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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Western States Water Council <br />Water Quality Committee <br /> <br />Washington, DC <br />March 28, 2006 <br /> <br />multi-stake holder meeting in the beginning of March. We hoped to identifY areas where there <br />was common ground. Trout Unlimited expressed some concerns about the draft. <br /> <br />There were some areas identified. I was surprised to hear the depth of concern expressed <br />by the environmental groups. Coalbed methane was discussed extensively. We are still trying to <br />identifY where there is common ground and where there are divergent issues. Meridian Group, <br />the facilitator, will draft a final report. <br /> <br />Paul Frohardt: Those of us involved in this effort have greatly appreciated EPA's <br />involvement. This issue has been around for a long time. It is difficult for people to agree on a <br />common approach. At WSWC we have been sensitive about what the states are asking EP A to <br />do. <br />Having said that, one of the things I've become more fanatic about over the years is that <br />they rely on concrete facts. Weare asking EP A to issue a broad policy statement. This is a <br />challenge. I don't know that it is likely that we will get there. Ultimately, the states hope that <br />EP A will be willing to push this through. <br /> <br />Denise Keehner: There is great benefit in having the dialogue. If important things are left <br />with disparate views, we can still make decisions and state why we ended up where we ended up. <br /> <br />Paul Frohardt: Explanation about the document. New draft will be done in the next few <br />months. <br /> <br />There have been a number of states involved in the drafting effort. Although this issue <br />came up in the arid West, it was pointed out that other states have these issues as well. <br /> <br />Selenium Standards <br /> <br />Denise Keehner stated that there are recommended levels for selenium. In 2004, EP A set <br />a level of selenium in fish tissue. The Fish and Wildlife Service have concerns. 304(A) criteria <br />were set forth. The Services were a major contributor in raising concerns. A study was done by <br />Dr. Lemle (?). It is a well-done study about fish wintering. A research strategy lays out a path. <br />Trying to determine if there is a way to share getting studies done. That is the current state on <br />selenium. <br /> <br />Tom Stiles: In the end, will there be translators? <br /> <br />Denise Keehner: There has to be. The enviros and others want guidance at the same time. <br /> <br />11 <br />