Statement of Senator Feinstein on California Laws to Protect Drinking Water Supply from Perchlorate
September 29, 2003

Washington, DC - California Governor Gray Davis today signed into law two bills that protect the State's drinking water supply from perchlorate contamination.

Perchlorate is a chemical used in rocket fuel and explosives. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, perchlorate contamination has been found in 29 states, including more than 300 wells in California - most notably in eastern Sacramento County, Simi Valley, San Gabriel Valley, the Rialto-Colton Basin, water sources for the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and in the Colorado River, which supplies water to Southern California.

The two perchlorate bills require the State to:

• Establish practices for the management of perchlorate;
• Institute a notification process by owners of perchlorate facilities within five miles of a public drinking water wells contaminated by perchlorate;
• Guarantee consumers clean replacement water when contamination is discovered; and
• Establish an electronic database to allow better coordination of perchlorate management activities between the state and local agencies.

The following is Senator Feinstein's statement:

"Governor Davis today signed into law legislation to help the State address perchlorate contamination. This will not only provide for more disclosure of the existence of perchlorate contamination, but it will assure that those responsible for the pollution pay for the replacement water. This is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done - especially on the national level.

While California takes action, the EPA and the Defense Department are currently in a dispute over the level of contamination that endangers public health. It is my hope that the agencies will resolve their disagreement quickly, and follow California's lead in addressing the problem.

Perchlorate is a significant threat to California's drinking water supply. This is why I have repeatedly urged the Administration to determine the extent of perchlorate contamination, and to take the necessary steps to address the problem. I am disappointed that the Administration has thus far refused to act in any meaningful manner."

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