CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A number of state lawmakers say they are behind a proposed bill to update water quality standards in West Virginia.
Delegate Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, is leading the effort. He was joined by other members of the legislature and several state residents at a news conference Monday morning at the state capitol.
Hansen is an environmental scientist by trade and says it’s important to know what carcinogens corporations are using and what concentrations are left in the water supply.
“Requires facilities who use them in manufacturing processes to disclose that to state agencies, so we can start monitoring their release into the environment,” Hansen said. “To use science to determine how widespread the pollution maybe so we can regulate it in the future.”
Hansen said the compounds are used in numerous products and are being found in streams, rivers, fish and people across the country.
Delegate John Doyle, D-Jefferson, said at Monday’s news conference that the main reason is was elected to the return to the House in 2018 was because residents in his district want clean air and water.
“People of our state know that polluting industries drive away clean industries,” Doyle said. “That’s why our economy is in the tank. We’ve relied too long on industries that pollute too much.”
Doyle has been a critic of the development of the Rockwool stone insulation plant in Ranson.
According to Hansen, his measure would give the state the tools they need to develop new water standards and track contaminants.
“States all across the country are grappling with this,” Hansen said. “Trying to identify sources, then develop clean drinking water standards that public water systems can meet to make sure their customers are safe.”
Hansen said if pollution is found it would be up to the polluter to mitigate the problem and not the ratepayer.
“This bill is not really focused on accidents or leaks,” Hansen said. “It’s really focused on collecting data and information to come up with science based standards.”
The 60-day regular legislative session begins Jan. 8.