skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

NY begins work to remove lead pipes under new EPA rule

play audio
Play

Monday, October 14, 2024   

A new Environmental Protection Agency rule means New York and other states will have ten years to remove all lead service lines.

The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require more rigorous testing of drinking water. New York has more than 449,000 lead service lines to remove, at a cost of around $2.5 billion.

But it's uncertain how it will be paid for. Rob Hayes, director of clean water with Environmental Advocates of New York, said it shouldn't fall on homeowners.

"More often than not, these pipes are located in low-income communities and communities of color," said Hayes. "These folks don't have $5,000 to $10,000 to dig up a pipe that they didn't put into the ground. People are struggling to pay for groceries and medicine. They shouldn't have to face another economic burden to get clean drinking water."

While the clock doesn't officially start on line replacement until 2027, utilities have been preparing for this moment.

Starting this week, New York State utility companies have to submit lead service line inventories to the Department of Health and the EPA.

Hayes said he thinks utilities should start the work as soon as possible, due to the health effects of lead in drinking water.

Some major challenges will be dealing with older infrastructure and ensuring water is properly filtered once the pipes are replaced.

Valerie Baron, senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, noted that places like Denver, Detroit, and Newark have been able to handle this timeframe.

But she said climate change will affect this work, too.

"When we have warmer temperatures, we see more lead leach into the water," said Baron. "We also know that utilities need to keep operating through severe weather, and that can pose challenges."

Baron added that the vibrations from rebuilding and construction can also leach lead into drinking water.

If a municipality can't make the 2037 deadline, it can appeal to the state for a deferral - but only if it can prove the deferral is necessary.



get more stories like this via email
more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021