ATLANTA, GA, Jan. 15, 2013 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding public information sessions and webinars about the Agency’s proposed rules to limit nutrient pollution in Florida’s waters and improve water quality. The information sessions will be held at the Hotel Tampa on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 1 to 7 pm and on Friday, Jan. 18 from 9 am to 1 pm. Press availability will be held prior to each session.
EPA recently approved the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s revised nutrient pollution rules for statewide waterways including springs, lakes, streams, and some estuaries. However, in accordance with a 2009 consent decree with the Florida Wildlife Federation and because the state’s rules do not cover some coastal waters, many estuaries and a subset of flowing waters, EPA has proposed two federal rules that address these waters.
WHO: Jim Giattina, Director, EPA Region 4 Water Division
WHAT: EPA proposed rules to limit nutrient pollution in Florida
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 from 12:30 – 12:45 pm; and
Friday, Jan. 18, 2012 from 8:30 – 8:45 am
WHERE: Hotel Tampa (formerly the Hyatt Regency Tampa), at 211 North Tampa Street
RSVP: *** Credentialed press who would like to attend and/or would like additional details should e-mail Davina Marraccini at marraccini.davina@epa.gov.
EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed Inland Remand Rule through Feb. 1, and on the proposed Coastal Rule through Feb. 19. While verbal comments will not be taken/recorded during the public information sessions, EPA representatives will be available to help attendees submit their written comments electronically.
EPA will also hold webinars to obtain input and comments on the direction of Agency’s rulemaking. The webinars will be held on Jan. 22 from 10 am to noon, Jan. 23 from 6 to 8 pm and Jan. 24 from 2 to 4 pm.
Webinar registration is available at:
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/florida_index.cfm
More on the proposed rules and public hearings:
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/rules/florida/
