Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Gold/Mining/Energy : Arcon Energy (MIDL Presently) The Ultimate Sleeper -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: jeffrey rainey who wrote (1575)	5/29/1998 11:02:00 PM
From: Sheri	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 4142

Friday May 29, 8:24 pm Eastern Time Company Press Release Water Agencies Call for Action to Protect California's Drinking Water from Gasoline Additive MTBE SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 29, 1998--California water leaders today agreed to comprehensive efforts to protect the state's drinking water from contamination by a component of gasoline added to reduce air pollution known as MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether). In a policy adopted today, the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Board of Directors said there's an urgent need for research on the health effects of MTBE and how to remove it from contaminated water sources. ACWA members agreed that water agencies and their customers should not be forced to pay the costs associated with MTBE contamination, including the cost of replacement water. In addition, they called for legislation requiring regulatory agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of any fuel additives before they are approved for use. The action comes in response to the growing instances of contamination by MTBE in the state's drinking water. MTBE was added to California gasoline beginning in 1992 to help the state reduce pollution and meet federal Clean Air Act standards, but has contaminated groundwater and surface water in California, primarily as a result of leaking underground storage tanks and pipelines and the use of motorized watercraft on lakes and reservoirs. The additive is a possible carcinogen and gives water a bad taste and odor even at low levels. Water agencies are pursuing ways to recoup the cost of cleaning up already-contaminated sites and protect water sources that have not yet been polluted. ''ACWA members are concerned about the potential for widespread contamination of California's water sources by MTBE,'' said ACWA Executive Director Stephen K. Hall. ''This policy will help water agencies respond to MTBE contamination issues and help us find solutions that protect water sources and drinking water consumers from the impacts of MTBE use.'' ''We cannot afford any erosion in the public's confidence,'' Hall said. ''California's water agencies have spent billions of dollars to provide the safest, most healthful water in the world and MTBE threatens to undermine that investment.'' In the policy adopted today, water utilities agreed to: -- Support legislation providing funding for research into MTBE treatment, occurrence, health effects and source protection strategies -- Support efforts to ensure that the costs associated with MTBE contamination are paid by those responsible -- Support efforts to improve monitoring of underground storage tanks, prevent leaks and accelerate cleanup -- Support legislation providing flexibility to California to meet air quality goals without the use of oxygenates such as MTBE which pose a threat to drinking water sources -- Support federal legislation for better regulation of interstate pipelines to prevent contamination by MTBE and other gasoline additives -- Support efforts to examine recreational practices on reservoirs and ensure that there are adequate controls on motorized watercraft and fueling operations that may contribute to surface water contamination -- Engage in efforts to use funding under the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments to help protect water sources -- Support efforts by industry and regulatory agencies to ensure proper handling, transport and storage of gasoline -- Support legislation requiring state regulatory agencies to identify and evaluate all impacts on the environment, including water resources, that could result from any fuel specification proposed or established by the State Air Resources Board, and disapprove their use if adverse impacts are likely. ACWA is a statewide, nonprofit association representing more than 440 public water agencies who collectively manage and deliver 90 percent of the state's urban and agricultural water. Over 30 million Californians rely on ACWA members to provide a safe and reliable supply of drinking water to their homes, schools, businesses and farms. Contact: ACWA Jennifer Persike-Becker/Erin Curtis, 916/441-4545 After hours: 916/441-4509 ext. 114 www.acwanet.com