 7.6MB), EPA Region 5 Harvey Simon (PDF) (47pp, 5.0MB), EPA Region 2 Matthew Leopard, Office of Information Collection, EPA Michelle Thawley (PDF) (17pp, 2.3MB), Office of Pesticide Programs, EPA Brenda Smith, Geospatial Information Officer, EPA Eugenia Naranjo (PDF) (8pp, 1.4MB) (Was not present) |
Track 3 - Smart Program Management Transforming Paper Processes to Electronic Converting paper-based processes to electronic ones can significantly improve efficiencies such as reducing processing time and paper storage costs. Many EPA programs and regions are undertaking this significant endeavor. Although promising significant benefits, this move presents challenges ranging from ensuring the confidentiality of CBI data to converting paper to electronic images. This discussion will explore the how three programs are successfully tackling this conversion. eIUR (PDF) (9pp, 219KB) Pesticides Registration (PDF) (20pp, 403KB) NPDES Permits (PDF) (9pp, 273KB) |
Track 4 - Achieving Results Using Information to Achieve Environmental Results Quality accessible information is needed to make strategic well-informed decisions. This session will explore the use of information to make core Agency decisions. Participants will learn about EPA's efforts to align information on regular indicator reporting and data gaps analyses with the Agency's strategic planning processes. EPA is assessing the questions, indicators, and gaps and limitations related to the Agency's next Report on the Environment to inform decisions about future information investments that are more results oriented. This session will also discuss the results from OEI's "Big Decisions" process, which is aimed at identifying priority information needs for EPA's regulatory decisions through a value of information analysis. Use of Report on the Environment Questions and Indicators in the EPA Strategic Planning Process (PDF) (27pp, 314KB) The Value of Information in EPA's "Big Decisions" (PDF) (22pp, 90KB) |
1:30 PM |
Track Sessions |
Track 1 - Bringing Knowledge to Your Desktop Analytical Tools for Local, State, Regional, and National Decision-Making Analytical tools help managers, analysts, and scientists manage, analyze, and visualize data for decision-making. This session will highlight how analytical tools developed at the national, regional and state level can be used to inform strategic decisions. Innovative Technologies for Analytical Results-Toxic Release Inventory Datamart (PDF) (17pp, 577KB) Kentucky Watershed Modeling Information Portal (KWMIP) Sam A. Bacharach (PDF) (14pp, 321KB), Executive Director Outreach, Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. Elevation-Based Web Tools and their National Application (PDF) (54pp, 8.8MB) |
Track 2 - Extreme IT Extreme Availability: Preparing for Disaster (PDF) (50pp, 2.5MB) This session will discuss the evolution of EPA's Information Technology capabilities associated with disaster recovery (DR) and continuity of operations (COOP) across EPA using milestones events to show the program evolution. For example, the Mississippi River floods of 1993 led the agency to embrace Geographical Information Systems as a vital component of our emergency response as we attempted to determine which facilities had been impacted by the floods. The session will conclude with a general discussion of EPA's ability to function in a theoretical global flu pandemic situation. Panel participants will include representatives from all 10 EPA Regions, EPA's Office of Environmental Information (OEI), and EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER). This discussion is intended to provide the audience with a broad appreciation of EPA's DR and COOP IT resources, as well as provide for an opportunity to discuss areas where further effort is needed to better position EPA as IT continues to evolve. Panel Members: Phyllis Kozub, Office of Technology Operations & Planning, OEI, EPA David Updike, Office of Technology Operations & Planning, OEI, EPA Ray Worley, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, EPA Mike MacDougall, EPA Region 1 Bob Messina, EPA Region 2 Wendy Bartel, EPA Region 3 Kelly Sisario, EPA Region 4 Lisa Dean, EPA Region 5 Jeff Wandtke, EPA Region 7 Paula Smith, EPA Region 8 Warren Beer, EPA Region 9 Bruce Stapleton, EPA Region 10 |
Track 3 - Smart Program Management The Exchange Network: Collaborating for Environmental Results The Exchange Network is a true collaboration across federal, state, tribal and local agencies. This session will highlight examples of collaborations that have or will lead to significant improvements in the way environmental information is received, shared, and managed. Participants will learn about successful partnerships, as well as new initiatives and how they are shaping our exchange of environmental information. Exchange Network Return on Investment Analysis (PDF) (25pp, 277KB) The Exchange Network offers an opportunity to tie the many geospatial data sources together through a single, secure infrastructure (PDF) (11pp, 682KB) Air Quality Exchange (PDF) (8pp, 322KB) |
Track 4 - Achieving Results Using Targets and Measures for Environmental Results - Information Tools for Intelligent Action Learn how information management can support smarter, more strategic environmental program implementation, whether regulatory or voluntary. In this track participants will learn how good information tools can help strengthen program management and foster communication that leads to environmental improvements. This program will also explore how the collection, reporting and integration of program information can facilitate multi-level government service delivery. Connecticut's Annual Environmental Report: Managing to Performance Targets (PDF) (20pp, 353KB) Using Online Energy Performance Rating to Link Business Actions to State Environmental Priorities (PDF) (23pp, 626KB) Tools for Effective Program Management: Getting Budget, Financial, and Environmental Results Information to EPA Employees (PDF) (10pp, 306KB) |
