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Rome official urges residents to respond to EPA lead and copper rule revision survey; praises DPW snow crews
Summary
Commissioner Giuliano told the Common Council on March 12 that the city needs many more resident responses to an EPA lead and copper rule revision self-report effort and publicly thanked DPW workers for prolonged snow-clearance efforts.
Commissioner Giuliano told the Rome Common Council on March 12 that the city needs substantially more public responses to a federal request related to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule revision.
“EPA is requiring us to get some machine learning. To do that, to qualify for the machine learning, I have to get 500 responses and 500 self reports from the public. I'm still down under a hundred responses,” Commissioner Giuliano said during the meeting. He asked residents to use the council meeting and other channels to increase participation.
Giuliano also publicly thanked the Department of Public Works workforce for their snow-clearing efforts during a prolonged winter event. “We have the best DPW in New York State,” he said, praising the roughly 60 workers who worked extended shifts during a six-week period of heavy snow.
Why it matters: Responses requested for the EPA Lead and Copper Rule revisions could affect local compliance documentation and any future requirements tied to federal implementation; higher public participation helps the city meet the thresholds Giuliano described.
Details and next steps
- Commissioner Giuliano said the EPA-related effort requires 500 responses and 500 self-reports; he stated the city currently has fewer than 100.
- Giuliano said the city has made posts on Facebook and plans continued outreach but needs more engagement from residents.
- On the snow response, Giuliano said the city relied on about 60 DPW workers who sometimes worked 12- to 16-hour shifts and seven days a week; he urged residents to thank DPW staff when they see them.
Remarks in context
Dennis, a resident who spoke during public comment, referenced recent social-media discussion about layoffs at the Department of Public Works and said some residents raised questions about staffing after personnel changes. He noted he had sought clarification from council members and the mayor’s office and advised residents to raise questions at meetings.
The transcript records Giuliano’s remarks as a report to the council; no formal resolution or directive related to the Lead and Copper Rule revision was recorded in the meeting minutes.
