United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
Programs Operations (WH-546)
Washington DC 20460
December 1979
vyEPA
How to Write
a Public Notice:
A Collection
of Examples
-------
How to Write
a Public Notice
A Collection
of Examples.
Prepared by
Barry H. Jordan
Consultant to the
Facility Requirements Division
Office of Water Program Operations
-------
Public
Notices
Public
Notification
and "Public
Notices"
One of the most common com-
plaints voiced by agency staff
and citizens is that public notices
of hearings and meetings rarely
generate public interest or atten-
dance. Even when considerable
agency resources are devoted to
the task, hearings and meetings
often may not be well attended.
This booklet has been developed
to provide a few principles
regarding public notices, a public
notice checklist, examples which
have been used in environmental
programs, and commentary on
these examples which highlights
their strong and weak points.
This brief guide is for agency
and grantee staff in the waste-
water treatment construction
grants program who have little
or no experience In writing infor-
mation for the public or working
with the media. It is hoped, that
the information and suggestions
in the booklet will enable EPA,
state agencies and local grantees
to get the most out of the
money spent on public notifica-
tion.
The assistance received from the
following people is gratefully
appreciated: EPA regional staff
for useful comments and several
notice examples; staff of Head-
quarters Office of Water and
Waste Management and Office of
Water Program Operations for
overall support and guidance; and
Headquarters Office of Public
Awareness staff for helpful ideas
and graphics support.
Issuing "public notices" is one
important aspect of public notifi-
cation. It is certainly not the only
thing an agency can do to stimu-
late interest in an upcoming
event. Indeed, informal notifica-
tion which uses the many exist-
ing communication "networks"
in the public and private sectors
is often the most effective way
to spread the word. The fact
remains, however, that agencies '
generally rely most heavily 'on
the "public notice.'
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Why Do People
Stay Away?
Ineffective
Public Notices
At the outset it should be noted
that poor public notice is only
one reason why people seem to
avoid public meetings and hear-
ings. Public apathy and wide-
spread citizen suspicion of
government programs is certainly
a factor. There are at least six
more specific reasons:
The meeting or hearing is not
preceded by a strong public
information program; therefore
the public is unaware of signifi-
cant issues, decisions and im-
pacts to be discussed.
The meeting or hearing is not
really important: there are no
significant issues; no decisions
to be made; and the agency pro-
gram has little or no effect on
anyone.
The meeting or hearing is held
at a time which conflicts with
other equally important activities.
The meeting or hearing is held
at a time and place which is not
convenient for the public.
Widespread cynicism regarding
government and public agencies
causes many citizens to feel their
participation in the meeting or
hearing will accomplish very
little.
Based on past experience,
citizens expect that, although the
sponsoring agency is well-
intended, the agency will not
take adequate steps to explain
complex issues or define difficult
technical words and phrases.
If none of the above conditions
exist, lack of attendance is often
due to a poor job of public
notification.
It is a relatively simple job to
determine whether an agency's
public notices are contributing to
empty meeting rooms. This is
because ineffective public notices
exhibit one or more of the fol-
lowing characteristics:
The notice is issued in such a
way that few people see it, let
alone read it.
The notice does not give any
reasons to attend the meeting or
hearing: it does not highlight the
issues to be covered at the meet-
ing or hearing, particularly
economic and environmental
impacts; does not indicate what
decisions will be made as a result
of the meeting or hearing; and
does not state the potential
effects of these decisions.
The notice does not indicate
that those who attend the meet-
ing or hearing will have any
effect on subsequent decisions.
The notice is written by some-
one with littte or no experience
in writing information for the
public; i.e., the notice is merely
a limp collection of confusing
jargon which no one under-
stands.
The sponsoring agency relies
primarily on the narrow "legal
notice" use of the print media
for public notification.
If one or more of the above are
true, the sponsoring agency has
an ironclad guarantee that the
janitors will not be working over-
time as a result of the meeting or
hearing. The only exception to
this is when the meeting or hear-
ing will deal with an extremely
controversial program or issue
which has already enraged or
polarized a significant number of
people. In this case, the room
will be filled no matter how bad
the notice. In such a situation,
where the "event" turns out to
be a violent shouting match or
perhaps even an old fashioned
lynching, the sponsoring agency
has more serious pubGc partici-
pation problems than putting
together a good public notice.
" i T2>uc? YOU A t.e
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Five Principles
of a Good
Public Notice
Turning the above negative char-
acteristics around into a positive
framework results in the five
basic principles of effective public
notice:
The notice must be issued so
that it is highly visible to the
potential "audience" well in ad-
vance of the meeting or hearing.
The notice must be brief and
to the point: it must highlight
economic and environmental
issues and decisions of concern
to the public, as well as the
implications of these issues and
decisions.
The notice must indicate how
participation at the meeting or
hearing will relate to subsequent
decisions and the resolution of
issues.
The notice should be devel-
oped, or at least reviewed, by
someone with experience in
writing public information.
