EPA Region 5 State Mapping Projects ↔ RSMS mapping
Standalone reference: how patterns described in the EPA Region 5 State Mapping Projects Quick Start Guide (2024) relate to RSMS implementation choices.
Source in-repo: text extract at docs/rsms-upgrade/r5-state-mapping-projects-quick-start-guide-2024-extract.txt (extracted from PDF; layout/OCR artifacts possible).
Cross-links: rsms-threat-layers-overview (scope & rollout), rsms-threat-layers-backlog (prioritized backlog IDs), rsms-task4-and-r5-layer-catalog (Task 4 checklist + full R5 layer enumeration with links/status).
Program intent vs RSMS intent
| R5 mapping program | RSMS analogue |
|---|---|
| Situational awareness for OSCs; downstream/upwind vulnerabilities; upstream PRPs | Planning & scenario context: show plausible upstream infrastructure and regulated facilities adjacent to modeled reaches without changing plume physics |
| MFA-governed response.epa.gov access; Government vs Stakeholder layer mixes | RSMS ships public or APTIM-licensed subsets; no requirement to reproduce EPA portal auth in-app for MVP overlays |
| Rich widget set (trace downstream, ER widgets, reporting) | MVP focuses on GeoJSONLayer / FeatureLayer overlays + pop-ups; defer parity with EPA widgets unless product asks |
Layer catalog patterns → RSMS hook
| R5 pattern / layer theme (guide) | Typical upstream source families | RSMS hook (near-term) |
|---|---|---|
| Facility Registry Service (FRS) and FRS-derived ESF-10 style groupings (mentions ICIS, NPDES, RCRA themes in guide) | EPA FRS API / snapshots; NCSDownload where batch needed | Curated point GeoJSON per RSMS corridor + attributes trimmed for pop-ups; optional rsms_reach_key / mile bucket columns |
| USGS NWIS streamgages | USGS NWIS (waterservices, mapper exports); complements NOAA AHPS-style layers in the guide | Pilot A: port legacy RSMS gage overlay into Maps SDK (GeoJSONLayer / features); context-only unless separately wired to forcing |
| Pipeline crossing points & spill projections | EPA-derived crossing analytics (guide ties to NHD intersections); operator GIS where licensed | Ship crossing points after Pilot B backlog wave; spill projection linework later (heavier QA) |
| Railroad crossing points & spill projections | Same pattern as pipelines in guide | Same staged approach |
| ISA / sensitivity-style overlays (guide references inland sensitivity atlas themes in reporting workflows) | Federal/state bundled layers | RSMS may ship subset near Ohio modeled extents only |
| NPDES outfalls / discharge themes | FRS NPDES facets; state WQS/permit GIS | Strong backlog candidate (rsms-threat-layers-backlog.md L01) after pilots A/B |
| Drinking water / intakes (guide mentions water infrastructure classes in overview) | State health/environmental GIS; federal DW datasets where applicable | Useful downstream context; watch attribution/licensing |
| Vulnerable populations / facilities (schools, hospitals, etc.—overview text) | Census / NCES / HIFLD-style open data | Secondary backlog—privacy/sensitivity varies; prefer aggregated or public datasets |
Tool / workflow patterns → RSMS stance
| R5 capability | RSMS MVP stance | Later optional |
|---|---|---|
| Trace Downstream (hydro tracing widget) | RSMS already centers on river geometry + mile axis from model domain; do not duplicate EPA trace unless product merges hydraulic domain with national hydro graph | Possible future: link-out or lightweight trace only if shared hydro IDs stabilize |
| Search Location / Find Address | Use existing map/search widgets if already mounted; otherwise defer | ESRI geocoder integration |
| Reporting tools (PDF vulnerable populations, pipe/rail crossing filters, Crossing ID filters—guide) | Out of MVP for RSMS overlays | Could inspire export CSV/PDF of visible upstream features |
| Weather radar widgets | Not Task 4 core | Separate product decision |
Practical takeaway
RSMS ships Pilot A — USGS streamgages then Pilot B — USACE bridges (see rsms-threat-layers-overview.md / rsms-threat-layers-backlog.md L00, L08). Use the R5 guide as a menu for additional regulatory/threat themes afterward—not as a mandate to replicate EPA’s portal.
Document history
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 2026-05-22 | Pilots locked to USGS gages + USACE bridges; NPDES moved to post-pilot backlog. |