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PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON TOXIC CHEMICALS IN GREAT LAKES

Release Date: 11/04/99
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1999

PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON TOXIC
CHEMICALS IN GREAT LAKES


EPA is seeking public comment on information and data gathered to date by EPA’s
Great Lakes National Program Office in its joint effort with Canada to eliminate persistent toxic substances in the Great Lakes. Preliminary draft reports are now available on Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Mercury, Alkyl Lead, Benzo(a)Pyrene and Hexachorobenzene. The reports discuss sources that release the substances and the regulations and programs that manage or control the releases. The reports were developed as a result of the Canada-United States Strategy for the Virtual Elimination of Persistent Toxic Substances in the Great Lakes, signed by both countries on April 7, l997. In a separate action, in September l999, EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner proposed significant reductions in direct discharges of most toxic chemicals into the Great Lakes through "mixing zones." EPA announced the availability of the preliminary draft reports and request for public comment in the Federal Register on Nov. 1. EPA will take public comment through Dec. 30. Copies of the preliminary draft reports and additional information are available at: https://www.epa.gov/bns or from Dan Hopkins at 312-886-5994 or 312-886-2737 (fax) or at hopkins.dan@epa.gov.

R-137 ###