The notice must be distributed
through direct mailing to organi-
zations and individuals, in addi-
tion to prominent media cover-
age. Direct contact such as
phone call "networking," per-
sonal letters, or other "word of
mouth" measures are often the
most effective means of public
notification. The phone call "net-
work," using paid or volunteer
staff has usually proven to be
the best way to spread the word
about a project or upcoming
event. This is especially true in
small community or neighbor-
hood projects.
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The Goal
Public Notice
Checklist
Finally, the sponsoring agency
should remember that the goal
of public notification is not
merely to fill the meeting room.
It is, rather to reach the .people
who are likely to be affected by
agency actions and decisions
with the kind of information that
will convince and enable a good
cross-section of "interests" and
individuals to participate con-
structively in the agency pro-
gram.
The following checklist is in-
cluded as a brief reminder of the
basic principles of a good public
notice.
The examples and commentary
in the final section are provided
to illustrate all of the above
points.
After assuring yourself that the
event you are sponsoring is ful-
filling a specific requirement or
has some significance, and after
scheduling the event for a con-
venient time and place, measure
the public notice you are about
to release against the following
checklist:
Will the notice be displayed
prominently in the media and
posted so as to be highly visible
sufficiently in advance of the
event? Will a press release
accompany the notice? Are other
media contacts planned (press
conference, reporters' briefing,
feature article)?
Does the notice emphasize
why the event is being held? i.e.,
issues, decisions, effects?
Does the notice also stress the
importance of citizen attendance
by stating how participation will
affect decisions?
Has someone with public
information skills prepared or
reviewed the notice so that irrel-
evancies and jargon are avoided
and so that the notice is brief,
easy to read, informative, and
appealing? If meeting posters are
used in addition to written
notices, do these posters contain
wording and graphics which wffl
grab the viewers' attention?
Will the notice be mailed
directly to appropriate individuate
and organizations? Is any other
direct contact to be used to
notify the public? Does the
notice give a staff contact who
can provide more detailed infor-
mation on request?
TO M4AT YOU MAY HAVE HEARP, WE
WIUU NOT 3£ GIVING- AWAY FREE- Tl^Kei^
HAWAII TfcNtGHT NOVTWE BoA^P WouuP
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Type
Good
Features
Areas Needing
Improvement
This is an example of a notice
which is mailed to interested citi-
zens on an agency mailing list.
Legal references are relegated to
the end of the notice.
Capitalization and underlining are
used to highlight important points
and to break up gray paragraphs
of type.
The language of the notice is
closer to plain English than most
"official" notices.
The notice could be improved by
using a better title (such as "A
Chance to be Heard About Air
Pollution Limits of Open Burning
of Cropland"; "Upper Limits on
Experimental Field Burning"
could serve as a sub-title) and by
using a word such as "persons"
instead of "parties."
Department of Environmental Quality
522 S.W. ,5th AVENUE, P.O. BOX 1760, PORTLAND, OREGON 97207 PHONE (503) 229- 5353
Prepared: April 13, 1979
Hearing Date: lay 25, 1979
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
A CHANCE TO BE HEARD ABOUT:
RULE REVISIONS AFFECTING EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURAL OPEN
FIELD BURNING DURING THE-1979 FIELD BURNING SEASON
The Department of Environmental Quality is proposing to amend existing
field burning rules to identify the acreage to be burned under the
experimental field burning program during the 1979 field burning season.
This revision is necessary due to an administrative error which did not
establish an upper acreage limit for 1979 when the field burnir.n rules
were adopted on December 15, 1978. The proposed revision may be sub-
mitted to the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the State Clean
Air Act Implementation Plan. A hearing on this matter will be held before
the Environmental Quality Commission in Portland on May 25, 1979. The
Copjnission may also consider adoption of the rule at the meeting.
HKAT IS THE DEO PROPOSING?
Interested parties should request a copy of the complete proposed rule
package. The highlight is:
** The proposed upper limit for experimental field burning acreage to
be burned during the 1979 field burning season is 7,500 acres.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THIS PROPOSAL:
Grass seed fanners and the citizens of the eight Willamette Valley counties
where field burning occurs.
HOW TO PROVIDE YOUR PIFORMATIOM:
'.'ritten comments should be sent to the Oepartr.ent of Environmental Qualitv,
Air Quality Division, P.O. Eox 1760, Portland, Oregon 97207, and should he
received by May 23, 1979.
Oral and written comments may be offered at the following public hearir.a:
City Time Date Location
Portland 9:30 May 25, 1979 City Kail
City Council Chambers
1220 S.U. Fifth
6
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Notice of Public Hearing
Page 2
WHERE TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Copies of the proposed rules may be obtained from:
Marianne Fitzgerald Scott Freeburn
DEQ Air Quality Division DEQ Field Burning Office
P.O. Box 1760 16 Oakway Mall
Portland, Oregon 97207 Eugene, Oregon 97401
(503) 229-5353 (503) 686-7601
DEQ Willamette Valley Regional Office
1095 25th Street S.E.