EPA Quality Managers Meeting (PDF) (22pp, 197KB) A working session that will introduce current EPA Quality System initiatives. The session will provide opportunities for collaboration and coordination in addressing Quality System priorities. Discussion topics will include challenges and opportunities for expanding the EPA Quality policy and identification and exploration of major current issues in EPA Quality Systems implementation and assessment. This meeting addresses EPA policy level issues and is open to EPA employees only. |
3:30 PM |
Track Sessions |
Track 1 - Bringing Knowledge to Your Desktop EPA's Environmental Indicators Initiative and the Electronic Report on the Environment The Indicators Initiative is improving the Agency's ability to report on the status of and trends in environmental conditions and their impacts on human health and the nation's natural resources. Through this initiative, EPA is identifying where additional research, data quality improvements and information are needed. Learn about the progress that has been made in developing the next Report on the Environment, the expected products for the next report, the science behind the indicators and the efforts to present indicators at a regional scale. Overview of EPA's Environmental Indicators Initiative (EII) and the Science Behind the Indicators (PDF) (19pp, 136KB) Regional Environmental Indicators and EPA's Report on the Environment (ROE) (PDF) (19pp, 636KB) The Electronic Report on the Environment (e-ROE) (PDF) (25pp, 1.7MB) |
Track 2 - Extreme IT Extreme Access: Ubiquitous Identity Management (PDF) (52pp, 637KB) As the Federal Government pushes toward single identity management for access to buildings and computer resource, this panel will discuss both the federal initiatives and the EPA initiative as a joint effort of OARM and OEI. Learn about Smart Card Technology and card readers. David Schwarz, Office of Information Collection, EPA Jody Zeugner, Office of Technology Operations and Planning, EPA Wes Carpenter, Office of Administration and Resources Management, EPA Phil Magrogan, Lockheed-Martin Corp. Mark McGovern, Lockheed-Martin Corp. Dan Chenok, SRA International, Inc. |
Track 3 - Smart Program Management Supporting Business Needs Through IT (PDF) (4pp, 38KB) This session will focus on reusing components of EPA's new enterprise architecture to support a variety of business needs. Learn how the Central Data Exchange (CDX) is being used to improve watershed management, enable simultaneous reporting to EPA and states of TRI reports, and support the facility identification needs of individual environmental programs. Southeast CAFO Environmental Information Exchange Project (PDF) (22pp, 1.0MB) The Environmental Protection Agency's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program - TRI State Data Exchange - Allowing Facilities to Simultaneously Report to both EPA and States (PDF) (9pp, 48KB) TRI State Data Exchange - A State Perspective (PDF) (15pp, 561KB) Leveraging Facility Data to Support EPA and its Partners (PDF) (23pp, 492KB) |
Track 4 - Achieving Results Achieving Results Through E-Government (PDF) (21pp, 727KB) The President's Management Agenda (PMA) challenges the federal workforce to improve performance, deliver results and better serve citizens. This session will explore how the PMA for E-Gov has evolved in the past eighteen months - moving beyond success associated with 24 specific projects to driving change in the way we carry out our business processes. In a panel format, representatives from EPA, SBA, and GSA will share their views regarding early successes, best practices and new directions. Best Practices Spotlight Changing Government Business Practices (PDF) (10pp, 591KB) The Future of E-Gov: Lines of Business Environment (PDF) (5pp, 174KB) |
EPA Quality Managers Meeting A working session that will introduce current EPA Quality System initiatives. The session will provide opportunities for collaboration and coordination in addressing Quality System priorities. Discussion topics will include challenges and opportunities for expanding the EPA Quality policy and identification and exploration of major current issues in EPA Quality Systems implementation and assessment. This meeting addresses EPA policy level issues and is open to EPA employees only. |
Thursday, December 1, 2005
8:30 AM |
General Session: Improving Incident Response through Effective Use of Information Technology This plenary session will address the use of IT/IM to support incidents of National significance. The session will begin with a context presentation for attendees to serve as a backdrop for how entities at all levels of government organize and carry out a response in a multi-phased manner. Two moderated panel discussions will follow which will: 1) draw upon the experience of senior officials from EPA, the States and/or local government in planning and managing significant events focusing on IT approaches which successfully met past communication and decision making needs, and 2) outline IT requirements/needs which will support decision makers and on-scene responders involved in future homeland security or natural disaster events. Moderator: Lynda Carroll, Assistant Regional Administrator for Management, EPA Region 6 "Anatomy of a Response" (PDF) (20pp, 226KB) Eric Mosher, OSC EPA Region 2 An overview of what constitutes a response, how the government is organized to handle emergency response, phases of mobilization and deployment, participant roles and responsibilities, and how EPA fits into the governing Incident Command Structure (ICS). The presentation will also describe the authorities and business rules under which we operate. Panel Discussion I: Information Management and Technology Needs |
10:00 AM |
Panel Discussion II: IM/IT for Future Incident Response |
11:00 AM |
Closing Plenary Session (PDF) (13pp, 2.3MB) |
Noon |
Adjourn |