Two environmental agencies are asking for community comment on a draft workplan that implements a memorandum of understanding that prioritizes enforcement and compliance assurance activities for communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are seeking public comment by Nov. 22, on the workplan that advances environmental justice, a Sept. 23 news release said.
“Public input is critical to the success of our efforts to improve health, the environment and quality of life in overburdened communities, where the impacts of pollution are often heaviest,” EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker said in the release. “I encourage those living and working in impacted communities to review the workplan and provide input to help us deliver results as we move forward under this joint agreement.”
The focus areas of the draft workplan, according to the release, are strategic targeting of inspections, enforcement and compliance assurance actions and community engagement.
“This draft workplan will give our agencies the framework to make a real difference in reducing the disproportionate share of pollution in communities throughout Colorado,” Trisha Oeth, Colorado health department’s director of environmental health and protection, said in the release. “It’s a critical step in the right direction and hearing from Coloradans will ensure the workplan is representative of the communities most impacted by pollution.”
Comments can be emailed to cdphe_ej@state.co.us or an online survey can be completed.
