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A02013 Summary:

BILL NOA02013A
 
SAME ASSAME AS S01879-A
 
SPONSORThiele
 
COSPNSR
 
MLTSPNSR
 
Add Art 37 Title 9 SS37-0901 - 37-0905, En Con L
 
Prohibits the use of pentachlorophenol with regard to new or existing transmission utility poles or facilities.
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A02013 Memo:

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION
submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A2013A              REVISED 6/12/15
 
SPONSOR: Thiele
  TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the use of pentachlorophenol with regard to new or existing transmission utility poles or facilities   PURPOSE: This legislation prohibits the future use of utility poles treated with Pentachlorophenol (PCP)in counties with a population of one million or more which draw their primary source of drinking water for the majority of residents from a designated sole source aquifer.   SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: Article 37 of the Environmental Conservation Law is amended by adding a new Title 9 relating to Pentachlorophenol.   JUSTIFICATION: According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was once one of the most widely used biocides in the United States, but it is now a restricted use pesticide and is no longer available to the general public. Pentachlo- rophenol is extremely toxic to humans from acute (short-term) ingestion and inhalation exposure. Acute inhalation exposures in humans have resulted in neurological, blood, and liver effects, and eye irritation. Chronic (long-term) exposure to pentachlorophenol by inhalation in humans has resulted in effects on the respiratory tract, blood, kidney, liver, immune system, eyes, nose, and skin. Human studies suggest an association between exposure to Pentachlorophenol and cancer. Oral animal studies have reported increases in liver tumors and two uncommon tumor types. EPA has classified Pentachlorophenol as a Group B2, proba- ble human carcinogen". The federal government has made it clear that PCP is a dangerous chemi- cal and has outlawed its use by the general public. It is to be used only for industrial purposes away from the general population. Yet, this chemical has been used to treat utility poles for transmission lines that are only a few feet from residential dwellings, exposing children and families to this dangerous substance. Further, at a time when much focus has been placed on the degradation of our water, wood treated with this substance should not be permitted to leach into the groundwater. The use of PCP is a public health and safety matter.This type of coating to preserve utility poles needs to be discontinued for public health reasons as soon as possible. This legislation would prohibit the future installation of utility poles treated with PCP.   LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2015: New Legislation   FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None to the State.   EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
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