Attachment IV - Page 4 
risk analysis techniques for assessing environmental hazards, 
and use of genetic engineering for pollution control. Much 
of the work completed thus far provides methods for identifying 
and characterizing microbial agents used for pesticidal 
purposes. In 1970, when the first viral pesticides were 
registered by EPA, they could only be identified by what 
insects they infected. Subsequent EPA-sponsored symposia 
determined the need for better identification of microbes, 
and the Agency's pioneering research in this field has begun 
to establish standard methodologies critical to microbial 
safety testing. 
An Intra-agency Biotechnology Workshop was held in 
December 1983 to develop a research strategy for biotechnology. 
The workshop was attended by representatives from all pertinent 
EPA offices. The program offices identified the following 
priorities : 
a. to develop identification and monitoring techniques. 
b. to conduct background research on the applicability 
of existing scientific methods for identifying and 
analyzing the health and environmental risks of 
biotechnology . 
c. to develop risk prevention techniques. 
Enclosed is the workshop report for the Subcommittee's 
information. 
EPA is currently refining the workshop recommendations 
for future research. The detailed research proposals were 
peer reviewed by an expert scientific panel in early May 1984. 
The peer reviewed report will help EPA develop its technical 
support approach and agenda. A final report will be available 
during this summer. 
In parallel with the workshop efforts, ORD is conducting 
an inventory of its capabilities (i.e., personnel and facilities) 
to help determine resources needed to implement required 
research/technical support activities for FY '84 and FY '85. 
Concerning guidelines and regulations, OPP will handle 
applications for release into the environment using the 
Agency's testing guidelines for biorational pesticides, 
entitled "Subdivision M," which is already in use. Regulations 
applicable to biotechnology include 40 CFR , Part 158 (copy 
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