Introduction

[Jim Colston <jcolston@ocsd.com>]

Good morning. My name is Jim Colston, and I work for the Orange County Sanitation District, a large wastewater treatment facility in Southern California.  I am also a representative to a technical advisory committee that responds to proposed regulations that impact wastewater agencies (POTWs).  My primary area of concern with EPA is the Clean Water Act, particularly the NPDES permit program and Water Quality Standards program.  I have worked with a number of EPA staff members on permitting issues, and I have responded to a number of proposed regulatory actions by the agency (including attendance at national conferences to discuss proposed regulatory changes). Public involvement in EPA's actions is one of the most important aspects of its function.  My goals for participating in this dialogue are simple.  I want to better understand how to participate in EPA's actions, and I want to provide the agency with ideas on how to enhance public participation.