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Denton Selected for Environmental Pilot

Release Date: 10/12/1999
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

    The city of Denton's wastewater treatment system has been selected for a national pilot project allowing flexibility in meeting environmental regulations in exchange for enhanced environmental protection. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Project XL allows local agencies to test innovative methods for achieving better and more cost-effective protection of public health and the environment.

     "Texans know that clean water is a priceless resource that must be protected. By reducing administrative and reporting requirements, EPA's Project XL will allow Denton to concentrate its efforts on developing more effective methods for improving water quality for all its citizens," EPA Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

     Denton will shift resources from inspecting and monitoring industrial users with good compliance histories to improving watershed protection.  Pollution prevention practices will be incorporated into local code ordinances.  

     The city will enhance its wastewater monitoring to help identify pollution sources. In addition, in conjunction with the University of North Texas, Denton will develop a water quality electronic sensing and sampling system.

     EPA is supporting 50 pilot projects nationwide. The Agency will study the results of these unique projects in order to develop similar projects with wider applications and broader environmental benefits. These pilots will help EPA craft better regulations to protect public health and our nation's natural resources.

     A kick-off meeting for the project's stakeholders will be held on Friday, November 19, from 1-5 p.m. in Room 130 of the Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building on the campus of the University of North Texas in Denton.