By Matthew Fazelpoor, NJBIZ February 15, 2023, 7:43 am
The Garden State was awarded more than $66 million in grants on Feb. 13 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address emerging contaminants in the state’s drinking water.
The funding comes from the EPA’s Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The effort promotes access to safe and clean water in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities while supporting local economies.
What are contaminants of emerging concern?
The $66.1 million the state received was part of a $2 billion round of funding allotted by the EPA, which they said can be used to prioritize infrastructure and source water treatment for pollutants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants, and to conduct water quality testing.
Related:
Study Finds PFAS At 95% Of Surveyed Landfills
Some States Not Waiting On Feds To Address PFAS
‘Unprecedented’ PFAS Drinking Water Standard is under review in PA
“EPA is working with our state’s partners to deliver clean water to communities, protect public health, and advance environmental justice across New Jersey and the nation,” said Garcia.
Gov. Phil Murphy said that the allocation demonstrates a shared commitment to clean water and healthy environments, thanking the state’s congressional delegation for their efforts to help secure the funding.
“New Jersey can now double its efforts to protect our children and families from emerging contaminants like PFAS,” said Murphy. “These efforts will prove especially vital for our state’s rural and underserved communities, which deserve equitable and reliable access to safe water regardless of their zip code.”
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