Department of Water Resources
A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
July 12, 2007
4. Water Quality
SEWAGE RUNOFF:
Treated sewage still tainted; Report shows hormone-interfering chemicals flow into Bay despite plants that decontaminate wastewater - Contra Costa Times
SETTLEMENT ISSUES:
Spill settlement discussion carries on - Fairfield Daily Republic
SEWAGE RUNOFF:
Treated sewage still tainted; Report shows hormone-interfering chemicals flow into Bay despite plants that decontaminate wastewater
Contra Costa Times – 7/12/07
By Douglas Fisher, MediaNews staff
These endocrine-disrupting compounds escape sewage treatment plants designed to strip bacteria, sediments and metals from wastewater.
The report was compiled by the Environmental Working Group with assistance from the East Bay Municipal Utility District. It tested raw sewage and treated effluent for the presence of three common chemicals thought to interfere with hormonal systems: Phthalates, bisphenol-a and triclosan.
Phthalates and bisphenol-a are common plastic additives. The former are often used to soften plastics or bind fragrances, the latter to make plastic shatterproof and extend the shelf life of canned food.
Triclosan is the active ingredient of many anti-bacterial soaps, toothpastes, dish detergents and even anti-mildew bath mats and odor-eating shoe insoles.
The results come as new science buttresses the theory that these chemicals, in minute amounts and particularly when mixed together, threaten human health.
The study also adds to research showing that many compounds used in everyday life -- from steroids given to cattle to estrogen in birth control pills to chemotherapy drugs administered in hospitals and anti-depressants taken at home -- filter into waterways, sometimes bypassing treatment systems.
Industry representatives rejected the idea of any threat and a state expert said it is difficult to tell what is happening.
The chemicals that flow past wastewater treatment plants are both well-studied and inconsequential, industry representatives countered. The compounds break down rapidly in waterways and are no threat to humans or wildlife, they said.
"What you've got is a triumph of analytical chemistry that we can measure things this low," said Marian Stanley, senior director of the American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical manufacturers.
Contamination found in treated effluent, she said, "doesn't meet any environmental criteria" for harm.
"This is a non-event," she said.
The working group and the utility district tested sewage samples from 16 different pipes, including two homes, a coin-operated laundry, a diaper service, a hospital and some manufacturers. Analysts found at least one of the three compounds in 15 of the samples.
The study also examined three samples of treated effluent destined for the
"We know it's going in, we know at least some of it is going out and we know that's not good," said Bill Walker, Environmental Working Group's West Coast president.
The chemicals appear in such tiny amounts that they are harmless, said Steve Hentges, director of the American Plastic Council's polycarbonate business unit.
The effects of concentrations found in the treated effluent -- in many cases, below one part per billion -- are well-known and far below the level that can harm aquatic species, he said.
The state doesn't know what to make of the data.
More than 22 million Californians drink water from the
"It is difficult to test for endocrine (disrupting compounds)," said Lea Brooks, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Public Health..
"We have insufficient information regarding how much -- if any -- of these chemicals make it through the wastewater treatment process, natural degradation, and drinking water treatment," she said.
The bottom line, said those involved with the study, is the need for a comprehensive chemical policy that keeps potentially harmful compounds out of products and encourages less-toxic alternatives.
"Treatment plants, frankly, for not being designed to remove these types of compounds, do a pretty good job," said Ben Horenstein, the
"That said, the Bay is impaired," he said. "From a national policy perspective, from a state policy perspective, let's really think about what we're doing to our environment and putting down the drain. It doesn't take a lot to potentially interfere and cause endocrine-disrupting events in an aquatic environment." #
http://www.contracostatimes.com/bayandstate/ci_6356825?nclick_check=1
SETTLEMENT ISSUES:
Spill settlement discussion carries on
By Barry Eberling, staff writer
The
The money comes from a lawsuit settlement with Kinder Morgan Energy Partners over a 2004 fuel pipeline leak in Suisun Marsh. The 103,000 gallons of leaked fuel damaged wetlands at a duck club and killed at least 52 birds and mammals.
There are two categories of money: $480,000 must be spent within Suisun Marsh and $494,974 can be spent countywide. In both cases, the projects must benefit the environment.
An earlier recommendation spent $400,000 of the marsh-only money on the county's Belden's Landing boat launch on Montezuma Slough for such things as rip-rap to control erosion, security lighting and nature signs. It spent the countywide money on such things as
Steve Chappell, executive director of the Suisun Resource Conservation District, said he believes the money should be used to restore fish and wildlife habitat. He questioned whether putting rip-rap at a boat launch would accomplish that. He also wanted all of the spill money to be spent within the marsh.
The Suisun Resource Conservation District represents Suisun Marsh property owners.
Advocates of the proposed Great California Delta Trail also want some of the money for their project. The trail is to cross through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and could include part of Suisun Marsh. #
http://local.dailyrepublic.net/story_localnews.php?a=news07.txt
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