Exceptional event notifications, demonstrations and correspondence (Illinois Environmental Protection Agency)
| Multi Request | Exceptional event notifications, demonstrations and correspondence |
| Submitted | May 26, 2023 |
MuckRock users can file, duplicate, track, and share public records requests like this one. Learn more.
Communications
From: Dillon Bergin
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act., I hereby request the following records:
1. All draft submissions and final submissions of demonstrations of exceptional events related to criteria pollutants, as submitted by state, local, or federal authorities.
2. Any acknowledgement or response from EPA to regarding demonstration submissions or initial notification packages, as described in 40 C.F.R. 50.14 (Table 2).
3. All subsequent responses, decisions and correspondence communicated by the EPA, including approvals, denials or requests for more information, as described in 40 C.F.R. 50.14.
Limitation of Fees
We are entitled to a limitation of fees because we are a member of the news media. 45 C.F.R. § 5.53(b); 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(4)(A)(ii)(II). Accordingly, even if our application for a waiver of all fees is denied, we are entitled to a limitation of fees. As a news media requester, we are “entitled to search time, review time, and up to 100 pages of duplication” and can be charged only duplication fees after the first 100 pages or its cost equivalent. 45 C.F.R. § 5.53(b). We request that the information be provided in its native electronic format, and thus there should be no duplication fees.
Request for Explanation of Withholdings and Redactions
If this request is denied in whole or in part, please provide a reasonable description of any withheld materials and a justification for all such withholdings that includes reference to the specific FOIA exemptions authorizing withholding and specific reasons why such exemptions apply. 45 C.F.R. § 5.31. An agency shall withhold information only if “the agency reasonably foresees that disclosure would harm an interest protected by an exemption” or “disclosure is prohibited by law.” 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(8)(A)(i). We therefore request that if the EPA determines that an exemption applies that it also provide specific reasons why disclosure would harm any interest protected by such exemption. An agency shall also “consider whether partial disclosure of information is possible whenever the agency determines that a full disclosure of a requested record is not possible” and “take reasonable steps necessary to segregate and release nonexempt information.” Id. 552(a)(8)(A)(ii). We therefore request that the EPA release all segregable portions of otherwise exempt material.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Dillon Bergin
From: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Good afternoon
For the FOIA request below submitted earlier today, what is the date range for the records you are seeking?
Thank you
Sharon
-
image001
From: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Good morning
For the FOIA request below, would you please specify a date range for the documents you are seeking?
Thank you
Sharon
-
image001
From: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
please provide a date range for the documents you are seeking
________________________________
[A close up of a logo Description generated with high confidence]
May 31, 2023
MuckRock News
Attn: Mr. Dillon Bergin
Dept MR 146462
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
Re: Freedom of Information Act Request - 126530
Dear Mr. Bergin:
This letter is in response to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.)
request dated May 26, 2023 and received by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
(Illinois EPA) on May 26, 2023.
Please be advised that the Illinois EPA is unable to respond to your request within five (5) business days and is extending the response time by an additional five (5) business days pursuant to the Illinois FOIA at 5 ILCS 140/3(e). The reason for the delay is as follows:
(iii) the request is couched in categorical terms and requires an extensive search for the
records responsive to it;
Sincerely,
[cid:image002.jpg@01D993B7.B9AA6330]
Anwar Johnson
Illinois EPA FOIA Officer
217.558.5101
http://www.epa.illinois.gov/foia/index
State of Illinois - CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged or attorney work product, may constitute inside information or internal deliberative staff communication, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. Receipt by an unintended recipient does not waive attorney-client privilege, attorney work product privilege, or any other exemption from disclosure.
From: Dillon Bergin
Hi,
The date range that I am requesting is from Jan. 1, 2016 through the date the request is ultimately fulfilled.
My best,
Dillon Bergin
From: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
[A close up of a logoDescription generated with high confidence]
June 12, 2023
MuckRock News
Attn: Mr. Dillon Bergin
Dept MR 146462
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
Re: Freedom of Information Act Request - 126530
Dear Mr. Bergin:
This letter is in response to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.)
request dated May 26, 2023 and received by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
(Illinois EPA) on May 26, 2023.
Your request sought documents related to exceptional event demonstrations dated January 1, 2016, through May 26, 2023.
Following a search, the Illinois EPA has determined there to be no information responsive to your request. All information responsive to this request was provided to you on June 7, 2023, in FOIA response 126463
Sincerely,
[cid:image002.jpg@01D99D0C.FFD2BE30]
Anwar Johnson
Illinois EPA FOIA Officer
217.558.5101
http://www.epa.illinois.gov/foia/index
State of Illinois - CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged or attorney work product, may constitute inside information or internal deliberative staff communication, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. Receipt by an unintended recipient does not waive attorney-client privilege, attorney work product privilege, or any other exemption from disclosure.
From: Molly Peterson
Hello Mr. Johnson --
I appreciate your response to request 126463. We consider this request closed and thank you.
Dillon Bergin