The analysis of the Environmental Impact Statement is intended to be informed by the interests of the public and local, state and federal regulatory agencies. To facilitate this input there will be several opportunities during the project for public review and comment: the Project Scoping Process at the beginning of the project, the availability of the Description of Proposed Actions and Alternatives in late Spring/early Summer 2004, and the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement in April 2005.
The scoping process began on January 12, 2004 and concluded 30 days later, on February 11, 2004. A scoping meeting was held on January 28, 2004 as required by NEPA regulations.
Washington Aqueduct organized several other public meetings, in the interest of disclosing the progress of the development of the Environmental Impact Statement and to solicit ideas and opinions from stakeholders.
A public hearing was held on May 17, 2005 which included a presentation on the DEIS by Washington Aqueduct and provided an opportunity for individuals to make public and private testimony. The Environmental Protection Agency Region III and the National Capital Planning Commission also presented information at the hearing. Members of the project staff were also available to answer individual technical questions in a separate presentation room one hour prior to and simultaneous to the hearing.
The following table contains information and links to information regarding the Washington Aqueduct sponsored public meetings that have already occurred related to the development of the Environmental Impact Statement.
Table 1
Public Meetings
In addition to the open public meetings, Washington Aqueduct has also met with several individual neighbors and representatives of neighborhoods both at the Washington Aqueduct and at other locations in order to answer questions, solicit input, and discuss the need for and development of the Environmental Impact Statement. Time and resources permitting, Washington Aqueduct is willing to accommodate reasonable requests for additional individual or group meetings. To make this type of request, please contact Washington Aqueduct at 202-764-2639.
Information regarding general mailings including individual invitations to meetings and sent to officials at various agencies, political officials, community representatives, and other stakeholders are outlined in Table 2. The names and addresses of individual private residences that were sent letters are not included in the interest of respecting personal privacy. Table 2 does not include specific letters in response to inquiries by or for coordination with stakeholders.
Table 2
General Project Mailings
Two comment periods outside of the typical requirements were offered. The first of the comment periods extended from September 10, 2004 to November 15, 2004. During this comment period, various individuals or groups suggested 102 alternatives or options that could potentially be used to manage water treatment residuals. The second comment period, which is on going, extends from December 16, 2004 to February 14, 2005. To make a comment or suggestion, please see the comment page for contact information.