For Immediate Release
Contact Jeff Tittel, 609-558-9100 April 30, 2010
DEP Promises Action on Perchlorate
DEP Commissioner, Bob Martin, has finally agreed to implement a perchlorate standard. Perchlorate is a chemical found in fertilizer and rocket fuel that has been identified in the drinking water supply. It causes thyroid disorders in children and adults. Perchlorate is especially harmful to pregnant women and fetuses, leading to learning disabilities.
New Jersey's perchlorate standard was allowed to expire in March, as a result of Governor Christie's first executive Execute Order. The new standard had been in the works for five years before the administration put a moratorium on rules. Commissioner Martin originally refused sign a proposed rule restricting perchlorate in drinking water, stating that the DEP research was "shoddy".
The DEP perchlorate research was both sound and reliable. The results aligned New Jersey's proposal of 5 mg/l with that of other states that conducted similar studies. California's standard is 6 mg/l and Massachusetts currently regulates at 2 mg/l.
"The DEP used good science. The standard should never have been allowed to lapse," said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.
The commissioner addressed questions and concerns about the lapsed standard by saying that the NJDEP would wait for the EPA's findings, which could take up to six years. This six-year waiting period could expose New Jersey residents to high levels of perchlorate and cause serious health risks. The commissioner took the side of toxic pollution over the protection of drinking water.
"Delay means more toxins getting into the drinking water and more toxins getting into the people of New Jersey. Commissioner Martin must do an emergency rule to adopt the proposed standard and protect the health and safety of New Jersey residents," Tittel said.
Christine Guhl Program Assistant New Jersey Sierra Club
145 W. Hanover Street Trenton, NJ 08618 Tel: (609) 656-7612 Fax: (609) 656-7618 christine.guhl_at_sierraclub.org
Received on 2010-04-30 11:40:53