The Stream, April 3: New Jersey Proposes Strict PFAS Drinking Water Limits

The Global Rundown

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) proposes strict safety limits on two PFAS contaminants. Cholera cases in cyclone-hit Mozambique soar above 1,400. Disaster aid won’t cover the loss of stored crops in recent U.S. flooding. Iran calls for the evacuation of 70 villages in ahead of expected flash flooding. A U.S. district judge rules that residents of Flint, Michigan, can sue former Governor Rick Snyder over the Flint water crisis.

“New Jersey is leading the way in addressing an issue of national importance by setting the first drinking water standards in the nation to protect the public from the health risks of these chemicals.”  –Catherine McCabe, the NJDEP commissioner, in reference to a state proposal to set strict drinking water limits on two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The proposal would set a PFOA limit of 14 parts per trillion, and a PFOS standard of 13 ppt, as well as requiring quarterly monitoring of public water systems. North Jersey

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By The Numbers

1,428 Confirmed cholera cases in Mozambique, mostly in the port city of Beira, where Cyclone Idai made landfall on March 14. An estimated 128,000 displaced people are currently living in temporary shelters where the waterborne disease could possibly spread. Aid organizations are rushing to distribute anti-cholera vaccines. Associated Press

70 Villages in southwestern Iran that have been evacuated due to flash flooding risk. In the past two weeks, at least 47 people have died in floods across the country. Reuters

Science, Studies, And Reports

U.S. farmers who lost stored crops in recent flooding will receive no compensation for the damages, according to the U.S. government. An estimated 5 to 10 million bushels of corn and soybeans, worth up to $35 million, could have been damaged in the floods, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture has no mechanism to recoup the farmers for their losses. Reuters

On The Radar

U.S. District Judge Judith Levy ruled that residents of Flint, Michigan, can sue former Governor Rick Snyder over the Flint water crisis, reversing a prior decision. Levy said that residents can claim a violation of their right to bodily integrity because Snyder knew about lead contamination in Flint’s water system but failed to take action. Detroit Free Press

In context: Circle of Blue’s coverage of the Flint water crisis.

Kayla Ritter

Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter