LANSING – The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality would be required to notify local users of a water system about a tier II violation within two business days – a change from the 30-day window currently required – under a bill taken up in the House Government Operations Committee on Thursday.
Under HB 5120, sponsored by Rep. Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint), the Department of Environmental Quality would have to notify users within two business days of a tier II contaminant, which includes substances that would have adverse effects over long periods, like arsenic. More immediate toxins, like E. coli, are tier I contaminants.
Neeley said the bill is a response to the department’s actions during the Flint water crisis, where thousands were drinking water contaminated with lead for more than a year.
“The birth of this bill … and others to follow comes from a tragic event in my district where families have been adversely affected by contaminants in their drinking water,” he said. “I would not enumerate nor would I highlight the tragedy, nor would I assign any particular blame. That is not the focus or the goal. Our challenge now continues to be to repair and rebuild, and ensure this never happens again in our great state.”
The department said it had not reviewed the two business day language, but is looking forward to working with the sponsor. A previous version of the bill had required notification within three business days.
Originally, Neeley said, the bill required notification within 72 hours. He said he is willing to work with the department as well.
The committee did not vote on the bill, and it was unclear when it might come up again.
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