Our rivers are part of Pittsburgh’s identity. We get our drinking water from them, we use them for recreation and they are important to our daily lives. But there is a substantial risk of industrial pollution, and, as a Pittsburgh resident, I want to do what I can to protect these water sources.
According to a report by PennEnvironment, 5.8 million pounds of toxic substances were released into Pennsylvania waterways in 2020 alone. Many of these toxic chemicals, such as ammonia, arsenic and ethylene glycol, are known to cause cancer, reproductive problems and developmental issues in children. These chemicals are potentially harmful to residents surrounding these polluted waterways.
We need to end this toxic threat to America’s waterways. Our nation should systematically reduce the use of toxic chemicals, and the EPA should update pollution control standards to effectively eliminate their direct release into our waterways wherever possible. Additionally, the federal government should eliminate the many possible loopholes of the Clean Water Act enforcements and rules. These enforcements and updates to policy are needed to ensure the safety and health of Pennsylvania’s residents.
Tori Brokaw
Blawnox
The writer is an intern with PennEnvironment.