If enacted, S579 will amend Chapter 221A of the General Laws, inserting provisions related to the handling and reporting of NDMA contamination in drinking water. The DEP will be required to enforce these standards and treat any violation of the maximum containment levels as infringements of the existing regulations under 310 CMR 22. This regulation aims to enhance public health safety by holding water suppliers accountable and ensuring that drinking water quality is maintained at safe levels throughout the state.
Summary
Senate Bill S579, presented by Bruce E. Tarr, seeks to establish maximum containment levels for the chemical n-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in drinking water in Massachusetts. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is tasked with the review of existing guidelines concerning harmful chemicals in drinking water and with the development of standards for NDMA levels, ensuring that these do not adversely impact human health. The bill marks an effort to regulate this specific compound due to its potential health risks when present above safe levels in drinking water.
Contention
The discussion surrounding S579 might revolve around the implications of increasing regulatory oversight on public water systems and the associated costs of implementing these standards. While proponents argue that the bill is essential for protecting public health from the dangers of water contamination, opponents may raise concerns about the potential burden on local municipalities and the need for sufficient funding and resources to ensure compliance. The effectiveness of enforcement actions and reporting requirements could also be points of contention that would need community input.
Replaced by
Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Environment and Natural Resources to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to environment and natural resources matters.