On September 5, EPA will hold a working and listening session in Leavenworth, Kansas, to hear from those affected by toxic nonstick chemicals. Leavenworth is one of eleven military institutions that the Department of Defense says was affected by Per - and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS). (Politico, 9/5/18)
This "community engagement" meeting will feature remarks from EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford, as well as Jennifer McClain, Deputy Director for the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. The event is open to the public and includes presentations from EPA experts about PFAS, research, and an overview of PFAS in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska. EPA will also hold a listening session to hear from their Heartland communities, states, local governments, and tribes about their experiences with PFAS.
“EPA has received more than 60,000 public comments regarding PFAS since our National Summit in Washington, D.C., in May. The Leavenworth event is EPA’s fifth and final community engagement event held in locations across the country. While the Heartland states have seen fewer cases of PFAS contamination compared to other parts of the country, we are looking forward to hearing from our stakeholders and community members as we work together to manage PFAS,” said EPA Regional Administrator Jim Gulliford.
EPA has also opened a docket for input from the public and will be accepting comments until September 28, 2018. Comments may be submitted at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EPA-HQ-OW-2018-0270 .
