https://sites.google.com/view/tab-inventories/2022/2022-tlef/activity-1/data-sources-and-tools

There are many online sources for geospatial data, and using available map layers may significantly reduce the amount of time and funding required for our work. When using map layers and geospatial data from online sources, however, we need to check to make sure that they are high quality and from trusted sources, and that they are adequate for our needs. For example, not all data on EnviroAtlas are available for Alaska, and some databases, such as for UST locations, may be incomplete. We may also need to change the file format, run a quality control check, and fill in missing data before we can use them in our databases and mapping platforms. We will discuss file formats and quality in our next session on using GIS data.

All of the mapping tools on this page draw their data from a suite of authoritative sources (for example, ACRES for Brownfields sites), so many of the map layers will be the same for multiple tools . They are curated databases that EPA and other federal agencies will accept for reporting purposes. The tools differ, however, in which map layers they provide, as well as in the way they analyze data to produce map layers you can use and the way they allow you to analyze data yourself. Some tools allow you to export files for your own use.

Of course there are many other sources of data, from tribal, municipal, state and private sources. But for the purposes of this workshop, we will start with data that are accessible to all of the participants nationwide.

The slide presentations focus on how to access data useful for your Brownfields inventory, especially on techniques for exporting data where possible.

Cleanups in My Community (CIMC) enables you to map and list hazardous waste cleanup locations and grant areas, and drill down to details about those cleanups and grants and other, related information About CIMC . It maps, lists and provides cleanup progress profiles for Superfund, RCRA Corrective Action, Brownfields, Emergency Responses, Incidents of National Significance and Federal Facilities for which EPA collects/creates information. Source

The Cleanups in My Community platform will let you download data, but you must do it from the Lists or Tables page, not from the mapping tool.

The MyEnviroMapper application provides an interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) functionality using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spatial data and external GIS web services. MyEnviroMapper allows you to view spatial data for any city or ZIP code. It will create a detailed map for your window location which includes EPA regulated facilities, schools, churches, hospitals, streams, impaired streams, and impaired water bodies. You can manipulate and change the displayed map by zooming in, zooming out, identifying features, re-centering the map, and displaying a locator map. In addition, MyEnviroMapper provides detailed reports of EPA regulated facilities through the facilities displayed on the map or listed beneath it. Source

The EPA EnviroMapper is built on a ArcGIS platform and is similar to other ArcGIS app mapping tools in its basic functionality.

We can access the official FEMA flood insurance map using two methods:

1. The official FEMA Flood Map can be opened in Google Earth Pro click here for instructions. The Google Earth Pro map file download can be found at this link FEMA NFHL v3.2 kmz If you open the map in Google Earth Pro you will be able to add your own content and use tools like Elevation Profile, Street View, etc.

2. Another way to access it is to Click here for the official FEMA flood map viewer. The FEMA flood map tool is built on the ESRI ArcGIS platform, similar to that used for EJScreen and EnviroAtlas (below). Although EJScreen and EnviroAtlas provide layers with information on vulnerability to flooding, the FEMA flood map provides a more comprehensive set of information and is the authoritative source for flood insurance.

EJScreen is built on the ESRI ArcGIS platform, so it has some similarities to ArcGIS Online. It gives you a number of tools that were created by EPA specifically to analyze demographic and environmental factors that are important in identifying communities with characteristics indicative of EJ communities. The map layers are curated by EPA.

According to EPA:

EJScreen is an environmental justice mapping and screening tool that provides EPA with a nationally consistent dataset and approach that combines environmental and demographic indicators in maps and reports. This can help to highlight geographic areas and the extent to which they may be candidates for further review, including additional consideration, analysis, or outreach. The tools also allow users to explore locations at a detailed geographic level, across broad areas or across the entire nation. The screening tool includes various environmental factors, demographic factors, and EJ indexes. Each EJ index combines multiple demographic factors with a single environmental factor (such as proximity to traffic). The screening tool has Census block group resolution, and provides a number of capabilities, including color coded mapping, the ability to generate a standard report for a selected area, and comparisons showing how a selected area compares to the relevant state, EPA region, or the nation as a whole.

EnviroAtlas is also built on the ESRI ArcGIS platform and has a lot of similarities to ArcGIS Online. It is a free tool provided by EPA with over 500 map layers that are curated by EPA, as well as demographic layers provided by the Census Bureau. It differs from EJScreen in having a lot of environmental data that can be used for impact assessment; it is similar to EJScreen in having layers that allow you to combine environmental stressors and demographics. You can use both tools in a complimentary fashion for your report since they each have built in analysis tools that allow you to do different tasks that are useful to your work

According to EPA:

EnviroAtlas is an interactive web-based tool that decision-makers can use to inform policy and planning in the places where people live, learn, work and play. Human health and well-being are closely tied to the environment, which provides benefits such as clean water, clean air, and protection from natural hazards, also known as ecosystem goods and services. EnviroAtlas provides geospatial data, easy-to-use tools, and other resources related to ecosystem services, their chemical and non-chemical stressors, and human health.