Review of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Stakeholder Strategy

Key Stakeholders

The Agency plans extensive opportunities for stakeholder involvement in this process. This paper outlines EPA's strategy for that involvement. Key EPA stakeholders include:

• The public


• Public interest groups


• Public water suppliers


• National trade associations


• Environmental groups


• Members of Congress


• Other Federal agencies


• State and local officials

Stakeholder Meetings

EPA is holding an initial stakeholder meeting in Washington, DC on November 16 and 17, 1999, in conjunction with the Contaminant Candidate List project. The purpose of the 6-Year Review portion of the meeting (which is to be on November 17) is to develop interest and to garner support by stakeholders throughout the period EPA conducts this endeavor. A limited number of call-in phone lines are available (registration would be urged).

The Agency plans to hold additional meetings. Specific dates and locations have not yet been determined:

• Spring 2000 – The protocol for reviewing and selecting NPDWRs for review.
• Spring 2001 – The preliminary selection of NPDWRs for revision.
• Winter 2002 – Follow-up to comments on 2001 Notice.

.The purpose of these meetings will be to inform the stakeholders of the Agency' progress and to solicit additional input and advice.

Other Stakeholder Outreach

In addition to the stakeholder meetings, the Agency will seek and maintain dialogue with the stakeholders through:

• Participation in national meetings, workshops, technical forums.
• Informal meetings with groups and associations and individual discussions with technical experts at least once per year.
• Information posted on the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water web page. Issue papers, dates and locations of public meetings, summaries of stakeholder meetings, summaries of informal meetings, etc. will be placed on the web page. This information will be updated periodically.
• Federal Register Notices:
• August 2001 Notice of availability and request for comment on EPA's protocol for reviewing/selecting NPDWRs for revision, and request for comment on EPA's preliminary selection of NPDWRs for revision as a result of the first round of review and draft support documentation.
• August 2002 Publication of list of regulated contaminants that have been reviewed and list of contaminants to be the subject of revision.
• Supporting documents explaining the Agency's rationale and approach to the regulatory review and decision making process. The Agency will request input through the peer review process.

Key Questions for Stakeholders

EPA invites stakeholder input on the following key questions.

• Will the above strategy provide timely and sufficient opportunity for meaningful stakeholder involvement in the process?
• In addition to the above, should EPA provide additional opportunities for stakeholder involvement?
• Where should additional stakeholders meeting be held? Are the proposed dates appropriate?