Publication Summary

Ecology will hold a series of public meetings during the summer and fall of 2000 to discuss this draft PBT Strategy. People interested in providing comments are encouraged to attend one or more of the meetings -- planned for Bellingham, Kennewick, Seattle, Spokane, and Vancouver. In addition or as an alternative, individuals and organizations may submit comments directly to Ecology via letter or e-mail. All comments need to be submitted to Ecology by October 30, 2000.

PBTs are chemicals and/or pollutants that: (1) Remain in the environment for a long time (persist) without breaking down, (2) Accumulate in the environment and build up in the tissues of humans, fish, and animals ("bioaccumulative"), and (3) Are toxic (causing cancer and other health problems) to living organisms, including humans.

The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is interested in these chemicals and pollutants because they act very differently than most chemicals we currently regulate. Unlike other chemicals we release into the environment, these do not dissipate or break down over time. They may even go undetected because the quantities are so small, yet they can build up to harmful levels in humans and the environment.

Over the years, huge strides have been made to reduce our exposure to these chemicals and to remove them from our environment. In the past 10 to 20 years, Washington′s waters have become cleaner, our air clearer, and our land less polluted.

At the same time, our technology also has changed. So have the way we operate our businesses, the distance we drive to work, and the products we purchase. We all contribute to the health -- or "un-health" -- of our environment, which is why we are interested in persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic chemicals.

Already, there are many state and federal regulations in place to help clean up areas where these and other types of contamination are found. But the way we approach these contaminants needs to change, if we are to continue to provide a safe and healthy environment for the people of the state of Washington.

We can′t do this alone. We need to work with the public, the business community, and other agencies to find solutions so we can address these chemicals while meeting the needs of a changing society.

Ecology staff will meet with small groups who are interested in the PBT Strategy. These meetings will provide opportunities for more-focused discussions on specific issues and concerns important to those groups.

Ecology will review and evaluate all written and verbal comments, and prepare responses, describing how the department intends to address issues and concerns. Then, a new draft of the PBT Strategy will be prepared and submitted to the state Legislature by December 30, 2000.

Depending on legislative action in the 2001 session, Ecology will either proceed with the full proposed strategy or continue to work with EPA and its National PBT Strategy.

If you need further information or want to provide comments to this draft PBT Strategy, contact Mike Gallagher, Ecology PBT Coordinator:

E-mail: mgal461@ecy.wa.gov Fax: (360) 407-6884 Phone: 360-407-6868

Mail: Washington State Dept. of Ecology, PO Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600