Courtney Bourgoin, courtney.bourgoin@sierraclub.org, 202 495 3022
Horsham, PA – People from across the region attended and testified at a meeting and “Listening Session” hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today to call for action by government agencies to address the PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances - PFAS) drinking water crisis.
“Delaware Riverkeeper Network calls on EPA and PADEP to respond to the urgent need for regulatory controls of the highly toxic PFAS compounds that have fouled our environment. This is why we petitioned the PA Environmental Quality Board to set a MCL for PFOA last year – but they have not yet responded. It is wholly unjust that people have been and are still being exposed to contaminated drinking water, air, and food without even knowing it, risking their and their family’s health and future. As agencies sworn to protect people’s health and the environment, the lack of action to mandate complete removal of these toxic compounds and cleanup of their sources is intolerable. We want safe drinking water and we want it now,” said Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network.
"The residents of Warminster have serious concerns about health issues and if their water is safe to drink. The EPA must act immediately to adjust the Health Advisory Levels for PFOA and PFOS that effectively communicate and explain health risks to the public," said Donna Elms, Warminster Township Environmental Advisory Committee member.
“We hope the EPA sees the magnitude of the problem in our area and steps up to the plate to finally put enforceable drinking water standards in place at levels protective enough for our children and other vulnerable populations. The community deserves a seat at the table when it comes to making important decisions that impact us regarding PFAS contamination. Nothing about us, without us,” said Hope Grosse, Joanne Stanton, and Mark Cuker of the Community Presentation Panel that spoke at today’s “Community Engagement” forum.
"It’s time for the EPA and the state to get serious and end PFAS usage and clean up drinking water contamination. The military must pay for effective and lasting water treatment. Failure to act by the state and federal government is a grave environmental injustice," said Joanne Kilgour, Director of Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter.
“EPA must take action federally to protect all people but the states simply can’t wait around for EPA to adopt mandatory standards. Pennsylvanians have a Constitutional Right to clean water under Article 1, Section 27, the Environmental Rights Amendment. Pennsylvania must step up now to adopt Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFCs to protect public health and the environment,” said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.