Salem, Oregon 97310
(503) 378-8240
LEGAL REFERENCES FOR THIS PROPOSAL;
This proposal amends OAR 340-26-013(6). This revision is proposed under
authority of ORS 468.490.
This proposal does not affect land use.
FURTHER PROCEEDINGS;
After public hearing the Commission may adopt rule amendments identical to
the proposed amendments, adopt modified rule amendments on the same subject
matter, or decline to act. The adopted regulations mav be submitted to the
Environmental Protection Agency as part of the State Clean Air Act Implemen-
tation Plan. The Commission's deliberation should come on May 25, 1979 as
part of the agenda of a regularly scheduled Commission meeting.
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Type
Good
Features
Areas Needing
Improvement
This is an excellent example of a
meeting notice/mailer.
The cover calls immediate atten-
tion to the hearings.
The information is clearly
presented.
A phone contact is given.
Many depositories are -listed, and
the availability of a plan summary
is noted.
Information on how and when to
make comments is given.
The public has three options for
commenting: hearing testimony
(evening and weekend sessions
included), telephone comments,
or written statements.
The notice informs the public of
informational meetings being
held prior to the formal comment
period.
The notice would be improved
by a better title ("208 Public Par-
ticipation Bulletin" is not very
exciting) and with a better sec-
tion on plan contents which
highlights major issues of public
concern.
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS ALSO
SCHEDULED
To help you interpret the clean water proposal
prior to the hearings, NIPC will hold a series of public
information meetings.
In Chicago, at the NIPC offices (400 W. Madison
St.), beginning at 1:30 p.m. on the following dates.
these parts of the clean water proposal will be dis-
cussed:
Tuesday, May 30 - Agricultural and septic system
pollution control.
Tuesday, June 6 - Urban stormwater run-off and
combined sewer pollution
control.
Tuesday, June 13 - Wastewater treatment plant and
other point source pollution
control.
Tuesday, June 20 Management systems, costs, and
financing of water pollution
control.
In the suburbs, beginning at 7:30 p.m., on the fol-
lowing dates, there will be a general presentation of
the clean water plan followed by discussion of topics
of interest to those in attendance.
Wednesday, May 31 - Lake Forest Village Hall;
220 E. Deerpath Rd.
Wednesday, June 7 - Naperville Municipal Center;
175 W.Jackson St.
Wednesday, June 14 - Barrington Public Safety Bldg.,
121 W. Station St.
Wednesday, June 21 - Frankfort Township Office;
Rt. 30 east of Wolf Rd.
LIBRARIES AT WHICH COPIES OF THE DRAFT
CLEAN WATER PLAN ARE ON RESERVE
Chicago
Main Library-425 N. Michigan
Social Science & History Div.
Science Division
Business & Industry Division
Cultural Center-78 E. Washington
Brighton Pk.-4314 S. Archer
Jefferson Pk.-5363W. Lawrence
Woodson-9525S. Halsted
Woodlawn-6247 S. Kimbark
Hild-4S36N. Lincoln
Legler-115S. Pulaski
Suburban Cook County
South
Chicago Heights
Harvey
Palos Hills
Park Forest
Tinley Park
DuPage County Lake County
Addison Antioch
Bensenville Barrington
Glen Ellyn Fox Lake
Lombard Grayslake
Oak Brook Highland Park
Naperville Lake Forest
Roselle Lake Villa
Villa Park Libertyville
Westmont Round Lake
Wheaton Wauconda
Winfield Waukegan
Wood Dale
Kane County Will County
Dundee Bolingbrook
Elgin Joliet
Geneva Lockport
Hampshire New Lenox
St. Charles Peotone
Sugar Grove Romeoville
Wilmington
Suburban Cook County-
North
Arlington Heights
Evanston
Glenview
Mt. Prospect
Northbrook
Palatine
Park Ridge
Schaumburg
Skokie
Streamwood
Wheeling
Winnetka
Suburban Cook County-
West
Bellwood
LaGrange Park
Oak Park
Schiller Park
McHonry County
Algonquin
Cary
Crystal Lake
Fox River Grove
Harvard
Marengo
McHenry
McHenry-Nunda
Richmond
Woodstock
8
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public participation
bulletin
areawide
clean water
planning
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON DRAFT CLEAN WATER
PLAN ANNOUNCED
The Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission
has scheduled eight public hearings on its proposed
Areawide Water Quality Management Plan for the six-
county metropolitan area. This draft plan suggests
strategies for solving the region's water pollution
problems and a management system for getting the
job done. The proposal also describes the ways in
which this multi-billion dollar program can be financ-
ed. A clean water plan must be adopted in order to
qualify this region for state and federal grants for
many wastewater treatment system improvements
and water pollution control projects already planned.
This plan will be a blueprint for public and private
action in water pollution control for years to come.
