Dear Ecologgers: Many thanks to those who replied directly to me about the likelihood that this was a legitimate pre-journal-submission review for EPA. It turns out that the person requesting this review was following the established protocol for requesting outside reviews, which currently appears to provide very little information to potential reviewers. After specifically indicating to the requester the reasons for my concerns, I was told that they are now re-examining the specifics of how they make these requests.
It would appear I am the first crazy person they have asked to review one of their manuscripts. My apologies for any inconveniences my post may have caused, and thanks again to those who provided insight into federal peer review. Regards, Gary
