AWWA ACE91116

This paper presents a brief review of the process by which the USEPA develops its rules and, most importantly, how utilities can and must become active participants in this process. The author describes the US Environmental Protection Agency's regulatory development process, including interagency review and public participation. Focusing on utility involvement, the author describes the type of input utilities can offer and how. At draft stage, utilities can influence the direction of a rule by providing data from research efforts, no matter how simple; the author emphasizes that the USEPA welcomes and to some extent relies on data provided by utilities. As far as timing their input, many utilities wait until the public comment period opens following publication of a rule; that is because the USEPA must respond to each one of the reviewers who submit comments. To show how utilities can influence the development of a primary drinking water regulation, the author traces the development of the lead rule. In the past, utilities shied away from significant involvement in the development of drinking water regulations as any appearance of opposition would be interpreted as anti-environmental. Today, USEPA welcomes the dialogue as an aid in rule development.

Product Details

Published:

01/01/1991

ISBN(s):

089867591X

Number of Pages:

19

File Size:

1 file , 610 KB