Hearing dates and locations are as follows:
Saturday, June 24 Chicago; NIPC office,
400 W. Madison St.
Monday, June 26 - DesPlaines Civic Center
1420 Miner St.
Geneva; Kane Co. Gov't Center
719 Batavia Ave.
Tuesday, June 27 Crystal Lake
North Union High School
170 N. Oak St.
Hinsdale Village Hall,
19 E. Chicago Ave.
Joliet; Will Co. Courthouse,
14 W.Jefferson St.
Wednesday, June 28 - Libertyville Village Hall.
200 E. Cook Ave.
Hazel Crest Village Hall,
1818 W. 170th St.
All hearings will remain in session for a minimum
of one hour after they are convened. The Saturday
hearing in Chicago will begin at 10 a.m. The seven
hearings in suburban communities will have an after-
noon session beginning at 3 p.m., and an evening ses-
sion at 7:30 p.m. Procedures for registering for the
hearing, and for the conduct of the hearing are avail-
able, and they should be requested from NIPC if you
plan to make a statement. Call Larry Aggens, Mike
Chapin, or Marty Moser (312) 454-0400, for a copy
of the procedures or for any additional information.
CLEAN WATER PROPOSAL AVAILABLE FOR
REVIEW AT 350 LOCATIONS
The complete draft clean water plan is more than
1,000 pages long. Copies are being placed on reserve
for public review in each municipal building, and in
each county planning office. Copies are also available
for inspection in the NIPC office, the offices of four
intercommunity councils, and in 75 libraries listed in
this bulletin. Officials of agencies designated for plan
implementation, and members of the Local Steering
Committees and Areawide Advisory Committee will
also have copies of the complete draft plan.
A 45-page summary of the draft plan will be sent
to all clean water planning advisors and to persons
who have been active in the basin planning process.
Summaries will be sent to others who request a copy
at no charge.
HOW YOU CAN GIVE US YOUR COMMENTS AND
SUGGESTIONS
NIPC has tried to make it as easy as possible for
you to tell us what you think about the draft plan.
You may make a statement at one of the eight public
hearings. As an alternative, you may submit a state-
ment by mail, until July 8; or you may telephone a
statement to NIPC between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., dur-
ing the week of June 26th. Telephone statements will
be transcribed in the hearing record, or summarized
there if they are longer than five minutes. Written
statements will be reproduced in the hearing record in
the form in which they are received.
northeastern Illinois planning commission
400 West Madison Street. Chicago. Illinois 6O606 (312) 454-O40O
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Type
Good
Features
Areas Needing
Improvement
This is an example of an alter-
native "legal" or "official"
newspaper notice.
This format is an improvement
over the usual obituary column
associated with most hearings,
and a fact sheet is offered to the
public.
The notice would be improved
by a more definitive or descrip-
tive title, at least a listing of
potential issues, and a telephone
contact for more information.
Notice of Public Hearings on
Proposed Areawide Waste
Treatment Management Plan
These hearings are being conducted for the purpose of
obtaining public advice on the Proposed Areawide
Waste Treatment Management Plan, prepared in accor-
dance with the provisions of Section 208 of P.L.
92-500, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Amendments of 1972. The presentation will include the
designation of management agencies for waste treat-
ment and the determination of priorities for construc-
tion of treatment facilities in Barry, Branch, Calhoun,
Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties.
Official public hearings will be held
Thursday, July 28, 1977
Thursday, Aug. 4, 1977
Thursday, Aug. 11 1977
Thursday. Aug. 18, 1977
Thursday, Aug. 25, 1977
7:30 p.m
7:30 p.m
7:30 p.m
7:30 p.m
7:30 p.m
-
Barry County Courthouse, Courtroom
Kalamazoo Center, Room A
Kellogg Comm. College, Davidson Auditorium
Branch County Courthouse, Commissioners' Room
Glen Oaks Community College, Nora Hagen Theatre
Hastings
Kalamazoo
Battle Creek
Coldwater
South of M-86,
East of Centreville
Interested persons and representatives of local governments and organizations are invited to present their
views and comments in writing, or in person, at these hearings. Oral comments should be limited to five
(5) minutes. Written statements of any length also may be mailed to Richard Simms, P.E., Water Quality
Director, Southcentral Michigan Planning Council, Connors Hall, Nazareth College at Kalamazoo,
Nazareth, Michigan 49074, until August 26, 1977.
Copies of Volume I, which includes the Proposed Areawide Waste Treatment Management Plan, have
been provided for public inspection at each unit of local government in the S.M.P.C. five-county area.
Copies of both Volume I and Volume II (the technical appendices) may be examined at the S.M.P.C.
office, at the address given above, and at the following libraries:
Barry County: Hastings Public Library.
Branch County: Branch County Public Library, Coldwater Public Library
Calhoun County: Albion College Library, Kellogg Community College Learning Resource Center, Marshall
Public Library, Willard Library (Battle Creek)
Kalamazoo County: Kalamazoo College Library, Kalamazoo Valley Community College Learning Resource
Center, Western Michigan University Libraries (Archives, Waldo Library), Nazareth College Library,
Portage Public Library.
