The ethylene dichloride leak discovered here 25 years ago contaminated groundwater. Does the state Health Department test local well water for the chemical?

It does, said department spokesman Sean Ellis.

According to its website, the department’s Safe Drinking Water Program monitors 1,300 water systems for compliance with state and federal regulations.

“Safe Drinking Water Program staff collect, analyze and review water system samples to ensure each system does not violate contaminant levels and is meeting monitoring, analytical and treatment technique requirements,” reads the site.

“This surveillance helps prevent waterborne disease outbreaks or chemical exposure associated with contaminated drinking water.”

For test results, visit the Health Department’s Drinking Water Watch database at http://sdw.oph.dhh.la.gov/DWW and enter search criteria.

The leak the reader refers to was discovered in March 1994 and involved millions of pounds of ethylene dichloride that leaked from a pipeline.

 

REC recognition key to appropriations

Louisiana will receive more income tax from citizens this year due to the cut in federal income taxes.

Has this already been accounted for in the predicted Louisiana budget shortfall? Has the governor lowered the budget shortfall amount? If not, why not?

“In order to be appropriated, revenue has to be recognized by the Revenue Estimating Conference,” Jacques Berry, spokesman for the state Division of Administration, wrote in an email.

“This body will probably meet sometime after the special session, but nothing is scheduled yet.”

For more info visit, www.doa.la.gov. 

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Certain legal awards not taxable by IRS

Is the money awarded in a personal injury lawsuit taxable by the IRS?

“To determine if settlement amounts you receive by compromise or judgment must be included in your income, you must consider the item that the settlement replaces,” reads the Internal Revenue Service’s Publication 525.

“The character of the income as ordinary income or capital gain depends on the nature of the underlying claim.”

Among the kinds of income considered taxable, according to the booklet:

Interest on any award.

Compensation for lost wages or lost profits in most cases.

Punitive damages, in most cases. It doesn’t matter if they relate to a physical injury or physical sickness.

Amounts received in settlement of pension rights (if you didn’t contribute to the plan).

“Do not include in your income compensatory damages for personal physical injury or physical sickness (whether received in a lump sum or installments),” reads the publication.

For more info visit, https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-525.

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The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.