RE: Needed Technical Assistance

[Marci Kinter <marcik@sgia.org>]

Alma,

The issue of technical assistance for communities has surfaced in
several of the collobrative issues in which I am involved.  And,
it is a difficult issue -- how can one provide technical
assistance in a manner that is understandable to the local
citizen.  I do agree that much of the information that is
currently disseminated is very scientific and technical in nature.

Regarding the three categories that you recommended in your email:

Information does need to be provided regarding both the potential
and actual effects of the chemicals emitted.  This type of
information does benefit the community as well as the facility.
But, the information needs to be balanced and put in perspective
based on the facility/industry in question.  Emission and
chemical levels vary by size and type of facility, and,
oftentimes, the odors emitted from a facility eminate from "safer
chemicals."

In addition to the working knowledge of clean up or control
technology -- I would also add pollution prevention activities
that are appropriate. Within the industry sector I represent,
screen printing, we are striving to replace many chemicals used
with lower VOC options as well as less toxic options.  It must be
pointed out at this point, that while a faclity can think in
terms of multi-media approaches, the permitting and environmental
regulatory structure does not.

So, in addition to education regarding the "science" behind how
levels are set, I would also recommend information on the
environmental regulatory structure itself.

I look forward to the discussion.