Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment numbered 86 to Division C of H.R. 3354 printed in House Report 115-297 to direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish standards for acceptable levels of pyrrhotite in concrete aggregate, and to continue providing technical assistance to those interested in pyrrhotite detection, prevention, and mitigation tools.

Pyrrhotite is a rare natural mineral that has been found in higher than normal concentrations in stone aggregate used in concrete poured for residential foundations in northern Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Over time, pyrrhotite oxidizes, expanding within the foundation and causing the foundation wall to bow and crack. Severe cracking weakens the foundation to the point of collapse over a period of 10-15 years, and potentially thousands of homeowners in the region could see their homes collapse.

By establishing standards for pyrrhotite content, NIST could prevent a similar problem from occurring in residential buildings in other areas. In addition, providing technical assistance to those already affected by this problem will help establish best practices for mitigation of pyrrhotite-related damage. I look forward to continuing to work with the Appropriations Committee and the agency on this important issue, and I urge the adoption of my amendment.

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