EPA is inviting the public to comment
on the agency’s draft strategy to protect and restore our nation’s lakes,
streams and coastal waters. The strategy, “Coming Together for Clean Water:
EPA’s Strategy for Achieving Clean Water,?is designed to take the next leap
forward in furthering EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s key priority of
protecting America’s waters.
EPA’s strategy was developed by considering
input and ideas generated by approximately 100 clean water leaders who discussed
two priority areas, healthy watersheds and sustainable communities, and shared
their perspectives on how to advance the EPA’s clean water agenda. EPA is
now inviting the public to consider and provide their comments on the approaches
outlined in the strategy.
Public comments on the draft strategy should be
submitted by September 17. EPA will review all comments and post a final strategy
later in the year.
More information on the draft strategy and to comment:
http://blog.epa.gov/waterforum/
EPA to Hold Listening Sessions
on Potential Revisions to Water Quality Standards Regulation
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) will hold two public listening sessions on potential changes
to the water quality standards regulation before proposing a national rule. The
current regulation, which has been in place since 1983, governs how states and
authorized tribes adopt standards needed under the Clean Water Act to protect
the quality of their rivers, streams, lakes, and estuaries. Potential revisions
include strengthening protection for water bodies with water quality that already
exceeds or meet the interim goals of the Clean Water Act; ensuring that standards
reflect a continued commitment to these goals wherever attainable; improving transparency
of regulatory decisions; and strengthening federal oversight.
Water quality
standards are the foundation of the water quality-based approach to pollution
control, including Total Maximum Daily Loads and National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permits. Standards are also a fundamental component of watershed
management.
The public listening sessions will be held via audio teleconferences
on August 24 and 26, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT. At the sessions, EPA
will provide a review of the current regulation and a summary of the revisions
the agency is considering. Clarifying questions and brief oral comments (three
minutes or less) from the public will be accepted at the sessions, as time permits.
EPA will consider the comments received as it develops the proposed rulemaking.
EPA will also hold separate listening sessions for state, tribal and local
governments.
EPA expects to publish the proposed revisions to the water
quality standards regulation in summer 2011.
More information: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/rules/wqs/listening.html
Water
Air
Hazardous Wastes