Senate Has Opportunity to Protect Clean Water, Public Health

With summer recreation season on the horizon, American Rivers calls for passage of “sewage right-to-know” legislation

May 4, 2009

(Washington, DC) – Every year, more than 860 billion gallons of raw and partially treated sewage foul America’s waters and threaten public health, but most people have no idea that these spills occur in their local rivers and streams. Today Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) took an important step towards changing that when he reintroduced right-to-know legislation.  Sewage right-to-know requires public notification when a sewer spill has the potential to affect public health.

“Summer is coming, and millions of Americans will be soon be spending time on their local rivers and streams. But what we don’t know can hurt us,” said Katherine Baer, senior director of the clean water program for American Rivers, “Taking a swim, or going fishing or boating, should never be a guessing game. Sewage right-to-know is about protecting public health and shining a light on a rather odious problem so that we can build support for lasting clean water solutions.”

“We applaud Senator Lautenberg for recognizing the need to protect clean water and public health,” added Baer. “The Senate should act swiftly to pass the bill, to ensure that summer fun isn’t ruined by sewage and sickness.”

The House-passed Clean Water State Revolving Fund bill includes sewage right-to-know in addition to green infrastructure funding.  Right-to-know legislation now heads to the United States Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for its consideration.

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.