Senator complains Pentagon missed perchlorate report deadline

[Kadie]

Senator complains Pentagon missed perchlorate report deadline

By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Deadline
Last Updated 4:57 pm PDT Monday, May 3, 2004

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon missed a deadline for sending Congress a report on perchlorate contamination at defense sites nationwide, prompting complaints Monday from California Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Feinstein, the top Democrat on the appropriations subcommittee that handles military construction, released a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld saying she was "deeply disappointed" the department missed Friday's congressionally mandated deadline.

"Additionally, I am troubled by the fact that the department has consistently avoided providing information to Congress about perchlorate contamination on Defense Department sites, and describing what, if anything, it has done to remediate the contamination," Feinstein wrote.

Perchlorate, an ingredient in rocket fuel, has been found in drinking water supplies in 22 states where it was manufactured and handled. It has been linked to damage to the thyroid and may be especially harmful to infants.

more... http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/9164160p-10089746c.html