sibility for a site-specific investigation as is the case under TSCA and 

 CERCLA which have not delegated substantial responsibility to the 

 states. Even in these instances, data on the type and extent of local fish 

 contamination and consumption can often best be gathered by the 

 states. 



In gathering and using the exposure information, there would be 

 considerable merit in the states' using methods that are generally 

 consistent with those used by the federal agencies. Such an approach 

 would not only add to the credibility of state actions, but it also would 

 facilitate the generation of coherent regulations or health advisories 

 when different states share the same body of water. 



A detailed discussion of factors to consider when planning sampling 

 and analysis programs and making estimates of fish consumption can 

 be found in the main text of this guidance manual. 



Governments at both the federal and state levels are committed to 

 protecting public health and the environment. Within each level of 

 government, various agencies have been assigned selected tasks 

 directed toward this overall goal. 



EPA has primary responsibility for identifying, correcting, and/or 

 preventing environmental contamination. ATSDR is playing an in- 

 creasingly important role in providing guidance in case-specific situa- 

 tions. FDA has a focused responsibility in protecting the portion of the 

 food supply that moves in interstate commerce. The states have the 

 responsibility of providing guidance or regulation at the more local 

 level. 



In order to achieve the overall goal-protection of public health and 

 the environment-as expeditiously as possible, mechanisms should be 

 established which foster mutual assistance and communication be- 

 tween agencies as they go about their interrelated tasks. At the federal 

 level, EPA and FDA have been working together on action levels in 

 fish for many years. In general, this association, set out in Congressional 

 legislation and interagency Memoranda of Understanding over the 

 years, is working smoothly to set enforceable standards for con- 

 taminants in fish in interstate commerce. However, areas of disagree- 

 ment remain, and these sometime impede progress toward a common 

 goal. Also, the EPA regions are appropriately becoming more active 

 in risk assessment and in providing assistance to the states. With this 

 regional involvement, there is a greater possibility for differences in 

 interpretation and mixed responsibihty when providing that assistance. 

 In addition, the creation of ATSDR introduces another important 

 participant at the federal level. At the state level, governmental agen- 

 cies are increasingly aware of need for consistent guidance to their 

 citizens. Particularly notable is the effort in the Great Lakes where, in 

 cooperation with federal authorities, the eight affected states and the 

 province of Ontario are making progress in issuing consistent health 

 advisories regarding fish consumption. There is a need for a 



Risk Management Issues: 

 The Need For A Standing 

 Committee 



