Re: Public Comment on R03-19

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Ms. Marie E. Tipsord

Hearing Officer, Illinois Pollution Control Board

100 W. Randolph St., Suite 11-500

Chicago, Illinois 60601

Re: Public Comment on R03-19

Dear Ms. Tipsord:

Openlands Project is a 40-year old non-profit organization dedicated to preserving

and enhancing public open space in northeastern Illinois. Openlands Project is

pleased that the Illinois Pollution Control Board is considering the adoption of

regulatory changes to strengthen public participation in the National Pollution

Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting process. We urge the Board

to adopt these proposed changes.

It is very important for citizens to have a fair opportunity to comment on all

aspects ofa proposed NPDES permit. The Clean Water Act intends NPDES

permit conditions and limits to be subject to significant public scrutiny, and the

Illinois Environmental Protection Act also envisions widespread public

involvement in permit development and issuance.

NPDES permits should not be issued without affording an opportunity for public

comment. Moreover, when significant substantive changes are made to a permit

after the public comment period is closed, an additional opportunity for public

input should be provided on the revised portions. In addition, regulations should

ensure the establishment ofa sufficient administrative record to justify a permit.

It is also important for our regulations to specify that permit limits may not allow

discharges that cause or contribute to violations ofwater quality standards, that

limits and conditions should be enforceable by citizens as well as by the Illinois

Environmental Protection Agency, and that monitoring terms should be included

in the permits. These revisions will help protect water quality and ensure Illinois’

compliance with the Clean Water Act.

Sincerely,

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Richard H. Acker

Regional Land Use Coordinator

Printed ott Recycled Paper

2003