RE: Permits guide URL

[patricia bonner <bonner.patricia@epa.gov>]

here is the fact sheet on the Permitting guide ....and the direct
URL in your message appears not to be working today.  Use
http://www.epa.gov/permits instead.   Know that this guide was
written for the use of delegated program partners-- states, tribes
and local govt's (Air programs).   It is not aimed at citizewn
groups or a facility seeking a permit.    That said, we have had
good reactions from industry reps and activists.


Public Involvement in Environmental Permits: A
Reference Guide

What is the Purpose of the Reference Guide? 

Better public involvement across all program areas continues to be
an EPA priority. OSWER lead the production of this Reference Guide
as follow-up work to recommendations from the Permits Improvement
Team and the Second Generation of Environmental Permitting Plan.
The purpose of the Reference Guide is to provide a resource for
state program staff to use in enhancing their own public participation
efforts. In addition, the Reference Guide can be used by the public
as a resource for learning about permits and their opportunities
to engage in the process.

Who Participated in the Development of the Reference Guide?

Drafting the Reference Guide was an agency-wide initiative with
input from OW, OAQPS, OSW, OECA and OPEI. The agency also consulted
with key partners on early drafts, including NEJAC and ECOS. At
two stakeholder meetings, one in the District of Columbia and one
in Houston, Texas, comments were received from a variety of groups
including:  Environmental Groups; Industry; Citizen's Groups; State
Associations; National Associations; State Regulators; and Regional
Regulators.

What is in the Reference Guide?

The Reference Guide summarizes the major permitting programs under
the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. It also gives an overview
of the core requirements for public involvement activities in these
permitting programs. The Reference Guide then provides best practices
and a model plan for implementing effective public participation
activities under these programs, and provides a compendium of
additional resources and contacts for use in implementation.

Where can I get a Copy of the Reference Guide?

The full Reference Guide will be available by August 31, 2000 at
http://www.epa.gov/permits.