Pollution Roulette: Methyl Tertiary Butyl-Ether

Paper Summary:

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), methyl tertiary butyl-ether (MTBE) has been used as a component in gasoline blending since the 1970s. Water contamination problems have developed in areas where the chemical is used. Common sources of water contamination by MTBE include leaking underground gasoline storage tanks, components of gasoline distribution systems, leaks and spills from above ground fuel storage tanks and watercraft. This paper discusses the potential health hazards presented by the presence of MTBE in drinking water, the programs in effect, as well as the research being conducted by government, industry and private organizations to help manage the use of MTBE in the United States.

Paper Outline:
Introduction
Controlling Legislation
Recent Legislation
Health Effects of MTBE in Drinking Water
EPA MTBE Program at Charnock
Reformulated Gasoline
"60 Minutes" and Other MTBE Press
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In October 1996, following the shutdown of the City's Charnock Wellfield, the Southern California Water Company ("SCWC") (another company which supplied water from the Charnock Sub-Basin), closed its wellfield in the sub-basin in order to avoid drawing the contamination toward the SCWC Wellfield. Prior to this shutdown, the Southern California Water Company's two operating municipal supply groundwater wells provided a significant percentage of the drinking water for approximately 10,000 residences and businesses in Culver City and since 1996, the City of Santa Monica and Southern California Water Company have purchased replacement water from the Metropolitan Water District."

More papers on Pollution Roulette: Methyl Tertiary Butyl-Ether :

• Research Paper # 85069 : "MTBE"
• Research Paper # 48231 : "Methyl Tort-Butyl Ether (MTBE)"
• Research Paper # 59920 : "25-Year Plan To Fight Pollution"

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