TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Linda R. Greenstein that would direct the Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI) to study the issue of 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) levels in drinking water and recommend to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) a maximum contaminant level for the chemical was approved today by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
The chemical, 1,2,3-TCP, is a man-made substance often used for paint removal, as an industrial solvent, and as a cleaning and degreasing agent. It is typically found at industrial or hazardous waste sites, and has been classified as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is a confirmed animal carcinogen according to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
“Ensuring that our drinking water is safe for consumption is a public health issue that must be taken seriously,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “There is enough evidence to identify this toxic substance as a threat to human, animal and environmental health, and we have it in our power to do something about it. Studying its presence in New Jersey’s water and adopting standards to limit contamination is the right thing to do.”
Under the bill, S-885, the DWQI would have 90 days to recommend to the DEP a maximum contaminant level (mcl) for 1,2,3-TCP in drinking water. The bill further directs the DEP to adopt the maximum contaminant level for 1,2,3-TCP based upon the recommendation made by the DWQI within 180 days of receiving the recommendation.
According to the DEP, 1,2,3-TCP is a potent genotoxic carcinogen which occurs in drinking water at levels resulting in significant cancer risk based on test results from New Jersey public and non-public water supplies.
The bill was released from the Environment and Energy Committee by a vote of 3-1. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
