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Researchers: Information Sources
These resources provide links to various information sources to help students conduct research, collect data, and analyze environmental information.
Resources
Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
The Toxics Release Inventory is a publicly available EPA database that contains information on toxic chemical releases and other waste management activities reported annually by certain industry groups. This inventory was established under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA) and expanded by the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990.
RCRA Online
This online database allows users to search publications and outreach materials on a variety of waste related topics. Topics can be accessed through a search of the database (click “Full Text Search”), as well as by browsing through a list of topics (click “Topics Search”) ranging from batteries and chemicals, to hazardous waste and medical waste.
Major Environmental Laws
This website provides an overview of many Federal laws affecting our environment. This site is recommended for people interested in becoming active in environmental, health, and community safety issues. A brief description of the intent of each law is provided, as well as the requirements of the law and what agencies enforce them. Laws related to solid waste include the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund).
Terms of the Environment
This comprehensive list defines in non-technical language the more commonly used environmental terms appearing in EPA publications, news releases, and other Agency documents. The list also includes acronyms and abbreviations.
Science and Technology
This website provides links to information demonstrating the role of science at EPA, as well as links to scientific information that may be useful in understanding and protecting our environment.
Research
This website describes the research that EPA conducts to safeguard both human health and the environment. EPA’s Office of Research and Development (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.
Test Methods
Test Methods Collections
EPA has formulated hundreds of test methods that must be used by US laboratories when conducting analytical studies. Learn about specific test methods for air, pesticides and toxic substances, solid waste, and water.
ORCR Test Methods
EPA’s Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) Methods Team provides expertise in analytical chemistry and characteristic testing methodologies, environmental sampling and monitoring, and quality assurance. Included on this website is information on test methods for evaluating solid wastes.
