[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 78 (Thursday, June 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1052]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE SAFE DRINKING WATER AND ARSENIC REMOVAL ACT OF 2001

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                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2001

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, high arsenic levels are 
prevalent in the state of Michigan and in many areas throughout the 
nation. Science has confirmed that arsenic can be dangerous to humans. 
What sound science though has not yet determined is exactly what level 
of arsenic is harmful and what level is safe for human consumption. 
Once that determination is made, however, we ought to allow existing 
federal dollars to assist local communities in immediately bringing the 
presence of arsenic to scientifically-proven safe levels.
  The Safe Drinking Water and Arsenic Removal Act would allow local 
municipalities to access funding to clean up water systems with high 
arsenic levels which exceed the new Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA) arsenic standard due out in February of 2002. When the EPA issues 
the new arsenic standard they will set a five year time frame for 
municipalities to comply. Because they are not in violation of any 
standard, communities would not be eligible for federal funding to 
clean up water systems that have been deemed dangerous by the 
scientists at the EPA for five years. This bill would allow 
municipalities to qualify for that funding immediately.
  For example, if the EPA adopts the new standard recommended by the 
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) of 20 parts per 
billion arsenic maximum, 169,000 people in Michigan would be drinking 
water deemed by EPA scientists as dangerous to human health for as many 
as five years. Let's help ensure families living in areas with high 
arsenic levels do not have to worry about the safety of their drinking 
water.
  Finally, The Safe Drinking Water and Arsenic Removal Act requires no 
new funding sources, but makes monies available from two existing 
programs: the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund and the Consolidated 
Farm and Rural Development Program.

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