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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Erickson Urges Support of Legislation to Protect Drinking Water Supplies Harrisburg – Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) is joining fellow legislators in urging passage of legislation that would strengthen the state's Safe Drinking Water Act by extending greater protections for drinking water sources. Drinking water supplies can be contaminated by runoff pollution, industrial discharges, spills and various land uses. Legislation co-sponsored by Erickson, Senate Bill 777, would establish critical zones for surface water intakes and wellhead protection areas for community groundwater wells to help prevent contamination. The bill would also require the Department of Environmental Protection to establish statewide minimum standards for wellhead and surface water intake protection, Erickson said. "If you look around the country, you see that the Southwest and other areas are having trouble maintaining supplies of clean drinking water," said Erickson. "In Pennsylvania, we are blessed with an abundance of water, and we have to protect those sources. This bill takes a huge step toward protecting our water supply and keeping it clean." Under Senate Bill 777, violators would be subject to fines of up to $2,500 and up to 90 days in jail. Willful or negligent violations of the law could lead to fines of up to $50,000 and up to two years in jail for each offense. Erickson joined the bill's sponsor, Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-10), and others to introduce the legislation at a Capitol news conference on Earth Day. CONTACT: Tom Golden
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