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[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 61 (Wednesday, March 30, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17696-17697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07173]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9944-40-OW]

Notice of a Public Meeting and Webinar: Managing Cyanotoxins in 
Drinking Water

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces an 
opportunity for public input on the EPA's tools and information related 
to drinking water cyanotoxin management. The EPA is holding a public 
meeting for interested parties to provide input either

[[Page 17697]]

in person or online via a webinar on lessons learned after the release 
of the June 2015 Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage 
Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water. The agency plans to use this information 
to inform development of additional tools to support states and/or 
utilities. The EPA seeks to engage with stakeholders on information the 
agency can provide to support states and public water systems in 
addressing cyanotoxin public health concerns in drinking water.

DATES: The public meeting will be held on April 29, 2016, from 9:15 
a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Central Standard Time. Registration and check-in 
begins at 8:45 a.m. Persons wishing to attend the meeting in person or 
online via webinar must register by April 28, 2016, as described in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at 77 West Jackson Blvd., 
Chicago, Illinois, Lake Michigan conference room on the 12th floor. All 
attendees must show government-issued photo identification (e.g., a 
driver's license) when signing in. Please arrive at least 15 minutes 
early to allow time to clear security. This meeting will also be 
simultaneously broadcast as a webinar, available on the Internet.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Members of the public who wish to 
receive further information about the public meeting or have questions 
about this notice should contact Hannah Holsinger at (202) 564-0403 or 
holsinger.hannah@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

    a. How may I participate in this meeting/webinar? Persons wishing 
to attend the meeting in person or online via the webinar must register 
in advance no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, on 
April 28, 2016. To register, go online to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/us-epa-public-meeting-managing-cyanotoxins-in-drinking-water-tickets-22748127261?utm_term=eventurl_text. Teleconferencing will be available 
for individuals participating via the webinar. The number of seats and 
webinar connections available for the meeting is limited and will be 
available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is 
encouraged to ensure proper accommodations. The EPA will do its best to 
include all those interested in either meeting in person or via the 
webinar.
    b. How can I get a copy of the meeting/webinar materials? Prior to 
the public meeting, a link to the meeting materials will be sent by 
email to the registered attendees; copies will also be available for 
attendees at the meeting. For persons unable to attend the meeting, 
please contact Katie Foreman at foreman.katherine@epa.gov to request 
meeting materials.
    c. Special Accommodations: Individuals with disabilities who wish 
to attend the meeting in person can request special accommodations by 
contacting Hannah Holsinger at holsinger.hannah@epa.gov no later than 
April 22, 2016.

II. Background

    Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring organisms similar to algae. 
These organisms can occur in fresh water and may rapidly multiply 
causing ``blooms'' under favorable conditions. Conditions that enhance 
bloom formation and persistence include light intensity and duration, 
nutrient availability (such as nitrogen and phosphorus), water 
temperature, pH and water column stability. Some blooms produce 
cyanotoxins such as microcystin, cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a, 
which can be a health concern. For additional background information on 
cyanotoxins in drinking water, please go to: http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/cyanobacteria_factsheet.pdf.
    The EPA released health advisories in June 2015 for two 
cyanotoxins: Microcystin and cylindrospermopsin. In June 2015, the EPA 
also released recommendations for public water systems on managing 
risks from cyanotoxins in drinking water. For additional background 
information on the health advisories and recommendations, please go to: 
http://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/guidelines-and-recommendations. 
The EPA's goal for this meeting is to obtain information on state, 
utility and public experiences in managing risks from cyanotoxins in 
drinking water. The EPA is seeking to get input on lessons learned 
after the release of the June 2015 recommendations document, 
Recommendations for Public Water Systems to Manage Cyanotoxins in 
Drinking Water. The EPA plans to use this information to develop 
additional tools or make modifications to the current recommendations 
document.

    Dated: March 24, 2016.
Rebecca Clark,
Acting Director, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water.
[FR Doc. 2016-07173 Filed 3-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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