K compliant to prevent a worst case scenario. The main concern is how water quality could be affected if the thousands of individual systems that control pollution discharges ranging from oil and gas to fertilizers and other chemicals were to suddenly malfunction. There is a regulatory advantage for businesses preparing systems and equipment for Y2K. Comer said DEP has changed its enforcement policy to give businesses that are making an effort to update and test their systems some leeway on civil penalties if an inadvertent spill occurs. That discretion would include both violations during tests to find out if machinery is Y2K compliant and Y2K-related accidents that happen after preventative efforts were made to head off the problem. Comer said DEP has sent invitations to more than 200 water facilities in the six-county area which includes Charlotte, Hendry, Lee, Collier, Highlands and Monroe counties.
Homeowners can also take part.
Several public presentations are planned in the Southwest Florida area through Feb. 25. A meeting was held in Collier Wednesday night. You can also use our directory to e-mail our staff directly. Or, express your opinion in a letter to the editor . All rights reserved.