The Department of Ecology (DOE) is meeting with key interests on Nov. 25 about updates it is considering to the state’s surface water quality standards for toxics, including fish consumption rates.

Ecology’s Delegates’ Table  meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (PT) at DOE’s Lacey building.

The Delegates’ Table is a core group Ecology identified to help work through key policy issues, consisting of individuals representing the interests of their respective communities. The Delegates’ Table will provide advice and perspective to the agency as it addresses the complex science and public policy issues of the rulemaking.

The meeting will revisit information provided by Ecology at its Nov. 6, 2013, public meeting in support of current Surface Water Quality Standards rule-making activities.

The public is invited to listen to the Delegates’ Table discussion. An opportunity for public comment will be provided during the meeting.

Ecology is using the public meetings to engage with and educate people about the complex technical and policy issues involved with updating the human health criteria section of the state’s standards.

The rule making also is looking at advanced regulatory tools that will allow regulated water dischargers to remain in compliance with the updated standards.

These public meetings will assist DOE in developing a draft rule in 2014. Once the draft rule is developed, DOE will ask for formal public review and input.