Introduction

[Charlie Atherton <charlie@structurex.net>]

Good evening.  I am a no-body citizen, Charlie Atherton, that has tried to meaningfully participate in the EPA decision process over the last 30+ years, but never could really figure out how to do it.  I have worked with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, from two agencies back before it was created, until date, and I still have not figured out how to do it.  On the local government level, same story, except we were told that local government "is in the economic development business, not the environmental business".  

As to date, I have made many good personal contacts within all agencies, but I still have not figured out how use the public participation process for the benefit of the public.
It appears that the root cause of our environmental problems is Elected Officials, who make the laws that limit the agencies abilities and control agency budgets.

I am participating with the hope that this dialog will result in a useful and meaningful public participation process that actually gets implemented to give the public a level playing field.  Among other requirements, by giving the public all of the information relative to those issues and topics that go through the public participation process and technical assistance needed for the public and media to understand this information.  The process must be complete and understandable by the public from beginning to end.  It must involve the public at the beginning and be user friendly.

Our thanks to everyone for your help and dedication to develop a process that continually improves our quality of health, environment, social, and financial well being.  I hope your day is nice to you.
Charlie Atherton 337-625-7613