Norman Mineta: “Mr. Chairman, I support the gentleman's amendment. Water pollution at beaches poses a special health problem because…”

“Mr. Chairman, I support the gentleman's amendment. Water pollution at beaches poses a special health problem because these are the places where people, including numerous children, come into direct contact with dirty water. With little protection, and sometimes without warning, people are exposed to serious water-borne diseases. Coastal waters are also particularly susceptible to pollution because virtually all of the water eventually drains to the sea. As water flows toward the coast, pollutants are picked up and become increasingly concentrated. The result is a very serious health problem and a very serious environmental problem. This amendment provides very necessary protection to the public who visits our coastal recreation areas. It would require EPA to issue water quality criteria for pathogens, and States to establish water quality standards, in these areas. It would also require a State program to monitor beach water quality, and to notify local governments and the public of violation of applicable water quality standards. This is the approach that has brought us most of the improvement in water quality under the Clean Water Act to date. We should expect it to be equally effective in addressing beach water pollution problems. Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of the Pallone amendment.”