ENVIRONMENTAL
NEWS
S UMMA R Y June »•1974
Office of Public Affairs U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. 20460
LAND USE
In 211-204 vote, House defeats rule for debate on land use planning bill, vir-
tually killing all prospects for legislation this year (Wash. Post, 6/12/74, N.Y. Times,
6/12/74, Wall St. Journal, 6/12/74). The bill, passed by the Senate and recently repor-
ted out of the House Rules Concn., would have given states $800 million over 8 years to
develop comprehensive land use programs. Sponsor, Rep. Morris Udall(D-Ariz.) and sup-
porters attributed the defeat to "impeachment politics"--the shifting of Administration
support to weaker Rhodes-Steiger substitute as a means of currying conservative support.
Defeat came largely from conservative Republicans and rural Democrats who were under
intense lobbying by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Farm Bureau Federation, cattle,
soil, and timber groups, who saw the bill as an inhibition to growth and development, a
threat to ownership of private property and an infringement on states' rights. Propon-
ents of the bill included the AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, National League of Cities,
U.S. Conference of Mayors, Governors' Conference, National Association of Counties, Nat'l
Assoc. of Realtors, and all major environmental groups (Wash. Post, 6/12/74).
AIR
House, Senate-passed bill to amend the Clean Air Act (HR 14368, Energy Supply and
Coordination Act) reported by House, Senate conference committee June 6 (Air/Water Pol-
lution Report, 6/10/74). Committee agreed to provision—included in both House and Sen-
ate versions—extending all '75 interim auto emissions standards through 1976, and set
standards by which FEA could order power-plant conversions from oil to coal. EPA will be
allowed to temporarily suspend emission limitations for utilities unable to get clean
fuel, or given FEA-ordered variance. EPA will also be allowed to void FEA variance if
significant health risk is determined, provision hailed by environmentalists as defeat
for coal, electric-utilities industries (Wash. Post. 6/10/74). The Senate cleared the
bill for the President's signature on June 12 (Wash. Post. 6/13/74).
In testimony during Senate Public Works Subcomm. hearings on CAA oversight, EPA
Administrator Russell Train reaffirms that "...clean air need not be sacrificed to meet
energy, economic or social goals, although 2-3-month variances may have to be granted in
cases of fuel shortages." Regarding scrubber issue, Train says there can be no arbitra-
tion: "If a state implementation plan requires the use of scrubbers in order to meet
standards...scrubbers must be used"(A/W _Po11. Rpt., 6/10/74). Train also states that
"a relative few communities" so heavily impacted with air pollution that impossible to
meet clean-air deadlines under transportation control strategies, may be granted exten-
sions, providing they have "adopted all reasonable control measures"(Wash. Post, 6/4/74,
A/W Poll. Rpt, 6/10/74). Comm. also heard testimony favoring and opposing extension of
the Act. Chairman of NAS panel on S02, Dr. Bertram Carrow, called use of intermittent
controls (tall stacks) an "epidemiclogical gamble," possibly forming clouds of harmful
pollutants over heavily-populated areas. Natural Resource Defense Council spokesman
attacks utilities on scrubber position (Sierra Club Nationa 1 _News_RepQrt, 5/24/74). Oil
industry executives, developers call for overhauling of CAA, ask primary, secondary stan-
dards be postponed until economically and technologically feasible (A/W_Polli_Rp_t, 5/27/
74). Rpt. finds little sympathy for industry position among panel membersT
IK RELATED DEVELOPMENTS, Train also gave the subcommittee draft proposal on regu-
lations to prevent "significant deterioration" of air already cleaner than federal stan-
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS SUMMARY
dards require (A/W Poll. Rpt, 6/10/74). Regulations will include zone system of allow-
able deterioration dependent on economic, social factors and present air quality, and,
since related to land—use planning procedures, decisions will be left to states. EPA
should establish guidelines, insure proper policy-making and implementation procedures.
EPA begins enforcement proceedings on 3 electric utilities which have plants violat-
ing sulfur oxide emission standards, endangering human health (Wall St. Journal, 6/10/74.
