05-10-1989 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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League of Minnesota Cities. April 25, 1989 MEMORANDUM 183 University Ave. East St. Paul, MN 55101-2526 (612) 227.5600 (FAX: 221.0986) TO: Mayors, Managers, Clerks Water Utility Supervisors FROM: Ann Higgins, Federal Liaison SUBJECT: Calculating local cost of compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations on Maximum Contamination Levels for Lead (and Copper) What the concern is about Last fall, the League first signaled concern regarding the preliminary federal drinking water regulations on lead contamination proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The League's concern stemmed from realization that nearly all city operated water systems would be required to install treatment facilities or take other steps to comply with the new rules. LMC published an article on the proposed NPDW lead contamination standards in the November, 1988 issue of Minnesota Cities (see page 33) and issued an Action Alert to member cities (October 17). What is needed now Letters of concern from Minnesota cities to members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation with information on the results of analysis of the costs of the proposed monitoring, testing and treatment are important in underlining the need for EPA to redesign and modify the regulations before they become final. What are the issues Provisions of the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act ban the use of lead in public water supplies and in residences connected to those systems Enforcement of the ban took effect last June (1988). City officials are concerned about the extent and complexity of local responsibility for stepped up testing and treatment procedures. The following information is provided to assist you in determining costs the city will be required to cover and the resulting impact on local water utility rates for local businesses and residents. PAGE -12