October 23 2024
Get the Lead Out Initiative Press Conference
Yesterday, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the City of Ferndale hosted representatives from Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, and associated City staff in recognition of the "Get the Lead Out" initiative. A press conference was held at City Hall followed by a tour of an active Lead Service Replacement Program construction site on West Breckenridge St., led by the Public Works Department. Lead in water is not just a local concern. There are likely over 9.2 million lead service lines left to replace across the United States. Eliminating lead from drinking water is an important public health matter on a national scale.
The City was pleased to welcome a panel of distinguished speakers introduced by City Manager Joseph Gacioch:
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Bruno Pigott, Assistant Administrator for Water, U.S. EPA
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Debra Shore, Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA Region 5
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Haley Stevens, Congresswoman
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Phillip Roos, EGLE Director
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Jim Nash, Water Resource Commissioner
The expertise and talent of this panel emphasized the value of this program. The City appreciates the time and dedication to this significant matter. Watch the press conference at bit.ly/gtlopressconference.
Ferndale strives to be a "game changer of public health," as Bruno Piggot stated. With the support of the GLO program, the EPA visited 700 homes and identified 300 lead service lines.
Ferndale’s Lead Service Line Replacement program has replaced over 2,000 lead service lines since 2020 and is on pace to replace the estimated 4,000 remaining lines over the next ten years. Internal verifications are an important part of the program. Residents can report their home’s service line material information by visiting bit.ly/ferndaleselfreporttool and submitting the form.
Cities are facing more crises in health and financing. In this instance, every lead service line has a health cost and financial cost for replacement. To stay on target, Ferndale may need to replace approximately 400 lead service lines annually, while the cost of construction increases every year. Cities throughout Michigan will need to collaborate with federal, state, and county programs to meet this need.
The City is proud of the efforts made on federal, state, and local levels to ensure public health safety, an area that is important for everyone who lives, works, and visits Ferndale. Not only is this paramount for current Ferndale residents, but for future generations to come. As Jim Nash stated, "It's important we work together on these things." It truly takes a village.
To learn more about the Get the Lead Out Initiative, visit epa.gov/water-infrastructure/get-lead-out-initiative.
For more information about the City of Ferndale's Lead Service Line Verification Program, please visit bit.ly/ferndalelsl or call DPW at 248-546-2519.