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The EPA this week announced it has conducted extensive
review of scientific data related to the health effects of exposure to
perchlorate from drinking water and other sources, and found that in more than
99 percent of public drinking water systems, perchlorate was not at levels of
public health concern. Therefore, based on the Safe Water Drinking Act
criteria, the agency determined there is not a "meaningful opportunity for
health risk reduction" through a national drinking water regulation.
Environmental groups were nonplussed at the announcement. The environmental group Earthjustice announced plans to sue the agency over its decision, promising to fight the EPA's decision in court if the final ruling echoes the preliminary one.
"It is an arbitrary and irrational decision," said Earthjustice attorney George Torgun. "It's another instance of politics trumping science in the Bush administration."
The agency is seeking comment on its preliminary determination not to regulate perchlorate in drinking water at a national level. The EPA noted it will make a final determination for perchlorate after considering information provided in the 30-day public comment period.
The agency noted, however, that states still have the right to establish and enforce drinking water standards; some states have already taken action on perchlorate protections. The EPA said it intends to issue a health advisory at the time it issues its final regulatory determination for perchlorate, to assist states with their local response.
Environmental groups were nonplussed at the announcement. The environmental group Earthjustice announced plans to sue the agency over its decision, promising to fight the EPA's decision in court if the final ruling echoes the preliminary one.
"It is an arbitrary and irrational decision," said Earthjustice attorney George Torgun. "It's another instance of politics trumping science in the Bush administration."
The agency is seeking comment on its preliminary determination not to regulate perchlorate in drinking water at a national level. The EPA noted it will make a final determination for perchlorate after considering information provided in the 30-day public comment period.
The agency noted, however, that states still have the right to establish and enforce drinking water standards; some states have already taken action on perchlorate protections. The EPA said it intends to issue a health advisory at the time it issues its final regulatory determination for perchlorate, to assist states with their local response.
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