UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460 OFFICIAL BUSINESS PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER POSTAGE AND FEES PAID U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY EPA-335 US.MAII J A Environmental News FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, JULY 19, 1976 EPA SEEKS INFORMATION ON CONTROL OF CHEMICALS IN DRINKING The Environmental Protection Agency has asked for ideas and comments from the public on ways to address the problem posed by contamination of drinking water supplies by organic chemicals. In an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) appearing in the Federal Register on July 14, 1976, the Agency describes the problem, presents a series of~alter- native regulatory approaches, and solicits additional data and public comment. "Controlling the contamination of public water supplies by organic chemicals has been one of the most important prob- lems facing the Agency in its continuing efforts to insure that safe drinking water is available to all Americans," said Victor J. Kimm, EPA's Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water Supply. "We are seeking additional information from the public to help us formulate a regulatory program that is both feasible and effective in limiting the presence of harmful chemicals." "We have already expended considerable effort to deter- mine the sources, nature, extent and health significance of Return this sheet if you do NOT wish to receive this material ~ , or if change of address is needed ~ (indicate changer including zip code). EPA FORM 1510-1 {REV. 9-72) Acly (202) 755-0344 WATER (more) R-189 ------- -2- organic chemical contamination, as well as to formulate a number of regulatory and treatment alternatives," Kimm said. "But we still have much to learn; therefore we must take advan- tage of expertise and information available outside the Agency to insure that the regulatory program we implement is truly realistic and effective." The ANPRM gives the legislative background to the issue of safe drinking water, presents information on the health effects of various contaminants, describes and compares possible regulatory options, and requests any information available from outside the Agency that could aid in making regulatory decisions. The ANPRM was reviewed in April 1976 by the National Drinking Water Advisory Council, which was established to advise EPA on its regulatory activities mandated by the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act. There are thousands of specific organic contaminants which may be present in very small concentrations in drinking water. Since most of these are naturally occurring compounds, they are probably not of serious health concern. However, there are other compounds of potential health significance, including both synthetic chemicals and by-products of current disinfection practices. It is this group of materials which is of prime concern to EPA. In the ANPRM, EPA asks interested persons to participate in the formulation of the regulatory program by submitting written data, views or arguments to the Agency's Office of Water Supply (WH-550), Criteria and Standards Division, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20460. # # # US EPA Headquarters and Chemfoa* Libraries EPA West Bldg Room 33^0 Malicoda 3404T 1301 Constitution Ave NW Washington DC 20004 202-588-0556 R-189 ------- |