Comment submitted by Earthjustice et al.
AnonymousSupportAdvocacy
Summary: A coalition of 31 environmental and health advocacy groups supports the EPA's identification of microplastics as a drinking water priority and urges the agency to list them on the UCMR-6. They advocate for a robust research agenda focused on detection methodologies, source identification (such as plastic pipes), and long-term prevention strategies rather than just treatment.
Attached are comments from 30 groups that work to protect human health and the environment from plastics and microplastics across their lifecycle. Some of our groups have members living on the frontline of plastics manufacturing, which causes significant pollution, including from microplastic particles. We applaud EPA for identifying microplastics as a drinking water priority. EPA should prioritize taking the steps necessary to make a well-informed, well-supported determination on whether to adopt a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, including by listing microplastics on UCMR-6. In addition, EPA should use the CCL-6 listing to develop and implement a strong research agenda. Specifically, we urge EPA to: 1) use the CCL-6 listing to prioritize research on developing validated detection methodologies, building on work that is already in progress; 2) study the known occurrence of microplastic pollution in drinking water systems as a result of plastic pipes, fixtures and service lines; and 3) develop research and policy plans for protecting drinking water from microplastics in the first place, rather than relying on treatment.