WSSC Water’s Non-discrimination Statement

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (“WSSC Water”) is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to its programs and services for all individuals. WSSC Water does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, in providing access to its programs and activities. WSSC Water does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.

Because WSSC Water receives grant financing from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, specific reference is also made to the following provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations – 40 CFR Part 5 and Part 7. Parts 5 and 7 address non-discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency.

WSSC Water’s Non-Discrimination Coordinator:

Eric McFarland
Division Manager, EEI/EEO
14501 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel, Maryland 20707
301-206-8743(o)
TitleVIcomplaint@wsscwater.com    

The Non-Discrimination Coordinator is responsible for the direction of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 (Non-discrimination  in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (hereinafter referred to collectively as the federal non-discrimination laws).

WSSC Water’s Non-Discrimination Complaint Procedure:

If you have a complaint or grievance alleging possible discrimination of the operation of programs or services offered by WSSC Water, the following procedures shall apply to your complaint or grievance.

 1.  Filing of a Complaint:

• Any individual who believes they have been subjected to discrimination in accessing the programs or services offered by WSSC Water may file a complaint within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged discrimination.
   
• Complaints can be submitted via email, mail, or in person to the designated Non-Discrimination Coordinator:

• A complaint must be in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it and/or the identified representative. The complaint must state the date of the occurrence and the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought. The complaint shall specify with as much detail as possible: (a) The actions or inactions by WSSC Water that support an alleged violation of 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 and 7; (b) The alleged discrimination that did or will result from such actions or inactions and the identity of the person(s) harmed or potentially harmed by the alleged discrimination; and (c) The basis for why the action is believed to be discriminatory, and if possible, identifying the sections of 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 and 7, that were allegedly violated.
   
• Any individual who requires accessibility or disability-related accommodations, language assistance, language translation or interpretive services to participate in this process is instructed to contact our Non-discrimination Coordinator at TitleVIcomplaint@wsscwater.com. WSSC Water will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency are provided auxiliary aids and services or language assistance services, respectively, if needed, to participate in the grievance process. Such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing qualified interpreters, providing taped cassettes of material for individuals with low vision, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. The Non-Discrimination Coordinator will be responsible for such arrangements.
   

2. Initial Review

• Upon receipt of a complaint, the Non-discrimination Coordinator will conduct an initial review to determine the nature and scope of the allegations.
   
• The Non-discrimination Coordinator will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 72 business hours and initiate the investigation process.

3.  Investigation

• The investigation will be conducted promptly, thoroughly, and impartially.
   
• The Non-discrimination Coordinator may request additional information or documentation from the complainant and any relevant parties.
   
• Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible throughout the investigation process.

4. Resolution

• Following the investigation, the Non-Discrimination Coordinator will determine whether the complaint is substantiated based on the available evidence.
   
• If discrimination is found to have occurred, appropriate corrective actions will be implemented to remedy the situation and prevent future occurrences.
   
• The complainant will be informed of the outcome of the investigation and any remedial actions taken in writing within 60 days of the filing of the complaint.

5. Appeals

• If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of the investigation, they may appeal the decision within 30 calendar days of receipt of the investigative findings to the Deputy General Manager/Chief Operating Officer who will conduct a review of the original investigation and render a final decision.
   
• Appeals must be submitted in writing to the following address:

• Receipt of the appeal shall be acknowledged in writing within 72 hours.

6.  Documentation

• All discrimination complaints and related investigative records will be maintained confidentially and securely.
   
• Documentation of complaints, investigations, and resolutions will be retained in accordance with applicable WSSC Water record and retention policies and regulations.

7. Training and Awareness

• The Non-Discrimination Coordinator will provide regular training and education to employees and stakeholders on Non-discrimination policies and procedures.
   
• Information on how to file a discrimination complaint and access resources for support will be made readily available to all program participants and stakeholders.