| Montreal, 14/04/2004 – A draft "Future Directions" document is available for public comment, to assist in determining how the Sound Management of Chemicals (SMOC) initiative can best evolve in future years to assess, reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate threats from toxic chemicals to our environment and health in North America.
The Sound Management of Chemicals (SMOC) initiative was authorized under Council Resolution 95–05 and is an ongoing trinational effort to reduce the risks of exposure to toxic substances to human health and the environment in the three countries. This initiative currently provides a forum for: a) identifying chemical priority issues of regional concern; b) developing North American Regional Action Plans (NARAPs) or alternative actions to address these priority issues; c) overseeing the implementation of approved actions; and d) facilitating and encouraging capacity building in support of the overall goals of SMOC, with emphasis on the implementation of NARAPs or alternative actions.
Preparing the final draft of Future Directions under the Commission for Environmental Cooperation Sound Management of Chemicals Initiative and releasing it for public comments constitute the next-to-last step in the process of providing advice and recommendations to the Council of Ministers on this initiative.
The SMOC Working Group's recommendations for "Future Directions" are organized under the following headings:
- Building on past successes to reduce risks associated with toxic and persistent substances;
- Building partnerships and sharing our experiences, practices and techniques to better prevent risks to human health and the environment;
- Improving environmental and health information for decision making;
- Capacity building and sustainability of the initiative; and
- Public involvement, communications and outreach.
The public comment period ends on 14 May 2004, at 17:00 EDT. Comments on the draft document Future Directions under the Commission for Environmental Cooperation Sound Management of Chemicals Initiative should be sent in writing, by electronic mail or fax to:
Luke J. Trip, Program Manager
Sound Management of Chemicals
E-mail: ltrip@ccemtl.org |