Wash. Post, 6/8/74). Currently, there are 90 power plants in the country violating SOX
standards Environmental Health Letter (6/1/74) says Train has urged electric utili-
ties to pass costs of sulfur oxide removal on to customer, esp. costs of scrubber and
other flue-gas desulfurization equipment U.S. News & World Report (6/17/74) features
story on Chatanooga, Tenn., once most polluted industrial city in U.S., now one of clean-
est, using baghouse, scrubber technology to clean up industrial emissions Train, in
speech to New York Board of Trade, reiterates feasibility of scrubber technology, con-
demns American Electric Power System anti-scrubber ads, notes FEA's John Sawhill has alsc
asked AEPS to "cease this kind of advertising...[which] gives the incorrect impression
that conservation implies strongly negative economic impacts" (Journal, 6/10/74).
VINYL CHLORIDE
EPA announces air emissions from vinyl chloride-producing plants do not pose an
"imminent hazard," but feels efforts must be made to keep emissions at lowest possible
levels (Wash. Post, 6/12/74, Wall St. Journal, 6/12/74). Atmospheric sampling around
various plants generally ranged from 0.5 ppm PVC to 3.4 ppm, well under Occupational
Health and Safety Administration allowable level of 50 ppm. Wall St. Journal(6/3/74)
says EPA considering possible imposition of vinyl chloride emissions limits.
IN RELATED DEVELOPMENTS, Houston Post (5/31/74) reports EPA no longer consider-
ing criminal prosecution of chemical industries releasing vinyl chloride into air, as
earlier reported (see 5/31/74 News Summary). Amid charges that EPA violating Clean Air
Act by withholding the sampling data, EPA says data soon to be released without further
action since "no emission standards exist for vinyl chloride." EPA cakes more pesti-
cide sprays containing vinyl chloride off the market (Wash. Pose, 5/29/74), while Con-
sumer Product Safety Commission asks for ban on other household sprays containing the
chemical (Wall St. Journal, 5/31/74) N.Y. Tir.es (6/1/74) reports further case stud-
ies on angiosarcoma cancer patients show vinyl chloride link.
ATOMIC ENERGY
Wash. Post (6/11/74) reports Joint Comm. on Atomic Energy meets in sudden, "un-
seemly haste" to reconsider new limits of nuclear damage liability payments, one month
before completion of reactor safety study. Nuclear power industry and AEG want present
liability payments limit extended to 1997. Opponents of Legislation feel haste may
be due to retirement this year of some committee members sympathetic to nuclear, energy.
In response to growing reports on nuclear theft possibilities, AEC has set up a
new Division of Safeguards and Security concerned solely with protection of fissionable
materials (Wash. Post, 6/4/74). Responsibilities will include research & development on
protection techniques, and security procedures to protect nuclear plants and uranium and
plutonium-carrying transportation Legislation to split the AEC into 2 separate agen-
cies, an Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA), and a Nuclear Safety and
Licensing Commission (NSLC), is reported out of Senate Government Operations Comm. to
Senate floor (Wash. Posj:, 5/30/74). Included in the NLSC will be an office for Nuclear
Materials Security.
In other safety issues, AEC reports 861 "abnormal events" occurred at nuclear
power plants nation-wide (Washi__Post, 5/29/74, Newsday_, 5/29/74), with 371 rated
"potentially significant," although no health hazards.
IN OTHER NUCLEAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS, U.S. News & World Report (6/17/74) says
world's first floating nuclear power station will be anchored off New Jersey coast by
1980 U^Jfews & World Report (6/10/74) also features article on "fading" reli-
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS SUMMARY
ability of nuclear power plants, citing increased safety, mechanical difficulties
N.Y. Times (5/20/74), Newsweek (6/3/74) report growing concern of radiation hazards of
ordinary radio, television, radar, micro waves, even electric power lines. Evidence
mounting on biological, heat-generating effects of both high and low-intensity radiation.
DEEPWATER PORTS
House passes by 318-9 vote, bill allowing Interior Dept. to issue permits for
construction of deepwater ports to accomodate oil-carrying "supertankers" (A/W Poll. Rpt,
6/10/74, Wall St. Journal, 6/7/74). Bill gives adjacent states voice in port construc-
tion and siting, requires environmental impact statements from applicants, provides for
oil-spill liability fund. A special Senate subcommittee is drawing up another version of
the bill.
N.Y. Times editorial (6/4/74) deplores construction of supertankers, citing
grave oil spill danger: "...ships are built to make money...not for maximum safety...
have shown high-rate of structural failure, frequently breaking up in heavy storms."
