State Sen. Charbonneau Touts Steps Taken to Protect Drinking Water

May 25, 2016AuthorTyler Maffitt, WKVI 

State Senator Ed Charbonneau

State Senator Ed Charbonneau is promoting steps Indiana is taking to ensure the state’s drinking water supply is kept safe for future generations.

The Valparaiso Republican writes that given recent the crisis in Flint, Michigan, Hoosiers are wondering if the state has taken steps to ensure a similar disaster is prevented, locally. Flint was the subject of national attention after it was determined lead pipes were polluting drinking water. Donations poured in from across the country to aid residents.

For three years, Indiana’s General Assembly has been working to review and assess whether the state’s water supply is protected from similar problems. Past efforts have included regulations on above ground storage tanks, and implementing monitoring of groundwater resources in the state.

This year, the General Assembly considered the topics surrounding distressed water utilities. Specifically, a study was commissioned to evaluate the amount of water lost to leaky pipes. Information gleaned from the review was intended to give municipalities a bit of confidence when considering infrastructure upgrades.

Investments are expected to better preserve drinking water supplies to prevent water loss.

Charbonneau says the study commissioned during 2016 will also help determine how to invest long-term in preserving water as a natural resource.

Charbonneau Outlines State Action to Curb Meth Abuse

March 18, 2016AuthorTyler Maffitt, WKVI

State Senator Ed Charbonneau

A local elected representative says Indiana is losing the battle with drugs.

State Senator Ed Charbonneau expanded on some of the steps the Indiana General Assembly is taking to help curb the use of illicit substances in the Hoosier State. Indiana is ranked at the top of the nation for meth-related arrests over the last few years.

He says among the first steps was increasing the penalties for infractions for those found in possession of large amounts of the substance.

“One of the bills that we passed was allowing that person who had all that stuff for no good reason to be tried as a dealer, extending penalties also,” says Charbonneau.

Manufacturers use the ingredient pseudo-ephedrine in their meth products. The agent is found in common cold remedies that can be purchased over the counter.

The legislature found itself with a choice to punish law abiding citizens by requiring a prescription to access medicines with pseudo-ephedrine, or simply try another approach to limit access for potential drug offenders.

A pilot program run through Fulton County seems to have provided a successful answer for the state as a whole. Charbonneau says the ability to purchase may be left up to the pharmacist.

“Starting last year, and it dropped the unlawful abuse of pseudo-ephedrine something like 43-percent,” says Charbonneau. “I think one of the reasons was that people understand that they’re going to be looked at.”

Charbonneau says there are additional steps being considered in the Hoosier state that will take time to implement. Those include education and treatment options for those afflicted with drug addiction.

For now, Charbonneau says these steps are not designed to stop illicit substances from entering Indiana from out of state, but to control manufacturing taking place in Indiana.

Charbonneau’s Water Inventory Bill Heads to the Governor

March 2, 2016AuthorTyler Maffitt, WKVI 

State Senator Ed Charbonneau

State Senator Ed Charbonneau’s bill to inventory Indiana’s water supplies will head to the governor for final consideration.

The Valparaiso Republican authored the bill – which requires the Indiana Finance Authority to prepare a report on water loss and non-revenue water. According to Charbonneau’s offices, 25-percent of Indiana’s drinking water is lost due to leaky systems.

The review is designed to ensure that Hoosier residents are drinking water that is safe for consumption. The bill is also designed to inform the public and help legislators better understand future issues.

Infrastructure needs for water systems are assessed under the bill language. According to Charbonneau, the EPA estimates Indiana’s water infrastructure needs at $14-billion over the next 20 years.

The bill passed out of the Indiana House on a 97-0 vote. It now heads to the governor’s desk for final signature.

Sen. Charbonneau’s Bill Aims to Review Infrastructure to Protect Water Resources

February 5, 2016AuthorTyler Maffitt, WKVI 

State Senator Ed Charbonneau

A bill designed to better account for Indiana’s water resources has received unanimous approval in the state Senate.

State Senator Ed Charbonneau’s bill intends to require the Indiana Finance Authority to develop reports on water loss and non-revenue water. According to information provided by Charbonneau’s offices, that means the difference between the volume of water entering the distribution system and the volume of consumption billed to customers.

Charbonneau estimates that as much as 25-percent of Indiana’s water supply is lost as a result of leaky utility systems. He says its important for Hoosiers to know that their water consumption is safe, especially in the face of recent news from Michigan.

Indiana’s water utility and infrastructure needs are estimated at $14-billion in upkeep over the next 20 years by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.