[CPEO-MEF] Defense Department agrees to aid perchlorate cleanup

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

The following article can be viewed online at:
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/6291164.htm
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California
THE MERCURY NEWS
Defense Department agrees to aid perchlorate cleanup
Associated Press
July 12, 2003

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. - The Department of Defense has agreed to help
pay to clean up a rocket fuel ingredient that polluted the water supply
in San Bernardino County.

For the first time, the department on Friday agreed to work with local
water agencies and to commit funds to deal with perchlorate
contamination that closed 20 wells in Rialto, Fontana and Colton.

No specific dollar figures were announced.

"It shows a willingness that is really new to the Inland Empire," said
Cucamonga County Water District President Robert Neufeld, one of the
five signatories.

The Inland Empire was a favorite site for defense contractors because of
its open spaces and proximity to Los Angeles.

Perchlorate has been linked to damage to the thyroid - and may be
especially harmful to infants - although there is debate about what
constitutes dangerous levels of the pollutant.

Perchlorate has been found in 20 states and 329 drinking water sources
in California since 1997, when the ability to detect low levels was
perfected.

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