On September 14, 2015, EPA published a proposed rule that revises the current federal Clean Water Act human health water quality criteria applicable to waters under the state of Washington’s jurisdiction to ensure that the criteria are set at levels that will protect fish consumers in Washington from exposure to toxic pollutants.
EPA is offering two virtual public hearings so that interested parties may provide oral comments on EPA’s proposed rule.
Register for the hearing on December 16
Following a brief presentation from EPA, EPA will accept oral comments that will be limited to three (3) minutes per commenter so each commenter has an opportunity to present his or her views. The hearings will be recorded and transcribed, and EPA will consider all of the oral comments provided along with the written public comments submitted via the docket for this rulemaking.
Earthjustice has submitted comments on behalf of Soundkeeper and the other Washington Waterkeepers, which you can read if you are looking for ideas about how to communicate your thoughts on this rule. We believe that the EPA rule, as it stands, is the minimum necessary to protect healthy communities and waterways in Washington, and are encouraging EPA to finalize the rule as soon as possible.
More information about Washington’s water quality standards rulemaking process