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Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of their initial strategic plan to assess risks associated with algal toxins in public drinking water as required under legislation authored by Rep. Latta, H.R. 212, The Drinking Water Protection Act:

“This initial plan is a first step in the development of a comprehensive, long-term strategy for assessing and managing the risks of algal toxins impacting our public drinking water,” said Rep. Latta. "I am encouraged at this initial assessment, and look forward to continuing to work with local, state and federal officials to ensure the health, and safety of Ohioans is better protected from the threat of algal toxins in their drinking water. 

Congressman Latta’s legislation, signed into law by the President, required the EPA to develop the strategic plan, and submit its findings to Congress within 90 days. 

“Last year nearly 500,000 Northwestern Ohio residents were left without safe drinking water due to the algal toxin outbreak in Lake Erie. I authored The Drinking Water Protection Act in response to this crisis to ensure the EPA was addressing this issue so we may better understand and further mitigate harmful algal toxins in the Great Lakes and other surface waters. Algal toxins continue to be a growing threat to public drinking water - not just in Ohio, but across the country.”

More:

EPA Algal Toxin Risk Assessment and Management Strategic Plan for Drinking Water (LINK)