Document pm4g466x1yBNXnjzgBKYkve1k

Final Region 5 Draft: ck 5 16 17 The Honorable Kate Fields, Councilperson City of Flint, Ward 4 1101 South Saginaw Street, Room 310 Flint, Michigan 48502 W-15J Dear Councilperson Fields: Thank you for your recent communications regarding your concerns as a City Councilperson with Mayor Weaver's designation of water sources for the City of Flint. EPA appreciates hearing the perspective that you have provided. First, EPA understands that Mayor Weaver's April 19, 2017 letter to EPA stating that the City should stay on Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) water as a primary water source is a recommendation and not a final decision. The final decision would need to be made in accordance with the Flint City Charter and applicable law. Second, EPA's January 21, 2016 Administrative Order is intended as an enforceable framework by which the City would itself arrive at a source water decision that would result in drinking water quality fully protective of public health. A main goal of the Order is to ensure that any water source water switch is accomplished safely, with appropriate planning and testing. From a public health standpoint EPA supports the Mayor's recommendation to continue purchasing water from GLWA as a long-term water source. The Mayor's recommendation takes into account: 1) the fact that the City is now experienced in treating incoming GLWA water; and 2) the fact that there is simply not enough time to undertake necessary and adequate corrosion control studies and switch over to a non-GLWA source prior to GLWA's cessation of service to the City in October of 2017.1 Third, as you point out, the City submitted a revised Public Participation Plan regarding the City's Drinking Water Source Selection on March 28, 2017. On April 3rd, EPA urged the City to extend its proposed public comment period from 12 days to 30 days. I understand that the City did extend the public comment period, and on May 4th (in response to the Mayor providing EPA her water source recommendation), I requested that the Mayor update the City's March 27th Public Participation Plan by providing additional information. EPA awaits Mayor Weaver's response to our request for this information.2 Finally, EPA recognizes that Flint's water system is among the most heavily monitored water systems in the country, and EPA is pleased with the continuing improvement in the quality of the City's drinking water. 1Please see EPA's February 24, 2017 letter to the City (enclosed). 2Please see EPA's May 4, 2017 letter to the City (enclosed). Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 10 ED 002061 00110162-00001 Please do not hesitate to contact me at (312) 886-1499 or kaplaii.roberi@epa.gov to further discuss any questions you may have regarding the content of this letter or the requirements of the EPA Order. Sincerely, Robert A. Kaplan Enclosures cc: Mr. Eric Mays, Council Member, City of Flint Ms. Jacqueline Poplar, Council Member, City of Flint Mr. Kerry Nelson, Council Member, City of Flint Mr. Wantwaz Davis, Council Member, City of Flint Mr. Flerbert Winfrey, Council Member, City of Flint Ms. Monica Galloway, Council Member, City of Flint Ms. Vicki VanBuren, Council Member, City of Flint Mr. Scott Kincaid, Council Member, City of Flint Mr. Kerry Nelson, Flint City Council President Ms. Inez Brown, Flint City Clerk Ms. Karen Weaver, Mayor, City of Flint Mr. Sylvester Jones, City Administrator, City of Flint Mr. David Sabuda, Director of Finance, City of Flint Mr. Rick Snyder, Governor, State of Michigan Mr. Richard Baird, Governor's Office Mr. John Young, Consultant, State of Michigan Ms. Debbie Stabenow, U S. Senator, State of Michigan Mr. Dan Kildee, 5th District Congressman, State of Michigan Mr. Gary Peters, Senator, U.S. State of Michigan Mr. Jim Ananich, Senator, State of Michigan Mr. Sheldon Neeley, Representative, State of Michigan Mr. Phil Phelps, Representative, State of Michigan Mr. Christopher Korleski, U.S. EPA Mr. Keith Creagh, MDNR Mr. Bryce Feighner, MDEQ Mr. Jeff Wright, Genesee County Drain Commissioner Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 10 ED 002061 00110162-00002