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PA AGREEMENT TO EVALUATE NEW TECH. FOR DESTROYING CRYPTOSPOR.

Release Date: 12/13/96
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PA AGREEMENT TO EVALUATE NEW TECH. FOR DESTROYING CRYPTOSPOR.

FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1996

EPA SIGNS AGREEMENT TO EVALUATE NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR DESTROYING CRYPTOSPORIDIUM

An agreement to conduct a two-year evaluation of a new disinfection treatment technology for destroying cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants that may pose a public health threat in public drinking water supplies has been signed by EPA's Office of Research and Development in Cincinnati and Phoenix Water Systems Inc. (PWS) of Spokane, Wash. Based on the results of that evaluation, a second phase of the agreement will assess the technology's applicability in small-scale drinking water systems. The agreement was signed as a cooperative research and development agreement or "CRADA" under the Federal Technology Transfer Act, a law that facilitates collaboration between industry and government laboratories. EPA entered the agreement with PWS based on the potential significance of the company's technology in protecting public health. Tested at the bench-scale, PWS' technology has shown promise in its ability to successfully destroy cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants. Cryptosporidium is a microbe that, when ingested, can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and illness that can become life-threatening in individuals with impaired immune systems. The technology, which has been patented by PWS, utilizes a combination of ultrasonic, electromagnetic fields and ultraviolet light to destroy cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants. Under the agreement, PWS will work with EPA at the Agency's Test and Evaluation Facility. EPA and PWS will evaluate the technology's ability to destroy cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants under conditions typical of small drinking water system applications. Operation and maintenance costs and ease of use and repair also will be studied. The specific tasks described in the CRADA are expected to be carried out during the next two years. For technical information about the agreement, contact James Goodrich at (513) 569-7605. For information about EPA's CRADA program, contact Larry Fradkin at (513) 569-7960.

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