Superfund Quick Finder

Region 6 Public Liaison

Donn R. Walters(walters.donn@epa.gov)
214-665-6483
800-533-3508

National Information

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Regional Public Liaison (RPL) program in 2003 to assist citizens and other stakeholders in resolving issues related to its hazardous, solid waste and emergency response programs.

What is a Public Liaison?

The Regional Public Liaison is a facilitator between citizens and EPA programs who can help solve problems and communication issues. The Public Liaison is a Regional official designated to help people with issues or concerns about Superfund site cleanups. Each regional office has a Public Liaison.

EPA is committed to being responsive to the public and to promptly and fairly resolving issues and concerns brought to their attention. In some cases, the individual or group raising the concern may believe the normal problem solving channels did not deal fully or objectively with their situation.

If you have had difficulty getting your Superfund or hazardous waste facility questions responded to or have tried to work through other EPA channels, then the Public Liaison may be able to help you by working with EPA staff and management to try to facilitate a resolution of the issues.

How can the Regional Public Liaison help you?

The RPL can:

Answer your questions or direct you to the right person at EPA.
Help you understand and work through the legal and regulatory decision-making process.
Facilitate discussions between you and the appropriate EPA staff to solve the problem.
Gather information and make recommendations to EPA management on ways to reach a reasonable resolution to the problem.

Members of the public should call upon the Public Liaison after they have tried to get their questions answered or concerns resolved through the normal channels of the Agency process.

EPA staff should call upon the Public Liaison when existing channels for problem resolution have not worked or when there is a particularly contentious relationship where a more neutral party might be able to provide assistance