Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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U.S. Senator Charles Schumer of New York is asking for a delay in a federal Environmental Protection Agency directive that would have the City of Binghamton and other municipalities replacing several brand new fire hydrants next year.

The Democrat says the EPA in October decided fire hydrants would be subject to new reduced lead standards in case they should be used to provide drinking water in an emergency.

Schumer is asking that fire hydrants bought by municipalities before the new interpretation of the Lead Drinking Water Act guidelines was made October 22nd be exempt and allowed to gradually replace systems as they wear out.

City of Binghamton officials say they have about $60,000 worth of new hydrants and parts in reserve that would have to be thrown away under the new directive.

 

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