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EPA SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER
Release Date: 07/19/2001
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2001
As part of its effort to substantially reduce the current arsenic in drinking water standard from 50 parts per billion (ppb), EPA today is requesting public comment on the analyses it used in developing a standard published on January 22, and on up-to-date risk, costs and benefits data associated with a more protective potential standard of either 3, 5, 10, or 20 ppb. In addition, as announced April 18, EPA is proceeding with independent studies that will allow EPA to develop a strong and affordable arsenic standard based on the most current science. This includes an update by the National Academy of Sciences on arsenic health effects and separate studies on costs and benefits. EPA wants to ensure that America's cities will be able to fully implement the new standard and also is exploring financial and technical assistance for smaller communities. The implementation schedule set last January remains the same, requiring compliance by January, 2006. The independent studies will be available for public review and a summary of the studies and EPA's perspective on the studies will be published this fall in the Federal Register. The additional public comments sought in today's Federal Register notice can be submitted until October 31. See: www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic.html for more information on the arsenic rule review process.
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