Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.
Impact
The implications of A3112 are significant for both public water systems and landlords. Notably, it requires landlords to disseminate the information regarding PFAS exceedances to tenants within three business days of receiving it. This step intends to ensure transparency and promote awareness among residents regarding health risks. Furthermore, any public water system failing to meet these notification requirements could face penalties under the Safe Drinking Water Act, reinforcing regulatory accountability in maintaining safe drinking water standards.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3112 addresses the presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water systems. If enacted, the bill mandates that public water systems must notify customers about any exceedance of PFAS maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) through written notices. These notifications aim to inform customers about potential health risks associated with elevated PFAS levels in their drinking water. It specifically outlines the requirement to send notifications within 30 calendar days of confirming an exceedance and includes detailed instructions for how to communicate this information effectively.
Contention
Some potential points of contention may arise from how this bill implements notification protocols. Critics may argue that the bill places a disproportionate burden on landlords, especially smaller property owners, to relay potentially complex information to tenants. Additionally, there may be concerns about equipping public water systems with adequate resources to effectively manage the required notifications. On the other hand, proponents highlight the critical need for public health protections against PFAS contamination, advocating for proactive communication and education on water safety.
Educational program
Moreover, the bill calls for the establishment of an educational program by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Health (DOH). This initiative would aim to inform the public about the health impacts of PFAS, the risks associated with contaminated drinking water, and the necessary steps to mitigate these issues. Any violation of the provisions laid out in the bill could result in civil administrative penalties, indicating a strong enforcement mechanism to uphold the law.
Carry Over
Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.
Carry Over
Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.
Same As
Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program.