Bill Text: NJ A5158 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requires DEP to establish maximum contaminant level for 1,2,3-trichloropropane in drinking water.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-08-24 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee [A5158 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-A5158-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman TROY SINGLETON
District 7 (Burlington)
SYNOPSIS
Requires DEP to establish maximum contaminant level for 1,2,3-trichloropropane in drinking water.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the presence of 1,2,3-trichloropropane in drinking water and supplementing P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-1 et seq.).
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of section 2 of P.L.1983, c.443 (C.58:12A-13) or the requirements of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to the contrary, within 90 days after the effective date of this act, the commissioner shall adopt a maximum contaminant level for 1,2,3-trichloropropane of 15 parts per trillion.
b. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection a. of this section to the contrary, the commissioner may adopt a more stringent standard for 1,2,3-trichloropropane upon recommendation of the Drinking Water Quality Institute and in accordance with the provisions of section 2 of P.L.1983, c.443 (C.58:12A-13).
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) in drinking water.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), TCP is a man-made chemical, commonly found at industrial or hazardous waste sites. It has been used as an industrial solvent, as a cleaning and degreasing agent, and as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals. TCP is a persistent pollutant in groundwater and has been classified as "likely to be carcinogenic to humans" by the EPA. Short-term exposure to TCP may cause eye and throat irritation and long-term exposure has led to liver and kidney damage and reduced body weight in animal studies. Currently, there is no State or federal standard for TCP in drinking water. However, numerous methods are available for both detection and treatment of TCP in drinking water.
This bill would require the DEP, within 90 days after the effective date of this bill, to establish an MCL for TCP of 15 parts per trillion. Notwithstanding this requirement, however, the DEP could adopt a more stringent standard, pursuant to existing law, upon recommendation of the Drinking Water Quality Institute. An MCL is the highest level of a contaminant that is legally allowed to exist in drinking water. Once an MCL is established for a specific contaminant, water purveyors must monitor for the contaminant, and undertake treatment if the MCL is exceeded.