St. Joseph County: Sturgis Public Library, Three Rivers Public Library.
A fact sheet discussing the development of the plan and the philosophy behind it is available on request
from the S.M.P.C. office. Some additional copies of Volume I, which includes the Proposed Areawide
Waste Treatment Management Plan, are also available.
Please bring this notice to the attention of any persons you feel would be interested in this matter.
SOUTHCENTRAL MICHIGAN PLANNING COUNCIL
Water Quality Commission
Merle Wood (Mayor, City or Parchment), Chairperson
Jerry R. Hubbard (Supervisor, Union Township, Branch County), Vice Chairperson
Richard G. Simms, P.E., Water Quality Director
Thm Rttm CommtfcM. ThiM Rivm Ml 6/27/77
10
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Type
Good
Features
Areas Needing
Improvement
This is an example of a poster/
mailer notice.
The notice emphasizes the alter-
natives for specific locations in
the community.
PUBLIC HEARING
on the
Wastewater Management Plan
for the
Town of New Field
... to discuss the alternative solutions and the recom-
mended plan for the Boomis Heights, Plain Meadow,
West End Pond areas, and the Sewage Treatment Plant.
Boomis Heights
Community septic system, alternatives 1 & 2
Subsurface sand filter Land application
Conventional sewering, alternatives 1 & 2
Abandonment of dwellings
Plain Meadow
No build
Lateral sewer program
West End Pond
No build Sewer to New Hartfield STP
Sewer to Windsted STP
Sewage Treatment Plant
Land application Extended aeration
Rotating biological contactors .
Two-stage trickling filters
The Date: Monday, April 5, 1978 Time: 7:30 P.M.
The Place: The New Field Town Hall
There is no mention of major
issues of public concern.
There is also too much technical
jargon; e.g., lateral sewer pro-
gram, extended aeration, rotating
biological contactors, two-stage
trickling fitters, etc.
In short, the writer is assuming
too much knowledge about the
project in the community. Even
in a well-publicized and/or con-
troversial project, this is a
dangerous assumption.
The notice should include a con-
tact for more information.
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Type
Good
Features
Areas Needing
Improvement
This invitation/hearing notice
was prepared by a consultant for
an EPA training session. Even
though it is for a hypothetical
situation, the notice exhibits
several important features.
The notice could stand by itself,
as a newspaper ad, poster or
mailer.
The format is not particularly
distinguished, but the notice
contains essential information
which must be included in any
effective notice:
Outline of issues in promiment
location;
A list of technical alternatives;
Information on where and
when to review documents;
Information on how and when
to make formal comments;
Name and phone number of
project contact person;
The date, time and location of
the hearing, a central, easily
reached location at a time when
most people can attend.
In this example a letter, co-signed
by a local official, is sent to an
extensive mailing list, in addition
to publication of the notice in
the local newspaper and posting
in prominent locations in the
community. This extra step is
taken because those responsible
for the project are aware of a
very important fact regarding
meeting or hearing notification:
most people who attend meetings
or hearings do so because they
have been contacted directly,
either by phone, through the
mail or in person, not because of
a formal notice, newspaper arti-
cle or paid ad; This fact has
been verified in surveys and is
borne out by actual experience
every day. This fact must be
taken into account by those con-
ducting the hearing or meeting.
Existing communications net-
works such as newsletters
should be used, as well as some
form of direct contact. In most
cases, reliance solely on the
"media" will be insufficient.
The elected official also indicates
in the letter that views expressed
at the hearing will be used in
decision-making.
The notice does not mention the
availability of a technical sum-
mary or fact sheet. While not
directly related to notice content
and form, such a summary is an
essential part of any project. If
one is available, it certainly
should be mentioned in the
notice.
For the most part, the notice
avoids jargon; however, "collec-
tion system," "mgd," and
"secondary treatment" are not
everyday terms.
Board of Selectmen
PUBLIC HEARING
on Water Pollution Control
PUBLIC OMMON WHL BE SOUGHT OH ALTCMCATIVE WASH TNEATMilfT HOtOSALS
fM THE TOWN Of UrTHICAL
FlACt UTTHJCAl SINON HIGH SCHOOL AUMTOMUM
AITIS OF ENVttONMEMTM. Btf ACTI fOM IA
UTVKMTaiwlHMftCOAM tot CO r M. Mq
12
-------
Dear Mythical Citizen,
We would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in a public hearing to help
select among alternative waste treatment proposals for Town of Mythical. The hearing
will take place on Wednesday, February 16, 1977 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mythical Senior
High School Auditorium.
The different proposals for handling the current and expected wastewater flows have
highlighted a number of significant issues, including:
. should the sewer service district be expanded?
. should the capacity of the treatment plant be expanded?
. should Mythical join with adjacent Makebleeve and construct
a regional treatment facility, phasing out Mythical's
current plant?
. what would be the land use impacts of an expanded facility?
