Comment submitted by Abigail Johnson
AnonymousOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter opposes the proposed changes to the Federal CCR Permit Program, specifically the shift toward state-led implementation and the proposed tiering system. They argue that the EPA should maintain direct oversight to ensure strict regulation and prevent water pollution from coal combustion residuals.
I do not support the permitting changes in docket EPA-HQ-OLEM-2019-0361. CCR requires strict rules and regulations due to the extreme risk to water pollution. While I understand the desire for an electronic permitting system, I do not support States “implementing the CCR permitting program in lieu of EPA to provide for national data consistency.” The EPA is tasked with keeping safe the lands, waters, and air that American citizens depend on. I do not believe that this work should be allowed to be off-loaded to the states. Pollutants in CCR can and will travel if not contained. As such, I also do not approve of the proposed tiering system.