In the pilot project begun in 1977. SEE demonstrated the effectiveness of older Americans employed in jobs relating to the protection of environmental resources. For example. in Arkansas. 8 senior citizens conducted an EPAmandated survey of open dumps within the State. in New Jersey. 21 older Americans were hired to gather followup information for an earlier survey of hazardous waste products generated by State industries. and in California. a project studied the extent to which migrant workers were exposed to dangerous pesticides while on the Job. It is a rare occasion when the public derives such benefit from an investment as small as the amount expended for the senior environmental employment pilot program. Retired. unemployed older workers have a wealth of talent and experience that should and must be used. At a time when Federal assistance for environmental programs is being reduced. additional resourceL are needed to help implement State and Federal programs. The Environmental Programs Assistance Act will assist in accomplishing such projects as: Air monitoring and emission testing. pesticides inventory and control. water quality and supply sampling and monitoring. technical libraries and public information projects. carcinogenic surveys and followup. hazardous materials routing surveys. health and screening in rural areas and among migrant workers. and noise abatement and control. The bill requires that SEE participants not replace existing activities within a State. The participants must augment or improve existing programs.