Rural Community Assistance Partnership

Practical solutions for improving rural communities

January 2011

EPA halts disposal of mining waste to Appalachian waters at proposed Spruce Mine

Posted Fri, 2011/01/14 - 9:37am by RCAP

Agency cites irreversible damage to clean water, environment in the region

WASHINGTON (EPA) – After extensive scientific study, a major public hearing in West Virginia and review of more than 50,000 public comments, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Jan. 13 that it will use its authority under the Clean Water Act to halt the proposed disposal of mining waste in streams at the Mingo-Logan Coal Company’s Spruce No. 1 coal mine.

EPA and HHS announce new scientific assessments and actions on fluoride

Posted Mon, 2011/01/10 - 11:31am by RCAP

Agencies working together to maintain benefits of preventing tooth decay while preventing excessive exposure

WASHINGTON (EPA) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Jan. 7 important steps to ensure that standards and guidelines on fluoride in drinking water continue to provide the maximum protection to the American people to support good dental health, especially in children.

Job opening: Rural Development Specialist with Indiana RCAP

Posted Fri, 2011/01/07 - 3:34pm by RCAP

The Indiana Rural Community Assistance Program (IN-RCAP) is seeking a highly-motivated, responsible professional to join our team as a full-time Rural Development Specialist.

Requirements: Desire to improve the environment and health of rural communities, reliable transportation, and four-year college degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field (see below).

Water Laboratory Alliance response plan: Guidance provides approach for coordinated water lab response

Posted Thu, 2011/01/06 - 11:34am by RCAP

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the Water Laboratory Alliance Response Plan (WLA-RP) to provide guidance for a coordinated laboratory (lab) response to a water contamination incident that may require additional analytical support and a broader response than a typical lab can provide. The WLA-RP is designed to work within existing Incident Command System (ICS) structures and procedures. It provides a consistent, national approach to coordinated lab response to water contamination events.