Lawmakers Seek Tighter Chromium Regulation

Despite resistance by state officials, four state lawmakers said Tuesday that they would press for an “action level” on total chromium that would require public notice when the chemical exceeds 2.5 parts per billion in drinking water.

Speaking at a news conference at Burbank City Hall, Sens. Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento), Tom Hayden (D-Los Angeles) and Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and Assemblyman Jack Scott (D-Altadena) said they believe there is enough evidence that the chemical poses a threat to public health.

“I’m confident we can work with the health department throughout this process and my hope is we can come to an agreement on the call for an action level,” Ortiz said. “We think it’s an appropriate request for the department.”

The state allows up to 50 parts per billion of total chromium. The state Department of Health Services is considering a recommendation to lower that to 2.5 ppb to reduce concentrations of the toxic chromium 6.

David Spath, drinking water chief for the state Department of Health Services, has maintained there is no need to set an action level for total chromium. He said the department is still reviewing whether to lower the standard to 2.5 ppb, but that chromium 6 does not pose an acute risk to human health.

He did not return phone calls seeking comment Tuesday.

Ortiz said it was “inappropriate for elected officials to overrule responsible scientists” but said she plans to work with the department to try to reach an understanding.

The news conference followed a legislative hearing in Burbank last month, at which health experts said studies have shown chromium 6 to be a carcinogen when inhaled, and is thus likely to be a carcinogen when ingested in water.

“All of us heard compelling scientific evidence that strongly suggests a link between chromium 6 and cancer of the gastrointestinal tract,” Ortiz said.

State lawmakers got involved in the issue after The Times reported Aug. 20 that the state health department had not acted on the proposed public health goal, first suggested in 1998, and that implementation could take another five years.

In response, the Legislature and Gov. Gray Davis enacted SB 2127, requiring the state health department to determine chromium 6 levels in drinking water supplied by San Fernando Valley aquifers, assess the risk to the public and report its findings to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2002. Officials say the findings will have impact statewide.