They're calling it the "Coming Together for Clean Water Discussion Forum."
Did you notice the keyword? It's "discussion." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is saying they want to hear from you.
Here's their blog post on stormwater issues. I'm sure the people of Charlotte have something to say about this issue:
What, where, and how communities build will affect their residents lives including access to clean water. More pavement and non-porous surfaces mean less area where water can soak into the ground, where it recharges our water supplies and nurtures ecosystems. Stormwater that isnt absorbed runs over these developed areas, picking up contaminants and sediments that eventually flow into rivers and streams. In light of the principles of smart growth, including green infrastructure, what practices or approaches have you seen in urban settings that have been effective in supporting achievement of the CWA goals?
What additional practices or approaches do you believe hold potential to support achievement of CWA goals?
What actions can EPA and others take to promote these practices or approaches in support of achievement of CWA goals?
Now, check out their post called "The Watershed Approach."
EPA has long focused on identifying impaired waters and restoring their water quality. Recently, EPA has begun efforts on the protection and conservation of healthy, functioning watersheds, which provide the ecological support system essential for achieving water quality restoration. Our challenge is to weave a range of voluntary programs, regulations, and strategies into an effective method of protecting whole geographically based drainage areas. If you have experience with protecting watersheds, what has worked and what hasnt?
How can we protect and improve watersheds given the challenges of various sources of pollution?
What examples of effective practices and strategies can be scaled up to State and national levels for greater effectiveness and broader use?
The agency, it seems, is begging you for ideas. So, speak up.