The PIPES Act legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Democratic Congressman Dan Lowenthal of California and local Republican Representative Lisa McLain of Michigan’s 10th District. PIPES stands for “Protecting Infrastructure and Promoting Environmental Stewardship”.
The Act pertains to disposable wipes that are causing severe damage to municipal sewer systems. The Act would establish standards for “flushability”.
Representative McClain said that the PIPES Act would help address the “damage to our sewage systems made by wipes that have caused massive clogs that can’t be easily removed.”
If passed, the legislation would impose penalties on manufacturers who do not comply with the labeling standards.
A longtime critic of flushable wipes, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller said, “This is extremely important legislation to help us all protect our critical underground infrastructure. Packaging on all wipes should clearly say ‘Do Not Flush.’ They may be flushable but they are not biodegradable and these wipes are wreaking havoc on our sewers.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
