In March 1979, a nuclear accident at the Three Mile Island powerplant on the Susquehanna River, 10 miles southeast of the State capital of Harrisburg, Pa., raised the question of how plant locations might affect nearby areas in the event of such accidents. To aid in evaluating and developing alternative solutions for control of hazards by decisionmakers, a special land use and land cover map, keyed to political units and Census statistical areas, was produced from existing data by a computerdriven mapping plotter. Plotted at a scale of 1:100,000, the computerdrawn map can also be rendered as an overlay for a standard Geological Survey topographic map at a scale of 1:250,000. The map identifies 19 land use categories in the area by colors and patterns (a full-color reproduction

at 1:100,000 in this publication was not possible because of printing limitations). Concentric circles centered on the powerplant and place names were added for ease in evaluation of potential hazards and for use in future site planning. The digital data used in constructing the land use and land cover map are from a 1978 cooperative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Shortly before the accident at Three Mile Island, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) inquired about land use information available from the Survey for use in selecting plant sites and powerline rights of way. The Survey provided a description of information products, some samples, and a status report.

NRC ordered sets of the black-andwhite land use and associated maps of the Harrisburg and Baltimore map quadrangles. When the accident occurred, the Survey volunteered to show how the land use data could be used, not only for site planning, but also in assessment of damage and planning of emergency relief measures. The map shows settlement patterns and also relates Census statistical areas to land use centered on the island. The NRC is referring to this map in its report of the accident. In addition, the Survey is currently exploring the possibility of making similar maps for approximately 70 other plant sites. The Survey is also helping NRC to provide a wide range of nationwide thematic maps showing earth science data and State base maps for use in site planning, environmental impact assessment, and emergency planning.

The current multi-Divisional and multi-Bureau efforts of the Survey illustrate the trend of this organization toward nontraditional roles. Decisionmakers and planners at all levels of government and the private sector have a vital need for the expertise available in the Survey. Five selected examples of this effort are cited below.

OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF OIL AND GAS INFORMATION PROGRAM

During the past year, seven regional meetings were held to identify State and local information needs and issues as part of the initial development of Indexes and Summary Reports required by the Geological Survey Regulations and the Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Information Program mandates.

Indexes were prepared for the Atlantic, Gulf, Pacific, and Alaska coasts. They list reports and documents used by the Federal Government in the decisionmaking process for leasing, exploration, development, and production of oil and gas from the OCS. Work has begun on the Mid-Atlantic and Pacific Summary Reports; these will include (1) geologic and geophysical data and updated oil and gas-resource and reserve estimates, (2) projections of the magnitude and timing of any development, (3) methods of transportation to be employed, and (4) the general location and nature of nearshore and onshore facilities. Copies of the Indexes are available from the U.S. Geological Survey, 750 National Center, Reston, VA 22092.

The program's first direct technical assistance effort began with the signing of a cooperative agreement with the State of Alaska to prepare an issue analysis of information, planning, and programming needs for future Bering Sea OCS area activities.

COASTAL ZONE
MANAGEMENT ACT
COORDINATION

The Geological Survey established the office of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) Coordinator to handle the Survey's responsibilities under CZMA. These responsibilities include review of State CZM programs before their approval by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and development of working contacts with State CZM agencies to coordinate activities of mutual interest and concern.

During the year, the CZMA Coordinator has:

• Coordinated Survey review of the draft and final CZM programs of Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Guam, South Carolina, and the Virgin Islands.

• Prepared and distributed to the coastal States a document describing the Survey's licensing and permit activities in the coastal zone.

• Developed procedures to facilitate the review of State CZM program documents and materials by the Survey's regional offices.

• Represented the Survey in the formulation of Departmental policy on estuarine and marine sanctuaries proposed by NOAA.

• Entered into a cooperative project with the University of Rhode

Island to study the future role of
the Survey in the coastal zone,
particularly in the acquisition
and dissemination of earth
science information.

APPLICATION OF
CONFLICT
RESOLUTION
TECHNIQUES TO
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROBLEMS

An experimental project was begun by the Geological Survey and the Council on Environmental Quality to test the ways in which conflict resolu

tion processes could be used to im-
prove the decisionmaking process for
natural-resources management.
Several approaches have been taken.
Two training workshops in mediation
were held for the National Park Ser-
vice, and workshops are scheduled
for other organizations. A number of
conflict situations, both projected
and present, have been studied, and
discussions are underway about their
use as case studies. One such case
study for the Bureau of Land Manage-
ment involves the use of off-road
vehicles for special events on public
lands in California. Other cases under
consideration include conflicts about
land use, outdoor recreation, timber
management, and water resources.
Techniques to be tested include
mediation, facilitation, fact finding,
and education.

URBAN WATER
CONSERVATION
PROJECT

The Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New England River Basins Commission, is evaluating water-conservation methods for use in urban areas. The first phase of the project included a comprehensive review of water-conservation literature, a survey of 218 urban New England water suppliers, and a methodology for evaluating urban water-conservation strategies. A summary and evaluation of a wide range of water-conservation measures used in urban areas across the Nation is being prepared.

A methodology for selecting the most effective conservation strategies is being developed to aid urban water managers. The methodology is being tested in two similar New England communities that have two different types of waterconservation programs. The two tests will assess the effectiveness of the methodology in predicting the impact of the conservation measures employed by the two communities and in developing alternative strategies for reducing the demand for water.