Each of the proposals entails different environmental and monetary costs and benefits,
and we are seeking the advice and ideas of you and other citizens to help in making
the choice between them. We hope you will join us on February 16. Please refer to
the enclosed hearing notices for further details.
Sincerely,
Ima C. Leckman
Chairman,
Mythical Board of Selectmen
Board of Selectmen
PUBLIC HEARING
on Water Pollution Control
PUBLIC OPINION WILL BE SOUGHT ON ALTERNATIVE WASTE TREATMENT PROPOSALS
FOR THE TOWN OF MYTHICAL
TIME: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1977, BEGINNING AT 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: MYTHICAL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
ISSUES Should the sewer service district be expanded?
Should the capacity of the treatment plant be expanded?
Should Mythical and Makebleeve join in building a regional treatment facility?
What would be the land use iupacts of an expanded or regional facility?
ALTERNATIVES TO BE DISCUSSED: 1.) secondary treatment at existing plant with no
expansion of present capacity (.7 mgd};
2.) secondary treatment with expansion of capacity
(.9 mgd) and collection system (see map);
3.) new regional treatment facility with Makebleeve,
with 1.0 mgd capacity and expanded collection
system (map);
4.) new regional plant with Makebleeve with 1.2 mgd
capacity and expanded collection system (map).
DETAILED PLANS AND ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS FOR EACH ALTERNA-
TIVE may be examined at the Mytftical Town Hall (9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday through
Friday except legal holidays), the Mythical Public Library (9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday
through Friday and 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday), or in the Auditorium prior to the
hearing (starting at 6:30 P.M.).
A SIMILAR PUBLIC HEARING will also be held in the MAKEBLEEVE TOWN HALL an Thurs-
day. March 10, 1977. beginning at 7:30 P.M. Plans and analyses are available at Town Ha*
(9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday except legal hoidaysj. A separate l
ment for this hearing will also be published.
If you are unable to attend the hearing or would prefer to submit your comments in *
signed written comments will be accepted up to midnight of the seventh calendar day after the
hearing and will be entered as part of the hearing record. Signed statements received prior ao
the close of the hearing will be read at the hearing. Comments should be addressed to the
Board of Selectmen.
This hearing is being held in response to the National Environmental Poicy Act. ttoe Federal
Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, and Regulations promulgated thereunder.
On the basis of expressed public opinion and the environmental effects, monetary costs.
feasibility, resource and energy use, and reliability of the various, proposals, a "selected ato-
native" will be chosen and 75% federal/15% state funding wB be sought.
For more information, call Sue Erline. Community Liaison Officer for Dezine and Specks Inc^
Engineering Consultants, at 987-1234.
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Type
Good
Features
Points to
Consider
This is an example of a simple
newspaper ad used to attract
public attention prior to a public
hearing.
The ad generated several phone
calls for more information for
two reasons: the ad was placed
in a prominent location in a
widely circulated newspaper, and
the ad highlights a few dramatic
issues related to the hearing.
BOSTON HARBOR
"NO SWIMMING" in Charles & Mystic Rivers
"SHELLFISHING BANNED" in Inner Harbor
400,000 pounds of partially treated sewage & toxic
waste flow into Boston Harbor daily
Does it have to be this way? Are you responsible?
What do you want done for a clean Boston Harbor?
Let the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency know
at a public hearing on:
Monday, November 20,1978
Faneuil Hall, Boston
1:30-5:30 P.M. and 7:00-10:00 P.M.
At the hearing EPA will hear your comments on its
recommendations for cleaning up the Harbor and its
tributaries. The EPA recommendations include:
a $770 million water pollution control project with
waste water treatment at Deer Island
environmentally sound sludge disposal
For more information contact EPA's Office of Public
Awareness at 223-7223.
The use of .such an ad should be
carefully considered.
There is no question that a well
done, well-placed ad will attract
attention; however, caution must
be used to avoid overstatement.
The cost of such an ad is usually
much higher than the cost of a
legal notice, particularly in large
metropolitan newspapers.
It is not possible to tell a news-
paper where to put a legal notice.
Certain locations can be requested
for display ads.
14
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Type
Things to
Consider
This is an example of a public
notice designed to reach a speci-
fic audience.
In many instances writing a
notice that can be read and
understood by the affected
public means taking the extra
step of writing the notice in a
language other than plain
English.
When this extra step is taken, it
is advisable not to give a literal
translation of an English language
notice. The notice should be
actually written by someone with
a good knowledge of the idiom
and nuances of the other lan-
guage. It may be advisable to
seek assistance and advice from
a member of the community.
Of course, the principles regard-
ing content and distribution also
apply to these types of notices.
£ « f. $4? A **
.
it f ! * '
it » »* iti ^* ** *'. *s
**.
ft . s. Jt; «*«.<« «,?«-
». It *«
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Type
Things to
Consider
This is an example of an all-too-
typical government hearing notice
which is usually posted in public
buildings and mailed to persons
on special agency mailing lists.
This example is taken almost
word for word from an actual
EPA notice.
