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4 

 regulation is the best approach. It appears that proceeding to the second phase of 

 negotiation might be a beneficial rulemaking effort. 



During the discussions, concerns were raised whether uniform, 

 comprehensive, national microbiological standards are technically feasible given the 

 diversity of geographic and aquatic conditions nationwide. Variations in potential 

 pollutant types and sources, climatic differences, and levels of salinity are 

 important considerations in this regard. Limitations in available scientific 

 information were also discussed. 



The funding and timing for new beach regulations brought about through 

 this legislation or through negotiations with stakeholders must be considered with 

 other high priority statutory and court-mandated programs which EPA must strive 

 to complete. If, after careful consideration of all factors involved, a national 

 program is deemed appropriate, a continuation of the negotiated rulemaking could 

 be pursued to produce a consensus agreement on recreational water criteria or 

 standards, monitoring approaches, and beach notification/closure and reopening 

 guidelines. 



As you can see, with the existing resources, we have a full agenda 

 underway to protect our coastal waters for all Americans and our international 

 visitors. In some cases it is a matter of continuing implementation of existing 

 programs; for others we must seek new solutions to the remaining problems. 

 Some States are doing a very commendable job in monitoring recreational waters 

 and in protecting beachgoers from potentially harmful pollution. We encourage 



