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Superfund Straight Talk: Could I/Should I comment on the EPA plan?

Denna Grangaard Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Q: Will my testimony at the public hearings have any effect? A: EPA extended the public comment period to November 23 based on public testimony that more time was needed to understand such a large and complex proposal. We’ll know more about changes EPA will make to its plan after they’ve considered all of the comments. The extension gives you more time to write your comments and more opportunity to learn about proposed mine and mill site cleanup, protection of areas already cleaned up, and the potential impact of cleanup actions. The more you know, the more effective your comments can be. Q: How do I prepare for writing my comments? A: It starts with getting a good handle on what is actually proposed in the document. I suggest starting with an overview. Choose your method: read the web site overview for quick facts and summaries, ask a project manager to point you in the direction of the topics which interest you, go down to the EPA open houses on October 5 and 6, sign up for a field day bus tour, and attend citizen meetings. Talk with your county commissioners and local agencies. When you are ready to review the actual Proposed Cleanup Plan (ROD-Amendment), start with the Summary and then browse the Table of Contents. Find what interests you, read that section, and take it from there! Citizens need to know what is proposed. The ROD-Amendment (and supporting information) is available in most local libraries or on your home computer. Q: What do other people say about the Cleanup? A: Nearly 300 people came to the public hearings and about 60 people gave public testimony that they oppose all or parts of the proposed cleanup plan. There are about 9,000 adults in Shoshone County. It’s likely that there are a range of views among remaining citizens; the same goes for Kootenai County citizens. I know some people who strongly support portions of the plan, but are reluctant to speak. EPA needs to hear what people think about the plan – the good, bad, and the ugly. EPA’s proposed work will have a big impact on the future of our community. They need to hear “officially” (by written public comment) what you think will and won’t work, and why. Q: I don’t know if my comments would be helpful. What makes a good public comment? A: Any comment is good, but some comments are more beneficial than others. Comments explaining what you don’t like and why are more helpful than only saying something general like, “I don’t care what is proposed; I don’t want this project in my town anymore.” Specific comments expressing your values, needs, and concerns would be more beneficial, such as, “The ABC mill dump next to the playground should be a cleaned up first” or “The XYZ mine dump was capped and revegetated; so why is it on the cleanup list?” Comments about how you would like to be involved as a citizen, questions/concerns about impacts to your life and neighborhood, or even questions about how something is supposed to work are beneficial, too. More information about this topic will be presented at the next EPA “Proposed Plan for the Cleanup for the Upper Basin” Open Houses October 5 and 6. Members of the BEIPC Communication Project Focus Team will provide more information on opportunities to learn about how to make informed comments.
Please send your Superfund Straight Talk questions to Denna Grangaard, denna.grangaard@deq.idaho.gov, or 1005 West McKinley, Kellogg, ID 83837, or call (208) 783-5781.