Federal EPA setting the example for state agencies

[Mark F. Bohne <hilltop@lrbcg.com>]

The federal EPA should set an example for state agencies regarding operations, excellence of programs, and communication with affected communities.

We live in the greatest nation in the world, we should demand "world class" leadership, especially when it affects the environment.

I have read many comments in the past days about how remediation and determination of the extent of environmental damage is a nebulous goal, maybe out of the reach of our present science. Does that mean that we should anticipate the best and prepare for the worst?

We learned some grave lessons from the 50's and 60's about how fragile our environment can be, and the terrible affect it can (and is probably having) on the health and well-being of the people on the planet. The present environemtal issues are not as visible as they once were. The real dangers are buried, waiting to leach into the water sources.

Therefore, we should set a high standard for our expectations from the agency regarding remediation of suspected hazardous sites, and the communication with local communities regarding possible health issues.

This isn't inducing panic, it's assuring the general public that the best interests of the people is the first step in building a trust relationship. This allows a local community to weigh the financial with the environmental issues *with* the agency to help make rational and proper decisions.