Concern in Alpena, MI: City’s Water Supply Serviced By Asbestos Cement Pipes

On July 28, 2009, the Alpena News reported on an asbestos problem that impacts the health of those who depend on the Alpena, MI water supply—water mains serviced by asbestos-containing cement pipes.

According to the Alpena City Engineer, while asbestos pipes exist in the city’s water system, they are being replaced with iron or PVC materials as they are encountered. However, the city is not currently targeting water system lines to replace the asbestos-containing pipes.

The affected lines in the Alpena water system include those servicing schools, restaurants and medical facilities.

A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) stated that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asbestos standards are monitored and enforced, and the Alpena water system is in compliance with those standards.

When Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act in 1974, the EPA was required to determine the safe levels of asbestos and other chemicals in drinking water. These levels, which are based on possible health risks and exposure, are known as the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG). The MCLG for asbestos has been set at 7 million fibers per liter of water (ML). The EPA set an enforceable standard known as the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for asbestos, which is also 7 ML.

Even limited exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.  Because the long latency period (the time between exposure and when symptoms first develop) is decades long, those exposed to asbestos in childhood or early adulthood may not develop symptoms of disease until they are reach middle age, or older.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos illness, contact our lawyers today for a free review of your case. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.