The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission’s (ORSANCO) latest proposed Pollution Control Standard (PCS) recommendations are a thinly veiled effort to continue the push to eliminate these critical standards. These standards are necessary to protect the Ohio River, which 5 million people rely on for drinking water. ORSANCO’s proposal would make subtle changes to the language that would have serious impacts and leave key pollution control standards on the cutting room floor.
The draft PCS would eliminate the current mandate for states to adopt the PCS, making these protections optional. Currently, we are able to use the Compact to pressure state Governors and the commissioners that they appoint to do the right thing and protect the Ohio River and the drinking water of 5 million people. If the Compact PCS become voluntary, our elected officials will be able to point to the voluntary nature of the Compact to avoid discussions and actions to improve the health of the Ohio River.
A patchwork of standards will lead to confusion for businesses, and be less cost-effective. Standards maintained by one agency provide cost-effective management for the Ohio River States as well as providing clarity for businesses applying for permits to build along the river.
Reject the current PCS as Unacceptable and put forward the following guidelines for future PCS proposals.
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States will continue to be required to adopt ORSANCO's standards.
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States should be allowed to deviate from these standards for appropriate reasons. Any deviation should be made public and requires public notice and input from ORSANCO and the public.
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ORSANCO will be required to produce a report every 3 years to asses states standards and compare these standards to ORSANCO. This report will be available for the public to review.
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The proposal should require ORSANCO to update PCS at least once every 3 years.
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ORSANCO should continue to evaluate NPDES permits issued by states and develop an annual report to summarize the findings.
What actions can you take to help?
Call Your Governor!
Script;
Hello, my name is __________, I live in ___________, . I’m calling to let the Governor know that the new Ohio River Water Sanitation Commission’s pollution control standards are unacceptable. Only standards that require states to adopt them will protect public participation and safeguard our children's health.
Send a Written Comment to Orsanco!
(All parties interested in submitting comments may do so by mail or email. Mailed comments should be addressed to ORSANCO, 5735 Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230, Attn: PCS Comments. Emailed comments should be sent to: PCS@orsanco.org) Your name and mailing address must accompany all correspondence.
Date,
Subject Line: Attn: PCS Comments
Dear ORSANCO Commission,
First Paragraph-(Why is the Ohio River important to you).
I am opposed to the current draft of the Pollution Control Standards (PCS) released for public comment on March 1st by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO). Making the adoption of pollution controls voluntary for states will eliminate accountability and put our health at risk.
Any future PCS proposals should require state adoption in the interest of protecting the drinking water supply of 5 million people and recovering Ohio River ecosystems. States should be allowed to deviate from the standards only with supporting scientific reasoning and a fully transparent public participation process including public hearings. ORSANCO should produce a report to the public every three years with an analysis of compact states PCS, including a comparison with ORSANCO’s PCS. The Commission should continue its evaluation every three years of the PCS standards with fully transparent public participation. Lastly, ORSANCO should continue to evaluate NPDES permits issued by the states and develop an annual report to summarize the findings that are available to the public.
(Closing- restate why you are concerned and opposed)
Sincerely,
Name
Full Mailing Address
Attend One of the Public Hearings!
Hearing in Pittsburgh, April 1, 2019, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm (Eastern Time)
DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh - Green Tree, Duquesne meeting room
500 Mansfield Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15205
Hearing in Evansville, April 4, 2019, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm (Central Time)
Tropicana Evansville, Walnut B meeting room
421 NW Riverside Drive
Evansville, IN 47708
Hearing in Cincinnati, April 8, 2019, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Holiday Inn Cincinnati Airport, Kenton meeting room
1717 Airport Exchange Boulevard
Erlanger, KY 41018
Send a Letter to the Editor to Your Local Paper!
Visit this link for talking points and examples.
To the Editor:
1. Paragraph 1: Lead-in
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If you’re replying to an article, cite it in the opening line. Ex. In response to “Name of the article”,
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Start by thinking, “I’m writing because...”
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Make sure this paragraph is attention grabbing.
2. Paragraph 2: Tell your personal story
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How is this issue affecting you, your community, your family?
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Only include 1-2 facts and figures (stories are more powerful).
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Draw a local connection/shared value with those who may have opposing views
3. Paragraph 3: Call to action
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What do you want the reader and/or Representative to do?
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Spell it out and make it attainable.
4. Paragraph 4: Closing
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Close on a positive note that leaves the reader thinking and wanting to take action.
Sincerely,
Name, address, email, phone number
Questions or want to get more involved on this issue? Email Emily Obringer at emily.obringer@sierraclub.org or Cheryl Johncox at cheryl.johncox@sierraclub.org