Poster
09-16-2003, 02:00 PM
The governor of Alaska is drafting a new offer to assume regulatory responsibility of the state’s water supplies. The plan would shift authority from the EPA to the state of Alaska, which also enforces the Clean Air Act for the federal government.
“While having Alaska issue the permits will add flexibility and help industries and municipalities in the state who now work with the federal agency on wastewater discharge permits, it will also add costs that will have to be paid by the state and those seeking permits, state officials said “
“We believe permitting, compliance and enforcement should be done by Alaskans who are knowledgeable about Alaskan conditions," Ballard said.”
If enacted, the new law wouldn’t go into effect until 2006. Alaskan officials say the new guidelines will be in the state’s best interest, since it will permit those who know the waters best to keep them safe.
"We occasionally disagree with EPA over how they interpret our water quality standards, but in general the arrangement has worked well," Chapple said.”
To learn more go to: http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/091503/foc_20030915014.shtml
“While having Alaska issue the permits will add flexibility and help industries and municipalities in the state who now work with the federal agency on wastewater discharge permits, it will also add costs that will have to be paid by the state and those seeking permits, state officials said “
“We believe permitting, compliance and enforcement should be done by Alaskans who are knowledgeable about Alaskan conditions," Ballard said.”
If enacted, the new law wouldn’t go into effect until 2006. Alaskan officials say the new guidelines will be in the state’s best interest, since it will permit those who know the waters best to keep them safe.
"We occasionally disagree with EPA over how they interpret our water quality standards, but in general the arrangement has worked well," Chapple said.”
To learn more go to: http://www.alaskajournal.com/stories/091503/foc_20030915014.shtml