Press Release

PUC Grants Hearing Requests for 23 Pennsylvania-American Water Company Customers

Published on 3/13/2008

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today voted to grant the request of 23 Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC) customers in Cumberland County to hold hearings on the health and safety impacts of PAWC’s decision to treat its water in Cumberland and York Counties using chloramines.

The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the motion of PUC Chairman Wendell F. Holland with Vice Chairman James H. Cawley filing a concurring statement, and Commissioners Tyrone J. Christy and Kim Pizzingrilli concurring in result only.  The motion directs that hearings be scheduled on an expedited basis, so that this matter can be resolved quickly.

In his motion, Chairman Wendell F. Holland said, “I believe the complainants’ allegations raise a concern regarding health and safety issues, and therefore the complainants are entitled to a hearing regarding their claims.  We should use our statutory powers to protect and serve the public and not keep them out.”

In a concurring statement, Vice Chairman James H. Cawley said, “In a controversial matter such as this one, where the public health and safety is at issue, the public interest is better served by granting an open and transparent hearing for adequate proof and public assurance, not only that the proposed water treatment method is safe, but also that the public’s government is available and listening.”

In a joint statement concurring in result only, Commissioners Christy and Pizzingrilli said, “we urge an expedited schedule to provide the complainants with due process on their complaints and to incorporate the experience and expertise of the DEP.”

In September 2007, Susan K. Pickford and 22 other customers of PAWC in Cumberland County filed formal complaints objecting to PAWC’s proposed conversion of the West Shore Regional Treatment Plant and Silver Spring Water Treatment Plant from chlorinated water to chloraminated water because of potential adverse health and property damage effects.

The process to effect the conversion to chloramines at both the West Shore Regional and the Silver Spring water treatment plants has been permitted by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  DEP’s review under the Safe Drinking Water Act concluded that chloramines do not pose health problems for humans at levels used for drinking water disinfection.

In addition to DEP’s review, the PUC also has a statutory obligation to address other aspects of water quality to ensure the provisions of adequate, safe and reasonable service under the Public Utility Code.  The public interest requires that a hearing be granted to allow complainants an opportunity to challenge these other aspects of water quality and service.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more

information about the PUC, visit our Web site at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket Nos. C-20078029, et al

Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov