80 FR 23542 - Notice of a Public Meeting and Webinar: Input on Potential Actions To Prepare for and Respond to Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 81 (April 28, 2015)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces an opportunity for public input on potential actions states and public water systems can take to prepare for and respond to cyanotoxin health risks in drinking water. The Agency is holding a public meeting for interested parties to provide input either in person or online via a webinar. EPA is preparing Cyanotoxin Health Advisories and seeks to engage with stakeholders on other information the Agency can provide to best support states and public water systems in addressing cyanotoxin public health concerns in drinking water.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 81 (Tuesday, April 28, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 23542]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09891]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL9926-89-OW]


Notice of a Public Meeting and Webinar: Input on Potential 
Actions To Prepare for and Respond to Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces an 
opportunity for public input on potential actions states and public 
water systems can take to prepare for and respond to cyanotoxin health 
risks in drinking water. The Agency is holding a public meeting for 
interested parties to provide input either in person or online via a 
webinar. EPA is preparing Cyanotoxin Health Advisories and seeks to 
engage with stakeholders on other information the Agency can provide to 
best support states and public water systems in addressing cyanotoxin 
public health concerns in drinking water.

DATES: The public meeting will be held on May 11, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. 
to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time. Registration and check-in 
begins at 9:30 a.m. Persons wishing to attend the meeting in person or 
online via webinar must register by May 8, 2015, as described in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at Potomac Yard South 
Building, 1st Floor Conference Center (One Potomac Yard, 2777 S. 
Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202). All attendees must show 
government-issued photo identification (e.g., a driver's license) when 
signing in. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time to 
clear security. This meeting will also be simultaneously broadcast as a 
webinar, available on the Internet.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Members of the public who wish to 
receive further information about the public meeting or have questions 
about this notice should contact Hannah Holsinger at (202) 564-0403 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

    a. How may I participate in this meeting/webinar? Persons wishing 
to attend the meeting in person or online via the webinar must register 
in advance no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, on 
May 8, 2015. To register, go online to Eventbrite at http://us-epa-cyanotoxins-drinking-water-public-meeting.eventbrite.com. 
Teleconferencing will be available for individuals participating via 
the webinar. The number of seats and webinar connections available for 
the meeting is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-
served basis. Early registration is strongly encouraged to ensure 
proper accommodations. EPA will do its best to include all those 
interested in either meeting in person or via the webinar.
    b. How can I get a copy of the meeting/webinar materials? Prior to 
the public meeting, the meeting materials will be sent by email to the 
registered attendees; copies will also be available for attendees at 
the meeting. For persons unable to attend the meeting, please contact 
Jini Mohanty at [email protected] to request meeting materials.
    c. Special Accommodations: Individuals with disabilities who wish 
to attend the meeting in person can request special accommodations by 
contacting Jini Mohanty at [email protected] no later than May 8, 
2015.

II. Background

    Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring organisms similar to algae. 
These organisms can occur in fresh water and may rapidly multiply 
causing ``blooms'' under favorable conditions. Conditions that enhance 
bloom formation and persistence include light intensity and duration, 
nutrient availability (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), water 
temperature, pH and water column stability. Some blooms produce 
cyanotoxins such as microcystin, cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a, 
which can be a health concern. For additional background information on 
cyanotoxins in drinking water, please go to: http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/cyanobacteria_factsheet.pdf.
    EPA is developing health advisories for two cyanotoxins: 
microcystin and cylindrospermopsin. A health advisory is an estimate of 
acceptable drinking water levels for a contaminant based on health 
effects and other information, and also provides recommended analytical 
and treatment techniques. Health advisories are intended to assist 
federal, state, and local officials and public water system managers in 
achieving public health goals. A health advisory is not a legally 
enforceable standard under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
    The focus of this public meeting is to gather input on additional 
information the Agency can provide to states and public water systems 
to help them prepare for and respond to potential cyanotoxin health 
concerns in drinking water.

    Dated: April 20, 2015.
Peter Grevatt,
Director, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water.
[FR Doc. 2015-09891 Filed 4-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P