May 20, 2005
Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Environmental Advocates of New York
Scenic Hudson

VICTORY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND CLEAN WATER
New York Environmental Groups Applaud EPA Sewage Decision

Albany, NY—The EPA announced May 19, 2005 that it would abandon its draft policy to allow sewage operators to legally discharge partially treated sewage into our waterways. Environmental groups across New York celebrated the victory for public health and water quality. First proposed in 2003, leading environmental and public health organizations in New York have been actively working with members of Congress and the EPA to halt the legalization of dumping inadequately treated sewage into the nation’s waterways.

Representatives from leading New York State environmental organizations are available to discuss yesterday’s EPA decision to abandon its sewage blending policy.

“The EPA’s decision to shelve the ill-conceived sewage dumping policy is a victory for human health, the public, and the promise of the Clean Water Ac,” stated Dereth Glance, Citizens Campaign for the Environment program coordinator. “The EPA decision reaffirmed that the solution to sewage pollution is not dilution, but to fully treat to remove the viruses and pathogens that make people sick,” Glance concluded.

“Our state boasts some of the most significant - and vulnerable - water resources in the nation,” said David Higby of Environmental Advocates of New York, “the withdrawal of this unwise EPA proposal means waterbodies from Long Island to the Great Lakes, and the millions of New Yorkers who depend on them, are today considerably safer.”

“This is good news and a step in the right direction towards achieving our goal of a clean, swimmable and fishable Hudson River,” said Scenic Hudson’s environmental project manager, Rich Schiafo “The next step is for the federal government to commit the financial resources necessary for water quality improvements at aging Hudson River Valley sewage treatment plants.”

As the EPA resumes its review of wastewater polices, New York environmental and public health groups will continue to stay actively engaged to ensure the Agency continues to comply with Clean Water Act.