On October 28, 2021 EPA published for public comment the document “EPA Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in US Communities.” In the December 9, 2021 Federal Register (Fed Reg_Updated EPA Draft Strategy_2021-12-09) EPA announced that it has updated the draft strategy. Specifically, the Federal Register states the following:
“The corrected draft Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities (Lead Strategy) now includes actions due to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The legislation provides opportunity to strengthen and rebuild America’s water infrastructure, including replace lead service lines to further reduce lead exposures in communities.” The Updated Draft Strategy also includes information on additional funding in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act available to support testing for lead at schools and day care facilities.
A copy of the updated draft strategy is enclosed (EPA Updated-public-comment-Draft-Lead-Strategy_2021-12-09) (note: drinking water is mentioned throughout the document, but the updated sections on drinking water are located in the discussion that begins on page 10).
EPA has extended the public comment period on the draft Strategy from January 26, 2022 to March 16, 2022.
One more thing: during 2021 EPA held a series of public meetings with communities around the country, as well as meetings with national stakeholder groups to collect input of the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The enclosed draft Strategy includes the statement: “EPA expects to announce the results of its LCRR review prior to the rule’s effective date of December 16, 2021.”