When stacked up against the
five basic principles of a good
notice and the checklist provided
in this guidance, it can be easily
seen that this type of notice
because it is so "governmental"
in tone and appearance cannot
be relied upon to stimulate public
interest.
Even though three issues are
hinted at in the notice, the
layout of the notice, as well as a
fair amount of governmentese
deaden its effect.
This type of notice should be
avoided if at all possible.
TO:
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region XI
14 Main Street
Anytown, Anystate 20002
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
HASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM, SOME TOWN, Anystate
All Interested Government Agencies, Public Groups and Individuals
In accordance with the provisions of the National Environmental
Policy Act, this notice is to inform you that the Region XI Office of the
Environmental Protection Agency intends to hold a public hearing for the
proposed agency action described below:
Approval of a Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan for a new sewer
interceptor, lagoons and rapid infiltration basins for Some
town, Anystate.
EPA approval of this plan and EIS will mean 75 percent and up to
85 percent of all eligible costs will be made available to Some Town
under provisions of Public Law 92-500. EPA recognizes that the approval
of the sewage Interceptor line in East End could have significant effects
upon the environmental quality of this area. In particular, the following
areas are likely to be affected: water quality in Carp Creek, ground
water quality near the infiltration basins, and land use patterns in East
End.
The final EIS is now available in limited quantities either from
Some Town or the EPA Regional Office. The forty-five day comment
period ends June 28, 1979.
If you wish to express your views regarding the proposed project
please attend the public hearing or address your written comments to the
Regional Administrator.
COME TO THE PUBLIC HEARING BRING A CONCERNED FRIEND
PUBLIC HEARING
SOME TOWN'S WASTEHATER TREATMENT SYSTEM
THURSDAY JUHE 21, 1979 7:30 P.M.
County Courthouse Basement
44 Lament Street
Some Town, Anystate
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Type
Good
Features
Areas Needing
Improvement
This is an example of a simple,
yet effective, public notice/
poster.*
This notice goes right to the A telephone contact for more
heart of a very specific issue: the information should be given.
quality of a local lake.
'This notice was used as a poster and it The issue is presented in very
was also mailed to a carefully selected simple terms and Stresses
;KZ^«/±eCrrfrX environmental and economic
identify this "public." Concerns.
The notice is direct, visually
appealing and easy to read.
Are You Concerned?
Lake Hollingsworth is Dying . . .
As a close neighbor, you will want to learn how to save your lake.
While it isn't dead yet, it is heading toward this end.
So, pay your respects to this beautiful body of water while it is still alive.
Some dedicated people are working to save it now. They are having a special
meeting to tell you about it.
Come learn what is being done and how you can help. This affects your property
value.
Who wants to live near a dead lake?
Sponsored by: Central Florida Regional Planning Council
Location The Sump, Park Opposite Florida Southern College
(in case of rain: Branscomb Room 202)
Date Saturday, February 25, 1978
Time - 10:00 A.M.
central florida regional planning council
polk, hardee, desoto, highlands & okeechobee counties
-------
Type
Good
Features
This is an example of a mailer/
notice, including a response
form. This notice is used to
announce the beginning of a
planning process, not a specific
event.
Tkt Mill CfMk B«Hn CIS
"-^."-T-'TrZ'T"" Can You Thtnh Of Any Omar
- .....TTtU, - Now That You Han Docldad
Ltl Your Void 8a Haard To H.lp, What Happaitt
MILL CREEK BASIN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
DO YOU LIVE OR WORK IN THIS PART
OF JEFFERSON COUNTY? IF SO.
THIS NOTICE MAY BE OF VITAL CONCERN
TO YOU.
The notice is appealing and easy
to read with a simple map outlin-
ing the study area.
A response form is included as
well as the name of a person to
contact for more information.
The notice basically takes into
account all of the essential ingre-
dients of an effective notice. If
the notice is properly distributed,
it should generate public interest
and response.
.. M.HMVt.
C !<-' I «».' .f I*. I1II...I
&BK «=-
vvEPA
LAuisvine
Shlvely
Study Soundlry I
MILL CREEK BASIN
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
DO YOU LIVE OR WORK IN THIS PART
OF JEFFERSON COUNTY? IF SO,
THIS NOTICE MAY BE OF VITAL CONCERN
TO YOU.
18
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You Can Help
Environmental Impact Statements are popularly known
u EIS's. The purpoM ol en EIS » to make the appropriate
Federal. Mat* and local government agenda* end the
public aware ol th« beneficial end adverse impact! ot
proposed Ktfon and to disclose all reasonable alternative
actions that havebeeneoruidered The EIS process afford!
the public an opportunity to participate in Federal
decisions thai may atlact tha human environment
Tht environmental Protection Agency (EPA) needs your
help to make th« beat decisions on important issues
concerning waatewatar treatment and disposal which miy
effect you and your community.
