Environmental Progress - Winter 2003

Environmental Progress : Winter 2003

Follow-up Workshops Helpful

Eight sessions highlighted IEPA's available services

During the summer of 2002, the IEPA held workshops around the state to acquaint local officials with the variety of services the Agency can provide.

To evaluate how successful the meetings had been, the Agency sent surveys to those who attended, and a separate survey to those who did not. Forty-six percent (an unexpectedly high number) of those who had attended responded, and 18 percent of those who did not attend took the time to respond, providing information that be useful in planning future outreach efforts.

Responses showed water issues were prime concerns, with 40 to 44 percent identifying drinking water, wastewater and stormwater issues as well as the Agency's loan program for drinking water and wastewater facilities as their main interests. Thirty percent indicated they were concerned with groundwater protection.

Other areas of interest were the unsewered grant program, brownfields, the household hazardous waste collections, used tires, open dumping and site remediation -- all were rated at more than 20 percent. Pollution prevention and "green" programs, specific compliance issues like ammonia levels or radium/arsenic regulations were also of importance to those attending, as well as asbestos, ethanol and the Environmental Helpline.

Overall the responses indicated that the workshops were well received -- some responses from those who attended were "A wealth of information was provided..." and "Very useful to learn that IEPA wants to help rather than regulate and enforce entirely." Some suggested additional efforts to "increase consultation availability, streamline procedures." Not surprisingly, several survey responses discussed funding and a desire to see more dollars available for new construction and cleanups.

Agency staff is currently evaluating the responses and suggestions for applicability in future undertakings