MONTGOMERY – After a meeting in Decatur with relevant state agencies regarding the water announcement by the West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority, Governor Robert Bentley, State Health Officer Dr. Tom Miller and Alabama Department of Environmental Management Agency Director Lance LeFleur on Friday issued statements.
“Based on my current understanding, I am confident that there is no health-related crisis based on the water quality of the West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “I believe every citizen should have safe water to drink. I have been following the situation concerning the West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority very closely. After consultation with the State Health Officer, Dr. Tom Miller, and the Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Lance LeFleur, it is apparent that a local decision was made which effectively turned an advisory into a regulation. My office, along with ADPH and ADEM were not aware that this decision was being contemplated prior to it being announced.”
According to the State Health Officer, the health advisory previously issued by ADPH is still in effect. Based on information from the EPA, it recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women in affected water systems may consider using alternative sources of drinking water and those with formula fed infants may consider using ready to feed (pre-mixed) formula. The advisory also stated that others in the affected water systems may also consider using alternative sources of drinking water.
“The EPA’s health advisory was based on concern for possible health effects due to exposures to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooactanoic acid (PFOA) over a certain level during a person’s lifetime and not on acute or time-limited exposures,” Dr. Tom Miller said. “EPA based its decisions on laboratory studies in rats and mice as well as a review of information from groups of people known to have been exposed to PFOS and PFOA in certain areas of the country.”
“The Alabama Department of Environmental Management Agency will continue to work with the water authority to ensure safe quality drinking levels,” ADEM Director Lance LeFleur said. “Through a strong partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health and federal agencies, we will continue to monitor any potential hazards related to perfluorinated chemicals in drinking water in the West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority and other water systems throughout Alabama.”
Governor Bentley added, “Again, based on my current understanding, I am confident that there is no health-related crisis based on the water quality of the West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority.”
Background: http://whnt.com/2016/06/02/west-morgan-east-lawrence-water-authority-issues-recent-epa-advisory-about-drinking-water/
