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JUNE 11, 2001

The National Water Quality Laboratory in Colorado is facing cuts in its operation due to a 22 percent budget slash in water resources funding at the Department of Interior.

The lab has been researching MTBE, a gasoline additive that is supposed to be anvironmentally friendly. But the lab discovered it contaminates groundwater.

Secretary of Interior Gale Norton says the department is trying to make sure taxpayers don't pay for similar programs across agencies. The Environmental Protection Agency, for instance, does water testing, she said.

But employees of the lab question the cuts and say their work is perhaps misunderstood. Environmentalists say the Bush administration wants to get rid of programs which could hamper its energy policy.

Get the Story:
Interior proposal may sink water lab (The Denver Post 6/11)

Relevant Links:
National Water Quality Laboratory - http://wwwnwql.cr.usgs.gov