Washington, D.C. - United States Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) sent the following letter to Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
May 4, 2005
Hon. Stephen L. Johnson
Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Dear Mr. Johnson:
I am writing to express my concern about the barrels containing toxic chemicals that have been washing up along the banks of the Potomac River and to ask for your assistance in addressing this problem.
WTOP Radio reported that it had inspected some of the barrels that recently washed up along the Potomac. Laboratory tests of the contents of the barrels revealed that they contained hazardous substances. Apparently, similar barrels have been washing up along the banks of the Potomac River for years, but recently the numbers have risen dramatically.
I am writing to request your help to (1) determine who is dumping these barrels of toxic chemicals into the Potomac River; (2) take appropriate action against those responsible; and (3) determine whether the hazardous substances being dumped into the river pose a health threat to the community, including the more than one million people who get their drinking water from the Potomac.
I would like the opportunity to meet with you or the appropriate EPA representative to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Chris Van Hollen
Member of Congress