EJScreen

Introduction to EJScreen

• What is EJScreen?

  • EJScreen is a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) tool developed by the EPA for environmental justice screening and mapping. It combines environmental and socioeconomic data to highlight areas where vulnerable populations may be disproportionately affected by pollution​.

Key Features of EJScreen

• Primary Datasets:

  • EJScreen includes 13 environmental indicators, 13 EJ Indexes, 13 Supplemental Indexes, 7 socioeconomic indicators, 5 health indicators, 5 climate indicators, and 5 critical service gap indicators.

• Screening-Level Data:

  • Indicators serve as proxies for potential exposure risks and may vary in vintage (e.g., air pollution data may be slightly dated). It’s important to verify results on the ground when possible​.

• National Coverage:

  • EJScreen covers the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other territories. Data is presented at various geographic levels, including census block groups​.

EJScreen 2.3 Updates

• New Environmental Indicators:

  • Drinking Water Non-Compliance and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) data using satellite sources​.

• New Map Layers:

  • Superfund site boundaries (previously represented as points), extreme heat, and private domestic wells​.

• Updated Socioeconomic Data:

  • Replaced unemployment with disability status in the Supplemental Demographic Index​.

How to Use EJScreen

• Data Layers and Maps:

  • EJScreen allows users to visualize data for specific locations. You can search for cities, neighborhoods, or specific addresses to see various environmental and demographic indicators.

• Indices:

  • EJ Indexes combine environmental and socioeconomic data to indicate potential disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities​.

  • Supplemental Indices provide further insights by incorporating additional socioeconomic data like low life expectancy and limited English proficiency.

Generating Reports

• EJScreen allows users to generate detailed community reports, which include environmental and socioeconomic data, EJ and Supplemental Indices, health data, and other critical indicators like access to services​.

• Reports can be downloaded, and users can define their own areas of interest by drawing boundaries, adding custom data, or setting buffers around specific points of interest​.

Practical Applications of EJScreen

• Community Engagement:

  • EJScreen is often used for public outreach, helping communities understand local environmental risks and demographic factors​.

• Research and Policy:

  • It is used by governments and communities to support research, policy development, enforcement targeting, grant applications, and more.

Limitations and Caveats

• Data Coverage:

  • EJScreen does not capture every environmental or socioeconomic factor, and data is often a proxy for real-world exposure risks. On-the-ground verification is essential​.

• Not a Designation Tool:

  • EJScreen is not intended to designate areas as "environmental justice communities" but serves as a starting point for identifying potential risks​.

Resources for Further Learning

• Students can access training sessions, office hours, and downloadable data via the EPA's EJScreen website.