Project XL

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460



Mr. Richard A. Olson
Senior Environmental Associate
Environmental & Health Regulatory Affairs
The Dow Chemical Company
2030 Dow Center
Midland, MI 48674

Dear Mr. Olson:

Thank you for Dow's submission of the Midland, Michigan, and Plaquemine, Louisiana, proposals to EPA's Project XL. I am sorry to inform you of my decision not to pursue them as XL projects.

I want to stress that EPA's decisions on whether to accept or decline XL proposals are, by definition, judgment calls. Decisions are made based on the criteria and issues laid out in EPA's May 23, 1995, Federal Register notice on Project XL. The program has produced tremendous interest, and so competition for participation is significant.

The proposal you submitted for your Freeport, Texas, facility is still undergoing review. We will advise you as soon as a decision is reached on that proposal. If you have questions on the progress of the Freeport proposal please contact Eileen McGovern of my staff at
(202) 260-5352.

Once again, thank you for your interest in Project XL and your continued support of environmental protection.


Sincerely,


David Gardiner
Assistant Administrator

cc: Marilou Martin, EPA Region 5
Rob Lawrence, EPA Region 6