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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Scott Conklin |
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Conklin introduces bill on lead cleanup at firing ranges
HARRISBURG, May 24 – Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin said today he introduced a bill that would address lead management and remediation at firing ranges in Pennsylvania.
"There are many causes of lead pollution but contamination has been increasingly linked to firing ranges," Conklin said. "We need to look across our state at this potential source and recommend standards for remediation where it would apply."
Conklin's legislation (H.B. 2537) would establish a task force comprised of representatives from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the state departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources to study current lead remediation practices at firing ranges. The task force would be required to provide recommendations on a standard for lead remediation within six months after the bill is signed into law.
According to the legislation, the only instance in which a state agency would be able to limit activities at firing ranges without prior consent is if it is proven that environmental degradation on the site is beyond remediation.
"Lead poses environmental concerns for people, places and things ranging from water supplies to wildlife to neighboring properties close enough to be considered at-risk," said Conklin. "However I think we need to conduct this study to better understand the scope of this issue and develop solutions."
Conklin said a companion bill has been introduced by Sen. John Wozniak, D-Centre, and referred to the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.