[Pharmwaste] Study of unregulated compounds in Pennsylvania waters

gressitt gressitt at uninets.net
Thu May 18 18:17:30 EDT 2006


Does anyone know who was responsible for initiating this? I'd like to ask a
couple questions. Stevan Gressitt, M.D. 207-441-0291

 

  _____  

From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of
DeBiasi,Deborah
Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2006 3:18 PM
To: pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Study of unregulated compounds in Pennsylvania waters

 

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104
<http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-1
8-2006/0004364629&EDATE> &STORY=/www/story/05-18-2006/0004364629&EDATE=

 

 


Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces Study to Protect Drinking Water
Sources 

 


 

 Goal is to Determine Presence of Unregulated Compounds, Identify Treatment
                                Alternatives
 
    HARRISBURG, Pa., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell
today announced the state's partnership with the federal government on a
landmark study that will determine the occurrence and concentration of
unregulated compounds, such as prescription and non-prescription chemicals,
in the waters of central Pennsylvania.
    "Safe drinking water is essential," Governor Rendell said. "This study
represents the first step in protecting public health: documenting the
existence and significance of any potential threats.
    "Previous studies in parts of Pennsylvania and from around the world
suggest that minute concentrations of unregulated chemicals may occur in
our water sources. The effects of these compounds at trace levels on public
health and aquatic life have not been determined. But when it comes to our
health and the maintenance of trust in such an essential piece of public
infrastructure, we cannot afford to wait."
    The Department of Environmental Protection launched the joint research
with the Pennsylvania Water Science Center at the U.S. Geologic Survey in
February. Sampling will be conducted on a quarterly basis, leading to a
final report in 2007.
    Thousands of prescription and non-prescription chemicals are used by
humans and farm animals every year.
    Recent research has revealed that pharmaceuticals are present in the
environment as a result of improper disposal of regulated drugs and
excretion of metabolized and unmetabolized drugs into sanitary sewers.
    Other studies indicate an increasing frequency in the detection of
these compounds, likely due to a growing awareness among the scientific
community, population growth and the constant development of new drugs.
    The primary objective of this new research is to screen for
pharmaceutical and antibiotic compounds present in streams and groundwater
in south central Pennsylvania, and then to determine their concentrations.
This reconnaissance study also will suggest the sources of the compounds
and determine seasonal variations in their concentrations.
    "We need to better understand whether the chemicals we are using to
improve our health and agricultural practices may have unexpected
consequences," DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. "The information
will be used to assess any potential public-health risks and guide future
policy to ensure our drinking water supplies meet the cleanest, safest
standards."
    The study was commissioned at this time because laboratory analytical
methods are only now evolving to detect chemical concentrations in
parts-per- billion or trillion. A part-per-billion can be thought of as one
grain of salt in an Olympic-size swimming pool.
    The levels of pharmaceuticals found in surface waters by previous
studies were far below daily therapeutic doses of the medications.
    Although other studies have been done, significant uncertainties
remain, including: synergistic or additive effects of the compounds in
combination, differences in how the compounds may affect aquatic organisms
and humans, and how to eliminate the compounds if necessary.
    Beginning in 2007, pending funding approval, DEP will initiate a second
phase of the study to expand water sampling across the state and attempt to
determine whether existing treatment technologies are adequate to remove
identified compounds. As the studies progress, DEP will work with the state
Department of Health to determine the human health effects of any compounds
identified in the research.
    DEP also will work with other state agencies and partners to develop
strategies for collecting and destroying unwanted medications from
consumers. In addition, the department will collaborate on best management
practices for hospitals, pharmacies and others who are authorized by law to
possess controlled substances and prescription drugs.
    DEP follows national procedures in the Safe Drinking Water Act for
regulating contaminants in public drinking water supplies. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency develops health advisory values that give
an estimate of the acceptable levels for drinking water. EPA has health
advisory values for more than 165 chemicals, 95 of which are for
unregulated chemicals.
    DEP has opened a dialogue with EPA regional staff to request federal
funding for more research. If approved, the funding would allow DEP to:
     - Develop thresholds that may be used in assessing the impact on
       designated uses (e.g., public water supply use, aquatic life and
water
       recreation).
     - Measure and track the impact of DEP's programs on the occurrence and
       concentrations of identified compounds in the environment to further
       protect Pennsylvania's drinking water sources.
     - Train Pennsylvania's water system operators and administrators about
       this issue.
 
    For more information, visit DEP's Web site at
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us, <http://www.depweb.state.pa.us>  Keyword:
"Water Quality Standards."
    The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out
more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly
newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us.
     CONTACT:  Kate Philips
               717-783-1116
 
               Charlie Young, DEP
               717-787-1323
 

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

 

Deborah L. DeBiasi

Email:   dldebiasi at deq.virginia.gov

WEB site address:  www.deq.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Office of Water Permit Programs

Industrial Pretreatment/Toxics Management Program

Mail:          P.O. Box 10009, Richmond, VA  23240-0009 

Location:  629 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA  23219

PH:          804-698-4028

FAX:      804-698-4032

 

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