HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 171 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 9, 2008 Requesting the Department of Environmental Quality to study the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds on the environment. Report. ----------
Patrons-- Nixon, Albo, Amundson, Eisenberg, Marsden, Moran, Plum, Scott, J.M., Sickles, Vanderhye and Watts; Senators: Cuccinelli, Herring, Petersen, Puller and Whipple
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WHEREAS, it is the Commonwealth’s policy to protect its atmosphere, lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the Commonwealth to ensure safe, clean, and reliable drinking water supplies for all regions of the state; and

WHEREAS, endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and other micro-constituents have recently been identified in the Potomac River Watershed as well as in waterways in other regions of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, recent studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey have raised concerns surrounding the adverse effects that certain compounds may have on the endocrine systems of living organisms, including “intersex fish”; and

WHEREAS, there are ongoing national research efforts being conducted by federal agencies, water and wastewater associations, and others to evaluate potential human and environmental health risks associated with EDCs and other micro-constituents; and

WHEREAS, the national research is examining the extent to which the presence of these compounds warrants changes in the production of personal care products, wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, and stormwater management standards and practices, as well as in product design, public education about personal care products, and purchase and disposal of unused medicines containing EDCs; and

WHEREAS, in addition to degrading water quality, the improper disposal of unused medicines may result in accidental poisonings, or facilitate the intentional misuse of drugs; and

WHEREAS, appropriate disposal options would prevent the adverse effects of improper disposal of unused medicines; and

WHEREAS, the scope and complexity of EDCs and other micro-constituents call for a comprehensive and integrated approach at the state level; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Department of Environmental Quality be requested to study the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds on the environment.

In conducting its study, the Department of Environmental Quality shall: (i) consult with federal, state, regional, and local authorities, as well as solid waste and wastewater associations and agencies, to monitor ongoing federal research and efforts to catalog and assess the effects of EDCs on the environment and human health; (ii) evaluate the fiscal and regulatory impact of potential changes to the federal standards for wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, and stormwater management practices to manage the negative effects of EDCs; (iii) evaluate the feasibility of implementing a statewide, public-private partnership program to facilitate the collection and proper disposal of unused medicines containing EDCs; and (iv) examine current laws and regulations that may limit or prohibit viable medicinal take-back options at the state or local level.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department of Environmental Quality for this study, upon request.

The Department of Environmental Quality shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2008, and shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2009 Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.