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Logistics
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Dates and Locations
The public hearings will be held on the following dates and times:
- June 5, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Frankfort Convention Center
- June 7, 2012, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center
- June 7, 2012, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Eastern Kentucky Expo Center
Frankfort Convention Center
The Frankfort Convention Center
is located in historic downtown Frankfort, Kentucky. Information on how to get to the Convention Center is available on their website.
Eastern Kentucky Expo Center
The Eastern Kentucky Expo Center
Hearing Registration
While EPA welcomes all interested persons, capacity at the venues is limited. Pre-registering for the attendance at the hearings will allow EPA to improve meeting planning and maximize opportunities for interested parties to provide oral comments. On-site registration will begin one hour prior to the beginning of each hearing. Interested parties also can register for the hearings online
Comments
There are four ways to comment on EPA's objections to the 36 NPDES permits:
- Submit comments electronically to EPA via www.regulations.gov by following on-line instructions for submitting comments or e-mail comments to ow-docket@epa.gov, Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2012-0315
- Submit comments in writing directly to EPA by mail at:
Water Docket - Docket ID:EPA-HQ-OW-2012-0315
Environmental Protection Agency
Mail Code: 2822-1T
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460 - Submit comments in writing during one of the three public hearings
- Sign up to provide oral comments during one of the three public hearings
If you are interested in attending any of the hearings EPA encourages you to pre-register at least 72 hours before the hearing or by calling 703-577-4953. Pre-registering for the hearings will allow EPA to improve meeting planning and maximize opportunities for interested parties to provide oral comments. You may request in advance to speak at one of the three hearings. You may also request to speak when you arrive at the hearing. EPA will generally assign speaking slots in the order received but may make adjustments to the speaking order to accommodate requests to speak within the time available. You can find more information about the registration process and the hearing procedures at www.epa.gov/region4/kycoalminehearings.
The hearings will begin with brief presentations by EPA and a neutral process facilitator, followed by oral comments from interested persons. Oral comments will be limited to two (2) minutes each to ensure more opportunities for interested persons to speak. Though every effort will be made to accommodate all requests for a speaking time, EPA cannot guarantee that all persons will have an opportunity to contribute oral comments. As noted above, EPA also encourages you to provide written comments.
Hearing Procedures
The hearings will be presided over by the Regional Administrator’s designee (i.e., EPA Hearing Officer). The purpose of the hearings is to receive public comments, orally or in writing, regarding EPA’s specific objections to the draft NPDES permits for the 36 listed facilities.
A written transcript of the hearing will be made available to the public at the conclusion of the hearings.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: Security and Prohibited Items
Please expect heightened security measures for these public hearings. For the safety, security and comfort of all participants you can expect to see uniformed law enforcement at each hearing. All individuals, bags, purses and similar receptacles may be subject to inspection prior to entry into the hearing and you will be denied entry if you choose not to comply with this request.
Please do not bring the following prohibited items into the public hearings or they will be confiscated by the security officials:
- Large bags, backpacks or other articles that exceed 16" x 16" x 8". Smaller bags and other articles will be inspected prior to entry.
- Cans, glass bottles or coolers.
- Banners and signs.
- Noise makers, air horns, laser pointers and any other irritating or distracting items.
- Dogs or other animals for other than official purposes. However, a disabled person may bring a seeing-eye dog, a guide dog, or other animal assisting or being trained to assist that individual.
- Firearms, knives or other dangerous weapons, either openly or concealed.
- Explosives or items intended to be used to fabricate an explosive or incendiary device, either openly or concealed.
Following Public Hearings
The period for public comment on EPA’s specific objections will close 14 days after the last of the scheduled public hearings, except that the EPA hearing officer may extend the comment period for written statements and data by so stating at the hearings.
Following the public hearings, and after consideration of all written and oral comments and data and the requirements of the CWA and applicable regulations, the EPA Regional Administrator will reaffirm the original objections, modify the terms of the objections, or withdraw the objections, pursuant to 40 CFR § 123.44(g). The EPA will notify the Cabinet of its determination. In the case of permits for which EPA either reaffirms the original objection or modifies the terms of the objection, KDOW must, within thirty (30) days of receipt of EPA’s determination, submit to EPA a revised permit which meets the terms of the remaining objection, or exclusive authority to issue the permit passes to EPA. For facilities for which objections are withdrawn following the hearings, KDOW may proceed with the permit issuance process.
Reasonable Accommodation for a Disability
EPA intends to provide the services of an American Sign Language interpreter at each hearing. If you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact EPA at 703-577-4953 (voice). TTY/TDD users please dial 404-562-8339. Please provide one week advance notice prior to the relevant public hearing date for special requests not related to ongoing programs and services.