2
Public Interests Session
Prior to this session, the participants were sent a 2002 Performance Self-Assessment and the
draft Performance Partnership Agreement for review. Prairie Rivers Network was the lead group
for arranging this session. Eight persons took part in the session held on October 18, 2001 in
Chicago. These persons represented eight organizations (see attached roster).
The discussion is summarized as follows:
1. Roger Kanerva and Rob Moore made brief opening remarks.
2. Open discussion session
a. General point was made about the new mission, vision and value statements. In
particular, they would like to stress the importance of public participation.
b. IEPA should do more to promote sustainable development. Urban sprawl should be
addressed using water pollution permits.
· Response - IEPA is a member of the Governor's Balanced Growth Cabinet. This
group has the lead in dealing with urban sprawl issues.
c. Clean Water Program - The following questions or points were raised in this session and
in subsequent written comments:
(1) They would like to see a bigger role for the NRCS in doing the TMDL
development work.
(2) They are not satisfied with the public participation process for the Black Beauty
Mine case and the Board's decision. The issue is the degree and significance of
changes made to a permit. They are working on a proposal to change the
permitting rules.
(3) Question was raised about the 303(d) listing methodology.
(4) Questions were raised about the nutrient standards and implementing narrative
standards.
(5) Concern was expressed about the criteria for permitting CAFOs.
(6) Question was asked about permit backlogs and, in particular, the status of permit
renewal for the MWRDGC.
(7) Question was raised about sufficient attention being paid to storm water pollution
control.
(8) Question was raised about the use attainability analysis for the DesPlaines/
Chicago Rivers.
(9) Question was raised about how regulations impact mining operations.
(10) Concern was expressed about how we are handling standards for wetland areas.
(11) The PPA does not say what is going to happen with the FPA review process.
