![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Meeting With Legislative Director from Congressmen John Dingell's Office
On February 16, 2001, Mr. David Dumke, Legislative Director of Congressman John Dingell's Office, visited Region 5 to meet with staff from the Water Division and the Office of the Regional Administrator. The purpose of the impromptu meeting was to discuss Region 5's involvement with the Environmental Disposal Systems, Inc. (EDS) facility located in Romulus, Michigan. The status of Region 5's involvement with the wetland permit issued to EDS by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the status of Region 5's review of the EDS's underground injection well petition for exemption from the restrictions on land disposal of hazardous wastes were discussed with Mr. Dumke. Mr. Dumke informed the Region that the Congressman's Office has not yet taken a firm position on these matters, but due to increasing public controversy surrounding the EDS facility, the Congressman's Office would not be able to avoid becoming involved in the near future. Phil Hoffman, Congressional Liaison Specialist of the Office of the Regional Administrator, Ross Micham, Acting Chief of the Underground Injection Control Branch (UIC) Branch, Rita Bair, Acting Chief of the Watersheds and Wetlands Branch, and Dave Werbach, TMDL Coordinator of the Watersheds and Wetlands Branch provided answers to all of Mr. Dumke's questions. Prior to the meeting with Mr. Dumke, and when immediate answers were not readily available, key technical staff were contacted by telephone at home to provide the correct answers.Region 5 staff members explained to Mr. Dumke that the Region had originally rejected the wetland permit application when it was submitted to Region 5 in March 2000 because the necessary supporting information was not provided. When the supporting information was provided to Region 5 in May 2000, the Region's objections were withdrawn and the MDEQ issued the wetland permit in June 2000.
UIC staff members also explained that Region 5, rather than MDEQ, is the final authority denying or approving the land ban petition request after reviewing all information and providing the opportunity for public comments. Furthermore, it was explained that a proposed decision on the petition request could not occur until the underground injection wells had been drilled and successfully passed the mechanical integrity test requirements specified in the Federal UIC regulations. Mr. Dumke seemed pleased to hear that this is a very lengthy process and no final decision from the Region was forthcoming in the near future. Finally, it was explained that the only other state-issued permit required by EDS is the RCRA Part B permit for surface facilities. The process for that permit has proceeded beyond the public comment stage. The MDEQ is expected to make a final decision regarding that permit as soon as responses to public comments have been prepared.
Contact:
| Email Address | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Dana Rzeznik, Environmental Engineer | rzeznik.dana@epa.gov | 312-353-6492 |