The EPA unveils computer tool for planners to assess the ecosystems in the mid-Atlantic region

The EPA has unveiled a computer tool under its Regional Vulnerability Assessment (ReVA) program for planners to assess the ecosystems in the mid-Atlantic region most vulnerable to being lost or permanently harmed over the next five to 25 years. Universities, advocacy groups, state and local governments and other decision-makers can use the Web-based system to identify the stressors that pose the greatest risk.

“The goal of ReVA is not exact predictions, but identification of the undesirable environmental changes expected over the coming years,” EPA states, adding that the program “will extend environmental assessments for the region by using integrative technologies to predict future environmental risk and support informed, proactive decision-making and prioritization of issues for risk management.”

Stakeholders will be introduced to the tool at the first ReVA conference scheduled for May 13-15 at the Valley Forge Hilton in King of Prussia, Pa. The mid-Atlantic region encompasses Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsyl-vania, Virginia and West Virginia. To register, visit www.reva-maia.org. For more on EPA’s ReVA program, see www.epa.gov/reva/.