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External technical expertise provides a useful review of the assumptions and calculations used to support the study; a source of new ideas and different perspectives; and independent verification of the study's conclusions to alleviate any concerns from the public or from industry about government bias or competence.
The advisory group provides recommendations and reviews technical aspects of the study for IDEM and the City of Indianapolis. Because of the diverse technical expertise available at the meetings, IDEM receives very specific technical input on a variety of issues. Consensus from the group on specific methodology or technical ideas is not necessary. IDEM uses the input and the technical expertise of the group to help in its decision-making process.
Technical advisory group meetings are open to the public. Laura Steadham, IDEM OLQ, is the facilitator of the group and facilitates each meeting following a predetermined agenda. During the meeting, members of the technical advisory group discuss technical issues associated with the project and make recommendations to IDEM on the issues discussed. The last agenda item for every meeting is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on topics discussed by the advisory group. Additional comments are taken at the end of the meeting in order to preserve the focus of the group on technical issues.
The technical advisory group met at the beginning of the study to thoroughly review the scope of the project and make suggestions. The group meets at least quarterly but more meetings will be scheduled should further group participation be warranted. We may also request group input via an email distribution list.