EPA Press Release

May 27, 2010

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is initiating a rulemaking to better protect the environment and public health from the harmful effects of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and basement backups. In many cities, SSOs and basement backups occur because of blockages, broken pipes and excessive water flowing into the pipes. SSOs present environmental and health problems because they discharge untreated wastewater that contains bacteria, viruses, suspended solids, toxics, trash and other pollutants into waterways. These overflows may also contribute to beach closures, shellfish bed closures, contamination of drinking water supplies and other environmental and health concerns.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that it is taking the first step to veto an Army Corps of Engineers permit for the Spruce No. 1 mine in West Virginia, the largest mountaintop removal mine ever authorized by the Corps in Appalachia.  EPA has ultimate authority to enforce the Clean Water Act through the veto process established by law.  The EPA's action is based on sceientific studies that contain evidence that the mine would have severe health impacts on the people, waters, and ecosystems of the surrounding area.

The Clean Water Network, along with a number of other member organizations, signed on to a letter sent to the US Senate urging them to fully fund the President's budget request of $4.3 million for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue its study of the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and drinking water resources. The EPA has commenced with a Congressional FY10 directed study on hydraulic fracturing and its effects upon drinking water.