ENVIRONMENTAL DATA IN DECISION-MAKING IN EPA REGIONAL OFFICES

The mid-Atlantic region of the United States has a wide diversity of n atural resources. Human pressures on these natural resources are inten se. These factors have resulted in the collection of substantial amoun ts of environmental information about the region by EPA (both Regional and Research Offices), other governmental agencies, industry, and env ironmental groups. EPA Regional Offices comprehend first hand the impo rtance of environmental data and are extremely supportive of investmen ts in these data. Environmental data are used prominently in a variety of strategic planning and resource management initiatives. In EPA Reg ion 3, the use of scientifically-sound environmental data is, in fact, one of our strategic programmatic goals. Environmental information is captured and assessed continuously by Regional staff, sometimes worki ng in partnership with other Federal and State agencies, to derive rel evant resource management conclusions. The restoration goals for the C hesapeake Bay are based on environmental indicators and resulting data . Attainment of the water quality objectives for streams and coastal e stuaries are predicated on monitoring data. Our initiative in the Mid- Atlantic Highlands area uses environmental indicators to measure the c ondition of forests and streams. Landscape-level indicators will provi de unique opportunities for the use of data in planning and management activities in support of the principles of community-based activism a nd sustainable development. Significant value is added to these data d uring their use by Regional managers. Regional programs, such as the C hesapeake Bay Program and several National Estuary Programs, are found ed in environmental data, Environmental information is used by the Reg ional program managers to ascertain whether programs are accomplishing their intended objectives. Finally, Regional programs provide a cruci al means for disseminating this information to broad segments of the p ublic, so that a better informed and educated client base for effectiv e environmental protection will develop.