Calls for rigid safety standards, intensive crew training to prevent "irremediable dis-
aster."
WATER
Council on Environmental Quality releases report identifying urban rainwater run-
off as more comprehensive source of toxic substances, including lead and mercury, than
most waste discharges from major industries (Wash. Post, 6/9/74). Report says storm
runoff, often as toxic as untreated sewage, is dumped directly into waterways, making up-
grading of waste-treatment facilities "senseless" until storm sewer improvements are
made. CEQ terms the problem "extremely serious," estimating that average city's annual
runoff contains 100,000 to 250,000 Ibs. of lead, a problem of particular note for cities
where lead in automobile exhaust responsible for most atmospheric fallout. Average an-
nual mercury runoff is 30,000 Ibs., compared to allowable annual industry discharge limit
of 176 Ibs.
IN DRINKING-WATER DEVELOPMENTS, "Lack of quorums, oil industry lobbying,
and nitpicking," is stalling drinking-water standards legislation in House Interstate
and Foreign Commerce Comm., charges Ralph Nader in syndicated column (Cleveland Plain-
Dealer, 5/22/74). Senate-passed bill sets federal standards, provides technical assist-
ance to states, gives states enforcement authority with EPA follow-up. House bill con-
tains customer/media notification of violations provision. Nader says oil lobbyists
want oil-contamination provision deleted, committee members fail to attend meetings,
Chmn. Staggers (D-W.Va.) refuses to show leadership. If not reported in 3 weeks, says
Nader, bill "will be lost." Sylvia Porter, in nationally-syndicated column (6/7/74)
urging passage of drinking-water legislation, says drinking water clean-up must be paid
for at national level, if not acceptable at local level.
Drinking-water bill also contains emergency chloride allocation provision (Clean
Water Report, 5/24/74). Senate Commerce Comm. also reports out emergency chloride allo-
cation legislation, giving EPA authority to determine need for allocation. Wall St.
Journal (5/16/74) predicts summer chlorine shortage of 2-15%.
IN OTHER WATER DEVELOPMENTS , House Public Works Coimi. held oversight hearings on
FWPCA, with controversy centering on user charges, industrial cost recovery, state/fed-
eral relations (Water Pollution Control Federation Highlights, May, 1974). EPA's John
Rhett announces certain "policy changes" on these matters House Government Operations
Comm. scores EPA for omitting small feedlots from discharge permit requirements (Air/
Water Pollution Report, 5/6/74). Asks for extensive EPA feedlot survey, and revision of
July, r73~regulations in line with Congressional intent EPA holds nation's first
feedlot discharge permit hearings in Twin Falls, Idaho (AP story in N.Y. Times. Portland
Oregonian, 5/24/74). Irrigation district reps ask for financial support. Nevada Gov.
O'Callaghan says EPA's irrigation discharge permit regs may cause hardships, higher
prices for farmers, ranchers (Las Vegas Sun. 5/22/74). Cites lack of proper EPA standard
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS SUMMARY
setting procedure Water Newsletter (5/30/74) cites Seattle-area survey which indi-
cates family water usage increases with rate of income, but that rate increases result
in significant water consumption decrease at all income levels.
TOCKS ISLAND DAM
House Appropriations Comm. delays previously-authorized appropriation of $2.5
million for one year on construction of Tocks Island Dam, a controversial, hydroelectric
power, flood-control and recreation project on Delavrare River, until environmental prob-
lems have been resolved (Philadelphia Inquirer, 6/4/74). The committee's decision came
after 7 U.S. senators from affected states said they would oppose the legislation with-
out the environmental review. Meanwhile, New Jersey Gov. Brendan Byrne says he will
withhold approval of the project pending further evaluation (Newark Star-Ledger, 5/23/
74).
INDUSTRY
Me Graw-Hill's seventh annual survey of pollution control expenditures finds U.S
industry needs total of $24.67 billion "to bring existing facilities into compliance
with present air and water pollution control standards" (Clean Water Report, 5/24/74).
At present rate of investment, current standards would be achieved by mid-'77. CWR
notes that '77 is year best practicable technology currently available will be required
to control wastewater discharges. Me Graw-Hi11 finds water pollution control expendi-
tures increasing at faster rate than those for air pollution.
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