Tracing Toxic Chemicals

Samples of well water tell scientists that toxic chemicals have invaded aquifers all over California. But the samples do not tell scientists how the toxics got there--crucial information to have if society is serious about keeping the problem from getting worse.

The files are full of anecdotal material that traces, generally, the path of solvents like trichloroethylene from active or abandoned industrial sites into the underground water supply. The experience of California’s Silicon Valley and its big computer companies also suggests that while light industry spares regions some of the burdens of smokestack industry, water pollution is not one of them.

But there is virtually no detailed, step-by-step information in the files on how industry manufactures, uses and disposes of toxic chemicals. Last week the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California approved a two-year study that will tell policy-makers how chemicals seep into underground water and what they can do to stop the seepage. In-depth interviews with companies that make or use chemicals will be an important part of the study, advancing understanding of toxic waste from the hypothetical to the real.

The Met’s partner in the study is the Environmental Defense Fund, more commonly found in court fighting big institutions concerning environmental matters. In this case they found themselves agreeing, in effect, that what’s done is done, that cleaning up serious cases is necessary, but that the crucial mission is preventing more of the same. Good thinking.