THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, June 15, 1996 TAG: 9606150003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 31 lines
Regarding TBT, the highly toxic boat paint: I am surprised that no one has stepped forward to offer a solution. The best solution is the simplest: Ban the use of TBT nationwide.
If Newport News Shipbuilding wants to be perceived as the leader in the shipbuilding business, it should act as leader and discontinue use of this toxic substance.
The company may claim that this would put it at a disadvantage to other shipyards, but if enough pressure were put on the manufacturer of this product, I believe it would develop a more environmentally responsible alternative.
If the EPA wants to be perceived as the leader in the fight to save our environment, it should stop wasting taxpayers' money trying to regulate a substance that is detrimental in trace amounts (parts per trillion) and start being proactive by banning substances of this nature. Money saved from development (and enforcement) of a national pollution standard for this chemical could go to assisting manufacturers to develop nontoxic alternatives. If as much effort and funding were spent on really solving problems, as opposed to writing and enforcing obscure regulations, everyone (including the environment) would be better off.
JAMES M. REEVE, president
Eco-Systems Inc.
Virginia Beach, June 9, 1996 by CNB