The Governor has proposed Lead and Copper Rule reforms saying “The federal rule is dumb and dangerous. We need a Michigan rule that is smart and safe.” The proposed changes will require both administrative rule changes and statutory changes by the legislature.
Proposed Administrative Rule Changes:
- Phase in a reduction in the Lead Action Level from 15 ppb to 10 ppb by 2020.
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Require most public water systems to perform a full system inventory identifyingmaterials used, such as lead service lines.
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Require the establishment of Water System Advisory Councils for mostcommunity Public Water Systems to assure citizen membership, input, andaccess. The Councils will develop plans for community outreach and education,and collaborate with community groups to assure correct implementation of theLCR. The Councils will assure access to information regarding corrosion control,testing results, remediation processes, educational efforts and general watersafety.
Proposed Statutory Changes:
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Strengthen sampling methods and require annual testing at state licensedfacilities involving children and vulnerable adults, including schools, daycarefacilities, nursing homes, health facilities, and adult foster care facilities.
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Require public disclosure of testing results or filters on every drinking waterfaucet in state licensed facilities involving children and vulnerable adults. Facilitiesexceeding standards will be required to take remedial action.
- Prohibit partial lead service line replacements.
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Require landowners and property sellers to disclose to renters or newhomeowners of any service lines or plumbing that are known to contain lead.
The league will be tracking this issue closely, reaching out to our members for input and offering our thoughts to the administration on these changes.
John LaMacchia is the Assistant Director of State and Federal Affairs for the League handling transportation, infrastructure, energy and environment issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0303.