Boccieri calling for ways to strengthen state response to water contamination

COLUMBUS

State Rep. John Boccieri is calling for ways to strengthen the state’s response protocols in cases of drinking water contamination.

Boccieri of Poland, D-59th, will offer three amendments to House Bill 512, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s mid-biennium review legislation, aimed at fixing the public notification process for lead contamination that contributed to the village of Sebring’s public health crisis earlier this year.

The House Energy and Natural Resources Committee will convene Tuesday to consider amendments to the bill and potentially vote to report the legislation to the full House.

“While this legislation is a step in the right direction toward preventing future lead contamination and improving the state’s public notification system, we can and must do more to ensure a water crisis similar to the one that devastated Sebring does not happen again,” said Boccieri. “The common-sense amendments I have prepared will hold the EPA accountable and ensure the public is notified in a timely manner should lead be found in their drinking water.”

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com