Comments sought on draft guidance manual

WASHINGTON, DC, July 14, 2008 -- EPA is seeking comment on the Draft Technical Guidance Manual for the Proposed Aircraft Drinking Water Rule. The comment period for the Guidance is open until August 31, 2008. Comments may be submitted to [email protected]. You can access the guidance document on EPA's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/airlinewater/regs.html#proposed.

This guidance is intended for aircraft industry professionals and air carrier employees who need to be familiar with the proposed rule requirements. This may include air carrier and airport owners and managers, pilots, flight attendants, fixed based operators, and maintenance staff. This guidance is intended to help facilitate compliance with and implementation of the requirements of the rule when final. It recommends sampling procedures that ensure accurate sampling results and maintenance procedures that help preserve good water quality onboard the aircraft. This manual also provides templates for the various public notices required by the proposed rule. While the rule will not be in effect until it is final, this guidance is intended to explain the provisions in the proposed rule and how it will likely be implemented if finalized as proposed. EPA will update and revise this guidance document, prior to issuance, to reflect the text of the final rule.

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