Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt on Friday joined Democrats and Republicans to reaffirm the agency’s commitment to communities outside of Chicago hit by high levels of lead contamination.
Pruitt had visited the Indiana city of East Chicago last month affected by contamination from a closed lead production facility owned by the firm U.S. Steel that had been designated a Superfund cleanup site by the agency in 2009.
“The recent meeting in East Chicago signals our renewed commitment to restore public trust by improving communication and coordination and delivering real solutions for protecting health and public safety in the community, especially for the families impacted by the closure of West Calumet Housing Complex,” read a joint statement by Pruitt and Democratic and Republican lawmakers, as well as Republican Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Last year, residents in the city had to be evacuated from their homes due to high levels of lead in the water supply and soil. Pruitt had made visiting the city a top priority in a tour of the nation in April to promote the EPA’s refocus on clean water and clean air.
Critics had underscored proposed cuts to the EPA budget as a serious problem in managing the cleanup effort, although Pruitt has fought those characterizations. The Trump budget blueprint calls for deep cuts at the agency across a number of programs.
“The painful personal stories of East Chicago residents will guide us as we chart a new path forward, and we are extremely grateful to each person who bravely shared their comments,” according to the statement, signed by Sens. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., and Todd Young, R-Ind., as well as Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., and East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland.
EPA and Indiana environmental regulators “will continue efforts to remediate the Superfund site and work to ensure safe drinking water is provided through the city’s public water system,” the joint statement explained. “In addition, officials remain committed to investigating the sources, size, and scope of the lead contamination, as well as informing the public and quickly implementing remedies, if necessary, to ensure the residents of East Chicago have access to safe drinking water.”
The actions are coupled with new state legislation that directs water testing in the city, coupled with a law requiring a plan by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission on how soon to expect lead drinking water pipes to be replaced. “We will continue moving forward together until the job is done. Residents deserve nothing less,” the letter read.
