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Subcommittee hears technical concerns about testing waterways for mifepristone and related metabolites; no vote taken
Summary
Representative Edgerton presented H.5095 to require testing for mifepristone and related metabolites in drinking and wastewater; Department of Environmental Services testified there are no EPA-approved testing methods for the metabolites and establishing certifiable methods would take about a year and cost tens of thousands of dollars, prompting members to call for additional study.
Representative Edgerton introduced House Bill 5,095, which would require testing of wastewater and drinking-water systems for mifepristone and related metabolites and consider broader endocrine-disrupting contaminants. She described presentations she had attended, cited outside reports and said the purpose of the measure is to determine whether these compounds are present in state waters and what, if any, action is necessary.
DES technical testimony: Michael Maddox, assistant bureau chief at the Department of Environmental Services, told the committee there currently are no EPA-certified laboratory methods to measure the urinary metabolites referenced in the bill. He said any defensible state testing program would require development or adoption of certified analytical methods and ISO-type laboratory certification. Maddox estimated that achieving that certification could take about a year under ideal conditions and carry startup and recurring costs "in the tens of thousands" (he cited ranges when answering questions). He also said many water tests are performed by contracted, EPA-certified commercial labs and that monitoring schedules are set to meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act requirements.
Key questions and uncertainties: Members expressed concern about cost, privacy implications, and the bill’s scope (wastewater vs. drinking water). Representatives asked whether other pharmaceuticals are present in waterways and whether treatment options such as reverse osmosis could remove the compounds; witnesses said some technologies can remove certain compounds but the cost and feasibility vary. Members asked for underlying studies and cost estimates; Representative Ford moved to adjourn debate to study the topic further and gather more information, and the chair held the motion to allow one citizen to testify. The meeting adjourned when the House came into session; no subcommittee vote on H.5095 was taken.
What to watch: The committee requested additional information from DES about lab certification pathways, cost estimates and monitoring approaches before the subcommittee takes further action.
