To require the provision of alternative drinking water to households whose private drinking water is contaminated with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid substances from activities of the Department of Defense.
Summary
S. 3445 mandates the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide alternative drinking water to households with private wells contaminated by perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from DoD activities. This applies if the contamination exceeds EPA's maximum contaminant levels and another household in the same community already receives alternative water from the DoD. The bill outlines exceptions and definitions for key terms like 'alternative drinking water'.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in the DoD providing bottled water, connecting households to public water systems, or providing filtration systems to affected residences. This aims to mitigate health risks associated with contaminated drinking water. The bill also seeks to coordinate these efforts with existing environmental laws and regulations.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures access to safe drinking water for households affected by DoD-related contamination.
- Reduces potential health risks associated with PFOS and PFOA exposure.
- Provides clarity on the DoD's responsibility in addressing water contamination issues.
- Coordinates efforts with existing environmental regulations for a more comprehensive approach.
- Offers various alternative drinking water solutions tailored to specific community needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs to the Department of Defense for providing alternative water sources.
- Possible delays in implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
- Disputes over the determination of contamination sources and affected households.
- Limited scope, as it only addresses contamination from DoD activities.
- The exception clauses may exclude some affected households from receiving assistance.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting the health and safety of citizens. It also relates to Congress's power to provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8) as it addresses environmental impacts stemming from military activities. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).