Environmental Protection Agency July 22, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

EPA is convening two public information sessions to explain the provisions of its recently published proposed rule establishing procedural regulations for registration review in 40 CFR part 155, subpart C. These meetings are open to the public.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is announcing the formation of a Working Group of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council on the Public Education Requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule (WGPE) and soliciting all interested persons to nominate qualified individuals to serve a one-year term. Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals for membership on the working group. Background: The Lead and Copper Rule requires systems that exceed the action level to complete a number of steps, which include delivering public education to alert the public of the problem and provide information on steps customers can take to reduce their risk. In order to ensure ``at risk populations'' are receiving the necessary information to protect themselves from exposure to lead, EPA is reviewing the public education requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule. EPA believes that public information is an important component of drinking water protection because it allows consumers to make informed public health decisions. The National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC), established under the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.), provides practical and independent advice, consultation, and recommendations to the Agency on the activities, functions, and policies related to the implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. On June 1, 2005, the NDWAC voted on and approved the formation of a Working Group (WGPE) to provide recommendations on the Public Education Requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule. After WGPE completes their charge, they will make recommendations to the full NDWAC. The full NDWAC will, in turn, make appropriate recommendations to EPA. For a general description of the WGPE charge, the criteria for selecting WGPE members, and the specific directions for submitting WGPE member nominations, please see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.