The Mill Creek Basin EIS
The Louisville Wastewaier Facilities Plan was prepared In
1074 to address the waatewatar treatment needs lor a 20
yew period In the Louiavllle and Jefferson County area
The. plan pfopoeed a comprehensive sewer lymtem EPA
performed a review of the plan to determine if atgnlteant
environmental effects would result. Baaed upon this review
and concerns raised by local citizens, EPA determined that
the Mill Creek Basin portion of the plan would cause
significant impact* and that an EIS should be prepared as
required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The Mill Creek Basin EIS will involve an investigation of
existing and Mure groundwater quality and existing/
potential uses of groundwater resource in order to
determine the need for Federal funding for sewers in this
Basin Alternative* to and the impacts of providing sewer
earvtoa to the Rtverpofl Industrial Park, which Is located In
aouthweat Jefferson County, will also be evaluated
Let Your Voice Be Heard
You, as an individual or as a member of a group having an
interval in the area where the EIS will be conducted (see
map), can take part In the citizen participation portion ol
the EtS proceaa. An extensive citizen participation effort is
planned It will be an important part of the Mill Creek
Environmental Impact Statement's development Specific
Items include the development of a citizen review
committee, workshops, newt bnefs and public hearings
Enckwed with this brochure is a form which you may fill out
and return to EPA By filling out this form, you will indicate
to us the degree to which you or you' organization would
like to participate in Ae Mill Creek EIS
EPA's Role
Controversy over the Wes**w*tar FadUtiee Plan for the
Louisville area hea existed ever since it was announced that
a waatewater treatment study was going to be developed
The Plan has been liuealtgated by state legislative
committee*. protested by neighborhood groups and used
aa a beats for legal action
The Region rv office of me EPA ha* the authority to grant
the Metropolitan Sewer District 75% of the funds necessary
to construct the elements of the Ptan. In order lo reach* the
issue* that have been Identified, EPA will conduct a
detailed, impartial analysis The specific Questions the EIS
will answer include
1 What Is the beat alternative available to meet the
communities' wastewater needs, both now and in the
future?
2 Whit environmental and social impacts will mult
from the selected protect**
3. What economic impactiwtll the selected protect have
on ares residents, including those on fixed incomes'1
4 What is the suitability of septic tanks, seepage pits or
other individual on-lot disposal systems and how great a
threat do they present for polluting groundwater supplies''
5. Is on lot-disposal ol waste s permanent or short term
solution to waste disposal m the Mill Creek Basin?
6. What is the current Quality of the groundweleO
7 How can industrial wastes be handled'' Who pays lor
treating or pretreating Inese industrial wastes'*
Can You Think Of Any Other
Questions Which Should Be
Answered?
The EPA feels that these are important questions that
require the joint efforts ol government sgencies ana
concerned citizens in order to be adequately addressed
The EPA hopes that you. as a citizen, will provide your input
to enable EPA to make better decisions concerning
wastewater treatment and disposal
Now That You Have Decided
To Help, What Happens
Next?
Citizen workahope and a formal public hearing will be
held lo keep you informed of CPA'I progress, lo enswer
your questions, and lo give you an opportunity to raise
issues which you would like to see addressed
Look for announcements of proiecl landmarks in your
local newspepaer or lilt out the enclosed lorm and indicate
your deaire to receive I monthly newsletter outlining the
progreea of the EIS and announcing future meetings The
tint citizen workshop will be held during the first part of
November. 1976 Pleaaelookfortheennouncementmyour
local newspapers Indicating where and when this
workshop will M held
EPA welcomes your comments and inquiries Please leel
free to contact the following EPA representative for more
information
Ronald J Mlkulak. Protect Officer
EIS Branch
EPA. Region IV
Mi Courtlend Street. HI
Atlanta. Oa XOOt
(404IM1-74M
Mane or Individual:
Group Representing or Affiliated with:
Position with Group:
Address and Telephone Number:
Level of Interest 1n the EIS:
(I) (My Group) would like to become Involved 1n the EIS
process by (check one or more):
1. Q] Receiving a monthly newsletter outlining the progress
of the EIS;
2. |~~] Attending one or more workshops which would help develop
and evaluate wastewater management alternatives;
3. |~~) Being Informed of public hearings, committee meetings,
or workshops;
4. II Becoming a member of the citizens' review committee for
this project;
5. Q I have no desire to become involved in this EIS project.
19
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Type
Good
Feature
Areas Needing
Improvement
This is an example of a mailer/
poster.
The notice is brief, direct and
easy to read.
Simple graphics and layout, as
well as the title catch the reader's
attention.
The notice would have more
effect if specific economic and
environmental impacts were
listed.
A contact for more information
should be given.
The Clean
Water
People
are having
a meeting
If you are from the
Vandalia area, and if
you are aware that
cleaning up our rivers
and streams involves
your homes, your jobs,
your money. . .
You want to be there!
Thursday, July 13, 1978
7:00 P.M.
Troy High School Auditorium
151 West Staunton Road
Troy, Ohio
sponsored by the Miami Valley
Regional Planning Commission
7-12-78 Vandalia Chronicle
* U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1980 634-423/604
20
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