July 27, 2006

Rep. Lofgren announces $25 million in federal funds for
Santa Clara County to clean up perchlorate contamination

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) has announced the passage of S. 203 in the House, containing a measure that provides $25 million in federal funds to alleviate perchlorate groundwater contamination in Santa Clara County.

“I am pleased that my colleagues in the House recognized the need to clean up our county’s groundwater contaminated by perchlorate,” said Rep. Lofgren. “Santa Clara County residents, especially those in the most heavily impacted South County area, have relayed to me over the years their concern about perchlorate contamination. I hope that this funding, which will flow to the Santa Clara County Water District for remediation efforts, will help move us towards a solution to the contamination problem.”

According to an Associated Press report, 36 states are facing the growing threat from perchlorate contamination. Perchlorate is a chemical that is used in rocket fuel, fireworks and defense manufacturing that has contaminated water supplies in areas around the country, and, through irrigation, produce grown in those areas and sold around the nation. High levels of perchlorate are associated with thyroid disease, and the possibility of cancer and other health problems.

The House amended the Senate-passed National Heritage Areas Act (S. 203) to include additional provisions, including assistance for California in the cleanup of contamination in groundwater caused by perchlorate. This measure establishes the California Basins Groundwater Remediation Fund to provide up to $25 million in federal funds to alleviate perchlorate groundwater contamination in Santa Clara County. The Interior Department will use funds in the account and interest to provide grants to the Santa Clara Valley Water District for the federal share of projects to restore groundwater quality.