Congress to decide fate of radon standard
The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has been attempting for several years to set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for radon in drinking water. On July 18, 1991, USEPA proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for six radionuclides, including radon. USEPA's proposed MCL of 300 pCi/L for radon in drinking water has received severe criticism. There is widespread agreement among state health and radiation protection agencies, the scientific community, water suppliers, and other federal government agencies that the USEPA has overestimated the incremental benefits associated with the proposed MCL, while it has underestimated the cost of compliance. Following the close of the public comment period in November 1992, USEPA began to evaluate the proposal and prepare a response to the comments in order to develop a final rule. Concern remains regarding the rationality of the proposed MCL for radon. At the time of proposal, USEPA was under a court order to publish the final radionuclides rule no later than April 1993. This article focuses on developments and chronological history since the proposed rule was published.
- OSTI ID:
- 5242871
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the American Water Works Association; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of the American Water Works Association; (United States) Vol. 86:1; ISSN 0003-150X; ISSN JAWWA5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540230* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
CONTAMINATION
DRINKING WATER
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
NONMETALS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADON
RARE GASES
STANDARDS
WATER